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