Adventure Is Out There

I am filled with such excitement as I write this blog. It has been a dream of ours for several years to become full-time RVers and travel the US with our children. We've had lots of people ask, "why would you want to do that" or "how are you going to do that" or "why not wait until you are retired and your kids are grown"? Well here's the answer, we are never guaranteed a new day here on earth. What if I told you that we love to be with our children and this is a journey that we want to take with them, not after they are gone? The plain and simple answer is, we have too much stuff! We live in a society that puts all the "STUFF" on a pedestal. If we don't have a house with acreage or a car and a boat or RV then we just aren't living life. What if we trade having all our stuff for quality time with our family?

In any given week, my husband works up to 60 hours and for what? He works to pay for all of our "stuff". We have chosen to trade all of our stuff for time with him and each other. We know we love camping and we know we can live together in a small space for long periods of time. We have always considered the campground as our mission field. We meet so many people from all walks of life and love connecting and fellowshipping with them.

So here goes, we have set a date and are transforming a school bus into an RV (skoolie). We have lots to do, but are super excited about the journey together. Our plan is to travel for awhile and see God's creation and learn through nature. There are so many beautiful places here in the US that we have never seen and we want to experience them WITH our kids.

Before you ask, Everything is okay, we are NOT losing our minds or having a nervous break down. We are just choosing to live (what we think is) our best life. Not someday, but RIGHT NOW!

We hope you will choose to follow our journey. We will have a page that you can connect with us and follow us on our adventure. Just simply comment if you'd like to be added.

We covet your payers on this endeavor. It seems quite overwhelming right now, but we are determined and look forward to the change and growth that it will bring to our family.

Good Perspective

The thoughts of another school year have started. Lots of children in our area have already started back to school for a fresh new year. This is a time that can bring some anxiety to homeschooling parents. What curriculum do we use, what programs should we participate in and if you are like me, can I really do this another year?

I was able to have some solitude over the summer and do some real thinking on this topic. As a homeschooling mom of 4 (now) and one who should start some preschool activities this year, I was faced with that question, "Can I really do this?". Well the obvious answer is YES I CAN! I have homeschooled one who has now graduated and moved on with his life as an adult and is thriving! I have another finishing her senior year this year and has great plans for her future!

YES, I can do this!

The days are long and my road is still very long with really no end in sight for many years to come. It is so easy to think of the negative and all the many reasons why I can't do this job. I had even considered the possibility of putting one or maybe up to 3 in school this year, but during that quiet evening with God he reminded me of my calling and my job here.

My husband is a wonderful encourager to me and reminds me daily of the reasons why I started this journey and how this job (as hard as it is) is so worth it. God showed me a clear perspective just yesterday when we ran in to an elderly woman in the grocery store. She asked the kids if they were ready to start school, etc. The topic of how they were homeschooled was started. She asked me why I do it? With no hesitation, I named so many reasons why. The flexibility, the assurance of knowing what they are learning, the freedom to pick who they hang out with and most importantly the blessing of spending this time with them were some of my answers. She quickly answered, "I fully understand". One day when I am in my 70's I can look back on young families and give encouragement as to why it is important to spend time with your kids. We can't get this time back!

"You'll never look back on life and think, "I spent too much time with my kids".- Kimberly McLeod


So here goes, ordering our curriculum and gearing up for another year of school! Hang in there Mama, you can do it too! Hope this encourages someone today!

Camp Host Life (Season 6)

I can hardly believe that six years have passed since we decided to give Camp Hosting a try. We have thoroughly enjoyed being in the parks and working side by side with some amazing people. Our kids have grown up in the park and we have added two more children since the journey began! The simplicity of living in a camper with little to no internet and tv is a blessing in this society of too much technology and always rushing to do another thing.

We have seen many park staff come and go and just like in any family there can be some "drama" but we always find our place, feel welcome, and leave with so many new lifelong friends.

As a park host, our duties include checking in campers, cleaning the campground and bath house and basically just meeting and enjoying wonderful fellowship with people from all walks of life. One of the best things about homeschooling is that we can do this anywhere we go and are able to live this wonderful lifestyle. Every year when we return home, I realize how "things" don't matter but the time we spend with our children and others matters SO MUCH MORE! 

FUN FACT: We have 940 Saturdays between the day our children are born and the day they turn 18 (260 of them are gone by their 5th birthday)!

How are you spending your days with your children? This time can't be gotten back. Why not spend it doing things in nature and teaching your children to love their surroundings and the people around them.

If you have ever considered becoming a camp host, I highly recommend! The volunteer hours aren't hard and the experience is definitely worth the investment.

Happy Camping!

Mama's making a comeback!

Where has the time gone? Almost a year ago, our family went from a family of six to a family of eight. At first, I thought no big deal I can handle this. Of course I have managed to handle it, but looking back now sometimes I wonder how I did. Having a newborn is having a newborn whether you gave birth to that baby or not. The job is still LONG and hard, but still SO worth it. Foster children of course come with challenges no matter their age.

Most of you know that I had grown to love running. When our family dynamics changed, I had to place that on the back burner to nurture and stabilize the children that God had placed in our family. I really questioned if I'd ever be able to get back to it. I mean having six children doesn't leave a whole lot of room for "extra curricular" activities.

At the end of the year last year, a friend of ours from church told me about a wonderful woman's group of runners that meets in the early morning to run before their husbands left for work. My first thought was NO WAY! I knew my personality, the demands for my day, and the fact that I still had a baby who wasn't sleeping through the night. Let's just say I have never really been a morning person. As we moved closer to the new year, I continued to think about my desire to run again. January 1 I set the goal to run 1,000 miles this year. With that goal, I knew I had to push myself to run at least 20 miles a week. I needed encouragement, motivation, and dedication to do this.
At the end of February I decided to give the group and the early morning running a try.

This morning marks five weeks since I joined these woman. I have only missed one of the regular weekly runs. I started SLOW, VERY SLOW but today, I ran a pace that I haven't run for years and one that quite frankly I never thought I could run again. I'm only getting older! Haha!
With the help and encouragement of this group of woman, who not only run with me, but minister to my stay at home Mama soul, I a running again!!!!
I logged over 20 miles last week and I am only getting stronger.

I share this for those of you who have goals that you have put on the back burner. Life happens, plain and simple. We can't stop it, but we can make a choice to keep our bodies, minds, and spirits happy and healthy. I am a better wife and Mom for running.
I am strong, I am more confident, and I come home ready to tackle the day. Even my kids have noticed and said, "Mom you are so much more happier now".

I hope this post encourages other Moms today to get out and do something for you. Just because you are a busy Mom, does not mean you can't take time for you.

Thanks to all of you who have helped me over the past year. It has been a journey, but one I am so thankful for. Now that I have a baby who is sleeping and am coming out of the "new Mom fog" I can see that LIFE IS GOOD and we are SO BLESSED!

Stay tuned for more news on our foster children.....hope to update by mid April on this!

A July to Remember

Once again this summer we decided to be camp hosts at Twin Lakes State Park. Despite having two extra children, we still decided to go and were very glad that we did. I found it to be a little more challenging with a new baby, but we made it work. 

The children were able to participate in many park activities including: swimming, canoeing, paddle boarding, fishing, and even some frog catching, owl prowling, and fox watch! We had lots of family visit this year and camp with us as well as some friends which made our stay even more enjoyable. Abby and Baker made LOTS of new friends from the campground and that was so fun to encourage. 

This volunteer job is so rewarding! We were able to meet even more wonderful people this summer. Our kids always love the time spent at this park and this year we really became part of the Twin Lakes Family. From the office staff and management, the rangers, interpreters, snack shop employees, and even the lifeguards we developed friendships that will last even after the tans fade. 

 What a wonderful opportunity this is for families! I would love to see more families volunteering to be camp hosts in our local parks. If you love camping, being outside, and just meeting new people, this is the perfect job for your family. 
We plan to be back at Twin Lakes again next summer and will be at another local park in October this year. Come see us if you can!

If you would like more information on becoming a Camp Host, we are happy to share. 

Happy Camping!

Abby's Animal Chores Saga

Our oldest two children have been away for "Camp Grandma" in Alaska for the past 9 days. Abby with her servant's heart and a desire to step up to the role of "oldest" for a little while, decided she would take over the animal chores. She knew I had my hands extra full with my big helpers being gone. We decided to let her do this. We figured it would be a good life lesson for her and besides she had her sidekick, Baker to help!

SO this is how the last week has gone......

Day 1- The two headed out to collect the eggs. After dropping and breaking one each, they returned with a handful of eggs.

Day 2- Same chore of collecting eggs, and they let the chickens out!

Day 3- Abby saw that the pigs needed feed, she dumped about the whole container (at least a week's worth of food) out for them. Their pot bellies were dragging the ground and they didn't even want to eat for days after this!

Day 4- The dynamic duo discovered that the pigs were out of water. Instead of "bothering" me and asking for help, she hooked up the garden hose and tried to run it out to the pigs. It wouldn't reach around one side of the house, so she tried the other way. The whole time she was attempting to make the hose reach, it was on and water was running EVERYWHERE! Baker was having a blast playing in the water and was soaking wet when I discovered what was going on! This day actually could have won America's Funniest Home Videos had I thought about recording it!

Day 5- She realized that her rabbit was growling and trying to scratch her when she tried to get in and get her bowl, so she just decided NOT to feed her! When we finally realized this was going on the poor thing was SUPER hungry!

Day 6- Too many fish food pellets in the fish bowl!  However, the fish DID survive.

Day 7- This is the day that ended the animal chores for Abby. The two headed out to check for eggs. We have known for a couple weeks that a snake has been sneaking in to snack on our eggs because he's been caught in there more than a couple times. BUT this day, Abby wasn't paying attention. She collected the eggs, and when they were on the way back into the house, they spotted that black snake just slowly slithering across the path. Aaron and I were sitting inside and heard screaming from both of them SO LOUD that I'm sure any "neighbors" thought they were having their legs and arms cut off! Aaron took off running to see what was the matter, fully expecting to see some blood of some sort. NOPE, it was just that snake minding his own business, making his way into the woods and Abby and Baker just standing there ( a number of feet away) screaming, holding each other, and shaking in fear! Of course Aaron shared the story of the "girl who cried wolf" again to them, and that they shouldn't scream like that unless something is truly wrong and so on and on. Dad rescued them, scooped the snake, up and found him a new home far away from our chicken coop. Abby decided on this day that she'd rather not do animal chores anymore unless an adult comes with her.

SO glad the big kids come home tomorrow! Never a dull moment around here and that's for sure!

Mama Life is Good

I have so many people say to me, "How do you do what you do?" or " You sure have your hands full" or even "I could never do what you do."

As I was making strawberry jam today, I was thinking about my job. My job does have so many different tasks and duties. It isn't easy and sure not your regular 9-5 job. A mother's job is never ending. It requires hard work, patience, long hours, and consistency. This is the kind of work that pays off and is rewarding every day. Even though there are some days that I struggle and am so tired, I wouldn't trade this life for anything. 

Right now as I type this, my oldest son is in the kitchen cooking supper, my oldest daughter is helping to freeze strawberries, and my younger three are playing together nicely. I have a moment to relax and ponder these things. My task is to teach these children how to live life, how to love, and most importantly, how to grow into responsible human beings. 

I am blessed beyond measure for this job and so thankful for the opportunity. When I left my 9-5 job years ago to be a stay at home, homeschooling Mom I never imagined that I could do it, much less be good at it and enjoy it. On the days that I struggle, I just pray and God gives me the strength I need to do this job HE has called me to. 

I often read Proverbs 31 and truly aspire to be that kind of woman.

" A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies. 

 Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life. 

 She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands. 

She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar. 

 She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants. 

 She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 

 She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks. 

 She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night. 

 In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 

She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy. 

 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 

 She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 

 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 

 She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes. 

 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come. 

She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 

 She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness. 

Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her: 

“Many women do noble things,      

 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

Hope this is encouraging to other Mom's!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

We had what felt like a longer than usual winter this year here in Virginia, and everyone in our house is ready for summer!

It is time once again to plant the garden. This is one of our favorite things to do as a family. We spent the past weekend preparing the "spot" and started planting today. We have found our "river bottom" soil to be the best spot for our garden. This is LOTS of work, but so worth it come fall when we have fresh garden veggies to last us for the winter.

We planted tomatoes, cucumber, squash, zucchini, watermelon, cantaloupe, peppers (many varieties), and eggplant. We will plant our corn and beans tomorrow.
I can't wait to make dill pickles and salsa. Not to even mention how excited we all are for a homegrown tomato sandwich!
I decided to plant my own dill this year for the pickling along with my basil and other herbs.

Stay tuned for more garden tips, recipes, and just some fun family photos of our garden.

Well, some planted, some rested, and some played! Great family day!

My New Adventure

Life has been a bit busy here lately. In late January, I was sick with Scarlett Fever.  Shortly thereafter, I was diagnosed with Foraminal Stenosis. This left me feeling very discouraged. I hadn't run, and had lost all my energy. I began to search for something that would help me feel better and give me the strength and energy I needed to start running again and to just keep up with the kids.

I began to see story after story about tremendous success with AdvoCare. One of my friends from high school became a distributor with this company and had been sharing many of the stories on her Facebook page. I decided it wouldn't hurt to give it a try...... so I did.

I started with the 10 day cleanse and decided I needed to go ahead and finish their "24 day Challenge". Before I was even half way through the challenge I found myself 6 pounds lighter and feeling much more energetic.
Today I even ran a 5k! I have not run this kind of distance since early this year (before I was sick). I feel fantastic and I know it is because of AdvoCare!

Needless to say, I decided to become a health and wellness coach and distributor with this company too. I am super excited to continue on these products and share them with everyone around me.

Thank you so much, Andrea for leading me to AdvoCare and to all my friends and family who have helped me start my business!

If you would like to learn more about AdvoCare, please email me at hillbilliehousewife@gmail.com or simply check out my website, https://www.advocare.com/150338699.

Here's to a new healthier you (and me)!

Give God the Pieces

"The best way to heal a broken heart is to give God all the pieces". 

It is very hard for me to believe that it has already been a year since our last foster child went home. I am reminded this week of all of our precious memories that we had with him. We have spent the past few days sharing these memories with each other as we look through the photos. This past year has been hard for me. As a Mom, I think we just experience things differently than others. When we love a child (our birth children or foster or adopted children) we love with our whole heart. Loving with our whole heart is exactly the way that God commands us to love, but boy do we set ourselves up for tremendous heartbreak!

 I cried for weeks before he left, cried the day he left, and have cried SO many times during this last year that I have lost count.  I cried just today as I was considering this blog and what I would write as I remembered and thought about him. I thought about all the times that I had to get up in the night to care for him. Whether it was to ease his pain from a bad dream, clean up his bed and comfort him while he was sick, or walk him through some of his various other struggles. Those were tough moments but they are still memories and they are things I will never forget.

 I thought about the smiles, laughs, hugs, and firsts with him. I thought about how he called me "Mom" and when he did for the first time, it melted my heart! I thought about how our youngest son and him were like twins and the sadness that he has had missing him over the past year. 

Then, I spent some time wondering was it worth it? All of the hard things, the good things, and the pain in the loss and grieving. Was all of that worth it? Where do we go from here? Why do we do this job?

The answer is so clear! Of course we do! We do this job because this is what the Lord has called us to do. We do this job because there are still so many children who need us. We do this job because it is worth it, all of it is worth it to be the hands and feet of Jesus and to love those less fortunate who need us. 

Time will continue to heal our pain and even though we still have days that we can say, "we miss him". We carry on because we know God will heal us and has a perfect plan for these children and for our family. So, as we reflect and remember the good, the bad, and the hard parts I also remember and keep reciting our "Foster Care Verse":

 I Corinthians 15:58 "Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord".

WATSIT2U?

 I was in the attic putting away Christmas decorations and I found an old license plate that said, "WATSIT2U". I got this at a Clay Walker concert back in the 90's. Any of you who knew and loved country music back in the 90's will remember the lyrics to that Clay Walker song. "I know what love is, what's it to you"? I shared with my kids the memories about that concert and what the tag meant, and began to think about those eight characters. What is love to me? What is my life to me? What are my values to me? What are my children to me?

As this new year begins, I am faced with a decision. Excuse or healthy choice? Watsit2u? I can choose to stay inside where it is warm or head out for my run. I can choose to let my children get away with telling lies or discipline them so they will learn that lying is not going to be tolerated. I can choose to eat an extra slice of pizza or just stick to the portion size that I know is more than enough. I can choose to be unloving to my husband or to show him the love and respect he deserves. It is so easy to make excuses and accept those excuses as the right or healthy decisions in our lives. If we continue to do that, we will not be the person (or create the little persons) we want. We should strive each day to make the right and healthy decisions instead of the lazy and easy excuses.

If we want to be healthy, we have to choose to eat healthier and make a point to exercise. If we want to raise godly children, we have to choose to discipline our children. If we want a healthy and loving marriage we have to work on our marriage. Marriage is NEVER easy! I am finding that as I ask the Lord to help me make these decisions each day, He then comes along side of me to help me in these areas. We all slip back into old habits and it is okay to just start over.  I decided I needed a "re do" in 2015. I let 15 pounds slip back on and had let other bad habits creep back into my life. We can choose TODAY to make our life better. My life to me is one where I am happy, healthy, loving the Lord, my husband and my family. Watsit2u?

I Corinthians 6:20- "You were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

Fall- A Wonderful Time for Reflection

Welcome fall! This is my favorite time of year. I love the crisp, cool air and changing leaves. I love pumpkin everything, sweaters, boots, and the first fire in the wood stove. My husband said the other night as a storm was blowing in, "the winds of change are here". This wind was bringing much cooler temperatures. We sat and watched the leaves blow; still holding on for a few more weeks. I realized this is a perfect time for reflection.

I decided a couple weeks ago that I needed to take a break from social media. I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to do this for some time, but it is always so hard for me. This makes it even more evident that it is much needed.
 I enjoy talking to people, but I also enjoy people watching. Since June of this year, I have been doing a little experiment, I decided to watch other Moms when we were out and about. At the zoo, at the park, movie theater, even at restaurants when we were out for date nights.  I recognized one thing....the same thing was everywhere I went. Parents on their mobile devices ALL OF THE TIME! 
This was me until we decided about a year ago that it would be best to down grade and take Internet access off of my phone. In fact, I just decided to go back to a simple phone that was only able to make calls and text. This was very hard because as I mentioned before, I am a VERY social person. The fact that we are so attached to our phones and not our children, our husbands, and everything around us is very real and upsetting to me. 

Even after I took away the access on my phone, I was still connected more than I should have been at home. My kids deserve more from me than a Mom who is so "in to" her Facebook and other social media that she can't even listen to what they have to say or look up for one minute to enjoy the beautiful picture they had just colored in their coloring book! This was me! 

What did we do before all of this social media and Internet access? Well, I remember. We actually communicated with people on the phone or face to face. Moms didn't miss the little "sweet" moments that are only given to us for a short time.
 I actually watched as a Mom and Dad at the zoo this summer, "lost" their toddler for a few minutes because they were so "in to" their phones that they didn't even see the small child wander off. When they realized he was gone, they were panicked.  I had kept an eye on him so I could say, "he is over there, I saw him run off a minute ago".

Our Pastor has been speaking to us about time and how much each of us are given each week. When you look at the time we have, break it down into how we use it, it is an eye opening realization that this is all we have. We can't make more time or borrow time from someone else. What we have is all we have. 

So, as I sat on my front porch watching the cool rain hit the colorful leaves preparing for a new season, I thought that is just what I want to do. I want to take some time to reflect on what has been this year so far and prepare for what is to come. 

What has been? Well, our family had a wonderful summer. We have had so many things to be thankful for and enjoy. We have also been through a couple difficult spots with foster care and other hard things that all families go through. 

What to prepare for? I want to be present in my children's lives. I don't want to look back some day and wish that I had spent more time with them instead of always focused on other things. I want to watch my five year old go across on the monkey bars at the playground for the first time (something I would have missed had I been on my phone). 

I decided to homeschool my children for many different reasons, but the main one was to be able to enjoy time with my kids. I need to take the time to enjoy them, I need to get back to how it used to be. 

It has been almost three weeks now since I deactivated my Facebook account. It was tough at first, but so worth it. I'm not sure when or even if I will decide to "re-connect", but for now I'm enjoying every minute of what God has blessed me with. 

I challenge you, my friends to take some time to reflect. What has been? What do you need to prepare for? What changes do you feel you need to make to be a better Mom or Dad? I promise it will be well worth the time "away" from social media to figure it out!


"Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you." ~Carl Sandburg

Camp Hosting.......A Great Family Affair

Our family has always enjoyed camping and had heard about camp hosting before and thought it would be something neat to do some day. After years of thinking about it, we actually decided to give it a try this summer. For those of you who are unfamiliar with camp hosting, I will give you a little overview of what camp hosts do. The camp host can be found at some campgrounds (not every campground has a camp host position). The camp host is responsible for checking campers in, helping them in any way, being a liaison between camp staff and camper, cleaning/tidying bath house, cleaning camp sites and fire pits, etc. Duties for camp hosts can vary between campgrounds. Most camp host positions are volunteer ( you can some find some paid camp host jobs too).

We had the awesome opportunity to host at Twin Lakes State Park here in Virginia (just outside of Farmville). The park is absolutely beautiful and the staff were very welcoming and easy to work with.  We have learned that there doesn't seem to be too many young families who sign up for this job. I figure it is just because they don't know about the many wonderful benefits of camp hosting. We were the first family to host at Twin Lakes. They have never had young children with the hosts and were quite excited to have us. I often heard, "It's like we have six camp hosts instead of just one or two." The children met great friends and had so much fun riding their bikes, helping work in the office, check in campers, participate in the many great kids activities, and of course loved swimming in the lake! Aaron and I had the opportunity to make some new friends too and really enjoyed getting to meet and talk to so many people from all areas.

Even though Aaron still worked during the week (at his normal job) he often said that he felt like he was on vacation because he was able to come "home" to the campground each evening and just relax by the camp fire. I really enjoyed the trails and getting to talk (most of you know how much I enjoy talking). The work is not hard and we found it was actually enjoyable for us. The two days off during the week enabled me to bring the kids away for a little "break" and an opportunity for us to come home and check on our animals and other chores back home.

I met one lady named Leslie from South Africa, she was such a joy to get to know. She was a runner so of course we hit it off right away. She had traveled to many places and seen many things. She made the comment, "it is neat to learn that we don't need to have so much stuff to be happy".  I learned that lesson during this past month. Our family ( a family of six) lived in that camper with just the necessities and we drew so close! I can not even begin to express to you the bond that we formed as a family through this experience. There is just something about not having to worry about "things, stuff"....just you, your loved ones and your necessities.  It almost made Aaron and I want to stay out on the road. Some how I think we would really enjoy that lifestyle!
 Well, maybe one day when our kids are grown and gone, but for now we will most definitely be taking this opportunity again. We will be back to Twin Lakes next year and maybe even try another State Park. The opportunities and memories are endless! What a great way to teach your children a strong work ethic while having great fun! I would like to invite some of you younger families to check out the benefits of camp hosting and would be happy to pass along more information if you are interested.

Happy Camping!

It's Okay To Start All Over Again

After logging almost one thousand running miles in 2013, I decided that my New Year's resolution for 2014 would be to rest. I didn't have any major running goals to reach.

Well, life happened as it always does, and I found myself just a lazy, depressed Mom again. About a month ago, I realized that if I had even run at all that week it was two miles. Really! I had gone from running 20 or more miles every week to 2! Even though I had decided that this year would be a year of rest, I hadn't planned to quit or almost quit running altogether!

It is so easy to fall into old habits and let your mind tell you that it's okay to be lazy. I don't want to be lazy! I really enjoy being active, fit, and healthy! Besides, what is that teaching my kids? I always want to be an inspiration and healthy role model for them. 

SO, I am starting all over again. I have NO idea how long it will take me to build back my endurance for running, but if I don't start I will never get it back.  This week I have committed to start training for a half marathon scheduled for September. Then, I'll just go from there and see what other great races may be added before the end of the year. 

I am so blessed and thankful to have so many wonderful running friends who have been a constant support and encouragement to me.

Consider the Lilies

"Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind."

                                                                                                                         Luke 12:27-29

This is one of my favorite passages in scripture. Every year at this time, I am reminded of these verses and the promise that God will take care of us. We need not worry! I must say, some days are just hard. Life is just hard. God never promised us that things would be easy or that we wouldn't have disappointment in this life.  I have taken the past six months or so off from my blogging. Mainly because I just needed "quiet" time. We have had a few disappointments, but also have had many wonderful things happen during this time to be very thankful for. Each day that we have gives us a new opportunity to learn what it is that God would have us to do to help others. 

I am learning how to be a Mom to two teenagers! That is a hard job ANY day, but I think is a little more challenging when you have two younger children coming along behind. Children who are learning and watching each and every thing those big kids do! I feel I am constantly seeking scripture and advice from other great Moms who have gone before me. 

I am blessed beyond measure and so thankful for each new day, each and every flower that blooms, and especially each "transition" as it only teaches me something new and brings me closer to my Heavenly Father saying, "Well done good and faithful servant". 

Blessing to you today!

Foster Care- "How Do You Do It?"

My husband Aaron and I have been foster parents for four years. During this time, we have had several children come through our home. I often hear, "I don't know how you do it! How could you take in a child and give them back?"

 Well, I must say that this is one of the hardest things I have ever done. This job is so hard! Some times I even wonder myself how I will get through it. We have spent the past year and a half nurturing and loving on a little one who will return home to his Mom next week. As I pack his things, and prepare our children for this, I realize that this won't be easy. If there is one thing (there are lots of things), but one thing that has been a huge lesson for me it is that this job and loving these children is not about me. I have had to totally trust God and learn that he is not my child but his. Just like in raising our own children whether they are biological or adopted, they are a gift from the Lord. He is just "gifting" them to us for this time. They all belong to him!

I must also admit that there have been times in the past few days that I feel like I can't even breathe. My heart just hurts and is so sad. I really feel like I am losing one of my children. God does know our hearts and the path for our family. He has a perfect plan for us. I have total peace that God has another child for our family. I don't know if that child will be one that we can adopt or just love temporarily, but I do know that whatever the plan it will be perfect. The only thing I can do is to be obedient to what he has called us to do.

Isaiah 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers , they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze."

Just when I think I can't do this or there is no way I will make it, this is the verse that the Lord has given me to claim and hold on to.

There are so many children in need of love and a home. If you have ever considered foster care, I urge you to check into it. The job is hard, but the rewards are great so we push on!

Would you be a Phil Robertson?

 This whole Phil Robertson controversy has really got me thinking today. The Duck Dynasty show and Robertson family hasn't made it big because of the beards, the duck calls, or even their sweet Louisiana personalities. I really feel that the reason that millions of American people have fallen in love with this family is simply because of their beliefs, the fact that they speak the truth and we are very hard pressed to hear these things on many other TV shows or stations in America today. Things like, family means so much and reading and quoting scriptures from the Bible. Scriptures that this country was founded on! For me and my family, it is like a breath of fresh air watching this show, and not because we have gotten caught up in the phenomenon of Duck Dynasty, but because it is a show that we can sit together with our children and watch without being worried that they will see or hear something inappropriate or questionable to our beliefs. The fact that they pray at the end of the show (together around a meal) is my favorite part EVERY week. This is how our family, and many other christian families in America live every day! That is why we are drawn to them, they are us. I know this may sound funny, but besides having the wealth that this family has found in the duck call business, our family right here in Virginia could have a show very similar to this one!


So my thoughts this morning are, What if we were Phil Robertson? What if we had a stage as big as he does and millions of Americans attention to share the love of Christ and the truth of the Bible and what it teaches, what would we do with it? We are the "Phils" in our own town! If all these millions of American followers who are outraged right now would just STAND UP, stand up for their beliefs and what is right, I believe we would see a revival in our land. Yes, I said a revival! That is exactly what this country needs.

It is my challenge to each one of you who reads this today, to stand up for what you believe in. If each one of us would take the stand to do what is right in our own home, work place, and community just imagine what a difference we could make. It may not be easy, and sure you may be laughed at or ridiculed but isn't that what Christ said we would endure as believers? It is not meant to be easy, but we need to stand for what is right.

Christmas Crafts

We had a very rainy day here in Virginia today. I decided it was the perfect day to do some Christmas crafts. I just started pulling stuff that we already had out and the little ones had just collected some pine cones yesterday, so this is what we came up with. Fun for all on a rainy, December day!

 
 
Finished product: Candy canes, pine cone wreath, and an egg crate Christmas tree.

Thanksgiving Blessings

 Thanksgiving is a very special holiday to me. I have so many reasons to be thankful and I just love to share these things with friends and family. I consider it a wonderful blessing to teach my children the importance of giving thanks. The Lord has blessed us for many years with good things and it is only fitting that we return thanks to HIM for these blessings.

This year I am most thankful that we will have our foster child for one more holiday season. It has been a blessing and wonderful opportunity to minister to him. Even though the fostering job is a hard one, I am very thankful that God chose us to play a special part in this little guy's life. I would like to take this moment to encourage you (if you have ever thought about becoming a foster parent) to please check into this and get involved. There are so many children waiting for a special home and family to be a part of. Even if you don't think you could be a foster parent, reach out to a foster family in your town this holiday season. Foster families can always use a helping hand.

We have the wonderful tradition of spending the Thanksgiving holiday at the beach with my sister and her family. It is always such a wonderful time. I pray that each and every one of you will have a very blessed Thanksgiving.

Beck's Famous Pumpkin Rolls

Well, it is that time of year again. I LOVE the fall season! Pumpkins, falling leaves, cooler temps, and did I mention all that pumpkin goodness!? I really enjoy baking pumpkin dishes and one of my favorites to make is the pumpkin cake roll. My recipe isn't really anything special, I simply follow the recipe on the Libby's can of pumpkin.

I have lots of people ask me how I get them so perfect, but I think it comes with LOTS and LOTS of practice. I do not use a jelly roll pan, just a cookie sheet lined with foil. The key to rolling and filling a pumpkin roll is the amount of time you take to cool it (in my opinion). If you let it cool for too long it will crack when unrolling, filling, and rolling again. If you don't let it cool for long enough, your filling will melt and run everywhere.

SO, here are the steps I use to create the "perfect" pumpkin roll.

Step 1: Mix ingredients following recipe.

 

Step 2: Line a cookie sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray (generously).

 

 

 Step3: Prepare your towel for cooling. Lay a clean dish towel flat and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Step 4: Spread your batter evenly on foil lined pan.

 

 

 Step 5: Bake as directed 13-15 minutes. 13 minutes is perfect for my stove.

You want the cake to be a golden brown but not too golden! :)

 

 

 Step 6: Carefully turn cake out onto prepared towel.

 

 

 Step 7: Gently roll cake into the towel to cool.

I usually allow one hour to cool.

 

 

Step 8: Unroll cake and smooth on filling.

 

Carefully re-roll and you have a delicious and beautiful pumpkin roll!!!!