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!

SCRIPTURE SUNDAY

On Sundays, I usually post something random. I decided that instead of doing that, I will share a scripture. I pray that it will be a blessing to whoever reads it!

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.-Romans 5:3-5

YOU'RE GONNA MISS THIS MOMENT

I've been know to say (once or even twice), that I need a break. I'm with my kids practically 24/7, so I don't think I'm being selfish when I express those feelings. And when I say break, I just mean going to the store all by myself, or even having my husband take all the kids somewhere. I don't have to do anything elaborate. I just like to have some quiet moments to myself.

BUT...

After awhile, I start to miss them. I miss hearing their voices, their LAUGHTER, their goofyness with each other, and their spunk for life! There is not one quiet one in the bunch! Of course, there are days when I just can't wait till they all go to bed and I can finally relax and/or pick up the mess they left behind. But, that's all part of being a mom, right? It comes with the territory.

However, one day they will all be on their own, and I KNOW I will miss all those repetitive questions, their daily hugs and kisses, their individual personalities, and just their company, period.

I will cherish each day I have with them. They're not getting any younger, and either am I.

Brunch we had at Panera Bread last week.

If you want to share your "You're Going To Miss This Moment" story, or to read more, click here to go to Pam's blog.

FRIDAY PHOTO FLASHBACK

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to sign in to MckLinky so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

Here's a couple of pictures in 1990, when my (not yet) husband, his older brother and a couple of friends went to Yosemite to climb Half Dome. You can see them all on top of the mountain, 3,000 feet high, just hanging out by the edge like it's no big deal! Ugh..that makes my stomach hurt when you see how just one wrong step will send you right over! He just told me that they shouldn't have sat there because the rocks on the edge slip and fall ALL THE TIME!

That's my husband in the white cap!

Here's a close up! Miranda looks so much like him in this picture!

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Today I'm linking up with Sonya @ Truth 4 The Journey for "Thankful Thursday." All you need to do is list five things that you're thankful for this week! I'm excited to do this because I have not done a thankful post in awhile. If you want to participate, just visit her blog and link up!

Here are my five!!

1. God's provision. He put it on someones heart to bless us, and let me tell you, my husband and I were so overwhelmed (in fact we still are). We don't know who it was which makes it even more of a blessing!!

2. The homeschool meeting I had with other mom's on Tuesday night. I'm excited, motivated, and encouraged to begin our new school year!

3. My children's laughter. They are so full of energy and personality. There is never a dull moment at home...never!!

4. Air conditioning! We only have a window unit for our living room, and let me tell you, it was so hot on Saturday. It was such a relief to come home to cool air!

5. Food to eat and a roof over our heads!!!

WORDFUL WEDNESDAY

Just when I thought I was done with diapers!!!

I thought I should add an explanation as to why she is wearing a puppy diaper. I can assure you that this is NOT for the cute factor! Girl pups also get visits from "Aunt Flo." I didn't know that either! Well, thank goodness she is getting "fixed" in a couple of weeks because that will permanently "fix" that problem.

Be sure to visit 7 Clown Circus for Wordful Wednesday.

FOUR DAYS TO GO!!

Till another repeat of the Princess Ball!!

Here are all the girls' dancing & having so much fun from last years ball!!!! I was there because "I was helping." LOL! In the beginning of the video, you'll see my oldest daughter Miranda pushing one of her friends to dance, and you will also see how I focus on Veronica! They are both wearing tiaras and white dresses!

Of course, the dad's and daughters danced together to slow & fast songs, but this was one time when all the girls got on the "dance floor!"

These girls were sooooooooooooooo having a good time!!! Oh, and just ignore the convo between my husband I!!! You know how it is when you record, you totally forget that everything you say is being documented too!

And no worries, I don't expect you to watch all 8 minutes of the video!!

And one more thing, before you watch the video, let me apologize in advance for my totally obnoxious laugh!! That was so random, and I totally do not sound like that!! So, don't be scared!

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.

You all know that expression, "Down to the wire." Well, that's us, in regards to our summer break!! It's is almost officially OVA'!!!!!!! Am I looking forward to that? Of course NOT!!

But, we will have to suck it up, and move ahead just like everyone else.

Our new school year will also have new rules, and I plan on enforcing them. I let too much slide last year, and I definitely reaped what I sowed. I know that all kids ultimately like to have a plan and/or schedule, and I believe our home will be running smoothly if I stick to them!

I've already come up with a few that are pretty much no brainers, but in the past, I let those rules fall to the wayside!

Therefore, as far as video games, and or computer (leisure) time, they will not be able to use them until all schoolwork is finished. They will be responsible for certain chores, and we will also stick with our devotion in the mornings. There will also be consequences if they do not follow through with things on their end as well.

So, this week, I'm getting every last detail taken care of, so come next Tuesday, we will be good to go!