thekingzcrown

2011-02-23T11:08:00.000-06:00

2010-12-15T13:01:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-10T22:28:00.003-06:00

reminded

2010-11-02T09:48:00.003-05:00

As I read another homeschool blog this morning, I was reminded how blessed I am to homeschool. So many people view homeschooling as odd or see kids that are home schooled as not normal. Well praise God, I don't want "normal" kids in today's society! I want to invest in my children to be intimate with the Lord, first and foremost... then wise according to His standards, and brilliant in study. I want to teach them to seek the Lord and His word for their questions in life. That mom and dad are not always right, but God, their creator, is. I am blessed enough to be able to daily, hourly, by the minute...INVEST in my children to be alllllll they were created to be, with Christ as our guide. Now, does our day to day routine always look the same...if you have more than one child...then you know the answer is NO! But we are able to make lessons in things that happen throughout the day. Where when they were in "school" last year, that was not a possibility. And by the time they got home, homework done, dinner eaten...guess what? There was a bible reading then to bed. Applying God's word was MUCH more difficult...because we were in a constant rush....so they could get enough sleep to be up to go to school to come home 8 hours later to do homework, eat, clean up and go to bed again...get my drift? I struggle at times with choosing joy in this journey.... but I am so blessed, as the blog I read this morning said, to get a paycheck in hugs and kisses...and I will add, in investing, spiritually AND emotionally, minute by minute, in my children....as hard as it is some days....I wouldn't trade it for the world:)
Thank you Lord for the opportunity and possibility to do what you've called me to do for this season. Guide and direct us in all we put our hands to.
P.S. We are NOT against school!!! We know not everyone is called to homeschool. We do not judge others for sending their children to school...so please, no ugliness on us being called to homeschool:)

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-16T08:41:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-29T16:22:00.003-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-22T12:28:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-15T08:25:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-06T07:34:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-29T06:27:00.001-05:00

Hair One

2009-04-25T16:06:00.002-05:00

Soooo, have you seen the "Wen" hair product infomercials??? Looks awesome, doesn't it? But, yowzers!!! The price!!! $30 to wash my hair for a month, IF it lasts you for a month, I don't think so!!! We did a little research, and discovered "Hair One" at Sally's. $10.99! I have been using it a week now....and I can tell. It does take a lot of the product, and remember, it does not lather. It is one step, no shampoo and conditioning required! I must say, my hair looks GREAT!! This product would be great for someone with dry and or overprocessed hair too. Mine is oily and I still liked it.....I was amazed at how much better it looks.
So, check it out...at Sally's "Hair One"!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-22T08:01:00.003-05:00

Photo

2009-04-17T12:20:00.002-05:00

Here is a photo of me and my precious girls!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-15T08:58:00.003-05:00

Funny

2009-04-13T08:47:00.003-05:00

Here is my oldest, younger brother....having fun on the swingset!!!

He is Alive

2009-04-13T08:13:00.005-05:00

We serve a risen Savior! We serve the ONLY living God. Thank you Father for sending your only son to die for our sins and thank you Jesus for choosing to die for us....and giving us the Holy Spirit.
We did crafts all week for our decorations for Easter lunch with our family.
The one thing we ALWAYS do is the tomb cookies...we did not do them this year...Jerry and the oldest 3 went to his family's for the day on Sat and got home very late.
Here are a few shots of the crafts from the week and of the girls!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-08T07:00:00.002-05:00

Thankful Thursday

2009-04-02T15:35:00.002-05:00

I am thankful for my Jesus, of coarse....my family and friends, coffee and elastic waisted pants...yes, I am post having a baby!lol

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-01T14:36:00.001-05:00

Craft and Play day

2009-03-31T06:43:00.004-05:00

So, last Thursday, I woke up late...did not make Ava go to school and we had a craft and play day! Audrey was an angel for us....we did "Color Wonder" paint...twice and we did Shrinky Dinks. Shrinky Dinks are fun for all ages....even Mommy ages! They colored...lots! Sophie is really good about staying in the lines, even at two...I suppose it is from watching big sister's do it. We had a fun and relaxing day! And you could tell by looking at the house, but guess what....it was still there the next day!!!

Wordless Wednesday: Precious

2009-03-25T10:24:00.004-05:00

Thank You!!!

2009-03-23T08:52:00.004-05:00

I wanted to take a minute to thank the man and ladies that helped during our homebirth. Mama Dena, Cherie, Emily, Alaine, Cindy, Megan and mostly my husband! The yucky stuff they didn't blink at cleaning up....was just that....yucky! Thank you for the set up and break down, the prayers, the prayers, the prayers. To those on my "text list", I could honestly tell peolple were praying for me...it just seemed to go so quickly! Thank you one and all....I am honored to call you all friends. You are each a blessing to mine and my family's lives.

God bless you for going above and beyond!
all my heart~

P.S. Jerry is so awesome when we have babies, (other times too....lol) it reminds me of Christ's selfless love. He is such an incredible helper!

March 17, 2009

2009-03-21T17:36:00.003-05:00

In the midst of the green eggs, I was having contractions....PTL, it was beginning. Daddy Dan got here around 11:30, about 1:00 the contractions were pretty intense, I could see on my dad's face, he was ready to grab the girls and hit the road...lol. But in his graciousness, he stayed and helped Jerry set up the birthing pool....then, he hit the road. Just as he was leaving Mama Dena pulled up then Cherie....by now I was really groaning...I had an e-book on accupressure....thank you Jesus! It made A HUGE DIFFERENCE. Next I knew one of the midwives and Emily was here, then the other midwife. I know it was hours, but by the grace of God, it felt to go pretty quickly!!! Audrey Caroline was born at 4:06 pm. Ohhhh my, I kept crying because, I felt soooooooooooo much better!lololol
They weighed her about an hour or two later....she weighed 10lbs and 4ozs and was 21 & 3/4 inches long!!! Ohhhhh myyyyy! She was just sweet as could be when they were doing all her test....did not make a sound.
She is a very peaceful baby, adored by all her big sisters....and mommy and daddy!

St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-18T13:29:00.003-05:00

We starte1d the day with green eggs, bacon and biscuits, with limeaide...it was yummy! Then for lunch we had "green" (pesto)
cheese tort with chicken. We gave each other St. Patty's day
tattoo's...too!
That was just the start of the the day though.....

Cinderella

2009-03-08T11:03:00.004-05:00

Sophie has been loving Cinderella lately....wanting to watch it EVERYDAY!!!
The last time we watched it, during the part where the step-sisters are tearing apart her dress, God impressed upon me how we are just like that. Trying to rip to shreds what He has put in another....HE HAS PUT!!! The meaning of my name is helper/defender of mankind...not long ago I had another "christian" tell me that, "yeah, you're like that to a fault". When I saw that scene in Cinderella....I thought, you know, that is exactly how I felt...like she was trying to rip apart what Christ was trying to do in me. I know I am guilty of it too!! But I do try. As we know, if we go on being ourselves, keeping hope (in Christ and seeking Him, in glory AND in pain) we end up being protected by our Creator, how magnificent???? He never ceases to amaze me with His unconditional love. How do people get along without him, or how does legalism EVER bring peace??? I may not be perfect, but I DO strive to be my best AT HOME as well as in front of others. You know the old saying....if you are a private (or at home) failure, and a public success, you, are truly a failure!!! What is seen will be revealed in the light....darkness can never overcome the light!
Psalm 31: 19-20 & 23-24
How great is Your goodness that You have stored up for those who fear You, and accomplished in the sight of everyone for those who take refuge in You. You hide them in the protection of Your presence; You conceal them in a shelter from the schemes of men, from quarrelsome tongues.

Love the LORD, all His faithful ones. The LORD protects the loyal, but fully repays the arrogant. Be strong and courageous, all you who hope in the LORD.

Today

2009-03-05T12:19:00.003-06:00

I went to the midwife today. They asked if I wanted them to check me....they do not normally do that. I said "YES"!!!! I was 3cm....yea...I say sarcastically!
Please Lord Jesus, I am begging to have this precious child you are giving us!!!!

Tuna Melt

2009-02-21T12:23:00.003-06:00

Yummmy....Jerry is making tuna melt's! They are delicious....who knows, maybe today is the day!

Tuna Melt

2-3 cans tuna, drained
mayo and mustard to your liking
dill weed, oregano, and basil (bout tsp each)
salt and pepper to taste

Put on bread with your choice of cheese, mayo or butter
on outside of bread, place in skillet, til browned and cheese
melted and VOILA...an incredible warm, tasty sandwich!
The girls love them too!
Enjoy!!!!!

Trying to be patient!

2009-02-19T17:08:00.000-06:00

I have been trying to be patient in waiting for "little bit". I've also tried not cleaning everything in sight, figuring that if I don't, surely she will come! But I gave in today on the floors! I could mop every other day at this point....yes, seriously! Still lots of dull contractions in my lower back, but to no avail. You never think you will want such horrible pain as when you are at the end of a pregnancy! Please Lord, bring on the contractions!!!! Right now dinner is on the stove, taco soup....yummy! Girls are playing the Wii, floors are clean, everything else is clean and in place, and laundry is almost done....all things bought and organized for the homebirth. Now, it is just sit and wait or walk and wait!

Taco Soup
3 lbs ground beef
8oz chop chili pep (I don't add this b/c of the kiddo’s)
40 oz kidney beans (I mix 1/2 red and 1/2 dark red, I also add a can of black beans in)
31 oz pinto beans
16 oz kernel corn
2 packs taco seasoning (the large container of taco seasoning @ Sam's is the best buy if you make this soup a lot)
2 packs ranch seasoning (Large container @ Sams is the best buy on this too)
2 cloves garlic
large onion; chopped (I don't add this either; kids n gas-lol)
56 oz stewed tom (or diced)
12 oz water
2 tbsp wortichire

Put all ingredients in large pot, except bf, onion, garlic; on med heat.
Brown bf with garlic n onion, then add to pot to boil.

Reduce to simmer 2-3 hours

From my Sister in law….the best taco soup ever!!!!

Feb 17

2009-02-18T08:24:00.000-06:00

Soooo, Feb 17 is my AvaCat's Birthday! I cannot believe she is 6 years old. My sweet hearted little girl did not feel good after school, but she took a nap and was ready to go. She wanted to get her ears pierced for her birthday, so we did....she cried for a few seconds, but was fine after that. She wanted Chinese for her birthday meal! Yea for everyone. After we went to eat, we came back and she opened presents and blew out candles.
We love you Ava! muah~

a little vent

2009-02-18T07:58:00.001-06:00

One of the ladies at our church's ministry is sending daily scripture text's. Today's was Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
I have always loved this scripture. Although, it is not usually a pretty
thing....the iron sharpens iron. Somewhat painful, or can be! Think of sharpening your knives. You slough off the rough edges with another piece of metal, but in the end sharp...sharp...sharp.
Integrity and holy character, are lacking in our world today. The understatement of the year!lol But not just in the world, in the church.
There IS a line being drawn in the sand and I am appaled a those that choose to straddle it! Or not even acknowledge it! Don't get me wrong, I am not where I want to be in Christ. But when it comes to God, family and friendships.....there are just things that I would not consider! Instant gratification, is just that, instant....NOT lasting!!!! So before we betray, we need to count the cost. How will this turn out in the long run? Why, why don't we ask ourselves that?
in·teg·ri·ty
1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility
2 : an unimpaired condition : soundness
3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness
synonyms see honesty
I don't know why I am ever surprised by lack of integrity....I suppose, we just think we know people better than we do. Yes, I know, NO ONE is perfect....if you know me, you know that is not what I am talking about.
Where our choices can take us.....either way....towards His kingdom....or not!

What is your foundation?

2009-02-12T16:56:00.000-06:00

Is your faith is based on church attendance, homeschooling, Scripture memorization, reading a certain Bible, Calvinism, or other “good” works or denomination?

Pride in “we don’t smoke, drink, cuss, chew or go to movies” is a house built on sand with a crashing waves approaching.

Take a minute to examine your foundation. Do you depend on God or your works? Legalism is about controlling God, manipulating God by your good actions and expecting God to bless you for your efforts. Spirituality becomes a list of “dos” and “don’ts” by which you measure your own progress. Living in legalism you never sit still long enough to be still and know He is God.

Without a relationship depending on God our faith is like a sand-castle. Everything can look perfect on the outside, the slightest nudge from the weather can bring the whole thing crashing down. An unexpected problem, an unkind word, a health or financial crisis and our faith washes away.

But when we have a rock solid relationship with Jesus (as He taught in Matthew 7) we can withstand the cares of this life and attacks from the enemy.

Faith matures in hardship. When we allow God to be our foundation, He enables us to stand firm through anything.

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27

A foundation is the root upon which a thing stands, is established, or is sustained. A concrete foundation is necessary to withstand the storms of life Only the Lord is our rock, our fortress, our deliverer!

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalms 18:2

“Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31

“So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.” Colossians 1:10-12

Legalism suffocates a relationship with God. Break free from the bondage and rest in Him! Remember nothing absolutely nothing, can sever your relationship with God. Stand firm on the Rock, and you will not be shaken.

by: Robin Sampson

Fancy Nancy Party

2009-02-10T10:29:00.001-06:00

Here are some fun shots right before a "Fancy Nancy Party"....I couldn't go, since I haven't been able to shake this cold!!!! uuuggghhhh

Valentine Happy!

2009-02-08T11:06:00.000-06:00

We made these cute crafts the other day. Once again, glitter, kids favorite, is all over the house! Oh well, we had fun doing them!
I got this idea from www.flipflopsandapplesauce.blogspot.com She is super creative and seems to ALWAYS be doing crafts with her girls.
Here is the salt dough recipe:
4 cups flour
1 cup salt
1 1/2 cup hot water
Mix til smooth, cut shapes...don't forget the hole for ribbon!(we used a straw)
Microwave for 2-4 min
After hard and cool "mod podge" and glitter (we did a couple of layers)
Add ribbon and presto!!!
***If you have 1 or 2 kids just cut the recipe in half.

Maternity....self

2009-02-01T19:48:00.000-06:00

Finally, I shot a few maternity with the girls. They are so excited to meet Miss. Audrey. Here are a few, the rest are on my website.
www.lexiwest.com

Nesting

2009-02-01T14:26:00.001-06:00

PTL!!! The nesting has kicked in. Last night I had about two hours of braxton hick's contractions....they may have scared me into nesting!lol
So, right now, I am taking a break from scrubbing the floors on my hands and knees. I love how clean feels!

Preparing....

2009-01-30T09:12:00.000-06:00

We are so excited to meet Miss. Audrey Caroline....especially Sophie. At LEAST once a day, usually a lot more, she comes up to my belly to kiss it and talk to it. When it is nap time, she tries to lay her head in my lap, with one arm on top of my tummy, to "take a nap with AudreyCaroline". In the name of Jesus, she will love her just as much, or more, when she gets here. Still feels like we have lots to do to prepare the house for the home birth....I know, I know, it will get done. Friday nights Mama Dena and Daddy Dan have been coming and getting the girls to go and do fun stuff, so Jerry and I can do things around the house. What a blessing it has been. So far we....uh, Jerry, has painted Ava's room and ours. PTL!!!
Tonight, we are going to begin painting ALL trim and doors in the house.
Yesterday, I cleaned out the pie chest....who knew that thing could hold so much stuff!!! Oh my! I had been dreading doing it, now it has space for some of our home school books! Yea!!!
Just a funny, I have been craving brushing my teeth with "Close Up" toothpaste....yu-uh-ummmmmy! If I could eat it, I would....NOTHING tastes as good as it does right now!lol

Schooling

2009-01-29T09:08:00.001-06:00

I am so excited to say that we have school mapped out, day by day, until spring break. For those of you that know me, no that was not trumpets you just heard and you don't need to look outside to see if Jesus is coming back!!! We have discovered a new online curriculum and added bible, spelling and math...the online has math, I am just giving her three front and back worksheets a day for review. I cannot tell you how much better the 3-4 hours it took to pann it all out feels. At least I know, she KNOWS what is expected of her, no matter what I am having to do! We love, love, love the new online curriculum...www.time4learning.com. It is also great for after school and summer. They love it, because it seems like they are playing....but they are really learning! Oh, and we were blessed beyond blessed this Christmas, we received a WII AND a new flat screen TV! They have helped with the antsyness of having to stay in out of the cold! Oh....and I think Jerry likes it a little too...lol.
Have good one!

Slumber Party!!

2008-12-11T09:13:00.000-06:00

Two nights ago we had a sweet friend over! It was Ava's last day 'til after the Holidays, so Miss. Hannah came for the night. We started out with lunch, then they played Polly's. Later they dressed up and we had "tea time"! Then they dressed up some more, watched a movie, played restaurant in the play kitchen....they all played so well together! So then dinner, and when Megan and Alisha got here they helped with making bracelets and lastly we had homemade hot chocolate with candy canes! Yummmmmy! They did not go to sleep til around 12 to 12:30 and got up at 9:30. We had bacon, eggs and biscuits for breakfast, played some more, went to Sams (with Megan and Alisha, PTL!) So all in all we had a blast with our sweet friend!
Stay warm!
Home-made Hot Chocolate
3/4 cup milk
2 tbsp semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 small candy cane, chopped up
Heat milk on stove, (continually stir) add chocolate chips and
candy cane until melted. Pour and enjoy!

Dress Fancy for Dinner Night!

2008-12-09T12:48:00.000-06:00

Our Advent Calendar for yesterday was to "Dress Fancy for Dinner". Notice that Sophie is NOT dressed at all! She put on her Cinderella costume and then took it off. We lit the candles and ate our dinner in style. Girls Rock!

Giving up the "Binky"

2008-12-09T12:37:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was the day. The day to give the binky's away. Greta and I took Sophie to "Build-a-Bear" and let her pick a bear, she then WILLINGLY swapped ALL her binky's for her bear, that she named Sally. (I have photo's of the swap to prove it) Ok, before you get too happy for us, on the way home she wailed that she didn't want her build-a-bear!!! "Take it back, mommy". She was up or down yesterday. Either completely sweet and funny or crying her eyes out! Although, at the end of the day, we put Sally's pj's on and she went to bed with us! (Jerry's out of town....he IS the weakest link! When it comes to the binky!!lol) When I woke her us this morning, I told her how proud I was that she slept without her bink! She said that binky's were for Audrey Caroline! Soooooo, I'm still praying, she has been an angel today...PTL!
Next, it is mastering the potty....she goes when she wants to! She KNOWS and that is what is so frustrating!!!

Thanksgiving trip

2008-12-01T17:35:00.000-06:00

We went to TX last week for Thanksgiving. We had lots of fun, the girls particularly enjoyed their evening dip in the hot tub! The night we got back we put up the tree! Sophalina had too much fun!!!!!!

Snowflakes

2008-12-01T17:34:00.001-06:00

Last week a friend and her little girl came over. We made snowflakes! Easy, fun...messy project! Q-tips, wax paper, elmers glue and glitter!
After the glue dries, you peel them off and hang them up. Fun and cute!
http://flipflopsandapplesauce.blogspot.com/

Projects

2008-11-23T18:58:00.000-06:00

I was so excited when I read about a cute "easy", "your kids can help" advent calender.....yeah, right! I so ended up doing it myself! It is cute though, and the girls are gonna LOVE the daily treats and things to do each day!!! I also made nut, dried fruit, and pumkin "Cornucopia's" for AvaCat's class. Tomorrow Greta is going to be drilled on things she SHOULD know! Have a good one!

Schooling

2008-11-19T12:19:00.000-06:00

We did LOTS of math Monday and Today and read 7 books yesterday! Sophie usually is cooperative for Greta to read....usually!!!
AvaCat is doing great in school, she has the 100th Psalm memorized and the New Testament!
Stay warm everyone, off to see the mid-wife for my blood sugar testing!

A gorgeous Sunday

2008-11-16T22:24:00.000-06:00

Jerry made pancakes for breakfast and we went to church. What an awesome sermon!! God confirmed many things for me today....what a blessing!! We went and took a few photo's of the girls. It didn't take long, it was COLD! I'm not posting the best ones, they will be on the Christmas Card's!

DaddyDan's Birthday

2008-11-14T21:08:00.000-06:00

Today is my dad's birthday!! Or "Daddy Dan" as he is known around here. Greta and I read this morning and then when we went to pick up AvaCat we met dad for lunch.

This evening we did the "official" birthday dinner with the family!
Dad and the girls being silly and Dad and Granny, his beautiful mom looking pretty and Momma Dena and Daddy Dan ending the night the way we began the day....with good ole fun!!!

Happy Birthday Dad! You are one in a BILLION!!!!

a regular day....

2008-11-13T23:33:00.000-06:00

A few months ago I invested in some books from doorposts.com and I LOVE them. Greta and I get in the Word together...she does her reading and writing from the Bible, we research words and more words and memorize scriptures together....love it!!! Oh and today we learned to carry (or re-group) in math...I'm talking that girl was doing three digit addition problems! No biggie! Math, I see her getting quickly, it just makes sense to her...she gets that from her daddy!!! PTL