Mom's Say The Darndest Things

A couple of phrases I never thought I would say to my little boys - (I said all of these just this morning)

"Pull your pajama pants back down, they shouldn't be up around your shoulders."
"Take the garlic powder container out of your pants."
"It's not funny to sit on your brother's face and toot." (somehow said without laughing)
"Toilet paper does not go in the bathroom sink."

As my two littlest are napping and my two oldest are doing school I am sitting here reflecting on my morning... I am able to see the humor, the joy, the craziness and the blessings of being a mom to many boys. God has blessed me beyond measure with little men who know how to be boys. They are not afraid to play G.I. Joes with their little brothers. They are not afraid to look silly. They are not afraid to play rough, to hug each other or to say I am sorry or I love you. They love their mama and tell her often.

I have been asked if we are disappointed that baby #5, due in June, is another little boy and not a girl. I can say honestly and sincerely that I am NOT disappointed one little bit.

Being a mom to all boys is an amazing gift!

Reasons NOT to Read My Blog

I did not write this, but I loved it so much that I felt I MUST share. THESE are many of the reasons I have cut back on my computer time, deleted my Facebook account and am trying to be more purposeful with my time. There are many more important things!!

Don't read this blog
If you haven't spent time reading your Bible today.

Don't read this blog
If you haven't yet today humbled yourself in prayer to your Heavenly Father.

Don't read this blog
If you haven't sung songs of praise to your Creator.

Don't read this blog
If you haven't met your husband's needs--whatever they are.

Don't read this blog
If you haven't read to your children today.

Don't read this blog
If you have no dinner plans and the floor needs to be vacuumed.

Don't read this blog
If you have church family that needs ministering to.

Don't read this blog
If there are strained sibling relationships that need your undivided attention.

Don't read this blog
If you are struggling with submission to your husband.

Don't read this blog
If you aren't investing in the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.

Don't read this blog
If your little ones are awake.

Heavenly Father, we are weak. Help us to keep our eyes on You and our priorities straight.

Homeschool

This year we have 2 who are officially in school. Brandon has been officially in school for many years now, but we have started Tyler in (almost) daily school. Sitting still is not his favorite thing to do, but he can be calmed down and encouraged to do a good job. Schooling my active little man is a challenge most days, but the rewards are so much greater than the challenges. Teaching a child to read is one of the many AMAZING gifts of homeschooling. Tyler is doing well in his reading lessons but his true passion (so far) is math. He is a wiz with numbers. He is, of course, his daddy's son :)

It is also very fun to see Jeremiah wanting to be a big boy like his brothers and trying to join in on school. My guess is that he will be doing work of his own in no time. I like to give him coloring projects whenever I can and yesterday we did a painting project that he got to help with. I made his day with that! I will try to remember how much fun he has with that sort of thing, and try to do it more often!

Getting Ready for Christmas

In preparation for Christmas, Shaun and I have done a lot of reflecting. We have 4 beautiful boys and a sweet one on the way. We have a great house with warm beds to sleep in. We have cars to drive and our children do not know the meaning of going without. In addition to all of the "things" we have, most importantly, we have a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior. We know that we are loved by Him and He has paid for our sins. We have His forgiveness and we know His grace. How could we ask for more?

So, this Christmas season, we have decided to GREATLY pair down the present giving among our own little family to allow us to reflect on what we have. We have also made the exciting decision to sponsor a sweet little boy named Fernando from El Salvidor. This dear one, DOES know what it is like to go without. This young man serves as the man of his household at the tender age of 6. This little boy has no father. So, our family is honored to sponsor him and to pray for him. Our greatest prayer for Fernando is that he will come to know his Heavenly Father and experience God's love and grace. Please look at his sweet little face. If he happens to cross your mind, would you please join us in praying for him?

Our little family is growing

With so much going on in the lives our our crew, I thought it would be a good idea to start blogging again. So, here goes..

We are celebrating this Christmas season with another sweet baby Buck on the way! This new babe is due June 16th. We are very excited! I have had terrible morning sickness, but am just getting into my second trimester, so that has subsided considerably. We have seen our baby via ultrasound two times now and he or she looks great! We are anxious to see what God has chosen to bless our family with - a baby boy or baby girl. We will keep you posted.