Interesting

Ok, I'm on a blogging role. I just wanted to share a commercial from Germany encouraging their citizens to have more children. Interesting.

http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=fTh92FnV_i4&feature=user

All those FUN comments.

I thought you all might find this funny and/or interesting. I think I have the most amount of kids of people who read this blog. Every where we go we get comments. Without fail. Every time we're at the grocery store or Sam's or a restaurant someone comes up to us and makes a comment on our large family size. This really amazes me because I'm not the type of person to just strike up a conversation with a complete stranger, although I welcome any pleasant stranger who wants to talk to me.

I thought I'd share some of these comments with you and some of our responses. Actually, I should say some of Vance's responses (he's a bit braver that I).

1. Are they all yours?
This is definitely the number one question we get. I've even had repairmen come to our house and ask "Are you running a daycare?" The only answers I can give are "yep" to the first and "nope" to the second.

2. And you delivered them all?
Well, that would make them all mine wouldn't it. Or, Vance would say, "No, some of them we ordered from a catalog."

3. You know what causes that, right?
This is where Vance's answers can get real interesting.

4. You know you can get that fixed?
Vance's latest answer is, "Why? I think it's working just fine?"

5. Are you going to have any more?
Their mouth usually drops open when I say, "We'll see..."
Every time we've tried to prevent it from happening we get pregnant anyway. God has his plan and we're open to it. :)

6. To me - You must not work.
O, if they only knew!!!

7. Are you Catholic, Mormon or crazy?
Vance recently came up with an answer to this one that I thought was pretty funny. He says, "We're Catholic-Mormon-Polygamists!" As far as crazy - we don't think so. I've even had a woman ask me if we were part of a religious sect.

8. Better you, than me!
We think so, too!!!

9. I'd have more kids, but I just don't have the patience.
My first thought...hmmm. Then, I usually say, there's one sure cure for that and that is having more kids - they teach you patience. Prayer helps a lot, too!

10. We don't have enough room for more children.
We say, "Well, then you're not stacking them properly!" We got this answer from another large family on the Internet. I thought it was pretty hilarious.

Children are truly a blessing from God and we are abundantly blessed. I said this to a grocery bagger yesterday and he replied, "Well, if that's the way you want to look at it." I just smiled, but thought it's not a matter of the way I look at it - it's truth. This reminded me of a news broadcast we saw a month or two ago that said a recent study stated that families with children are less happy than those who do not have children and that those who say they're happy are just faking it. Where do they get these reports and statistics? So, we're just pretending to be overjoyed when we see our child take his first steps? We're just pretending to have "happy tears" when our child puts her little hands on your face, looks into your eyes and says, "I love you, Mommy!" Give me a break!!!!!

The comments come more and more frequently. Having a large family is not what we planned, but obviously God in His GREATNESS and ultimate wisdom found us worthy to be keepers of these precious ones. Our hope and prayer is that we can be good examples, light and salt in a world that needs to see the love of Jesus.

Everyone with large families get these comments and strong opinions. I thought I'd cut and paste another list I saw on a website called "A Christian Home".

"I'd have more kids, but I'm:
1. ...not able to."
2. ...not patient."
3. ... not organized like you." (ha)
4. ... not financially able to."
5. ... not emotionally able to."
6. ...too old!!" (we are, too... but... )
7. ... not T-H-A-T crazy!" (a-hmmm...)
8. ...enjoying myself, now."
9. ... living in too small a home as it is!!"
10. ... worried about the world they'll grow up in!"
11. ...not religious" (!!!)
12. ...concerned about saving the planet." ( ugh)
13. ... using my education... yadayadayada"

Large Families:
Accept donations of Restaurant size cookware!!!
are CHAOTIC and NOISY and FUN
have no Matching socks...but 58 white non- mates
always have someone to play with... never bored or lonely
lots of babysitters, readers, and rockers
never have a dull meal
are never picky eaters! there's someone to eat it!!!
have ever ready sports team
never have moldy leftovers in the fridge
and yes the parents DO know what causes them...
and no, moms are not supermoms or super organized
do not have overabundance of patience, just lots of opportunities to cultivate patience"

I LOVE HAVING A LARGE FAMILY!!!!!

Uh oh!

I had a doctor's appointment and ultrasound yesterday. I wasn't feeling all that great and I told the ultrasound tech when she asked that I felt like maybe I was having a little kidney pain. It wasn't horrible and completely bearable. Nothing like when I had kidney stones with the twins. I've told people in the past that I'd rather have all of my kids over again without pain medication than to ever have kidney stones again.

The baby looked great. He's about a foot and a 1/2 and over 4lbs. Then she said, "Lets just look at your kidneys to see if there's anything going on." She looked at my right kidney first, which is the one that I had trouble with in the past and sure enough there's a big 'ol kidney stone right in the middle. She measured 8mm. Ugh!!!! It's too big to pass so we'll just have to pray it stays right where it is until I deliver. Just eight more weeks to go. Then after I have the baby I'll have to go straight into surgery and get the darn thing removed. The left kidney is completely clear, by the way. The ultrasound machines never cease to amaze me. She looked at my whole system to make sure there wasn't anything being blocked. Everything is free and clear except for that ominous thing just waiting to wreak havoc.

So, if you think about it, while you're doing your daily prayer and reading if you could add one more thing to your list - just pray that either this stone just disappears or is kept at bay until after the baby gets here. This would be greatly appreciated.

God Smiles

It's been almost a week since I've written anything. I've got so much on my mind to write, but I'm too tired and I just don't have the minutes to do so.

But...I had to share this picture. What a shot. I wish I could have been there.

I'll write soon.

Am I a Cheapskate?

Recently, I've been reading articles and subscribing to many free e-zines which talk about how to stretch your dollar. We're not in dire straits, but it is possible our economy and other issues both here in America and around the world could get worse before they get better. Put that together with having 9 mouths to feed and it just makes sense to develop a very frugal outlook on spending.

But...I never want to be known as a cheapskate. I've known people that I thought that of (whether right or wrong)and they were usually a person I resented, especially, if we went out to lunch together - OR - went in together on a bridal shower, baby shower or birthday gift for a mutual friend. Do you know what I'm talking about?

I recently expressed to Vance that I felt like I was becoming a cheapskate because I've started doing a few things to save money that I would have never thought of doing before.

1. When I receive any kind of mailing and the packaging material is still good, I reuse it for my own mailing.
2. When you get bills in the mail and decide to pay online...I keep the return envelope and put a label over it and reuse it.
3. I've started using half the laundry and dishwasher soap I normally do.
4. I water down everything from regular dish soap, apple juice to even milk.
5. I plan out my entire week on Sundays and make sure every trip in the car is used efficiently - I even plan out my routes so I'm never back-tracking.
6. I'm learning how cut my grocery bill in half by buying in bulk and buying day or two old things like bread and meat. I even heard of a lady who buys milk a day or two before the sell by date and freezes it (I may try this one).

Then Vance gave me his definition of "cheapskate". He said it is someone who has a surplus of funds, but decides to hord their money and act like they're poor. What we're doing is out of necessity. That made sense to me. It's working, by the way. We've saved a lot of money since I started to these seemingly cheapskate things.

I looked the word up in the dictionary and it said "A stingy person; a person who is unwilling to spend money."

Happy Father's Day

I wanted to write a tribute to my husband. Who knows if he'll ever read this because he's not so great with computers.

I know that God has blessed me and my children abundantly. He has given us a man who loves Him, loves me and loves his children with every fiber of his being. In fact, I don't think Vance does anything without every fiber of his being!

He is our provider and protector and leader. He has a gift of common sense and wisdom that I have NEVER seen on anyone else in my lifetime. He's given me 8 beautiful children and you can see how each one of them holds a special place in his heart. Even Michal Noel - when we lost her he was truly my best friend. In a world where couples who lose a child only have a 50% chance of surviving their marriage, I know it was his strength and love and character that helped me through one of the hardest times in my life.

Vance, I would have never imagined we'd have 8 children! But, I cannot also imagine a better father and husband to have them with. Thank you for the father that you are. I love you with all my heart.

This weekend Vance's mom gave this poem to him and I know he takes his role seriously.

A Little One Follows Me

A careful man I ought to be.
A little fellow follows me.
I dare not go astray,
For fear he'll go the self-same way.

I cannot once escape his eyes.
Whatever he see me do, he tries.
Like me, he says, he's going to be,
The little chap who follows me.

He thinks that I am good and fine,
Believes in every word of min.
The base in me he must not see.
That little fellow who follows me.

I must remember as I go,
Thru summers' sun and winters' snow
I am building for the year to be,
In the little chap who follow me

by Rev. Claude Wisdom White, Sr.

Who Am I? Cool Video

http://www.mychurch.org/blog/30635

Just in case you are unable to view the video above, here's the link. This reminds me of the movie "Labyrinth" with David Bowie. You know, the part where she's falling and the hands ask her if she wants to go up or down. I'm going to try to get my choir to do this - how fun!

MSC Worship

I have a link under My Favorites, but I wanted to mention the CDs that our church has put out over the last 2 years. Especially, for family that I failed to send a copy to (I'm sorry). You can listen to clips on the MSC website.

Worship One - was our first attempt at recording. We use this CD for visitors to get a feel for how worship is done at MSC. I sing "Power of Your Love".

Worship Two - is all original songs from MSC worship team members. I wrote, sing and play piano for "King of Kings".

Worship Three - is an EP. Again, all original songs except "Crown Him with Many Crowns" where I arranged and directed our young choir. Young in that we're fairly new, but getting better all the time.

I hope you enjoy listening.

Where Did I go?

I missed a day - and - I actually missed being able to blog (what a word). Have you ever had one of those days that was filled with things to do, but still felt like it was a leisurely day? Today was like that for me.


I woke up at 5am this morning and did my cycling class at Villa Sport. For those of you who don't know I work at Villa. I teach two classes a week. It keeps me in shape (somewhat) and I get paid a little extra to help with gas money. It was a great class. I did a Motown theme and everyone seemed to have a lot of fun with that.


Normally, when I get home after this early morning class everyone is still asleep and I can take a bath and do my devos, but this morning everyone was awake. Today was payday for Vance's employees so I had to sit at the computer for about 15 minutes doing payroll while Rachie and the twins chatted about how hungry they were (maybe chatted isn't the right word ;).


Finally, I got them breakfast and started getting everyone ready for VBS. I wanted to spend the entire day there to take video of all the kids and their activities so I had to take the twins, too. Amazingly, I still got in a bath and devotions and we were out the door by 8:15am - including our two neighbors kids. Me and 9 kids in our mystery van. (I'll have to look back to see if I've written about that yet.)


We all had a great time at the last day of VBS - I got everyone reloaded into the van, went to the bank real quick, came home and fixed everyone lunch. I was supposed to have the carpets cleaned today, but by the time 1pm rolled around I was exhausted. So, I called the carpet people, rescheduled, put the twins to bed, told everyone else to go outside and play and I took a two hour nap.


At about 4pm Vance came home and had a friend over for beer on the porch and I sat out there with them visiting for about an hour. I watched the news - then Vance's parents came over with the best gift ever!!! Dinner!!! I didn't have to cook and on top of that they brought a Father's Day ice cream cake and it totally hit the spot of my chocolate craving I'd been having all day!!!! We visited and watched home movies. What a great night.


But, the main reason for today's blog was I wanted to document what I got out of today's devos. You know, now that I think about it, there were so many principles that hit home today. One, on the way to my 5:30 cycling class I listen to Haven Today - he was talking about how easy it is to get worried when times of financial struggle hit. I've been tempted even this week to get anxious about the times ahead (gas prices, housing, the war, the election, etc.) but, this takes away from any expectation that I should have to see what God will do. I'm looking forward to seeing His consistent faithfulness.


Then, on the way home from class I get to listen to Allistair Begg - his message centered around the man that Jesus healed of blindness by spitting in dirt then putting it on his eyes. Can you imagine? The creator of the universe making mud out of spit and then putting it on your eyes then, once you wash it off, you can see?!!! It's such a blessing to hear and read about the character and personality of Jesus.

At home I read about commitment, "It is my commitment to God that gives strength and stability to my other commitments." Kay Arthur. My choir and vocal ensemble may hear me say this many, many times over the next few months. So many times we make commitments, but then waiver. Kay Arthur goes on to say..."You may say, 'But what if I can't keep my commitment to God?' O Beloved, you can for God is the keeper." Even our commitment to Him is in His hands. What a great reminder.

All of these things were encouraging and faith building for me today and I hope they are to you, as well.

Absolute Best Painting, Inc.

Take a look at the blog I'm working on for Absolute Best Painting, Inc. Vance just finished some high-end custom projects. Let us know what you think. Click on the link "Absolute Best Painting, Inc" in My Favorite Sites.

One of those Good Days

Yesterday, was a bit of a full day. VBS in the morning then baseball practice at 5pm. Vance has taken on the role of coach this year. The whole family went to the practice. Surprisingly, no one got hurt :).

When we got home from practice I started making dinner and everyone else went outside. When I looked out the windows this is what I saw...

The picture above is my son Glen mowing the property with Will along for the ride.

Then I saw Rachie pulling the twins around in the

wagon. Daddy was watering and Ryan was pulling weeds (he also got a turn on the lawn mower). Sometimes it just amazes me how well we can work as a family if we try. No one was fighting or screaming and everyone was having a good time.

On top of all that, I was in the house alone. This hardly ever happens. What a great quiet time. And, a great family time.

Homeschooling

I've made a decision! For the past several weeks we've been struggling over what to do about school next year. Should we continue wiht COVA, an online public school? Should we go to the nearby cottage program, one full day of school and the rest at home (again curriculum chosen for us)? Or, should I put all my school-aged children back in the brick and mortar down the road?

I involved the boys in the decision. I told them this is an important decision we need to pray about every day. We have devotions together in the morning, read scripture and then journal. One day during this decision process we read Proverbs 15:22 - "Plans go wrong with too few counselors; many counselors bring success." The boys got excited about this and started asking many people for advice. They asked our neighbors, one who is a good friend and has been homeschooled all her life. Another neighbor who attends the charter school where the cottage program is. They also went back to visit the elementary school down the street to see if it had changed since they left. Here's the neat thing. Both of them decided that family should come first. That our lives were about being a family and not about school. When they realized that going back to school would make it so they would barely get to see the new baby, they decided against that. We talked about everything you can imagine.

Here's the decision: We've decided to create our own Terry University! We're all very excited!!! I believe this is going to open up a whole new world for all of us.

I recently read a blog from "A Lady of Virtue" (I've put her website among my list of favorites) - she has 15 children...This is what she said about homeschooling and I believe she's right on:

Things to keep in mind:

• Don't try to cover "everything"--no school could ever do this!


• Grade levels are not as important as allowing each child to learn at his own pace


• Grades are irrelevant to children who understand the benefits of learning for life


• Prepare them first for eternity, then for life, and maybe for college--in that order of importance


• Don't forget that they are people, not educational products


• No curriculum or method can guarantee "success", no matter how involved or expensive


• Your own prayer and devotional life are vital to hearing God in order to aid your children on their learning journeys


• Don't let your own pride or fear lead you--let peace be your decision-maker

That last one about fear is a major problem for me. For the first couple of weeks in the decision making process - all I could think about was why not to do something i.e. negative influences of children at public school, shootings, child molestation - I mean, if it was the worst case scenario, I thought of it. This lady put things into a better perspective for me. I don't want to be like the world.

"I am waking up looking at my Master, and asking how I can make Him happy today. I know that He bought and paid for everything, but I only have a few years on earth to show Him gratitude when it counts..."

The Twins

Where do I start? The biggest question I get right now being 7 months pregnant is "Are you having twins again?" My first knee-jerk reaction is "NO!! Thank you, GOD!!!" Having twins has been both extremely difficult and exhilarating at the same time.

I remember when I was pregnant with my second child, Ryan, one of my biggest worries was "How will I possibly love him as much as my first?" I couldn't imagine it. I should have talked to a mother of twins. The amount of love you can have for two babies at once could knock you over. That's the exhilarating part.

The difficult part...especially right now (they're almost 2) is the constant ear-piercing, screaming and fighting and crying and the whole ordeal we go through at every meal time. I feed them while they're in their high chairs any where from 3 to 5 times a day. I couldn't tell you how many bottles and sippy cups I fill (we go through 6 gallons of apple juice and 5 gallons of milk in a little over a week). The mess after each meal requires rubber gloves and a vacuum. Don't get me started about the diapers after all that water, juice and milk. Sometimes I think the whole house smells like pee. Alright that was probably too much info.

If I close my eyes for even 2 minutes (not exaggerating) they are either in my make-up, toilet, pantry, DVDs, toilet paper...oh, and markers are Kael's favorite. He's taken to coloring every color of the rainbow on his mouth. Morgan is a little more sneaky. She comes into my office and plays with the computer and somehow figures out how to change all my settings. I sell Mary Kay and they both find a way to get into the inventory closet, take the products out of the boxes and paint each other's backs with the lip liners and lipsticks they find.

After all this having just one is going to be a breeze. I know I will look back on all the pictures of the disasters they've created and laugh. I may even wish to relive the day. Right this second I could use a few more eyes, legs and hands to chase them around.

I love my babies :)

Vacation Bible School

Glen and Ryan (who from this point on I may call "The Boys") got to help lead worship at our church for all three services this weekend. I was so proud of them.

This reminds me...We (Vance and I) heard a radio program this week all about moms. It talked about how Christmas letters are just brag letters to friends and family about what geniuses their children are. The woman who was on the program went on to say how great and, sometimes, even godly to be "normal" instead of trying to make your kids something "special". Anyway, I told Vance that I was starting this blog and he joked that all I was doing was one of those bragging Christmas letters. So, bear with me a little as I brag.

This was the first year that the boys got to be on the VBS worship team. They've been wanting to do this for two years. They auditioned and were accepted and they practices for 6 weeks. Starting tomorrow they will lead about 400 children in worship for a week. They split the worship team into two teams because we have two weeks of VBS. Last week was the first and they had about 500 kids.

The boys are so excited about this opportunity and everything they get to do as being a part. Just take a look at the pictures. The theme of this year's VBS is Power Lab. They get to do experiments with dry ice and gooey stuff and they get to dress up like mad scientists. They really are having a blast.