Little A is turning into quite the little helper in the kitchen.
Tonight she “helped” roll out the biscuits for dinner.
She was very proud.
She politely posed for a few pictures but then announced,
“I need to be back working!”
She reminded me that she needed her apron.
And that her stool should be closer to the counter.
I followed her directions quite well.
I love you, my little helper.
Happy last day in March!
Now that basketball season is over the boys will join Mr. C and get their exercise and “kicks” with Tae-Kwan-do.
They received their uniforms last night.
They tried them on this morning and instantly morphed into ninja warriors ready for battle.
Little A, never one to be left out of the fun, immediately changed into her Spider Girl costume.
As I began blogging about Christians being warriors in God’s battle, Mr. H came to my side and was reading over my shoulder.
I will quote what he had to say about this. . .
“Gear up for the battle of God’s war. God’s war is the battle of sin to defeat Satan.”
Amen.
“Therefore put on the armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:13-17
Amen.
Happy Friday Night,
The top ten happenings and trivia from around here. . .
10. All of Lucy’s kittens have been sold except one brown rosette female which we are keeping. We are still deciding on a name. Ethel, Samantha, & Star are the current names in the running.
9. The boys completed another season of basketball and LOVED every minute of it!
Mr. C and J-man played on both the homeschool sports club and the local traveling team. That’s one sure way to stay in shape, huh?
8. Our Sonlight science program had us read a few Facts, Figures and Records yesterday from the Usborne Complete Book of the Human Body.
Here are a few interesting ones. . .
Most children born to one woman – A Russian woman named Mrs. Vassilyev, who lived from 1707 to 1782, gave birth to the greatest number of children on record – 69 altogether. They included 16 sets of twins and seven sets of triplets. (Could this actually be possible??)
Did you know?
The oldest person – There are many claims to the longest lifespan, but the oldest person for whom tere are reliable records was Jeanne Calment from France. She was born in 1875 and died in 1997, at the age of 122, and she was active throughout her old age. She was still riding a bicycle at the age of 100, acted in a film at the age of 114, and released a pop record at the age of 121.
7. Last night we received our annual March snowstorm. The sun is now shining and the kids are having a blast playing in the new white stuff!
6. Our children’s program at church had a Derby Race on Monday. The kids love choosing their design and painting their car while Daddy adds weights and places the axels and wheels “just so” for them to be the speediest cars on the track!
5. Scrabble is our current game of choice on Daddy’s Droid phone. It can become a bit addictive!
4. Little A is still taking swimming lessons. Notice I did not say “enjoying” swimming lessons.
3. I later learned that Mr. E’s comment about my new cabbage roll recipe last night . . . “Wow, I haven’t had these in years!” really meant . . .”I never did care for these and you don’t have to make them again for a few years.”
2. My annual spring cleaning inside and outside of my car this past weekend felt so great. Wow, it sure does get dirty over the winter months!
1. My project this week is cleaning out the office which is why I now have a clear pathway to the computer and can do some blogging! Yeah!!
Happy Wednesday!
Our youngest son turns 7 today and boy is he excited about that!
He has requested crepes with strawberries and maple syrup for dinner and an ice cream cake “just like Mrs. H makes” for dessert.
Mom is fulfilling his requests, tho I have a feeling the cake will not be quite as good as Mrs. H’s.
I had 7 questions for the birthday boy. . .
1. What is your most favorite movie?
Star Wars! And my favorite character is Yoda.
2. What is your favorite time of year?
Fall, because we can play football outside.
3. What is your favorite subject in school.
Spelling because it is the easiest and quickest.
4. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?
The Wisconsin Dells arcade and swimming pool.
5. If you could meet anyone, who would that be?
Tobie Mac. He is a singer.
Or Danny Kuiper from the high school basketball team.
6. Where is your favorite place to go out to eat?
Paul Bunyan’s for their potatoes and gravy and donuts!
7. When you are all grown up, what do you hope to be?
A football player, wide receiver, for the Green Bay Packers.
Mom’s 7 fun facts about Mr. A. . .
1. Photogenic!
2. Loves to laugh, always has. I can remember him giggling often as a baby.
3. Protects and loves his little sister beautifully!
4. Man, that boy can eat!
5. He wants to take piano lessons like his brothers.
6. Every night he wants to say his highs and lows for the day.
7. He will always remind me to pray with him at bedtime.
Dad’s 7 fun facts about Mr. A. . .
1. Great smile!
2. Great brother to Little A.
3. Loves to play the Wii!
4. Very fast, focused & good scoring soccer player!
5. A little slow at “clean up your room” and other house chores.
6. He may only be 7 but he thinks he should be 13 and included in ALL the big brothers activities.
7. He sure does a great job making me eggs in the morning for breakfast!
Happy Friday from Birthday Central!
Heather
She has been requesting, “Me go swimming too?” as she hears her brothers talk about their swim lessons.
So this week I decided it was Little A’s lucky day!
She was going to swimming lessons!
Yeah!!!
She’s a smilin’. . .
She’s sassy. . .
She’s ready to go swimmin’!!
And then as the instructor takes her hand and has her roll over onto her back. . .
“Nooooo
All Done
Mommmyyyy
I want Mommyyyyy”
Courage turns to fear.
Yet after a very long twenty minute lesson, we were walking to the car and I hear
Little A say, . . .
”That was fun!”
I may need to remind her of that next week!
Happy Wednesday!
Heather
When I caught a glimpse of Little A on Sunday morning, I had to smile.
She had chosen her own clothes and dressed herself.
The shirt is pink. The dress is red. The tights are brown.
And the shoes? They are on the wrong feet.
And yes, this is exactly how she went dressed to church.
I didn’t change a thing.
Such is life for the youngest of 6. . .if you’re out of your pajamas you are
good to go!
Wonder where she gets her sense of style?
Maybe from this style queen. . .
Yep, that’s me!
It’s almost March! Spring is around the corner.
Happy Monday!
Heather @Simply Grand Style
I’m sending birthday wishes to my grandpa who turns 94 today!
My sister and aunt took Grandpa out for lunch and sent me this cell phone picture.
Unfortunately, Grandpa recently fell and needs a sling to keep his arm secured while his shoulder heals.
We all admire Grandpa for his cheerful spirit and ability to be thankful for his blessings amidst the trials of life. Grandpa has always been able to look at the bright side.
I’m wondering. . . will I live to be 94?
Only God knows.
If I do, I no doubt will have been through more life challenges, heartache. . .
and joy and well.
But will I be thankful through the trials?
I look ahead at the future for my kids. . .
And wonder how we will lead, guide, let go and watch them fly, fail, laugh, cry as they navigate their own waters of life.
More and more I find myself thinking (the Holy Spirit nudging). . .PRAY!
I must pray without ceasing.
During our school table time we are reading the book, Heaven is for Real, A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back.
Our reading today was an encouragement for us to pray because God really is listening!
Here’s a brief synopsis of the book:
Colton, not yet four years old, told his parents he left his body during the surgery – and authenticated that claim by describing exactly what his parents were doing in another part of the hospital while he was being operated on. He talked of visiting heaven and relayed stories told to him by people he met there whom he had never met in life, sharing events that happened even before he was born. He also astonished his parents with descriptions and obscure details about heaven that matched the Bible exactly, though he had not yet learned to read.
This book gives a thrilling glimpse into eternity for those who believe and encourages those who doubt.
As believers we wonder what heaven will be like.
The kids ask questions about heaven.
Although some details leave us wondering we know it will be perfect.
Perfect joy, perfect peace, perfect worship, perfect love. . .
Whether age 94, 44, or 4 we are all one day closer to eternity.
I am thankful beyond words that I know where I’m going and I don’t need to wonder about that.
May we as believers be a beacon of light to share our Jesus with those who may not know Him.
Let’s not let others be left wondering. . . and let them live life with the peace of knowing.
Happy Wednesday. . .last one in February!
Heather
I am noticing that as the kids get older, activities outside the home increase and the amount of family time at home decreases. In the last six months we have tried to be intentional about setting aside a weekly “family night”. We usually have dinner together, play a card game, or watch a movie. Today was a good family day.
After church and a simple sandwich lunch we watched the inspiring movie, “Miracle” staring Kurt Russell.
Here’s the synopsis. I’m sure many of you have already seen this movie and may remember watching the actual game in the 1980 Olympics.
Storyline
The inspiring story of the team that transcended its sport and united a nation with a new feeling of hope. Based on the true story of one of the greatest moments in sports history, the tale captures a time and place where differences could be settled by games and a cold war could be put on ice. In 1980, the United States Ice Hockey team's coach, Herb Brooks, took a ragtag squad of college kids up against the legendary juggernaut from the Soviet Union at the Olympic Games. Despite the long odds, Team USA carried the pride of a nation yearning from a distraction from world events. With the world watching the team rose to the occasion, prompting broadcaster Al Michaels' now famous question, to the millions viewing at home: Do you believe in miracles? Yes! Written by Sujit R. Varma
Rated PG for language and some rough sports action.
We then went to a local indoor pool for some fun swim time.
I brought my suit with the intention of getting wet but ended up sitting on the sidelines and taking pictures since I only brought the TOP of my suit and not the bottom! Ooops! My suit bottom is definitely not a bikini! It’s a skirt. You know, the kind that covers more?!
Have you seen this card from Hallmark?
The caption is. . .
"I think the ruffle really makes a difference, don’t you?"
I giggle every time I see this!
I even have a package of napkins with this drawing and caption. I’ll have to pull them out for a girlfriends get-together.
Anyway, back to family time. . .
We then ate Pizza Hut pizza (thanks to a gift card!) and got everyone to bed by 9:00.
The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family. ~Thomas Jefferson
Happy Sunday!
Sometimes I wonder. . .
Am I the only mom who constantly finds socks all. over. the. house?
Socks here, socks there, socks everywhere.
Socks belong on feet, in a drawer, or in the dirty hamper, right?
Not so in this house.
Socks are strewn throughout. Simply left wherever they are removed.
Here are a few photos taken moments ago displaying proof of our sock chaos. . .
Hmmm. . . better add this sock training to our morning table time, huh?
Training. . . I’m always a bit afraid that I may forget to instruct my children in some basic task. Such as, “Wash behind your ears.” (I think about this one frequently when I’m taking a shower.)
Or, “Don’t put a knife inside the toaster!”.
Have I said all I need to say for their safety, health and welfare?
Have I trained enough and instilled Godly character and principles into them?
And then I remember this:
Your children will become what you are; so be what you want them to be. David Bly
Now that gives me pause.
I’m God’s work in progress and whatever good is in me now, or will be a part of me in the future is from Him, through Him and in Him.
Only by His grace, love, patience and wisdom will I ever be what I want my children to be.
And I realize. . .They are each His work in progress and all the good that is in them now or will be a part of them in the future is from Him, through Him and in Him.
Only by His grace, love, patience and wisdom will my children ever be what I’m desiring them to become.
Happy Saturday,
Heather
This mama is coming up for air after a day of swimming in a sea of paperwork as I move forward in my month of home organization projects. Drawers which look like this . . .
are my goal. They bring a smile to my face. And woe to him who may try to mess up my newly organized drawer! I really should have taken a before picture of this particular drawer which had turned into a place to stash everything and anything. But I was afraid to stop my momentum by retrieving the camera. . . if the momentum stops, I may opt for a nap which is always a nearby option in my mind!
At the end of the day, tucking my little ones into bed always brings a smile to my heart too. Little A has moved into a “big girl” bed this weekend. I’ll be selling her crib set on Craig’s List to make more room for her “things” which seem to be growing as rapidly as she.
Mama Lucy is beautifully caring for her four little kittens who are now on the MOVE!
Expending all that energy into learning how to walk makes for a tired little kitty!
And this papa? Very proud indeed. He LOVES watching these kittens grow and play.
I do too. It’s amazing how much time passes as we sit and watch these cute little ones.
As we grow to love them, we also know we will be selling three of them, and keeping the brown spotted female.
I’ve set up a website and we’ve advertised on several free classified sites which the breeder recommended. We’ve sold one of the males already and have received two inquiries of the snow. Our website is www.simplygrand.webs.com. On the bottom of our front page we have this verse. . .
"You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased." Revelation 4:11
We’re enjoying His creation!
Happy Saturday,
Here are the kids’ latest top three extracurricular activities. . .
ELECTRONIC MONOPOLY!
Due to the generosity and kindness of a friend, the boys were given and taught how to play the Electronic Banking Monopoly game. They love it! It’s the daily school break fun!
SLEDDING!
And if they’re not playing Monopoly, they’re sledding outside on the “hill”. . . no matter how cold the temperature. The slope out front provides hours of fun for all. Yes, even Little A has a blast and now wants to sled “by myself” and bursts into tears when I call them all back inside.
EATING!
The boys are always ready to eat! Especially when they come back inside after playing outside in that cold winter air. Tonight we had a surprise treat. . . Grandpa’s Apple Slices! Grandpa made a fresh batch of this special dessert and drove up north for us to eat it together. This was Great Grandma E’s famous recipe.
Thanks, Grandpa!
That pretty much sums up the kids’ life outside of school and basketball!
Mom’s extracurricular activities do not include sledding or Monopoly AND I’m trying to cut back on the eating. . . a total of 5 lbs. over the holidays as I decided to step on the scale this week for my moment of truth. Those pounds sure go on easier than they come off, huh? My spare time has been spent creating our new website for our Simply Grand Bengals Cattery. Our hope is to advertise on the cat websites and sell at least three of the four kittens. I’ve also cleaned and organized a few drawers in the kitchen and bedroom closets. Love it!! What a difference. . .I smile every time I open them. Now to just keep them this way, right?!
Happy Wednesday,
Heather
See how much bigger they are?!
Their eyes opened yesterday at 10 days old.
Little A says, “I want to hold it on my yap.”
Their nails are super sharp!
The white one seems most content being held.
No doubt, all these kittens will be well socialized. . . whether they like it or not!
Names are being tossed around. . . Rudy, Desi, Cheerios, Theo, Trudy.
The kids like to think of names from the TV shows we are watching on DVD.
A nasty cold bug has landed on four of our crew.
So far, Mr. C and I continue to be healthy.
The masks and gloves we wear 24/7 must help!
Just kidding, but every year during flu season I think of doing just that!
Happy Friday!
It was a blessed holiday.
Lots of traditions and celebrating. . . truffle making, Chinese take-out on Christmas Eve,
cinnamon rolls and egg bake, knitted hats & slippers, happy birthday Jesus cakes,
sparkling cider, Pictionary, measuring the kids’ heights, stockings, gift giving, root beer,
caramel corn, the Cosby Show, gingerbread houses, visiting with friends & family, fruit
fondue, pajamas, caroling. . .
And now a new year is upon us.
I don’t make resolutions per se, but I do find myself considering this a time of year for new beginnings. I’m cleaning kitchen drawers, re-organizing the pantry, making new chore lists for the kids, aspiring to accomplish more at homeschooling, committing to use more coupons, and desiring to add another day or two to my exercise program.
Onward I go, not in my own strength but in His.
Ephesians 6:10, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” (KJV)
Onward I go, remembering the battles I face are His, not mine.
2 Chronicles 12:15, “He said, "Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's.” (NLV)
“Go back?” he thought. “No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!” So up he got, and trotted along with his little sword held in front of him and one hand feeling the wall, and his heart all of a patter and a pitter.
- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit
Onward I go, in joy and peace.
Isaiah 55:12 - "You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." (NIV)
(photo by Grandma E.)
Onward I go, in prayer.
Psalms 145:18 – “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (NIV)
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16(NIV)
Happy New Year!
We arrived home from our holiday travels on Sunday evening.
We were thankful that Lucy had not delivered her kittens while we were gone.
(as were her loving caretakers)
Yesterday afternoon it became evident that “the time” was near.
Her water broke around 3:30 and she was “meowing” quite a bit.
I decided it was best that she stay in her room so that the birthing process did not
make a mess elsewhere in the house.
At 10:15pm Mr. C called for me to quickly come downstairs with the camera!
During the labor and delivery, Lucy was surprisingly very quiet.
Mr. C sat by Lucy for over three hours, petting her and making sure all went well.
Of course we had to wake the kids so they could witness the miracle of birth.
Her litter totaled four.
I had guessed three.
As you can see, the fourth born was a snow and the other three are either spotted
or marbled like Chief, the king. It’s hard to tell so soon.
We have not named them and we don’t know whether they are male or female quite yet.
Today Lucy has been sleeping with the little kitties cuddled up close to her.
Oh, so cute.
And oh sooo little.
Happy Tuesday!
%5B6%5D.jpg "LucyKittens (40)")
%5B6%5D.jpg "LucyKittens (20)")
%5B6%5D.jpg "LucyKittens (7)")
%5B6%5D.jpg "LucyKittens (23)")
%5B6%5D.jpg "LucyKittens (2)")
