Today is a marathon day.
First we are going to vote. I believe it’s very important that the kids see us vote, so I always take them along.
Then we have story time for Danny.
Speaking of Danny you just turned two yesterday but is convinced that he’s 3.
After Story Time will run to the chiropractor. It’s been far too long since we have been in. I am really feeling it.
Then we are home for a few hours before heading back out to the dojo.
I am hoping that we have found a couple of girls that will help us with the kids so that I can continue Krav. We will see how it goes. The other option we might try is putting the younger ones in the double stroller and bringing them closer to the mats. Not as convenient, and I might miss more of class than I do now, but it might get me through some sitter-less classes.
Last week’s classes were really good. I definately improved my kicks.
The ladies Christmas party at church is coming up. I must say, I do love the creative aspect of decorating a table. This year’s theme is Christmas songs. I had a very hard time choosing one. I love Christmas music. I listen year round.
Gmail has been having issues. I have been trying to sign in all night (I am writing this Monday night). I have some business and personal responses to make, and typing on the phone is not half as fast as on the Chromebook.

{The following is an affiliate link. That means that if you make a purchase through my link that I get a small commission, but it does not change the price that you pay for the bundle.}

My favorite homemaking resource is on sale today! Get the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle for $30. Offer valid until midnight only! Want to see what is in this year’s bundle? You can check that out here. If you want to know how to figure out if it is worth it for you to buy it, you can check out this post I wrote on how I do it.
Thanksgiving is two weeks away! Where has the year gone? My mind is shifting to Thanksgiving planning and Christmas planning and preparations. I am trying to remember that we are supposed to be overflowing with thankfulness and peculiar. Putting on love and renewing our minds.
This week I am focusing on making the bed (of course I have to wait until the children are up!), dressing for the day (both spiritually and physically), timers, doing the dishes before bed, staying hydrated, and getting better sleep.
I mentioned that Christmas is coming up. Keeping Christ the focus of Christmas is important to us. I think we are going to try to make Jesse Tree ornaments this year. There are some that say Christians should not celebrate Christmas and Easter. That is certainly an area of personal conviction. We do not make a big deal over Santa. We use Christmas as a tool to share the Gospel with the children. Making much of Jesus, just as we do all year. Reminding them that their Father in heaven gives a much better gift, and that we are to share that gift with others.
Do you celebrate Christmas? What will be on your Thanksgiving table? What are you thankful for today?
 
On to the linkup!

The Aprons & Pearls Link-up

“If you want to experience consistent victory and see it played out in the atmosphere of your home, continually look for areas in which the Holy Spirit is leading to greater obedience, and ask God what your part is in making that a reality.

Cynthia Carrier

This is a Christ-based weekly link-up to encourage others in their walks, and help Christian bloggers get their work out there.
Leave links to posts that are:
Homemaking/natural living/parenting/Christian walk related.
This could be natural living posts, recipes, cleaning, parenting, devotions, lessons, homeschool, Christian living, mentoring, modesty, gardening, homemade, diy, marriage, relationships, frugality, etc.

Linking Guidelines:

• • Link directly to your post (not to your homepage).
  • Please, no marketing posts (Plexus, Jamberry, MLM Oils or the like). Affiliate links to relevant items okay.
  • While I personally do not see anything wrong with a glass of wine every once in a while, please do not include alcoholic beverage recipes. It is a stumbling block to many, and I am not comfortable including them. They will be deleted.
  • Feel free to include old posts that need some love, relevant link ups and giveaways.
  • Leave as many as you like.
  • Link back to the Aprons & Pearls Linkup, either using the button below or a text link on either your post, sidebar, or link party page.
  • Use the hashtag #apronspearls when posting on social media so we can find your posts as well!
  • I would like to encourage you to browse through the links and take time to visit some and comment when lead.

  The link-up will run Tuesday at 6am-Sunday at 5pm. Please come back through Sunday and check out some of the posts!
  I have made a Pinterest Board for the posts that you link-up, feel free to send me a message over on pinterest to be added. You can click here to check out the board.
  As time allows I will pin some links from the linkup (unless you have already added them to the board), share them on social media and comment.
  Please note: View expressed in linkedup posts do not necessarily reflect my own, and I reserve the right to delete inappropriate posts.
  
  Now, to the link-up! Just click on the blue button below to add your link, and to check out all of the links left by others! Links are sorted randomly, so no need to worry if you join us late in the game!
  
  
  

It seems that we have skipped autumn and gone to winter weather.
Our family found a new pumpkin patch this year. The farm that we have been to for the past five years was not doing it this year. After some searching online I found another farm near my mom that had one.
It turned out to be a great find. The hayride was much cheaper, and longer. The farm does not use pesticides or other harmful chemicals. We got to watch the farmer’s wife press cider (and got a gallon of it to try). We picked out smaller pumpkins since they were a bit more than the old farm, but the kids did not mind. They have a peach orchard that we will visit in the summer.
This autumn has been different. There are some church events that we have been participated in for years that we did not do this year. Rather odd feeling, but since we are mainly attending a new church now, it is probably time.
I earned my second stripe in Krav Maga last week. I definitely improved my kicks. Found out a one hour class burns 800-900 calories. Since everyone earned their stripes early in the week our ‘b’ class Thursday was just for fun really. We did a bunch of kicking and stretching. Great fun.
Unfortunately it looks like I will not be able to continue as the teen we found said she was overwhelmed. I thought it was pretty easy since the nearly two year old is in the stroller for the class, the older two entertain themselves, and the littlest is not even mobile yet. The last teen that was watching them (since her parents were in the same class) was much younger and had no issues, so I assumed this young lady would be okay.
It was nice to be able to do something to blow off steam each week. I will miss it. There is one more possibility but it would not be a consistent thing, missing at least one class every other week. I honestly want to cry over it. I do not do much for myself, and this was something that I was enjoying, and benefiting from (both for learning self defense and getting fit).
I am setting up an obstacle course in our backyard for the children. Girlie’s karate class has had them a couple of times lately and it has been an interest of theirs. If I do it outside it will get them fresh air and sunshine on top of the physical/mental workout. I will write a post about it once it is done.
I am excited that there will be a Homemaking Bundle flash sale next week! Rather timely as the 3rd is National Homemakers Day. It is my favorite resource for homemaking. So keep an eye out for it!
One little man is nearly 2! Time is flying by! I feel kind of bad that we are not doing a party like we usually do. Not that it is usually big or anything, just a few close friends and family. We just had a cake at Grandma’s rather last minute this past weekend. Unfortunately cousins were sick so they could not come, so it was a very small affair.
I am gathering the stuff for the goodie bags for trick or treaters Wednesday. I just need to get some glow sticks. The Gospels of John came in, I printed off invites to the family game night Friday. I got some sticky hands, allergen free suckers, and juice boxes. I will try to pop by the dollar store for the glow sticks tomorrow. It just means taking the children through there…I would send hubby after work tomorrow, but we have Krav, so that will not work. We get out of class just as they close.
Hopefully there will be another post later this week. I have a few guest posts that I am excited to share soon.
On to the linkup!

The Aprons & Pearls Link-up

“If you want to experience consistent victory and see it played out in the atmosphere of your home, continually look for areas in which the Holy Spirit is leading to greater obedience, and ask God what your part is in making that a reality.

Cynthia Carrier

This is a Christ-based weekly link-up to encourage others in their walks, and help Christian bloggers get their work out there.
Leave links to posts that are:
Homemaking/natural living/parenting/Christian walk related.
This could be natural living posts, recipes, cleaning, parenting, devotions, lessons, homeschool, Christian living, mentoring, modesty, gardening, homemade, diy, marriage, relationships, frugality, etc.

Linking Guidelines:

• • Link directly to your post (not to your homepage).
  • Please, no marketing posts (Plexus, Jamberry, MLM Oils or the like). Affiliate links to relevant items okay.
  • While I personally do not see anything wrong with a glass of wine every once in a while, please do not include alcoholic beverage recipes. It is a stumbling block to many, and I am not comfortable including them. They will be deleted.
  • Feel free to include old posts that need some love, relevant link ups and giveaways.
  • Leave as many as you like.
  • Link back to the Aprons & Pearls Linkup, either using the button below or a text link on either your post, sidebar, or link party page.
  • Use the hashtag #apronspearls when posting on social media so we can find your posts as well!
  • I would like to encourage you to browse through the links and take time to visit some and comment when lead.

  The link-up will run Tuesday at 6am-Sunday at 5pm. Please come back through Sunday and check out some of the posts!
  I have made a Pinterest Board for the posts that you link-up, feel free to send me a message over on pinterest to be added. You can click here to check out the board.
  As time allows I will pin some links from the linkup (unless you have already added them to the board), share them on social media and comment.
  Please note: View expressed in linkedup posts do not necessarily reflect my own, and I reserve the right to delete inappropriate posts.
  
  Now, to the link-up! Just click on the blue button below to add your link, and to check out all of the links left by others! Links are sorted randomly, so no need to worry if you join us late in the game!
  
  
  

One of those lovely weeks when story time and science time are on break. This week and next week are a little less crazy. Just a little.
This week I am catching up on stuff around the house, making costumes for costume night at AWANAs, and gathering stuff for goodie bags for the neighborhood children.
I got to go to Hobby Lobby with just O last night. I did well, I did not look at all of the awesome Christmas decor (it is my favorite time of year), and I came out under budget.
School is going well, though work sheets are not a favorite.
This weekend we went to the zoo with a friend to do family photos. It was a lot of fun, for me anyway. Hubby is not into it, but was a trooper and did it for me. My friend got some amazing shots of the children.
Finally got back to church this past week. First D had allergy junk, then we were out of town, then I was sick, then D and O had allergy junk. It was nice to be back.
If you missed it last week, I shared one of my favorite soups. It is called Adrenal Recovery Soup, but it is great any time.
Krav Maga has been intense. It was conditioning week last week, in preparation for stripe testing this week.
On to the linkup!

The Aprons & Pearls Link-up

“If you want to experience consistent victory and see it played out in the atmosphere of your home, continually look for areas in which the Holy Spirit is leading to greater obedience, and ask God what your part is in making that a reality.

Cynthia Carrier

This is a Christ-based weekly link-up to encourage others in their walks, and help Christian bloggers get their work out there.
Leave links to posts that are:
Homemaking/natural living/parenting/Christian walk related.
This could be natural living posts, recipes, cleaning, parenting, devotions, lessons, homeschool, Christian living, mentoring, modesty, gardening, homemade, diy, marriage, relationships, frugality, etc.

Linking Guidelines:

• • Link directly to your post (not to your homepage).
  • Please, no marketing posts (Plexus, Jamberry, MLM Oils or the like). Affiliate links to relevant items okay.
  • While I personally do not see anything wrong with a glass of wine every once in a while, please do not include alcoholic beverage recipes. It is a stumbling block to many, and I am not comfortable including them. They will be deleted.
  • Feel free to include old posts that need some love, relevant link ups and giveaways.
  • Leave as many as you like.
  • Link back to the Aprons & Pearls Linkup, either using the button below or a text link on either your post, sidebar, or link party page.
  • Use the hashtag #apronspearls when posting on social media so we can find your posts as well!
  • I would like to encourage you to browse through the links and take time to visit some and comment when lead.

  The link-up will run Tuesday at 6am-Sunday at 5pm. Please come back through Sunday and check out some of the posts!
  I have made a Pinterest Board for the posts that you link-up, feel free to send me a message over on pinterest to be added. You can click here to check out the board.
  As time allows I will pin some links from the linkup (unless you have already added them to the board), share them on social media and comment.
  Please note: View expressed in linkedup posts do not necessarily reflect my own, and I reserve the right to delete inappropriate posts.
  
  Now, to the link-up! Just click on the blue button below to add your link, and to check out all of the links left by others! Links are sorted randomly, so no need to worry if you join us late in the game!
  
  
  

On the mend. Finally. Mastitis had two days of last week, then the sinus infection that I had been fighting finally hit hard. By the way, I have dismissed gargling with salt water way too long. It is amazing!
Not much at all got done, and I didn’t go out much. Ollie had a weight check (he’s gaining more than our goal of 5oz a week now), and our follow up with the lactation consultant (who said I still need to do some stretches after the five week mark, boo).
My mom and hubby took the children to karate. Storytime and science time did not happen last week, and it still bugs me, but I can’t do it all. I skipped krav as well since it is pretty intense.
This past weekend I started tackling the living/play room. Downsized dress up stuff and the toy box both by about half. Small steps. Kids toys are hard for me to get rid of.
Hubby replaced the garbage disposal. I am very thankful that he is so handy.
I am hoping that life gets back to “normal” this week!
 On to the linkup!

The Aprons & Pearls Link-up

“If you want to experience consistent victory and see it played out in the atmosphere of your home, continually look for areas in which the Holy Spirit is leading to greater obedience, and ask God what your part is in making that a reality.

Cynthia Carrier

This is a Christ-based weekly link-up to encourage others in their walks, and help Christian bloggers get their work out there.
Leave links to posts that are:
Homemaking/natural living/parenting/Christian walk related.
This could be natural living posts, recipes, cleaning, parenting, devotions, lessons, homeschool, Christian living, mentoring, modesty, gardening, homemade, diy, marriage, relationships, frugality, etc.

Linking Guidelines:

• • Link directly to your post (not to your homepage).
  • Please, no marketing posts (Plexus, Jamberry, MLM Oils or the like). Affiliate links to relevant items okay.
  • While I personally do not see anything wrong with a glass of wine every once in a while, please do not include alcoholic beverage recipes. It is a stumbling block to many, and I am not comfortable including them. They will be deleted.
  • Feel free to include old posts that need some love, relevant link ups and giveaways.
  • Leave as many as you like.
  • Link back to the Aprons & Pearls Linkup, either using the button below or a text link on either your post, sidebar, or link party page.
  • Use the hashtag #apronspearls when posting on social media so we can find your posts as well!
  • I would like to encourage you to browse through the links and take time to visit some and comment when lead.

  The link-up will run Tuesday at 6am-Sunday at 5pm. Please come back through Sunday and check out some of the posts!
  I have made a Pinterest Board for the posts that you link-up, feel free to send me a message over on pinterest to be added. You can click here to check out the board.
  As time allows I will pin some links from the linkup (unless you have already added them to the board), share them on social media and comment.
  Please note: View expressed in linkedup posts do not necessarily reflect my own, and I reserve the right to delete inappropriate posts.
  
  Now, to the link-up! Just click on the blue button below to add your link, and to check out all of the links left by others! Links are sorted randomly, so no need to worry if you join us late in the game!
  
  
  

On the mend. Finally. Mastitis had two days of last week, then the sinus infection that I had been fighting finally hit hard. By the way, I have dismissed gargling with salt water way too long. It is amazing!
Not much at all got done, and I didn’t go out much. Ollie had a weight check (he’s gaining more than our goal of 5oz a week now), and our follow up with the lactation consultant (who said I still need to do some stretches after the five week mark, boo).
My mom and hubby took the children to karate. Storytime and science time did not happen last week, and it still bugs me, but I can’t do it all. I skipped krav as well since it is pretty intense.
This past weekend I started tackling the living/play room. Downsized dress up stuff and the toy box both by about half. Small steps. Kids toys are hard for me to get rid of.
Hubby replaced the garbage disposal. I am very thankful that he is so handy.
I am hoping that life gets back to “normal” this week!
 On to the linkup!

The Aprons & Pearls Link-up

“If you want to experience consistent victory and see it played out in the atmosphere of your home, continually look for areas in which the Holy Spirit is leading to greater obedience, and ask God what your part is in making that a reality.

Cynthia Carrier

This is a Christ-based weekly link-up to encourage others in their walks, and help Christian bloggers get their work out there.
Leave links to posts that are:
Homemaking/natural living/parenting/Christian walk related.
This could be natural living posts, recipes, cleaning, parenting, devotions, lessons, homeschool, Christian living, mentoring, modesty, gardening, homemade, diy, marriage, relationships, frugality, etc.

Linking Guidelines:

• • Link directly to your post (not to your homepage).
  • Please, no marketing posts (Plexus, Jamberry, MLM Oils or the like). Affiliate links to relevant items okay.
  • While I personally do not see anything wrong with a glass of wine every once in a while, please do not include alcoholic beverage recipes. It is a stumbling block to many, and I am not comfortable including them. They will be deleted.
  • Feel free to include old posts that need some love, relevant link ups and giveaways.
  • Leave as many as you like.
  • Link back to the Aprons & Pearls Linkup, either using the button below or a text link on either your post, sidebar, or link party page.
  • Use the hashtag #apronspearls when posting on social media so we can find your posts as well!
  • I would like to encourage you to browse through the links and take time to visit some and comment when lead.

  The link-up will run Tuesday at 6am-Sunday at 5pm. Please come back through Sunday and check out some of the posts!
  I have made a Pinterest Board for the posts that you link-up, feel free to send me a message over on pinterest to be added. You can click here to check out the board.
  As time allows I will pin some links from the linkup (unless you have already added them to the board), share them on social media and comment.
  Please note: View expressed in linkedup posts do not necessarily reflect my own, and I reserve the right to delete inappropriate posts.
  
  Now, to the link-up! Just click on the blue button below to add your link, and to check out all of the links left by others! Links are sorted randomly, so no need to worry if you join us late in the game!