Homeschooling Baptist Brood

Long Time No See

2009-08-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

Well I am sure that you all thought that the Stroupe's have come up missing.... Nope we are still around and the Lord is still blessing us Daily!!!

It has been one eventful summer... Although we have not taken any trips other than a couple camping trips, it has still been a fun filled summer...

My husband came home with a pool at the beginning of the summer, and we have only been able to swim in it a few times because the weather has just been crazy around here, but the weather is starting to look better now, so the last few days the kids have been able to go swimming.

My husband also took our oldest son to Six Flags for some much needed one on one time... They had a Blast!!!

Now, I am gearing up to start some school... I will be having 3 at the table now so please Pray for me and my patience, being that in this area I struggle.

With the field that my husbands job is in they are doing a lot of cut backs... Last month there were to be some major lay offs, thankfully they decided to hold off on the lay offs and they cut everyone's pay. With that being said, with a lot of Prayer, thought, and talking it over, my husband has decided to lead our family into a different direction. I am very thankful for this because it can open up a lot of doors, but we are going to need a lot of Prayer this next year if you all can keep us in mind. I know that the Lord is going to take care of us, and that he is going to provide for what ever we may need..

Now for the fun part a few pics of our summer!!!

Fist of all I would like to make mention that Chloe turned 6 in July... My computer was down so I could not post pics.. We had a little surprise party with the family!!!

Deacon, I guess, had a little too much fun!!!

These two are buddies!! If you need to find Rissy all you have to do is call Chester and they both come running.

Here is Hunter, I believe, he is looking through his imaginary scope...

The kids and I had the privilege of attending my mom and dad's church's VBS, this is Gage, singing a song in front of everyone.... He was so excited he practiced the same 2 songs over and over the entire day!!

Homeschool Advantage!!

2009-06-28T19:52:00.000-07:00

Our Pastor told us tonight about an option that homeschoolers are able to have...

http://homeschoollegaladvantage.com This is through the CLA. This is something that us homeschoolers need to look into. It is 79.00$ the first year and then after that 69.00$. If you are in a ministry or in the Army it is 59.00$.

If you have any legal issues they will provide an attorney and will pay for it all. If there is any homeschooling issues going on, they will warn you. They also have a newsletter that you can sign up for. This is something for us homeschooling families to be able to fall back on if we need any help in the future. Please at least check into this, I believe that this is something that we may need probably in the near future.

Camping Trip

2009-06-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post a few pics of the camping trip that we took down in Lesterville Mo.

Playing in the creek!

Picking up the rock!!

Throwing the rock!! I think she threw the same rock 50 times!!

Wishing that the day was not ending so soon!!

But hey at least I got to eat marshmallows!!

The camp site!!

Got to check the blog!!

Yep my God is awesome!!

Just hanging around chatting!!

What Gage does best, catching critters to scare his mommy.

Around The Stroupe Home

2009-06-12T07:11:00.000-07:00

Clarissa learning how to ride the tricycle!! This can be a difficult task for a 2 year old.

We always find time for rest. This is Deacon all cozy with his blanky!

In my flower bed!!

This is the turkey, this was taken a couple of weeks ago, so they are much bigger now!! This is the first time that we seen him sitting on the side of the tub.

Daddy, taking care of a boo boo:(

Fighting The Battle Of Laundry

2009-06-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

So I will be the first one to admit, after my 4th child was born I felt like I could never catch up with the laundry. It honestly was stressing me out, on a good day I would have only 4 loads of laundry left after doing a few. Everywhere I looked there was a piece if clothing somewhere, rather it be under a bed, behind the door, or stuffed somewhere in the corner there was LAUNDRY!! Oh, I don't want to forget to mention the dressers and closets, oh my, they were so unorganized and crammed you could not fit a thing in them!!

So a few weeks ago I told my wonderful husband that I was going to go through all of the clothes, throw away, give away, and store away this out of control madness!!

Guess what I DID IT!!! I am so happy and my days go by so much smoother!! Yeah!!!

Here is how I did it!!

First of all I went through and simplified all of the clothing and what ever was not needed, was thrown out.
All bedrooms have 1 dresser in it all 3 boys share, and the 2 girls share, and hubby and I share.
Then of course we have our closets!!

Each bedroom has there own little basket. After the children, are done with there changing they put in there own basket, girls with girls, boys with boys, and the hubby and I in another!!

The whites go in the basket in my room ( normally I pick out the whites as I do the laundry and put them in the proper spot )

The towels go in the hamper in the laundry room!!

Whatever basket has the most clothing is the baskets I do that day. I normally do 2 loads a day sometimes 3!! I do towels 2 times a week and whites 1 time!!

Every night after the kids have had there baths they know that they are to lay out the clothing that they want to wear the next day. The older siblings help the younger ones!!

As for putting away the clothing I use to struggle in this area also. Now I will not allow myself to put another load in the wash until the load that is on the line or in the dryer is folded and put away.

The children put away there own clothing, and help the younger ones. When they are not looking, mommy goes in and does it nice and tidy, or if it is really sloppy I call the children in to do it the right way with a little of mommy's help.

I am so excited to say that I have made it through the laundry battle for several weeks now. My daily duties are so much easier!!!

I would love to challenge some of you to try to become stress free from laundry!!
To the ones that don't really have a laundry issue, I would love to know how you all keep up with your laundry!!

While Washing Dishes

2009-05-28T19:06:00.000-07:00

Ok, so lately I have been washing dishes by hand, and I have realized how much it can do for the family. I wanted to do a little post on " While Washing Dishes "....

While washing dishes I like to think about my day!!

While washing dishes it gives me an opportunity to talk, laugh, and hang out with Gage!!

While washing dishes it teaches my daughters how to become a good keeper of the home!!

While washing dishes I can homeschool!!

While washing dishes my children and I play the whistling game!!

While washing dishes the children and I sing, while Daddy and the little ones dance!!

While washing dishes it gives me a chance to be a blessing and a good testimony to my children!!

While washing dishes I get to hear what is on Gages mind!!

While washing dishes I can Pray, Sing, and just talk to the Lord.

I remember when I use to get so disgusted when my dishwasher went out..... but now that the kids are older, I am enjoying it so much that I am still washing dishes by hand and the dishwasher is working just fine.

Tonight, after supper the 2 older children and I were working together and doing after supper clean up. While I was washing, Gage was drying and putting away. I realized just how wonderful that this little thing that I use to dislike so much, has become such a blessing, and fun time for my family.

There was nothing better than whistling a song to see which family member can guess the right tune!!

My challenge to you before you go to put that dish in the dishwasher, grab a child and spend some time with them, play a game, or just ask them what is on their mind. If you don't have any children, take a moment and spend that time with God, Pray, sing, or talk to him like he is your best friend standing right next to you. I know that washing dishes has become a blessing to the Stroupe home!!

17 New Members

2009-05-26T19:35:00.001-07:00

We recently have been enjoying 17 new members to our family!!!1

We actually bought 16 but for some wonderful reason they blessed us with 1 extra little blessing!!

We actually have 16 hens and 1 turkey.... The turkey is for fun!!!!

A Wonderful Husband!!!!

2009-05-25T07:28:00.000-07:00

So in this post I have to brag a little....

I have not been getting a lot of sleep lately being that my youngest who is 5 mo old, has been very crabby at night.

This morning my husband blessed me by letting me sleep in till 9:15am and then woke me up with pancakes, strawberries and kiwi's in bed. Needless to stay I am still not out of bed I am snuggled up with Deacon and drinking a hot cup of coffee.

I am so blessed with a wonderful husband, Thank You baby!!!!

Clarissa Turns 2

2009-05-24T18:18:00.000-07:00

Today Clarissa turns 2, and even though she has no idea what really is going on, we enjoyed spoiling her...

Here is Clarissa just a couple days old!!!

Another pic of her just a couple weeks old!!

About 4 months old!!!!

About 6 months old!!

About 8 months old!!

It looks like here she had some kind of juice bath!!

Just being here sweet self!!!

She must not have wanted her picture taken!!!

Out exploring the world!!!

Kentucky Times

2009-05-11T19:40:00.000-07:00

The beginning of spring we went down to Ky to see Andrew's family and I would like to introduce you to them....

This is Andrew's Mamaw and she is a wonderful person. Let me tell you she is the hardest person to get a picture of . If she sees this I will probably not have a place to stay when we go back down.

This is Uncle Mike all of my kids love home. He is a big hunting guy, four wheelers and so forth so there for Gage loves chatting with him...

Meet Chuck, he will keep you laughing all the time

This is Mrs. Dolly, Chucks wife, she is such a blessing.

Aunt Darlene, giving our Deacon a kiss.

This is Miss Jenny, Chuck and Dolly's daughter!!

This is Shannon, Andrew's sister!!

And this is some of the crew sitting outside... I have missed a few people that I need to get some pics rounded up for.

This one is just for smiles.... he was sitting around the table with us while we are playing games!!!

Family Fun

2009-05-08T20:03:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been very busy, but yet very fun. Yes, the laptop has been up and moving for a while now, but, it has been so busy around here that I have not had the time to sit and do a post.

Now that the weather is turning for the better, we have been outside most of the day, cleaning the yard, planting flowers, and trying to get a garden in, and of course when Daddy is home it is all about spending time with him.

Also Grandpa Dave was up here from KY for a 2 week stay. It rained a lot but we managed to still have a lot of fun.

Here are some pics for you all to enjoy....

The kids while on the camping trip. Someone pointed out to me that Chester looks like he is smiling in this picture!!!

Gage playing around on the monkey bars!!

Deacon and I !!!

My wonderful husband!!!

Go kart riding!!!

Bowling!!!

Tree planting!!!

We have been very busy, I am hoping to keep my blog up to date, but please be patient with me cause it also might be another 2 weeks. We are just enjoying the warm weather right now!!

Sorry

2009-04-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

I just want to let everyone know that I am still around. All we have available right now is the desk top computer and for some reason or another it takes a very long time to upload anything on this silly thing. My husbands laptop is not available right now so I hope that you all don't forget about me and hopefully I will be able to be up and blogging soon!!!!

Gift...

2009-03-26T20:04:00.000-07:00

Thank You Mr. and Mrs. Stuebs for my new Bumbo seat I really like it!!!!!

At The Stroupe House....

2009-03-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a while. Andrew has been taking the laptop to work with him, and when he is home I just want to spend time with him and the family so I have not been able to do a post.

We have been keeping busy around the Stroupe home. Andrew has not been working as much and the weather has been wonderful so we have been outside a lot.
I also have been babysitting part time and that has been keeping me busy also.
Here are just a few pics of what has been going on around the Stroupe house.

One day on Andrews day off we went to the park. It was a little chilly but the kids did not mind a bit!!!

We had a nice little homeschooling project, learning about how to clip the chickens wings none of us had done this. We are so thankful for the internet!!!

We also have been receiving a lot of chicken eggs. This is Hunter checking for the eggs!! This is an exciting moment here at the Stroupe home!!

This is Grandpa Bottoms giving Ree-Roo a big kiss. This is for Grandpa Dave, you have been away a little to long.

This is what Andrew thinks of coffee pot coffee!!!

Best Buddies!!!

Big brother taking care of his little brother!!!!

Church Fun

2009-03-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

Some Sundays we stay at church all day, here are a few pictures of the kids while there.

A precious little girl, she loves the camera!!!!

The kids were all having fun blowing bubbles. This little one was excited cause she could blow the biggest ones....

and then POP there it went!!!!

Clarissa on a mission!!!

A couple of girls playing, and enjoying the afternoon!!!!

Birth Control???

2009-03-03T20:38:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about doing this post for some time now. Although, I know that it may offend some, but I am hoping to show the truth about birth control to the ones that don't know what birth control may do.

The following comes from

Birth Control in Light of the Bible

by Pastor Steven L Anderson, 2005

Hormonal birth control methods, including all types of birth control pills, the “patch”, hormone injections, implants, etc., perform two primary functions:

1.) They suppress ovulation. No egg is released; therefore, pregnancy is not possible. Depending upon which particular method is used, ovulation is suppressed 40-95% of the time. The other 5-60% of the time, an egg is released and can be fertilized.

2.) They thin and harden the lining of the uterus. This makes implantation of the conceived, 7-day old child virtually impossible. All hormonal birth control methods have this effect on the uterine lining 100% of the time.

Simple logic tells us that if an egg can be released and fertilized 5-60% of the time, and implantation is being prevented close to 100% of the time, a silent abortion is taking place 5-60% of months a woman is taking the pill, because the 7-day old child is unable to implant and dies. The “morning after” pill functions after the same principle to destroy the lining of the uterus, but in a shorter period of time due to higher concentrations of the same hormones.

The 5% figure is based on the use of the “combination” pill, which is usually a combination of estrogen and progesterone. The 60% figure is based on the use of progesterone only pills (“mini-pills”), the “patch”, or progesterone injections/implants. Therefore a woman taking even the combination pill for only two years statistically will have one chemical abortion during that time. A woman using a progesterone only method for two years could very likely have 12 silent abortions during that period of time, or one every other month. These are the most conservative estimates available. Other research indicates that women taking the combination pill could be ovulating up to 50% of the time, and that 70% of women taking the “mini-pill” could be ovulating every month. In almost all cases these babies would not be able to implant and would die.

“With over 17 million American women using the Pill and other chemical abortifacients, it is estimated that breakthrough ovulation and pregnancy occur so often…that between 7 to 12 million newly conceived children are killed by chemical abortions in the womb each year. And most of these women never even knew they were pregnant.”

“In America, chemical abortions are estimated to kill more than 7 million babies each year – while surgical abortions kill about 1.5 million babies each year.” (“Birth Control Pills Cause Early Abortions” – J.T. Finn, 2005)

“Scientific papers suggest that escape ovulation occurs 4-15% of all cycles in patients taking birth control pills. Thus, as this booklet points out, early chemical abortions are a real and significant concern.”

The term “birth control pills” is accurate since they do not prevent conception, but birth. Perhaps the reason God has not ended the abortion holocaust in America is that God’s own people are unknowingly murdering their own offspring.

(http://faithfulwordbaptist.org/Birth_Control.html)

I know that there are other ways with out using birth control to help prevent having children. This is something that you and your spouse would have to pray about and what ever the Lord puts on your hart, I pray that you will follow his direction.

Here are a few verses that may be able to help you, being that the word of the God is the best way to find answers to any questions that you may have.....

Genesis 1:28

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Genesis 9:7

And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply, bring forth abundantly, in the earth, and multiply therein.

Psalms 127:3

Lo, children are the heritage unto the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Psalms 127:5

Happy is the man that has his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

3 john 1:4

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children in truth.

Now these are just a few of many verses talking about baring children, and raising children to grow in the Lord, to fallow him in the way he would want them to go.

No one has the right to judge another about how many children they have, and if they choose not to have anymore. That is between you and the Lord. I pray that you will make a wise decision on how you may try to prevent from having more children, please do some research on the birth control that you may use, I am afraid that you are going to learn that it is not what you think it is.

Just around the house..

2009-03-03T20:08:00.001-08:00

Deacon has learned to roll from his belly to his back, and he has also started to smile !!!! Is it that time already??

We have also had sick ones around the house. All of us but Daddy has been down with something. My poor Clarissa and Deacon seem to come down with it the worst.

Grandma also bought the children something called bendaroos. All it is, is a piece of string dipped in wax, and you can bend it, re bend it, and make all kinds of really neat stuff out of it. They also stick to anything. This n the picture is a gorilla that Gage made.

Pretty Toes!!!!

2009-02-24T11:23:00.000-08:00

Chloe came to me the other night and she wanted me to paint her fingernails, then I decided to go ahead and paint her toes. Then she got the great idea to paint Mommy's toes, can you tell she painted them ?? After she was done I decided to paint Clarissa's toes. She was so scared, but after the first 2 toes she got excited. She was really excited to show Daddy the next morning.

Deacon is getting so big..... this is Chloe and Deacon with their BIG WIDE eyes.

This is Clarissa she is excited because she was helping load the wood over to the wood stove. As you can see she was very excited. She still has to learn to keep clean while hauling it, but hey she is a good worker.

Happy Birthday Grandma Gail

2009-02-20T06:53:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Grandma Gail!!! We love you very much and we hope that you have a wonderful birthday.
Love Andy, Jamie, Gage, Chloe, Hunter, Clarissa, and Deacon

A lot has happened....

2009-02-19T19:41:00.000-08:00

I would like to start off with saying Thank You for praying for our youngest son Deacon. He is doing much better now, he is still coughing but sounds a lot better.

I would like ask if you all would pray for Andrews Nanny, she has been in the hospital for a little while now with a few problems, and has recently found out that she has shingles. She will hopefully be discharged from the hospital and will be placed in the nursing home for a short while. Please pray that she will get strong fast.

A lot has happened within the past couple weeks. Andrews brother flew in from Washington state to be with their Nanny. So we have been visiting with him off and on the last few days.

Andrew has been working hard and working doubles. So the time as a family has been cherished around the Stroupe home.

My birthday was on the 13th, valentines was on the 14th, and our anniversary was on the 15th, and Andrew just happened to have a 3 day weekend so what does he do....

Yep you got it right, he kidnapped me and took me up to the the Quad Cities and had ourselves a little getaway. I will have to tell you, he did a wonderful job.

As some of you already know, Andrew and I are big coffee drinkers, and this was a really cool coffee shop right across the street from our hotel.

Of course we have been trying to keep up with school work, but with Andrews Nanny, company, and Deacon being sick it has been a struggle.

Another picture of Chloe doing some school work.

And this is us just being the silly Stroupes and playing with our food.

Deacon....

2009-02-18T13:33:00.000-08:00

So I just have fast question. My little Deacon has some congestion in the chest and the nasal. I am not sure why, but, almost every time he nurses he gets sick. I have been nursing him every hour so that he does not get dehydrated, and also he is not nursing much. Anyhow, I was wondering if any of you moms have any suggestions for me, they are greatly needed.

Hoping to hear from some of you soon.

Something So Small But So Painful

2009-02-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

First of all, for the ones that have read my husbands post about my kidney stones and prayed for me, I would like to Thank You, all is well now.

On Tuesday I woke up and it was a normal day, and quickly went down hill from there. It was just one of them mornings, school was not going, the house was a disaster, and the kids were wound for sound. So I decided to lay the younger children down for a nap a little earlier than normal so I could get a break. After the children were down, I sat down to feed Deacon and felt a little pain in my side, but nothing to think twice about. After Deacon was done I put him in his swing and told Gage and Chloe I was going to relax in the recliner for a while. Within 15 min I probably went to the restroom 3 or 4 times. Gage kept asking me if I was ok. Within 30 min I was in so much pain that I had called Andrew home, and my Mom to see if she could come get the kids. I had contacted my midwife, being she is the only one I knew to call that would have any knowledge of what it might be. She thought the same thing we thought, my appendix. Anyhow, Andrew came right home, the last thing that I remember was, Gage crying scared for me, and Chloe saying don't worry mommy God will be with you, and off to the ER we went, and we got there fast. As most of you know it ended up being a kidney stone, thankfully. I was in no mood to have surgery.

Anyhow, at 8pm we got home and I went right to bed, I got up one time to feed Deacon ate some fruit and went right back to bed. At 11:oo I got up went to the restroom and thankfully passed the stone.

It is unbeilevable that something so small can be so painful. I had kidney stones one other time 6 years ago, but the pain was in a different spot, so I think that is why it threw me for a loop.

Anyhow, I am up and moving and doing great, Thank You again for all of your prayers.

A few more pics.....

2009-01-29T19:12:00.000-08:00

Clarissa being that happy, joyful little one that she is. She always has a smile on her face.

Deacon is now 6 weeks old and oh my has his looks changed in just a few short weeks.

Hunter, of course, attached to his Daddy like always.

And this is my brood, Deacon is not in the picture because they were playing a little to rough for him to be able to participate, but he was enjoying it from the side lines.

Just a few pics...

2009-01-27T20:50:00.001-08:00

This is Chester, and he is outside with everyone enjoying the dusting that we had received .

This is a little Mommy and Clarissa bonding time while spending the afternoon at church.

This is the children, Gage and Chloe, enjoying the dusting, while riding the 4 wheeler. Oh what fun a little bit if snow can be.

My Smart 3 Year Old...

2009-01-23T19:11:00.000-08:00

This is Hunter and some times I think he is a little smarter than I realize. I am going to tell you about a conversation that we had the other day.

It all started with breakfast, I had made Andrew eggs, grits, and some toast with peanut butter on top. Hunter seen me throw the peanut butter jar away, and let me tell you, if there is not peanut butter at the Stroupe home the children are not happy.

Anyways, with that being said, Hunter went down for his daily nap and after he woke up he knew that the other children were outside playing in the beautiful weather that we were having. Before he headed out the door I asked him if he would like a snack. I asked him if he wanted an apple and he said no that he wanted a yogurt. So I got him out a yogurt. He stood around for a little, never opened his yogurt, and then said mommy I just want to go outside, and I said that was fine.

I am putting on his boots, coat, and gloves and as I am doing so Hunter says, mommy, I am going to go up to Grandma's and get a apple ( Grandma lives right next door ).
I said no, Hunter you can have an apple from here. Then Hunter says no, I want one from Grandma, and then I repeated, no you may have one from here.

So I am finishing up with getting him ready and Hunter says, mommy, I am going to go get a cracker from Grandma, and I said, no you can have one from here. Of course, Hunter says but I want one from Grandma, and I said no, you may have one from here.

So now he is all dressed, has crackers in his hands, and heading out the door, and as he is walking out the door Hunter says, mommy I am going to go get peanut butter for my crackers from Grandma. This all leads back to the beginning where Hunter seen mommy throw away the peanut butter jar.

A treat for grandma.....

2009-01-17T19:57:00.000-08:00

Chloe had decided to make grandma a card and it said something like this....

Grandma I would like to offer you a cheeseburger, Love Chloe.

So after school one day this last week she made her a cheeseburger, sliced some tomato's, added pickle and some lettuce, taped the card to it and took it up to her. ( She lives right next door ).

It was a lot of fun, I enjoy cooking with Chloe. Sometimes when she comes to help me in the kitchen with supper and I am in a rush trying to get things done by the time Andrew gets home, I want to tell her maybe tomorrow. That is when I need to think twice and tell myself that daddy does not mind if it is a little late, he enjoys having a wonderful meal made by both of his girls.

Chloe learning how to flip a burger.

All bagged up and ready to head to grandma's.

Sorry....

2009-01-16T20:01:00.002-08:00

I have recently had someone ask me if our computer was down being it has been forever sense my husband or I had posted. I would like to apologize it has been a busy last couple of weeks with Andrews dad and sister being here, trying to get back into the swing of things, and the internet being down the last 2 days.

Andrew making bunk beds, for our rapidly growing family.

Chloe playing on her soon to be new bed.

A very proud Grandpa !!!

Baby feeding baby.

This one is for Grandpa Bottoms!!!!!

This is my freshly painted bedroom that my wonderful
husband painted for me. Burnt orange and teddy bear
tan. I love it. Thank You baby.

So as you can seen, we have been busy around the Stroupe home. Andrew has built bunk beds for the girls, and painted the bedroom. I have been trying to get things in order from a really busy last couple of weeks. Now Andrew is really busy with overtime, so I guess I have plenty of time to catch up on school and house work.

Sorry..

2009-01-16T20:01:00.001-08:00

Just sitting around......

2009-01-02T21:50:00.000-08:00

I really don't have much to say, my husband is working late tonight and I am not able to fall asleep till he is home. As you all can tell, I changed my blog back ground and I am happy to say, I figured it out without my husband ( I am not very computer smart ).

My husbands dad and sister surprised us with a visit from Ky yesterday. We were not expecting them till the 5th. Shannon ( Andrew's sister ) has a 7 mo old little girl Annette and she is beautiful.

I bet the family in Ky will be missing on this precious child. We have been enjoying her very much. We have taken a few pictures that I will post later on. Well my Andrew walked through the door I guess I can go to sleep now.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T11:41:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to say Happy New Year to everyone. I hope that everyone had a wonderful New Years Eve, and having a joyful New Years day.

I just wanted to post a few pictures that we took in the past year.

Clarissa ( Rissy Roo )

She is getting big to fast, it is amazing how fast they grow. Her personality has come out in her so much. She has learned how to walk, she has received all of her teeth ( ouch ). Anytime she opens up a book she sings so joyfully. Her favorite song is God Loves You. She has learned so much in the first year of her little life I could go on and on.

Hunter ( Snuggle Bear )

Hunter is so much like is daddy, silly and fun. Although he is a boy and so silly at times, he is also so lovable, caring, and helpful. It is not uncommon for him to jump into the chair and want to sit there for an hour curled up sucking his thumb and reading a book. He also loves to sneak into our bed and curl up next to daddy about every night. He also has the boy side, plays cars, rides bikes, and likes to get dirty. He has grown so much with in the past year.

Chloe ( Lo Lo )

This is my helper, my little miss homemaker in the training. Most of you know that Chloe loves to help mommy in the kitchen, cooking and cleaning. Although Chloe has not always been this way, it use to be we could not get her to play with a doll, all she wanted was a GI Joe or a car. With in the past year, she loves to play with dolls, help mommy cook supper and bake. She enjoys helping mommy do dishes and helping fold the laundry. Let me make mention she still enjoys playing army men with the boys.

Gage ( Stubby )

Oh boy, they grow up so fast. Gage is an out door boy. He enjoys hunting. shooting his BB gun, riding bikes, riding his four wheeler, and enjoys going with daddy on the side jobs. I would like to mention he is not one to sit inside and do school work, he would much rather be outside getting dirty and building. It is hard to believe that I have a child that can go hunting, shoot guns, and carry around a pocket knife.

Deacon ( ????? )

Deacon, we are not sure what the nick name is going to be yet, but I am sure it will come soon. He is the newest Stroupe, only being 2 weeks old, and oh what a joy he has been already. Although, being to young to be able to tell his personality, we know that he is very alert, and loves to be held.

Chester ( Chess )

Our Cocker Spaniel. He is also new this year, he will be a year old in May. We have enjoyed him very much. He enjoys being outside with the children running, but also loves to be hugged and petted on.

Andrew and Jamie ( daddy and mommy )

As for Andrew and I we strive more and more everyday to walk in the Lord, and to raise our children to fallow him. Andrew has been working hard this year with his daily job, overtime, and also with his side job with heating and cooling.

For me, I have been keeping busy with the house and homeschooling the children. Some days can be rougher that others, but in the end I think the Lord for the ability to have the freedom to teach my children at home, and raise them in the Lords name.

He is back to work....

2008-12-31T05:16:00.000-08:00

So my husband went back to work yesterday, and although it was depressing to see him go, the children and I had a decent day yesterday.

I was figuring getting back into the swing of things would be difficult, being we had not sat down and opened a school book in 2 weeks. Everything went smoothly, and the kids were wonderful. It made daddy's going back to work much easier.

There is no need to complain about Andrew going back to work, being, he has another extra day off tomorrow. We have his dad, sister, and her daughter coming up from Ky on the 5th, so that is something exciting to look forward too.

A few more pics from the past couple of weeks.......

This is Hakeem, Destini, and Adessa, my nephew and nieces on Christmas day.

This is my Uncle Steve holding Deacon on Christmas day. Can you tell he is a little nervous holding a new born???? I don't think that he had much of a choice, Sheila, his wife, just kind of said " here you go Steve " you should have seen his eyes. ( His little ones are in college ).

This is Hunter shooting a bad guy up in the tree house with a camera...

This is Clarissa on the potty chair, trying to conquer the challenge of potty training.

Back to the routine...

2008-12-28T14:39:00.000-08:00

This week we have to get back to a normal routine. Daddy has to return back to work, and the children and I have to return back to school and daily chores. Not only do we have to get back to daily chores, but we also have to play major catch up. I will admit, after the arrival of Deacon I have slacked with house work, and now I have to think about how I have to play catch up this whole next week. I do have 1 more day before Andrew has to go back to work, and sense New Years is next week he works 2 off 1 works 2 off 2 so at least he is slowwwwly going back to work. For now here are some more pictures of what has been going on the past 2 weeks.......This is a picture of Hunter resting, this is something that we have done a lot these past 2 weeks.

This picture is in front of our home. Every year when the weather is slick we always have a vehicle go off into the ditch. This semi truck was not stuck but had to run over the stop sign to get out.
This is Gage praying during Christmas morning devotions. We had a wonderful Christmas filled with prayer, devotions, family and fellowship.

Enjoying some family time!!!!

2008-12-20T10:22:00.000-08:00

My husband is able to take some time off to be with us, and it has been a relaxing time. Yesterday was the 1st day that we even left the house. We have been taking it easy and bonding with Deacon.

We had some friends come over and they brought a meal, Papa Murphy's pizza yummmmy. We enjoyed the company, and we enjoyed the meal afterwards.
A Thank You goes out to the Yates family.

Baby Stroupe!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-15T11:07:00.000-08:00

Deacon James Stroupe
8 pounds 12 ounces
19 1/2 inches

He has light blond hair, but not much of it. He is a meaty little thing. He looked a lot bigger than we all thought he was.

Labor went pretty smoothly, it took a little longer than the last one but everything went great.

I delivered in the hospital with a wonderful midwife, that is all natural, and is all about mommy, daddy, baby, and what they want. I also had a wonderful nurse that helped out also. The hospital that we went to is a baby friendly hospital and there are only 2 in the state of Illinois, and let me tell you they are wonderful.

I spent most of the time in the great big jacuzzi tub, while Andrew was leaning over the tub with me praying with me and trying to keep me relaxed as much as possible. My husband is what keeps me going during labor.

After several hrs in the tub I decided to get out and try to get things moving. I got up moved around Andrew did some wonderful hip and back massages. After about 15 min Deacon is ready. I only had to push 2 times, Andrew is the one catching but my midwife had to jump in because our little Deacon has big shoulders that did not want to come with. Before his shoulders were out he was already crying. I had a little more bleeding they like to see, but all is doing well now and we are home and just lounging and trying to rest.

I will post more to keep you up dated, and now time for the fun things.......

Deacon James Stroupe

2008-12-14T21:48:00.000-08:00

This is Jamie's Husband, I'm sure she'll post some tomorrow, but for her loyal readers I'm going to post a few teaser photos on her behalf of our new man child. I wont give away any details, she did the work I'll let her tell the story :)

COLD WATER......

2008-12-12T06:19:00.000-08:00

We woke up this morning and my husband went to go into the shower, and there was no hot water. What a way to wake up. Thankfully for us my husband is a Handy Andy and he may have what we need for the water heater on hand.

I am hoping that having to move everything out of my laundry room ( the water heater is in my laundry room ) might trigger something and start labor.

Everyone have a Happy Friday!!!!!!!

Hopefully soon.

2008-12-11T09:15:00.000-08:00

I would like to start with my pregnancy.... I have not yet started labor, we are getting very excited. I keep thinking any time now we could have a new little life in out home. What color is the hair, eyes, how big, all these questions popping in my head. Anyhow, we will keep you posted, don't forget to keep up on my husbands blog.

In the mean time.........

We have had a long lasting sickness in our home :(

I think that everyone in our home has had this illness except for Gage, and even he has broken out into a rash that we are not sure about. It looks like he is allergic to something but We are not sure what it may be.
Other than the rash everyone is doing better and up and at the norm again.

Andrew brought home a Ginger Bread House that we all sat around and made, it was fun and the children enjoyed it very much.

Pregnancy Update

2008-12-03T18:04:00.000-08:00

Although I have not posted on my pregnancy, most of you all know that I am expecting.
I am 39 weeks,and excited.

I am sure that I probably will not post anymore until after the delivery.

All is going well right now, I am in the last miserable stage, no sleep and can't get comfortable no matter how hard I try.

We are hoping that the hospital that I am delivering at has Wi Fi, so if it does I am sure that my husband will post as soon as possible, you all will be one of the firsts to know.

Make sure you all keep up on my husbands blog for any happenings.

Please keep The Stroupes in prayer.

Cooking With Chloe

2008-11-28T09:21:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle

2 Packages (14-1/2 ounces each) gingerbread
cake mix.
1 Package (4.6 ounces) cook and serve
vanilla pudding mix.
3 Cups of milk
1 Can (29 ounces) solid pack pumpkin.
1/2 Cup packed brown sugar.
1 Carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping
thawed.

Prepare and bake gingerbread according to package directions, using 2 greased 9in
round baking pans. Cool completely on wire racks.

Meanwhile for pudding, in a large saucepan, combine pudding mix and milk; stir until
smooth. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Cook and stir
1-2 min longer or until thickened. Remove from the heat; cool to room temp. Combine
pumpkin and brown sugar and stir into pudding.

In a 4qt glass serving bowl, crumble one gingerbread cake; gently press down. Top with
with half of pudding mixture and whipped topping. Repeat layers.

Camping Out!!!!!

2008-11-26T07:23:00.000-08:00

Just another fast post. The other night, the children all camped out in the living room by the fire. We all lounged around listening to books on tape, it was very relaxing.

Daddy and I ended up going to the room because being that I am due in 2 weeks I could not get comfortable on the couch, but we stayed up till 10:30 and it was very enjoying.

Cleaning...

2008-11-26T06:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was over at a friends blog, A Home Keepers Journey,and she did a post on cleaning tips from Fly Lady for her Tackle It Tuesday. Now, I don't normally use Fly Lady, not for any reason I just kind of go by my own schedule, but I did decide to take on Mrs. B. Tackle It Tues, and I can not believe how much I can get done in 15 min with 4 small children asking for this and that.

She had me cleaning for 15 min at a time and it was wonderful......

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Now I know it is not Tuesday but I think everyone should head over to A Home Keepers Journey and try her tackle. I think I am going to try this daily. I also have my children doing it with their bed rooms, and they are enjoying it.

I Just Won!!!!!!!!

2008-11-20T18:59:00.000-08:00

Recently I just won two blog awards!!!!!!! How exciting is that, and now I have to pass it on to 7 others that I would like to receive this award. Now I am not sure of the rules, but I do believe that any blogger can receive one, if not please comment I would love to know if I am wrong.

I received two blog awards, one award is from http://homekeepersjourney.blogspot.com/
The second one was given from http://herpeculiarlife.blogspot.com/

Both of these ladies have been a blessing to me and the wisdom that they have is just wonderful!!!!

Now on to 7 people to pass the award to. HMMMMMM being that I am new to the blog world I am not sure that I have 7 but I will do my best.

1: http://stroupefamily.blogspot.com/
This is my husband and he has great knowledge, and I think that you all would enjoy reading his posts..

2: http://agodlymaiden.wordpress.com/
This young lady has a wonderful blog, she home maker in training and has words for anyone.

3: http://greenpasturesfarm.blogspot.com/
This family has a great blog, they blog on about anything, and they are always keeping it up dated.

4:http://plainhomesteading.blogspot.com/
This lady has a fun blog, she is very blunt and speaks her mind but tactfully, and she also has a lot of wisdom.

5: http://biblegirl1999.blogspot.com/
This lady has wonderful recipes and an enjoying blog.

6:http://lawhons.blogspot.com/
This lady has a wonderful blog about her children and her husband, it is fun to see the pictures of her little children.

7:http://www.titus2.com/blog/index.php
This family is wonderful they have a lot of talent, and a lot of wisdom.

If you have the time please try to take a look at some of these blogs, they have been a blessing to me, and I think that they would be a blessing to you.

Quiet Night......

2008-11-20T17:34:00.000-08:00

This is not a normal night at the Stroupe home. Normally you have little feet running around, sounds of children playing, or mommy and daddy just sitting around talking about their day. Not tonight, my husband is working late, he does this often at least once a week. The 2 older children Gage and Chloe are staying with there grandparents. Gage is going with his grandpa early tomorrow morning to go hunting, and Chloe is just staying with grandma,just because.

I hear the ceiling fan spinning, I hear the wind blowing outside, and I hear Hunter here in the living room quietly playing with his GI Joe's, and Clarissa sound asleep in her bed.

I don't know what I would do with out my family, the noise, laughter, and a little bickering here and there. What would I do with just 1 or 2 children, and some people would think I am crazy going on my 5th child.

You see 5 children is not a lot to my husband and I, most of our friends have 6-10 children. That is normal to us.

Work Day !!!!!!

2008-11-11T18:57:00.000-08:00

First of all, I would like to start off by thanking everyone that voted for the girl names. I also like Charity and my husband really likes Charity. My husband likes the name Charity Grace. What do you all think about that? I kind of think that it goes nicely together.

Now to the work day that my husband and children had on Monday. My husband decided to take the older children out to work in the yard. Clarissa and I stayed in to clean up a little, it was chilly out and I did not think Clarissa needed to be out, so we enjoyed the time together. After putting Clarissa down for a nap I decided to sneak outside to take a few pictures of my family working hard outside and this is what I found......

What a joy it was to see them having fun while working........

Yep you see it right, while Andrew would be riding around sweeping up the leave, Hunter would run and jump onto the back of the sweeper and ride till it would be time to dump that batch of leaves......

Here is a close up of Hunter holding on tightly....

Here is a little game to play, can anyone find Chester???????

Pumpkin Pie

2008-11-07T09:42:00.000-08:00

Just a fast post. The other day my husband brought home about 20 pumpkins. They were left over from work. Anyhow most of them are for the chickens, but he keeps hinting that he wants me to make a pumpkin pie from a pumpkin. With that being said, I have know idea how to make one from scratch like that. Anyhow, I thought, maybe, before I google it, I would see what kind of recipes I can get from the ones that read my blog first.

I can't wait to see the different recipes.

Jamie

A Horibble Wife.....

2008-11-06T12:58:00.000-08:00

Today is one of them days where I was a horrible wife, and I am not exaggerating. See my husband has been working on a project for the past few days, and I called him at work (which I shouldn't had)to get some information about his project. To be honest I had not planned on telling him why, I was just asking (which I shouldn't have) . Well it came out why and I didn't do it in the meek and submissive way. So anyhow I bummed him out and myself out, all because I was not being the Titus 2 wife that I should have.

You see if I would have been the submissive wife that the Lord has commanded me to be all of the this would have been avoided. To be honest I normally never open the mail unless it is a magazine or something like that, not opening the mail keeps the stress off of me seeing the bills. I usually try really hard to be supportive toward my husband during his projects when they come up, and I was not this time. I was trying to take control of a situation that I shouldn't have and look where it got me.

When the wife is meek, chaste, and submissive toward her husband it avoids a whole lot of conflict between the two of them and lets the man be in charge of the whole matter. By being the Titus 2 wife it allows the husband to be in charge and the wife to just sit back. It keeps us from getting stressed out, upset, and disappointing in life situations. In this situation that I put myself in today was something so very small, and it turned out to being something so big that it ruined both my husband and my day.(This is what happens when the wife tries to take control. )

My husband called me in the middle of this post, and was apologizing to me because he says that he took me the wrong way. No baby, I was wrong, I opened the mail, I tried to take things in my own hands, and I was not being submissive to you like I should have been. ( It is so like my husband to blame himself when I am in the wrong. )

I am sorry baby, I love you, and I would like to ask for your forgiveness???

Beautiful Fall Day

2008-11-05T05:59:00.000-08:00

Here are just a couple of pictures of the beautiful fall day that we had yesterday. The children had so much fun building leaf piles and jumping in.

Any Baby Girl Names?????

2008-10-29T06:46:00.000-07:00

So I am expecting in about 7 weeks, and my husband and I have not even talked about baby girl names. My husband strongly believes that we are have a boy. The only thing that he has to go on is that we have had boy, girl, boy, girl. I keep telling him that it has to break sometime and that we are having a girl. He is still set that this one is a boy.

Anyhow, our other to girl names are Chloe and Clarissa I would love to have another C name but right now I will go with anything. We kind of like the uncommon type of names, but like I said I will take any suggestions. Please leave a comment and give me some ideas.

Jamie

Cooking With Chloe

2008-10-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

So Saturday was a busy day for us. We had a cookout to go to at a relatives home and as usual mommy was running late. Chloe as you all know enjoys to help mommy in the kitchen. Sometimes I just want to get it done. Well Saturday was one of them days. I needed to get in the shower to get ready to take off, but the green bean casserole had yet to be finished. So I thought HMMMMMMM Chloe has helped me many times with this recipe and it is very simple, so while I am in the shower I left it up to her to make the green bean casserole.* NOTE* Daddy is in the room with her. Daddy helped her with opening the cans, but that was about it. By the time I got back into the kitchen, she was sprinkling the fried onions on the top. Yep, that is right my little 5 year old made green bean casserole all by herself. It brought tears to my eyes :) she is growing up. Anyhow, daddy took some pictures to share with you all.

Everyone really enjoyed her yummy green beans!!!!!!!

She also helped mommy with a yummy Strawberry Jello Cake.

Jello Cake!!!!!!!!!!

1 yellow cake mix
2 boxes of jello of any kind
1 container of cool whip

Make up the yellow cake mix according to box.
After baking, poke holes in it with the end of a
wood spoon all through out the cake.
Dissolve Jello in 2 cups of boiling water,
but DO NOT ADD COLD WATER
Poor the jello over top the cake, the jello
will run down into all the holes.
Place into the fridge to chill.
After completely cool, spread whip topping
over top the cake.

Eat And Enjoy !!!!!!!

A Wonderful Week

2008-10-28T06:52:00.000-07:00

This past week we had a wonderful week. We had some family come up from Kentucky and we had wonderful talks about the Lord.

My husband and I have been praying about a situation for several years now, and now they have been answered. AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!

We had some late night talks, bible studies, and family devotion times, and I can't wait to watch them grow in the Lord.

Some Spots In My Home

2008-10-18T18:20:00.001-07:00

This is our wood burning stove that keeps our home nice a cozy in the winter time when it is below 0. This is the way that we heat our home, so when in gets really, really cold we move all of the mattress's into the living room and sleep in front of the fire.

In the corner of my kitchen I have an old antique stove, this is where I keep my canned apples and some canned apple butter. On top of the stove I have a few antique pots, and coffee pot.

This is a canister set that I purchased at an auction last Friday for 2 dollars. For me this was a great find because it goes well in the homestead.

As a family we enjoy this spot of a morning. This is where we serve hot tea and coffee with a cinnamon stick. Of an afternoon the children love to stop by and ask for a piece of hard candy. Hanging on the side I have Chloe and I's aprons. On the shelves I have some old antique cook books and a few dishes. Also, hanging on the hooks, are the antique coffee cups that go with the antique pots that are placed on the stove.

Are You Ever Just Not In The Mood?????

2008-10-15T10:29:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wake up in the morning and think, I just don't feel like cleaning and doing school what is the meaning of it? I do the same everyday, the same routine and I am just tired of doing the same thing all the time. Breakfast, laundry, school, laundry, lunch, naps, clean while they are down, prepping for supper on and on........

Well this was me last week, I was just not in the mood. I wanted to sit play on the computer a little and maybe read some. As I looked around at the homestead thinking my I really need to do something. I had done some laundry, and hung them out but that was about it. My house was starting to get little pile ups here and there from the children reading books or me getting up and doing something and not putting it in its proper place. :(

Anyhow as I was pondering on getting up and maybe picking up here and there, I looked out the window and seen this

Can you say WOW........ here I am being a lazy wife and mother, being a bad testimony to my children, and I look out the window and this is what I see.... Tears came to my eyes.

I know I know some of you would think tears????? Oh yes tears and this is why.

Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things.

:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their own husbands, to love their children.

:5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, and the word of God be not blasphemed

This is one of my daily prayers is to teach my girls to be keepers at home, and when I seen Chloe, on her own, I never asked her to do that, fallowing her mommy's footsteps it was a blessing upon my heart.

A Little Family Trip

2008-10-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my family and I went to a near by Amish community to get a few things. They have a homeschooling store that a Amish family runs in a shed outside of their home. It was a challenge getting their because the road in front of their home was closed down because they are putting in a new bridge. My husband was determined to get there because we had traveled 2 hours to mainly go to this one location. So there for we drove right through the barricades and parked right behind the big trucks and walked right through their construction site. I wished that you all could have seen the looks on all of the men. Here we come a mom, who is great with child,a dad, and 4 little ones trotting across the bridge that they are currently working on, it was amusing actually. Anyhow, we got their and spent 2 hours while my husband and I looked through all of the books, and the children outside playing with their children. The most exciting thing for them was the buggy rides that the children took them on. I wished that we could have taken a few pictures, but the Amish don't care for the pictures.

We also got to go to a near by Country Salvage and get some good buys on some items in there.

Being harvest time we were able to show the children how the Amish harvest their land with the horses and all . It was a wonderful learning experience for the children. The drive there and home was beautiful with the trees turning and the leaves falling. On the way home we were able to see a beautiful sun set.

By the time that we got home we were exhausted, we all went to bed early.

What, no video games..........

2008-10-08T18:54:00.000-07:00

My husband works at a drug and alcohol rehab center, and as much as possible he likes to sit down and chat with the boys. A couple of weeks ago he got into a conversation with a couple of boys about video games, and the way I took it, they think our children are deprived. The topic came up that he should go out and buy our children some games, and my husbands response was, we don't allow video games in our home, and they thought he was a mean daddy. I would like to mention that this may not be for every home, we feel that in our situation this is in the best interest for our children.

1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

I would like to make a list of things that my children do for fun:

1: Read : We all like to read in our home and this is a highlight of the day is to sit down after Bible devotions of an evening and read a few chapters in a book.

2: Crafts : My children love to sit down, cut and glue anything, they also enjoy coloring or
drawing.

3: Chickens : This is something they look forward to doing every morning, going and letting the chickens out to run the yard and checking for eggs ( we only have 1 laying )

4: Chester : This is our dog, and although he can be playful at times they enjoy spending the
day with him.

5: Building : My son loves to build things, bird houses, bird feeders, and sometimes I am not
sure what it is that he is building, but I know that whatever it is he is learning.

6: Cooking : As you all know from my posts Chloe loves to help mommy cook, one of these days
I will be asking her questions.

7: Riding bikes : All three of my older children could ride all day, they love ( even Chloe ) to try
new tricks all the time.

8: Throwing knives : This is something that we enjoy doing as a family.

9: School : Although my oldest don't care much for school, ( what can I say, he is a boy ) Chloe
enjoys it very much.

10: Being Kids : My kids love to be out side playing in the dirt, sand, and water.

I have noticed that most children are talking about what is going to be on T.V. tonight or what level they are in on their hand held game. I am thankful that my children don't even know what is on the T.V, and when it comes to video games they are totally clueless. I see it as, they are out there learning. My husband and I are trying to raise them as the Lord would want us to raise them.

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

A lot of the things that they enjoy doing, Gage building, Chloe cooking, is raising them in the way that they should go, Gage being a hard working man :

Proverbs 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.

Chloe being a keeper of the home:

Titus 2 :5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient, to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

My husband and I strongly believe that we as parents would be heading our children in the wrong direction if they sat in front of the T.V. watching something or playing a game.

Canning

2008-10-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

Wow it has been a while, I am sorry that it took me so long to post again. There really is no excuse, except for this past week. Chloe and I started canning apples, and what a wonderful time we had together. We sliced and peeled 5 dozen apples, 2 finger cuts and 1 burn later we had 8 quarts, 1 apple pie, and the peelings, cinnamon, and cloves making the homestead smell just wonderful. Thankfully daddy was working over that night so there was no rush to keep up the laundry and other house duties.

Then on Thursday of last week someone had given us another basket full of apples, so after the children were all snuggled in their bed I set off to slicing in peeling once more to can the next day. I had put 2 dozen in the crock pot to make some apple butter, and all together I think I sliced and peeled another 51/2 dozen, with 2 more dozen to go. I had placed the apples in some cold water and salt and into the refrigerator they went to be canned the next day.

I waited for daddy to get home late that night around 12 I would say, he got home checked his mail and so on, by 12:30 my oldest daughter who is 5 woke up sick. She had never really been sick before, so needless to say she did not know how to go about running to the bathroom first thing. Not 15 min later, my youngest daughter, who is 17 mo old, started in. While I was cleaning up Chloe daddy cleaned up Rissy. Daddy went to bed being he had to be up early and out the door by 7. Mommy stayed up with the Chloe and Rissy till 4:30am, not to mention my 7 year old woke up somewhere around 2 and started in.

Now I don't want you all to forget, I have apples in the crock pot, and in the fridge to be canned the next morning.

I got daddy out the door, took a 2 hour nap, and started my canning for the day with out my Chloe by my side, being she was laying down all day. I sure do miss her when she is not there to help me cook and clean. :( With all that being said I got 6 more quarts canned, 3 pints of apple butter made up. I was exhausted that night, thankfully daddy surprised us with pizza so mommy did not have to cook.

I have some pictures of Chloe helping me do some canning that I will post later.

Canning the apples

Slice and peel apples
Place then in the bottom of pot with a little water
In another pot stir 2 cups of boiling water to 2 cups of sugar
After sugar is dissolved poor over cooking apples
Simmer for 2 to 3 min
Place in Quart jars
With a hot rag put the lids on tightly
Place jars into hot water bath for 25 min
When done turn jars upside down until completely cool

I also added cinnamon into some of my jars for cinnamon apples

Apple Butter

Place sliced and peeled apples into crock pot until the pot is full
Do not add water, and let apples cook over night for 12 hrs do not stir
In the morning add sugar, and spices. Stir well. Cook uncovered for 5 hrs
stirring often.

Place in pint jars and place in hot water bath for 10 min
When done place jars upside down and completely cool.

Homeschooling

2008-09-24T11:20:00.000-07:00

The other day it was late morning, the children and I were outside working together hanging up a couple of loads of laundry out on the line. Although my children are still young and not yet tall enough to hang them, they were a blessing to watch try to help me, racing each other to see who could get the next piece of clothing next for mommy to hang up. As we were joyfully hanging up clothing and singing I was watching all the the vehicles and big farm trucks drive by. I was thinking to myself, hmmmm, should my children be out here being that the 2 oldest are school age, and people think they should be in school, and also, the ones that know that we homeschool, do you think they are wondering why I am not inside sitting down teaching my children??? The thought briefly went through my mind and then I said, naahhhh, what better schooling and child training could their be than for my 4 homeschooled children to be right by their mommy, hanging clothes, and singing together.

This is a side note and has nothing to do with my post but, this is the 1st yr that I have a clothes line and I have a feeling that I am going to miss my line. I live in an area that get cold and a lot of snow, do any of you have ideas for what I could do so I don't have to use my dryer that often this winter????? Any comments are welcomed.

Child Training

2008-09-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

It has been a while sense I posted, and a lot has happened in the past couple of weeks. The one that I would like to talk about is the child training that we had dealt deal with this week.

We have been trying to raise some chickens, and we had only lost one out of 20 and things were, and still are going very well. Wednesday morning we ate breakfast and got daddy off to work. Before daddy had left for work he let our 19 chickens out to run around. After our morning duties I had my oldest son Gage who is 7 go out as usual and put the chickens up before we got started on a morning of schooling. I am putting away laundry and my 5 year old came in and said that there was a chicken sick. I went out there and the chicken was hurt, and could not stand up. Come to find out Gage was having a hard time getting 4 of the 19 chickens in and he threw a stick to try to get them to go in and hit one and broke its neck. To make a long story a little shorter, he had all of the fun things that he enjoys, knives and so forth taken away from him for a while to try to teach him how foolishness has its consequences.

Me being the mommy thought daddy was being a little harsh about the situation. I thought that it was an innocent mistake, but daddy thought he needed to learn a lesson. Later that night before bed, I was doing my Bible study and I was reading some scripture about child training, and the Lord dealt with my hart about what had happen that day. Once again daddy was right, the Lord puts the men the head of the house hold for a reason.

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

Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall
drive it far from him.

With In The Past Week

2008-09-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

I am sorry that it has been over a week sense I have been able to post something, but because of some internet problems that we are having, I am sad to say that I am only going to be able to post every Friday for the time being. Hopefully soon though I will be able to post more often.

With in the past week in a half we have been busy here at the Stroupe house. My father in law came up from Kentucky to stay for a couple of days. We got to go to flee markets, and go out to eat more than we normally get to do. Wen enjoyed the time with him that we don't get to do often.

I had to go get some blood work done for my pregnancy on Tuesday. That was nice because sense we do not have health insurance we traveled about 1hr and 15 min away to get it done for 40$. Normally it would cost me 300$, and we were able to go a direction that we don't go often. The place that I went to was neat because the lady was probably 70-75 years old and all of the money that she gets doing this blood work she will take over to Haiti with her and help missionaries out with food and other items that they may need. I think that it is wonderful the ministry that she has going for the people over there.

After my blood work my husband took me to the Goodwill stores. I enjoyed this time sense I am not able to go often. I found a few clothes for my husband and children and a nice tea set for me for $3.96. I was so excited.

I apologize for no pictures this time. Hopefully I will get a Cooking with Chloe posted soon and some new pictures. I enjoy hearing from you all, please fill free to e-mail me, or comment at anytime.

Special Moments

2008-08-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

Special Moments

I would just to like mention that this is snuggle bear, the name explains it all, he loves to lay in someones lap and he will stay there for an hour all snuggled up with a blanket. Tonight I got to have what I call a special moment with snuggle bear. My mom had found an old Sunday school book that we sang in Sunday school when I was young, and she gave it to my children the other day. Snuggles and I curled up on the couch for almost 1 hr and sang all the songs that I knew ( about 3/4 of them ). It was such a blessing, even though he did not know hardly any of them, he is only 2, the thumb in his mouth, lying back against my chest, was more than a blessing for me. It is these special moments that we as mommy's and daddy's should right down in our daily journals to be able to look back on and rejoice, and say wow that was really a special moment for me.

Rainy Days

2008-08-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

Rainy Days

My family and I woke up early this morning

and it was a gloomy, rainy day out. The kids

were kind of down because there would be no

going outside, at least for the first part of the

day. Personally, I enjoy a good rainy day every once in a while, the windows open, the smell of rain blowing in the window, candle's lit, and everyone trapped in the house all cozy on the

couch reading books and listening to stories

on tape. Most of all, I realize how much I

enjoy my big porch. I line dry all of my clothes,

there for on a good rainy day my porch comes in handy, I don't like to get behind on my laundry

so I hang them out on the porch. The children went outside with me, while I was hanging them

they sat on the old porch swing, swinging away playing " The Car Game ". Yes, unfortunately, my cozy home gets neglected from its normal clean ups blankets on the floor, dishes in the sink, and books lying around, but I and the children take long naps that we older ones don't normally get. As we wake up, the sun is shining, there is a good breeze out, and the frogs are chirping. I wake my oldest up and ask him if he wants to go out frog hunting, and I have to go about cleaning up the mess that was left from our cozy gloomy day.

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

2008-08-27T18:29:00.000-07:00

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea is great to take while pregnant. It helps
to make your pelvic and uterine muscles strong for delivery. I take
it 2 times a day, 1 time in the morning, and 1 time before bed. I like
to put a cinnamon stick in it to add a little taste. At first I did not like
it, but now I enjoy the taste.

2 tablespoons to 1 cup of hot water
steep for 10 min
1st trimester drink 1 glass a day
2nd & 3rd trimester 2 glasses a day

The things I enjoy watching

2008-08-26T11:27:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few things that I really enjoy watching..........

I enjoy watching my husband reading his Bible. Not only does he not just read for himself, for his family so he can be the husband and father that the Lord would want him to be. He is the light of my day when we wake up next to each other. I enjoy getting up early every morning to make his breakfast, coffee, making sure that his clothes are laid out for him, and he has everything he needs to get to work.

I love to see my children work together. There is nothing more beautiful than sisters and brothersthat get along and love one another.

This is ree roo in the chicken pin walking around enjoying getting dirty. She is just now learning how to walk well. It so sweet to see a child take her first baby steps, tripping and falling alongthe way.

Cooking With Chloe: Pork Chops......

2008-08-26T07:40:00.000-07:00

Cooking With Chloe !!!!!!

We made a simple meal, but one that we all enjoy. Pork Chops, Apple Sauce, Potatos,

a nice little side of of fresh garden tomato's, some warm bread right out of the oven, and

some ice cold ice water.

Chloe always enjoys peeling the potato's, of coarse with some help from mommy. After

the potato's were peeled and sliced, we mix them with cream of chicken soup, sour cream,

a few diced onions, a little milk, and mixed well. We placed in the oven for about 1 hr. I

am sorry that I don't have the exact measurement's, but we just kind of mixed them

together the way that we like. I think that we did add a little pepper. ( I never add salt

to my meals, I place the salt on the table for daddy only ).

We cooked the pork chops in a skillet with a little butter. I cook them on low for a slow

cook, this way they will be nice and tender so you can cut them with a fork.

I had bread frozen in the freezer, Chloe smothered them with butter, and we placed them

in the oven till they were golden brown.

Apple Sauce is wonderful with pork chops.

A nice little side of Tomato's right out of the garden, delicious, and makes the plate look

lovely.

Rissy seems to like it very much, she had to go right to the bath!!!!!!!!!!

Boils

2008-08-22T07:10:00.000-07:00

Last summer, our oldest son, Gage, popped up with a cluster of boils under his right arm. He maybe got 5 or 6 under one arm,and oh my was it painful for him, and depressing to mommy and daddy to see him in so much pain. We put hot compresses on them, cleaned them, and they went away. After about a week of playing and working in the hot sun, getting all hot and sweaty, some popped up on his bottom. Our poor little boy could not even sit, it broke our hearts to see him in this much pain. We prayed, he prayed, and we tried everything, but they kept popping up in new spots. This is when my husband and I started to get a little nervous, we thought it might be something in his blood, so after praying, we decided that maybe we needed to take him to the doctor. Being we don't have health insurance, and we like to do things as natural as possible, taking him to the doctor was serious to our family. He was put on an antibiotic, didn't work, they gave him a stronger pill, didn't work. What are we to do now ? I called different herb stores, nobody had an answer. At that time we did not have the Internet so that was not an option for us. A good friend of mine had came over and she had done some research on the Internet, and she found these 3 herbs that he could drink for 9 weeks and it would cleanse his body out. What a blessing it was, it was long and sometimes inconvenient, but well worth the time. The boils healed, and did not return.

Nettle Leaf - 2 times a day for 1 week
Burdock Root - 2 times a day for 1 week
Echinacea Purpurea Root- 2 times a day for 1 week

Repeat the cycle for 3 weeks in a row!!!!!

This is well worth the time, and it is good for you and your children. My son drinks at least 1 glass a day, because he enjoys it and he fears of getting boils. None have popped up on him this year.

Selfishness

2008-08-21T06:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was just one of them days here at the Stroupe house, I was behind with house work from the busy weekend, and being gone all day Tuesday, grocery shopping, and seeing the midwife, so therefore Wednesday just did not want cooperate with me. Trying to catch up on house work, busted watermelon in the middle of the floor, and hanging out 5 loads of laundry. Top it off, last night Gage had soccer practice that we had to be at by 6:00, and Andrew had a side job to tend to so he was not able to take him. Anyhow, I was running out of time, so I had to leave clothes out on the line. When we got back, Andrew was on his way home, he had not ate supper yet, (clothes still on the line ) I fix hubby's supper, and Gage and I go out to put the chickens up. ( It is now dark time ). We were missing one chicken, so I asked Gage to go in and get daddy to come out and see if he could find her. Before Andrew had gotten out there I had found her, Andrew puts her in the hen house and we walk together toward the house. Oh my, still hanging, are the clothes, sense before soccer practice grrrrr. Here I am thinking, YES, I have help. I start to take them down one by one, hubby continues to walk to the house. My thoughts * I can not believe he is not helping me, here I am outside, 2 loads to take down and he continues to walk in the house *. I walk into the house with an arm load, Andrew is in the bathroom washing his hands after handling the chickens. I go outside to get the rest. The thought was going through my mind, * how could I think that, he worked for 8 hrs, went to do a side job, got home late, and all he wants to do is relax. All I can think about is me, me, me, it is my fault that they are still out here, and that I am behind on my duties as a wife and mother.* So as this is going through my mind, guess who comes outside to help, yep the most wonderful, unselfish,loving husband in the world. I asked him to go back inside, that I am almost done, and to go in and relax. When I went into the house I was telling him everything, and he just GRINNED........ So this morning all of this is going through my mind, I sit down to my Bible, and guess what I read.. 2 Timothy ch 3 2 & 3 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemeres, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy 3: Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent fierce, despisers of those that are good. AMEN

The Weekend

2008-08-20T07:50:00.001-07:00

3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth. KJV

As I am sitting here eating my egg and cheese sandwich and drinking my tea, taking a break

from the busy morning, 3 loads of laundry, hanging them all out, and another load waiting to

be hung, I am thinking WOW how did I get so far behind on house hold duties???? Our

weekends are a little different from some. My husband works on Saturdays so Sunday and

Mondays are our weekends. Almost every weekend I get behind because we like to spend

as much time as possible with Daddy. It may be cleaning the yard, mowing, or washing the

vans, no matter what it is the inside usually gets neglected.

I would like to share with you how our weekend went. Sunday we were gone all day long

to minister and be with some friends. The Lord took 2 of their children to be with him in

the same week last month. Monday, in the morning time I did get to hang 1 load out while

my husband, and 3 of my children replaced a tire on our van. I walked up with our

1 year old to see how it was going. It is really a lot of fun, and up lifting trying to teach our

children, diligence, joyfulness,and obedience. Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again say rejoice.

Philippians 4:4 KJV

After they got done with working on the van, all of us started

in our garage, and oh my, if you

could have seen that mess you would think it would have taken a week to clean it out.

We were so busy we didn't get any pictures of us cleaning, but here is one of us resting, and

the results of the garage.

Here is a picture of the children when it is all done and over with.

Here is our youngest hard at work!!!!!!!!

Now I see why it is a blessing
to get behind on the weekend !

There Is No Greater Joy !!!!!!!!!!!

The Creations Museum

2008-08-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

The Creations Museum

Us and some friends of ours a few months back went to the
Creations Museum, and we had a wonderful time. The
knowledge that Ken Hamm has is amazing. The art work
that they have done is great. We went when it was still cold,
I would like to go back again while it is worm, they have some
landscaping that is beautiful, but when we were there none it
had bloomed yet. Anyhow, here are so pictures to give you an
idea of what they have there. If you have already been there
I would love to hear your opinion on it.

Schedule

2008-08-16T10:59:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a new schedule for homeschooling/daily schedule. Sense the summer break we have not going by a schedule and to be honest, it has stressed me out a little. I am not one that has to go min by min, but I do like to have a little something to go by. So for the past week I have been cutting out some clutter and cleaning house. Schedule wise, this is what I have:

6:15 Mommy and Daddy wake up, have our Bible time,

Prayer time, and get breakfast,tea's and coffee going.

7:00 Kids wake up,get dressed, make beds, and come in to eat

breakfast. After breakfast the two older children have their

cleaning duties that they have to tend to.

Mean while, Mommy and Hunter will be trying to get Daddy

in order to head out the door for work.

8:00 We kiss Daddy goodbye as he is heading out the door with his

coffee. Then, the kids and I go about our morning duties,

cleaning the bathroom, sweeping and mopping living room and kitchen

and folding and putting away laundry.

9:00 School Time, not real sure how I will manage yet, sense 3 will

be sitting at the table now. Bible, Prayer, math, reading and

spelling, and every other day crafts and history projects.

12:00 Lunch Break, and cleaning the mess up after words.

1:00 Nap time for the little ones, and free time for the older ones.

3:00 Clean up toy time, and time to start prepping for the supper

that was on the menu, and getting the house in order for when

Daddy returns home. * important- house is clean and silent

for when Daddy gets home to be able to relax from a hard day

at work trying to support his family.

5:00 Set the table, and make sure everything is in its place.

5:45 Daddy returns, this is the highlight of our day, we miss him

when he leaves, and love it when he comes home.

6:00 We eat supper together, quickly clean up working together, while

Daddy relaxes in the living room, or checking his mail.

6:30 Little ones take baths

7:00 Older one's takes showers

7:30 Family time to do whatever, bible devotions, prayer, reading

stories together, and just playing around and enjoying one

another.

I would love for others to give me an example of their schedules

I always need ideas

Chloe The Preacher Lady

2008-08-15T22:29:00.000-07:00

Chloe The Preacher Lady

One of the things that I mentioned about Chloe was
that she likes to play preach. I got a sneaky snap shop
of her preaching the fire out of someone.

Living Room

2008-08-15T22:24:00.000-07:00

Living Room

This is where we as family get together and have family time in the evening. We do family devotions, read books, pray, and just talk about our days.

Kitchen

2008-08-15T22:19:00.001-07:00

Kitchen
This is where I spend a lot of my time. I like to cook and entertain others. When I cook I try to make it pretty and look like the pictures in the cook books ( although most times I fail at it ).

Cooking With Chloe

2008-08-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

Cooking With Chloe

Chicken Pot Pie

4 Chicken Breast
1 Box Pie Crust
1 Bag Peas and Carrots

Take your 4 chicken breast and put them in a pot to boil.
While the chicken is boiling, we cleaned the the carrots
because these ones were fresh from the garden. Most times
I use the frozen peas and carrots. When done, Chloe rolled
out the frozen pie crust ( both packages in the box ). I forgot
to post the picture with the top pie crust. Grease the bottom
of the baking dish , and then place one of the pie crust in the
bottom of the baking dish. Don't for get to clean up your mess
as you go, it makes things a lot easier in the end. After the
chicken is done boiling, place it on a tray to be shredded. Keep
your broth in the pan and thicken with corn starch or flour.
Shred your chicken and chop the carrots. Place the mixture
into pot and let cook on low for 15 to 20 min. Mean while heat
the oven to 350 degrees. When done cooking place mixture in
baking dish. Place the other pie crust on top. Place into oven
for 1 hr or until pie crust is golden brown. I always make a
little extra to freeze for a easy meal.

This has been cooking with Chloe. Enjoy !!!!!!

Chester

2008-08-14T19:57:00.000-07:00

This is Chester ( Chess ) and he is a Cocker Spaniel. I am sorry I am not able to get a more recent photo, I guess we have neglected taking recent pictures of him, or I can't find them in the thousands of pictures that we do have. He is now 9 weeks old and is twice that size. He is the newest member of our family. He enjoys chewing , playing, sleeping and eating. He a great joy in our family.

Clarissa

2008-08-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

This is Clarissa ( Ree Roo ). She is 16 mo old and growing like a weed. She loves to kiss Mommy and Daddy. She enjoys learning how to walk, play peek a boo, building blocks and going on car rides. She is a Mommy's girl and I am not sure how she is going to take it when the new baby arrives in December.

Hunter

2008-08-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

This is Hunter ( snuggle bear ) . 2 years old He has the same personality as his sister, can always put a smile on your face. He enjoys riding his tri-cycle, being read to, he likes to catch our chickens when they get loose, and play in his sand box. This is Tat Tat ( daddy ) night time buddy, every night, sometime in the middle of the night he sneaks into our bed and snuggles with Tat Tat ( I don't mind cause on occasions I get a little of snuggle time too ). He also gets very upset if he does not get a hug and kiss from Tat Tat.

Chloe

2008-08-14T19:35:00.000-07:00

This is Chloe ( Chlo-Flo ) She is our curly blond headed 5 year old. She recently had a birthday in July and now when anyone talks to her, says hi, says bye, it don't matter what they say, the sentence ends with " I'm five ". Chloe is very out going with a happy personality. She enjoys riding bikes, reading books, throwing knives, and preaching. Almost everyday she has a bar stool in front of her as a pulpit and a Bible in her hands, preaching and singing.

Gage

2008-08-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

This is Gage ( Gagie ) he is our oldest and he 7 years old. He likes to ride and do tricks on his bike. He likes to shoot his bow, and although he has not been able to go hunting with it yet, he enjoys shooting at his target. We as a family have been practicing knife throwing and he has enjoyed that very much. He has recently started a new hobby of playing soccer. He started on a local community team and seems to be enjoying that as well. He is not shy about telling someone about Jesus, and handing out tracks.

Husband and I

2008-08-14T17:09:00.000-07:00

This is my husband and I, we are happily married couple with 4 children and one coming in December. We have dedicated out lives to the Lord, and we are trying and hoping to raise a quiver full for him. I am a stay at home mom and loving and enjoying it. My husband is a maintenance man for a drug and alcohol rehab center and also has his own little side business with Stroupe Heating and Cooling. We are also a homeschooling family, new at it and learning as we go.

Daily Goals: To put God first before anything I say or do, and try to have a good testimony for the Lord at all times. Try to raise my children for the Lord and to be good Godly children. I also like to have the house organized and clean by staying on time with my schedule. By the end of the night my goal is to be able to sit down and relax with everything done and enjoy family devotions and reading out loud with the family.

Life Goals: To be as Christ like, and to be a good testimony for family and friends. To be a good help meet to my husband. I am praying to raise good Godly children for the lord. I am praying that they Love, Honor, and Obey the Lord in everything they say and do. I would like to see all of my grandchildren praising his name also.

Things I enjoy doing : I like reading, cooking, entertaining guest, watching my children play and grow, cleaning, trying to be the help meet to my husband that I should, I like dinners looking as pretty as you see them in the cook books, crafts, going on walks, and traveling.