Who needs a gym when you have a Joshua?

Big brothers are so much fun!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christ-a-must from our family!

A Tidy Pantry

My wonderful family helped me clean out, paint, and restock one of my food storage areas. It's full of pressure canned meals I have prepared recently. My goal is to clean out and reorganize our kitchen next. I hope to reduce pots and pans by at least 1/4. Then it's on to reorganizing the larger pantry. 

What do you keep your thermostat set on?

We were asked. Here's our answer:

We don't have a thermostat.

We have a wood stove and grow our own trees for heat.... and save a small fortune every year. When we're cold, we add more wood. When it's too hot, we stop feeding the wood stove.

Wood warms us twice, and we get the benefits of a gym membership for free when we cut, load, unload, split, and stack it!

It takes a team minded family to keep the wood in the house, keep the wood stove going, remove the ashes regularly, and keeping the fire fed. Big tasks like this build a sense of "togetherness" as a family.

We've been doing this as a family for 20+ years and have many wonderful memories from it. No one takes for granted what it takes to heat our home.

This method has been a big blessing to our family, and we are thankful for the Lord's provision of health and property to grow our own "heat."

It's that time of year

 Christmas wrapping paper tubes aren't what they use to be, 

but we try not to let anything go to waste!

Walmart Grocery Pick Up Experience

I had Joshua pick up a Walmart grocery order this morning. I was disappointed to see they substituted pints for all four orders of quart sized canning jars. Even though it caused me an immediate problem, I decided to suck it up.

I sent Walmart a polite note explaining how and why that substitution does not work for home food preservers. They called us to apologize right away and agreed it was a poor substitution.

Then, they refunded me the $36 for the pint jars and told me to keep them as a gift for their error.

I remain a happy customer!

Now poor Joshua is back out hunting down the quart jars I need.

If you are new to trying Walmart Grocery, please use this link. It will give you $10 off, and I will get $10 off too. Thank you!

To date, ALL of our pick up experiences have been extremely positive. I hope more stores follow their model.

Chicken Curry Soup: AKA Bethany's Favorite

Several asked so I figured I'd put it here. "It's on the blog." is much quicker than me finding it again and copy and pasting. 

Remember, I make mine in a HUGE US NAVY stainless steel pot I snatched up in a thrift store for $10. I was in the store a long time with family, and it became heavy, but I didn't put it down. Nope. I knew it's worth in my kitchen. I felt like I had been mining for gold and come up with a fist sized nugget! In the next store, I found an thick, extra long, stainless steel ladle that fit it! I was grinning from ear to ear. God loves Wendy and sends her good gifts to care for her family! 

I make around 35+ quarts at a time, but some is eaten right away. The rest goes into pint jars. 

I don't measure. I go by how it tastes and the ratio of meat to veggies and broth. My recipe will change with what ingredients I have. 

I use chopped onions, celery, potatoes, carrots, chicken, my homemade chicken stock, and salt, pepper, my own mix of curry powder, extra turmeric, and garlic to taste. 

Everyone in my family loves it and asks me to make it, but Bethany is the one who won't let me forget about it. 

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-viral properties making it a good choice for cold and flu season. 

Adding pepper helps the body take up more of the medicinal properties.

“God presses Israel just like we press the olives,”

“God presses Israel just like we press the olives,” Rabbi Weiss said. “It appears the olive is destroyed, but what is actually happening is the bitterness is being removed and the oil, the sweetness, is being saved and purified to send light into the world.” Click the link and scroll down the page for image of children pressing olives.

This is good to remember when we face difficulties in the Christian life. 

Romans 5:3-6 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

Philippians 1:6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

A good pocket chainsaw

This pocket chainsaw cut through this 1.5" gum sapling in less than a minute. It is sharp, the handles are comfortable and strong, and it folds compactly in it's pouch. It came with a fires starter too. We love it and will be adding more to our camping gear.

"Coolest toolbox I've ever seen"

Amanda rounded the corner where Clint works and thought to herself, "Now, THAT is the coolest toolbox I've ever seen!" 

Then she looked closer and realized it was her daddy's!
She sent me the picture to show me the additions Clint has made since the last time I saw it.

I bought him more stickers for it for Christmas.

Still At It

Bethany's favorite soup Chicken Curry Soup

In the past several weeks, I have been canning hundreds of pints and quarts in an attempt to clean out our big freezers for upcoming sales that I want to take advantage of in my ongoing effort to cut food costs. 

I have more jars to fill. My saying is "Empty jars are idle investments."

We eat very well and are able to share food with others. I do it on less than most families of four spend. I am thankful for the knowledge and good health that allows me to do it.

I wake up early, start the recipe which always includes fresh vegetables that need to be prepared. Then I prepare the jars and lids, fill the jars, wipe the rims, and put the lids and rings on them. It takes until late at night to finish processing. After processing, the jars are washed, dried, labeled, and put into storage. I am at it so much; I imagine I'm hearing the "chff chff chff" of the cooker while I am awake and asleep. 

It's deeply satisfying and rewarding work to have healthy cost effective meals on the shelf ready to heat and serve.

God blessed me for my hard work in a way that made me smile big. He sent us three free hams and a free turkey this week! 

If you've been waiting for me to reply to an email or phone call, it might be a while. I'm doing great, but I am busy and will be for a while. My love to all of you who call me "Wendy, Mrs. A., Mama Asbell, or Wendy Darlin'." 

Remi and Avalance

My family was asking about the sweet lady who bought Remi and Avalanche from us. If you drop by the blog, please write the email in the header and let us know how things are going for you. 

Mama Bear

Hunting on my land. Placed in front of five painted trees and two trees with "No Hunting" signs on them. Shooting in my yard's direction. Endangering my children. Baiting deer. They're going to get caught. #mamaasbellbear

A bit closer...

Today is a different kind of birthday. 

There is joy and anticipation because I have friends giving birth today. 

There is also sadness because the father and father in law of friends of ours, is on his deathbed. I am thankful I was able to minister to him through comfrey salve and years of prayers. 

I turned 49 this morning. I am celebrating it joyfully with my loved ones while I count my blessings. I am blessed with good health and am not on any prescription medications. I am approaching the day for it but currently do not wear glasses. My teeth are all intact and in good condition. I am physically active working in our home and on our farm. My marriage and family are whole. Our finances are in order, and our home is solid. 

I am abundantly blessed with all I need plus enough to share with others. My God given talents were perfectly tailored to allow me to serve those placed directly in front of me. I feel and see evidence of God's Hand on my life. For decades, I was torn apart and felt lower than every other human being but escaped those chains and found my value in the Gift God gave to me. 

To God be the glory for every single bit of it! I am blessed far, far beyond what I ever imagined could be possible for myself. I would not trade my life for anyone else's. I am His, and He is mine.

Today marks another year closer to realizing what is behind the veil. I am a bit closer to meeting "the One Who loves me more than all others combined" face to face. My mind struggles to comprehend casting off this mortal form and stepping into eternity much like a caged bird would struggle to comprehend the vastness of the great outdoors. 

Birthdays are simply mile markers in this journey that has a glorious ever after ending.

I Corinthians 2:9 But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him"

Unicorn Spit Table

I wanted to do something fun and colorful for where Emily and Hannah sit to do their school every day. I found a thrift store table for $25 and used a coupon to get it for $20. 

After I sanded the table and painted the base color. I used Unicorn Spit gel stains which have a unique and heartwarming beginning. I saved some money by purchasing the white and adding food coloring gel to tint it to the few extra colors which I only needed in small amounts. I also purchased the purple and blue since I knew I'd need more of those and wanted those colors just right. 

It's hard to see the full effect of these gels in this poor picture taken in a hurry on a rainy day. Once the clear coat is added, it gains depth and is very pretty. I painted the edge, underside, and base of the table grey. I paired it with black chairs. 

My girls love their table! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
Psalms 13:6

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I Corinthians 15:57

Happy Sam's Club Online Customer

For weeks, Sam's Club did not have an item I wanted in the store, so I decided to order and have it shipped to the house. That was my first online order with them. 

It arrived today. One of the 5 lb packages of bulk grits tore open en route. Messy! They apologized many times and are replacing the torn package of grits AND my other items to make up for it. 

I am very pleased and thankful for a quick and easy resolution. 

That's how you treat a customer! 

I will order online from Sam's Club again!

Lyme disease IS in Virginia.

Yesterday, I learned of a friend of a friend who suffered greatly and died from untreated Lyme. He was finally tested, but it was too late. 

Two people in my immediate family had the bull's eye rashes and other symptoms. Both were told "Lyme is not in Virginia" despite the fact I found evidence on the CDC's website (published years earlier) that said otherwise. They both went from doctor to doctor to be told the same thing and were given prescriptions that did not work. Both of them heard, "I don't know what it is." by more than one doctor. 

We had to find a Lyme literate doctor online who gave us excellent advice which was followed to the letter and restored their health. Both of them were healed 100% of all symptoms.

LYME IS IN VIRGINIA, and it's becoming more of an issue. I believe the numbers are much, much higher than what is shown on the CDC's website for a few reasons. One, doctors aren't testing for it when they should due to misinformation. Also, the ELISA test is known to be highly inaccurate. In fact, in Virginia, "patients being tested for Lyme disease must be officially informed that a negative test result does not mean they don’t have Lyme disease."

Lyme is all over the country. Listen to the people living with it. I have so many friends who are battling it. ALL of them have had to fight for testing and treatment. Many of them have given up with the traditional medical community because the fight was costing them valuable time. 

I am fed up with the medical professionals who are standing in the way of effective and timely treatment. 

Please educate yourself about Lyme, and its co-infections.

CDC report warns Lyme disease is slowly spreading throughout and beyond the East Coast

Show Me Da Money!

Ever wanted to learn how to can your own foods? Go for it!

My job as wife and mother is to feed my family as healthily as I can as economically as I can. For about 20 years now, I shop in November for the best deals on turkeys and purchase as many as I can afford. I usually average about 20 turkeys. This year, combining discounts, I was able to get my quota of turkeys for .34 a pound. I purchased 26 turkeys this year.

I roast them, de-bone them, and then cube and pressure can the meat in my pressure canner. The skin and bones go into US Navy sized pots, and I make dozens of quarts of rich stock and pressure can that. The scraps of meat and vegetables at the bottom of the stock pot go into freezer bags to feed my dogs. The bones go to our hogs who gobble them up. It's rare I can purchase food that inexpensively and make it do so much.

Having meats, soups, seasoned and plain beans, baked beans, and roasts I made myself for my children to eat is my favorite form of "convenience food." I know exactly what is in each jar. I like canning over freezing because once the work is done, it can sit on the shelf for years and not cost me anything extra to store. They can open it and eat it straight from the jar (which they often do) or reheat it quickly. My husband and children love taking them to work for lunches. Co-workers usually get a few jars too. They also make great gifts that are always well received.

If you have not learned how to can but have been wanting to, take the leap and do it. Canning is easier than you think and not as risky as some people would lead you to believe. I taught myself in my 20s by following USDA standards.  I had no one to ask for help as I learned. I figured it out. I passed the skill down to all of my older children. My youngest two children are still learning. If we can do it, you can too! 

Family Fun

This was left under some things I had to move around

by this mischievous child.

I put a dollar store rat and spider in her tent later.

Look for the Silver Linings

I don't like the time change, less daylight, cold weather, bulky clothes, etc during this time of year. 

However, I do appreciate the extra moments we have together as a family.

There is always, always, always something to be thankful for. -unknown

Miracle

Miracle, who has a story and a desperate mother's prayer behind her name, chose Brandon as her human. She use to follow him all over the yard like a dog. 

Then when he moved out, she chose Joshua to be her person. My big, strong adult son is so tender and considerate of what I call his "old lady cat." She is about 17 years old, just a little younger than Joshua.

She lived outdoors serving our family as a barn yard mouser for 15 years. She did a great job and often also caught rabbits, snakes, and lots of moles and voles. We started keeping her indoors in the winter once we noticed she was slowing down. She mostly stays indoors and sleeps a lot now. She goes to the door and meows when she wants to be let outside to use the bathroom. We think she also teleports because no one is sure just how she gets back indoors. 

She's a feisty gal. There's been several times a dog or livestock has been giving me trouble which would bring Miracle running with her claws out to take care of business. I've seen her chase pit bulls, rottweilers, Great Danes, and Great Pyrenees out of our yard. She's also fostered litters of orphaned kittens including a kitten one of our other cats stole from a neighbor's cat's litter. In fact, couple of months ago, she took in a litter of orphaned kittens for a neighbor. I fed them, and she kept them clean and warm.

I am not big on having cats in my house, but it looks like there is an exception to every rule. She's served us well and has earned an easy retirement.

My Grandbeebees

Brandon's Italian honey bees are eating spilled honey.
These little bees are pretty chill.
I did get a good "cussin" from the bottom right bee for getting my camera lens too close for its comfort.

I am looking forward to adding bees to our farm next year.

Daddy's Dangerous Tree Removal

Clint cut down four trees for Brandon. This is the dead oak tree before he cut it down.  

Brandon used his chain saw to help cut them up into firewood. Joshua helped too. I cut a little, kept an eye on everyone's safety, used hand signals to communicate with Clint, and helped load the wood. We will use the wood for heating our home and the branches will go along the property line to create a natural barrier. Caleb grabbed some of the oak for woodworking. 

This tricky tree was leaning towards Brandon's house, so he wanted it down before it got any taller. 

It was not a fun tree to take down. Clint put a cable on it to make it fall so that it missed landing on Brandon's deck. It behaved and landed exactly as Clint predicted.

We are thankful for the wood, and Brandon is thankful to have the trees gone. He has a few very tall pine trees in his backyard that have to be cleared before he can repair the shed that came with his place. 

More Herbaling

 

It's been a privilege and a joy for me to spend a good portion of my day today making herbal medicine for friends and family. 

I am mailing jars of my comfrey salve to family and many friends. I am taking some to neighbors tomorrow. 

I love crafting and gifting medicine for those I care about. Doing so lifts my spirits and lets me share some of God's amazing love.

"There will be so much more evil in the world that the love of most believers will grow cold"

Warning Against Falling Away

We have many things to tell you about this. But it is hard to explain because you have stopped trying to understand.  You have had enough time that by now you should be teachers. But you need someone to teach you again the first lessons of God’s teaching. You still need the teaching that is like milk. You are not ready for solid food. Anyone who lives on milk is still a baby and is not able to understand much about living right. But solid food is for people who have grown up. From their experience they have learned to see the difference between good and evil. Hebrews 5: 11-14

During that time many believers will lose their faith. They will turn against each other and hate each other.  Many false prophets will come and cause many people to believe things that are wrong.  There will be so much more evil in the world that the love of most believers will grow cold.  But the one who remains faithful to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:10-13 

Today's Christians show more enthusiasm for their sports team or their pets than they do studying the Word of the Most High. Our churches are teaching watered down milk to Christians, who are called to example God's love to others, but they don't even know the differences between agape, philia, storge, and eros. The Bible warns us that in the last days, "the love of most believers will grow cold." It's easy to understand how that can happen when you see how little the church knows. Note it says "of MOST believers." That's the majority.

We are seeing more and more of the evil in our society. It's making itself visible from the venom spewed online to the hate fueled attacks all over the world. The thing about rising evil is that it gives us more opportunities to example a greater love, but we have to know what that is in order to example it. We have to strengthen our minds and spirits so our flesh does not win the battle as we respond to the evil around us. We need to grow closer to the One who created us.

To prepare for what is happening around us and for what is to come, I encourage you to study the Word of God, and study it hard so you will not be part of the many who are easily deceived and fall away. 

Whatever excuses you are making, lay them aside and pick up your Bible today. Now is the time to "armor up." Don't give up eternal reward for temporary pleasures. 

Set yourself up to succeed in studying God's Word on a deeper level. Make appointments in your calendar, set alarms in your phone, and/or download and listen to lessons as you commute, do household chores, or work out. Set goals, discipline, and reward yourself. Make it enjoyable: have your favorite snack, play music in the back ground, buy highlighters and notebooks, diffuse essential oils, etc. Find out what keeps you on track, and do those things. 

If you stumble, don't negative self talk yourself into defeat. Simply drop the many excuses, and start again. 

We Christians also need to strengthen our bonds with one another. That means we have to quit the excuses and give our time to others instead of self serving pursuits. We also need to encourage, build up, and show support for one another. Now is the time to prepare for battle. 

I don't want my love to grow cold at a time when the world needs an example of God's love more than ever. 

Premature Baby Awareness Month

My husband was born over a month premature in 1969. I was told he stayed in the hospital for almost two months. 

He had a "rare blood disorder" that caused doctors to say he'd likely die, but it miraculously disappeared after the church held a prayer vigil. He was so small when he came home, he fit in a shoe box. My mother in law said he was an ugly baby. 

When he was released by doctors, the billing department told my MIL she had to pay the bill in full before she could take him home. She tried to work out a payment plan, but they told her again she had to pay it in full. She said, "OK. I guess you'll have to keep him since I can't do that. I'll pay a little each week and come to visit him." It's amazing how fast they worked out the payment plan after that.

 He's 6', healthy, strong, and at nearly 50 years old, just spent two full days cutting down trees and then cutting them up into firewood. The third day, he worked a 10 work day and then cut firewood again for three hours. 

God is good, and I am very thankful for the gift of my "premature baby" husband! 

Clint and I still chuckle over his mother's creative way of handling the billing department. 

Herbaling

Expanding my knowledge of medicinal herbs and edible wild plants is one pursuit I wish I could dedicate more time towards. 

I did get to make some elderberry syrup which I take for the antiviral properties.

Daddy's Helper

Bethany rewiring the trailer lights

Clint and our middles refurbished our old trailer late September right before our camping trip.

Lord keep us watchful in all seasons

“If you will tell me when God permits a Christian to lay aside his armor, I will tell you when Satan has left off temptation. Like the old knights in war time, we must sleep with helmet and breastplate buckled on, for the arch-deceiver will seize our first unguarded hour to make us his prey. The Lord keep us watchful in all seasons, and give us a final escape from the jaw of the lion and the paw of the bear.” ― Charles H. Spurgeon

Happy for Clint!

Clint was given a promotion and a very nice raise today. He will be the maintenance supervisor where he works. I am very thankful for the Lord's provision and blessing, and I am also proud of Clint. This also mean no more 24/7 call ins which he has been doing for nearly 20 years. 

What's happening with us?

Our family has been in a transition of sorts for the last several months. 

We've been enlisted to help neighbors who fell on hard times claim back their independence and quality of life. There are changes to this situation coming this week, and we will see how things develop.

Three of our children have graduated or will soon! Yes, three! Joshua graduated, but Caleb (16) and Bethany (14) are not far behind him. 

Our farm has changed too. We have stopped keeping some animals and are increasing others because of our time limits and ease of care.

I am not working in the more commonly understood sense, but I have something I am doing a few hours a day that involves writing and is very well compensated. Initially, it was just something I was offered and would try, but I rose through the ranks quickly. I am now offered so much to do that I have to turn quite a bit down. It is blessing my family and a few other people which keeps me motivated. God dropped this in my lap, and I am very thankful!

Brandon still has the house he bought and works for the same company, but he was given a series of raises and has earned some big bonuses.

Amanda is living in her own space on our place and has moved up in her job with another opportunity to move forward this week. She works nights so I try to plan family events around her schedule. 

Joshua has graduated, purchased a car, and is looking forward to his college classes starting. 

Caleb is learning to drive, but that has been held up by time constraints. He will graduate this week or next depending on how hard he pushes himself to finish the last few tests. (He finished his work the day after I wrote this post and is waiting on his diploma.)

Bethany reminds me so much of her paternal grandmother with some of the things she says and does. Clint and I wish she had had the chance to know her. She is half way through with her high school course and has a goal to finish by Christmas. (Her course had some changes that will take her around another year to finish.)

Emily and Hannah are doing well in their homeschool course work. Hannah is thriving in language arts while Emily enjoys math and science. 

Clint stays busy between family, work, and home. He just got a car he plans to fix and resell for profit when he gets time to do it.

I'll have other news to share soon.

We're planning another camping trip before the holidays. Our last one was nice  but had to be cut short by two days due to the weather. 

That's us! If you're reading, send us an update about you and yours. 

This is not how the story ends...

Sarah, Rebecca, Josiah, Angel Noel, Abigail, Benjamin, Mary, Isaac, and Jonathan

Faith is not a magic pill that removes our pain. Faith is what helps us bear it. Today, I choose to be thankful for the babies God made known to me and my family but took away before we got to know them better. I choose to rejoice as a person who truly believes God's promises will come to fruition. Choosing to honor God with my attitude, thoughts, and words does not mean I have stopped loving my miscarried and stillborn babies or that I love them less. It means I've taken God at His Word. I believe He has a plan and what He allows is for my good and His glory. I believe there is life and a future for my babies. It means He has given me, and I have readily grasped a hold of, some of His strength so I can keep doing the job He has called me to do in being a wife to a wonderful man and a mother to my other seven. 

Today, in recognition of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, is the day I remember my precious nine, celebrate their short lives, and thank my Father that this is not how the story ends.

Psalm 30:11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.

Coal Road 4x4 Jeep Road

I have added some pictures to the 4x4 Jeep Trail off of Coal Road album for those who plan to make the trip. 

What time do you wake up and start your homeschool?

My wake up and homeschool start times have varied a lot over the years depending on my husband's shift, his work week, our activities, difficult pregnancies with bed rest, new babies, etc.

Sometimes I was up very early (before 6). Other times, I woke up after 8. I did what worked best for us in our current circumstances and never cared what anyone else was doing. It doesn't matter what "they" are doing. What matters is if I am doing my very best at keeping priorities in check, at staying on top of my responsibilities, and at seeing progress in my children's academics.

I've been homeschooling since 1995 (22 years) and have three graduated children who are doing better than their peers in college and the workplace. My 16 yo will graduate high school in a month. My 14 yo will graduate high school before January. My oldest son is the sys admin over two industrial plants (since he was 21 years old) and bought his own home when he was 23 without any help from us other than opinions on the structure. My seven living children range in age from 25 to 9 yo. I am happy to say that all of them are also serving the Lord.

Homeschooling has built us a strong marriage, parent-child, and sibling relationships. There are SO many ways God has blessed us through homeschooling. I am very, very thankful He led us to this way of living.
Looking back over the years, I do not see where an earlier start time was of any benefit. It was the consistent and mindful effort that gave the results.

Interestingly enough, a friend of mine took a poll on wake up and homeschool start times a couple of weeks ago. Most of them woke up after 9 and started in the late morning hours. Most of them reported they did not make their beds because there were things of more lasting value to spend their time on.

Need Help with Your Flat Stanley Project

Flat Stanley Visits

I love where I live and love sharing our history with others. Feel free to use these images for *your own child's* school or homeschool project. 

I retain the copyright to these images, and if you desire to use them in any other way, please contact me for permission.

If you have not purchased your Flat Stanley book yet, please consider using this link: Flat Stanley Books on Amazon The very small proceeds will benefit my family's homeschooling and sends me a "thank you" for keeping the photo album available to families.

Nausea and vomiting in the first trimester

Help! I am having nausea and vomiting in my first trimester and can't keep anything down!!! I am trying to eat healthy, but I keep throwing it all up!

I had severe hyperemesis gravidarum from 5 to 40 weeks with all of my pregnancies. I was on medication and IVs. Helpher.org is a hyperemesis support group which has a support board with a list of foods that are easier on the stomach. It is called Foodments. There are also volunteers who may be in your area. I was sent books and a list of HG knowledgeable doctors. As a volunteer, I have helped women in my local area. 

I also took Unisom and B6. The sleep center and vomit center of the brain are in the same area. Unisom and Benadryl are safe to take while pregnant, and it does help slow down the vomiting, but you will be sleepy. 

I was told by my doctor that the nutritional stores in my body would carry me through for a good long while. Your baby will get what he/she needs but it will come at your expense. However, if you have been taking care of yourself, my doctor said, it will be a while before you see any of the effects. I was told to do the best I could, eat what stayed down, and not to worry because my body would provide what my babies needed for the short duration.

If you would like prayer support, please drop me a message at the email in the header. Our family will be happy to pray for you and your baby.

What age range is best for siblings to play and interact with one another?

I was asked "What age range is best for siblings to play and interact with one another?"

Playing is simply engaging in an activity for enjoyment. 

My seven children range in age from 26 to 8. Even though he has his own house, my 26 year old will sit and play Legos, play in the pool, throw water balloons with, race Matchbox cars, etc for hours now and then with my 8 and 10 year olds. He often invites all six of his siblings to his house for pizza, movies, games, and sleep overs. They laugh and have a blast together. 

When I have the time for it, I am out there with them playing just as hard. I am 48, almost 49. When I play with a baby's feet and make him laugh, I am not counting the age difference. I am counting the smiles we both get out of the shared fun experience.

It's not the age, but the love in the relationship that keeps people of all ages interacting and relating to one another. It's up to the parents to teach their children to value and preserve relationships.

I told my older children it was up to them to reach out and build those relationships with their youngest siblings. They have taken that advice and run with it. 

My oldest daughter is 22, and she plans "Girl Days" where the four girls go shopping, go out to eat (her treat), do a craft, or do hair and make up while watching a movie. She and my two youngest went paint-balling with her co-workers recently.

Like my 96 year old grandfather who kept a collection of modern toys that he showed off simply because they delighted him, I intend to keep engaging in fun (playing) until I die.

Article: Ok folks, here’s what REALLY happened in Charlottesville – and what everyone is missing

This is worth the read.

OK, folks, here's what REALLY happened in Charlottesville-and what everyone is missing.

What do you say to those who are against homeschooling?

I had this happen to me over 20 years ago. They were Christians. I asked them what Biblical basis they had against homeschooling. They had nothing which told me it was just opinions I was dealing with. I thanked them for their concern and told them we felt homeschooling was the way the Lord was leading us. I explained that even though it was different than what they preferred for us, we were going to follow as the Lord led. If they sincerely felt we were in error on this, then to please pray for us and trust God to do that work in our lives.

That worked!

It took the focus off of coming to us with their worries and sent them straight to the Lord.

I made up my mind to obey God and not let the voices of others distract/hinder me even for a moment from where He was leading. God blessed that.

My oldest graduated at the top of his college classes. At 22, he was the youngest person working where he works as the sysadmin over two industrial plants. He makes VERY good money, just got back from a two week trip in Europe, owns two cars, has paid off most of his college loans, has a good start on his retirement fund, and at 23 years old purchased his own home.

When she was 19, my now 22 year old was given a raise and made assistant manager over the store where she worked after being cashier for two months because of her work ethic and accuracy. She has a new job that she has been working three months and has already been moved up with raises twice. She is on her way to buying her own home.

I have a 13 year old who is almost done with high school through a regionally accredited online course.

There's nothing like success to quiet the dissenters.

Article: Trusting God in the Next Phase of Your Child’s Life

"She had no idea what would happen to her baby, but she trusted the plan of the Father.  " read more:  Putting the Basket in the Water: Trusting God in the Next Phase of Your Child's Life

At a time where many children are leaving the next to attend college, this article is very timely. 

While I do agree with her that we need to put our children in God's care and trust Him to work in their lives, I disagree with her on a couple of things like where she says "Jesus wasn't human any more."* However, that does not take away her points about the phases of life, and our need to place our trust in the Father. 

*Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Hebrews 13:8