anyone else tried this?

Two friends of mine have told me about this book in the last couple years.. and I decided to check it out for myself today at http://www.titus2.com/ ...  looks like it will address the things I've been desiring for our household!  I know some things need to change if we are going to add a baby to the family sometime down the road, and a third homeschooler to the mix next Fall. 

The things I need to be doing and desire to be doing (laundry, general cleaning, meal planning, etc...) fall by the wayside everyday it seems... and our homeschooling is haphazard (just getting the bare minimum completed.. no fun in my mind!)  Change is needed!  I am intrigued by large families and  look up to them. I love to see how things are done in their homes from mealtimes, to chores, to taking care of babies and toddlers,  to homeschooling... and I think this book delivers on all accounts!  If you have read this book, or have experience implementing it.. please share with all of us even if you have shared with me already!  I'd love the reminders... and I'm sure others would love some encouragement too. 

Also, my friend Laura R. told me about the Duggar family's new book The Duggars: 20 and Counting!, which I plan to read as soon as I can get my hands on a copy!  I'm hoping to interlibrary loan that puppy Monday morning...  have I mentioned I LOVE public libraries??  Well, I do.

Anyways, I've never seen the Duggar's show on TLC, but heard they are a super cool family... and their book provides practical suggestions for some issues I'm facing it sounds like.  I just read this quote about them when searching for the title of their book,

"Even though their supersize family (and Jim Bob's fundamentally grandiose nature) might lead you to believe these people are a bunch of unstable crazies, if you watch you'll find they are some of the nicest, most solid, decent and charming folks you'll ever hope to meet..."

Please leave a comment if you've read either book, I'd love to hear what you think! 

Thyroid Shmyroid

Wow, where do I start this post?  I'm not normally doing posts about how I'm feeling healthwise.. but it's about time!  After years of wondering what in the world is going on with my body, I was finally diagnosed last week with hypothyroidism (low thyroid).  After every baby was born, my symptoms increased and increased...  I was tired, freezing cold all the time, my hair was falling out (and still is 2 years after giving birth!), have heart palpitations, dry skin & hair, front of neck was sore/painful, dizziness, fogginess, vision issues...  you name it, I feel like I've been struggling with it these past years...   BUT had been seen by dozens of doctors, cardiologists, and even the ER at one point and I was always "fine."  I knew I wasn't fine, but after blood work, my tests always came out perfect.  Can you say frustration?? 

Recently, I decided I wasn't going to give up getting to the bottom of this, and went to see someone new.  Who I LOVE... let me know if you live locally and want her name.  We had a consult, did blood work, and found out that along with hypothyroidism, I also have a severe vitamin D deficiency, along with a goiter in my neck.  (a growth on my thyroid)  I just started treatment for all these things, and am feeling great.  When I had blood work previously, she told me that certain things need to be tested... and they just hadn't tested for it or they would have found my problem.  Also, I never knew the importance of Vitamin D and Iodine, and how much they do for your body.... it's amazing, check it out!!! 

It has been an amazing winter for me in regards to my faith.  Just a couple months ago, I was dealing with a painful neck/back (chiropractor stuff) and all of these terrible thyroid symptoms... and I kept crying out to God wondering how in the world we were going to adopt and how I was going to take care of a baby, when my back/neck could hardly stand to hold a friend's baby for a short period of time.  But God gave me peace...  we are heading in the right direction with this adoption thing.   He was going to make a way, I just had to hang on.  I woke up on Christmas Eve, with my neck/back symptoms GONE for the first time in almost 2 years... and now, shortly after I have a label and a treatment plan for all the other things going on with me.  PRAISE GOD. 

I don't feel perfect, but do feel tons better just being on Vit D-3 these past two weeks... and I just started meds yesterday to get my thyroid working up to full speed!  I have more energy definitely these past two days, and haven't had my dizzy spells that usually plague me.  I am so thankful for the gift of prayer.  That we can come to the Father with our burdens... and that He hears us , helps us, and heals us. 

I'm speechless and inspired

Yesterday, I came across the story of Katie... I'll let you read her story below for yourself.  Prepared to be amazed, humbled, and inspired!  But here's a hint... she's 21, an American who lives in Uganda, and has 14 daughters!  You can follow her blog here.. and learn more about Amazina Ministries. 

2009 Christmas

Below she recaps how she got to where she is now...

It is my 16th Birthday and I am eating sushi at my favorite restaurant with my parents when I tell them that I would like to explore the possibility of taking a year in between high school and college to do mission work. This is unheard of in my family and they say they are not sure and will think about it. I am nervous, but somehow I know it is right. He changes their hearts.




I have just turned 18 and find an orphanage online. I beg my parents to let me visit over break, just three weeks. A month later I am on a plane. I am so excited. I am so scared of being, but I know He is going with me. I fall in love.



I graduate high school having made the commitment to teach Kindergarten for a year at a school in The Middle of Nowhere, Uganda. In August I get on the plane. I’m apprehensive and I cry most of the way because I miss my Mommy and my boyfriend. I am eager, but so uncertain. I trust Him. I teach 138 children how to speak English and to love Jesus.



It is October and I am just not sure I can do it anymore. I live in the smallest room I have ever seen in the back of a pastor’s house. I am more uncomfortable than I had bargained for. No one understands, not people here, not people at home. I am tired. But I am prideful and I am not going to quit. I don’t like this. But I know He has a plan. I learn, I grow, He is there.



It is December and God has spoken very clearly about opening a ministry that sponsors 40 of the orphaned children in the village where I am working. This involves moving into a different house, ALONE. It is big and I cannot imagine how God will fill it up. I am lonely and I am anxious. But I am still trusting. He fills the house, and we now have 400 children sponsored.



It is January and I am looking at a little girl, crushed under a brick wall with no one to care for her or her younger siblings. I offer to take the three home with me until we find them a better placement. I am not really sure what to do with them, but I know they are God’s children. They stay.



It is three days later and the littlest looks at me and calls me mommy. My heart might break in two. Something clicks. I am even more scared than I was the day I stepped on that plane, but I KNOW. Today I have 13.



I have to deliver a baby, give a boy stitches, pull a tooth, give and injection. I am petrified. But no one will do it if I do not. He is present, He holds my hand, they are all fine.



It is August and I must get on a plane back to America to go to college, as I have promised my father. I do not remember how to be a teenager or what it is to be normal Brentwood, Tennessee. I will have to leave my babies. I will have to make new friends. I am sad and I am terrified. He wraps His arms around me. He puts just the right people in just the right places, and they help me and they make me feel at home.



First semester is over and He speaks clearly to me that I cannot serve two masters. “Go HOME,” He says, “and stay.” I am uncertain, but I want to be obedient. He squeezes tighter. I am thankful.



I have to look at my loving parents who have given me everything and tell them that I will not go to college right now, because I feel God wants me to be in Uganda. I know how disappointed and how angry they will be. I am more scared than I was when I got on the plane and more scared than I was when I took my first children. But I know that this IS the Plan. They love me anyway.



It is February and my daughter’s biological father comes to take her away. My heart breaks in half, and I am not sure I will ever be able to get out of my bed again, let alone foster another child. I am more than devastated, but I want what is best for her, what He wants for her. She comes back and her biological father learns about Jesus.



It is March and a lame little girl is brought to my gate. She is undoubtedly mine, but I am still anxious. What if I can’t do it? I don’t know what to do with a special needs child, especially as my 13th child. I am criticized and ridiculed. I wonder. I trust and praise God for her sweet little life. She starts to walk.



I find myself in a village full of starving people that for some reason seem to want to kill me. God says to serve them anyway. I am not sure how it is going to work, or if it is safe. I can’t figure it out, but I know He can. 1,200 Karamajongs, the poorest of Uganda’s poor, are now served hot meals daily.



We keep taking in more children until there are 400 in our program. There is no way we will raise enough funds, but by now I have stopped worrying. He has always provided. Blessings rain from the sky, and all 400 children go to school.



I am 20 years old and have 13 children and 400 more who all depend on me for their care. Who are all learning to love Jesus and be responsible adults and looking up to me. The reality of it all can be a bit overwhelming at times. However, it is always pure joy. There is a common misconception that I am courageous. I will be the first to tell you that this is not actually true. Most of the time, I am not brave. I just believe in a God who will use me even though I am not. Most mornings, before I even get out of bed I am overwhelmed with His goodness, with His plan for my life; I stand in awe of the fact that He could entrust me with so much. Most days, I don’t have much of a plan. I don’t always know where this is going. I can’t see the end of the road, but here is the great part: Courage is not about knowing the path. It is about taking the first step. It is about Peter, getting out of the boat. I do not know my five year plan; even tomorrow will probably not go as I have planned. I am thrilled and I am terrified, in a good way. So some call it courage, some call it foolish, I call it Faith. I choose to get out of the boat. To take the next step. Sometimes I walk straight into His arms. More often, I get scared and look down and stumble. Sometimes I almost completely drown. And through it all, He never lets go of my hand.

the adoption front

I thought I'd start this post with a sweet picture from last summer!  Annika was around 18 mo. and Morgan 4.5.  I love how their cheeks are sun-kissed and Annika was nearly bald still!  She now has a head full of curly hair that now fits in two pigtails.  And I remember that Morgan wanted to hold Annika, and requested that I go get the camera.  I love these sweeties. 

The purpose of me writing today is to do a quick update on the adoption front!  I haven't done that in a while, and you may have been wondering...  We are still working hard at getting our names "out there" in hopes that someone we know,  knows someone, that knows someone...  who is looking to place their baby for adoption! 

Each week I set a goal to do something I haven't done yet... lately it's been contacting hospitals within our state and inquiring about their policies and find out what they do when a woman comes in to deliver her baby without an adoption plan set already.  Most hospitals refer to local agencies or lawyers, our lawyer included.  Which is good...  and they also said it was common for a Dr. to help unite a family with birth parents prior to the birth.  (Which is great... but since so far no offices in the "big city" will take our profile!)The largest hospital in our state also mentioned that they see women come in ready to give birth without an adoption plan in place all the time.  But upon talking to the hospital's social services, we would have no access to these babies... whom they call "boarder babies", until a family is found through an agency and can come pick up their child. 

I also spent time contacting obstetricians, pediatricians, etc... to find out if they keep family profiles on file in their office in case one of their patients is considering adoption.  I was amazed to find that each office I'd called either had never heard of doing that, or said they didn't do that!  I was disappointed, but rather proud of our "progressive" offices locally!  Four offices that deliver babies in our town have our family profile and were happy to keep it on file!  So there is a great potential for leads right there...

It seems like every week or two we hear about a woman by word of mouth that is expecting and in a precarious situation, but a) she has decided to raise her child, or b) we have no access to her.  So we are praying, as we always have been that God would open the doors of communication to "our birth mother."  And we trust that He will, when the time comes.  I can't help but get overwhelmed by the gravity of the need out there, and that there are swarms of women who don't know what they're going to do now that they are pregnant and are choosing life for their baby.

Wherever you are, brave one... we are on our knees for you and your precious child.   

If you feel led to do so, please forward the link to our adoption info blog:  http://www.jeremyandamandaadopt.blogspot.com/  in an email to your friends and family... there's a whole world out there that we don't know!  You can do something similar to what my pal Carly did here, or zip an email out, or post it on facebook!  Thanks in advance if that's something you feel comfortable doing! 

recent favorites

A couple times a year, I like sharing some of my favorite things with you...  here's what makes me sing lately. 

Burt's Bees Pomegranate Lip Balm...  I love their Honey Lip Balm, and have that too... but this looked interesting enough to give it a try, and it's SO GREAT!  It goes on clear and feels so good on!

Love it, love it, love it.

Okay, so yes, these boots have a brightly colored bird on them... BUT they were FIVE DOLLARS... can you beat that?  Plus they're super comfy and keep my feet and ankles from turning into popsicles.  And I now love them... I was a bit unsure when I bought them, but I'd been wanting a pair of kick around boots that weren't my huge heavy Columbias.  Plus I get a kick out of Jeremy rolling his eyes at them.  He despises any Ugg type boots anyways... and now birds??  Mwaaahhahhaa

A Christmas gift from my super duper hubby!  This CD rocks, and it touches my heart in amazing ways. 

These little contraptions are my new best friend while working out.  They're made by Goody and are in their Stay Put line of hair thingies that don't move when you do!  They keep all of my short hairs in front back and out of my face when I'm huffing and puffing.  Plus they're cute! 

Amy Knapp's Christian Family Organizer is so cool.  I've used this planner for about 4 years now, and it helps me keep important items all in one place.  She has a few different versions, but this is the one I like the best... room for prayer requests, a To-Do list, monthy calendars, weekly calendars, Meal planner, grocery lists...  The times when I'm not using it to it's full potential, I definitely am more forgetful and like how it keeps me on task. 

We rented this through Netflix this week, man is it a good story!  I had never heard of any of the actors and had never heard of the story, but it was so amazing.  The acting was top-notch, not Hallmark Hall of Fame-y (I do like those...but...)  Jeremy and I both liked it, and hope to add it to our collection of DVDs someday. 

Feel free to share some of your new favorites with me!  I'd love to hear them.

just playin' around

Something I've heard about, but haven't had much of a chance to play with is digital scrapbooking.  I'm not a scrapbooking gal, but I love playing with photos and graphic design!  Today I played around a bit to make us a new header for our blog, and this is what I came up with... it would have taken me hours and hours to come up with my ultimate favorite header, but I'll settle for this for now!  It takes forever to download background papers, alphabets, and cute little things to add to it!  So I downloaded the first cute set that caught my eye... I really liked our old wintery background, but it just didn't match... so here's to another blog background change!  Does she ever stop???  nope

Off to the showers for me, just finished Day 16 of 30 Day Shred!!!!  Woo Hoo!  Missing a day is not an option, plus it's becoming fun to work toward a goal! 

Lately, you may have noticed a lack of pictures that were not swiped from Google on here.  Our camera is on the fritz.. and I'm not sure why.  Maybe I'll break out some oldies but goodies soon to go along with my posts.  Ta ta, have a great weekend!

Day 13 of 30

there once was a lady
who had lots of babies
who worked out everyday
to take the inches away
her muscles were sore
like never before
and now she's ready to snore

day 14 is looming
but she doesn't feel gloomy
she feels super spastic
to get in elastic
and at it again once more

the beginning and end of my career as a poet

changed

Sunday night we went to a This Hope concert at church.  They are a group of 5 men who now live in Georgia, but grew up here and do an insane amount of concerts each year.  Including one at our church annually!  We really enjoy them.   Anyways, we went as a family, and invited some dear friends along as well. 

Near the end of the concert, they did what most people would call an "altar call".. you know the drill.. "Heads are bowed, all eyes are closed.. no one is looking around... slip your hand up if you prayed that prayer for the first time, or truly meant it for the first time..."  Usually about once a year, I'm at an event where this is done...  it's a rather strange thing if you ask me.  Now, don't get me wrong, I'm definitely all for notifying church leaders or others if there are those that need someone to come alongside them in their new walk with God through Jesus Christ.. and doing this sort of group prayer to invite Jesus into your life and heart is great, it's the nudge some need that aren't  ready to do this on their own.  And maybe a reminder of all that God is and has done for us is just what they need to make that step... it's a perfect example of us loving our neighbors. 

 I'm all for the prayer aspect, folks... but the slipping the hand up?  Who started this practice?  And how does this look to someone who does not attend a church where this is a practice or doesn't attend church at all... and may be turned off by this seemingly odd practice?    And I couldn't help but think (and please excuse me if this offends you) that it is just a way for those who are doing the ministering to keep track of how many people have accepted Christ at one of their events.  I've visited Baptist churches where this is a regular practice, and for them it's probably just as routine as walking in and taking a church bulletin and finding a seat.  They probably don't think anything out of the ordinary is up.  I'm totally thinking outloud here, in this mini-rant, and am part giggling to myself about it all.  I would hate for those who are looking in at how we as believers in Christ are living our lives and STARTING our lives in Christ to have this as a stumbling block to their step of faith.  No magic words, or prayer spoken in elloquence, or hand slipped up at the perfect time without making a rustling sound, can make a holy miracle happen. 

The Bible says in Romans 10: 9-10,

9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

 End of story.  He will invade your life with the most welcome invasion. You just need to invite Him in.   He will penetrate your thoughts and pitch a tent on your soul.  Forever. 

No matter how odd the whole hand in the air thing is to this mama, I am grateful for the message my boy Drew heard the other night.  You know, Drew is growing up in a home and church that speaks truth to him day in an day out... and I was shocked the other night when my good buddy told me she spied Drew slip his hand up after praying.  My Drew has always been a boy whose brain has been years ahead of his body and age.  And at age 3 he decided that he just couldn't be good, and was on his floor sobbing.  I talked with him about Jesus, and about how he helps us and about how he forgives our sins if we ask.  Drew at that tender age, said that he wanted Jesus to come live in his heart and forgive him for not being good.  I prayed with my son that day... and as we both cried and hugged I knew I would never forget that moment or even where we were sitting.  (In front of the dresser in the boy's room, which is now the girl's room!)  So the other night, I was excited to see what he would say about the concert, and decided to just tell Jeremy and wait and see if he mentioned it right away.  Well, we got home, it was late and we all had a snack.  In a wobbly voice tight with emotion Drew said,  "Mom?  Dad?  This night has been quite the experience for me..." 

Jeremy and I huddled around him and asked him to tell us what had happened.  He said that he knows he asked Jesus to come into his life when he was younger, but he said in between sobs, "Now, I really meant it."
He asked us if we'd come and cuddle on the couch with him, so all 6 of us ended up piled on our loveseat, in a moment I also don't think I'll forget.  He then went on to ask us to pray that he would "go after God."  To which we said we already were, and would keep on praying that.  As he walked down the stairs to go to bed, he asked in his still emotional voice if he could sit up and read his Bible for a bit.  And we said... duh.. YES!  So a bit later when we tucked him in, he had read the first 6 chapters of Genesis... such a sweet, sweet boy. 

But this is my boy that always wants to be on the "bad" side.. you know, be the villain.  This is my boy that will push any sibling out of the way to make it to the top of the stairs first.   But this is also the boy that told a good buddy this morning that he didn't want to run around and chase the girls to tease them because he had CHANGED.  Those words were told to me by the mother of this boy who was so thankful to have an example of a changed life for her son.  She expressed that she had been trying to help her son understand what it all means... Jesus... Forgiveness... Change.   And now, she said, it will open the doorways of communication with her son.  Wow.  I was speechless as she was teary-eyed.  And couldn't believe my son, without any prodding or reminding, truly was CHANGED.  It is amazing grace indeed. 

You know, I've heard it said by some that we need to do all that we can in this life and then Jesus will pick up the slack and do the rest... but really the Bible says, it's that Jesus did it all, now we can spend the rest of our time thanking Him with our lives.

Day 9 of 30 DONE!

I was just thinking about what a great time of year it is to exercise indoors... winter!  If it was summer?  I'd have a really hard time exercising like this.  And I just wouldn't go running by myself or other outdoor types of exercising by myself.. it's not my style.  (I wish it was... but...)  And indoor exercise is so uninviting when the sun is shining!  Around here we pull out the blanket, books, toys, and flip flops and head out side!  I couldn't bear to put a winter picture up from around here, so here's Paris in the snow for your enjoyment. 

Day 9 is done, and I'm feeling WAY more energy than I did the first few days... I'm really glad I posted about starting this a week ago.  I thought about keeping it to myself, so if I didn't make it.. no one would know!  But it has helped keep me motivated to know that others are joining in and/or following along!  If you could care less about this journey I'm on, you may want to stop reading for the next month while I blog about jumpstarting my fitness these 30 days in a row... 

Today, I decided to do another Jillian DVD that I own, pictured below!  My face is still red and I finished it an hour ago.  It's a workout equal to doing a 45 min. cycling/spinning class at the gym.  Whew!  There are no hand weights in this one, but it's AWESOME!  55 min. flies by, really.  I'm gonna aim to do it once a week to change up my 30 Day Shred routine. 

I feel so amazing.  I've never, may I repeat, NEVER worked out 9 days in a row in my life!  Even through years and years of sports activities...  so this is a big deal to me.  And I just finished 2 weeks of no sugar which is also a really big deal to this sweet tooth mama.  So far, it doesn't look like any actual pounds have come off, but I know they will.  My mid-section is shrinking, so I know the pounds will start to disappear with time.  I've heard a few people say that I don't look like I need to lose weight... well, thanks... but I know my body and I definitely have about 15 pounds of extra baggage hanging around.  And I really haven't felt like myself in my body for nearly 10 years... and that's a sad thing, since I was married 10 years ago, and a few months later found out we were expecting Drew!  So here's to the next 10 years, of being a healthier, more fit wife and mama for my family. 

Day 6

Completely multitasking today to get this workout in...  I'm sitting her in my jammies at 11am, but in a few minutes will be downstairs, doing the workout while my boys do the school I've laid out for them to do on their own while I workout... I just know that if I let this day get away from me it will be really hard to fit in later today!  Especially after I've showered.  I have an appointment in 2 hours.....  and Grandpa Dave is coming to watch the kids for a bit while I head out.  Hoping this works as planned!  Here I go!!! 

And there were some questions from some of you...

*I am cutting out sugary treats like cookies, candy, baked things, etc...  but not ALL sugar like in bread and yogurt.  Just things that are known sweets!

*And yes, I have taken before pictures... twice last year I think... not much has changed!  So I'm using those photos as my baseline to compare to!  I already feel such a difference in 5 days, it's incredible!  I'll probably weigh in on Fridays to see if any poundage is lost.  I'm not so concerned about that to start, because I already feel great! 

Happy day!

Day 5 of 30

Today marks Day 5 of my 30 Day Challenge... exercising 30 Days in a row with mostly Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred and a few other workouts thrown in to mix things up.  I have really been enjoying this, really!  I've exercised at different times in the day each day, but am trying not to stress myself during the day if I don't get it in early along with a shower.  The other night, after a busy day out, I had to squeeze it in at 10 pm, which was NOT ideal in my book.  But I was determined to do it.  So I put Jillian on our TV quietly... then  put a movie in my laptop closeby turned up loud with subtitles!  It rocked!!! I could totally forget I was working out, but could keep up with what the gals were doing in the workout at the same time!!!!  So that is my "I really don't feel like doing this today" trick... try it! 

Also, the no sugar thing is going well too!  Surprisingly, the will power and desire to lose this last bit of weight has been way more important to me than a few passing bites of sugary things.  Even though I LOVE them!  So in 10 days, I have had 2 spoonfuls of frosting that I just couldn't pass up.  :)  Other than that?  I've steered clear, something I never thought I could do.  This is not by any means an easy thing to do.  I am not blessed any longer with a metabolism that can handle eating crud all day... since having 4 babies grow in this belly of mine things have sure changed! 

my pal Jillian

Man, she is tough on The Biggest Loser!  I just started watching it for the first time online, and am going to try to keep up with this new season!  It's great motivation... if those folks can lose over 100 pounds, I can lose 15! 

I know the benefits in 30 days, along with the continual desire to stay fit and healthy will be so great!!! But making this a lifestyle change is the key!  Not the working out each and every day.. that's excessive, but after this 30 days, making exercise and eating right not a brief stint to lose weight, but a consistent part of the rest of my life! 

Thank you, God for making our bodies so amazing and able to handle so much!  I want to glorify you with my choices! 

the queen of making big goals and not keeping them...

I know this about myself and am tired of goals unreached!  I make goals about writing articles or books... (neither of which I've worked on in ages) about healthier food choices, about books I'm gonna read, about being more patient as a mom, and the list goes on!!!  But the one goal I make and remake about every 3 months is to lose the last 10-15 pounds that are clinging on this lady!  Lately, I've been praying and asking God to HELP, I have NO willpower on my own as far as healthy eating goes... I can workout everyday but if I'm still eating crud my work is in vain!  Because I just don't lose a thing.  Food is the key for me. 

So far it has been 6 days without sugar or a treat!  The only exception is coffee creamer which I have 0-2 times a day.  NO OTHER TREATS!  And today I started back on the workout train.  I really love to exercise, but with 4 kids home ALL day it can be a challenge!  So I'm back on and making it happen. 

My new goal to jump start weight loss, which is NOT (with the Lord's help) going to be broken is this:

*30 Days in a row of 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels

       *10 days Level 1, 10 days Level 2, and 10 days Level 3

       *I may throw different types of cardio in on some days.

*Along with that, no sugar.  It's just 30 days, right???  I CAN DO it! 

I sorted through my jeans up in my closet and found 2 brand new pairs of jeans I bought 1.5-3 years ago that have never been worn... and they are gonna fit this spring, baby!  I know it will be a lot of work, but oh so worth it!  If you want to join me in this 30 day jumpstart... please comment or email me!  I'd love to have someone along for the ride....  And yes... I know I'm the queen of new workout goals... but I really need accountability and I guess telling my friends is a good place to start.  So PLEASE comment to join in!

Our Christmas Celebration

I spent a lot of time this Christmas season trying to wrap my brain around what really makes Christmas so amazing.  In the weeks leading up to this week, I was constantly reflecting and trying to get my heart ready to really be thankful for Christ's birth.  But I realized that it isn't a big sha-bang that would happen in an instant. My celebrating wouldn't be over after that silent night was through.  I was realizing that I am eternally grateful all year long, and am attempting to always be thankful for what that holy night brought to each of us.  Christ's birth wasn't the beginning of God's work here on earth, and it surely isn't the end.  God has been on this throne before time as we know it began, and the thought that He sent his Son to earth as a tiny, helpless babe into the unrelenting hands of humans is baffling and amazing all at the same time.  How else would we have truly grasped how much God loves us, if Jesus hadn't walked our road, or felt our pain?  God made it relevent and real years and years ago for US.  For YOU.  For ME.  And for those yet to come.  And as the story/activity says that we read out loud Christmas night, "All God really wants for Christmas is YOU!" 

I hope you enjoy your glimpse into our Christmas Celebration, I hope and pray yours was as joyful as the one we were blessed with. 

We started out our Christmas Celebration on Christmas Eve with a relaxing day at home, where we stayed in pajamas all day, and watched the movie, The Nativity Story together.  Then we capped off the night with a lovely dinner at Dad and Marla Kay's home.  The food was amazing, and the company even better! 

We watched It's a Wonderful Life on TV, and it was the first time I'd actually watched it and understood it all!  It has never been a favorite of mine, but I actually like it now. 

We got home late, and as usual, let the kiddos open their stockings with a few fun trinkets inside. 

Annika and I get snuggly Christmas morn, before making a yummy breakfast casserole and monkey bread!  Dad, Marla Kay, and Alli joined us for breakfast and presents...

Morgan's stocking fun

Christmas cuties

Trying on the new 3-D glasses that came with a gift...  aren't they good actors?

Drew reading Luke 2 from the Bible for us all...

Annie opening her new pal Violet from us.  I'm not sure who is more excited about it, her or me?  It says, "HI Annika!"  and "Goodnight, Annika!"  Sings to her, plays games, and even spells out her name in a song!  It is WAY cute and fun. 

After a morning of fun at our house, we treked to the other AK Grandpa and Grandma's house for Christmas dinner and an overnight slumber party. 

Here, our boys, and their good buddies have their noses in the Tintin comic collection we found for our boys this year. 

Then, we went to sing carols at the home of a newly widowed woman in my in-law's community.  Loved that. 

We spent another wonderful night of fun, games, togetherness, and food. 

Then we woke up to a wonderful day to do whatever we pleased... which was going on a long walk with the family, playing more board games, watching movies, I crocheted a whole hat for myself, then realized I messed up and had to rip the whole thing out!, the kids kept busy all day playing with new fun things, then we hung out some more and headed home just in time for the kid's to be tucked snugly in their beds. 

It was a wonderful 3 days of celebrating God's many gifts to us. 

And we can't forget that it was our nephew Dylan's first Christmas!  He is a sweet 4 month old now, who will be tearing into presents next year and ripping ornaments off the tree.  We can't wait. 

hmmm... sounds fun...

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.


Alrighty... since I try to be forthright with my non-perfectness, I thought I'd jump on the Not Me! bandwagon too.  Just a little way to share some of the crazy things I do... with the "Not Me!" "I would never do that..." facade.  Enjoy!  I'll try to keep this up on Mondays, but don't worry, I would never be one to not keep a promise....... You're catching on quickly!





Well, first of all, it was NOT ME who let my one year old completely empty her most beloved drawer in the living room for an hour last week with a mess the size of Rhode Island, so I could play on the computer...  and it was NOT ME who took just 5 minutes to clean it up and reveled in the peace and quiet I gained that day. 


It was also NOT ME who contemplated pushing the panic button on my keys to scare 3 moose away that were encamped around our van and garden when we were trying to leave the house to get Morgan to gymnastics... I would NEVER want to upset my neighbors. 


And it was NOT ME who ate a HUGE fancy truffle tonight that was supposed to be saved for Jeremy and I without anyone in the family knowing.  And it WASN'T any good either.  :) 


And I'm so glad it's NOT ME who finds a new stretch mark nearly every day.  And I'm extremely thankful that birthing four children DIDN'T wreck any kind of havoc on my body.  Because, man... they would be SO worth it if those stretch marks I'm finding from my legs to my belly button were mine.


And lastly, it is most definitely NOT ME who was so giddy with excitement when I realized last night at 11pm that we didn't have "school" today.  It's Christmas Vacation, Christmas Vacation!!!!!  Nope, NOT ME, I would never be so juvenile. 

what has gotten into me?

I can't quite put my finger on it, but lately, I've been actually doing the dishes (happily) every day.  If you know me well, you know that I'm okay with going to bed with a sink or two full... and will just get to them sometime the next day... but lately?  I'm a dishaholic!  Well, I wouldn't go that far, but it's just so stinkin' satisfiying to have them done, that I'm hooked!  Laugh all you want, sister... the days are gone of me instantaneously having to "go to the bathroom" when it was time for the two of us to do the dinner dishes when we were younger. (No really, I DID have to go!  It was something about the running water that did it. )

And this isn't my cute country kitchen...  but those are my white cabinets and silver drawer pulls and knobs... thank goodness our sink is bigger than that to hold all of our dirty dishes though!  Six people seriously dirty up some dishes and our little white whirring dishwasher worked overtime today and was run twice!  It is working it's magic right how...

Are you a Dish-Doing Diva or a Mt. Disherest Piling Master?

Jen and Molly visit!

2 weeks ago, my sister Jen, and our niece Molly came for a brief visit over the weekend. She was flown up for Cassie's funeral, which was a sad occasion, but we treasured our time with them even if it was only for 3 days. We fit in as much fun and love as we could in that time. It was especially cool, because Jeremy and the kids hadn't met Molly yet!!! We loved that she was already so comfortable in our house, and loved being chased and tickled by her cousins!

Above, Molly and Annika just 3 weeks apart in age have a fun snack together.

Mmmm.. ice cream!



Just some family craziness with Dad and Marla Kay! Of course, it's my kids that are being all out crazy in this one!

Buddies and Babies!
Two of my best buds, Carly and Rachel with Carly's new addition, baby Adia and Molly.



I had so much fun with my cute niecey, and I'm glad she took right to me! :)

I'm such a baby lover and an adoption fan... I was in heaven!

the Novak family with Jen and Molly

We had a fun time at Pandemonium for folks to drop in and see Jen and Molly.




Girl cousin movie time!

Grandma Marla Kay and Molly

Gotta keep those pearly whites lookin' sparkly!

the Bacon bits

We miss them terribly and were so sad to say goodbye so soon... but it's amazing how God has given Jen and I a chance to see each other every six months since they moved 2 years ago. She has been here 3 times, and I have been to TN twice! Hmm... when will the next time be? Our trips are rarely planned very far in advance... it's too hard to wait! Now, if only we could get the WHOLE clan of Night Howells up here!

a sweet flick

I love movies... good ones, that is! And yesterday, I found this gem of a movie! BBC has done it again. Under the Greenwood Tree is based on Thomas Hardy's novel of the same name. I'm not sure what the tree is all about, it must have been important in the book! It's worth your time if you like period films. Hooray for a clean, sweet, romantic movie!

I know some of you are checking our blog to see if we have any news on the adoption front.. and we do.. sort of! Our news is that we've decided to move on from this current adoption situation. It just doesn't seem to be going anywhere, and hasn't turned into what we had originally heard it may. So we made the decision to move on in our hearts and not pursue this situation any longer, and if we do end up hearing from this birthmom, we will be thrilled!

We have great hope, that God has gone before us and is preparing our hearts for our child to come into our family at the proper time. Thank you for praying for this situation, and we would ask that you would continue as we keep on our journey toward adoption!

I spy with my little eye...

...my two boys being EXCELLENT big brothers! I snuck up on this the other day... all four kiddos playing in the girl's room! Peacefully! It took my breath away.

no news...

My blog has been silent, as I'm sure you can tell if you check in often. My mind has been quite preoccupied! We have no news on the adoption front.. none for over two weeks actually...

And we are trying to be okay with that and trusting God for His best plan for us.

Thanks for praying and please continue!

Happy Birthday to Drew!

Wow, our Drew turned NINE last month! He has grown into such a young man who loves his younger brother and sisters, and is such a helper. We rounded out the year with a fun family party at home. Drew was ecstatic over each gift, and made us all giggle with his enthusiasm. Seemed like everything was "what he always wanted!"

He did not want cake, he wanted cookies... so here he blows out a candle on his cookie tower.

Our stair-step clones enjoying the party!

Gavin and Morgan were so cute, looking over Drew's shoulder to see what he got as gifts.

The night ended with the kids watching Drew's new DVD!

We love you Drew Aaron, you are a treasure to your Dad and I, and we thank God for blessing us with such a son.