Let Them Play With The Cookie Dough!

Flour covered counter tops and an old wooden rolling pin in the hands of my precious Mama.....There are some things you just grab onto and hold them tight, forever in your mind. And as simple as they seem, each moment paints the portrait of your life.

More than a Mama's words could ever have impact on a child's heart.....It's the actions, it's your actions they remember the most. Your heart is what they see all raw and open or all locked up and cold.

I find myself in all the simple brush strokes of my Mama's portrait. Mama would always let my sister and I play with the cookie dough. No matter how messy. I see Lil' Miss Patience standing at the counter as if she were my mirror image from 40 years ago.I love how God painted her into my life. I've told you before that she was the gift of patience.

I want her to remember Christmas not hurried. I want her to know that it's in the Giving that we receive the gift. I want her to know that Christ is the ultimate gift. I want her to look long and hard at the manger scene beneath our tree. I want her to feel Christmas in her heart.

This Christmas, as your going about your busy-ness.....Try and remember to slow. Let them play with the cookie dough. Messes can be cleaned up but,  precious time can't be given back. And hearts turn hard and cold when they are not warmed by simple moments. But most importantly give them Christ.

The Elephant Project

For a while now I have had this big elephant project. It sat on the table in our dining room off and on for months. I kept telling her, "I'll get to it, please be patient."

And there never seemed to be a moment until I finally made the time. You see I told her a while back that I wanted to show her that I loved her by giving her my time. I wanted to do something special for her.  The time went on and she kept asking when was I going to show her how much I loved her? When was I going to make the time?

We finally sat down the other night, Butterfly girl and I and I started to sew the elephant. We had pieced it together a while ago. It was nothing but a bunch of squares sewn together. We put the pattern on top and cut around it. With each step I kept telling her "I'm no seamstress! Please don't expect much. It might not even look like an elephant by the time I'm done."

She kept reassuring me that no matter what it looked like she was going to love it anyway, because I made it.

And no matter how many times I mess up on this Mama journey she still loves me any way. Even when it might not look like an elephant.

I'm a slow learner and sometimes a repeat offender. I know what it takes and yet I'm selfish of my time. They remind me why I'm here. They tug at my heart and show me unconditional love. Love I sometimes....Honestly, sometimes I just don't deserve to be loved this way. My kids are often so Christ like.  I often learn through them!

The elephant project is finished. The trunk is shorter than it suppose to be. Mama didn't measure accurately. And it's tail and bottom aren't perfect but you know what? Butterfly girl told me she loves me anyway!

I Bring You Good News Of Great Joy!

Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all people."

No matter the frailty of this life there is always this.....

For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

This is the "Good News!" There is no other good news that is eternal. Here on earth mortal good news is only temporary. Jesus is FOREVER!

We have 6 kids, 4 that are old enough to know that Santa is well, just a mortal. A jolly good man that lived a long, long time ago. In our family we have fun pretending when the kids are little but, our emphasis on Christmas, our main focus has always been the CHRIST CHILD. Santa or the elves are never put on center stage. They are never talked about more. We never proclaim that they are the "Good News."

This is the only subject that I know of that you can't balance. JESUS has to tip the scales on this one! And by a very large margin I might add! I'm all for having fun and we do have fun. My children know that Jesus is LIFE eternal. He is the GIFT! He is CHRISTMAS!

Make a point to put Christ into everything you do this Christmas. From the ornaments, to the cookies, the gift wrapping and the gift giving. There are always opportunities to bring the focus back to Christ when this world tries to take Him out.

My children and I are doing Christmas Adventure. It is a Christmas advent that is full of crafts, activities, bible verses and traditions from all around the world. It helps to keep Christ your main focus as you celebrate Christmas.

Through The Crack Of The Door

Despite all my short comings and all the days done wrong I still see hope and grace through the crack of the door.

Lately my weeks have all been up in the air. Schedule went out the window sometime ago.....A new baby will do that, and yet I still give thanks. But I still have to ask for grace....I need to be wrapped in His grace. There have been days when I've forgotten all about my meek and gentle spirit. I tucked her away and let the sin soak her up like a sponge......

And still through the crack of the door I see hope and grace.

Despite all my bad decisions and how I let the world creep in, this sin soaked Mama was reminded last night of all my gifts. All my precious gifts. And even though I mess up I still strive to be more like Him. To raise my children to walk in His path.

Last night as I walked down the hallway to check on my "Little Miss Patience" who was sick with fever. That's when I saw hope and Grace through the crack of his door.

My son just got this job and it only lasts for three weeks through the Christmas season. Last week he manged to get in 64 hours. He was dog tired and could barely lift his head to eat. This week will be even busier. He has come home at 10:00 the last couple of nights.

I am put to shame. My head hung low with guilt but, my spirit was filled with Joy. Through the crack of his door, I saw his lamp lit by his bed reading his bible before he went to sleep. As tired as he was he still made time, he made time for God.

This morning when I went to look in on Sunshine girl, there by her head was her bible and her journal with all different color pens. She was doing her bible study last night before she fell a sleep.

And how many times have I went to bed just too tired to lift up His word and soak it in.

Yes despite all my short comings my husband and I have managed to raise Godly children Who are undoubtedly on fire for the Lord. And I am in awe of His presence when I seem to have failed so miserably. He speaks to them anyway and He speaks to me through them. I should be the example and yet again they are the example for me.

And I fall to my knees asking for His forgiveness and thanking Him for the hope and grace found through the crack of the door.

Blessed!

Be Good, Do Good, Live Good!

I've always known this ........There is good in the places and spaces that we inhabit even when all you hear are the hurts and tragic events of everyday life.

Sometimes to know and see the good is to go and look for it but, there is something better you can do. Be good, Do good, Live Good! When all else fails and your buried by the weight of this world, get up, get out and be the Good news! Be the light in this ever darkening world.......

Touch a heart. Feed a soul. Help the poor. Make someone smile. Hold their hand and lend them an ear. Look for ways to be the Good News....Every day all day. In your home and out.

I always make a point to let someone a head of me in line at the grocery store. Actually it's become a small habit of mine. The Good doesn't have to be big. Lot's of times it's the small and simple that make the biggest impact. Showing someone patience especially when you have 6 kids and a full grocery cart and your still insisting they get in front of you....Oh if I had a picture for all of the shocked faces!

Yes there is still Good out there......Especially if you are the one doing Good!

Here is a Good News story I found. It should make you SMILE!

Be Contagious

For a while now there has been an old song that keeps playing over and over again in my head. It's the times we live in that bring it to my mind........"Good news" by Anne Murray. In the chorus she sings "I sure could use a little good news today."

It seems no matter where you turn, this world seems to get darker and darker by the day. There just doesn't seem to be any good news to be found.....

But then again I really haven't been looking. If your not careful you can drowned in all the muck and the mire this world  shovels out, and before you know it you have forgotten how to breathe. I've been feeling like that lately...So helpless. Really doubting if I can really make a difference on this huge round circle we call earth.

And in small ways He keeps whispering "Oh but Kimmy you can, you are making a difference. Right there where you are." You see, I think if we all start where we are the good news will spread out and become contagious. Just like bad news becomes infectious. Good news is the anti-biotic for the bad news germs.

We are all here for a purpose. We all have a job to do. Our job is to spread the "Good News"!

We have to start somewhere and in our home is where it begins. I truly believe that the fall of a Nation is turning our backs on God and our Family! Daddy and Mommy need to work on their hurts and stay together. Marriage is not just something you do and then when your tired of it, you just walk away. It's worth fighting for! Your kids are worth fighting for!

Jesus is the healing for all that bad news. He's what helps keep Daddy and Mommy together. He gets you through the muck and mire. Washes you clean, dusts you off and sets you on your way to be the contagious one. Have you ever smiled at a grumpy person? It's contagious they have no choice but, to smile back!

For the whole month of December I'm devoted to bringing you "Good News" and who knows, maybe it will be contagious and spread.

I challenge you to join me. Each week won't you find a little good news and share it with everyone? Leave your good news story in the comments below the post on Face Book, and watch and see how contagious it becomes!

I came across this video and I wanted to share it with you! Please watch! It's worth it!

Elf On The Shelf And Santa Too!

As a little girl I remember believing in Santa Clause and the wonderful memories I have. Now that I'm all grown up and have children of my own, my man and I have carried on the tradition of good ole' St. Nick.

Four of my children are old enough to know the difference now. They all figured it out on their own and at quite an early age. I always answered their questions honestly when they started to doubt. I wanted them to figure it out and I wasn't going to lie to them when they asked for the truth about him. When they would ask if he was real, I would always ask them, well what do you think? And then the conversation would go from there. I always told them that Mommy and Daddy had so much fun pretending with you! And in the end there were no hard feelings only lot's of good memories that we still cherish today!

I was once asked "If you teach your children to believe in Santa Clause then how can you expect them to know that Jesus is real?"

And my answer was: Well, we don't go to church to worship Santa and we have never claimed that Santa can give you salvation. We have never prayed to Santa. He is just a jolly, chubby old man who gives gifts.

There is a great little movie put out by the makers of Veggie Tales that explains the story of St. Nicholas. It's absolutely wonderful to pull out when your littles begin to have their doubts about Santa. You can find it HERE.

Think back to when you were a kid and how much fun it was to make believe and pretend. We used our imaginations! That's how dreams begin and new creations and inventions are born! With out an imagination childhood would be very boring!

Last year I bought elf on the shelf for my youngest daughter but, I never got him out of the box. I feared that I was taking too much away from the real true meaning of Christmas. I was trying to figure out a way to incorporate fun and still have Jesus as the center of our attention,but I never came up with any thing, so the elf on the shelf literally sat on the shelf!

Until I ran across this one blog on Pinterest. She has come up with a creative way to use elf on the shelf and to keep Santa alive in their home with out putting Jesus off to the side, so to speak. You can find her thoughts and ideas HERE. She has put into words exactly how I feel about Santa. She also writes a letter to her children from Santa and in the letter Santa talks about Jesus and how Santa wants his little elf to get to know Jesus. She goes on to say that Jesus is all about grace.  Santa wants his little elf to learn how to make good choices. Well you will have to visit her blog to read the whole letter, it's very good!

So this year our little elf, Bo Jingles, is coming down off the shelf to play!

 I had also purchased some friends for him. It's a lot more fun to get into mischief when you have friends!

 So on Monday morning these little creatures will be on our front stoop waiting for little Autum.

 I have to tell you I'm not sure who will have more fun.......I bet it will be me!

I want to add that I am not against others not believing in Santa or not wanting to play with elves. I do understand and you have the right to raise your children the way you see fit......Just as I do.  *Smile*

The Pause Button

I often talk about putting a hold on life. If there were a big pause button I would of pushed it several hundred times by now. As a matter of fact if there were a rewind and fast forward button I would of used them many, many times as well.

I would of fast forward all the moments filled with pain, hurt and broken pieces. I've often wanted to rewind to the places where I can hug the neck of a loved one that is no longer here this side of heaven. Just to be given the chance to tell them all the precious things I never did when they were here. Just to see their sweet smile and hear their cracklin voice......To hear their laughter just one more time. To be given the chance to take it all in...to breathe in their life and never exhale.

But I know why the power to FF, RW or Pause was never ours to possess......

We would never learn if we kept pushing buttons to skip life's lessons. Never experience the true meaning of GRACE and LOVE.  We were meant for change because it's in changing that we grow. While our Faithful God remains the same, always good and just. Putting life on pause would never reveal how precious life is. Time flies for reasons un-seen until we are forced to see.

I've grown stronger...I've loved harder...I've forgiven much because much was forgiven of me. I would of never known how precious this life unless life had not been given.

When I'm feeling blue and this world seems so full of hate. And the heart aches just keep coming and loved ones keep leaving.......

I am blessed with the promise of Forever Heaven. And one day when my heart no longer beats I will be reunited with those who share in the promises of the redeemed.

I will go on living this life in the time that God has set for me. Living it for Him, keeping each precious moment tucked sweetly in my heart. Loving passionately.....Living so there are no regrets.

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

Live this life with all the love that was given. Love came for you ...for me, to rescue us from all that this world tries to bury us with. He is our HOPE, our REFUGE, our PEACE.....He is LIFE!

Even In The Bitter Cold

How do we live this life when life happens in ways you never thought it would? When people change into people they were never meant to be.......How do you make one see how one is living (or not living) effects those that love them passionately.

When all the pain of this life settles into the bones of one who has lost hope.......And no amount of convincing and begging can bring one around....What do you do then?

When praying seems pointless and you can't see a flicker of light in the eyes that once sparkled with meaning and purpose....... Do you keep praying the same prayer? Do the words fall in silence just as Autumn's leaves fall into a blanket on the forest floor? And yet to bring about change He sends the first frost...the first bitter cold.

I'm praying, I will always keep praying, even in the bitter cold.

Praying this bitter frost will bring about change.......

I hear it in my soul, If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

My heart's prayer is that the new things are allowed to come....Even through the bitter cold and no matter how much it can make one numb; This promise, this covenant clings tight to the soul of the broken hearted, to bring about change.

And I remember even now to give Him praise because even in the bitter cold the colors quickly fade into a wintry glistening blanket of white. Change can be beautiful if you choose to see it through His eyes. And even though the change can be oh so painful we also know that.....

In all things God works for the good of those who love Him; who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

We just have to believe, buried deep under the leaves and the snow, always, in the Spring comes bursting forth His new creation!

Looking Up A Whole Lot More

When life comes apart at the seams and the choices and decisions unravel all that was made good, look up.

 The other night I wept but, the next morning I was given peace and He told me through His word that I am to look up and set my eyes on Him. Not on Leaders of Nations and the worries of tomorrow. This place that I hold dear, The Mountains and meadows........ The Freedom and Liberty......Old Glory....

She was fought for by many and so many more were lost in the name of FREEDOM. If you read History there is not a nation in this world ever, that has stood strong with out GOD. They have all collapsed when the nation's people refused to look up.

And America, she is ripping apart at the seams. How do you save her? How do we save her?

We as His people have become too complacent. We have backed down when we should of stood up. Turned coward and lost our boldness. Leave our kids to people who will indoctrinate them with anything but, the truth! And when they come home we forget to ask what they have learned so that we can bring them back to truth. We have given up and become passive. Let go of what we hold dear.

We let men decide what is right and wrong instead of measuring our life to God's standards. We put the Bible down and become desensitized robots to the very people our Fore Fathers were battling to break free from.

WE accept that Islam is okay to be taught in our schools when "our little Johnny" can't even bow his head in prayer.We have forgotten our roots and let so many rewrite our History...Our heritage is being lost! If you don't remember History.....History will keep repeating itself!

My heart is torn at how divided our Countrymen have become!

Marriage is sacred! Life is Precious! Family is to be valued! But God must come FIRST!! We leave Him out of the equation and His hand of blessing will no longer hold our Beloved country together!


So as she is being torn apart I choose to stand strong and educate myself and those around me. I am here just passing through...This is not my home, but while I am here I will look up as I keep my eye on the prize. Love passionately, Help those in need, reach out to the lost and hold God's word to be the undeniable TRUTH. And if you challenge me I will be ready to confront you in LOVE and in TRUTH! I won't back down! I'm not one for confrontation but, isn't that why we are in the mess we are in?

1 Timothy 1:5:
But the Goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere Faith.

I want to live with a sincere faith. I will not be complacent or passive. We have already sat on our hands and closed our mouths for far too long!

What I have learned.....What I am doing now more than ever is TRUSTING Him a whole lot more. Praising Him a whole lot more. I am asking where I can serve. I am looking up a whole lot more! Because putting your trust in leaders of Nations...in mere mortal men will ultimately unravel what is good.....

Becoming Real, Because We Were Made For Grace

Is it okay to always show the better side of you? Because He never promised us that this life down here would always be perfect.

And how do you become real without clanging like a resounding gong? How do you let people know you've messed up with out stripping down raw to the shameful nakedness of it all?

I've been known to have horrible days all mangled and derailed off course...I've been that resounding gong. And instead of asking for help I complained and clanged loud. There was never comfort in any of it, for anyone.

To be real I had to rediscover GRACE all over again and then let it wash over this sin soaked Mama. I had to TRUST in Him who gave this life to me. I found Mentors who took my hand and hugged my neck while bathing me in prayer. Because they've already walked this road and stumbled on the rocks of reality.

I believe it's uplifting to show the better side of you but, at the same time it's encouraging to show the real you, the one who messes up and still through it all you can reveal His GRACE. Because always complaining never gets you any where.....But asking for help, learning from the mess and sharing what He has done to help you clean up your mangled and derailed day is BECOMING REAL.

And honestly, I do believe you have to strip raw and sometimes it's shameful........But GRACE soon covers up what makes us cringe and turn from embarrassment. And somehow your ashes are turned into wisdom and beauty. It's a wisdom you were meant to share with that one Mama struggling to see life clearly, struggling to see the beauty in it all......

In this journey it's knowing that your not alone. Your never alone. Because being a Mama isn't always easy and I have yet to find one who has it perfectly mastered. And can I just tell you, beware of the ones who seem like they do......you will be disappointed when you find out that she is learning to be REAL just like you and me....

Because we were made for GRACE!

If you need to be bathed in prayer this morning, just quietly slip me a note and I will be faithful in prayer to you.

It's Time

I feel God leading me....And you will know when He says it's time.

Years ago I met my mentor at church and I was in awe of her. Her grace, her wisdom, and how she handled situations and the people around her.  I wanted to be her......

I asked God to let me lead like that. And He said wait....I bought books and read His word.....and still He said wait......And there are times when you feel He is preparing you for something that is beyond your very own plan.

So I put the books away but, I kept his word near my soul...... let them fill my heart and grow my mind.

This wanting and yearning to be that mentor...to be the one to encourage...to lift up....to let them know they are not alone, well it all happened about 10 years ago. And through the years of growing and stretching....learning and stumbling. He now says it's TIME.

Like any great recipe it has to be well seasoned. And as you add more spices and stir the pot, the flavors start to mingle to make a cherished recipe. The kind that you hand down from generation to generation. What are we handing down to our children? How are we stirring the pot? Are we going by the recipe or are we making it up as we go it alone?

I feel Him pull me in this direction and I'm just patiently letting Him lead. Because I've learned over the years to not rush His plan. Never take it and make it your own.

You see what I have learned, what He has been preparing me for is something I feel so compelled to share. I want to help in any way I can. I want to share with young Mamas, the journey that I have been blessed to live. I've been blessed with messy diaper days, all turned upside down crazy days. I've been blessed with cuddle up days and making cookie days.

I even been blessed with days all done wrong, screaming and yelling days. Loss of patience days and falling on my knees asking for forgiveness days.

I want them to know that the precious gift of being a Mama is God kissed and Heaven sent. It's a Holy calling, the highest of professions.....The only profession that will truly matter to you when the silver glistens in your hair.

Because I never want to look back and see wasted years full of regrets........

I want them to know that I have not yet arrived...I am still on this wild ride of ups and downs but I am learning how to roll with the blows and the twists and turns. We all will get hit with hard situations....It's in how we handle them that effects their lives. You can either strip them of peace, joy and Love or you can be who Christ has called you to be....Filled with PEACE, JOY and LOVE.


So as I wait for Him...Would you be so kind and pray for me and this new adventure I am about to go on. I'm not really sure how it's all going to pan out but, I know it will be wonderful because it's His plan and not mine. His timing and not mine.......I am His.

Be Anxious For Nothing

 She's three weeks old today....All the anticipation and anxiety have long died off and the new is growing strong.

In the last two weeks of my pregnancy I was filled with an anxiousness that would only leave when I talked to my Heavenly Father. He was the only way I could receive peace in this crazy head of mine.

I thought she would arrive early. 12 days to be exact...Because 3 of my babies came 12 days early. With all the early intense contractions.....The nights I would wake out of a sound sleep and breathe deep because they seem so close to the real thing. This peace would come and go...never really taking root in my heart.

My midwife had certain days that she would be out of town. And it was so close to that moment when new life was to arrive....And I would beg the Lord to please let this baby come when my midwife was in town, because I couldn't imagine having this baby with out her.

You see I've known her for about 15 years now. She helped me bring Sunshine girl into this world. She traveled through Tornado's to get to me. She made it with in 5 minutes and Sunshine girl made her appearance.

And as the years have gone by one by one she delivered 3 more. With each child our bond grew. And I can't quite explain it........ this relationship I have with her. She has coached me and encouraged me through the toughest pain I have ever had to bare. She helped me to see the beauty in the rawness of it all. Pulled strength from me that I never new I had. And I Praise God for her.......

And doesn't God place people in our lives at just the right moment...at just the right time. When I was worried, He already had it planned out. He knew what was going to take place and who would be there.........I finally stayed peaceful in the last week of my pregnancy. I came to accept the fact that she might not be the one to deliver this child and I would need to be okay with that...because God was already okay with it.

If you have ever prayed to God for Peace and then finally received it, you will know what I mean when I tell you it's a feeling that overwhelms all your senses. It takes over and lets you rest. His Peace is like the coziest of blankets all snug and close. A  place that you can go and feel safe.  A calm like no other....That's what I felt when I finally let go and let GOD.

Little Zoey Anne arrived 3 days late Just like 2 of my daughters had. But was she really late? In God's eyes I believe she was right on time! He answered my prayers and allowed my midwife to be the one to help bring another into the world yet again.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

Trying so Hard Not To Repeat

I've held on to life with a grip so tight it could actually choke out the beauty and mystery of all that it holds. I've turned away and put up walls, blocked out the Son and refused to see the light.

 I've even been known to look inward, always focusing on ME.......

I've hurt hearts, offended friends, and got involved in brokenness that wasn't mine to fix. I've said words that cut through steel and made actions with out ever minding the consequences......

I've chosen unwisely and had to live by my choices....I've had to learn how to mend and know that sometimes I will never be forgiven by others here this side of heaven. But it's in forgiving others that I find peace....

I've seen raging hearts and weak souls and turned and walked away knowing full well I could of made a difference in someones life but, was too busy with my own......

And through all my mess ups and the dirt I dragged my muddy soul into I am being molded and refined. And it's not always easy, the lessons that I learn are not always so simple. And most times I barely come up for air from the hard blow of it all.

But over the years I am still learning GRACE......And Grace has picked me up out of that muddy hole more times than I can count.....And hear my heart, each time was a lesson learned, one that I try very hard not to repeat......Because in this life,  a lesson learned is a sin not repeated.

As I look at this life of mine at the age of 42.......I can honestly say:

My grip on life is not the choking kind.....I have learned to let go when I have to.......when I need to. And most importantly when I do let go, God shows me the beauty in the adventure when I thought there wouldn't be.

I'm attracted to the light and find I always want to walk in it's glow.

I may still hurt hearts but, it's never my intention and when I'm made aware I reach out for forgiveness. I also understand I may never receive it....and that's okay.....I am forgiven by my Heavenly Father and that's truly what matters.

I stay clear of brokenness that was never mine to fix........But I will pray for healing.

I now look for raging hearts and weak souls... I have an overwhelming need to comfort them. To let them know there is a greater LOVE. And when I look outward my eyes see what His heart aches for.

I choose my words and decisions wisely....And still my tongue can manage to sting and my actions may offend. I never claimed to be perfect.....I'm just a sin soaked Mama saved by His Amazing Grace. I may get it right from time to time and then again I may not.......But I live my life differently because I'm always learning, trying so hard not to do the repeating.......

Canning Pumpkin

Some people have asked questions like: "Why do you bother canning when you can go and get it from the store?" My answer, Because that makes me dependent upon someone else. I want to be independent and self sufficient.....And really it tastes so much better than store bought! I know what goes in the jar because I'm the one handling it. It's a skill that should be passed down. I mean if we were all truly honest with our selves, the way things are going over there on Capitol Hill, we all better learn from our ancestors and teach ourselves some trade skills. Skills that will make our lives a little more comfortable. Because truly, it will matter if you are wise in being prepared and being sufficiently independent! And last but not least, I really enjoy doing it! It's my release.....

This is a large recipe for canning pumpkin. I used 8 pie pumpkins for this recipe. The first thing you wanna do is preheat your oven to 350. Then cut your pumpkins in half and scoop out the seeds. Place your pumpkins on a cookie sheet open side down and bake until you can poke a fork through. About an hour.

Scoop your pumpkin out and puree it in your blender. My 8 pumpkins gave me about 24 cups of pureed pumpkin.

Add:
8 C Brown sugar
8 Tsp. Cinnamon
2 Tsp. Nutmeg
3 Tsp. Ginger
2 Tsp. Ground Cloves

Stir until mixed well and put in pint jars. Process at 10 lbs. Pressure for 20 minutes.
Disclaimer: The USDA does not suggest canning pumpkin because of safety issues. 

But I have asked around and found several ladies who have been canning it for years with no trouble. They consider themselves the "Canning Outlaws"......And well, when someone says I can't do something.....I tend to do it any way. *Smile* So yes now I am a "Canning Outlaw".

I processed 18 pints of canned pumpkin almost 2 weeks ago and all have sealed well and still remain sealed. You must use a Pressure canner! Absolutely no hot water bath!

I tried this pumpkin before I jarred it and it is absolutely delicious!!! I will be using it for Breads, Cookies, Pies and everything PUMPKIN!

 I had to share another pic of my shelves just to show you how much they have filled up in the last month or so! This is where I am creative, this is my profession and I take it seriously! I love stuff like this! I love being prepared and providing for my family! This is what I'm passionate about....Being a Stay at home wife and Mama!!

My God Fearing Man

As Christians we are called to be giving and forgiving. But we are also called to gain wisdom through Jesus who gives us life.

 I have stood on the sidelines watching my man be one of the most giving and forgiving people I have ever come across. Time after time he has given so much of himself and his possessions to others when ever they were in need! Lots of times those things never return and lots of times the favor is not given back and yet this man of mine still gives with a very generous heart!

I've always stood behind him whispering in his ear as to what and how I think he should handle his situations......Over the years he has taught me that being hasty and abrupt and telling people what you would really like to tell them is not always the best answer. Patience? Yes this man of mine has patience beyond anything I've ever witnessed. He is a people person. In that I mean his people skills and how he handles his business is a true testament to his character! I can't tell you how many compliments I get about this man of mine and the character he possesses! No he's not perfect...He is sin soaked just like me.....I do have to say God made him to be a perfect fit for me!

But I believe that even the most patient and giving of people have a breaking point....And there comes a time when you just can't let things go. There comes a time when you have to stand up to what is right. Being walked on is not being wise! And it let's the unwise keep repeating the offense not only to you but, to others down the road!

And recently that's just what he has done....He stood up and let the mud slide off his back! Will he forgive? Yes I believe he will. Contrary to his rough outer exterior his heart is soft and pliable. As his wife I have been witness to this many times over! But forgiveness does not mean that the offense goes unrecognized! Will he keep on giving? yes I believe he will. But I believe the wisdom he has gained will make him more cautious next time. You can't help those who don't care about anyone but themselves!


I have to say that I have learned so much in watching him live his life in the 21 years we have been together. In our Marriage God comes first! I firmly believe that our marriage today would not be as strong and intimate if it weren't for the the both of us discovering that God is the man in charge!

He has helped me to become a better child of God, a more loving wife and a better Mama to his children. I was only 20 when we met and I had a ton of growing up to do and I know with out a doubt I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for my God Fearing Man teaching me and guiding me a long the way!

Thank you just doesn't seem to be enough! So very proud to be your wife!

The Good Mama Journey

Being a good Mama is being aware that your not always going to get it right. Your bound to mess up...That's the nature of the sin soaked. Being a good Mama is knowing when you have failed and then picking up the pieces to start new again. Being a good Mama .....Well sometimes you have to say your sorry but, it's not just in the sorry, it's in the action after the sorry that really matters.

And I can't ever claim to be the perfect Mama or the Nobel prize winner of the perfect wife......What I can claim is GRACE and how it has washed over me when I've muddied up this God given soul. A lesson is only good if it's a lesson learned and a mistake not repeated again and again.

Some say I'm a veteran Mama because I have been through a variety of ages.....I've had long term experience so to speak. But there are still days that I feel like I'm flailing about. Some days I'm just like that new Mama all scared not knowing what I'm doing...I still need help and guidance.

What I can tell you through all this crazy up and down life is that I don't regret the journey because I have not walked it alone. I've seen the hand of God even when my stubborn eyes were burning with all the wrong I had fallen into.

One Mama comes walking through my door and shares her heart saying she wishes she could be me......Oh sweet friend your sin may be different than mine but it is sin just the same. Your walk has taken you down a different path and as long as you follow the God/Man He will always steer you back on track. Precious friend your witness is one that I'm not equipped for. Your passion is one that I'm not meant to have.

You kept saying you have screwed it all up.....Made too many mistakes......The line has been drawn and you can't seem to cross over.

What I see is a Veteran Mama. A Mama who has a story to tell. A great witness to young Mamas out there that see no way out. I see a loving Mama......One that gives all she can and then some. One that hasn't given up despite of the hard blows that have knocked her down in the past.

You see the journey is not in getting it right the first time....It's not in the perfection or what you think others may have. It's not in wanting to be someone else. The journey......The good Mama Journey is knowing when you have messed up and then asking God to pick up the pieces to put you back together, not the way you used to be but better. So much more Beautiful than what you once were. He can't use you if you have yet to be broken........

And sweet Mama I must tell you I have been broken........I have a story that's all my own. One that you would not want to trade with me. I'm sure of that! But you see what you are looking at now is one who has been put back together in a way that only He can. And some day I know that He will put someone in my path and I will bare witness of all the grace that has washed this sin soaked Mama clean....

But until then I will go on living for today, the way He wants me to live.....And you......You are Beautiful in my eyes......But most importantly You are His BEAUTIFUL. Created for His plan and only you can fill those shoes!

What's In A Name?

As I anxiously await the birth of our 6th child I wanted to share with you the two names we have picked out. Why two? Well because we don't find out whether it's a boy or a girl until the sweet blessing is laid in my arms. We get so few genuine surprises these days why not grab them when you can.....I have to tell you for those that think they can wait, it is so worth it!! We have literally been genuinely surprised each and every time.

When our first baby arrived we did not have a name for him until three days after he was born. We always took great care and time in naming our children but, to be honest never really thought of names with meanings behind them until we named our fifth child.  Her first name is Autum not much meaning behind that but, her middle name is Reign. We could of spelled it R-a-i-n but both of us almost immediately agreed that it should be spelled R-e-i-g-n as in our Lord Reigns. Gotta love that!

My husband's name is John which means "God is gracious" and my name....Well Kim means grassy green meadow. Now I've often wondered how that name fits me and my personality......Other than the fact that I love being in and smelling the grassy green meadows up home! Especially after they have just been cut!

 One evening we were chatting with Johnny's cousin and she said she thought the meaning of my name fit me perfectly. I looked at her kind of puzzled and she said. "A meadow is all natural. It's from the earth." And if any of you know me I am an all natura'al  kind of girl! I try very hard to do things naturally from having my babies at home to the health and nutrition of my family. If there is an alternative way I will find it! And believe me I will do the research to make sure it's the best way!!

And now we are on to naming our sixth and probably our last child. I say probably..... because age is setting in and probably.... because sometimes God might have other plans......But for now we are content with the thought and reality of six.

We did not do much name bouncing around with this one. We already had a girls name picked out.

Zoey Anne for a girl. Zoey means "LIFE" and Anne means "He favors her."

For a boy we have chosen John Jesse. Now both of our boys are named after their Daddy but their middle names are what we go by. So it is only right that we continue this trend. As I said previously John means "God is Gracious" And Jesse means "The Lord exists".

Do I wish we would of named our first 4 this way? Well maybe a little bit but in reality I love the names we have for them as well. I think it's important to take your time in coming up with a name but it's not just the name that makes the child who he or she will become, it's two loving parents that will take the time to nurture and raise the child with God's love and guidance. The name is just the icing on the cake so to speak. It's the ingredients that's put into the cake that really matters!

As of this Saturday I will be 39 weeks. Yes I am anxious! Yes I am uncomfortable! Yes being pregnant is all I can think about! And yes even this I know with out a doubt has been orchestrated by God! His timing is PERFECT!

What I Don't Need

Discovering what I don't need lately is like recapturing all the lost in my life........All the things I put on the back burner, the things I save for later that never get touched.

What I don't need is extra time away from my family.....FB tends to do that if you let it......All the technical gadgets seem to steal you away from what you were given.... From the blessing you were meant to be.........From the blessings you need.

Because what you want can surely over power your needs. And you may be surprised when you discover "your needs" were really just wants.

And can't you just see life moving when you drop all that holds you captive? Aren't you more aware of the people in your life? The ones that really need you. The minutes can waste away and turn into hours and days....And before you realize it, years have passed.

I wanna look back and know that my every minute was worth living. There is no worth in waste.

I need to create a space....a life with less because in reality less is definitely more. When your life is cluttered with stuff you have to spend time taking care of that stuff and your mind it tends to wander away from this life your living now and all that it can hold. Clutter and technology turns your heart away from God, family and friends......Makes you untouchable. No longer a physical being who needs touch and fellowship, but a being who becomes self absorbed and lonely. Escaping all the blessings and forgetting how to be a blessing.

And as wonderful as FB is for keeping in touch it can quickly become your idol. Just as the nic nacs and stuff that take up your counter tops can keep you from thinking clearly and seeing the beauty in simplicity.  They say everything in moderation.

God says " Keep your mind on things above and not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2

My life has been a whirl wind of bustling activities and excitement for the arrival of our new baby. I've purposely cut my time back on the things that take me away from being a blessing so that I may see the blessings in front of me.

It's amazing how much more clearly I see...............

Worth The Money Spent

Right out of the gate this school year there are two things that I really am glad I purchased and they are:

The Picture Smart Bible and A Living History of Our World

I wanted to share pictures with you this morning but blogger won't let me......I'll try and share them later.

The picture Smart Bible is what we do first thing in the morning for our Bible time. And that includes all my students! Don't be scared away by this program if you have high school students! It works for them as well. You don't have to struggle at trying to keep your younger ones attention and it's not too simple for the older ones. The program is even meant for adults!  While I read from the teachers guide I instruct my children what to doodle,  color and write. It helps them to retain what they are learning. Very impressed with this! Go to their website above and check it out!

The second is A living History. As soon as I saw this I knew I would love it! With out a doubt it is absolutely one of my very favorites! I added craft kits from Hands and hearts and they tie right in with what we are doing. The kids beg to do History! I wrote about this curriculum earlier when I had just purchased it you can read about it in the link above.

As a homeschooling mom I know that finding the right curriculum that fits for you and your family can be exhausting both mentally and monetarily. So when I find something I like this much I must share! *Smile*