To vote for me for Top Momma, follow the link and click on the picture of my husband and I in front of the flag. Thanks! PLEASE VOTE FOR ME

Labels: Awards

Genesis 2:1-3
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.

Today was a wonderful day of worship. We were able to attend a church of our choosing this morning, which is a rare occurrence with my husband being in ministry. We typically attend where he serves. This morning we were able to attend Christ Church a CREC church.
It was a refreshing time.

Then we came home for lunch and had some great theological discussion with our children. Then most of the family took a greatly needed nap! God definitely knew that we would need this day of rest to refresh, renew, and recharge. I praise Him for providing that for us on this Lord's Day.

Labels: Christianity, Encouragement, journal

As of yesterday, I am now the proud mother of three teenagers!(plus 5 other children)
Rachel turned 13 years old yesterday bringing the young adult count to 3. She had a couple of friends stay the night, they popped the tent and camped out. Today we are headed to the skating rink for the official birthday party. Pizza and skating with a bunch of her friends, what could be better! Happy birthday Rachel!

Labels: journal, Quiverfull

Spring is definately in full swing. The time of blooms and new growth is upon us. At the beginning of every season I tend to think "No, this ONE is really my favorite season!"
The truth is I love every season, God's glory and His provision are evident with every passing season. Spring reminds me of new life. Everything is fresh with buds. The buds begin to bloom. Baby birds and squirrels fill the park and my backyard! Our family even celebrates many birthdays during the spring season. All of this new life refreshes in my heart the new life that I have in Christ Jesus! Spring is indeed a glorious time of year.
There are lessons to be learned all year through and I find it wonderful and amazing that we can learn so much about our loving creator through the creation and the seasons. One thing I will definately miss when we move from the great Inland Northwest is having 4 distinct seasons!

Labels: Christianity, Encouragement, journal

Romans 1:20
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Today we are headed to the park and to the Lilac gardens. It is the perfect opportunity to remind my children of God's awesome creation. To talk to them as we go about how God has revealed Himself through His creation, that man is without excuse when they deny God. God has made Himself known. Those who deny His existence are without excuse. To talk with my children about how they can use the gift of creation to teach others about our awesome Creator.

Labels: Christianity, Encouragement, Homeschooling, journal, Train Up a Child

Thirteen Things about Kristine aka MamaArcher 1. I'm a Christian 2. I'm a wife 3. I'm a mother to eight children 4. I'm a Classical Christian homeschooler 5. My family is in the military 6. I'm married to a minister 7. My favorite colors are burgundy and sage 8. I'm fairly new to this whole blogging thing 9. I love the mountains 10.I love tent camping 11.I always dreamed of being a composer 12.I love Mozart 13.I have always wanted and still would love to have twins! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! Please Leave a Comment! Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Labels: Thursday Thirteen

Matthew 7:15-20
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

Labels: Christianity, Nature, Washington State, Wordless Wednesday

This Weeks Soldier Was Suggested By Sunny Kay

Col. Cyril Richard "Rick" Rescorla
68 years old from New York City, New York
16th Air Assault Brigade, Parachute Regiment (England)
Platoon Leader of 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) (U.S.)
September 11, 2001


Col. Rick Rescorla is a multiple time hero. In 1957 he enlisted in the British Army and began training as a paratrooper with The Parachute Regiment of the 16th Air Assault Brigade. He went on to serve with an intelligence unit in Cyprus, a paramilitary police inspector in the Northern Rhodesia Police (now the Zambia Police Service). When his military career ended in England he joined the Metropolitan Police Service in London. But he found the paperwork too boring and quite at the behest of a friend who encouraged him to join the United State Army. Which he did.

In 1963, Rescorla enlisted, with his friend, in the United States Army. After he completed basic training he attended officer training school and was assigned as a platoon leader in the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).

He was shipped to Vietnam and participated in the Battle of la Drang. While in Vietnam, he was given the nickname "Hard Core" by his men for his bravery in battle.

In 1968, Resorla became a U.S. citizen and continued his service in the Army Reserves until 1990 when he retired. In 1985 he joined a financial services firm, located in the World Trade Center, as security director.

In 1993, when the WTC was bombed, Rescorla was instrumental in evacuating people from the building. Afterwards, he enacted a policy in which all employees of the firm practiced evacuation drills every three months.

September 11, 2001. Rick Rescorla was supposed to be on vacation getting ready for his daughters wedding. Instead he was at work covering a shift for one of his deputies so that he could go on vacation. When American Airlines Flight 11 hit Tower 1, Rescorla ignored officials advice to stay put and opted instead to put his evacuation drills to use. While evacuating the 3,800 employees of his firm in Towers 2 and 5 he kept reminding them "be proud to be an American ...everyone will be talking about you tomorrow" and sang God Bless America over his bullhorn. When Flight 175 struck Tower 2, Rescorla had already evacuated most of the employees from his firm as well as many others from other floors. He then went back in, despite being told he needed to evacuate himself. The last known words anyone heard him say were, "As soon as I make sure everyone else is out". Tower 2 collapsed with Rick Rescorla last seen heading to the 10th floor looking for more people to help.

As a result of his actions that day, all but six employees of his firm made it out alive. One of those being him and three others being his deputies who followed him into Tower 2, Wesley Mercer, Jorge Velazquez, and Godwin Forde.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. If you would like to participate in honoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by going here.

Labels: Military, Wednesday Heroes

Proverbs 14:1 The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands.

I have been thinking on this verse a lot since the Lord brought it to mind yesterday. I am reminded that often I am wise but I am often foolish as well. There are days that I live and accomplish much for the Lord and then there are days that I am found tearing down what He has built. This verse needs to be a daily reminder to me not just an occasional one. Am I being wise? Am I intentionally teaching and training my children to glorify God in all they say and do? Am I glorifying God in all I say and do? Or am I being foolish by not considering my words carefully enough, loosing my temper, being slothful, setting a poor example, not studying my Word or spending time in prayer like I should be.

Being a godly mother is one of the highest callings the Lord bestows, am I seeking to do things His way? Am I being a good steward of the home and lives within it that He has entrusted to me? Am I being wise with godly wisdom as I attempt to build my house each and every day or am I being foolish with the world's wisdom, being neglectful rather than intentional for the glory of God?

An evaluation is in order, not just for today but for everyday.

Labels: Christianity, Encouragement, Homeschooling, journal, Quiverfull

"Man is nothing: he hath a free will to go to hell, but none to go to heaven, till God worketh in him to will and to do his good pleasure"
GEORGE WHITEFIELD TO JOHN WESLEY

Read more in George Whitefield's letter to John Wesley

Labels: Christianity

Today was spent with friends as they celebrated two of their children's birthdays and this evening will be spent with some dear friends over BBQ. I was thinking how much I enjoy just being able to fellowship to good friends! If you have been around the internet long I am sure you are aware of the fact that IRL means In Real Life. I care about the internet friends and prayer partners I have met and value those relationships but I wanted to make a special effort to support some of my IRL friends. So here are links to some of my IRL friends that you can visit on the internet!

Sallie, my sister-in-law's site, Everyday Me...Life as it Happens

Mike, my brother-in-law, the marine at The Gunny's Gouge

Rebecca and her fashion site Space Between my Peers

Jimmy, a friend of ours who just recently wrote a book, The Identity of Christ. His site is Locked in the Liberty of Christ

James Galyon, a friend of my husband, his site: 2-Worlds-Collide

Please take a moment and go visit some great people!!

Labels: Blogging, journal

It is amazing what a decent night's sleep will do! I cannot remember when I actually had a full night's sleep! Well, last night I was blessed to have some uninterrupted sleep from 11pm to 6:30am. Not a long night but it was uninterpreted and that made all the difference. Thank you Lord!

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and I have lost 4 pounds this week! God is so good! I awoke with a rejoicing heart this morning and I just want to share some encouraging scriptures with you today. Remember, this is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. What are you rejoicing about today? Please share it in the comments so I can rejoice with you!

1 Chronicles 16:10
Glory in his holy name;let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!

2 Chronicles 6:41b
Let your priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation,and let your saints rejoice in your goodness.

Psalm 5:11
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;let them ever sing for joy,and spread your protection over them,that those who love your name may exult in you.

Isaiah 25:9
It will be said on that day,"Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation."

Labels: Christianity, Encouragement, journal

1 Corinthians 10:31
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

And do we have alot to do, which is a great opportunity to teach this truth!

Labels: Christianity, Encouragement, Homeschooling, Quiverfull, Train Up a Child

We had yet another birthday! Our 2nd son Micah turned 11 years old! A great time was had by all when they went to Lazer Quest, and Micah enjoyed his baseball gifts.
Micah is in the first row on the right.

Labels: journal, Quiverfull

As I prepare for the packers to come in 2 1/2 weeks (YIKES) I am finding myself having a hard time knowing where to begin. For a family our size we really do not have all that much stuff, but there is alot, since there are alot of us. In fact, there are 10 of us at the last count! LOL
I am in the process of trying to weed and widdle things down and to organize. This is something I should do on a continual basis but now it is crunch time. I think my biggest obstacle is that I do not have a place for everything. There is just some furniture I need to purchase but find myself not wanting to spend the money.
I also have to do the seasonal clothers swap, for 10 people that is alot of clothes. It will not really be warm enough here to do it before we move but we are headed back to Texas so we are going to need those summer clothes before we leave. At least we have big rubber tubs to help keep us organized in this area!
I am trying to find ways to motivate myself and get the task done, but it is hard when you see the big mountain in front of you and realize you also have to maintain the daily chores as well.
I guess it is time to get to work!
Any organizational tip you might like to add in the comments are most welcome, even if they are things we already incorporate it will be an encouragement to know that I am on the right track.

Labels: journal, Quiverfull

Supreme Court upholds the federal Partial-Birth Abortion Ban

The 5-4 ruling said the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act that Congress passed and President Bush signed into law in 2003 does not violate a woman's constitutional right to an abortion.

I do not believe a woman has a right to take the life of her unborn child at all! Yet, I am praising God for this small step forward in protecting these unborn children who will now be spared this horrific death.

Learn More:
What is Partial Birth Abortion?

Read more at Prolife Blogs

Labels: Christianity, Conservative, Quiverfull

The cover of the book says "God's Way My Way"~~~~

Proverbs 22:6~~Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Labels: Christianity, Encouragement, Homeschooling, journal, Quiverfull, Wordless Wednesday

Life is such an amazing thing, a gift of God! Shall we never forget what a miraculous thing life is!
Here is a 3D image of our last blessing Moriah Faith.



Psalm 139:13-16
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance;in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me.

Would you like to help promote the amazing gift of life? Visit ProLife Blogs.

Labels: Christianity, journal, Preschoolers, Quiverfull

Here are some questions that were left in my comments section and I will attempt to answer them.

So I know lots of people think part of dyslexia has to do with reversing words and letters,etc. Is there any part of dyslexia that affects seeing and writing letters/words backwards? I also know that it is common for children learning to write to reverse some of the letters for a while.

This is a common misconception. On one hand it is true but dyslexia is so much more than this. Flip flopping letters is very common for all children as they begin the reading and writing journey and usually dissolves itself as time goes on. This has often led to people downplaying or even denying dyslexia as a learning disability. Dyslexics do however have this problem but it is a result of a problem with sequential memory and it plays out in this way. Sometimes there are also eye tracking disorders that go along with and contribute to this. The flip flopping of letters alone is not a good test for dyslexia.

What kinds of things in your child made you think that there was something
unusual?

1. my husband is also a dyslexic
2. he could not learn his alphabet
3. he could not rhyme

What kind of teaching style did Sylvan use that was detrimental for your son?

Sylvan used primarily a whole language approach with my son, even being informed that we knew he was most likely dyslexic (he had not been officially diagnosed yet) and knowing that we wanted a phonics based program. I was simply told over and over again to "stick with the program." He did learn his alphabet and was able to know from memory words like said, does, house, other words from memory but he still could not sound out dog or cat. For this service we paid $4000!

Labels: Homeschooling, Learning Disabilities

Yesterday, waiting in line at the pharmacy, a woman and her 4 boys walked in. I have seen this woman before and observed how she interacted with her 4 little ones and I was once again saddened by the whole event. The oldest was maybe 9 years old. They were good boys though very undisciplined, which was not their fault my any means. My heart goes out to these young children and I pray that thier mother will change. Everytime this woman opened her mouth it was loud, irritated, and filled with such anger that it was literally as if the woman was growling! Full of loud sighs and clenched teeth. Her boys really were not that bad, my children would not have acted like that but all those boys needed was some discipline which she was obviously not providing. One of her boys simply touched her arm and she jump and through clenched teeth said things I will not repeat. One of her other boys was turning circles and singing, she yelled at him to shut-up, he replied in the sweetest voice & said "but mommy I love you." This about broke my heart. All these children wanted and needed was for their mother to love them, to really love them.

Here is a woman who sees her children as obligatory burdens and not as the blessings that they truly are. I am more and more thankful everyday that God has blessed me so richly and I pray that I will always see my children as the gifts that God has entrusted to me.

Need encouragement when it comes to seeing your children as the blessings they are?
Here are some great articles and well worth the read.

Chilren are Gifts from God

This is one of my favorite articles and it has made an amazing change in my life, the simple little changes we make, even just a in a single word, can have life changing consequences.

What Does God Call our Children?

Labels: Christianity, Encouragement, Homeschooling, Preschoolers, Quiverfull

Homeschooling with preschoolers can often present a challenge when you have several older children to attend to as well. I am ashamed to say there have been to many days when the little ones were left with the tv and videos as the babysitter so the older children and I could finish lessons. I have often failed in this area but am resolved to make a change for the better. Having a schedule really helps and when I get off schedule is when things tend to be neglected and are let to slide. Here is a great place to start if looking for scheduling materials and this has worked well for our family. Managers of Their Homes

Here are some idea to help you when it comes to preschoolers and homeschooling.

1. play dough
2. their own "schoolbook" aka coloring book
3. lacing activities
4. stencils
5. stories on cd or cassette
6. reading to them between helping others
7. measuring water with cups and measuring spoons
8. writing on chalkboard or dry erase board

Please share some suggestions or what has worked for you in the comments section.

Labels: Curriculum, Homeschooling, Preschoolers, Quiverfull

Dyslexia and Dysgraphia are two learning disabilities that are often misunderstood. My youngest son has both of these learning disabilities and has presented a real challenge to homeschool. He struggles greatly and there came a time when I was at the end of my rope and felt like a total failure! We even spent a lot of money and sent him to Sylvan learning center. I would NEVER recommend that to anyone!!! NEVER!! After the Sylvan incident we had our son diagonised and was told that Sylvan had actually set him back through their method of teaching.

Dyslexia is often misunderstood and minimized. Contrary to what many think, dyslexia is not about reversing letters. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and / or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge. Children will often have problems with sequential auditory memory as well which contributes to their difficulties in reading and spelling.

Dysgraphia - a neurological-based writing disability in which a person finds it hard to form letters or write within a defined space.

On occasion I will discuss more on these learning disabilities. Please post any questions in the comment section and I will address them in later posts, so please check back.

Labels: Homeschooling, journal, Learning Disabilities

I was sitting in the clinic waiting room yesterday and overheard a phone conversation. I do not think eavesdropping is a becoming trait. This woman was talking extremely loud, like she wanted everyone to hear, you could not avoid it.
She was asking her friend why her husband was so upset with her, didn't they both agree to see other people, was he really wanting this marriage to work, why didn't she just bring her children and come stay with her, what was she doing for herself, and going to church for encouragement was a good idea.

WHAT!?!?!?!

Does marriage not mean anything any more? Going to church for encouragement, when this lady wants to see other people while married? Not that going to church is a bad idea, it isn't, but this reasoning shows a clear misunderstanding of what the church is for, it is not to condone our actions and encourage us in them if they are sinful, quite the opposite in fact. Have we forgotten what marriage is? Here is a good definition from Websters' 1828 Dictionary:

MAR'RIAGE, n. [L.mas, maris.] The act of uniting a man and woman for life; wedlock; the legal union of a man and woman for life. Marriage is a contract both civil and religious, by which the parties engage to live together in mutual affection and fidelity, till death shall separate them. Marriage was instituted by God himself for the purpose of preventing the promiscuous intercourse of the sexes, for promoting domestic felicity,and for securing the maintenance and education of children.

Marriage is honorable in all and the bed undefiled. Heb.13.

Unfortunately divorce is just as prevalent in the church as outside of the church, that in itself is a sad statement on how the church views, counsels, and accepts divorce. Born Again Christians are just as likely to divorce as are non-Christians.

I find it a mournful thing to think of all of the divorced couples, to think of the children in those families (I am also a child of divorce) and the devastation they experience, to think of all of the blessing that are thrown away, and the displeasure it causes our Heavenly Father.

I pray we will do all we can to hold our marriages together and to encourage others to hold fast to their commitments and covenant relationships. That we would once again see divorce as something disgraceful and marriage as something sacred.

On a side note, I am not saying that if you are divorced you are a disgrace, God is a gracious, merciful, loving, and forgiving God and I seek to be like Him. I acknowledge that there are legitimate and Biblical reasons for divorce. I do however want to say this is not an excuse for divorce and God's desire is ultimately for reconciliation.

Labels: Christianity, marriage

Labels: journal, Wordless Wednesday

My husband and I currently have eight children and are a homeschooling family. I have been homeschooling for 11 years now. WOW! Has it really been that long? I often receive questions on homeschooling, the how tos, curriculum questions, scheduling questions, & questions concerning what are most important things to teach. This last one is what I want to discuss today.

What is our top priority?
These are things we desire to see come to fruition in our children's lives: that our children's main purpose in life is to know, love, serve, and glorify God; that their faith in God is of the highest importance. That they posses a "biblical worldview," that being in essence, that they believe absolute moral truth exists; and is defined in the Bible and that ALL things are to viewed in light of and according to the scriptures.

What christian would not desire this for their children. But how is this achieved? By the work of the Lord in their lives of course, but also by the work of the Lord in the lives of their parents. As parents we are called to teach and to train our children in the ways of the Lord.
Deuteronomy 6

We must instill in them this Biblical Worldview. That is a term that is thrown around a lot these days and many will claim to have this worldview. This is something we need to deeply examine. Do we really see EVERYTHING from God's perspective? Do we check EVERYTHING against scripture? Are we open to God showing us where we are in error? Consistency is the key here as well, we MUST practice what we preach. We must be intentional in all we do.

Many of us are failing. Not one of us is perfect or is the perfect parent but we must be always striving to do things God's way. We must be willing to repent where we fail and rest upon Christ for His strength and wisdom.

Here are some places worth visiting:

Revolutionary Parenting

Nehemiah Institute Worldview Testing

May God grant you His wisdom as you seek to train the children He has entrusted to you for His service!

Labels: Christianity, Encouragement, Homeschooling, journal, newsletter, Quiverfull

Begin to build your wealth, primarily with mutual funds and real estate.

FPU has so much more than just the few things I have shared from the baby steps. Things on how to deal with collections, to understanding what your financial broker and insurance companies are actually saying. He has an awesome section on The Great Misunderstanding, the last lesson in the FPU class, this is the most crucial part of FPU in my opinion.

PLEASE PLEASE take an FPU class, even if you have done "everything" correct (yeah right) in your financial life, it is well worth it! I have personally seen marriages strengthened by going through this class as well. It is an amazing journey!

Labels: financial

Like many holidays, Easter is a pagan holiday that has been Christianized to counter the pagan views. Many of it's symbols and tradition have since taken on new meaning. This is why in our home we prefer to use the term Resurrection Sunday. In many cultures the traditional Easter greeting at least makes reference to the resurrection but in America we simply say Happy Easter. This is a disheartening thing to me. This is the time of year that we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, shouldn't our greetings and celebration include Christ?

Even in many churches today the focus is on ushering in spring, candy, eggs, bunnies, and the church "fashion show", you know where you check out every one's new Easter dress. I am not saying that these things are all bad, in fact we bought new dresses this year and my children did receive some candy. But our focus should be on our Lord Jesus!!

Many churches have done away with the events and observances of Holy Week. What about Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday services. Some protestant denominations even include more in the Holy Week. A continual focus on the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord.

As you go about celebrating this season of Easter I pray that your focus would be ever dwelling on the eternal gift of Jesus and that the "cuteness" of what the Easter season has become will pale in comparison to the Bright and Morning Star, our risen Savior Jesus Christ! Let our holiday be about Christ rather than just letting Christ be mentioned.

Mark 16:1-7
The Resurrection
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back--it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. And he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you."

Labels: Christianity

As you can see, I have not posted in several days. Our family took a short vacation this past week. It was wonderful to be able to just get away for a while without having to think about the busy days ahead. We set out on Tuesday morning for the Seattle area, a place we have been before and enjoyed. Along the way, we made a stop at the Grand Coulee Dam. It was an awesome site. With all of the benefits received from the dam it is also a saddening thing considering the negative consequences that came along with this structure, how it hurt the Native Americana's way of life and negatively impacted the Salmon runs. The drive from there was beautiful with the flowing river and the tall mesas on either side.

We stayed in Bremerton, located across the Puget Sound from Seattle. We had stayed in this same hotel last time and enjoyed the location. It is right on the water and the ferry terminal is half a block away. Our first day there, we took the ferry across into Seattle and walked along the piers, walked through the Pike Place Market, and part of the downtown shopping area. We saw a few street preachers along the way, a lot of interesting people, and ate lunch at a McDonald's which actually had a bouncer!

After lunch we took the monorail a few miles a had a look at the space needle and then went to the Pacific Science Museum. We caught an Imax movie on The Alps and went to the butterfly exhibit among others.

On the ferry ride home we were able to see a few seals lying on the buoyies and gorgous views of Mt. Rainier. Then to top it off a swim in the hotel pool. All in all it was a wonderful and tiring day.

The next day we drove north, after a quick stop at the Navy base, we hit a few state parks and walked through the enormous trees and combed the beach. Here is one place we stopped, Scenic Beach near Seabeck, Wa. As I was sitting watching my children look for oysters, little eels (which they found) and chase crabs around the highlight of my vacation occurred. Right in front of my, perfect viewing a bald eagle flew. It was such a beautiful site I cannot even describe it. Of course I have seen bald eagles before but there is nothing like seeing one fly along the cost with snow capped mountains behind it, just as God had intended!

We topped the evening off with another swim in the hotel swimming pool. We left early the next morning and headed north to take another ferry (to avoid Seattle traffic) and headed home. On the way we stopped at a small town surrounded by mountains and stayed for a while. This little town is Leavenworth. It is designed after a Bavarian town. Brian, who grew up in Germany was the critic for us. He said it definitely had the look, the mountain views, the feel, the sounds, and the smells (oh yum!) of a Bavarian village but it was defiantly Americanized and commercialized. It was a fun break from our driving. We arrived home and relaxed in front of a movie.

Now as I sit here, on my birthday, I am reflecting. I am well aware of the fact that God is so good! He has blessed me with such a wonderful, full, and blessed life!

Labels: journal, Washington State

Labels: Blogging

Baby Step Six is paying off your home early. I had someone leave a comment a while back about whether the morgage was considered debt. It most definately is! This is the setp where you begin to throw all of your extra at your morgage and pay off your home early.

The Financial Peace program has a whole section on purchasing, selling, and investing in real estate. A must if you are looking into any of these things! If you want to learn more about this, go to the Dave Ramsey link and search for a class in your area. He has alot of great information on real estate, a business he was in for many years. Things that most real estate people will not tell you and things that tend to go against the grain.

Labels: financial

Labels: Christianity, Links

Labels: Blogging, Links

Labels: Links