August 7, 2012

this summer…

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... out of desperation, we began doing something we'd never done before. We instituted a mandatory quiet time for all people under 10. Because having 11 kids in the house all day can get a teeny tiny bit crazy. The idea was that everyone would grab their library books - oh, public library, how I love thee - and snuggle up on their beds to read. Or, in some cases, pretend to read. And the main goal was to just manage the craziness this summer. But it has been so much better than that. Now the kids actually ask to go lay down to read. Or I … [Read more...]

29 Comments
Posted Under: Sophie, Tallula, what works for us
June 21, 2012

apps. our favorites.

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You might say, we're a bit of a gaming crew. We don't do it all the time, but some of us would if some of us could. And we limit our under-10 set to when we are desperate for some p and q the occasional evening and weekends. Today my friend TM was sharing her Squirt's most favorite apps and it got me to thinking. I really love reading what other's most favorites are, because heck, who has enough time to go searching through 500,000 apps for the reaaaaaally good ones? So I thought I'd share ours. I mean, theirs. Seriously, beyond the good old Angry … [Read more...]

13 Comments
Posted Under: homeschool, what works for us
June 15, 2012

if I can, you can.

I blog. I don't speak. Speaking is just not my gift. Blogging isn't really either, but at least I can do that in the privacy of my own home, propped up on my comfy couch, wearing paint-stained sweats and socks with a hole in the toe. I can write, delete, and backspace all day. And the end result is, generally, my best effort at what I was trying to convey. But when I speak? It's ugly. My stomach turns. My pits become Niagra Falls. I can feel my face turn every shade of red. And once I open my mouth, it's all downhill. The best part? Afterward, I can't … [Read more...]

52 Comments
Posted Under: marriage, my faith, real life, what works for us
May 3, 2012

co-sleeping. and why we do it despite my preferences otherwise.

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I've alluded to the fact that we co-sleep with our kiddos, specifically our newly adopted children. But I haven't expounded much beyond that. Until now. In the past I've had a number of folks ask me how we manage so many little ones, especially at night. And with Tallula's arrival, 8 months after Poppy's arrival, we're sandwiched between two kiddos. Literally. So, seems like now is the perfect time to talk about co-sleeping. Because boy, are we co-sleeping. First a little background. I'm a information-seeker by nature. So, years ago, when I was a new momma, … [Read more...]

58 Comments
Posted Under: adoption, what works for us
February 18, 2012

Sunday Snapshot: {Goodnight, Poppy}

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I get asked questions occasionally. And a common question is from parents struggling with nighttime issues with their newly adopted child. And lack of sleep. And so I thought I'd share what works for us. Because, although we're not experts, we do have some experience. For the first 4 months, Poppy slept in our bed. Not necessarily our first choice, because Chris and I actually like to sleep. But for us, co-sleeping those first months turned out to be one of the best decisions we made to help our kiddos feel safe at night. And happy. And … [Read more...]

28 Comments
Posted Under: Poppy, Sunday Snapshot, what works for us
January 30, 2012

the daniel fast

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Our Daniel Fast is now over. Actually, it was over at midnight on Saturday. And there has been much rejoicing and eating and celebrating and eating since then. Truth be told, I really did enjoy the last 21 days. Overall. There were moments. Some headaches. LOTS of headaches. And some tears. And some stomach upset, too. Fiber? What's fiber? My stomach had no idea what hit it. But God was so merciful and never once did I really, truly struggle enough to consider quitting. I have given up coffee in the past. But never, ever have I given up sodas. And … [Read more...]

12 Comments
Posted Under: daniel plan, my faith, what works for us
October 30, 2011

Sunday Snapshot: {Halloween at our house}

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A few years ago, we started a new Halloween tradition. Out of necessity. Chris was deployed. And I was slightly intimidated by the idea of taking lots of little ones out. In the dark. And the cold. Alone. So we came up with a solution. That satisfies my need for ease. And safety. And that satisfied the kids' need for fun. Costumes. And candy. It starts with costumes, of course. Some of the kids wanted to make their own costumes this year. But for the little ones, I bought some costumes that can also … [Read more...]

42 Comments
Posted Under: Poppy, Sunday Snapshot, what works for us
October 27, 2011

pony-keeping

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As a long time hunter rider, I was all about style and size. My old gelding was close to 17 hands. Which was a looong way to the ground. And while I'll never give up my appreciation for style in an equine, I've found it pretty easy to give up the size. Honestly, there is something - actually a lot of things - about these Welsh ponies that I adore. Especially now that I'm, *ahem*... older. And wiser. And have less income to devote to the maintenance of an animal. They are so much like a horse and can do pretty much anything a horse … [Read more...]

13 Comments
Posted Under: Jewel, what works for us
February 11, 2011

breathe in. breathe out.

Lately, I've had to remind myself to do that. So, so much going on. So much I'd love to share. And I will, promise. First, I thought it was about time to spill on the two *things* I shared with y'all. If anyone can remember that far back. We finally found a vehicle to fit our crew. And, more importantly, we can actually afford it. We hope to pick up our "new-to-us" Sprinter next week. Some of y'all might remember me posting about wanting one about a year and a half ago. And God, in His perfect timing, has lead us to one that actually meets … [Read more...]

31 Comments
Posted Under: family, what works for us
July 9, 2010

the hammer. the update.

Thought I'd take a moment to update you guys on the hammer.You know, the one that fell about three weeks ago?The fact that I can even recall discussing the hammer, and it's subsequent falling, is a very good thing for me.Especially considering this heat I've been dealing with.But, more than that, I've actually kept up with it.I printed out chore charts. I put them in page protectors. I put the page protectors in the binder, one under each child's name.I know. I can't believe it either. Just goes to show you how far out of your comfort zone desperation can drive a … [Read more...]

5 Comments
Posted Under: real life, what works for us