Ultimate Blog Party 2009

I can't believe I didn't realize it started yesterday. SO sorry!

I want to invite all my faithful readers and friends to join in. During the SITS Spring Fling I won three awesome prizes: a blog makeover, some clippies, and a Gymboree outfit. So I'm going to be partying hard to win some more prizes, and you need to also. Just click on the link above and it will take you there.
I have a contest every day, so explore my site to see them.
For anyone reading my blog for the first time, or for those who don't know me well (hang tight because it's long):


HI! I'm Michelle. I'm a SAHomeschooling mom with five children. I love Jesus, first and foremost. I scrapbook as time allows...you can see previous posts over there on the left. I also cloth diaper, co-sleep, believe in child led weaning (she will wean, RIGHT????), natural/organic living, homebirth. I love to read and watch movies. My favorite TV shows are Survivor (who doesn't love Survivor, right? Join me on Fridays to discuss it.), Heroes, ER, and Lost. Here I am with one of my all time favorite pictures...that's Asa I'm holding.

Jeff, my amazing husband, of almost five years. You can read our courtship story by clicking over there in my archive list. He is one of the smartest men I've ever met, along with his dad. He is gentle and polite and an old school gentleman. He has never raised his voice to me or our children. He constantly tries harder to make me happy and literally would give me the moon, no matter how long it took to fly up there. He is constantly cracking me up. The very best friend I have ever had. He loves God and His Word and knows what the Bible says. He amazes me with how quickly he can memorize a passage of scripture. He leads his family with a soft hand and a soft heart. Here is a picture of him with the girls before a 5K.



Ashlea is 17, will be 18 in May, and has decided to move out on her own and start her life. (I don't know any other way to describe the situation than to say she is in rebellion towards her family. We miss her very much and are praying constantly for her. If you think about us, please join us in praying for restoration.) She's amazing. She is pretty, learns quickly, loves to read about theology and especially debate it, stares hypocrisy in the face...eye to eye, plays and loves on and reads to and babysits her siblings, has a wonderfully sarcastic sense of humor, and has been such a huge help and blessing to us in so many ways. My heart aches for my friend, my daughter. Here is one of my favorite pictures of her. This was right after Asa was born (again, story in the archives) and while not what we had planned at all, a beautiful moment with her minutes old brother.



Kori is 11 and in the 5th grade, but in under a month she will be promoted to 6th. Kori sees the world as black and white. You are either following the Bible (the way her family does) or you aren't. And if you aren't, she wants you to. For instance, everyone should homeschool and they should abolish public schools...I did not teach her this! That's just how she sees things. She has such a knowledge for the Word. Kori's problem is that she doesn't put it into action. She is a huge help around the house, always willing to pitch in wherever needed, whether that be cooking, cleaning or babysitting. She loves school and loves to read anything. She learns quickly and easily and has her dad's personality. Here she is learning to flip pancakes.



Kati is nine and in the 3rd grade. Of all of our children Kati is the one who causes the most havoc in our home. Kati disobeys, A LOT. Jeff and I are usually discussing punishments and strategies to get her in line. And praying, LOTS. She loves everyone around her and will gladly hug or kiss or sit in your lap. She is very tender and empathizes with those around her. Her personality is almost identical to mine. Where Kori and Jeff are scatterbrained and forget what they were doing or where they were going or that Jeff is holding Asa (yes, he has!), Kati and I stay focused on the task at hand. You can give her an assignment, or send her shopping, with a list of things and she will remember every single one. While she has a great memory she HATES school. Kati is totally obsessed with food. Cooking, eating, or talking about. That is her hobby. Here is a picture of Kati the moment she tried on her new glasses. She was thrilled to get them!



Millicent is three and in preschool. That consists of us teaching her a new letter a week and reading to her lots. She remembers things we think there is no way she could. She learns something the minute you teach it to her. She loves drawing and coloring and is actually quite good at it...she colors as good as Kati. Reading and playing in her kitchen are her favorite things to do. She loves mommy's milk and chocolate; not together though, EWWW! She doesn't speak clearly, as she leaves off the first, and sometimes last, consonants, leaving us to guess what she is saying. She will repeat it louder and once again. Then if you don't understand her she will either say, let me show you (et me owe oo), or say it a completely different way. She keeps us laughing all the time. Here is a precious picture Ashlea took for me of Millicent taking a nap in her big girl bed (which hardly ever gets used).



Asa is 14 months. What can I say about her first boy. Boys are different! Do NOT let anyone tell you otherwise. While he loves to be cuddled and held, he prefers objects, to people. He loves remotes, phones and controllers of any kind. He is slowly speaking a few words and signs at a time, whereas Millicent had a slew of both by this time. He hates getting dressed or getting his diaper changed. He also doesn't care for most foods, except meat. Just like his dad. He DEMANDS, by crying as hard as he can, for Jeff to hold him and DO WORK, the moment he walks in the door. He can't just hold him. It is expected that Jeff will walk around doing stuff. He is such a doll and so sweet. Here is a really cute picture of him where I am trying to get him to stand. Because, oh yea, did I tell you he isn't walking yet?



Here we all are at Christmas this past year.



And that's us. Told you it would be long. If you want to join the party, do an intro post, click on that link up there and join in.

There are some fabulous prizes. I think I would like:

7. An ergo from A Giveaway Addicted Mommy

11. Essential oils from Oils for Wellness

53. Signing Time from Signing Time

My last choices are: 56 and 65...but really there are so many wonderful prizes, I would love any of them.

And be sure to check back, as I'll be having a fun contest or two coming up.