The Disco Dawe Family...

Enjoy!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Family....

Ethan's 91 year old grandmother, along with his great-aunt and her hubby, came to our house for a little Christmas get-together this past weekend. I felt awful {sick} but managed to cook a carb-laden-fabulous-feast! The kids enjoyed visiting with someone other than their parents. Wish we could still go to Granny's house on Christmas Eve with the rest of my in-law crew but alas....brother issues. I'm sure none of you have dysfunctional families and therefore do not understand what I'm talking about.

But on with the pictures!

Kiddos with their Aunt Beverly and Uncle Stoney

Myrick's namesake {Myrick is Granny's maiden name}

Lance is the only child willing to talk super loud so Granny can hear him. He's awesome.

Drew always seems scared that he will break Granny or that she will bite him. Not sure which one it is though.

It's that time of year again....

You know, that time when your kids create unstable houses out of gooey sweet stuff with dirty little hands, then beg to eat it after it's sat on the counter for a week! We used to do this as a family on Christmas Eve but thankfully we now get it all in with our covering and co-op class.

First up, nativity creches at our history co-op. Notice baby Jesus in the manger. This is the benefit of living in a Mardi Gras town where you can buy plastic, naked babies year round. Be jealous.

Then we have our gingerbread houses from our homeschool covering's Christmas-slash-house party. I think next year I'm gonna be one up on the game and do like I always did during our at-home building sessions....and assemble the house the day before so the icing {glue} can dry. Still, they managed to craft some heavily decorated homes that made for a fine lunch. {no joke}

Milk and Cookies

Couldn't you just dunk and slurp these little angels up? I sure could!!

Miscellaneous

*Got moved. Got settled in. Hooray!

*Still haven't gotten into a routine with school. Think this will just be our style: i.e. NO routine.

*Lance turned 8.

*Myrick turned 9.

*Have had some really cool field trips.

*Fighting daily with my kids to actually do schoolwork rather than ride bikes.

*Doing a lot of school outside in our new, large, tree shaded back yard on a quilt. Awesomeness.

*Haven't missed social media one bit.

*My grandmother is now back in the hospital for the second time in under a month. This upsets me while at the same time I have to face the fact she is 80. Still hard.

*My hair is still falling out.

*Confession: I've had hand tremors for a few months. This means not much painting. Which means my business is going downhilllllllll.....

*My doctors have no idea what is wrong. Awesome.

*Those 30 lbs I lost at the first of the year? 25 are back on my butt.

*My 5 year old has turned into a nightmare lately. It's my biggest stress every day.

*Parenting is hard.

For the second time in under a year...

We are moving! This is a blessing, believe me....but wow, we just got settled here! I often wonder if I could be happy with my life being calm, quiet and uneventful. Truthfully, I'm not sure I'd know what to do with myself. There is always something going on!

So between moving, trying to keep this house somewhat organized and cleaned for the time being, painting/work, and oh yeah!!- HOMESCHOOL- I'm a bit at a loss for internet/blogging time. And I'm cool with that....but just thought I'd give everyone a heads up. You know, for all of those people out there FREAKING OUT wondering WHY oh WHY haven't I posted!!! Yeah.

A couple of prayer requests for my praying peeps out there: Remember my hair falling out issue? Well, the doctor's appointment that came from that has spiraled into many other issues. I saw a neurologist last week and see him again the last week of this month. I'd rather not go into things when it's just unknown right now but please pray for wisdom, direction and good health. If things are not better with my by September 29th I will have an MRI. And our insurance sucks. So yeah, ad that to the list.

Lastly, my husband/our family has a major unspoken prayer need. Please prayerfully remember my family and Ethan in your quiet time! Thanks a bunch :)

The Little School Room

Our classroom 'rules'- the 1st thing you see when entering!

Our break of being 'unplugged' was wonderful- but I'll confess that we returned to TV much sooner than anticipated! Taking a break from the internet was lovely. The Lord has really been working on some heart issues concerning this little 'blog world' and I needed His perspective on all things concerning it.

I thought I'd share what our school room looks like this year. Last year we used the kitchen table, with most of our books in the large pantry beside it. I absolutely hated that! There are a lot of families who have to use their kitchen table and a lot who choose to- which is fine. But for us, it just wasn't cutting it. We have a 4th bedroom to use as we see fit {our boys share a room and Myrick has her own} and towards the end of school last spring, I turned it into our 'school room'. BUT it was the smallest room and at the back of the house. I felt cramped and secluded...not to mention Myrick's room at the FRONT of the house has huge windows with sunshine waking her at 5am. So it was time for the switch! I've changed a few things around since setting up but not much....and we love it!

So do you have a 'school room' or another room dedicated to schooling...or is your whole house for school? We use our living room a lot- couches, chairs and the floor are always the best for reading! :)

The Winners!

You are all winners in my book, of course! Thanks so much to the people who donated items AND to all of you for stopping by. We are having an 'unplugged' week here at our home, starting tomorrow morning. {TV and everything, ya'll} BUT I will check email once a day....so if I'm slow getting back don't take it personally ;)

Winners were chosen at random over at random.org

Doodle Bugs Shop Credit

Number 8: Jackie!!!

Totally Desperate Mom, autographed copy

Number 7: Kelly!!!

Beth Moore Daniel DVD Set

Number 5: Michelle!!!

Homeschool Boutique T-Shirt

Number 9: Carisa!!!

Congratulations everyone!

Have a great week folks! We start soccer tomorrow night....and have it for FOUR nights a week until the end of October! Lots of crock pot meals in my families future :)

It's a vlog kinda day...

This is MUY embarrassing....but I can say it's been done now. Enjoy my Southern accent and looking down at my desk. I obviously wasn't meant to 'work' with a camera- ha!

Be sure to scroll down and mute my lovely music first :)

Doodle Bugs!!

Today's giveaway is SO fabulous and I'm so jealous that I can't enter! Here's a girl after my own heart, for sure but most certainly my daughter's....adorable paper products galore!

Kacey over at Doodle Bugs Paper has generously donated a $20 gift certificate to one lucky winner. There is so much to chose from it'll be hard narrowing it down! There are cute personalized stickers, address labels, calling cards, recipe cards, bag tags....the list goes on and on and ON!!

So how can you get in on this? Well, it's simple. First, head over to the Doodle Bugs Paper website and tell me which item you love the most. Yes, I know there will be more than one but just pick the one you can't live without ;)

For additional entries you can do the following, being sure to leave a separate comment for each AND your email address in the comment!

* Follow the Doodle Bugs blog

* Subscribe by email to the Doodle Bugs blog

* Follow Doodle Bugs on Twitter

* Join Doodle Bugs on Facebook

* RT this giveaway with @doodlebugspaper AND @OctBelleDesigns in Tweet

* Become a follower here at Rejoicing in His Presence

Giveaway closes at 8pm CST Saturday, August 14th.

Winners announced August 16th!

Totally Desperate Mom

First off, you guys {gals} are super sweet! Thank you for the birthday wishes yesterday and kind words. Remember you have until 8pm Saturday night toenter each day's giveaway so scroll down so you don't miss one!

Today's giveaway comes from Wendy Hagen, author of Totally Desperate Mom.

She was kind enough to send a signed copy of her book for one of you to win! I'm not sure how I found Wendy or how she found me, but I have SO enjoyed reading her blog. This girl is hilarious and what keeps me going back to read her blog is the fact that she is REAL. You totally know that if you were around her in real life, she'd be just the same as what you find online....and that is a rare quality to find- LOVE it! Plus it's neat to read about her days as a child actress- you will probably recognize her from some shows in your younger days!

I read my copy of the book {most of it out loud to my husband} and really enjoyed it- you will too! I wish it had been around when my kids were a bit younger because it's nice to know someone who has gone through the same {gross, scary, emotional} things that most folks 'forget' to tell you! She gives that to you along with some great advice and giggles!

This would also make a great baby shower gift for the expecting mom!

Even better, how about ordering a copy too!

To be entered leave a comment telling who you would most like this book for {yourself, sister, the mail lady, etc}

For additional entries you may do the following, being sure to leave your email and a separate comment for each!

*Follow Wendy's blog

*Follow Wendy on Twitter @wendyhagen

*Subscribe to Rejoicing in His Presence

*Follow me on Twitter @OctBelleDesigns

Happy Birthday to meeeee....

Hope you win a Beth Moore CD!!

{Sorry, it rhymed}

I was going to save this giveaway for Friday because it's so HUGE but figured that it fit well with my birthday and all, so here you go:

Enter for the chance to win the entire DVD set of Beth Moore's study, 'Daniel'. This retails for $200.00! The leader's guide is included.

These babies are new and the only one ever viewed was the first DVD. I purchased the set a couple of years ago for an in-home Bible study but it just never worked out. So here's your chance to make good use of them. Have your own small group study, donate to your church or just soak up God's word on the couch in PJs!

{shipping is for the continental US only}

To enter leave a comment stating why you would love to have this study. Be sure to leave me your email in the comment!

For additional entries you can do the following, leaving a separate comment for each one.

*Follow this blog

*Subscribe to this blog

*Follow me on Twitter @OctBelleDesigns

*Tweet about this giveaway

*Subscribe to my business blog

*Join my business page of Facebook

Contest closes Saturday, August 14th at 8pm CST.

Winner to be announced Monday, August 16th by midnight.

Let the Party Start!

Welcome to my week of giveaways, celebrating my birthday {the big double 3 tomorrow} and one year of official, intentional blogging! Of course the majority of that blogging was done over at my business blog BUT I decided to party over here!

Our first giveaway comes from the fabulous Homeschool Boutique! If you are a home school family like we are, you know the bazillion questions you often get and these T-shirts are an ingenious way to head them off- plus you will look oh-so-cool!! I personally love the Curriculum Junkie shirt....because, well, I am one!

This giveaway is for one T-shirt of your choice from the Homeschool Boutique!

{excludes personalized items}

To enter hop on over to the Homeschool Boutique and tell me which shirt is your fave- and it doesn't have to be for you! It can be one of the kiddo or dad T-shirts! Leave a comment telling us which one you like the best.

For additional entries you may do the following, being sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!

*Please leave your email in at least one comment so I may reach you!

*Follow the Homeschool Boutique blog

*Become a follower here at Rejoicing in His Presence

*Subscribe to Rejoicing in His Presence

*Follow me on Twitter @OctBelleDesigns

*RT this giveaway with @OctBelleDesigns and this link http://bit.ly/9KehvG

in Tweet

A huge thanks to Tracy for making this giveaway possible!

This giveaway will close on Saturday, August 14th at 8:00pm CST.

Winners will be announced on Monday, August 16th by midnight CST.

This is not my ministry.

I found myself having these same feelings {I'll get to WHAT feelings in a minute} about a year ago and took the approach of deleting my blog, Twitter, etc. This time I prayerfully considered exactly what I needed to learn in the situation first. And I won't be deleting anything at this time!

But it all gets so overwhelming, doesn't it?

The Twitter parties. The how-many-and-who 'likes' my Facebook page. The she-didn't-respond stuff. The link ups. The memes. The full to the point of exploding Google Reader with all those sweet gals that you want to visit but don't have the time to. The bazillion and bazillion of other bloggers all wanting to be that 'next big thing'. The other bazillion bloggers who write devotionals, books, have their own 'challenges' you are supposed to be a part of, their own Open Sky store, advertisements, spin-off blogs from their original blog etc. etc. etc.

I get exhausted just typing it out! It can make you feel so insignificant. It makes me feel like I'm not doing enough! Must do more!! Quickly!!

The last thing I need in my life is more to stress about. You?

So I took a step back. I prayed. I considered. I realized.

This is not my main ministry.

This is not my main focus.

This is not the race I want to be in.

This is where I remind myself of my very own rules!

I will not be attending Relevant. God has closed all doors and gently impressed upon my heart that it's not His will for me. I accept that. Though I'm bummed about hanging out with some really sweet gals, I want what He has planned for me. Because it's always better!

And on a general blogging, Tweeting front. Well, I'm re-reading my rules. I'm applying them and gonna enjoy my blogs for what they are: a way to connect with some amazing people. Not compete or have my fingerprint on social media everywhere I turn. My family is my ministry. And that is wonderful enough for me!

No words.

As a fellow blogger have you ever had so much you wanted to say....that you could say nothing at all? There aren't enough words, posts, expressions...anything that would cover it.

So I'm sorting through. Working all the jumbled up mess out in my head first.

Letting my heart be sifted by the One who is a fabulous sifter.

While you are waiting on me to find the right words go visit this precious girl. Help Colleen out on raising funds for her mission trip to Haiti. Donate and you just might win a gift certificate from me. Enjoy her beautiful blog- I love it!

P.S. She gave me a blog award. {Thank you sweet Colleen} I think I'm supposed to do something like pass it on so I'll get right on that too!

Visit the Village

The Homeschool Village that is! Stef from Layton Family Joy has got something wonderful going on for all of us homeschool mama's! You can join up with this growing community of women on the blog, Facebook and Twitter. While you may think I up and died I've just actually been swamped with school, painting and a Mama Meltdown {I'll expand on THAT one later} but am very much alive. At this point.

So I've been meaning to come share about the village with you AND to let you know that I'm on 'the panel' {Doesn't that sound sooooo authoritative? 'Eat your green beans- I'm on the PANEL.' I'll have to try that}

ANYway....every week there will be a different question asked and the panel of mama's will give their answer. It's a great way to get a take on a specific homeschool question from different perspectives- something I really like. Just ask my husband, I can't take an answer from one person...noooo way!

Speaking of that husband, tomorrow is our 11 Year Anniversary. For some reason our anniversary effects me more than my birthday. As in by making me feel VERY old. People who are wrinkly have been married for over 10 years, right? At least that's what I thought when I was 9. Now....not so much. I'm still pretty wrinkle free {that could have something to do with the extra 25 pounds that smooth out all my wrinkles but I digress} and now I look at my grandparents who have been married for 60 years- yes, 60!- and they are wrinkly. It's all about perspective I guess!

{After going on a picture search for this post I realized that it's been a LONG time since we've actually had our picture taken together. So here is one of E all alone on a boat ride last week. Doesn't he look happy?!}

So Happy Anniversary to Ethan and I. It's been an often hard, bumpy road but one I would go down all over again just to enjoy the sweet stuff. Plus we made some really adorable kiddos, make each other laugh so hard we often cry and think made up songs about toots and poop are really hilarious....so obviously it was meant to be!

While you are off visiting places on the web be sure to stop by my little shop and do some early Christmas shopping- it'll help me get to the Relevant Conference in October!

Wordless Wednesday- Quack Quack!!

When your 5 year old son gets to pick a 'prize' from the 1 Spot at Target, the last thing you expect him to dive for and to LOVE is a pair of duck slippers three sizes too big. But he did...and boy does he love them!

Perspective.

I had a GREAT post for Wordless Wednesday...but I couldn't find the time to post. Cause I'm so neurotic and can't bring myself to post it on a Thursday, you'll just have to wait until next week!

Two years ago a 'friend of a friend' lost their 4 year old daughter unexpectedly. While I've never met Billy or Hope, many of my days have been spent praying for them, for their family. I check Hope's blog about once a week to see if she has posted. I have gotten so much blessing out of reading her words and seeing what she has learned from God these past two years...though it comes from her loss and pain. I know others feel the same and so I wanted to share her post from this week with you all. Isn't it wonderful how God takes something so horrific and uses it for good?

Surely, all things do bring glory to Him.

Be warned: You cannot read her blog without a box of tissues! Before the page finishes loading and her music starts {she always has an awesome playlist going} I'm crying. My prayer is her words bless you as much as they have blessed me- and given me perspective.

Where I robbed CVS.

Well, that's what it felt like. But I assure you it was perfectly legal so don't call the cops on me. Just yet anyway.

You're looking at around $25 worth of stuff before tax.

I paid 94 cents for it.

Then got $2 ECBs back. So therefore, I made $1.06 on this little purchase.

See why it feels like robbery? Honestly, there are security cameras here in Mobile that have me skipping out of the CVS by Target, grinning like I just won the lottery. It's the little things that make me happy. My husband is so grateful.

Love must be sincere.

Ok, here's the deal. I've really struggled with very close friends- Twilight lovers- who think that I think that they are horrible people. {Did you catch all that}

I don't.

I love you, sweet friends! We are in this together...and share the same love: Christ. I need the accountability and welcome others holding ME accountable. But never, ever do I want my precious friends to feel I am judging them.

The Lord led me today to Romans chapter 12. There is a side note on the opposite page titled 'When Christians disagree about what's right and wrong'. Ha! Gotta love when God just sticks something so obvious under your nose. Some excerpts:

"Christians in Rome were disagreeing on what was proper behavior for a Christian. One person was sure another was sinning; but that 'offender' was convinced his accuser was hopelessly narrow-minded."

"Christians in Paul's day hotly debated such issues as eating meat, celebrating holidays, and drinking wine. What issues do Christians debate today? What attitude should we have toward Christians we differ with?"

What a great question....what attitude should we have? How should we treat each other when we disagree?

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12: 9-10

Sincerely loving you my Twilight reading sisters!

Misguided Christians and Twilight.

Let me preface this post by saying that I am not without sin. I'm fully aware of my faults and shortcomings. This is not an issue of me trying to remove the splinter from your eye before removing the plank from my own! Or condemning in judgement. Rather, this is something my husband and I have become convicted over during the past few months. It's something that more of us should be convicted of- and then we will become 'holy and set apart' for Christ.

I stirred up some trouble on Facebook this week by stating that I was tired of reading about all the women talking about Twilight. That if they showed the same passion for God just imagine what we could all get done. Seriously, just think about that for a minute. Now let's move on.

I'm not going to rehash the 'Christian' arguments given in support of enjoying Twilight and all the 'entertainment' it brings. Instead I want to show you what God is doing with my family.

A few months ago I was sitting in a friend's living room and noticed a Vision Forum catalog lying on the couch. After picking it up and browsing through, I came home and ordered one. Once it came Ethan and I devoured it like the Sears Catalog at Christmas time! Our vision of removing worldly influences from our home- especially in the form of so called entertainment- was not ours alone. Not only that, there was a company that would allow us to fill our home with Godly books and movies!

Now mind you, we do watch TV. The kids, not so much anymore....there is just too much junk on it. PBS kids is about all they get these days other than the occasional movie we pick out. Ethan and I still indulge in too much of the garbage but those minutes are diminishing at an alarming {exciting} rate as we choose to fill our minds with good, appropriate things.

So a couple of weeks ago Vision Forum had a major sale. {the great thing about them is- if you can't afford something you want, just wait- it'll be on sale soon!} I ordered some stuff to surprise Ethan with and some things for me as well. They came yesterday and we can't wait to get started on them. Myrick was begging him to read her the John Calvin biography! Over the next few weeks as we go through the books and CDs I will share and review them here for you. {No, I'm not being paid to promote them}

But God....He is so amazing.

I was getting ready this morning and on the bathroom counter was Ethan's stuff from Vision Forum. On top was a CD I bought- without really knowing WHAT it was about. The title is "How to Think Like a Christian". Well, don't all Christians do this??? No. Myself included. So I flip it over and read on the back this:

"Most Christians think like humanists- not on purpose, mind you, but because they have never been trained to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" by trusting in Scripture as the basis of their worldview. The results are devastating. Double-minded Christians dominate our churches. They have one foot in the world and one foot in the Church. They look to the Bible when it is convenient, but assume it is silent on most issues, rather than regarding it as "sufficient for all of faith and practice." This lecture presents and overview of what is needed to reform our minds."

Wow.

For all the arguments presented for reading things like Twilight....I encourage you to order this CD. I'll be listening right along with you, praying that God gives me discernment in my thoughts, to think like He does, not as the world. Let's not scream that we are being 'judged' because something obviously against God's word is being done. Instead why don't we come together as sisters in Christ who want to sharpen one another, encourage one another, be passionate and pursue what should be our first love: Christ.

Tough Lessons

A couple of months ago I wrote about listening to God's prompting you and obeying Him- whatever it is He's leading you to do.

Rarely do I actually follow this advice for myself! Tending more towards arguing, ignoring and justifying {{that it's not really what He wants me to do}} I sit still.

Imagine all the blessings I've missed because of it. Imagine the blessings YOU have missed- because I know we all do the same thing!

It would be so embarrassing if I shared with you exactly how many Bible studies I've committed myself to over the past 10 years- and how many I've actually followed through with and completed. OK, I've completed one....ONE. And this includes one study I was actually leading.

OUCH.

So last week when I got an email about another upcoming study at the church we {used to} attend most would expect the same of me: Yes, I'll be there! Yes, I'm so excited! And...Yes, she didn't show. But something in me just knew that I was supposed to be there- in fact, I needed to be there. Monday nights are crazy around here- my kids have 2 hours of gymnastics across town. Yet I kept preparing Ethan to be home at 6:30 cause I was walking in the door with kiddos and walking out by myself!

Guess what? I did it. I know, big deal right? Well, it is! I allow the enemy to give me a perfectly good excuse for everything in my life- and use them. This time though....well, I received the blessing. The study is on the book of Hosea and while reading through Sunday night I thought 'Seriously? How on earth will this go?' If you don't know what I mean, go read the book of Hosea.

I could have cried/screamed/laughed/hugged Jody multiple times throughout the night as God used her to make several points to ME. Yes, other women might have felt the same. But for those 2 hours I was there to hear the word He had for ME. Things that not even a week before I was praying and dealing with....struggling with the idea of even blogging about them but needing to get it out. She made a point that our Monday's will become insane- the enemy does not want us there and boy do I know it. But when you know that God Himself prompted you to be somewhere and then the Word applies directly to your heart....then you stop listening to the enemy and start following God.

I can't wait to share some of the things we will learn about the book of Hosea, though some I might not be comfortable sharing because it is so personal. But know that the Lord is dealing with my heart right now on so many issues. Finally it seems like this long time spent in the valley is soon to be behind me...and I look forward to climbing the mountain instead!

I'm also dealing with some serious carpal tunnel pain in my right arm/wrist for the first time in my life! I can paint, type and write...but it hurts! So I am not on the computer much now....AND we started school back today. Pray for my arm? I think that possibly it was a way to make me step back from the computer and painting....to focus on other, more important things. But the pain is just that- pain!

Have a very safe 4th of July weekend- remember, NO drinking and driving. One drink is too many when it comes to driving. DO not drink and drive!

I am the bomb.

Apparently I rocked it out for "Daddy's Day" as we call it round here. But let's be honest...I was just showing my precious husband how these little holidays are supposed to go. Because in almost 9 years of being a mom, Mother's Day always stinks! No joke, something always goes wrong. That's another post for another time!

Yes, everyone is still in their PJs. And yes, The Dad is kicked back in the recliner while opening presents. But it's his day- where else would he have been?! I also managed to spend ZERO money on a really sweet gift! FREE 8x10 photo collage of all kiddos {courtesy of Walgreens promo} in a gorgeous FREE frame from Kohl's {courtesy of $10 gift card mailed from Kohl's and 50% off frame sale that week!} Somehow I missed getting an actual picture of the picture...but Ethan loved it and it's in his office now. He is such a good Daddy and I cannot imagine doing this parenting thing with anyone else!

Cupcakes that don't look TOO appetizing...but were really, really good. And it's unfortunate you'd never know by looking at this that I've decorated some amazing cakes! Priorities people....there were ribs to be made!! :)

Me loving to read- understatement.

Just a bit....it's been my favorite hobby since I was a little girl. I cannot tell you how many times I read the Little House series as a child, which spurred my love of reading. An entire post- a very long one- could be written on my love of Laura Ingalls and her family. It's been so fun reading them with my daughter and seeing things from an adult perspective. When school starts back we are going to read them to the boys and I cannot wait. My dream vacation: Visiting all of her homes. And Family Fun has an article this month about it, which just made me want to go even more. Yes, you may call that lame....but I can't help it!

For Mother's Day I was given a gift card to the Christian bookstore. I finally cashed that baby in this week and just look at my loot! I'm overwhelmed with giddiness at digging in to each one. After reading two- yes, two- 1,000 PLUS page books in the past couple of weeks I really became convicted about something....reading my Bible. Or lack of in this case. Ethan bought a chronological, read-in-a-year Bible for me last Christmas. I'm currently {{gulp}} 3 months behind.

No, you were not imagining my tiny, whispering, ashamed voice in that confession.

Isn't that awful! I can zip through 2,000 pages of sheer junk and not read my Bible daily. So my promise to the Lord and myself is I will not delve into that new pile until I'm up to date in my Bible. So far it's not been as hard as I imagined....though that stack sitting on the corner of my desk is so tempting!

It's Father's Day weekend but our plans are pretty much the same as any other. We are going to make Ethan his favorite cake and yummy meal, which after a couple of week of 'healthy' eating and P90X each day he should really enjoy!

We don't do 'big' gifts but what I scored is truly the best deal I've done in awhile! Walgreens had collage 8x10s for free this week. Got that. Then I had a $10.00 card from Kohl's that came in the mail. Got a $20 picture frame that was half of and used my card. FREE. So daddy's gift in this house cost me ZIP, ZERO, NADA! How awesome is that! Plus the framed pic is really cute too :)

Have a great weekend and happy father's day to all the wonderful dads out there!

A Family Constitution

In the fall of 2008 my husband heard a Christian program on the radio while riding along one day. I *think* it was Focus on the Family but I can't really remember anything before 9am so don't hold me to that! Anyway, they were talking about having a family constitution so your kids know what your family priorities are, what you believe, etc. No one had to twist Ethan's arm to get on board with this- the same man who cannot WAIT to hold 'family court' and set up our own household government!

So he drew up our constitution, printed it out and had it framed. It's hung in our home since then...and let me just say that we might have well waved a big flag at the devil asking him to come play. Par for course, right? Take a stand for Christ and be attacked. It was a ROUGH year, that 2009. But we still stand for what is right, what is true, what is real. When one of our kids does something it's nice to take them over, to point and say 'No, see right here...we don't treat each other that way because in our family...' They like to stop and read it on their own as well. I've often caught Myrick quietly pondering away at the frame.

Do you have a family constitution or something similar in your home? I'd love to hear about it! And if you'd like me to email you ours in a pdf file just leave your address in the comments and I'll get it to you!

I should have added....

in my last post that one of my will nots....was....not posting for over a WEEK! Yikes.

My son being a mermaid. Hey, Ariel covers hers so I guess he figured that is how it goes. Disclaimer: this pic has absolutely nothing to do with my post. Thanks.

We are very much alive down here. VBS was this week each night. Since we have been 'church hopping' for several months now we no longer have a home church. Which means that this year I was not a volunteer for VBS and had no kids for 4 nights this week- very weird! But Ethan and I enjoyed our time- and ate out each night!! That was more cash than we would have liked to spend...but it was so nice to enjoy a quiet meal together- that I didn't have to cook!

Anyway, the kids had a BLAST and we are pretty sure the church is where we will start attending regularly. So a win all the way around!

I'm super busy with work {painting} and getting our new curriculum in order. School starts back July 1st in our house so I need to be ready. Drew {5 years} is BEGGING to start already! He is super excited for kindergarten and I'm so glad. Should make it a bit easier on me if he wants to do the work!

I just signed myself up for a coupon class at 9 am tomorrow, so time for bed. Just wanted to pop in and say HI. Also, thank you SO MUCH to everyone who visited, commented and emailed concerning my last post. I pray we all give ourselves a bit of a break when it comes to blogging, tweeting and all that other jazz in social media! Plus, it gave me an idea for something....that will be coming soon so keep your eyeballs peeled!

While you are saying some prayers, send one up for me? I have some bizarre health stuff going on out of the blue...with one issue being my hair is FALLING OUT. Seriously. And no, it's not just normal shedding. I can see my scalp people and my hairline has visibly moved back. *sigh* Very upsetting...and the earliest my dermatologist will see me is July 7th, so I'm trying to get in to my regular MD before then. Anyway, prayers are always appreciated! Don't really wanna be a bald chic at 32 years old, know what I'm saying?!? Thanks!

Enjoy your weekend my little peeps!

My wills and will nots.

I've really struggled the past few days. With social media. Blogging. Twitter.

It all becomes overwhelming from time to time, feelings of 'not good enough' only exacerbated by others out there, ruling the social media kingdom from their throne. {haha} Seriously, I don't think they mean to hurt us 'little' bloggers but wow....there is some attitude out there. And don't snub. It's just so....well, rude.

SO. I was in tears last night when my husband oh-so-gently pointed out to me how ridiculous it was. And he is right.

This post written by Brooke over at Gather Inspirit came to mind as I lay on my couch with a feeling-so-sorry-for-myself attitude.

Then I thought of this post written by Alicia. {she is so sweet y'all. seriously. go visit her}

It's amazing how God gives a word to someone else but it is so right for you!

To put things in perspective I came up with my 'rules'. What I will and will not do- to myself and others out there- any more.

I will not.....spend idle time chatting on Twitter or attending every Twitter party in the known universe.

I will....spend quality time with my family, taking care of my house, working, anything other than thinking about how I'm not 'connecting' & losing out on opportunities while skipping out on Twitter.

I will not....be a blogger who posts several times a week because instead I'll be participating in my life with family and friends fully.

I will....let go of any guilt for not blogging several times a week.

I will not....let other people's attitudes define what I think about myself.

I will....look at who Christ says I am.

I will not....compare myself to other bloggers.

I will....look at who I am in and because of Christ.

I will not....be rude.

I will....show kindness and compassion.

I will not....jump to conclusions about what someone thinks about me and/or my blogs.

I will.....be gracious, friendly and honest.

I will not....allow the enemy to put doubt or malicious thoughts in my little head.

I will....love others because He first loved me.

Do you struggle with being a blogger and feeling like you don't measure up? There is a lot of us out there. I pray we remain in His will when it comes to blogging/Twitter/Facebook/etc. etc. etc. :) With our eyes and hearts focused on Him everything else falls in place....and we see others as He does- with love and compassion, as our sisters in Christ. Not as competition or the enemy....join me in this prayer?

Party Time!

First, let's celebrate the winner of The Story of Me! That would be entry number 17, Laura! Check your email girl and congratulations :) Thanks to everyone who stopped by for a chance to win. I hope you will be sticking around!

Earlier this week our home school covering had their annual end-of-the-year party. It is held at a really cool park about 1.5 hours north of here. They have the largest spring fed pool in the state. My kids were way impressed! It was a lot of fun and we all look forward to going back next year. Thought I'd share some pictures from the day!

We were supposed to be there until 6 pm but around 4:00 it started thundering. It was a mad dash to get loaded up before the storm hit. That is, a mad dash for everyone except us. I had invited a friend, who brought her 3 kids. We were a bit relaxed about the whole thing and ended up being the only ones left! What followed for around 40 minutes of praying no one would be struck by lightening while packing up cars and kids. The Lord is so good though. The bottom fell out of the sky- literally- as soon as she and I both were safe in the cars with all kids. Then we had to drive through that mess. It was one of the worst storms I've ever driven in! I had to stop for gas once we got through it and looked back. I had to take a picture. NASTY.

Our 'break' has about lasted long enough! The kids are bored. I'm irritated. We need something to do ASAP. I'm going to do a short unit study on health/body the month of June. By the end of the month we will start our school year. It's sooooo hot here during the summer months that they cannot play outside. {read: they complain and refuse} So the plan is to swim on some days during the morning hours but continue with school. We'll see how that goes!

Part II ~ Having 'THE TALK'.

Since I was a little late to the party on talking to Myrick about anything body or sex related I began with The Story of Me. Even though it is for 3-5 years old she still enjoyed it. This is also how she found out where babies really come from- not magically from the tummy like I had allowed her to believe! Her comment: That is really GROSS.

We quickly moved on to the next book, Before I Was Born, for 5-8 year olds. I was so nervous about this that I put it off for two months with Ethan practically begging me daily to just read it already! But this one tells- very tastefully- what sex is.

When I got to the part that actually describes what goes down, I read quickly and kept moving. She stopped me and said “Ummmm, is that appropriate?” and we both doubled over laughing hysterically! I’ve really been pointing out things to her that are ‘appropriate’ or ‘inappropriate’, like how other girls dress or act. This cracked me up for her to use that phrase! Through giggles and tears I asked did she mean was it appropriate for a husband and wife to do that OR for us to be talking about it? She gasped out “BOTH”!!!

The book made talking about sex much easier and best of all, it tells how God is behind it all: from bringing a man and woman together, to sex, creating a baby, to how our bodies are made and why we’re special. Why the big IT is special.

Next we will read What’s the Big Deal: Why God Cares About Sex. I haven’t gone there yet because we have had lots of little talks and questions along the way. She is very interested right now in learning about how her body works, getting your period, etc so I’m letting her take that route for now.

Please don’t put off talking to your children about this. If you do not form your child's opinion about their body and sex- from God's point of view- the world will do it for you.

Yes, I KNOW it’s hard for many of us and very uncomfortable but so worth it! And the parent's guide does discuss how to handle being uncomfortable having 'the talk' with some great suggestions.

I’m going to give away a copy of The Story of Me to one lucky family to help get you started! Leave a comment here telling me why you would like to win the book. If you’d like, share your stories of talking with your kids- I’d love to hear them!

For extra entries you may do the following, leaving a separate comment for each entry! Entries will be accepted until midnight CST on May 20th. Winner will be picked by random dot org!

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God thinks sex is great.

What? Shocking to say but yes. I mean, He did create it after all. So he must think it's good, right? Absolutely.

Now, that is not exactly how I was brought up to think. And it's not how I viewed it until I read a book series recommended by a friend of mine. It's the God's Design for Sex series by Stan and Brenna Jones and if you have a child you need it- no joke!

I ordered all of the books from Nav Press. But I started out by reading the parent's guide, How and When to Tell Your Kids About Sex. Our oldest child will be 9 this October. I remember Sarah Mae posting about the topic about a year ago. She was saying that she thought 8 was a good age to talk to your kids about sex.

I wholeheartedly disagreed.

I was wrong. So I apologize Sarah Mae!

My husband has been telling me it was time to have 'the talk' with Myrick for about 6 months now. I dreaded it. D.R.E.A.D.E.D. it. I would have rather done anything else, just about. Finally I gave in because he said HE was going to do it! Now, he will talk with her about the subject eventually but I knew the first time it needed to be me or she'd die of embarrassment!

In my family we never talked about sex. NEVER. No one ever sat me down and told me what exactly it was {I learned from classmates- never a good thing} and that I shouldn't be having it. That is until I was fifteen. Then I found out it wasn't supposed to be happening but obviously it was way too late at that point because I was. Heartbreaking.

Stan and Brenna say that the age of three- yes, you read that right- is a good time to start shaping your child's view of sex. If you don't, the world will. Do you want them viewing it from God's perspective or what the media tells them? Or their friends? What about homosexuality? How far is 'too far'? Should they remain a virgin until they marry?

Do you almost faint even thinking about having those conversations with your BABY!? You need these books. I promise you'll make it through without fainting- I did!

That doesn't mean sitting your 3 year old down and telling him what sex is! The book walks you through what age is right for your child to know the 'details'. But they offer a series that begins for 3-5 year olds with The Story of Me. I am just now reading this to my 5 and 7 year old sons and it's perfect!

Tomorrow I'll tell you more about the books then share what happened when Myrick and I finally had THE TALK. {it went much better than I had expected!}

*I am not being paid to promote these books. I just really love them and wanted to share*