Daddy's Christmas Gifts for the Girls

Chad bought the girls two snowmobiles for Christmas. He was able to get a really good deal on some smaller full-size sleds. The girls absolutely love riding them. Dara, Eva, & Allyn have all had a chance to drive them themselves and had a lot of fun. Chad even took Dara and Eva for longer rides on the one registered sled. Allyn is on the Kitty Cat which the girls got a few years ago. Now they ask every day if they can ride the sleds!

44 ODD Things about me!

I got this email from my cousin and thought it would be fun to post my answers here. You can still copy and paste this if you want to do it in an email format. I would love to see your answers! I don't know why it isn't formatting the size all the same; I hope everyone can read it!

Learn 44 things about your friends, and let them learn 44 things about you! send back to me and to several more friends!!

1.Do you like blue cheese? yes

2. Have you ever smoked? no
3. Do you own a gun? yes, my grandpa made me one
4.What was your favorite Kool-Aid flavor? don't remember

5. Do you get nervous before doctor's appointments? no
6. What do you think of hot dogs? you don't want to know--it might change your opinion of them forever!

7. Favorite Christmas movie? Christmas Shoes

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? water

9. Do you do push ups? occasionally

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? wedding ring

11. Favorite hobby? scrapbooking

12. Do you have A.D.D.? no

13. What's one trait you hate about yourself? anger

14. Middle name? Nicole Anita
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment.. I hope everything goes well today, will there be enough food, I really should be baking or cleaning instead of on the computer!

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink. water, tea

17. Current worry? none

18. Currently hate right now? nothing
19. Favorite place to be? somewhere comfy reading a book

20. How did you bring in the New Year? went to bed early last year, planning on being at church this year

21. Where would you like to go? UP
22. Name three or more people who will complete this? Don't know since I'm not emailing it!

23. Do you own slippers? yes

24. What color shirt are you wearing right now? turquoise
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? not really

26. Can you whistle? yes

27. Favorite color? blue

28. Would you be a pirate? probably not
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? whatever I heard last

30. Favorite Girl's Name? Hope

31. Favorite boy's name? Ford

32. Last thing that made you laugh? Martha and the funny faces she makes

34. Best bed sheets as a child? don't remember
35. Worst injury you've ever had? sprained ankle (worse than my broken finger!)

36. Do you love where you live? yes and no--love my neighbors, wish I had a bigger house and was closer to family

37. How many TV's do you have in your house? 2
38. Who is your loudest friend? Missy

39. How many dogs do you have? 1

40. Does someone have a crush on you? Not that I know of and can't imagine anyone would

41. What is your favorite book? Bible

42. What is your favorite candy? Peanut Butter Cups

43. Favorite Sports Team? Don't have time for sports anymore

44. What song do you want played at your funeral? Probably, "I Can Only Imagine"

Are You Jesus?

I received this email today and thought it was too good to NOT share.

This is really powerful and makes one think!!!!

A few years ago, a group of salesmen went to a regional Sales convention in Chicago. They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner.

In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding. ALL BUT ONE !!!

He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned. He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their destination and explain his taking a later flight.

Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor. He was glad he did. The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping and no one to care for her plight. The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket. When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, 'Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?'

She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, 'I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly.'

As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, 'Mister....' He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes . She continued, 'Are you Jesus?'

He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: 'Are you Jesus?'

Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace. If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.

You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked you and me up on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.

Sometimes we just take things for granted, when we really need to be sharing what we know...

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS AND KEEP ON LOVING AND TAKING CARE OF EACH OTHER

New Stove

We finally got a new stove! I have had to be a McGyver (that date's me doesn't it?) to use our old one for quite a while. It finally came to a head when the propane regulator for the oven went out and to use it we had to use a long steel rod to bang on it for it to light. Before this happened, I had already told my parents that a gift certificate to Sears would be a good Christmas gift because I could use it towards a stove when we had the money. Well, we used part of Chad's Christmas bonus and my parent's gift to us to get our new stove. I am really liking it (and I've only used it this morning!) and it looks so much prettier than our old one! The old one served us well as we bought it used nine years ago for only $50, but it was time to let it go. The new one has five burners and a larger oven which will work well for our large family.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree . . .

. . . how lovely are your branches!

We have always had an artificial Christmas tree because of allergies, but last year we couldn't put it up because we didn't have the space to do it so I made a Christmas tree using cut-outs of the girls' hands. We then made ornaments and lights to put on it. Well, I guess my parents felt bad that the girls didn't have a tree to put their ornaments on, so they bought us this tree. It hangs on the wall and is 4 ft. tall. It doesn't hold all their ornaments, but they had so much fun getting out some of the ornaments and talking about how they were special just for them. I put our tree skirt under it and we will pile the presents around it. The babies love looking at the lights sparkle and it might even entice them to crawl because they are always reaching for the ornaments!

Where did they go?

It's amazing how the girls can be fighting like cats and dogs one minute, and then best buds the next. What is even more amazing is that sometimes they complain about not having their own space, and then they go and do this.

They made a fort under the piano and all five of the older girls were under there! I had been cleaning the bathroom and came out to check because it was really quiet. The only explanation was that they were all under the blankets, but I didn't think they would all fit. Well, if you look closely at the second picture you will see their hands sticking out to prove it. They have gone on to do this on a few other days because they enjoy "hiding".

Martha & Jaina--9m Update

9 months old! It's hard to believe that 9 months have already gone by, but it has. These girls still continue to amaze me and touch my heart. Just the other day they were nursing at the same time and were holding hands the entire time! It was just so cute. Then, they both wanted to stand up when I was trying to sit them down, so they grabbed onto each other (as if that would help!). It was cute, but I needed to sit them down so I could get their breakfast ready! They are eating food twice a day and nursing 4-5 times a day. I should probably being feeding them food at lunch as well. I guess I will start that this week.

Martha continues to crack me up almost every day. She has the cutest expressions and such a big smile. She is growing, just not very fast. She is 25 1/2" long and 13 lbs 14 oz. She still doesn't have any teeth, but I think she is working on them because she has been cranky and clingy for the past couple of days. She loves vegetables and only slightly tolerates fruits. If something is too sweet (which really isn't sweet to me), she just won't eat it. She loves when her sisters play with her. Just the other day, Sabra walked away to use the potty and Martha cried until she got back!

Jaina is so adorable! Where as Martha is happy almost all the time, Jaina usually won't smile in the morning until after she's nursed. After that, she is all smiles! She makes me laugh because she loves to dance. Whenever she hears music (even my cell phone ringing) she will start bopping up and down. It is just too cute! She is growing well. She is 26 1/2" long and 15 lbs. 8 oz. She loves all food, but prefers fruits. She got her second tooth just a few days after her first popped through. She also loves when her sisters play with her. She'll just sit and laugh at them. She enjoys banging toys together to make noise and puts every toy in her mouth.

Christmas Shopping Specials

I am offering some specials through my businesses for this week only (Dec. 8-Dec. 12). If you would like to take advantage of any of these offers, just let me know. Don't forget that I can give gift certificates as well (free shipping with each certificate--other specials do not apply).

Creative Memories

Save 10% for orders $0-$25
Save 15% for orders $26-$50
Save 20% for orders $51 and over
Free Shipping beginning at $75
Do a catalog show this month (sales total of at least $200) and receive 20% off your own order and free shipping! Your customers can experience free shipping as well!

Norwex

Save 10% for orders $0-$25
Save 15% for orders $26-50
Save 20% for orders $51-75
Save 25% for orders $76 and over
Receive free beginning at $50
If you schedule a demonstration to be held in January, receive a free pack of Spirnetts or a Spirisponge (your choice) at your demonstration!

Free Holiday Gift Giving

If you are like us, you need to find ways to trim your Christmas gift budget. I have some ideas for you. I have been part of "Dollar Stretchers" for a couple of years now. I receive emails every day with ideas on how to stretch a dollar. Well, this article had some good ideas that I just wanted to share with you. I have copied and pasted the whole article exactly as it was in the email so if you wanted to check out more from the author, you could do that. Some of these ideas I have heard before and even done, but some of them were new to me. I have my shopping already done, but I might "add" some of these gifts or keep the ideas for birthdays, anniversaries, or even next year.

10 Free Holiday Gifts
by Melissa Mayntz
Add more value to your holiday than any price tag can measure

Holiday gifts may be one of the last things to purchase on a
strict budget, but they are often the first things that
recipients notice missing, even without ill will. Gift givers
whose budgets are stretched this year, however, do not have to
play Scrooge with gift lists. These ten gifts are completely
free to give and will make a lasting impression both on the
giver and the recipient.

1. Companionship

Visiting an old friend or spending a chilly winter afternoon
with someone who is unable to get out is a great gift to warm
the hearts of both parties. A simple conversation, board game,
shared meal, or watching a movie is a great way to spend the
time together enjoying the holiday spirit.

2. A Letter

The "happy family update letter" is a popular feature for many
holiday cards, but nothing beats a hand-written, personal
letter. Longer than a quick note or signed greeting card, a
special letter can be reread and enjoyed throughout the
holiday season.

3. Coupons

It is easy to draw or print simple personal coupons to give as
stocking stuffers or meaningful gifts. A free kiss coupon is
perfect for couples, while kids will appreciate a "get out of
trouble free" coupon or a "dinner pick" certificate to choose
a favorite home cooked meal.

4. Services

Free labor is a great gift to share to help ease that special
someone's holiday burden. Offer to shovel snow for a week,
baby-sit during another holiday, or share special skills the
recipient can use, such as professional advice or tips that
are free to give but will be invaluable for them.

5. Quitting a Habit

Making a concerted effort to quit a bothersome habit like
biting fingernails, interrupting, etc. is a thoughtful way to
show someone that you've been listening to their requests for
you to stop throughout the year. Stronger habits such as
smoking and gambling may be more difficult to quit, but doing
so is an even more meaningful gift.

6. No Arguing

The perfect gift kids can give their parents is a day free
from petty arguments and fights. The same concept applies to
tense family situations or any social occasion when not
everyone may get along, but time free from that tension is a
great gift to offer.

7. Pampering

Pampering someone special doesn't have to cost a mint. Offer a
neck or foot massage, draw a warm bubble bath, or otherwise
treat them like they deserve all of this and more for a
thoughtful gift that will be thoroughly enjoyed.

8. Time Alone

Parents especially will appreciate the gift of time alone.
Offer to take care of the kids, answer the phone, and deal
with any emergencies that crop up in order to give the
recipient time to enjoy whatever they want or to catch up with
their own to-do list.

9. Day of Chores

A day of chores can be a useful and productive gift. Whether
it includes daily tasks such as cooking a meal and cleaning
the kitchen or too long delayed chores such as cleaning out
the garage or attic, offering a 24-hour period of complaint-
free servitude is sure to be appreciated.

10. Forgiveness

The holidays often bring family and personal problems into the
spotlight when fights break out or estrangements become
apparent. Make this holiday season extra special with the gift
of forgiveness, and move past disagreements to welcome the new
year with a new attitude toward one another.

It is easy to spend hundreds of dollars on the latest
clothing, technical gadgets, and must-have items during the
holiday season, but long before the bills are paid off, many
of those gifts are unused or forgotten. By choosing meaningful
free gifts to share, it is possible to trim the holiday budget
and add more value to it than any price tag can measure.
_______________________

Melissa Mayntz is a freelance writer and editor from Utah. She
has written more than 1,500 articles for print and online
markets, and she edits manuscripts for publishers and
individual writers. Learn more at www.MelissaMayntz.com.

Take the Next Step:
- Don't miss all of our great ideas for frugal holiday gifts
at http://www.stretcher.com/menu/topic-a.htm#christmasgifts
- Subscribe to our new weekly "Inflation Fighters" newsletter
by sending

"Inflation Fighters" is a free email newsletter that will
provide ways to help you save money as the cost of everyday
items rise. Each issue features six or seven articles to help
you stretch your dollar!

Family Pictures

In October, we had our family pictures taken. My friend's husband is a really good photographer and they like to barter for things. He took our portraits in exchange for Chad doing either autowork or installing windows come spring. David, of Ritter Photography, did an excellent job. He specializes in outdoor shots and does weddings, senior portraits and family portraits. I highly recommend Ritter Photography for your portrait needs.

They were kind enough to put some of the pictures on a CD for me so I could post them here. For those of you who know Chad even a little bit, know that he is never serious! While I was sitting nicely and smiling for our portrait of just the two of us, he was gooffing off (which is normal). For most of these, I was oblivious to what he was doing. David just kept snapping pictures because he thought it was hilarious. I should have known that it wasn't going to be easy to get a "nice" portrait of the two of us!

This is our family picture.

I was surprised we were able to get a shot of all the girls.

Sleepy Wrap Giveaway

Are you a baby wearing Mama? If so, I think you might be interested in the Sleepy Wrap Giveaway on Quiverfullfamily.com. I have a sling, a front carrier, and a back carrier and although those are each great for different purposes, I am still looking for something that is more universal. I think the Sleepy Wrap might be it. If you would like to enter to win one, click on the link below and enter!


http://quiverfullfamily.com/2008/11/30/contest-sleepy-wrap-giveaway

Princess Babies!

The girls were playing with the crown Allyn got at her birthday party. They put it on the babies who looked so cute (of course!). Jaina is even "kissing" a frog to turn him into a prince! (Actually she is just chewing on a toy frog as she is teething.)

Princess Allyn's Party

It has taken me longer than I wanted to get these pictures posted. The parents of the party guests did not want their pictures on the web, but said I could white out their faces so I could put the pictures up. This took me a little longer to prep the pictures.

Princess Allyn
She wore the Jr. Bride dress Eva wore in my brother's wedding as well as the little tiara.

All the Princesses & The Princess with Queen Darcy
Allyn wanted me to dress like a queen so I wore the bridesmaid dress from my brother's wedding. It was a little loose (yah!), but it worked for the short time I was wearing it. I wore a tiara that Dara had won in a cutest baby contest on my head. Five of the other little girls wore dresses they had worn as flower girls in weddings, one little girl's mom made her a pretty new dress and Dara wore a dress that had been given to us. Each little girl received a tiara to wear. They colored a princess and castle. They made crown magnets and then played place the crown on Princess Allyn (I put an 8x10 picture of Allyn on the refrigerator and they had to get the crown on her head). We had four girls who were almost dead on, so they each won a sparkly necklace. Each girl left the party with a party bag of princess goodies (necklace, bracelets, candy jewelry, and ring pops).

I used the puppet stage as a backdrop for the table (made with dark blue velvet). The girls dined on heart peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, star jello jigglers and bugles (as in little trumpets). They drank pink lemonade.

I read "The Princess & the Kiss" to the girls and then they each blew a kiss into a metallic box to save it for man God has for them (you'll have to read the book to understand).

Allyn wanted a cake with a crown on top. I had quite a few problems so a cake that was supposed to be easy. The cake stuck in the pan, I had to do a crumb layer of frosting, the crown I was going to use kept tearing the cake apart when I put it on, the frosting was runny, but Allyn like it despite all those problems!

Polly Pocket & purse with goodies.

Princess book, princess puzzle, princess paper & pencils and princess accessories.

First Tooth!

I have been running my finger along the babies' gums every day for the last couple of weeks because I thought they were teething. After having them in to see Kelly, she said that Jaina was definitely teething, but not Martha. Well, today I felt a tooth in Jaina's mouth! It is on her bottom left (right side of the picture). If you really look for it, you can see it (it's really hard to get a good picture of the inside of a baby's mouth!). I can also see the other middle, bottom tooth under the gum right next to it. I am assuming it won't be long and that pops through as well.

Woodstove functional, but not done

Praise God, our woodstove is up and working! Chad was able to fire it up last Thursday night (it has the same birthday as Allyn and Gordon!). Although he didn't get it insulated until Saturday, we were using it and boy is it nice! I have been keeping the house a little warmer and I don't have to worry about running out of hot water! I can't wait to see how much we save on our electric bill this way!

Chad is still working on covering it so it looks a little nicer and has a few spots he noticed needs some more insulation, but I know he will finish that soon. He had to take a break to fix his truck that needed some work, but that is done now and back to the stove. I'll post pictures when it is completely finished.

I am so thankful that God gave me such a wonderful, intelligent husband. I am continually amazed at how his mind works (he thinks of things that I NEVER would!). He has been able to provide for our family in some very unconventional ways. We are so blessed by his ingenuity.

Gordon's & Allyn's Birthdays!

Allyn has the privilege to share her birthday with her Papa. They both celebrated their birthdays on Nov. 13th. Allyn turned 5 and Gordon turned 74! We had Papa and Nana over for dinner to commemorate the events.

We gave Gordon a magnetic parts bowl for when he is working in the garage.

We gave Allyn a magnetic Cinderella doll that she can change her clothes, shoes, etc. It reminded me of the paper dolls I used to play with only modernized!

Papa & Nana Carmichael gave her a pretty pink jumper and sweater.

Aunt Charity, Uncle Doug, Lil' Charity, Cole and Claydon sent Allyn's present with Papa and Nana. They gave her a pretty pink shirt and a cheerleader doll.

Papa & Nana also got her a lap desk. She has used it as a lap desk and a bed for her Cheerleader doll! Nice double-duty use!

Allyn received a fun game from our neighbors whom the girls call Papa Jerry and Nana Sherry.

Gordon & Allyn with their cake. Allyn wanted green frosting because Papa wouldn't want pink!

We all enjoyed the cake. We made it with spelt flour, organic sugar, and natural food coloring. It was yummy!

Allyn wore the shirt from her cousins under the jumper and put the sweater on top. It all went together so great!

Allyn had a wonderful birthday. I will post pictures from her princess birthday party with her friends later. She will celebrate with my parents and brother's family when we go to Muskegon for Thanksgiving. We will have lots to be thankful for as not only will we celebrate Thanksgiving, but my Mom's, my sister-in-law's and Allyn's birthdays!

I serve an Awesome God!

I just have to say it, I serve an Awesome God! I am continually amazed at how He works (although I shouldn't be).

A few weeks ago, I felt led by God to bless another family in some way. I prayed about how to do it and talked with Chad about it. Then I discovered they were having some financial problems and felt called to help financially. We didn't have much to give, but God allowed me to earn a little extra money so we gave it to them. I haven't even thought about it for a couple of weeks because I just was trying to be obedient to what God called me to do.

Fast forward to yesterday. I took the girls to see our herbalist. I wanted to have the babies checked to make sure we were still taking the right dosages to completely get rid of the rashes as well as most of the family had runny noses so I wanted every checked for viruses. I almost canceled my appointment because I wasn't feeling very well and didn't want to drag all seven kids there, but knew I needed to BECAUSE we weren't feeling well.

Kelly was running a little behind and I had the opportunity to talk with another lady while we were waiting. We talked about the girls, homeschooling, etc. She told me about her grandkids and even played with the girls a little bit. It came time for our turn so we said goodbye. After my appointment, I went to pay for my co-op order and was told that the lady I had talked with before had left some money for me because she wanted me to be blessed. Can you believe it was the same amount that we had given to the family a few weeks prior! AND. . .it almost completely paid for my co-op order!

God is so good! I am thankful that I was able to see His hand in this. I am thankful that He provides in ways that I would never dream would happen. I am thankful that He uses people around me to lift my spirits and draw me closer to Him.

Praise God, I serve an Awesome God!

Just Too Cute!