It's been way too long since I have blogged. It's Wednesday morning. The kids are fed, changed, dressed, and playing behind me. I've got three loaves of bread rising and the dishes are done. I went through all the toys last night and reorganized, threw out and seperated a bunch to give away. Monday Misty and her sweet munchkins came over and played. Misty helped me take pictures and get my ebay selling account all set up. I was so thankful, she helped so much. Now I just have to get the rest of my stuff set up and up for sale! The kids had so much fun. When they left, George said "That little Josiah isn't shy anymore! He likes to play with me now!" Here daughters were so sweet. Grace just grinned and kept hiding behind her hair. Cami is such an incredible help with the little kids!! She was wonderful!!

I was talking to a man from church the other night after Awana and he said their 14 year old daughter makes all their bread now, and that from the time their kids were three, his wife started training them to clean the bathroom and dust and do other chores. They weren't done very well at first, for a few years even, but the training was in place and then by the time they were 6 or so, they were so used to doing it and were actually good at it. I should really start doing that more with George. The kids already know how to pick up their toys and books of course, but I haven't branched out much more past that. George does put away the laundry in his room, (and yes it is very messy, but hey, it's in drawers and put away!) I could probably start training them to help more with dishes maybe, or sweeping. I too often just think. "Oh, I could do it so much faster and I don't want to take the time to teach them and have them do it badly.." but if I don't teach it now, by the time they get old enough to do it well, they probably won't want to!

Last night I started reading the book that Krista and Miss Mike gave me for my birthday last year. It's called "The Mom you were meant to be." It's really good, simple short chapters on several key issues that Biblically encourage you to enjoy your kids, get to know them individually, love them, listen to them, and slow down and stop stressing out. It was so what I needed to read. It was written by a mom with three kids close together, two boys and a girl, just like me. She was a grandmother when she wrote the book, so had the wealth of experience and hindsight in her favor. It really is so hard to believe everyone that says slow down and enjoy it, it will go by so quickly, but I know they are right. Some days I get so overwhelmed, but I know if I could go back to this time in 20 years, I would do it in a heartbeat. It's beautiful chaos.

I have got the decorating bug. I found a wallpaper that I want to put in the kitchen, but it is way too expensive. I have been looking for it online at other places but I am afraid the Country House is the only place that sells it. I think we will paint the boys room this weekend. And I think there will be enought paint left over to do the hall bathroom, too. I found a border I like for the living room. I just want to paint everything!!! The walls now are so scuffed and yuck with that super flat paint that shows every little mark. And it's all beige!! I really want to get some color in here! I still don't have curtains in any room but the boys room, either. All in good time..and money. I hate to spend money on things we don't need, but Nate doesn't mind.

Well, I must run, laundry and kidcare awaits. Have a blessed day!!