Pretty ornaments

We will have to have a new family ornament next year. :)

I love putting up the Christmas tree. I love all the special ornaments. We have several that "have special meaning." Each year I do struggle, though. I do not want to be conformed to the world. I know Christmas is one of those times that Christians tend to struggle with that. We say we love Christmas because it's about Christ's birth, but then stay so busy that there's no mention of Him.

I love what some of my friends do like read Luke 2 to their children everyday leading up to Christmas. By Christmas they pretty much have it memorized. Each year I try to think of new ways to stay Christ focused, but it is difficult. Mainly because I fail at being consistent.

This year we have some different ideas for gifts. I will have to fill you in later about those. :) We are not buying gifts for anyone this year. (except a couple for our children) This has come about for many reasons. First, we can't afford it. We refuse to go in debt to buy presents. Martie quit UPS this year, and we realized when doing our budget if we cut out on gift giving (birthdays and Christmas) we could afford it. I know that sounds awfully harsh. We look at it like this, we would rather have daddy home at night tucking the children in, no more rushing family devotion time, more time to serve others than him working to pay for more unnecessary "stuff."

Don't get me wrong we are not cold hearted, just being real. We live in a world today that insists we "keep up with the Jones'." We REFUSE to buy into that. Children here in America have way too much stuff. We don't want our children growing up to think that our love for them is measured by the stuff we buy them. I don't think gifts are bad. We love receiving gifts and giving them. However if it requires us to go in debt, we won't do it. I guess in all this rambling all I'm saying is there is a balance.

We are still trying to figure out that balance. Hopefully one day, one year, I will have it all figured out and we will have developed our own family traditions. (and I will be consistent) :)

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and you truly take the time to reflect on the reason for this season.

It's a ............

We are having a healthy baby, a baby that loves to move their arms, and a......................
THUMBSUCKER!

That's about all we know about Mangum baby #5! hahahaha

That's right, we DIDN'T find out. It was very difficult for my sweet husband. He does not like surprises. My favorite part is listening to everyone's reactions. So, it's time for everyone to start their guessing.

Boy/Girl?
How big?
Look like?

Ultrasound is tomorrow!

Well the "big" ultrasound is tomorrow. We could find out what we're having. I can honestly say this is the first time I haven't wanted to know. This baby is our tie breaker! There are 3 men in our house and 3 women! I can imagine that moment in the hospital when we find out. I can almost hear the drum roll. hehehe

Well, now reality. Almost everyone else around me is dying to know what this baby is. Sooooo, we'll have to wait until tomorrow to see if we know or not. What are your guesses? I truly have no clue with this one.

I will say that I am sicker with this one than any of the others. :( I'm 18 1/2 weeks and still sick almost every day. On the bright side, since I have to have a c-section, I'm half way done. That does not even seem possible. I'm praying the second half of this pregnancy goes better than the first.

I haven't blogged much lately. So I'll do a quick update and give pictures. :)

Martie- quit UPS, we are truly sacrificing so that he can be home with us at night. He's still in school, working on his MDiv. The church is going great! This last year has been crazy. God is doing some really amazing things in the life of PBC. (www.pbcnc.org) The website needs work, but hopefully with all that is going on, it will be updated more.

Taylor- swimming year round with a home school team. (Durham Dolphins) I really love the coaches. They are both Christian girls who love these children, and want to show them Jesus. Taylor's doing well in school. She's very driven. (Thank God) Since I've been so sick, she's been the one pushing me.

Ethan- he's learning a lot with school. He's reading quite well. He has stiches right now. He cut his hand over the weekend on a Christmas ornament. So we took an exciting trip to the ER. He was very brave.

Andrew- well he's still Andrew. :) We were surprised it was Ethan having to go to the ER and not Andrew. hehe He loves to write his name. :) Which is spelled "A" hahaha That's the only letter he's mastered. Again, that is mostly my fault. He is the most adventurous, but at times he can be the most lovable little boy. I love when he climbs on my lap to cuddle.

Tabitha- she has changed the most. She talks ALL THE TIME! She'll *try* to say anything you tell her. It's so cute. She's trying to be adventurous like Andrew, but loves the gentleness of Ethan. She loves when Taylor takes lots of pictures of her. She is very cute saying, "CHEEEEESE."

Here are some of the things we have learning in school:
History-timeline from "Creation" to "The Act of Supremacy"
We have also read, The Golden Goblet, and some American History readers. We have also memorized 12 history sentences. They have been from the Greek/Roman gods, 7 wonders of the Ancient world, the split of the Roman Empire, to the Muslim Empire.
English- Taylor has memorized all the English Prepositions, Ethan some of them.
Latin-we are memorizing Latin Noun Declensions.
Scripture-We have memorized together Exodus 20:1-17, we also do Catechisms, and we have some bible grammar that the children have to memorize.
Science- We've memorized lot's of science facts, such as the 5 kingdoms of living things, the classification of living things, parts of an animal cell, parts of a plant cell...
Math- memorized skip counting numbers 1-15, squares, and cubes
Geography- memorized 60 countries, rivers, lakes in and around Africa, Asia, and Europe

Now on to the pictures! :)
I took these before church one Sunday.

Exciting News!

We are expecting baby #5! That's right, I'm pregnant. We are so excited, and are truly blessed! The children are all excited. The bigger our family gets, the more difficult it is to keep a "secret." One of the church members stopped by tonight to check on Martie (he's had strep throat), Ethan came running to the door, "my mommy's pregnant!" hahahaha So, I guess it's out! Please pray for our family and this precious baby.

God be glorified in us!

Daddy's new 'toy'

God blessed Martie with a 'new' truck. Someone gave him an 88' Ford Ranger. He LOVES it! He has been wanting a truck for a while. We're always needing one to haul off stuff. Now he has a little project. The boys have especially loved helping him take the tires off and check out the brakes. Yesterday after home schooling the children all wanted to go outside and wash this new 'toy'. I just loved watching them play in the water and clean daddy's truck. :) Here are the pics.Yes even Tabitha got in on the fun. She could not resist.

Taylor showing, just HOW dirty the truck was. :)



The boys cleaning the back. They love crawling in the back of the truck.

When you've had too much caffiene....

You stay up late, thinking... it's going to be a long day tomorrow! On the positive side, I've accomplished tons! I've been shopping for the materials for science projects, I have an 'official' list of supplies to buy w/ price comparisons, I've organized our family school schedule (color coded and all) :), I have our first week lesson plans done. Hip hip hooray! Now for some pics I've been wanting to post.

A while back I meant to post a "brag post". One night Taylor asked me to please not get up before 8:00 am. hmmmm....okay! No problem! hahaha Well, for the first time in my life I woke up to breakfast in bed. That's right, bacon, eggs, pancakes, and a glass of o.j. All served on a tray with a precious note. It was not even a special holiday. Who needs special holidays when my girl shows these random acts of kindness. :) I love her. The funny part is after she served me, she crawled into bed w/ me and went fast asleep. 6:00 came too early for my sweet Taylor.I ate the food to fast to get a picture. But trust me it was quite good, and a beautiful presentation.

Eat Mor Chikin!

My dad came to take us to lunch today. He said, "let's go to chick-fil-a." (my kids favorite, and mine) :) Little did he know, I would get everyone to dress up like cows. hahahaha! I love my family! But hey it was probably the cheapest date ever.

SBC

My family just got back from the "Southern Baptist Convention." This was the first time I went. I must say I was pleasantly surprised. I struggle with the 'politics' of the church. I truly believe that God is doing some amazing work within the SBC. They mentioned that majority of the 8,000 people registered were under 50. The convention is taking on a new face. God is raising up some young, godly men, that love Jesus, and love people.

I was excited to see the "Great Commission Resurgence task force" was passed. You can go to this link to find out more. http://www.greatcommissionresurgence.com/ You must listen to Dr. Akin's sermon. (at that same web site, click on media) It is long, but well worth listening to. It is truly amazing to see how God is changing me. I never in a million years thought I would be involved in "organized" religion, much less a baptist. I can honestly say after this week, I am excited and proud to be apart of the Southern Baptist Convention.

The other thing that I'm so excited about is resolution2 (whatever that means) :) It is a resolution on adoption and orphan care. Praise God!

So watch out, some GREAT things are coming out of the SBC! I can't wait to see God use us in BIG ways! To Him be the glory!!!

We are glad to be home, and ready to reach Parkwood for Christ!

Word I'm trying understand

BALANCE!

One of my biggest struggles is learning to "balance" everything around me.
Priorities:
1. My relationship w/ my Lord
2. My husband
3. My children
4. everything else (housework, home schooling, directing my cc group, teaching new believers, pastor's wife, leading a bible study, odds and end church stuff, cooking healthy meals, making bread, grocery shopping, and coupon clipping)

So now I understand why the Proverbs 31 woman goes to sleep late at night and rises early in the morning. :) Needless to say blogging has been pushed to the back burner.

Don't get me wrong I am NOT complaining, I'm just learning how to balance.

Triple Coupon Deals!

Wow, what a day! I woke up at 5:45 am. I went to H.T., came home, nursed Tabitha, picked up Taylor, unloaded first round of groceries, took Taylor to swim practice, went back to H.T., came home, unloaded second round of groceries, picked up Martie and the rest of the family, went to join Taylor at swim practice, enjoyed short "fellowship" at a b-day party for the swim coaches, then headed off to the Durham Bulls game! WHEW!!!!! We just got home, and I'm excited to post my triple coupon deals.

Round 1

Round 1
Can anyone tell me what "Saffron Yellow Seasonings Long Grain Rice" is?
(with REAL Saffron) :)
I'll google that later!

Round 1 Deals:
-Mahatma Rice-money back
-Texas Crouton- I think free or $.9
-Barilla Pasta-free
-Several other great deals I just can't remember the coupon amounts.
Total- $53.34
Total Spent-$10.06
Total Saved-$45.28

Round 2

Round 2 Deals:
-Warm Delights- $.25
-Glass Plus (BOGO)- $.27 for 1
-Small box Lipton tea bags- money back
-Lot's of great deals on McCormick Seasonings and Vanilla
-Eggo Family Pack- $1.14
(and many others)

Total- $79.97
Total Spent- $19.10
Total Saved- $60.87

Must see!

Please go to this website and sign this declaration towards a "Great Commission Resurgence in the
Southern Baptist Convention". Please listen to this sermon!
Dr. Akin's sermon on a "Great Commission Resurgence

http://www.greatcommissionresurgence.com/

Palm Sunday Pictures

HT Savings

So here are my savings from Harris Teeter's triple coupon's!

Total spent-$18.35
Total savings-$67.83

So the BIG savings were:

Wrigley gum=FREE
Lipton tea bags=MONEY BACK
Huggies wipes=$1.00
Honey Comb Cereal (big box)=$.50
Ziploc Baggies=$.50

I can't remember all the individual savings, but those were some of the big ones. HT has some great sales, unfortunately I'm low on coupons

Great Web site

Just to let all the "fellow couponers" know that Harris Teeter starts their triples tomorrow. (Wednesday)

One helpful website I use is:

www.savvydollar.org

Go under grocery deals and someone will post the 'deals'.

Leap Frog Giveaway on SIMPLE!!

Check out this contest to win a free Leapfrog. Go to the Leapfrog link and pledge to read also!

Simple

Leapfrog

Weekend fun

It has been a FUN weekend so far. Friday, Taylor and I spent the day together. We went shopping. No, this is not something I enjoy. But, Taylor loves to shop, and I LOVE Taylor! (plus she needed some new spring clothes) We left around lunch time. We went to Kohls and Sears.

So, I have spent countless hours on the internet searching for conservative clothes. One friend recommended "Lands End". (they have a store in Sears) I would like a 'store' where I don't have to fish through and pray I find something. I know I will have to do that anywhere, but are there any stores out there with pretty conservative clothes? I really liked Lands End clothes, but I would prefer a little less expensive.

Another problem we have is size. Taylor is only 11, but she is larger than most 11 year olds. So that throws a whole other twist into the equation. I definitely could use fashion help. So any suggestions would be appreciated.

After going to Subway for dinner, we headed to Colonial Baptist Church. She had "Superfest" for Awana's, and I went to the WholeHearted Child Conference. We left the church a little after 10:00 pm. So, a FULL day of activities. She was so tired, but what a blessed time we had together.

I went back to the conference this morning. Before leaving home, Martie gave me a handout that is titled, "Ten Questions to Ask to Benefit from a Conference or Special Event". So I am going to attempt to answer these questions below.

1. What's the single most important truth I have learned at this conference?
Well this is a truth that I already believe strongly in, so it's not new, but that is we teach to reach the heart. It is my prayer that I (through Christ) reach my Children's heart, and train them up to love and serve Him.

2. What's the most important thing in my life that will be different or I will attempt to change as a result of attending this conference?
I will attempt to read more literature to our children. (classics) We read (a lot), especially history, but I want to expose them to more of the classics.

3. What's the next step I should take to incorporate this change into my life?
Allow more time before bed. Our day is already full of reading and disciplined studies. I have decided to read the 'fun' books at night. (don't get me wrong the history reads are fun, too) :)

4. What's the single most important resource I should acquire at or after this conference?
Definitely the book list that Sarah (Mrs. Clarkson's oldest daughter) recommended.

5. When will I begin to read/listen to utilize this resource?
TONIGHT!!! Martie is in the boys room reading to them now, as I write this. :) I bought them Tiger and Tom and Other Stories for Boys. I bought Taylor The King's Daughter and Other Stories for Girls.
6. Who is one person at this conference with whom I should discuss this conference?
Probably Debbie or Susan. They are the only ladies I see on a regular basis.

7. Who is one person after this conference with whom I should discuss something from this conference?
Again, Debbie. Debbie is a great friend, and I value her opinion about many things.

8. Who is the one person at this conference I most need to encourage?
I would like to encourage Kami. I love her and her family. I'm so excited to see her venture out as they start to educate their precious children.

9. Who is someone who has helped to organize or serve at this conference who deserves a word of gratitude and would be encouraged to know of the impact of this conference in my life?
Mrs. Clarkson's two daughters. They do amazing work for their families ministry. I'll probably stop by one of their blogs and tell them thanks.

10. What's one thing I should pray about for myself and for others as a result of this conference?
Hahaha, first thing that comes to my mind is the "irps" in our lives. For myself and others to not let the worry of the world weigh us down. That we would encourage each other and not compare or tear down.

I must say the conference was very good. I was encouraged and challenged. I walked away feeling really good about what we were already doing. I LOVE our curriculum (classical conversations) and our philosophy in educating our children. We already do a lot of what Mrs. Clarkson spoke about. We already have dinner together every night. We are fortunate to have 3 meals together. Martie is excellent about leading our "family times" and engaging our children in conversations. Our children are not aloud to get up from the table until we are all finished, and this is a time we have great conversations.

Amazing Truth!

If/when you have the time, PLEASE listen to this sermon.

Paul Washer-Sermon

Today's the day!

Today is the day that my sweet baby girl gets baptized. I can't explain the emotions right now. God is so good and faithful. I pray that she will remain faithful to Him. I have seen her heart change before my eyes and oh what a sight to see.

I took her shopping yesterday, to return something from Christmas, and it was awesome to see her disgust when looking for conservative clothes. For the record I already hate shopping, but shopping in stores where conservative clothes rarely exsist is frustrating. I wanted so badly to protect her eyes. Praise Jesus, He did that for me. Now, Taylor is not like me, she loves to shop. (or should I say spend money) hehe Now I just have to direct her to the clothes that please and glorify the Lord.

Today we REJOICE!!! Celebrate new life with us!!!!

To train or let the world train???

My husband and I are reading Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham. This book is very good and very convicting. Voddie has a great way of saying everything that I'm thinking. We just started it tonight, but so far SO good! I totally recommend this book for you and your family.

http://www.crossway.org/product/9781581349290

Praising God for His gift of salvation

We have not told many people but......

Our sweet daughter, Taylor, has surrendered her life to Christ. When Taylor was around 5 she was baptized. We (Martie and I) were baby Christians and really believed she was ready. Even now, I think Taylor had a wonderful knowledge of Jesus, his purpose here on earth, and she truly believed in Him.

Since then we all have grown so much. It is truly amazing to see how God has worked in each of our lives. She admitted many times in the last few years that she struggled with "belief". She knew, understood, but just didn't have a heart change. She wanted it so badly. So we prayed with her, she prayed, we taught her, and we waited.

See, we believe that it is God that has to change the heart. There is nothing that my hubby and I can do to convince any of our children. God has given us the awesome responsibility to teach them and pray for them, but ultimately He has to change them.

Well, that is just what He did. Our God is AWESOME! I was tucking Taylor in one night, I asked her how her relationship with the Lord was going. She told me great! She told me some things she had been reading in her bible and how she really felt the Lord had changed her. She expressed to me that she was ready to surrender her life to Him. So of course I went and got Martie. He grilled her on Theology 101, :) No, seriously he asked her several questions, and then we confirmed God's work by praying.

We have waited to tell many people. We wanted to see the fruit blossom. We wanted to see if this decision was lived out.

Well, we have!!! Taylor has grown so much! It is truly amazing to see her heart change. She is passionate about the lost, she enjoys reading His word, she accepts discipline differently. Wow, mighty is our God!

On Sunday, February 15 Taylor will be baptized. This is truly a celebration! There will actually be three people getting baptized that day. If you can, come, be encouraged, celebrate with us the new life within each of these individuals! Lastly, give Him all praise and glory!



Sunday, February 15
10:00- Sunday School
11:00-Church
Parkwood Baptist Church
1515 Clermont Rd.
Durham, NC 27713
www.pbcnc.org

John Piper to Obama

MUST SEE, MUST SHARE!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdnQAB3cJec

On T.V.????????

The Mangum family could be on T.V.!!! That's right! hahaha! Laugh with me here.

My mom about a year ago registered us for this show called, "Home Made Simple" on TLC. You know I always have some kind of projects going on at my house. I'm always re-organizing something. It's very hard (with all that we do) living in a house this small. We are so blessed and I am NOT complaining. It just means that I am constantly re-organizing.

Our house is I think 1092 sq. feet. We have 4 children and home school. So we have our challenges, but we make it work! A lady called my mom yesterday from the show and wants to come meet us and see our house!!! Isn't that funny? I've never won anything! Now, I think this is just an 'interview', so there are no guarantee's. I'll keep you all updated.

For now this super organized woman that has EVERYTHING under control has to go:
1.) Taylor just told me Andrew left the car door open and a bird flew in, the bird is still in there and he pooped!
2.) My boys are helping themselves to "lunch".
3.) My hubby is giving me the 'look', so I need to go feed him too!

Come on, laugh with me! :)

God's Sovereignty and a BIG hug...

God is so good. I just felt compelled to write and explain. With a break from Martie's school, our school, Christmas... I was starting to feel a bit out of control. For anyone that knows me, I like control. I know God is totally working on me. Unfortunately, I'm a slow learner. This last weekend I surprised my hubby with a get away. (just us two) I even left Tabitha. We were desperate for some alone time, time to work out our schedules, cut out things, pray... Our trip, well, that makes for another blog. Overall it was a great time together, we got a lot accomplished. However, we did not come back rested.

Monday, I was so excited to put into action our NEW schedule. I forgot my children had been on vacation and they forgot what structure was. My attitude was horrible, and I was losing all patience. (remember control issues) That evening I talked (cried) to my dear hubby, and he prayed for us. Before going to bed he told me that I was to stay out of the house the next day. I go to the church at 6:30 to do my quiet time. I was instructed to not come home after that. He said that I could stay at the church or do what ever. (so sweet) However, this did not fit into our NEW schedule. hahaha

So my morning was great. (a lot of repentance) I talked to Carrie for a while on the phone. (great encouragement) I started reading a new book, Anxious for Nothing, by John MacArthur. Then I received a phone call. My friend Kami called, she wanted to drop something off to us. I asked her could she leave it with the family, because I was next door at the church. I came home to the most beautiful basket of goodies. This was not just a typical basket, it was filled with all kinds of wonderful gifts, AND she brought dinner for us! Her card was so encouraging, and the timing was JUST right. See God's sovereignty? I felt like He just reached down from heaven and gave me a BIG hug. Thank you Kami, you are amazing!

I also came home to my house being cleaned. All the 'little' things that were bothering me were done. I have a great husband and sweet children. This morning my dad came over and took Taylor to swim practice, so I didn't have to get all 4 kids out at 7:30 am. Thanks Dad!!! So, o.k. I'm off schedule. But, God is so good, and He is so faithful.

O.k. so I'm off to get things going around here again! Happy day!