Watch Children are a Blessing Free (Until April 30th)

Since we have 5 kiddos I've been asked if I'm Amish (?!?!?!?), Pentecostal (because I love to wear skirts) & Catholic and folks are so disappointed to learn that I'm just a run of the mill big family loving Bible Believing Baptist. Those that read this blog or know our family are not going to be surprised by the fact that we love this video. You know we love big families and that when the doctor announced the end of my childbearing we moved to adopt. We are currently getting ready to start fostering to adopt again, hopefully sometime this month.

"Perhaps the reason that I watched this DVD with tears in my eyes is because I feel a heavy burden for thousands of Christians who believe the lie and refuse the eternal blessing of children in exchange for perceived physical and/or material comfort. Perhaps it is because, despite my efforts, I will never be able to communicate the indescribable heights of love, joy and peace that arise from willingly accepting the gifts which God chooses to send. Perhaps it’s simply because the film brings with it remembrance of our merciful and gracious God who has showered blessing upon blessing on our undeserving family."

So this month you can watch this movie for free! I hope you enjoy it and please do let me know what you think about the movie after you've had a chance to view it.

Big families are a lot of work but the reward is worth it, even though it overwhelms other people who look in from the outside.I remember that "I have chosen the way of truth;Your judgments I have laid before me.." Psalm 119:30


They really articulate the position better then I can and as Mr Moore says several times "What saith the scripture?"

I hope your family enjoys this free family friendly movie.

Big Family Blessings!

California

In December we went to California to visit our families for the first time in many years. First we went to my Dad's house. Three of the children had never been to my Dad's house, the house that I grew up in. They had a great time climbing trees, eating fruit and just hanging out. My Dad also arranged to have SAM (Super Awesome Mom the Step Mom who raised me from late Elementary-College) come over for dinner with her husband Ivan one day. My Dad also took us to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Museum & The Wild Animal Park. Grandma & Grandpa also bought an ostrich egg because Parker really wanted one and we ate it one day for breakfast. The ostrich egg was a true homeschool science event!We are so grateful and truly blessed to have my Grandpa & Grandma (Evangeline, who unfortunately is not in any of the pictures) they are very kind and generous.

The next stop was in Sacramento to visit with Wayne's parents & brother. We stayed at Wayne's Mom's house and the girls got to spend lots time with their little second cousins & big first cousins. We had lots of fun adventures in Sacramento we went to Sutter's Fort, McKinley Park and to look at Christmas lights. We also took the kids to San Francisco to show them the 'highlights' (Trolley Cars, Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge & Lombard Street),  of the city & to Berkeley to pick up some Cal gear for Mama and the crew!

We made many very wonderful memories on this trip and we are looking forward to going back to visit everyone again in a couple of years. And we hope in the meantime that maybe some of them can mosey on out to Texas! 

Adoption Day

Right before we went on the mission trip we found our that an Aunt was interested in adopting the twins. When we were on the mission trip singing songs in English and Spanish the Lord so impressed upon my heart that HE is God. As we sang Blessed Be the Name of the Lord I was there weeping at the feet of the Lord saying Hallelujah! Hallelujah! I had to recognize that He is the Lord and the He gives and He takes away. That he could take them away and that if He did take them away....BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD! Learning to  recognize that he is the one worthy of praise and that I am just a vessel to be poured out like a drink offering in service to HIM! To continue to pray "His will be done" when you want to pray "Give me those kids" was a heart wrenching sanctify necessity because at the end of the day I must be able to stand and say and mean in my heart.  "Yes He took them but... Blessed, Blessed, Blessed be the name of the Lord!" I must be willing to praise Him if he gives a blessing or if He takes it away. For me sanctification hasn't been pretty. But let me tell you I am so happy that he choose to give, that he choose to let me more deeply understand my own stance as an adopted child of Christ. Thus more greatly appreciating His love for me, his love for my children, for you! 

 BLESSED,BLESSED,BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD!



Unless the LORD watches over the city, the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. the watchmen stand guard in vain Psalm 127:1-2



Frugal Family Fun: Letterboxing

which way is east?

We have been looking for fun and frugal things to do with our family for family fun nights, not just the regular movie or games. Don't get me wrong we have a great time watching movies and playing games, but I was hoping to create more unique family traditions and memories.

Looking

 So I recently learned about letterboxing because I was being nosey! I was at the ladies blog and low and behold they were at Washington on the Brazos letterboxing.

Box found

 We had our first adventure last Friday and it is definitely going to be repeated with 17 boxes in BCS to be found we will be busy for a while. "LETTERBOXING is an intriguing pastime combining navigational skills and rubber stamp artistry in a charming "treasure hunt" style outdoor quest. A wide variety of adventures can be found to suit all ages and experience levels."If you want to know more about letterboxing click here

Contents examined

Moorehead Blueberry Farm

We had a great time picking blueberries at Moorheads Blue Berry Farm in Conroe. This is the little stand you start at. You walk up to the guys under the umbrella and you request either a large or small bucket. They give you the run down on where you can pick and how you should pick in between flags (I didn't really pay attention following and knowing all the rules is Wayne's job I just know there were flags!). They also didn't care about eating blueberries while you were picking which is a good thing because the kids ate a bunch

So after we stopped here  went into their 20 or so acres of blueberries! I wish you could see all the folks were sharing the path with the place was packed!

Then we picked some very tasty blue berries for about 2 hours! The kids were not very successful pickers and this was like living in Blueberries for Sal!

But in the end we had 17 pounds of blueberries! We gave a couple of pounds away as gifts and we still have plenty to last us for the rest of the year. Did I mention these berries are only 1.50/#, yes mam! This was a great experience the people are nice it was somewhat shaded in the blueberry bushes as we were picking. You cannot beat the price!

I hope you are having a fruitful summer too! hehehe

Happy Father's Day, Geezer!

During the weeks before Easter we did a variety of activities to prepare for the Easter. So here is the World's Best Dad you know him as Wayne...washing Sugar Pie's feet. He has a servants heart and is always ready and willing to do whatever needs to be done. Games, Birthdays & Events are not missed by this man who is dedicated to the discipleship of his family. So in conclusion I am here to announce to all who are listening the worlds best Dad lives here! And I am not sorry I had to snatch him up!

Be sure to tell the Father's in your life...HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
Love, Your Geezete

Slacklining

I did not have any idea what slack lining was and once I found out about it we had to try it.

We were blessed by Kristin came out to teach us to slack line. We had a great time on the line and we hope to get one of these for Christmas since we live in an oak forest this is definitely a fun family activity. I was unable to stand on it which was frustrating since my balance is really good in general but I could not get my leg to stop shaking. Sugar Pie and Peyton walked across with the assistance of the ever ready adult to prevent the kids from falling 2 to the ground! But Parkerpine was like an old pro walking nearly half way across it without any help!

So I highly recommend slack lining for family fun and embarrassment! (the embarrassment is just for the parents who are trying to make it across with some sort of dignity!)

Give it a try!

Through my eyes...

Bluebonnet pictures

Adoption Update

Blessed is the man

whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies in the gate
Psalm 127:5
 
Well, we have finally completed everything for our adoption. We completed our homestudy today and now we are waiting for our homestudy to be written. Then hopefully in about two-three weeks after our home study has been written and turned into our agency our home will be open for a baby/children. We are doing foster to adopt, we have asked for a boy, but we could receive a sibling set. So we could end up fostering for a year or so  and then immediatly adopting or the sweet kiddo(s) could go back to his parents. So please keep us in your prayers (the prayers of the righteous availth much!)as we know God's will, will be done.  Especially, pray for our children and their sweet little hearts. As we are open to more children please also pray we would be able to expand the size of the children's rooms. Pray to strengthen our hearts that we would gracefully accept his will no matter what it may be that our light would shine among men and He would be glorified in all of us. Thank you for joining us as we go joyful forward.

Through my eyes...

Inspired by the girltalk blog & vision forum

Saving money at the Zoo ...Cameron Park

An economic trip can be hard to find!

Looking that lemurs and I of course sang "we like to move it, move it...."

During Spring Break we took a trip to the Cameron Zoo in Waco. We have a hard time finding things to do that are affordable for our family. We decided to get a zoo pass this year.

Sliding down with sea otters swimming around the tube.

Saving Money on the entrance...

In this area we are between the Waco and the Houston Zoo. The Waco zoo has a $60 membership and is a member of the same association as the Houston Zoo and a couple of other Texas Zoos. Additionally, for those of you with large and growing families it is a simple family membership with out concern for the number of children on the membership! So I would encourage you to check the memberships at the zoos near you. Perhaps you can join a small zoo and receive the benefits of the areas larger zoos!

Parkiepine's hand against a leopards paw!

Saving Money on Food....

Once you have a membership you can go in and out from the zoo as you wish. So we packed our lunch and went out to the car to eat and regroup and plan the rest of our plans to see the zoo. After years of preparing for these one day trips I discovered that Wal-mart sells 16-18" long hoagies for $5. I pack fruit, chips, paper plates, mayo, mustard and plastic silverware, drinks. We either eat in the car or in the grass near by.

The Girls with Pops!

Saving Money on Additional Trips...

After you have purchased your membership you now have a new "free" destination for family fun. When you go on trips be sure to check and see if your new zoo pass will get you into are zoos free or at a reduced rate.

I hope you can find economical ways to enjoy fun and loving family times. I hope you are having lots of fun with your family here and away.

Through my eyes....

Enjoying My Father's World book basket


Inspired by the girltalkblog's 52 weeks a less consistent an occassional glimpse into our life

Through my eyes...

Inspired by the girltalkblog's 52 weeks a less consistent glimpse into our life

Through my eyes....

Running errands

Inspired by the girltalkblog an occassional glimpse into our life

We're Back, Piano & Christmas

Well after a forced hiatus, (October until now) due to the loss of our satellite in a storm. .... So I am just going to do a brief recap of our activities. This may reduce some of you to tears but I am only one Mom, and right now I am the Mom that wants to go to sleep.

Piano

Our Piano Teacher is the wonderful and talented Ms. Bethany. So far just Peyton and Parker take piano lessons from her and we have truly enjoyed our music lessons this year. We look forward to Pearson joining her two sisters at the piano next year. Peyton is working through the Pink Bastien Primer and Parker has completed Red Primer A (for younger players) and is now working on Primer B. She has also mastered a wonderful song named Indian Doll from an old Piano book that I found at half price books. Both girls really enjoy playing the piano. I do believe they will both be able to glorify God through music. We had two Piano Recitals, Piano Recital #1 was with Sarah Miller's Music school at the church LHBC Bryan uses.

Piano Recital #2 at the Bryan Library: Since we were taking from a student we did not think there would be a recital. But several of the teachers and student teachers got together and had a wonderful recital at the Bryan Library.

Now we are skipping forward to Christmas...

Each year on Christmas Eve we exchange PJ's, this is the second year that I made PJ's for the Girls and the first year I used a pattern to do so. The girls love to match! We really try to keep our Christmas simple & worshipful.

As you know I am a frugal woman but I guess I did not realize how it effected Wayne until he created our stocking hangers. WARNING: The following is what happens when the hillbilly husband realizes you do not have stocking hangers.

This was definitely more economical then buying hangers! Wayne's deer looks so regal!

Well now that we are back on line I will try to keep the blog updated but I am humbled that anyone stops by to read it at all! It must be the cute little girls that brings ya'll back!
K

Country Folk Ho' Down

If you are looking for a stiff sophisticated party fun,

HONEY this ain't it!

As the table centerpieces should alert you! I just love them they match the invitations!

Last week we had our first Ho'down and this is going to be a continuing tradition because this was a whole lot of fun! This was so much fun it's a double slide show event!

As for vittals we ate Steak-Kabobs & burgers, beans, banana pudding, rolls. Yummy for my tummy! We had two families and 3 recent college grads and a whole lot of fun!


After we ate game time began and we decided that we were going to play capture the flag. I had never played capture the flag but Julie suggested it and explained the rules. So when was the last time you played capture the flag?

We divided into two teams: Brian, Fernando, Kyle, PC & PH vs Wayne, Katherine, Jessica, Justin & Parker. (Julie twisted her ankle preparing for Jen's 5K & Kim is just no fun!!!) So that being said the teams hid their flags and the games began. Here is a pictorial review....

It's not important but just so you know my team won!


There is one new rule in regards to capture the flag...we have to play it before we eat! After Capture the flag we had a water balloon fight which turned into a hose, bucket, cup & bowl fight....

Then we played hide-n-go seek in the dark. That is such a scary fun game as you feel around in the dark for people that are hiding. Kim said it was so alarming to be hiding and to feel the person come near you but you cannot see them until they touch you! Wayne won this game I couldn't find the boy anywhere...you'd think someone 6'4" would be a little easier to find!

This is especially excellent day for husbands as they love the competition and a chance to fight and win for something. It's a Wild Heart kind of day for all! So let us know in the comments if you are up for fun and games but we are not accepting wall flowers everyone has to play and laugh a whole bunch! (Oh, and I must know you or you must attend LHBC before I give you my digits!) The next game will be around lunch time in April!

DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR FLAG IS????

Fun & Games,
RH

Six Weeks on One Week Off the Report!

We homeschool for six weeks on 1 week off year around. We take six straight weeks off during the summer and 3 weeks off during Christmas holiday. This is the week we reconnect as Mom and kids and I try to do something fun each day!

Monday

This is our cleaning day! But we still a had a picnic lunch in the back yard!

Tuesday

To the grocery store, Look I'm just gonna have to be honest with you folks. My people like to eat and we will not be having any kind of fun if there isn't plenty of food in the casa!But we promised to play games this day and little ...P-Doggie Dog stayed up late to play a super fun game the Maass' gave us for Christmas!

Wednesday

A field trip to producer's co-op & fun park play day with church friends

Thursday

We played with the Baker children, yes we are so busy we have to schedule play time with our next door neighbors! We watched a movie until late at night! Mommy, Micah & kiddos played in a super hugeo-boojoe leaf pile the kids put together.

Friday

This day was ridiculous......The Benavides came for a visit in the morning and dropped off our baby turkeys, followed by Ellen Lemons and her daughter for a crotchet and play day! Then finally Ms. Jessica Bolding came by for dinner...Loads of fun! Then an episode of Daniel Boone!

Saturday

Horseback Riding & Stump Grinding...we are going back to our regular schedule.

I am not as good as Heather at getting things planned but for our next week off I bet I do a little better. I wanted to go to lunch with Daddy this week but we never quite made it! I hope you are having loads of fun with your kiddos.
RH

Now performing at the George H. Bush Library....

The McTrio...Yes the girls were ringing their hearts on the 6th of December at the George Bush Presidential Library. I just thought it was so cool my girls were playing in a Presidential Library! Here the little dears are ringing their little hearts out, this is Pearson's second concert as you can see she is now a professional. After the concert the girls got to decorate ornaments (for free) in one off the rooms off of the rotunda and they really enjoyed that too.

Merry Christmas!
RH

Camping: Tips

We went camping at Mission Tejas and had a great time! We also visited the Caddo Indian Mounds like a good homeschool family. Now some tips for camping as a family to maximize your enjoyment:

• Plan all of your meals, snacks & drinks. Try to be as an exact as possible because so you don't over pack, there is not a lot of room in a tent!
  Check the weather
• Prepare as much food ahead of time as possible. For instance I put together the baked beans, chili, sugared strawberries & pancake mix at home. I put them in a baggie so I can just pour them out. I read about doing this in some camping for kids magazine or online.
• Plan ahead what you will do and when. Even if its just Saturday-Hike, Saturday- Indian Museum, Park Store & Hike, Monday- Visit local National Park for Hike, Tuesday- Historical Replica hikes . That way you know you'll see & do everything you hoped to do.
• Once you have planned your activities find out how much each activity will cost for your family to do. And most importantly when the attractions are open and closed! We do this on an excel spread sheet. Then we can take out the right amount of money for the trip.
• Pack with a camping check off list. Here's a link to my camping Check-Off list found at my homemaking site.

Mission Tejas Trip Costs:

This is assuming you have already collected the basic camping supplies!

1. Campsite for 4 nights $48
2. Extra propane for light & stove $2.39
3. Caddo Indian Mounds $4 ($2 per adult kids 12 and under free)
4. Camp entrance $0 (we bought a $60 1 year state park pass but I think the entry fee is something like $3 per person per entry!)
5. Groceries $72 (However, all leftover groceries will enter into our regular meal rotation and we were out of some basics like creamer. I may look at the receipt to provide a more accurate estimate)

Total: $126.39

Now each time we go camping we purchase something to make camping easier and more enjoyable this time we purchased 5 canteens at a cost of $2.89 each and a spatula and cooking fork for .99 each. Total expense of $17.79 with tax.

Some ways to lower our camping costs: I can lower my costs is to make a master shopping list and look for sales and stock up in between trips. Since we hope to make 3 trips a year it should be easy to really maximize savings and cut our grocery costs in half.

BTW we will post our camping pictures soon!

RH

Menu Madness at Rooster Hill: Camping

Well, we are camping and when we camp I try to make my life simple and enjoyable by cooking the same easy things on each trip. This will both make it simple for me but it will also build memories for the kiddos!

Saturday

B- at home
L- hotdogs, veggie chips, fruit & juice box
D- Chili w/tamales & cornbread

S'MORES

Sunday

B- Pancakes & eggs with sausage
L- Sandwhiches,veggie chips, fruit & juice box
D-Sausages, baked beans, biscuits

Strawberry Shortcake

Monday

B-Scrambled eggs, bacon, toast

L- veggie chips, fruit & juice box

D- Hamburgers, Pork & Beans

S'MORES

Tuesday

B- Pancakes, sausage or bacon
L- hotdogs, veggie chips, fruit & juice box
D- going home!

Snacks: Homemade trail mix & fruit

I'll post some family camping tips soon!

Roughing it!

RH