SNOW!!!

We sure are loving it around here. Last week wasn't so much fun. We lost power for two days. Then it came back on only to go back off the next night. Then Scott fell and hit his head landing him in the ER with a mild concussion.  Then we had a water pipe bust. Then Colt went to the ER with severe belly pain. But we made it and everyone is fine. This week is much better. People think I'm nuts but I love the snow. I don't care for the ice. My heart truly hurts for those that still don't have power. But I love the snow. And my kids do too. They've been out every day. I've spent lots of time keeping pants and socks and gloves dry....mopping up puddles in my floor. Lol And we just made some snow cream with almond milk and honey...and they loved it. Except Ryder didn't care too much for it ;) So thankful for a healthy happy family.

One year today!!

Just wanted to share that one year ago today Ryder got saved. Hallelujah! He's had to endure a lot more trials and heartaches than some kids his age. But God is faithful. Ryder made a profession several years ago but never felt settled about it.  One of the most heartbreaking things a parent can do is watch their child go through this. You feel absolutely helpless. All we can do is leave it in God's hands. I don't know why that's so hard to do. I guess because I want to fix everything. It was at youth meeting at our church. Bro. Dustin Bonham was preaching and during invitation Ryder went forward. This time he got it settled. Thank the Lord for the growth and change I see in Him. No he ain't perfect. He's still a kid.  He's a teenage boy. But when you have the Holy Spirit living on the inside you become different on the outside.  I thank God for that. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17 So very thankful for my son and the fine handsome young man he has become and I sure do love him. God is good.

Fun deals!!

Went couponing today. Hit Kroger, Ingles, and CVS. I'll just share a few of my favorite deals so as not to bore you ;) Kroger: 8 boxes of Ronzoni pasta $.19 each...we love spagetti so we're stocked up for a while. Toaster Strudels (I love when these are on sale bc with homeschooling they make for a quick easy breakfast) $1.19...even at Walmart with a coupon the best you can do is $1.73 a box. Oscar Mayer bologna $.50...comes in handy when your power's been off for two days. Hefty plates $.99. 4 free French's mustards. 1 free Russell Stover's candy. Free Snuggle fabric softener. My favorite item at Kroger was the Sundown vitamins for $.99. Got four bottles. Ingles: cereal for $.99. Chicken breader for $.14 (which will go great with all the chicken I got marked down in my freezer) Stocked up on lots of mexican items all under $1...we fix enchiladas and tacos a lot. CVS: My favorite stop of the day...3 packs of diapers and a box of wipes for $10 and got $5 extra bucks back (just like cash to spend on next transaction) so its like getting all those diapers and wipes for $5!!!! So passionate about couponing...can you tell? Sometimes I see coupons and cut them in my sleep lol
Just to give you an idea of my savings...my total before sales and coupons at Kroger $250.11...I paid $100.85. Ingles before sales and coupons $95.62...I paid $31.35. CVS before sales and coupons $40.26...I paid $10

Happy Birthday to my sister

Today is not only my Daddy's birthday (which I blogged about earlier), but also my sister's birthday. I've included a picture of  them together at their party we had for them last year. Joy is very special. Beautiful inside and out. She always told me that she thought she would be the one to move away. She just knew somehow. God is using her in the ministry. She is now a pastor's wife. That's not easy. She is a wonderful wife and mother. We share a passion to homeschool our children.  It's hard her being away in another state but when you're in the will of God there's tremendous peace and contentment that the world can't understand.  I am so thankful I have a Christian family. God is so so good. I love you, Sis. Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday Daddy

Where do I start? Honestly, when I sit and ponder my Daddy, I get choked up. I love my Daddy so much. When I was little, I really did think he hung the moon. Now that I'm older and know that to be untrue, I do know my Daddy is the most godly, faithful, loyal, consistent, and patient man I know. Now the tears are flowing.  Daddy is known for being rather quiet and not saying much. I always refer to him as the strong, silent type. But if you want to see him get riled up you just mess with his family or his country. Daddy raised us right. First of all, he raised us in church under God's Word every time the doors were open. Then, he made sure we weren't exposed to junk at school. We went to a Christian school for a few years, then we were homeschooled until graduation. Third, he instilled in me a love for my country. I cannot explain the love and pride I have for our soldiers fighting for our very freedom. I love our flag. Not crazy about the president we have right now but God has allowed him to be there so that's that. I'm just thankful for the raising my Daddy took the time and sacrifice to give. Daddy is the strongest man I know. Sometimes he just seems unshakeable even though I have to remind myself that he IS human. He is an amazing husband. I have watched him dote over my mom for years and their love is stronger than it has ever been. Every couple should have a marriage like my parents'. He is a wonderful Grandad. My boys adore him. What a great role model for them to pattern their lives after. I couldn't ask for a greater Biblical example for my children. God has truly blessed me with the best Daddy. I always tried to please my Daddy in everything I did...every choice I made. Just because I never wanted to disappoint him. Did I always do that? No. But I tried. Because I had and still have so much respect and honor for this man. So on this day I want to wish this wonderful man, my Daddy, a happy birthday. I love you to the moon and back...even if you didn't hang it.

Ice Cream!!!

Yes we're treating ourselves to ice cream before the ice storm hits haha. Yes its cold. And yes we're crazy. But we had fun. And ice cream is good whether its hot or cold outside ;)

Living my dream (no greater joy)

When I was a little girl all I ever wanted was to get married and raise children for God. I never dreamed God would bless me so abundantly above more than I could have ever dreamed. I never thought I would be standing in the church where I was raised, saved, and baptized years later with my own son playing for me while I sing. I stood there humbled by the fact that God loves me and for some reason has chosen to be so good to me. The world has frowned on my choice of having a big family,  not going to college, and not working. Sadly even some church folks frown on this decision these days. But God's Word still says..."women marry bare children and guide the house." God's Word does not change and neither has He.    I'm so happy in the Lord today and how He has blessed my family. I love Him so much.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

My hubby surprised me with a quick getaway for the night last night. The room was really nice. They served us breakfast (not just donuts and coffee either). A real breakfast lol It was sweet to just get away for a few hours alone and spend some time together. But then when I saw the heated pool with a waterslide it made me want to go get the kids so they could play...almost haha  Anyway we had a wonderful time. I sure love this thoughtful, generous man.

Home Depot Workshop

Just got back from taking our younger boys to the Home Depot kids workshop. This month being Valentine's Day, they made a heart box (with Daddy's help ;). They had a great time. I always forget that Home Depot does this every month so this time I registered them online so they sent me a text message. Its so fun and free!!! :)