An Update

Things are going well here. We had a bit of a scare with the baby. When I went in for my sonogram the babys bladder was very enlarged. This is not a good thing. We began to pray and pray that the Lord would just touch the baby and when we went to the specialist, there would be no problem. I am so happy to say that the Lord answered our prayers!! Yesterday was our specialist appointment, and they saw a completely normal baby!! Thank you Lord!!

I will still need to have some scans, to check the baby, but I feel confident that everything is just fine.

The kids are enjoying reading Mcguffey Readers right now. They are really helping some of our slower readers to get things moving. These are wonderful books.

We are looking forward to cooler weather, and being outside more!!

Baby Things

I was feeling really good today. Sewing is such therapy for me, so with all my energy thats what I did. Here is what I made and sold (yeahhh!) today. They *could* be for real babies, however, I sold these on my dolly forums. :)





And here is my newest baby. No, I didn't make this one, I bought her. This is Julia, she is a preemie resin baby.

Having a good day

Today has been really good! The all.day.morning.sickness hasn't had me on the couch today. I was able to cook two meals, and eat them! We caught up on some housework that needed to be done, and I didn't have to have a nap! Things seem to come in spurts with this baby. I will have a really good day, and then a really tough one. Of course, when I am feeling my worst, I think of how healthy this little one must be, to have such strong hormones making Mama feel so sick. Sick is a good sign.

I ordered a doppler and it should be here in the next week or so. I am excited about getting to hear baby's heartbeat. That is such a sweet sound to my ears. Next week, I am starting to look for a doctor too. I am praying the Lord guides us in choosing someone that will meet our needs well.

In the meantime Benjamin is quite the nursing champ. He doesn't look like he will self wean anytime in the future. I am praying for an easy transition since he will have to be completely weaned before this baby arrives. We are going to have a planned cesarean, and I will have to be away from him for several days. I was hoping he would lose interested as he got older and busier. No chance of that. I am a little sad about it, it seems like he was just a newborn yesterday. It has been wonderful being able to comfort him with nursing whenever he is hurt, sick, or sleepy. He will be almost two when I plan on weaning him, and I know he has greatly benefited from that amount of time.

This picture was so cute. Marendy was playing babies, and she had them all piled up on her stroller. Like...um....all 15 of them, LOL. She pushed them in to where I was and said..."Look Mama, I have a lot of babies, I suuuurrreee am blessed, huh?" Yes baby, you sure are!

A New Blessing is on the Way!!

We are so excited!! I looks like the Lord has blessed our family once again. I found out I was expecting on Brady's birthday. I wanted to wait until Fathers Day to tell Gary, but couldn't stand it. So, we had a quiet dinner just the two of us, and I told him the good news. Afterwards, we told all the children. Then, we called our parents. Everyone is so happy for us. I pray for a healthy baby to hold in several months. I am thankful beyond words. I truly feel unworthy to have such gifts bestowed upon me. Thank you Father for this little miracle.

Here is the little gift I gave Gary to tell him. Baby is due at the end of February.

Happy Birthday Brady

I can't believe my oldest is 14 today! Happy Birthday Brady! You are growing into a fine young man. I look forward to watching your life, and seeing what the Lord has in store for your future.

Our Vacation!

Well we have had a wonderful week and a half! We took off to Pigeon Forge for our 15th anniversary, and stayed 5 days. My mom was nice enough to come along and watch the children during the day, so Gary and I were able to spend some time alone. We went to dinner a few times, did some shopping, went to museums and galleries, and saw a few shows that were there too. It was such a wonderful blessing to have my husband all to myself for a while.

We weren't the only ones that had a good time. In the morning's and evening's we all went rafting, cooked on the grill, and did all the fun things you do while camping. It did feel like cheeting sometimes though, because it was so convenient to have the camper there.

I can't believe I have already been married 15 years. I give the Lord all the praise and glory for the wonderful marriage I have. I am so thankful for my husband. I look forward to our next 15 years together. Just like the note he left me on my mirror....it gets better, and better everyday, and truly, it does.

Creating Lifelike Baby Dolls

One of my pursuits is doll's. As a little girl they stayed near me as I dreamed of one day being a Mama, with my own babies to hold. Now that I am older I still appreciate the art of dolls, and still very much enjoy them. This is something the girls and I enjoy together too.

I have dabbled in several types of dollmaking. Currently I create lifelike newborns, often referred to as "reborns". To me, they are an artistic model of one of the most precious things on earth!

Here is my latest baby...







You can view more photos of "Lilly" on ebay at this link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=200348096478

Library Day, Swimming, Swimsuits

We went to the library today, and filled our basket with lots of good things to read. That is one of our favorite places to go, and I try to do it each week. We are blessed to have a wonderful library here. These past few weeks have been spent reading about beekeeping, sharks, self sufficient living, Johnny Appleseed, horses, and King Arthur. Pretty eclectic mix heh?

It was really warm this afternoon when we got home(Or maybe I should say warmer, because I know the really warm stuff is yet to be seen this year). So, we let Benjamin play in his little pool. He had so much fun. Of course, he was having so much fun, that before long, he had company! I had my camera set wrong for some of these.

I have been working on swimsuits for the girls. After last year, I knew that storebought suits just werent an option for us. We had the girls putting clothes over them, for modesty sakes, anyway. I know that really wasnt very practical for swimming. So, I designed these. They weren't hard to do at all. I made the top just like a tank. The bottoms are bike shorts style, with an attatched skirt. I didn't want this to feel bulky, so there is no elastic. It has a yoga style waist band. Marendy's is on the cutting table now. I hope to get it finished up in the next day or two. The girls picked out their own fabrics. Marendy's is pink, of course. I will be sure to show hers once it's finished.

Benjamin is getting so big. He is 17 months already. I got these pictures while he was in his little pool today.





Playing Boo with Mama...


Just being cute!

Summer Clothes

The machines have been humming here. First off, I finished these fun Hawaiian print tank dresses. I think they are perfect for really hot days that are on the way. The girls sure are enjoying them. I took a normal tank top pattern and just lengthened it to where we wanted the dresses hem to be.

It sure does feel nice to have my little ladies so excited about what Mama makes for them.

Next was chick tank tops. The pattern is from the Ottobre Design magazine. I think the issue is 02/05. The fabric is buttery soft (think Gymboree), and feels like it will hold up to many washings. This was a coop fabric, I just got in a few days ago. If I had known it would be so soft, I would of ordered a bit more. The skirts are repurpoused dresses. I cut the tops off and added a waist band. Easy Peasy.

Benjamin was busy surfing on the computer chair so we didn't get a still shot of him in his new set. I love the way these board shorts came out. Instead of just hemming the end, I added a band of contrasting fabric and gathered them just a teensy bit. So cute!

Get Behind Me Satan

What an eye opening post. I believe this is something we need to be on constant guard of! This really spoke to me today, I hope it will be to you as well.

http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/2009/05/get-behind-me-satan.html

Free DiGiorno Flatbread

If your like me, and you like to get a bargain, go here http://flatbreadmelts.digiorno.movies.msn.com/coupon.aspx
and get a coupon for a free Flatbread Pizza! Hurry though,
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I have been visiting Crystals blog over at Money Saving Mom for
a while now. She always has freebies and good deals there.


I try to make things stretch as far as possible. I shop clearance,
frequent thrift shops, and make many, many things. I also
use coupons. To learn more about making your money stretch
visit Money Saving Mom!

Croup

Benjamin woke up with a fever and some serious strider in the middle of the night. I immediately steamed up the bathroom and sat in there with him for 10 minutes. After no improvement, we went out into the cool night air. He was still very raspy, and I knew we would have to take him in for some epinephrine treatments at the hospital. After years of treating Marendy with stymptoms like this, I am pretty familiar with what will have to happen. Baylen rode with me, while Gary stayed home with the sleeping children. We went to our local hospital because it was so much closer (20 minutes away), and he was pretty bad. After several hours, x-rays, and breathing treatments, we were on our way back home, and he was a *little* better. We laid down for about an hour. I woke up to more crouping and called his Pediatrician. She said what I knew, he needed to go to the Children's Hospital. I handed out orders to the other kids from the steamy bathroom, while holding Benjamin. We were out the door in about 15-20 minutes. Gary was driving a little over the speed limit, and we ended up getting pulled over. I think this was actually a good thing because the police man called an ambulance for us, that took us all the way to the Children's Hospital. Benjamin was able to get oxygen the whole way there (over an hour) which eased my mind a great deal.

They admitted us overnight there. I was so thankful, because he needed several epinephrine treatments. All together I think he had 6-7. When Gary and the other kids went home, Brady stayed with Benjamin and I, to be a help. That night was pretty scary. Thankfully though, I know someone that's good to lean on. Someone that answers the prayers of worried Mamas during the night. Thank you again Lord. I was able to bring my baby home. The crouping is gone, and he is left with just a cold. We trying to get things back to normal now.

My Place at Home

I am humbled, thankful beyond words, that the Lord has seen fit to place me here. I am truly living out my dreams. When I was a little girl, I wanted most to be a Mommy. To hold babies of my own in my arms. To love them, and care for them. At one time I wanted to be a teacher. To be able to teach children, read to them, help them. There was even a time I wanted to design clothes. All of these things are a daily reality for me. I spend my days with my children, teaching them, and learning alongside them. Caring for them in every way they need. I am the one that gets to joy in their learning to read, understanding a new match concept, and even taking that first little wobbly step.

Some days I go upstairs to my studio and make dresses. Yes, I get to be that designer. After having Madison, the Lord taught me to sew. I am so thankful for that. It is such a joy to create beautiful things with my hands. My dresses have been sold all over the country. Sometimes bringing a profit. Although I enjoy that, I have to say that the greatest reward is using this ability to serve my family. The Lord knew I would use this skill over and over again. Sometimes to dress our own children, and sometimes to sell my goods afar.

I am a teacher. (Although, I am thoroughly convinced that I do much more learning than teaching.) Yes, we do reading, and writing, and math. But there is so much more in our days. Anything that becomes an interested to one of us, is taught. We not only learn it, we do it. Hands on, touching, feeling....living it. We are learning to farm, and garden. To build, and cook. To manage finances, and run businesses. To help and encourage. To be self sufficient. To love the elderly. To love babies. To work on vehicles. To make almost everything we need. To make wise decisions. To trust the Lord. To sing, and play instruments. To be patient. To serve. To give. Yes, we are learning, more, and more everyday.

It breaks my heart to think of my children being in a building of strangers day in and day out, without Gary or I there to guide them, and help them. The years we have to mold them are so short and even now, I think of all the things I hope to teach them. I think of all the qualities, Lord willing, I hope to instill. I think of all the character traits I pray they have. I can't begin to imagine not having all the hours with them I do now, and being able to raise them to be capable young men and women, ready to serve the Lord in all things.

I feel so sorry for the mom's that are waking up only to rush out of their home. To drop their children off in daycare, and schools. Only to go to work for hours doing what someone else (not their husband) asks of them all day. They return home, to only do it again the next day.

I cannot imagine any other place I would rather be than in my home. God has placed me there, and I rejoice in that. I don't take for granted that all my needs are supplied, to do as I wish each day. Lord, help me to make the most of all of these things you have given me. To realize what a high calling I have here at home. To serve you with it all. To raise these children to be honoring to you. To equip them to do anything their life may require. Help me to see each day as it is, a gift from you with many, many possibilites.

Strawberry Picking

Yesterday was a perfect day to pick berries. The children and I visited a local farm, to do just that. This was the first time we have picked our own berries. I wanted to do this at least once before the weather gets unbearably hot, like it does here in Georgia. Even Benjamin picked a few. He was too sweet walking down the berry isles ooohing and ahhhing over the pretty red berries. When we left he had a red little face, I think he did more sampling than picking.

The farm was close to Gary's jobsite this week. Since he builds buildings, the location changes often. It was nice to get to stop and visit with him for a few minuites during the day. We fed him strawberries too.

On the way home, we stoped to see our dear neighbor. We enjoyed the sunshine, and watching little ones play in the grass, and chase bubbles. She has a box full of blue sand for her little grandson. It seems to be that sandboxes are thoroughly enjoyed by all children, big and little alike. I would love to get a sandbox for them this year. It will have to be one thats easy to keep closed, because we have lots of critters here in the woods.

When we got home, the baby still hadn't had a nap. I bathed him, and layed him down. Not long after that Gary was home. We spent the evening in our little playhouse (aka the camper..). We have so much fun out there. It's like a little cabin, where we are all close together. We ate dinner there. While the little ones watched a video in there room, Mama and Daddy had a cup of coffee. It was a good day.

Our weekend

I love the weekends. Gary is home, and we are all together. All week long the children and I look forward to no more school work, and just being with Gary. We are usually out and about for much of the weekend. Sunday is church, and half the time we have services at the nursing home as well. Saturday we go out to eat, get groceries, etc. More often than not, Gary takes the little ones somewhere while I go in a store or two by myself. That is always so nice.


This weekend we hooked up our camper and took it to town. We went to Wal-mart and stocked up on non food things we were still needing to put in there. Next, was Aldi's, for food stocking. I think that now, officially, I have more food in the camper than in the house! I was amazed at how much fit in there. Gary wanted to have it full of things that wouldn't perish quickly. This is good for emergencies, and for the trips we have planned.

On Friday we are going camping for the first time, in our camper (well, the first time if you don't count staying in our backyard). There is a nice state park not too far from here, and we are spending a few days there. I will be sure to update with pictures from our trip when we get home. The kids are so excited, because we have been looking at these for a few years now. It has plenty of room inside, and I think having two separate bedrooms will make all the difference when we are in there for more than a day or two.

And here is Miss Marendy. Sitting at the counter, ready to go camp. The kids love the little stools that are in the kitchen. Mama thinks they are pretty neat too.

On our way home from town, our car is full of singing. We take turns choosing hymns to sing. I think this is some of the sweetest worship I have ever had. The Lord fills our car with his sweet spirit, as we sing of his goodness, and think on his grace. Even little Benjamin is singing now. He doesn't get the words quite yet, but I think the Lord is pleased.

The men in my life

I wanted to share some pictures with you. Benjamin looked to me, like a little prince in his Strasburg suit. I especially love the picture of Gary holding him. I like Gary's hand there, with Benjamin's tiny hand sitting on top of it. How sweet.

I look at these and realize how gracious our Lord is. Benjamin shouldn't even be here. I had a tubal ligation after Marendy was born. Through the mercy of the Lord, it was reversed, and we conceived another blessing. I can't tell you how much joy this little boy brings to our family. He lights up the rooms here in our little home. His sweet face is a continued reminder to me. These precious little ones are on loan to us. We must be diligent in training them in the Lord. I pray that each of my children go on to serve Him in every aspect of their lives.

I think my job is the best in the world. I love being home with my children, and being able to put all of my efforts and energy into raising them. I hold tight the task of making my home a wonderful place, so that my husbands misses it greatly, and can't wait to walk back into those doors each evening.

Benjamin is growing so fast! He loves being outside now that the weather has warmed up. I let the children go in the front yard during the afternoons, while I sew. I watch them from my window upstairs. They love their little brother so much! They take the red wagon and give him rides all around the yard. He likes to pick up sticks and rocks, and play in the dirt! As such is boys... Notice the little scrape on his leg in his pictures?

He has two fine young men to help mold him. His big brothers are as different as night and day. I love that about them.

Baylen has patience, and can build most anything. He takes joy in all that the Lord created. Growing gardens, and tending animals. All the while with a song in his heart, offering it up to the Lord.

Brady has boldness, and is becoming a leader. He is fascinated with science, and can hold with the best in a creation debate. He is a God called preacher, and its quite evident, even at 13 years old, when he is behind the pulpit.

My handsome husband makes a mighty fine Daddy too. Watching him with our children makes my heart do flip flops. Well, that and his strong hands holding holding my littlest blessing. Have I told you I was blessed? I am, I really am.

Sewing for my Girls

I love to sew for my babies. And my big kids too! I can't count how many times Gary and I have been out shopping for the kids and we leave frustrated, and empty handed. I don't have a very hard time finding things for the bigger boys, but the girls have always been a challenge. Just a few weeks ago we were looking for shirts to go with their khaki skirts, and couldn't find anything.

I have added to thier spring/summer clothes with 3 shirts each, and a cherry cullotte set each. We wear out our culottes quickly here. They love them for bed time, playing outside, riding bikes, and the nicer sets I let them go out in if there will be active things to do.

Seeing little girls look modest and feminie is so refreshing. It is improtant to me that they are comfortable though, and don't feel burdened by what they are wearing. What my husband thinks of their clothes takes top priority here as well. Gary likes seeing them in clothes that coordinate, and usually he has color and style preferences too. I always try to take the time to ask him his opinion of fabrics, and styles before I start a project. Sometimes our ideas are totally different from each other! He is so supportive of my sewing, and always makes sure to compliment me on what they wear. Yes, I am blessed. Sometimes it takes alot of effort, to be sure things are pleasing to him, but I think of how it would be the other way, with a husband that didn't care, or even notice what was on our children. I am so thankful that Gary is interested.

On our little farm

The yard is full of life here at the little home. The baby chicks are getting bigger, and the ducks have been swimming in their pool. Gretta and Ace (our baby goats) love being out in the sunshine and free to roam during the day. I was a little concerned that they would venture off too far from home, but they seem to stay close by the chicken house. Yesterday Gary pulled my car over to the shop to change the oil, so I went and sat outside so we could visit while he worked. I heard a strange noise, and looked to see Gretta up on top of the feed barrel. Who knew they were this agile? We are going to build them some ramps and for them to climb on soon. I wouldn't want them to get bored and use the cars to climb!

We made homemade salve yesterday. It is all pourpose, and the kids decide we will call it "Mamas everything ouchie stick". I added lavendar from the garden last year, comfrey and tea tree oil. It is excellent for scrapes, stings, bites, cuts, and rashes of all kinds. It is very anticeptic and very healing as well. I sent the children to gather empty containers around the house to put it in. It set up nicely and we even made two chapstick tubes filled with it. (Hence the title the kids gave it.) The tubes will be perfect for taking along whenever we leave home.

Marendy just brought in some wildflowers from outside. They are yellow and just perfect sitting in my kitchen window below the red gingham curtains. Spring is here, and very welcome at our little home!

I would like to end this post with a photo for you. Baylen and the goats. They were his birthday gift this year. He is our little resident farmer. And so you get to know everyone Gretta is the white goat, and Ace is our dark boy.

Who lives in the House?

This blog is about the full life of our family. Mama, Daddy, and 5 little blessings live here. We love the Lord Jesus, and strive to live for him, and please him in everything we do. If you follow us along, you will hear about many things. Everything from farming, to baby dolls! We have many interest and pursuits.

Here is our family this past Easter Sunday.

Gary, Misty, Brady 13, Baylen 12, Madison 9, Marendy 6, Benjamin 16 months.