Take a Hike!..... or should it be took a hike?

The View of the Appomattox River from our Picnic spot just off the trail!

Chloe and Molly along the canal

The Crew w/their Hiking Sticks

This afternoon, we went exploring and hiked along the Appomattox River. We found near our house there is a 22 mile trail, though we only did 1 mile in and 1 mile out. We packed a picnic lunch, that we ate once we made our mile hike in! The rushing water relaxing, and fresh air wonderful! Stephan got to try out carrying Tristen on his back, she's at least 20lbs, and the pack it about 10lbs packed equaling about 30lbs on your back! We will adventure out to this park again to try a trail a little closer to the river. However this is not a trail to be adventured with out a man along, so Warrie and I won't be able to take full advantage of this park. Though we will with the Boys in tow and that could only make for an interesting adventure!

Our Schedule!!!!

I received my Managers of Their Homes book, by the Maxwell Family weeks ago. I thought I would read through it real quick and be off with my new life changing schedule with in a week. That was not the case. I read the book, spent one week, making my "task list", Shared w/ Stephan and then rewrote it! About 2 weeks later I finally started on the 3 girls lists. Then life got busy and I worked a bit so didn't have the time to sit down with it. This week I had Stephan's 3 days off too!!! This gave for some time to work on the schedule, I was ready to write out the tasks and fit them into our 30min-1hour time slots. Little pieces of colored paper for each family member!!! The Master Schedule began to take form!!! With activities I've desired to have, now have their own little time slot, Music time, story time, Family Bible time, Free indoor or outdoor play time with Mommy included!! Monday will be our start time for this schedule undertaking. Stephan has helped me to understand how to use Excel, so I'm working on transferring the schedule into a smaller form, and to make alternative schedules for different days of the week, and for when Stephan is off from work! Our goal, to get homeschool complete each weekday, have a clean house all the time, and to have fun doing it, all while following what God would have us do!!

Chickens!!

6 total! We have 6 baby chicks! 3 yellow, and 3 black w/ white markings. What we know, they'll lay about 1 egg a day to every other day each in about 6 months. There will be medium brown eggs. Their breed is a mystery, both Stephan and I have been told, but have both failed to write it down or remember! Sad I know! For now they are living in am aquarium, w/ a mesh cover, with a lamp to stay extra warm to one side! The girls are thrilled, Stephan and I are like big kids sometimes and are enjoying them too. This is a fun adventure. Stephan will be constructing their coop soon, for when they get their adult feathers and the weather truly warms up. Why you ask?? Because eggs get more and more expensive by the day, and well this investment if protected and managed well, will be a much more cost effective and healthier way to get eggs for up to 5 years!!

"That's What Love Is" By David Phelps

Stephan stumbled across the christian artist David Phelps a while ago, bought one of his live albums. I never bothered to listen to it until about 2 weeks ago I borrowed Stephan's MP4 player for something to listen to while at work. I totally love all that this mans music has to say. This particular song came on in the van as I'm driving home from bible study one Tuesday night, tears came. What a beautiful song. Then the CD had come with a DVD w/ the live performance the CD was taken from, so while working on some things last Saturday I decided to put it in. Prior to several songs David Phelps talks about the meaning of his songs, this song was one of them. So there sat the artist, his parents and sisters. They told a story of their life and how difficult the relationship was between his mother and father at one point and when the father was asked by one of the daughter's what he didn't just leave the mother...... The father's reply was when you love someone you don't just leave. Just like God loves us, and sent his son to die on the cross for us. Even when we laugh in His face, or ignore Him completely He's still there to love us. A love for a parent, a child, a dear friend, a loved one, a stranger.. this song speaks a thousand words to me, and I've chosen to let it be my only song on the blog for a while.... Hope you'll have a listen and pay attention to the words.....

Dance for the Lord!

That is what I am learning how to do, along with some other lovely ladies at our church. Linda our teacher is very patient, and I'm thinking our first day didn't go as bad I thought it would. We are learning Messianic Dance! The below clip will give you a glimpse of what we are learning. There will be a Passover Seder taking place at our church in 5 weeks and Linda hopes a few or all of us may take part in the celebration..... I hope with practice I'll be ready!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow...........

Sunday February 22nd 2009
The Day of Tristen's Dedication, and she is truly a Blessing sent by God!!
Portrait Done by Warrie McBrearty
If you would like a copy let me know and we'll talk!

Daniel Fast!

This is a blip about me... read if you'd like!

I'm 6 weeks into a study on the book of Daniel by Beth Moore. We where asked to give up something that we loved that was in the "world" that we could have but should be wise and do without. Just as Daniel chose to do with out the Kings Rich foods and wine in the 1st chapter of Daniel. This was not supposed to be a diet by any means. I choose to give up soda, I was addicted and it's something most of America could live with out and be much slimmer and healthier by it. This fast ended this Tuesday for me. When we went to the circus, I had a bottle of soda, 20oz of my favorite Dr Pepper. I'm learning that I should have continued to do with out. This is a learning curve for me and my eyes are opening more and more each day. I'm not perfect at all and fail daily. God has layed out a manual for us w/ examples to follow, what awesome things would come to be if all of those who claimed to follow him actually lived by the word of God. Wow! There would be True "Change" in this country. Though daily most of America kicks out the God that this country was founded on, and people wonder why things are falling apart around them! So I will continue to strive to follow the word of God, in hopes that I can make a difference. I've personally approched some subjects with friends and family members in the wrong way resulting in walls that may never be brought down. I have come to learn it's not for me to judge anyone, only God above can pass judgement, and it's my task to live the life he has called me to live and to be a witness to those around me. Well folks thanks for reading if you did. Now I'm off to bed!

The Greatest Show On Earth!

Stephan, Chloe and Molly at the Circus 2/19/09

Well I'm sure there are better shows to see. However tonight we went downtown and see the Circus! It was a nice show. Though we encountered something rather comical prior to getting into the show. PETA, protesters! Now a young lady with at least 20holes and pieces of metal in her face approaches Us and looks at Stephan and states "There are more wholesome things you could be doing with your children tonight" Now how in the world to I take you seriously when you have over a dozen holes in your body and dress far from wholesome. Anyways. We carried on and had a good time with the girls!

I love the way the elephants hold each others tails!

New Heat Pump!

So Monday February 16th 2009, our new heat pump system was installed. Can I just say it's incredible. Stephan's hard work under the house to re insulate in areas that needed it, and the added new heat pump. The house is very cozy and comfortable at a steady 70degrees. Though we could probably keep it lower we are enjoying it at this moment.

A Photo of our NEW thermostat! It's a comfortable 70degrees!

6 years ago on Valentine's day!

A bond began between 2 little girls that will last a life time. Cousin's and best buddies!!!
We celebrated Mikayla's 6th Birthday yesterday, and I reflected back to when she arrived in this world, and Chloe was there to welcome her! They are 7 weeks apart! :o)

Stephan, Chloe, Mikayla, Chris Rouze, Nana Pickens
February 2003
Chloe & Mikayla
February 14, 2009

Book recieved!

Well, my Managers of Their Homes book arrived, I've read, and have come to Step one! To Pray about and make my Mom's activity list, over the next week then review w/Stephan. My day needs to total about 24 hours or less.. I'll keep everyone updated. She does stress the importance of nap time for those under 7years old.. and well I restarted Molly's naps, and Chloe after the past few days could benefit from at least 1 hour of rest a day. This is only the beginning, and I'm excited about getting started!!!

MOTH method!

Homeschooling is going well. Though I'm struggling with just how to balance 3 kids, schooling 2, caring for baby, and house work. Some days it seems like there are not enough hours in the day, and if I only could split myself in two would I be able to get it all done. I've done the give me and the girls chores, it worked for a while, but my structure was not strong. In my fascination with the Duggar family, I checked out their web site, and found they use the MOTH method of scheduling their time, found at titus2.com. My thought was well if this works so well for a family of 20, then why not give it a try for my family of 5. So last week I ordered my book, and I'm now anxiously awaiting it's arrival to get started in hopes to be like the many before me that where able to send great testimonies on it's success in turning the whole house around.

No Hannah!

We decided we wouldn't let the girls watch Hannah Montana. Why not? Every other 4 and 6 year old is watching her! Well, I decided I'd watch the show on one of my late night feedings of Tristen over the summer, and was shocked buy the behaviors I witnessed that I'm not wanting my kids to behave in these manners. #1- Running after and kissing of boys. #2- Greed, I watched an episode where she was begging her daddy for a new phone even though the one she had was fine. #3. She's very sassy, and has a attitude. #4 I don't care for the way she speaks to her Dad. #5.. my list can go on and on so I'll stop. I've explained to Chloe and Molly that I would not like them to watch this show, and they understand it's because I don't like Hannah Montana's character qualities. So that's my little rant, and a little Hannah will hurt, So my girls are not allowed to view the Disney Channel after the noon hour if at all. Especially because of the chance to see Wizards of Waverly Place also, and the rest of the other bratty kids shows that come on in the evenings.

ZOO PASSES!!!

For Christmas my parents gave our family of 5 passes to the local zoo. Today was one of the random 60degree days in Va, warm, clear, and sunny. I decided to declare a field trip to take advantage of the passes and the weather. Especially since the next 2-3 days forecast calls for 30ish degree weather and rain/snow mix.

Our Trip exciting.. the kids had a blast.

Tristen watching Chloe and Molly feed the Giraffes

Chloe Feeding the Giraffe

Molly's turn!

The day was beautiful, and we are all looking forward to many more trips to the zoo thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Kruse.

Dirty Job

Stephan has discovered that working in the crawl space replacing old insulation, is a very dirty and smelly job. Our heat pump install has been delayed. However Stephan decided he needed to check the insulation under the house, and in the process discovered that it had fallen from many areas. This was part of our problem with cold! The heat pump does need to be replaced regardless, we had made a small fix to get us through last summer, and need the AC big time around here in the summer. Stephan with the help of Phillip spent 5+hours under the house working on this project and the back half of the house has been re insulated. They smelled nasty and where filthy when they where done. I now have a mound of insulation in the back yard, awaiting a trip in the truck to the dump!

Growing Girls!!!

Chloe, Molly, and Tristen have all grown.. The result a need to change out clothing sizes for each girl. This is a difficult task, because, I have limited times as to when I can get this done due to mine and Stephan's schedule. Stephan happened to be off this Saturday so I started my journey, in the tubs of hand me downs... and baskets of laundry.

The pictures offer a small glimpse of my bedroom over taken by little girls clothing. Chloe has gone from a size 6/6x top to a 7/8, Molly a 4/5top to a 6/6x. The tricky part with the hand me downs, They start w/ my niece Stirling, then good condition stuff gets to Ainsley, who also gets tome new things, then the good condition stuff comes to Chloe, then Chloe gets some new, then it all goes to Molly, result, Molly always has way too much clothing. So I then have to evaluate what will work for them, and then pass some on to charity, because I just don't have the space for it all. Tristen is moving from 12mo clothing in some items to 18month, so that transition is taking place too. Now Tristen is tolerant of being left on the bed to play with clothing and hangers for some lengths of time, however the 6+hours spent Saturday where not enough to tackle the task at hand, now I face Stephan sleeping in my work space so the transition of clothing has come to a halt.... The master bedroom stuffed, and some of the tubs are living in the family room. Homeschool is needing to resume for the week. I hope to tackle it in small increments each evening this week, and hope to complete the task of downsizing Molly's jumbo collection of clothing, Getting Tristen's bigger sizes washed and switched out. My hope is to have it done, by next week, or I may loose my mind in the process.

What about the kids??

Guess I left the girls out of the last post! Tuesday nights they have Daddy time! Wednesday nights there is a place for them and some wonderful teenagers watch them! On every other Friday Grandma and Grandpa Rouze have graciously agreed to watch them for us, since we'll be in their area. So that's where they will be while Mommy and Daddy have their Bible study time with the other adults. More kiddie posts later!!

Busy Mommy and Daddy!!

I resumed my Tuesday night ladies bible study, we are doing another Beth Moore Study called Daniel . I'm on my 3rd week, have 5days of homework a week, it's just awesome, and it's helping to clarifying some things that God has already been placing on my heart over the past 2years. Starting this Friday, Stephan and I are returning to our Friday night local bible study group (with church friends who live on our side of town), and are doing a study called "The Bait of Satan" By John Bevere and is about Living Free from the Deadly trap of Offense. That study will require us to read the book and attend the video sessions every other week. Oh there is more, we are some bible studying folk right now! Wednesday nights, the men are starting a study called "The Way of the Wild heart" by John Eldridge, Stephan helped line some things up, and Ricky (Debby's Husband) will be leading the group of men. The ladies are starting another Beth Moore Study "Believing God"(workbook and homework optional) for those who attend Wednesday nights. I chose to dive in and get the work book!! It's just like taking a bunch of different classes in school, just our subject matter is God, serving Him, believing Him, and growing in His word! We are looking forward to our adventures in the coming weeks.

Baby it's COLD inside!!

So this past week we had some very cold weather, boo on the fact that we didn't get a lick of snow to show for it. Our heat pump, is not the best, at night it can't seem to keep the house warm enough. Chloe, Molly and myself do well with extra blankets. For Tristen I was layering her with the following, short sleeve onesie, long sleeve onesie, tights, socks, lightweight sleeper, blanket sleeper, a blanket pouch (in place of a blanket) and a pair of mittens w/ long socks over them to stay in place. Despite all of that clothing, Tristen would wake up with ice cold fingers, hands, and lower arms. So Friday and Saturday the temperature lows where to be bel0w 10degrees, since the heat pump couldn't hang with 20degrees, I opted to stay with my parents while Stephan was at work those 2 nights. We have 2 options, replace the heat pump, or just make costly repairs to it over and over, not really knowing when it will break completely. We have decided to replace the whole system, and this will take place next weekend. Last night wanting to sleep in my own bed, we returned home, it was not as cold, but still now warm enough for Tristen, so she snuggled up for the night with me in my bed, we slept well and no ice cold fingers this morning.

Parenting....

Why we do what we do...... In the realm of parenting. When Chloe was just a baby we dedicated her to the Lord.. and committed to raise her to love and serve the Lord. We repeated that dedication with Molly, and plan the same route for Tristen. Neither of us where made to attend church, or where taught much about God as children our parents had decided to introduce us to church and let us choose our own way. I'm grateful that Stephan and I had found friends in life that directed us towards church. We stepped away from church in 1999, to return in 2000 after an invitation to what would become our current church family. Our christian walk has not been an easy one, and not always a faithful one. However in the past year we have jumped into our faith with both feet, and are working more diligently to raise our girls the way we dedicated to do so 6years ago. Today I checked out a CD series by Jimmy Evans titled "Successful Parenting", it has confirmed many of our parenting methods, and has given me more incite as to which way to go with other areas of parenting to show them God through us. I look forward to continuing on this difficult and challenging path of parenting our girls. So following listening to this message I plan to listen to it again, and then to share w/ Stephan. Below is a link to Marriage today.

http://www.marriagetoday.org