Swine Flu...A Big Hype???

First it was the avian flu. It scared me to pieces. I would sit up late at browsing the Internet to see any info I could find on it.
I go to Disney World eight months pregnant, caught the flu there. It was miserable. But it wasn't the Avian Flu. High fever, (104) Horrible cough, and the aches....the aches, oh that was the worst.

So when the "Swine" flu started to make the headlines, I was at first a bit skeptical. Because the Avian Flu never really caused much damage here in the US. But this Swine Flu, it was really close to the US because of Mexico.

Now, me, I am not one to run to the doctor for every aliment. I learned a long time ago, when we were on the more poorer side that it saves a great deal of money. ;-)

Since I don't run to the doctor, I have tried to learn and put into practice some natural home remedies to see if that will nip whatever I have in the bud, before I'll make a trip to the doctor. In eight years of marriage, and three kids later I have gone to the doctor about...um about 10 times, and an emergency room visit. This is not an exaggeration either. We just don't visit the doc very often.

About a week ago a friend of mine posted on her facebook that she had the Swine flu. I am like, "Oh Great! I am worried that I am going to get it now." As it seems every month I have "caught" something.

Sweetie then came down with a fever on Thursday night, so on Friday I made a trip to the health food store and stocked up on some Vitamin C, and a homeopathic flu formula. "Just in case"

Saturday night, I just sort of felt "off", and then woke up Sunday morning feeling pretty much yuck.

I began to drink my little "EmergenC's" every time I was thirsty. Then the fever came. So I began taking my homeopathic flu formula. In between that, I took heavy doses of Echencia/golden seal.

The aches were the worse thing of the whole ordeal. My head ached, my ears, jaw teeth, wrists, ankles, EVERYTHING. Motrin and warm showers helped me immensely. And sleep. After 24 hours the fever broke, the aches went away, and I thought, "nah! I didn't have the Swine flu" I didn't even get the respiratory problems. Just a little stuffy nose.

For one, the Swine flu was supposed to be worse than the regular flu right? Well, I had the regular flu, and that was about FIVE times more worse than what I had just experienced including the aches. And the regular flu lasted about five times longer, so it couldn't be the Swine Flu.

Until I saw my friend and asked her how she was doing, and if the flu was as horrible as the media is making it out to be. Her answer. No. The Media is definitely hyping it up. She said the first day was the worse, but after that, she was fine.

Did I have the Swine Flu? I don't know. But I was exposed to it, I live in an area where the outbreaks are "elevated" and had all the symptoms of the flu. Dr. Oz said that the main signs of Swine Flu were the Fever and body aches.

I certainly don't think it's worth risking your life or health on the up and coming Swine Flu shot



DISCLAIMER: What I wrote above is my own opinions. I am not a doctor, and I am not responsible for any choice you make regarding your own health.

I Am Back!

It's been a LONG time since I have blogged on my Heart Of A Mommy Blog. I was trying out some new ideas, and seeing how things would go with them. But I think I am going to continue here. I like my Heart of A Mommy Blog. ♥

I feel like I was micromanaging everything, and it got so overwhelming. Home school Blog, Felicity Cottage Blog, all kinds of "blogs".

So I have just decided to write whatever I feel like writing. On *this* blog. LOL! I *am* a mommy, and it's all about sharing my heart. Weather it's homeschooling stuff, sewing stuff, or mommy stuff...it's the same girl, with the same heart. So if anyone really likes to read my blog, they are going to get an eclectic mixture of topics. :D

So stay tunned to my ramblings. ♥

I have missed alot of my blogging friends because I have been *too* busy micromanaging all kinds of stuff. But I think the Lord has started to show me the direction he wants me to take in all of this. One is to simplify things. So that's what I am doing. Just *one* blog.

Whew! What a relief!

"Tell Me Why Are you Striving"

This song is beautiful! It is almost like my testimony really. So many "Christians" KNOW that they need God's Grace. They KNOW that they are sinners, and are not good enough.

But sooooo many (me included at one time in my life) think that they have to *earn* God's Grace. By going to church, reading their bible, humbling themselves, repenting of their sins, dying to self, being a dedicated Christian worker, etc.

But this won't cut it with God. He isn't impressed with all of our striving, and trying to earn his Grace. Grace is given to us for no reason on our part. God gives it to us, because for some strange reason he loves us sinners. But he also doesn't love us because of our sin either.

God has a true holy balanced character. Sin must be dealt with. And the only way *we ourselves* can deal with sin is to die and go to Hell.

God doesn't want us to go to Hell. So he provided a way through Jesus' death on the cross as payment for our own sins. Jesus carried our sins on his body, and died in our place.

But many do not know that Jesus' death on the cross in the *only* thing that impresses God. Not *our* striving.

So if you want God's grace.... accept it. It's already been provided through Jesus' death on the cross. It's yours to take freely. Only believe that what Jesus did is good enough for your sin.

New Item up on Etsy!

Please take a look at my shop on Etsy. I have these culottes/split skirt up for sale on there. I will remake them in the size you need from 2T-8. Thank you for looking! :)

Felicity Cottage Creations

Tippiecanoe

"Enjoy Your Childhood!"

Ever remember your parents saying that to you? I tried...I honestly did! But now that I am an adult...well I didn't appreciate childhood as I should of.

~

This is me on my horse Tippicanoe around the age of 13 or 14. I think almost every little girl now adays dreams of horses. Their ultimate fantasy.

I was *extremely* blessed to be able to have a couple of horses in my childhood. And I believe those horses were part of my "positive" shaping in my life.

~

They taught me soooo many things:

1. Discipline

2. Cleaning up "stinky" stuff. ;-)

3. Life and Death

4. Safety is a HUGE goal, but not a guarantee in life

5. To enjoy the creation that God gave to man

6. God answers prayer

7. Friendship

8. Took lots of time, so kept me out of lots of trouble. ;-)

~

This horse in particular. He was such a character!

In his lifetime of me owning him, he:

~

1. broke into a garage and started to eat the dog food

2. Caused another horse to have surgery on their leg...twice! (Same horse)

3. Broke a window

4. Tore a pipe out of the ground

5. Pushed the wire fence off of the top wooden board, and crawled under the fence, and escaped

6. Would wake me up every morning by kicking the gate in front of my bedroom window to feed him.

~

I miss this guy!

He was terribly afraid of vaccinations. When we bought him we had a really good lady vet. She couldn't handle him for shots, so we had to find a strong man vet to administer the vaccinations, LOL!

~

When I got married....we as a married couple could not afford him. It wasn't fair to my parents to continue paying for feed, and upkeep.

~

So...I gave him to a Christian Bible Camp for children. I am sooo glad I did. He is *still* there after seven (almost eight) years of marriage. He is one of the children's favorite horses. He has lots of land to run and play, and he now is giving another child a positive influence in their lives. Yes, the Lord can use a horse. ♥

~

Rev 6:2
And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

Peace and Healing

My last post~ I *Wanted* to be Amish; it is just a smidgen of who I have become today. It's part of my history.

I am convinced that all of human life on this earth are in pursuit of something, and that is "peace".

Peace is such a pretty word too. Whenever I hear it, I always think of soft breezes, the warm glow of the late afternoon sun. The smell of jasmine wafting in the breeze. Children laughing and playing the neighborhood as an occasional dog barks.

Or I think of a log cabin with smoke drifting out of it's chimney in the twilight hours. Horses grazing and hearing the "munch munch" sound.

But reality is....it isn't *always* that picture perfect.

I am *such* an idealistic perfectionist, that when I "grew up" I had a pretty hard blow to my head when I entered "reality".

Before I entered life in the world of cruelty, I think I was a bit like Anne Shirley. But Anne kept her "dreamy" ways despite the hard cruel world. And there was no Mariella to firmly but gently help guide me back to the "real world". ;-)

So. I didn't stay in my "dreamy" ways after adulthood. In fact, to be blunt and honest. I about lost my mind. ;-) My little duckies didn't all line up in a row. In fact, they were stubborn little things! Most of the swam in directions that I wasn't anticipating and others out right flew away from me! (The ducks being my " idealistic dreams") And my imagination just wouldn't cooperate. (Like Ann, no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't seem to imagine her red hair away)

I have a very strong sense of "right" and "wrong", "truth" and "lies".

And if there was any breech in these qualities, in my own character, my idealistic perfectionism would take over, and my conscience would be overwhelmingly guilty. I couldn't seem to imagine away the wrong that I had done either. Nor did I feel I had the right to imagine away my guilt. That too would be a sin.

My idealistic perfectionism geared towards my "spiritual life". At first, the spiritual walk that I had chosen seemed to be working quite well.

But as time went on, my mind began to become affected with wrong thinking about myself and about God himself, and it lead into a deep, dark, and l-o-n-g depression.

Finally, after what seemed forever, I found peace. But despite the fact that I had peace, I needed to "heal" from some major wounds. Some of those wounds I had inflicted upon myself, and some wounds, from others who ignorantly wounded me.

But the funny thing is...all of us humans... all of us on the journey to find real peace, we also seem to need some kind of "healing" as well.

My story is different than yours I am sure. But I am also sure that almost everyone that I come in contact with has a story. And most of the time that story involves pain from wounds in their past.

The good news is...there is hope. There *is* healing.

Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

I *Wanted* to be Amish

I am a "weird" girl. I guess I have always been strange. My brother would always chide me, "Mom dresses you funny" and I really didn't care, because I liked the way my mom dressed me. :-P

And then when mom pulled me out of public school to home school me, my weirdness only got weirder. ;-)

I guess my fascination with the Amish began when my mom, as part of my "history" lessons sat me on the couch and would read hours upon hours of Laura Ingalls Wilder to me.

She and I began to dream of "yesteryear" and how much more "fun" it would be to live in a cabin, sew our own clothes, and be content with the "simpler" things of life.

Then mom introduced me to Kirsten of the American Doll series, and that only fed my love for that time period in American History.

I would pretend to go to "school" in a one room school house while doing my lessons. My sister, an artist, had old quill pens and ink bottles, and I would write "journals" with them.
My mother invested in sewing lessons for me, and I sewed a pioneer dress, and sun bonnet to play my fantasies out.

Then my mom found the Mandie series. Historical, Mystery Fiction. Ah, I was in heaven!

I wished with a "passion" we could go back to the "good old days"

One year, we visited my grandmother who lived about two hours from Lancaster Pennsylvania. She asked us if we wanted to go spend about four days there and see the "Amish". I was about 13 at the time, and I asked "What's the Amish"

Mom explained to me that they were people living out the "simple" life like Laura Ingalls did. They didn't have electricity, they drove horse and buggies, grew their own food.

I couldn't believe it! Really and Truly there were people "alive today" that lived like that! Of course I wanted to go!

Those four days were more fascinating and "happy" than anytime I went to Disney World. We bought tons of books about the Amish. We toured an Amish "farm", we followed Amish Buggies around, and even took an authentic buggy ride!
We learned there were different "sects" of Amish, and that each had their own "rules" to follow.

One rule that seemed to be prevalent in MOST Amish/Mennonite communities was that the women always covered their head with a little hat. I thought it was kind of quaint...but I didn't know that they did it because they thought that the Bible said to do that. (I Corinthians 11)

When my mother showed me this scripture passage, I wondered why we didn't. We were Christians weren't we? Why didn't we wear that little hat?

We went home, and I devoured all the books that we had bought in Pennsylvania. It only fed my thirst for that type of life "more". I discovered that Mennonites had publishing companies such as Rod and Staff, and Christian Light.

They even had tapes, explaining biblicaly why they did all the stuff that they did. As I read this and devoured this, I became dissatisfied with my own "spiritual" life. Compared to the Amish it seemed "vain" and "empty".

I started to wear only dresses, and I tried making little head coverings to wear, but my dad wouldn't let me out of the house with it on, lol!

I started to grow my hair and never cut it. I had read in one of their tracts to even have bangs was "cutting of the hair" and I wasn't satisfied with the hairline that God had given me. Although I had a protruding forehead, and a high hairline.

I began to read my Bible more, and praying more. I discovered other things to fuel my "religious conservatism" Magazines, pen pals, books, sermons on tapes, etc.

At times, my mom thought it was "cute" when I wanted to be Amish, but as it drug on into my early teen years, she probably thought she created a monster! ;-)

Thankfully, that "Amish" phase passed. I now no longer believe modern convinces are a sin, and I no longer think that I have to be a certain "way" to be acceptable to God. But some of those "Amish Philosophies" lingered *LONG* after I ditched the prospects of ever becoming Amish. ;-)

And I'll continue on in my story at a later date:

But... in the meantime, I STRONGLY recommend that you read Beverly Lewis who is a Christian fictional writer who writes fiction about the Amish. After all my research of the Amish, and reading respected sources of the Amish, Beverly Lewis truly gets into the minds and ways of the Amish, without "romanticizing" things. And also gracefully shows the errors in their thinking about God. My favorite series that she wrote was Abram's Daughters. That really clued me in! ♥

Feeling Icky Sicky

For the past month, I have been feeling yucky. I am not sure if it is a combination of some bug traveling around our area or allergies or both.

Normally, I don't get "allergies". The only thing I am allergic to is mold; as most people are, lol!

But the pollen count is high in our area. And whenever the weather changes, I seem to get some sort of attack.

Scratchy throat, stuffy head and nose, and just feeling like snuggling up in a warm blanket. That feeling lasts about two days at the most, then I start sneezing and blowing out whatever was in my body. By day six and seven I am starting to feel normal. Then the next day on day eight or nine, I wake up to the stuffy head, nose, and scratchy throat again. Uggg!

This has been lasting a *MONTH* I am so sick of it!

My hubby was so sweet. This morning, as I lay snoring in bed, he , hid a card underneath a pile of junk mail. He knows me so well, in knowing that I throw out junk mail pretty quick. Thankfully, I checked underneath the pile this morning before I tossed it in the trash, and there was a card with my name on it.

It was a sweet card that just told me he was thinking of me today, and that he hopes I start feeling better throughout the day. ♥ And he wrote a cute poem/verse in it. That sure did help raise my spirits!

My "Get Well" card next to my Valentine's Day flowers he gave me

I got alot of comments about how to roll and crush oats. It's getting time for me to roll and crush some soon, and I'll be sure to take pictures, and write an entry about it. Hopefully next week.

And those of you who left comments, I will slowly come by and visit your blogs as I have a few moments. As well as being "sick", I am in the middle of potty training Tiny Boy. Praise the Lord he is picking this up fast, and I am hoping that most of the "training" part will be done in a couple of days.

But I value your comments and your visits *Sooooo* very much. Please keep coming by. Just please understand, as I am sure you do if your a mom yourself, that other things come first before blogs. ;-)

Another Parent "Brainwashing" their Child

Ok, so... I was accused of brainwashing my child for teaching them the truth. About Obama's views on abortion, and his views on taxing the "rich" to re-distribute to the "poor".

(By the way... we are one of the "poor" hard working families that work for "rich" people, so I am against that idea even though we probably would "benefit" from his policy...short term at least)

In Bean's video below, a "concerned" parent left me a nice comment telling me that I am "brainwashing" my child and ruining her physic.

Ever since that comment, I have been shaking my head. There is *SO MUCH* more things to be brainwashed over than the truth. Like *LIES*. That is what brainwashing is!

It is sugar coating a lie to look so yummy that people believe the lie. And yes many children are brainwashed.

But you can't "brainwash" with the truth. The truth *is*. You can't "change" it, and you can't hide it. For those who seek "truth" sincerely, they will find it.

I am just so baffled that this "concerned parent" thinks that me teaching my little four year old that taking baby out of a mommies tummy before it is due, and then crushing it to death is "brainwashing". It is truth. It happens. Everyday. It is sickening. It is *truth* and Obama supports it.

So what? I told my little girl the truth. Such a shock! Most parents teach their kids that Santa is real. Yet they don't get accused of bad parenting, and being told that they should talk to phycologist about lieing to their children about a man that doesn't exist.

I get chided for brainwashing my child about thievery. I teach her that she isn't allowed to take that which doesn't belong to her. That which she doesn't have the money to buy. I tell her it is wrong to take money from someone so you can use it; even if you *need* it. It is wrong. That's the truth.

But Obama wants to "re-distribute" the wealth. Hmmm.... I am ruining my daughter with the truth! How completely awful.

I am told that I don't do any good with my children,(despite the fact right after that video we baked cookies to enter into the county fair and before that, we packed shoeboxes to give to underprivledge children with our own money. It wasn't forced from us), and I should be ashamed of myself. The only thing I ashamed of is that there are people calling good evil, and evil good!

Giving money to people in need because God loves them and so do we. That *is* good! Helping unwed mothers find the Lord and birth the *living* soul inside of them *is* good!

*FAR* too many things are passing under our eyes that are harming our children, and people hardly notice.

1. Se*xual abuse is rampant in our country. Children are being molested and used by parents, teachers, and other adults that should be trusted in their lives. That ruins them *far* more than telling them the truth!

2. Children are being *brainwashed* in schools everyday that se*x outside of marriage is ok to do as long as it is "safe". They are educated on how to be "safe", and shown explicit po*ngraphic materials in school to "demonstrate" things. It is *disgusting* and utterly upsetting. And yet, *I* am the bad parent, because I choose to teach my child the *truth*. Something is wrong here people. Terribly wrong.

3. Children are being brainwashed in schools that evolution is a scientific fact, when all it is just a theory, based on man's mere imagination! It takes more faith to believe that this world somehow evolved into what it is. That everything works in harmony and precision, to just "Bang" together. It is impossible. Yet, we Americans are fed, and feed this garbage to our little kindergartners everyday as they sit at desks chocked full of Ritalin.

4. We have over drugged our kids for being ADD, when they are just that kids! Did you know that kids didn't *start* school until they were seven or eight years old. And finished by the time they were 16. *AND* they were smarter than today's kids? It's quite frightening! And most cases of ADD are "diaognosied" before age six? Hmmmm? Something strange there too.

5. Children are being torn apart from their families by divorce. Not many marriages survive these years. Children are harmed and ruined by this. Some make it fine; Jesus, who loves them, helps. But Most are scarred for life. I happen to be happily married; for seven years. I have passed a "danger" zone. And I am GLAD I got married! My hubby is a great guy. He is my hero, and my life is better because of him. And my kids sense the harmony between us.

So. Here is the comment that was left me, in case anyone wants to read it. I don't know who this "concerned parent" is... for all I know I could be related to them. But even if I am. That doesn't change the fact that I will *always* tell my children the truth. I won't lie to them for the sake of being "politically correct". Ever. And if Bean decided to be a Democrat when she grows up. I'll still love her. ;-) But I highly doubt she will swallow lies easily. She is very sensitive to lies. Just ask my mom. ;-)

I can't imagine how you can teach your child this kind of thing.
It's called brainwashing and you should be ashamed of yourself. Children are
canvases that you can hurt deeply and scar for life. Why not be positive and
encourage them in good ways? Please take a course on parenting so you know what
you are doing to them. You may have had good intentions but ask any child
psychologist what you are doing and maybe they can help you to not hurt their
psyche in this manner.Just trying to help and inform you of the seriousness of
parenting in an undestructive way. Thanks for listening.

And, if you have gotten this far; to lighten things up a bit, here are other parents "brainwashing" their child... ;-)

Simple Woman Daybook

FOR TODAY~November 3rd 2008...

Outside My Window...

The Sun is starting to burn off some of the fog outside. It is a bit overcast, but it doesn't look like it will last very long

I am thinking...

That life can be so complicated at times... Sometimes people can misunderstand you or your intentions. I have had two experiences this past week with that sort of thing. It doesn't feel very nice. :(

I am thankful for...

A husband that sticks up for me. Weather it is the kids who aren't listening to mommy, or other matters. He loves me, and I can tell. :)

From the learning rooms...

I am going to do the "bare necessities" this week. If we get to do the extra stuff; great. If not, at least I got something done.

From the kitchen...

Not sure yet. Probably something fast, easy and simple. It was a long busy weekend again, and I need to catch up on other things.

I am wearing...

My Pajamas again. ;-)

I am creating...

A grocery shopping list :-P

I am going...

To get groceries today. Tomorrow I am going to vote. (Don't forget!) unless your voting for Obama

What? I didn't say that, did I? Nope. Must be some other blogger got into my account somehow. ;-)

I am reading...

This week, I have done much of any reading. I have glanced through a couple of magazines. But that's about it. It was another busy crazy week.

I am hoping...

That Obama isn't elected

I am hearing...

My kids watching "Martha" on PBS kids. Once I am done with this entry we will be starting our normal day activities. With Fall back they were up "an hour early" this morning.

Around the house...

I will be doing some laundry, school, and other things here and there

One of my favorite things...

A nap where it felt like you slept forever, but was only an hour or so

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

Work on the bare necessities of schooling, Go vote, shopping, craft day with a friend, and working on making Christmas gifts.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Packing our Operation Christmas Child Shoe boxes
Dressing up for a fall festival at a local church. A princess, patriot, and Ballerina.

March For Jesus. Our church spread out on a 5.8 mile trek in a popular city and walked holding signs that said, "Jesus Christ, Your Best Choice".

After the march we went back to the church building and had dinner on the grounds, and games. It was an ALL day event, but was lots of fun. My husband headed up the game of Water Balloon Volley.

To read more daybook entries go visit The Simple Woman. Have a great day! :)

Fair Days

Our items are now entered into the fair. What a fun experience this has been. It's my/our first time ever entering anything into the fair, and I am excited to see what comes out of it.

I made the above page at Scrapblog.com. My Sister In Law showed this site to me, and boy is it fun and addicting! ;-)

As you can see we have a good sampling of things that are stumping the judges right now. I entered two pieces of photography. This:

and This:
I am not sure if they are considered good or not, but *I* liked them well enough. ;-)

Tiny Boy and Bean (as well as Sweetie) entered the egg decorating contest. They were so proud to see their eggs up on the display shelf! (And so was I, mind you. ;0) )

Other Things Sweetie entered were

Cream Cheese Cookies
A Draw String Tote bag that she sewed herself

And this water color painting of the sun

I entered a couple of other things:

Freshly Ground Whole Wheat Bread

And A Custom Boutique Outfit that I had made to sell on ebay, but never did. :(

The girls and Tiny Boy were both pumped with excitement as they saw the fair grounds transformed and workers hustling about busy setting up their stands and rides.

We also saw a friend from church helping out with the gathering of the goods.

Well, wish us the best! :)

Some Ways I Relieve Stress

Well my friend Amy, had this great idea on sharing tips on relieving stress. So go over to her blog, read her entry on her battle plan for stress, and then read her comments for more ideas.

Now I'll share some of my stress relievers. I am afraid that I am not very good at recognizing the stress. I tend to go and go and go. Then all of the sudden I burst, and don't even know I was stressed until I am bawling on the phone to my mommy about my hard day. LOL!

But there are a few things that I do try to do every day that does help me some. Everyday, my kids have a "quiet time" for about two to two and half hours. Even if they don't sleep, they can play quietly. But they are not allowed to come out of their rooms. Tiny Boy still naps pretty soundly so thats good. ;-)

Sweetie and Bean play in separate rooms this keeps scraps from happening and having to deal with those during my break time.

This *greatly* helps me to take on the day.

Another thing that I enjoy doing is taking a nap. Most days I don't get much of one, because the girls always peek their heads out of their doors to tell me something that *cannot* wait. But any little sleep does help.

Before, when I was consistent in exercise, that helped me out *SO* much. And now that I am trying to get back into regular exercise, I am finding out about that benefit once again.

There is nothing like a hot cup of "caffeinated" coffee thickly flavored with artficial creamers, playing on the Internet, or blogging. ;-)

Reading is also a great way to relax. But I am finding at this season in my life, that I tend to fall asleep when I sit down to read, lol!

When hubby gets home and the kids go to bed, another favorite way to de-stress is to spend time watching a movie with him. And then falling asleep talking to each other about our days. Being married is great!

To be honest with you ladies. Many people say that reading the Bible before the day begins helps them. It doesn't me. For a long time I was struggling in my relationship with the Lord. And I would feel guilty for not getting a "rhema" for the day like it seemed to happen for most people.

So I read the Bible here and there. Or the Lord sends me a verse to comfort me or encourage me in unconventional ways.

In essence, I felt guilty if I didn't cross my bible reading off my "to do" list. Now I read the Bible because I want to, not because I have to. And oddly enough, I have learned SO much these past three years *from* the Bible and so many sciptures are almost memorized. Not completely, but enough, to where I know MUCH of the verse. And I didn't even try. I just let the Lord work.

Now I am not against reading Bibles at the start of the day, but the idea of it stressed me out even more. So I just let the Lord lead me in what he wanted me to learn through his Word. It may change, but that is what's working for me right now.

Playing the piano also helps to distress me. I can play out all of my emotions and make beautiful music in the process, LOL!

So those are a few of my tips. Now head over to Amy's and see what her ideas are! :)

Now I Feel Special ;-)

First off, I want to say "Thank you" for all the encouraging comments that I got. I'll be honest with you. The reason I posted that was this.

Many times, through all the pictures, and my positive writings, it can lead the impression that I am *almost* perfect. ;-) And that I am not! Let me tell you!

I know how I feel when I see others who seem to have "together" their houses always seem clean, their children's clothing is unstained, and they never seem to get irritated. It can be discouraging at times. And you start to compare yourself among yourselves, which the Lord says isn't wise. So I thought. Hmmm....I'll just show everyone that I am not always what I seem to be! Sometimes this Mommy's heart isn't very nice!

Jokingly, but in reality it isn't, I always say I didn't find out what a sinner I was until I got married. And then after the kids came, I am finding out more and more how dirty my "works" are in God's eyes.

Which makes me *very* thankful that Jesus died for me. Because I KNOW I would be in Hell if it weren't for him. :)

Now. Let me tell you why I feel special. I feel special because my blogging buddy Amy, was inspired by my post to start a little meme about how other ladies handle their stress, or at least manage it. ;-)

Starting tomorrow, you can write up a post on your blog and then go to her blog and leave a link in her comments to your post about how you manage your stress. If you don't have a blog you can just share in her comments a tip on managing stress.

I think it is a *wonderful* idea myself. ;-) And I hope this becomes a regular thing we can do. So please join in and lets help one another out in this journey! :)

Mommy and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Usually, my posts are on the positive side. Not today. I have been having "one of those weeks". The kids getting into things that they shouldn't. Them demanding things of me. Me feeling under appreciated by everyone around me. Homeschooling. And it just seems to get worse by the minute. I know it is a sin to be having a pity party. I have been crying out to the Lord to help me be content, and to see the brighter side of things.

I have been extremely impatient with the kids, and am sad to say my own husband. No PMS isn't hitting me. It is just being overwhelmed with all the responsibilities of life, and feeling like it's all up to me for some reason. So as you can see, this gal hasn't got it all together. I just like to post the things that make me smile, so I won't go completely bonkers!

Last night, I sent the children to bed early. I myself went to bed early hoping that would help. I got up refreshed ready to start the day. Things were going well. Until...

Sweetie wanted to call Nana to chat with her. That's fine. Well, Nana, wanted to talk with me after Sweetie and her were done. Nana and I got to talking about the current events of the election, and Sweetie and the rest of the bunch all sneaked outside. (Normally no big deal. But I had left paint out there from the day before. We had been painting our solar system for school)

Sweetie, Bean, and Tiny Boy got into the paint, squirted it *everywhere*, rubbed it everywhere, and thought it would be great fun to paint the dog as well.

I captured the pictures, but I didn't see the humor in it. I had *so* much to do this morning. I wanted to exercise, do school work, yada yada yada. Now I have laundry (which I had caught up on over the weekend) three children to bathe, plus a dog. And the dog is a special case. I need to put his flea treatment on him, but he needs to of been water free for three days so the oils in his skin will help pull the treatment in his skin and stay in. Something has *always* been happening to keep me from putting the stuff on! So fleas are ever populating him.

All the stress from the past week just came toppling on me, and I reacted badly. Very badly. I threw them all in the tub, called my mom up and begged her to come and help me with the kids, all the while bawling like a kid myself.There is just so much that I need to do. It seems every time I get caught up on something, something like this happens, and makes me behind twice as much as I was before I had gotten caught up!

For instance:

The laundry room is atrocious, and it takes me forever to do laundry because I have to go through an obstacle course to just get to the machines.

I cleaned the dining room, where we eat, do school work and art on Saturday. It is now a mess, because projects from others are strewn across the the counter top, and I can't move them or else I'll get into trouble for misplacing something. Thus it makes it hard for me to do things such as school, and art projects. Or cooking. Or baking bread, that I haven't baked in a few weeks.

The bathrooms need a scrubbing down, even though I cleaned them Saturday, because the paint is all over the bathroom. Someone decided that they needed to go and get a towel to clean themselves up. So green paint is all over the white cupboards, and towels.

Since the dog needs a bath, he is going to turn the tub extremely dirty and it will cause me to have to scrub the tub, yet again. Only thing is, I have run out of tub cleaner, and I don't have time to run out and buy some because of all the other stuff that needs to be done.

So where does school come in? I don't know. You tell me. Off to wash the dog!

The Simple Woman Day Book~ October 20th, 2008

FOR TODAY October 20th, 2008...
Outside My Window...

There is a slight, and lovely chill in the air this morning. Fritz is outside supposed to be doing his business, but I think he is enjoying the change of weather as well.
I am thinking...

of how I can become more efficient in the use of the time that God has given to me, and wondering how Mrs. Dugger does it so cheerfully with 17 kids!
I am thankful for...

My husband's job that helps provide us food, and shelter
From the kitchen...

Not too sure. I may concoct something from leftover baked chicken, or make Spaghetti

In The Learning Room....

Last week Sweetie learned about leaves. This week we will be working on Apples. Last week Sweetie wrote two stories about leaves, as well as extracted chlorophyll from a leaf, did leaf rubbings. She also learned about the different parts of the leaf, as well as reviewed the names of the different shapes of leaves. We are also reading "The House at Pooh's Corner" together.

I am wearing...

What else? My pajama's. ;-)

I am creating...

A Christmas Planner notebook

I am going...

To the library to return books, and find some books about Apples. And maybe to *T*arget* to pick up some diapers for Tiny Boy, and grab a few other things that I need on my shopping list.

I am reading...

Still working on the fiction book that I am not sure that I like. I like the story line. Very Good. But there are some details in the story that bug me, and I wish the author had done something about that.

I am hoping...

That I can get some exercise in this morning, and get everything done that I need to do without stressing out. ;-)

I am hearing...

My kids. They are either supposed to be cleaning up their toys from yesterday, or "resting". I think they are arguing though. Also the hum of the computer.

Around the house...

My husband is getting ready for work, I will be dressing for exercise and walking around our yard. Then I'll start breakfast for the kids. On Saturday, I totally reorganized the girls room. It looks pretty good, if I do say so myself. ;-)

One of my favorite things...

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. It has been my favorite ice cream since I was three. There really is no other flavor in this world. I can tolerate vanilla. And maybe Butter Pecan. But mint chocolate chip. That's the *only* one that is a favorite!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

School with Sweetie. Making a goal of exercising at least six days this week. (that way, I will actually do four days) Hopefully make some whole wheat bread. Perhaps banana bread as well. I didn't get to see my new nephew. I don't know when we will be able to do so. :(

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This was taken a couple weeks ago on a nature walk. We found this amazing tree. Sweetie wanted to climb it, and was thrilled when I gave her permission. Does anyone know what kind it is? I am tempted to plant one in our yard.

Looking at the leaves I am thinking it is a Sweet gum? But I am not sure. Someone *please* tell me! :)

To read other ladies Day Book entries, please visit The Simple Woman. Have a great day!

If Any Lack Wisdom....

When I had Sweetie six years ago, I gained a tremendous amount of weight. I have always been small.

In college I weighed a whopping 99lbs. Now before anyone gets concerned, I do want to stress something.

1. I am *VERY* short. I am barely five feet tall. For a person my height and frame, a normal BMI can vary between 98lbs-129lbs. That is quite a range, but I wasn't anorexic

1. College is a stressful life. The food isn't nutritional, so what I did eat wasn't very healthy. Fried chicken, fake hamburgers, you know that kind of gross stuff.

So anyway. After I went home from college, I gained 12lbs on my mom's good home cooking. At my wedding I was 110lbs. Then three months later, I found out I was pregnant with Sweetie.

With her, I gained almost 60lbs! I was afraid that I was "too" small. My belly doesn't get big with pregnancies. But being this was my first pregnancy, I didn't know that. So I packed on the the pounds through lots of "Whole" fat yogurt, milk, whole cans of tuna fish with mayo in it, etc. etc."

Needless to say, I didn't gain any weight where I *wanted* it. So I had *alot* of work cut out for me after Sweetie arrived.

It took me about six months to get back to 115lbs. I went on a power walk everyday six days a week, *and* I would come back home and do an hour of aerobics. When I hit the 115lb mark, I found out I was expecting Bean. I continued to take daily walks, but no aerobics. With her I gained a normal amount of weight.

Along come Tiny Boy in my tummy. Life at that point was CRAZY. We just moved, and I had two toddlers to chase around. I tried to walk, but the morning sickness kept me down most of the time. And my double stroller broke.

When Tiny Boy finally came, I thought I would get back on track. But it wasn't so easy. Now I had *three* to get ready early in the mornings. I tried all sorts of things.

Aerobics in front of the TV, but the kids would get under my feet. Or they would get into scraps when I couldn't "technically" stop to correct them.

I tried Waking earlier than my husband left for work. I liked to sleep better in those early morning hours, and I was afraid of "bad guys" in the dark. My mom got me a nice three seat stroller. But I still struggled to get out of the house with all three of them in the early morning without it being stressful. You know diapers changed, breakfast, pottie breaks, yada yada yada.

Now that they are older, Sweetie is too big for the stroller, and can't keep up with me.

I can't exercise when my husband gets home, as he normally arrives home after dark.

So the other day, I was praying and asking the Lord what to do about the situation. It's been two years that I have been out of shape. I need the fresh air, and I need to burn those calories. All of the sudden, after praying that simple little prayer, the idea came to me (effortlessly without *any* thought) to walk around our yard.

Now, why hadn't the "idea" occured to me before that, I do not know? I have even had Sweetie run outside around the house to let out excess energy. I myself have ridden my husband's bike outside around the house to try it out, and even to get my heart rate up. But it *never* occurred to me to take a power walk and a jog around the yard!

Such a simple answer! So I tried it today, and it worked! The kids loved it. They played outside in the yard while I walked and ran around it. As I came around to the back yard I would give Tiny Boy a push on the swing. He loved that. :) The neighbor lady probably thought I was loosing my mind, but that's OK. We are all quirky in some way. ;-)

So if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. (James 1:5)

Show and Tell & Feminine Friday~Favorite Accessories

I am going to try and kill two birds with one stone today... And I hope it is OK with the fine ladies at No Place like Home and The Barefoot Mama.
I am going to show you a few pieces of my favorite accessories that I love to wear.

This is a necklace that my Mother in law made. She designed it for the bridesmaids in my sister in law's wedding. I was one of the bridesmaids, so I got one. :)
I think it is so delicate and feminine. It is also simple. I just *love* simple pieces of jewelry. For some reason, simple jewelry seems to bring out the beauty in the woman.
If the piece is large and bold, that is all I notice. ;-)

You can't tell from the lighting in the picture, but the beads are swarovski crystals, and they are a beautiful smokey purple color and clear. It is breath taking in person. :)
The next piece, which I love to wear with the above necklace, I found at my favorite retail store; T*arget! ;-) It too, is delicate and simple, and also *very* feminine.
This picture is kind of blurry. It is very hard to take a close up picture of your ear! ;-) This piece of jewelry is a bit more fancy than what would I normally choose, but it is still simple enough as to not distract me. And I love how the pearls and crystal are together. It is just very stunning and feminine to me.

This picture was taken last Christmas at my husband's Christmas work party. I am wearing the necklace, earrings and headband together.

I just love how simple, feminine, and elegant the effect is. :)

Be sure to visit Kelli's and Kelly ;-) to see some other lovely items.

PS. I want to thank everyone for the sweet comments they left me on my last Show and Tell post. It is extremely hard to go and visit each one of your blogs during the week, and the weekend was a stressful one for me. I'll try to be a better friend this week. So sorry! Sweetie is going to visit her Nana for two days, so hopefully, I will have a bit more spare time. Thank you again. Those comments mean alot to me. :)

High Expectations

~~Housework Can Wait~~

Come in, but don't expect to find

All dishes done, all floors ashine.

Observe the crumbs and toys galore.

The smudgy prints upon the door.

The little ones we shelter here

Don't thrive on a spotless atmosphere.

They're more inclined to disarray

And carefree even messy play.

Their needs are great, their patience small.

All day I'm at their beck and call.

It's Mommy come! Mommy see!

Wiggly worms and red scraped knee.

Painted pictures, blocks piled high.

My floors unshined, the days go by.

Some future day they'll flee this nest,

And I at last will have a rest!

Now you tell me which matters more,

A happy child or a polished floor?

...Author Unknown

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

My friend over at Riverbend Ramblings, posted this poem on her blog this morning. I read it in a timely manner!

Lately, I have been feeling discouraged over my house. It's clean, but with three small children, it doesn't stay spotless. Not how *I* would like it to be anyway. This poem speaks so much of what my house is like, but I am so crabby that my house is like what this poem describes, that the crabbiness wears off on the kids. So, well, you know... "When Momma ain't happy, ain't no one happy!"

So this was encouragement to me, I believe from the Lord, to worry about having happy children, rather than my polished floor.

Of course, I don't want to live in filth, lol! But perfection can wait. ;-)

Still here!

Just been busy! More to follow in the coming days. Hopefully! :)

Taking A Break from Blogging

Hopefully it won't be a long break. I just feel like the Lord needs to direct me through a few things, and I am trying to take away any distractions that my clutter my mind from "hearing" him and his Word to me.

Thanks for understanding!