My Joys and Trials

raising boys..

2011-06-23T21:45:00.000-07:00

IT seems as though we have left the toddler hood of boys and entered some type of crazy land of young manhood. The energy in our house is out of control, along with the injuries that come with the energy.. PRAYING for WISDOM, PATIENCE, THE ABILITY not the stifle their manhood and adventure spirits. But there are lines to be drawn.
Like
No jumping of the top bunk of bunk beds (even though it does sound like fun)
No swinging on our gate while your playing bucking bronco in the front yard and jumping out the bull shoot
No catapulting over the couch and smashing your head into the floor....
No spinning people in the office chair so fast they fly across the room
No laughing at the table during meal time so loud the baby we watch cries!!!

WE have instated intense regimen of exercises during the day but they haven't helped so far!!!
I believe the solution to all this is a trampoline......it could change my life FOREVER!

HELP someone rescue me!

Anyways I came across this book which I may get and their website
www.raisingrealmen.com

Muttin Bustin Time

2011-06-14T21:57:00.001-07:00

Jacob was so brave to try to ride a sheep. Now he says he won't ever do it again but we were so proud that he tried!! We are cowboy RODEO FANS at heart!

May in Payson

2011-06-14T21:54:00.000-07:00

Repentence...forgiveness

2011-05-31T21:33:00.000-07:00

Been wanting to post this for awhile, from another's blog. couldn't have said it better myself!

Forgiveness

If we are wretched and sinful and desperately in need of a Savior and His forgiveness (Ro 3:23 Luke 5:32). . .

and our hearts are deceitful and desperately sick (Jeremiah 17:9) . . .

and in need of submitting it to the authority and truth of the Bible. (Psalm 1 & 119:11) . . .

then when was the last time someone came to you in humility and repented for something—especially a “pretty sin?”

or better yet, when was the last time you went to someone outside of your home, acknowledged the area/thing that was not in submission to the Gospel and asked for their forgiveness? (James 5:16) . . .

then in the off chance that there is repentance, the forgiver does not say “I forgive you” but rather “it’s okay.” Okay, really? What’s okay about sin?

We train our children. Hopefully, we are teaching them how to own their sins, repent to others and to forgive wholeheartedly.

Are we letting that teaching seep into our own hearts?

Just a thought I have been mulling over when I think about God’s community & what a Biblical worldview holds in this area of life.

2011-05-09T22:48:00.001-07:00

all kids can help...`

2011-04-10T15:42:00.000-07:00

Chores are teaching out kids amazing character traits...
Patience
Hard work
perseverance to finish
love for each other to help our family
leadership to teach younger ones
I love it .. this video is just perfect to show how far we have come......
All kids can help with something and they are such a blessing to my home as they help us keep our home running smoothly!
I never thought that Aaron would just start doing chores on his own, but its amazing how he helps with no training!!! A wonderful surprise!

Ten Days of Biblical Parenting Giveaways

2011-03-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

Ten Days of Biblical Parenting Giveaways

2011-03-13T22:00:00.001-07:00

Quiet moments with sweet boys! lovin it

2011-02-10T09:54:00.000-08:00

Eli's 3rd birthday amazing how time flies

2011-01-19T13:50:00.001-08:00

Kids love to help!

2011-01-12T14:57:00.000-08:00

My boys and I were working on our ice in our backyard today and it was HARD WORK! Just as I thought I would call it quits and let Craig finish it, 4 neighbor kids under 7 showed up and wanted to work. Well good thing I had just the job for them. MAN did they WORK HARD! And then another kid showed up. 20 minutes later they had the whole thing done, clean and sweeped. I encouraged them to no end! They asked me a couple times if they were working hard and I said YES! OH man did I thank them for their work. What a blessing they were to me!! Its strange that children would come out of nowhere to shovel my yard. But it reminds me of a couple things:

1. Kids love to help
2. Kids love to be busy
3. Kids love to have an adult that will love on them and encourage them
4. Kids NEED to have adults watching over them and teaching them
5. Kids will go where ever and with whomever they feel loved by. (me, drugs, gangs, boyfriends, girlfriends)
6. I am so glad I am home for the neighborhood kids to come to my home for me to LOVE!

2011-01-05T13:51:00.001-08:00

Here's our recap so far of 2010 HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-12-30T16:00:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year

2010-12-30T15:30:00.001-08:00

2010-12-30T14:49:00.000-08:00

2010-12-30T14:30:00.000-08:00

2010-12-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

2010-12-30T10:00:00.001-08:00

2010-12-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

Homeschooling....

2010-12-15T19:52:00.000-08:00

Came across this blog and loved on the right side how they explain their journey to decide to homeschool.
Check it out it is encouraging!

http://familygregg.blogspot.com/

Buzz Lightyear to the rescue

2010-11-05T18:23:00.001-07:00

Craig made the boys buzz lightyear wings!!! They were so excited..... Aaron was not so excited!!

BBB

2010-11-02T20:19:00.000-07:00

Just went shoppin at Bashas for garbage bags, decided not to get them, so thought I would get bananas with the coupon from customer service!!!
THEN OH NO WHAT DO I SEE BANANAS in bags in the back of the store 4 lbs for 99 cents!!! WHAT put back my other bananas that weren't green.

GOT 12 POUNDS of BANANAS for FREE!!!! AHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAH Still a little excited!!!! I left 6 bags there so go get them if you are in Payson by the cooler in the back of the store!!!!

Then went to Safeway to get the free biscuits 6 packs- 60 biscuits!!! FREE AND I got a 3 dollar catalina for next time!! Also got 2 packs of batteries 3 dollars off each BUT when I went to check out my total was too low for the in store coupon at Safeway, CRAZY I had to go back and get more food to get to 10 bucks!!!!

So all in all 12 lbs bananas, 6 rolls of biscuits FREE and 3 bucks for next time HOOOOOORAAAYYY!!!

Also forgot to tell you that I was asked to bring rolls to Thanksgiving and I thought hmmmm how will I get them for free or cheap, I even told my cousin today tell me early what I am bringing so I can find a good deal how about 60 biscuits for free!!!!!! (can you hear my excitement!!)

Share some of your stories!!!

Loving life at home...

2010-10-13T10:20:00.000-07:00

The questions from kids this little are amazing…

What is sin? What a moment to explain the them death and then life in Christ

Why did Jesus die?

How do tree’s grow?

Reading a book and kids are bullying…..” They aren’t being kind and tendered hearted, I would let the kids play with me”

What is a false idol?

What could Daniel do? Interpret dreams

Sometimes I’m selfish and only think about myself God says to have no other gods before me, so its sin

Jacob and Eli playing in the dirt the best of buds

Jacob and Eli sliding down tube slides and laughing as they build the tightest of brother bonds. PRICELESS

Then this question out of the blue….

When will I go to school…..ummmmmm

My answer is what is BEST is for kids to be home with us so that we are the ones answering their questions. They don’t understand why they are staying home but We have made this decision for them because it is the best place to be discipled to love God and to teach them to love Him first…. If they weren’t home with me these questions would be lost in a sea of kids and the world at a public school. So excited and so thankful to be with them it is hard at times but amazing as well..wish I could remember all the questions they ask the list is endless and wonderful.. and some day we will let them go when they are saved, and ready to face the world with Christ dwelling in their hearts to take over and guide them!! Our job to some degree will be done.

Anyone else out there that homeschools, how do you answer this question over the years?

Not really looking for arguments for public school…

Show me your Happy HEART!

2010-09-29T14:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Heart?

As Craig and I are growing in the Word. A thought has crossed my mind and then talking to a couple people the answer seems much clearer now!!

For a long time when we train our little ones we say “Show me your HAPPY HEART!” When we want to see them obeying “with a happy heart” or they have a pouty look on their faces... we say “show me your happy heart” they SMILE real big and we say good job!! It is great that they are complying but we think there is a better method now...

Well thinking through this more with lots of other mixed up thoughts that fly in and out of my brain throughout the day!!!!! I have been thinking a lot about something our discipleship counselor has taught us regarding our kids... He has asked us are we trying to make our kids sinless? Is our goal as we train them that they would sin no more? Well this really made me think because as their little minds and bodies continue at times to do the same stuff day in and day out that is sin... what is our goal... to get them to stop doing it, to just stop SINNING!!!! I have come to understand more clearly today and hopefully each day that NO my goal is not to have them stop sinning it is to teach them a few things:

God's will for us is that we be TRANSFORMED, HOW? By the renewing of our minds its that simple.......His desire is not that our children would stop sinning or look like a good Christian...to be fake on the outside with a happy heart, but that they would be transformed from the inside out. A transformed life because of HIM!!!

God loves them
And in return we LOVE him because He loved us
We obey God out of Love, out of reverence, awe for what He did in sending his son to die for us.
They obey Mommy and Daddy out of FEAR? No out of Love because they love us and desire to please us with their behavior, that hopefully will transfer to God some day.

What does this look like with a little one? Here's how it goes at my house.....

Jacob you sinned when you...........You need to confess that to God (teaching them to see their sin and turn from it)

“Sorry God I disobeyed you when I …....... (confession)

Jacob lets thank God that he has forgiven you.....

“God thank you that you died on the cross for me, thank you that you forgive me.........

Then walking in victory not defeat not shame, guilt or fear!!!! Teach them they are alive in Christ and no longer under the condemnation of SIN and DEATH!

The reason for this is to show him that he is not perfect and he needs JESUS to show him that the law brings death and he can never be right according to the law....but Jesus brings forgiveness and LIFE!!

Back to the original idea about a happy heart!! I believe that when I was telling my kids to have a happy heart its fonney, fake, Also I was teaching them to try to fix their sin in the flesh. Instead of pointing them back to Christ. I was teaching them to put on a happy face and not actually deal with the situation. So all that said now I will be teaching my children to have joy, whether they like the situation or the request they can choose to obey and have joy and also to be content with the situation. Super exciting for me when God shows me something I have been doing that was slightly off base.

Hope that was kinda clear... writing is not my gifting, talking instead HAHAHHA

Let me know your ideas and if you have more questions would be happy to talk!

more birthday pics

2010-09-12T21:17:00.000-07:00

Craig taking down Uncle Eric!! Suckerrrrrr
Craig and Jacob playing football
Eli's birthday well wishes for Aaron
The birthday boy!

Birthday PARTY!!

2010-09-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

The brothers enjoying the cake!
The bee hive cake!!! Thanks Aunty Tera for helping make it
Lots of playtime in the grass
Birthday boy and Mama!

We had a great celebration. On Aaron's birthday me and the brothers sang to him we had hats and it was great!!

Then on Saturday we have a party at the park and hours of FOOTBALL!! Gotta love boy birthdays!

Happy Birthday Aaron

2010-09-06T20:44:00.000-07:00

You are so sweet and such a little miracle... God was so good to protect us and get us so far. We were living with the Ketter's in Flagstaff waiting for you to come. We were going to live with the Cutlips out of town but Craig thought that was too far away. Good thing, because an hour after Craig left for Payson from visiting for the weekend, I told my mom I didn't feel good and then at the Ketter's I started bleeding out.. We rushed the the hospital. I called Craig and told him to come back because I was bleeding. 20 minutes later Aaron was born healthy and BIG. Sara was so sweek to stay with me during the c-section since Craig couldn't make it. The recovery was long since i lost a lot of blood during the delivery, and Aaron spent 8 days in the NICU. BUT now he is CRAZY, HEALTHY, and tons of FUN
We love you so much and could never imagine life without you!!
Here is the rest of the story!
http://onlythewilsons.blogspot.com/2010/08/moment-by-moment.html
http://onlythewilsons.blogspot.com/2010/09/t-1-week.html
http://onlythewilsons.blogspot.com/2010/09/t-1-day-to-go.html

Aaron David Wilson
7 lbs. 7 oz
19 inches long
born at 36 weeks!

And here you are NOW!!
Happy BIRTHDAY!!!

T-1 day to go !!

2010-09-06T20:37:00.001-07:00

Here are the boys before the big moment at the county fair and taking nice naps!

This weekend we were in Flagstaff passing the time while Craig had to work a ton. We went to the Flagstaff county Fair with the Cutlips. The memories roll on as I remember giving the boys to my mom for the day so that Craig and I could rest together one last time before Aaron was to be born in 5 days. My mom took the boys to the fair and we ended up going down a very bumpy road with the Ketter's to kinda hike and have lunch. I didn't move around very much that day.. wasn't feeling good.. Who know that Aaron would be born a few hours later.. Here is the last picture we have before he has born. and here is a link to the belly pics we had taken the day before he was born....

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?pid=2953873&fbid=134912880754&op=2&o=global&view=global&subj=1410537213&id=82108055754

and here is the pic out in the forest in Flag about 2 hours before Aaron was born!!

T- 1 week

2010-09-01T15:27:00.000-07:00

Still weird that I keep thinking back to this week before Aaron was born. This week I packed up ALL of us minus Craig and said goodbye.. We loved in the with Ketter family in Flagstaff and added to their family of 6, 3 more. They were so sweet to not only let us move in for 2 weeks but they also gave us their bedroom so that I wouldn't have to climb up the stairs.

My Aunt came to Flagstaff to help take care of us, my Mom was there also to help. The amnio was scheduled and all I could think was how I couldn't bare the thought of having a huge needle put in my belly! I tend to be a worryer and times like this always remind me that God is in control and worry is sin! God tells us specifically not to worry... I worry and regularly need to confess it! So we wait, took the kids the the aquaplex, didn't dare get in the water for fear I wouldn't be able to get out! Plans were in place Craig would come back for the weekend then back for the amnio then on Sept 11 in the morning we would have our baby boy by c-section! Family was arranged to take care of the kids, transportation back to Payson for all of us.. Its wierd how much planning had to go into it because I knew I wouldn't be able to drive home.....so many details that I worried about, and didn't need to.

More to come later!

Crackers!

2010-09-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

I am so stingy that I hate to buy crackers at the store for my kids.. last year pre Aaron I was baking and really want to get back into it. So today was a success.

I motivated mom + 2 helpful boys -one sleeping baby= tons of homemade crackers

We made plain, lightly salted, onion/cheese.., and garlic/parmesan for Craig

Kids loved it.

Moment by Moment

2010-08-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

For some reason as the weeks coming up to Aaron's first Birthday approach I find myself remembering everything I did those few weeks prior not sure why. I didn't do this with the other boys... I guess its just because every day we prayed he wouldn't come too early and not before we moved to Flagstaff to have the care we would need. So here goes my memories!

Went swimming at a local hotel in town. I remember doing this same thing last year with a high schooler I know here in Town.. Hi Rachel! I thought it was so great to swim but THEN I had to get out of the water and I swear I gained 5 pounds with each step! T-minus 3 weeks 2 day to go

Just went to the annual Payson Rodeo. Last year my Mom had to drop me off at the front gates because there was no way I would be able to walk from the parking lot....then after the show I stood waiting forever in the parking lot for her to pick me up and I thought my legs would give out Now I remember climbing the stadium and people staring at me maybe they thought I was going to fall or burst not sure which....T-minus 3 weeks 1 day to go

More scappin pages

2010-08-17T21:52:00.001-07:00

Few new scrappin pages

2010-08-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

I have so much to catch up on including a book for the Cutlip clan..... man if I could get more organized it would all be done... some day

miles of laughs!!!

2010-08-02T10:22:00.000-07:00

We borrowed this toy from our friend Erin for Aaron!! HAHAH but Eli loved it. We should have known it he is ball crazy. He was laughing and SCREAMING SO HARD he was covered in sweat... which we think is big man syndrome! It was crazy for like 20 minutes! Hope this video does the time justice....

Love our Eli he reminded me of the fly ball dogs if you have ever seen that sport!

Payson may be small but Summer is the best time!!

2010-07-11T21:36:00.000-07:00

We have so many fun hikes and great water attractions. Please come visit and we will show you around!! check out some of our outtings

updating pics on Shutterfly

2010-07-11T21:14:00.000-07:00

check out our shutterfly account.

http://wilsons4.site.shutterfly.com

Happy Birthday Jacob!!

2010-07-11T20:58:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow my Jacob turns 4!!!
Man what have I been doing for 4 years.. seems like was just the other day he was my only son to hang with all day. NOW I cherish those days when it was just Jacob and me. Playing and so much awesome quality time with him. Wish I had that with each of them. But times have changed!!! What a blessing that we have 3 amazing boys.

Thanks to everyone that came to our party yesterday!! It was great fun. Thank God the weather held up. I hear its pretty bad in Flagstaff today!

Stopped dead in my tracks

2010-07-07T20:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday while dumpster diving for coupons with Jacob and Eli. I heard Eli screaming in the car. Jacob said he punched him because he wasn't listening to him. Will I was a bit upset and told him to get out of his seat while I regrouped to deal with the incident. When I returned to the car he said I prayed to God and told him I was sorry for hitting Eli. I was so surprised. And shocked that I didn't know what to say, do I still discipline or not. I felt like I shouldn't so I told him it was good that he prayed and to tell Eli he was sorry. Not sure if he really did pray or if he said it to get out of my discipline. But there was no way for him to know that if he prayed I may not discipline because it had never happened before... But after the fact as I thought on it. Hoping he truly was showing a repentant, confessing heart I am so excited for him. I do not want to be teaching him to obey me but to ultimately confess to God when he sins. To turn from his sin to God. My teaching/example is working on whatever level he can understand and I am super excited... So thought I would share this with you all.
Love
Bree

organizing coupon inserts

2010-06-30T21:55:00.001-07:00

Just heard about this and and I think its a great idea so that I am not flipping trying to find the same coupon in different books.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrLcbwBKNP0

organizing coupon inserts

2010-06-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

Just heard about this and and I think its a great idea so that I am not flipping trying to find the same coupon in different books.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrLcbwBKNP0

back to scrappin

2010-06-27T21:59:00.001-07:00

Our laptop is finally back in working order, so much to catch up on.

more deals

2010-06-24T15:01:00.001-07:00

my husband ran this one and had no problems at Target
got 4 schicks big MM and free
pinesol
beer
shave gel free

total 6 bucks
had to use beer for the overage from the razors

Walgreens
5 deodorants
5 body washes
25 bucks got 20 something in rewards

Safeway
spent 8 bucks after using 68 bucks in RR about don't know where my receipt is!!!!

deal at Safeway yesterday

2010-06-24T14:57:00.001-07:00

Total bill 40 bucks at Safeway
spent 7 and got 3 bucks back in Catalina's for next visit!!
Craig did Target for samples they were free with overage for diapers!!

Questions about coupons!

2010-06-24T14:44:00.001-07:00

Ok finally have time to get this info out that many have been asking for. Where am I going to get the coupon deals....Thanks to Chrissy for sharing the sites with me. Now I am off and rolling.

I use the method where you keep all the inserts by date in file folders... i do not clip coupons ahead of time. I also try to get extra copies of the paper from others recycle bins and Craig has hook-ups at the stores to get them too! The more copies of one coupon you have the more stuff you can stock up on!

Here they are:
This one gives you a list of arizona grocery stores and their deals for the week. Usually has ALL the deals but not all the coupon options. But if you wanna know where the deals are by store it is a great place to look. If you click on Start and then the big red star on the left and then on shrink you can see only the red star deals which are the best
http://networkedblogs.com/408ij

But then these sites have used the one above to make a concise version of where the great deals are especially the free deals. The goal is to start getting all your staples for free!!!!

Great site!!
http://www.centsableshoppin.com/

This site is currently giving daily instructions on how to start couponing to get stuff for free or almost free!!
http://arizonasavings.blogspot.com/

This lady is amazing at getting everything for free. Her site is a little hard to read but after sometime she is a pro.
http://thekrazycouponlady.com/

here is another coupon adventure

2010-06-15T21:19:00.001-07:00

Ok so found all these drinks on clearance at Walgreens and Craig had coupons for all of them so got all of these drinks for under a buck total!!

Walgreens bought 4 chapsticks with a coupon spent 3.50 and got a 10 dollar reward I can use at Safeway going back tomorrow for more
don't have a picture

Keep forgetting to post my coupon adventures

2010-06-15T21:12:00.000-07:00

Here is my first oneSpend 2.50 at Safeway

Then 84 CENTS on 75 powerades at Bashas not too bad!!!

COUPONS!!! COUPONS!!!!

2010-05-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

I have gone crazy!!! COUPON CRAZY!! I never thought I would do it... but I LOVE IT my first trip to the store I saved 8 bucks in coupons... 40 bucks in store sales AND to top it off I got a 1o dollar off coupon for my next shopping trip!!! HIPPP HIPPP HORRAY!!! I am sold ...this week. I found 2 5 dollar off coupons for our dog food that is super expensive!!! I love it... thanks to Chrissy and Robin for teaching me how to do it!!!!

Found cool preschool site

2010-05-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

Today where you can print pages for activities for kids.... pretty fun! Oh and for those of us who don't have cable you can also watch some of the shows online. We have been watching some Dora and Diego and they are really nice educational shows....
http://www.nickjr.com/printables/wonderpets-seashell-pack.jhtml

Snack bag/pouch

2010-05-21T20:28:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine had her mom make these and I love them... so I asked my mom to make me some too. They are awesome. For those out there that are environmentally conscience... they would save the planet by sending less plastic bags to the landfill. For those of us who are cheap you don't have to buy zip lock bags anymore to put a few snacks in for the road and then throw it away. I kinda like that they are a little big because we like to take fruit on the road. I also like them because lunch boxes are hard to carry, too big fall out of their laps and don't fit in a diaper bag. My mom made them a little big bigger then what I was expecting but they could be sized down. The fabric on the outside could be anything or just a plain color. They are plastic on the inside, and machine washable. The velcro is nice to so little fingers can open them easily....
What do you think?
Could we sell them?
10 bucks each?
Let me know your ideas.....

Sorrow and Joy on Mother's Day

2010-05-07T12:43:00.000-07:00

My Friend Renee posted this of Facebook and thought it was a great reminder and we celebrate Mother's Day and remember those who have lost a child.....

Wow I know fb has been filled with a lot of our suffering. You can ignore or hide me if it is too much... we are not sulking I promise! However, this is our life...lots of joy and LOTS of PAIN!! But I am really finding some peace in sharing with people what is really happening in the Bergmen home of joy and pain... sometimes the pain overtaking and sometimes the joy overflowing! Mother's day. I have unfortunately hated mothers day since our first miscarriage back in 2003. It has marked this day of a dream I could not have. And now this year I am suppose to be celebrating because my son...my amazing son Keane is here. And I am, I am sooo beyond thankful that the Lord has filled our home with the da da da da and clapping and screaming of a baby. It is amazing and exhausting!! I am so privileged to have been chosen to be Keane's mom. But with Mother's day comes the sting of the little blonde beauty that is not here with us and frankly the three others we didn't get the chance to bond with like Titus. Our third baby was Thomas but we don't even know the sex of our first two. It feels so painful to know that my house would and should be filled with five babies screaming and fighting and loving and snuggling with us, but because of an ugly fallen world they are not. I was sent a link to Molly Piper's blog today and she has an old post with words that describe Mother's day so well for the mom who has lost a child, "For some of you who read here, Mother’s Day is part-celebration and part-torture. There’s sweetness in the faces of the husband and children who are here. But just about a millimeter away from those joys, a deep and bitter pain resides." A deep bitter pain resides that has been so deep I have not even been able to fully explain it in any post or blog, but it is a part of me. I am taking this pain and drinking it in and asking the Lord to use it for something for His glory.

This friend that sent the blog also sent am amazing link to another post that Molly Piper did on how to love your grieving friends: http://mollypiper.com/2010/05/brokenhearted-love-give-it-live-it/
It is a perfect explanation on how to love your grieving friend. And this friend did it. She told me how she cries when she hears blessed be your name, and is sad that she isn't calling me to ask about her daughters next stage in life because Titus has already been through it and that it is so hard that Titus and her daughter Azzi will never play together. I needed this so much. You feel so alone in grief. I know people love us and love our son, but it is so good to hear it. To have someone feel it with you on a deep intimate level. I don't need people to hold it together when they talk to me about the death of my son. I am not afraid to fall apart at any moment, which by the way I usually am. And at the same time, I am ok too, I am trusting the Lord in all of this. Being on the verge at any moment does not mean I am loosing my faith...I am so thankful the Lord has given me that peace.

So Mother's day...thank you Lord for my child that is here but heal my broken unsettled heart over the ones that are not. I am not sure how to celebrate that day, but I know it will have tears and sorrow along side the joy. I hate holidays for this reason right now...I feel like they will forever be tainted! I want my children here to experience joy with me but I know that they also will experience a chunk of me that is with my other children who are not here. I want to celebrate them both... and yet to do that feels like the living suffer. That SUCKS!!! And is beautiful all at the same time...thanks for letting me vent and for reading if you got this far:)
on the broken road of joy and pain
Renee'

New blog I found

2010-05-03T21:31:00.000-07:00

For those of you who like to hear about what other mom's are up to. I just came across this blog and really enjoyed it. I can't believe how detailed this mom has journaled her life with her kids but I loved reading it check it out.
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/blessed2bamommy/Five+in+a+Row/

If you go under question and answer I love the idea for what to do with your kids when you have pop in visitors. This happens at our house all the time, and I love her idea definetly going to try it out with my kiddos.
Leanna you will like this I think it would be great in Turkey

Welcome to the MMS Blog Train!!

2010-03-31T12:37:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be a part of the train. I have been using MMS for 2 months. I love it!!! No more Guilty Mom Syndrome for me! I am keeping up with current events with my family AND going back to catch up on the last 3 years of our lives. So far in 2 months I have made a memorial book for friend, a baby announcement, a "Money Jar" letter ( see link on right) AND scrapbooked my own stuff too!! My favorite time to scrap is when we are driving in the car for long trips! My husband is driving, the kids are happy and I am scrappin as the sites go by, its awesome. One of my favorite features since we are on a really tight budget is that I can use the elements that came with the software and use elements from free sites. The software is so user friendly too. I don't have time to figure out a complicated software. If I can do it anyone can. I have 3 kids under 3!!!! I feel so good knowing I am capturing our lives so that we can remember our crazy days later!!! Join us!!

We are a family of 5 so our number to take with you on the train is 5

The next stop on the train is:
Brooke

http://www.facebook.com/l/eae5c;lovingthefreelife.blogspot.com/

Enjoy the ride!!!
Bree
ps see some of my pages below!

Eli's First Birthday

2010-03-30T20:23:00.001-07:00

More of my boys

2010-03-30T20:22:00.001-07:00

My boys in the snow!

2010-03-30T20:12:00.001-07:00

Digital Scrapin

2010-03-22T08:43:00.001-07:00

Workin on a cute page of Eli. Love it. He was cute when he was little with his big fat rolls..... I am really getting into the digital software.....I will have to try to remember to post pages I get done. This one is still in process I just thought it was really cute.

You gotta bookmark this site

2010-03-06T13:44:00.000-08:00

Making Sense on Saving Cents:
I just found out that because I am a B of A customer we can get free ticket to zoo or art museum.

So cool!!!
http://senseoncents.blogspot.com/2010/02/artscow-free-photo-book.html

The nose does not lie

2010-03-03T20:13:00.000-08:00

I am so ultra sensitive to all smells. Good and bad. A friend gave me this link and I am still dying laughing.....No joke old spice is the best smell out there... this is coming from me, a true blood hound.(one more thing no matter how dirty and smelly a hubby is they always smell good with this stuff)

http://www.youtube.com/v/owGykVbfgUE&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1

New haircuts

2010-03-02T20:35:00.001-08:00

Before After

I have no idea how to put multiple pictures going down a row so if someone can help me please me me know how!!!

Need to post pictures

2010-03-02T18:48:00.000-08:00

These pics are from the yard sale for our MONEY JAR

Hoping to post some updated pictures on shutterfly tonight. Don't really know what we have been up to. Just doing life and it is plenty. We are hosting a fellowship/study in our home on Thursday which is tons of fun and such a blessing. Also try to get Mom's together for a play group on Wednesdays!!! Anyone interested in coming (must be in Payson hahah) let me know. Aaron is doing great!!!! So fun almost 6 months old and somewhere around 18 lbs 11oz.... another big boy surprise surprise!!! Jacob is such a blessing, love to be with him and he is learning so much. He is starting to feed Aaron a little cereal here and there and pushing ahead learning to read. Eli, oh our beloved Eli most of you know we are working so hard to train him up right!!! A little progress some days other days very bad. I want to post my latest training method....hmmm not sure if to many people would agree sooo maybe I will keep it to myself but it seems to be working!!! And thats what matters right!!!! The big boys had there first real haircuts yesterday and it was tons of fun!!!! Hope all is well with all of you!!!
Wilsons

Free Stuff

2010-02-26T12:36:00.001-08:00

You gotta check out this site, right now you can get free photo books and 1,000's of free photos.... look below at my previous posts

Regarding good behavior with treats

2010-02-23T20:08:00.001-08:00

So I am just finishing the Dugger's book and loved it!!!! BUT I did notice that there are alot of times that the children are told ahead of time that good behavior will lead to a treat afterwards.....
Tons of questions pop up and thought I would ask for some input....
1. I desire for my children to obey out of respect
2. I desire for my children to obey because they trust me that I am teaching them to have Godly character traits some day
3. I feel a like funny like it would be a bribe for good behavior and then they would be looking for a treat every time I ask for obedience. I do praise them tons for a willing heart that is obeying....
4. Maybe it is ok because God promises us rewards for our obedience....BUT I don't think we only obey knowing that a reward from God is coming...and I don't want them to obey soley for the treat which I am pretty sure Jacob would do.
5. Also as it stands now Jacob will obey out of love and respect for us.... Eli different story.....

Please share your insights......
Always thinking....

Update on Aaron

2010-02-21T14:48:00.000-08:00

His skin issues seem to be clearing up!!! Hair is growing in and he looks super cute. The sleep issues at night seem to be gone and we are down to one or two feeds at night again. Thanks for all the suggestions. Oh and I decided not to start feeding him anything!

FREE STUFF

2010-02-17T12:38:00.000-08:00

http://senseoncents.blogspot.com/

So cool check out this site!!!!

Happy kids vs. Christ minded kids

2010-02-17T12:25:00.000-08:00

http://itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com/2010/02/i-dont-want-my-children-to-be-happy.html

sorry can't get it to link you will have to copy it in....

Love this letter from Sara!!! Thanks for sharing!!

Totally encouraging and explains so well what we are all working so hard at with our children.

HELP with Aaron

2010-02-16T06:23:00.000-08:00

I am at a loss. This little one has me so stumped. He is still taking one hour naps during the day. Two weeks ago he was sleeping 9-10 hours at night without a feed and now he is doing every 3 hours at night. Any suggestions out there?? Considering trying some baby cereal???

The Dugger's

2010-02-15T15:34:00.000-08:00

I am currently reading 20 kids and counting. This book has been such a blessing to me!!! It has encouraged me in what I am already doing with my kids and also is giving me great ideas. I highly recommend this book to anyone. It is a pretty quick read and the stories are very entertaining!!!! Check it out! Oh, and the marriage sections and finance sections are awesome too!!!

http://store.discovery.com/detail.php?p=87157

God works even when all the odds are against you!!

2010-02-13T19:17:00.000-08:00

The garage sale was a huge Success!!!!! We sold almost everything. It started out very cold, not ideal conditions for a garage sale!! But people came and we met tons of people from our community, neighbors, other homeschooling moms, and people interested in our cause. We had tons of donations, ate lots of cookies, and had tons of chaos along the way. We had a tree come down behind our house a couple weeks ago and today was a great day for our friends the McCown's to come over to help cut it down....
It seemed that our day got crazier and crazier running between kids, garage sale, tree cutting BUT had the tree not come down and the McCown's not come over to help with that then their 2 wonderful children would not have been here today and such a blessing helping me with the kids and the garage sale. Rachel stayed in the house a lot loving on Aaron which he loved and Jesse helped man the garage sale and cookies!!!
In the end it was wonderful. A few things still to sell AND our neighbor brought us a huge TV to sell. Not only did we sell stuff but we started collecting more stuff to sell next time!!!!
Stay tuned as we pray about which organization to start our giving with this year!!!
To date God has raised $132.00!!!!!
PRAISE GOD!!!

Major Garage Sale!!!

2010-02-11T13:01:00.000-08:00

To benefit the call on our hearts to feed the poor.
When: This Saturday starting at 8am
Where: 1103 N. Gila Dr, Payson
SOME OF THE ITEMS ARE , VACUUM, TV, NEW HOME HUMIDIFIER SYSTEM, NICE WOMAN'S CLOTHES, CHILDREN'S CLOTHES, SILVER SERVING PITCHER, NICE TOYS

Got any stuff to donate come by Friday or Saturday with your "junk" and we will sell it and add the money to our "money jar" To date we have $5.70.
Questions:
call 928-474-2652

TELL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS!! HELP US SELL STUFF to FEED THE POOR

JACOB AND ELI WILL BE SELLING COOKIES!!! THEY ARE SO EXCITED!

Update on Aaron's Doctor visits

2010-02-10T19:27:00.000-08:00

Thank you for all the well wishes, prayers and concern for our little Aaron. Some good news and not so good.
His hernia surgery was not a success. The surgeon said that he still has fluid and inflammation in the groin. He wants to wait 6 months and look at it again with possibly another surgery. Such a bummer. We thought the hospital days where over for us with him, but we are so thankful its not something more serious. He isn't in any pain which is great and is fun and cheery despite the issues.

Also saw the dermatologist for his skin issues on his head. Crazy news it is only a severe case of cradle cap. So instead of an infection and fungus, just normal baby stuff.....
BUT then the doctor called again and said the culture showed mucor (a mold, fungus that lives on fruit and vegetable, and in soil it is air born.) She said as long as his immune system isn't compromised then he should be fine and it is probably just living in the dead skin on his head. So of course I researched it on the web and got totally freaked out!!!! Mucor when inside a human body eats your organs and will kill you........so a little more then freaked out I would say..The doctor has been wonderful with us and it very much on board with herbal treatments. Talked to her today she said no worries that the mucor is in his body since he is healthy. We are currently doing every other day with olive oil baths to keep him moisturized and then dandruff shampoo. Hopefully that will be it....to clear it up. He wasn't too keen on an oil bath today and was so slippery it was hard to keep ahold of him.!

Simplicity, Love, Generosity

2010-02-03T02:35:00.000-08:00

We are so excited here at our house to see all the ways God is going to be teaching us about caring for the poor this year.... stay tuned as we update our progress.

To date we have @2.70 in our money jar!!!

My mom is moving stuff on craigslist

2010-02-01T08:41:00.000-08:00

My Mom is moving and needs to down size ASAP..... She has really nice stuff, take a look.

http://flagstaff.craigslist.org/fuo/1580683985.html

http://flagstaff.craigslist.org/fuo/1573755988.html

http://flagstaff.craigslist.org/fuo/1580688325.html

Second try funny kids videos tomakeyou laugh

2010-01-27T09:25:00.001-08:00

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/5691056/14913339

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/6065405/15761667

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/6496678/16845836

Wilson Pictures

2010-01-25T19:46:00.001-08:00

I don't keep our pics here because I already had a shutterfly account. So check it out at
http://wilsons4.shutterfly.com/

Learning to digital scrapbook

2010-01-25T08:47:00.001-08:00

So excited, finally picked a program and all fired up to get going...

Formula for babies in Haiti

2010-01-19T19:53:00.001-08:00

A friend of mine from Payson has coordinated formula to get to Haiti this week. Check it out.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=255555347034&ref=mf

Macaroni and Cheese

2010-01-15T17:21:00.000-08:00

Made a yummy mac and cheese recipe from High 5 magazine!!! Turned out good. Anyone interested? Let me know and I will post it!!

Selling something

2010-01-14T09:14:00.000-08:00

Selling a Garmin Nuvi 2,05w GPS system. Won it at a work party. Anyone interested?

Updated our pictures on Shutterfly

2010-01-06T19:41:00.000-08:00

Check it out
http://wilsons4.shutterfly.com/

Nice plastic bags

2010-01-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

Craig is always looking for great deals at the grocery stores every day and found quart and gallon freezer bags that have the blue zipper at Walmart for cheap (he said). Not sure how much they were but I love them. Super thick and my kids can get it opened and closed without dumping whatever is in them.

Our Trials Encourage others Later

2010-01-04T17:23:00.000-08:00

I am not gifted with writing, but I hope I can communicate how awesome God has been in teaching me some things lately.

So many things in my life right now are teaching me that trials in a believers life are ALWAYS for God's glory and used sometime later to encourage others who are going through what you went through previously.
James 1
Romans 5

We have some dear friends who are experiencing loosing a child soon.
I see God being glorified as our friendship grows so much stronger and God honoring as we lift each other up in this time. I love you Jenn and treasure our friendship and time together so dearly. Your precious child's life is already being used to glorify God and he/she hasn't even arrived yet! AMAZING

Our ongoing struggles with Aaron's health issues and personality.
Even though we are in the midst of what feels like a trial with our child, God is using it to encourage other parents who are dealing with a child who is struggling with sleep issues. I never thought that our trials with Aaron would be for God's glory but it is. It is so encouraging to know that we are going through this to be able to share in someone else trials later.

Also we are seeing God use a family's adoption story to encourage another family who just started the journey.

The stories seem to be endless. I hope as I enter into new trials that I will remember and be excited for who God will touch through the experiences some day.

check out this free stuff

2010-01-04T08:14:00.000-08:00

Here are the sites for Flagstaff and Payson, but I am not sure what other areas have it.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Flagstaff-Freecycle/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Paysonfreecycle/

Family

2010-01-01T18:57:00.000-08:00

Sweet day today with my Grandma...crazy to think that she has gotten to see me have my 3 sons. She is 89 this year and just as feisty as ever. I will post a picture when I have a second. AND it is such a blessing to see the surprise on peoples faces when our children are well behaved... Not always the case but today was one of those days when all was well. The training does work. It is hard but so rewarding in the end.

What to do on a cold day?

2009-12-31T10:00:00.000-08:00

set up a big tent in the house. The boys love to play in it and sleep in it for naps!!

New Toys old Toys

2009-12-31T08:00:00.000-08:00

Who knew that a firetruck we have had for 3 years became new today with a fresh set of batteries!!!

God showed us the power of submitting today

2009-12-30T18:44:00.000-08:00

A miracle has happened twice in our home today. The fight has been on to get Aaron to sleep for 3 1/2 months every nap every bedtime same story. Today my kids and I laid hands on Aaron and prayed he would sleep, no crying and get the rest he needs. I warned the kids that it would be hard day.

First nap no crying 3 hours later he is up happy, second nap asleep no crying. Truly is the hand of God upon Aaron for those of you who know him he is a tough little guy.......

Bedtime happened at 7:15 today never before. Again prayed he would sleep laid hands on him... peace finally an evening without Aaron...much needed.