Praying For Your Husband

Today's Making Him Challenge is to ask your husband how you can pray for him on a daily basis--this is a daunting task if I do say so myself--everyday? I think we would both be worn out after one week of me asking that question. However, I do think it is important to ask and it lets your man know that you care about him and will be supporting him in prayer. Plus, prayer changes hearts. As we pray for someone our heart, thoughts and actions change toward them in a positive direction. I always ask the Lord to endear my heart toward the little and big people in this home because in the day to day life sometimes our sweet ones are not so dear. Come on, you know what I'm talking about. You know they are not so dear to your heart when they are stressed and don't know it, they make a water mess all over the kitchen floor for the little one to slip on and knock his head, when they are covered in Nutella or when they ask you the same thing for the who knows what number time. I pray that my heart would be softened and moved to serve with a heart guided by the Lord's spirit.



So I haven't yet asked Jay how I can pray for him today but I will. Back in January I came across this very useful tool in praying for Jay. It is a 31 day challenge to pray for your guy. I have prayed the verses several times in the past 6 months and it has helped me cover many overlooked areas in his life and mine. Give it a try. Don't be legalistic about it but use it as a jumping off point for prayers. I printed the list out and it is in my basket but I have carried it on walks and packed it for trips.

Now I am off to investigate a few more treasures on that same sight.

Happy Day!

Our wedding story

I am taking part in the Completing Him Summer Challenge. Today's challenge is to tell about our wedding day as I remember the importance of the vows we took.

Jay and I were married on August 6th, 1999, it was a Friday afternoon. On the morning of our wedding I was awakened by booming thunder and pouring rain--unbelievable. We typically get thunder showers in the afternoons but not early in the morning, it was 6A.M. We had planned an outdoor wedding at a private residence surrounded by towering pines and a peekaboo view of Lake Tahoe but it was not to be. We had to turn on the beautiful fireplace and move the ceremony indoors--it was more cozy and intimate than I could have imagined, a true blessing from the Lord. And oh goodness, the smell from all the flowers was amazing. Had we of had the wedding outdoors, amongst the pines and lake views, we would have missed the beautiful fragrance of the flowers. Jay still buys me Stargazer Lillies because the fragrance reminds us of the day we committed our lives to one another and I always think of him during summer thunder storms.

Our Wedding had 90 guests and we personally knew everyone in attendance. Jay sang, or shall I say attempted to sing, " I Will Be Here" by Steven Curtis Chapman but he could hardly choke it out through his tearful emotion. I forgot my self and as I hugged him,I kissed him through my vail which got quite a laugh from our friends and family. As I stood at the front I was sure to look around and savor the flowers and moments of this special day, as they were so quickly passing by. It was a beautiful ceremony and we could not have been happier.

At our reception we had an open mic for everyone to share bits or advice or memories of us and we treasure that in our hearts. My dad made the favors, chocolate chip cookies, with his "secret ingredient," my mom made the ivy topiary center pieces and we cut our cake with the same knife my parents used to cut their wedding cake. After a time of worship we were off to our honey moon in Grand Cayman.




It has been almost 11 years since we said I Do--4 children later, 1 lost baby, family discord, a year of fighting and not understanding, dishes in the sink, struggles to communicate, financial hardship, an unknown future I'd still pick you. I'd still pick you until death do us part because I love you, God purposed it in my heart, I said I would, 4 children later, trips to Grand Cayman, tea with honey, games, Food Network, the Amazing Race, The Biggest Loser, working out, hiking, walks, bike rides, thunderstorms, your protection and your loyal heart. Thanks sweetie, it will always be worth it "until death do us part."

Sunday Afternoon--Crystal Falls

We had a wonderful Sunday Afternoon hiking at crystal Falls. The Crystal Falls trailhead is located in the back of the Bay View campground just past Emerald Bay. I am not sure of the hike mileage but it is short enough for our 3 year old Kensley to hike both directions with very little complaining of "I'm tired." Beware that the trail is not a smooth meandering path but rather rockie with lots of up and down stepping.





E on top of the world.




K in a mini crawl threw/cave.


It is hard to see them but E and A did a little rock climbing, they are at the top of the photo.


E and A thinking of testing the waters so more--they both had fallen in already.



B cozy in the backpack.





B loves grapes.


J and B with Crystal Lake in the background.


The children in front of views of Crystal Lake and Tahoe in the back. Don't they look like hikers, backpacks, dirt and all.




E and A do a bit more rock climbing.


And to top it all off, Papa and Nana were along for the ride.

Completing Him Summer Challenge #1

I am going to participate in the Completing Him Summer Challenge hosted by the blog Women Living Well. It is a challenge anyone can participate in whether you have a blog or not. I would love to see all of your thoughts, photos or stories on Facebook as well. So join in and invest in your marriage this summer.

This is my first post and it is our "how it all began" story.

Jay and I met in the Summer of 1998 at Calvary Chapel of Truckee. One June evening a friend and I went to the movies and on the way home I asked her about Jay. I had seen him at church many times and he seemed to be the only eligible bachelor around. He seemed stable, good job, he had a house, was handsome and loved the Lord. The following Sunday I was introduced to him 2 times by 2 different people. After that Jay started coming to the young adult bible study I was having at my house. We could talk about anything and he often brought a cake or blonde brownies to share with the group. The summer went by and we did group activities and went mountain biking a few times. On one of the rides no one else came so it was just he and I. We got lost and got stuck in a horrible rain storm. When we got back to my apartment we were soak and full of mud. I lent him some dry clothes and we had dinner. The next week I am was sitting in church and in walks Jay wearing my clothes again--STRANGE. He still says he wore them because they weren't dirty yet. A few week later over Chi tea He asked so "what do you say when people ask what is going on with us?" I said I don't know what do you say?" I think " I like you a lot" was the response.



One of our first dates was to Safeway to buy boneless skinless chicken breasts. He saw they were on sale and picked me up to go buy me some in exchange for the full bottle of ketchup in my cupboard. I know such romance.

Another date was to Dairy Queen 2 minutes before they closed.

After 2 weeks I knew we were going to get married so 3 months later, in December we got engaged--now that is a story, but maybe next week.



It is strange to look at old pictures--Jay had what I friendly call "helmet" hair and I just had a lot more of it than I do after babies

From My Reader--projects for dads and children to enjoy

I have been wanting a set of tree blocks for the children since last fall and today I found this fun blog that tells you how to do it yourself plus more. Check it out.

Tree Blocks

Tree Tea Set


Tree Snake

Sunday Afternoon

We went bike riding on the Legacy Trail yesterday afternoon. As we rode along the path and played in the park it was amazing to see the amount of people who have been itching to get out into the great outdoors, ourselves included.


The Truckee River


Garbarino Gang--B is in the picture, he is in the pink bike helmet right behind E. Yes, we know B is a boy and in a pink helmet, the good news is he has grown out of the pink protector and a friend has offered me a new helmet that is not pink. (Thanks Miss. Peggy)



B is 20 months old.



K is 3 1/2 years old.



A is 6 years old.



J and K--so good looking.



E is 7 1/2 years old.



J taking this picture while riding a bike with a tot strapped to the back.



Bike riding is one of A's favorite things to do and this trip was his request.



B in his tot seat.



E happy to be on the bike path and always riding as fast as she can.

Charlotte Mason & What To Eat

I have recently started using our blog as a place to archive not just our homeschooling and family activities but also crafts, decorating ideas and now, things I want to go back and read. Charlotte Mason was an English lady living in the late 1800's who changed the face of home education for many families and her writings continue to impact and form our home education. So, when I found a blog summarizing her infamously difficult to read writings I was excited. I hope to return to Dewey's Treehouse throughout the summer for a good read in preparation for next year's lessons.

Another summer read for me will be this wonderful compilation of nutrition posts by Steve Edwards from The Straight Dope. Steve Edwards has done a lot of consulting with Beach Body on their nutrition products and is very informed on good eating and great exercising.

Enjoy!

From My Notebook--Early May

We just recently re-titled our blog but I thought of another new name this morning--What Do You Do All Day? So here is a look at some thoughts and activities that have been engaging me.

AROUND THE HOUSE: I had heard of the Fly Lady many years ago and had briefly perused her website but it didn't really all come together for me until I checked out her book--Kitchen Sink Reflections at the Library. The book really explained it all; in a nutshell the Fly Lady has created a home cleaning system to keep your home in order on a regular basis so the dreaded Spring cleaning is never needed again. Our house is typically clean and tidy but it was the deeper cleaning and regularly needed things that were getting under my skin. I did not ever want to allow 2 or more years to go by before I dusted the nooks and crannies or wiped down the cabinet fronts. Nor did I want to keep feeling that large hurdle I had to jump every time I decided the bathrooms needed to be cleaned or the sheets needed to be changed. So I have now decluttered our house (even after that process I still fill that "to much stuff" feeling) and have completed 1 and 1/2 rotations of cleaning in zones. It is a bit of work to get going but so worth knowing every area of the home is being tended to. If you desire a cleaner, tidier home then read the book but take her system and make it your own.

ON MY NIGHTSTAND: I think reading it what helps me stay relaxed and balanced, it can be a momentary step from reality, a way to process feelings or even educate myself. I currently am reading Cold Climate Gardening by Lewis Hill. This book was recommended by our local nursery several years ago and I have finally gotten to reading it, thanks to our library. Mr. Hill offers some great suggestions for soil preparation and extending our growing season. I am interested to test some of his ideas in our garden, I only wish I had read his book last fall. Did you know it is better to manure/fertilize the garden in the fall so through the winter the goodness can soak in and be at hand when the plants need it in the spring?

IN THE LEARNING LOFT: We are finishing up our school year with a look at South America. This morning I read the story of Jim Elliot to the children. We will also be looking at Brazil and Peru. I am pleased with how the year has gone--E has finished her spelling lessons, "A" is almost done with his copy book and can do simple addition with ease. "A" is learning to read, at his own request, and E has started her first real chapter book-- Encyclopedia Brown Takes The Cake. I am starting to ponder next years lessons and units.

THOUGHTS I AM PONDERING: I have been thinking a lot about our family and its education, focusing on homeschooling versus home discipling. I have been thinking about what I really want our children to remember about being home--reading good books, baking & cooking, nature walks, games, good conversation and our Lord Jesus. I have been thinking about how to adjust our routine so that hearts and relationships are number one, not my lesson plans. I am not sure what to do with all these thoughts but I know the Lord is giving birth to them and will bring his thoughts into completion.

IN THE YARD: The daffodils are in full bloom and I am expectantly waiting to see tulips. I have gotten to a little bit of yard clean up and it is all waiting for a decent burn day. The little ladies and I have started seeds and have purchased more to put in the ground. I long to start a new flower bed that I can look upon from our kitchen sink window, so some seeds and plant splitting will be in order.

QUIET TIME PONDERINGS: I have been reading through the bible since July of 2008 stopping here or there when needed and I am currently focusing on the 23rd Psalm. So many times we think of this Psalm as the "death" or "funeral" Psalm but don't overlook it, it offers so much encouragement to us, the living. The Lord is our shepherd and he provides us rest. God provides not just time away for rest but he provides rest in the midst of our day to day tasks of lessons, meals, diapers, cleaning and trials. There is so much I could share about this psalm but the verses that speak to me the most are 1 & 2 because it speaks of the rest that the Lord wants to give us if only we will let him lead. Remember, HIS burden is easy and HIS yoke is light, not the one we chose to strap on or carry but HIS. I also like verse 6 " Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life," Did you know this verse is actually saying goodness and mercy will PURSUE/CHASE us all the days of our lives? God is chasing us with his goodness and mercy. Why don't we just let him catch us? His life not mine.

IN THE KITCHEN: I just roasted up a bunch of nuts and seeds to make trail mix for snacks. I have been trying a lot of new recipes but this week will be a use what needs to be used meal plan--chicken fajitas, chicken breast with cilantro lime vinegarette and orzo with red beans.

I WISH: I wish we had a new camera, it is really hard to blog and capture memories without one, maybe this week.

PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK: co-op, South America, zone work in the children's rooms, Cold Climate Gardening, making up some K/pre-K activities, a visit from grandma so possibly a date with the daddy.

Sorry, this is all words and no photos but ya know, no camera.

Happy Spring!

From My Reader--Mommy craft

It amazes me how creative some people can be, I wish I had the same time, energy & supplies. I hope to experiment with some of these ideas this summer and possibly endeavor to use our unreliable sewing machine. At any rate it is fun to know these cute projects are out there waiting and the next time I need to embellish something or create a gift I have ideas. Enjoy!

A cute headband that I cannot wait to make for the little ladies and am I to old for one?

An oh so cute fabric flower topiary. I think I might try this on a lampshade.

I have seen so many different types of garlands and banners in blogland but this one seemed very unique using the ever popular burlap. I don't know that I will ever accomplish this one but it is a neat idea.

Spring Pennant

Roast Chicken

I can finally do it, all because of this recipe. I can successfully roast a chicken. Make it with or without the sauce and I even altered the recipe and stuffed the bird with all citrus and rosemary. I am so happy because it comes out moist and yummy for dinner and leftovers. Stock up on whole chickens when they are on sale for $.99-$69 a pound. Save the carcass and make stock a day or 2 after to store in the freezer ( I store mine in 2 cup quantities) or use right away in a soup recipe. What makes this recipe work is the cooking temperature and time along with the tying up of the legs. Go on give it a try, even if you have never roasted a bird successfully before, I bet you can do it now.

Engagement Roast Chicken
Ina Garten

* 1 (4 to 5 pound) roasting chicken
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 2 lemons
* 1 whole head garlic, cut in 1/2 crosswise
* Good olive oil
* 2 Spanish onions, peeled and thickly sliced
* 1/2 cup dry white wine
* 1/2 cup chicken stock, preferably homemade
* 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Remove and discard the chicken giblets. Pat the outside dry. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the chicken. Cut the lemons in quarters, place 2 quarters in the chicken along with the garlic and reserve the rest of the lemons. Brush the outside of the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle the chicken liberally with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken. Place the chicken in a small (11 by 14-inch) roasting pan. (If the pan is too large, the onions will burn.) Place the reserved lemons and the sliced onions in a large bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Pour the mixture around the chicken in the pan.

Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and a thigh. Remove the chicken to a platter, cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce, leaving the lemons and onions in the pan.

Place the pan on top of the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Add the wine and stir with a wooden spoon to scrape up the brown bits. Add the stock and sprinkle on the flour, stirring constantly for a minute, until the sauce thickens. Add any juices that collect under the chicken. Carve the chicken onto a platter and serve with the lemons, onions, and warm sauce.

From My Reader--Mommy craft

Such a cute wreath made out of paper towels and household embellishments. I shall add it to my handicrafts list.

More detailed directions on how to make this cutie. Just note that food coloring is also a good way to dye the paper towels.

Learning with Easter eggs

Here are some great educational activities using leftover Easter eggs. I think these are great activities to do year-round with a fun way of serving them up, little ones can't resist the brightly colored eggs, so what a wonderful way to make learning hands on and fun.

From My Reader-

A fun idea for making simple mosaics with the children, they could make it a collaborative effort or individual.

What do you do with extra soda bottles? Make soda bottle flowers of course.

My children love bubbles, so I can't wait to try this simple recipe from things around the house.


A paper plate spring bird.

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Have a sun filled weekend!

Tot School--it has been awhile

We have been consistently doing Tot School activities about 2 or 3 times a week, despite my lack of posting. We have actually started doing a lot more pre-school activities that are letter and number focused. I would love to share those things to, but we are currently out of a camera so I will have to wait for now but here is a look at some of what K was busy with this winter term.



Stringing lids on string, skewers or pipe cleaners--great fine motor practice. Just collect different sized, types and colors of lids, poke or drill a hole in the middle and put them in a basket and watch the concentration begin.



Another use for baby links. More fine motor practice and concentration for both linking them up and pulling them apart. We keep ours in a little purse to make it more interesting and enticing.



Clothespins--this one is tough. K could do it but it caused mild frustration, we need to do this more often. I found clothespins at the $ store and cut a circle shape out of craft foam.



Cuisenaire Rods--I put out tongs for transferring from one container to another but K used the tongs to put "blueberries" on her "waffle."



Pouring--K had her own personal tea party and practiced pouring from both her teapot and creamer.



Connect Four--great fine motor skills and practicing turn taking, we could also use this for making patterns.



Cutting--cutting is always an enjoyable activity for K. the other day she made her own cutting activity by drawing multi-colored lines on a paper and then cutting them. We usually use scrapbooking scraps in interesting patterns or seasonal colors. A lot of times we save the cut pieces for K to later make a collage .



Old fashioned block building-- building as high as she could reach.



Pete's a Pizza has been a favorite story of K's. Here she is playing with the Melissa and Doug pizza set she got for her birthday.



More stringing with cheerios. I told K she had to string them first and them she could eat them, she obeyed. In the picture she is using a pipe cleaner to string them on and she also enjoys our cheerio activity book. It is a fun book with circle to place the cereal in for glasses, wheels ect.


I hope you have enjoyed a peek at what one of our Littles does during lesson time.