tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29957816756069681772012-02-13T14:07:08.014-08:00A Peek into the life of a family of 10!Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3691100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-30095724553855381422012-02-09T09:48:00.000-08:002012-02-09T20:11:14.848-08:00

Some days I just feel 'off' from the get-go!  Especially when I see it is 10:30 and I haven't done one subject to teach my 5 kids at home. I did however start a load of laundry, solved an argument, kissed my husband good-bye, cleaned part of the kitchen, made my bed, gave 2 teen boys a hair cut, and showered.  That doesn't seem to stop my mind from throwing out that I still haven't paid

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-13504471994189987112012-01-30T11:44:00.000-08:002012-02-09T20:10:31.704-08:00

Where is our focus for our daughters? Doing a Bible Study with some ladies at church and was alerted to an astonishing statistic!  Did you know that by the time your daughter celebrates her 12th birthday, she will have seen an estimated 77,546 commercials!  And we wonder why our daughters have issues?  For Pete's sake I have issues!  I can't look at those and not be disappointed in my looks.

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-61953734465768931142012-01-23T11:16:00.000-08:002012-02-09T20:10:08.863-08:00

Life can just be overwhelming at times!  As I work on our calendar for the family I am reminded that sometimes you just have to take one moment at a time.  If I look at the to-do list I seem to begin to hyperventilate, heart pounding, blood pressure rising, head aching, and loss of breath creep upon me.  Thoughts of....How can I, how will I, who could ever...accomplish all of this?  I am

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-35837451642680562012012-01-18T09:20:00.000-08:002012-02-09T20:00:06.924-08:00

Another week and we are off to a wobbly start! Just so much to do and so little time. Too many kids and one not so little mom! I am a manager of the masses and yet can't seem to finish my own little tasks.Planning the weeks ahead the goal is to do all my errands on Thursday and Friday. (I'm a home school mom so I need some time to make sure the studies are being complete and mom is available

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-85223298266238850392012-01-11T15:46:00.000-08:002012-02-09T19:58:21.818-08:00

We are shifting into the grown kids life! With 5 of them above tween age and only 3 younger our family dynamics is changing! Although, I feel like I am back on the learning curve for what works, what to expect, and trial and error!I do love this stage though!Even though I feel 10 steps behind the family and that I am the constant nag. Trying to make sure I am giving off as many compliments as

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-54522773009346078152012-01-09T13:24:00.000-08:002012-02-09T19:57:32.662-08:00

WOW! How time flies! How can it be 2012?! I have been married to my husband longer in the 2000 than in the 90's! I have 3 teens, 2 college students, and only 3 young children! I keep thinking I am a young mom, and now...not so much!Surely we have only completed about 2 months of school...and yet...1/2 the year is gone!Life keeps getting faster and I am finding it difficult to keep up with the

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-15087007358698146032011-12-06T14:59:00.000-08:002012-02-09T19:56:26.996-08:00

I haven't blogged in months and now I am going to vent!Its Christmas and all I want to do is play but instead I am left with grading school, fixing schedules, organizing our chaos (ONCE AGAIN), washing laundry, and cleaning dishes. But this isn't what is making me crazy! Its log in, usernames, passwords, emails, bank accounts, codes, codes, and more codes!If it isn't codes and passwords then I

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-48109360411604042672011-10-16T20:31:00.000-07:002012-02-09T19:55:08.162-08:00

We didn't quite make it to church today but that didn't stop us from worshiping. I love a man who leads the home!Teens were able to go but the Lil' guys and us stayed home.Grabbing our Bibles, a couple of cokes (special occasion), and camping chairs we dug into God's word on the back deck.They were able to practice their reading skills while learning how to find chapters in the Bible. Even the

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-82703536634148024652011-10-14T08:09:00.000-07:002012-02-09T19:54:09.606-08:00

I don't know who originally posted this so I can't give credit where credit is due! After receiving this through an email I just had to share. My kids and I all got a good belly laugh with each post! Thank you to whoever originally posted this! Laughter is GOOD for the SOUL!THROUGH A CHILD'S EYES...

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-17692323229045480912011-10-12T09:00:00.000-07:002012-02-09T19:52:10.808-08:00

I decided it is time to blog a little about Lewy Body Dementia. We prefer to call it LBD or Lewy because who wants to hear the word dementia?I have a new respect for the word dementia. It gets a bad rap! I think of dementia as not being in right mind. But really the one we are dealing with my dad is fully aware. He has moments when he might forget where he was going, but SO DO I. He has

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-9011741787084799272011-10-05T19:26:00.000-07:002011-10-06T23:08:27.892-07:00

Life is ever changing these days.  From caring for little ones to taking time with my dad.  Its a wonderful thing to be part of their lives and them part of ours.  Sometimes things aren't so great as we age and our bodies decide to reject our desire to go forward and keep working.  But it is part of life on this side of heaven.  Thankfully we know better days are ahead.  This week dad came

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-38768494365460213682011-09-27T15:05:00.000-07:002011-10-06T23:08:10.148-07:00

Well, it only took me 15 years to do it!  But this may be our smoothest year yet in homeschooling!  We are on week 8 and I have yet to be behind or completely loose a kid yet!  (Meaning some days…some kids don’t get through school…I KNOW…SHOCKER!)  Even my kids are amazed at the smoothness in which we are flying through the year!  I don’t know whether God has just graciously made life click

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-40450024845802442772011-09-23T07:35:00.000-07:002011-10-06T23:07:30.696-07:00

I wake up this morning to a good day. Hugging a few kids, solving a problem, listening to teens still sleeping (I'll deal with that soon enough) then head to the kitchen. It doesn't take me more than 5 seconds to see the chaos my dear children love to create!Open the refrigerator door to fix a little breakfast and discover it looks like someone turned the refrigerator upside down and then stood

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-84546079635279095542011-09-22T20:06:00.001-07:002011-10-06T23:06:34.976-07:00

Life has been a little more crazy the last couple of weeks! I would like to say it is ending but I have experience to know...life just stays interesting like that for us! So why expect much to be different. Embrace the chaos is our chant!We finally sold the 12 passenger van! Which meant us borrowing a car that only held 5 people. And of course in the midst of that our daughters car had to

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-30203536335372325162011-09-19T14:03:00.000-07:002011-10-06T23:05:57.327-07:00

Oh my word...will this day not end yet?My mind is exploding from running 10 different directions! Each new thing making my heart pump all the more! You know as soon as you have one of those nights you can't sleep, tomorrow is likely NOT gonna be pretty!Toddler waking you up to go to the bathroom and then finding he has some issue with his foot (as he crawls)! I can barely get my eyes open, so how

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-66472405224816288372011-09-17T15:01:00.000-07:002011-10-06T21:22:22.436-07:00

I love the wisdom/perspective I get from other moms. God is so gracious to let us have different experiences together even if we live miles apart. If you are a mom, you will share experiences with other moms one way or another. They may not be exact but they are close enough that we can understand each others fears, joy, concern, and hopes.Today's technology just opens the door to more moms

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-55966634273369343382011-09-16T09:58:00.000-07:002011-10-06T21:22:34.301-07:00

Our struggles can lead others to Christ or away!Where do your struggles lead others?I am reminded yet again how my response can affect those I am around. Whether it be a friend that hears about my bad day, pain with RA (which I see very little of these days *happy dance*), my mom that hears my complaining heart, or a child that gets bashed by my words just because I am in overload.Its easy for

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-84011098299457354562011-09-14T07:06:00.000-07:002012-02-09T19:50:18.936-08:00

I think my heart longs for moms to find joy in the midst of parenting and marriage! I long to share with women that YOU can be happy raising children. I talk to so many moms that feel lost in being a mom. Its harder than we thought because we thought these little people would bring us joy (and they do in some ways). But they can't sustain our joy. Neither can our husbands. Nor can we do

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-34835103538642429682011-09-10T15:15:00.000-07:002011-10-06T21:22:34.302-07:00

HELP! My kids are growing and they won't quit!Secretly I am loving every minute of it. I think I am a little nervous that I will miss it one day, but so far I am just enjoying every moment I can.As some have pointed out maybe I don't have an issue with them growing because I still have a toddler running around. He throws fits, says things like "I sawdry", forgets to go potty, steals toys,

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-48457882490476524682011-09-07T14:05:00.000-07:002011-10-06T23:03:07.562-07:00

I write this with mixed feelings.One end I ponder the feeling watching my kids grow and begin moving on with their life to the opposite end of watching a parent age and come to the end of his.I find great joy in seeing the years of cleaning up messes, wiping a few bottoms, disciplining a few hearts, and hugging them through their trials that those endless days and nights are worth watching as

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-22483564852250533332011-09-07T07:41:00.000-07:002011-10-06T23:02:47.167-07:00

If you haven't started a family tradition with something I highly encourage you to start! It doesn't feel like a big deal when they are little. Yet, when they are teens and college kids and begin working their schedules around your tradition without you having to force it, ...its PURE SWEETNESS!This picture says it all!Is there anything better when you are 9 years old than KNOWING you just

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-27131487046590588942011-08-31T18:20:00.000-07:002011-10-06T23:01:57.147-07:00

What happens when a boy finds a girl and a girl likes the boy? What happens when they decide there is no other that can complete them like "that" person? What happens when they commit their lives to one another? What happens when they desire to meet the needs of the other person over their own? A marriage of 21 years and still going! I won't say our life is perfect without problems, because

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-89891463402360814702011-08-26T06:24:00.001-07:002011-10-06T23:00:10.325-07:00

Life is full of decisions and our decision to home school has been one that God has used for our family. All families have to make the choice of where God leads them. I would encourage anyone to look at homeschooling but that doesn't mean all need to do it. I see too many people that feel the pressure if we don't home school then maybe they are less spiritual or less capable. NO! The

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-64006185500635843232011-08-15T13:49:00.000-07:002011-10-06T22:59:47.317-07:00

........and I'm behind! What's a woman to do? I know! The blog is a little outdated being the end of summer and I still have snow pictures up!(By the time I was ready to blog my program couldn't be updated to adjust my picture...I'm tired of waiting to solve that issue so I am blogging anyways!) I know! I had big dreams of blogging all summer but life didn't grant that opportunity!(I am

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-85293840873294358052011-07-01T07:08:00.000-07:002011-10-06T22:58:40.919-07:00

I was reminded yesterday how hard it can be to parent teens. After several weeks of running from this camp to that camp you end up with the tired and the weary. As a parent, you know issues are about to pop up from every direction. And even though you are tired and weary too they must be addressed.It seems like so many have given up on parenting. Conversation after conversation you hear them say

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-83397185266367733342011-06-06T07:59:00.001-07:002011-10-06T22:57:07.526-07:00

Finally, life slows down a little and we got a little family time last night! After a full day of cleaning (which my kids hate!)...my solution...pick up what you get out and I won't make you clean it up AGAIN! They have become slobs lately...but we are working on that!A day of moving a daughter in (which my kids are all fighting for their own rooms)...do they not know they are in a family of 10!

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-16505734896905858222011-06-05T08:17:00.001-07:002011-10-06T22:56:41.120-07:00

God gave me children to learn more about Him! I'm pretty sure a day has not gone by that in some way He hasn't taught me something through my children. People sometimes think we are crazy for having 8 kids. All I can say...it was God's plan. A friend of mine and I like to say we had more to learn so it took us 8 kids to be taught!This morning is no different. It has never failed over the years

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-83504552477445467922011-06-02T03:39:00.000-07:002011-10-06T22:55:13.031-07:00

Life will forever be changing around our home. We have reached THAT stage!You know the STAGE of one kid out, another coming home, and yet another preparing to leave.Life with 8 kids home and mom knowing the agenda has passed.I am not the only one planning our days.I am not the only one with an agenda.I am not the only one with a car!I truly believe we are at the hardest stage of life. (Don't we

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-26120563603156264672011-05-23T19:16:00.000-07:002011-10-06T22:51:50.468-07:00

Here we go again!Another graduate to remind us how fast time goes! We are filled with excitement at what the future holds.As a home schooler our kids don't lack for friendships! And they most definitely don't lack for activity! They still get an education. We still provide them with a diploma on graduation. But our favorite thing we give is a yearbook!This yearbook won't be filled with hundreds

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-79868026630002020732011-05-16T15:03:00.000-07:002011-10-06T22:51:30.878-07:00

Ever had a prayer request that was so out there it was completely up to God to fulfill?Ever had to take a step of faith on something that when you looked at reality you would say, "this is stupid to even try?"Ever wondered if stepping out on such big faith is just ignorance?That is where we are these days. I guess most of our prayers have been more reachable or they have been something that we

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-78473838315649206152011-05-16T07:35:00.000-07:002011-10-06T22:48:23.709-07:00

Wow...I'm gonna get to blog! It has been forever! When you have kids and it is the end of the year, you will have more to do than you can possibly achieve!At the moment we are knee deep in graduation announcements, graduation parties, birthday parties,gifts for the graduate and birthday kids, scholarship seeking, college applications, financial aid forms, and then just trying to keep the troops

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-81776946628956932432011-04-28T20:41:00.000-07:002011-10-06T22:39:15.737-07:00

There is just no way to understand what it is like to see God's presence than to experience it. You just know within a few minutes of walking into our church these days that He is moving. Life is a rush, school has to be done, work to be completed, and the chore of getting several people out the door...then...you step into church and in a matter of minutes all the grumbling, commotion, hassle of

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-75774824411786798122011-04-25T15:23:00.000-07:002011-10-06T22:47:02.790-07:00

From Tornadoes to Church revivals we have been quite busy!I always struggle to get the boys to clean their closet. But lately all we have to say is tornado is coming and they are on it! You have never seen a more spotless closet, ready to hold a family of 10 and whoever else is in the vicinity that needs a shelter.After about a dozen storms in a little over a week they are becoming so

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-53071403399497939542011-04-19T07:49:00.001-07:002011-10-06T22:46:09.759-07:00

I hate the battles of when you feel like you have failed your family! Yesterday was far from pleasant for me. An inner battle that just keeps peeking out lately. (Probably the stress and lack of rest has brought about a few more episodes of RA.) Ever want to go back and change things? I feel like I am being dragged around by life verses me controlling what is ahead! It only takes one high

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-59250005035953858932011-04-18T08:19:00.000-07:002011-10-06T22:44:52.308-07:00

I don't believe obedience looks the same for all people!Take raising our children.......when you ask your teenager to come home by midnight does that mean your 6th grader does the same? They each have a time when they need to be home to get rest, but it isn't fulfilled the same way. As a parent I can see what my children need and I can promise it won't be the same!Why as adults do we think we

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-35542132100689458382011-04-13T08:10:00.000-07:002011-10-06T22:42:19.793-07:00

I know why parenting can be so difficult! What is the difference in days that go well and days that go, oh, so wrong?It is the difference in my expectations!For some reason we get in our minds that parenting should look a certain way. When it doesn't fit within those boundaries we lose our cool. We either blame the kids or feel like complete failures. Just watch a few home videos and you will

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-22046712918494639412011-04-10T08:21:00.000-07:002011-10-06T22:41:06.434-07:00

If you wanna know what you look like or who you sound like, just watch your kids. It is evident that they catch more than they are taught.I was reminded of this once again at church the other night. We attended another prayer service. A time to share testimony, watch baptisms, and pray for others. We were praying specifically for all the kids headed to Prom. As we stood there with several of

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-35308640851148015032011-04-06T08:33:00.000-07:002011-10-06T22:37:47.932-07:00

It surely was not what I was expecting last weekend when I stayed home from church to discover that I missed a moment of seeing God work. I've been praying and asking God to bring revival and I missed it! Or did I? Having RA and knowing I had over done myself the previous week, meant adjustments in my schedule had to happen to keep me from having lasting affects. Knowing that I needed to stay

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-10171723735055749392011-04-05T09:52:00.000-07:002011-10-06T22:36:41.247-07:00

What happens when you have a father and teen sons attend a Men's Retreat, a high-school daughter head to Texas for the Passions Conference, and a church that follows God's heart? You see God move in HUGE ways in just one weekend, life has changed!You see Him speak to each of your children. They see Him touch and redeem lives. We all feel God speaking. We each are asking what do you want to

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-55326984167647531532011-04-04T20:39:00.000-07:002011-10-06T22:35:51.594-07:00

This past week I have been in awe watching God move in the lives of my children.There are moments in life you wonder will they be okay? As parents we hope we guide them well and that they aren't faced with too many disappointments. It is a hard road to walk sometimes when you try to figure out do I encourage them to take a step of faith or is this step too big at this time. I discovered that

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-14844899506330823632011-04-02T19:55:00.000-07:002011-10-06T22:34:54.367-07:00

Man...I know better! After almost 20 years of parenting there are a few things I have learned, the problem is that I don't always follow through with what I know! I would tell any mom whose husband was going away for the weekend to not have any agenda of your own. Just enjoy the kids! Any plan you have won't work. You will only get exasperated or completely angry in the process, so why not just

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-47110990667775265072011-03-24T10:02:00.001-07:002011-10-06T22:33:59.103-07:00

I love watching SOME of the things my children learn. You aren't a parent for long before you realize your kids will catch more from what you do than what you say.Last night after having my pity party about us never going on a vacation, we took the younger 1/2 of our children to the movies. A special treat because they may only get to a theater once a year. After seeing the show we gathered our

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-10234145667222034512011-03-20T08:46:00.001-07:002011-10-06T22:32:39.270-07:00

There is nothing more frustrating than trying to accomplish a weeks worth of task with a toddler that refuses to do what he is asked. I know he understands because he has many moments where he does the right thing. Just because he is choosing to tune me out does not mean he doesn't understand what is being asked, he is just choosing NOT to do it.I have learned over the years the only way to

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-42879082936330879842011-03-17T20:56:00.000-07:002011-10-06T22:31:49.824-07:00

Did you know if you have a car with a car alarm and your kids lock you inside it, when you open the door the alarm WILL go off?Well, my neighbors do!Did you know if you borrow a car with an alarm you probably should find out how to turn it off, if it happened to go off at 11:00 p.m?Well, I do!Did you know if the car alarm goes off, you come running inside yelling about finding the keys, your slow

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-43204647431042514632011-03-14T10:25:00.000-07:002011-10-06T22:31:14.825-07:00

Yep, that would be me, at this moment, at this time, at this stage, on this day!You just can't go through life too long as a mom and not reach a breaking point. Trying to keep composure of my own emotions while dealing with a non-sharing, screaming toddler, the uncontrolled laughter of little boys and bathroom humor, the frustration of older brothers with school, chores, and younger siblings and

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-42294248748323696222011-03-07T13:48:00.001-08:002011-10-06T22:30:16.095-07:00

I read the best post this past week from Tim Kimmel! I'm gonna share it at the end of this post. I just kept wanting to shout amen through the whole entire blog post.I am often asked how I can have such joy.My first thought is "How can I NOT have joy"?Life is fun, an adventure, and I get to live it with wonderful people. Oh sure, there are days that really stink, others that lack any resemblance

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-31655064467761208442011-02-24T08:44:00.000-08:002011-10-06T22:26:06.769-07:00

Some people hate face book and others love it. I personally love the connection we can have with others even though we don't live in the same country, state, or sometimes neighborhoods. Facebook itself is like it's own neighborhood.You can celebrate a birthday, let a friend know you are thinking of them, encourage others, receive encouragement, discuss questions, and stay up to date with

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-5189930559824545852011-02-18T10:41:00.001-08:002011-10-06T22:23:25.127-07:00

A busy day of running kids everywhere. With the upcoming Anti-Freeze (youth retreat) the kids were in high gear to accomplish their stuff and mine. We had errands to run, groceries to buy, school to accomplish, tennis to play, bank accounts to sort, and socks to purchase. Plus, laundry to finish, bags to pack, and tempers to manage.As I ran errands with different children, spreading the chaos,

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-82177616854861241692011-02-17T09:50:00.000-08:002011-10-06T22:22:27.082-07:00

First 10 minutes shopping with the toddler is priceless.The next 10 minutes will work but no longer can I focus on shopping I have to train and shop.The following 10 minutes there is no longer any shopping being accomplished, although I would say my stress is on the rise.The next 10 minutes you are left with seeing how fast you can get out of the store without being brought to tears by the active

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-75898762497222438482011-02-16T12:52:00.000-08:002011-10-06T22:21:42.748-07:00

Okay, enough of the free-for-all! My children are still in snow day mode. Believing they can play like there is no tomorrow, responsibilities are a way of the past, clothes can be dropped by the door, and shoes can be left anywhere you please! Tomorrow is here and it is time for SCHOOL!Responsibilities are BACK ON!Clothes are no longer wet, therefore PUT THEM UP!Shoes, WELL, that WILL BE our

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-64563562758198721412011-02-14T13:22:00.000-08:002011-10-06T22:20:59.076-07:00

YES! YES! and YES!We are surrounded by a world telling us that we must have someone by our side to really feel loved. But I know there are those out there with someone by their side but they are far from feeling loved.We grow up with dreams of loving someone and them loving us back. But we are often too quick to jump the gun and call something love before it has developed. We are fooled into

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-36245841585839893112011-02-11T08:49:00.001-08:002011-10-06T22:20:27.585-07:00

My kids are appalled that I am asking them to do a little school! I would say I have been VERY lenient! I had plans of us staying on schedule but as typical me, fun gets in the way and I CAVE!We all need some simple pleasures of letting it all go! So it is fun to let them get that chance on occasion. Not too mention I ENJOY it!Somehow my statement that school will be accomplished today has

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-9331142085073982502011-02-10T23:18:00.000-08:002011-10-06T22:18:58.479-07:00

Besides looking at the beauty, building a few snowmen, and sledding down a hill or two, YOU must get the opportunity to taste SNOW Ice Cream!Nothing says you have had a great snow storm like getting snow ice cream 2 days in a row! And we are well on our way for day 3! Want to know the secret for some of the best snow ice cream EVER?First, you need this......Next, you gotta get a few bowls of that

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-39853178988049846042011-02-01T22:57:00.001-08:002011-10-06T22:17:36.272-07:00

There are no words to describe the chaotic ways of a family of 10. And especially as my family gets older. I always thought when other moms told me to just wait until they get older I would be more busy, I thought they were insane. (Just forgetting the busy life of a mom with little ones.) But now that I am at this stage of parenting (the teenagers), I definitely believe they were right!That

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-12354533774200629822011-02-01T12:54:00.000-08:002011-10-06T22:17:05.592-07:00

Barry and I feel very blessed to have our children in the church God has us in, here in Little Rock. We were blessed years ago growing up being surrounded by others who sought God with their whole heart. A church that provided wonderful leadership, who challenged us in our walk, and who loved us along the path. Our prayer has always been that there would be other adults who could and would feed

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-53220247591808214452011-01-28T20:30:00.000-08:002011-10-06T22:15:59.466-07:00

I can't decide whether I am just getting old at managing these toddlers or whether I just forget how busy and tiresome they can be.This child can make me laugh, giggle, and grin. But some days I growl, sigh, and collapse!There isn't a moment you get to let up on training a toddler. Because if I bend once, he believes he has free run! This doesn't allow much of a conversation at church or a

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-51092463149285043772011-01-21T08:00:00.000-08:002011-10-06T22:11:51.443-07:00

Life with 8 kids is anything but simple. Barry and I spend our days keeping everyone on track without losing our minds in the process. It just isn't easy guiding your family when you have teenagers that fight for independence and toddlers trying to see what part of their world they can control! But now getting a glimpse on the other side having a daughter in college and seeing her mature into a

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-23422455053373164412011-01-20T14:05:00.001-08:002011-10-06T22:12:23.633-07:00

New favorite OIL! Oh yes, I have found another wonderful discovery of God's creation! If you are a woman then you probably fight varicose veins. And if you are the typical woman, you probably HATE your varicose veins. Well, have I got a recommendation for YOU!Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum)is an oil that helps with vascular issues. I decided to give it a try. Let's say I am TOTALLY CONVINCED!

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-14942381542354788772011-01-18T17:56:00.000-08:002011-10-06T22:11:51.443-07:00

Just read an article on MSN that totally caught my eye! Pretty sure I'm gonna be praying about this and talking to Barry about how we can implement unplugging from time to time. I had the idea before but forgot about it! Yes, my mind has some glitches in it and I forget great ideas ALL the time!I had considered this before having 1-2 days a week of unplugging. I know my kids are totally

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-374093575569042332011-01-16T21:44:00.000-08:002011-10-06T22:11:10.407-07:00

I'm feeling a panic attack coming on and I don't even have panic attacks!I keep thinking the older my kids get, the more on top of life I will be. The reality is the older they get, the more I feel life is trying to bury me!How can we have life so good, be so blessed, and yet feel like we aren't in control. I'm getting one of my moods to sell it all, throw everything away, and lets just live on

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-88267867798796962402011-01-15T16:58:00.001-08:002011-10-06T22:08:17.236-07:00

The older I get the more I realized how blessed I have been over the years. I enjoy looking at all the people God has put into my life. One person who I am growing more and more in awe of would be my dad.It hasn't been easy the last few years. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's a few years ago and we are beginning to see more and more of the affects of what that means for him.My dad was always a

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-60829993818534995872011-01-14T07:17:00.000-08:002011-10-06T22:07:17.265-07:00

As in Despicable Me..."whhaaat?"How is it that we can live in a house and my family can't tell the difference between a clean house and a messy one?I'm on a mission to figure out what they call clean!I'm positive I am a broken record, "Make sure the house is picked up before bed." After last night I am beginning to think they aren't doing what I ask because they don't see what I see!Yesterday

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-3304496461721613942011-01-13T11:16:00.000-08:002011-10-06T22:06:12.561-07:00

I'm sad I can be so slow to point my kids back to Christ! It has been proven over and over again in our house that when I will direct their attention back to the Lord, their hearts change. Maybe it is just too simple for my mind to accept.Maybe it is because I feel "I" have to do something.Maybe it is my lack of faith in what God can do.Do we know, really know, that God can make a difference in

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-14449124242634190922011-01-12T09:56:00.001-08:002011-10-06T22:05:43.613-07:00

Am I too late for a New Years Resolution?Can I make one for the entire family?Been a little busy to have thought about this sooner. But I think I have found my resolution for the family!Want to know what it is?Okay, I'll spill!My Resolution for the entire family is to put back what you get out and to replace it better than you found it.We are so blessed and yet we are so careless with our things

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-38258721380352642142011-01-10T13:28:00.000-08:002011-10-06T22:05:06.256-07:00

I'm thankful for God's play days! Days you didn't have planned but God drops them in your lap anyways! Two days ago I was dreading getting things together for possibly being snowed in, but today I am loving every minute of it!The Girls minus College Student...we miss her but having fun anyways!Brady checking things out! I think he is loving all the commotion! Gotta love being the youngest of 8!

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-34037025788723734012011-01-07T20:17:00.000-08:002011-10-06T22:04:03.424-07:00

I forget how bad recovery can be when your kids have been sick and they begin feeling better. We are coming off of more than a week of someone being sick! 7 out of 8 came to the illness. (Actually all of us did but the college student wasn't around so she doesn't count.) As far as sickness goes it wasn't that bad. Just enough to keep us all home and make the majority miserable. Which means

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-10176390873588037562011-01-07T00:44:00.000-08:002011-10-06T22:02:58.201-07:00

I keep tackling this thing and that. I think I am making progress but then I look around and feel I haven't even begun! That is slightly overwhelming looking at this and looking at that!How will I ever be ready for school next week?The problem when I look with my eyes is my mouth begins to run uncontrolled. Freaking out about this, grumbling about that, and blaming this child then that one.

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-7396864207617573962011-01-05T14:22:00.000-08:002011-10-06T22:01:47.416-07:00

I sit here praying for a family I don't even know. Through a series of events my life has been touched. We forget in the hassle of jumping back into routine, some would give their life to be faced with the hassle we so dread!Over the holidays I received a Facebook message from a friend. She had a friend who had a friend that had a daughter fighting cancer. The doctors were giving her 2 days off

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-67189173634044985872011-01-04T23:02:00.000-08:002011-10-06T20:41:00.290-07:00

There is an advantage to having a large family in that you begin to see patterns that you might normally not catch! Of course, with less kids, we might not see what is happening but we also won't have to face it again, and again, and again.Regardless of the hassle, frustration, and hair pulling we may do during the teenage years, we LOVE our teens!Wanna know what we have discovered?Well.....IF

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-24361121333458828832011-01-03T19:21:00.000-08:002011-10-06T21:35:25.243-07:00

Wow! Our family has definitely celebrated Christmas, life, and Christ birth! We have partied like there is no tomorrow and we are now in recovery mode. I wonder how long it's gonna take me to get our life back in order?We had 37 people in our home at one time for multiple days, guest for over 2 weeks, mountains of laundry were done, food was prepared, and people were entertained. I love the

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-60490623782448435302010-12-19T09:18:00.000-08:002011-10-06T21:25:01.682-07:00

Children are God's sweet blessings that you inevitably don't understand WHAT they can teach you until you have them. Out of 9 children, God has revealed parts of Him that I never would have known apart from them. Even the child we lost. Although he didn't take a breath before meeting his Lord, God used his little life to teach this mom a great deal on what our Father's love feels when we wander

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-44441620753824117472010-12-17T19:16:00.000-08:002011-10-06T21:24:37.823-07:00

Dare I tell you today's small fiasco of embarrassment?This, may reveal, why there is a parental control on our T.V. to block mom!I like to think I am just going so many directions, loving on my family, I can't possibly keep my right mind!Or maybe it's lack of sleep.Or the loss of brain power from birthing 9 kids.Yep, I'm going with the first one....loving my family!Long day, with a quick call

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-6762756588991372282010-12-17T10:05:00.000-08:002011-10-06T21:23:57.480-07:00

What a blessing to be living in 2010. The technology we have can be a blessing to a mom stuck at home with 3-4 little ones. I remember the day of NO adult contact. We didn't get email until around baby #4. I remember our apartment bedroom was so small you sat on the end of the bed to reach the computer on the desk. (There was no room for a chair.) We didn't have blogs or wonderful websites to

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-448724565801646462010-12-16T13:05:00.001-08:002011-10-06T21:23:12.857-07:00

I got so many issues it isn't even funny!I can change html codes on my blog, but I can't load pictures, sign into Netflix, or even watch a normal t.v. show on our T.V.I can juggle 10 calendars on my iPhone to keep this crew running from day to day, but I can't figure out how to get into iTunes to do a back up.I can keep track of 10 social security numbers, 10 birth dates, 4 drivers license, 7

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-69641461087886225192010-12-15T10:49:00.000-08:002011-10-06T21:34:57.699-07:00

The preparation is on for our WilGibLo time!What is WilGibLo? Let me give a short explanation....A family of 4 (two teenage daughters) welcomed a new youth minister to our church in 1984. He had 2 young children himself. To make a long story short, these two families have vacationed together over the years and our lives have forever been intertwined! We may not be blood relatives but we sure feel

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-89505611572712321372010-12-14T03:01:00.000-08:002011-10-06T23:22:13.093-07:00

I love my family! They crack me up!There is nothing more fun than cold air outside, a warm house full of Christmas lights, college daughter home, and every other child we birthed home too! Add to the scenario, not much food in the house for a real dinner and everyone is in a mad dash to create their own dinner of choice! A night full of games and one comment, "I'm hungry!" Put the kitchen into

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-2009437270080667872010-12-09T06:56:00.000-08:002011-10-06T23:20:21.657-07:00

Is there anytime of the year that is as busy as this one?I don't think so!Is there anytime of the year more important than this one?Definitely not!So how do we, as moms, make the most out of Christmas?It takes work! But we have proven that when life gets insane (but it is for our family) we can sacrifice a lot to get it done!How can you adjust your purchases to not create a budget crisis?We now

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-43475864969161128182010-12-07T08:32:00.000-08:002011-10-06T23:23:38.296-07:00

No, we are not JUST a mom! Or at least in the way I think of as a mom.I always thought a mom was one who fixed your lunch, nursed your injuries, gave you lots of hugs, read stories, helped you with your homework, and did your laundry. A mom made life better, her children called her blessed, and it was a joy to do so. This was my vision of motherhood.This however is not reality! I believe moms

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-27838269575347000902010-12-04T07:59:00.001-08:002011-10-06T23:24:21.755-07:00

Moms of little ones, hang in there. Your days are long and non-ending. Your weekends are non-existent. Your evenings are a flash. These days will pass...eventually! Rock, sing, and read to your little ones. This will pass far quicker than you think!Moms of middles ones, enjoy the good days. A little rest in the midst of major child training. These middle kids are self sufficient and they

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-50257187262177091312010-12-03T13:06:00.000-08:002011-10-06T23:25:56.638-07:00

Okay, I have a question and an observation!Who is harder to raise?Girls?or Boys?I believe it depends on where you are to answer this question!If you are at home then I believe girls are harder than boys because of their unique design of EMOTIONS. Basically I am saying they create drama!If you are out and about then I believe boys are harder than girls because of their unique design of ACTIVITY.

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-20830572922286491512010-12-02T19:05:00.001-08:002011-10-06T23:26:49.332-07:00

Oh My Word! A great morning took a downward spiral in all of 10 minutes! Nothing like realizing your iPhone may have dropped out of your pocket, you don't have insurance for it, AND I quite possibly may have every bit of vital information in that thing! Even the teens knew this was a BIG deal!I run back out the door to the last place I had the phone, Kroger! It's all of 5 minutes from my house

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-83957498923499980102010-11-29T22:47:00.000-08:002011-10-06T20:41:00.318-07:00

My kids are growing too fast! Seems like just yesterday my son was smaller than me where I had to care for his every need and help him process every step. Now I look and he is no longer shorter than me, he now cares for me, and he walks boldly in God's steps!How does this happen in such a blink of an eye? Such precious memories of years ago. I love how the good ones come flooding back and the

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-2146597267047583922010-11-29T04:20:00.001-08:002011-10-06T23:27:40.660-07:00

As you can tell I am still working to get things done in a timely fashion. Thinking I could blog 3 days in a row to finish my Getting Things Done tips that work for me has proved to not happen. Oh, I am getting things done, just not blogging!Seeing that my toddler woke up at 4:00 a.m., climbed in bed with us, and then proceeded to toss and turn I basically could no longer sleep. Since the

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-23077874586899849272010-11-28T12:42:00.000-08:002011-10-06T23:28:52.710-07:00

As a parent you are ON duty ALL the time. It has to be one of the most exhausting jobs we face. How many times would I just like to ignore the offense and move on? Dozens, Thousands, Millions!But knowing that ignoring the problem will never solve the problem! I am faced with stopping my agenda to work on a higher agenda! Somehow between child #1 and child #8 I keep forgetting just because I

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-51821353765007995032010-11-27T09:50:00.000-08:002011-10-06T23:20:21.657-07:00

The holiday season definitely takes things to a new level. I think because in today's time life stays at a constant busy, I figure my job as a mom is to figure out a plan to bring peace into our holiday. A time when mom and dad can play as much as kids. On one hand beautiful meals are something to remember, but it can also keep mom in the kitchen for hours and hours. An amazing table setting

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-4350118365318293892010-11-23T07:21:00.000-08:002011-10-06T23:17:46.523-07:00

I knew life was busy and I don't quite have the memory I seemed to remember having years ago. But visiting the neurologist with my dad yesterday may have revealed more than I care to know!My dad is faced with Parkinson's and as we all know, or will eventually find out, that growing old doesn't feel good at times. Faced with a move to a new state and then the joy of locating all new doctors I am

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-74264680319941265742010-11-22T10:20:00.000-08:002011-10-06T23:12:10.653-07:00

I am into the yearly ritual of planning a GREAT Thanksgiving Dinner! Such high expectations can cause some stress to a slow paced relaxed mom!As I began making my grocery list this morning, organizing the weeks schedule, doubling the recipes for potential extra guest, and trying to get every ones favorite food for the week, I remembered how tasty our Turkey was last year.You see, my motto is make

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-65006547530182392202010-11-15T14:26:00.000-08:002011-10-06T23:12:10.654-07:00

Today I have a few things to accomplish and I can tell you RIGHT now it won't all get done. Let's just say this can cause any mom a moment of panic, stress, or complete frustration. Learning to manage my "home operation" has been an ongoing process over the years.The kids continue to grow, the list of responsibilities continue to pile up, and the feeling of frustration continues to multiply!With

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-10402193176746242622010-11-12T09:12:00.000-08:002011-10-06T23:10:02.504-07:00

Well, it is November and I finally have a school plan, a functioning school plan!I guess better late than never!Through praying, seeking, crying, learning, studying, thinking, and reaching we have found a working school plan for a mom on the go! Sometimes we just need something to open our minds up to find the answer we need. Who knew a little meeting my husband couldn't attend, so I went in his

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-6340118365692213272010-11-09T07:14:00.000-08:002011-10-06T20:41:00.280-07:00

I have some great advice about teens. The problem for me is it is hard to take my own advice!Teens have a unique way to bring out the worst in a parent. OR is it they reveal what was already there? (My insecurities, fear, and worry I have failed them!)Teens are the life blood of a family bringing energy, joy, and a realm of emotion and life into a home. At the same time, they can drain the

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-26952361224032972672010-11-03T19:39:00.000-07:002011-10-06T23:10:59.139-07:00

It has been a rough couple of weeks. I have played with the thoughts of running away and hiding. It seemed very tempting at any given hour lately.I tried to assure my husband it was no fault of his or even anything he could really do but just hang on, pray for me, and love me through it.About reaching the end of my rope I called on a few friends to lift me in prayer. Why is it we wait so long

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-18750099408704188292010-11-02T20:33:00.000-07:002011-10-06T23:09:27.786-07:00

Life with little kids can be messy, crazy, frustrating, tiring and if you are listening, HILARIOUS!Their phrases just crack us up!And here is tonights conversation with our 1st grader....Dad is already down in the room trying to put down the toddler that refuses to go. Our 6 year old enters the room he says, "I'm not darkable yet!"As any good dad would say, "what's darkable?""You know...when your

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-24280468837963338902010-10-30T08:24:00.001-07:002011-10-06T20:41:00.186-07:00

I feel a little fit coming on! I'll be honest that I am saddened we never get a vacation. I find I am jealous of all the families traveling throughout the year. Each year we have hope and as the reality of a large family comes into picture we are faced with another year of surprise expenses that keep us close to home.This never seemed to bother me like it does now. I'm guessing since the kids

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-39051505309905780232010-10-28T20:04:00.001-07:002011-10-06T20:41:00.224-07:00

I tell you it is craziness this life we live! One moment life is flowing and the next your world is turned upside down and crazy!Leave it to us to have an episode that doctors weren't even sure what would happen next.QUICK RE-CAPA week ago Monday we try to home school like any good home school family. And like any good home school family THERE WILL BE interruptions!A quick - "someone come here,

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-42837217576911365622010-10-23T09:55:00.001-07:002011-10-06T20:41:00.234-07:00

I have decided that parenting is much like a counseling service! I really have to set aside the fact this is MY child. If I can view them as God's child then I tend not to take our issues so personally. If I view them as MY child, then I tend to over react at every pressure point.Counselors don't tend to react because they can sit outside the problem vs. in the middle of the issue. Every issue

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-43186077794413206742010-10-21T09:06:00.001-07:002011-10-06T20:41:00.238-07:00

I spent 10 hours in my van today without going more than 12 miles from my home. Insane! Right?Knowing I had more to do than I had time. I said a prayer and began shuffling through my day.So, how does one use up a 1/2 a tank of gas staying within nearly walking distance of ones home?Let me share!8:45 a.m. - load up 6th grade daughter and friend to run them to Home School Academy9:00 a.m. - drop

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-47833057438127439812010-10-18T19:48:00.000-07:002011-10-06T20:41:00.253-07:00

Well, it is never quite fun, but really should be expected, when you come off a great weekend (the mountain), there will likely be some valley time.Fabulous time with my daughters! Getting away and relaxing a little with some great conversations. The girls thought life was calmer without the boys, and apparently when we got home, the boys felt life was calmer without the girls. I guess when you

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-2258166179841593672010-10-14T23:39:00.001-07:002011-10-06T20:41:00.180-07:00

I can't believe it is time for another Passport to Purity Weekend.Realizing that with #5 joining the mix, my time is slightly busier than it was 7 years ago. I can't believe it was that long ago when my college student and senior went out on our weekend away. I took 5 weeks to plan their weekend and I have planned this one in 8 hours!!!!Thankful my husband agrees in the importance of this time

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-35760106705273711642010-10-13T08:28:00.000-07:002011-10-06T20:41:00.214-07:00

Conflict is going to be part of our life. How is it that we think we can do everything to avoid conflict when we live on a fallen planet with a bunch of sinners?We are doing a Marriage Oneness class at our church and this past week was on Resolving Conflict in our marriage. (It seems like every marriage class takes us back to parenting and every parenting class takes us back to marriage.)

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995781675606968177.post-40567131717126888182010-10-07T14:07:00.001-07:002011-10-06T20:41:00.230-07:00

I wonder how well Saturday will go if I am already freaking out!We haven't done a family picture since Brady's birth! That is just so sad!!!!But everytime we get ready to go, the stress it takes to get everyone together, is just overwhelming.So this time I called and locked in a date. If its on the calendar I am not likely gonna back out! Ever since then I have been in stress mode trying to

Shannonigansnoreply@blogger.com2