Picture of Me and My 19 Week Belly

Okay, so here is the picture I promised.  It's not the greatest and I have no make-up on, but then again it was my belly you wanted to see, right? Enjoy :) I'll try to keep you posted with more pics.

Baby Update

Went to the doctor today to have my varicose veins checked (I always keep a close eye on them during pregnancy) and all is fine.  Need to use moist heat and elevate more for sore, tender veins, but all is well.

Got a chance to listen to the baby's heartbeat, always exciting and brings a smile to my face.  It's one of those things that NEVER grows old.

I'm at 18 weeks now.  My belly is growing and I'm feeling more pregnant each day.  I'll get a picture up soon  for those wanting to see me with a prego belly :)

Attitude Is Everything

Read a devotional yesterday from my Bible app on my phone and it was one of those "Aha moments" for me. Thought I'd share it with you.

It has been said  that attitude is everything.  You are not always in control of what happens to you, but you are always in control of how you respond.  Your attitude is the only thing you get to control 100% of the time.  The Bible uses the word mind to describe your attitude more often than it uses the actual word attitude.  However, what you think about leads to actions and those actions lead to habits. Your habits develop your character and your character develops your future.  It all starts with your attitude and your mind.  What does the Bible say about your attitude?

Jesus replied, "' You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' "

Wow, when you think about that verse and you change the word mind to attitude it completely changes what that verse means.  At least it did for me.  How about you?

Day After The Election

So it's the day after the election and there's a lot of talk out there.  Seems like a lot of hate too, from BOTH sides.

A friend of mine posted this today and thought it was very well said...I 'll leave you with it.  Feedback welcome.

" ......You haven't seen me talking about politics , you didn't see me talking about religion . Not because I don't love my country or believe in the good lord , But Simply because I respect mankind and value happiness . Why lose friendships over uncontrollable facts ? We are not all the same and view things very differently . Learn to respect one and another beyond our differences . Life is too short to waste a second. Manage to control emotions. Freedom of speech is our right but verbal abuse is a sign of ignorance . We are on earth for a very short period . Make sure that you are remembered for something great you have done . The time we waste in anger and hatred could be utilized to save lives or at least make them better . Find a bigger and better purpose . God believes in us all . Time to believe in ourselves and do better. Great attitudes precede great Opportunities ! Today gives another chance to improve , seize it ."

Exercise Your Rights

No matter what your party or what your belief, if you live in America, you have the freedom to choose who you want your next president to be.  So I encourage you all to go vote.  Your vote does count.

Blessings,

Tina

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Pics From the Harvest Party

I wanted to get these up yesterday, but it took a while to get them on the computer so you get them today.

Our church had a Harvest Party for the kids during our Wednesday night service and these are the costumes our kids came up with.  We do not go out and buy expensive costumes and instead hope our kids can use their imaginations and what we already have to come up with something.  I think they did a good job.

 Kaitlyn went as Taylor Swift.

She won the costume contest for our Youth group! 

 Micah was a Quarter Back.

He drew the quarter by himself.

 Jonathan was a Mad Scientist.

He won the costume contest for his age group!

 Christiana went as a participant to 

a Masquerade Ball.

(the dress she's wearing was my prom dress my Junior year in HS)

 Josiah was a Security System.

He actually had it wired and working.

 Kyle was a Dinosaur.

 Joshua was a Cowboy.

Matthew was Clark Kent.

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Winter Predictions

I was talking to my Dad yesterday on the phone and I asked him if he had heard anything about what this winter was suppose to be like this year.  He said no that he hadn't heard anything yet, but one of his friends told him that the persimmon seed this year is showing a spoon.  I asked Daddy if he put much faith in the seed and he told me no but we would just have to wait and see.

For those of you not familiar with the persimmon seed prediction, basically it works like this.  You take a persimmon seed and hold it between a pair of needle nose pliers and then slice the seed in half.  If the kernel is spoon-shaped it means lots of heavy wet snow; if the kernel is fork shaped it means  powdery light snow and a mild winter, if the kernel is knife shaped it means ice and bitter icy cutting winds. Here's an image I pulled off of Google to give you an example of a spoon shape in a seed.

http://soloroadtrip.com/2009/11/02/travel-taste-buds/a-spoon-in-my-persimmon/

The link I used was just one I came across on google images but I noticed she had a recipe for persimmon bread that some of you might want to try so I just copied the link for you as well.

Any of you checked out a wooly worm lately? I haven't seen any yet. What do you think this winter will be like and do you trust any folklore predictions?  I have noticed that there have been a LOT of acorn and hickory nuts on the ground this year...maybe nature is preparing for lots of snow...I hope so :)

I LOVE Fall

This is my favorite time of the year.  I LOVE fall! I love how beautiful the leaves are and the cooler temperatures.  I love the smell of leaves burning and the sight of people getting ready for the winter season by gathering wood for heating their homes.  I love seeing piles of leaves in people's yards that children have been jumping in and I love flannel and jeans and cozy sweaters. I just love it all.

Lately, my morning walks have become so beautiful.  I just had to share my view from this morning.

Unfortunately, the pictures don't the real sight justice. This is truly a beautiful view.

What's your favorite season? Or, do you enjoy each season as it comes and really don't have a favorite?

Just Curious

Just wondering, who has started Christmas shopping?  Do you shop throughout the year or are you a last minute shopper, or maybe somewhere in between and you wait until the fall weather to get you into the feel of Christmas?

We tend to be last minute shoppers and every year we tell ourselves that next year we will start earlier.

How about you?

Busy Day

Been a busy day today and haven't been around much to blog.  Started out this morning heading to the bank to take care of some business, then off to get gas for the van.  Got home in time to make breakfast then head out again to take Josiah to drum lessons.  During his drum lessons I head to Walmart for the hour because there's no need to head home just in time to turn around and head out again to pick him up.  Then back home in time to make lunch, serve lunch, then get the little kids down for nap and the older kids doing their chores (ok, I confess, I did take a little nap too). After nap I come to the computer to take care of some business and get the kids to do some school work that they didn't do this morning because I was gone. Now I'm getting ready to prepare supper just in time to head out on another errand for Kaitlyn. She has to have a mandatory bike check in order to ride her bike on an outing through Cades Cove with her AHG troop to earn her biking badge. Then back home again tonight to settle down a bit.

So that's a quick run through of my day.  Most days it's not like this and I don't just go,go,go.  But today has been one of those days.

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Sorry

For those of you who have been looking and waiting for our vlog, I just want to say sorry. After two days of video taping our days and Christiana working hard on editing everything together, we can't get our vlog to upload on YouTube. Something is going on and our video us swaying for some reason. So until we can work out the kinks we will just have to hold off on the vlog. 

Starting a Youtube Vlog

Since starting this blog I have noticed that I get more views and responses to pictures and videos. So, starting tomorrow morning you will be able to go to Youtube and find my vlog (video blog) under the name merlimom. It will be a daily video of the things we do throughout our day.

Special thanks to my daughter, Christiana, who will be editing and posting these vlogs (she loves doing that kind of stuff).

I will still post here in the blog as well, just wanted you to know about this new adventure we are starting. Check us out tomorrow and feel free to reply and leave messages.  Tell others whom you think may be encouraged or blessed by our vlog as well. Thanks.

Tuesday's Tip - Homemade Potpourri

Whenever you peel an orange, instead of throwing away the peel, toss it in a little saucepan with some water, cloves and cinnamon.  Turn your burner on low and soon your home will smell so good. The neat thing is that it didn't cost anything extra, just what you already had in your cabinets.  Enjoy!

Weekend in NC

I had a great time in NC this weekend.  I went to launch my Mom in her Arbonne business, but while there I got the chance to see friends I haven't seen in years, catch up with family and just spend a fun time with my Mom.

 The Cheek Family.  

Dear friends I hadn't seen in years.

 Sarah and I

 Me and Mama

 My Granma York.

Four generations.

I decided to take Joshua with me to make things easier on everyone at home.  He did awesome.  He had so much fun and was a great riding buddy.

 Joshua helping his cousin Naomi with the Wii.

Cousins- Naomi, Makenzie and Joshua

It was really nice to see everyone but it's always nice to be home with everyone again.

Growing Arbonne

Today I am heading out to NC to launch my Mom in her Arbonne business.  I'm so excited for her and all the opportunities that will come her way.

It's awesome to be part of a business that truly can change your future for the good.

If you are interested in working with Arbonne or just want to learn more about it, let me know.  I'd love to take some time to tell you about this wonderful company.

Already!?!

On my phone I have a Christmas countdown and every morning when I wake up I have a note greeting me that tells me how many days until Christmas. For those of you who don't know, there are only 81 days until Christmas.  It's crazy, I know.  I mean, where did the year go?

I went into Walmart about a week or so ago and went into the garden section and sure enough there were Christmas trees and ladies working in the aisles setting up the many rows of Christmas decor. This is what greeted me as I came into the garden section.

Seems like Christmas arrives earlier and earlier every year.  My Daddy always told me, "Don't wish your life away, the older you get the faster it goes."  Now I know what he meant. Just reminds me to make the most of everyday and not take any day for granted.

How about you? Does each year seem to pass more quickly than the year before? Are you even thinking about Christmas yet? (Well, before this post anyways ;)

Getting Better

Well, this flu is just about over in our house.  It's amazing how long it sticks around.  Joshua got sick yesterday and had a slightly rough night, but seems to only have cold symptoms today.  I tell you, nothing really slows that little guy down.  Now it's just the point of everyone getting their energy back.  Kyle and I are still the only ones who have not gotten sick and I pray it stays that way.

Thanks everyone who has prayed for our family.  I'm so thankful it's almost over.

The Flu

For those of you who know us, you know that we have been fighting the flu bug here in the Merli household. It seems to have hit everyone except the two littlest and me (we are praying it doesn't spread to us).  With everyone else being sick I've been the runner.  My duties have been chasing the little guys and trying to keep them out of trouble, fixing food, getting drinks, keeping up with everyone's medications and trying to keep everyone comfortable.

My poor house has been neglected and today is the first day in about 5 days that I have had the energy to start getting it back in order.  It will take more than a day to accomplish this, but I am so thankful that I have the energy to get started. I must say, it's looking a little better already :)

Thankfully, I believe everyone is on the down side of this flu and hopefully soon our home will be back to normal.  I pray your home has not been affected by this flu and if so, I pray for a quick recovery for everyone.

Lead by Example

I see this picture and I think "Those are some big shoes to fill." Then as I really think about it, he's trying to be like me, so what kind of example am I setting for him. He's going to copy what he sees more than what he hears, so am I doing what I should be doing to teach him to be the man God wants him to grow up to be.

I love this picture and love that it reminds me to be the example to him that is pleasing to God. It makes me a better person, too.

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:7-8

Daddy's Side?

This past weekend Jim took the older boys to Trail Camp with our church Royal Rangers.  To help cheer Joshua up, because he wasn't getting to go, Jim told him he could sleep in our bed and keep Daddy's side of the bed warm.  

The green pillow is mine, the light blue pillow is Joshua's

and the empty space is Jim's.

 This was Joshua's idea of "keeping Daddy's side of the bed warm."

However, I didn't mind that I got to snuggle with my little guy that night.  It would have been nice though if he would have at least used his own pillow ;)

My Pregnancy

I feel the need to apologize to those of you who follow this blog on a regular basis.  My lack of blogging daily is totally due to my pregnancy.  I don't have much morning sickness, just a little nausea once in a while that passes easily, but what I do experience is being tired, all-the-time.  I can take a short nap and wake up and still feel like I need a nap.  I feel like I have no energy to accomplish anything.  I know this is just my normal first trimester side effects and will pass once the second trimester rolls around.  Just know that, in the meantime, I don't mean to miss out on my blogging and that very soon I will be back to my regular routine :)

Music Lessons

Today in my house it is loud. My fourteen year old son is taking drum lessons and he is practicing today.  There is praise and worship blaring from our TV as he plays along with it.  I have to say, though, that I love it.  

My sixteen year old daughter plays guitar and bass.  They are much quieter instruments to learn :) 

I guess it's because I never learned to play an instrument and always wanted to.  I love hearing my children practice.  I'm so proud of them.

Do your kids take music lessons?  What's it like in your house when it's practice time? 

Homeschool PE

Mama's Visit

Sorry about no blogging last week for those who like to read my blog.  We went a week without internet and the only posts I put up were a couple on my Facebook blog page from my phone.  Just as well though, my Mom was visiting from NC so we just spent the week hanging out with her and doing all kinds of fun things without needing the internet :)

Monday we just spent the day at a local park.  Enjoyed a picnic and then letting the kids play.  It amazes me sometimes how much I take for granted.  My Mom loved just watching my kids play all afternoon and never seemed to be in a hurry to leave the park.

The next day we headed to Ijams Nature Park for another picnic and some hiking.

The rest of the week was spent relaxing and just enjoying each other's company.  I'm so glad that my Mom was able to come visit.  We all enjoyed having her here so much and hated to see her go.

Wordless Wednesday - Our Labor Day Weekend

Yay!

Yay! I'm so excited that I just have to share this with all of you.  I just received notice in my email from Arbonne that I have succeeded in completing my goals for my second and third month on the Strong Start program and that I will be receiving my rewards soon.  I am so excited!  I also calculated my earnings this morning and I have hit my goals to make District Manager this month! Just have to say that I LOVE Arbonne and working with this company is so much fun.  If you are interested in learning how you can earn an income with Arbonne, let me know, I would love to talk to you about it.

Tuesday's Tip - Refrigerator Pickles

I haven't tried these yet, but I plan to very soon.  They sound so good and so simple that I just had to pass this on to you.  Let me know if you try these and what you think. Here's the link, Refrigerator Pickles.  Enjoy!

New School Year

Today we started back to school.  It has been kind of a crazy day.  Getting back on track with school and chores and such has taken more adjustment than I expected.  Not only that but my house is still a bit unorganized due to moving things into the house from a storage barn in our backyard to a smaller, cheaper storage unit down the road. We are still dodging boxes and working around chaos, but little by little our house will get put back in order. I would have waited to start school but we had already put off starting last week due to the  dining room being so full you couldn't even get to the table. I didn't want to keep putting it off when we needed to get started.

So, here we are, school year 2012-2013.  I have kids in 11th, 9th, 7th, 5th, 3rd, and 1st grades. Two little guys not in school yet and a baby due in April.  Should be an interesting year :)

Selfish Desires

"If you want to be miserable, all you have to do is be selfish."  Joyce Meyers

Saw this today and I thought, "how true."  It is a sad truth that the most miserable people I know are also the most selfish and they tend to make everyone else around them miserable, too.

Lately, I have been really trying to focus in on why my children, and I myself, do the things we do to others.  Do I hurt those I love because of my selfish desires or do I become selfless in order to bless those I love.  When my children come to me with conflict I now try to get to the heart of the situation and find out why they did what they did.  Most of the time, it boils down to a selfish heart.  I find that the most difficult days in my house come from selfish desires.  When everyone is being selfish no one is being Christ like.  My desire for me and my family is to be Christ like.  Christ was the most selfless person to ever walk the face of this Earth.  He had a meek and quiet spirit, because He realized this life was not about Him but about us.  He didn't entertain himself with selfish desires all the while mistreating those He came to serve. He served. Not for recognition, but because He loved.  That is what I hope to be like and what I hope and pray I can instill in my family.

Thanks for letting me step up on my soap box today.  Have a blessed weekend.

Bountiful Blessings

The last two Arbonne presentations I have done I have come away with garden goodies.  It appears some have had more luck with their gardens than I have.  At one party I came away with Roma tomatoes straight off the vine and the other I was given okra and green peppers picked the day before.  So tonight I will be making a chicken casserole, and our side dishes will be fried okra, corn, carrots and fresh sliced tomato.

What kind of fresh veggies have you had this summer?  Did they come from your garden or sent as a blessing from someone else's bounty?