Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Maybe this one?


Okay, so I'm really leaning toward this machine. It is SO CUTE, and it has good reviews. I would love to get something more heavy-duty that will last a while, but I am also looking to get myself a newer, better machine in a couple of years, so at that time I can pass my current one down to her. So I'm thinking that maybe I will go with this one as her first machine. But I haven't decided for sure yet. Any thoughts?

Blog give-away!!!


Hobo Mama is giving away a very cute mei tai baby carrier that she has made herself! Check it out and enter to win over at her blog.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Beginner Sewing Machine?


We have a limited budget for Christmas, but I really want to get Jayla her first sewing machine! I was thinking about it anyway, but this past week she has been BEGGING me for one. She loves sewing! So I am looking at something like the Singer Pixie (all purple) or the Singer Pixie Plus, but neither have great reviews. I also think the Janome Sew Mini Blossom is really cute and does have better reviews. I just found this cute little Hello Kitty machine (different from one pictured above) for about $60, and it has decent reviews too. Does anyone else have a recommendation for a real sewing machine for a 7-year-old for $50-ish or less?

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Christians and Halloween


I've enjoyed this thread on my Facebook profile, so I wanted to post it here as well in its entireity. I hope other Christians will gain something from this and dig deeper for yourselves to see what God's word says on this and not just listen to others' opinions!


Here is the link I posted that tells about Halloween origins and customs. Every Christians needs to read this. Below is my status message on FB and the replies from it.






My status message: Everyone needs to know the history of this day. The decision to not participate in anything Halloween related for me is all about not compromising, being set apart from the "world" as a Christ follower. My kids can dress up and eat candy (a little, maybe!) any day of the year (and they do!), so what other reason would I possibly have for celebrating such an evil day other than to just blend in with the world? We are called to come out and be separate....in the world but not of the world. NO COMPROMISE!!!!!








Tommie: Do you celebrate Christmas and Easter? They both started as pagan holidays.
Yesterday at 12:58pm ·

Kristy: Very true Tommie. Those both holidays were successfully changed into a Christian Holiday. As you well know that Christians tried to follow up with All Saints Day on November 1, but it was still never successfully turned into a Christian holiday. When the missionaries were ministring to the pagan tribes, they were trying to give them an alternative in celebrating the gods of the tribes.

My question that I pose to my children is what good comes out of celebrating Halloween..what are we truly celebrating...darkness, scariness...ect...l

Yesterday at 1:19pm ·

Tommie: There are still pagan remnants, though...
Yesterday at 2:08pm ·

Jamie: AMEN TRUTHSEEKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yesterday at 2:21pm ·

Christy: Really TruthSeeker? An evil day? I'm pretty sure that all the witches celebrate every day they want to also.
We don't do much devil worshiping or cat skinning in our dinosaur and princess costumes.

You give your kids presents for Christmas, so what makes that not a pagan holiday when you choose to participate along with other pagans?
Yesterday at 3:00pm ·

Jamie: Pagans shouldn't be celebrating Christmas! If your not a follower of Christ why would you celebrate that day.
I would say Oct. 31 is not evil in itself, everyday is a the Lord's day, but what people choose to do on that day is EVIL!
Yesterday at 3:14pm ·

Sasha: you know TruthSeeker, I would have agreed with you 100% just a few weeks ago ... but, after YEARS of not "celebrating" halloween, this year I'm letting my kids dress up for the first time - and we will be going to a church function (we did a church function last year for the first time, without costumes though).

I've come to the same conclusion as a few of your friends have commented - all holidays seem to have begun as pagan celebrations and I'm not about to stop celebrating Christmas or Easter, so I've decided that my original "conviction" may have been based more on the opinions of others (who, I might add, dress up now and all that) and not my own conviction - maybe more my own fear even?

Anyhow, I prayed a lot about it and felt like this was ok for us - the dressing up and church function. My kids were actually wanting to dress up and trick or treat, they've never asked before - this is when I told them I would pray about it. I still didn't feel ok with trick or treating, and I told them that - and told them I'd find a church having something that we could attend! They still would like to trick or treat, but they're happy to go to the "festival" and I know they'll have a blast.

Just my two cents! :-)

Yesterday at 3:17pm ·

Kristy: We can take something good and wholesome and pervert it. That is what the enemy wants and desires for us to do. I thnk of dancing. David danced before the Lord, there is a time to dance...ect...My son takes dance..but it is different..he knows his talent is the Lords and not his. It is not about glorifying himself...In ALL WE DO WE MUST GIVE GLORY to the LORD. That is my bottom line. If I go buy Christmas presents and go into debt for it or overspend and to do much and have the lack of the fruits of the spirit...how does that give glory to the Lord???
Yesterday at 3:19pm ·

Sasha: lots of people who don't follow Christ celebrate Christmas, it's origins were pagan ... it's only us Christians who turned it into a day to celebrate the birth of Christ ... at least, this is the information I've read?
Yesterday at 3:46pm ·

Tim: The Catholic church created a day for the Christ Mass on or around the same time as one of the pagan holidays to try and get more converts.
Yesterday at 5:07pm ·

Christy: Jamie, everybody except a few like Jehovah Witness and Jewish celebrate Christmas. Christian or not.
You can't choose to single out certain holidays when you choose to celebrate Christmas with presents...THAT is not what Christmas is about...

I don't appreciate people telling me that I'm basically EVIL because we choose to go to fall festivals or trick or treat, anymore than I think you are evil for celebrating Christmas, which IS celebrated as a pagan holiday.
Buying presents for others is not celebrating the Lords birthday at all, going into debt or not.
If you don't choose to participate in Easter because it's turned into a pagan holiday then why do you choose to participate in Christmas?

Yesterday at 5:10pm ·

Jamie: Christy, I"m certainly not saying you are evil !!! Sorry if that came across like that,, I mean that I believe it is satan's celebration. My family chooses NOT to participate in anything at all that has to do with it.
I do want to be set apart from the world.
And how do you know that we do celebrate Christmas? We have ALOT of problems with Christmas, but what I was saying is that I don't get why pagans at all want to celebrate something that stands for One Who they don't even believe in.
We also don't celebrate Easter the worldy way, we celebrate what it is....Christ's reserrection ( sp).
We are not into making big deals out of any holidays, except the Sabbath!

Thank you TruthSeeker for sharing the truth!!! We were convicted of this " holiday" when we first met the Lord many years ago...I do wish more christians would stand for the TRUTH and come away from what is obviously EVIL!

Yesterday at 7:46pm ·

Me: Wow, I've been gone all day, and look what I come back too! LOL!

Let's see.....Tommie, we do still celebrate easter and Christmas, but only because it is not exclusively my decision. We only "do easter" with my in-laws. Nothing against them personally, but I just do not enjoy it at all. Christmas to me is full of a lot of fun memories and warm feelings. I enjoy it very much, so that one would definitely be more difficult for me to give up, but if hubby decided we were going to do that (and we may in the future), then I would for sure! I will probably post about their history too as we get closer. So many people either don't know or don't care, and I certainly wouldn't expect non-Christians to feel the same way I do!

Jamie, you did say that better than I did! It is not an evil day, but what people do with it is evil. The saddest part to me is that most people don't have a clue why it is so bad to compromise. Most people think it is okay as long as they don't do such-and-such. It opens up the door to a lot of evil in their lives though, and that is just something I don't want to mess around with. It just simply is NOT harmless as it appears to be.

When it all comes down to it, I am trying to live my life according to the Bible. I am FAR from perfect and would never expect myself or anyone else to live perfectly at all, but I at least strive for obeying God's word. The whole day of October 31st has been dedicated to satan. I think the Bible is more than clear on running away from evil....avoiding even the *appearance* of evil. As Christians, we are supposed to go out into the world, not bring the world in to us, so that is why I don't like alternatives either. I won't deny they are fun, but does that make it okay for Christians to participate in? (For those reading this who are not Christ-followers, this does not apply to you and I would not expect you to understand.)

I do hope to give up easter and Christmas someday too, and I believe we are moving in that direction. Sometimes when you live your whole life doing something, it is hard to change instantly. Some people can, but I think it is a process for most people. We are in that process. But for now, if our hearts are in the right place - honoring God in all we do and loving others who do things differently - we are where we should be....for now. And I understand that others are not there yet, and may not ever be, but I felt impressed to share the origins of this "holiday" in case some people had never heard.

I love you all! :)

Yesterday at 9:24pm ·

Tony: I'm gonna be Wolverine! Not sure if I can pull it off but I am certainly going to try. :-)
Yesterday at 9:47pm ·

Amanda: We need to figure out a clever yet SAFE way to make your claws. I don't want you to hurt yourself!
Yesterday at 10:22pm ·

Sasha: I think the point is - ALL holidays originated as pagan! I don't think some of "us" are getting that point. Also, sorry - but - hello, look at our world, October 31st is not the only day dedicated to satan. We all have different convictions on halloween, and holidays in general - I myself have been in a place where frustration sets in on how Christians could do "this" or "that" - but, we all have our faults and have to be careful not to judge! Thanks for sharing your views TruthSeeker!
Yesterday at 11:27pm ·

Tina: Nicely said Sash
Yesterday at 11:36pm ·

Me: On judging, we ARE supposed to judge other Christians, it is the world we are not to judge because they do not understand. Read 1 Cor. chapter 5 as one example of this. However, on this issue, I am not just trying to "judge" other Christians and say you are wrong for this or that because everyone is at a different place in their spiritual growth and God is working on each individual in different areas, but I do feel obligated to share with everyone what I know. So I am not trying to judge, just inform people. Not everyone is aware. Maybe some will be convicted as a result, maybe it will take a few more years, and many will change nothing, but I do feel an obligation to share the truth. That is why I have brought up some touchy topics on here. I can't NOT say anything. So do what you will with it, but this is how I feel and I will not be quiet about it.....I can't! :)

Sasha, not all holidays originated as pagan holidays. I'm referring to the Biblical holy days. Under the New Covenant we are not required to observe these days, but it is certainly fine if Christians want to observe them. Also, I don't know that they necessarily "celebrated" birthdays and anniversaries in Bible times, but they did at least acknowledge them. You can see evidence of that with all the begots and the death and marriage records! And the other days like Mother's day, for example, is just a day to honor our moms. It does not have any pagan roots (god/goddess worship or anything like that) that I am aware of, though I have heard some good reasons not to celebrate those days too. So what I am referring to here is the holidays (specifically Halloween) that started out as pagan worship. Christians tried to "Christianize" these days and now have alternatives, but I believe that is a compromise and looks too similar to the world. Again, I don't expect everyone to agree or even understand, I'm just trying to explain my strong convictions on this. I feel that the Bible is very clear about some things and that it is more than just "my conviction". Even though the Bible does not specifically mention Halloween, it clearly says to flee from evil and even the appearance of it.

So if you do not agree, that's fine! I've shared my 2 cents, what I believe is clear in God's word. We can agree to disagree, and maybe someday we'll agree! :) We have the same Spirit, right? So if we are both seeking His face, then we should eventually come into unity!

22 hours ago ·

Sasha: yah - you're right - I was thinking the "main" ones, like Christmas, Easter, and of course: halloween! I'll have to read that verse, it's always been my understanding that we don't judge - period. Holding another Christian accountable, to me, is different than judging.

I could probably go on and on - especially about the appearance of evil - that can get pretty complex. The truth is, I watch shows that many might see as "evil" - I don't have a problem with them. At Disneyland, I go to the haunted house - I think it's cool - I don't have a problem with it. I listen to secular music, for the most part - I don't have a problem with it. I cut my hair and wear pants - I don't have a problem with it. I LOVE dance - don't have a problem with it. I think you get the point. To many people, many of the things I do would be "evil" in their eyes ... or at the very least, un God like!

Now, to clarify - I have subjected myself to movies, etc. that I had to turn off due to having a problem and knowing that I was welcoming evil in - so I'm not saying that "all" of it is ok with me.

I really don't think something like this is going to get us in or keep us out of heaven. Yes, we are not to conform to the world - but I have my own feelings also on being approachable to the world, in order to be a witness! If we set ourselves too far apart (in certain areas, and I"m not necessarily referring to holidays) than those around us just think we're "weird" and want to avoid us - I don't want to miss an opportunity to share God's love because someone is trying to avoid me - but that's a whole 'nother subject, huh?! lol

21 hours ago ·

Fita: we don't celebrate the devils holidays! the devil always finds way to get to kids, Halloween is one of them...
20 hours ago ·

Me: Sasha, read Acts chapter 2, when the Church was still young. You will notice that many people - THOUSANDS at times - came to Christ DAILY, and it was because they were DIFFERENT from the world! That is so awesome! So what has happened?!

If we look like the world, then why would anyone want to accept Christ? How would their lives be any different from what they are now? It is one of the biggest lies from satan, that we need to do what the world does to reach them. So not true! We need to stand out. We need to shine the light of God's love like a beacon in a dark, dark world. But if we look like the world, our light is much more difficult to see. We blend in with the crowd. But God has called us OUT of the darkness and to be different! It's not easy being different. It is easy to be like the world, to compromise, but it does not bring Him glory. I can see how someone can bring glory to God with easter and Christmas, but Halloween is satan's holiday. He gains so much this time of year, from kids, adults, Chrisitans and non-Christians. He is the Great Deceiver, and that is exactly what is happening here. But no one believes they have been deceived. If people realized that, it wouldn't be called deception!

I also celebrated Halloween as a kid. I grew up in a Christian home/environment and went to carnivals, trick-or-treating and even dressed up as a witch one year. I was ignorant, and apparently my parents were too. They had also bought into the lie (they now believe it is wrong). I will be the first to admit that it was all FUN! I had a blast, and I have no doubt that I could even now (if I could ignore what the Bible says), but why do we have to participate in Halloween activities to have fun? My kids can play dress-up any time or even have a costume party for their birthday or something like that! We have other community activities where they can play group games, play games for prizes, stand in long lines for rides, etc. They are not missing out on anything by missing Halloween activities, except for the evil atmosphere. I do have a few memories of some fun times, but really, I have much better memories of other times, holiday-related or not. I would rather teach them from the very beginning not to mingle with the world.....not to "look" like the world. That is more important to me than compromising with satan, because that's what it is!

Did you read 1 Cor. 5? It is very clear that we are supposed to judge our brothers/sisters when they are living in sin. This topic though does not seem to be as clear (maybe 100 years ago it was, but too many people think it is okay now), so like I said before, I feel it is more of giving information and educating people on the truth about the day and its origins. I understand that the majority of Christians nowadays just don't realize the history or dangers of it. Halloween "alternatives" is an introduction to worse things. It allow's satan to get his "foot in the door". We as parents need to guard against that, especially as our children get older and have more freedom to choose for themselves.

13 hours ago ·

Sasha: like I said - just a short time ago I would have agreed completely on the subject of halloween. Last year I took my kids to a church function and I didn't sense an "evil atmosphere" at all ... these events are used to reach out to non-believers as well and at that particular event a message was shared, which I thought was great! My conclusion is: if it's ok for my kids to dress up any other day, why not that day? Which is why I have chosen to let them dress up for the church festival this year.

as for being a light to the world, yes - I know that. I wasn't saying we should act just like the world ... I believe that our attitudes and the way we treat people is the way we show people God's love.

12 hours ago ·

Julia: This is one of those areas that I have thought about for a long time... and i don't have an answer for me... nor for anyone else. However, in reading 1 Cor chap 8 through chap 9 verse 18 I see this type of issue has been around a long time. ultimately whatever we do is to be glorifying to God, my difference as a christian comes from within - andthat is reflected by my outward actions. The Holy Spirit is our helper - who leads us into truth - and so it is time we go to God and ask him to reveal what he would have each one of us do and then we live by that conviction shown to us in His word. Be careful not to be a stumbling block to others, as these things can become distractions and we focus on an issue, not on Christ. For those of you who chose not to participate in Halloween stand firm in your convictions and don't hesitate to be able to provide a scriptural reason for that convction when asked. For those of you who do all the Halloween activities - don't hesitate to be able to provide a scriptural reason for that conviction when asked. ultimately we are accountable to God for OUR choices. If I had children at home - I'm not sure how I would handle this myself so I am not taking one side versus another - I don't know for myself. Personally i am dealing with if i read something --watch something on t.v. -- which involves the occult, glorifying life without God, etc, etc, am i opening a door into my life for the enemy to plant seeds that shouldn't be there.... Some things i definitely know do not consider - but some are "gray" areas to me still. I'm asking God to open my "eyes" to see as he does in these areas of life... in the meantime if I am not sure - i stay away from it until i have clear guidance.
11 hours ago ·

Sasha: very well said Julia - I like your points!
11 hours ago ·

Christy: I personally don't see a difference between judging and casting the first stone.
I don't think either are ok.
TruthSeeker you said "We have other community activities where they can play group games, play games for prizes, stand in long lines for rides, etc. They are not missing out on anything by missing Halloween activities, except for the evil atmosphere."
That IS what the Fall festivals are all about!
You don't mind the kids dressing up and "pretending to be someone else" on any other day of the year then to not do it on this day AND play the games that you said you do is not making sense to me.
The kids don't think of anything as evil. They think we are having fun playing games and dressing up.
I'm sorry but I think you are making it an evil day.
I don't think millions of churches are wrong.
You also said "It is not an evil day, but what people do with it is evil."
So how is a fall festival at a church evil? That day is not evil according to you but you think that what people do is evil so how are churches evil for having games for the kids?
I'm pretty sure none of them involve tarot cards or seances.
I agree with you Sasha.

11 hours ago ·

Me: That's fine, Christy and Sasha, I don't expect you all to understand or agree. I don't think any less of you than I did before, and I love you gals! :)

But to answer your question, Christy, pretty much anything done near Halloween (in the month of October) is associated with Halloween. That is what I am avoiding, even though there may not be anything specifically "evil" about a particular festival. That is why I do let them do some of those things, because in and of themselves they are not bad, but if it is associated directly with Halloween (or appears to be), that is what I want to avoid. I know you disagree, but is that a more clear answer?

Not all churches do things like this though, so I do think many churches compromise in this area in an effort to "reach out to the world". I just disagree with the whole "do things to attract the world to us". Instead, we as Christians are supposed to be different than the world. The times we meet together are not meant to bring in the lost, but they are meant to fellowship and worship God together (Acts 2:42). To reach the lost, we are supposed to go out into the world spreading the gospel, not blending in.

I know you guys disagree. It is not my duty to change your opinion because I can't! If you ever do change your views on this, it will only be because of the Holy Spirit. So for now we can just agree to disagree and continue to respect each other's decisions. I certainly do not think less of anyone. We all have our different opinions and different things in our lives that God is refining. I find that the more I grow, the more I realize how insignificant I am and how little I really know!

Feel free to continue the discussion on here. I have enjoyed hearing everyone's opinions. I will not comment any more though because there is nothing else for me to say, unless you have a specific question. :) I love you guys!

10 hours ago ·

Christy: ok bottom line do you or don't you let the kids go to fall festivals?
I'm sorry but I dont' understand.
You first said that you don't do any of them and now you say you let them do some of them.
What make the decision if they are evil or not evil?
8 hours ago ·

Me: LOL! Okay.....we do not participate in any way, shape or form with anything that is even remotely Halloween related. The similar type activities we do (games, dressing up, getting candy, etc.) are done throughout the year. Those things alone are not evil, but the celebration of Halloween is evil, and we do not want to even appear to be celebrating it. So we don't. We have fun with those things other times during the whole year, but not October. We do other things right now that are clearly not Halloween related but still fun. :) Clear as mud? LOL!
8 hours ago ·

Sasha: lol! I so totally get what you're saying, but my conclusion sort of was - if it's ok on other days, why not that day - so long as we're not doing anything to dishonor God!
8 hours ago ·

Me: Right, and I think that is where we disagree on, whether or not it dishonors God. I'd like to take that farther though and ask, does it give glory to God? 1 Cor. 10:31 says to do ALL for His glory! That's a huge task, but it is what we are commanded to do! :)
8 hours ago ·

Sasha: somehow, I knew we'd end up "there" - lol! For me, that's a real tough one! I have a family member who feels anything not directly honoring/for God - is for satan. I have a hard time with this, because - I can't think of how my eating honors God (other than, taking care of the body he gave me - so what about treats and junk food) ... I can't think of how going to school honors God either, but it's illegal for me to not have my children educated ... can't think of how shopping would honor God ... or playing sports ... or really anything besides fellowship at Church and spreading God's word! I'm not trying to be ridiculous, either, I'm totally serious ... it's a tough thing for me to ponder.
7 hours ago ·

Me: Yep, and it's a tough thing to do! But you CAN honor/bring glory to God in all you do! That doesn't mean every other sentence out of your mouth has to be Jesus loves you or inviting someone along to a Bible study (you get the idea), but the way you conduct yourself while shopping, playing sports, etc. It can be dressing modestly when others do not, being polite and smiling even when you are wronged, etc. And the passage here in 1 Cor. talks specifically about eating and drinking as an example. Do not refuse what is set before you because that would be rude (and not bring glory to God), unless it was sacrificed to idols.....which I'm pretty sure is not done today, at least not in my world! LOL! Drinking is a little more black and white than eating because, even though I do not believe it is wrong to drink alcohol, it can be a stumbling block to others, especially many non-Christians who might not understand what the Bible says about it. Anyway, some things to think about. :)
7 hours ago ·


Thursday, October 15, 2009

Puppy update

It looks like we might have another litter of puppies in a couple of months! They are just so cute! I have a blog just for the puppies (easier to place an ad with a link), so check it out! I just received this picture from one of the new owners. His little girl is now about 6 months old! (Well, I guess they all are!) Isn't she beautiful?! :) I added this picture to the blog too, female #2.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Sewing project


I finished this up today for a baby shower gift. It's been a while since I've made one. I enjoyed it and want to get back into it more.

My little model doesn't look happy because he was hungry, and I was keeping him from his lunch. Hehe! It just took a couple of minutes though. I had to get the picture outside for better light, hence the front door!

Go to my friend Kelley's Kozy Carrier site for lots of great pictures and instructions for wearing this Asian style baby carrier called a Mei Tai. I'm sure hers are MUCH better quality than mine, so you might consider ordering one for yourself or a friend! :)

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Grrrr!!!! (blog update)

I am really frustrated because I cannot keep up with my blog! That is why I took several hours today to get out and have some alone/blog time, but it's just not happening! I do not have a working camera right now besides my phone. The phone has one of those micro SD cards in it, which is convenient if it would WORK! For some reason it will not load onto my computer! So while the pictures continue to accumulate on my phone, I continue to get further and further behind on my blog. :(

So now you know where I've been (if you've been wondering), and I guess now I will try to figure this thing out so I can hopefully soon catch up on here! For now I will give a quick update on everyone......

Myles says there have been some changes at work that he does not like. He doesn't have a problem with authority, but they are laying heavier on him now for no apparent reason. He is one who works fast and hard and often does better when he is just left alone, but now he doesn't have as much freedom and is frustrated. I feel bad for him, but if this goes like other things have in the past, it will pass soon and things will relax some. In the 11+ years I have been familiar with the company (that is where I met Myles), they have gone back and forth so many times it's not even funny. They get very strict and enforce the silliest rules, then they back off and let certain people get away with murder until it gets bad again, then they get strict again, change management, etc. Things will probably change for the better again soon. Otherwise he is doing pretty well, just plugging along, enjoying his family, football and life! :) Oh, and he is a Cub Scouts leader this year and is really enjoying that so far!

I was having some serious hormone problems a couple of months ago, but I am using some kind of cream right now (can't remember the name) and it seems to be helping a LOT. I actually feel normal now and I don't snap at everyone in my path. Yeah, it got bad. But now I am back to my normal self and am enjoying life, getting the house more organized and decluttered (YEA!!!!!), loving spending time with the kiddos, trying to get in a little more outdoor exercising, homeschool activities, teaching my kids by word and (hopefully) by example how to live for Christ daily.......LIFE IS GOOD! I do miss my mom terribly. (Please pray for my parents.) But other than that, we all have pretty good health and lots of other things to be thankful for! :)

Jonathan is really getting into Cub Scouts this year. He has loved it in the past, but this year he is a Webelos, and they are doing a ton more than they did last year! I remember when he was a little 1st grade Tiger, looking at the Webelos thinking, "Wow, they seem so huge." And now my Jonathan is huge!!!! *sniff* *sniff* Actually, I am really enjoying watching my kids grow and mature, it just seems to slip by so fast though! One of my favorite things about Jonathan is the way he plays with Jack. I wish he was still that sweet with the other two, but I guess he expresses his love in other ways to them. *rolling eyes* He is so sweet with Jack though. The two of them are so silly. Today they were racing through the living room from one end to the other. At one point, Jack lost his balance and stumbled backwards. He didn't fall, but regained his balance and then kept running (this is actually quite common for him). Jonathan was right behind him, squatting down to his level and imitating everything he did. Jack was just giggling and running as fast as he could! Jonathan is so good with him. He helps me out a lot by dressing him, feeding him, playing with him, etc. I can't seem to persuade him to change a dirty diaper yet, but I can't blame him there!

Jayla is getting much better at reading! I was typing an email out the other day, not worrying about her seeing it, but then she started to read the entire email aloud. I was pleasantly surprised to hear her doing so well! I do read with her aloud, but not every day, so something in her has just "clicked" recently, I guess! She even paused a couple of times and told me, "I'm really starting to like reading now." I knew she would once it clicked. :) We had to pull her out of dance class this week. She was disappointed as I knew she would be, but at her young age she understands that we just can't afford it right now. We actually have a couple of other reasons too, but finances is the main reason. (I think everyone is finally starting to feel the effects of the economy. I know some have for a while, but it is really just now starting to "hit" us really hard.) So anyway, she is probably going to start karate again. We did this about 3 years ago but then the next year we did American Heritage Girls which met the same night as karate, so we just never went back. It is free though. She won't even have to wear a Gi, just sweats and a t-shirt! I think the testing will cost something, but it is only a couple of times a year and not that expensive. I also gave her the option of going back to American Heritage Girls and we could do fund raisers for that, but she chose karate over AHG! She was even so excited that she wanted to skip dance class (we were on the way there) and go to karate instead! I was shocked! I think she loves dance more, but she has been wanting to get back into karate for a while. I'm excited too, because with her being so tiny and so cute, I want her to be able to defend herself when necessary!!!!! Jayla is also great with Jack, and she will change dirty diapers (if I let her), so I guess the two working together could put me out of a job! Well, I don't think Jack would like that, but at least they can meet his (and everyone's) basic needs if I am in bed sick or something. :) Oh, Jayla is also a very good helper. She has such a sweet personality and a willingness to serve others (except her brothers! Hahaha!). Right now she is loving helping me with household duties including cooking, cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, etc. I think her favorite new thing though is sewing. She has learned to sew by hand and has stitched some pillows, stuffed animals and a beanbag! It's not "perfect", but she really did do a great job for a 7-year-old who is just starting out! We will be making pillow cases with the homeschool group soon to take to a homeless shelter, so I know she will love that and the residents there will be so grateful!

Jacob, my little man, will be FIVE YEARS OLD in just a few weeks! One month from today, actually! He has weighed more than Jayla since he was about 18 months old, and he's going to catch her in height soon, I just know it! I sometimes call them my twins because they are so close in size, but when they talk you can tell he is younger. :) His voice/speech is maturing though and he is starting to come out of the "baby talk" stage......except for when he is imitating Jack! Jacob has shown some interest in reading. He was writing his name out earlier today, so he is learning the letters and some sounds. I know all children are different, but Jonathan was already reading very well at his age, so I just wonder sometimes if we had those Leap Frog DVDs that Jonathan learned with (only watched them a couple of times each and they just "stuck") if he would pick it up as quickly. Jayla just has a completely different learning style, but that's okay because she is stronger in other areas. Jacob is really working on his attitude lately. He gets those "angry eyebrows" way too often, so lately if I just remind him that he is not going to be mad and act like a big boy, he will laugh and say, "Oh, right." :) He is definitely maturing and getting out of that toddler/pre-school stage very quickly! He still loves to build things. This past week he has carried around the last dozen or so pieces of bristle blocks that we have, refusing to let anyone else play with them! Yeah, he gets pretty possessive of his building toys! He loves to make bridges out of just about anything too, so cars, trains, bridges, building blocks......those are his faves and have been for pretty much all his life! He is also very sweet with Jack. I don't ask for his help very often with Jack just because he is younger, but usually when I do it is to play with him and keep him occupied until I can get to him. He is so great with him. Those two will giggle together over nothing! Jacob just makes a face at him sometimes and the giggling starts! And like the others, they imitate each other as well.

Jack sure has it good. He is young enough and has such a sweet personality that he has not really clashed with anyone yet. About the worst thing he has ever done is pushing buttons on things when we repeatedly tell him no and pull him away. He's just a good, sweet boy! I know this may not last, but I'm just going to expect that it will and maybe he'll always live up to that! Hehe! Milestones.....let's see..... Well, Jack started walking toward the end of January. He's always been wobbly and slow, but he is getting more steady and faster and always progressing. He can sign a few words and verbally speak a few words. He is going to have weekly speech therapy starting next week, so that should really push him along. The Speech Path said she mostly just plays with them (from our point of view) and they learn to say more! She was excited to hear we are doing some signs with him. It has helped all of our kids to communicate better. We love it! At the beginning of the year I think Jack only had a couple of teeth, but now he is up to 16 or so. I lost count. He is almost always feeding himself now, and has for a while, but he's getting less messy as he gets more coordinated. :) He is actually using a spoon more on his own now, so that's great! He loves books and music. He will sit and look at a book with no pictures for several minutes, as if he were reading it, so maybe he'll be an early reader too....? I want to put him in Kinder Music or some program like that. I think I will take him to the library one on Friday mornings, if I can ever find the time to get there (it's in another town nearly 30 minutes from the house instead of the one 5 minutes away). Jack has this really funky dance.....I just can't help but laugh, and it's especially funny when you do it with him! :) That encourages him to keep going too, so we're all just doing this weird, funky dance and laughing away! I tell ya, life would be so dull without my little Jack-Jack! His personality just lights up the room! :) Nearly everyone he meets comments to me how sweet he is too, so I'm not just biased!!! Well, maybe a little. ;) Let's see, oh, he had an echocardiogram done last month that came back completely normal. I am still waiting for his test results for the Noonan syndrome, but even if it is negative, they are not 100% accurate and there are more tests that can be done. *sigh* At this point I have a little "closure" to the whole thing just knowing there is "something there" (according to the geneticist......he was agreeing with me), but I do want to have a diagnosis. We are really enjoying him though, diagnosis or not! He is just so much fun and such a blessing to us!

As a family we have really enjoyed playing the Wii and watching movies or cartoons together. We need to be more active together, but we just can't quite seem to make that happen! I would love to bike together now that they are getting a little older (I didn't want to when they were younger). We are starting to hike more! I am starting out slow, but steady. We are hiking once a week right now, and it's basically a walk through the trails at the park or something like that. We plan to walk some lake trails next week and dig for Rose rocks while we're there! Jayla collects them, so that should be a lot of fun! We are still attending a local Baptist church (mostly for the whole family environment) on Sunday mornings and then they have the once-a-month "fellowships" at various homes. I don't see why it can't be the other way around and meet in homes weekly (I love it!) and then come together for corporate worship once a month.......but I won't go there. Over all, I like it for a "regular" church, and there are plenty of kids for my kids to play with, so that's great, and most of them are homeschoolers! My heart is really with the house church though. There are no other kids there, so there is really no place or time set aside for any children. If Jack were older and was able to sit still for an hour then we could all go, but since he is so young and cannot be reasoned with at this point, we just don't go on Sundays. Myles is going for the Wednesday night Bible studies still, though they have had a few weeks off for remodeling. Their kitchen is just about done, and I think everyone is so ready to be back together again! From the moment we met them, they felt like family, and I miss them all so much! Their hearts are just so full of love and they are so eager to serve others and teach the Truth to those who will listen! It is so refreshing! So different from what I grew up with, and yet so familiar because it is what I have always read about in the New Testament and have longed for since I was about 15 years old! :) It is such a breath of fresh air!

Well, I can't really think of anything else that is really "new" for us. I've mentioned the car that we got back in June. Myles is LOVING it! :) It has been such a blessing. We had a garage sale last weekend and made about $10.00. Yes, that is TEN dollars. Not worth my time, but I'm glad we gave it a shot. There just wasn't any traffic this year, probably because it is October??? Whatever the case, everything else is going to be donated and be out of our lives forever! No more clutter!!!!! We just don't have room for it, and it causes unnecessary stress for everyone! I actually still have some more things to go through that were not included in the garage sale, but I am planning to get rid of as much as I possibly can!

Oh, a few weeks ago Jacob discovered a SNAKE in our house! INSIDE our house! Well, we lost track of it and have not seen it since, we I had assumed it found its way back outside. Not so. Today when I was getting ready to leave, I was looking for some scrapbook paper, and there it was inside one of my scrapbook bags! The nerve!!! It was just a "harmless" black rat snake (chicken snake), but inside my house a snake is a snake, so it had to pay the price. Myles gave it a burial at sea. He was so funny to watch because he HATES snakes and it was really stressing him out, but he did it and was a hero to us all! :) Jonathan likes snakes though, so he was a little upset. He was the one to identify it for us and he knew it was not venomous, so he begged and pleaded with Myles. Poor guy. Daddy won.

I know that if I look at pictures I will think of a ton more to blog about, but I want to save some things for when I have the pictures to go with them. So I guess that will be all for now. Please leave me a comment so I'll know someone is actually reading this! I miss my bloggy friends. :( More soon, I hope!