In Pursuit of His Call

Christmas Newsletter

2011-12-20T21:40:00.000-05:00

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. -Matthew 2:10-11

In late October, Ty had the opportunity to go to Haiti to help build a home for a family who lost their house in the earthquake. While there, Ty appreciated being able to fully commit his days to this building ministry as well as being able to receive deep fellowship from the whole team. Despite the lack that surrounded him, Ty experienced satisfaction in Christ alone. The question he has asked since returning from Haiti is, "How can I (and my family) live a life, wherever we are, satisfied in Christ alone? How can we live wholly for Him?"

In the Christmas story, we usually hear about the 3 wise men and their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but usually overlook why they gave those gifts. In Matthew 2:11, we are told that when the 3 wise men saw Jesus, they fell down and worshipped him. They were so overwhelmed by the presence of Christ that they worshipped Him. In Romans 12:1, Paul exhorts the Romans to present their bodies as living sacrifices, which is their spiritual worship. Our prayer is that we too would be so overwhelmed by the presence of Christ that we would worship Him by being a living sacrifice and in ALL things we would find our satisfaction in Christ alone and live wholly for Him.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love,

The Hagy Family

Ty, Geneveive
Gracelyn(6), Christyann(4), Evangeline(2), Hope-Charis(2mo)

Laughing for the 1st Time

2011-12-01T16:19:00.000-05:00

Hope laughed for the first time yesterday. Tickled her on the neck with her hands and she broke out in baby laughter. Lasted for a couple of minutes then it wasn't funny to her anymore.

Birth Announcement

2011-10-30T12:05:00.000-04:00

Day 1

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Month 1

"...being justified by his GRACE we might become heirs according to the HOPE of eternal life."

Titus 3:8

HOPE-CHARIS HIPOLITO HAGY
(Charis - Greek for Grace, prounounced Karis)

born to Ty & Geneveive Hagy

on September 19, 2011

Weight: 8lbs 13oz

Length: 21.5"

Siblings: Gracelyn, Christyann, & Evangeline

October 30, 2011

Each time I write a Hagy update, I am always amazed by how quickly time flies and this time’s no exception. I can’t believe that as I’m writing this note, our little newborn will already be 6 weeks old tomorrow. Life with 4 children is so much different than life with 1 child. I remember cherishing every single moment with Gracelyn and recording every firsts, but now, especially with 4 children, 5 and under, each day seems like an obstacle course-marathon race. The days go by both slow and fast without end. Slow because it takes forever to get a task accomplished through the obstacle of constant interruptions but fast because it seems like a race to get everything done and since it seems like we do the same thing over and over again, the race seems like a marathon without an end in sight. Yet the Lord is gracious to keep teaching us and we’ve learned so much in this parenting gig.

A few years ago I remember our pastor saying in our young married class that the hardest part about being a parent is getting off the couch. He meant that, sometimes, especially after a long day, all you want to do is sit on the couch and rest and not get up to deal with the training and disciplining of our children. Yet, I am learning the opposite. I’m sure all mommies will relate to the constant to do list that is never ending and it seems that this to do list is constantly on my mind that I take for granted the more important things. Sometimes, all children want you to do is TO SIT ON THE COUCH AND BE WITH THEM, which I don’t do often enough. I am realizing that by sitting on the couch, in the midst of my children, much can be accomplished to train and discipline them because I AM THERE. I am there to help coach the girls how to play when they’re not being nice to one another, training them how to consider others above themselves. I am there to help them reconcile their arguments, training them how to forgive one another and highlighting how Christ forgives us of our daily sins. I am there to give instruction and to correct them when they disobey, training them that obedience to mommy and daddy is a way of showing love to us and emphasizing that a life of obedience is showing love to God and that it is well pleasing to Him when we obey. Deuteronomy 6:7 is such a great reminder that we ought to be training our children in the ways of the Lord in all aspects of life, whether we are up walking or down sitting, we ought to talk to our children about how to live a life wholly for God.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Geneveive for the Hagys

Photo Card

2011-10-24T21:26:00.001-04:00

Poppy Pink Baby Announcements

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View the entire collection of cards.

Faith...Spiritual Maturuty 7-25-11

2011-07-25T14:54:00.002-04:00

...I was very relieved that I didn't have to get out of the house before 8:30am today and I was very excited to have some time to spend with the Lord before the girls woke up.

I...meditated much on Hebrews 12:1-17, especially on how to apply it to life. One thing I meditated on was Spiritual Maturity (Sanctification) and how to achieve it. How do I grow in Christ-likeness?

As I meditated on that question, the girls woke up and began to fight and argue in their room. Their fighting and arguing reminded me of spiritual immuaturity and as I thought on how I ought to corect them and lead them to spiritual maturity I thought that my guiding them ought to be the same way I ought to grow myself.

In Psalm 119:11 it says, "I have stored up your word in my heart,that I might not sin against you." How can storing God's Word in our hearts cause us not to sin? The Word works by the power of the Spirit. The Bible is not some sort of spell book that if we say a verse over and over again, something magical would happen. Rather, the power of God's Word comes from the power of the Holy Spirit to convict and change our hearts. Therefore, it is good to store God's Word in our heart so that when we come to a situation where we have to make a decision we know what God's Word says and by having God's Word in our hearts, by faith, we are convicted by His Word and actually choose what is right.

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Home Life...June 28, 2011

2011-06-28T18:47:00.000-04:00

So, I just received a call from DearHubby. He's stuck in the parking lot at work...

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Homeschooling Thoughts...June 24, 2011

2011-06-24T08:04:00.003-04:00

I just wrote a note to a DearFriend expressing some thoughts on homeschooling...

----------

Hi DearFriend D,
I didn't mean to be so discouraging about homeschooling last night nor was I telling you not to do it. I only wanted to be honest about the challenges and difficulties with homeschooling. When I was in college I visited many of my friends' homes who were homeschooled and they displayed or I saw a very idealistic picture of what homeschooling is about and I didn't think there would be any challenges or difficulties.

One of the difficulties I have discovered with homeschooling is developing a routine of doing school at home. It's so easy to say, "Oh, well, let's just skip school today, because we always have tomorrow to make up the work." The next thing you know, you've got an overwhelming amount of work to make up because something always comes up the day you want to do school. It takes planning and discipline to establish and keep a routine.

Homeschooling also takes up a lot of time. I currently only do school with DearDaughter1 2 times a week and that's already overwhelming to me. Ideally school should be done in the morning, but I've been doing school in the afternoon when the 2 younger ones are napping and I just feel like on the 2 days I do school, my whole day is gone because I would only have a couple of hours to do anything in the morning before lunch and then after lunch we do school. By the time school is done, it's time to get dinner ready. My point is, I feel like I'm always behind in house work and it's hard to make outside committments because of the time commitment school takes up.

The last challenge I'm going to share is the challenge of finding good material. I think it's really neat that you have established a homeschooling mentor for you to help you in that area because it is hard to find the right material. I am going to start 1st Grade with DearDaughter1 in the Fall and I have been researching all year for the right material for her. I am trying to follow a Classical method myself and I needed to learn about the Classical method to understand it and be able to choose the right material. I thought I had my curriculum down pat, but when I went to the homeschooling convention, I realized how much more material there is out there and it was overwhelming! Perhaps you were going to strictly follow Stratford's curriculum, but maybe you'll find that something's not working for you or working for the girls, and you'd want to change material. It takes time and research to find just the right material.

After all that's said, I personally would not trade homeschooling for anything, especially while the girls are still young. I've gotten into a discussion with several people about whether the Bible mandates homeschooling and I personally don't think the Bible commands and makes it a law unto parents to homeschool their children, but, I, personally, would not send the girls off to school right now. There's a lot of areas that I need to improve on and often I think about sending the girls to school. However, I really believe that our children are our disciples at this moment in life, and I think that parents, at this young age, should play the greatest role in teaching and training them about living a life of Christ and for Christ. For me, sending our girls to school would mean, every day, being aware of the influences that they would be getting from their peers and teachers, and correcting that. If I did not stay on top that, then those influences would slowly change my girls' hearts and the change would be so subtle that I wouldn't notice it, and at the end of the year, we'd have girls who have been influenced that much away from thoughts of Christ. So, although I don't think it's wrong to send children off to school, I, right now, would not do it.

Lastly, above all, my greatest desirefor homeschooling is discipling and training my girls in Jesus Christ. The whole point of education is to give our children the right set of lenses to see the world and that is to see the world through the lens of Christ. Why do we teach our children to read? So that they can read the Bible. Why do we teach our children about Science? So that they can appreciate the wonder of God our creator. The whole reason for education is to see the World in light of Scripture and I don't think that education should be separate from Scripture. So, although I want to follow the Classical method, my first and foremost goal is to just saturate the girls' education with Christ, and if I don't completely follow the Classical method as it was intended, but have taught the girls and grounded the girls to see everything in light of Christ, then, I would feel that I was successful in homeschooling. Yes, getting a good job after college, is a good goal to have, but that shouldn't be the end goal of education. Our end goal for our children should be that they are Crazy in Love with our God and that they would live a life Radical for Him.

So, that's my few words on homeschooling...

Home Life...June 21, 2010

2011-06-21T20:38:00.002-04:00

I cannot believe that today is the longest day of the year. It sure did not seem like it. It’s 8:38pm as I’m beginning this post and sunset occurred 7 minutes ago. It wasn’t a very sunny day to begin with, mostly cloudy, so it seemed like the sun set even earlier tonight. It seems like sunset should occur after 9pm on the longest day of the year, but I guess that isn’t true. Maybe it gets dark after 9pm. Oh well.

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Home Life...June 20, 2011

2011-06-20T17:50:00.002-04:00

...

Thoughts about the week:
- The time flew by so quickly and I didn't have time to long for DearHubby like I did the first time he was in Mexico.
- It was one of the most exhausting week I've ever had. I felt like it was non-stop work for me. I enjoyed hosting DearFriendBecky and her kiddos and we had a lot of fun and a great time of fellowship. However, I wanted to make DearFriendBecky's stay very comfortable and enjoyable and so I wanted to stay one step ahead. The house was picked up more than usual and I didn't rest as much I normally do. It was nice having an extra set of eyes on the girls and extra kiddos to keep the girls occupied, but it was still very tiring.
- I miss DearFriendBecky and the girls cried when we said good-bye to the kiddos. Wish we lived closer to visit more often.

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Home Life...June 6, 2011

2011-06-06T12:35:00.000-04:00

...
May the Lord give DearFriendBecky and family traveling mercies and I will see them at the train station at 2pm or a little after tomorrow. I am looking forward to this visit with this long time DearFriend!!!

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Home Life...June 1, 2011

2011-06-01T07:52:00.001-04:00

7:52am
It is Wednesday morning and our "at home vacation" is over. DearHubby really enjoyed his vacation time and we enjoyed all that time we got to spend with Daddy. Now back to reality :D

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Home Life...May 31, 2011

2011-05-31T22:09:00.000-04:00

Storybook Land was a very nice place to take the girls! It's a mix of rides, catered to little ones, and displays of classic children's stories and nursery rhymes. It brings all these stories and rhymes to life! I would recommend parents taking their kiddos to this park.

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Home Life...May 30, 2011

2011-05-30T12:38:00.000-04:00

12:38pm
We are on Day 5 of our "at home vacation" and we are grilling hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch.

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Home Life...May 25, 2011

2011-05-25T11:22:00.003-04:00

11:22am
...
When the banana bread is done I have a marble cake to bake. Our Small Group started a "tradition" with revealing the gender of babies through a reveal cake. If a couple is having a boy then the cake is blue and if the couple is having a girl then the cake is pink. So, DearHubby and I have decided to do a practical joke cake, which is why it will be a marble cake. We thought the marble would represent the white skinned husband coming together with a brown skinned wife :D On the top of the cake will be the word "elpis", which is the greek word for the name we are giving the baby. We are going to make our Small Group work for this gender reveal :D

2:13pm
I was too excited to share the picture of the reveal cake. The girls were excited to watch me "build" the cake. I have never made a layered round cake before so this was all new to us. I ran out of the letter "S" so I used the number 5 in "Elpis" :D

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Home Life...May 23, 2011

2011-05-23T07:06:00.003-04:00

...
2:53pm
DearHubby will be gone from June 5th-June 10th. He'll be back Friday evening.

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Home Life...May 21, 2011

2011-05-21T19:13:00.001-04:00

...

7:20pm
Hmmm, I guess today wasn't the end of the world :O I don't know if that was big in Kansas, but it was really big here in our area. Bill boards flashing May 21st as the end of the world and even vans sporting ads about today. Makes me mourn for those "Christians" who were falsely led to believing this "prophecy". What are they going to think of the Bible now? That it's false also... Anyway... Lots of prayers needed for those who were led to believing this lie...

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Home Life...May 20, 2011

2011-05-20T14:39:00.006-04:00

The girls and I just got home from our "Funday Friday" outing. I'm glad they haven't been too picky about what we do on Funday Fridays...

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Homeschooling Thoughts...May 20, 2011

2011-05-20T14:39:00.005-04:00

...

This morning, I was just thinking more about homeschooling and the classical method and the logic behind the classical method "clicked."

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Read more Homeschooling Thoughts...

Home Life...May 19, 2011

2011-05-19T11:30:00.000-04:00

I am so sorry for being so down. It's difficult hearing bad news and easy to feel discouraged and disheartened. However, I am not remaining in this discouraged and disheartened "state" because that would mean there is no hope, but there is hope in God.

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Home Life...May 18, 2011

2011-05-18T09:38:00.000-04:00

I hope I didn't seem regretful last night about this pregnancy. It was a bit discouraging to get the news from the midwife last night that my chances of having another c-section is high. For some reason, having a knife cut me, and I seriously gag everytime I think about it, really terrifies me more than a vaginal child birth. However, I am always thankful for this precious gift He has given. After 3 losses, I am thankful for all the miracles of life God has given to us. What a privilege!

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Home Life...May 17, 2011

2011-05-17T23:42:00.002-04:00

It's late in the evening as I'm writing this and I'm actually headed to bed, but wanted to make a little prayer request. I had my monthly OB appointment tonight and they gave me the results they received from the ultra sound report. The doctor I spoke to at the ultra sound didn't sound negative, but the midwife I saw tonight almost made me cry. The report said that I have Total Placenta Previa which means that the placenta is totally covering the cervix.

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Faith...A Prayer for Moms With Lil Ones

2011-05-16T15:49:00.004-04:00

Dear Lord,
I pray for all moms with lil ones that you would give us the faith to lean on you to give us strength, patience, and perseverance to make it through this day and every day to respond in Christ-Likeness. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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Home Life...May 16, 2011

2011-05-16T15:31:00.000-04:00

I can't believe how hot and humid today turned out to be! We left the house to do groceries at 9:30am and at that time, the temperature was 64 degrees F. Even after living here for years you'd think I'd learn that 64 degrees F in the Spring/Summer is way different from 64 degrees F in the Fall/Winter because of the humidity; it feels much warmer in the Spring/Summer time. Just going by the temperature on the thermometer, I dressed the girls and myself in long sleeved shirts, pants, socks, and shoes. By the time I got to the grocery store I realized that I dressed us inappropriately because the temperature was already rising and I was already sweating. The worse part of it all is that I planned to do a lot of running around today so that I don't have to run out again for the rest of the week.

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Home Life...May 12, 2011

2011-05-12T08:07:00.001-04:00

Random Thoughts:
...
8:43pm
I asked DearHubby if we could skip small group tonight so that we could spend time as a family since he was sick until Tuesday and then he worked on a car repair yesterday after work.

We had a wonderful evening with the girls :)

Before dinner we played 2 games, Hungry Hippo and Uno. Those games are great because all ages starting from age 2 can play! I did a frozen pizza tonight so while the pizza was baking we played the games.

Then, at dinner time, we had a fun time dinner conversation. The girls were talking about how old they want to be. DearDaughter2 said she wanted to be 4 because she can't wait to be just like DearDaughter1. DearDaughter1 said she wanted to be 10 because she can eat bubble gum. DearDaughter3 just kept staring out the window and saying there were pigs out there :D Mommy said she wanted to be 1 because I could wear a diaper and not have to go to the bathroom and there would be someone to feed me and I could sleep whenever I wanted to. I said being 1 was the dream age. The girls laughed and laughed and laughed.

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Home Life...May 11, 2011

2011-05-11T12:36:00.001-04:00

Random Thoughts:
12:36pm
Sitting for awhile before I have to head out to get DearDaughter1 from her playdate. Our playdate here at my house is done and I just got done picking/cleaning up. Gonna make lunch for the go.

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Home Life...May 9, 2011

2011-05-09T17:57:00.000-04:00

It's been a productive day.

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Home Life...May 7, 2011

2011-05-07T16:59:00.002-04:00

Worked on our budget this morning...I guess that's all I have to say about that...

I am sitting here for a few minutes resting, again (as it seems like I'm always writing when I'm resting). I was working on dishes. I probably have another 15 minutes worth of dishes left, but I really needed to sit...

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Home Life...May 6, 2011

2011-05-06T15:14:00.001-04:00

The girls and I just got home from our Funday Friday activity. I took them to Target, again, to get Pizza for lunch and then I bought DearDaughter1 a pair of flip flops and a bathing suit for the summer time. I got a bathing suit for DearDaughter1 last year for free, but when I got it out during the clothes changeover and had her try it on, I didn't like it. It was too skimpy :(

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Home Life...May 4, 2011

2011-05-04T16:55:00.001-04:00

I am sitting on my rocking chair icing my back and skipping school. I needed to get our clothes changeover project done today before another week of laundry goes by again. I am finished with our family's changeover ((party)) I usually wait a few weeks before I do my own clothes, but I decided that since everything was out I should just go ahead and finish. My back is sore, but I was as sparing on my back as much as I could be. My main concern is that the baby will be born at the start of Fall when I usually do my Fall/Winter changeover and I am already anxious about that ;(

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Home Life...May 2, 2011

2011-05-02T14:39:00.001-04:00

The girls and I just got home about 20 minutes ago and I just got done unloading and storing the refrigerated goods. I still have the pantry goods to store, but I thought I'd sit and rest for awhile.

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Faith...Women's Retreat 2011

2011-05-02T08:37:00.002-04:00

I ought to be getting ready to go grocery shopping right now, but I'm currently sitting on my rocking chair waiting for the Tylenol to kick in. I must have slept in a bad position, but I am feeling a pinch on my back when I walk and I also have a very big head ache. I think I'm having withdrawal symptoms from not being on the beach this morning, lol :D

Our Ladies' Retreat was at Cape May this weekend and I woke up every morning (Saturday and Sunday) to see the sunrise on the beach! It was very breathtaking! I spent some time praising Him in song and in His Word on Saturday morning.

The Lord was able to use me as a vessel of encouragement, at least twice this weekend.

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Home Life...April 28, 2011

2011-04-28T08:15:00.001-04:00

Well, DearHubby went to the benefits department yesterday to look into our dental insurance issue and it seems that DearHubby authorized the change, but he probably didn't realize it...The bad news is that we have to pay all 3 of our dentist visits made in March out of pocket. I just got the girls' dentist bill yesterday and that was $305. I'm waiting for mine...The good news is we can change our plan back to the FLEX plan when the baby is born. So, no dentist visits between now and September or if we need to, then go to the one that's on the list.
...
Of all the house projects, one project I don't ever look forward to is the clothes changeover for the girls. It is such back breaking work moving bins around just to find the right bins containing the right size clothes...

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Ministry as a Mom...Some Advice to the Disheartened Mom of Lil Ones

2011-04-26T16:25:00.001-04:00

I used to be a very detailed housekeeper, before kiddos. Even when the house was under construction, every crack and corner was cleaned and dusted, I kept up with the paperwork, etc... Having children have caused a reprioritization of a lot of things and I don't get to many things I would like to.

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Home Life...April 26, 201

2011-04-26T09:11:00.001-04:00

Random Thoughts:
9:11am
...As I wrote my post yesterday about my bout of bitterness, I figured out why I was still bothered...

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Home Life...April 25, 2011

2011-04-25T08:03:00.003-04:00

I can't believe how quickly last week flew by!

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Home Life...April 16, 2011

2011-04-16T16:46:00.001-04:00

We have had a very profitable family day today! DearHubby received a call to help a friend put trimming on for a baby nursery and I was very relieved that DearHubby said no. It made me feel like he put spending time with our family as first priority today.

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Funday Friday...April 15, 2011

2011-04-15T21:54:00.000-04:00

Lunch at Pizza Hut

Stopping to enjoy a pretty pink tree

Picture of the Day...April 14, 2011

2011-04-14T21:51:00.000-04:00

Playdate at Chick-Fil-A

Home Life...April 14, 2011

2011-04-14T16:47:00.001-04:00

Just sitting here at our dining table, resting a little before getting dinner on, and I am feeling Baby move :) That always makes me happy...

I had a difficult school day :(

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Home Life...April 13, 2011

2011-04-13T13:29:00.001-04:00

I am resting for a little while before starting school with DearDaughter1.

We had a playdate over at a friend's house this morning and then we ran out to the store to get some things I forgot on Monday.

We just got done with lunch. We had breakfast for lunch.

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Picture of the Day...April 12, 2011

2011-04-12T21:36:00.000-04:00

DearHubby returning from his business trip and the girls looking in his goody bags to see if there's any goodies for them

Home Life...April 11, 2011

2011-04-11T22:01:00.002-04:00

It was a difficult weekend. DearHubby arrived home in time to put the girls to bed on Friday evening, but soon afterwards he started complaining about feeling nauseated. He was sick all day on Saturday and stayed in bed, only getting up to throw up on both ends. So, though DearHubby was home on Saturday, it seemed as if he wasn't. DearHubby was really worn out and the girls had mild colds so we stayed home from church on Sunday. DearHubby left for for his next business trip Sunday afternoon at 3pm.

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Picture of the Day...April 10, 2011

2011-04-10T21:34:00.000-04:00

DearHubby leaving for his 2nd consecutive business trip

Pictures of the Day...April 9, 2011

2011-04-09T21:14:00.001-04:00

Kids' Day at Amazing Grace Bookstore

Easter Story using Resurrection Eggs

DearDaughter1 got the crown of thorns to signify the crown of thorns Jesus wore on His head.

DearDaughter2 got a dice to signify the soldiers casting lots for Jesus' garment.

Evangeline got an empty egg to signify the empty tomb.

All worn out...

Funday Friday...April 8, 2011

2011-04-08T21:36:00.003-04:00

Photo session at JC Penny Portrait Studio

A Carousel Ride

Daddy is Home!!!

Picture of the Day...April 7, 2011

2011-04-07T21:32:00.002-04:00

Can't wait to see you tomorrow night, Daddy!...Blowing you a kiss!!!

Home Life...April 7, 2011

2011-04-07T16:47:00.001-04:00

Just taking a little break before I need to get dinner on.

Yesterday I planned out my steps to organize/clear out our laundry room and today I completed 1/2 of Step 1 of the plan. I hope I can stay diligent on this task.

I ordered some homeschooling books at the beginning of the week and today, part of my order came in. It's Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace Jr. Kit and 6 board books to teach kids about work and money.

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Today...April 7, 2011

2011-04-07T10:01:00.002-04:00

Priorities:
- Look over budget
- Start laundry room clean-up

Laundry Room Clean-up:
Countertop:
- Wash winter gear and store
- Work on clearning out stack of paperwork

Pictures of the Day...April 6, 2011

2011-04-06T20:56:00.000-04:00

Missing Dada...

"Dada!!!"

Sisters...

Making dinner...

Home Life...April 6, 2011

2011-04-06T15:54:00.001-04:00

I took advantage of a sunny morning and trecked over to the library. I made a list of books to check out last night, which made our trip very efficient. We were out of the library in 35 minutes. That's about all the time DearDaughter3 had the patience to sit in her stroller.

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Today...April 6, 2011

2011-04-06T00:21:00.004-04:00

Priorities:
~~- Start planning laundry room clean-up~~
~~- Wash master bedroom sheets~~
~~- Take girls to the library~~
~~- Make girls' picture appointment~~
~~- Take trash to the curb~~

Wants:
- Look over budget
- Start laundry room clean-up

Picture of the Day...April 5, 2011

2011-04-05T21:47:00.000-04:00

Good night Daddy! Throwing our hugs and kisses and smiles to you!!!

Funny Picture of the Day...April 5, 2011

2011-04-05T21:44:00.001-04:00

DearDaughter3 knows herself as "Baby" and we've been trying to tell her that there's a new baby in Mommy's tummy. Here she is pretending to have a baby in her tummy and cooking like Mommy. Where do they get these ideas from?

Oh, yes, by the way, we are expecting. I am 15 weeks along. However, this picture and announcement is so subtle that a lot will miss it ;)

Today...April 5, 2011

2011-04-05T08:00:00.003-04:00

Priorities:
~~- Laundry - Wash, Fold, Put Away~~
~~- Clear out master bedroom~~
~~- Clean bathroom~~
~~- Wash bath mats~~

Wants:
- Start planning laundry room clean-up
- Wash master bedroom sheets

Picture of the Day...April 4, 2011

2011-04-04T21:38:00.001-04:00

DearDaughter3's pinwheel spun so fast that one of the fans fell off!

I love how the girls are amazed at the little things. The girls had a blast watching their pinwheels spin and spin and spin.

Today...April 4, 2011

2011-04-04T08:49:00.007-04:00

Priorities:
~~- Pick up from the weekend~~
~~- Girls' baths~~
~~- Reschedule OB appointment~~
~~- Start laundry~~
~~- Write out check for Zamp- baby shower gift, $30~~
~~- Order homeschooling books for summer session~~

Wants:
- Start planning laundry room
~~- Mail check for Zamp- baby shower gift~~
~~- Finish Pastor Dennison's sermon~~
- Clean bathroom
- Wash master bedroom sheets
- Wash bath mats

Home Life...Johnson's Corner Farm

2011-04-03T21:09:00.000-04:00

Girls and the Spring Bunny.

Discovery Barn

Farm Animals

The Three Little Pigs!

This duck owns the roost.

Hayride

Funday Friday...April 1, 2011

2011-04-01T20:47:00.005-04:00

Build A Bear

The bigger girls brought their Build a Bears to "bathe."

Lunch at Chick Fil A

Peek a boo

It's another birthday sing!

DearDaughter3 is good at blowing out candles!

Homelife...DearDaughter3's Birhday

2011-03-31T21:58:00.008-04:00

We decided that we weren't going to do a BIG birthday party for DearDaughter3 this year, but we did have a little family birthday party and still had so much fun!!! It really is the little things in life that make us so happy! We are so blessed!!!

MILK FREE chocolate cake. DearDaughter3 has milk allergies. It tasted just fine.

DearDaughter3's first bite of cake. Yummy!!!

The little things in life make us so happy!!!

The little things in life make us so happy!

All the girls get a party favor!

2011-03-31T07:15:00.000-04:00

2pm to 3:30pm - Training time with 5YO

BIBLE:
- "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life...'" John 14:6

PHONICS & READING:
Read Aloud:
- Chapter 9 of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Reading Lesson:
- Review Lesson 67 in The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading
- Lesson 68 in The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading
Read:
- Sing Spell Read & Write Phonetic Storybook 6 to p.37

MATH:
- Review counting to 140 by 1s
- Review counting to 100 by 5s & 10s
- Review pennies, nickels, dimes

Homeschooling Log...March 30,2011

2011-03-30T07:06:00.000-04:00

2pm to 3:30pm - Training time with 5YO

BIBLE:
- Review A-H verses
- "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life...'" John 14:6

PHONICS & READING:
Read Aloud:
- Chapter 8 of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Reading Lesson:
- Review Lesson 66 in The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading
- Lesson 67 in The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading
Read:
- Bob Books Set 1 Book 12

MATH:
- Review counting to 130 by 1s
- Review counting to 100 by 5s & 10s
- Review pennies, nickels, dimes

Ministry as a Mom...12 Days to Stop Yelling Day 4

2011-03-29T07:28:00.002-04:00

You need to take care of yourself and your own needs. If your anger and frustration consistently stay between 5 and 10, I invite you to entertain the thought that you are communicating a message to the world. You might be communicating, “I need a break! I need support! I need to rest! I need solitude!”

There’s absolutely no reason to feel guilty about needing to be away from your children now and again! In fact, it is absurd of you to expect yourself not to have regular times away in order for you to refuel, to re-energize.

To see rest of post go to:
http://www.noblemother.com/2009/12/day-4-12-days-to-stop-yelling/

Click here to leave a comment

Faith...Notes From a Sermon on Sin

2011-03-27T21:34:00.000-04:00

Sermon by Pastor Charles Dennison

What is wrong with us? What is wrong with the world? The truth of the matter is, as difficult as it is for any of us, all of us to admit it, the problem, the difficulty with us in the world is sin...There is a tragic failure, generally, in the world to come to grips with this truth...

Read more...

Home Life...March 25, 2011

2011-03-25T11:29:00.005-04:00

The time just flew by so quickly again this week. In addition to the daily chores and school, I had 1 doctor's appointment, 1 babysitting appointment, 2 social appointments, and a Small Group meeting this week. I am looking forward to staying home for most of the day today, but the girls and I do have to go shopping today for 2 parties tomorrow. The girls and Ty will be going to a birthday party while I will be going to a baby shower. Read more...

Homeschooling Log...March 24, 2011

2011-03-24T08:51:00.001-04:00

2pm to 3:30pm - Training time with 3YO & 5YO

BIBLE:
3YO, 5YO:
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

PHONICS & READING:
3YO & 5YO:
Read Aloud:
- Chapter 7 of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
5YO:
Review Lesson 65 in The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading
Lesson 66 in The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading
Read:
- Bob Books Set 1 Book 11

Homeschooling Log...March 23, 2011

2011-03-23T08:33:00.002-04:00

2pm to 3:30pm - Training time with 3YO & 5YO

BIBLE:
3YO, 5YO:
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
5YO:
Review A-H verses

PHONICS & READING:
3YO & 5YO:
Read Aloud:
- Chapter 6 of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
5YO:
Review Lesson 62-64 in The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading
Lesson 65 in The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading
Read:
- Bob Books Set 1 Book 10

Today...March 22, 2010

2011-03-22T09:07:00.004-04:00

Mommy's Bible Reading: Isaiah 1-4

8am to 9am - Breakfast
9am to 11am - Chores for Mommy, TV/Free Play for Kiddos
10:30am - Snack Time
11am to 11:30am - Get dressed
11:30am - Pick up toys
12pm to 12:30pm - Lunch
12:30pm-1:30pm - Dinner in Crock Pot/Chores for Mommy, TV/Free Play for Kiddos
1:30pm to 2pm - Pick up toys
2pm to 4pm - Chores for Mommy, Naps for 2YO & 3YO, TV/Free Play for 5YO
4pm to 5pm - Gametime
5pm to 6:30pm - Reading time/Outside Play
6:30pm - Dinner
7:30pm - Bedtime routine/bedtime

Ministry as a Mom...12 Days to Stop Yelling Day 3

2011-03-22T08:59:00.001-04:00

Adjust your expectations. Acknowledge your child’s age and keep development in mind.

To see rest of post go to:
http://www.noblemother.com/2009/12/day-three-12-days-to-stop-yelling/

Click here to leave a comment.

Ministry as a Mom...12 Days to Stop Yelling Day 2

2011-03-21T08:50:00.001-04:00

Create more predictability for your kids. Jot down your own daily rhythm.

To see rest of post go to:
http://www.noblemother.com/2009/12/day-two-12-days-to-stop-yelling/

Click here to leave a comment.

Homeschooling Log...March 19, 2011

2011-03-19T06:14:00.004-04:00

8am to 10am - Breakfast
10am to 11am - Baths
11am to 11:30am - Bible and Arts & Crafts with 2YO, 3YO, 5YO
11:30am - Snack Time
11:45am to 12pm - Penmanship with 2YO, 3YO, 5YO
12pm to 1pm - Chores for Mommy; Free Play for Kiddos
12:30pm - Pick up toys for Kiddos
1pm to 2pm - Lunch
2pm to 4pm - 2YO & 3YO naps; Errands with 5YO
- drop off clothes/toys to Goodwill
- print out b-day coupon for tomorrow's b-day party
4pm to 5pm - Chores for Mommy; Free Play for Kiddos
4:30pm - Snack Time
5pm to 6pm - Cook dinner for Mommy; Pick up toys, Video time, Daddy time for Kiddos
6pm/6:30pm - Dinner
7:30pm - Bedtime routine/Bedtime

BIBLE:
2YO, 3YO, 5YO:
"Honor your father and your mother." Exodus 20:12
5YO:
Review A-G verses

PENMANSHIP:
2YO:
Color in a Coloring Book
3YO:
Adventures With Books Workbook p.5-7
5YO:
Review writing numbers 1-10

HEALTH:
2YO, 3YO, 5YO:
- Bathtime
- Learning parts of body - Watch Leap Frog's Head, Shoulder, Knees, and Toes video

ARTS & CRAFTS:
2YO, 3YO, 5YO:
Handprint Lilies

Funday Friday...March 18, 2010

2011-03-18T20:47:00.001-04:00

Funday Friday here! Took the girls to a park near a lake, then had our favorite Japanese food, Teriyaki chicken and rice, at the mall, rode the carousel, and visited the pet store. Later in the evening, we went to a car show at a previously named restaurant, Fuddruckers (forgot its changed name).

Ministry as a Mom...12 Days to Stop Yelling Day 1

2011-03-17T11:08:00.004-04:00

Choose not to yell or shout or shame your child when she won’t listen to your request...

To see rest of post go to:
http://www.noblemother.com/2009/12/day-one-12-days-to-stop-yelling/

Click here to leave a comment.

Giveaway on Doorposts

2011-03-16T14:32:00.003-04:00

Win Biblical Parenting Resources from Doorposts:

Enter here:

Recipe...7 Layer Salad

2011-02-12T10:06:00.002-05:00

7 Layer Salad
Adapted by In Pursuit of His Call using several recipes
Serving: Party size

INGREDIENTS:
1 head Romaine lettuce (shredded)
7 Eggs (hard boiled and cubed)
1 bunch Brocolli (uncooked and chopped)
10 oz Shredded cheddar cheese
12 oz Bacon (crumbled)
10 oz Frozen peas (completely thawed)
1 c. Mayonaise
1 c. Sour cream
2/3 c. Parmesan cheese
2 T. sugar

See rest of recipe...

Ministry as a Mom...An Appointment for the Ordinary

2011-01-14T12:04:00.003-05:00

Have you ever made a doctor's or dentist's appointment and automatically blocked off 2 hours of your time in your calendar because you know that a wait at the doctor's office takes that long?

What about social gatherings, dates, and church events? We jot these events on our calendars and set aside at least 2 hours, if not more, for each of them.

We block out these portions of time because these events are "important" to us. But how about the ordinary and mundane? Do we make appointments for them? Read more...

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T01:59:00.001-05:00

Christmas Greetings

2010-12-24T15:31:00.002-05:00

Our youngest, Evangeline, just turned 20 months old on November 30th and it was the weirdest feeling not having a new baby in our arms (since all of our girls are 20 months apart). Not having our baby during this time has made this season more sobering than last year’s because it reminds us of all the hard times we’ve been through this year.

We have shed many tears this year. Evangeline was hospitalized for a week with a 2nd bout of pneumonia. Ty had sinus surgery due to chronic illnesses. We lost our little baby in the womb the same week we got into a car accident that totaled our family car. We lost another little baby in the womb while on vacation in Hawaii and Gen needed a blood transfusion due to excessive blood loss. Our family struggled with bronchitis in the beginning of the fall and Ty’s bronchitis came right after a bout of pneumonia leading to a surgical procedure to clear out his lungs. We have cried a waterfall (ok, maybe just Gen).

Yet, despite these tears, by God’s grace, He brought us through all of them and our hearts know JOY because we know of God’s deep love for us:

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

There is JOY for the suffering and weary. Love came down from glory on that first Christmas day; the babe in a manger. The road for that baby was paved with suffering but His destination was glory because He loves us. Jesus was wounded, crushed, and chastised…and “with His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) When we think about God’s deep love for us it fills our hearts with great JOY and it gives us hope!

Health...Back to the Gym

2010-11-06T10:38:00.001-04:00

I took some time this morning to go to Curves, an all ladies' gym, to sign up for a membership. We have some money coming in to us from a few sources and I convinced DearHubby that we could afford it. Exercising at home is very challenging and I have been missing and needing exercise. I've been talking about joining the gym again with DearHubby for several weeks now and his main concern was the financial issue. Read more...

Health and Faith...Time to Heal

2010-09-23T07:51:00.005-04:00

I stepped on the scale today and I weighed 144 pounds. I am 1 pound to being the heaviest weight I have ever been, which was back in 2003. It wasn't too long ago that I was on the right track to being back to my desired weight of 120 pounds. I was 125 pounds in March and then I got pregnant. Though I never made it back to my goal weight, I was still determined to eat healthy and exercise as I have mostly done in my pregnancies.

Read more...

Picture of the Day...Little Friend & Littler Friend

2010-06-17T23:59:00.000-04:00

Picture of the Day...Assigned a Chore

2010-06-16T23:59:00.001-04:00

We have assigned DearDaughter1 her first house chore. She is now responsible for wiping off the table after every meal.

Picture of the Day...Our Silly & Sweet DearDaughter2

2010-06-15T23:59:00.002-04:00

What this silly girl looks like after ice cream...and
Excited to use her new big girl pillow!

Picture of the Day...Drawing by DearDaughter1 (our 4YO)

2010-06-14T23:59:00.001-04:00

Home Life...June 13, 2010

2010-06-13T10:50:00.006-04:00

Aaahhh, the silence! It's been awhile since I've known silence and I can actually hear the whirring of the ceiling fans and the humming of the air conditioner. There isn't a baby crying or a toddler screaming or a little girl yelling out for mommy. It is silent and for me this is a break!
...

...

Picture of the Day...Ad for Chick Fil A Fries & Drink

2010-06-12T23:59:00.000-04:00

Picture of the Day...The Never Ending Story

2010-06-11T23:59:00.000-04:00

This was the 2nd full table top of the day...

Picture of the Day..."One gives freely, yet grows all the richer..."

2010-06-10T23:59:00.001-04:00

DearHubby unloading the old dryer

One of our family friends' dryer went out on them and the daddy of the house had been sick and lost days at work without pay. They couldn't afford a new dryer and asked DearHubby to fix it. DearHubby fixed it last year and when I told him about the dryer being down again he thought that the dryer would continue to need repairs and that a new one would be more cost effective in the long run.

We got our car accident claim last week and like the rest of our "income" we tithe a certain percentage. So, we decided to use that tithing money to purchase this dryer. We shopped one night and there was nothing in our price range. The girls were sad, but Daddy assured them that the Lord will provide the right dryer at the right time. The next night we called 5 different stores for scratch and dents and still nothing was within our price range. Yet, we had committed to purchasing this dryer, even if we had to pay more than our set price range and I shared with DearHubby the verse I read this morning from Proverbs 11:24, "One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want." So, we went out to Home Depot to get their cheapest dryer in stock. No dryers in stock. We went to Lowe's and the Lord provided. There was one scratch and dent that the sales person discounted 40% off the original price and it fell EXACTLY in our price range. The Lord provided!!!

We felt so privileged to be used by God in that way and to be able to say, "This was God's provision for you!" We do not ever touch our tithing money for ourselves or our own needs. If we are in need of money we do trust in God's provision and NEVER touch the money we set aside for the Lord's work. Currently, we are in a similar situation about living paycheck to paycheck and would not have had our own personal finances to purchase a new dryer for ourselves. Therefore, we are so thankful for God's provision to be able to do this!!!

Our whole family, including the girls, were so excited to give and our friends were so excited to receive.

All I can say is PRAISE THE LORD!

Picture of the Day...Sunglasses

2010-06-09T23:59:00.000-04:00

Picture of the Day...Greeting Daddy

2010-06-08T23:59:00.000-04:00

The girls ran to Daddy's car and as soon as he opened the door, they all jumped him :D

1600-1800 Calorie/Day Challenge...Hitting a Wall

2010-06-08T09:40:00.003-04:00

I don't think I am quite ready to continue on in this challenge or if I do I will need to take it one day at a time and take it step by step.

Read more...

Picture of the Day...Down a Walking Path

2010-06-07T23:59:00.001-04:00

Picture of the Day...Swimming in the Back Yard

2010-06-05T23:59:00.000-04:00

Picture of the Day...0 Miles To Empty

2010-06-04T23:59:00.000-04:00

DearHubby wanted to see how far we could go in the Excursion on 1 tank of gas. We literally just made it to the gas station when the "guage" read "0 miles to empty." We went 704 miles on the 44 gallon tank. You don't want to know what our gas receipt said.

Picture of the Day...Friends

2010-06-03T23:59:00.000-04:00

Lesson of the Day: This blurry shot is an example of why you take more than 1 picture. It's such a great shot, but I'm bummed that it's not focused :( Sometimes a blur in a photo is intentional, this one wasn't.

1600-1800 Calorie/Day Challenge...Day 3

2010-06-03T22:42:00.002-04:00

Read more...

Total: 495 + 834 + 145 + 336 + 592 + 236 = 2,638

Note - Horrible day! Had a luncheon at my house and overdid it on the brownies. No moderation practiced today :( I almost ate 1,000 more calories than I need :(

Picture of the Day...Flower and Water Fun

2010-06-02T23:59:00.002-04:00

1600-1800 Calorie/Day Challenge...Day 2

2010-06-02T23:59:00.001-04:00

Read more...

Total: 420 + 560 + 165 + 381 + 236 = 1,762

Picture of the Day...Swing

2010-06-01T23:59:00.000-04:00

1600-1800 Calorie/Day Challenge...Day 1

2010-06-01T12:10:00.009-04:00

Read more...

Total: 800 + 311 + 180 + 392 + 280 = 1,963
Note: I could have skipped the browny and cut the Teddy Grahams in half to make 1800.

1600-1800 Calorie/Day Challenge...Intro

2010-06-01T12:02:00.004-04:00

At the beginning of the year I challenged myself to eat between 1600-1800 calories per day. In addition to that, I exercised regularly. I lost 15 pounds within 2 months.

As soon I found out I got pregnant, I stopped the calorie counting.

Well, instead of finding comfort in Christ alone, I must admit that I have also been finding comfort in food. Since my miscarriage and car accident I have gained 7 pounds and the weight just keeps coming on.

Therefore, I have decided to return to my 1600-1800 calories/day and exercise regiment and my goal is to lose 15 pounds before getting pregnant again.

Leave a comment...