Raising Godly Children

MY Birthday Giveaway

2012-02-15T19:10:00.003+11:00

It's my Birthday tomorrow, I will be 32 , because it is my birthday I want to give some presents away to my readers.

I have four great gifts to giveaway

The first present is by Abbey at Squiggly creations jewellery, she has kindly donated this item for my giveaway. It is a Australian made, top quality jewellery, she specialises in Chainmaille techniques. Squiggly creations is a one person jewellery studio based in Jannali in southern Sydney. Abbey has a great selection of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, hairpieces, tiaras, glasses chains, watches, fobs, key rings and brooches.
The earring Abbey has donated are a Mobius drop with Byzantine. Squiggly creations use a 100% recycled sterling silver. Aren't they Beautiful

Jo from Miss Oli has kindly donated a Lego watch. Miss Oli is a an affordable online store that sells accessories. She sells all things girly for babies and ladies. Check out Jo's website she has some beautiful things for little girls.

Cathy from Ewies Nappies has donated a " Sew your own kit" which you might of seen in last weeks post. Cathy runs a unique home based family run business. She also has another store which sells Waldorf inspired dolls which you can check out here

Lastly I have donated one Large Flower clip and headband from my store Dasssie's Corner, It is only a new business adventure. My daughters and I love making things for our little girls.

To be in the running for any of these prizes read on and enter using the Rafflecopter app. This is open to international readers too.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Are you ready :)

2012-02-14T20:55:00.000+11:00

It is my Birthday on Thursday, so to mark this occasion I have some great giveaways. Cant wait to see you here Thursday

First week of Home schooling

2012-02-10T15:30:00.000+11:00

Well the week did not start off as good as we hoped, I had a migraine for two days and got behind but we are all caught up now.
It has been great but also difficult getting back in to routine. It is a work in progress LOL

Here are some pics of our week, I keep forgetting to take pics while we are doing Home schooling, my eldest daughter took these.

We learnt about fish this week so the little kids did some fish pictures

The middle girls were learning about The Dead Sea and surrounding areas, this is them drawing a map

My eldest making a minit book on George Washington Carver

Talitha doing her Paces

ACE

Finished work :)

Doing paces

Hopefully next week starts off a little smoother.

Ewies sew your own kits Review

2012-02-09T13:38:00.001+11:00

The lovely Cathy from My Kindergarten quiver kindly let me review her "Sew your own kits"( make your own Ewies Nappies), I was very excited as I have wanted to learn to sew for a long time and I thought this was a good opportunity.
Ewies Diapers is a business ran by Cathy, she lives in Canada. She has 5 gorgeous boys who she home schools, I think she's pretty awesome. She also has a business called Brambles and blossoms making Waldorf inspired dolls.

Deep in Concentration

The finished product

The instructions were so clear and easy to follow, it was written step by step so there could be no confusion.
All the materials were provided and really well packed and laid out.
I have to say I was super nervous doing this, I actually thought "there is no way in this world I will be able to do this" but thanks to the great instructions I did. I just slowly went through each step. It took me about 1.5 hrs from start to finish.
The end result is fantastic, I cant quite believe I sewed this.
I could not recommend them more if you have not heard of them before you can go to Ewies diapers or ewies diapers facebook page
It is the best time to check them out as they have a flash sale on now Buy 3 Get 1 Free, so for $30 you will get 4 cloth diaper kits. Hurry this finishes on this Friday at 8pm.
When you order quote "FACEBOOK FLASH SALE"
l

A HUGE WELCOME

2012-02-08T19:33:00.000+11:00

Welcome to all my new readers, it is wonderful to see you here. Don't be shy comment and introduce your selves I would love to get to know everyone.
If you are on Face book I have a page there too.

Dukan's Diet Day seven

2012-02-08T19:30:00.000+11:00

It is going really well, I did gain 0.5kg and then lost it again, I am now on the Cruise phase. This is where I can alternate days protein only and protein and veg days.

Yesterday

Breakfast
1 oat bran pancake
2 rashes bacon
1 egg
Skinny latte

Lunch
Chicken salad ( I enjoyed this LOL)
Skinny latte

Dinner
Fat free yoghurt
( I had a bad migraine so skipped dinner)
Low fat hot chocolate

Today

Breakfast
2 Lean chipolata sausages
1 rash lean bacon
1/2 oat bran pancake
skinny latte

Lunch
2 sausages
Water
Low fat yoghurt

Dinner
3 Chicken Drumsticks no skin

Going good and feeling good except for the migraine

Major Giveaways-Love Around The Block Face Book Party

2012-02-08T14:21:00.000+11:00

Today was the "Love Around The Block Face book Party" if you missed it don't worry you can still enter the giveaways.

Head over to

A Wise Woman Builds her Home at:

http://www.facebook.com/awisewomanbuildsherhome

Far Above Rubies at:

http://www.facebook.com/faraboverubies31

Like a Bubbling Brook at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Like-a-Bubbling-Brook-faith-homemaking-food/195324007167889

Raising Mighty Arrows at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Raising-Mighty-Arrows/222528254439446

The Modest Mom at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Modest-Mom/299157227948

Under the Golden Apple Tree at:

http://www.facebook.com/UndertheGoldenAppleTree

It was an amazing time of great fellowship advice and a lot of wisdom was shared, check their wall posts and read up.

This week in Home schooling.

2012-02-05T12:45:00.000+11:00

Tomorrow will be our first day back for the year. We have had a wonderful summer break but we are all excited to get back to school and in some kind of routine.

This week we will be focusing on Wisdom Book 14,

Day one:

We will be looking at the lives of George Washington Carver.
We will also be looking at how God molds our character and we will be making cookies and using different moulds to demonstrate this.
We will also be doing Latin , Maths and our language arts
Talitha's first day she will be looking st the letter R and we are making sail boats.

Day two:

We will be looking at where the sea of Galilee and the Dead sea is and what other major lakes are in this area. We will also be looking at what countries are in this area.
Julia and Elizabeth are also researching what a Oceanologist does and how it differs from a marine biologist.
We will also be doing maths and language arts.

Day three:

We will be looking at onions under a microscope and looking at how salt water affects onion cells.
We will be looking at fresh water and salt water fish, we will be drawing and learning the names of different fish.
We will also be doing our new studies "Far Above Rubies" Pre-excell course, it takes you through proverbs 31.
Also we will be doing Maths and language studies.
Talitha's will be having a day off.

Day four:

We will be looking at "What causes believers to lose their savor"?.
We will be studying Camels and why they were used to help transport salt.
Julia and Elizabeth will be looking at Gypsum and what products are derived from this natural element.
We will also be making Play Clay, they will list the elements they recognize as ingredients Eg water H2O.
We will be looking at some Australian history ( not sure what yet), Maths and language arts.
More of "Far above Rubies"
Talitha's will be reviewing her letters she has learnt.

Day five:

We will be looking at the periodic table.
Learning and memorising " A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"
Looking at Martin Luther's life.
We will be doing Maths and language arts
Finishing off any unfinished projects.
Talitha will continue to look at the letter R.

Baked oatmeal

2012-02-05T12:13:00.000+11:00

Another family favourite is baked oatmeal, personally it is my favourite, it is great for a winter breakfast warmer.

2 eggs
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter ( melt the butter)
3 cups Rolled oats
1 cup milk
1 tsp cinnamon

Mix together and bake for 25 mins at 180C.
Serve with maple syrup milk or yogurt.

Granola

2012-02-05T12:08:00.000+11:00

We love granola in our house, I am really missing it at the moment.
I have tweaked a couple of recipes to get it super tasty, my children love it with home made yogurt. I am going to share with you the Kemister secret recipe lol

4 cups Rolled oats
8 cups Oat bran
1/2 cup Craisons ( cranberry's)
1 cup Brown sugar
1/2 cup Almonds
1/2 cup LSA Mix
1/4 Flax seed
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 cup butter ( melted with honey)
1 cup honey

Mix all together spread in a shallow pan and bake for 20 minutes on 180C.

It is super yum.

If you try it let me know what you think!!!!

Dukan's diet day four

2012-02-05T11:56:00.000+11:00

Feeling a little tired because of the late night.
Weight gain 0.5kg

Breakfast
Two lean rashes bacon
1/2 oat bran pancake
1 egg
Skinny latte

Dukan's diet day three

2012-02-04T09:52:00.001+11:00

I am feeling great, more energy. We have a engagement party to got tonight so I hope I can stay strong
I weighed this morning down 1.5 kg since I started. Yay
We are going for a big walk to the park in about 5 mins, that will equal 30 min walk.

Breakfast
two lean rashes of bacon
1 egg
1/2 Oat bran pancake
Skinny latte

Lunch
2 sausages
1/2 oat bran pancake
2tbsp fat free yoghurt

Dinner
Kebabs x2
meatballs x2
prawns x4

This is when I cheated
argh I had dessert I feel so bad but tomorrow is a new day. :(

Do you have time for God???

2012-02-03T16:32:00.000+11:00

After I came back from conference I felt convicted that I was not spending enough time with God, I always listened to peoples advice of getting up early to make sure I had time with the Lord. With so many little ones I struggled as i was always so tired and I used to justify not spending time with the Lord by arguing that I was doing Bible time with the family and with the children during homeschooling. To grow in a relationship you need to spend time, intimate time with that person. Pray for God to show you how to make this a priority
Last year I was confused why I wasn't growing and feeling Gods presence, there was a distance. Why wouldn't there be a distance when He knew that I would not sacrifice any of my time for Him but I was happy to give my time to Face Book, Momys and blogs. I have tried and failed many days but am trying to read my Bible and Pray before I rise each morning even if it is 10 mins alone with God. It is amazing, instantly I feel closer to God and feel as if I am growing in my faith again.

Choose a time where you know your little ones are supervised or busy.
* This might be at nap time before you take a nap
* During breakfast
* Before you get out of bed
* After the kids have gone to be

In the Psalm 1:2 God instructs us to do this

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

What is stopping you spending time with God???

Dukans diet day two

2012-02-03T16:06:00.000+11:00

Day two
I weighed in this morning down 1 kilo Yay, feeling great and lighter. Yesterday was hard I got a headache and felt very tired but losing a kilo has made me feel more motivated. I did a 20 min walk today also.

Breakfast
two rashes of lean bacon'
I egg
1/2 oat bran pancake
Coffee

Lunch
3 lean chipolata sausages
1/2 oat bran pancake
Fat free Hot chocolate on water

My new health kick

2012-02-02T11:35:00.001+11:00

I was reading my friend Simone Boswell's blog yesterday and reading about diet she has started called the Dukan's Diet read more about it here. So I thought that this sound good as I have tried lots of ways to shift the baby weight and it does not want to disapear. So last night I purchased the book on amazon to read on kindle and it was really easy to read and understand.

Our hope is to be blessed in the future with more children so it is time for me to get serious I don't want to go into a new pregnancy already overweight, and I need to stay healthy so I can run after the seven I already have lol
My goal is to lose 10 kilos by the start of April

Check out the website here http://www.dukandiet.co.uk

It starts today. I am on the attack phase of the diet for four days which is protein only, there are 72 foods I am allowed.

I will add a 20 min walk a day, do my Wii Fit 3 times a week and drink 1.5 litres of water a day.

Breakfast
1 egg
two rashes of low fat bacon
1/2 No fat yoghurt tub with 11/2 tbsp of oat bran.
Coffee

Snack
two slices of low fat ham
Cup water

Lunch:
Prawns and ham
coffee

Dinner
Steak
1 egg
Tub yogurt
Tea

If you want to join me in this diet I will link up the pages

Lies Satan deceives us with

2012-01-28T12:21:00.001+11:00

My whole life I have dealt with feelings of "your not good enough", " your ugly" "no one likes you".
After listening to a testimony by Janny Moore at our homeschool conference , I was convicted that these were satan's Lies. I have given him ground in my life by believing the lies he told me. Satan's goal is to drive us into darkness and to lead us on a path that is far from God. I am in the process of regaining this ground for the LORD. I am rebuking satan's lies in the blood of Jesus Christ.

As woman we tend to believe these lies and we are surrounded by images on TV and advertising that tells us that we are not beautiful. This is why in our family we have removed the TV and secular woman's magazines from our house.
Ladies we are beautiful because we are children of the one true God. Remember we are to define Beauty from God's Word

1 Peter 3:3-4 "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

We need to teach our daughters about these lies and equip them to recognise them as lies. You may not know what is going on in your daughters hearts. Don't let satan take bondage of them.

* Talk with your daughters and ask them is there anything going on or if there are any things that satan might be whispering to them.
* Keep the lines of communication open.
* Never be shocked by what they say, they may clam up if you react in the wrong way.
* Stop what you are doing if they need to talk
* Take time even if very late at night
* Tell them your struggles so they don't feel like the black sheep of every field ( borrowed from my daughter Julia who learnt it at " A Passion For Jesus")
* Encourage their dads to talk with them and have special time with them
( My daughters are doing " Before you meet prince charming" and Bright Lights training" with their dad)
* Teach them to engraft scripture in their hearts so they are equipped to rebuke satan.
* Tell them even if people tell them lies it is not true God loves them.
* Conquer anger in your life by the Grace of God ( we have used the Anger resolution seminar from IBLP)

This is our future generation and satan wants nothing more than to destroy it.

Give the power back to GOD.

" I am the Way the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me" John 14:6

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; " Ephesians 6:12-14

I love this letter " The Fathers Love Letter"

Future blog post Q&A

2012-01-28T10:46:00.000+11:00

If you have any question you would like to ask me feel free. I will doing a Q&A blogpost soon.
Dont be shy :)

Our new time table

2012-01-28T10:40:00.001+11:00

7am Get up (We are working on this one lol)

7.30am Breakfast

8am Bible time and read Wisdom book ( IBLP)

8.30-9.30 Chores

9.30am-11.30am Paces Maths, English, Word building and Literature-Talitha ABC with ACE and Christi

11.30am Lunch

12.00pm Private devotions

12.30pm-2.30pm Wisdom Book projects ( Craft and assignments)

2.30pm-3.30pm Violin and Piano

3.30pm-4.30pm Chores

4.30pm Free time ( I will set them something to do)

5pm- 6pm Dinner prep and dinner

6pm-7pm Clean up dinner, Baths and showers

7-7.30pm Quick clean up

7.30-8.30pm Bible time and Family time

8.30-9pm Bed

9-9.30pm Discipleship for older girls age 14 and 12

9.30pm DH and I seminar ( we are doing the Financial freedom seminar)

We have Latin once a week for 30 mins too.

Homeschooling 2012

2012-01-24T21:13:00.002+11:00

I have come back from homeschool conference all excited and motivated :) so I have been in planning mode.

Term 1 and 2 2012

All Girls except Talitha

Maths:
* A.C.E maths Paces
* Authority Through Accuracy ( Wisdom Book ) this can also include some physics.

English, spelling and literacy
* A.C.E English Paces
* A.C.E Word Building Paces
* Literature 8&9 Paces
* Power Through Precision ( Wisdom Book) includes Antonyms and synonyms and grammar

Language Other than English :
* Latin Primer A&B( Older Three) Sing Song Latin ( Rebekah and Talitha)
* New Testament Greek ( Wisdom Book)

Science
* Wisdom Books 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
Some of the subjects we will be covering are Osmosis, Salt, Periodic table, Astronomy, Hygiene, Light, Creation and Fish

History,Geography and Social studies
* Wisdom Books 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
* Australian History In Pictures
* The History Of Christianity and Western Civilisation ( Vision Forum)
Some things we will be looking at are Australian Parliment, Australian court system, Reformation, Tudor family, the Dead sea scrolls, France, Germany and George Washington

Character and Bible formation
* Wisdom Books 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,
* Far Above Rubies (IBLP)
* Faith Journal (IBLP)
* Character Sketches (IBLP)
* Power Through Success (IBLP)
* Achieving True Success (IBLP)
* Commands Of Christ (IBLP)
* Commands Of Christ Memory Cards (IBLP)

We will be studying Thoroughness, truthfulness, compassion, humility, virtue and creativity

Music and art

* Violin- Fortnightly lessons ( All girls)
* Piano- fortnightly lessons ( older girls)
* Guitar (older girls)
* Lap books (presentation folders for each Wisdom Book)
* Craft corresponding Wisdom Book

Talitha:

* Wisdom Book studies and Character formation studies.
* Lap book
* Violin
* ABC with Ace and Christi
* Sing Song Latin
* Colour Sticker Mania

I am so excited to see what this year bring, how is your planning going???

Sovereign hill and healsville sanctuary

2012-01-24T16:02:00.000+11:00

We stayed in Ballarat overnight at Sovereign Hill, the older children went to a night light show called "Blood on the Southern Cross" and we spent the day touring sovereign hill, panning for Gold and watching reenactments. I even went on a gold mine tour called "trapped" it was rather scary but also sad, when we heard of the stories of the mines.
This was an amazing experience of Australian history.

Mummy was a little tired lol

Hadassah was so sleepy, she slept in her Ergo :)

And then Healsville sanctuary, it was a fun day but very hot.

Unfortunately the big girls missed out on Healsville sanctuary as they were at "A Passion For Jesus", I don't think they were worried but we missed them.
We are so thankful to God for the rest, it was amazing time spent together.

Holiday Pics lilydale lake, Olinda and Puffin Billy

2012-01-24T15:04:00.000+11:00

When we were away at conference we decided to do a few things in the surrounding area.
The first day we went to lilydale lake and had a run around after the big drive and then to Olinda for lunch.

Next we did the Puffin Billy railway, it was amazing, the views from the train were spectacular.

He was a little scared at first

ATI Homeschool conference

2012-01-23T21:49:00.000+11:00

This was our fourth ATI annual conference. it is always a highlight of our year and is look forward to all year, the excitement builds as the year progresses. I was so proud of DH as he did two talks this year " The way Of The Pharisee" and " The Way Of The Christian".
For the third year in a row we had Norm wakefield from Elijah ministries speak. His series was on "Becoming Like Christ", this picked up on key themes from John 13-17, It was so encourageing.
You can watch Norms talks at Elijah ministries

This year we had many excellent personal testimonies and also some practical sessions for mums and dads.

The fellowship was always a joy, I always love to catch up with families which I only see once a year and see how their family has grown and changed.

The younger children loved the children programs they memorised 1 Peter 2:9-10 and learnt some great songs. They learnt that they were princesses and princes of the Royal Kingdom of God.

The older girls 14 and 12.5 loved student conference and then a retreat "A Passion For Jesus", this was amazing for the girls and their relationship with God is growing and both were Saved around this time. Praise God for His Goodness

The face says it all ( excitement in the air)

Elizabeth ready for Orchestra and choir

Julia playing

Julia and leticia

Childrens program

Mariam Singing

A Passion For Jesus Girls :) Julia, Elizabeth and Laurie

Home made Jam

2012-01-23T20:07:00.000+11:00

I decided while I was away on holiday visiting my mum I would do some fruit picking and make some Jam, I always wanted to but I thought it would be difficult. My DH had actually bought me a canner a year ago and I had never used it.
Can I just say I was surprised how easy it was and we now have 24 jars of jam which will save us heaps of money.
I decided to make strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, apricot and plum. We bought them all fresh from the farm and also picked up some beautiful mangos and peach fruit leather.

All our fresh fruit

Cooking the strawberries

They all taste very yummy, we all had a try this morning on fresh sour dough bread yum :)

I am back!!!

2012-01-23T13:07:00.003+11:00

We had an amazing time of fellowship and growing in God's word I will update soon with photos :)

Review MIO training pants

2012-01-23T13:06:00.000+11:00

I was so excited to get picked to trial Mio training pants. We received our MIO training pants today and I was super excited to start toilet training with my DS 2years old. We had held off as we were going away, while on holidays he started to indicate that he knew when he was going to fill his nappy :). As soon as we got home I put these on and introduced the potty. The training pants were blue which was a winner straight away as he hates pink, but why wouldn't he, as he has 6 sisters lol.

He was a little hesitant to put them on but as soon as we got them on he loved them, he has used both samples today ( we are still training lol) but they were so absorbent and they did not leak. I was amazed as I have used training pants before and they had leaked.
I was really happy with them, they were very easy to use and he was able to easily pull them down and up. The pants are very well made and great quality.
When I needed to wash them I just added them straight in with our regular load of washing and they were fine.

The packaging was fantastic and very appealing.

They come in colours white, pink and blue and sizes are:
• Size 1 (11-13kgs)
• Size 2 (13-16 kgs)
• Size 3 (16kgs+)

I would recommend them to any parent starting to toilet training you can check them out Here

Joyful mothering marriage Challenge

2012-01-07T16:11:00.000+11:00

Angie at Joyful Mothering is doing a Marriage Challenge 8 weeks 8 new habits. Each Monday she will post a new habit to work on. This is such an encouraging series check her out HERE
Off to do Habit #1 :)

Happy New Year

2012-01-04T21:39:00.000+11:00

Just wanted to wish you all a belated Happy New Year.

We are getting organised to attend the annual ATI conference down in Melbourne and we are all excited and extremely busy. DH is speaking this year so we are extra busy as he is preparing his talks.

We were delighted to be visited by the speakers Norm and Alma Wakefield while passing through on there way to Melbourne. They were such an encouragement to us and we had a great time of fellowship with them. If you don't know Norm Wakefield check out Elijah ministries, it is an amazing ministry to men.

I will update when I can. :)

Liebster award

2012-01-03T12:00:00.000+11:00

I was so excited this morning when I received an award from Lisa at Olive Plants around my table. She has given me the Liebster Blog award, I am so excited. Thank you so much for this, It is such an encouragement.
Go over and check out olives plants around my table I love this blog.

Here is how the Liebster award works: "liebster" is a German word meaning friend, love, or dearest. It is awarded to blogs with 200 followers or fewer. In order to accept the award, the honoured blogger must write a post to thank the giver, with a link back to their blog...and then pass on the encouragement to five more bloggers.

Here are my five choices:

Cathy @ MyKindergarten quiver is a Home school mum raising 5 boys to be Godly young warriors. She is doing a great series of posts about " How to be a Godly wife."

Cassie-Ann @ 9 little ducklings in a row Is a home school mum to soon be 9. I find her posts about how she organises her home (such as meal plans) a great encouragement.

Becca @ Beccamusing Is a homeschooling mum who loves Jesus. She is an amazing cake decorator!!

Grace @ GraceisblessedbyGod Is a homeschooling mum to 5 girls. She has great Recipes.

Lisa @ a2ndgenerationofhomeschooling Is a 2nd generation home school mum to 10 children on earth and seven with Jesus. Her blog is such an encouragement to me, she writes such good posts about Biblical truths.

Merry Christmas to you all....

2011-12-24T15:46:00.000+11:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS

It's Christmas day By Elizabeth Kemister

2011-12-24T15:37:00.000+11:00

It's Christmas Day,
The day we have been waiting for,
Read the Christmas story,
It touches our hearts core,

All fear is gone,
We no longer weep,
Christ took tears away,
When He peacefully sleeps,

Now our focus is not the gifts,
Nor santa and the tree
Jesus has been born in Bethlehem,
We must look and now see,

The angels sing to God,
His Son came to earth,
He is great, He is Holy,
There is no greater birth.

By Elizabeth Kemister age 12.

Nativity

2011-12-24T15:31:00.000+11:00

Whilst checking my camera I found a set of pictures that my DD 12 and DD 11 took I thought they were great and a really sweet idea so i thought I would add some Bible and put them up.

BIRTH OF JESUS

26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.

28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his

name JESUS.

MATTHEW 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

MATTHEW 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Matthew 1: 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

LUKE2: 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

LUKE 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

MATTHEW 2: 9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

John 3:16

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Names and characters of God from children

2011-12-17T14:49:00.000+11:00

For a Christmas craft today I decided that we would make a paper chain with the names and character traits of God.
The whole family sat down and I asked them "what is God like?" and "what names do we know for him?".

These are what we came up with

Loving
Gracious
Good Shepherd
Judge
Creator
Light Of The World
Powerful
Jealous
Praiseful
Shelter
Wonderful God
Holy God
Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Baby Jesus ( My four year old :))
Glorious
Christ
Messiah
Shield and sword
Saviour
Almighty
Jesus
Elohim
Jehovah
Holy
Strength
Righteous
Rock
Buckler
Merciful
Foundation
Goodness
Alpha and omega
Master
LORD
Redeemer
Praiseworthy
Jehovah Jireh ( The Lord will Provide)
Jehovah Nissi ( The Lord our Banner)
Jehova Shalom ( Lord Is peace)
Dearest God
Maker
Comforter
Sustainer of Life
Giver of Life
Praise and Grace for JESUS (4 year old again)
Heavenly Father
Beautiful
Just
Bread Of Life
KING OF KINGS
Our Hero
Majesty

It now hangs on our mantel piece as a reminder of what an Awesome God we serve.

Look who's sitting up

2011-12-17T14:32:00.000+11:00

I can not believe, my sweet Hadassah is sitting up. She is growing up to fast.

She looked up and realised I was there taking pictures, so cute :)

Gluten Free Caramel chocolate apples

2011-12-15T18:59:00.000+11:00

I used a few recipes and mixed and matched
250mls Thickened cream
1/2 cup butter
1 cup Dark Brown sugar
1/2 cup Maple syrup
1/4 cup Molasses
1tsp Vanilla essence

To add to them
Gluten free chocolate coated pretzels
Melted chocolate

Instructions

1. Wash apples and insert paddle pop sticks and put in freezer for 40 mins

2. Add cream and butter to pan and melt
3. Add to the pan sugar, molasses and maple syrup bring to boil and then reduce heat and simmer 30 mins (keep an eye one of the recipes say 15 mins but it took 30 mins for me)

4. When thick enough to coat a spoon add vanilla essence and remove from heat and let sit for 3 mins
5. Line a tray with foil and grease with spray.

6. coat apples in caramel and roll in pretzels or you could use nuts, chocolate ETC

7. melt chocolate and decorate.

Enjoy

Christmas craft

2011-12-14T16:54:00.002+11:00

Today we decided we would do some christmas craft, so we decorated bell shapes with glitter and shapes. It was a stcky activity and I think we will have glitter around well into the next year.

The little kids especially loved this but did not like having sticky hands lol

Get better Hadassah

2011-12-14T16:07:00.000+11:00

Just wanted to add another pic of my Chubby girl, She's been really sick this week :(

Get better Beautiful one.

CheekyBucket

2011-12-14T15:49:00.000+11:00

I was thrilled to be chosen to review this and I was extremely pleased with the product.

CheekyBucket is a business which sells canvas paintings by Simon Williams. The art work is new and original and I have never seen art work for children like these.

The frame arrived two days ago, it was wrapped very well and there was no damage to it.
As soon as we opened it my two year old and four year started to fight about whose room it was going in, so we decided to put in in the playroom so that all could enjoy it :)

We chose the Bumbly Bee portrait, the quality of the portrait is amazing, the colours are beautiful and it definatly adds colour and fun to the room. It is a high quality product that won't disappoint.

They have an online store here and they also sell at Bondi markets on a Sunday.

Thank you so much for letting me trial this.

Restickables

2011-12-10T11:16:00.001+11:00

I was chosen to review "Signs To You" 'Restickables' wall decal. Restickables are Removable and repeat reusable.
I was asked by kate if I would like a name or saying as well as the sheet of animals. I asked if I could have a bible verse and they granted my request and were very helpful throughout the ordering process. They answered emails very promptly and were always quick to help.
The wall decal are brilliant, my children are very excited, they love the design of the animals and have all chosen there favourites.

Above my babies cot

Above my little boys cot

In my girls room

I have put the bible verse up in the lounge room above our family photos.

Postage was slow but this was not their fault as it is Christmas season, they even offered to send them again if they had not turned up in a couple of days.

The wall decal was packed extremely well, there was no damage at all to the stickers.

My experience with "Sign To You Restickables" was enjoyable and I would recommend to others.

For my blog readers if you make an order use this code = RC this will give you a 10% discount on 2 orders.

Check them out.

Pavalova Recipe

2011-12-08T22:01:00.000+11:00

We love this recipe and it is a family recipe and the best I have tried. It is Gluten free which is great for us at the moment as Micah is off Gluten. We have one every family occasion
It is so easy

In a glass bowl add
4 egg whites
21/2 cups castor sugar
1 tsp vanilla essence
2 tsp white vinegar
2 tsp cornflour
7 tbsp boiling water

Put it all in together ( I know this sounds nuts but give it go) and whisk on high till stiff peaks form.
then shape on a greased pan in a oven 100C for 1 hr, turn off oven and leave to cool in the oven.
Wait until it cools and top with whipped cream, chocolate and fruit of choice. We add strawberries and cadbury flake.
Enjoy. Let me know what you think :)

Kids Playtime

2011-11-30T11:47:00.001+11:00

I was gifted $50 voucher to trial and review kids playtime. Kids Playtime is an online store that stocks items for children aged 0-4 years. They stock wooden toys, Soft toys, swimming products and modern cloth nappies.

I found the website easy to use and the voucher system worked great with no problems. It was easy to navigate around the website which is a great design. I love the Dad's blog section it is a nice touch.

My 2 and 4 year olds loved the wooden puzzles and wooden musical instruments and have had a lot of fun playing with them. I also ordered a soft toy cat and car slide wooden toy and I have put them away for christmas. They are well made and great prices.

The postage was quick and products were packed well.
All over my experience was great and I am happy to recommend to all my friends and I will definitely be shopping here again.

They have a Christmas sale on at the moment with up to 50% off Plus you get a gift worth $10 and free delivery for all orders over $50 check them out here Kids Playtime

Hadassah

2011-11-25T20:39:00.000+11:00

Look at my little cutie, I am totally in love.

Hadassah 5 months

The Winner of Baby Bowtique Giveaway

2011-11-25T14:05:00.001+11:00

"Thank you" to everyone who entered our Baby Bowtique Hair Accessories For Girls Giveaway.
The winner was selected by random.org and the winner that was chosen is: Joni.
CONGRATULATIONS JONI

Our Holiday Gift

2011-11-24T10:21:00.002+11:00

Recently an anonymous person gave us some money to book a holiday, we booked a big beach house North. It was exactly what we needed, work had been full on and we were feeling quite burnt out.

For seven days we swam ate Chips and enjoyed the quietness that the City does not Give us.

We are so thankful for the rest.

Praise God :)

Raising Olives Giveaway WOW!!!!!

2011-11-24T10:00:00.000+11:00

You have to check this out, so many chances to win I can not quite believe this.

Raising olives is also giving us the chance to win $600 in vouchers for Vision forum. Vision Forum has some great materials for Christian families including toys, christian books, DVD's and CD's

We love the Beautiful Girlhood dolls and the doll dresses. We also just bought Baby Logistics on CD and the DVD set and they are brilliant full of information and advice in raising a family.

There are so many things I have on my wish list for Vision Forum.

Smockity Frocks giveaway Vision Forum

2011-11-24T09:55:00.000+11:00

I can not quite believe this, all these giveaways :)

Over at Smockity Frocks She is also giving us the chance to win $600 in vouchers for Vision forum. Vision Forum has some great materials for Christian families including toys, christian books, DVD's and CD's
We love the Beautiful Girlhood dolls and the doll dresses. We also just bought Baby Logistics on CD and the DVD set and they are brilliant full of information and advice in raising a family.

Love vision Forum

Blog name change

2011-11-23T09:41:00.002+11:00

I have change my blog name to Raising Godly Children as I now have a son and it has only taken me two years lol.
I hope you will still read my blog and I have not confused you all

Talitha's birthday

2011-11-22T21:31:00.000+11:00

On November 14th Talitha turned 4, I cant believe it where did 4 years go, we celebrated by going to the zoo, it was 36C that day and we all sweltered but it did not stop us having fun.

Talitha 2 weeks

Talitha 4 years

Sukimama

2011-11-22T20:55:00.000+11:00

I have just found this new store called Sukimama. Sukimama means 'I love mama'.

They sell natural, organic and healthier products which I love :) They have some products that I was already using but a lot of new products that I had never knew or heard about.
Suki who owns the store is a mother of two and she has tried and tested the products personally, I am really impressed with this.
Her prices are affordable and reasonable and there are a wide range of products including nappies, toys, jewellery, clothing and heaps more....
I put an order for some tooth brushes and tooth paste from jack and Jill kids and a Love to snuggle UP organic wrap. Suki was quick to offer delivery and promptly answered my emails.
I cant wait to try out my new products.

Thank you Sukimama

Check her out sukimama

A Passion for Jesus

2011-11-22T14:03:00.002+11:00

My daughters are attending this retreat in Jan and February, they are very excited about learning more about what the bible teaches about living as Christian.

Topics include: (from their website)

* Experiencing Intimacy With God
* Being Reconciled Before God and Man
* Recognising What Has Your Heart
* Identifying Lies We Believe
* Design/Beauty
* Making Wise Decisions In Boy-Girl Relationships

The dates for Our side of the World are:
New Zealand 3-6th Jan
Melbourne 17-21st Jan
Perth 24-28th Jan
Cootamundra 30th Jan-3rd Feb

check their website out A Passion For Jesus

Double chances to win at The Modest Mom Blog

2011-11-22T13:05:00.000+11:00

Over at The Modest Mom Review She is also giving us the chance to win $600 in vouchers for Vision forum. Vision Forum has some great materials for Christian families including toys, christian books, DVD's and CD's

Vision Forum Giveaway by A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

2011-11-21T18:17:00.001+11:00

Over at A Wise Woman Builds Her Home there is the best giveaway I have seen ever, she is giving away vouchers adding up to $600 Wow.
Vision Forum has some wonderful products for Christian parents and children, they have a lot of great Christian Books that I find encouraging and have helped me on my journey.

Babys Bowtique Hair Accessories For Girls and MY FIRST GIVEAWAY

2011-11-19T13:53:00.000+11:00

I love girly things and I think I have added this to my list of new obsessions, they are so cute. I bought a few last year but when I found out we were expecting another girl which would make six girls we all decided we needed more hair accessories.!!! lol
We ordered a lot of bows, flowers, headbands and the beautiful crochet hats in all different colours and designs check out their range here Babys Bowtique. (They are the same flowers as you see the Duggar Family wearing in 19 Kids and Counting on TLC.)
The prices are so affordable and they are made really well and the service is amazing, even when my package was lost they were quick to help and replace it, I have never been happier with online shopping service ever.

GIVEAWAY

I am going to giveaway a headband and flower identical to the one below that Rebekah is wearing ( it is brand new never worn) If you want to enter leave a comment below telling me why you love Baby Bowtique Hair Accessories For Girls.

There are four ways you can enter

1. Tell me why you love Baby Bowtique Hair Accessories For Girls.
2. Follow my blog
3. Follow Baby Bow Hair Accessories For Girls on Face Book
3. Blog about it

leave a separate comment for each entry

I will announce the winner next Friday 25th November

Good Luck

Here some pictures

Rebekah

Hadassah

Talitha

Hadassah

Scotch Restickable tabs

2011-11-19T13:38:00.001+11:00

I recieved these today and I am so happy, as a homeschooling mum I need to stick work and display posters up all the time, I usually use bluetack which wrecks the walls and eventually falls off with the summer humidity.

They remove cleanly from surfaces and the tabs are reusable and when the stickiness wears off just rinse with water. They are safe enough to even use with photos.

I used my sample to hold my DD 4 phonics poster and it looks great, I have another six posters to hold so I think I will go buy some more.

Teddy Cars

2011-11-19T13:00:00.000+11:00

I saw this In the Coles Magazine and we decided to make these for my Niece and Nephews who were visiting, they were a massive hit.

Teddy Cars

Ingrediants

Milky ways minis

Smarties

Chocolate melts

Tiny teddies

1. Melt the choc melts and use the melted chocolate to add four smarties as wheels on the milkyway.

2.You put one teddy bear in the mini milkyway,

And Enjoy!!!!

FREE Giveaway at homeschool adventures

2011-11-19T12:50:00.000+11:00

Check these great Christmas cards out,

Homeschool adventures: Made With Love.....Review and Give Away!!!

anne-homeschooladventures.blogspot.com

Ewies Diapers Giveaway

2011-11-19T12:48:00.001+11:00

Check This Giveaway From Ewies Diapers, they are 100% cotton cloth Diapers.

Family Fun Day

2011-11-16T12:38:00.004+11:00

Back a few months ago my DD age 11 planned and through a day called "Family Fun Day".

She spent weeks planning this from food and games, she even saved her money and paid for it all.

We all really enjoyed the day and were so thankful that she planned a day that was filled with wonderful memories.

The Pinata

MMMMM lollies

Egg and spoon race

Ice cream cake Mariam made

Hello is anyone out there................

2011-11-09T14:36:00.004+11:00

If anyone is reading I would love you to leave me a comment to let me know anyone is here. Please just say a hi.

Sorry for being such a slack blogger over the last 18 months :(

2011-11-09T14:10:00.002+11:00

Congratulations Duggar family on expecting number 20,

Pikapu

2011-11-03T20:17:00.001+11:00

I was choosen to review a pikapu nappy. Pikapu AIO ( All in one) OSFA ( one size fits all) nappy is for newborn to toddler 3kg-18kg. It is Australian designed modern looking nappy and they come in a range of colours, I received a red one which made me super happy as it is my favourite colour.

My first impression was it had a soft microfleece lining, modern and was well made. My favourite feature of this nappy was the twin leg gussets to prevent side leakage, it worked really well. My four month old daughter is a heavy wetter and the nappy was extremely absorbant. I have been using cloth nappies for over 14 years and have a few different brands and Pikapu competed wonderfully with my favourite brands.

When I washed it it was still very soft and it dried very fast.

I would highly recommend these nappies and I wished I had found them before I just bought my new stash, I will definitly be buying from them in the future.

Head over to their website now as they have a 30% sale for four days only.

website for Pikapu

180 movie

2011-09-25T15:52:00.002+10:00

Check this Pro-life movie out

If you agree with abortion watch 180 now it is a real eye opener, just click the word abortion and it will take you to some more info.
We have a forgiving Father you are not condemned if you have had abortion there are people who can help you heal.

Clique Photos

2011-09-08T20:03:00.006+10:00

DD 3
My girls
DD 12
DD 10
DD 14 and DD 10 weeks
DD 7
DS 23 months

I was so lucky to review Clique photography in Sydney and I have to say Linda is the best photographer I have ever had and I have had over 10 take my families pictures over the last 14 years.

Heres some of my favourite pics.

Divided The Movie

2011-09-01T21:51:00.003+10:00

This is a really good look into the question are youth groups biblical?

My DH and I have been discussing this one off and on for a few months, this is a great movie featuring Voddie baucham, Doug Phillips and Ken Ham and More....

Enjoy

Divided The Movie

My timetable

2011-09-01T21:21:00.007+10:00

I thought I would update my families schedule.

We use Managers of their homes book by the Maxwells. We love it as it is very easy to use, and I am not a natural organinser so this helps me get focused on what need to be done.

7.30am Breakfast

8am Bible time/wisdom book (our ATI Curriculum)

9am Morning chores

10am DD (14) Paces, ACE Curriculum she has science, Maths, English, Literature, Social studies(twice a week), Bible, word building and typing (3 times a week)

Everyone else does wisdom book projects and Lap books.

11.50am Bible memory, we are memorizing Matt 18 at the moment as our children are having problems with bickering and in the Duggars book "a love that multiplies" Michelle suggest this, so we are giving it a try. We are also memorizing Matt 5.

12pm Lunch

12.30pm Devotions

1pm Everyone else does Paces they have Science, social studies, English, Maths, Word Building, Literature, DD 12 year old adds Bible and Greek to this and her extra Latin.

DD 14 year old is doing her wisdom book projects.

2.30pm DD 1 and DD2 are on Violin and everyone else is doing Afternoon chores

3.30pm DD3 and DD 4 are doing Violin and DD 1 and DD 2 are doing Afternoon chores

4.30pm Free time to read, listen to a sermon or craft

5,30-6pm Dinner

6pm-8pm clean up and baths

8.30pm Bible time/family time

9-9.30pm Bed

It works at the moment, but there is a lot of room for improvement,

What does your day look like??

Be still and know that I am God

2011-09-01T17:38:00.002+10:00

I have just been to the oxygen conference, the speakers were John Piper and John Lennox. It was a fabulous time of learning and we met some great people.

While at the conference there was a woman's session by Noel piper, I am sure that she wrote the talk for me!!! lol.

It was Psalm 46 'Be still and know that I am God', since moving to our current church I have not felt many days of peace, people say to trust and rest and I do, but it is just such a volatile place. Sometimes I fear for my children and DH. I have times of great peace and rest and then an incident happens and it shakes things up.

I loved some of her points they were

* Impatience is not being still

* Fear is not being still

* Being complexed is not being still

* Perfection and hopelessness is not stillness

* Dissatisfaction is not stillness

Being still helps us to get to know God better. I am trying to meditate on 'I no longer live but Christ in me' I am trying to take up my Christ and rest and be still.

And I loved her line which was "God is I AM and we are becoming".

My new review blog

2011-08-23T17:33:00.001+10:00

I have started a new review blog, check it out :)

Let me know what you think!!!

We need HIM

2011-08-12T15:03:00.000+10:00

David Platt

I am blessed

2011-08-12T10:12:00.003+10:00

In my busy days I forget to stop and enjoy, often I am caught up in doing this many pages of school, getting chores done and just surviving. Since having Hadassah God has given me an awesome sense of how blessed I really am. When things get hectic I chose to stop smile and thank God for my beautiful children and Godly husband. Daily life is full but I would not have it any other way, I am honoured that God trusted My DH and I to train up these children.

I try to remind myself often of His awesome love for us that He sent His son to die for us, while we were in sin He sent Jesus to reconcile us to Him. This amazing gift is free, we can not earn it. I live my days to serve Him as He is the one who gives me the grace to get through each day. How awesome is He!

I am back!!!

2011-07-28T20:55:00.003+10:00

I must be the worst blogger in history!!! lol

I have just completed the hardest pregnancy I have ever had,morning sickness lasted nearly 9 months, but with great joy I introduce Hadassah Ann, she was born 29th June, she was one month early which caught us all by suprise. She was 7lb 4oz and 52cm. She spent her first couple of weeks back and forth to the special care nursery but is doing great now.
She is a very calm beautiful baby and we are all so thankful to God for her safe arrival.

Micah is fantastic he is over 10 kilos now and has been well for 6 months, we had so many people praying for him last year and his healing is a true answer to prayer.

Homeschooling is going great we are doing our wisdom book still but we have also started ACE curriculum and we are loving it, our days are full but filled with much laughter and love.

I will try to be a better blogger but with 3 children under four life is very busy and some days I am happy if I get to have a shower :)

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T21:00:00.001+11:00

I hope all my readers have a very blessed Christmas Celebrating the birth of Our Lord Jesus.
We have had a wonderful quiet day eating and playing :)

Praising God for Micahs healing

2010-12-07T19:47:00.004+11:00

Micah has been sick again he was in hospital last week for four days on IV antibiotics. The Dr's still are not sure what was wrong but he is better and home. The bad thing is that he lost weight again, so he is back on his high calorie formula, but the great news is he has already gained 300gms. His iron levels are low so he is on a iron supplement.
He is a lot happier this week and we praise God that he is home.

While we were in hospital we cried out to God constantly we must of looked like religious crazies and if I am honest the thought did cross my mind. But I knew that if anyone was going to heal him it was God, We knew that we were completely in Gods hands and He knew what was going to happen.
The morning after we were very tired and as Micah slept My dear husband said to me "lets read the psalm of today", to be honest I was so tired and just felt like sleeping as he started to read I heard the words of the psalm 30 and I suddenly was alert I heard....

1 I will exalt you, LORD,
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
2 LORD my God, I called to you for help,
and you healed me.
3 You, LORD, brought me up from the realm of the dead;
you spared me from going down to the pit.

We both started to cry and realised God was speaking to us through His word. From that moment on he started to improve. We are so grateful to God for his healing.

2010-11-25T08:30:00.000+11:00

Seventh
by: Jennifer Wilson

I know I'm number seven,
but the fact you can't deny
is that God, Almighty Giver,
is the Author of my life.

My soul is no less special,
and my spirit no less great
than those that came before me--
be they one, or six, or eight!

So many eyes are blinded
by the whispers of this world--
to them, there is no miracle
in a human life unfurled.

A baby's just a plaything,
a burden, or a chore,
and we must proceed with caution
to prevent too many more!

Only a fool would trust the Lord
to give as He desires
and live a life of trust in Him...
whatever that requires.

A new car may be exciting;
a new house may be a prize,
but my new life is better
than any thing that money buys.

So all the world may roll their eyes
when seven now they see--
But I can't wait until I meet
the "fools" who welcome me.

:)

Vision forum Sale

2010-11-25T08:15:00.003+11:00

Vision forum is having a great sale at the moment buy two items get a third free, check it out. so if you buy 6 items you get 2 free ETC

We as a family love vision forum, my girls especially love the beautiful girlhood dolls, they have hours of fun with them.

Also we just purchased Bioethics and life collection of DVDs (messages from the baby conference)
What we have heard so far is brilliant.

If you are going to buy any products for Christmas please use the link on the side of my page as I get commission on sales
Thanks
have a great day

So happy for the duggars

2010-11-14T11:13:00.002+11:00

Congrats to Josh and Anna, I am so happy for them. What a wonderful example of a Godly family they have been to my family.

2010-11-14T10:58:00.003+11:00

Happy Birthday Talitha

Talitha turned 3 today, I cant believe how fast that time has gone.

We had a great day at the zoo, she was so determined and she walked the whole way.

Talitha loves this tutu she is wearing in the photo, she would wear it all day everyday if we let her

The other photo is of her kindy crafts I have started with her, she does a craft each day to go with a letter, we just finished C this week. She loves it .

2010-11-02T17:57:00.004+11:00

Happy Birthday Mariam

Mariam turned 10 today, She is such a gentle loving little girl and such a blessing to us.

changes

2010-10-23T13:11:00.004+11:00

I have decided as a family we are going to get healthy, we have been so sick this winter, and the only thing I can think of that is different is our diets. I think with Micah being so sick and being a very demanding baby we took the easy way out.
I have been thinking about the verses
1 cor 3 :16-17
16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

So taking note of this verse what are we to do?? and how are we too treat our bodies?? If the Holy Spirit really dwells in our bodies we should not pollute them morally or physically. We should be reverent and respectful with them.
Realising this I am making changes.

Our changes so far are:
white Flours to whole wheat organic
White rice to brown rice
bought bread to homemade organic bread
Sunflower oil to Coconut oil ( this oil is the best I have ever used, it has no cholesterol and does not convert to trans fat)

Huggies Nappy's to Seventh generation
Regular Cleaning products to seventh generation cleaning products
Sunscreen to a titanium oxide free sunscreen (Soleo)

No TV ( it's gone, packed away)

Big changes
Seventh generation nappies I think personally are more absorbant than Huggies and they do not have that smell that regular Nappy's have. They are also have no plastic or chemicals. Price wise they were a little more but not too much dearer than huggies. It was not a big deal as I use cloth in the daytime.

Sunscreen
This is great, the biggest plus was that it did not sting eyes but the price was a lot dearer than regular cream.

Food
If you are an Aussie mum you have to check out http://www.goodness.com.au/ They sell the best price organic and wholesome food.
I got 12.5kg of plain Bio dynamic whole wheat flour for $24.95
They deliver Australia wide and you can also pick up form their store.

This has been the first week and we feel already better, we are not as agitated with each other and less tired and flat in the afternoons.

I will update on how we are going soon and hopefully with more changes :)

2010-10-14T18:33:00.003+11:00

Happy Birthday Rebekah

Yesterday was Rebekahs 7th birthday, she had such a great day. She is such a blessing to us, her smile and laughter brings joy to all of us.

This has been a big year for her as this year she accepted the Lord as her saviour Praise the LORD.

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home: Daughters Who Walk With The Lord

2010-10-10T19:43:00.000+11:00

This is such a wonderful post, please take time to read it

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home: Daughters Who Walk With The Lord: "I have three beautiful daughters whom I love and cherish. Teaching my daughters homemaking skills is very important to me. I want them t..."

photos

2010-10-07T18:51:00.005+11:00

Talitha reading she loves to do this all day

Rebekah
Mariam in her glasses I think she's cute
Family shot
Micah walking about 6weeks ago

I am still around.

2010-10-07T18:20:00.003+11:00

The last 6 months has been difficult. In May my little boy was in hospital on IV antibiotics with an infection, we still do not know what it was.
Micah just turned 1, I cant believe it, he is a real little guy, his pediatricion says he needs to gain weight as he is failure to thrive. He weighs 8 kilos even. He is walking and has the most melting smile.

Julia turned 13 in August I cant believe I have a teenager, she is such a blessing to me.

My computer crashed in July and we are still without one, and no funds to buy one yet.

I have stopped most of the activities I was doing as I was burnt out.Thankyou all for your advice and encouragement.

Thank you to all my readers who have waited for me to return, it has been a difficult few months with sickness and with Micahs health.

I will post some photos soon.

Hopefully I am back :)

bloggers block.................

2010-04-27T13:57:00.002+10:00

I am suffering from blogger block, I am sooo tired that I just don't know what to write. My dear little boy is sleeping so dreadful again and I am trying to get through each day the best I can. I am finding in this time all I can do is pray for strength.
I think my schedule for homeschooling is too full, we are struggling to get chores done or morning devotions, they seem to take so long doing their chores. tell me what you think

Monday-
10am-12pm we do a playgroup ministry at our church which I run,
1pm-3pm we have violin lessons
catch up any unfinished work from last week
4pm Swimming Julia, Elizabeth, Mariam and Rebekah

Tuesday-
8am Swimming Micah and Talitha
10am 12pm Wisdom book
1pm maths
2pm language arts/phonics
(we seem to go overtime)
Latin, recorder,violin practice.
4pm swimming squad Julia

Wednesday:
9.30am Ballet Talitha
11am Wisdom book
1pm Maths/problem solving/times tables
2pm language arts/phonics/handwriting
4pm Ballet Rebekah

Thursday:
8am Latin
10am Wisdom book
1pm maths/problem solving/times tables
2pm Language arts/phonics/handwriting
4pm swimming squad

Friday:
10am Wisdom book
1pm Maths/problem solving/times tables
2pm language arts/phonics/hand writing
We were doing art classes on a Tuesday but we have stopped to have a rest.

Wisdom book is the curriculum from ATI we do meditation, character and theme song worksheets, linguistics, History, Science, Law and Medicine. There is not enough maths and language arts so there is a need to substitute. We love these studies

I would love to hear some homeschooling tips on how to cope when you are sleep deprived.

Yesterday finished our Anzac day long weekend it was a wonderful relax we went up to the mountains for the day, it was very relaxing unlike the trip home:(. The two youngest were so tired they cried for about 1 hr each. It was still a great time. I will post some photos later today.

April update

2010-04-21T16:27:00.006+10:00

Micah 7 months

My Elizabeth

I have been completely distracted over the last couple of weeks, DH bought me a WII fit plus and I have been trying to work out regularly. I am proud to say I have lost two kilos and I am in a pattern of exercising everyday. I was totally encouraged by grace's post from www.wheelsoffun.blogspot.com (you can find her link button down the side of my page), she talks about how she lost 30lbs. It is exactly what I needed to get motivated, so thanks Grace.I am one of those people who does not lose weight when I breastfeed I gain, and with six pregnancies it has crept up. My goal is to lose 10 kilos in three months.

This month my Elizabeth turned 11 she is a gorgeous girl who's goal in life is to be a missionary, she has such a beautiful faith in the Lord and is often the one to point out ungodly influences but not in a arrogant manner.

Also my little boy Micah is 7 month sitting up and almost crawling, my babies are never usually doing this at this age, he surprises me each day.

We have just finished wisdom book 6 we learnt about working diligently, and we did not work diligently enough as it took us 4 months to do this book :)we enjoyed it as usual.

Thankyou to all the people who read my blog please comment so I can get to know you better.

Easter

2010-04-02T20:41:00.001+11:00

Love this song, the greatest most awesome gift of love and sacrifice was nailed to a cross some 2000 years ago. Christianity, not a religion, but an awesome relationship! It's a gift to be accepted, nothing to be earnt! Enjoy Easter everyone!

check this out

2010-03-31T21:47:00.004+11:00

Check out this blog" wheels of fun", it is always a good read but she also has at the moment great giveaways check it out :)
http://wheelsoffun.blogspot.com/2010/03/giveaway-extravaganza-featuring-wahms.html

2010-03-19T21:19:00.000+11:00

Just some pics of my baby boy who turns 6 months old today, i cant believe it.
Some pics also of Talitha I love these shots
Have a great weekend

Happy Saint Patricks day

2010-03-17T15:34:00.001+11:00

This is the kiddos on st Patricks day we had green pancakes for breakfast and talked about who Patrick was.
Patrick grew up in a christian home, he did not pay much attention and was quite selfish. When he was 16 he was captured from the sea line of Britain and sold into slavery in Ireland, he came to accept Jesus as his saviour in this time.He escaped after 6 years and went home only to return to Ireland to tell the very people who enslaved him about Jesus Christ. Up to 100,000 people came to know Christ through his preaching of the word.
How important training of our children is, my main goal for my children is to be God fearing adults who know and truly love the Lord what else could a mother want!!!
We have just had green donuts :)

back again

2010-03-05T21:08:00.008+11:00

Micah 5 months

We have moved and are settled and in a routine with school again.
We have started violin lessons this year and the girls are also doing art classes with a homeschooling group, they also do swimming. With this, school and the church we have been flat out.
Micah is almost 6 months i cant believe where the time goes. He is still not sleeping through and has actually got worse since we moved.
In January Micah was baptised and my friend Cindy came up from Victoria and was his godparent Brad was able to baptise him, it was a beautiful moment watching him hold his son.It was a great day:)
I turned 30 in Feb, Brad and I went to centre point restaurant for dinner, it was a great night. The kids and Brad bought me a wii so I can get fit.
I am trying to be more frugal at the moment I am making my own yogurt and making cakes, biscuits and bread (sometimes), I already use cloth nappies but we are exploring woman's cloth pads.
We are hoping to start a veggie patch soon. Any other ideas let me know.

Daddy reading to Micah

Grandad and Talitha watering

Cindy and Micah

Julia and Micah

Brad baptising Micah

2010-01-03T12:05:00.002+11:00

Just wanted to share a friend on facebook posted this

2010-01-02T22:25:00.007+11:00

Christmas lunch boxing day
Family shot

Rebekah

Talitha

Elizabeth reading again!!!

Nana and my girls and Nat

Julia

Mariam playing bop it

Micah opening pressies

Christmas was wonderful this year for the first time in 10 years we saw our family.
The children awoke early except Micah who slept in and opened their presents, then we made a birthday cake for Jesus while Brad did the Christmas services.

We then took off to Nana's and greenies for lunch, it was a great time with Aunties, Uncles and cousins, sadly three nieces and nephews could not be there,but we had a good time despite them missing hopefully next year:)

Boxing day I cooked a traditional Christmas dinner for us it was delicious we had all the trimmings chipolatas and bacon, Yorkshire puds, turkey, ham and veg. we had Christmas pud and custard for desert.

New years we saw my family staying at my mums, I managed to stay up until midnight but crashed at 12.10pm, the next day we had a beautiful Christmas lunch cooked by mum .

We feel very blessed to be close to family,we know we might not be around this area forever.

casting crowns

2009-12-27T20:19:00.002+11:00

I love this song
from casting crowns new album

Merry Christmas

2009-12-27T10:12:00.001+11:00

Happy Christmas everyone, Hope you had a blessed day.
We had a great day with family. Thank you to all who read my blog and who comment.
If you lurk come out and leave a comment I love to hear from you :)
Catch up soon XXX

Busy Busy Busy

2009-12-16T14:44:00.003+11:00

Busy Busy Busy.....
I seem to lose my focus this time of year, I must focus on the true meaning of Christmas and that is the sacrifice that was given for us. He came as a baby with a future of suffering that is unimaginable to us, this King born in a stable would suffer at the hands of man.
How can we even contemplate that baby would grow to save us all from death. He shows so much love for us do we show our appreciation or seem to forget and lose focus of this sacrifice?? I know I do!!!! This week I hope to get back to the truth with the children. I will let you know how it goes!

update

2009-12-07T21:11:00.004+11:00

Elizabeth 10

Julia 12

Mariam 9

Rebekah 6

Talitha 2

Micah 3 month (almost)

These last couple of months have gone so quick my dear little Micah is nearly 3 months, he has suffered very badly from reflux and it has been hard. The pediatrician has him on zantac which is helping a bit but not a great deal, I think it is probably time for a review with the pediatrician.

Since I last posted I have became a aunt again, My sister had a baby boy in October named Josef and he is a gorgeous little boy.

We have also had 3 birthdays Mariam turned 9, Rebekah turned 6 and Talitha turned two.

Christmas is coming around so quick and I still have pressies to buy. This time of year is so crazy and time is aways pushed, we are organizing 2 services for children and families and organising a break up party for our play group.

We are getting ready to move to a bigger house same parish but better accomodation, I appreciate this so much as it has not been an easy year in a small town house, but we made do by Gods grace, my husband always uses the quote "the love of God will never lead you where the grace of God can not keep you" .

I thought I would add some pics of the kids how much they have change in year.

What a couple of weeks

2009-10-12T10:16:00.003+11:00

A little update

These first few weeks seem to go so quick. Micah is going fantastic except the whole no sleep thing LOL.

Last Tuesday he had to have Laser surgery on his tongue as he was badly tongue tie, and was not feeding well and was not thriving, it was so painful, almost straight away after it was done he fed, and I fed with no pain. It broke my heart but it had to be done. Thanks to Dr koblar at Dural.

We had him weighed on friday and he has gaind nearly two pound in ten days.

We are starting school today, wish me luck, I am a little nervous now with a toddler and New born baby.

Announcing Micah

2009-09-30T11:23:00.003+10:00

Micah
My precious blessings

Daddy, Talitha and Micah

Talitha and Micah

Mummy and her little boy :)

He's here! Micah Robert arrived on the 19th September a 4.10pm.

He weighed 6lb 14 oz my smalest baby yet, we are so thankful as he had two knots in his cord one was very tight.

I had a pretty awful and long labour,but I am recovering well.

His sisters love him and we are all enjoying him.

I still cant believe I have a boy!! praise the Lord.

Happy Birthday

2009-08-21T14:40:00.003+10:00

My eldest DD turned12 today,and I ask myself where 12 years has gone, I thank God for her, she is so helpful, and is modest and always willing to be my helper. I have watched her blossom in the last year espeically in her faith and learnng to stand alone my prayer for her is that she will grow to be a strong woman of faith.

I am now 34 weeks plus and it looks as if I will be induced in about 4 weeks, the time sees to be dragging so slow. I have done all the washing for the bubs and just finished washing my new nappies. I use baby beehinds check them out they are fantastic, i used them with my last DD and she is still in them. http://www.babybeehinds.com.au/. I ask you all to pray for a safe delivery.

Homeschooling is going excellant I am suprised at how independant my girls work,the older girls even peer teach with out prompting. My DH has started to teach the Girls Latin, the older girls are using primer A latin and the two younger girls using sing song Latin, they seem to enjoy it and have even taught our youngest DD (21 months) words which is really cute. My Dh is a bit of a language buff he knows Hebrew, greek and is learning Latin himself now.

We got rid of the TV after alot of thought my DH decided to give it a trial run , it has been fantastic, our family seems closer and my DH has espeically found it helpful with all the images on TV these day, it truly is hard to be a man in this day and age, they seem to be bombarded with sexual images all the time.

I am reading three books at the moment which I have been wanting to read for a long time just never found the time, "Passionate houeswives" By Stacey McDonald and Jennie Chancey, "Created to be his helpmeet" By Debi Pearl and "Be fruitful and multiply" By Nancy Campbell, all are fantastic reads but Passionate housewives has to be the best read I have read in a long time, I thank God for woman who are willing to stand up and teach the truth.

I am really praying that I find some like minded families in the area I feel quite lonely, and hope for the children to have other christian homeschool friends.

update

2009-05-10T17:00:00.005+10:00

Me at 20 weeks and some Home school pics

It has been ages again since I have wrote, I have had the worst morning sickness ever. The baby is growing well almost 2o weeks now, and we are all getting very excited.

Life seems to be settling down and Homeschooling is on a good schedule, we have got some great work done and Lap books looking great.

I am back to reading the bible as a family and on my own which makes a huge difference to daily life, i seem to be coping better with daily life. I have been really crying out to the Lord and depending on him more in daily things, which seems like a obvious thing to do but I seem to go off track with the business of life, I pray that I can keep my focus set upon the Lord and not on worldly attitudes. The TV is a big problem in our house the children want to watch it all the time which I limit to an hour a day but so much is bad these days. It is so convenient when I am homeschooling the older ones. I would love to hear about what other families do with the TV??

The home school pics are a study on the middle east, we had a meal and they wanted to dress up. and miss Rebekah doing some work this is her first year of home school.

Does the ultrasound picture look like a Boy or Girl ?? ;)

2009-02-18T16:27:00.002+11:00

Oh i did forget to mention we are having blessing number six in September, after the initial shock when we were moving I am excited, morning sickness has kicked in and I feel awful, but I thank the Lord for his blessing :)
The children are all excited, we have arrived at the new house which is quite small we are setter ling in, there is a huge amount of ministry in this area that is urgent i ask that you all pray that the Lord sustains us through the business especially feeling not too good.
I am a little worried about the home school laws in NSW if anyone has ad experience please could you advise
Thanks
Blessings
Mary

2009-02-18T15:33:00.003+11:00

Thankyou so much for the keativ award georgiann from ourfruitfulharvest.blogspot.com
this is my first award so i am a little excited thanks again
these are 10 blogs I think are kreativ and inspiring thanks for what you write it is encourageing

http://asformeandmyhouse.weebly.com/

http://yoursacredcalling.blogspot.com/

http://makinghome.blogspot.com/

http://www.linesfromthevine.com/

http://homefullofboys.blogspot.com/

http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/

http://inashoe.com/

http://bonniebeethoughts.blogspot.com/

http://raising-arrows.blogspot.com/

http://mamaarcher.com/

To claim your award you need to:

Thank the person who gave the award to you.

Post the award on your blog or on a post.

Nominate 10 blogs which show great attitude/gratitude.

Link to the people you chose on your post.

Then comment on their blogs to tell them about the award!