Park Day!!

Today was beautiful!! It was not as hot like how the last couple of days have been! I had plans to meet Carolyn and her beautiful babies at the park, so it was nice to get out and enjoy the sun (mostly shade). So, here are some random shots of all our kiddos!!

They are so adorable!!

Eli ALWAYS has to make a face!

Eli & Carolyn's baby boy!

Veronica and baby girl!

She's soooo cute and cuddly!

Yummy!

"CHEESE!"

Don't hog up that cold water, Isaiah!

Miranda and baby!

Say, "Cheese!"

Miranda loves taking pictures with her cell phone! I really like this one she sent me of her and her dad. Can you see Isaiah in the background..lol?


I'm totally looking forward to this long weekend! On Saturday morning, I'm picking up two of Eli's friends (they are brothers) and having them spend the night. Their family is moving to Texas next week and I know Eli is really going to miss them. They are such a great family, and this will be Eli's first experience with having good friends move away. Anyway, I have to figure out what I'm going to do with them. I want to make sure they have a great time hangin' out together! Later on in the evening, myself and few other women are taking their mom out to dinner, so I know that will be a great night of laughs and fellowship!

A Darker Shade of Brown

When Miranda was done with soccer practice last night, it looked like she got a shade darker! I'm not surprised since it was hot and sunny (95 degrees). I guess we should enjoy this weather before it starts to get cold!!

Five more days till we start school!! I need to do my lessons plans this weekend and get organized before Tuesday. I've been putting it off, but now the time is near!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She took this picture of herself with my cell phone..lol.

Wordless Wednesday

Honest...I DO have other children!!

Starting healthy...

For the last couple of weeks, I have been really watching what I have been eating. I mostly have been watching my carb intake. I did the Atkins years ago (combined with exercise) and I lost so many inches. Okay..that was like two kids ago..lol. When my youngest daughter was close to one year old, I was consistently on my treadmill, and also watching what I was eating. Well, it has been downhill ever since! The treadmill was on it's last thread, and it just made it's way out to the garage and to the dump. I know that you can't just do one or the other (eat good but not exercise, or vice versa). Well, you know how you finally reach that point where you had it? That's where I'm at right now. First and foremost, I need to be healthy and active for my children. What kind of example would I be if I wasn't? Also, I still want to remain attractive to my husband. I think it is our responsibility to not just let ourselves go. So, with the Lords help, He has been helping me to be consistent, to eat right, and to exercise. I have had this Tae Bo Inspirational VHS tape for a few years now, and just started doing that again. Boy, does it work me out! Last night, Gabe and the two older kids came back from soccer practice while I was still exercising and they were all cheering me on! I have a great support system at home! So, that's where I'm at right now. I feel good, and very motivated!!

I took this picture of Veronica tonight. She's so funny because she thought of this pose on her own. She's laying on my lap, so that is why it's so close up!!

Soccer time!!!

Soccer has officially started! Today was the first game of the season, and it was one game right after another! It is such a HUGE blessing that my sis-in-law coaches my little ones teams, so this way if any of those games overlap with my other kids, at least one of them is able to be with her. My husband coaches my oldest sons team, so no matter what, he's always with him at his games! Anywho..here is just some shots of today.

Isaiah before he left w/ dad!

$5 a goal, Eli!!

"Black Knights"

Him & his buddy (and teammate)! His sister & Miranda are on the same team too! This was later in the afternoon at Miranda's game.

Veronica hangin' at Miranda's game!

My ONLY picture of Miranda today. She made a goal on this play! She is the fourth girl from the left (with the white sleeves).

Danny & his buddy Kalei! They are so funny together!

Danny, Veronica, & Kalei

"I scream you scream, we all scream for ice cream!!"

I'm not exaggerating when I say that my kids literally look forward to the ice cream man (lady) driving down our block everyday. It's funny watching her slow down even more when she gets in front of our house, and my kids aren't even outside yet! It's like she can sense my kids getting ready to bust the door open! I can imagine how crazy my three youngest look running out of the house screaming, "STOPPP!!!" Yesterday was no different, so I thought I should take my camera out because I think this would be a great childhood memory for them!

Eli acquired one of my plastic containers to stash all his coins and dollars!

Wordless Wednesday

July 2005

Tackle It Tuesday

I know it's Tuesday, but I actually did this tackle on Sunday! Since I was home with my daughter that morning because of her having strep throat, I figured that that would be the best time to clean up this area! I mentioned last week that my big tackle would be my homeschool area (sheves). I was so motivated that I forgot to take a picture before it was done! But, I'll try to explain how it looked "before" so you can kind of get a visual..lol. There used to be a big play house right in front of the shelves. It closed up, but sometimes they would leave it open. Do you see the toy boxes on the bottom? Those used to be in front of the shelves too, but just picture little pieces scattered around! Now, mind you, my kids would pick them up, but they would miss some of them! I did get rid of a big plastic bin that held some of their schoolwork from last year. My hubby put it on a shelf in the garage. I did throw away tons of misc. papers, drawings, junk, etc! I also organized the books as far as putting them the right side up! So, I'm so happy with it now, but I will have to take some of the curriculum out to make room for my new one!

My Walk Monday

I know that the Lord has been wanting "more" from me. I know in my heart that I've only been giving Him a fraction of myself. God desires us to be in fellowship with Him all the time. I read a chapter of James everyday last week, and now I'm Peter. It's so refreshing and encouraging to read the Word every morning; to be able to give the Lord 100% of my undivided attention. It's awesome how He reveals Himself to me, and makes me want to have a deeper relationship with Him! So, this post is more of a Praise report since I have been digging in the Word, and just allowing the Holy Spirit to use me in any way.

Test Results!!

POSITIVE FOR STREP THROAT!!!!!

Well, at least we know now! When we left the doctor yesterday, I felt like, "What a waste of time." I think it's because when you go to the doctor, you want to leave having a solid answer. You don't want to wait for test results, or leave feeling the same way! But, now we know, and I need to pick up her medication. They said it will be ready in about 4 hours. Gosh, poor thing, she had two, two hour soccer practices last week, and was just not getting enough rest. No wonder she started to feel worst everyday. So, I have to reschedule with our friends for dinner, and Miranda has to stay home from church tomorrow. All we can do is just keep praying for her to get better!!!

God's timing!!!

Tomorrow morning I'll be getting the results of Miranda's throat culture. I took her to the doctor this afternoon because this is the second day of her head/throat/ear throbbing. I thought it was "swimmers ear," but the doctor said her ears were perfectly fine. She did notice that her throat was red, and her glands were tender, so that is why she did a throat culture to see if she may have strep throat. She has a scrimmage game tomorrow morning, but I know that she needs to be home and rest. We have plans to go our friends for dinner, but if Miranda still feels bad, we might have to reschedule.

Tonight was the last night of VBS for my three little ones. I took pictures of them after they were done with their snacks. It was so cute because last week, one of the VBS leaders was teaching Eli how to play chess, and tonight he was teaching Veronica and Daniel. I'm really excited for the kids to start Awana there in a few weeks. It turns out that they are lacking volunteers (I can totally relate to that), so the lady who is in charge asked if I would like to help. You know, it's so funny because just when I thought I was going to have a "break" from Awana at our church, here God opens the door at this church for me to volunteer. So, we'll see!! God's timing is never our timing, that's for sure!!

My boys!

Veronica finishing her craft!

Check.....

Mate!!!!

Bedazzled!

Veronica came out of her room today holding one of Miranda's old jackets and says, "Look mom, I bedazzled the jacket!!" I'm like, "What??" Then, the first thing that came to my mind was if Miranda knew that Veronica used her bedazzler! Well, I found out later that Veronica did not have permission to use it. But, doesn't it look pretty? LOL

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

TACKLE TUESDAY

I know this isn't much of a tackle, but I started small today! Wait till next week! My tackle will be my homeschool area!! Anywho, my desk has become the home base for scrap paper, old notes, outdated magazines, and little toys...you get the picture! I actually got rid of alot of unneccessary items!! So, here ya go. My Tackle Tuesday!

Before

After

My Walk Monday

I have to confess that I have not had my TAWG (Time Along With God) time in awhile. It seems that I let my distractions take priority over Him, and it shows in how I treat my family. I know that is not what God wants for me. There's no way I can be in the Spirit, but walking in my flesh. It's impossible. This morning I read the the first chapter of James, and it spoke to me so clearly. Especially this verse:

So then my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20)

That particular verse just too close to home for me! God is so good because before I even opened up my bible, my prayer to Him was that I speak to my children (and react) without being irritated, or even annoyed. I know it's because I have not spent time with the Lord that I get impatient faster, or irritated for the littlest thing. That is what the main issue is. It's not that I need to speak more lovingly to them, I need to seek His face first before I do anything else. I need His strength, His love, His Holy Spirit to get me through the trials of the day (small or little). Not only for myself, but it shows my children that we need to rely on Him for EVERYTHING! How can I be a blessing to my children if I'm not prayed up, or allowing the Lord to be in control 100%? There's no way...except one....Jesus!!

I love photography!

I love taking pictures. Even more so than I did before. I never considered it a "hobby," but I really feel like I want to take a class just to get better at it. I just don't want to miss capturing those special moments of my family. It seems like yesterday that Isaiah was Daniel's age. Gosh..how time flies. I know that the majority of my pictures are of my littlest one, but I think I'm making up for not taking enough pictures in the last few years. Not just of her, but of all my children. She is just the one that will sit (or stand) long enough for me to take one of her....well, sometimes! So, here is another one of my little sweetie...being patient with mommy! I discovered a website called Picnik and it let's me do tons of neat things with my pictures!! I softened this one of Veronica, and I just love it!!!

Veronia & Mommy Day Out!

Today ended up being "Veronica & mommy day!" I was supposed to go to a baby shower but my husband worked today and didn't get home till 2:30 (the shower started at 1). I really wanted to go, but I know I will see her tomorrow at church and I will give her her gift then.

One of our friends was celebrating her b-day by having a bbq at their house this afternoon. Our "original" plan was that Gabe and the kids would be there while I was at the baby shower. After the shower, I would just meet them over there. Well, those plans changed after Veronica said she didn't want to go because of their dog (puppy actually). He's really hyper, and it freaked her out the last time we were there. Poor doggy, they had to put him in their bedroom almost the entire time we were there. Well, I had to choose my battle! Either we all go and she is super clingy to me today, or her and I could just go do our "own thang!" I chose the latter! I wanted to take her to Build-A-Bear as a surprise, but the image of the crowded mall quickly turned me off! So, we ended up going to Old Navy & TCP instead, and I let her choose her own outfit! She was so cute doing that (and taking forever)! Finally, we left, and she wanted to go home and put on her new clothes before we went out to dinner. I found this Japanese restaurant by my house and I was anxious to try it out. I would never have known this restaurant was there because I never go into this particular shopping center. We sat right where the sushi on the boats go around and around (is that called a Sushi bar?), and that was a first for her! I can honestly say I don't recall the last time I even ate Japanese food. So, it was a treat for me! She had the teriyaki chicken, and I had the tempura! Well, she ate most of my shrimp tempura and sushi, but that's okay, I kinda started a diet on Monday anyway...lol. But, the restaurant was great, and everything was fresh. I will have to go there again with the rest of the family! After we were done eating, we went to Blockbuster and rented a couple of movies. I love having that one on one time with each of my children. It's such a blessing for me when I get a chance to do that!!

Proud of the outfit she picked out!

Yummy appetizer!

The bomb tempura!

Seasons change...

Our two oldest kids used to go to Awana at a different church from about 2001-2006. It was a great church with awesome Awana leaders! Around the time our home fellowship started, they no longer went because it fell on the same day (Friday evenings). Last year our church started the Awana Club, and it was a total blessing to have it there, and to be a part of that. It made me realize how much work goes into having a successful club, and how much we have to rely on the Holy Spirit. Without Him, the club would be fruitless. Unfortunately, our Awana club at our church is switching from Sunday evenings to Wednesday evenings. Since our family is committed to soccer from August to late November, I figured my kids wouldn't be involved in Awana this coming September. Well, that's what I get for leaning on my own understanding!! Point being, our home fellowship starts at 7, but everyone eats first, and then comes worship. By the time the bible study starts, it's about 8'ish. I have time to drop my kids off at Awana at 7:15 and by the time the bible study ends, I have more than enough time to pick them up at 9:45!! We caught the tail end of their VBS week tonight. Instead of having it for five days straight, they have it run the same as Awana (every Friday night). The kids had so much fun, they can't wait till next Friday (which will be the last day of VBS). Then, they will have a two week break before Awana starts. I'm so excited for them!!!

Eli, Danny, & Veronica. We were there way early!!

Great Victory for California Homeschoolers!!

Just another testimony of how good God is and how He is in control of all things!! Although I had total 100% faith in God, I can't help but breathe a sigh of relief! It's done..over, kaput!! I know I'm only one of thousands of families rejoicing today!! Here is a copy from the HSLDA website:

Dear HSLDA Members and Friends:

In a unanimous decision, the California Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District today ruled that ìCalifornia statutes permit home schooling as a species of private school education.î

Todayís decision stands in stark contrast to the opinion this same three-judge panel issued in February, which would have made California the only state in the union to outlaw home education had it remained in effect.

ìIt is unusual for an appellate court to grant a petition for rehearing as this court did in March,î said HSLDA Chairman Mike Farris, ìbut it is truly remarkable for a court to completely reverse its own earlier opinion. We thank you for your prayers and give God the glory for this great victory.î

When the court vacated its earlier decision on March 25, 2008, it invited interested organizations to file friend-of-the-court briefs. ìI have never seen such an impressive array of people and organizations coming to the defense of homeschooling,î said Farris, who was one of the attorneys who argued the case on rehearing along with Alliance Defense Fund attorney Jeff Shafer, who represented the father. The father was also represented by Gary Kreep of the United States Justice Foundation.

Californiaís three largest homeschool organizations, California Homeschool Network, Homeschool Association of California and Christian Home Education Association joined together in one brief to defend the right of all parents to homeschool. HSLDA, Family Protection Ministries and Focus on the Family also joined in a separate brief. Numerous other private organizations came to the defense of home education as did Californiaís governor, attorney general, and superintendent of public instruction.

We are extremely grateful to all of the organizations who worked tirelessly to protect and preserve homeschooling freedom in California. We are also thankful for you, our members, for your prayers and support during this trying season.

The freedom to homeschool is a precious gift from God. But keeping it free requires vigilance and perseverance. We must continue to work together diligently to preserve this precious freedom in California and elsewhere.

Sincerely,

J. Michael Smith

Minyard vs. Minyard...ding ding!!

My eldest son Isaiah is really into boxing these days. LOL, it seems that's all him and his friends do when they get a chance. Boys!! Well, now my two other boys are getting into it as well, so off we went to Big 5 to get them their own pair of gloves! Round 1!!!

My boys..Eli, Isaiah, & Danny

Random pictures at the park...

Some of the kids and I were at Eli's soccer practice tonight, so I decided to snap some pictures of the kids with my cell phone. I wanted to take my regular camera to take some of Eli's practice, but I forgot to grab it on our way out. I think these came out pretty good!!!!

I love Eli's coaches! This is his 3rd year being on the same team. I think it's great that the same kids move up and stay together. The only difference is now that it is all boys. Once they start on an Under 10 team, the boys & girls have to separate.

This is Gabe's 6th year coaching Isaiah's team (which was originally Miranda's when she was 5 years old). It's neat to see these boys run up to my husband every year and hug and jump on him. I have to say though that he is a great coach and really enjoys doing this every season. He tells them from the get go that it's all about having fun and that's what's most important. The best thing so far is that we have become friends with some of the parents and have been able to share Jesus with them. One mom even got saved a couple of years ago!! So, we know God has an ultimate plan with this!

My sister-in-law was Gabe's assistant coach last year with Danny & Veronica's team, and since she had so much fun (lol), she decided to volunteer again. It's also a blessing for us because with all of them being on five different teams, it does help that she is able to be with the little ones since she coaches both Danny & Veronica's teams! Confused yet?

Miranda is still on the same team and let me say that her team rocks! They got 2nd place in the tournament last year, and that was her teams first year playing together. The team that they lost to had been together for three years. So...they have a good chance this time around!

I love this time of year though because it is just fast paced and fun!! It's crazy..but fun!!

Miranda hamming it up!

He was saying, "Hurry up, mom!!"

Lovely

My girls!

Wordless Wednesday