Daddy's Turn

It's a school, playground, resturant, storage unit, kennel, and most importantly a home. The family member that makes it all work is Mom. Janell is the most organized person in the world. She has the unique ability to juggle being a Mom, cook, teacher, Family Nurse, Wife and excell at it. I have a hard enough time just making coffee when I wake up after working a 16 hr shift. It's truly a blessing being married to a Women that loves the Lord with all her heart. I can see the Love of Christ shine through her and it makes me so incredibly happy to know our kids will be learning from the best teacher ever. We might have the busiest house in the world, but I know with the Holy Spirit leading our way nothing is impossible. I would change nothing about our busy lives, it is an honor and pleasure being Dad/Husband to the greatest kids/Wife ever. As a family we know Jesus is our #1 priority and without him we are nothing. We will continue to keep our eye on the prize and Look to Him for Guidance. As for me and my house we will serve the Lord!!

Who's teaching who?

Okay, so I am willing to admit my children may have taught me more in recent weeks, than I have them. My children- I love them so- but they and I are quite different you see. They are carefree, could care less about structure, routine, or time constraints.For those of you who know me well, well to put it bluntly I can be rather anal about routine, structure, orderliness and timeliness. In fact, it can make me a down right grumpy pants when things don't go as planned and scheduled. I have had to take a major look at these qualities, for I am outnumbered by 4 children, and as much as I have tried bring them to my side of the world, the truth is, I am now living in their world. ( the dark side, as I like to call it) My toddler whom has no concept of 'school time' wants to play, eat, sing loudly and poop right in the middle of it. And so away goes my 'school time' routine. It's okay, I feel I have gracefully adjusted and accomadated for 'life' in my planning and routine. One of my dear twins, Emma has the uncanning ability to think and talk about anything and everything else besides what we are actually learning- " Hey Mom, wanna see my new dance", "Wanna hear my new song", are things I hear on a daily basis. Perhaps I will figure out how to incorporate dancing with math or singing with reading to captire Emma's attention for more than 2 seconds. Our 10 year old Jaden is a breeze- no literally he is a lightening fast breeze that has run through the house leaving a trail behind. I will give him credit though, he is as quick as whip and sharp as a tac. Which makes my new job as teacher easy with him. Allie our other twin, well let's just say she requires motivation. If eating were a subject she would be sure to ace it. Food is often a motivator for her. " Can I have a snack after this lesson", " I'm hungry" she will say right after a full course meal. That child acts as if we never feed her- really. All in all however, I have had to learn to roll with the punches and not be so uptight regarding any concept of structure or routine...deep breath...I got this..I may need therapy afterwards but I got this.

Can I teach in pajamas?

This weekend is our last weekend before homschool starts in full swing. I am a nurse, I have some time management skills, I can handle a zillion tasks at once, and generally am not one to get overwhelmed. When I consider all of the dynamics that are involved with homeschooling, I will admit, it is beyond me. Do I need to separate myself as mommy and put a teacher persona on during class time? Can I teach in my pajamas? I mean really..talk about an awesome day at work! Yes, I cleaned the house, taught the kids, masterminded a craft, planned supper, and I did it all in PJ's-Boom! That's my kinda day :) I think I can get used to this homeschool stuff :) Don't get me wrong, I have a closet full of lovely clothes, which I an sure will serve their purpose when I must be seen in public, but for now I will teach in my pajamas :)

Career Change

Today I left nursing. Don't get me wrong, I will always be a nurse, I will continue to be compassionate towards others, I will always have a need to help. I however will now be employed at home. I will be a full time mommy, teacher and wife. By no means have I left nursing for an easier job, it will bring a new set of challenges daily. I have no doubts I will be pushed to my limits, but will gain unlimited rewards. I have no doubts that patience will be tested, but understanding will grow. I feel honored to be a mother and have little lives to invest in. I only pray that I set a good example, and can show love and graditude daily. I pray I can become better each day and develope a Christ-like character. I pray I can use my new given career as a time of reflection, growth and development. I will embrace my new role to the best of my God given abilities and am beyond excited for my new journey.

I can't eat what!?!

Okay, so after my recent increase of flare-ups, I have decided to review my no-no list. Why yes, I have looked at the 'no eat' list before, and I did well for quite awhile, but looking at it again I have to ask myself "What else is left?". It seems everything is on my no no list! Wheat, dairy, potatoes, tomatoes, corn, sugar, citrus fruits (except for lemons and limes), pork, commercial non-organic eggs, shellfish, peanuts and peanut butter, coffee, alcohol, juice, caffeinated teas, soda, anything containing hydrogenated oils, processed foods, and fried foods. This no-no list contains two of my favorite food groups: Sweets and Coffee! :( Don't judge my food groups. Oh hum, this shall be a lifestyle adjustment for sure. Well here goes- Healthier lifestyle and no more RA flare ups, I think so :) Starting with tonights dinner: Baked Italian Breaded Chicken Garden Squash Wild Rice

Feeling a little older....

Besides the fact that I have just turned 29, the idea of having a child in the double digits makes me feel a bit old. Old and sad. Our first born Jaden, will be 10 this month, and I truly cannot believe how time has flown. He is an amazing young man, who suprises me daily with his wit and outstanding character. I love him so very much and am so honored to be his mother. Thank you Jaden for who you are and who you are growing to be! The below picture was taken a few years ago- when he actually let me take pictures of him :) I know right!?! He is just a doll if I don't say so myself.

Get up and Walk....

Luke Chapter 5 has been on my mind today, especially with my recent flare up of ailments. It has been quite a chore for me to walk without hurting in recent days, and many times I have called upon the name of the Lord to get me through this flare up. I have had many friends whom have been willing to pray to the Lord on my behalf even asking for my healing, just as in Luke, the paralyzed mans friends who stopped at nothing to get their friend to Jesus- for they knew that if they could only be in his presence they could expect a miracle. I am expecting a miracle and believe that I will be healed of RA one day, by the graciousness of Jesus, I will "get up and walk", I will walk without pain, I will live without hurting, I will get through a day without constant fatigue. I am thankful to my friends and family who have prayed on my behalf, and more importantly I am thankful to the Lord whom hears these prayers and will heal me.

In the dark....

This mornings sermon was needless to say- bold, inspiring, convicting, and without a doubt much needed. Who am I? Am I a Christian? This is the title I like to claim, but what is that exactly. Does it come with responsibilities? Yes, it truly does. So many people loosly throw this title around and claim to be Christian ( and I am not pointing fingers, because I am equally to blame) and yet continue to live a lifestlye that speaks otherwise. Being Christian or "Christlike" or Disciples of Christ means becoming an good/positive example, being different, sharing the good news with all, and growing other Christians or followers of Christ.Automatically when we call ourselves Christian we are examined a bit more throughly by the world. The world is watching with a close eye and waiting for us to make mistakes, and guess what? It will happen. Because while we are called to be 'Christ-like" we are not Christ and will make mistakes- that is why we are so in need of his grace and mercy, because we are human and flawed.As Christians or followers of Christ we are also held to a higher standard by Christ himself- he has set the example, lived the example and given plenty of scripture as how we are to live.We are called to be different! We are called to lead the lost to the truth! How are we to be the light that our dark world needs, when we ourselves are in the dark? While it is true the dark is offended by the light, the light sheds truth, inspiration, sight, knowledge etc. Have you ever been in a dark room? Have you ever seen a mishapen object in the dark, and believed it to be something completly different until the light came on? That is the essence of being in the dark, you can live your life thinking and believing what you see is true until some light is shed. If we as followers of Christ are not that light, then those around us will continue to be in the dark. I cannot live my life as an in-the- dark Christian any longer- I am an in-the-light Christian,I will not longer stumble in the dark when I have the ultimate source of light and truth. I will no longer allow others around me to stumble, when I can share the ultimate source of light and truth with them. Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Afraid of letting go...

This may be a common feeling/thought for some. Especially when you are taking a huge step of faith as we are. There is no room for holding on, no space for looking back. I want what God has for my future and I will not be able to fully grasp what he has in store, if I am holding on to something- fear, doubt, uncertainty etc. I have to know that God will provide for our needs, as he always has, despite huge changes being made. I will admit, it is not the easiest thing to do. My flesh wants to dig in my heels and drag my feet, my spirit wants to dive in and not look back. I am learning that is the difference between allowing the spirit to lead you and living in the flesh. My flesh is fearful and faithless. That is a bad combination. The spirit eagerly awaits, even zealously awaits God's plans and future. I certainly want the latter of the two, I want to live by the spirit, and allow God to work in me and through me. That is impossible if I am allowing my flesh to control me, my thoughts and my desires. So, as for me and my house- we are letting go and letting God! Is there something you are not letting go of?

How Despicable!!

Who says we cant play with our food? Look at these cute minions the kids and I made (with Twinkies)

this afternoon :) They tasted soo good too! Yummy :)

For reals this time..

Okay so here we go again!! I am really going to stick to blogging this time- I promise!  Especially since we are embarking on uncharted territory. There will some big changes in our near furture, ones that I cannot quite announce yet. We have big plans that include continuing to make God and our family a priority. God has some great things in store for us, and we are so excited to be on board with His plan for our life again. So please stay tuned for our exciting news about our future!