Six?????

Yep, six.

Did you plan or want six?
Sure.

How do you do it all?
Grace.

You're home all day by yourself with all six?
Yep.

What are their names and ages?
Taylor 14
Ethan 7
Andrew 5
Tabitha 3
Carissa 19 months
Seth 7 weeks

You homeschool?
Yep.

How?
Grace.

You must be exhausted.
Better you than me.
Good luck...

Okay, so seriously I've had more comments and questions than I've ever had about the size of our family lately. I didn't realize how "strange" we appear. People stare, they comment, they ask questions... Martie doesn't mind it, he enjoys it, sometimes I see him smiling as if he were saying, "Look at us." I would rather be invisible. As I've gotten older I don't really like attention. However I know Martie's response is the correct one. We are blessed. God has chosen to give us six beautiful and healthy children. He has trusted us to raise and teach them to love and fear Him. What an awesome responsibility and privilege.

I know it's strange. We live in a culture where we are taught daily children are a burden. They get in the way of what we want to do. They cost too much. They're a lot of work. We can't do it. I can tell you God has always provided for us whether it be in strength, finances, wisdom...

I know most people ask questions and stare because they're curious. Well I want to seriously answer some of the questions we get asked.

1. Is it much different with six? The biggest difference (I think) was from two children to three children. After that there's been no big changes. (except with laundry)
2. How do you do it all day by yourself? I said earlier, "Grace." Well, that is true. God gives me what I need each day. 
3. What does a typical day look like? Well there is an "Ideal" day and a "Typical" day. Ideal is what I have scheduled. Seriously I can give anyone a chart, a schedule, and a list. (just ask my family) Getting up early myself, spending an hour or so in the Word and prayer. Getting the children up, chores, school, lunch, nap, gym, dinner, family bible, baths, and bed. Now for the typical day (which is the ideal (or scheduled) day with my sin sprinkled throughout) Me waking up late because of middle of the night feedings, tell the kids to do their chores, sit down to eat breakfast and read the word (quickly while again telling the kids to do their chores), me getting everyone else breakfast, shower, again reminding the children to please finish their chores, Martie leaves, I have a little panic, then I remind Andrew that I'm going to set the timer if he can not stay focused and finish his chores, then I wake up Taylor who says, "5 more minutes, pleeeeease." I huff and walk away, change Carissa and get her dressed, eventually we start school (way later then I wanted to), stop at 12:00 to eat lunch with Martie, afternoon is spent finishing school, cleaning, laundry, and starting dinner. We eat around 6 and the kids go to bed at 8.  So I like to say it's organized chaos. I/we are definitely a work in progress.
4. Do all the kids get along? Yes. I mean they are brothers and sisters. They do argue or fight over things. But overall my kids are each others best friends. 
5. Do the kids pair up with each other? Depends on the day and/or mood of each child. Carissa usually goes between following me around and hanging out with the middle three. (Ethan, Andrew, and Tabitha) Taylor and Tabitha have a very special bond, so do Ethan and Andrew, Tabitha and Andrew play really well together, and they all love Seth, Carissa makes us all laugh... So I guess the answer is no. They don't "pair up" with each other. They all play well with the others.
6. Aren't you exhausted? Well the definition of exhausted is, "Completely drained of one's physical or mental resources; completely used up." So no, I am NOT exhausted. Sure I'm tired, but the Lord fills me. I could never be completely used up, because He equips me to do the work that He has called me to do. 
7. You are superwoman! This is not a question, but people say this to be often. I am NOT superwoman. I just handle the work that God has given me. He is the one that is Super and I need Him daily. (minute by minute) If you don't believe me reread number 4. I fail (too often). I have to ask my kids to forgive me. (too often) I have to ask my husband to forgive me. (too often) But there is grace, sweet sweet grace. I thank the Lord for His grace and mercy that He continues to lavish upon me.

Yep, six.
...and we're adopting...praying and waiting to see how the Lord continues to use us. I am going to try to embrace the stares, the comments and questions. I am blessed and I am proud to have my six beautiful and healthy babies.

Psalm 90:16-17 "Let Your work appear to Your servants and Your majesty to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and confirm for us the work of our hands; yes confirm the work of our hands."

Top ten things I've learned about being a consignor...

1. Don't wait until the week of the "Sale" to start organizing your goods.
2. You must have a friend who is willing to show you the ropes and even take some of your things home to tag because you (ugghh) waited until the week of.
3. Get all the supplies you need ahead of time instead of sending your husband on a wild goose chase the ummm week of. (zip ties, hangers, safety pins...)
4. Did I mention you really should plan ahead so your kids don't get a week off from school because you decided to do a consignment sale. 
5. Have a place that you are going to organize and tag so you're not moving ALL the clothes from room to room depending on the guests that are stopping by. 
6. Make sure your not hosting small groups at your house the week of the consignment sale.
7. Make sure all the clothes (even maternity) are separated by size and keep those sizes together with a rubber band when preparing to take your things to the sale. This also keeps you from looking like a fool when you have your clothes all laid out on the floor when you get there. 
8. Take pictures of the experience during the week so you can laugh later. Now I don't have any evidence of my adventure.
9. Make sure you don't need to use that changing table for a while as it will be your make do desk. 
10. When dropping your items off, try to take everything the first drop off time. Never and I mean NEVER wait until the very last drop off time and run in like a crazy person 30 minutes before they close and 30 minutes before your nursing baby is ready to eat. This is not enjoyable for anyone involved. 

Oh, I have one more important one:
    11. Make sure you plan out your weeks worth of meals so you're not having to eat out every night which means any money you may make at the consignment sale was already spent on going out to eat almost every night.

Let's just say this has been a learning experience. Now all I can say is, "Show me the money!" Happy consigning!

Classical Conversations

Many of you know that our family has been involved with Classical Conversations for several years. I wanted to let you know what that really means. I also wanted to give you some information about our group if you are interested.

"Classical Conversations is a nationwide network of classical, Christian communities providing academic programs, events, and services to local home school communities, parents, and educators." Classical Conversations of Durham meets once a week, on Thursdays at Braggtown Baptist Church, and provides a committed Christian community of structure and support, along with great fellowship for the students and parents.  Each of our programs utilizes the classical tools of learning and emphasizes life-long learning skills. We believe that education finds its purpose and culmination in knowing God and making Him known, and we believe that parents are the primary educators of their children.

Each week the children learn new memory work including a history sentence, time line, Latin, English grammar, Science fact, Math, and Geography. There is also a time of fine arts which include 6 weeks of drawing, 6 weeks of music theory and tin whistle, 6 weeks of great artists and projects, and another 6 weeks learning about some composers and the orchestra. Lastly the children participate in 24 weeks of science projects.

Our group is hosting an open house Thursday, March 8th. During this time the parents and children are welcome to attend and spend the day with us. We are having an information meeting Tuesday, March 13th at 7 pm. This is a time when the parents come to learn more about the program and ask any questions they might have. If you are interested you can email me at ccofdurham@gmail.com.