Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow??

I'm not one to "love" snow. Sure, it's beautiful....but only from the inside of our Shoe, in my humble opinion. OK, not really. Wait...yes, really.

I can't make up my mind.

You see, it can be a long and miserable winter here in Vermont. Not being able to come and go as I please gets old after a month of winter. Or, the end of fall...like now. That depresses me more thinking that winter hasn't even officially arrived!!

So, this morning, I took a very very short walk outside around our Shoe after moving the vehicles so that my husband could plow the snow off the drive way. It was so pretty out, and so quiet and peaceful (unlike the inside of the Shoe).

So, I took a few pictures of things I found lovely to look at. Here ya go!

Have I ever mentioned I want to be a photographer when I grow up?

I do love virgin snow. It always reminds us of how the Lord forgives our sins and washes us clean, like pure white snow. It's a beautiful truth.....and a beautiful sight.

Love,
Lisa

King of ALL Chicken Wing Eaters...

We love wings at our house. Especially hot wings! Especially these wings! But, because we have several little rugrats a few small children in the house, I always make some without the spicy sauce.

Who do you think stripped these bones clean?

Would you believe MARK did??? This child loves wings! He'll even eat them spicy. But I don't give him much more than a little bite of the spicy ones because I know it may upset his tummy.

It wasn't long ago I had to peel all the meat off for him so that he could eat them. Not any more.

This kid goes to town while eating wings! He would eat the bones if I let him. He often eats all the gristle off the ends. He's like his mama. I love gristle.

One for each hand.

Yummy, aren't they, baby boy??

I love watching him eat. He thoroughly enjoys his food. But ya know what the best part about Mark and this particular wing meal was?

OK, Besides his BIG brown eyes....

His dinner attire.

But his yummy plump baby thighs will have to be a totally different post altogether! It would be completely wrong to write anything about his BEEFY thighs in a CHICKEN WING post!

Wouldn't you agree?

Love,

Lisa

Just finish the story...

In school today, I asked Jonathan to do a simple task. I started a story for him and asked him to simply finish it. I just didn't know what I was asking for.

It went something like this...

Me: "Bobbie and his mother needed eggs, bread and milk from the store. So, they got into the car and drove to the store. OK, now Jonathan...finish the story for me."

Jonathan: Taking a moment to think "Bobbie and his mom brought a baby with them. They unbuckled the baby from the carseat and put him in a cart. Then they went shopping. Then the baby was gone and they could not find him. Then they called the police to look for the baby. The police man looked for the baby and saw someone with the baby. The police man took the baby from the person and he wanted to keep the baby. Then Bobbie and his mom saw a head that looked like their baby and they found the police man with the baby. They said "Give me my baby back!", but the police man wanted to keep the baby. So then, Bobbie and his mom took the baby...and they lived happily ever after."

Oiy.

And would you believe, after Anna finished the same story with something like, "Then they bought the food and gave money to the lady at the front, then they went home.", he actually rolled his eyes and said, "Anna! You have to say 'And they lived happily ever after' when you're done!"

I just love homeschooling.

Lisa

Help for Growing Families! Family Calendar

Without this calendar we would all be lost. Sure, at one time I used a regular cute flip open calendar, but with my growing family it was never big enough.

So, I went to Staples and bought a huge desk calender. You know...the big ones that you lay on your desk. It usually has black corner protectors on it, but I take those off.

I use business card magnets I had from mail offers or ones I picked up here and there and tape them to the back of this large calender and put it up on the side of my refrigerator, but it can be put up on the wall if you have room.

I also keep a clip at the top with appt. cards on it. I'm not sure why I keep those there, because I have everything on the calendar, but I've used this clip for other things like business cards, invitations, driving directions, etc., and I keep a pencil at the top of the clip.

In years past, I actually had colored markers/pens, and had a specific color assigned to each person, but as the family grew, my brain shrunk it became more difficult for me to remember who had what color, so now I just put the person's name next to the appt./activity.

And toward the end of the year when apppointments are made before I can get the new years calendar, I just jot down the appt. at the bottom of Decembers calender in the space for notes. So, when I finally buy the desk calender I can transfer those appointments and not miss anything.

This is the handiest thing for our family, and we all use it!

Head on over to Ship Full O' Pirates for more Help For Growing Families!

Lisa

Compliments

Today was full of compliments from some of my children. I thought I would share.

Jonathan: [Rubbing my arm] "Mommy, you're skin is smoother than the counter top."

***********************************

Anna: [With her arm around my waist, grabbing a hold of my love handle waist] "Mommy, what is this?"

Me: "What do you think it is?"

Anna: "Fat"

***********************************

Erika: [Hugging me] "Mommy, if you have shoes with socks on, and no pants you look nice."



I think I'll go rub on some more counter polish, put my pants on, and do some crunches now.

Lisa

A Shiner!

It was a close fight, my tough little man!

When I walked in Mark was winning. He was almost up on his opponenet, trying to climb the guy. What a grip! Then without warning, the enemy threw his tall frame forward knocking Mark to the ground face up. All I could hear was the "thunk" of his little head hitting that hard floor. The mother in me could hold back no longer, so I ran to my baby's son's rescue, but before I could get to him, this rival lunged forward and landed his seat right on Mark's eye!

I had half a mind to grab the rival and sit on him... but I refrained, and tended to my son baby, as any mother with a heart would.

And this rival.... You might be wondering what who it is, huh? Well, I got his picture before I personally grabbed him and shoved him under the breakfast bar.

Don't try to look innocent, Mr. Bar Stool! You're no friend of mine!

WFMW ~ Hiding Stains

Most of us have had this happen, right? You buy a new pair of pants for your little girl (or boy, for that matter), and instruct them to NOT PLAY OUTSIDE in them. I bought my daughter a beautiful pair of pink Levis a few summers ago, and said the same thing. She wore them once, and there were instant stains. I could not get them out. I was about to put these pants into the play clothes drawer, when I got this idea.

First cut the pants into crop pants or capris, if you want. The stains on these pants were pretty bad around the ankles, so I cropped them.

Then I took some cute fabric I had that had bugs and flowers on it, and made them into appliques. You have to iron the fabric onto some stablizer. Then cut them out, iron them onto the fabric, and use a sewing machine to applique them on, using pretty color thread that coordinates with the colors in the fabric.

I also had several cute iron-on lady bugs that went nicely with the fabric. I ironed those onto some smaller stains.

Then I used some ribbon and trimmed the pants below the knees and...

up out of the back pockets for a cute effect. These didn't hide any stains, but I thought it really brought the whole look together. Don't you?

One thing I didn't get a picture of was the cute belt I made for this. I just used the rest of the red gingham ribbon, put it through the belt loops and tied a bow. That's it!

You can really use this idea for many many things....like hiding small stains on nice shirts or dresses. You could hide small holes, too. Younger boys might like something like this, without the ribbon, of course (and the pink!). Also, if you don't use a sewing maching, you could maybe just cross-stitch the applique's on, or just use iron on patches. Either way, it works for me!

Check out more WFMW ideas at Rocks In My Dryer.

Lisa

Dip Lips

Me: "Erika, have you been eating Sissy's dip?"

Erika: "Dip?"

Me: "Yes, dip."

Erika: "Dip?"

Me: "Erika? Why did you eat more of Sissy's dip?"

Erika: (Looks around, anxious for a good answer) "Um....I didn't."

Actually, she didn't. It turns out she just licked all the dip off of her plate and got it all over her cute little face. I just had to take a picture. Notice the container of dip in the background on the table??? Hmmmm.......

Lisa

Is Your Marriage Fireproof?

If you could recommend one movie to everyone, what would it be?

Yesterday, Todd and I went to see the new movie, Fireproof. If you haven't heard of this movie, here's the trailer. Remember to pause the music at the bottom of this page before playing the trailer.

If you see only one more movie for the rest of your life, this needs to be it! If you don't think this movie is for you, you need to see it! If you're married, single, divorced, young, old... you need to see it!

Believe me, you need to see this movie. And bring a box of tissues with you. Don't wait till it comes out on video. This movie will change your life. Has a movie ever changed your life? If no, go see this movie. If you're ready for a change, YOU MUST SEE THIS MOVIE!!!

And....have I mentioned that you really really need to see this movie?

You do. You just do.

I wish I could tell you what it's about. The trailer does NOT do it justice. I don't want to give anything away. Just go see it.

Lisa
go see it!

Toilets, Toothbrushes, and Toddlers

Need I say more?

We knew something was in that toilet. It kept overflowing after one of Mark's attempts to flush something down it. I caught him red handed! I just didn't catch what he put in the toilet before he flushed.

Well, after using the plunger on this toilet for about a month, we decided to pull it and try to get what was in it.

We tried.

Really, we did.

We used a hose, springy things my husband has in the garage, wires, our hands...but with no luck. We just didn't need the expense of purchasing another toilet, but couldn't keep this toilet out of commission on a permanent basis (or could we.....no wait, it's too late).

So, we couldn't resist....

Go for it, Babe!

The culprit....a toothbrush.

We have no idea whose toothbrush it is or where it came from. All downstairs toothbrushes are accounted for. We suspect it's a toothbrush that belongs to our neice, who came for a visit a few months ago and left it here. We're just not sure. But we are definitely sure we won't be returning it to her.

Now Mark, what do you have to say for yourself????

Oh, never mind.

Politics

I'm not much for talking politics. There's so much I don't understand about it. My wonderful husband explains much of it to me, but I must be honest and say, it's all still so foreign to me. It should be higher on my priority list of things to learn and understand, but it isn't.
There's one thing I do know... I will never vote for someone who supports the right to choose. The thought of abortion is bad enough, but the words in the following video sickens me to the depths of my soul.
Obama has already promised that, "The first thing I'd do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act," immediately eliminating over 500 abortion restrictions passed by the 50 states. Please watch this video. Then watch the second video. Neither videos contain any graphic images. If you are pro-life, but are unsure who to vote for, I urge you to VOTE FOR LIFE!
Remember to pause the music at the bottom of this page before watching the videos.

"Barack Obama is THE MOST EXTREME PRO-ABORTION CANDIDATE EVER to seek the office of President of the United States. Indeed, he is the most extreme pro-abortion legislator ever to serve in either house of the United States Congress."
(Dr. Robert P. George, Princeton University)

Lisa

Me....Get a Blog Award????

Well.... it just seems ridiculous silly, since I have no followers... yet, and I don't blog daily... yet, but, YES, I'LL TAKE IT! WooHoo! Thanks Christine, for sending this to me!

So, I'm suppose to list just 7 things I'm thankful for and send this award on to 7 others.

• My salvation. I thank Christ everyday for taking my place on that cross and dying in my place. It's a gift I don't deserve, but I have gratefully received it and look forward to my heavenly home someday!


• My husband, who is such a hard worker, a wonderful husband, and such a good dad! I don't deserve him. He seems to love me no matter how badly I mess things up, or how awful I look, or how grumpy I can get... He's also a gift I think I'll keep.


• My 6 children, who bring joy to my life and the wonderful chaos to our shoe. *smile* Each one is so unique and such a blessing. Without them, my life would be empty.


• My parents, who gave me life. Without them, I wouldn't be here. Haha! Ok, seriously... my parents love my husband and my children and have always loved me, even when I was most unlovable. I will always be grateful to them for everything they do for my family.


• Our Shoe Home. I'm so thankful for the beautiful land my husband works so hard everyday for us to have. We have a breath taking view and 15+ acres for our children to play on.


• My church. It's taken us years to find a good church. A good church that truly preaches the Word of God, a good church that supports our decision to homeschool our children, a church that isn't all about entertainment, a church that isn't afraid to hold others accountable for their actions, a church that accepts us as part of their family.


• My friends and family. I have wonderful friends, and I have wonderful family. AND, I have wonderful friends that are family! The time the give, the prayers they offer up, the meals they have made, and the fact that they like me for who I am makes me so grateful for this life I have been given.

I don't personally know anyone else that blogs, but I do read a few on a regular basis. I don't have 7 (does that disqualify me?) that I want to share this with, mainly because most of the blogs I read already have a ton of awards and they don't know me from anyone, but would like to pass this on to:

• Teri


• Jerri (who just gave birth to her 13th blessing!!)


• Lisa


• My daughter Elyse

OK, so I'm pretending there's a loud roar of applause in the back ground. *bows once, twice...and the curtain closes* ;o)

Lisa

Works For Me Wednesday!

This is a simple thing, really, but it has been a life saver and a money saver for me.

We have 8 people in our family and one of those "family size" soup cans just isn't quite enough. 2 of them makes too much, and a family size and 1 small can is even too much unless everyone is starving for a lot of soup (which is rare). So, I just make one large family size can of soup (adding the one can of water to it), and I add a can of chicken broth to it. This makes just enough for the tummies wanting soup with their lunch. It's cheap and works for me!

For more great Works For Me Wednesday tips, go to Rocks In My Dryer.

Lisa

National Day of Rememberance For Pregnancy and Infant Loss

My story...

We had 6 beautiful babies, all with healthy, uneventful, full term pregnancies. Nothing should have caused us to be concerned about possibly losing a baby to miscarriage. Sure, we knew there was always a possibility, but we didn't feel we were at risk. After all, I was about the most fertile person we knew!

We found out we were expecting our 7th child when Mark was 14 months old. The timing of this pregnancy was right about where we expected it to happen. We were happy. I remember feeling a bit reserved with my happy feelings, only because having 6 was getting pretty stressful. But years ago we had decided the Lord knew best when to send a baby.
At just 5 1/2 weeks, there was spotting. Never happened to me before. I'll never forget the feeling I had in the pit of my stomach. Not me! Not this baby!! Late that night, I began to miscarry. I was so very sad...and felt guilty. Guilty for having reservations....for feeling stressed about more children. I know that's not why I lost our baby. But I just couldn't shake those feelings.

I named her Sarah.

One month later we were surprised to be expecting our 8th. We were a bit concerned this time, so we weren't so fast to share our news. I had a quick ultrasound at 5 1/2 weeks and all seemed to be measuring on target for that early. I was feeling great and having all the wonderful symptoms....as the weeks past, the worrying began to subside. We told a few people. I mean, what were the chances of ME having two miscarriages in a row???
At 11 1/2 weeks there was spotting. An ultrasound showed our baby had no heartbeat. The baby measured 8-9 weeks and was perfectly formed. He had a tiny nose, arms and fingers, and I could see his knee. I wish I had thought to ask for the picture, but I didn't. I just kept hearing the Dr.'s words over and over..."I'm sorry, Lisa. There doesn't seem to be a fetal heartbeat." Not Me! Not this baby!!! I miscarried 5 days later. It was a horrible experience and I probably should have gone to the hospital, but I didn't. I'm thankful Todd was with me.

I named him Matthew.

2 months later we once again found ourselves pregnant with #9!! This time I was using Progesterone cream because I suspected my levels were low. This is something that can be purchased over the counter and is safe to use. I once again felt great....a little too great. I didn't have any symptoms and desperately wanted to. The progesterone cream is suppose to help with symptoms of pregnancy, but with having 2 losses already, I wanted to feel everything.
Then, at 7 weeks the spotting began. I went in hoping for an ultrasound, but they only drew blood to measure my hcg levels (pregnancy hormones). The levels were high at over 3200. At this point in pregnancy the hcg levels are suppose to double every 48 hours, so I had to go in again 2 days later for another blood test. This time, instead of being doubled, the numbers were only in the 900's, indicating our baby was gone. I stopped using the progesterone cream, and quickly miscarried.

I named him Jeremiah.

We just didn't know what to do at this point. We felt the medical community just looked at me and saw an older woman with 6 kids who didn't need any more. No one wanted to help us. I practically begged for tests. They obliged, but they didn't offer any help. I was tired of being patted on the head.

There haven't been any other pregnancies that we know of. The Lord is still in control and He could send another baby our way. My feeling is that our quiver is indeed full, and we are ok with that, if the Lord wants it that way. If He sends another baby, we're ok with that, too. He has always taken care of us and seen us through the tough times with a shoe full of kids. Our trust is in Him.

Please remember those you know who have lost a baby. Pray for them today. If you are someone who has experienced the loss of an infant, through miscarriage, SIDS, or any other way, I'm praying for you. No matter how long it has been, it still hurts, but our Lord is the Great Comfortor! He heals our hurts and carries us when we just can't walk any longer. I'm so thankful to be one of His children.

…and provide for those who grieve in Zion-

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness

instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise

instead of a spirit of despair…


Isaiah 61:2-3
(Verse taken from Angies blog)


Lisa

I Dare You!

Put The Big Red Button on your site

Fall in Vermont

The fall is a popular season for tourists to visit Vermont. We call them "Leaf Peepers". Not every year is as colorful as this year has been. The photos below don't give it justice. It's literally breath taking to see these beautiful colors. The pictures below were taken a couple of weeks ago right before the peek of the colors. Enjoy!

And what good is a post about Life in Vermont without adding a picture of cows!!


Love,
Lisa

In public with a broken foot...

(a passer by says...)
*gasping* "Oh my! What did you do to your foot?"

(my response...)
*smiling* "Oh, you see...I was chasing my two year old after church, and I put my foot half on and half off the sidewalk, which caused my foot to buckle over and break."

A few moments later...

(a passer by says...)
*gasping* "Oh my! What did you do to your foot?"

(my response...)
*still smiling* "Oh, you see...I was chasing my two year, and I put my foot half on and half off the sidewalk, and CRUCH....it broke."

A few moments later...

(a passer by says...)
*gasping* "Oh my! What did you do to your foot?"

(my response...)
*half smiling* "I was chasing my two year old, and I put my foot half on and half off the sidewalk, and CRUCH."

A few moments later...

(a passer by says...)
*gasping* "Oh my! What did you do to your foot?"

(my response...)
*fake half-smiling* "I was chasing my kid, and I broke my foot."

A few moments later...

(a passer by says...)
*gasping* "Oh my! What did you do to your foot?"

(my response...)
*not smiling anymore - just slowing down a bit to say...* "I was chasing my kid, and it broke."

A few moments later...

(a passer by says...)
*gasping* "Oh my! What did you -"

(my response...)
*cutting them off - did NOT stop at all...actually sped up - definitely NOT smiling* "Broke it."

A few moments later...

(a passer by says...)
*gasping* "Oh my! What did you do to your foot?"

No response.

Lisa ;o)

The Broken Foot....one week later

These pictures were taken on Sunday, a week after the terrible tragedy. Went to the dr. yesterday and was told to stay off of it for another 3 weeks!!!!! OHHHHH! Have I mentioned I really hate these crunches crutches???? Maybe I should take a picture of the raw skin on my under arms.

Can you tell which foot is the broken one? I honestly can't believe how swollen it still is! Believe it or not, I did use to have an ankle on that foot.

Still quite a bit bruised, too.

~Lisa

Alex is 15!!!

Our first born son.....2nd child, emerged from my body into his daddy's arms on August 27th, 1993, weighing in at 8 lbs. 2 oz. with a head full of black hair. What a sweety. His skin was red and he looked like a little indian baby. We called him our little indian boy (among other cute baby hood names, but I won't go there.....I must protect the innocent).

Chunk-Chester Alex is an excellent artist and is a wiz at science. Poindexter Alex also has finally grown taller than his very tall sister, Elyse....by about a hair. :o)

Buck He works along side Todd every moment we can get him to and is learning a lot so that one day he can train his own sons to be Mr. fix-its.

Tiger Cub Alex loves to read and is a huge help to me with the younger kids.

Chunkster Alex chose Lamb Chops for his birthday meal. We were all able to share this meal, but now we're broke and thankful we don't celebrate any more birthdays till March! Whew!

I love you, Love Muffin Son!

Elyse is 19 today!

August 26th, 1989...our first miracle came into this world. I just can't believe that was 19 years ago. She was the tiniest one of our 6 pack, weighing in at 7 lbs. 15 oz. She is a wonderful pianist and loves to do sign language to praise music. She is growing into a beautiful young woman and I'm so thankful to be her mother.

Elyse chose crab legs as her birthday meal (what's with these expensive meals my kids are choosing????!) and not only got her nose buttered, but her eyes as well. I guess I was just trying to shake things up a bit. :o)

Happy Birthday, Sweetness!

How To Decorate A Boot...

1. First, show love, tenderness, compassion and concern.

2. Then, get the stickers out and get creative!

3. Stand back and... Voila! The finished product!


4. And, and don't forget to put on a happy face, of course.

Love,
Lisa