Come Home for Christmas

It's almost Christmas, only 4 days away. I'm as giddy as my children. This year I feel blessed beyond measure. I have a husband who is my best friend & everything I could ever want, 5 beautiful children, and a wonderful extended family & church family. Although financially things have been tight lately, we've seen the love & care of others poured out. Really, it's overwhelming!

This year, I have been attending BSF. (Bible Study Fellowship) We are studying Isaiah this year. The word that comes to mind first is "Wow!" There is so much in Isaiah to study, and so much application to our own lives. It's heavy stuff. Our culture is a mirror image of Isaiah's day- decadent, spoiled, comfortable, and so so far from God. "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." (Isaiah 29:13)
Oh, how I pray that this is not true of me!! And yet I know it is!! I pray that my heart will be stirred and I will only worship Him in Spirit & in truth!!
God, through His prophet Isaiah, also offers hope... He gives glimpses of the hope that will come in a Savior, Jesus!

The song, "Come Home" by Luminate has been echoing through my mind.
These are the words to the chorus-
"So I know you've been running, searching for something
but you're looking in a place you don't belong
It's never too late, you can't outrun grace,
No, mercy doesn't care what you've done
So come home
So come home.
(Words by Samuel Hancock and Ben Glover)

My heart cries out for those who have not come home yet. I know a lot of people are skeptical about Christianity. I know that we (Christians) screw up a lot- we're sinners, we're human, and we mess up, too. But here's the thing... we know a Savior who picks us up and cleans us up. We want you to know Him, too. We want you to experience something that really can't be described. It's not about believing in us... it's about believing in Him.

If you haven't come home yet, please do. We're ready to welcome you, and more importantly, He is! He has been waiting for you since the beginning of time. Come home for Christmas.

Another RagaBabe giveaway...

I know you may be tired of hearing about giveaways and cloth diapers and how much I love RagaBabe, but here I go again. I do love these diapers. I wish everyone who cloth diapers or who has ever thought about it would try these. Here's your chance to win one!
http://dirtydiaperlaundry.com/ragababe-easy-aio-giveaway/

He is Faithful

We are almost halfway through the school year...the kids & I, and Brian. Brian's graduation is feeling more "real" and so close. We still don't know what is next, and so we're just trusting the Lord as we wait on Him and His timing. We don't know where we'll be next year (or even in 6 months) but we know He does!! This is an exciting time for us, and a little scary, too. I still feel so unworthy to be called into ministry, but isn't that how He works? (I keep reminding myself of that!) We have been so blessed along the way with good friends, family, church family.

This last several years have been full of trials and testings, and full of many joys. We've experienced car trouble, health issues (Brian's leg injury, Brian's blood clot, David's many health challenges, etc.) and financial difficulties. The Lord is faithful, though. That's what I would like everyone to know... no matter how many curve balls life throws at you, you can trust Him. No matter how much you mess up, He loves you. He is faithful to His Word. He is faithful to u His People.

During this Advent Season, I hope for nothing more than the peace and joy of Christ to permeate my heart and my household. We get so sidetracked by this world and this life, and especially during this season. Let's make an effort to spend more time this December with family, celebrating and worshipping our Faithful God!! He is Emmanuel- He is WITH US and He is faithful.

"Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you establish the earth, and it endures." Psalm 119:90

Lauren's Little Lovies: A Merry Fluffy Christmas

Lauren's Little Lovies: A Merry Fluffy Christmas: "My Current Sponsors: Bippy Diapers Suburban Tree Hugger Ragababe Mom of Sasha Click-A-Doo Dipes Turtles in Bloom Peanut Pan..."

Ragababe Giveaway

RagaBabe Cloth Diapers is having an awesome black Friday giveaway... check out the info on their Facebook page...
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=177081152304584&set=a.136137766398923.23184.127158910630142

By the way, these are now my favorite diapers! She has two styles... and "Easy AIO" (and it is super easy!) and an AI2. I love the quality of these diapers, their ease of use, and I love knowing I am supporting a WAHM. (really a whole family) These dipes are made here, in the USA. They work fabulously, and are made of high quality materials. Oh, and easy to wash/ care for. They are very Dad friendly. Check them out at www.ragababe.com

First week of school

After a difficult year, followed by a nice summer break, we are easing our way back into school. We are still sleeping in late, and, as I said, "easing" into it. Language arts and math the first couple weeks, then we'll start the other stuff.
I am really excited about this school year. I feel more prepared then I have in several years-more refreshed and ready. That's a big deal for me- because the last couple years have been rough and have had me close to giving up on homeschooling. After prayer, and encouragement, I came to realize that this is what is right for our family. I cannot imagine life any other way. I would miss then terribly if they were away all day, every day. As stressed out as I get, and frustrated at the mess, I realize this is just the way it is for us. Little by little, I learn how to deal with messes, stress, and life in general.
Every year, I become a better teacher, and a better mom. (and more HUMBLE!!) I'm telling you, if there is anything in life to show you how selfish, sinful, and utterly dependent on grace you really are, it's motherhood. Teaching your children at home just accentuates the affect.
Honestly, when a newer home school mom asks for advice, I feel honored, and I feel bit overwhelmed. Deep down, I feel like, "Why are they asking ME for advice? I am the least qualified person..." It still feels like yesterday I was getting started. It still feels new. It still feels shaky and scary. I don't have a lot of answers. It's a take-it-by-the-day thing and I'm just clinging to the Master's hand to keep me steady. But I do know this- it's worth it!! It's a joy!! It works!!
So, as I was saying, we are easing into this new year... much as a child eases into the pool on their own for the first time. With excitement, joy, and trepidation.

The Speed of Life

Yesterday, after nearly running into some guy at QT who was apparently in a hurry, I was contemplating how busy life is. I was thinking about how I am speeding along, not always paying attention: taking children places, running errands, or even when just doing stuff at home.
Life goes fast. It seems like yesterday I was in high school. Could my first baby really be 11? Could I possibly be one of those 3o-something mothers, already?? Have we really been married almost 12 years?
We need to cherish the time. Every generation say it... we have all heard it before. Older people saying how their life seemed to speed by in the blink of an eye. And when we're young, we smile and nod, but really don't understand what they mean at all.
I am amazed every day at the growth of my children. When they are toddlers, it seems like we'll have them forever. (and we don't always relish that thought!) But as they get older, we begin to realize how quick it really does go by.
I am amazed as I think of all the loved ones in my life who are now gone. How I wish I had slowed down and enjoyed the time with them more. You never know when it will be the last time you see them. My life has been so blessed with people who have loved me and poured into my life. I thank the Lord for them. I look forward to the someday when we will meet again.
In the meantime... I want to slow down and enjoy my family: my parents, my siblings, my husband, my children, and all my beloved friends. I want to enjoy the moments, and praise God for all that He has given me.

"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him, all creatures here below. Praise Him above, Ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen."

If you know me, you know I love cloth diapers. I started cloth diapering with Aaron (#3) and Joannah (#4). I started with Fuzzi Bunz. I was amazed to find that there are cloth diapers that are easy & adorable. I started trying other things toward the end of cloth diapering those two.

Now, with David, I've been using fitted diapers, covers, prefolds, flats, Fuzzi Bunz, .... My favorite fitted diapers for newborns are Kissaluvs size 0. For older babies, I love Bella Bottoms One Size Fitted diapers. She's a WAHM, and she makes a fabulous product at a great price. She also donates some of her proceeds to a crisis pregnancy center.

My most recent love are Fuzzi Bunz One Size diapers. They are just so cute and convenient. Yes, a little pricey up front, but I think in the long haul they are worth it. They adjust in the most clever way- you adjust the elastic in the legs & waist- kind of like the elastic in kids adjustable waist pants.

I just found a great online diaper boutique- www.mybabypumpkin.com Great prices and products, free shipping, and she's super fast!! Check it out!

The Delights of Many Children

We always knew we wanted a big family. We enjoyed an almost 5 year respite after our 4th, Joannah. When we decided to extend our family and add another child, we knew we were in for a challenge. There are some things that have been a complete surprise. We weren't prepared for a traumatic birth or a 7 day stay in the NICU. We were a little taken aback by the health problems he's had, such as asthma and severe allergies. We thought we were pros at this parenting thing, so the struggles with breastfeeding and sleeping threw us off our game.

But then again, the joys have been overwhelming:
Watching my 7 year old lovingly gaze at his little brother in the incubator...
The first time the older children were allowed to hold David...
My 9 year old daughter announcing that she would learn to change David's diaper (with a diaper and wipes in hand)...
My 11 year old being completely silly in order to entertain his 9 month old baby brother...
Daily arguments among the older children about who's "turn" it is to sit by David in the van.(to the extent that I now have a chart)...
Helping hands when I am exhausted or have too much to carry...
Older children who don't have to be asked to hold the baby. More often they have to be told to PUT HIM DOWN!...
A baby who knows no other life than that of complete love and adoration...
Children who realize that a baby, EVERY baby, is a treasure, a delight, and a gift from God.

It is amazing to me how wonderfully rich this life is! I have learned that adding more children to our family does not take away from the existing children or rob them in any way. It adds richness and fullness and joy to our lives, and theirs as well.

Getting started...

A friend on Facebook encouraged me to start a blog about life as a Mom of 5 kids... so here goes. I approach this with great excitement and trepidation. But, hey, why not? I approach much of life in the same fashion. Every day, in fact. Each day I wake up, never knowing what to expect. Daily life is fun, exciting, and fulfilling. It can also be boring, chaotic, depressing, and downright frustrating.

Okay, so I guess I should tell you a little more about me. As I mentioned before, I am Mom to 5 amazing kids. They are ages 11, 9, 7, 5, and 8 1/2 months. I am wife to an amazing man... my life with him has been a gift. Life is not easy... and neither is marriage, but I could not be more blessed!!

My husband, Brian, is currently a Document Systems Specialist for Tekniq Data Corp. He is also a seminary student- working on a Masters in Divinity with emphasis in Christian Education. We live on campus at the seminary and are blessed to have a 4 bedroom apt. (still tight living space, but we are thankful for it)

My days are busy homeschooling the kids and taking care of them and the home. I also serve in a women's ministry on campus, and sing in choir at our church. This has been an interesting year, with a difficult birth in September, baby being in the NICU for 7 days, and then more recently learning that he has food allergies (milk protein and possibly others) and asthma. He also has eczema and acid reflux.

We cloth diaper. (and love it!) Currently I use a mix of fitted diapers/covers, some pockets.
I am pro-life, pro-breastfeeding, pro-home birth and a Christian. Jesus is my Savior and friend. I live to be His disciple and hope to be more like Him.