The most important gift from my mom…

Dear mom... As I have pondered over this, I am overwhelmed with how many things you have done for me and given me over the years.  As I grow older, I see more clearly and appreciate more deeply your presence in my life and all that that entails.  There are so many things I could pick as gifts from you… I could talk about all the sacrifices you have made since before I was born: carrying me, laboring me into the world, loving me through my ugliness and simply (or not so simply some days) keeping me alive to reach adulthood. You have been selfless on this journey.

I could talk about your infectious energy for life and all that you do.  You don’t sit still, your passion for learning and growing is contagious. Your strength amazes me and inspires me to try harder and give more generously.

The way you love others, and make them feel so comfortable is a gift that is beautiful to watch. You overflow with warmth and calm in situations that make me want to run away and hide. Thank you for showing me what courage in the Lord looks like.

But above all of these things your love for the Lord is the greatest gift to me. I know that it is your relationship with God that has made you who you are. Christ shining through you in these moments I have mentioned has impacted me more than words can express. Your joy in the Lord brings brightness to your family.  Your constant search for truth overflows to me and my children, and brings clarity to the dark places.

Thank you for always encouraging me to focus on the only thing that truly matters, Jesus! Thank you for teaching me truth and allowing me to be a part of what God has done and is doing in your life. I am so blessed to have a mom that looks up more than she looks out.  I love you mom!

           

               

Singing a prayer for my children

B. C. (before children) I used to sit down in a comfy chair, drink my tea and spend a leisurely amount of time in prayer. My days of praying through the wheel of prayer have all but vanished. In this season of life I don't have large chunks of time to devote to prayer, so I find myself praying little prayers ALL the time. Praying for my children's safety as I fold their little clothes, praying for Brandon as I clean the bathroom, and thanking Jesus for strength during the rare moments I find the time to exercise. One of the things I love to do is play worship songs throughout the day and pray my way through some of them. One particular song that expresses my heart for my children is One Pure and Holy Passion. Father, give them one pure and holy passion. Give them one magnificent obsession. Give them one glorious ambition for their life, to know and follow hard after you God!

Tow Mater Sandwich

Because the boys like the movie cars....

Thanks mom for the idea.
The boys loved it!

Playing catch up...

our handsome little 6 month old

Ready to roll

The whole gang

Mr. Smiley

A funny face Nate was making and cracking us up

The dynamic trio

A few pictures of our visit from the relatives

Enjoying a picnic and a walk in the great outdoors

Everything is funny when Pop Pop is around

Grammy

A very serious game of Settlers (notice I was smart enough to stay out of it) :)

Uncle Jake and Aunt Kate (almost) :)

Learning to catch with Uncle Jake

Laundry Detergent

After looking at numerous laundry detergent recipes I have finally found one that is a keeper. It is inexpensive,(17 dollars for everything including the 5 gallon bucket) easy to make and use and best of all leaves our clothes soft and smelling fresh. I like it so much I thought I would share.

1 4 lb 12 oz box Borax (2.15 kg or 76 oz) found in the detergent isle

1 4 lb box Arm & Hammer Baking Soda (1.81 kg) found in the cooking isle

1 box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda 55 oz (3 lb 7 oz) found in the detergent isle

3 bars of Fels-naptha soap,(smells a little like goat milk to me) found in the detergent isle or Pink Zote soap, which I use and found at Home Depot. It has a citronella smell which I like better. You need to grate the bars and add them to the rest of the ingredients.

2 small containers of oxyclean or store brand oxyclean (try to get about 3.5 lbs total (1.58 kg)) found in the detergent isle.

(this is optional, I added it into mine because I have 3 boys and need all the help I can get)

Mix all ingredients together.
I bought a 5 gallon bucket from Home Depot to mix it in and store it. Then I have a smaller container that I keep on the washer. I have been told that if you average 8 loads of laundry a week it should last for roughly 9 months. Since I have only been using it for about a month I cannot yet confirm this. Anyway, if you try it, I hope you enjoy it!

Christmas

This year we were blessed to have my brother and sister-in-law come for Christmas. Being together and watching the boys play with their Aunt and Uncle was such a gift for me. We were able to celebrate Stephen's birthday together as well. Thank you Stephen and Heather for coming so far!

Helping Uncle Stephen piece together his birthday card puzzle

Happy Birthday Uncle Dee Dee

Waking up Christmas morning

Playing with their new train set

Synchronized scootering with Aunt Heather

Nate with his namesake

Merry Christmas!

Christmas tree hunting

This year we had the pleasure of my parents company on our Christmas tree hunt. The roads were pretty much snow free so we had a very quick and lovely excursion into the woods. My parents survived the car ride with 3 boys and my dad was a trooper making faces and silly voices at Nate the whole way. Fun was had by all.

Making a Schill size snowman

Mandatory torture time with dad

snow fight!

My little bell ringers

Last night we volunteered to bell ring for the salvation army. We didn't get the best location in the world as we were at Sears, but people surprised me with their generosity. Although, I think the cuteness factor didn't hurt. The boys did great! I am proud of my little bell ringers.

Smiling into the sun

Patiently waiting to spread some Christmas cheer.

Please don't make me go out in public in this ridiculous outfit mom!

Christmas celebration at the Camden house: one of our favorite place

Making a wreath with Ranger Jim