On the move!

Tristen is. Not crawling but she can sure get to something she puts her mind to by scooting on her bottom across the floor using her legs to help along the way. This is awkward and cute all at the same time. A must see for those who may get the chance.

Littlest Rouze..

Ok so here's Tristen's update!!! 10months old this week!!!! Not crawling, she's one baby girl who hates her tummy!!! She does turn and scoot a little on her bottom. First words.... HELLO/HI gotta love it.. she throws in a DADADADADA.. and some other random jibber jabber. Tristen makes herself known.. Baby girl has no chores, she does have her alone time play that she does well with for 30minutes each day during chore time, she hangs in her pack n play with her baby safe toys and has a good time all by herself!! Such a sweet and happy girl!

Big Sister!!

What about Chloe?? Well, she's learning lots! Chloe can write in cursive and I'll brag does a beautiful job! She is reading better by the day, with 1 vowel and 2 vowel words, and "special sounds". Math is going well, with addition, money, and time! Chloe too has her chores, hers are the main bathroom, help with laundry, and then to help Daddy after diner with clean-up! Such a helpful big sister!!! Growing up oh so fast, and gets smarter each day!

A.....E.....I......O......U........

Molly knows her VOWELS!!!! YES!!! A break through!!! She has known them but will say "I don't know" the very next day when shown the same letters. For the past 2 weeks I've done nothing but hammer the vowels... and yes she got the confidence!! Now we are working on the letters M,R,and S. Molly has little books what reinforce these letters and blend the M, R, and S with a vowel.. She's getting there too!! We are also working on confidently knowing numbers and telling time!! This homeschool gig frustrating as it can be some days the fact that you where the one to teach you kid to read, tell time, do math.. and so on!!! The most rewarding job ever..... on other Molly news, as part of my schedule we are "chore training" Molly does best when working side by side with someone mainly an adult. So Molly is being "trained" to be my kitchen helper! I had her dry some dishes I had washed the other day, while I folded the laundry, and she drug a chair into the kitchen, climbed onto the counter and put each and every dish away in it's proper spot.... She was so proud!!! Molly is also helping to set the table for diner, and to prepare diner also!!! Continuing on the rewards of Motherhood!!!

First day on schedule!

So we've arrived at nap times, Tristen and Molly are out for the count. Chloe is getting her 30min of educational computer games. The morning went great. The house is no more cleaner than it was when we began, but the best part is that it is no worse than it already was, which wasn't all that bad. We've managed to stay on time, and get everything done in a timely manner. Though Chloe is adjusting and had to give up 30min of her outside playtime, to finish up her papers, she still got it done and played outside! Now we are all very tired though because getting up early is not something we do well, so nap time is a must for Chloe and I at least for this first week while we adapt to the new schedule! I'm thrilled and it was well worth the money, time and effort I can only imagine how days will go once we all have adapted to our new schedule~! And how much cleaner our home will be too!!

Growing Clothes!!

Each time I do the laundry it seems that the amount of clothing for the girls grows. A while back I did a large purge of the children's clothing in order to store them between one dresser and my closet. Then there was the changing of sizes, and I thought I had it all sorted out. Not so, new items have trickled in. Chloe tends to prefer wearing a skirt, and Molly likes to follow, then there are 10+ pairs of pants just taking up space in the dresser them only being worn when working out back in the dirt or if extremely cold! So I purchased Chloe a few extra skirts because she wears them daily, Molly had enough handed down and was gifted 2 at Christmas. So I'm faced again with the challenge of purging more clothing. the hard part is most of it's in great condition, and I wish I knew someone that could use them, and not send them to Goodwill where they will hike the price. I have to be more firm this go around, with my number of tops, dresses, pants, and PJs for keeping and then send the rest along. This house gets overtaken by our laundry. I too have acquired some new clothing items that are better fitted, and need to just part with what does not fit well. I'm ready to shrink the clothing piles, so that I might start line drying our clothes in order to save a little cash on the electric bill!! And for my sanity!

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.