GOODBYE CLUTTER!

One good thing that came out of us not going to Nevada this weekend was that I was able to clean out my entire bedroom. My BIGGEST tackle is my bedroom closet. We don't have alot of storage space, so it seems that everything "extra" goes in there. Kind of like, out of sight, out of mind. I literally took everything out, and was able to fill up EIGHT...(yes, EIGHT) garbage bags of clothes to give away! I pulled all the clothes down from the top shelf in the closet and now it looks like a department store shelf!

Now, I try to keep it as real as possible on my blog, and I have to confess that I have not vacuumed under the chest in a long, long time. So long, that I found an old plastic Easter egg underneath it. I literally could not remember when we had those plastic eggs! It was heavy, so I decided to open it up, and guess what I found?? An egg!! Not a fake egg, but an egg that my kids dyed!!! Thank God that it had faded paint, so it looked normal, but I'm sure underneath the shell was the most disgusting thing ever! Honestly, I'm so glad I found it because there was this smell in the room that we could not pinpoint! When I opened up the egg, it was THAT smell!!! Thank you, Lord!!!!!

So, now my room is clutter free, it smells GOOD, and my husband is happy!

To read more stories how to Make Your Home Sing, click here.

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend, Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day when we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home. If you would like to join in, click here.

For the last couple of weeks, my home has been singing since we've been on "schedule" with school. They say if you do something consistently for a certain amount of time, it will become habit, or second nature.

Now, that could be for something good, and/or even bad.

I've always been a procrastinator. If any of my friends or family is reading this right now, they're nodding their head in agreement! I don't know why it is, but I love the challenge (so I tell myself) of getting things done at the last minute. I know..NOT A GOOD HABIT! This is probably why I'm making such a big deal about keeping up with our schedule this year.

So, last week, we were still moving along just fine, but I also want to make some adjustments from here on out. I'm finding myself rushing through my devotions just so I have time to do other things before the kids wake up. If I wake myself up earlier, I won't be trying to fit in my devotion time at the last minute. Because, once they get up, forget about it. I won't get that precious time back.

I want my time with the Lord to have substance. I don't want to go through the motions just so I can say I had quiet time with Him. I want to soak in all He has for me, and not just get it over with. I don't want to have the attitude that it's just another chore that I have to mark off of my list. Without Him, my day would be messed up. Well, sometimes it is, but I need Him to get me through it.

So, to make my home sing this week (and every week after), I'm going to spend quality time with the Lord. I know that when I put Jesus first, and and keep my eyes on Him, the less I will be focused on the little things that try to trip me up.

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend, Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day when we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home. If you would like to join in, click here.

I want to start off by saying that our first week of school went great! Even when we had a break by going to my dads one day, they were still troopers and did the rest when we got home!

Just by us staying consistent everyday and doing what they're supposed to be doing made them appreciate the weekend all the more! I can see how much of a difference our day is when we stay on track. I also plan on not scheduling appointments or doing errands during our school time. It's hard to reel them back in from being out for a couple of hours. And that goes for myself too.

You would think that I would know this after homeschooling for 8 years, but I tell ya, you learn something new everyday!

So, for this week, I will continue to do what we did the last, so our home will be singing, singing, singing!

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend, Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day when we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home. If you would like to join in, click here.

Today is officially our last day of summer vacation!! We are starting our new school year tomorrow and I have to say that I'm a tad bit excited!!

Last week I met up with a few homeschooling mom's and I was so encouraged when I left! I have brand new ideas to motivate my kids (mainly the older ones) to do their schoolwork, and also a better way to organize our time!

I know it's a holiday today, but I'm going to get ready for our first day of school! Did I mention I'm somewhat of a procrastinator? Well, I love the challenge! I'm hoping my husband takes the kids somewhere so I can have the house to myself!

So, I will be Making My Home Sing this week by being consistent with our routines and our schedule!!!

Have a blessed day, friends!

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend, Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day when we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home. If you would like to join in, click here.

For many of you, your kids have started their new school year! Ours is quickly approaching and I don't want to start the year "mentally" unprepared!

Because of the homeschool program we use, our books and any material we need for all their subjects are sent to us. I don't even have to order them! Even all five of their lesson plans are laid out for them for the year (on the computer)! It's been such a huge blessing and a humongous load off of my shoulders to not have to worry about those things!

However, because of that, I feel like I can wait till the very last minute to get ourselves in gear! Well, I learned my lesson the hard way, and I know now that we are definitely doing things different around here this school year! But, first and foremost, I must take everything to the Lord first. I don't know how many times I've tried to homeschool "on my own" and the day was just a disaster. I have to rely on Him completely, 100%, or else we will fail, or rather, I will fail them.

So, in Making My Home Sing this week, I will pray about what kind of schedule works for the kids and I. I'm not one of those parents who say, "Get up by 7, and be at the table by 8!" No..so NOT me! However, that could be a blessing and a curse. I need to be realistic about our time, and how we use it. And how does that start? With ME being THE example! I don't want to start the first day of school with blinders on, so I will pray about it, and implement these changes A.S.A.P.!

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend, Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day when we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home. If you would like to join in, click here.

Hmmm..where do I even begin?

Remember the other week where I said I was going to clear out all the shoes in the garage?

Didn't happen.

I know...that's just life sometimes. You have good intentions to start something, but you just can't get around to it.

I know..excuses..excuses! My mom is probably shaking her head if she is reading this (hi mom)!

As you know, we are a homeschooling family. With five kids, you can imagine all the curriculum I have in my home! Well, I have new boxes arriving today, and the UPS weight said 24lbs!!!!! And that's just for one child!

That means, I need to start re-organizing our homeschooling area which I'm totally dreading!!!! I'm not even in the school mindset yet, and either are my kids. We don't officially start school till after Labor Day, so I do have a few more weeks. BUT, I don't want to wait till the last minute like I always do.

So, as the saying goes, "Out with the old and in with the new!"

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend,Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day when we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home. If you would like to join in, click here.

Okay....I KNOW I said (last week) that I was going to declutter one room a day while my little ones were at VBS. Uhh...didn't happen! I was totally enjoying not doing anything as I had the house to myself!

This week is different though! VBS is done, and my two older kids are back from camp. Miranda is sick (but getting better), Danny has a cough, and on top of that, soccer practice starts TODAY...twice a week, for five kids! Actually, only two of the kids have practice tonight, and in addition to that, my husband decided that he was going to coach two teams again this year!

I don't know where I'm going with all this information, but I do know that with soccer, and with school starting in September, I need to make sure I stay on top of things! It always feels like I'm super busy for the entire soccer season. I know my laundry practically doubles with all the extra shorts, socks, sweatshirts, and uniforms I have to wash every other day!

It probably sounds like I'm complaining, but I'm not. I'm just jotting down notes for what is coming up. Also, with my husband coaching, I'm automatically the team mom. But, no worries, I won't bombard my blog with soccer pictures every week. I think you can only take so many of them with a soccer ball before they all start to look the same!! LOL!

OH..and how am I going to make my home sing this week? Having healthy meals so they can have enough energy for practice, and just staying on top of what needs to be done at home!

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend,Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day when we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home. If you would like to join in, click here.

Last week, my kids had VBS at our church. They were so GLAD to sleep in on Saturday! Well, there is a church much closer to our house that has VBS this week, and YES, my kids are going there too!! They have gone there the last two years, and they always have a great time! With my two older kids gone at Jr. High camp this week, I will have the perfect opportunity to get things done within that three hour window!

Want to know my plan? I decided to declutter a room each day! From living room to the kitchen! I have tons of stuff that I can get rid of! I'm going to be Fly Lady this week!

I'm already receiving new curriculum via UPS for this school year, so this is the perfect time to box the old stuff up! I can't wait to start organizing that area!

And this is how I will make my home sing this week!!

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend, Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day when we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home. If you would like to join in, click here.

I'm not afraid to admit that I'm not a great organizer. In fact, I'm more of a procrastinator. I see how people make lists and schedules, and I always think to myself, "I need to do that too!" I'm sure life will be much simpler that way! Not only for myself, but for my family!

I'm sure I will never turn into one of those people who will live by a schedule, but it would be nice to see "on paper" what needs to be done! This way I'm not overlapping schedules, I know what I'm making for dinner each night, and I know who needs to get where, by what time!

Now, I'm sure all you list makers out there are just dying to share with me some of your ideas, right? Well, I'm open to just about anything!!! So, if you feel the need, please do so!!! You can say that you had help in making my home sing!!!

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend, Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day when we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home. If you would like to join in, click here.

How many of you ever get a "break?" And I don't mean one less child, or even two, but a chance to be by yourself? It doesn't have to be anywhere specific, but just the fact that you are ALONE! And it doesn't count when everyone is asleep (although that is nice too).

Does your husband, a grandparent, aunt, or good friend take your kids anywhere so you can have alone time? Are you able to meet a girlfriend or two for dinner, go to a bookstore, or even a coffee shop if you feel the need?

I'm blessed to have all of the above. I don't do it that often because I truly am content being at home with my kids. But, if I ever have that "I need a break" feeling, my husband completely understands.

I think that part of making your home sing is being able to be refreshed! I don't feel it's selfish to have those quiet moments to yourself. My husband used to ask me why I stayed up so late. Well, that is the time that I can actually be alone without any distractions or interruptions.

As moms, we do need that break once in awhile. Even if you don't have a girlfriend to hook up with, you can do anything by yourself! I find that being in a bookstore is sooo relaxing too! But, my whole point is that it's okay to have that downtime and not feel guilty about it.

Now, if I'm just plain ole' grumpy mom, then that means my heart needs to be checked, and I need to be in the Word to get me back on track! But, if I feel like I'm needing some "quiet time," then either I will do something alone (could even be just an errand), or my husband will take the kids somewhere.

After a couple of hours I find myself missing all of them, and I can't wait to get home! There's nothing better than me walking in the house and having them run up to me like I've been gone for months! In the end, I'm refreshed, I've missed them, they've missed me...it's all good!

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend, Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day when we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home. If you would like to join in, click here.

My husband and I are co-teaching a class that they are having at church every Wednesday night. I'm sure most of you have heard of Tedd Tripp's book, "Shepherding A Child's Heart."

We're not actually "teaching" because every week we watch a couple of sessions from his DVD, and afterward there is table time for us to discuss some questions that are given to us.

This will be the third week of the class and we have already learned so much from it. Honestly, every week we are convicted!!! Even a seasoned parent has much to glean from these videos.

What he focuses on is the matter of the heart issues. The bible says, "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Matthew 12:34b. Without getting to the heart issue, we will only fix a problem on the surface. We can manipulate our kids to behave the way we want them to, but that is not getting to the root of it.

We will never reach our kids with the gospel, for example, if we say, "Stop acting like that! You're being so obnoxious! I've had it with you today! Oh, and Jesus loves you and died on the cross for you."

You see, it will never fit together, my friends. We have to get to the heart, and what is it in their hearts that is causing them to behave a certain way. Our words can't change it, but Gods word can. That's the only way. Yes, it will take time, and you have to be consistent, but in the long run, it will all be worth it. And really, while the Lord will be working in their heart(s), He will work in your hearts too.

Jesus will always be involved as long as you are focusing on the heart issues!!

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend, Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day when we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home. If you would like to join in, click here.

My kids thoroughly enjoyed Day Camp last week at our church! It was a long day, no doubt. 9-3 for a homeschooler is a long day!!! But, they had tons of fun, and church is literally like our second home anyway!

ART was the theme for last week's camp, and this week's theme is Cooking and Drama! Well, Eli told me he doesn't want to do it because he did the cooking last year. Well, with more pressing, he also said he doesn't want to wake up early again..LOL! Of course, Daniel wants to do EVERYTHING Eli does, so he doesn't want to go either. Miranda liked helping last week, and Veronica wants to go to camp, so I will be dropping off the girls' every morning.

This week, I will dedicate my time to the boys, and I'm excited about that! Of course, Isaiah is included with that too! I'm not sure what we'll be doing, but I'm sure whatever it is, it will be fun! My home will sing because everyone is where they want to be!

MAKE YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend, Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day when we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home. If you would like to join in, click here.

I'm going to be super busy for the next two weeks, and no, we're not going on vacation!

Our church is having two, one week long day camps. The first week starts today, and it is from 9-3! Now, I could be taking a break during this time! I could just easily drop them off, come home, or just basically do what I want for those six hours! But, no, I'm staying, and helping out! I helped last year and it was so much fun! It's alot of work , but so worth it when you see all the kids having a great time! My kids are already excited!

I'm sure I'll have pictures to post this week, and I will be able to explain what they will be doing every day! But, the point of this post is to share how I am going to make my home sing this week!

I'm going make it sing by serving at church!

You may be thinking, "What does that have to do with making her home sing?"

Well, I'll tell ya! When your kids see you at church serving (volunteering your time), and you are doing it for the Lord and not for any recognition, it really blesses them! It makes them happy to see their parents there and it also teaches them to have a servants heart! When you're serving the Lord wholeheartedly, you will find joy in whatever you're doing. Whether it be mopping a floor, passing out snacks, or singing on the worship team!

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. -Colossians 3:23-24

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend, Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day when we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home. If you would like to join in, click here.

How will I make my home sing this week?

One word...DEVOTIONS!

I wake up way before my kids do, so I will have my own personal devotion time. However, when the kids wake up, I'm so busy trying to get them organized that I tend to overlook having devotions with them.

I need to start putting that as a priority above anything else. I need to be filled and refilled with the Holy Spirit daily, and so do they! I know when I haven't been in the Word, I'm more irritable, and I am just in my "flesh."

My two older kids are old enough to where they can have their own time with the Lord without me having to remind them. Nothing blesses me more than seeing my children in their rooms, soaking up Gods word!!

So, to keep us all accountable, and to stay motivated, my two older kids and I will read a chapter from the Old Testament and the New Testament every morning, and when we're all done, we will come together and share how the Lord spoke to us through His word.

I'm excited to do this with my children, and to see them really meditate on Gods word. It's part of training them up in the Lord, and for them to continue to grow spiritually!

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend, Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day when we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home. If you would like to join in, click here.

I really love doing this meme because it helps me to keep everything into perspective!

When my husband and kids (minus Daniel) went camping last week, I soooo enjoyed the quiet time I had at home. Even though I still had Daniel with me, just having one child 24/7 as opposed to five is a huge difference!!! Can you imagine how the dynamics change from seven people in the house to only two? I got to enjoy his company for three straight days! Did I mention how quiet it was..lol? It was actually so refreshing! We didn't do much since he still was a tiny bit sick, but it was nice to just relax at home with him! It was just a really sweet time between him & I!!

With that said, I think it's so important to have those one on one times with your children...even if you just have one child! It's been awhile since I've had one on one time with my kids, and I want to start planning those "dates" again! And not just mommy and me, but also for daddy too! Then when it's time for mommy & daddy time, I call grandma to come over!

Normally, I would surprise them the day of, but I think I will start marking it on the calender so this way they can see for themselves when their day is coming up. I think it will be exciting for them to see "12 more days" till it's my turn!!

It's such a blessing for them to have our undivided attention; to not have to compete with anyone else, and to just talk about whatever they want to! And it doesn't always have to be about buying them something either. Just having "you" for themselves is the highlight!! Of course, if it's me, then more than likely we'll go out to eat somewhere..heehee.

Now that summer is coming up and school is coming to an end, this is the perfect time to start this up again! This is another way I will continue to keep our home singing!!

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend, Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day when we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home. If you would like to join in, click here.

This Friday we're going camping with a bunch of our friends!

Approximately 10 adults and 22 kids!!!!!!!!!!

Some of you are probably thinking, "Wow, how fun!!"

I'm thinking, "Not!"

And it's not because I'm some kind of priss or girly girl.

I'm just not an outdoorsy, campy type person. Put me up in a hotel and I'll be a "happy camper." Heck, (is that a bad word?) I'll even take a motor home!

The friends we're going with all love camping and they have assured me that I will have fun! Not that I don't believe them...I'm sure I will share many a laugh while I'm there. It's just imagining myself sleeping in a tent, waking up feeling gross, looking gross, and then taking a shower in a stall (okay, yes, there are showers, but it's still outdoors)! Plus, my kids are constantly reminding me about camping, as if I have forgotten! My husband, on the other hand, is all excited because this is right up his alley. I actually feel somewhat responsible as to why we all have not gone camping before!

Anyway, with all that said, I will bless my family by being enthusiastic about going! I will have fun, and I will not be a martyr on this trip! I will just suck it up and "go with the flow." Who knows, I may end up having the time of my life! Yup, that's the attitude I'm going for!

But, I do know one thing.....

You will NOT see any pictures of ME!!!

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend, Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day when we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home. If you would like to join in, click here.

The message at church yesterday was awesome! We are going through the book of Mark, and we were at Mark 10:1-16. Our Pastor spoke about marriage, and how the worlds view of marriage is. For many people, it's not seen as a covenant, but a contract. People want out because they are not getting their needs met. When you are married, it's about putting the other persons needs before your own. Laying down your "self" for your spouse. The world emphasizes, "What about me? What have you done for me lately?" Me, me, me!!

BUT, even as a Christian, I can sometimes let that worldly "attitude" or "mentality" get in the way. We need to also train our children for marriage by our example. If we're not in agreement with each other, do we work it out together, or are there arguments and tension in the home? How my spouse and I treat each other directly shows my children what is and isn't acceptable in a godly marriage.

My sister in law blessed me by getting me The Love Dare book for Mother's Day. I heard about the great challenges that are in there! I'm excited to read it, and bless my husband, my marriage, my children, and ultimately, the Lord. I just want to do what is pleasing in His sight.

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend, Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day when we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home. If you would like to join in, click here.

Last week, I shared how our attitudes can rub off on our children. It is something that I'm continuing to work on because I can see traits of myself in my kids that I would rather not have them emulate. One of the worst habits that I have is yelling. Sometimes I feel that they are not hearing me, so I yell just to get their attention. BUT, I realize that yelling is also a result of laziness. Instead of me going to them, and speaking to them rationally, I'll yell from wherever I'm at. If I hear them arguing, I'll yell at them to stop! No wonder they don't take me seriously! Now, don't get me wrong, I don't yell at them for every little thing. I'd drive myself crazy if I did that. I just want to prevent yelling altogether. How can I expect them to have self control if I don't have it myself. I'm going to bless my home by praying, and working on having a gentler and quieter spirit.

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day where we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home!! If you would like to be blessed, encouraged, or would even like to share how you are making your home sing, click here!

I get frustrated when I hear my kids complain or have an attitude about something. I'm quick to give them examples of being grateful or how things could be worst for them. What I fail to realize is that they could possibly be mirroring MY actions! Even just the slightest gesture can speak volumes of how I'm feeling.

I realize how much of an influence I have over my children. When someone makes me angry or offends me, do I get angry back or do I pray for my heart to be right toward them? When my feelings get hurt, do I blame and point fingers, or do I go straight to Jesus for comfort and understanding?

My kids see and hear everything I do! If they see me turning to Him for every situation (big or small), they will too. If they see me feeding my flesh, so will they.

Before I make my home sing in any area, I need to check my heart with God first. Because if my heart is right, my actions and my words will reflect that.

"For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." Matthew 12:34b

MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY

I am linking up with my friend Mom's The Word to participate in her Monday meme, "Making Your Home Sing Monday." It's a day where we share what we are doing to bless our families in our home!! If you would like to be blessed, encouraged, or would even like to share how you are making your home sing, click here!

My kids are starting school again today after being on "Spring Break" all last week. It's "back to the grind" so to speak, and back to our normal routine. My husband gets home by 2 o'clock (isn't that a blessing), so, I will make sure the kids get their schoolwork done before he gets home. This way, they won't be distracted, and they'll be able to do whatever they want the rest of the day. Also, my husband and I decided to go back to the Sports Center (since the weather is so awesome right now) with the kids and start exercising again. My family will be blessed by being back on schedule and feeling great!!