Balancing Act

I'm sorry I've been gone for so long, but you, see things have been out of balance. And when I say things...I mean most everything in my life. Let's begin with the moving of the weights.

First weight: I have only recently been having a daily Bible and prayer time on a consistent basis again. This was the first weight on the wrong side of the scale. Christ promised, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you," and he has always kept his promise. I also made a promise to Christ to be faithful, but I have time and time and time and time again done exactly that. I have left. I have forsaken. But God is so good, so merciful, so gracious. He sent his Son to die on the cross so that I could have life, and continually I toss it aside. But, He stays. He never leaves. He loves me, and most miraculously of all He pulls me back into his arms, holds me close to His heart, and puts me back in my place of honor as His child as if it never happened. Now? I still disappoint my Father, but I am not ignoring it. I am more aware of my sins, am more appalled by my own sinfulness. God has put a much larger mirror in front of my face, and though I still see my own reflection instead of His, "...I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."(Phil 1:6)

Second weight: I became more interested in what was happening on Facebook or in politics than I was with my family and my home. Some of you know this about me, but I love to learn. I am a fount of sometimes usefull information because I read everything. Search engines are a dangerous tool for me. I may begin by searching for a recipie, but I will end up 3 hours later learning about vermicomposting and how to use the resultant product. During this time, I would kinda sorta take care of things. I would keep the kids fed, clothed, and safe, but I was not being their Momma. Thank God, this part started after we were finished with school and my children's education did not suffer. But my relationship with them did, and that is far more important. The housework? Well, it suffers still, but for a different reason. I'm snuggling on the couch with my babies and a book. How did I get past this? Rock. He is truly my rock. I wouldn't be who I am if it wasn't for him. He fulfills his job as my spiritual leader. I thank God he has given me Rock. Rock basically grounded me from the computer for almost a month. I still go to my favorite websites to read, but I am only allowed a certain amount of time.

Third weight: This part is physiological, and I have an appointment with my Dr. at the end of this week. Please pray for my Dr. that she will have wisdom to be able to help me. My hormones are all out of whack. Which basically means that I am fighting for control of my emotions 2 weeks out of each month. This is new ground for me. I have never really had many of the symptoms of PMS, and only slight cases of Baby Blues for a couple of weeks right after my babies were born. Now? Rock has to rescue me at least a couple of days a month, and I am fighting tears the rest of the time. The symptoms have gotten worse, but since I have been having a daily quiet time I do not have feelings of panic.

Slowly but surely, the scales are tipping back into balance. I understand the reality of weight one and weight two. These are direct results of my disobedience to God, but again He restored my soul, and He will lead me down the paths of righteousness for His names sake. I do not understand the whys and wherefores of weight number three, but I do know that He is saying to me as He said to the Apostle Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor 12:9)

Have a Blessed Day Everyone!

Coloring Eggs

In our family we have always loved coloring eggs. Why? I don't really know, but we do. I know that my brother and I would color eggs and hide and hunt them when we were in college. We of course did this indoors, because we wouldn't want people to think we are weird or anything.

Well, Rock and I have now passed down this love to all of our offspring. It is a big deal when out come the dye, stickers, crayons, and anything else we might want to try.

Professor makes sure that all of his eggs have something to say. I believe that one of them even said, "I am yummy!"

Princess is a decorator. Her eggs had designs instead of sayings.

Look at those eyes!


We honestly didn't expect Warrior to get this involved, but he was very quiet and focused throughout the whole thing.

This was Baby J's first foray into egg decorating, and as you can see he was a natural. Nothing gets by this kid.

And Daddy had to get some baby loves while waiting for the eggs to dry.

This is what fun looks like!

Almost done...

Next year we plan on getting more creative...I think they are ready for it.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Radical Here

Well, apparently I am a "radicalized right wing extremist," and should watch out for the DHS (funny how Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Human Services have the same initials...and the same incompetence. But I digress),who now view me as a threat to national security, because I dare to think on my own. But, even worse, I teach my children to think on their own. That whole independent thought thing really scares some members of the Roman Senate Congress, because we are actually beginning to questions their viability as advocates representatives of the people.

The fact that you may have now been declared a radical is not new news to some of you, but for those of you who haven't heard about or read the DHS Office of Intelligence (snicker)and Analysis report. I have provided a pdf file of it for you. After you read it, I think that most of you will find scary similarities between this piece of propaganda and those of the Nazi SS. As in there are no statistics or evidence to support their fears only suppositions and generalities. It targets our Veterans as potential victims to be recruited and radicalized. It demonizes law abiding citizens who believe we should be granted our rights guaranteed by the US Constitution, by deeming us all racists and anarchists. And while I believe that federal/state/local Government has no place in my home, and the smallest amount of Government possible should be utilized, I also believe that no government leads to...well, anarchy.

I am now going to leave you with this link to the article by Michelle Malkin addressing this new "threat." She is much more well spoken than I, plus she has sources and resources. But don't take her word (or mine) for it. Check it out for yourself.

Tax Day Tea Party

Today I took my children on an extreme field trip. "Where to?" You ask. Why we went to one of our local Tax Day Tea Parties. We are talking citizenship in action. The exercise of "free speech" and "lawful assembly." And Oh the irony that we are studying the Boston Tea Party in our school right now. Yes, I know, there was no tea thrown into a harbor in the middle of North Texas, at least where I was there wasn't. And we weren't protesting taxation without representation, but we were protesting the spending spree our congress has been on since January. I was, and so were several others to whom I talked, also protesting HB 1444 which will form a bipartisan committee to research the feasibility of a "mandatory volunteer" program for all citizens of certain ages (since it also includes Seniors who are retired). Even my 9 year old son said, "Mandatory volunteer? Hey that's an oxymoron!" I wanted to say, "Exactly son. An idea made by a bunch of morons," but being a responsible Mother, and wanting to teach my children a healthy respect for our government, and at that moment not being inclined to kindly explain to him why it was wrong, I simply praised him for his prowess in grammar.





Now, there are some of you who would say, "Are you crazy? You took 5 children to a political rally/protest where there could have been violence?" And I would say to you, "Darn tootin!" You see, here in the great state of Texas, we are charged, as homeschoolers, with a mandate to teach our children citizenship. Well, here you go...Citizenship 101. A government for the people and by the people cannot exist without the people. If all we do is sit around and wait for something to happen, something will happen, but we will have no right to complain about it if we didn't at least make our voices heard. However, because I am a responsible mother I also had an exit strategy. Before we even left the house, I talked to the kids about where we were going, and what was going to happen. I also told them that there would be people there who did not agree with the protest, and that these people could say ugly things to us while we were there, but they probably wouldn't. So, if this happened, then they were not to say anything back, not to respond in any way, and were to stay within arms reach of me. I also told them that if I said "Let's go!" then they were to immediately and as quickly as possible come with me. Then I made sure to position myself where I could get away quickly if at all necessary.


Well, I am glad to say that I did not need my exit strategy. I was also pleased at the atmosphere in and around the rally. One of the speakers mentioned the counter protesters and made it known that they also had a right to make their voices heard, then he made his voice heard. Not only he, but others as well. He even talked about the fact that this protest was not just Republicans, but also Democrats, Libertarians, Independents, and Constitutionalists, and that even though we do not all agree on everything 100% of the time, we can stand together when there is something (insert bill passed in the last 86 days) this heinously wrong going on. " Those with the counter protest that I encountered were as gracious as they could be. They had their signs and literature. We had our signs and literature. And at no time was I harassed. I was offered literature, which I read and promptly put in the recycling bin. It was a good example of how a protest should happen.



My only regret about this day was, that I didn't bring the camera. Mamma's babies at their first protest rally! Awwwwww!

My First Born

Poor Professor, his Mother was sick on his birthday and the week following. So, it has taken me a week to post about my boy turning 9.

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

Look how big he is...

And he didn't complain when I couldn't make him a decorated birthday cake. He got canned icing.

Resurection Day

Low in the grave He lay,
Jesus my Saviour!
Waiting the coming day,
Jesus my Lord!

Vainly they watched His bed,
Jesus my Saviour!
Vainly they seal the dead,
Jesus my Lord!

Death cannot keep his prey,
Jesus my Saviour!
He tore the bars away,
Jesus my Lord!

Up from the grave He arose,
with a mighty triumph o'er His foes;
He arose the victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign.
He arose!
He arose!
Hallelujah!
CHRIST AROSE!

I've got more to say but...

Just so you know I haven't dropped off the face of the earth...here is a little video I liked.

Thank You Notes

So, God has been dealing with me and my independence. "Thanks, but I've got it." Used to be my mantra. I was raised to be sufficient, to do for yourself, to take care of others, and to not be a burden. The problem is that I sometimes have a problem distinguishing between "being a burden" and "needing help."

Last Monday, Rock woke up feeling a little puny. So, he stayed at home and worked here. Then that evening he had a big region meeting. When he came home, he was more than a little puny, he was sick and in pain. By the middle of the night he was really in pain, as in literally writhing in pain. So we decided the next morning to feed and clothe the kids, and go to the Dr. We were at the Dr. by 10 am, and by 11 am Rock was out of the Dr.'s office with orders to go to the ER.

Okay, now what.

I have to find someone to watch the kids. I can't take them to the ER. Who knows how long we'll be there. So I called one of the lovely young ladies in our church, we'll call her Angel. I didn't give her much time, but since she is such a sweet young lady she was ready in less than 10 minutes, when I picked her up from her house. One problem...she had a play rehearsal at 4:00. Well, at least the kids were taken care of for now.

Off to the hospital, and while on the way, I was making phone calls to Rock's managers, his boss, our pastors, and our family. We arrived at the hospital around 12 pm, and they promptly called Rock in to take his vitals, put him in a room, and came in to take blood and fluids for tests. Then the waiting happened. Rock was so tired and in so much pain he didn't want to talk, and didn't want to be talked to. So, I read a book I thought to take with me, every now and then remembered someone I needed to call, and fielded calls from Rocks phone to his Area Managers.

Wait, who was going to relieve Angel. I'd think about that while I called our neighbor (remember the one who rescued me from my migraine), to let her know I wouldn't be there to watch her son after school. Well, not only did she not need me to watch her son, but she immediately offered to watch the kids. She would be home just after 3 pm, so Angel would easily be able to get to her rehearsal. Okay, kids taken care of. More waiting.

Then the nurse came in and started an IV in Rock. He was extremely dehydrated, and he needed antibiotics because the blood tests showed his white blood cells were very elevated. Next the Dr. came in and asked questions and examined Rock. The first Dr.'s office had done an X-ray, but they decided they needed to do a ct scan. So a little while later they came in and took Rock for that scan. After he returned, it was less than an hour, and the nurse and Dr. were back in to tell us the bad news. Rock had diverticulitis, and had it bad enough that they were going to admit him to the hospital. Okay! Now we wait for a bed and a room. I called our neighbor to let her know that I was going to wait until Rock was settled in a room, and then I would be on my way home. It was 5:00. Not a problem, she was feeding them, and they were playing with her kids. More waiting.

For some reason this time the waiting seemed to go on forever. Around 6:45 I realized that it was going to be well past the kids bedtime before I got home, and our neighbor's sons had school the next morning. So, I called one of our pastors and his wife. They love taking care of the kids. They weren't home, but I left a message knowing they would call ASAP. Around 7 pm my parents called and said they were coming down to help. Around 7:15 our pastor called. It wasn't a problem, they would love to help. So, I called my neighbor to let her know they would be picking up the kids. They picked them up, took them across the street, read them a couple of stories, a Bible story, a Proverb, and put them to bed. And in true Grandparent style, they let Warrior wear his Mr. Incredible costume to bed.

Well, we got Rock in a room around 9 pm (in the maternity ward because the rest of the hospital was full), and they promptly came in, and gave him some pain killer. Nighty, night Rock. I got home, in time to eat something and go to bed.

The next morning, Z-Man's father called. "Did I need him to keep Z-man so that I could take care of Rock?" No, Z-Man is great, and really easy to care for. So as soon as he got to the house, I loaded all the kids in the suburban and headed to the hospital with Rock's stuff to see Daddy. You should have seen the looks on the faces of the volunteers and staff when I came into that hospital with Baby J on my hip and my 4 little ducks all in a row behind me. The kids were perfectly behaved. My parents showed up later that afternoon, and my neighbor cooked dinner for us. Then because my Mom and Dad were there, I was able to spend the evening at the hospital with Rock.

Thursday was pretty much a repeat of Wednesday, and Friday we were able to bring Rock home to actually rest. During this time, I tried to keep people up to date on Facebook, and through phone calls. We had more offers of help than I could accept, and more prayers than I could have ever imagined.

My parents when home on Saturday, since my Daddy had to be in the pulpit on Sunday, but the help didn't stop there. A little later that morning, Angel's father showed up at our house where he proceeded to mow and weed-eat the yard. How's that for a servants heart?

Now, what is the point of this terribly long tale? I wouldn't have been able to take care of Rock, without the generous help of my friends and family. And, I didn't tell you that along the way, I was often tempted to say, "Thanks but I've got it covered." I did say that to my parents, but they came anyway. And even though Rock's illness was not necessarily life threatening, because of the knowledge that I would have more than enough help, I was able to take care of my family.

I can truly say to each and every one of my friends and family, I am so blessed that Christ has given you to me.

Thank You

Proverbs brought to life

One of my favorite books of the Bible is Proverbs because it is always timely and true. Whenever I need to correct behavior in my children (or myself), I can always find the words and authority I need in this blessed book of wisdom. This time they came from Proverbs 27:10

Do not forsake your own friend or your father's friend, Nor go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.(NKJV)

Now, I have a great relationship with my brother and my sis-n-law, but they live 5 hours away. So when I came down with a sick headache on Friday was I ever glad to have a wonderful neighbor nearby.

My headache started as, what I thought was a sinus headache, but quickly turned into a senses dulling, stomach turning, light and sound amplifying, lying on the couch with your face in a pillow and your hands over your ears, hoping that the kids don't destroy the house because you can't stop them, would rather be giving birth migraine. I called Rock, who was in Dallas at a regional meeting, to tell him I had a headache and I might need him to come home. Or, at least I tried to let him know that. I'm not real sure my words were all that coherent, as it hurt to even try to form a complete thought. Then I proceeded to try to get lunch on the table for my children. Well, the room began to sway. Then it began to be covered in purple and green spots. So...I wisely begot myself to the couch, and called on my neighbor.

Me: S___.

S: Well, Hi!

Me: I have a huge favor to ask of you.

S: Sure. What do you need.

Me: Can you come over and put lunch on the table for the kids. I can't get off the couch.

S: I'll be right there.

My darling neighbor came over, fixed lunch - from her own fridge no less - for the kids, changed Baby J's diaper and put him down to bed. All while I lay on the couch praying for sleep or death whichever would come fastest. Now, while this is an awesome act of service and kindness, let us not forget that during the day I have 5 children ages 8-17mo in my care. I am so blessed to have such neighbors and to be able to call them my friends.

Now, lest I forget, let me commend my own children. During the time that I was incapacitated, Professor and Princess kept the younger ones entertained, changed diapers, fixed snacks, and picked up messes. How's that for good kids?

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

It could be termed "cruel and unusual punishment; " the fact that I made 265 cupcakes last night, put them on a table that Baby J can now reach, and then said the dreaded "n" word. And, if you ask Baby J he would tell you that it is indeed torture.

This is what 265 cupcakes look like all laid out on a table.

This is what a 17 month old looks like after being told, "No, no. You can't have the cupcakes."

This is what happens the very minute that Mommy turns her back.

Good thing there were extras.

I'll let him finish it later.

Christmas Day (Catch-Up #2)

Christmas morning began rather calmly. I woke up, went into the kitchen, put the breakfast casserole in the oven (all without waking CarlDog, who was asleep on the sofa), and waited. I didn't really have to wait very long, as my nephews are early risers ( a trait I have successfully trained out of my children). I then began the task of keeping them fairly quiet until the rest of the kids woke up. It didn't take long, and I want you to know that those kids waited very patiently to open their presents until all were assembled in the living room.

Here the 5 older grandkids wait patiently for the adults to assemble...with Bohemian being the last one up.

Then chaos ensued.

I didn't manage to get very many pictures of the kids opening their gifts, as they were all to excited and moving faster than even my SLR digital could comprehend. Plus, I have decided that I like to watch the proceedings without a camera lens between me and the action. Baby J wasn't too sure about all the hubbub, but of one thing he was sure...He now had a ball.

I had to include this picture, because very seldom did we see Baby J and Lil' Spitfire sitting next to each other where one or both were not yelling and/or screaming at the other. We're not too worried as Warrior and Mr. Goldencurls couldn't get along at one time either, and now can't wait to play together.

It didn't take Baby J long to figure out how to use that Batman sword. Bonus: it makes noise (Bonus for Momma: it has an off switch)

Now, I know you are wondering why there is a picture of all the ladies in the house, and the grandkids sitting on top of a big lump. Well, the thing is...my baby brother is a huge night owl. Remember how we played Wii after the kids went to bed. Around 1 am those of us with a working knowledge of clocks and time, went to bed. Bohemian and Carldog...well they were still playing when I woke up at 4 am because of one of my children getting sick in their bed (Poor Warrior ended up with a stomach bug on Christmas day. The rest of us had it a couple days later). After the festivities of the gifts, Bohemian decided that he needed to take a nap. Well, Busybee and I decided that he needed to be up to help coral all the children so that all of the adults could get ready and could get the kids ready before the rest of the family arrived. So, being the thoughtful wife and sister that we are, we recruited the children to come and jump on their Uncle/Papa until he got up. Of course, we couldn't let them have all the fun, and did a little bit of jumping, tickling, and pestering ourselves; and my loving mother, of course, felt it incumbent upon her to also help.

Eventually we got him to this position, and called it good.

Now every year, since I can remember, we get up on Christmas morning, open our gifts, get ready, get in the car, and drive a minimum of 2 hours to my Grandparents' home. It is something I always enjoyed. However, this year my parents and grandparents wisely decided that it would be easier for my Grandparents to drive the two hours, than it would be for our family of 13 to pack up and travel. (Yes, 13 people in my parents 1900 square foot house. 7 adults, 6 children all 8 years old and under, and 5 dogs. It was fun. Honestly.)

Now, most people would panic at the thought of suddenly having to cook Christmas dinner for 20+ people (my Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and their offspring came later), but I have this little demented side. I think I could kick Martha Stewart's uppity little tush when it comes to entertaining. It may not be as fancy and formal, but the food will be good, the company entertaining, and I won't be rushing you out the door. I love to have people over, and if it involves a really complicated timetable...Bring It On. So, with help from my Mother and Sister we got dinner served, a little late but served none the less. We opened a few more presents, and generally had a wonderful visit with our family.

Christmas Eve (Catch-Up #1)

In our family Christmas Eve is called Dad's Birthday. The only thing for which my Father asks is that his family be there to eat dinner with him. However, because my brother, Bohemian, is a Youth Minister, it can be difficult to get us all there on that day as Bohemian usually has Christmas Eve services at his church. For some reason churches expect their ministers to be at the church when they have services. Go figure. I digress. I also got off subject. So, we all managed to be there this year, and it was way fun.

I spent all day cooking for Christmas day, and my fantastic Mother and Sis-n-Law, BusyBee, spent the day helping me and keeping the kids and dogs out from underneath my feet. The kids played, the adults visited, and pretty much a good time was had by all.

After dinner, but before bed time, we allow the kids to open one present...that present is (drum roll) pajamas. And believe it or not, it is actually a present that they kids look forward to getting. Then of course we have to put them on the couch for that all too important group photo of the grandchildren. After 15 or 20 (million) attempts at getting all 6 of them to look in the general direction of the camera, we will manage to get at least one passable picture.

Here they are! Aren't they cute?

Lil' Spitfire, Professor, Baby J, Warrior, Mr. Goldencurls, and Princess

And being the very sophisticated family that we are, we had to get a picture of all of them sticking their tongues out. Because we are very proud parents.

Now, all the kids got really cute pj's, but I think that Baby J's took the cake.

Nana-nana-nana-nana. Nana-nana-nana-nana. Batman!



complete with cape!

Now, of course, after all the frivolity of getting to open presents, and getting to change into new pajamas, the kids are very calm and ready for bed. And everyone who believes that...we now know you do not have children.

How many grandkids can you fit into an expandable ball? The world may never know, but you can fit 4 into this one.

Here Professor and Baby J "help" CarlDog work on his computer. For those of you who do not know, CarlDog is my adopted brother. Not legally, but who needs papers when your family!?

Here Grandpa and Mr. Cash Pugface try to help Mr. Goldencurls calm down for bed. Mr. Cash was a new addition to our family this year...he made himself right at home...and what's more we all loved him.





Now being the wonderful grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles that we are we did play Wii...

After the kids went to bed.

The Sweetest Words

The sweetest words in all the world are

"I u u"

Especially when spoken by this face.

For those of you who do not speak toddler, he said

"I Love You"

I'm a Goober!!!

I Sooooooooo want this book!!!

I am a true goober, because I am (and have been for as long as I can remember) a Miss Piggy fan. Maybe it's because she remindes me so much of ...well, me. She is demanding, vivacious, bossy to the point of irritating, she eats like a...well, a pig, and she can drop kick the nearest person/frog/muppet who happens to tick her off. Plus, unlike me, she manages to be all those things with style and every hair in place. Okay, so I'm not all of those things overtly, after all I have to live in polite society. But...I still want this book.

Then after I went to Barnes and Noble.com to find out how much it was and if it was in stock, I found these.

Wouldn't these make a great addition to my library? I mean who needs Bronte, Melville, or Austin...Bring on the Pig.

Oh, there you are...

I have just found my way back to my computer. As I have not had any time to actually sit down and write a post, I have been keeping up with friends and family the old fashioned way...the phone. You see I have Blocked Writers Syndrome; not writers block, as that would mean that I have nothing to say, and that is never the case. I mean Blocked Writer's Syndrome; I can't seem to get to the computer to use it for more than a couple of minutes. I have so many things rolling around in my little head just waiting to be published, and I assure you they are going to be worth the minutes and minutes you are going to be wating with bated breath to read.

So, just be patient with me because it is late and I am going to bed, because I think it has forgotten who I am.

Okay, okay...

So, over the Christmas Holiday I sent out Christmas cards and told everyone to "keep up with us on my blog" However, if you will look at the date on my last post it has now been one month since I posted. Can anyone say slacker? Well, hopefully things will slow down soon, since Rock has started Tax Season, and we are back in the swing of school. Believe it or not, I have ideas for several posts, and am wanting to share more day to day and home school stuff. In the mean time (or is it meen time?), if you want to read someone who consistently posts either check out Monks Wife or Virginia Guthries and you will have more than enough to read.