Wow, it's been a while since I last posted!!!
DH has been on holiday so we have been making the most of it by spending some really good quality time as a family!
Well, I have been struggling lately with having a schedule at all, and meal planning has been a last minute thing, having fudged through half the week before I get my act together!
Does that happen to you?
I want to be more organised, I know the benefits, but I just get waylaid, distracted, and deflated.
I have had to try and get my focus back onto why I do it.
I don't do it for praise, (which I often realise in horror that that was my motive) and I don't do it from duty (which it can feel like sometimes, especially when I really want to order a Chinese!) but I do it because it's easier, it's right and it is healthier. I want to do it because God has shown me a better way, and to go back to processed food would be foolish. I want to be a good steward of the family that God has given me, and I am just being a bit darn selfish and lazy when I don't!!!!
I don't like to think this of myself, but Jesus said, you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.
Honesty is always the best policy, especially with one's self, so my prayer this week is change me Lord, give me the passion back and give me the energy to do my job as mama and chief caregiver!!!
How about you? Do you tire of healthy living? Do you struggle with enthusiasm and drive to do your best? Leave your tips here.
Monday, 22 July 2013
Tuesday, 9 July 2013
Taking Time to See the Bigger Picture...
So we had some frustrating news today.
The adoption of Little Bud has stalled due to a report not being filed on time AGAIN!!!!
It frustrates me when other things, that I have no control over, go wrong, when we have been waiting so long for this!!
It has put me in a bad mood this afternoon, and I knew it. I was grouchy, snapping at the children, and I shouldn't have.
Mama had to take 30 mins to herself!
As I sat watching the clear sky through my bedroom window, on this HOT summer's day, feeling sorry for myself, I began to think about what a great life we have; how lucky we are to have this little boy in our lives, and that the piece of paper will not make him any more or less the son of my heart.
I had to take a deep breath and realise that God is in charge. He has been all along, and He will not let us down. He brought Little Bud to us, so He will keep him with us.
It is an honor to show this little boy God, and to love him as our own.
My boy is awesome, just like the God who made him!!
The adoption of Little Bud has stalled due to a report not being filed on time AGAIN!!!!
It frustrates me when other things, that I have no control over, go wrong, when we have been waiting so long for this!!
It has put me in a bad mood this afternoon, and I knew it. I was grouchy, snapping at the children, and I shouldn't have.
Mama had to take 30 mins to herself!
As I sat watching the clear sky through my bedroom window, on this HOT summer's day, feeling sorry for myself, I began to think about what a great life we have; how lucky we are to have this little boy in our lives, and that the piece of paper will not make him any more or less the son of my heart.
I had to take a deep breath and realise that God is in charge. He has been all along, and He will not let us down. He brought Little Bud to us, so He will keep him with us.
It is an honor to show this little boy God, and to love him as our own.
My boy is awesome, just like the God who made him!!
Wednesday, 3 July 2013
Music, ah sweet music....
Wow, it's been so long since I sat and looked at the music I own!
I am sat writing this after spending a good 3 hrs sorting through my iTunes library, and updating my iPod. I completely forgot I owned such great music!
It's amazing what music does for the soul. Music can evoke vivid memories, and soothe the soul, or remind you of a painful time in your life.
Music has always been a part of my life, and it always will be. Looking at my library, I noticed I have music for every mood. I have so many different genres, so many types within those genres, and just looking at some of my old, OLD favorites, I'm reminded of my first heartbreak, my first holiday without my mum and dad, Moving away, meeting the love of my life, the time when my children were born, when I auditioned for musicals, when I met Jesus, every phase of my life.
Music can tell the story of our life, each step, each turn, the gamete of our human emotions and our lives, in my humble opinion, would be so flat without it!
Just my thoughts as I sit here contemplating how rich my life has been, and how much beautiful music has played a part. Blessed doesn't even cover it.......
I am sat writing this after spending a good 3 hrs sorting through my iTunes library, and updating my iPod. I completely forgot I owned such great music!
It's amazing what music does for the soul. Music can evoke vivid memories, and soothe the soul, or remind you of a painful time in your life.
Music has always been a part of my life, and it always will be. Looking at my library, I noticed I have music for every mood. I have so many different genres, so many types within those genres, and just looking at some of my old, OLD favorites, I'm reminded of my first heartbreak, my first holiday without my mum and dad, Moving away, meeting the love of my life, the time when my children were born, when I auditioned for musicals, when I met Jesus, every phase of my life.
Music can tell the story of our life, each step, each turn, the gamete of our human emotions and our lives, in my humble opinion, would be so flat without it!
Just my thoughts as I sit here contemplating how rich my life has been, and how much beautiful music has played a part. Blessed doesn't even cover it.......
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
Happy Birthday Smudge!
My Little Smudge is 11 today!
I can't believe it! where did the time go????
We always tell "The Birth Story" on birthdays in our house. Little bud is different because, as he's adopted, we have his "Gotcha Day" story instead, about the day he came to live with us.
Smudge's birth story was that he was our rainbow baby. I have a history of very large babies, something we didn't realise until in the middle of giving birth to my daughter!!! (A harrowing tale for another time...)
Because of this, I was checked, scanned and monitored very closely through the next 2 pregnancies, and when I was scanned at 37 weeks, and he was measuring 9lb1oz, they decided to induce me at 38 weeks! (As an older and wiser mama now, this is not something I would allow now, however I was 22 and easily swayed by the authority of the midwife and doctors.)
The labour it's self was pretty straight forward, but the panic of the midwives when I was ready to push caused him to get stuck. (that, and the fact that they had AGAIN put me on my side, and although I have broad hips, that sucker was not budging that way.) I managed to tell them I want to be on my back and when I moved, so did he!
The result was a very blue faced, Beautiful baby that weighed exactly 10lb!!!!
Over the course of the next few days, his face went from blue to purple, then to red, then to yellow, as he developed jaundice (!) and then finally to a plump pink! Hence the rainbow baby.
So, as we do every year, I retold the Birth story, and Smudge snuggled in and smiled as he listened. See, some family traditions just make you feel home......
Happy Birthday Smudge x
I can't believe it! where did the time go????
We always tell "The Birth Story" on birthdays in our house. Little bud is different because, as he's adopted, we have his "Gotcha Day" story instead, about the day he came to live with us.
Smudge's birth story was that he was our rainbow baby. I have a history of very large babies, something we didn't realise until in the middle of giving birth to my daughter!!! (A harrowing tale for another time...)
Because of this, I was checked, scanned and monitored very closely through the next 2 pregnancies, and when I was scanned at 37 weeks, and he was measuring 9lb1oz, they decided to induce me at 38 weeks! (As an older and wiser mama now, this is not something I would allow now, however I was 22 and easily swayed by the authority of the midwife and doctors.)
The labour it's self was pretty straight forward, but the panic of the midwives when I was ready to push caused him to get stuck. (that, and the fact that they had AGAIN put me on my side, and although I have broad hips, that sucker was not budging that way.) I managed to tell them I want to be on my back and when I moved, so did he!
The result was a very blue faced, Beautiful baby that weighed exactly 10lb!!!!
Over the course of the next few days, his face went from blue to purple, then to red, then to yellow, as he developed jaundice (!) and then finally to a plump pink! Hence the rainbow baby.
So, as we do every year, I retold the Birth story, and Smudge snuggled in and smiled as he listened. See, some family traditions just make you feel home......
Happy Birthday Smudge x
Tuesday, 25 June 2013
Sunshine and flowers
I love it when the sun shines!!
Woke up this morning to a beautiful sunny day! Decided that I was going to take my big dog for a long walk today, as she has been teaching the pup lately and he can only go for 20 mins at a time.
We took a lovely walk through a large cornfield not far from our house, and I don't know why, but being out in the sunshine, with my boys and my Poppy, looking at God's glorious creation, really lifted my spirits today!
Poppy was pleased to get out for a proper run, and Haribo picked me the most beautiful little bunch of wild flowers, so I feel very spoilt today
I am a very lucky mama!!
My baby puppy Murphy went out for a walk too, and he really seemed to enjoy it....!
And that reminds me, I may need to vacuum....... :-o (Oh My!!)
Woke up this morning to a beautiful sunny day! Decided that I was going to take my big dog for a long walk today, as she has been teaching the pup lately and he can only go for 20 mins at a time.
We took a lovely walk through a large cornfield not far from our house, and I don't know why, but being out in the sunshine, with my boys and my Poppy, looking at God's glorious creation, really lifted my spirits today!
Poppy was pleased to get out for a proper run, and Haribo picked me the most beautiful little bunch of wild flowers, so I feel very spoilt today
I am a very lucky mama!!
My baby puppy Murphy went out for a walk too, and he really seemed to enjoy it....!
And that reminds me, I may need to vacuum....... :-o (Oh My!!)
Sunday, 23 June 2013
Getting to that point.....
It is getting a little crowded in here.
No, i'm not cracking with all the animals, it's that cabin fever feeling that we mamas get when we have been with our children without a break for going on 4 weeks!!!
I had a lovely coffee with a dear friend about 4 weeks ago, and besides sleeping, that was the last time I was without a child. I know my children are getting to the age where they don't need the constant supervision of a toddler, but even when my daughter is in her bedroom, I know she is there and may need me at any moment!
I love my babies, I am very glad that they are homeschooled, and I wouldn't change that.
I JUST NEED SOME TIME!!!
Do you hear me, mamas?
Only problem is, hubby is at work for the next 6 days and so it's another week until I can get an hour to myself! Noooooooooo!!!
Lots of Prayer and lots of deep breaths, I think!!
No, i'm not cracking with all the animals, it's that cabin fever feeling that we mamas get when we have been with our children without a break for going on 4 weeks!!!
I had a lovely coffee with a dear friend about 4 weeks ago, and besides sleeping, that was the last time I was without a child. I know my children are getting to the age where they don't need the constant supervision of a toddler, but even when my daughter is in her bedroom, I know she is there and may need me at any moment!
I love my babies, I am very glad that they are homeschooled, and I wouldn't change that.
I JUST NEED SOME TIME!!!
Do you hear me, mamas?
Only problem is, hubby is at work for the next 6 days and so it's another week until I can get an hour to myself! Noooooooooo!!!
Lots of Prayer and lots of deep breaths, I think!!
Friday, 21 June 2013
Warmer places
I am currently sat with a tab open on a villa in Gran Canaria.
After booking a holiday to Scotland in the middle of NOVEMBER (my idea of a wistful winter retreat), we are looking at warmer climates for next year, for our first family holiday abroad.
I am naturally a very fair skinned blonde, so sun doesn't usually appeal to me, but with the gray cloud cover AGAIN her in sunny England, I am feeling a serious need for the prospect of some sun.
My sweetheart's fave holiday destination is Gran Canaria and we have never been abroad together in 14 yrs of marriage, so I feel it's time.
Having never been on holiday when I'm paying, and having a family of 6 to plan for, the prices are a little gulp worthy, but I think it's time to take a deep breath, and save hard.
My sweetheart deserves it.
He works hard for us, and deserves a rest.
And the sun would do me no harm whatsoever!!! (As long as I bulk buy sunscreen and floppy hats!!)
Planning is good. Doing is better. Let's go!!!
After booking a holiday to Scotland in the middle of NOVEMBER (my idea of a wistful winter retreat), we are looking at warmer climates for next year, for our first family holiday abroad.
I am naturally a very fair skinned blonde, so sun doesn't usually appeal to me, but with the gray cloud cover AGAIN her in sunny England, I am feeling a serious need for the prospect of some sun.
My sweetheart's fave holiday destination is Gran Canaria and we have never been abroad together in 14 yrs of marriage, so I feel it's time.
Having never been on holiday when I'm paying, and having a family of 6 to plan for, the prices are a little gulp worthy, but I think it's time to take a deep breath, and save hard.
My sweetheart deserves it.
He works hard for us, and deserves a rest.
And the sun would do me no harm whatsoever!!! (As long as I bulk buy sunscreen and floppy hats!!)
Planning is good. Doing is better. Let's go!!!
Tuesday, 18 June 2013
And Relaaaaax.....
Phew!!!
Sometimes, you need an outside perspective on things.
We had our annual Home schooling visit from the Local Authority today.
I sometimes worry (me, really???!!) about whether the kids are doing ok, whether I need to do more, or less with them and just generally am I doing a good job. (I don't think it is just me)
Well, our reviewing officer was very pleased with what we are doing, and how much the children are learning, and the variety, so I was worrying for nothing at midnight last night!
I know my children, and I am so glad that we decided to homeschool them, but, as with most aspects of parenting, I am sometime struck down with doubt. I worry. I shouldn't, I know, if God is truly my Father, He will take care of us, and prompt me. I can't help it sometimes though, and in His gracious mercy, He sends me encouragement when I need it.
My children are happy, healthy and bright. They are unique, special and confident. They are polite, talented and a gift from God.
Lord help me to guide and cherish these beautiful presents and help them and I to live every day in Your Glorious Presence
Amen
Sometimes, you need an outside perspective on things.
We had our annual Home schooling visit from the Local Authority today.
I sometimes worry (me, really???!!) about whether the kids are doing ok, whether I need to do more, or less with them and just generally am I doing a good job. (I don't think it is just me)
Well, our reviewing officer was very pleased with what we are doing, and how much the children are learning, and the variety, so I was worrying for nothing at midnight last night!
I know my children, and I am so glad that we decided to homeschool them, but, as with most aspects of parenting, I am sometime struck down with doubt. I worry. I shouldn't, I know, if God is truly my Father, He will take care of us, and prompt me. I can't help it sometimes though, and in His gracious mercy, He sends me encouragement when I need it.
My children are happy, healthy and bright. They are unique, special and confident. They are polite, talented and a gift from God.
Lord help me to guide and cherish these beautiful presents and help them and I to live every day in Your Glorious Presence
Amen
Monday, 17 June 2013
Summer Ideas
Summer is on the way, even though the weather needs to catch up, but the first thing most parents think is "what on earth am I going to do with the kids???"
Well, you are not alone. Even if you are a homeschooling family, the vast expanse of summer holidays can be daunting. We also have the added inconvenience of no car, but there are ways to entertain the chicklets on those long lazy summer days.
Obvious activities include getting the paddling pool out on a sunny day, picnics in the back yard, and bubble blowers etc.
A trip to the beach, (which we have the luxury of living close to) or a cinema trip is a nice treat day, and bowling is great for any age group.
Bike rides as a family are a nice memory to make, I remember spending many hours as a kid biking all over the countryside and i would love for my children to have the same.
Getting the kids involved in gardening, or outside chores, such as sweeping, or mowing the lawn, if they are old enough (currently Haribo's summer job) is a nice way to keep up the good work ethic and can be made fun. The same can be done at the old summer favorite the Barbecue. Helpers don't have to go near the hot grill, but little ones love to help butter buns with a spoon, or toss the salad, or set the plates out, or hand out napkins! Everything is fun to little ones!
Bug collecting (and releasing them when done) is also a nice touch, both for pleasure and education, fruit picking, farm visits, outside crafts, long walks, long drinks, long visits, summer has so many possibilities, with just a little preparation and planning.
My aim is to plan one day trip outside the home a week, and fill in the other days as and when the weather or the mood takes us. I found that I need to plan, otherwise the days slip away and we get nothing done!!!
So a calendar and a list are my essentials for summer, but having said that, there will be lots of lazy, lounging days, because that is what summer is for, after all....
Well, you are not alone. Even if you are a homeschooling family, the vast expanse of summer holidays can be daunting. We also have the added inconvenience of no car, but there are ways to entertain the chicklets on those long lazy summer days.
Obvious activities include getting the paddling pool out on a sunny day, picnics in the back yard, and bubble blowers etc.
A trip to the beach, (which we have the luxury of living close to) or a cinema trip is a nice treat day, and bowling is great for any age group.
Bike rides as a family are a nice memory to make, I remember spending many hours as a kid biking all over the countryside and i would love for my children to have the same.
Getting the kids involved in gardening, or outside chores, such as sweeping, or mowing the lawn, if they are old enough (currently Haribo's summer job) is a nice way to keep up the good work ethic and can be made fun. The same can be done at the old summer favorite the Barbecue. Helpers don't have to go near the hot grill, but little ones love to help butter buns with a spoon, or toss the salad, or set the plates out, or hand out napkins! Everything is fun to little ones!
Bug collecting (and releasing them when done) is also a nice touch, both for pleasure and education, fruit picking, farm visits, outside crafts, long walks, long drinks, long visits, summer has so many possibilities, with just a little preparation and planning.
My aim is to plan one day trip outside the home a week, and fill in the other days as and when the weather or the mood takes us. I found that I need to plan, otherwise the days slip away and we get nothing done!!!
So a calendar and a list are my essentials for summer, but having said that, there will be lots of lazy, lounging days, because that is what summer is for, after all....
Friday, 14 June 2013
Spoiled Rotten (Taco Salad Recipe)
I am being very spoilt at the moment, my kids made yummy Taco salad for mama today!!!
A new favorite in the Gee household, it's refreshing, but filling too, so I thought I would share the love and give the REALLY easy recipe!
Taco Salad
A new favorite in the Gee household, it's refreshing, but filling too, so I thought I would share the love and give the REALLY easy recipe!
Taco Salad
Begin with as many of these ingredients as possible:
Back down to earth.....
Took the dogs for a walk to the pet shop this morning.
Nothing quite like trying to manage 2 boxers, one a puppy, to bring you back down to earth.
After much thought yesterday, in my deep reverie, I realized that I love my animals, hair, stress, muddy footprints and all, and if my floor is messy, well, I will clean it eventually.
You see, I have felt pressured to keep a clean house, and felt the weight of guilt when I fail MISERABLY!!!!
I have a certain tolerance for mess that others may not have, and when it gets to a certain point, even I cant ignore it any more, and I clean up.
My sweetheart is the same, which is half the battle, so I have decided that I will not feel guilty any more for living how WE want to. It might not be to everyone's standards, and there are those in my family and friends who will probably not visit my home because of it, but I am no longer going to stress about other's opinions of me and my home.
Let me stress, it is not a HOVEL or anything, just some clutter, a little dust and some muddy footprints. The bathroom is cleaned every week, and the vacuuming and dusting is done at LEAST once a week. The bedding is clean, and the kitchen worktops are cleaned several times a day, it's just that we have stuff. Everywhere. I should probably sort it out, and I will. When it gets too much for me to bear. Not before.
There is Lego, paper aeroplanes, hair ties, stickers and pens all over my house, and I happen to love it. It shows my kids play, create, and live in my house. I prompt them to put their things in their bedrooms, and they know to clear up after themselves, so I feel I am not doing wrong by them. We love our house, even if others don't.
So my dogs brought me back into the real world today, just by being there. By being mine to love and take care of and guide and discipline, just like my kids, except without the smart mouths!!
Nothing quite like trying to manage 2 boxers, one a puppy, to bring you back down to earth.
After much thought yesterday, in my deep reverie, I realized that I love my animals, hair, stress, muddy footprints and all, and if my floor is messy, well, I will clean it eventually.
You see, I have felt pressured to keep a clean house, and felt the weight of guilt when I fail MISERABLY!!!!
I have a certain tolerance for mess that others may not have, and when it gets to a certain point, even I cant ignore it any more, and I clean up.
My sweetheart is the same, which is half the battle, so I have decided that I will not feel guilty any more for living how WE want to. It might not be to everyone's standards, and there are those in my family and friends who will probably not visit my home because of it, but I am no longer going to stress about other's opinions of me and my home.
Let me stress, it is not a HOVEL or anything, just some clutter, a little dust and some muddy footprints. The bathroom is cleaned every week, and the vacuuming and dusting is done at LEAST once a week. The bedding is clean, and the kitchen worktops are cleaned several times a day, it's just that we have stuff. Everywhere. I should probably sort it out, and I will. When it gets too much for me to bear. Not before.
There is Lego, paper aeroplanes, hair ties, stickers and pens all over my house, and I happen to love it. It shows my kids play, create, and live in my house. I prompt them to put their things in their bedrooms, and they know to clear up after themselves, so I feel I am not doing wrong by them. We love our house, even if others don't.
So my dogs brought me back into the real world today, just by being there. By being mine to love and take care of and guide and discipline, just like my kids, except without the smart mouths!!
Thursday, 13 June 2013
Do You Know...?
Do you know how I feel?
I'm sure you do. When everything in your life feels like it is spinning all around you and you are in the eye of the storm.
Being melodramatic is kind of in my nature, but sometimes, just sometimes, it really feels like you don't know your right from your left.
Certain things are changing in our house, and one of the biggest ones is me. My Father in heaven loves me too much to stay the same, and when He shows you the truth about yourself, it's usually wise to listen.
This is one of the most painful times in life, when you realise who you truly are, rather than who you think you are, but Jesus said "you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free".
Letting go of who you thought you were, now there is the hard part.
How do you learn who you are?
How do you judge what is you and what is who you want to be? How do you stop trying to please everyone else and look at what is truly in your heart?
I had thought I was making progress with this and in one way I was. Deciding to home school my children goes completely against the grain of what everyone in my life believes in, and thought I was capable of. And it really wasn't that scary once we did it.
So how do I go from one brave step to sorting through the influences that have shaped me to believe I must be a certain way, act a certain way, do certain things to be accepted, when I have spent most of my life striving for this and disappointing anyway?
Who am I really?
Only my Father can tell me that.
He allows discomfort in our lives for one primary purpose: to bring us running to Him.
Such a shame that we stubborn creatures run like Jonah did in the opposite direction more often than not!
Well, I want answers and for that I need to run TO Him not AWAY from Him. Only he can show me who I am, and then make me happy with it.
I am not what my husband thinks I am, nor my Mother, nor siblings, nor friends, nor public.
I am what God thinks I am.
I'm worth dying for. Not because I did anything worthy, just simply because God loves me.
And He loves you too.
x
I'm sure you do. When everything in your life feels like it is spinning all around you and you are in the eye of the storm.
Being melodramatic is kind of in my nature, but sometimes, just sometimes, it really feels like you don't know your right from your left.
Certain things are changing in our house, and one of the biggest ones is me. My Father in heaven loves me too much to stay the same, and when He shows you the truth about yourself, it's usually wise to listen.
This is one of the most painful times in life, when you realise who you truly are, rather than who you think you are, but Jesus said "you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free".
Letting go of who you thought you were, now there is the hard part.
How do you learn who you are?
How do you judge what is you and what is who you want to be? How do you stop trying to please everyone else and look at what is truly in your heart?
I had thought I was making progress with this and in one way I was. Deciding to home school my children goes completely against the grain of what everyone in my life believes in, and thought I was capable of. And it really wasn't that scary once we did it.
So how do I go from one brave step to sorting through the influences that have shaped me to believe I must be a certain way, act a certain way, do certain things to be accepted, when I have spent most of my life striving for this and disappointing anyway?
Who am I really?
Only my Father can tell me that.
He allows discomfort in our lives for one primary purpose: to bring us running to Him.
Such a shame that we stubborn creatures run like Jonah did in the opposite direction more often than not!
Well, I want answers and for that I need to run TO Him not AWAY from Him. Only he can show me who I am, and then make me happy with it.
I am not what my husband thinks I am, nor my Mother, nor siblings, nor friends, nor public.
I am what God thinks I am.
I'm worth dying for. Not because I did anything worthy, just simply because God loves me.
And He loves you too.
x
Friday, 31 May 2013
Catch up
Phew!!! A chance to finally sit down and write!
I haven't been particularly stacked out, but lots of little jobs get in the way!
We have had a hectic few weeks with my sweetie's shifts, and with it being half term in England, my youngest is off. I love having them all with me, and we have had a lovely time, proving that you don't have to have a car or money to have a nice school holiday.
Yes, you heard me, we are currently sans transport, but we have been here before.
About 4 yrs ago, our car died and we were without our own transport for about a year, when God blessed us through some friends who were getting rid of their car and gifted it to us!!
It has lasted us that long, and now this car was going to cost us more to repair than it was worth to sell, so that was that.
Grocery shopping is a little difficult at times, but with public transport, taxis and great friends, we are doing well, and when the time is right, and we have saved a little money, God will lead us to the right car (minivan, actually) and we will be mobile again.
Murphy, our pup, is getting huge!!! He had his first run on the field with his mama this morning, and is shattered now.
I have been doing lots of planning and cooking, but have had some SERIOUS sugar cravings. Need to get a hold on them, and quick, I think I need to purge my house of the few sweet things we have, just to break the cycle.
I can't believe it's is June tomorrow.
Hope this sunshine is here to stay......
I haven't been particularly stacked out, but lots of little jobs get in the way!
We have had a hectic few weeks with my sweetie's shifts, and with it being half term in England, my youngest is off. I love having them all with me, and we have had a lovely time, proving that you don't have to have a car or money to have a nice school holiday.
Yes, you heard me, we are currently sans transport, but we have been here before.
About 4 yrs ago, our car died and we were without our own transport for about a year, when God blessed us through some friends who were getting rid of their car and gifted it to us!!
It has lasted us that long, and now this car was going to cost us more to repair than it was worth to sell, so that was that.
Grocery shopping is a little difficult at times, but with public transport, taxis and great friends, we are doing well, and when the time is right, and we have saved a little money, God will lead us to the right car (minivan, actually) and we will be mobile again.
Murphy, our pup, is getting huge!!! He had his first run on the field with his mama this morning, and is shattered now.
I have been doing lots of planning and cooking, but have had some SERIOUS sugar cravings. Need to get a hold on them, and quick, I think I need to purge my house of the few sweet things we have, just to break the cycle.
I can't believe it's is June tomorrow.
Hope this sunshine is here to stay......
Saturday, 25 May 2013
Whole Wheat Yogurt Dough
So I thought it was time I posted some recipes here on The Family That Grows Together, and one of my recent finds has been this pie crust/ pastry recipe that I found on my fave site keeper of the home
Whole Wheat Yogurt Dough
Ingredients
1 cup butter softened
1 cup plain yogurt (I've used kefir before too)
3 1/2 cups whole wheat
pastry flour (also good with spelt)
1 tsp fine sea salt
Method
·
Cream
together the butter and yogurt (or kefir). Slowly add the flour and salt
until everything is combined into a nice dough.
·
At this point
you can either use it immediately or leave it on the counter for 12-24 hours to
soak.
·
When you are
ready to use it, roll out the desired amount on a floured surface and use as
desired.
·
Depending on
what you are using the dough for, it usually takes around 30 minutes to bake at
350 degrees. Adjust your baking temperature and time for what you are
making.
For more details on why soaking your Nuts, Grains and Legumes is important, read here
We have has this twice now and it is soooo tasty!!
Enjoy!
The Hard Water Fairies
So I have finally figured out the reason my hair feels like i have washed it with candle wax!!
HARD WATER!!!
I was thinking that I was just going to have to quit and wash my hair with shampoo, but I knew I really didn't want to do that, after almost 4 weeks without it.
I Googled it (We love Google in this house) and others have had the same problem.
The solution?
Boiling the water before making the baking soda rinse!!! Simples!!
I have done this today and my hair FINALLY feels clean! Still need to cut through the rest of the grease in the length of my hair, but I can tell the difference already, and it gives me hope!!
I Am a Happy Bunny Now!
HARD WATER!!!
I was thinking that I was just going to have to quit and wash my hair with shampoo, but I knew I really didn't want to do that, after almost 4 weeks without it.
I Googled it (We love Google in this house) and others have had the same problem.
The solution?
Boiling the water before making the baking soda rinse!!! Simples!!
I have done this today and my hair FINALLY feels clean! Still need to cut through the rest of the grease in the length of my hair, but I can tell the difference already, and it gives me hope!!
I Am a Happy Bunny Now!
Thursday, 23 May 2013
My Grace is Enough...
So I was talking yesterday about how I was re-thinking school in the Gee house, and I thought I would tell you how we came to take our children out of main stream school and educate them at home.
It was 2 years ago this August, when my eldest girl, Boo, was about to go up to secondary school. We had been watching a US program (I am an American who happened to be trapped in an English born body!!) about a very LARGE family and it mesmerized me. How this Christian family managed to be nice to one another, to help one another AND to be home-schooled had me floored, especially as, at the time, I hated the summer hols as the kids drove me CRAZY! (My Abba Father has done such a work in me!!)
As Boo was headed up to "big" school, I was really concerned at just what they would teach my daughter, as Evolution is taught as fact in UK schools. It was when watching the Big family program that I felt I heard the Lord clearly tell me "that's what I want of you". So began a Moses type dialogue that went something like this...
" Are you kidding, Abba??"
"Not at all, my darling, I want you to teach your children about me"
"Abba, I go crazy being with them for a half term, let alone full time!!"
"I know, but I can change that"
"I can't do it, Abba!!"
"Then take a look at 2 Corinthians 12:9"
As I looked at that scripture, I found that God wasn't asking me to do it alone, and that he would use my weaknesses to show his Glory through me!
Well, I was learning all about submission, so I approached my sweetheart about it and, as I am a bit of an ideas girl, with little fruition, he was not overly keen at first. As I showed him the curriculum I had found, he warmed up, seeing I really was serious about it, but would only agree to the boys being schooled, as Boo wants to be a doctor, and the curriculum at this point didn't go that far, so I left it with the Lord, if He had said it, then He would have to work on my sweetie's heart to do it.
So, January 2012, our 2 boys began our home-ed adventure!!!!
It was only a few months later, due to some horrid incidences at school, Boo joined her brothers at Easter. Our youngest has stayed on at school for a while longer.
We have been at this homeschooling lark for 18 months now, and I can categorically say that God has shown himself strong in my weaknesses, that I LOVE being with my kids and that it is the best decision we made as a family, for our family, and although there are bad days, crazy days, days when I want to go lay on my bed, read a good book and ignore the "MUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMM" shouts coming from the table, I love homeschooling my precious gifts from the Lord!!!!
How about you? Is homeschooling something you have considered or have you known all along??? Leave a comment below.
It was 2 years ago this August, when my eldest girl, Boo, was about to go up to secondary school. We had been watching a US program (I am an American who happened to be trapped in an English born body!!) about a very LARGE family and it mesmerized me. How this Christian family managed to be nice to one another, to help one another AND to be home-schooled had me floored, especially as, at the time, I hated the summer hols as the kids drove me CRAZY! (My Abba Father has done such a work in me!!)
As Boo was headed up to "big" school, I was really concerned at just what they would teach my daughter, as Evolution is taught as fact in UK schools. It was when watching the Big family program that I felt I heard the Lord clearly tell me "that's what I want of you". So began a Moses type dialogue that went something like this...
" Are you kidding, Abba??"
"Not at all, my darling, I want you to teach your children about me"
"Abba, I go crazy being with them for a half term, let alone full time!!"
"I know, but I can change that"
"I can't do it, Abba!!"
"Then take a look at 2 Corinthians 12:9"
As I looked at that scripture, I found that God wasn't asking me to do it alone, and that he would use my weaknesses to show his Glory through me!
Well, I was learning all about submission, so I approached my sweetheart about it and, as I am a bit of an ideas girl, with little fruition, he was not overly keen at first. As I showed him the curriculum I had found, he warmed up, seeing I really was serious about it, but would only agree to the boys being schooled, as Boo wants to be a doctor, and the curriculum at this point didn't go that far, so I left it with the Lord, if He had said it, then He would have to work on my sweetie's heart to do it.
So, January 2012, our 2 boys began our home-ed adventure!!!!
It was only a few months later, due to some horrid incidences at school, Boo joined her brothers at Easter. Our youngest has stayed on at school for a while longer.
We have been at this homeschooling lark for 18 months now, and I can categorically say that God has shown himself strong in my weaknesses, that I LOVE being with my kids and that it is the best decision we made as a family, for our family, and although there are bad days, crazy days, days when I want to go lay on my bed, read a good book and ignore the "MUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMM" shouts coming from the table, I love homeschooling my precious gifts from the Lord!!!!
How about you? Is homeschooling something you have considered or have you known all along??? Leave a comment below.
Wednesday, 22 May 2013
Time to pull my socks up...
I've been having a bit of a thinking session this weekend.
As a homeschooling mum, (or any mum really) I wonder if I'm doing all I can for my children.
I wonder if I'm a good mama, I wonder if they are going to do well, even though I absolutely know it is the right thing for our family, as the Lord expressly told me to do it (more on that tomorrow).
So I have been using a Christian curriculum, and having only been homeschooling for 18 months, we are still very schooled, used to tests, and traditional school practices.
I have been looking at a few websites, including my fave at the mo, Keeper of the Home and looking at various ideas and curriculum, and I really feel that I have been putting too much pressure on the children to race through the booklets that they work on, and have not given them enough "fun stuff" to do!
Like drawing a poster, designing a game, or making a bag with the sewing machine (all things my kids have come up with ON THE SPOT when I asked what they would like to do!)
I think Mama has been a little too school Ma'am and not enough relaxed mama!!
Time to have some fun with my babies!!
As a homeschooling mum, (or any mum really) I wonder if I'm doing all I can for my children.
I wonder if I'm a good mama, I wonder if they are going to do well, even though I absolutely know it is the right thing for our family, as the Lord expressly told me to do it (more on that tomorrow).
So I have been using a Christian curriculum, and having only been homeschooling for 18 months, we are still very schooled, used to tests, and traditional school practices.
I have been looking at a few websites, including my fave at the mo, Keeper of the Home and looking at various ideas and curriculum, and I really feel that I have been putting too much pressure on the children to race through the booklets that they work on, and have not given them enough "fun stuff" to do!
Like drawing a poster, designing a game, or making a bag with the sewing machine (all things my kids have come up with ON THE SPOT when I asked what they would like to do!)
I think Mama has been a little too school Ma'am and not enough relaxed mama!!
Time to have some fun with my babies!!
Sunday, 19 May 2013
Sunday Thoughts
Oh the joys of a boys' sleepover!!
Haribo had 2 friends over for his birthday, but they wanted to sleep in the front room, so I was ousted to the back dining room for my quiet time this morning, but it is sometimes nice to have a change.
I don't know about you, but sometimes (quite often) I am plagued with doubts, about whether I am doing a good job with these children the Lord has blessed me with, whether I am a good wife to my amazing husband, whether I am doing all and being all the Lord wants me to do and be, or whether I even heard Him right!
I had one of those moments this morning, so I poured my heart out to my Father.
And He answered, as only He could, through His word.
This Pentecost Sunday, I am so very thankful that the Holy Spirit lives in me to correct, to communicate and to enable me to live as God wants me to, even if I don't always get it right!
And I think I'm fine with that, because He is always there to pick me back up, like the amazing Abba He is!
Thank you Abba Father.
Haribo had 2 friends over for his birthday, but they wanted to sleep in the front room, so I was ousted to the back dining room for my quiet time this morning, but it is sometimes nice to have a change.
I don't know about you, but sometimes (quite often) I am plagued with doubts, about whether I am doing a good job with these children the Lord has blessed me with, whether I am a good wife to my amazing husband, whether I am doing all and being all the Lord wants me to do and be, or whether I even heard Him right!
I had one of those moments this morning, so I poured my heart out to my Father.
And He answered, as only He could, through His word.
This Pentecost Sunday, I am so very thankful that the Holy Spirit lives in me to correct, to communicate and to enable me to live as God wants me to, even if I don't always get it right!
And I think I'm fine with that, because He is always there to pick me back up, like the amazing Abba He is!
Thank you Abba Father.
Saturday, 18 May 2013
Happy Birthday to Haribo!!
My biggest boy is 12 today!!!
I can't believe it! He is growing up so fast. My big boy is growing into such a gentleman, he is very considerate, and we are so proud of the young man he is and is becoming, as we are all of our children.
Our family has some little birthday traditions.
The day before, our close family always text or email each other to say "whose birthday is it tomorrow!!!????"
Small, but funny, when Nana posts it at 12.05am!!
The children always know they are going to get a rendition of their birth story too, periodically through the day. "This time x years ago...." is our birthday tradition, and the kids even ask me now, if i'm not quick enough!!
It's amazing how these little traditions grow with the family, how words get adopted for general use, and how comforting collective memories are. Ask my children what happened when they were born, and they can tell you, even though they cannot remember themselves.
This is what family is all about!
Thank you Lord x
I can't believe it! He is growing up so fast. My big boy is growing into such a gentleman, he is very considerate, and we are so proud of the young man he is and is becoming, as we are all of our children.
Our family has some little birthday traditions.
The day before, our close family always text or email each other to say "whose birthday is it tomorrow!!!????"
Small, but funny, when Nana posts it at 12.05am!!
The children always know they are going to get a rendition of their birth story too, periodically through the day. "This time x years ago...." is our birthday tradition, and the kids even ask me now, if i'm not quick enough!!
It's amazing how these little traditions grow with the family, how words get adopted for general use, and how comforting collective memories are. Ask my children what happened when they were born, and they can tell you, even though they cannot remember themselves.
This is what family is all about!
Thank you Lord x
I can do it, I can do it...
My hair is driving me crazy!!!
There, I said it! This is week 3 of no 'poo and it is still very greasy. Come on hair, balance out!
I was so tempted this morning in the shower to just give it a really good shampoo, but i know that would be quitting before the benefits start to show, so I WILL persevere with it. It will all be worth it when I get past this initial phase.
Ponytails and pinned back fringe for me still.....
There, I said it! This is week 3 of no 'poo and it is still very greasy. Come on hair, balance out!
I was so tempted this morning in the shower to just give it a really good shampoo, but i know that would be quitting before the benefits start to show, so I WILL persevere with it. It will all be worth it when I get past this initial phase.
Ponytails and pinned back fringe for me still.....
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