Random Dozen

I decided to particpate in a Random Dozen. Basically, I answer 12 random questions. I thought this might be helpful to my children later on. Just leaving a little bit of legacy on here.

1. Have you ever been so lost that you were really afraid?
No – but camping with my Dad, he thought I lost in Huntsville Texas State Park.  I could see everyone going crazy but had no idea that they were looking for me.  I had been gone for a few hours or so – looking at all the wildlife.  (That was a great hike by the way.)

 2. Have you ever been to an island?
Yes.  Many.  The latest being South Padre Island, Texas. 

3. Are you more of a thinker or feeler?
Depending on the issue, probably more a thinker.  However, it in the heat of the moment – a feeler.  Although, I’ve been accused of not having feelings…so maybe a thinker.  Just seems wisdom that comes out of my thinking is not always the best…I pray for Godly wisdom daily.

4. Do you tend to see issues or situations in life as black and white or shades of gray?
Oooh…GRAY baby!  I used to be more black and white and realized that people are people and need mercy.  I need mercy and grace.  I have no desire to be labeled legalistic!   I want to be more like Jesus!

5. If you were stuck on an island, what book would you hope to have with you (Let's pretend the Bible is already there, so you can't say that.)
Probably a cook-book on how to cook fish 101 ways on a deserted island. 

6. What are you most afraid of?
I refuse to answer this one…it might give me nightmares at night thinking about it.  Yeah, I know the scripture of Fear Not – God is with me!  Don’t preach to me about this!

7. Would you rather lose all of your old memories or never be able to make new ones?
Some memories I’d love to lose – although then I wouldn’t have learned valuable lessons. 

8. Pretend I'm looking at a scrapbook page about you. There are three spaces for you to drop in individual pictures. What are those pictures of, and why did you select them?
My wedding picture – because I married my best friend.
My picture of my family at Ruby Falls in Chattanooga TN – it is one of our fave places to visit.
A picture of my kids cutting into my bedroom wall.  My hubs surprised me by re-doing my bedroom when I was out of town and he taught the kids to cut into a wall by using a saw.

9. If you were re-doing your wedding, what would you do differently?
I would have those little disposable cameras on the tables.  I wanted more picture of all my guests. (Many of passed away…)

10. Tell me one thing you know/believe about forgiveness.
I experience this one daily.  True forgiveness breeds freedom.

11. You're waiting in a doctor's office. What is your favorite way to pass that time?
Usually if I’m waiting a really long time – I’ll leave my cell phone number with the receptionist and go shopping.  If it is a short wait – I always take a book to read.  I use that time wisely!

12. If there were a clone of you in a parallel universe what is one way you hope she/he would be the same as you and one way you hope she/he would be better?
I’d hope she would love her children the same way I do. 
I hope she would be better in math and actually enjoy the process of teaching it to her children.

I’m off to go teach Math….boring! 
I mean – FUN!
(In case the kids are reading.)

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Once A Month Cooking

A long long time ago – life seemed to be less chaotic. 
For some reason, time is of essence and I’m re-claiming my time! (See what I do for enjoyment – I take self-portraits!  Okay, this was my first and probably last.)

It seems that after a day of eating bon bons and watching soaps like every other mother who has kids and a husband does – I forget about dinner.  I mean totally forget and wish my family would fast more often.
 

(My kids have no idea what fasting really feels like, just like their mom has no idea of what laying on the couch eating bon bons feels like.)

After reading a book about Once A Month Cooking (3 years ago) – I think it might be time to start.

It took me like three days to write a menu and grocery list.  It was not easy. 

(The kids didn’t know Mommy needed to have a thinking time and the Spring weather outside kept “calling” my name…but once this is done-I will have time to play.)

I picked recipes that I knew my family would eat.

They were:

• Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
• Lasagna
• Barbie Meatloaf Cups
• Taco Meat and Taco Homemade Seasonings
• Cincinnati Chili
• Wendy’s Chili
• 4th of July Bean Casserole
  
• Taco Soup
• Sloppy Joe Meat (This does not taste like the can stuff…this is scrumptious!)
• Meatloaf
• Pinto Beans
• Crock-pot Buffalo Chicken
• Pancakes

Then I wrote them down in my trusty notebook.  If I ever lost this during the crazy process, I would have had a meltdown. 

I wrote each recipe down like a table of contents.  Then each recipe had its own page.

For example on the Sour Cream Enchilada page, I wrote down each of the ingredients.  Then I tripled the recipe on the right of the page by each of the ingredients.  This helped me tremendously when I was preparing the meal.  I didn’t have to stop in the middle of the process to add how many cups and cans were needed.  

Honestly, the less I had to think the easier it made the process.

I did realize in the middle of browning meat for the chili that my pot was not going to be big enough for all the other ingredients.  

We were about to go borrow a pot from our neighbor then we remembered we had an old time roaster in the garage.  

It was Perfect (with a capital P!)

I ended up not making everything on my list but we were okay with that.  

I made the Taco soup tonight and so I’m done for a while. 

My husband was a lifesaver.  He would wash dishes while I scurried around like a chicken with her head cut off.  He would also load the freezer bags after the food had cooled.  He also finished cutting the onions because my eyes could do no more! 

My children were a help as well. 
When I needed something from the fridge from the garage – they could go “shopping”.

Things I learned:

• I use a lot of chili powder and onions.
• I love my food processor to cut onions.
• Mascara and onions do not mix.
• Onions that have been cooled in the fridge cause less tears.
• My hubs looks good in an apron.
• Friends that invite us over for burgers after 6 hours of straight cooking are the best friends in the world.
• The day after I still longed to cook.
• My hubs and I work really well together and can’t wait to start our crazy remodel.
• I only cook when I desire.
• My hubs can cook supper without it being breakfast.
• The pizza man is going to miss us.

One of the main objects that was absolutely necessary for our Texas weather in our steamy kitchen, is our sweet friend, Fanny.

The other sweet necessity that I’m sure June Cleaver wouldn’t be caught dead in…

Don’t laugh or make fun of my uglies…
they are comfy (even with the coffee on them.)

There are tons of blogs that can help with once a month cooking. 
One of my faves that is a great resource is Life As Mom.  

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!

This totally Works for Me!

Bookshelves – organized by color

It was a quick tip that led to a quick task.

My name should be…
the-lady-with-her-nose-in-the-books-including-cookbooks-and-any-type-of-appliance-manuals.

I love to read and to teach my kids to read and the love of reading.

That means we own a lot of books.  If I had my way, every room would have bookshelves. 
(Now that I think of it…they do!)

Last week, I posted about talking to Martha Stewart and organizing everything by color. 
That seems like months ago.  How time flies!

So here are a couple of shelves…I got to tell you – they look better in person.

Close-up

Not-so Close-up 

(My hubs and step-dad built that shelf…didn’t they do great?)

The one below is still not complete…I just got busy with something else and forgot. 
(Probably once a month cooking!) 

Since the majority of the task was finished – I still took a picture. 
The little readers do not like to stay straight up so I’m working on some bookends. Close-up of kids Shelf

Instead of getting a full picture of the shelf – this guy got my attention.

He was right beside the shelf – playing on the cat’s toy (also something my husband made).  

Now it is apparently the Lego Tower instead of Cat Tower.

Do you see that ugly brown paneling on the left wall?  It is about to be destroyed!  Yes!  All the Angels are singing “Hallelujah”!  We are about to totally re-do the playroom, kitchen, living room and yes getting new floors.  It is called Big Home Renovation Remodel 2010!

We are doing this ourselves!  Every little thing…can you say CRAZY?!!?

(Don’t tell my hubs but I think he is a little loco in the head – but I agreed, so I’m a little loco as well.)

Please be ready to come back and see the changes! 

Until next time…

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!! 

Find me on Facebook and Twitter!

Praying for our leaders

It is no secret that our country is a little messed up.

I’m not foolish enough to state who I voted for or didn’t vote for in the last election.  It might just surprise you if I did.

The other night at the dinner table my eldest asked a question about our President.  I think it caught my husband off guard. 

Having a conversation with another adult about politics is so different than with your child.  Politics can make even a gentle person come off sounding discourteous, ungracious, disrespectful, impolite, uncivil, insolent, ill-mannered, vulgar and even boorish.

That night I could see a change in my hubs.  I could see wheels turning in his head – uh oh – more demolition, I wondered.

The next night he had his notebook and Bible in hand.   As my family gathered around to have our family reading time…he stated he wanted to talk about prayer.

He wanted to start praying for our leaders.  He wanted our children to start praying for our leaders.  Those who govern over us need prayers whether they want them or not.

So, each of our children prayed for our leaders.

• Leaders in our home.
• Leaders in our church.
• Leaders in our city.
• Leaders in our country.

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.  (James 5:16b)

My citizenship lies in Heaven.  Although, I do have certain freedoms because I was born in this country – I relish in the fact that my true freedom is in Christ and Christ alone.

No one man or no one government can change the true freedom that is in me.  I want my children to understand that humans will live as humans and the human nature is a selfish beast unless they have the fruit of the Holy Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, meekness and self-control).  (Galatians 5-16-22)

Each Christian has his or her own mandate from God.  For such a time as this – I am called to homeschool my children.  In 18 years that could change.  In 3 years that could change.  I’m open to change as long as the Lord directs my path – I’m okay with that.

Some people are called into politics.  Some are not!  I am NOT!  But, I will still pray for those who have that calling.  I will pray for God’s man or woman who is supposed to be in there be placed in the right seat.  (No matter my personal opinion – I’ll still pray.)

When I talk about someone in office, I pray that I will show the fruit of the Holy Spirit.  I pray that my words would be seasoned with grace so that others would be more provoked by the Love of Christ than with my fleshly desires.

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!

New $100 Bill

My hubs has led the Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace Class more than a few times so we use the cash envelope system.  Meaning I pay with cash most of the time.

Most of the time my grocery bill is always over $100.00 for the week.  It is not uncommon for me to pay with a $100.00 bill.

But, when the cashier holds up the bill to the light – my temperature raises enough to get a cold sweat. 

I always think to myself – what if it happens to be counterfeit?  What if someone took out the little plastic thing in the bill?  (Are those things really in there still?)  What if the bank gave me the bill so they wouldn’t have to deal with forgery and stuck it with me?  I never check their money!  Then the cashier sticks the money in her drawer like it was no big deal.  I guess it wasn’t to her.

Well, the U.S. Treasury is coming out with a new $100. bill or C-Note to ward off counterfeits.

Photos from Wikipedia.

Do you see the bell in the inkwell?  Can you see Franklin?  I just love looking at money…it is like a history book.  You can have a whole relevant lesson just with this one bill.  I love history!

Dear U.S. Treasury,

Thank you for making this bill so that my cold-sweats will leave when I’m checking out of my grocery store.

Signed,

Crazy Mom and Franklin Lover 

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!

A Mother’s Day Gift or Special Lady’s gift that just keeps giving…

Mother’s Day is on its way!  I don’t know about you but Mother’s Day is very special to me. 

I know some dislike the holiday and keep it mum because it can be hard for many women to have children.  My heart hurts for those ladies.  I don’t say this lightly.  I look forward to Mother’s Day as a way to bless others including the non-mommies.  It is my day to thank God for the ladies and children in my life.

If you don’t have a special lady or mentor in your life – get one or become one!  Seriously, I can’t imagine going through struggles as a Mom, Wife, or even just a woman without an older wiser lady giving me insight.  This Works for Me!

Buying something for a gift that will not only bless the receiver, but also the seller, just makes this buyer so much happier.  What I would call two-fold gift!

Beaded Hope is a the perfect place to find such a gift! 

Proceeds from purchases go to help ladies in South Africa who have been impacted by HIV and AIDS.  These ladies did not ask for such a life of disease.  Their children also might have the disease.  My heart is in knots thinking that they could have meds that could help them by just purchasing a bracelet. 

The jewelry is gorgeous and actually made by the ladies in South Africa.  Please take a look and see if it is something you would want for that special lady in your life. 

This is one of my faves!  Isn’t it beautiful?  The blue reminds me of the sky and Heaven.  Oh to see Jesus’ face and to hear the angels cry Holy Holy Holy just brings me to tears.  (Yes – I have a vivid imagination but colors always remind me of something!)

If jewelry is not your thang…they have items besides jewelry.

Guess what?!? 

Beaded Hope has given all my readers a special discount!

Special Code: LOVING5KIDS will give you a 25% discount!  It will expire on April 30, 2010.

I already bought my Mother’s Day gifts for my real moms in my life.  In fact, they should be sending them through the mail as we speak – I didn’t even have to leave my house to go shopping.  Yes, that is the ultimate gift to me this week…no post office or having to take all 5 kids out shopping.

Please remember to vote in the Little Remedies Contest!

I’m currently in 3rd Place.  I have to be in 1st place to get the grand prize which is $1000.00 cash.  I want to win so I can give $500.00 to Beaded Hope! 

You can vote using as many emails as you have – once a day.  And guess what…every time you enter…your email also gets put in the contest to win $1000.00.

Bad news:  The contest ends this coming Monday and I need a lot of votes!  Please enter and spread the news! 

If you sign up as a FAN on my Facebook Page, I send reminders daily!  Thanks!

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!

Nothing to it…organizing by color.

My hubs and I have spent the last three days cleaning and organizing.  We had our house appraised.

  Hallelujah – it is done! 

It was kind of a let down…the appraiser didn’t say “nice job” and he was in and out of here within five minutes.  Oh well…we are reaping the benefits of HARD work!

I rearranged our playroom for the appraisal and I love it!

I have two huge bookshelves in there and I organized them by color.  (Thank you Martha Stewart!  Yes, I really talked to her on the phone and she told me do it that way.)  It was super fast as well because you don’t read the titles.  I’ll take a picture when I get over my sore arms.  Yes, books are heavy and I plan to relax the next few days.

I honestly don’t want the kids to play in the house because my house has never looked this good. 

(They like it now too!) 

Not that my house was dirty, just a little cluttered - especially in the playroom

.

For my Tackle it Tuesday, it will be to enjoy my family and to ponder.  

I also want to re-do my girls closet, by color.  Yes, everything from now on might be by color.

I’m possessed by the color monster and I know it. 

I can’t stop!  

That is all I can think about is “organizing by color” but for now I will try to focus on resting….

and organizing the linen closet. and my shoes.  and my purses.  and my husband’s fishing rods. and the jackets that we never wear in the coat closet.

<BIG SMILE>

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!

After-party…

I had a great time visiting tons of “new” blogs to me.

The afterparty is listing 3 that were cool to me…I found more than that but here it goes (in no particular order).

• Finding Joy in my Kitchen (An awesome Recipe Blog)

• Believe - It is a homeschooling site that just is the coolest!  Great resources and tips!

• Little Family in the Big Woods  As if living in the Woods is no big deal…the author has recipes, gardening and tons of little tips.  I just could stay on here for hours.

There were honestly tons more…but this is all I’m have time to list today!

Blessings to you!  You are loved!!!

Have you heard of this game – Banagrams?

It might just be me but this game seems to be everywhere!
It is sweeping the nation – or at least Texas.  It is a fun little game that reminds me of Scrabble but easier. 

We play it at my brother’s house.  My sister in law, F. gets real competitive and knows words that makes you wonder if she just made that up.  She keeps a dictionary with the game to check it out.  If she is wrong, the game starts over and she is out. 
(I personally think she sleeps with the dictionary, she knows so many “odd” words…LOL!)

I think a lot of times – families need something to bond with one another.  In our family, we have so many different goals and tastes, games always helps to bond from the old and young alike.

I guess I just thought some people have forgotten about games that can be played at home.  I detest the word “bored” and am always looking for things to occupy my children’s time other than things that require a lot of money.

What do you do for fun that helps to form relationships?

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!

Please remember to take a few seconds and vote for me at this little contest!  I’m in the top 10 right now and it only takes a few seconds to vote.

Terrifying – I’m being tested on my decor!

My hubs loves to torture me!  (I’m so kidding.)  

 

If you knew my hubs at all, you would know that I’m adored and honored in every way.

(Except one.)

He waits until my house is in total disarray and invites someone over for dinner.  Well, he’s done that once.  I finally forgave him.  It was his boss of all people and I had just had a baby…not a good mix.

 

Now he is doing it again.  Okay, it is a little different.  Our house is getting appraised.  I’m in the middle of getting rid of old curricula.  That means that books are all over the floor in the living room.  There is no place to hide them.  There is no place to go with them.  Well, there is but it is major time consuming and I’m stressed.  

Most appraisers would say don’t worry about the clutter.  Ours didn’t.  He said – “yes, you need to clean it because I’m taking pictures”.  OIY!

There is nothing my terrifying than my house being “graded” because of its decor!  Sure you might think I’m exaggerating but I hated when I failed on tests.

 

I bombed my math placement test in college.  So I had to go to the dean and explain that I had been in advanced math classes in high school and just freaked out on the test.  She let me go to regular college algebra instead of making me go through remedial.  (I did great in college algebra by the way.  Although, I still don’t like math.)

But, I don’t think there is a Dean to go to when they see my books.  I’m really trying to get more organized and the more I try - the more clutter I create.

I was even able to talk to Martha Stewart on the phone today and asked her what I should do…she told me to organize them by color.  I think I even stumped her when I told her they were textbooks…no author and no color.  

Well, if you have any suggestions – I would gladly take them.  I might just have a open house book party.  That just came to me.  I might do that – I have until Monday.

After this appraisal – I mentioned some things in my life that were changing…WALLS are coming down!  After we start the tearing down of walls and I won’t be worried anymore.  I’ll just say “excuse our construction.”  It is going to be a blast – literally, well not with bombs or anything – just a few hammers going crazy!

I’ll be photographing the whole thing…so get ready for the craziest DIY in my life!

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

The birds and the bees…yes, you know what I’m talking about…

We had the "talk" with our sons tonight.  After it was over, my husband said he learned some things...after 5 kids I thought we would have had all the bases covered.  ;)  LOL! 

It was awesome sharing what the Lord has stored up for them.  Even though they didn't understand everything, we were genuine and were able to discuss what things were meant for and how God intended them to be enjoyed between a husband and wife.

We also shared how certain temptations are going to creep up on them and how they can respond to it.  Some things were just so basic and yet so liberating to us, probably more than them.
We want our children to know that God puts certain desires in us for a reason and it is a good thang!

My boys now know they can come to us with absolutely everything.  I’d rather they come to us with questions and not worry about being embarrassed than experimenting with strangers.

We felt waiting to tell our child before their wedding night or even middle school was probably too late.  Provocative images are everywhere rather we like it or not.

We also used the correct linguistics.  It truly helped not be confusing and made it a more mature conversation.
 
My hubs wasn’t totally comfortable with having the talk but afterwards he was so thankful.  It was easier than he thought not to mention totally lighthearted. 

Blessings to you!  You are loved!!!

Morning Sickness Be GONE Recipe

When I am “with child” I have morning sickness for the first three months. 

Every time I was ill or had an urge to get sick…I would use the reminders to thank God for my child.  I would also pray that God would protect him or her from by body or anything that was trying to harm my baby.

I know some of my friends fight morning sickness 24/7 for their entire pregnancy. 

Well a sweet friend gave me this recipe.  In fact, she made it for me and brought it to me in a little dixie cup.

I loved it and guess what happened?  Yep, my morning sickness ceased.  Listen when your desperate – you’ll try anything.  Plus, it is pretty easy to fix.

Morning-Sickness Be-Gone Solution
1 1/2 c. Diced pears
1/2 c. low-fat peach yogurt
1/2 c. pear nectar
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp. grated fresh ginger
3-5 ice cubes, crushed
Combine the pears, peach yogurt, and pear nectar in a blender.
Add all the remaining ingredients.  Blend until smooth.
Makes About 2 1/2 Cups, Serves 2.

Hope this helps someone!  If not, keep praying!

Blessings to you!  You are loved!!!

A little party going on...and your invited...

Welcome to the party!  I’m so glad you came over…

Have I got a prize for you!  Keep reading!

My name is Lana-like Banana. 

I am totally a crazy, homeschooling (meaning I teach all subjects in my home),
people-loving, Christ-centered, adored wife and
mother of 5.

These are my "silly" children.  They were obeying by making "silly' faces!


Some other interesting facts...
I love good EASY recipes.

My sweet husband loves DIY projects.  I mean LURVES!!! 
Just look at our kitchen re-do and our office.

We also LOVE to travel and visit weird places like all the World’s Largest everything!

I also have lots of giveaways and reviews. 

I also have a new Facebook Fan Page and I’m on Twitter!

Right now, I’m entered in a little contest and could use your help.  It takes like 5 seconds.  If I win, I’m giving half of my winnings to a ministry called Beaded Hope. (Feel free to go to their site and shop.) They are an unbelievable ministry that helps ladies in South Africa by selling jewelry made by ladies whose families are affected by disease. 

Go here to enter!  All you have to do is enter your name and email…you will get no spam.

Okay are you ready?
My prize that I bought to give away is:

Beauticontrol’s Microderm Abrasion Facial Buffing Creme with a buffer.  

The exfoliater removes dead skin cells making your face look younger.

Yeah, it is valued at least $60.00.
Much more if you are paying the average $210.00 per treatment at a day spa.

Want to win:  Leave a comment and tell me about yourself!  (So simple!) 
You don’t have to be a blogger to win!

Here is a link to the Party to see another way to win!

There are so many cool prizes to be won at this year’s Ultimate Blog Party, but my top three picks would be:

• US39 -Be My Guest certificate ($250 value) for one lucky winner, (2 night stay for a family of four) at any Hilton Garden Inn.
  Provided by: Hilton Garden Inn 

• US112 – $50 Amazon Gift card

Provided by: Robyn ~ Our Homeschool Home

• US87 – 2 winners will receive a $30.00 Amazon Gift Certificate.
  Provided by: Christine/LiveLaughLoveCj…

And if my top three picks are already chosen, I’d love any of the following (in order of preference):
US113, US21, US63, US6, US10, US20, US37,  or anything else related to  children since I have 11, 9, 8, 5, and 3 year olds.  Plus, I'd love anything that would pamper their mom.  (That's me!)

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

7 Things I need to confess…

Sometimes I stink at being as a teacher!

Here are my seven confessions…they are in no order.

1. I don’t know what the little lines mean on the English ruler.  I like the Metric system except in football.   Can you imagine the football announcer saying “Peyton Manning has been sacked on the 20 meter line?”  Yeah, me neither. T
2. I hate clutter.  Homeschooling brings clutter.  I must live to deal with it.  I’ve always been known to have clutter even when I didn’t homeschool because I keep stuff so my kids could read it.  (I still have my 1st grade Spelling book.  I’m not joking.)
3. Just when I think my kids are doing great – I ask them to multiply two numbers and they ask me what multiply means.  This just happened this morning.  He’s been multiplying for a half a year now.
4. I love to learn the exciting stuff.  Not the Math part.  Do I sound like a kid?  (Yeah, excuse me…its my blog and I can write what I…)-oh, yeah– this is supposed to be encouraging.  {I still don’t like MATH!}
5. I learn something new almost everyday.  I just read it a day earlier so my kids will think I’m smart.  I have a feeling that most teachers do this. 
6. I now take every opportunity for a “learning moment”.  Indiana Jones Wii game even teaches the kids to search for codes on the computer and to use resources other than just giving them the answer.  (Yeah, that is a stretch.)  It also gives me some alone time.
7. I now know what is an aglet and what is a philtrum.  Yes, only because my kids asked me what certain things were and I had to find out. 

I really do love homeschooling! I don’t think it is for everyone and I am very thankful for the public school system, which both my husband and myself are graduates.  However, homeschooling for us has been so enriching. 

Okay – I’m done with my venting.  Back as you were.

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!

Goodbye South America

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. ~Jim Elliot~

My kids and I have been studying South America for the past month.   We have had so much fun and yet are sad to leave this study.

It has been interesting to learn about different missionaries who have basically given their lives to spreading the gospel of Christ.  We were actually in tears learning of Nate Saint and how he and 4 others gave their life in order to share what true forgiveness means.

My hubs has been reading nightly to the kids a biography of Nate Saint.  It has been such a bonding experience.  It has been like our entire family has been in South America.

South America has always been special in my life.  I had the opportunity to go to Venezuela when I was younger, before marriage.  We had went on a medical mission trip and I fell in love with the people, culture and of course the food.

The more we study, the more I want to take our family on more trips.  I’d love to take them to the jungles and take a ride down the Amazon river.  They want to visit Brazil.  Of course, Ecuador would be on the itinerary as well.

I’m dreaming of taking our family to South America.  Wouldn’t that be an awesome trip?

Okay, enough dreaming at the moment.  I am going to go have myself a cup of Java (that comes from Brazil) and start working on our new venture of learning (Europe).

If you ever get a chance to learn about Nate Saint or Jim Elliot, even if you are not a Christian, they truly lived their lives for others.  I just wonder if others lived the same way – what the world would look like?

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!! 

Disclosure Policy

Sorry, for having to send this if you get my posts by mail. It is just a disclosure. Thanks for receiving my emails. You Rock!!!

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

This policy is valid from 05 April 2010


This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation.

The compensation received will never influence the content, topics or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. Those advertisements will be identified as paid advertisements.

Sometimes I will use twitter and will tweet sponsored tweets. They will have #ad in the tweet! The same for Facebook - they too will have #ad if they are sponsored.

The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.

This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content will always be identified.


To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org


©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

A free canvas with your photo

A free canvas – just pay shipping and handling at http://www.canvaspeople.com/!

I haven’t done this yet…but it is totally worth the try!

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!

Thanks Frugal Girls!

A whirlwind

Do  you ever where your time has gone? 

This past week has flown by like a crazy crazy tidal wave of sorts.  Grab a cup of java and watch my roller coaster.

Monday – My kids had a dentist appointment.  Afterwards, my gas tank was on EMPTY, so I headed to a gas station.

This was the first time I had a run in with a gang member.  He had tattoos all up and down both arms and all the way up to the top of his head.  He comes up to my car as I’m pumping gas into my car and says “I’m not here to cause harm to your family…I just need some gas money.”  What is a Mom to do?  I give him a couple of bucks and sped off. 

By the way, the tattoos did not bother me – the guy was actually about my height but he had muscles that looked like if he would flex them they would make the Incredible Hunk look like Barney Fife.

Thinking back, I wonder why I only gave him two dollars.  Maybe because he was a polite gang member.  Maybe it was because I’m just a tightwad.  He didn’t ask for anymore and I didn’t offer. 

Also, my dog ran away.  We have had our dog longer than my last two children.  It was quite honestly, heartbreaking.

Tuesday – My hubs and I bought a mini-van.    Correction:  My husband bought a mini-van.  This is the first time we have ever owned a mini-van in our entire marriage.   I just thought that fact with our large family was a little blog worthy.  I should mention the fact that it is the ugliest mini-van in the history of mini-vans and I think that a garden could be growing in the back seat because of all the dirt in the floorboard.  I should also mention I wouldn’t let my husband put my name on the title because of its lack of beauty.  (That is not really true…I’m truly not that vain.)  I’d drive pretty much anything as long as it has cool air condition in our 112 degree summer weather.  The reason I call it his – it is a work vehicle.

My kids and I visited our dog pound.  Our dog was not there.  We got home and I put a missing dog ad on Craigslist.  Then we left the house again.

After running a few errands, we go home.  A message was waiting on the answering machine.  Someone had seen our ad and found our dog.  We got back in the car and headed to Egypt.  She was safe and sound.  We took her to the Vet just to make sure. 

Wednesday – My hubs had hurt his ankle last week so he finally decided to rest it with bed rest.  You would have thought I would have got a lot done with an extra hand but that is not the case.  It threw my schedule into a whirlwind.  It is amazing how different one person added to our school life makes the agenda change drastically. 

I have to remember that educating my children requires a 24/7 teacher.  It is a balance act requiring flexibility.  Being an anal person, sometimes causes more frustration than helping matters.  Wednesday was a day that my children saw a frustrated mommy.  Life happens and sometimes there are going to be days like that. 

Taking a look back – it wasn’t as all bad as I had thought.  My kids had quality time with their Dad and Mom.  That doesn’t happen all the time.  The good definitely weighed out their math not getting done for that day.

Wednesday night – I picked up a couple of my friends from the airport.  We stayed up until 2:00 a.m. chatting away.  A good friend is like good medicine. 

Thursday – We had MOPs.  (Mothers of Preschoolers)  I love my MOP’s group.  My friends actually spoke and we had such a great learning time.  I will share next week about what they spoke about.

Today – I took my friends back to the airport at 6:00 this morning.  I rarely ever get to see the sun come up.  I’m exhausted.

I just realized it was Good Friday.  I’m so thankful for this day more than any other day of the year.  But, right now I can’t even think of what happened on this day.  Yeah, my brain went on vacation without me – it will be back after a nap and a tall glass of sweet tea.

These are just a few reminders:

Please take a look on my Review-Blog.  I have two giveaways, HEB $20.00 gift card and What's in the Bible DVDs right now. (They don’t have very many entries – you could win.)

Also, don’t forget about my Facebook Fan Page.  I put deals on there that are not on here.

One more thing…I’m still entered in a contest.  Take a look at BEADED HOPE for more information.  Seriously, this only takes a few seconds and can change a lives.

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!