Spring Has Sprung!

You'll never guess what we did today!! But just for fun...Any guesses? I'll post pictures soon...But for right now, I'm having way to much fun with all these kiddos...Stay tuned...

Camie

Finding Joy

Hello and welcome! This week is all about joy found in the everyday. Joy found admist the storms of life, through sorrow and pain. Joy found in chaos, joy that gives strength, overwhelms, gives hope and renews, whether it's a small glimpse or an out-pour!

Joy - where have I seen it and how was it found this week? I thought of the obvious, having an extra five kids here has definitely made for joyful moments. Where there has been double the work there has been double the smiles, where there has been double the mess there has been double the laughs. These precious children have had me roaring with laughter and I've enjoyed the many hugs and kisses and all their funny antics.

There is joy in knowing that our dear friends along with a great missions group are being used in a mighty way to share God's word and His love. I won't lie and say I'm not SUPER excited to hear what God has been up to...I am eagerly waiting to see pictures and hear stories! I can't even image being in Africa...

As you may know, there was much joy found the other morning and on the nightstand...and we even found joy in the snow. Yes, I used the word joy and snow in the same sentence. There was a "flurry" of excitement as we watched the snow fall and don't kids make the best everything?

There has been much joy in discovering each little personality a little better and seeing how different each one is from the other.

Oh and boys! Boys are SO different then girls! This I have known to be true, but having 6 girls and 4 boys here the evidence of this has never rang truer!

Which leads me to where joy was found unexpectedly. As I spent more and more time with the dear children, watching them, listening, teaching and learning I realized how far I have yet to go with my own children. How much training, discipling and character building needs to be done. I began to realize how much work needs to be done in my own heart.

I know that mothering and parenting is an ongoing process but the reality; as it has before, was smacking me in the face.  I realized how far behind we are in this area. It felt heavy at first and I even cried to Dear Hubby about it. I so desire to be the mother God has called me to be but I often fall short - very short. I have a dream of how I see myself and my dear children and often it's nothing more then a dream. The weight of it all was heavy but quickly the Lord swept in. His still small voice, calling me to be still, to quite my heart from all other voices.

"OK Lord You are in control!" As the week has gone by I have been touched here and there with glimpses of His leading, guidance, grace and peace. I have received such beautiful words of encouragement from some dear friends and last night at our churches family service I felt the Lord say " Invest the time it takes."

Wow! How true! I'm so grateful we went to church last night! Our family pastor has been leading a parenting group and we spent the night reading through scriptures on discipline and the sweet words read from the Word were exactly what I needed!

Isn't God so faithful!! Truly the joy of the Lord has been my strength this week.

Ah sweet joy - joy that gives strength. Joy that overwhelms and overcomes. Thank-You Jesus!

How about you? How was your week? 

Be still and know that He is, and He will be. Blessing and joy are found when you look for them and found them this week have I!

Many blessings to you as you seek joy!

Camie

If April showers bring May flowers...Does April snow help them grow?

A few days ago we had clear skies, warm weather, Spring winds, green poking up from warming dirt and little buds growing on trees.

Then quite suddenly we awoke to this yesterday morning...

It continued all morning and afternoon...Coffee anyone?

And today, just as quickly as it came...It's almost gone!

Love...In the morning and on the nightstand

 Curious about what I found this morning...?


Well this morning I awoke to the sound of little feet and the scrapping of chairs on the kitchen floor. I quickly jumped out of bed, after all, there are several children needing breakfast and help getting dressed out of their jammies. A mama's work starts early. I quickly washed up, got dressed and headed for the kitchen...To my complete surprise 7 out of 10 of the dear children were dressed, the table was set, little ones sat awaiting food while the older girls were starting breakfast! They had been so quiet!

I was greeted with a welcoming "good morning" from everyone and the three oldest beaming. They had woken up early and wanted to help get everyone ready and make breakfast...What a delightful surprise!

And on the nightstand?

Power of a Praying Husband and Dear Husbands glasses. Oh how my heart swelled when I saw this, truly I felt loved. Such a sweet reminder of his commitment and dedication - to me! It blessed me - all day!

Guess what I woke up too?

Can you guess? Can you guess what I woke up to first thing this morning? It involves the children...And a little later, what did I find on the nightstand? It involves Dear Husband...Any ideas?

Let the adventure Begin...With Gratitude of Course!

Remember a few posts back? The calm before the storm? Well it has arrived! There was a flurry of activity in my home today and it is sure to continue... We are the starting the week with double the kids, double the fun and as the day went on my list of the many things I am grateful for doubled.

Today I am especially grateful for:

181. Our dear friends and the opportunity the Lord has given them to serve in Africa, I know they will be used in a mighty way!
182. Being entrusted with their most precious children, feeling honored and blessed and not wanting to take it lightly but rather humbly and with a serving heart
183. The precious children themselves! What delights the are!
184. Oh the excitement on Sunday night - It's a wonder anyone slept!
185. Coffee and breakfast with friends and family first thing in the morning
186. A clean house, an open slate, room to play and learn
187. My Mama who so lovingly helped me clean for a week straight!
188. That precious time spent together, truly I treasure it!
189. Dear Husband who supports and loves me more then I know
190. Dear family, my mom-in-law, who had a few of the dear children last week and enjoyed them thoroughly, what a blessing!

191. All the dear children playing outside before the rain/snow
192. Rosy red cheeks
193. New outdoor toys
194. Home schooled friends!
195. Thinking to myself...Wow, boys are rather rowdy and a tad restless...hmmm, I'll have to consider this...
196. Finding creative ways to get everyone moving, laughing and having fun
197. Paper plates...Yes, I will be using them often over the next ten days
198. Bedtime! And not because it meant the kids went to bed but because it went off without a hitch! I could hardly believe it!
199. The sound of sleep, filling the bedrooms

Finding Joy

Finding Joy is all about seeing the joy in the everyday, the storms, sorrow and chaos. I am always amazed at God's faithfulness. Many times His joy has given me the needed strength to do what it is He was called me to do.

For example, this week has brought the unexpected. I had blocked off this week to get down and dirty with a major Spring cleaning but 4 out of 5 of my little ones got a yucky tummy bug. A tummy bug that has been really messy. Messy as in gross and everywhere and all hours of the night and all day long...So any cleaning that we did get done had to be re-done times ten!

At first I was really frustrated! We have had our fair share of sick kids this past fall and winter and enough was enough. We were trying very hard to not get sick. And part of this Spring clean was to air out the house because of all the sickness we had had! So yes, initially I was upset. Then as I prayed the Lord quickly softened my heart, because even though the kids were sick and the house was demanding a lot of attention my heart cried out "Your joy will be my strength and I will praise You in this storm!"

I could have easily stayed grumpy, frustrated but what good would that have done?! I probably would have ended up sick as well. I carried on, seeking the Lord to strengthen me, help me find the joy in all of this I called out. I tended to little ones, and cleaned as I could.

And would you know it, in the midst of everything, joy was found! Because never is a child so sweet and cuddly as when they are sick, never is the house more quite with a sense of restfulness. Never is being a Mama more important. I have fond memories of when my own mom so diligently and lovingly cared for me when I was sick. I want my children to have that same sense of security, love and peace.

So yes, it was messy and a bit chaotic but through all of it; the lack of sleep, the massive amount of laundry, hot fevered cheeks and grumbly tummies there was joy to be found.

Ah sweet joy - joy that gives strength. Joy that overwhelms and overcomes. Thank-You Jesus! I will praise You in the storm!

The ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. Isaiah 35:10

Adventures in Babysitting: Sneak Preview! (The calm before the storm)

Next week for ten day (or more) we will have ten kids! We are babysitting for dear friends of ours who have five dear children just like us! We are all counting down the days and very much looking forward to a new adventure! Our friends will be on the mission field in Africa and us on the home front...Stay tuned as I'm sure next week will bring a flurry of activity!

Here is a little sneak preview...

Cute eh?! Who could resit?!! All those adorable faces, double the grins and giggles, twice the fun! It is sure to be a blast! You may think I'm crazy for taking on such an endeavor and maybe I am but I prefer brave, optimistic or adventurous *smile*

I'm calling this the calm before the storm as 4 out of 5 of my dear children will be visiting at Grandma's for a couple days while I finish my Spring cleaning (which is well underway 1/3 done). I'll be picking them back up just before our friends bring theirs by!

Thankfully we have made better sleep accommodation than this and have made a meal plan so as to not get cut of guard with not enough food and ten hungry kids...We are set to go!

And finally I will leave you with a picture of me. With all my hair intact - just a reminder to myself that I do not want to pull any of it out.

Ten kids - Ten days! It shall be an adventure! We'll make the most of it!

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord"

Psalms 127:3a

Spring Cleaning, My Home and Heart

This week we are Spring cleaning! Spring cleaning as in washing down wall, cleaning out closets and de-cluttering toy bins. I'm hoping to get all that deep cleaning stuff, such as windows, floors and bedding done. My mom is coming out to help and my mom-in-law is taking the kids for 4 days!  I feel so blessed! I am really looking forward to getting this done! We've had a very long season of illness this year (school year) and somehow we've managed to horde more then necessary. I want to par down, simplify and  air out the house...I shall be ruthless!

While my house needs a good cleaning my heart does also. I want to simply in my home but my life as well. As we spend the day cleaning we will worship Him who came, we'll lift our voices in thanks giving and praise. We'll fill the quiet with scripture and good teaching CDs. It'll be like an in-home conference! My prayer is that our home is a haven, holy ground, a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit, that all who enter experience His love and presence. I want a Christ centered home. A home that promotes love and serving each other, teaching and learning, kindness and safety and growth. A home that is reputable for it's hospitality, coziness and welcome. These things come from the heart. I hope to spend the week in reflection and prayer as I search my heart, scrub walls and seek God in every nook and cranny!

Are you talking about my kids???

So today, rather then telling you how I most certainly did not eat WAY to much sugar on Easter or how I've allowed WAY too many "exceptions" this past month, I thought it would be much more fun and therapeutic to let you know what my Dear Children have not been up to instead.

1. My Dear Son, who's three did not poop in his underwear or pee on Grandma's couch yesterday. He's completely potty trained and NEVER has accidents. Dear Husband and I weren't embarrassed to say to least.
2. Dear Daughter who's one didn't throw-up twice while at Grandma's either.
3. Our sweet little pooch also didn't try to poop on Grandma's carpet right in the middle of the living room, right in front of everyone! We made sure to keep all the chocolates out of reach, our Dear Children most certainly would not leave candy and chocolates laying around EVERYWHERE!
4. Which leads me to the mess they most certainly did not make. Kids making a mess - Ha! Whoever heard of such non-sense! Why, it's practically unheard of!
5. Speaking of unheard did I really take Dear Son to the park without shoes? Didn't he hear me when I ever so sweetly asked him to put them on? Weird, because my children ALWAYS listen!
6. Like when I said only a few candies yesterday and they all said (sweetly of course) " you bet Mom" So seeing as how they ALWAYS listen - they most certainly did not eat WAY too much!
7. And on the way home from Grandma's they did not instantly crash, still sticky from too many marshmallow bunnies and gummies, leaving Dear Husband and I to ponder : "do you thing Grandma noticed all that?"

Mondays: New Week, New Beginnings, New Life!

I am ever so grateful today!










171. Christ lives! Hallelujah!
172. The celebration of His eternal love, the fulfillment of Christ's promise, the ultimate sacrifice
173. Hope renewed!
174. Joy and peace that flow and fill my heart
175. Such an amazing love











176. Sharing the beauty of the resurrection
177. Dear family and friends
178. Being part of a wonderful body of Christ
179. The gifts of victory and freedom
180. His blood shed - for me

Hallelujah! Christ is Risen!

Our hearts rejoice! Christ is risen! We sing out in gladness, we shout for joy, our hearts delight, for our Saviour lives! Our spirits are lifted up, for hope is renewed and the promise of eternal life has been fulfilled!

He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Matthew 28:6

May the beauty of the resurrection, the fulfillment of Christ's promise, the blessed evidence of His eternal love, God's hope, love, peace and joy make this the most blessed Easter yet! Happy Easter to you all!

In Christ and for His glory,


Camie

As Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4

Finding Joy

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1Thessalonians 5:16-18

The ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. Isaiah 35:10.

Today is Good Friday. A day mixed with deep sorrow yet indescribable joy. A sombre day to contemplate, rest and seek ones heart; when I think that it was my sin that nailed Christ to the cross, sorrow that sin still affects my day to day. Sorrow that many reject this incredible gift - the ultimate love sacrifice. Yet joy overwhelms my heart, melts away the sorrow as I cling to the cross where my sins were atoned. My ransom paid. Joy that I AM FREE! Free to be His, free from sin and death.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Joyfully His,


Camie

Come, Let Us Worship Him

Celebrating Christ

How do you prepare for Christ?

How do you prepare your heart?

I found this excellent idea over at 5 Minute Mom and couldn't resist! We had so much fun painting and sharing. When it was all dry we took turns cutting and hung the cross on our kitchen wall. Dear Husband, our sweet children and I all wrote something and left room for more. As the week has gone by we have added our hurts, struggles, fears, areas we need Christ, forgiveness, healing and hope on the cross. On Good Friday we will spend time in prayer going over our list, giving Him these burdens and laying them down at His feet. We'll talk about forgiveness, what it means to repent, how Jesus came to redeem us and how we have freedom and victory over those things which we wrote and shared. Come Easter morning everything shall be wiped off and replaced with loving words. We will celebrate and soak in His goodness!

I think this will become our newest Easter tradition!

Well maybe not this part...

How do you celebrate Christ?

Love, Between The Sheets

Last night I was rather cold and weary, hopping into bed I got all cozy near Dear Husband who was almost asleep. I snuggled into my sheets and started to drift off...Softly, sweetly, I was almost asleep when Dear Husband quietly asked for a head rub. He had a headache earlier that night and it wasn't giving him any rest.

Truth be told my first thought was "awe, I just got all cozy and I'm facing the wrong way and I just want to sleep!" But as I turned over to see this dear friend, the love of my life, my sweet and strong husband I simply said "I love you" My heart ached for him as I watched him sleep. If only he knew how deeply I care him. If only I was better at showing him.

I was overcome with love for him in that moment. My heart wanted to hug and hold him, kiss and melt into his caress.

How blessed am I to have such a guy in my life. One who is ever so faithful, kind and loving. One who diligently cares for his family, who seeks the best for them.

Truth be told I am not the easiest person to live with. I don't always make it easy on him and I give him his fair share of grief. And still he loves me. And still he stays. And still he cares.

Such love is a gift. A gift I am truly grateful for.

161. My dear husband

162. His love for me

163. His caresses

164. All his hard work

165. His dedication to our family, our home and our marriage

166. Hi smile, his laugh and that twinkle in his eye

167. His eyes, those gorgeous, handsome blue eyes

168. His grace and tenderness towards me

169. Laying next to him every night and waking with him in the morning light

170. Our love, truly a gift from Him who loves best

Plowing Forward Into A New Season

Feeling quite...busy...thoughtful...

I have lots I want to write but not enough time. My day pulls me in many directions, here, there - everywhere! We've been dealing with, praying for and pressing through heart issues. We've been loving, learning, seeking, trying and hanging on.

This week and last we resolved to try a new and creative approach in our homeschooling, with one daughter in particular. A dear friend has been encouraging me and helping me. Imagine Super-nanny (Jo Frost) only with a friend, home school style! It's been great actually and so much more then that - feels like community, sisterhood and grace. Thank-you friend, your understanding, wisdom and support mean more to me then you'll ever know!

After having spent the most of this school year dealing with much illness and falling quite behind we are plowing forward, full steam ahead. A new season is here!

And a beautiful season it will be.

Dear Husband and I prayed over our decision to continue or not and the Lord was ever so faithful in speaking to my husband. He (Dear Husband) has been so encouraging and supportive towards me. This week all of his own, he has been leading our family in prayer and in the Word. I can feel a new season upon us not only in our homeschooling but in our hearts and home.

The Lord is good.

And I shall walk in this goodness as He is by my side and he make all things new!

In this new season, a season of hope, a season of old things gone, a season of life and resurrection I want to walk in the newness of life.

"We were buried with Him...that just as Christ raised from the dead...even so we also should walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4)"

Just as the new grass grows and little green buds poke out from underneath the dirt so does hope. It grows through the dirt in my heart, pushes it's way through the rubble and consumes me - like the warmth of the sun spilling through the window.

Indeed a new season is upon us!

Fears and Hurts and Struggles - Oh My!

We all have them; fears, hurts and struggles. They plague our lives, interrupt dreams and prevent us from moving forward. I have had times in my life when a fear was so strong I felt I couldn't move, when a hurt was so raw I struggled to even breath. I have felt so powerless at times and came face to face with the proverbial brick wall and not known what to do. Or I have known what to do but I couldn't move forward, stuck in a rut as they would say. These emotions, memories, day-to-day struggles affect all I do.

When I look back on my life I see when God was leading me, His Holy Spirit guiding me ever so gently. That still soft voice that calls. That awesome and powerful presence. I also see when the enemy has tried to pull me under, tempting me, clouding me with confusion, taunting me, luring me to destruction. I have always believed that in front of me are two paths, one which the Lord has set for me and one where the enemy attempts - unrelentingly - to trap me on. I have been on both.

I have many stories to share, stories of a girl who ran as far from Him as she could only to come face to face with Him. Stories of a girl, who at her weakest, when life was at it's darkest found light and strength in Him. No matter where I've been or what I've done, He has always taken what went wrong and made it right. His glory can be seen throughout my life. His hand has always followed me and has always been reached out for me to grab. I know that He won't ever let go as He has carried me when I least expected it - when I least deserved it.

I have a been learning to live in His grace and mercy. To live and claim His victory over my fears, hurts and struggles. This is part of the path He calls me to - a path that offers freedom, victory, joy, healing, peace and forgiveness. Though they will come (fears, hurts and struggles) He is made strong in my weakness. His joy gives me strength. His grace and mercy are new every day. He came to show the way, in Him I will not perish. He gives me rest, He leads me in which way I should go and it is good. He is good.

When I remember all of this and rest in His word, I am able to over come those fears and hurts. I can see my struggles for what they are and I find refuge in Him.

   

He offers this to you as well dear ones; love, freedom, peace, joy, forgiveness - such beautiful gifts. There is nothing that you can do, say or think that leaves you to far gone. And it is never too late. One thing I have learned and daily remind myself of, is this incredible love - a love that covers ALL. His love covers ALL! If you find yourself overcome with fear, weighed down by hurts or drowning in struggles; reach out to Him - He's there. He always will be.

I am Grateful for :

140. Birthdays! Especially yours



141. All your little ways

142. The way you stick out your tongue when you concentrate

143. Your goofy side

144. When you bring out mine



145. That smile!

146. Your giggles and grins



147. The way you look up to your big sister



149. Trampolines

150. And Autumn leaves



151. Those beautiful, bright blue eyes



152. How brave you are



153. Celebrating all your birthdays and the incredible gift of you



154. The way you learn



155. Your sweet and caring side and knowing that one day you'll be an amazing mom



156. Your friendships



157. Your set ups and the way you play! You are always so creative and fun!



158. Sisterhood - You are one special sister

159. How loving you are towards your siblings



160. How wonderfully beautiful you are and the lovely young lady you are growing into



Happy Birthday Madison!

Lord Jesus, I pray a very special blessing over Madison. I pray You would guard her, guide her and always hold her close. Thank-You for making her so wonderfully, for all her traits, her little ways and her beautiful and gentle heart. Shape her ever so gently and help me to be the mother she needs me to be. Thank-You Jesus for Madison,
I am especially grateful for her.

What Happens in Banff - Stays in Banff!

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words...