I know alot of people choose a new word as kind of a theme for them in the new year.  While I didn’t sit down last year and give it alot of deep thought, I remember when reading about everyone choosing their word, the word “Joy” coming to mind for me.  Throughout the year, Joy came to mind several times, so I guess it was my word for 2012.  I thought of it often, reminding myself to find the joy in all things…..to keep a joyful heart…… I love many Bible passages w/ the word Joy in them.  

While I’m not ready to “give up” the word Joy, another word came to mind this morning, so I will be adding it to Joy….hoping that during the New Year, this word comes to mind during the times when I will need it most….

My word for 2013 is “Peace.”  

Peace in my heart.

Peace for my mind.

Peace for the family.

A life of peace.

A world of peace.

~There are so many Bible passages about peace, that I could list them on and on..here are just some that I found…..From time to time, I write passages on notecards and keep them in a little box w/ my devotion books…The kids laugh and say that I have probably copied most every verse in the Bible and put them on notecards, lol..I’ve even been known to tape them around the house.  ………..I think I will do that w/ verses about peace.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

 

In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety.

~Psalm 4:8

 ~*~*~

The Lord gives strength to his people;
    the Lord blesses his people with peace.

~Psalm 29:11

~*~*~

 Turn from evil and do good;

    seek peace and pursue it.

~Psalm 34:14

~*~*~

 But the meek will inherit the land

    and enjoy peace and prosperity.

 ~Psalm 37:11

~*~*~

 Consider the blameless, observe the upright;

    a future awaits those who seek peace.

~Psalm 37:37

~*~*~

 I will listen to what God the Lord says;

    he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—
    but let them not turn to folly.

 ~Psalm 85:8

~*~*~

 Her ways are pleasant ways,

    and all her paths are peace.

 ~Proverbs 3:17

~*~*~

Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
    but those who promote peace have joy.

~Proverbs 12:20

~*~*~

 A heart at peace gives life to the body,

    but envy rots the bones.

 ~Proverbs 14:30

~*~*~

Better a dry crust with peace and quiet
    than a house full of feasting, with strife.

 ~Proverbs 17:1

~*~*~

 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;

    they will bring you the delights you desire.

 ~Proverbs 29:17

 ~*~*~

atime to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.

 ~Ecclesiastes 3:8

~*~*~

 You will keep in perfect peace

  those whose minds are steadfast,

    because they trust in you.

 ~Isaiah 26:3

~*~*~

 The fruit of that righteousness will be peace;

    its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.

 ~Isaiah 32:17

 ~*~*~

But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
    and by his wounds we are healed.

 ~Isaiah 53:5

~*~*~

 All your children will be taught by the Lord,

    and great will be their peace.

~Isaiah 54:13

 ~*~*~

 

 

Right after Thanksgiving, we decided that rather than do a bunch of last minute baking and saving it all for Christmas week, we would bake throughout the month and enjoy the treats as we go.  

Alli has pretty much become The Baker of the Family–a title previously held by Nikki.  However, Nikki has become busier w/ work and classes and just doesn’t have the time that she used to.  And, Miss Alli, really enjoys baking, is always looking for something to bake…and is pretty good at it too!

One of the treats she’s already made for us to enjoy was our Favorite Gingerbread Cookie recipe.  We’ve made this recipe for the past several years.  We’ve shared it w/ several people and everyone always tells us it’s the best gingerbread cookie recipe ever.  It makes such a soft, delicious cookie.  Yum.~

 

Gingerbread Snowflake Cookie Recipe 

 

I’ve pinned some of our other favorites here on a Pinterest board.

These are some of the ones we try to make every year. Family Favorites.

 

With hubby on this new shift, his

hours change back and forth frequently.

One thing has become pretty evident though.

All of us sitting down to eat at the same time

is only going to happen about once a week (Sunday).

When Bob worked the afternoon/evening 

shift years ago, we always had our big 

meal at lunchtime.  Supper was kept

pretty simple and more along

what lunch typically is. It worked out

really well, since I was home w/ a 

houseful of little ones.

I’ve been thinking doing meals 

like that again may be a good idea.

We have so many different schedules.

We have kids getting home from work

or school late in the evening.

Hubby is needing to leave anywhere

from noon – 3:30pm.

Cooking, preparing and cleaning up the

main meal early in the day.

And a lighter meal of leftovers or

whatever in the evening.

Yesterday was day 1.

And I thought it worked out really well.

For lunch we made a big pot of  a family favorite.

Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta.

It’s great because

everyone here really likes it

and 

it reheats really well.

Now, I just have to figure out what I’m going to come up w/ for today.

 

 

 

Didn’t get much done yesterday. At All.

Spent entirely too much time trying to change from the Thanksgiving backgrounds here on Xanga to the Christmas ones.

Anyone else having trouble w/ their Xanga pages?  Seems like it’s just not running as smooth as it used to.

I spent quite a bit of time trying to get some pics uploaded to Photobucket too.  Our computer is very slow, old and outdated too.

Guess I shouldn’t complain….but, it did get frustrating!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Other than that, nothing much to chat about…I’m trying to make an effort to blog more…trying to make it a regular habit.

We really like to look back over the years and read about all the things we’ve done….and the past couple of years just don’t compare to when

I first began blogging.  So many big gaps between posts…..and that makes me kinda sad….so I’m trying to get back to the days when I posted 

about our daily goings-on……keep better track of what’s going on in our day to day stuff….alot of it’s boring, I know…but still jogs some memories

for us when we go back over and re-read it later…..

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Here’s a funny for ya……I found these pics on Nikki’s camera….they are from awhile ago, but still worth sharing…I had asked the younger 3 girls to clean their room, as I often do(the 3 of them share a room)….Abby decided to take pics for me…she wanted to show me their personal shelves they each have in the bookcase they share…I think it’s funny that of course, I got an “after” pic only of her shelf….and “before” pics of the other girls shelves..note the popcorn on Alli’s shelf from their evening snack the night before…..too funny!!!

 

 

~Happy Tuesday~

 

Hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving.

Ours was nice.

We spent it at my parent’s house.

We had awesome temps.

Warm and Sunny.

The cousins were able to spend alot of time

outside.

I think they played kickball.

~*~*~*~*~*

Over the long weekend,

we got all our Christmas decorations up.

Inside and Out.

All done.

We even went for our first ride of the season

to look at Christmas lights on 

all the houses in the neighborhood.

We found lots of pretty ones.

I was surprised at how many houses were

already decorated.

We’ve had our first snow of the season too.

Not much and it’s gone now,

but it still thrilled the girls to 

wake up to the other day.

~*~*~*~*~*

Miss Alli is quite the Christmas elf.

She loves Christmas.

She’s been giddy for awhile now.

Been listening to Christmas music

since Halloween at least.

So, she’s loving that it’s finally this time of year.

It’s funny to watch her.

Most of the time anyway.

Sometimes she is a bit wound up 

and I wonder how she is going to make it to Christmas

w/ all that excitement.  And of course,

Miss Abby feeds off her, and also gets excited.

For them, it’s not even about the presents,

they just love this time of year.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

And, after the long weekend,

we survived the Monday back to it all. 

At least most of us did.

Poor Nikki woke up with hives/rash all over her face 

and neck yesterday morning.  

Had to take Benedryl and it ’bout knocked her out.

She had a long day too, at school and work…

so it seemed even longer, since

she had to struggle to stay awake.

Not sure why she keeps breaking out,

if it’s a cold/virus related thing or what.

But, I do know, she’s about done w/ it all.

~*~*~*~*~*~ 

The girls and I had a nice day.

After getting our stuff done, 

we played games.

I played Clue, Trouble, Sorry and 

Old Maid w/ Abby.

Alli and I played a game of Battleship

and Scrabble.

Later in the evening,

Rosie and I played a game of Disney Monopoly.

I don’t play Monopoly very often,

but it was fun.

Rosie and Abby also made some

snickerdoodle cookies.

Snickerdoodles are probably my 

most favorite cookies.

 After supper,

which was a fend for yourself night,

the younger 3 girls and I did devotions.

Then Miss Abby and I snuggled down to read some

Christmas storybooks.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

 I have to say that I really kinda like this time of year–

when it gets dark earlier and things seem to

settle down earlier.  

Right now we’ve been spending some of our evenings watching

some of the many Christmas movies on the Hallmark 

Channel. 

~*~*~*~*~*

The days seem to have a different way about them too.

Along w/ the day to day stuff,

we’re playing more games

and 

the girls are definitely doing more baking.

Used to be only Nat or Nik did most of the baking.

Now, the younger girls have been asking to get

in the kitchen and bake us some yummy goodies.

Alli would bake something everyday, if she could.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

 I’m sure part of the difference in our days,

is Bob’s new job.

Turns out, he lost the other new job.

The place he was working completely 

closed its door.

Thankfully, he was blessed to find another job

after only a week.

But it’s quite a drive.

Over an hour each way.

And it’s afternoon/night shift.

So he’s gone much of the time.

We aren’t complaining at all.

We feel very, very, very blessed that he is working 

and making decent money.

But, it does change up the routine/schedule of the house.

So far, it’s working out fine.

We just had to settle into the groove of it.

It’s been something for the younger girls to get used to,

having Dad gone alot more and at such different times.

Bob used to work 2nd/3rd shift for many years so the rest

of us have been this road before….we remember those days.

But, not the younger girls.  It’s been a bit of an 

adjustment. Changes the way we do some things.

But, again, just thankful that he’s working

and that, so far, it seems to be a really good job.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

 

 

Saturday we did some baking. I’ve pinned so many recipes on Pinterest. I’ll never make them all. But, I’ve decided that we need to get busy and try some. And I’ve pinned so many cooler weather type recipes that I have such a hard time choosing which ones to try.

So, this weekend, we tried the Snickerdoodle bread recipe, only we made ours into muffins. It was a hit! A keeper, as we like to say. I’ll be typing this one up and printing it out to put in our recipe binder. We also made our favorite Pumpkin Chip Cookies….we’ve had this recipe for some years now, so it’s not a new one for us. I have seen it on Pinterest though. Saturday night, we all crammed into the living room, w/ the exception of Jake, who couldn’t stay awake and watched a Tim Hawkins dvd……laughed ourselves silly, then called it a night.

Sunday, I woke up with a rotten headache. No church for me. Hubby stayed home with me. Let me say how awesome it was to know that even though I wasn’t feeling well, all the kiddos got up and went to church. I have to say that my heart was so happy, knowing that even though we didn’t make it to church, the kiddos all did. Hubby had a nice breakfast of pumpkin pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes, sausage and eggs waiting for them when they got back. He also made a delicious roast beef supper, w/ potatoes and carrots, and gravy…..so good! He also threw together another favorite recipe of ours…a warm fruit salad that goes simmers away in the crockpot all day….really nice on these cooler days…….

It was just a nice relaxing family day. Natalie and Nikki took Alli and Abby for a nice long walk. Bob and Abby went on a bike ride. Abby shadowed Bob most everywhere he went. He worked on his tree stand in the backyard for a bit. She was right out there “helping”, asking all her questions (never had a kiddo who has so many questions to ask…about everything!!) He and Abby played a couple games of Sorry. We got everyone settled down and watched a couple episodes of old tv. We are currently working our way through, Leave it to Beaver, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Munsters, Lassie, and Dennis the Menace. I’ve also watched a couple episodes of The Andy Griffith Show. We no longer have satellite, so we’ve been relying on Netflix and Hulu for our shows…..we also have Amazon Prime and Christian Cinema dvd service, so we have plenty to watch…the only thing we are missing is the sports…but, we just can’t afford the extras. The cost of everything is going up more each day and since groceries take up the majority of our budget, we’ve been really downsizing everything we can. I’d much rather have groceries in the house, than most anything that’s on tv these days, that’s for sure.

Today, Monday is week 3 of everyone back to school, back to work, normal routine……seems to be going pretty good so far…..Natalie loves her new job….Nikki is hanging in there w/ a very full load of classes…..All’s well w/ Aaron and Jake….the younger girls were all sick last week, so we didn’t do school, but it’s back to it today…..We had a bit of a scare w/ Bob’s new job…thought he was gonna get laid off, but it looks like it all worked out and he’s still working, so we are grateful…..trying not to worry about it and just take it as it comes…easier said than done, though,lol.

I was hoping to have some pics from the weekend to share as well….Nikki was bopping around w/ her camera and got some good ones, but the batteries are dead now, so I can’t upload them to my computer……as soon as we get some batteries, I will try to get all caught up.

Okay, just so you know these “moments” or whatever you want to call them….(I refuse to call them senior moments! No offense to anyone, I’m just not a senior yet.) are not funny!!! Even though my kids might think so, I don’t! Blame it on being a mom, being hormonal, getting older, whatever, I am so over it!  So far recently, I’ve grabbed the conditioner bottle instead of the shampoo…..I’ve also shampooed my hair twice instead of shampooing, then conditioning….Today, I tried putting shampoo in my hair….wait for it……before I even wet it down!!!!  These are all hair-related I know…and can be attributed to the fact that the shampoo and conditioners look very similiar…however, I’m sure my kids could give you a whole list of goofy things that I’ve been doing these days and none of them are related to washing my hair……I feel like I’ve been losing my mind!

 

ps…..My siblings may not feel free to comment on this post….I can only imagine what you all might say and I’m sure that anything you come up with, my kiddos have already said to me!!!

 

 

As summer has mostly come and gone, we’ve been spending more time indoors.

For my kiddos, that means more baking.

Lately, we’ve had cupcakes twice, turnovers once, carrot cake and some cookies too.

Seems like every time I walk in the kitchen there is something tempting me!!! 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Aaron and Nikki haven’t started classes yet.  Next week!

But, it seems like most everyone’s schedule is picking back up.

Nikki is working in the bookstore on campus.  And they’ve been busy with inventory and then book sales.

Nat just recently got a new job.  We are so happy for her.  She will be teaching preschool at the Early Learning Center on campus.

She has great hours.  8:30 am – 4:30 pm and half-day on Friday.

There are two teachers in the class. Such an exciting time for her!!!!

Aaron has started back up to work.  He also works on campus.  In the tool crib for the auto/diesel departments.

They are moving to a huge brand new building. So, they’ve been busy getting everything from one building to the next

before classes start.  They are supposed to have an open house this Friday so everyone can see the new building.  Hope they get it all done!

Jake is still doing what he does.  Work all night. Sleep all day.  It works for him.  He’s really trying to save some $$$ so he can get a car.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The younger 3 girls and I have been getting plenty of schooling done. 

We have a pretty good groove going and it’s nice to be back into some sort of routine.

Though it is a very relaxed one:

 

5 -7am:  Mom is up (sometimes I wish I could sleep-in, but I do enjoy having the quiet time before anyone is up.  I can usually get my devotion done, listen to some Christian music, just enjoy the quiet house.)

Girls sleep til they wake up.  (I really just believe they need to listen to their body-clocks and if they are still sleeping, then they must need the extra snooze.  I think it helps keep them healthy and fight off sickness better.)  Thankfully, we don’t have anyplace to be in the mornings and they are able to do this.  

Alli is usually up…somewhere between 8 and 9 am.

Abby next….between 9 and 10 am.

And of course, Miss TeenAger Rosie can usually do some serious sleeping-in, though I have noticed her waking a bit earlier lately.

They don’t move very fast in the morning either.  A bit of laying around, some breakfast and then chores.

The older kids tease them, because I’m so much more laid-back then I ever was with them. But, I guess as we get older, we relax a bit

in our parenting ways.

 

We’ve just recently had to re-adjust chores. With the older kiddos being gone more now, it’s time for the younger girls to step up a bit.

After chores, we start schoolwork.  

Take a break for lunch.

Finish whatever schoolwork is left.

Free time.  Usually some tv time (though we’ve been limiting this quite a bit.), some computer time….lately, baking time…playing outside, craft time…whatever they choose.

After supper, it’s time for showers, some tv (if there is anything on), devotion, and quiet reading.

Lights out at 11pm.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I’ve got some pics to post, but when I uploaded them, they were huge!!! So gonna have to go back and re-size them, then post them.

Back Later!

~Good Morning~

I’m up.

Too early.

Was up before Bob’s alarm went off.

Couldn’t get back to sleep.

Maybe I’ll try again after he leaves for work.

Or maybe a nap later today.

~*~*~*~*~

 

Saturday:

some shopping,

for groceries and for church outfits for the 2 youngest.

Don’t even get me started on the styles of clothes out

there for these girls….ugh~

Grilled cheese for supper, but w/ all different 

kinds of shredded cheese mixed together,

with tomatoes and bacon.

Alli made a carrot cake.

From a box, (still super yummy).

With Granny’s secret frosting recipe.

~*~*~*~*~*~*

 Sunday:

Church and Sunday school.

More trips to the grocery store.

Bbq chicken cooked on the grill

Reading the Sunday Paper

on the front porch.

Love my front porch!!!

Especially on these cooler days.

Some Nascar.

A country ride.

Lawn Mowing.

Nikki made some yummy cookies.

Football for some.

Early bed-time for the parents.

Again.

Seems to be happening alot these days.

Never would’ve thought all the kids

would be up later than us.

Probably why I’m up so early now.

~*~*~*~*~*~

 Monday:

Up early w/ the hubby.

Jake gets out at 5:15am.

Aaron has to be at work at 9am.

Nat and Nik both have to be to 

work at Noon.

Schoolwork and Housework for 

the younger 3 and I.

Maybe get out some of our fall decorations.

The girls keep asking when we’re getting them out,

so maybe today.

 ~*~*~*~*~*~*

I can’t believe it’s already mid-September.

The leaves on the trees here are 

falling too fast.  Many of them 

haven’t even turned colors yet,

but they are coming down already.

Not sure what will be left by October

to enjoy all the pretty colors, 

but hoping there are still some left.

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Happy Monday!

Hope everyone’s week gets off to a good start!!

 

 

 

For some, maybe.

For me, not so much.

Truth is, there really hasn’t been much to blog about.

Our days are pretty much the same,

day in and day out.

We have nothing going on this summer,

so our routine rarely varies.

I take comfort in that.

I am thankful for that.

To me, it means that we aren’t going through

any serious health trials or 

other life struggles that many others are

dealing with on a daily basis.

It means that we are just able to 

enjoy being with each other,

to be happy with the small things 

that happen in our days,

to learn to be content.

We spend most of our days just 

hanging out….inside/outside,

playing games, reading, watching some tv,

nothing very exciting, but still enjoyable for us.

That doesn’t mean that we don’t have the 

small day to day stuff that can happen 

with a large family spending alot of time together.

Cuz, we do.

 

 We have days when we don’t exactly get along easy-peasy.

But, that’s life too.

And we deal with it and move on.

 

We have had one sorta big change, but it really hasn’t 

affected how we go about our day at all.

Hubby has a new job.

He just started this week.

It came at just the right time

and 

seems to be a good choice for all the right reasons.

The biggest change for us will be that he is working lots 

and lots of overtime, so we won’t be seeing him as 

much as we had been.

For him, the biggest change will be starting over again,

being the new guy on the job again, 

and getting used to working in a new 

environment again.

This is his first week at it and so far, so good.

We are thankful again, for God’s timing 

and they way that he continually looks out and

provides for our family.

 

For now, though there just hasn’t been too much to blog about.

We’re still here. 

Just being “boring” for awhile.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

(There hasn’t even been alot of picture taking, so I don’t have any pics this time either.)