Wordfilled Wednesday

One of the things I love most about the Bible is how alive it is!  I can read a verse any number of times and it sort of just goes in one ear and out the other... and then, suddenly, I read it again a new day, and it is as if it is a brand new verse.  This happened to me yesterday, as I was reading in Ephesians.  I was in Chapter 2, which starts out with some very sad and humbling proclamations:

"And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.  Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest." (Ephesians 2:1-3)

I stopped and gave a lot of thought to this, how my life used to be, how I used to think and act and believe... and I couldn't deny the truth in these verses!  It was very sobering to sit and ponder over.  But then!  The book isn't over yet...!

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together in Christ (!!!) (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:4-7, exclamation points mine!)

To me, these verses are a crescendo of excitement!  The suspense begins with the "But God..." and the anticipation builds, culminating in amazement, awe, humility and thankfulness as His mercies and grace are revealed!  What a glorious, wonderful God He is, what a gift He has given us through His son Jesus! 

To be dead - dead! Lost in sin, sons of wrath!  And for God to love us... even when we were dead!!!, to bring us to life again, through the very death and resurrection of His own son!  It is nothing but amazing.  Nothing but worship-inspiring.  Nothing but everything that is ever important to all of existence.

5 Months!

On Saturday, Rachel celebrated being 5 months old!

Don't you love her "R" shirt?  Courtesy of our sweet friend, Callie!

Rachel wins the award for being, by far, the easiest baby on the planet.  OK, perhaps not on the planet, but definitely of the Robinson household.  She is very easy going and content, and a great sleeper!  She's a bit on the independent side and loves to spend her time on the floor while her brothers play next to her.  She's quite healthy - close to 16 pounds and covered with rolls.  Here's proof!

Those are definitely some cankles!  Good thing they're cute on babies!

She's learned very quickly how to roll in whatever direction to get what she wants (which, of course, goes straight into her mouth!), and is starting to learn how to sit up.  She's got the strength to, it's the balance she's got to perfect - I know it will happen soon! She loves to blow raspberries and laughs like crazy when tickled. Her brothers and daddy dote on her (OK, I admit, I do, too!  How could I not?!) and she is certainly not lacking in love.  What a blessing!

One thing I love to do as each child grows is to figure out if they look like any of their siblings at the same age... and here's what I came across:

Miss Rachel

Nate the Great!

Uncanny, isn't it?  I'm really excited to see what she'll look like as she grows!  But all this growing really is happening way too fast for me.  I think partially because she's such an easy baby, and partially because I have 5 others clamoring for my attention, her babyhood is really going by in a flash! It's a little bittersweet.  With each child I become increasingly aware of how fast they grow and how truly short my time is with each of them.  I am so thankful for each of these wonderful blessings God has entrusted me with!

Treasures of June

From Books and Bairns:

• Dear Sister
• A Great Many Things

Learn to Love the Child you Don't Like at The Homeschool Post

The Pitfall of Perfectionism at The Gospel Coalition

Summer Activity Jars and Grab Bags {Free Printables} at The Crafting Chicks

From Raising Homemakers:

• The Thing We Cannot Give and What We Can 
• Striving for Excellence

Moms, Do You Take Your Own Advice? at Bring Birth Home

What You Don't Know About Your Cervix can Ruin Your Birth at Birthologie

I Can't Do This Homeschooling Life at Preschoolers and Peace

Not So Quiet Time for Moms at Confessions of a Homeschooler

Words of Wisdom (?) Whether Running or Breastfeeding at Dr. Jen 4 Kids

From Heart of the Matter Online:

• How I Got Over Myself
• The Mistakes I Have Made

Raising Sons: Shaping Their Masculine Identity at The Male Domain

From At the Well:

• Be Patient
• Am I a Working Mother?
• Give Them What They Really Need

From Raising Arrows:

• Weekends in the Word - Submit & Worship
• Weekends in the Word - Enlightenment

6 Points I Would Have to Believe Before Resuming Vaccinations at Life on the Franco Farm

Why My Husband Deserves Father's Day at Amber Dusick

Dear Mr. Atheist, Please Know That All Christian Homeschoolers aren't Alike at thatmom.com

Wifey Wednesday - In Need of Conversation at ...to Love, Honor, and Vacuum

Motherhood as a Mission Field at Desiring God

The Word, Godly Counsel and Personal Discernment at Making Home

Make Your Own Wrap Carrier at Barefoot Buttercup

Perfect Mothers vs. Balanced Mothers at Inspired to Action (I believe this made it to Treasures when it was originally posted, but it's worth repeating!)

From The Feminist Breeder:

• Is Having Multiple Children "Greedy"?
• When it Comes to Breastfeeding, We Can't Handle the Truth

From God Made... Home Grown:

• Are You a Runaway? 
• Are You Forgetting Someone?

How to Spiritually Survive Morning Sickness in Pregnancy at The Modest Mom

Tips to Planning Your Homeschool Day at The Happy Housewife

Life with Littles at Life in a Shoe

But the Part About You and Me is Still Beautiful at Pursuing Titus 2

7 Quick Takes Friday - Volume 8

We've had a fun visitor to the avocado plant we've got growing on our deck... it's been there for the whole week, just hanging out!  Can you see it?  Look closely!

 Here's a close-up!

Judah has a new skill that he recently mastered, and loves to show off whenever prompted.  It is the funniest thing to watch him try to figure out how to coordinate his little fingers!

When teeth start getting this crazy, you know they're ready to pop out!

Sure enough, the very next day...

When we were picking out which seeds to plant in our container garden this year, Ezra picked Cantaloupe, which I figured was benign enough. Apparently, I was a bit mistaken... let me tell you, I am learning a few things about Cantaloupe!

First thing being, it's not the best pick for container gardening:

Second, they attract these horrendous bugs, called Tile Horned Prionus Beetles.  I'll spare you the pictures in case you are squeamish, but if you're really interested, just click the link.  I've warned you!  They're anywhere from 1-4 inches long, and basically resemble giant cockroaches with approximately mile-long antenna coming out of their heads.  In fact, it's hard to tell whether they're antennae, feathers, or huge pinchers, which adds a whole new dimension of freakishness to them. They were swarming our porch every night! Oh, and did I mention they FLY?!  Thankfully, they don't live long in their adult life stage, so they disappeared reasonably fast.  But, oooh, I get the heebie-geebies just writing about them!  (Note to all future Cantaloupe farmers - don't plant them anywhere near where people might possibly want to be, due to this strange bug attraction).

Anyway, we are at least seeing some exciting progression!

This is the biggest one, and there are a few more starting to develop!  It will be so fun to eat some homegrown Cantaloupe!  Unless I  have more surprises to come before we get to harvest time...

Two words:  Pure Heaven

Here's a little comic relief from Isaac:

Lovely, Isaac.  Thank you for that.

These pictures, to me, perfectly capture the joy and blessing of babies!  There's nothing better than cuddling up with a sleeping little one.  Not even peanut butter mixed with chocolate ice cream!

I hope your weekend is as blessed as our week has been!

Wordless Wednesday - 1 Timothy 4:12

Homeschool Assignment Sheets

I've been wracking my brain for a good way to organize all of the older kids' homeschool assignments.  I needed a way to write down their assignments for the week for each subject, which was easy enough, but I also wanted a way to document that each assignment had been completed, checked, and reviewed.  On top of that, I also have been having trouble keeping track of the other work that the kids do - work on the computer, as well as work that requires one-on-one time with me.  I felt like I was trying to juggle too many things mentally. So (with some inspiration from the planners at DonnaYoung.org), I finally came up with an assignment sheet that meets my needs!  Here's a peek!
Assignment Sheets 2011-2012

At first glance, it's pretty basic, but I wanted to explain a few things.  First, the letters and squares at the bottom of each column.  At our house, the kids do some of their work independently, then I check it, but Michael is the one who reviews it with them in the evenings.  We were having trouble keeping track of if the work had been checked and/or reviewed, and that was making things a little chaotic.  So, at the bottom of their independent work assignment squares, there are 3 check boxes:

• The first "C" is the checkbox the kids mark when they've completed the work.  
• The next "C" is the box I check when I've finished checking their work.  
• Finally, the "R" box is what Michael uses to mark that he's reviewed that assignment with the kids. 

The work that doesn't require checking or reviewing (computer work, or work that they're doing with me directly) just has one check box for "completed". It might sound complicated, but it's really not (it just takes a lot of words to explain!).

I also love having ALL of their work listed out in front of me, so I can keep better track of what's getting done each day. It definitely keeps our routine running smoothly, instead of me always wracking my brain trying to figure out who's supposed to be doing what on the computer, or which lesson I'm doing with whichever child in Spelling, and so on... you get the picture!  My brain can only handle so much overload!

Since this is an Excel spreadsheet, I can either enter in their assignments on the computer and print it out, or, I've left enough room to print it out blank and write in the assignments by hand.  I actually prefer doing it by hand and in pencil, in case adjustments need to be made!

Thankfully, I'm not in a state that requires strict documentation of each lesson and day's work, but even so, I think I will keep these on hand for "just in case"... and also to be able to look back and see where we've been and what we've accomplished over the year!

I am, admittedly, a little bit of a spreadsheet nerd.  I've always loved them!  But it really is so helpful!  Feel free to copy this for your own homeschool use, if you'd like! :-)

A Song for Saturday

The more songs I hear by Tenth Avenue North, the more I really like their music.  I posted my favorite song of theirs a while back, but this one is a close second in my book!  Enjoy and be blessed.

7 Quick Takes Friday - Volume 7

Remember that "my-baby-is-4-months-old-supermom" feeling I mentioned in an earlier Quick Takes, a few weeks ago?  Yes, laugh heartily along with me as we reminisce about all of my goals and excitement.  It didn't last very long.  Go figure!  Well, actually, I've been doing OK in getting up early and exercising, but that whole 31 Days to Clean challenge I was attempting?  I am still on Day 1.  I have read several days worth of challenges, but that's not actually miraculously making my house cleaner.  I wonder why?  And the Good Morning Girls "Ministry of Motherhood Bookclub" readings... well, let's just say they're now on Week 6.  I, however, am just starting Week 4.  So, there you have it!  Hopefully my earlier enthusiasm was an encouragement to someone, and my "back to reality wake up call" can be an encouragement, too.  Either you're in the same boat as me and we're happy that we're not alone, or you're doing better than I am and can feel happy about that fact! ;-)  I just consider myself taking more of the "slow and steady" route, and I'm OK with that.

Speaking of exercise, I've been at it for almost 3 full weeks now!  I've been alternating 3 days of run/walking on the treadmill with 3 days of a strength training video.  Aaaaannnnddd...  I've gained 4 pounds.  Yep!  Yes, yes, I know "muscle weighs more than fat" blah blah blah... but seriously?  There's no way I've gained 4 pounds of muscle in 3 weeks.  I can't even imagine that to be true.  But, honestly... the numbers on the scale aren't my main focus, really.  I want to feel better in my clothing, have more energy, and overall just feel better... and so far... well, the last one is true.  I am feeling better in general.  My energy level hasn't sky rocketed, but that probably has more to do with getting up so crazy early (anywhere from 5-5:30 am) and going to bed way too late (usually between 11 pm - midnight).  But I do love being active and feeling fit enough to BE active, so I'm really glad I've gotten back into a good routine of exercise.

Oh, and I wanted to give a little suggestion for other breastfeeding moms who exercise.  If you've ever tried to nurse in a regular sports bra, you know the amazing skill of acrobatics it can require (especially if you happen to sweat a lot, don't ask me how I know), as well as the overall discomfort it causes.  Well, I have found the perfect sports bra for nursing moms!  It is the Fiona Bra by Moving Comfort.  It is designed to support "fuller figured" women (which often comes with the territory when nursing), closes with hooks in the back (no more over the head wrestling) and also (this is the best part!) has straps that adjust in the front with velcro!  So it acts just like a nursing bra!  They are truly the perfect sports bra.  Another nice thing is that there are several other sports bras made for full-figured women by Moving Comfort that have the same design!  So whatever style or size you need, you an probably find one that suits you!  I do suggest looking around online for a good price - I found several on amazon.com as well as Sierra Trading Post that were about half the suggested retail price.  (Disclaimer:  I get no reimbursement whatsoever for this recommendation - I'm just passing along the tip!)

Isaac, my oldest, just turned 10.5 this month.  I've always made it a point to measure each of the boys on their birthdays as well as their half-birthdays, so that I have a record of growth for every six months.  Well, in the past 6 months since he turned 10, Isaac has been very busy - growing!  He sprouted up 2 whole inches in just 6 months!  That's the biggest growth spurt on the growth chart by far, so far.  I know there are more to come, but it really took me by surprise!  He's just 4 inches shorter than me now!  It's so strange to me when I look at him and get glimpses of how he's changing.  The time has gone by so fast, and sometimes I feel like I am totally, completely unprepared for what the future might hold!  Boy, am I thankful the Lord holds it all in His hands and His wisdom, and will give us all that we need!  Here's my half-grown boy as of late:

This is one picture where he really looks "different" to me - a glimpse of the man he will become!

This makes me think of the lanky teenager he'll soon be, with arms and legs everywhere!  Yikes!

I didn't post about it earlier, but for Mother's Day this year, I got a Kindle!  Woo-hoo!  However, I was a tad disappointed to discover that Kindle books are not all that less expensive than a regular book! :-/  Thankfully, I ran across a blog called "Family Friendly Reads" which lists all of the really inexpensive or FREE Kindle books available.  I check it daily and have gotten some really good books through this site, so I wanted to pass it along to others!

Another great resource I wanted to share with y'all is the Homeschool Buyer's Co-op.  This site is awesome for finding really, really good deals on all kinds of curriculum and homeschool-related things.  I've been able to save almost $100 in just two purchases so far!  They also have lots of free things, so definitely check them out!

Homeschooling's #1 Way to Save

Speaking of school, we finally have a reasonable end in sight for this years' curriculum!  We tend to do more of a year-round type schedule, so most of our "summer break" was taken right after Rachel's birth, but it looks like we'll have a few weeks to enjoy during the actual summer, as well.  We are about to dive into Week 29 of Core D - only 7 weeks left!  The big kids have about 10 weeks left of their independent work subjects (Math, English, etc), and the littles have only 5 weeks left of Sonlight's P 4/5!  Oh, and Joel (6) is only 15 lessons away from finishing off "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons".  We took some breaks from it over the past year, so it seems like it has taken forever to get through it, but the pace has been perfect for Joel.  He recently made the realization that he actually CAN read, and is eager to try reading everything he sees now!  I love when that finally clicks!

I could have actually done a few more points, but then this wouldn't fit into the "7" Quick Takes theme, would it?  So I'll just have to keep you all in suspense and wait until next week. ;-)  Have a blessed weekend!

WFMW - Quick, Easy, Healthy and Yummy!

I don't do a lot of posts about meals and cooking, because it's not exactly my strong suit.  I am always juggling trying to find meals that are easy and quick to prepare, but also healthy and taste good, too.  So when I ran across this recipe (courtesy of e-mealz), I was excited.  When I served it up and EVERYONE in my family enjoyed it, I was thrilled!  It is now one of our top go-to recipes for dinner, lunch, or even a quick snack!

Our newest favorite meal is Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps!

Here are the ingredients required:

Yep, just three things - a Caesar Salad kit, chicken, and whole wheat tortillas!

(A few notes: My husband vastly prefers home-cooked cubed chicken breast to the canned stuff.  Sometimes I provide that for him, other times, when I am not so well prepared, we use the canned chicken breast instead. Also, if I knew how to make homemade tortillas, I would.  But I don't, so we go with store-bought.  Both of these choices also help to make the meal "quick", of course, but subtract slightly from the healthy aspect of it... but not too much!)

The prep is super, super simple.  As in, a child can easily do it for his siblings (hint, hint!).  Simply combine the salad kit (but not the croutons! Save those for a crunchy snack later!), add chicken breast (if using canned, be sure to drain it first, of course!), and combine well.  Serve into the center of the tortillas, roll up like a wrap, and cut in half.  For a little more fun, stick a toothpick into each half - for some reason, my kids love when I do that!

One large salad kit and two chicken breasts (or two cans of chicken), plus an 8-pack or tortillas is enough to satisfy my crew - but with no leftovers!  Which isn't necessarily a bad thing!

I have two children in my family are who particularly picky - as in, only eating a few select fruits or veggies... and even they gobble these wraps down!  That makes this a miracle meal in our house!  Add to it the fact that it is so easy to make, and healthy, too... Super Bonus Points!  Oh, and I also love that no cooking is necessary, which makes it an awesome choice for summer menus.  As you can tell, this is one of my favorite meals to serve!

So, for a quick, easy, healthy, and (best of all) yummy meal, these Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps work for me!  Check out other WFMW posts at We Are That Family!

Moby Wrap Giveaway!

'Tis the season for baby carrier giveaways, so it seems!  Raising Homemakers is having a giveaway for a Moby Wrap!

Back when I wrote my post about loving Babywearing so much, I had not yet tried a wrap.  I kept hearing about how awesome they are, but was really hesitant to try one, because they looked a little complicated.  However, after being able to see several friends "in real life" demonstrate their use (and marvel at how fast their littles fell asleep in them!), I was convinced!

A sweet friend loaned me a Moby Wrap to try, and then surprised me by saying it was mine to keep!  So Rachel spent her infant carrying days snuggled up next to me in the Moby.  It was bliss, for both of us!  It took a slight learning period, but once I got the wrapping thing figured out, the Moby quickly became my second favorite baby carrier (second to the Ergo, of course).  For the infant stage, it is definitely my top favorite!  It is better balanced than a sling or a pouch, and so soft and snuggly!

This is the only picture I have of Rachel in the Moby - see her little head peeking out?  She's sound asleep!

I did find that the Moby got harder to use as she gained weight, because of it's stretchy material. After doing more research, I found that woven wraps are not as stretchy, and can even be worn on the back with babies and toddlers!  Another generous friend has loaned me one of her beautiful wraps (be sure to see the great wrapping pictures she has on her blog!), which is the pink one I've modeled recently.  Woven wraps are more expensive than a Moby, but also more versatile.

Either way, wrapping is now one of my favorite methods of babywearing!  I consider a Moby an excellent baby shower gift - not *too* expensive, and soooo wonderful for newborns!  If you've never tried one, or know a mama who might need or want one - definitely enter the giveaway over at Raising Homemakers!  The giveaway closes June 20, so you'll have to hurry!