I just felt the Lord leading me to post today...I think He is trying to get my attention in that two of my newest belongings, a necklace and a shirt, have both been totally destroyed this week. Which might not be a big deal if I had a lot of new things, but, I have not purchashed many new things for myself over the past few years. With 3 growing children we need to replace their things more often. I was sad over my shirt- too tired to remember not to put it in the dryer and the necklace, in a hurry to put it on for church, more angry that I needed to pick up lots of small pieces while Hudson was trying his best to fit them nto his mouth. Late for church and once again, not in the right frame of mind when I got there. It was a tough morning once there too. Is the Lord trying to tell me to stay home? More staying home? From church? Wanting me to be even more content? Probably. I have grown sooo much in this area, but he is still working on me. I am thankful that He loves me enough to persist.

The girls and I did a devotion entiltled," Don't Push Away the Goads." I found that goads are pointy stick that farmers would use to drive their oxen down the field. Sometimes God uses situations as goads in our lives to help us see our sin and to repent and change our ways. For me it has been having one car. Now that we have 2, Hudson still does not like being in the car so we still need to spend most of our time at home. I think he is warning me not to enjoy any possessions more that I enjoy my fellowship with Him. He also is telling me to say "NO" to a lot of things. Many good things, but for this time he is leading me to hold off and focus my time at home on my family. Marriage and children are great examples of Gods hand in our lives where he uses them to teach us to be more loving, patient, and especially other focused and to give up our rights.

I was sooooooooooooooooooooooo irritated this week when I ws getting my children out of the truck at Babies R Us and a lady wanted to park in the space next to me. She pulled right up to my stroller (after finding she could not fit into the space because my car door was open as I was getting the 3 kids out) gave me the look and sped around the parking lot to a spot a few cars down. I do not see why it was such a big deal to have to park 5 feet further from the door. We could all use the exercise right? This is one of my biggest beefs with people lately that think they need the spot right next to a car with 3 small children who need help getting in and out (especially after my baby has been screaming to get out). If I see a car loading kids I will find another spot to park. The Lord wants me to be loving to these people, but I am feeling mad!! Won't you all pray that I will have a kinder heart towards people who want to park next to us:)

Babble, Skate and Worship

I forgot to post about Josh's guitar playing last time. He has been working on several new songs and is getting quite good. He made a few really cool worship tapes and can play many of the songs now. He just learned Revelation Song this week. Really in one night ,as Josh is a night owl and will stay up late playing guitar and watching Heroes or 24. It is so sweet to have family worship time together and have him be able to play the guitar. I am looking forward to having him play at our campfires.

Hudson just started babbling-like last night. We gave him Cheerios and a biter biscuit and off he went with the babbling! Sure beats the screaming....don't know if he'll abandon that just yet....As I am sitting here he is crawling full speed across the living room into see my and pull on the many cords attached to the computer and laying around the office. He also tried to shut the computer off. He has crawled all the way across the floor at least 4 times already!

Today we went to the Nampa Roller Drome with the Johnsons and Carrolls. We also got to visit with Carrie, her children and the Gammon family. It sure was cool to see how much fun the girls had. They both did well. Madeline really likes skating. I think the ice skating lessons have helped her to roller skate too. They played Limbo, and speed skate and Hokey Pokey. We will definitely have to go again next month. My camera is on its last legs so I couldn't get any clear pictures this time. Maybe next month we will have a new camera!!

I really want to post something profound, but for now this is it!! Hope you are all having a great January!

Well we've kinda been hermits since Hudson was born. We have had one reliable car and it is a Civic and very challenging to fit all 3 children in it and go make more than 1 stop. Hudson does not like riding in the car and will most likely let us know by crying until we get out of the car.

Madeline and Noella were sitting at the table at lunch and I overheard them discussing the meaning of a hypothesis and a paleontologist. All this learning from the show Dinosaur Train!!

These days they are into making up all sorts of pretend games, Petshop/My Little Pony, and babies. Hudson is crawling as of last week and is working on his 4th tooth. He is also taking naps in his crib with only 20 minutes or less of crying!!! Yippee!!!

Yesterday I made dumplings for dinner. I had never made them. It was quick and easy with only a few ingredients and little prep. time. Monday I made oatmeal raisin cookies which I had been trying to make for at least the last 2 years and everytime I go to make them, the girls tell me, "Mommy we don't like raisins,would you make chocolate chip?" So of course I make the chocolate chip and then never get around to the oatmeal raisin. I am trying to get back into cooking again as Hudson has been happy now that he can crawl around.

Today we picked put the tulle for Noella's swan lake tutu. This is my next project. She is wanting to have a Swan Lake party for her 5th birthday next month. I will post pictures when I get it finished in a week or so. I have seen so many cute projects on various Blogs lately, but am just so tired by the time the kids go to bed, I just wind up falling asleep. I really need to make it a prioroty to get some exercise each day. We did go on a walk to the park yesterday and picked up a bag ful of garbage around the neighborhood-does that count?!!!!

Madeline turns 7

Such a beautiful heart she has. So generous and loving. Always smiling and dreaming up adventures and inventions. Takes care of her mama. Loves her family and friends. Desires to do what is right. Loves the Lord with all of her heart,mind, soul and strength. So blessed by her! Love her so much!!!

Fun in the Kitchen

After a busy few month of activities, we are taking a break to spend some time in the kitchen for the holidays. We have started out simple and plan to keep it simple. Hudson doesn't like the idea of us making cookies without his help and usually will fuss during cookie making, but we have plans to bake nonetheless! We have made pizza crust this week and plan homemade bread over the next week. PaPa gave us a private lesson this past week. We are hoping to pick the brains of a few other friends and then get to work!

Recent pictures

October

Happy Fall ya all!!! Can't believe we are in October- where have the past 4 months gone? We have been keeping busy with school and extracurricular fun. Madeline is ice-skating and Noella is taking ballet. They are both playing soccer; Josh is coaching Madeline's team. We are having lots of fun. We will be taking a break from all activities for the holidays. I am planning to bake lots of cookies and make Christmas ornaments.

The homeschool co-op is so much fun! I just love the curriculum and the girls are having so much fun learning with their friends!

Tues. the girls were home sick. They threw up from 5:30 am to 12 am and then Madeline still was feeling sick the next morning. It was a long day and a half!!!

We have gone on one field trip so far--to the fire safety center, and have a f.trip scheduled for the botanical gardens.

I have to share a few Noellaisms--The girls were taking a bath a few nights ago and Noella was laying on her back in the tub with her legs curled out to the sides. She looked up at me and asked, "Mommy,do I look like a turkey?"

Today we were putting one of those grow creatures into water and Noella felt it and exclaimed, "It feels slimy. Just like Nonny's teeth!"

Hudson is doing well. He is teething this week and has found his voice! He has been squealing and playing around with pitch and volume. When not teething,he is a very smiley, happy baby.

I have not had much spare time. When I do, I veg. out and watch So You Think You Can Dance or America's Funniest Videos. Josh loves this show and I love to hear him laugh as we watch it.