I got the V-E-R-O Bluuuueeess

Lol, I am SO ready to come home!!!!!
I don't staycate very well I'm afraid. I LOVE to rest and play like anyone else but give me two days and I am ready to go home and WORK. I have always loved to work, it doesn't matter what kind. Clean, cook, school, massage therapist (gosh that seems like a lifetime ago!) now the magazine..it really doesn't matter.
I have always secretly wanted to be a cashier!!! I never have been a cashier (darn) but I think the attraction is the mindless work coupled with my favorite past time...people!
Yep, I'm ready for the job. It was the hardest part of my "coming home" from working outside the home. Realizing that my skill set could be used in the home and applying it. I think if I may be so bold, that one lesson I learned from God through it was that as soon as I accepted it, did it, embraced it and learned to love it, He gave me another outlet that I could "work" in without really leaving again.
I surely hope that I find a really great spot to work at church too. I also surely have no idea what will come of it, lol but I know that God will bring it all together.
I think the new plan for our family though is to BE TOGETHER. We are all of a sudden super sensitive to time for some reason...and are hard pressed to be apart. I hope that is not a foreshadowing. It must be my latent Jewish-Italian-Catholic Mother side coming out. Worry!
But I think we will work hard for three weeks, endeavor to get school back under control (we never take off for summer because we take so much time off regularly) and bust the issues out and then come down here for the weekends. Not sure what will happen with the house here though as my Mom will soon be coming to live here again. We think.
It is weird to think of the issue being delivered all over town and me not having seen it yet. Jeff got me laughing when I complained. He said: "You've seen it! You've read it! You wrote it!"
But you know, it is just not the SAME....lol
but he should be here in about an hour and a half and then I SHALL SEE IT!
We have been getting steady emails in from even strangers now commenting on the magazine and boy does that make me happy.
SInce my own world is the group and I don't get much response there, (except for those few who I ADORE and thank for giving me input! You KNOW who you are!) it is SO WONDERFUL to receive.
But I miss M terribly and we are at our wits end so I am going to have to just ask the Lord for more hours which I am sure He will answer with better balance instead.
Can there be time for cooking, cleaning, training, schooling, mag moguling, writing, networking, friendships, church, rest and fun?
Heck, why not. Let's give it a shot.

Yeah baby!

I am not kidding. This is getting really good! Loads of fun, tons of work and worth the while. It is amazing how fulfilling it is to make so many people happy. From cover kid Mom's to business profilings to people claiming their ads are giving them GREAT returns...it is a pleasure to serve!

Vero? Check!

Sorry guys..yes! I am in Vero! And if you noticed my blog is closed again it is only because I can't figure how to get it so that you can't link directly here from the website...:)

Perspective

Alright, alright. Big bad me didn't mean to pick on poor Vero drivers.
Let me tell you what you guys, perspective is everything. If you actually WENT to Vero, you would SEE what I mean. Since I have lived both places, I can attest that your drivers here out drive the ones in Vero 10 to 1. (Except Cheryl of course, who is an EXEMPLARY driver, LOL)
There are lots of other differences too...I was telling Cheryl when I was there that we didn't have this "culture of wealth" that Vero has. People don't walk around entitled and trying to look or be or have...I mean, of course it goes on here...just not like it does there. Everywhere is different....but I really think that those of you who have lived here for all your lives or enough years to forget, that you sometimes may not realize what a gem you have in Lake County. It is truly, truly beautfiul. I love it here!
I have never liked Vero...though they say it is some of the most beautiful land in Florida. Tom Selleck has a house there, Madonna almost moved there (remember that Chewhi? Thank GOODNESS she didn't) John Walsh, Ivan Lendyl...so obviously it can't be all bad. Beaches are gorgeous but after you live there for awhile you don't go anymore. You know, it ceases being a resort and just becomes a very-manicured-place-to-live. For me anyway.
My point? The driving is TEN TIMES worse there than here. The construction on 441? Really just isn't that bad people.
You should have seen the driving in Manhattan! LoL Just like in the movies. For real.
Perspective is everything isn't it?

Shame on You Demo (for Lisa G)

Dinner

Well, it's GOOD to be a Mom and wife again. I LOVE to cook and I LOVE to clean and somehow here in Vero I can! So we made BBQ chicken, rice, salad deviled eggs and homemade salsa, regular and mango. DEEEElish!

Vero Chronicles

I don't know why I didn't think of this sooner! Lol

JUST on the trip here....


MUSIC TO A HOMESCHOOLING MOM'S EARS: While making fun of Jane from the MOVIE Pride and Prejudice (hear, "Yes! a thousand times, yes!")
Sloan says, "But Mom, Jane Austin was a genius, and movie makers are not."

Misplaced Credit: It's NOT a good thing when your child says. "Wow Mom, you're a GREAT driver! You can hand out four burgers, fries and drinks while driving 80 miles per hour!: errrr, thanks honey.

Immeditate vaporizing of fellow driver: A lady pulled DIRECTLY out in front of me while I was going about 60 and I had to do the SUPER slam on my brakes while hitting the horn. While we all sat in stunned silence, thankful to be alive, she switches lanes and we pass her. I do NOT look but of COURSE Sloan does. This older lady with adult men in the car give us the bird which Sloan sees. I unroll my window and give her the shame on you sign. Tsk. Tsk.
Only in Vero would someone nearly kill you and then be mad at YOU instead of apologize.

WOOHOO!

Who KNEW magazine racks could make a girl so happy?????





Every mag has their own distribtion style....Lake has the wood with gold name plate, Focus has BIG UGLY red Little Tykes Toys looking thing..
Our niche?
TWO shelves!
Top for new issue
Bottom for previous month.
So we can constantly keep TWO months in circulation.
Missed last month's? No problem, grab both!
Great selling point too I just realized.

ISN'T that a great idea????????
Tell me it's great! Tell me it's great!
Ok, so the BIG question is: Should we put the magazine in the top or get name plate stickers that say LFM, Free, take one?
Help us decide!

A Checklist for Parents Love 6

"Was I a loving, cheerful servant to my family, or did I seek my own glory, ease, and pleasure?

Sometimes, I admit, I find myself doing the eye roll myself..even if it just inward eye roll...over ONE MORE THING I have to do, give, find, cook or get. I do believe I have a servant's heart but for some reason it sometimes falters with the kids. Tonight Rach came in all excited as she finds me cooking. (Note to self: If you train them for more than 5 years to cook with you, they are going to want to CONTINUE to cook with you for forever)Lol. This is a GOOD thing self! I am sure as all 5 of us are cooking around the the Thanksgiving kitchen one day we will laugh at all the times I said, "Yes, sweetie, of COURSE you can come help me cook!)
ANYway...of course she can help me...so in she comes and completely takes over. Cutting veggies and chicken..asking me about spices and dumplings...oh, THAT'S right, I TRAINED them to cook. So she scoots me out and I sit down. And here I am. Typing while she happily does what God has cast upon her heart since the foundation of the world...being a cheerful servant and laying her life down for her family!
I can still LEARN from my own training of my own children? Amazing.

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers."
1 John 3:16ESV

WINNER!

The winning basket of our new find of tasty mineral waters goes to lovely Ann Marie
for her correct guess of "Mexico by Texaco"..a fave restaraunt with a funny name in Manhattan back in the day.
Can you believe I have a "back in the day"? Sheesh!
It's waiting for you Am!

Outside my....MIND

I just realized that if I didn't post something else soon everytime someone got on they would see "Outside My bra"
Not something anyone needs to see MULTIPLE times!
I mean, not me outside my bra but the words outside my bra.
Except now you are again.
Maybe I am outside my MIND?

This post is actually about how IMPULSE is not always a good thing.
We packed the car yesterday evening in about 3 secs. flat, decided we were going to surprise Daddy and then the proverbial fan, river, paddle and Murphy's Law (just for fun apparently) decided to show up.
No money to pay Heather
no cat food to give to Heather to feed cats
bank closed
explosion of drink in freezer as it hit the ground soaking me completely
and making a sticky mess on the floor
(baby is actually strapped in the car at this point)
etc. etc. etc.


So after some SERIOUSLY disappointed kids directly resulting from my own impulsive behavior...we learned a good lesson! PLUS the mag's in layout and if Bri (my layout guy) needed any documents I would not have had access to them!
1 hour later? Bri is calling asking for like three different things.
Whew.
The only thing worse than impulsively throwing 4 kids and a Mom together to go away for 4 days in 5 minutes?
Actually doing it and then having to turn around half way there!
I am all for an occasional impulsive act....
but there is truth to the Scripture:
Proverbs 14:15
A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.

A spoof..sorry I can't help it...

A Homeschooling-CrAzY-real-Mom's-Simple-Woman's Daybook...

Outside my bra: There is comfort and freedom...

I am linking...to all sorts of mindless stuff since I am done with work and currently childless.

From the kitchen...The smell of take out Pad Thai wafts in with the blessing of not having to share...

I am creating...I've done enough creating. Mag's in layout and I'm outta here!


I am going...to try to stop thinking about seven different ways to punish that woman who spoke to Madi S. that way at the lab.


I am wearing...you don't want to know...I have been alone for two days, without kids.


I am reading...well...I am reading what I am currently writing...actually.


I am hoping...to win the lotto. Yep, call me a sinner but I bought a ticket today.


I am hearing...Gosh I hate to admit it, but the typing of these keys and America's Got Talent....I miss the kids!


Around the house...is the perimeter of the land and a LOT of junk.

One of my favorite things...doing this.


Here's a picture thought I'm sharing.. a picture thought I am sharing? Are you kidding? Ok, here ya' go

Beware of Criticizing Others

Judge not, that you be not judged— Matthew 7:1

Jesus’ instructions with regard to judging others is very simply put; He says, "Don’t." The average Christian is the most piercingly critical individual known. Criticism is one of the ordinary activities of people, but in the spiritual realm nothing is accomplished by it. The effect of criticism is the dividing up of the strengths of the one being criticized. The Holy Spirit is the only one in the proper position to criticize, and He alone is able to show what is wrong without hurting and wounding. It is impossible to enter into fellowship with God when you are in a critical mood. Criticism serves to make you harsh, vindictive, and cruel, and leaves you with the soothing and flattering idea that you are somehow superior to others. Jesus says that as His disciple you should cultivate a temperament that is never critical. This will not happen quickly but must be developed over a span of time. You must constantly beware of anything that causes you to think of yourself as a superior person.

There is no escaping the penetrating search of my life by Jesus. If I see the little speck in your eye, it means that I have a plank of timber in my own (Matthew 7:3-5). Every wrong thing that I see in you, God finds in me. Every time I judge, I condemn myself (Romans 2:17-24). Stop having a measuring stick for other people. There is always at least one more fact, which we know nothing about, in every person’s situation. The first thing God does is to give us a thorough spiritual cleaning. After that, there is no possibility of pride remaining in us. I have never met a person I could despair of, or lose all hope for, after discerning what lies in me apart from the grace of God.

Childishness vs. Foolishness

This REALLY struck me today. I was so blessed by it. There is a great difference between childishness and foolishness. I know the difference in my own children. I often think it is cute when they are "acting like a child" but NEVER think it funny when they are acting like a fool. Recently when I allowed one of my children to do something I normally don't, I was reminded why very quickly. We stood back and watched these children acting like fools and left quickly. This article is worth the read and reflection on our children.
Are they just being childish? Or acting the part of a fool?


A Dog's Day
By: Tremaine Ware

Most parents are not weeding out foolishness like this wise dad, but are allowing it to continue, thinking it must just be just a passing stage. Discounting all the early signs, parents are shocked and surprised when their children grow up to be teenage fools.


We had a training session for a silly son not long ago, which I thought you might enjoy hearing. One day while at the dinner table, the children and I were talking and carrying on, when my daughter says to me, “Bubba ate dog food today”. My face must have reflected confusion because I surely couldn’t believe I had heard her correctly. “What?” So she says again, “Bubba ate dog food today.” At this, all the kids started giggling. I turned to my eight-year-old son and asked him, “Did you eat dog food?” Giggling, he answered, “Yes.” Then my daughter who is three years old spoke up and said, “I did too.” So I asked her, “Why did you do that?” She answered, “Because Bubba did.” Then I asked my son why he ate dog food, and he said, “I just wanted to see what it tasted like.”

When I began to tell him about how he as the older brother needed to be more mindful of what he’s doing because it will/can influence his younger brothers and sisters, he just laughed and thought it was funny. He took my admonition very lightly, pretty much ignoring what I was saying. He then proceeded to say how he wanted to eat more dog food.
Where had my wise son gone? I set out to find him again. So I set him up for a fall. “You do?” I asked, “Don’t you think that’s pretty silly, seeing that your mother fixes us good food, and here you are wanting to eat dog food?” While I was talking, he got up from the table, still giggling, then went over and got a handful of dog food and commenced eating it. I have to admit, at this point, I was genuinely disgusted, both at his silliness and at the thought of him eating dog food. My face must have reflected my feelings, because he just laughed and said in a challenging way, “Whaaat?” As if it was no big deal, and like he seriously enjoyed eating the dog food.
This was getting gross, besides the fact that my sober son was acting like a goofy nincompoop. I stopped right there with dinner and told him that since he thought it was so funny to eat dog food and since he seemed to enjoy it so much, he had to give the dog his food and he could not have anything else for dinner or breakfast but dog food. We had a fine dinner. My wife can out-cook any woman alive. He is a growing boy with a BIG appetite.
Oh, he tried to play it off, but the gravity of the consequence for his foolishness began to set in after about two minutes of wallowing the dry, gritty stuff around in his mouth, until he had to spit it out. His countenance changed, his giggling stopped and his foolishness was over. He had repented. He was hungry, but our deal was binding. He stayed hungry until the next day. I got my sober son back.
– An Alert Dad

Tremaine Responds
Simple occasions like this can become defining moments…establishing what a boy is becoming. Each foolish happening must be considered and brought under control either by constrained consequences or by the rod.

I’m sure there isn’t a child out there who hasn’t done something equally as foolish at least once. Most parents are not weeding out foolishness like this wise dad, but are allowing it to continue, thinking it must just be just a passing stage. Discounting all the early signs, parents are shocked and surprised when their children grow up to be teenage fools. The Bible says, “…a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame” (Proverbs 29:15). It is truly embarrassing to see your children acting like fools.

Proverbs 17:21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

Proverbs 17:25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

Proverbs 19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father…

Proverbs 10:1…a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

God instructed us to teach our children sobriety.

There is a difference between childishness and foolishness. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13:1, “When I was a child I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child.” Childishness is immaturity, but it should not include “acting” the silly fool. Don’t pass over foolishness as a child-like behavior.

So then, where does foolishness come from? The Bible says in Proverbs 22:15, “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” Foolishness is pure silliness (in word or actions). Fools are born, but a wise, sober son is carefully cultivated.

What can a parent do? At the first foolish word or deed, bring it to their attention; tell them how silly it is, and express your displeasure in proportion to the act and situation. Arrange a consequence for every foolish thing they do, while exhorting them to be sober minded (to think soberly). Show them with your own life how we should live soberly. Hold each child accountable according to their level of maturity.

“Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul” (Pr 29:17).

If your son is already foolish, how do you fix the problem? The Bible clearly tells us what action(s) we must take if we are going to produce wise and sober children.

• Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

• Proverbs 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom …

• Proverbs 20:30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly .

• Proverbs 19:18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

• Proverbs 23:13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. (14) Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

As parents whose intent is to bring our children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, out of love we won’t spare the rod, but we do understand that “no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Hebrews 12:11).

Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

Some Dad's are the coolest!

This video is too long to watch but you get the idea. Let's all tell what cool, FUN things our husbands do for our kids!



Jeff will often do any dance the kids ask him to...he once did Chicken Noodle Soup with a Soda on the Side"
He also can ALWAYS surprise them with a huge canon ball splash when they are in the pool. He sneaks up on them and has an amazing ability to splash right next to them without landing ON them.
They love it!

A Checklist for Parents:Love 5

I am happy to report that FINALLY at Love 5 I can say I do not do this. Lol
I have never been one to harbor a grudge. It is a good thing mostly but makes me far to trusting in many situations. It also doesn't make for good consistent discipline. I can rarely stick to my guns for an overshot punishment. (i.e. No computer for three days!) Oh well. Can't have it all.

Did I willingly and graciously forgive my child when he repented of wrongdoing , or am I harboring anger, bitterness, or pride?

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive."
Colossians 3:12-13 ESV

Mandi sings to the Lord!

Had to post this oh so amazing video...of our own Randi-Sue's little Mandi singing away!

I'm not going to hide it...

I opened my blog after watching The Return of the Daughters.
Honestly, I should probably STOP blogging after watching it, lol.
But I closed it for protection after the magazine purchase.
Worried someone would find it and see how our beliefs ran.
Not that I am ashamed as you well know, but because I didn't want the mag to get the boot from PS.
But seeing this movie is SUCH affirmation in SO many ways...I had not FORGOTTEN my first love but had watered Him down a bit to fit some new things that I was doing.
So we RE-surrendered the magazine, made sure Jeff was at the helm, not me...and opened my blog as a symbol mostly to myself that my ultra reformed views on family, women, parenting, marriage and God will stand the test of persecution and judgement.

Honestly, today when Doug spoke of not quarreling over words I wondered if this discussion on raising children was a viable one. I mean, I do not feel that I match the type of person he spoke of that tears down, I know that I endeavor to build up but I wondered if this issue was one that should even be discussed.

But after viewing this movie the answer is decidedly yes.
Because we think it is more than gray area in the bible.
It is a biblical mandate and is really not up for question.
Discussion? Sure. But there is no doubt that there is a way to raise kids and a way not to. There is great liberty in Christ (some that should not be as the very song we sang today said!) but within that liberty we must not forget that obedience to the Word cannot be maligned. We truly feel that raising children in any way other than the biblical model is destroying families. Those are words worth discussing.

We do not JUDGE those who choose differently but we do not condone it either.
If we keep compromising (even at church!) to go with the flow, or in the name of being a servant, then we have chosen Martha's way instead of Mary's.

We shall sit at the feet of Jesus and let him be the judge of us. No other.

So opening the blog is my personal inward announcement that I will not hide nor will I announce...I shall just live.
This doesn't mean I necessarily want YOU to tell lots of people it's open. Lol (as if you would, I realize I am NOT that impt. Just sayin'.)
And if I find I don't like it open I of course reserve the right to close it again!

But before anyone freaks, may I PLEASE suggest you view this film and you will get an EXACT answer and explanation as to why we choose what we choose and how we believe it is direct obedience to God's Word.

We don't WANT our daughters to have to "return". We want them always to be in submission to God's Word and within His will. So we shall raise them up as God's Word says.

The worst thing that could happen would be that we got the boot from PS and then I would print a lot more directly what God's Word says.

For those of you not on the homeschooling loop, Jeff and I are showing this film on Wednesday at 7pm at our home.

The Return of the Daughters

Today was one of the most God affirming days we've had in our family in months.
How appropriate that the Lord saw fit to bless us in this way on Father's Day.

Us girls sure did want to go the picnic but knew it wasn't Dad's thing. So we didn't complain, but instead "gave" the day to him.

Well, a friend had lent us a not-to-be-missed movie that we had been wanting to see. We didn't ask for it nor did we know she even had it. She just brought it to us Friday.

Well, we watched it.

Ladies and whomever else is reading this, I could not in good conscience, recommend a movie/documentary more highly than this one.

I will be ordering and lending but will immediately have a showing at my home for those who want to view it.

To find out more, visit www.returnofthedaughters.com

Praise God for this movie and affirmation of why our family chooses to raise girls to the Glory of God and after His Holy Word.

We have of late, been tempted to compromise these beliefs but these are not words to be quarreled over as Doug spoke of today but rather a matter of life or death of the biblical family.

A quote by Dave Meyers of New Venture Lab says of this documentary:
"This message is controversial, it is powerful and it needs to be heard and heeded."

My husband Jeff and the girls and I could not agree more.

Tex-Mex by the Mex

Some might say it's kinda sad that a REAL honest to goodness Mexican makes a Tex-Mex meal but hey, this ain't your American Mom's Tex Mex meal...Tacos are a favorite at our home and always what we serve when we want someone to REALLY like us. Homemade salsa is a must. Fried tortillas and I dare you to try to beat my guacamole. Lol
We actually didn't make guac tonight. (When Lauren was younger she called it "wackamoley", probably a take off from her fave game whack-a mole)

Anyway, here's a peek. Anyone up for taco night? Let me know and we'll make a date. Then maybe you'll REALLY like us! :)








P.S. When I lived in NYC there was this great little Mexican place we used to go right next to a Gas station. Can you guess what it was called? First one to answer correctly wins a basket of mineral waters.

Vitamin Water + quippy humor = a few laughs at dinner

Lol, Sloan conned me into buying her these mineral water thingys. So she tried one at dinner. She sat reading the bottle for nutritional information and came across this on the label! (typed as shown)

"ah, orange juice commercials, funny stuff, mom cheerfully prepares some huge breakfast while the rest of her family sleeps. sure, this could happen. but every morning? please. maybe if mom were heavily medicated, in which case, we wouldn't condone operating a stove or any electrical appliance.

for those of us who don't live in an orange juice commercial, there's still a way to get your morning nutrition. this product has calcium and lots of vitamin c, so you can get your day started right, minus the whole stepford mom thing.

Sorry and Sad

Hey guys,

Deadline coming up on Monday so I thought I'd say ciao until after print.

I did want to say how unbelievaably sad I am about Tim Russert.

He was the most wonderful, sweet and family oriented man I knew. (by years of watching him on the Today Show and Meet the Press)

He was somehow, the ONLY man who got me into politics.

And he didn't even know he was going... I have never hoped someone was saved more than him!!

This has nearly hit me as hard as Steve Irwin....

If you didn't know him, Tim Russert was one amazing man.

(I'll keep posting The Checklist for Parents)

Checklist for Parents Love 4

Sloan was heating up some choc. fudge for her icecream tonight in the microwave.
When she went to take it out it was too hot and she FLUNG it out of reflex. (and screamed)
She burned her hand and some flung on Rach and thank GOD that the baby wasn't there.
Hot sugar: surely the work of the enemy.

So as she was RUBBING her burn for relief with the cold wet towel I had on it and I instructed her to STOP it and told her a few times to stop...with tears streaming down her face, she told me it relieved it.
Jeff explained that it relieved it for a minute but there was tissue damage already and rubbing it would really only make it worse.
I was frustrated that she wouldn't quit it and was getting exasperated.
STOP RUBBING IT!!!!!!!!!!!
Sigh.

Did I show loving compassion, comfort, and support, remembering my child's young and foolish heart, or did I unduly correct him and expect more of him than he could perform?

"As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust."
Psalm 103:13-14, ESV

A Checklist for Parents Love 3

Last night like FIVE different times I noticed myself undercutting Sloan a bit in this way or that. I have been noticing it all of a sudden when I never noticed it before. It is embarassing to catch myself doing and difficult to admit even here! I am a great respecter and lover and ADVOCATE of children so to see the Lord working this out of me is painful and yet I am so grateful. HOW do you raise children with HIGH self esteeem?
With discipline but also with respect!! Sorry baby! I love you!

"Did I treat my child the way I would want to be treated?
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself"
Romans 13:9 ESV

A Checklist for Parents: Love 2

Yesterday I started school again more seriously with the kids. THIS time I decided to try one full timed hour with each child alone. Sloan first while Rachel and Lauren kept Kate in activities. Then Lauren while Rachel and Sloan kept Kate and then Rachel...you would have thought I hung the moon. We accomplished much and Kate was in the best mood ALL day even sleeping longer during nap time. Individual time with each one was like quenching their desert thirst after four long months...we all loved it.

So appropriately, the second insert on "Love" in the Checklist for Parents is:

Did I show love with my actions?(Examples: spending time alone, playing, or talking with them, showing patience, hugs, smiles)

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."
1John 3:18, NIV

A Checklist for Parents: LOVE

This morning I was reading this "Checklist for Parents" that I found encouraging after a few days of difficulty with my patience.I thought it was the KIDS that were getting to me, but our fellowship group drew out the truth...it was ME that needed changing. (Plus I learned a couple of grammar rules as well! Thanks Heather!) Enjoy! I'll be posting a few of these per day...I take them as encouragement instead of admonishment. I remember one time someone said" "I do not need one more book telling me what I am or am not doing right" but here, I find that instruction in the Lord is a good and right thing.

Have I spoken words of love and blessing to my child today? (Examples: "I love you." "I'm glad I'm your Dad/Mom." "You're such a good helper; you're going to make a great wife one day.")
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it." Proverbs 3:27, ESV

God's will be done!

As It Is in Heaven

Today's Scripture

“Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

God longs to give you a glimpse of heaven while you are here on earth. He wants to show you His wonderful plan and bring it to pass in your life. Have you ever thought about how God’s will is accomplished in heaven? In heaven, God’s will is automatic. There are no opposing forces of darkness or anything that would come against His will. On earth, His will is activated in our lives when we first make Jesus our Lord and Savior; and then we must choose to come into agreement with His will on a daily basis through our thoughts, our words and our actions. On earth, we have to stand against the forces of darkness. We have to refuse those negative, self-defeating thoughts. As you open your heart to the Word of God and invite His will to be done in your life, it says in Ephesians 6 that you will be empowered by your union with Him.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I humbly come to You today and invite Your will to be done in my life. I submit every area of my heart to You. Let everything I say and do bring glory to You. In Jesus Name. Amen.

The Great State of Real Estate

I have been wanting to post on this for a long time...

For those of you NOT somehow involved in Real Estate, I thought I'd let you in on what is happening.

Most lives of our personal friends, acquaintances and colleauges are completely ruined. We know multiple people who have lost it ALL.
People who do what we do, (buy and sell rental property) suffered the blow of the crash by tenants moving out coupled with rental prices dropping so low that what you could get for 1500/mo two years ago you can now get for 900. So that leaves us 900 a month property people up the proverbial creek.

Jeff and I are currently carrying FIVE mortgages, in a no-sell market with no tenants in an area where building used to seriously abound. In other words? Supply FAR outweighs demand. That means that our same rental market has moved up with the Jones's. "Decent affordable housing" (A basic 3/2) is now undesirable!

Now you can have an executive house ( a brand NEW 4/3.5 with pool and extras)for the same cost.

Our friends have lost their properties and their homes...their businesses and their hope. It is, in a word, devastating.

I cannot even imagine what SPECULATORS must have lost. These are people who see the market booming and all of a sudden "decide" to invest. Normally they invest too much. You know, a quick buck type of thing. But if you are not ready for the long haul, then real estate can be tricky and risky. We have been in it since I was a kid. I bought my first two houses when Sloan was a baby. The pool house that is in the previous pics of my staycation was my second purchase made completely on my own, as a single parent and as a successful self employed, massage therapist.

Everyone we know who was a builder, repair guy, roofer, broker...all are out of business. Our longtime mortgage guy, doing a booming business and REALLY treating people right is out of business. Our friends lives are collapsing as they are out of work and out of their homes. It is THAT serious.

We purchased our first "big" deal house right before we moved here at the height of the market. It was about our 12th house I think. And that was our downfall. Which I still shake my head at because we PRAYED (as we always do on deals) and beseeched the Lord to stop the deal if it wasn't meant to be. But smooth and easy it was and in we went. So the Lord has us on a need to know basis on that one. We pretty much lost it ALL on that house and while we were just about to hit a nice easy lifestyle...we find ourselves starting from scratch like newly marrieds! Lol
(Hey, don't EVEN try to put me in a pity cell, I LOVE a challenge and work best under pressure)

Fast forward to today? We could NOT sell that house at a profit (or loss!!) and auctioned it for 200,000 less than we owed. (some of you will remember when we had this one and that one up for sale and whichever one sold first was the decider on where we would live) We luckily got the owner to agree to accept it (since he was holding the mortgage) and so we escape extreme fire on that one though we still owe big money borrowed for the purchase.

Anyway, all this to say, for those who may think the magazine purchase may have been a fun diversion? NO. It is hopefully one day going to nearly support us. It is our proverbial life line back to hope. As we continue to wonder what the HECK is going to happen with these houses and our lives...as we ourselves begin to consider all the extreme last resort decisions that sometimes have to be made in cases like these, as we wonder at the 15 years of hard,hard labor and being completely broke that we have invested into the building our future go directly down the tubes, we trust in the Lord, endeavor to remain hopeful and work the heck out of the magazine.
You can believe, from a real estate perspective and from a lot of experience, that this economy is not going to recover quickly or soon.

Thankfully, Jeff and I are NOT spectators and knew the score early on. All of our deals have been cream and we are now just seeing the other side of the coin. (Well, if there was a coin. Lol) Regardless of equity, anymore, no one is lending, renting, or buying. Money has never motivated us so somehow though all of our work seems to have been for naught, it just seems like a good time to begin again on something else.

And in the biz, there is an old saying: If you're cryin', I'm buyin'. Lol Not very nice but TRUE! So if you ARE looking to buy my sisters and brothers, TODAY is the day of salvation. Lol Buy it up! Jeff and I are even considering walking out of here and into nice, new 4/3 with pool for half the cost of this one. Wow. The thought of two water sources working at the same time is tempting. :)

So..I just want someone on the outside to know that if you or someone you know is a teacher or a service guy, a computer geek or company man, and if you have ever thought not the best of it, take heart in today's fallen economy. There are prices to paid everywhere. There is always a take where there is a give. RELAX and thank the Lord that you are not in danger of losing your home or job! Be thankful for what you have. I am.

Welcome to the humble beginnings of Lake Family Magazine.

Job 13:15
Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him...

There's no place like

HOME!

pics, pics and more pics

I don't think I've ever posted this many pics before! Lol But here are some more!


You just gotta love this other pair of shoes Kate got...

This was a cool yard sale find for three bucks! This is one serious candy jar!

LOVED this bench for Kate also for three bucks! She sits on it and slides from one end to another...

Pie plates for .50 can't be beat. Jeff said, Put a pie in it!

It may be hard to see why I would want this but the pic doesn't do it justice! It is HUGE and all the burgers can cook at once instead of in rotations!

On the catwalk yeah, she does her little turn on the catwalk..

Sun kissed cheeks and smile at hand, this little one wants a cover. Lol I am against it but she is a natural and loves the camera...as you can tell. SO maybe just one cover with one of mine would be ok...I am hard pressed to do it but you know, she surely does love it!

Staycation almost over boohoo

Gram and the babe...Kate LOVES Gram and jumps up and down and yells "Gama! Ga-ma! Ga-ma! every time she comes in!

We SCORED at yard sale-ing this morning...
including these musical instruments for Kate. She like the drum best of course, thank goodness it is not that annoying.

We found this totally cool Disney cookbook. Though ALL the girls like to cook, Lauren is the one who really always wants to do it and is making great strides. I am endeavoring to let her do even more of it in a real way. She can already make most basic meals....These are fun recipes too...stay tuned!

The "hat" makes it's debut...
there is more to come. The girls love all things Pride and Prejudice, Easter Parade, Little Women, Janet Oake..so this hat was a score.

Pool time

Pool time with Mom

Grace

Another great online devotional from the pastor everyone loves to hate. Lol Maybe they need to extend him some GRACE! Lol



His Grace is Enough

Today's Scripture

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (II Corinthians 12:9).


Grace is God’s unmerited favor. It’s kindness from Him that we don’t deserve. Grace empowers us and strengthens us. No matter what has happened in your past, you can receive God’s grace and forgiveness and start fresh today. You can hold your head up high because His grace is enough. You may not be perfect, but you are forgiven. When you go around holding on to your past mistakes or think you have to try to make things up to God, it’s like saying that His grace isn’t enough. Jesus has already paid for your mistakes. All you have to do is receive His grace today and thank Him for His favor and empowerment in your life. In the same way, extend that grace to others. Don’t try to punish people for their past mistakes; instead, give them favor to start over. As you allow God’s grace to flow through you, you will be strengthened and empowered. You’ll see yourself rise higher, and you will enjoy God’s blessing in every area of your life.

Staycation Pics

Well, I am about "staycationed" out! Two more days. Man, who knew having fun would be so EXHAUSTING! I am starting to miss home a bit but know that it is waiting for me. Jeff took the girls to see Kung Fu Panda yesterday. The report is that it was cute. Then my Mom took us shopping AGAIN (woo hoo!) Kate got new shoes and they are soooo cute. We finished up at Olive Garden. IT is a new restaraunt here only a month old and it was PACKED! A 45 minute wait and Kate was an ANGEL! KUDOS to her!! Here are some more staycation pics!!

Who's that girl?!?

What a wonderful time to see old friends in Vero! This is "chewhi" guys...aka Cheryl and one great woman at that. Her daughter Ann debuts with my girls. Ann you are GORGEOUS and SO grown up! HOW did that happen? We had a wonderful time talking over coffee..rehashing old stuff the way women will do, talking about things of the Lord and at least in my case, nearly reveling in our girls laughing and having an easy time of it together. (Did you feel that way too C?) It was a blast and honestly? I now have a REAL reason to want to come back to Vero. This wonderful family is raising their kids the best way they know how: in the admonition of the Lord. I feel totally at ease here...laughing and telling all of my shortcomings...seeking advice and marveling at a friendship never fully realized. And yet I am reminded...God has a plan.
THanks Cheryl...and I am already getting the requests..."WHEN can she come Mom????"

I'm on Staycation!

In next issue of LFM, there will be the best article titled "Staycation" by Maria Slaby.

I guess I am giving away a bit of editorial here but I trust your all's discretion.

The idea is that you have vacation at home....and all the details of what that entails. No chores, doing things differently, not doing any of your regular at home stuff, sleeping somewhere different in the house. You get the idea...

I used to despise coming to Vero but really was looking forward to it this time. I needed it! So we are doing "Staycation".

Instead of constantly saying "No, I don't want to swim right now"...I bought two bathing suits and am swimming with the kids. I bought junk food. I let the kids stay up late. Watch movies, play DS, watch hour after hour of the French open...I do most of the chores.

Everyone is on the upswing from being sick..jsut the bad chesty cough holding on and Jeff still is pretty sick. But we are still enjoying "Staycation".

We are going to meet Cheryl for coffee in the am...(that's "Chewi" you guys!) and we'll take pics to blog about. I am meeting an old friend (Trish) for lunch and doing some shopping.

I can't believe it. It really works. We are on "Staycation". I realize it helps that we are actually at another house but it is still our old house, not a real "vacation" destination. I realize that through this economic downturn...there are many things to be thankful for.
We are blessed to be able to come here an lounge by a pool, see family, and generally Staycate.

Check out my tan when we get back. :)

Shalom Ya'll

Encourage Yourself!

I LOVED this! We are always looking to others for encouragement...expecting...being let down when someone doesn't lift us up, edify us, encourage US...and while it is good, right and true that we should encourage others, look at what ELSE God's word says!


Encourage Yourself

Today's Scripture

“David was greatly distressed, for the men spoke of stoning him…But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God” (I Samuel 30:6).


It’s good to have friends and family around to cheer you up when you’re down, but in order to truly live in victory, that encouragement has to come from the inside. When your mind is telling you it’s not worth it, when your circumstances seem difficult, deep down inside, your spirit has to have the resolve that says, “I refuse to settle where I am.” That’s what David had to do. He was facing a major setback. His family was killed, his city was destroyed, and his own people were now against him, but he still managed to encourage himself in the Lord. How did he do that? He replayed in his mind the victories from the past. He recounted God’s faithfulness. As he rehearsed over and over the goodness of God, strength began to rise in his heart. There are so many places you can see the hand of God at work. Thank Him for saving you today. Thank Him for the miracle of life. Thank Him for His faithfulness. Focus on the fact that God didn’t bring you this far to leave you now. Stir up that inner strength and encouragement. As you do, you’ll rise higher and higher and live the life of victory the Lord prepared for you.

A Prayer for Today

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness today. I choose to focus on You and the good things you have prepared for my future. I thank You for making a way out of no way, and I will bless You always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Caught Kate!

I caught my little honey "reading" this. I literally caught her like this. How funny! She can say "magazine" and whenever she finds a LFM she brings it to me (which is a lot of course, since they're EVERYWHERE) and goes "MADAZINE!"
Funny to think of her growing up with the magazine...I always thought of all the experiences that the others had that she would never have...all the trips and the memories of all of us being together as a family before Kate. But in turn, she will have a plethora of experiences that the others didn't get because we didn't do them until we had her! She'll know this magazine better than anyone!
Good thing she's showing interest in the family business early. I am already in need of early retirement. ;)

I See Red Challenge

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Ahhhh a ripe tomato, everyone's favorite.






The number four I know not what for.






A swatch of my daughter's favorite new red dress. She hasn't taken it off in four days. She had a big water fight in it yesterday so it went through the dryer and was good to go for today.