snowmagedden

Yeah, it really did snow 3 feet and now tomorrow we are getting another 12 or more inches. To me this is putting on snow clothes, taking off snow clothes. Funny though, as the children are getting older it is taking less and less time to help those still left to help. Today I had an unbelievable time of organization. Don't know where that burst of drastic energy came from but I cleaned out the entire attic and rearranged it. Next, I put away all the Christmas decorations from the outside away and then pulled out the Valentine's day stuff. While I was up there I also brought down all the baby stuff that I saved for my grand babies :) There was the heirloom bassinet and a swing and bouncy seat and loads of clothes. Ashley is coming in this weekend to go through everything and decide what she will take back home with her. I also pulled out lots of boxes with keepsake papers in them, and old receipt boxes. Went through all of that and kept out what I wanted to scrapbook with and the rest is ready for the trash. I also got a great start on reorganizing all my photos on the computer and I finished organizing all my printed photos so they are all ready to scrap. Whew, and I wondered why I was feeling tired. Tomorrow I plan on posting some crazy random photos about the quantities of stuff we have here from having a large family. I hope to Post some photos of some layouts this week too so stay tuned, especially Tara as I would really like her opinion on them.

New Year rough start

I always have high hopes for the New Year! I set goals, pray, plan and then ATTACK! The enemy always seems to try even harder to take the wind out of my sails. That is how I brought in my new year. It started with a broken down car that spenT 3 months in the shop and when I picked up it was still broken! That led to a spiff with my dear hubby, and then telling our 17yo son no to a trip that was not beneficial caused him to be hateful and crabby for a few days, then our engaged daughter is already fussing over future wedding issues and how things are not going well, then the car gets TWO flat tires, then children are difficult to get back into the swing of things after a long break. As I sat this morn mulling over all that has happened in the last 8 days I realized it was a direct attack because of my New Year motto. Nearer my God to thee. That is where I want to be and since I have increased my prayer time and time spent in the word should I have expected a smooth road? As we are studying about Joshua in school I find myself even more determined to push ahead with my motto... so I am shouting NEARER MY GOD TO THEE, THAT IS WHERE I WANT TO BE!!!

reflections on a monday

I have made it my goal to read through the Bible again this year. I did not make it through last year so I started today to give me some extra days for sick children or whatever the enemy decides to throw my way. It is funny how the seasons of a mothers life go. You have that crazy time when the children are little that you pray in the shower, while nursing, anywhere just so you can get that time to chat with God. Then the children reach a stage of independence that you get back you regularly scheduled study time and it feels so good. I am so very thankful for all the seasons God has given me thus far, even though some of those seasons have been full of tough "weather" and some drought. As I turned another year older this year I realize once again just how much God has brought me through. I stand amazed at the love and mercy of my Savior.

when it snows be prepared for the big outing..

When it snows here everyone wants to go outside. It can be be pretty crazy to get mittens, hats, snow boots, scarves, snow pants and jackets on everyone so I thought I should post some pictures of the aftermath and what I do with all that "stuff".

let it snow, let it snow....

Wow, 26 inches of snow is a lot of snow. The children were busy playing in it and I really thought Iwould have some quiet time while they were out but noooo... the phone rang, Garrett wanted food for himself and the rest of the fire department guys and then the endless, my boot came off, I have snow in my face, my glove is coming off, I am getting cold... you get the drift. So much for quiet time. I am so glad God knows my crazy family and the trials it entails. I will post pictures tomorrow of what snow time is really like in our big family :) May God continue to wash us all "whiter than snow" !!

after a looonnngg dry spell...

I finally got back to my blog. I had some migraine issues and then finals for college but now that is all behind. On to the new season and the pictures I promised. The first picture is of our Jesse tree. I plan to make a set of ornaments for each of the children starting in the new year. I will be a large undertaking but an important one for me personally. The next couple pictures are of the organizing ideas that I promised.
The weather was horrible today with lots of freezing rain so we made cookies and I am planning to set down tonight and work on our annual cookie list. I also want to work on some knitting. I finished Hannah's fingerless gloves and I want to finish Noah's hat. The grand babies' sweater is underway and I would like to start one more project.
We are officially on Christmas break for 2 whole weeks and I have so much that I want to do but we shall see what God has me accomplish.

The Jesse tree is up and it is beginning to look a little like Christmas

I had a tough time finding a tree branch this year to use for the Jesse tree so I just decided to get a skinny, country looking artificial tree and use that. I will post pics tomorrow to show what it is already looking like after just a few readings. I finally finished cleaning the "son" room. That room is always the worst as we spend most of our time there with school, toy area and computer area. I managed to muster the energy to retrieve the Christmas decorations so tomorrow is the official starting date of decorating. I absolutely LOVE this time of year. Oh I will also post some more pic tomorrow of some more organizing ideas which include shoe storage, coat storage and backpack storage. We have a very old house with little to no closet space so I had to be a little creative. Note the little in that sentence.