How Blogging Keeps Me Sane

Case in point - Blogging keeps me sane because it keeps me bonded with others for whom this is a normal course of conversation:

 "Get down off the counter. No, it is not snack time yet. Yes, you need to take a bath. Now. Put the cat down. Please pick up your crayons. Please pick up your shoes. Please pick up your jacket. Please put down the cat. No, it is not snack time yet. Did you wipe? Did you wash your hands? We do not throw fits. We do not write on walls. We do not pull people's hair. Would you like someone to speak to you the way you just spoke to your sister? What? She took her diaper off? Where is she? Everyone stop what you are doing and find the baby! No, it is not snack time yet. Didn't I just say that?" 

 -Katherine from www.raisingfive.com

Because this might otherwise be forgotten...

In Lee Woodfruff's book, Perfectly Imperfect, her husband (Bob Woodruff) describes his wife's writing in a rather thoughtful way. He explains;

"It (her writing) was her catharsis, the thing she did for herself and a way to chronicle the small moments of family life, the funny and touching anecdotes that might otherwise be forgotten over the years." 

When I read this, I thought, "That is much of why I blog!" At a time when blogging has become "big business" for many, it can become difficult for many of us to remember why we started blogging in the first place.

In efforts to rekindle my passion for chronicling the small moments of family life...that might otherwise be forgotten, I thought I'd capture some of new and sweet developments of my kiddos.

Noah, 2 years old

This guy simply cracks me up.

He is a character and has actually started referring to himself in 3rd person. I think he sees this as him advocating for a third party and not himself. As as result, he seems to think that this liberates him from any obligation to be polite. So I get this often in a very firm and demanding tone;

"Noah wants some water...GET Noah some water!" To which I have to remind him that he is actually advocating for himself and needs to ask nicely.

He has also started tackling Halle, which totally freaks me out. But, she strangely seems to enjoy it. So, I'll let them have each other until this proves harmful.

Noah is learning his colors and letters (without much effort on my part to teach him).

Bella, 4 years old

Bella is always full of energy! She has enough for us both!

Bella is learning to write her name and is quite proud of herself! She tells me that she is looking into to pursing a career as a ballerina. I could completely see her doing that.

She also has an ongoing list of wants that she tweaks/adds to rapidly. Right now it looks something like this (My brain and my pocket book can't keep up):

- a purple acoustic guitar (purple is her favorite color).

- a dollhouse (I want her to have this too! In fact, I might be looking forward to it more than she is).

- a Dream Lite Pillow Pet.

Her 5th birthday is coming in May, so we may look into seeing what we can make happen in regards to her list. We are accepting donations.

Noelle, 6 years old

Noelle is rapidly losing her teeth!

The photo above is a pre-toothless shot. I'll have to post a new one so you can see how cute she is! She has lost the 2 at the bottom, and the permanent ones are coming in. Recently, she lost one of the 2 front teeth. Its wild to think she is old enough to be losing this many baby teeth!

Noelle is becoming more and more advanced in her reading. In fact, she is starting to have her own book preferences. One of her favs right now is Sheila Walsh's God's Little Princess Devotional Bible.         She keeps a copy of it under her pillow to read during quiet time. 

Noelle has invented a unique expression of love for her and Bella. She kisses her hand, holds it out in front her and says, "I love you" to Bella. Then, Bella kisses her own hand, places it on Noelle's hand and says, "I love you too." This is why I need a camcorder!

Halle, 1 year old


Well...she is always full of new developments. Of course, they include the toilet and some form of stalking me from room to room. But, they deserve their own post and a more recent picture that I need time to find. I'll update that later!

Celebrate The Boy

Dana has done a beautiful job at "celebrating the boy" at her blog Made. She dedicated 30 days to celebrating all things "boy" by sharing boy clothing, crafts, style, and ideas! I'm loving it!


The celebration has included numerous ideas in terms of boy fashion. One of my favorites were these classic bow ties by Xoelle.

Got Questions?

Have you any questions about large family living that you would like answered by some seasoned moms? You should check out the "4 moms, 35 kids" series!

Each week, 4 moms with a collective total of 35 children share their knowledge, experience and and helpful tips in maintaining health, order and sanity. There is even one week in which the moms will take a stab at your questions if you leave them in their comments section!

I must say I have been enjoying this series very much. You can click on the button above to read what you have missed and to find out more about future topics in the series.

Around the Blogosphere

Don't you just love it when you're snooping around the internet and find out about some great new blogs? I have recently learned of 3 new blogs that I am enjoying and I thought I'd share them with you.

Yeye Says is a blog written by a friend of mine from college. She has always been hilarious and transparent and that combination comes across beautifully at her new blog.

She explains her blog by writing:

"Yeye Says is where I write about my experiences an thoughts, as well as connect with other mothers for support, advice, laughs, and camaraderie. Let’s talk babies, mother-wife balance, attachment parenting, breastfeeding, cloth diapering, vegetarianism."

Stuff and Nonsense is written by Alison, a wife and homeschooling mom of 4 children. She explains how she picked the name for her blog by writing:

"Stuff and Nonsense is a phrase from the book Anne of Green Gables that I adore. It was Marilla's way of saying, "Now that's just silly." To me the phrase struck a chord as a great way to describe our everyday life. Silly. And I'm okay with that because our home here on this planet is temporary and ephemeral. But while we're here we try and fill it with love and gusto.

So you have been warned. Read at your own peril."

Christian Children's Book Review was created by a group of Christian moms who explain:

"We're Christian moms who not only love books, but love helping our kids learn to love books - and the Lord. This blog is our ministry, started because we couldn't find a comprehensive website of Christian children's picture book reviews. We hope you find it useful."

My Biggest, Most Expensive Gift

Oh gosh. It has been a while since my last post. So much has happened since my birthday and I haven't been able to update you. No, I didn't decide that my 28th birthday would be last day of blogging. However, it was the last day of alot of things. Allow me to explain...

In response to my birthday post, Tiffany wrote:

"Happy Birthday! I hope you get the biggest, best, most expensive gift you've ever received:)"

Guess what? Her wish came true. Was it chocolate? you say? Nope. Nevertheless, hubby did come through on the chocolate by bringing home a fudge brownie cheesecake!

But, this big, expensive gift was not edible. Can you guess what it might have been?
I'll give you some hints:

1. I've been hoping to get one for a long time.

2. Hubby and I picked this one out together.

3. Writer's cramp was involved in the process of getting it. But, I was happy to have it.

Have you figured it out? Here is a picture for your viewing pleasure:

The picture is small, but I am working on taking more so you can see what I see:) God is so good, I can't even process Him! The past two weeks have been full of wonderful trips to Home Depot and delightful debates over which refrigerator to buy.

I may not be able to get the blogosphere as much as I would like as we get settled, but I will keep you updated!

What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?

I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.

I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.

~Psalm 116:12-14

My Bestie is Crafty

My friend Tiffany is impressively crafty and quite the seamstress. She made the skirt she is wearing in this photo as well as the ruffles on that shirt. Perhaps you might remember the chef aprons and hats she made for my girls at Christmas?

For a gal like me, (who can barely sew a button on a shirt), I never cease to be amazed by Tiffany's ability to design and make new things. I especially love the fact that she has an appreciation for modest fashion and loves to give gifts (is this not the perfect combination of characteristics for a friend of mine, or what!?)

If you want to see more cute stuff from Tiffany, you'll be excited to know she has recently started a blog called Meek and Chic! Go ahead and check her out, you might become a "modest fashionista" yourself!

Time-out, it is!

Obviously, I have become quite the delinquent blogger. Nevertheless, a conversation I had today with my cousin inspired me to update this old thing.

My cousin was actually trying to find my blog URL in efforts to get some inspiration for a blog of his own. As I reminded him of how to find my blog, I thought, "Great. Now he will find the blog, only to realize that I barely update it!" Oh, the shame.

Hence, here I am with a few updates:

Update #1- I don't believe that I have yet shared my success with potty training Bella. Just before her 3rd birthday she "officially" became potty-trained! Honestly, I'm not sure I can take much credit for this one because she was so self motivated, all I needed to do was provide her with reminders throughout the day! Yaaay Bella!

Update#2- Bella turned 3 years old on May 28th!

Update #3- Hubby and I celebrated 6 years of marriage on June 5th!

Update#4- Hubby and I finally decided on a homeschool curriculum and Noelle will start kindergarten in the fall!

Update#5- The children have begun doing strange things like making their beds without my asking and putting themselves in time-out. Isn't that interesting?

What's even more interesting is that hubby and I don't even use time-out with our kids. This leads me to believe that the kids must have devised new and innovative ways to discipline themselves based on their observation of cultural norms. And since they were smart enough to do all that, who am I to stand in their way?;)

Blog? What Blog?

Well, hello there.

I'm just "stopping by" so you'll know I am still alive and well.

Recently, I have been quite the busy bee. For the sake of time, I will just give you the highlights:

• I have been toying around with a new schedule:

Monday- Errands or Bedrooms (alternate)

Tuesday- Dusting and Vacuuming

Wednesday- Bathrooms and Kitchen/Mop

Thursday- Laundry

Friday- Mail/Filing/Homeschool Planning

Saturday Morning- Library or Alone Time (alternate)

Sunday- Church

So far, this has been working out fairly well. Nevertheless, this week both Monday and Tuesday turned into errand days. Actually, Friday is going to turn into one too.

I find that its weeks like this one, when I have many errands that have to be extended over more than one day, to be the most challenging when it comes to keeping up with any kind of weekly schedule. Of course, I can keep adjusting the schedule. I am open to any suggestions as to how I might improve it!

• Urban Prep is on Spring Break this week. As a result, hubby has been able to work shorter days. This, coupled with the beautiful weather has meant some exciting trips to the park for 3 special little people!

• I have discovered a new source of ruin to my diet: the Mocha Frappe at McDonald's . Have you tried it? Don't. You will be hooked. HOOKED, I say! Hooked!

• Believe it or not, I have been working on quite a few blog post ideas, although they have not made it to the blog just yet.

There are times when blog post ideas are just flooding my mind and oozing out of my ears. Then, there are times when I am stumped and can't think of anything to say (if you know me, you know that these time are rare).

I've been tempted to ask you, the readers, what you would like to see more of on this blog. However, after I think about that for a while, I keep coming back to the same conclusion: that is not a good idea.

You see, if I ask you what you want me to blog about, then I would have this pressure to write about those things. With that comes the added pressure to be all witty and relevant and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. I mean, that can be challenging, in a good way.

Or, it could suck the life right out of take away from what makes blogging fun: free expression. Free to do what I want to do.

But, I digress.

What I'm trying to say is that I have some exciting new blog post ideas and whenever I find time between all of my errands to put them up, I'm sure you will enjoy them!

Until then, I will leave you with this subliminal message interesting advertisement:

You know you've had a busy week when...

1. Everyday you asked, "What day is it?"

2. You ate most of your meals in your car.

3. You found yourself actually longing for the day when you could stay home and just clean up.

4. By the time Friday came around, Monday felt like 2 weeks ago.

5. You come up for air only to realize you didn't write any blog post! Yikes!

I wasn't particularly interetsted in photography...

...until I discovered the most gorgeous photos!

Juli McKendrick is the eldest of Tricia's 12 children, and a very talented photographer! Recently, I have fallen in love with her photos and I'm trying to plot a way to get a photo shoot with her, even though she lives Texas!

Below are some of my favorite photos from Juli. You can check out more of her work at Juli McKendrick Photography!

Sentiments From My Heart

I'm back! The Prayer Revival and the media fast ended today!

I am back to blogging and television viewing (though not quite as fanatically as before;) So, in honor of my "media-return," I thought I'd share a song with you.

I first was introduced to John Waller and his BEA-U-TI-FUL music while checking out this lovely blog. Below is a video featuring his song entitled, "While I'm Waiting." This is one of the songs we heard in the movie Fireproof (which you should really see if you haven't already).

Since the beginning to the 30-day Challenge, I have been working to build my faith through the word of God, and I am at a point where I am really learning how to wait on the Lord in faith.

Consequently, Wallers' song just so happens to capture the sentiments of my heart.

Enjoy!

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD (Psalm 27:14).

In which I relaspe

Remember when our television broke? I wasn't the least bit affected. Relieved, would actually be the word to best describe how I felt.

I was relieved and feeling quite satisfied with all of the non-media time that my family was experiencing. We were bonding. The children were expanding their creative imagination. I was getting out of the house more.

And then it happened.

My loving brother, who (God bless him) declared my not having a working television as Un-American, bought us a 26" HDTV for Christmas.

And now...

The word relapsed may just be an understatement.

Let's just say if you had visited us anytime in the past few weeks, you wouldn't have been able to keep count of the number of times you heard the question, "Where is the remote?"

Furthermore, instead of a normal family in the living room, you might have actually found this...

Nevertheless, God has granted me an opportunity to redeem my life from the clutches of the couch and the world of high definition. This week I will participate in the Prayer Revival hosted by my local church.

The Prayer Revival takes place a few times annually, and it calls for a fast and a "media-break". Thus, not only will I turn off my television, I will take a break from the internet as well.

Not checking in on the blogoshpere will be the most difficult part for me. However, we could all benefit from some time to consecrate and focus on prayer and bible study, could we not?

So, until next week!

Yours truly,

~ Mrs. L. Couch Potato

Pssssstt...

Did you hear?

There are some Best Blog Awards going around and thanks to Mandi at Capital Heights Mommy, I have one! Thanks Mandi!


I am going to accept the award and pass it on to 5 of my favorite blogs.

Here are the rules for accepting the award:

1. To accept this award you must post it on your blog with the name and a link to the person who gave it to you.


2. Pass on the award to about 15 other bloggers who you recently discovered and think are great! (I'm going to do 5 this time).

3. Contact the other bloggers and let them know they have
been chosen for this award.

Here are my 5 Bloggers I would like to give this award to:

- Jenn @ Spejory

- Tricia @ mommyx12

- Sandra @ Love Abounds at Home

- Juli @ The Mister, The Missus, and the Mini McKendricks

- busymomof10 @ Yes They're All Ours

Simple Meals for Busy Moms

Lindsay at Passionate Homemaking is hosting the Nourishing Crockpot Carnival. Over 50 bloggers have jumped at the opportunity to share their favorite crockpot recipes!

You can share your own or just browse through the links to find new ones to try. Enjoy!

Truly, I'm Honored

Most bloggers use their 100th post as a reason to celebrate. However, seeing as how I somehow managed to completely lose track of when that happened, I'll celebrate the fact that I now have 50 Followers!

If you have a blog or read other blogs, you know that before Blogger introduced the Followers widget, there were 2 kinds of blog readers: Lurkers or Commenters.

Lurkers are folks who read your blog, but never commented. As a result, you never had any idea they were around.

On the other hand, Commenters made you aware of their presence by at least occasionally leaving a comment. Some did this more than others; however, any comments let one know that at least someone was still "with" them.

When there were only Lurkers and Commenters a blogger really didn't have a chance to know who was reading faithfully or who was even interested in reading occasionally. Oh, but then came the Followers feature!

"Do you have a favorite blog and want to let the author and readers know that you are a fan? Well now you can do that and more with the Blogger Following feature," explains the blogger help center.

The Followers feature allows readers, regardless of how often they read, a chance to say; "Hey! I've seen your blog and I like it!"

Some people just don't like to comment. As a result, the Followers application allows those would-be Lurkers a chance to say; "Hey! I may not be saying anything, but I'm with you!"

Thank you Blogger for the Followers Social Application. It means so much to be able to know that others are "with" me.

And, thank you Followers for "following" Virtuous Living. It brings me warm feelings of writing-inspiration to be able to look over and see you in my sidebar! (all 50 of you;)

The Pleated Poppy GIVEAWAY!!!!

Click here for a chance to win this very cute checkbook cover and more!

Blogging Hiatus

Don't worry...I'm still here. I've just been on a little blogging/computer hiatus due to some technical difficulties. Don't you just hate it when that happens!?

Guess Who Won the Giveaway!

Yes, I did! This is the first online giveaway I've won! I guess we'll be well prepared over here when it comes to spelling!

Thanks Jenn!

SpellQuizzer Giveaway!

Jenn at ::Sperjoy::. is hosting a SpellQuizzer giveaway!

SpellQuizzer, a spelling program for helping children master their spelling and vocabulary words. Developed by Dan Hite, a father of two, SpellQuizzer allows parents or students to easily enter their spelling words into the program and make audio recordings of the list. 

Jenn writes:

"I have been allowed to give away one free copy of this product to the winner of a giveaway. After you read the review, if you feel this product would benefit you and your child, please enter the giveaway by doing the following:

1. Leave a comment on this post.

2. Link back to this post on your blog letting others know about the giveaway. If you don't have a blog, you can Twitter it or do a Facebook post about it with a link to this blog post. Or you can do all three.

The giveaway will be open until midnight Friday, August 21, 2009. On Saturday morning I will randomly draw one winner from the comments left and announce that winner on Saturday."

Click here to add your comment and enter the giveaway!