Make lemonade!

Some days can just be so overwhelming! I keep thinking of this phrase" When life throws you lemons make lemonade". That's what I'm trying to do each day, making the best out of everything. I tell you its HARD! But if all I do in this life is be the best mom & wife I can be then I know I'm doing my best. But of course that's the hard part, being the 'good mom & wife'. I have definitely had many stressful days lately. Mainly just because life is life. When I stop & think of all my blessings I then can take another deep breath.

As I look outside the window at the pretty colored leaves it reminds me that change can be a good thing. I don't always like change a whole lot because it usually means a lot of work & stress. But just like the trees, we all need some change sometimes :)  I think I might go & make some (pink) lemonade.

God takes care

No matter how helpless I feel sometimes, I'm so blessed to have God to lean on. Days can be hard, circumstances can be difficult but no matter what happens in this life I know it will all be OK in the end. I'm thankful for others that encourage me, usually just when I need it. We do not know our future, sometimes I wish we did. But then we might have even more stress and problems. Live today as it might be your last!

A swim in the potty!

With my 7 kids their have been many many times of catching a little one playing in  or putting things into the potty. But today as i was heating up leftovers for dinner my lovely little Saraphena ( almost 2 yrs. old) went for a swim in the potty!! She was standing inside and playing, Yes In the toilet!! I wasn't really surprised much, I grabbed her took her socks off & washed her all up. Then back to dinner :) I was thinking of how a first time mom would probably totally freak out if her little darling did that. lol Just thought id share just a piece of the fun time i had today. ;)

kids around the world

We have been studying different countries & cultures. Today the kids made paper doll children. We have been reading & looking at many books with diverse children in many different cultures. Its been very interesting! I want my children to know that all people are created equal but look, live & act differently. Where we live there is about 0% diversity. :( I really wish we had alot of diversity!

Blessed by the little things!

*pic Destiney took*

I could go on & on about how blessed I am but its all those little things that are such a Big blessing! When I witness one of my children helping their brother or sister, giving each other a hug or kiss, telling them they are their best friend.... now don't get me wrong my kids Do argue & fight with one another & it does drive this mommy crazy but that craziness just drifts away when I witness the love they have for each other & for me! :)) Some good advice was given today at the MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) group I'm involved in.... we had a panel of seasoned moms (moms with grown kids) one thing that was said was they wished they didn't yell so much at there kids. Wow that really got me! I use to yell more when I had less children, I have gradually been working on & getting better at staying calm. Believe me though I need to keep working on that one! Some other good advice was to spend time with your kids, get down at their level & play! I know for some moms this is simple but for those of us that think we have "to do" all the time, it can be more challenging. I have made it a priority to talk, read & play with my kids daily. Giving your children chores & teaching them to be responsible was also mentioned. I think I do well  at that one, but its definitely not easy. I have found it to get a little easier though as time passes, when the kids get into a routine & know whats expected it just becomes a part of daily life. But I also have to always remind myself to be flexible at times. This mommy thing is definitely a loooong learning adventure! I will continue on the mommy adventure for many years & hopefully learn more & more about my children & about this life.

me & my 2 oldest girls

i love my daughters so much! They can be difficult at times, i would say girls are definitely different then boys and more challenging. Destiney is alot like me and Gianna and I are opposites for the most part. I always ask God for help in order to be the best mom possible to my girls! (boys too of course) :)

Sissy Sara loving on sissy Evee

So proud to be the mommy of these boys

My 2 youngest boys, Ethan & Stephen showing off the shape lapbook they put together, with big sister Destineys help ;)

With our new World map down

Kids colored in ABC poster

Doctors with Johnny

Johnny has had some test done and Strep was found in his blood. Now we have to go to Lexington to a Kidney specialist to get more test on his kidneys. He hasn't had strep throat but it was found in blood. Doc told me that it could cause kidney damage :(  Other then that he feels fine. Were praying for healing for my little guy, whatever it might be.

not very motivated today!

 I have been trying to get ready for our homeschool year starting next week! I'm so thankful to be able to teach my children. I'm the type of person that needs some kind of organization to function properly. I do envy those moms that can go with the flow all the time :) Without some sort of structure I seem to feel like jello. lol I have learned alot in the past few years of homeschooling though, i need a schedule but I also need to be flexible. I'm determined that this continued homeschooling journey will be more and more of an awesome experience:))

Thankful for my kidz!

My 7 blessings!!!

This bunch of kids are more then a handful ;) but Im so thankful I am their mommy!

Blessed beyond belief

This blog will be about my life as a mom, wife & woman! You will read alot about my family, my husband & our 7 beautiful blessings!