Babycakes

Babycakes is Benaiah's nickname. I don't remember exactly how it started, but it has stuck. Babycakes has been sick all week. I took him to the doctor on Wednesday and they did a chest x-ray and found pneumonia. So they sent us home with amoxicillin and a nebulizer machine. Unfortunately, he did not get better, but kept getting worse. Poor little guy, he was still very easy going and overall happy, but he was feeling miserable. I took him in again today. The pneumonia was not any better and he now has an ear infection. We got a stronger antibiotic and some more medicine for the nebulizer to help his breathing. I pray that this will do the trick and he will get better soon. Please pray for little Benaiah! He needs a healing touch from our Lord.

Bible in 90 Days Update

It has been awhile since I have posted on my Bible reading. I am still doing great and am right where I am suppose to be. We finished Isaiah on Monday and are now in Jeremiah. I have had sick kids, so using the computer for blogging, email, and Facebook has not been happening. But while rocking Benaiah I am able to get my reading in. I took him to the doctor today and he has pneumonia. We got some meds, so he should be feeling good soon.

Isaiah has been an interesting book. It is filled with prophecy. I think that at some point I would like to go back and study it in more depth. Here are some great verses from Isaiah.

30:15 In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength

40:28-31 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

45:22 Turn to me and be saved, all you eds of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.

46:4 Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will rescue you.

48:17 This is what the LORD says, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.

51:6b, 16 But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail. I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand, I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundation of the earth, and who say to Zion, 'You are my people.'

58:11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

Those are just a few. My prayer is that as you read those verses, God will penetrate your soul.

Advice from Emma

Gum Removal: A How To.

1. Find gum.

2. Lather with peanut butter.

3. Get into peanut butter, while mom is finding the comb.

4. Slowly comb through hair to work out gum.

5. Shampoo & Rinse.

6. Good as new.

Designs by Gideon

Gideon found a permanent marker today. He decorated a step stool (thankfully nothing else)! I asked him what he drew, he said it was a rhinoceros. It actually is quite a nice drawing.......for a 3 year old!!

Rangoli Art

Today we learned about India. For art, we made rangoli designs, which is an art form commonly made by Indian women. It was lots of fun, but a little messy. Gideon had fun dumping the ground rice on the table and floor. Emma also made a peacock, which is India's national bird.

Bible in 90 Days Update

Reading through the Bible has been a blessing. It is wonderful to soak in God's word each day. I tend to do most of my reading after the kids are in bed, but sometimes I will read a few chapters here and there throughout the day. I read through Chronicles, Esther, and Job this past week. Today is Day 40 and I am in Psalms. Here are a few verses that spoke to me.

18:1-2 I love you, O LORD, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

19:7-8 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making the wise simple.

25:4-5 Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy, and I will give thanks to him in song.

Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 40:1-2 I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me our of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.

Last week was a long week. It always takes about a week to get back into routine after being on vacation. The kids were tired and more crabby than usual and I was tired too. Emma and Benaiah were sick. Phil had to work late most nights, so it was just me and the kids all day, everyday. Needless to say, by the end of the week I was a little discouraged. The timing of these verses was perfect. God knew exactly what I needed. He reminded my that I cannot be a mom and wife on my own. I need Him. His strength will get me through each day. I am so thankful that He hears my cry and provides me with all I need.

Meanest Mommy

Today, I took the kids to the Plymouth Creek Fieldhouse, which is a large field covered with an airdome. There are big inflatables, balls, and lots of room to run. We went with some friends from church and our homeschool co-op. They kids had a blast. We definitely need to go again.

When we were leaving, Emma saw the gum ball machine. She insisted that she needed gum. I told her no. She asked again and I said no again. She then said that I was the "meanest mommy in the whole world!" I said, "Yep, I am!" She sulked all the way home. You would have never known she just had lots of fun playing with her friends. I guess we need to work on gratefulness! As for the meanest mommy, she is going to go clean the house with her helpers! They will probably still think she is mean. Yahoo!

Vacation is Over

Well, our vacation is officially over. We had a great time in North Dakota with Phil's family. Olivia & Austin's wedding was beautiful and they had the cutest little ring bearers and flower girl! I wasn't sure if Gideon & Noah were going to make it down the aisle. They were a little tired & crabby after pictures. But they did it! Gideon hid his face behind the ring bearer pillow and then threw it once he got up front. Noah fell asleep on Phil during the wedding, he was out cold! But it was a much needed nap. Emma was a beautiful little flower girl. She wore my flower girl dress that I wore when I was six. She danced the night away at the reception & dance. I will post some pictures soon.

We took school on the road with us while we were in ND. We left our books at home, but got in some good anatomy lessons, cooking lessons, wedding decorating lessons, and handwriting lessons. I will try to post more about this soon. Right now, supper is calling. Back to the daily grind!