She is 3 now!

My 4th little one is now 3. She was my most difficult pregnancy, hardest delivery, and one of my greatest challenges as a parent...but I wouldn't trade her for anything! She is funny, smart, cuddly, sweet, and absolutely adorable. Hallie, I love you so much. I know that God has amazing plans for your life. You are a blessing!

Levi Mark Potter

On October 26th our 6th blessing was born. He was 8 lbs 2 oz and 20 inches long. He has red hair like his daddy. He is a good baby. He nursed great from the beginning. In the first few weeks he slept much better in the day than at night, but now he is doing better. He tends to be awake and a little fussing in the late evening, but I just rock him till he falls asleep...and I don't mind that a bit! During the day I sometimes have to wake him every 2 hours to eat, but at night he will usually wake after about 3 or 4 hours. It is hard to believe that he turned a month old yesterday. He fits right into our family. Our other children adore him and often want to hold him...especially Katelyn and Makenna. He is definitely a blessing from the Lord!

Behind...

I do not know why I have fallen behind in my blogging. I write many in my head but never seem to have the time to sit down and put them on the computer. I am sure there are many of us out there with that same excuse. :) We are finishing our 8th week of school this week. School is going well. I have changed a lot of things for Brenden, which has greatly improved his attitude. He is so smart, yet would rather play. He is an all hands-on boy. I have set up my own system of workboxes, yet the activities are in large ziplock bags to save space. Though this takes more time than tearing out the next worksheet, it is really better for him. It is also forcing me to get my creative juices flowing...and use those many games and activities that we all buy, but seem to collect dust in the closet because they are extra...and who has time for extra? It has been a really good fit for us. I have about 7 weeks left until I can hold my new bundle of joy. I am getting very excited, but have a lot that I would like to have done before he arrives. We are still trying to get out and walk each morning (with kids riding their bikes), but I am getting slower and it is now taking us about 45 minutes. The weather has been wonderful though. I will miss this time when it gets colder. It is a wonderful time to enjoy God's beauty and spend some time in prayer...not to mention talking to my constantly chattering 2 year old. Speaking of her, God gave me an interesting perspective today. She is so busy and wanting so badly to be big and independent. It is so easy for me to become discouraged by her constant need for intervention or correction. I had a thought today about her arrival. She was our first blessing after giving God complete control of our family size. She was also my hardest delivery. I thought to myself...after all I went through, you would think she would be my easiest, not my hardest. Then God intervened my thoughts...she is only 2 years old and you are already developing an attitude for her life. I was then reminded that I was a very difficult and strong willed 2 year old...just like her. It is just a small phase of her life. God has many great plans for her, and He can and will use her determination for His glory! It gave me a peace about her life and a new determination to not give up on my training. God will give me the strength and energy to continue guiding and raising her. Thank you Lord for that moment of realization...I needed it...even if it was in the bathroom at the Dr. office where she was sure she needed to potty in a cup as well! Oh, Hallie, I love you! (Don't worry, I distracted her with washing her hands!)

Where does the time go?

Ten years ago Josh and I took a step of faith and bought our first home. We had the privalege of building. It was a lot of fun to choose all the different accents. It is hard to believe that we have lived here this long. We bought this house coming from a itty bitty apartment. This house seemed huge at the time. We did not have enough stuff to fill it. Now...well, after almost 6 children later, we are overflowing it. Hopefully soon we can find a bigger place. This last weekend the air conditioner stopped working. It was a very hot couple of days. Even the butter on the counter melted. During that heat, I tried to do very little, but I spent a lot of time thinking. I realized that this was the first time our air conditioner had gone out...in 10 years! What a blessing! I also started to think about how well other things have held up. We replaced the lighter on the heater once, replaced the dishwasher, replaced the kitchen sink faucet, changed many light bulbs, and are working this summer to replace the weed barrier outside in the flower beds. I was pretty impressed how long things were lasting. This house has truly been a blessing from God. I am so thankful for all the years it has given us.

Schedules

**I apologize for the large paragraph. This is not how I wrote it, but I can't figure out how to change it. I admit, I love schedules. I can handle a few weeks of no schedule, but then I need to get back into it. I do not necessarily mean busyness, but just having a routine. Otherwise, some things to do not get done...a routine helps me to not forget things. I have recently read a new book...and I loved it. It was called Large Family Logistics. It has really helped me find a schedule that works for my family. I would highly recommend it to anyone that stays home and homeschools. It really is not specific to large families. So, I thought I would share my schedule in hopes to encourage anyone, give anyone ideas, or just because :). The Lord has been very gracious to me and helped my non-morning body rise earlier...and I really like it! 7:00 am - I rise, get ready, and spend time reading God's Word and praying. When finished, I occasionally do an exercise video. 8:00 am - My children start to rise...they have chores that they do before breakfast. I start a load of laundry and begin making breakfast. After my children have finished their chorepacks (that is what we call them), we eat breakfast. I try to read a Psalm or Proverbs to them at breakfast. After we eat, the children have a checklist of things to do (getting dressed, brush teeth, etc.) 9:00 am - We head out on a walk/bike ride around the neighborhood (I walk with 2 little ones in stroller and the 3 oldest ride bikes). Our walks usually last about 30 minutes. 9:30 am - School time - yes, we started school already. I typically only do school 4 days a week, and I want to get a good start before our baby is due in October. Here is a run down of the school schedule. Bible History Science Language Arts Math Reading My oldest two follow this schedule. Garrett goes down for a nap, and the middle two do a little bit of preschool with me. Hallie mostly colors and sometimes watches a video. Makenna is learning her letters and numbers, and she also does some hands-on activities. I also have her and Hallie play on starfall.com during this time. 12:00 pm - Lunch time (When quizzing starts, we typically practice the verses during lunch). After lunch, Hallie lays down for a nap and Makenna looks at books quietly. The older two finish their school work. If they finish by a certain time, they earn Mommy Time (I will do or play anything they want with them individually). 3:00 pm - During this time is when I have a focus for each day (this is what I learned from the book mentioned above). On some days, I am doing things throughout the day, but this is when I do a bulk of it. Monday - Cleaning day - I clean the master bathroom, dust (with Makenna's help), and vacuum. Katelyn cleans the kid bathroom. I also focus on one room a week to deep clean. Tuesday - Office day - On this day I focus on finances, computer tasks, menus, school plans, etc. I also clean and organize my desk area. Wednesday - Kitchen day - On this day I clean and organize my kitchen (one drawer or shelf a week as needed, as well as wipe down large appliances). I also cook meat to freeze, bake, and try to make a freezer meal for another day. Thursday - Laundry day - I do laundry throughout the whole week, but on this day I wash towels and bedding. I also declutter and clean the laundry room. Friday - Town day - I leave this day for errands, field trips, outings, or projects. We do not do our regular schedule of school on this day...only parts of it. 4:00 pm - Snack time 4:45 pm - Jurisdictions - Each older child has an area that they clean up each day. Makenna cleans the living room. Brenden cleans up the playroom. Katelyn mops the kitchen and clears the counters as needed. 5:15 pm - Dinner prep rotations - each day the kids rotate activities while I cook dinner. The rotations are computer, Wii, and dinner helper. Garrett is usually napping during this time and Hallie either watches a sibling on computer or Wii, or she does an activity at the table (playdough or coloring). We usually eat dinner around 6:00 pm, but rotations usually only last about 30 minutes. After dinner the children each have a table job (they typically do them after each meal, but dinner is the main one). Our table jobs are clear the table, wipe the table and sweep, and load the dishwasher. After family time or evening activities we have devotions as a family. Then the kids get ready for bed, and I read aloud from a chapter book to them in bed. Well, that is our day. I love having a focus each day. I love having a routine. I hope this encourages someone or gives someone an idea for their own day! Thanks for reading!

Looking back

This post is long overdue. I guess that is what summer does to you...or maybe keeping up with kids...or maybe just because I am a blogging slacker. Well, anyways...back in June my brother and his family followed the Lord's leading and began their adventure in Texas. It has been surreal to think that they have moved halfway across the US. Boy, my family sure does like to spread out. My dad in Tennessee, brothers in Texas, mom in north Idaho. It gets lonely around here without family, but maybe that is why God called me to have such a big one...we keep things exciting! I am really going to miss my brother and his family. It brought me great joy knowing that my house was a favorite for the kids. I am excited to see what God has planned for them...as their story of getting there is pretty amazing.

Quack Quacks!

It is funny how once summer begins the kids start to get up earlier. I realize that most of this comes from the sun rising earlier, but for me, getting up early is not so bad when you don't have to. Funny how that works. Anyways, lately the kids have been rising earlier, which makes our mornings much longer. It has been fun to have time to do more things in the mornings. Today, after our chores, breakfast, and devotions were all finished we headed to Wilson Creek pond to feed the ducks...or quack quacks, as Hallie calls them! Our bread was still a bit frozen from the freezer (if bread is starting to go bad, I label the bag Ducks and store it in the freezer), but it did not stop my kids from having a blast feeding the ducks.

Summer is here!

I am so thankful that summer is here now! Winter and 1st trimesters of pregnancy often bring the blues to me, but summer (and 2nd trimesters) often help brighten my day and blow those dark clouds away...nice rhyme! We have finished up school for the year and are taking our summer break for the month of June. We usually start back again in July because we only do school 4 days a week and since we have a baby coming in October, we will also break then. We still enjoy summer during July and August...that is one of the joys of homeschooling! Recently, my dad gave my children a new swing set for all of their birthdays this year. Our old swing set was purchased for Katelyn when she turned 2. The teeter totter and a swing were both broken. We still have it up with our new one, but that is how one rolls with a house full of children! The kids have really enjoyed it...especially since there are now enough swings for everyone! I have been looking forward to June for a while now! Now that we are more free during the day, we can go to the park (we often eat lunch there), take walks, get kiddy cones at Arctic Circle, visit the library, zoo, aquarium, and even go bowling with our kids-bowl-free passes! We are also going to Genesis camp this year...I am taking Katelyn and Josh is taking Brenden. My children are also going to VBS at Bethel...I will probably hang out...I have never left them there...I just love VBS! Well, that is about all I can think of for this random post. **Our new swing set also comes with another teeter totter (hanging type), but the company gave us the wrong screws for it, so it will not be added until we can head to the tool store. :)

His first missing tooth!

Brenden lost his first tooth...he had wiggled it for days and then one day was eating a peice of candy and out it came. He was so excited and ran to show me his empty space in his mouth. When I asked him where his tooth was he responded, "Oh, I threw it in the garbage." I had to laugh. What kid throws their tooth in the garbage? I guess he didn't know about the tooth fairy. We tried to find it, but you can ony dig in a garbage so deep. He really didn't seem to mind. He now has another loose tooth. We will see what he does this time. :)

Happy 9th Birthday Katelyn!

It is hard to believe that my little girl is 9 now. I will admit that 9 doesn't seem that old...but 10 is a little scary. I guess that is what makes 9 harder...so close to the double digits! This year for Katelyn's birthday she chose to have two playdates with her two homeschooled friends. I guess that is one of the joys of homeschooling...you don't have to work around the school schedules. The evenings and weekend were busy with other commitments, so during the weekdays were our only options...I am glad she has a few friends that homeschool. In the evening we went out for milkshakes to celebrate her. (We also got together earlier in the week with my family for tacos and strawberry shortcake). Katelyn is such a joy to our family. As the oldest, she is a wonderful helper and big sister. She loves to play with her siblings. She is wonderful at using her imagination and making things Katelyn is finishing up 3rd grade and enjoys reading. Some of her favorites: Food: Pasta Alfredo and Mother tacos (family recipe) Game: I Spy Toy: Squinkies (this is a new favorite) Animal: Fish Activity: Art School subject: Reading Movie/TV show: Duggars (19 kids and counting) Color: Blue Book: The Cul-de-sac Kids Bible verse: Matthew 28: 19-20 (The Great Commission) Katelyn desires to be a photographer and missionary when she grows up. She is kind, fun, loving, reserved, and silly...and she loves Jesus with all her heart! .

Happy Easter

Happy First Birthday Garrett!

You are probably thinking that this blog is all about Garrett...or that he is my favorite. Neither are true, though I do think he is very adorable...and I like him A LOT! The truth is, I am really sick with this pregnancy and am not motivated to do much...even blog. But, it will get better! For Garrett's birthday we...enjoyed an evening at home eating Fondue and cupcakes. Garrett loved his cupcake and ate every bite...except the small bite Hallie stole after finishing hers. Garrett is getting 4 teeth on the top, so he has been a little "under the weather" lately. He also has a cold and cough, poor guy. He is now drinking out of a sippy cup, and even drank milk out of it today. He still loves to nurse, but I think most of his calorie intake comes from food...he eats anything and everything...and lots of it! He is his daddy's son! After cupcakes, Josh gave Garrett a much needed haircut...oh he is so adorable! Happy Birthday day little man! I love you so much!

Only one more month!

It is so hard to believe that Garrett is already 11 months old. Only one more month until he is a year old! He has been such an easy going, happy little guy...and he is so kissable all the time! He rarely minds when I am holding or taking care of my little nephew. He pulls up to everything, though he has not tried taking any steps on his own. He has a pretty big tushie and little feet, so he may have to really work on balance! :)
Stats:
2 teeth
Still nurses about every 4 hours
Eats whatever he can gum
Has NOT figured out the sippy cup yet
Weighs...about 20 lbs!
Wears 12 month clothes
Loves to eat, take baths, and play with his brother and sisters!
He gives great kisses and waves bye bye!

Our daily visitor

I have the privilege of watching this handsome little guy. He is now 2 months old. Katelyn is a very good helper...she loves to help take care of him.



This little guys doesn't mind one bit to share his mama!


All in the same week! Crazy Idaho weather!

10 months and look what I can do!

10 month stats:
Weighs 19 lbs
One tiny tooth poking through
Crawls fast everywhere
Oh so happy!
Still not fond of "baby food", but eats table food...cheese, bread, puffs, fruit, peas and carrots, etc.
Wears 12 month clothes
Since he was sick, he has started waking once a night to eat. :(



Oh, and look what I can do now! Watch out! I will be walking soon!

Arizona in January

January is a wonderful time of year to visit Arizona! The weather is beautiful! We had the privilege of going to Arizona to visit our families for 2 weeks!


These are from our drive down. We left Saturday after Katelyn's quiz meet and stopped at a hotel halfway. We arrived Sunday afternoon in Flagstaff.


Josh's grandparents, aunt and uncle, and cousins live in Flagstaff. While we were there, Josh surprised his grandparents and replaced their bathroom floor. He did a great job! The kids had a great time playing with the cousins. We also had the privilege of being there for the first time in 30+ years that his grandparents had ordered pizza and had it delivered. It was pretty funny! It was a joy to sit and listen to his grandparents tell many stories about our "roots" as they called it! One story in particular was heart-breaking, yet a miracle. Josh's Grandma's Grandma (that would be his great-great grandma) had 5 children about the ages of ours. They all ended up getting black diphtheria and 4 of them died within 6 weeks of each other. The last one was dying and wasn't supposed to live very much longer, but his mother went outside and cried out to God for his life. An hour later his fever broke and he survived. This young boy grew up to become Josh's grandma's dad. Praise God for miracles!


After a few days in Flagstaff, we headed to Phoenix. We visited the Wildlife World Zoo. It was so neat to be so close to the animals. The best part was feeding the giraffes! We then had lunch at the restaurant that had an aquarium inside it.


In Phoenix we visited my aunt, uncle, cousins, and grandparents. During our stay we celebrated Makenna's birthday...and had a party for both her and Brenden. My aunt taught me how to decorate a cake. I helped with Brenden's and did most of Makenna's. It was fun and I hope to make more cakes for their birthdays! While we were there my Grandad has some issues with his PACE maker, so he had to spend part of the time in the hospital. It was hard to not get to spend as much time with him, as he and my grandma are two of my favorite people, but I am thankful for the times that we had.
Since Phoenix has so many yummy restaurants that we do not have up here, we ended up eating out a lot...OK, so I mean A LOT! We ate at 14 different restaurants over 8 days. Yes, you read that correctly. Once again, the kids had a wonderful time with all the cousins. I especially enjoyed my time with my cousin. She is my very dear friend and I miss her already!





We also had the privilege of visiting Josh's other set of grandparents. Several weeks ago, his grandpa had a severe leg infection and had to have the lower part of his leg removed. He is recovering well from the surgery, but is still having some other health issues. We enjoyed visiting them in the rehab center where he is staying. We are praying for his continued recovery.

It was such a blessing to be able to spend some quality time with our families. Family is so important and I wish so much that we lived closer to more of our family. Thank you Lord for providing for us the means to get to Arizona!

She is 4 now!

On January 25th, Makenna turned 4 years old. We were in Arizona at the time, so we had the privilege of celebrating with my family. I made her a cake (with my aunt's help) and we had a little party for her (and Brenden since his b-day had been a few weeks prior). They kids had a wonderful time. On the day of her birthday we went to Peter Piper pizza for lunch with a few of the cousins (my cousins' kids) and then we went to Olive Garden for dinner with the family.
One rule in our home was that you could not chew gum until you are 4. Makenna was so excited for this day because then she could FINALLY chew gum. Since then, she puts the gum in her mouth and chews for a few seconds and then decides that she doesn't really like "spicy" gum. I guess it wasn't as grand as she envisioned it!