Sunshine Farms

In the years past we have always traveled to Old Baker Farm for our Fall pumpkin patch experience, but this year we broke the tradition. Our home school support group from Brook Hills took a field trip to Sunshine Farms.



Not sure if it was because it was something different or because we had 77 other home school friends with us, but these three had a wonderful time at the farm!



They had the Sunshine Express (Isabel's favorite)



Indian Tepees and a field you can dig for your own arrowheads



Corn pit - never thought jumping and playing in corn could be so fun!



Duck races with old fashion water pumps



Wagon ride to the pumpkin patch



Pumpkin patch



And the day isn't complete without the little one riding on dad's shoulders :) So glad Ben was able to join us on this super fun field trip!



I think Sunshine Farms has won me over because even though I mentioned so many things we did, there was still so much more!

Roof Top

I love to drive down our street and see all the trees.



I know reflection from the glass....I'm sorry.



One big difference about our previous house & this one is the trees. In Forest Lakes we had one, one little Bradford Pear in the front yard. Now we have so many leaves and acorns we don't know what to do with them all!

The other day I went outside to find this...



Yes that is both my boys on the roof of the house! Many questions came to mind, but the first being how did you get up there?! Their response, Dad put us up here. Of course he did! So I gave dad the job of standing close by to keep a watch. It's really flat on the part they are on, but seriously people about gave this mom a heart attach!



He gave them a task though, pick up all the acorns. Why not? They loved it! We actually placed all the acorns they gathered onto our retaining wall to feed our 3 chipmunks that live in the backyard. Those 3 little chipmunks who the kids named, Alvin, Simon & Theodore (original I know) should be set for the winter.

How to bless your spouse

Ben and I have the wonderful opportunity to do premarital counseling with young couples ever now and then. We are in the mist of one of those times. I absolutely love to get together each week and talk with each couple, it's always such a refresher course for me (I hope it is Ben too).
One thing that we always go over with the couple is 7 Ways to Bless Your Wife and 5 Ways to Bless Your Husband. Notice there are two more ways for the wife :)

I would share the link, but there isn't one. This is something we have from one of Ben's Seminary professors and I'm pretty sure it came from a book, but not a clue which one. So here it goes....

7 Ways to Bless Your Wife
A husband can be a blessing to his wife by loving her as Christ loved the Church & giving her specific gifts of love:

1. Be a spiritual leader
Be a man of courage, conviction, commitment, compassion, and character. Take the initiative in cultivating a spiritual environment for the family. Become a capable and competent student of God's Word and live out before all a life founded on the Word of God. Lead your wife in becoming a woman of God, and take the lead in training the children in the things of the Lord. (Psalm 1; Ephesians 5:23-27)

2. Give her personal affirmation/appreciation
Praise her for personal attributes and qualities. Praise her virtues as a wife, mother and homemaker. Openly commend her, in the presence of others, as a marvelous mate, friend, lover, and companion. Help her feel that, to you, no one is more important in this world. (Proverbs 31:28-29; Song of Solomon 4:1-7, 6:4-9, 7:1-9)

3. Show personal affection (Romance)
Shower her with timely and generous displays of affection. Tell her how much you care for her with a steady flow of words, cards, flowers, gifts and common courtesies. Remember, affection is the environment in which sexual union is enjoyed and a wonderful marriage developed. (Song of Solomon 6:10, 13; Ephesians 5:28-29, 33)

4. Initiate intimate conversation
Talk with her at the feeling level (heart to heart). Listen to her thoughts (i.e. her heart) about the events of her day with sensitivity, interest, and concern. Conversations with her convey a desire to understand her not to change her (Song of Solomon 2:8-14, 8:13-14; 1 Peter 3:7)

5. Always be honest and open
Look into her eyes and, in love, always tell the truth (Ephesians 4:15). Explain your plans and actions clearly and completely because you are responsible for her. Lead her to trust you and feel secure (Proverbs 15:22-23)

6. Provide home support and stability
Take hold of the responsibility to house, feed, and clothe the family. Provide and protect, and do not feel sorry for yourself when things get tough. Look for concrete ways to improve home life. Raise the marriage and family to a safer and more fulfilling level. Remember, the husband/father is the security hub of the family. (2 Timothy 5:8).

7. Demonstrate family commitment
After the Lord Jesus, put your wife and family first. Commit time and energy to spiritual, moral and intellectual development of the children. For example, pray with them (especially at night by the bedside), read to them, engage in sports with them and take them on other outings. Do not play the fool's game of working long hours, trying to get ahead, while your children and spouse languish in neglect (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:19-20).

5 Ways to Bless Your Husband
A wife can be a blessing to her husband by honoring him as the Church honors Christ and giving him specific gifts of love.

1. Give him admiration and respect
Work to understand and appreciate his value and achievements as his wife. Remind him of his capabilities and gifts and help him maintain his walk with God and also his self-confidence. Be proud of your husband, not out of duty, but as an expression of sincere admiration for the man you love and with whom you have chosen to share your life (Ephesians 5:22-23, 33).

2. Provide sexual fulfillment
Become an excellent sexual partner to him. Study your own response to recognize and understand what brings out the best in you; then communicate this information to your husband, and together learn to have a sexual relationship that you both find repeatedly satisfying and enjoyable (Proverbs 5:15-19; Song of Solomon 4:9-5:1; 1 Corinthians 7:1-5; Hebrews 13:4)

3. Cultivate home support
Create a home that offers him an atmosphere of peace and quiet and refuge. Manage the home and care of the children. The home should be a place of rest and rejuvenation. Remember, the wife/mother is the emotional hub of the family (Proverbs 9:13, 13:9, 21:9, 19, 25:24)

4. Strive to be an attractive wife
Pursue inner and outer beauty in that order. Cultivate a Christlike spirit in your inner self. Keep yourself physically fit with diet and exercise, wear your hair, makeup, and clothes in a way that your husband finds attractive and tasteful. Let your husband be pleased and proud of you in public, but also in private (Song of Solomon 1:8-10, 2:2, 6:13-7:9; 1 Peter 3:1-5)

5. Become his best friend
Develop mutual interests with your husband. Discover those activities your husband enjoys the most and seek to become proficient in them. If you learn to enjoy them, join him in them. If you do not enjoy them, encourage him to consider others that you can enjoy together. Become your husband's best friend so that he repeatedly associates you with the activities he enjoys most (Song of Solomon 8:1-2,6).

First Field Trip

Last week we had our first official field trip, actually had two in the same week. Thursday we went to Zorro at Children's Theater. Which the boys loved! Isabel didn't mind the play, just kept asking "what are they doing" and "why are they doing that"? Maybe the next play will be a little more girly.

On Friday we headed to the McWane Center. The kids took two different classes on weather. The first one was a little more sit and listen, but they all did great. They also got to make a craft and learn about tornadoes.



Isabel LOVED that she got to sit & play with other little girls.



The second class was more hands on. They each had a part in making a rain storm. Carter choose the lighting, Caden hail, and Isabel rain.



Not only did my three little ones have a great time in class they also made new friends and got to play in the different exhibits in between classes. I think I may enjoy the field trips this year as much as the kids do.

Challenging Times

I realized that most of my post, even though I try to be very real about our lives, seem to all be good or happy & upbeat. Not that, that is a bad thing, but you have to know that in this home of DeLoach's changing our lives upside down and having 3 children under 7 not all times are happy.
It has been a challenge for me to get lesson plans including the fun activities like crafts & field trips planned all while trying to move into a new house and un-box all our stuff and that is all on top of making sure all clothes are clean, sheets are on the beds, dishes are unloaded from the dishwasher, and there is food in the fridge so there can be food on the table. Let's just say that so far I have only had one really bad break down. As the tears were flowing I called Ben at work. I ask him to take off the next day to just stay home with us and we get some things finished, but being the sweet and awesome husband that he is, he surprised me and was home within the hour.
We were able to get some things accomplished around the house and unfortunately for now I have to had to put off the fun parts of school like the crafts, which the kids don't really mind, they just have more time to free play. I have an awesome friend who has planned field trips for the year and she invited us to join in on all of theirs so I have not had to worry with any of that at all. It really works out great b/c there are 5 or 6 other home school moms going on these also so it's more fun for the kids anyway. Having her do this and include me has truly been a huge blessing!
I have mentioned all these things that I feel have just piled on top of me and not once did you hear me mention ministry. The whole reason we said we were moving to this area. See there is yet another break down for this wife/mom. I want to have things all together (or at least sorta) before I start adding to, but as I mentioned before I don't feel like I have it together yet. I start to feel guilty when Ben walks in the door and says that he's been home for about an hour, but across the street talking to a neighbor. Where have I been all day? At home, but inside doing all that was listed above. Ben keeps reminding me that this is a SLOW process. We believe there was a reason our house sold quickly, but it has taken us 5 months to get into this house after selling our other one. It was slow getting here and we don't need to rush into anything. We are not here to immediately start 3, 4, or even 5 Bible studies in our home with our neighbors or to head over to their house with our Bible trying to tell them how we think they should live their lives. No, we are here to be their neighbors, become their friends and in that share the gospel, study the Bible and grow those relationships all with God being in the center. That will not happen over night and I will meet all my neighbors in time. Just so you know I have met & talked to some of my neighbors so I'm not totally being a snot nose. I also know that I'm not going anywhere and if I don't go and introduce myself today because I'm trying to find our dishes that I know are in some box around here, that we can meet next week (Lord willing).
So there are some of the challenging times that I have been dealing with lately. I just keep telling myself slow, it's going to be a slow process and that is ok.

Not Me Monday

I do NOT let my kids play at Target so I can look at a few things in peace.

I heart Publix

I used to assume that Wal-mart was the cheapest place to shop for groceries. I guess if you just walk in with NO coupons in hand maybe it is, I don't know. Never did I think that Publix, a place that was very clean (including bathrooms - we seem to use every store's restroom), friendly staff, and then they even take your groceries to your car & load them for you, that can't be a budget wise place to shop. Guess what, I was wrong! Living in Chelsea we had a Publix right down the street and I went there often. While in transition to East Lake we lived in Gardendale. Discovered two things about Gardendale. 1. No Publix 2. No Compass Bank. :(

I am very excited to say that now I have a Publix AND a Compass right down the street.
The kids and I ventured out Monday to go get some groceries for the house. Seriously think my heart skipped a beat as I turned the corner to see this.



That's because at Publix shopping really is a pleasure, even with three kids in tow. Silly I know and yes Carter, my 7 yr old, made fun of me for taking a picture of Publix.

Seriously though if you shop the B1G1 (Buy 1 Get 1) deals - which you don't have to purchase both of to get the discount and you have coupons (Publix takes coupons to competitors stores) you can get some great deals. Especially if you have a coupon for a B1G1! I don't just go in there with no plan, I have my sales paper and make my list from that. Yes I am one of those people who love to go through and cut out the coupons from the paper and I even get some online. Also have a great website that gives you deals & links to coupons and tells you exactly what you need to know for the weeks deals at Publix as well as other places. www.southernsavers.com
My goal is to save as much as I spend at Publix. I have come really close, but not yet. I'm sure I'll take a picture of the receipt and post it when I do!

Kitchen

I'm not a chef by any means. I don't really enjoy cooking, but I do LOVE to bake. Don't argue with me, Yes there is a difference. My patience level does not do well on stove top, I either don't want to wait so I under cook or I get distracted (imagine that) and it burns. When you bake, you put everything together, place it in the oven with a timer and go on your way till you hear the "ding". Perfect for this wife & mom. I have never had a large kitchen in any of the homes we have lived in before, until now.

*Side note I am actually calling this my "grown-up house". Built in 1957 it just feels like it was built so much better than our previous cookie cutter home.

I give to you my before kitchen



One of the things Ben and I talked about before beginning kitchen renovations was a little thing called stability. We have changed our lives drastically in order to live in the East Lake community and in order to serve long term and not get burned out there were a few things in the house I requested. Big thing being the kitchen. We plan on having a few, several, lots of people in our home. Friends, family, Small Groups, other Brook Hills families that also live in East Lake....the list goes on, but not necessarily people from the community (we are taking things slow and relationships come first, not everyone we meet will be asked to come into our home for dinner). I do however plan on making meals for those we do meet in our community who are in need of food, but plan to take that to their homes. At first anyway. So with all that in mind, I give you my new kitchen.

Little things to still be finished. We are planning on doing a glass tile back splash to the ceiling & we still need to put up the hood for the stove (after the back splash).



As well as add the counter top for the island, until then yes that is a wardrobe box.





Now if I could just get all those kitchen boxes unpacked and into the cabinets.

Slow Process

Getting into our East Lake home has been a slower process than we thought. 5 Months AFTER our house in Chelsea sold we are now in our new home! We still have boxes to unpack and still trying to figure out just where things are going to go. I'm not one to unpack to just get the boxes out of the house, once the box is open I want the stuff inside to be placed where it's going to be permanently. I don't need more work down the road.
Here are a few pictures for your curiosity.

Classroom



We lost a two car garage worth of storage, it's going to be a tight fit. Still lots more boxes to unpack for this room.



Living & Dinning area



Izzy's PINK room



I have also had a lot of questions about the street we live on and our neighbors. Main question being "do you feel safe"? Absolutely! We still haven't met all the neighbors around us, but we have talked to several. Know what else surprises people, we aren't the only white people on the street!

Here is a couple of views from our front door.

Love of Games

I knew that I loved to play board games, but didn't realize just how many games we had. Then I started unpacking them and had to find somewhere to put them all.

Some had to go in the kids closets.





Some had to go in the bottom of the hall closet. I can't reach them if they are up top and yes I'm too lazy to get the step ladder every time the kids & I want to play a game. Something we do often.



Thing is, I know I'm still missing some and I still haven't found my box that's full of just playing cards! I'm a sucker for a new card game. So if anyone is up for a game let me know!!

Old/New Toys

The kids have loved opening up the boxes that we packed up about 5 months ago now. They are finding toys they had forgotten about. It's like they got all new stuff. Of course the big boxes became toys too...space ships, buses, airplanes.....great entertainment!





I think the dress up box was missed the most.

Caught Ya!

We had already had snack for the morning. I put it back in the pantry and then the boys and I returned to the school room. After about 10 minutes I realized we didn't have anyone disturbing us....rare....and very quite

I went to investigate and found this



picking out ALL the M&M's



She didn't see the big deal. She told me she just needed some more chocolate. Just like a girl!!