Thinking back on 2016 wedding anniversary

 

In September for our anniversary our daughter Makenzie presented us with this beautiful gift that she designed online!  It pretty much sums it up to a T ALL that is...

When it comes to my family!

Which is EVERYTHING to us!

"And I think to myself, what a wonderful world"

The making of a 1950's housewife!!!!!!!!!!!

I found this list of 'rules' in an old magazine my sister gave me. Apparently they were written down in a high school home economics text book! It looked like an interesting thing to share so here it is! I've decided that since it was written during the 50's then none of it applies to me since I wasn't even alive at the time! It's a good thing these rules weren't made into laws because I'm quite certain I'd be given a life sentence in prison for breaking them! However, I can see where it wouldn't hurt me to learn a few of them and apply them in my life! I don't think I pull them all off, but a few of them I found interesting! Isn't it amazing how much things have changed in over 50 years?

1. Have dinner ready: Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal on time. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him, and concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospects of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.
2. Prepare yourself: Take 15 minutes to rest so you with be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has been with a lot of work-weary people. Be a little fun and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.
3. Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up school books, toys, paper, ect. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too.
4. Prepare the children: Take a few minute to wash the children's hands and faces if they are small, comb their hair, and if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.
5. Minimize the noise: At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of washer, dryer, dishwasher or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
6. Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time.
7. Don't greet him with complaints and problems.
8. Don't complain if he's late for dinner. Perhaps his reason is something came up at work or on the way home.
9. Help make him comfortable. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.
10. Speak in a low and soothing voice.
11. Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgement or integrity.
12. A good wife always knows her place.

I can happily report that after showing this to my husband he told me he is perfectly happy and contented with his wife. And that's what it's all about. Whatever floats your boat and keeps your marriage alive. It will be different for us all. Marriage isn't about a list of rules but about syncing ourselves with each other until eventually we become one!

The Homeschool Mother's Journal

Week of March 4 thru the 10th, 2012

In my life this week....I am loving the 'fake' spring weather we are having. It has been perfect for long walks with kids and hubby. I say fake because I really don't believe that it's here to stay! So very unusual.

In our homeschool this week....We just completed lesson one from A Child's Story of the World. Here are a couple of pages from the guide! We plan on staying in Ancient History at least until summer's end!

Our 'box' came from Rainbow Resources replacing some tired and worn out reading books!

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice....Keep meals, especially dinners simple, yet nutritious so as to be able to spend more quality time with your children and husband. For instance, a meal of homemade bread, scrambled eggs, blueberries and oranges with a warm cup of hot cocoa can really fill you up. Eggs aren't just for breakfast anymore!

I am inspired by....My precious daughters reminding me of the importance of spending time together as we enjoy some quiet tea time while reading a fun story!

My favorite thing this week was....Seeing my daughter in the kitchen eating breakfast "appropriately" dressed while waiting for the boys to get the fire burning in the woodstove! (It might have been a little chili when they woke up!)

What's working/not working for us....I think I can speak for everyone when I say that high gas prices are not working for us. When you live 25 miles from the nearest anything it can make shopping, errands, etc. difficult. Grouping everything into a one day trip is extremely helpful.

Questions/thoughts I have....I've been thinking about how much I love being a wife and mother. The whole deal of family, children, husbands, and wives truly is a wonderful gift given us by God to bring untold happiness and everlasting blessings. And on the flip side, I am saddened by those who choose not to enter into the holy state of marriage but rather prefer to enter relationships not ordained by God from as long ago as The Garden of Eden. Oh, how much they miss.

Things I'm working on....Changing up my vigorous exercise workouts to the more gentler approach of yoga. However, I am still finding my muscles are just as sore everyday as they were when I was beating myself up with weights and cardio! But at least I will earn some flexibility, something I wasn't getting with strength/circuit training.

I'm reading....Still reading Grace for the Good Girl and books about yoga.

I'm cooking....Quiche Lorraine. The 'real' quiche lorraine doesn't have stir fried additions but I changed it up a bit.

I'm grateful for....A daughter who loves making homemade bread. One who sees that her last batch is gone and takes it upon herself to start another one. Which is about every other day! She even looks for reasons to make some simply because she loves doing it.

I'm praying for....Vision. Where there is no vision the people perish. I truly believe this is true. Both on a personal level and where our entire family is concerned!

A photo, link, or quote to share....

Photo - Juli and her little daughter flew from Texas to be here when our 12th baby was born. Sadly, I went way over my due date and she missed it by nearly a week. It would have been awesome having her here but it worked out that 4 months later at our son's wedding she got to meet and hold her newest baby sister. So very glad I had my camera in hand that day!

Quote - "So long as the people do not care to exercise their freedom, those who wish you tyrannize will do so; for tyrants are active and ardent, and will devote themselves in the name of any number of gods, religious and otherwise, to put shackles on sleeping men." Voltarine de Cleyre

Link - a very cute site where one can learn how to make skirts for girls

Wrapping up September

It is hard to believe that yet another month has come and gone. And with it, green grass and leaves, warm weather, and special thoughts and moments I've been blessed to capture with not only my ears and eyes, but my camera as well.

An empty wood trailer is a nice surprise for daddy when he gets home from work.

Serving up the last bowl of Swedish Rice Porridge; until another is made; tomorrow! (a favorite in this house)

Jumping from the tree into a pile of leaves!

Patiently waiting for curls to appear.

Twins smiling on a summer night of "lightening bug" catching.

Celebrating another anniversary and another birthday!

Creative rosettes in the making on a rainy evening!

Little sister getting hugs from big sister.

Catching a nearly napping child!

Saying good bye to the last of the "lightening bugs" being caught in little hands!

Big sister says, "Gregg needs a hair cut!"

Catching two smiles on a warm Sunday afternoon!

An invention from a boy determined to savor each and every drop of chocolate flowing from the can. (We buy it in the big can because in the long run we save $$. Dispensing it into saved glass jars is how we store it once we open it!)

Happy Birthday and Anniversary to the one I love

In keeping with my list I began last year I now add another reason I love this man to bring it to the number 30. Thirty, for 30 years of marriage. Of course the other 29 still apply! Today is also his birthday, (he turned 19 on our wedding day) so, Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary to you my love.

1. I love him because-He married me...
2. because he is still married to me...
3. because he gave me 12 babies who are the light of my life...
4. because I can kiss him anytime I want to...
5. because he tolerates my weaknesses with love and firmness...(he has a "no whining around here" policy which everyone is expected to uphold!!)
6. because he strengthens me through his faith and love...
7. because he adores our children...
8. because he adores our son in law, daughter in law and our little grandkids...
9. because he protects me, both spiritually and physically...and finds joy in being my protector...
10. because we are best friends...
11. because he honors, respects, and upholds my position in the home as wife and mother...
12. because he prays for me...
13. because he prays with me...
14. because he blesses our family through his strong spiritual leadership...
15. because he calls me all the time when he is away...
16. because he LOVES my homemade bread...
17. because he loves the Lord...
18. because I get to sit next to him in his pick-up...
19. because he loves my parents, and he loves his parents...
20. because he gives me his coat and seat, does all the barbecuing, mashing of potatoes, and turkey cooking!
21. because I can nestle in his strong arms anytime I want...
22. because he loves homeschooling...
23. because I can date him anytime I want...(how's that? we still haven't gone out for our anniversary!)
24. because he takes me for motorcycle rides...
25. because he works fills our woodshed and keeps us warm all winter...
26. because he is handsome...
27. because he isn't a picky eater...
28. because he likes to hold my hand
29. And last but not least ~ because I'm about to enter another year of marriage with the man I love!!

30. One year later. Because he is growing more and more handsome with each day and has

really strong arms that holds me tight! And I'm still mad about you!! (not just on Father's Day)

Semper Fi (always faithful)

Wonderful Wednesday~Seeing Double

Once upon a time Mommy and I,

Wished upon a distant star,

We didn't know if we'd get our wish,

The chances seemed rather far.

We asked God for a little girl-(after 2 little boys)

To cuddle and hold tight,

To love and squeeze and give

A gentle kiss good night.

Well, God was listening and the answer

Came straight from the blue.

Not only did we get our little angel,

He saw fit to give us two!

Wonderful Wednesday~a dinner fit for a king!!

At least this 'king' thinks so!! This is one of his favorite meals in warm weather. You would have thought I filled the table with the most expensive, fanciest meal ever but it was a simple dinner of fruit, cheese, blueberry cornbread, (recipe below) and cold bottles of Kombucha. Nourishing and filling!!!

Corn Bread

2 C. fresh ground corn meal

1/2 C. spelt

1/2 C. unbleached white flour

1 C. buttermilk, kefir, or yogurt

3 eggs

1/4 C. maple syrup

1 teas. salt

2 teas. baking soda

1/4 C. melted butter

Blueberries or other fruit

Soak cornmeal, buttermilk and butter for 24 hours. Add in remaining ingredients and mix well. Stir in blueberries if desired and bake at 325 for 45 minutes or so.

Eight is NEVER enough!

But I'll take it anyway!! (Of course I would prefer all 12 kids were available but that wasn't possible) Getting everyone together all at the same time is so difficult. Why does it have to be that way? Still, the ten of us had a good time at the kids' piano recital today.

Wonderful Wednesday~Thoughts of adventures

This beautiful piece of scenery is part of the Colorado landscape. Not far from where we were living before moving to our current state of residence.  Someday, soon, we hope to make Colorado our home again!  What makes this place so special to me?  On this day in the month of June several years ago we took our motorcycle up to this very spot.  It was our way of celebrating a blessing.  The knowledge that our 3rd child was on her way.  We have odd ways in which we celebrate events!!  Our goal was to take our motorcycle to the top of the mountain using the 4 wheel drive road that runs along the river.  However much to our disappointment we found that the most of the road was inaccessible because of heavy snow that had not yet melted.  To my great and fearful surprise my dear husband's determination was not deterred.  "We have a way to get all the way up, we'll just ride over the avalanche."  This avalanche had fallen at some point down the mountain and over the river leaving 'views' here and there of the gushing mountain river beneath us!!  Yes, I was on the thick snow that had settled itself over the top of the river.  Trembling in my boots and hanging madly onto the madman riding the two of us to the top of the mountain with only snow between us and water!  It was then that I knew my life with his man was always going to have an adventure thrown in here or there just to make life interesting.  This was only the beginning and I'm sure not nearly the end of the many wild and outrageous adventures we will share together.   He has a way of talking me into most anything and everything.  If you are new to my blog and haven't read about my biggest adventure with him yet then click HERE. to read about it.

photo courtesy

Homeland Security

When we think of Homeland Security exactly what comes to mind? 911? At least that is where it began. The role of the Department of Homeland Security was set in place to protect our nation from fanatical terrorist who seek to destroy us through acts of terrorism against US citizens.

Those two words, Homeland Security can have other meanings as well. Let's consider our very own HOMEland Security. The homes in which our little ones are growing up in. All one needs to do is look around to see that the family is under attack. I was reading that over 50% of Christian marriages end in divorce. As if that isn't sad enough, we need to think of our children and under what influences they are growing up under. There are TV programs, movies, questionable friends, music, magazines, drugs, alcohol, and a myriad of other negative traps set by the adversary that our children can fall into. Are we being diligent to protect the borders of our homes?

"How indignant and horrified we would be if our national homeland security was so slack as to allow an army of terrorists from abroad to break into our nations homes and kill, rape and destroy over 50 percent of our families. Yet, in many ways, this happens morally on a daily basis and few are up in arms and appalled about it." ~Nancy Campbell

Just as our armed military is important to the safety of our nation so arming our children with the word of God is even more important. If our children are 'strong' spiritually in the Lord then that will automatically transfer to being strong in the physical being. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."~2 Timothy 3:16 This scripture pretty much covers everything. The answers are there for us if we just incorporated it's teachings everyday in our lives and into the upbringing of our children.

Celebrating 29 years of marriage

This may be coming a month late. Our anniversary was actually September 19th!! And at the first opportunity we are going to runaway and actually celebrate it!! Hopefully before our 30th anniversary rolls around. September 19 is not just our wedding anniversary but it is also my husband's birthday. We married on his 19th birthday on September 19th. One of my gifts to him for his birthday and for our 29th. anniversary is to list 29 reasons why I love him!! Of course there are more but he only gets 29 this year!! (In no particular order....)

1. I love him because-He married me...

2. because he is still married to me...

3. because he gave me 12 babies who are the light of my life...

4. because I can kiss him anytime I want to...

5. because he tolerates my weaknesses with love and firmness...(he has a "no whining around here" policy which everyone is expected to uphold!!)

6. because he strengthens me through his faith and love...

7. because he adores our children...

8. because he adores our son in law, daughter in law and our little grandkids...

9. because he protects me, both spiritually and physically...and finds joy in being my protector...

10. because we are best friends...

11. because he honors, respects, and upholds my position in the home as wife and mother...

12. because he prays for me...

13. because he prays with me...

14. because he blesses our family through his strong spiritual leadership...

15. because he calls me all the time when he is away...

16. because he LOVES my homemade bread...

17. because he loves the Lord...

18. because I get to sit next to him in his pick-up...

19. because he loves my parents, and he loves his parents...

20. because he gives me his coat and seat, does all the barbecuing, mashing of potatoes, and turkey cooking!

21. because I can nestle in his strong arms anytime I want...

22. because he loves homeschooling...

23. because I can date him anytime I want...(how's that? we still haven't gone out for our anniversary!)

24. because he takes me for motorcycle rides...

25. because he works fills our woodshed and keeps us warm all winter...

26. because he is handsome...

27. because he isn't a picky eater...

28. because he likes to hold my hand

29. And last but not least ~ because I'm about to enter another year of marriage with the man I love!!

~Semper Fi~

A weekend retreat and a Charlotte Mason conference

Last Thursday daddy and I packed our bags and headed north!! Leaving my children behind and just the two of us going away rarely happens. In fact, it's only the second time in our almost 29 years of marriage that we have done it. The first time 16 years ago we went away for 2 nights, this time my courage bumped me up to 3 nights!! We went to beautiful Windom, MN to attend a Living Education Retreat featuring Dr. Jack Beckman as the main speaker. The content was completely Charlotte Mason and her philosophy of education and the application of it. We had a wonderful time. I didn't take a whole lot photos but here are a few.

A funny thing about the kids though!! You know how when you take a family road trip and all you hear is ARE WE THERE YET, ARE WE THERE YET? Well, we had no children with us to ask that question. However, there are cell phones and it didn't stop the children from calling a million times asking, ARE YOU THERE YET? ARE YOU THERE YET? WHEN WILL YOU GET THERE? Soon children, soon, now hang up the phone and go drop it in a pale of water or something!!!

Saturday morning outdoor worship

Shalom Hill Farm~located where the corn grows and the roads are dirt! During our 6 hour drive there and 6 hour drive home we probably chatted more than we've done in years. I missed the children terribly, but I didn't miss the many interruptions that can go along with them!!

Blast From the Past

Oh my!! Could it really be my hubby and I? We have been busy scanning old photos lately and we ran across this badly bent and torn picture of our little family!! (Juli and Vance Jr.) It was one of those 20x16 inch ones so I tried to flatten it as best I could and took a picture of it because no way would it fit on the scanner. Mary said, "Look there's mommy and daddy." I asked her if mommy looked the same and she promptly said YES! (Don't I wish) Then she said, "But daddy, why did you take your hair off? I like it better on!" Out of the mouth of babes!

It was in the bottom of a box folded over and with a couple good tears and rips in it. No way to preserve it to last any longer so I thought snapping a picture of it was the best way.

When God Chooses to be Silent

Each day when I go for my hour walk I try to spend the quiet time in prayer, in mentally preparing for my day, thinking about the needful things of my family and just plain ole contemplating my life and my daily and long term goals.

Vance and I have been praying over a personal issue now for about 2 years and from what it seems God is being silent on the issue.  Or is He?  Could it be that we just think He is being silent and not answering our prayers because the answer we are looking for isn't exactly the one He is giving us.  I think it is easy to think we are being ignored, forgotten, or simply that our prayers aren't 'big' enough for Him to even take the time to deal with.  I think one of the reasons it is easy to think He is not listening is because when our prayers are answered the way we want then we are all happy, thankful, and filled with faith and hope for the future.  But what are our thoughts when the answers don't come?  Are we to assume He is silent and hasn't heard our pleas?  

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.  He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men.  And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, "Grant me justice against my adversary."  For some time he refused.  But finally he said to himself, "Even though I don't fear God or care about men, Yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!"  And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says.  And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?  Will He keep putting them off?  I tell you, He will see that they get justice, and quickly.  However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"

So, as I ponder these scriptures I will continue in prayer knowing that my prayers are heard and believe that no matter how silent God seems to be, I know through my faith that He is working.  All I need to do is look around and I know He is not silent.  Everything and everyone bare testimony that He lives and I will wait on Him knowing that whatever answer I receive will be perfect in Him because He is perfect.

My (the hubby's) Leap of Faith into the Hudson

My husband was challenged by Ruby to give a "guest post" so that he could tell his side of the story relating to my "Loving my Husband Friday post."  His post is below~~~

Link to original post~~~"Loving my Husband Friday"

~~~~~~~~~~

It is funny; in some ways to know that my wife would not leap for me into the Hudson River, or get on a plane, or a ship to be with me. But we have  a lot of fun together and I think she would miss me. I have spent 28 years with this woman. I think she talks tough and she is, but I know her loyalty to me and our family.  I have seen her true colors and they are beautiful. It is hard to sit down and write something special about my wife. Where do I begin? I live with the woman of my dreams and she treats me as I am the man of her dreams. ~~~~~ from the guy drowning in the depths of the Hudson!!

Loving My Husband Friday

I'm so glad I found this little icon on another blog and started making it a point at least once a week to really stop and think about loving my husband. I had already come to the conclusion last Tuesday what I was going to write about and couldn't wait until Friday to do it.

We were watching the movie Kate and Leopold together when it hit me AGAIN how wonderful my hubby is. The part where Kate jumps off the Brooklyn Bridge so she could go back in time to be with Leopold. I though to myself, I would NEVER do that. Not in a million years. Way too scared of heights and unknown water. Then I thought, hmmm, would HE do that for me so I asked him. He said he would do it a million times over. AAAAHHHHHH. How cool is that?! Good thing there isn't a "loving your wife friday" thing!! My hubby probably wouldn't be able to find anything to write about!!

My husband is so sweet, look what he wrote me!

I thought this was too precious. I got this handwritten poem today for Valentines from my sweet husband. I will carry it forever in my heart.

Roses are red and violets are blue. You wash the clothes and make the dinners.

You chase the kids and straighten the dad, you polish the arrows and raise the maidens.

You follow the example from above, and Ruby's shine and so do you!

And I should have bought a card because I will never heart the end!

I think you're special,

Vance

Dinner for two please~~or is it one?

 As time goes on this is truly beginning to manifest itself in my relationship with my dear husband.  In more ways than I can imagine.  An example: Tonight we were out to dinner at a buffet.  (if you are on a diet I suggest you don't go there)  Anyway, it's time for dessert so I thought I would sample a small piece of several different delicacies that looked tempting.  My husband did the same.  Sitting down at our table and checking out each other's plates I noticed he had a coconut cream pie.  Now the following conversation was real and serious so please don't make fun.

SCENE #1

Me-Yum!  that pie looks good. Can I try a little bite.   But if I remember right one of us doesn't like coconut.  Do you like coconut?  I can't remember if it was me or you!!

Husband-looking at me like I just took leave of my senses said--I was just thinking the same thing,  that you didn't like it so why are you trying i?  I like coconut.  You're the one who isn't crazy for it.

Me-Oh, I knew one of us didn't, I just forgot who.

SCENE #2---So on my plate I had chosen some kind of chocolate ball that had been dipped in peanuts.  Now, I am NOT a huge fan of all chocolate but I like some.  Long story short....

Me-Hon, would you take a bite of this and see if I like it!!

Husband--(that look again)--Are you kidding me?  You want ME to take a bite of that to see if YOU like it? 

Me-Well, yea, I trust you.  You'll know.  Come on, just one.

So, I have concluded from our day together that A.  One or both of us is plain crazy and missing a few nuts and bolts or B.  We are actually are becoming ONE.  Does this sort of thing really happen over time?  I know that many times all it takes is a look across the room and we can read each other's thoughts but THIS?  Wow, this is heavy!!!  I just had to share.  We laughed our way all the way home tonight.  (Well, he did anyway)