Deuteronomy 6:5-9

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Memorial Day

The day we honor any man or woman who died during active military service. Thanks doesn't seem enough. You often seem to be forgotten. 


American Revolutionary War
1775-1783
25,000
War of 1812
1812-1815
~20,000
Mexican-American War
1846-1848
13,283
Civil War
1861-1865
~625,000
Spanish-America War
1898
2,446
World War 1
1917-1918
116,516






World War 2
1941-1945
405,399                         
Korean War                                   1950-1953          36,516
  Vietnam War                                1955-1975           58,209
Afghanistan (ongoing)
2001-
2,145(11/2012)
Iraq
2003-2011
4,486

















Because of your sacrifice we have freedom! We live in a great country, because of your selfless acts. You have painted a beautiful picture of what Christ did for us, "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) Again, I think we forget or we don't fully understand what our lives would be like without the fight. Without you I might not be able to:
  • Vote
  • Teach my children at home
  • Worship the one and only True Living God.
  • Work outside the home
  • Obtain a great education
  • Have anything I want at my fingertips
  • Own a gun
  • Own our house
  • Defend myself in court
  • Adopt
  • Have medical options
  • The freedom to say whatever I want, and you get the freedom to disagree.
Thank you times a million. On this Memorial Day I will teach my children, I will pray, and I will praise God for our military, our government, our freedoms, and my family!

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Spontaneous, Spectacular, Saturday

Martie was working today and Taylor wasn't home. That left me and the kiddos alone for this beautiful Saturday. We started the morning off at Tabitha's 9:00 am T-ball game. We all cheered on our star and enjoyed the honeysuckles surrounding the ballfield.

It was far too nice to go straight home. After a rainy week and lots of indoor time, I decided to find something for us to do. Strawberries!!! Yes!!! Perfect!!! When you have 6 kids you learn fast that you can't plan as much as you would like. Some things are better when they're spontaneous. I only told the children to stay buckled while I ran in the house to grab the camera and some baskets. We were then off to Jean's Berry Patch. By the time we arrived they had guessed where we were going. Unfortunately, we pulled in to park only to discover the strawberries were "sold out." At a berry patch that just means picked through for the day.

I immediately asked the children if they wanted to go on an adventure. (That means I have nothing else planned) They were disappointed about the berry patch, but excited to see what lie ahead. Being so near Jordan Lake, I decided a hike was in store. I drove to the nearest and only gas station and picked up lunch. (Potato chips, peanut butter crackers, cheese crackers, and drinks)

We then pulled off the side of the road onto a gravel path. This led straight to the water where there was a pier and several fishermen. This was a familiar spot, meaning I'd been there once. The girlscout in me came alive. I used one of the baskets I'd brought for strawberries and packed our "lunch", drinks, our small first aid kit, a couple diapers and wipes, and my bible.

Then we set off toward the woods. I loved seeing Ethan step up when daddy wasn't around. He was trooper. We took turns taking care of Seth and holding the basket.




 We hiked and talked and hiked... We found a great spot to stop and eat. 


Healthy lunch!
 After eating the kids and I found a perfect spot to sit in the sun, play with the water, and in some dirt. That's when I decided it was a perfect time to read God's Word to them. I read Psalm 104. The chapter starts off saying, "Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great..."It goes on to talk about creation and how the Lord cares over all His works. I asked the kids to look around and tell me some things they see that God created. We continued by praising Him and singing a bit.




 During our hike we only had to face 7 ticks (that I could find so far) and one snake! I only screamed (out loud and really loud) at the first tick that I saw (crawling on me). By the 7th I had complete dominion over those little blood suckers, crushing their little heads with anything I could find. (bottle cap, rock, and even my nail) EEEEKKKKK!!! Did I ever mention how much I despise ticks. They are certainly left from the plagues. I never saw the snake for myself. But I totally believe Ethan. I don't recall ever seeing him that scared. I lined the children up, went ahead of them, and we walked briskly on the trail, watching our every step.

At the end of our hike we went around and said what was our favorite part of the day. Mine of course, was spending this precious and priceless time with my children. In the end, ticks and all, I sing with the Psalmist:

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, Praise the Lord!" Psalm 104:35

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Tabitha Ruth is finally 5!!!

Tabitha has been counting the days until her birthday. We are so excited to celebrate the day with her!

The day we found out we were having another girl, everyone was so excited. (Especially Taylor) I remember buying a pink balloon and picking the other kids up from the Trunicks house after Martie and I found out. Tabitha brought our family to 2 boys and 2 girls.

Tabitha was/is our only thumb sucker. (Although she said when she's five she won't do it anymore) She was the easiest and fastest to potty train. Independent, fast learner, eager in everything, beautiful, helpful, loving, kind, funny, clumsy (I hate to give her the label, but she just can't help it)... Those are just a few adjectives to describe our princess.

Tabitha is all girl. She wants to do very girly things like fix her hair, paint her nails, and get dressed up. Then before you blink she's in the mud with the boys or on the ball field hitting balls and running bases.  Her brothers are her best buddies. She IS "Taylor's girl." I imagine they will be life long best friends. Carissa looks up to her and wants to copy everything she does. Tabitha is so helpful with Seth. He loves to give her hugs and kisses.

Mommy and Daddy love you princess! You are a blessing to us. Always remember, "You are fearfully and wonderfully made!"

Happy 5th Birthday!!!!
























Saturday, May 11, 2013

Mud day, Fun day!

It was a beautiful Spring morning. Everyone was in a fantastic mood. Mommy decided the time had come for haircuts. All the children obeyed and looked nice and neat with their cool new styles. Mommy and the children enjoyed the sunshine while eating breakfast on the deck. Soon after, each child got all cleaned up with a bath. 

As the school day was about to begin, a turtle was discovered! (The second turtle in 2 weeks)
 This led to a photo shoot by the family photographer, Daddy.

 Together everyone set the turtle free in the creek and then enjoyed lunch together. 
While Mommy was cleaning up from lunch, the children decided to check on the turtle. 
 They built their new friend, Buddy, a fort. The walls were perfect for a small reptile such as he or she. 
 So caring, loving, and gentle were these sweet children. 
 But somehow, caring for the tutle turned into this...
 and this...
 aaaand this......


 That's okay, Mommy fixed all the problems by this....
 and this.....
 aaaaand this.....


Needless to say, the formal studies of the day didn't get completed. However, we learned that turtles like to swim, mud can look like war paint, you can create shaving cream by spitting on your muddy legs and rubbing it in, rain boots make good buckets, sometimes your allowed to get undressed outside,  paying for mud treatments is overrated, and lastly mom's can be cool!