The Rich Family

Dave Ramsey Part 2

2012-01-30T11:53:00.006-05:00

Hello Everyone! I decided it was time for a quick update. We have been very busy lately. After many years of asking (okay I will admit to...nagging) my husband to start applying Dave Ramsey's principals to not only our personal life but also to our real estate business. He is finally on board! We are starting Financial Peace University classes this coming Wednesday! I am very excited that we are now together on this. I cannot describe how happy this makes me. For years our finances have been a source of contention for us.
We have been listening to Dave Ramsey's radio program for a long time now and also read one of his books together a while ago, so we are already applying his principals as much as we can. So far, we have made it to baby step 2 and will be there for quite some time! Frustrating... I am currently doing childcare (which is difficult in addition to my 4 kids under 7!) to earn extra money to pay off all of our debt and Daniel is working overtime at work on top of our real estate business responsibilities. We are both overwhelmed and exhausted! We are looking at possibly years of being on Dave Ramsey's baby step 2 at our current rate of progress. A little background info... we got into this position because in 2007 we moved to Bluefield to accept a job that did not work out for Daniel and due to the economic downfall of the construction industry, he ended up jobless for 3 years. This move was not smart.... but as they say...hindsight vision is always 20/20! He did well to take classes and start our real estate business in order to support us during that time. It is very easy for us to get so exhausted that we end up losing heart and feeling like we will never have anything. This has been very hard on us and also on our kids. We have not been able to afford a family beach vacation in several years among many other activities and music lessons our kids have asked for. We are praying for strength and joy and the will power to not give up! Please don't be offended if we say no to certain events/activities... We are overwhelmed and aren't willing to drive nearly as much due to the high cost of gas. We love you but we love Isaac, James, Grace, and Mercy more! We want the very best for them. On a lighter note...Our shower leaked and we got a few thousand dollars from the insurance to do the repairs. We elected to do only the necessary repairs, including the treacherous job of doing all the painting and tile kitchen floor ourselves! We were then able to use some of the insurance money to put towards business debt. God is good! Since we aren't concerned about what people think of us, I have decided to openly blog about our financial journey in hopes of helping others.

She's Here! ~ Julia Hope Bradfield

2011-12-14T16:10:00.000-05:00

My brother Josh and sister Paola welcomed their daughter, Julia Hope Bradfield into the world on Sunday, December 11th at 6:20pm. She weighed 6 lbs. 11oz and measured 19 1/2 inches long. It is just driving me bonkers that I have not seen her yet! Daniel and I can hardly wait to hold our new little niece Julia. Its actually been awhile since we have held a newborn! Congratulations Josh and Paola!

Its Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas at the Rich Home...

2011-12-07T13:53:00.003-05:00

We spent a large portion of Saturday morning having our Christmas pictures taken and then spent the afternoon out shopping for our Christmas tree, We found a frasier fir just like we wanted. Daniel did the lights this year and everyone helped decorate. It was fun! The kids were all so into it this year, especially Mercy. She cracked us up being so serious and intent while hanging each ornament. With the tree up and the house all decorated. I felt compelled to get a jump start on our Christmas goody making. Yesterday the kids and I drove to Roanoke early in the morning to get our supplies at Sam's. After we came home, we did a little school and then Kimmy and her boys came over and we had a great time visiting around the Christmas tree! After the kids came home from swim practice last night we made "Lemon Chess Bars" and today we made "Chocolate Peppermint Cookies". The kids just love making Christmas goodies. I let each member of my family have one goody out of what we make and then we freeze the rest for Christmas parties, gatherings and gifts. Ahhh, There is nothing more fun than having lots of kids to celebrate Christmas with! Did I mention how much fun it is to shop for their Christmas gifts? We are so blessed to have them and thank God for the joy they bring.

Have a "Mercy Christmas!"

Mercy so intently hanging her
ornaments:-)

James and Grace thoroughly enjoyed licking the beaters after we made
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.

The finished product... Chocolate Peppermint
Cookies! Forgot to get a picture of the
Lemon Chess Bars before we froze them.

53 Ways to Save Money ~ Dave Ramsey Part 1

2011-11-03T12:48:00.031-04:00

Ok, So I've always been good at managing money, but maybe not good enough. My parents never gave me a free ride with anything and I worked very hard from about age 13 leading all the way up to our wedding day to earn my own money. At almost 28, I have still never bought anything that I didn't pay cash for (our business is a different story). After we were married, I took 5 years to save birthday money and a few dollars here and there for our wooden kitchen table. (which I love and use daily) but then we hit a hard time soon after and then I felt really foolish for buying it. Most of you know that we so desperately want to move out on some land with our children soon! We do not want a luxurious/extravagant house but we do want one that is adequate for homeschooling a large family. Sometimes it is soooo frustrating being a homeschool mom of 4 because I am unable to make any money to make this dream come true! I work harder now than I ever have in my life but all I can do to make money is save money by cutting every possible corner and PRAYING. Here are some idea's I am trying to implement to save money. Maybe some of you can give me some fresh ones! Some of these idea's I have been doing for a long time and others are more recent. I realize some of my idea's are extreme but hey...I really want this land and house and we only have 8-10 years left before the boys graduate high school and get jobs or start college, then it will be too late to raise them on it. That makes me sad:-( That is the only reason I want a place to start with. If it was just Daniel and I, I might try to go and buy our cute little newlywed townhouse back:-). It was right next to a farm and made me feel at home.

50 ways to Save Money

1. I don't buy hardley any clothing for myself, I don't put on my jeans or what few nicer shirts I have unless I go out somewhere to avoid wearing them out. I mostly wear workout pants mostly bought from the Goodwill around the house (Have been doing this for years).

2. Buying our food in bulk including our meat (just started recently)

3. Not buying any clothing for the kids (grandparents really enjoy this!)

4. Do your shopping at thrift stores as long as you can steer away from the junk. I buy all our glasses at a thrift store 10/$1

5. Using cloth diapers as much as possible

6. Keeping our heat turned down as low as we can stand it

7. Using baking soda instead of buying toothpaste

8. Taking advantage of yard sales in the summer but only bring as much cash as you NEED to spend

9. Not buying conditioner for my hair and the girls (just started this)... (Jan 2012 update, I was unable to brush the girls hair without conditioner, It was torture for them, Therefore I am now the only one going without conditioner)

10. Not buying any bottled water anymore (we have now discontinued our Shenandoah bottled water service)

11. Eating as much free deer meat as we can get (Been doing this since we were married thanks to my dad!)

12. Not participating in any activities that cost money other than swimming

13. Baking our bread

14. Not buying Christmas gifts for anyone but our kids (just implemented this year)

15. Not paying for haircuts for anyone in our family

16. Replacing Daniels jeans only once a year when Belk has a big jean sale

17. Getting any free books for the kids that I can find

18. We have never pay more that $10k for a reliable family vehicle even if it means I can't find the color I would like:-).

19. When something breaks, I usually don't replace it.

20. Only eating out when we travel and never because "I'm worn out" and don't feel like cleaning up the tornado in our house that occurs at every meal.

21. Using as little gas as possible by leaving the house no more than necessary

22. Grocery shopping only once a week and no more

23. Rarely ever serving an individual serving of meat, Instead I am strerching almost all of our meat into casseroles and soups.

24. Not hiring any household help and doing all of my own cleaning and laundry

25. Not buying any beverages at all other than raw milk

26. Eating lots of oatmeal (bought in bulk)

27. Hurrying in the shower to use less hot water or take showers at the community center

28. Let Grandparents babysit kids

29. Not buying baby wipes

30. Always pay tithe and give $ to those in need.

31. Making my own laundry soap

32. Making my own body wash

33. Making my own salad dressings

34. Making my own vanilla flavoring

35. Making my own cream soups

36. Making my own yogurt

37. Gathering up all the change around the house and rolling it up to take to bank

38. Making kitty eat scraps instead of buying cat food when possible

39. Leaving the garage door cracked open to avoid buying cat litter

40. Not hiring babysitters for the whopping $8-$10/hr they expect nowadays

41. Not using as many cleaning products

42. Eating less, Snacking less

43. Using less butter and cheese

44. Learning how to make more meals out of beans

45. Not going shopping other than for bare necessities

46. Heating our living room with wood

47. Having kids share school books

48. Not buying any cold cereals or granola bars

49. Saving all of Isaac and Grace's clothes to give to James and Mercy

50. When you need shoes, Buy hiking shoes for your husband and kids instead of regular shoes, They are made to be rough in and last so much longer than all other shoes!

51. Only flushing the toilet when it's #2

52. Not using shaving cream

53. Discontinue the newspaper (I have done this and dearly miss it!) Now I only stop and buy a paper when I need coupons.

Expenses that are currently killing us and I need idea's to fix it!

Health insurance (Daniels is free but for me and the 4 kids it costs $435/mo!

Our Old Fashioned electric ceiling heat (costs around $500 a month in the wintertime!) (Jan 2012 update: due to our wood stove we have managed to get our power bill down to $300/month!)

Homeschooling (costs about $300-$400 per child in books and materials per year) Approx $100 per month for us.

Our mortgage ($840/month plus taxes and insurance, Ends up being about $1100 per month

Food (even though I cut every corner I can with food, I will not sacrifice my huaband and kids health, meaning we spend about $200/weeks on food for 6 people with no eating out. $850/month.

Cell phone bills total over $100 month

City Water Bill is $50-$60/ month. (Can't wait to get on a well!)

Life insurance is $120 month (we keep alot because living parent would need to stay home with kids)

Gas costs $300 month

Internet/ home phone totals around $100 month

Vehicle insurance on 2 cars ? I need to check our most recent bills.

Here are some things we have considered but aren't sure we can stand:

Only using 1 vehicle and getting rid of the other, Though this makes it very difficult if I want to go out to homeschool mom or ladies events without the kids and Daniel needs to take the kids somewhere since I can't drive the company truck. Probably we will do it anyway and Daniel will just have to drop me off and pick me up. updated...WE Did it!

Cutting off my smart phone, This would take away the only camera and video camera we have... I DID it!

Cutting out health insurance (not even legal anymore and might be dumb since we aren't done having kids)

Selling our house (Is there anywhere to rent that would cost less than our mortgage that a homeschool mom can keep her sanity staying home all day with 4 children?)

Discontinuing our bottled water service, already in the works! (Done, we will just drink yucky tap water)

Not skiing this year ~ Heartbreaking for me and Isaac! Have not decided about this yet. (Jan 2012 update, we were able to get free passes!)

Not sending out Christmas cards this year. (couldn't give up this one!)

Not doing a family vacation for the 3rd-4th year in a row.

Cutting off Netflix would save $15/mo. Can't get my kids and husband talked into cutting this off.

Discontinuing my Sunday paper, I love it! But it would save $7/month. (Done, just called the Roanoke times to cancel)...Did it!

Live in a camper for a few months (might not be worth it unless you could sell the camper for as much as you paid for it or more and I would GO CRAZY)

Stop using the dryer (with our magnitude of laundry and bed sheets, I don't know if I could stand this)

Eating unhealthy ~ Personal conviction. This would save lots of $ but is not an option, and would increase medical expenses down the road.

OK, I don't want to be ridiculous about this which I realize I might already be. I just want to be a good steward of all that God has given us AND accomplish our dream of having a place to raise our big family. Now let me hear your idea's for saving money!

Live like no one else is so tomorrow you can live like no one else does~ Dave Ramsey

Days like today...

2011-10-18T13:27:00.001-04:00

Make me feel so grateful to have children close in age! I pray that they will be friends for life...

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy! Psalm 126:3

A Family Day in Clifton Forge, VA

2011-10-16T15:01:00.014-04:00

Daniels company had their annual picnic yesterday at Douthat State Park, near Clifton Forge VA. It was such a beautiful day. We hung around for awhile after the picnic to enjoy the beauty of Fall. I wish we could have more days like that. It was wonderful! I don't think many states can compare with the beauty of VA in the Fall!

I am making sure to take in every moment! These 4 kids are growing up FAST! However, I don't look at that as being sad. Every new stage God brings us to in life offers something new and wonderful! If we are always looking back at what we had, we will not enjoy what we have! God is continually showing me what a blessing children are and how life really is a circle. Right now is my time to work hard and invest heavily in my children. Watching my grandfather spend his last days surrounded by the children, granchildren, and great-grandchildren he was so faithful to while he was healthy reminded me of this verse... Galations 6:7~ Do not be deceived, God is not mocked, for whatever a a man sows, that he will also reap. Oh, how I long to remember that on nights when Daniel is working until 10pm!

Grace kept wanting her picture
taken which is unusual
for her! I took advantage of it!

I am a social person and I love being with all our wonderful friends. But my absolute favorite times are the ones I get to spend with Daniel and the kids. I love those times we have together and the older the kids get, the more we are able to relate to them and enjoy them!

Cilantro Cream Chicken

2011-09-17T15:00:00.001-04:00

My Mom asked me for this recipe a long time ago and I feel bad that I am just now posting it, but here it is! Sorry about that Mom! When my parents came to stay with us they offered to watch the kids while Daniel and I went out on a date. I set this recipe out along with the ingredients for my mom to make for them and the kids to eat while we were gone. She really enjoyed it!

Cilantro Cream Chicken

2 T. olive oil

2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts (organic is best)

4 oz. cream cheese, cut into cubes

3/4 c. heavy whipping cream

2 T. lime juice

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 c. chopped fresh cilantro

Brown chicken in oil over medium-high heat in large skillet. Remove chicken from skillet. Add cream cheese, whipping cream, lime juice and cilantro to skillet; whisk. Return chicken to skillet. Cover; cook

on low, heat 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Add salt and pepper.

Banana Surprise Muffins

2011-09-17T14:28:00.004-04:00

(James' Favorite)

Yesterday, James and I enjoyed making his favorite muffins together. He just loves these!

Banana Surprise Muffins
(Makes approximately 36 muffins)

5 c. freshly milled wheat flour

2 tsp. soda

2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking powder

2 cup buttermilk

2 eggs

1 c. olive oil

1/4 c. melted butter

1 c. honey

6 ripe bananas

1 pkg. dark chocolate fun size hershey bars (optional)

Measure dry ingredients into mixing bowl. Add liquids and mix just until well blended. Drop by spoonfuls into greased muffin tins. Break one square off each hershey bar and drop into each muffin tin. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.

* The pieces of dark chocolate will disappear into muffins creating a little surprise for those who bite into them:-). Most of you may want to half this recipe. There are lots of muffin eaters in our family and I like to have enough leftover to put in the fridge for a snack or another breakfast.

Lauren's Banana Pudding

2011-09-05T17:41:00.006-04:00

I mentioned in an earlier post that our family looks forward to having dessert every Friday night. This has become one of the Friday night favorites! This is much easier for Grace to make than traditional banana pudding. My younger sister Lauren gave us this recipe. She makes it for her family.

Pictured: Lauren's Banana Pudding made by Grace and I.

You will need:

1 large box instant vanilla pudding mix

4 bananas

1 c. sour cream

1 (8oz.) container of cool whip

1 box of vanilla wafers

3 c. cold milk

Mix together pudding mix and 3 cups of milk. Add sour cream and then fold in the

container of cool whip. Layer 1/3 of vanilla wafers, bananas and pudding mixture in glass

dish. Repeat layers twice. Refrigerate several hours.

*Lauren made this for my Dad's 55th birthday this summer, it is one of his favorites. As you can see in the photo, Grace and I sometimes add a thin layer of extra cool whip on top.

Lauren and Husband Michael with their kids, Joseph and Taylor.

Homeschooling with 4 Small Children ~ Part 1

2011-09-04T22:39:00.026-04:00

People ask me all the time "How in the world can you possibly homeschool with 4 small children?" How can you get anything done? The answer is... I can't homeschool 4 small children but God can homeschool them through me, when I am willing! I do not believe that everyone needs to homeschool, but I believe with all my heart that this is what God has called ME to do! I am learning to stand on this promise:
2 Cor. 2:19 ~ But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness, Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses. so that Christ's power may rest on me."
I have also learned that when I am in the flesh, I cannot do it and it is better for me to just stop the school day then and there, lest I teach my children the opposite of what am trying my hardest to teach them... how to have Godly Character! I often have to remind myself that I would rather raise children with Godly character than college graduates are who lacking in this area, and if that means I have to cut the school day short and let them play, so be it! 1 John 2:17 says this: "The world and it's desires will pass away, whoever does the will of God lives forever". Children who grow up to have Godly character will lead happy, fulfilled lives. God has shown me that I am more prone to homeschooling in the flesh when I put teaching academics at a higher priority than Godly character. If teaching Godly character is my highest priority, then I will consider the children watching my responses to adversity...when things don't go as planned, the toddler has a meltdown, or their failure to grasp a very simple concept etc. as part of their school and seize the opportunity to model Godly character for their education. I am so thankful that my mother had me memorize 1 Cor. 13 back when I was homeschooled. I sometimes have to mentally repeat verses 4-7 several times a day!

1 Corinthians 13 ~

The Greatest Gift

¹ Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. ² And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ³ And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned,^[a] but have not love, it profits me nothing.
⁴ Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; ⁵ does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; ⁶ does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; ⁷ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
⁸ Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there aretongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part. ¹⁰ But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
¹¹ When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. ¹² For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
¹³ And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

The passage above says it all. I know that without living out the definition of love described for me in verses 4-7, that homeschooling my children is worth nothing. It even says in verse 8 that knowledge will vanish away! It is amazing the joy that homeschooling with 4 small children brings... when I choose to make Godly character and loving one another the primary goals of my children's education!

Psalm 16:11 ~ You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand!

Summer Swimming 2011

2011-09-04T20:19:00.006-04:00

Our Little Swimmers!

In August of 2010, The Christiansburg Aquatic Center had it's grand opening here in the New River Valley, boasting an olympic sized, indoor competition pool only 5 mins from our house! We watched (rather impatiently) as the town took about 2 years building the place. Everytime we drove by, the boys begged for swimming lessons. We kept telling them, "no we aren't going to drive to Blacksburg for swimming lessons. You will have to wait until they open the new Aquatic Center". The place finally opened and Daniel and I quickly got the boys involved in swimming. We loved the fact that swimming was a very useful, individual sport that would teach the boys discipline and hard work! Both were qualities we felt we were struggling to teach them since we lived in the middle of town and didn't have much of yard. They took lessons for several months before joining the H2okie Swim Club last Fall.

In addition, the boys greatly enjoyed swimming for the "Christiansburg Aquatic Center - Blue Fins" in the Southwest VA swim league this summer. They had practice 5 mornings a week and worked so hard to place in the Championship at the end of the season. Their hard work paid off. Isaac placed 2nd in the 25 yd. backstroke for the U8 boys division and James placed 2nd in the 25 yd Freestyle for the U6 boys. James also got 1st place by a long shot in the 25 yd. backstroke. However, much to his disappointment, the officials disqualified him for turning his shoulders just before he touched the wall:-(. He was so excited about his big accomplishment and then we had to break the news to him that he was "DQ'ed". I was so sad for him! I knew just how hard he had worked! Regardless, The boys had a blast swimming for the Blue Fins and that is all that matters. The team placed 3rd overall at the championship which was huge since this was the first season for the Christiansburg Aquatic Center to even have a team in the SWVSL. I really enjoyed taking the boys to all the practices and so did the girls. Grace got to swim with her friend Charis every morning while Charis' mom and I took turns working out in the gym and watching the girls. I loved how tired all my babies were when we returned home from swim practice:-)

Christiansburg Aquatic Center Blue Fin's Team Picture

Isaac and James were blessed to have Bill Beecher as their Head
coach. Coach Beecher has more than 30 yrs. experience coaching
swimming in the New River Valley. He was a great example
to the boys and taught them to work hard! They were also
coached by a young new swim coach "Seth Donnelly"
(not pictured) who they really liked.

The boy's good friend Annalia (Charis' big sister) from our church
was also on the team. She and Isaac are
only 2 wks apart and they made friends very quickly
after we moved back to C-burg in 2008.

The boys got to compete at an outdoor meet for the first time,
I thought it was really neat!

Pre-Pregnancy Planning

2011-09-04T15:24:00.038-04:00

I have no idea when Daniel and I will be ready for another baby. There are things in our lives we'd like to get in order first (like building or purchasing a home with space inside and outside for gardening, dog breeding and home-educating lots of children:-). In the meantime, I am thanking God for giving me a young head start on birthing our children and I am currently using this time to prepare my body. By God's Grace, I intend to follow this plan on eating and supplementation in hopes of reducing the chance of miscarrying again when the time comes. If you are considering a pregnancy in the future, I highly recommend reading the following 2 articles.

Pre-Pregnancy Preparation

Diet for Pregnant and Nursing Mothers

When I evaluate the diet and supplementation habits that I had leading up to pregnancies #4 and #5, I find it very easy to see how I miscarried both those babies. We were struggling to jump start our business and diet/nutrition was just something we thought had to go during that season. I certainly couldn't afford any supplements or raw milk. My doctor also confirmed that my progesterone was low following my last miscarriage and had contributed to the problem. Leading up to pregnancy #6 (Mercy), I tried hard to eat an all organic diet and was prescribed daily high dose vaginal progesterone suppositories. Needless to say, Mercy was healthy and perfect! However, the amount of time between pregnancy #5 and pregnancy #6 was only 2 months! I see now that I should have changed my diet and prepared my body much further in advance. I had always cared about nutrition and was already grinding wheat and making real bread, but after having 2 miscarriages, I decided to learn more! I began to read any articles and books I could find and spent time talking to health conscious friends. A few months ago, Daniel and I purchased a share in a cow so we could have access to raw milk. If you are interested in educating yourself about the health benefits of raw milk. You can read about it Here. We are getting 3-4 dozen fresh organic eggs from a farm weekly and I am being careful to eat 2 per day. You can read about the advantages of fresh eggs Here. I also purchased some natural progesterone cream which I am applying daily and am getting in the groove of a daily supplement regimen which includes: Supermom Vitamins , Cod Liver Oil, Coconut Oil, and Folic Acid.

I am still working on our families diet. I do ok providing organic fruits, raw vegetables, fresh ground wheat, raw milk and fresh eggs. However, I am having a harder time making super healthy main entree's for dinner that the kids like and are quick to make. I use only Laura's beef and organic chicken but due to the expense of feeding 6 people (3 are competitive swimmers), that good meat has to be made into some sort of casserole or crock pot dish most of the time and I may add ingredients to those main dishes that our bodies could do without. So, If you have any great, kid friendly, quick, organic main dish recipes you would like to send my way, have at it! We eat dessert when we go to other peoples houses and every Friday night at our house is "Family Night" so I usually make a dessert or we all walk down to Custards Corner for ice cream. I am not going to ask my family give up their Friday night desserts they greatly anticipate, but I am praying for the discipline to eat smaller portions of the dessert myself. It is hard for me to tell myself no to desserts without having the need to lose weight. Not to mention how much I love Reese Peanut Butter Cups and Ice Cream! However, the heartbreak of miscarriage is not something I ever want to experience again. If you think of it, please pray for me to have the discipline to put the education and knowledge that God has given me into practice! I memorized the following verse to help me on my journey to the best "Pre-Pregnancy Health".

James 4:17 ~ To him who knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

That said, I know that God is the one who ultimately controls the womb and how many children I have, but I plan to do my part!

1 Cor. 6:19 ~ Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.

Recommended Resources: Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon, The Makers Diet and all other books by Jordan Rubin.

First Day of School 2011!

2011-09-03T18:57:00.007-04:00

Rich Academy now has 3 students!

Isaac William, Grade 2

Isaac's curriculum overview:

Character ~ (most important subject!) A Childs book of Character Building, IBLP Character sketches,
Phonics ~ A beka, Explode the Code Book
Language ~ A beka
Spelling ~A beka
Math ~ A beka
Handwriting ~ A Reason for Handwriting
Spanish ~ Muzzy Spanish DVD's
History ~ KONOS, Veritas Press Timeline cards
Science ~ KONOS
Bible ~ KONOS, Miller Books, God made all things strange and slimy, Little visits with God, Awana Sparks

James Daniel, Grade 1

James' Curriculum Overview:

Character ~ (most important subject!) A Childs book of Character Building, IBLP Character sketches,

Phonics ~ Abeka, Explode the Code

Language ~ A beka

Spelling ~A beka

Math ~ Abeka

Handwriting ~ A Reason for Handwriting

Spanish ~ Muzzy Spanish DVD's

History ~ KONOS, Veritas Press Timeline cards

Science ~ KONOS

Bible ~ KONOS, Miller Books, God made all things strange and slimy, Little visits with God, Awana Sparks

Grace Angela, Grade K4

Grace's Curriculum Overview:

Character ~ (Most important Subject!) A Childs Book of Character Building

Phonics and Numbers ~ A beka K4

Handwriting ~ A Reason for Handwriting K

Spanish ~ Muzzy DVD's

Science ~ KONOS

History ~ KONOS, Veritas Press Timeline Cards

Bible ~ Konos, Miller Books, God made all things Strange and Slimy, Little visits with God, Awana Cubbies

*Note about our curriculum choices, I do not use everything listed at one time. We like to finish as early in the day as possible!

Ben and Shelley Harris' Wedding Reception

2011-09-01T14:52:00.006-04:00

These photo's were taken at Ben and Shelley Harris's wedding reception earlier this summer. It was so beautiful! Ben and Shelley rode in on a horse to the barn their reception was held at and gave their testimony about how God brought them together a little later in life, rather than sooner. They have such a great story! As you can see, Our kids had a blast! Grace was starry eyed and kept telling everyone that Shelley was a princess (wondering if I might have a little girl as excited about marriage and family as I was:-).

Unbeknownst to us, Isaac had brought his cell phone (my old one) to show his friends:-)

Grace with Timothy Phlegar

Daniel and I were part of a house church for the first 3 years of our marriage called "Trading Church" that Ben's family was also a part of. Ben was a little older than Daniel and Bethany about a year younger than me. We always greatly admired their family and the others in the home fellowship. We were able to establish some lifelong friends during that 3 years! Below are some of the old "Trading Church Girls" Left to right: Myself, Kimmy Bears, Bev Taylor and Bethany Harris. I love these 3 girls dearly!

Daniel and I with our sweet little Mercy

The lovely Bride and Groom of the Evening! Ben and Shelley

Isaac and James GOT BAPTIZED!!!

2011-08-30T22:20:00.006-04:00

I could not be more thrilled to announce that Isaac and James were baptized on Sunday, August 28th at our annual church picnic. That was by far my most happy moment as a parent! They were both saved on March 17, 2011. The following is what I wrote in my journal the next day.

"Isaac (age 6) and James (age 5) both got saved during family devotions last night. I could not be more pleased! I have been reading the book "Missionary Stories with the Millers" to the kids for several weeks now and the stories seemed to have a profound impact on them, especially Isaac, since he is a little older. After reading a story in there about Hudson Taylor, the boys began asking questions and Daniel answered as best he could. Both boys made the decision to become a new creation and prayed.

Thank you Jesus! I feel that great things are happening in our family! Lindsay"

You can watch the video's of their Baptisms' below

I also want to say that the boys decision to accept Christ is not because of anything we did. We did not prod them or ask them if they wanted to pray the sinners prayer. I do not believe in prodding young children to pray the sinners prayer before their hearts are truly hungry and ready. I thought they might be older before this happened. My parents did a great job of waiting on the Lord for my salvation. Though I went to church every Sunday and sat through all of my mothers homeschool bible lessons, I was not saved until I was 9 years old and I knew it was REAL! We were very careful to let the boys bring up salvation when they were ready. The fruit we have seen in their lives since March has given us confirmation that it was REAL for them as well. I would like to encourage all the parents of young children out there to pray and wait on the Lord to get a hold of your children's hearts. No matter how much we desire salvation for our kids, It is between them and God. He is their real Father and we are merely in their lives for a short time to help guide them to HIM.

I know I will need to be reminded of this with our other children as well which is why I am writing it down:-).

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

3 John 1:4

Peanut Butter Pie

2011-08-27T00:45:00.004-04:00

My wonderful friend Allison asked me to post my Peanut Butter Pie recipe on the blog and I told her I would, so here it is! I found this recipe when I was a "Lady in Waiting" (aka teenager) and have been making it ever since! It is very easy and I almost always keep the ingredients on hand to make one.

Peanut Butter Pie

(makes 2 pies)

1 cup peanut butter

1 large container cool whip

1 bar cream cheese

1/4 c. milk

2 cups powdered sugar

2 graham cracker pie crusts

Reeses cups (optional)

Beat everything but cool whip together on medium speed. Slowly fold in cool whip on low speed. Pour into the pie crusts and use back of spoon to make it look pretty. Chop up Reeses' cups to garnish the tops of pies if you have some. Refrigerate several hours.

note: We will usually consume 1 pie for our family dessert nights and then I put the other one in the freezer for later. So easy to just pull out of the freezer when you are taking a meal to someone.

*sometimes to change it up I will use less cool whip in the pie filling and then spread additional cool whip on top of the pie before crumbling the Reses cups on top to make a double layer pie. We love it that way as well!

Mercy's Nursery is Finally Done!

2011-08-27T00:11:00.005-04:00

I know it is ridiculous that I didn't finish Mercy's nursery until this summer when she was 20 months old, but oh well... that is life with 4 kids! I am fortunate that Mercy is tiny and will probably fit in her crib for another 2 years! I am by no means talented at decorating like my Aunt Debbie is, but oh well, here it is!

I chose pink, black and white for her colors and love how it turned out! I was going to paint the walls pink but then decided on a light beige in case we sell our house soon. I am so glad I did now because I think pink walls would have been too much. I found her bedding on ebay while I was pregnant with her which included her curtains, diaper stacker and everything for $69.99. Mercy's window was so large that I didn't think her valance was quite enough so I added some long sheer panels and that made it look much better.

My Dad made this bookshelf for me when I was a girl. Perfect to hold Mercy's few things! She does not own much yet.

I found her changing table/dresser at a yard sale for $25.00! Yeah, it's a piece of junk and the drawer fronts are always falling off... but hey! It certainly beats nothing!

I got the black and white artist photo done of Mercy at the K-mart Olan Mills very cheaply! I then clipped a 40% coupon to Michaels from the Sunday paper to get the frame.

And here is Princess Mercy herself showing off her $50.00 crib I bought from a friend. The plates were a wedding gift and had green ribbon. I switched the ribbon to black to match her bedding.

Hope you enjoyed the tour! I hate that it took me so long to get these up! I wanted Mercy to be able to look back and see that even though she was #4, I did eventually decorate a nursery for her:-)

Where do children rank?

2011-07-22T13:19:00.004-04:00

Everywhere you go, people want to talk about your children. Why you shouldn’t have had them, how you could have prevented them, and why they would never do what you have done. They want to make sure you know that you won’t be smiling anymore when they are teenagers. All this at the grocery store, in line, while your children listen.

A Rock-Bottom Job?

The truth is that years ago, before this generation of mothers was even born, our society decided where children rank in the list of important things. When abortion was legalized, we wrote it into law.

Children rank way below college. Below world travel for sure. Below the ability to go out at night at your leisure. Below honing your body at the gym. Below any job you may have or hope to get. In fact, children rate below your desire to sit around and pick your toes, if that is what you want to do. Below everything. Children are the last thing you should ever spend your time doing.

If you grew up in this culture, it is very hard to get a biblical perspective on motherhood, to think like a free Christian woman about your life, your children. How much have we listened to partial truths and half lies? Do we believe that we want children because there is some biological urge, or the phantom “baby itch”? Are we really in this because of cute little clothes and photo opportunities? Is motherhood a rock-bottom job for those who can’t do more, or those who are satisfied with drudgery? If so, what were we thinking?

It's Not a Hobby

Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for.

Christian mothers carry their children in hostile territory. When you are in public with them, you are standing with, and defending, the objects of cultural dislike. You are publicly testifying that you value what God values, and that you refuse to value what the world values. You stand with the defenseless and in front of the needy. You represent everything that our culture hates, because you represent laying down your life for another—and laying down your life for another represents the gospel.

Our culture is simply afraid of death. Laying down your own life, in any way, is terrifying. Strangely, it is that fear that drives the abortion industry: fear that your dreams will die, that your future will die, that your freedom will die—and trying to escape that death by running into the arms of death.

Run to the Cross

But a Christian should have a different paradigm. We should run to to the cross. To death. So lay down your hopes. Lay down your future. Lay down your petty annoyances. Lay down your desire to be recognized. Lay down your fussiness at your children. Lay down your perfectly clean house. Lay down your grievances about the life you are living. Lay down the imaginary life you could have had by yourself. Let it go.

Death to yourself is not the end of the story. We, of all people, ought to know what follows death. The Christian life is resurrection life, life that cannot be contained by death, the kind of life that is only possible when you have been to the cross and back.

The Bible is clear about the value of children. Jesus loved them, and we are commanded to love them, to bring them up in the nurture of the Lord. We are to imitate God and take pleasure in our children.

The Question Is How

The question here is not whether you are representing the gospel, it is how you are representing it. Have you given your life to your children resentfully? Do you tally every thing you do for them like a loan shark tallies debts? Or do you give them life the way God gave it to us—freely?

It isn’t enough to pretend. You might fool a few people. That person in line at the store might believe you when you plaster on a fake smile, but your children won’t. They know exactly where they stand with you. They know the things that you rate above them. They know everything you resent and hold against them. They know that you faked a cheerful answer to that lady, only to whisper threats or bark at them in the car.

Children know the difference between a mother who is saving face to a stranger and a mother who defends their life and their worth with her smile, her love, and her absolute loyalty.

Hands Full of Good Things

When my little girl told me, “Your hands are full!” I was so thankful that she already knew what my answer would be. It was the same one that I always gave: “Yes they are—full of good things!”

Live the gospel in the things that no one sees. Sacrifice for your children in places that only they will know about. Put their value ahead of yours. Grow them up in the clean air of gospel living. Your testimony to the gospel in the little details of your life is more valuable to them than you can imagine. If you tell them the gospel, but live to yourself, they will never believe it. Give your life for theirs every day, joyfully. Lay down pettiness. Lay down fussiness. Lay down resentment about the dishes, about the laundry, about how no one knows how hard you work.

Stop clinging to yourself and cling to the cross. There is more joy and more life and more laughter on the other side of death than you can possibly carry alone.

By Rachel Jankovic

A Party Fit For a Princess

2011-05-16T15:18:00.002-04:00

I am so behind on blogging! Again....I know. Here are a few pics of the Princess Party I threw for Grace a few weeks ago for her 4th birthday. She had 11 of her little friends here and they all had the best time! She was such a little lady throughout the whole event. I am so proud of her! She has come so far this year!

Mercy's New Room

2011-03-25T12:44:00.003-04:00

I just saw Lyndsie's post about nursery idea's and that really interested me! I am still working on Mercy's nursery even though she is 16 months old. I thought I wanted her and Grace (almost 4) to share a room but we saw that it just was not working out very well with their naps. Grace's room also didn't really have enough wall space for a bed and dresser for both of them without being too crowded. This is Mercy's bedding and I just love it! I have always loved toile fabrics and I think this will look really great once we get her walls painted. Daniel and I just moved Mercy into her new room 2 weeks ago and I have already hung pictures and decorated everything except for painting the stripes. We are planning to paint wide pink and white stripes on the walls. Lyndsie actually has a picture of this idea on her blog! I was even more excited about it after actually seeing a picture of what it is going to look like. My favorite thing in Mercy's room is a black and white brush stroke picture of Mercy that we framed to go above her changing table. It looks so sweet! I am tempted to post pictures now but I am going to wait until we get the stripes painted. I always wanted a beautiful set of good quality nursery furniture, but that has never fit into our budget. Mercy's crib isn't beautiful but we were able to buy it used for $50! I paid only $25 for her changing table/dresser at a yard sale which you will see later:-)

This is a picture of Mercy's bed and bedding
when it was still in Grace's room. We
are using the same curtains and
bedding in Mercy's new room.

Dinner On the Fly!

2011-03-21T16:32:00.006-04:00

Today I am linking up with my friend Lyndsie for her weekly post titled "Mondays Meals." I Thought I would share this meal with you all. My family really enjoyed it and it fit my criteria for most all of the meals I make now... HEALTHY, EASY and CHEAP! This is perfect for Awana nights or Swim nights.

You will need:

1 bag of boil in the bag brown rice (boils in 10 minutes)

1 bag of organic fresh mixed vegetables (steamed)

2 lbs. of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I use organic)

3 T. olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced (I cheat by using the kind already minced in a jar)

4 T. white cooking wine

4 T. soy sauce

3 T. Dijon mustard

While rice is boiling and vegetables are steaming on stove-top, heat oil in large skillet over med-high heat. Add garlic; saute' until browned. In med bowl, mix wine, soy sauce and mustard. Pour over chicken. Cover. Reduce heat to med; simmer until chicken is cooked through. Arrange rice and vegetables onto a large platter, pour chicken on top of rice.

Trip to GA for Nanny Bradfield's funeral

2011-03-17T15:56:00.005-04:00

We went to GA over the weekend to attend a funeral for my Grandmother, Edna Marie Bradfield. Sadly enough, my grandmother never fully surrendered her life to the Lord and because of that she struggled to be the wife and mother that she could have been. She was 75 years old and I really didn't know her that well. She was the youngest child of a family with 13 children and was raised by an abusive, alcoholic father. She had a lot of problems from her past but her children and grandchildren knew that she did love them. I am obviously very thankful to her for giving birth to my wonderful Dad! There was a large turnout at the funeral home Friday night and on Saturday she had a graveside service out on the Bradfield family property which my Dad and his older brother both officiated. My Dad was able to share a powerful message of salvation to many lost relatives! She was buried in the family cemetery next to my Grandfather who died almost 9 years ago. Following the service we all walked down to my uncle Paul's house for dinner and it was nice to see many relatives that I had not seen in years.

My Mom and Mercy laughing with Aunt Joyce (my grandfathers sister)

My younger sister Lauren, not looking:-)

My Dad with his brothers and sister.
Left to right. Uncle Steve, My Dad, Aunt Starr, and
Uncle Paul

My sister Paola is the
photographer in the family
and she loves to take
pictures of people when
they aren't looking:-)

The Bradfield siblings with their spouses

Sweet little Grace!

My Dad helped his younger brother
Paul build a beautiful house overlooking
the lake my Grandfather dug himself on the
family property. Daniel enjoyed giving all the kids
canoe rides after dinner.

My Mom with My Grandmother's sister,
Christine. Aunt Christine is the last sibling
living in her family.

The Entire Bradfield family (minus 2 of Uncle Steve's kids, not sure why they didn't make it into the photo! poor Mercy is also hidden)

Mercy's 15 months check-up and James's Lincoln Log Bunkhouse

2011-03-09T22:26:00.007-05:00

This little cutie had her 15 month check-up today! It was pouring down rain and a horrible day to have her out but at least I was able to take her directly after dropping Grace off at Pre-school. I took her to Dr. Bradford at Carillion Hospital since I had been a little concerned about her not growing enough. She was only in the 5th percentile for height and weight on our last visit. This time she was in the 8th percentile for height and 5 percentile for weight. She only weighed 17 pounds, but her doctor said she is a perfectly healthy tiny girl that is built just like her mama:-). She did suggest that I start feeding her more high fat foods though. We really don't keep a lot of high calorie food in our house but I am going to start adding more real butter to her breads and get her some whole organic yogurt. She drinks organic whole milk from Krogers because I have yet to find a source of fresh farm milk! I am still looking for one though because I know the thick cream would be so good for her.

All bathed and ready for her check-up!

James and I built this tall bunkhouse last night
for his Playmobil knights to sleep in and use for their battles.
He was so excited about it!
I love watching the way James play, He is SO cute!!!

I just love this song!

2011-03-08T00:34:00.010-05:00

The Big Day! May 24, 2003

I keep hearing this song on the radio and it so reminds me of Daniel and I. We weren't 19 and 21 but we were young! We were both 19! This song brings tears to my eye's just listening to it.

Our 5th Anniversary, May 2008

It also made me think of my wonderful, Godly Grandparents
who also married young (20 and 18). They
lived out 65+ years of a Godly marriage and became
known as the "Notebook Couple" among
employee's at the facility where my Grandmother
spent her last days. What I would give for one
more day with them!

A winter to remember ~ Skiing with the kids.

2011-03-07T23:51:00.003-05:00

This winter Isaac, James and I were blessed to be able to take ski lessons and go skiing several times in West Virginia. Unfortunately, James only got to go twice before he broke his leg...More on that later! Daniel was too busy with the business to come with us but he did go on Valentines Day which was so fun!

Skiing is definitely at the top of my list of favorite things to do and it is the same for Isaac! We had a blast together this winter. A couple times we even went out on a date after skiing and that was very special for both of us:-) Daniel and I try hard to date all of our kids. It is amazing the more you do this, to see how much they will open up to you and share what is on their hearts. Tonight Isaac and I talked about everything from answering his questions about spiritual things, as well as church and his friendships. The older he gets, the deeper and longer our conversations get...I love it!

This boy can fly!

Isaac learned to ski with no polls but begged all winter to use poles
so I finally let him try mine today. He wasn't as impressed with them
as he thought he would be:-)

Getting ready to head down the mountain!

He was not afraid to do anything!

Trying to get a picture on the lift!

We felt like sitting by a fire after skiing so we went to
Cracker Barrel for our date.

He was so cute on our date that I just wanted to sit there and stare into
those big blue eye's forever!

Isaac's Ice Cream

2011-03-07T10:42:00.001-05:00

Isaac made me an ice cream and it was so cute I just had to share it! Play dough is a favorite around the Rich house.

Valentines Day 2011

2011-03-06T16:48:00.001-05:00

We had so much fun celebrating Valentines Day with the kids this year. I was able to capture many of our special moments on my Droid so I have written a few posts about the things our family did. Enjoy!

The Valentine Party

2011-03-06T16:45:00.000-05:00

We got together with many of our friends and had a valentine party at the aquatic center. The kids were so excited about this and it was a lot of fun! We made it there with all their homemade valentines and they had a blast swimming followed by 1 hour in the party room to exchange valentines and eat goodies.

Issac and Annalia

My beautiful friend Alison and her son.

Above: Our sweet valentine baby, Mercy. Below: Grace munching a sugar cookie!

Making Homemade Valentines

2011-03-06T16:02:00.000-05:00

The kids put so much time into making homemade valentines for their friends. I bought construction paper, pink and red doilies, stickers, and candy for the kids to glue to their valentines. They had so much fun and made a huge mess with this on the days leading up to Valentine's Day! The homemade valentines turned out so cute though, I was proud of them!

Valentine Cupcake Making at the Rich House

2011-03-06T15:34:00.003-05:00

Every Friday night in the Rich family is "Family Night". We always try to do something as a family and usually that includes ice cream or some other dessert! The Friday night before Valentines day I thought it would be fun for us to decorate Valentine Cupcakes together as a family. I baked the cupcakes Friday afternoon and sat them on the table along with icing and all kinds of edible decorations when we came home from the Aquatic Center Friday night. The kids thought this activity was the greatest!

Left: Daddy elected not to put any candy on his, so did Mommy!

As you can see... The kids cupcake's were loaded with some of everything I had on the table!

After we were done, Daniel and 3 of our kids enjoyed wrestling while James enjoyed being silly under the table since he had a broken leg.

Meal Planning and Grocery Shopping

2011-01-27T16:37:00.000-05:00

Daniel and I have enjoyed listening to Dave Ramsey on the radio for quite some time now and this January I decided to try Dave Ramsey's e-mealz plan. This went along with one of my New Years goals to be more organized with my grocery budget and meal planning! So far I am loving it. It has saved me a ton of time, stress and money. The menu's and grocery lists are posted for printout every Wednesday and I love that since I like to grocery shop early on Friday mornings before Daniel heads to Roanoke for work. It is a great time to shop because the stores are nearly empty that early in the morning. I have to thank my dear friend Alison Semones for giving me that tip! I can easily make it back to the house within 45 minutes since I am not waiting in line and don't take any little ones with me. I have developed a huge dislike of going to Walmart lately so I do almost all of my grocery shopping at Kroger and buy my cleaning products, diapers and other household items at Target. My goal for this year is to clean out my fridge on Thursday so that I have room for what I buy.... fridge space is always at a premium with 6 family members! Dave Ramsey's e-mealz have many different options for different sized families. We are doing the "Low carb 6 person plan" since Daniel is trying to lose weight via the "South Beach Diet". If you decide to check it out and end up signing up for e-mealz, please mention that you heard about it from me! I still make some of my own favorite recipes, but with e-mealz it is easy to just cross off the meals I don't want to make. Speaking of meals...It is time for me to get off my blog and make one for my family!

New Years Update

2011-01-02T23:28:00.009-05:00

   I can't believe I have not updated the blog since soccer season... I keep meaning to do better with the blog but somehow as a busy Mom of 4, time always alludes me! 2010 has been a year of building for us, building our business and our family! We continue to live in Christiansburg, VA in the same house we bought while Daniel was at VT, though we are quickly outgrowing it and are on the lookout for a great deal on some land for our children to run and play on! We are getting ready to conclude our 3rd year of business and we continue marvel at Gods faithfulness towards us! When we began having children, Daniel only had 1 year left of completing a degree in Civil Engineering at VT and we thought we had all of our ducks in a row with a promising career ahead. Little did we know that in 2008 we would be stripped of our income with a 2 week notice and start a business after expanding our family to include 5 members! This has not been an easy road and this year did not prove much easier but we continue to watch Rich Investment Group grow and have peace knowing that this is what God has called our family to do. Now for an update on all the members of the Rich family!

   Daniels life is pretty much consumed by being the husband, father, provider and spiritual leader of our family. He works very hard to build our business and puts a tremendous amount of time into it. He enjoys attending the Roanoke Real Estate Investors Club every Tuesday night and attends ministry training classes 2 mornings a week at our church. He enjoys going on weekend men's retreats with our church every Fall and Spring. He enjoyed coaching both Isaac and James's soccer teams this past Fall. When he gets time to socialize he mostly enjoys doing so with his family. Never a dull moment when we're all together! I am so proud of him and all that he pours into building the Rich family and the Rich family business. He is my prize and I still love him with all my heart after almost 13 years of being together!

   As for me, I love being a wife to my best friend and homeschool mom even more than I dreamed I would as a teenager! I stay very busy driving everyone around and am on my feet most of the day but I love my life! It is fast-paced and requires a ton of energy but overall, teaching and training 4 kids at home is such a privilege and I give God all the glory for allowing me to live the life of my dreams! I am trying hard to help Daniel more with the business. In addition to being a wife and Mom I love getting together with friends as well as hiking, running, scrapbooking, writing our love story and skiing. I also love participating in childrens ministry at our Church and drinking in all the wonderful teaching!

   Our firstborn son Isaac is now 6 years old and the cutest toothless first grader you ever saw! He is still the life of the party around here and I have a feeling he always will be. He is very social and loves people. He is my right hand around the house and helps out tremendously, even changing diapers! His love for his family is very obvious. He loves to be with us and is always asking if we can "do something as a family" Soooo precious! His extracurricular activities include Awanas At TBC, swimming on the H2okies swim team and playing soccer for coach Daddy during soccer seasons.

   Our second born son James is now 5 years old and in kindergarten though he is able to do much of the same schoolwork that Isaac does. He is very smart and is a real boy in every sense of the word. He loves playmobile knights, playing the wii, being outdoors, and almost any SPORT! Like Isaac he also participates in Awana's, soccer, and swimming for the H2okies. He is also very helpful around the house and continues to be the chief dishwasher unloader for our family. He and Isaac are the very best of friends and we can often hear them talking late at night. He is still affectionately referred to as "Bubba" in our family:-)

   Our 3rd born daughter Grace will be turning 4 in March and is growing into quite a beautiful princess. She started school at Cedarwood Mennonite Preschool in the Fall, 3 days a week and really loves it there. She attends speech/developmental therapy once a week and continues to imrpove with her speech and language development. Her favorite things to do are cooking with Mommy and taking care of Mercy (much to Mercy's chagrin:-), playing with her baby dolls and going to the aquatic center. She puts on her pretend wedding dress almost everyday and calls herself a princess, and that she is!

   Our 4th born daughter Mercy is now 13 months old and quite a doll! She is our most petite child yet and still wears a size 6-9 months clothes in spite of her hefty appetite! She recently began standing and it is the cutest thing ever to see someone so tiny standing. She is still just as laid back as ever but is getting quite a funny personality and enjoys being the baby of the family. She is our joy and she knows it!

That is all for now... please forgive any puncuation errors since I wrote this in a hurry. Happy New Year from the Rich family!

Soccer Season, Fall 2010

2010-10-31T21:38:00.006-04:00

Our family has participated in soccer for several seasons now! I don't know much of anything about soccer but it is my hubby's favorite sport and the one he was good at growing up. We just finished up a wonderful Fall soccer season! We never had a game cancelled this season due to rain which was a first for us. It was very hectic since we started out with 3 kids on 3 different teams. We eventually had to take Grace off her team mid-season because she was just wasn't ready and we couldn't handle all the game schedules colliding. Managing just 2 teams was much easier! Mercy did so well at all the soccer games. She sat so contently while her siblings played their games! Daniel coached Isaac's U8 team and James's U6 team and he did a great job. I really enjoyed watching the coach:-)

Isaac age 6, 5th season of soccer!

James age 5, 4th season of soccer!

Grace age 3, 1st season of soccer!

A week of dating and loving eachother

2010-09-15T22:04:00.002-04:00

This week Daniel and I sent 2 of our kids to GA and 2 to Bluefield so that we could enjoy a week alone together and also to allow me some time to plan for our upcoming homeschool year. We miss our children very much but know just important times like this are for our marriage. We are so thankful to our parents for giving us this time. Sunday night we went to a movie together, Tuesday night we went to the real estate investors club together, and today we took a canoe trip. Daniel and I made quite a canoe team and we loved every minute of it! We traveled 7 miles up the New River and got a nice workout while enjoying the beautiful scenery and eachother:-) I just love the outdoors! We have a hiking/camping trip planned for tomorrow night and while Daniel loved canoeing, he is not crazy about hiking but is willing to do it for me...What an incredible husband!

Preview of our book "In Gods Perfect Timing"

2010-09-13T13:12:00.029-04:00

Most of you know that I have had the desire to write a book about Daniel and my relationship for years now. It is a tough story. The task of compiling 5 years of daily journal entries, 5 years of letters, and 5 years of printed e-mails and instant message conversations was daunting. Our relationship is so well documented that most of "In Gods Perfect Timing" was actually written DURING our 5 year relationship! Our letters could be a book by themselves! I have written some extra pieces that I plan to include in the book and the rest is a work in progress. I want to get this done within a reasonable amount of time though because our oldest son has already begun asking us questions about that season of our lives. Those of you that have heard us talk about those 5 years or have asked us advice for your own children or relationships know that Daniel and I had a very painful relationship and as I went through the containers full of stuff documenting our past, I gained new insight into our relationship and why things are the way they are now. As I went through everything I divided all the resources I had documenting our relationship into two groups. Before we separated and after. Before we separated our relationship was more like a childish crush/hillarious/best friend relationship. I laughed and marveled at how much Daniel must have gotten sick of hearing about my dogs, and all the other silly things I talked about. I wondered how I never tired of hearing about his school, his arguments with his sister, and all the silly things he talked about. We both had alot in common, we were both homeschooled, both from small families with 3 children, we both had sisters the exact same age, we both had a heart for missions, we were conservatives and could talk politics, both of us were business minded and loved talking about the things we were doing to save money. As our friendship grew we began talking alot about spiritual things, about sin, the consequences of sin, our beliefs and struggles with sin as well as living the Christian life and what that meant to us. We often shared prayer requests with eachother and read the same things so we could discuss/debate it the next time we talked. Our relationship began in the year 1998 and one of our favorite topics of discussion was Y2K.
I was a very shy, awkward, unsocialized teenager but somehow I was able to talk to Daniel easier than I could most people. I have outgrown that shyness now but back then it was easier to just type or write what I was thinking rather than say it aloud. It was a good thing I could express my thoughts on paper or e-mail because my Dad wouldn't allow us to talk on the phone for a long time into our relationship. This was BEFORE the days of texting and facebook. This was back in the day when most U.S. households were just getting home computers and everyone had a dial up connection which was tied to their phone line. Computers were S-L-O-W back then and my family only had one phone line which caused Daniel and I to constantly get kicked off and have connection problems. It often took 1 1/2hrs to even have a short conversation! This was all the contact we had since we lived in separate states and were only able to see eachother every few months.
On the rare oaccasions that we did see eachother, my insecurity usually made our short visits with our families together quite awkward. I hardley said a word and was embarrassed to do anything but sit around when I was with Daniel because I wasn't good at much of anything and I didn't want to embarrass myself by doing or saying something silly! I usually hid behind Daniel and stayed close by him for fear that I would run into an awkward situation and he wouldn't be around! I often marvel now at just how self-conscious I was back in those days and how much less I would have needed to feel awkward if I HAD come out of my shell and talked more/ done more on those few and far between visits. I was thrilled to have Daniel in my life and have the best friend I had prayed for for so long and I did like him alot. In the back of my mind I hoped I would marry him someday but we never discussed marriage or kissed, or did anything intimate other than stare at eachother, have an occasional hug, and yes we sat too close together when we sat down next to eachother. We didn't hold hold hands because our parents had asked us not to and we were careful to not do anything they asked us not to do and whatever we did do was out in the open. There were times during those visits that Daniel let his hand brush against mine or touch mine but even that was ALWAYS out in the open. The only thing we had discussed regarding the future at that point in our relationship was the possibilty of going to the same Christian college and doing some mission trips together. I hadn't fully decided what I wanted to do after high school but I did know that I had a strong call of missions on my life and I wanted to spend a great portion of my single years as an overseas missionary. I was saving some of the money I made selling dogs to fund my future mission trips. I always knew that my Long term goal was to settle down and raise the BIG family I dreamed of having one day.
Just before we were to celebrate our sweet 16th birthdays, Daniel and I were separated. I will make you wait on the book to get all the details but that time of separation launched our relationship to a whole new level. I still cannot write about it without it bringing tears to my eye's. I lost the only best friend I had ever had and the loneliness I felt could be unbearable at times. The separation lasted for an extended time and as soon as that time was over our relationship hit the ground running at full speed. The point of our separation was that we would focus solely on God and wouldn't come back together unless it was time for us to be married. In my mind, if that was the only way I could have my best friend back, or have Daniel back in my life then all I wanted to do was get married as soon as possible. As I poured through all of those letters and e-mails and made my before separation pile and after separation pile. I was astonished at the difference in the 2 piles. The first pile resembled a very special friendship, The letters are signed "your special friend" The latter pile revealed two lovesick, heartbroken individuals who talked of nothing but becoming husband and wife. Gone were all the interesting conversations we use to have. Those letters are signed "your future spouse" There is much truth to the old saying "distance makes the heart grow fonder". I don't believe that any teenager deserves to go through the pain that we went through. I sometimes still struggle with anxiety at the thought of being away from Daniel and I also developed some deep strongholds during that time of my life that I struggle with today. However, despite the pain I endured then and the painful memories I am left with now, God never forgot me and held me in the palm of His hand. He comforted me and let me know that it was all going to work out in my favor. I am thankful that our time of separation caused me to marry my best friend while still a teenager and that by my low 20's when I most likely would have gotten married I already had 2 bouncing baby boys... Isaac and James. I know that life does not always go as we plan and I know that Daniel and I didn't deserve to go through the pain that we endured. Regardless of all that , God wept with us, carried us through it and wiped away our tears. Our wedding day was the best day of our lives! We are now working on our 8th year of marriage. God redeemed what we went through and called us to a new purpose in life, to raise the 4 by products of our love to honor and serve Him in all they do. We love you Isaac, James, Grace, and Mercy and any other Rich kids that are to come!

I'm sorry this is such a rough preview but stay tuned for the release of "In Gods Perfect Timing"!

Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-06T21:28:00.002-04:00

We have had such a great Labor Day! I hate that I didn't get any pictures but my camera is not working. Daniel took the day off of work today and we started the day off by going to Ministry Training classes at church. We then took the family to chickfilet for breakfast which we usually NEVER go anywhere for breakfast so that was a special treat. The boys had swimming lessons and Daniel took them and swam with Grace while I stayed home with just sweet little Mercy who is now almost 10 months old! While they were gone I got everything packed up for a family picnic. We went out to the park and ate, and played some fun games with the kids like kickball, tag, soccer, and ladder golf. We left the park and went to a 1 mile hiking trail that we had never been on. It. The rail wound through the woods and up a mountain. It was fun and Grace actually made it the whole way without having to be carried! Pretty good for a 3 year old! Tonight I am getting everything ready for the boys to start Classical Conversations tomorrow and for Grace to start her first day of Pre-school. Today was the most relaxing day I have had in months. Thank You Jesus! We have had a very busy summer and I have been feeling overwhelmed lately since we still have not started school. Daniel had not been able to take a day off since May and I felt sad that we didn't get to do all the fun things I dreamed of doing with the kids this summer. We definitely needed a fun day like today:-)

Fun Filled Week with Family!

2010-08-27T20:38:00.001-04:00

Last weekend Grandma and Grandpa Bradfield (my parents) drove up with my sisters family to celebrate James' birthday and it ended up working out for my sisters family to stay over for a few days. We were glad to get some time with them and the cousins had so much fun together!

the 4 oldest cousins watching netflix in our bedroom!

Daniel and Michael holding the babies at the Christiansburg Aquatic Center

Lauren and I took the kids to Carol Lee's to get a doughnut

Grandma likes to buy all the grandkids matching outfit at the Childrens Place Outlet:-)

Playing in the sand pit at the Hand in Hand Park

Mercy is so blessed that cousin Taylor is only 8 weeks older than her!

We took this photo just to prove that we did it. Lauren and I drove around town all week with 6 kids packed in the back of a mini van:-)

Our youngest son is 5 years old!

2010-08-27T12:05:00.005-04:00

Our sweet Bubba also known as James Daniel Rich turned 5 years old on August 14th! He had a cake I made him with a motorcycle on it for his actual birthday but I did not get a picture of it due to not having a camera! Saturday night he had another party with his Grandparents , Uncle Michael, Aunt Lauren and cousins.

Bubba is our 2nd born and such a precious 5 year old! He is already reading, and has been unloading the dishwasher for our family since he was 3 years old. We get such a kick out of his deep voice and logical thinking. He is becoming a man that will go very far in life! We are so thankful for him and for how thoughtful and precious he is. He has really grown up this year.

James, I want you to know that I love you with all my heart! Having you 15 months after Isaac at the age of 21 has been one of my greatest blessings in life! You are such a patient, obedient, and steadfast son and brother. God definitely knew what he was doing when he added you to our family. I couldn't be more proud of you and the man you are becoming! Love, Mom

Ps. You have been calling me mom since you were 3 instead of Mommy. So proud you take your manhood so seriously in every way:-)

August Recipe ~ Simple Chicken Cashew Wild Rice Pilaf

2010-08-15T19:40:00.003-04:00

A few of you saw my facebook status where I was making Chicken Cashew Wild Rice Pilaf for dinner and requested the recipe. It is easy and my husband loves it so it is definitely going to be added to the big binder I keep in the kitchen to plan our menu's and run our household! I don't have time to cook time consuming meals or spend time fretting over what we are going to have for dinner.

Chicken Cashew Wild Rice Pilaf

1 small pkg of boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 box of uncle Bens wild rice

1 cup of cashew halves

1 onion, finely chopped

1 T. of soy sauce or Braggs (I prefer Braggs)

1 T. olive oil or butter

Cook chicken until tender and falling apart (I put mine in the crock pot in the morning and slow cook it all day but you can boil it, bake it or cook it however is easiest for you.

Put rice on the stove in a dutch oven and cook according to directions on box. While the rice is cooking, chop onion until fine and saute along with the cashews in a little olive oil or butter. Add the chicken and the onion mixture to the rice and heat through. Enjoy! This is also great reheated in the oven the next day for lunch.

Could she be any more beautiful?

2010-07-12T14:30:00.003-04:00

Just had to write an update on my sweet little daughter, Grace. She is now 3 years and 3 months old. I have to say... Daniel and I have not always had an easy time with Grace. She was late on potty training and talking which sometimes made things difficult for us when Mercy was born. She would scream and cry out of frustration because she couldn't make us understand what she wanted us to say. We made several attempts to potty train her only to have her pooping and peeing all over the house! Now onto bragging.... She has been accident free for over a month now! She is not only telling us when she needs to go potty but taking herself. She is not only talking now but chattering almost constantly and having hardley any fits at all now. This is all such an answer to prayer! I had thought she would be at this point of development before Mercy was born since they are 2 years and 7 months apart but perhaps God wanted to teach me something about "Grace" literally! I am so proud of my beautiful daughter and how well she is doing. Here are some things that Grace currently loves...

Reading books with Mommy

Going shopping with Mommy

Getting wet and going swimming

The outdoors

Playing with her big brothers

Any sugar she can get her little hands on

PaPa Johns Pizza

Her dolls which she affectionately refers to as her "dogs" (yes her speech still needs a little work:-)

Getting suckers at the bank

Being the first child to come to our bedroom in the mornings

Making a silly spit noise after every time she prays and says "Amen".

Playing with our Mothers helper "Kensie"

Wrecking her room

Wearing dresses

Changing clothes

Dressing up in her wedding dress almost everyday

Playing with our cat "Smokie"

Any cooking she is allowed to do

playing with her friends at church and outings

Trying to help with her baby sister Mercy whom she likes to call "Hercy"

We LOVE you Grace and enjoy you so much, you are a true princess!

Pictures from our 4th of July weekend!

2010-07-07T23:10:00.013-04:00

We had a wonderful 4th of July weekend. We decided to go to GA this year and spend it with family instead of staying here in Christiansburg like we normally do. We had so much fun!

We are so blessed to have siblings close in age to us! Gives me hope that all my hard work with having my own kids so close in age is going to pay off one day!

Below: The annual photo of all the 26 year olds in the family. (includes all the kids in the family except my brother and sister!)

We always have a late night card game when we go to GA, this one went past 1:00am:-)

The grandkids chilling at Aunt Debbie's pool

All The men (minus Josh) at Cave Spring Park

Uncle Josh holding his nieces

Daniel and and the 4 oldest grandkids enjoying a jeep ride with Grandpa

The 3 sisters

Grandpa taking the grandkids on a walk through his garden

Will I ever get back to blogging regularly again?

2010-05-29T00:33:00.001-04:00

I certainly hope so! As you can imagine... life with 4 kids ages 6 and under leaves me with very little free time but I do hope to return to blogging soon!

New photo's of our babies!

2010-04-15T19:36:00.006-04:00

We recently had some picture of the kids taken at VT by http://www.jghphotography.blogspot.com/ He did an awesome job and is located in Christiansburg! There are more pics of my babies on his blog if your interested in seeing more.

Spring break in GA

2010-03-19T23:20:00.007-04:00

Our three older kids spent their Spring break in GA with Grandma and Grandpa this year. They loved it! Even though we have gotten used to having four kids, it is still hard for Daniel and I to find the time together that we need! It was a good week for us. I went to work with Daniel 2 days. I took time to sort through all the kids clothes which needed to be done badly. I got to see what it was like to have just one child and go out to eat with only 3 of us. It was fun for a week and I definitely grew closer to my husband but I was more than ready to go back to having a family of six! Our family of 3 was a little boring; nothing funny happened, and there was no one to talk to when Daniel left for work. Here are some pics from when we went to GA to get the kids last weekend. Praise God for wonderful grandparents who give us time with eachother!

Our sweet little 6 mo. old niece, Taylor

Grandma playing babiesThese 2 year olds were double trouble but had so much fun together! That is Grace with our nephew Joseph. This family is notorious for staying up late, talking, and laughing...I was happy to see my 87 year old Grandfather! He was so delighted to be holding Mercy and telling her how much he loved her. It was precious! It was also great to see my Aunt Debbie (moms older sister who looks alot like her!) pictured below.

Can you really go from being Fat amd Miserable to Overjoyed?

2010-03-19T22:46:00.007-04:00

Exactly six months ago my sister and I were both FAT and MISERABLE, counting down the days..."He trusted in the Lord, let Him rescue Him; Let Him DELIVER Him, since He delights in Him". Psalm 22:8 Six months later... BLESSED beyond measure and overjoyed with our baby girls:-).

The Little Princess

2010-02-15T22:49:00.005-05:00

Our beautiful Grace got to participate in a Princess Dance at our church on Valentines Day. She definitely knows she is a princess! She and I have started doing a girls devotion together when I put her to bed (no boys allowed) and she really loves our girl time. She is such a gift!

I also wanted to let you all know that our babysitter and beautiful friend Amanda has started a blog and it is really good! Check it out at http://home-thedesireofmyheart.blogspot.com/

More on Child Training...

2010-02-11T10:44:00.004-05:00

I believe delighting in your kids is the key to your kids giving you their heart
As I said earlier, it takes time to get to really know each child, their passions, interests, stumbling blocks, what makes them tick, what discourages them, what motivates them.
Our kids have to know that we are dedicated to their success above our own goals, reputation, our own time, schedule, etc.

It takes giving consideration to their input with respect as if they were another adult, listening to their stories, dreams (OHH this can be trying!!), explanations. Some kids take longer to communicate and it takes time and patience to really listen!!
Psalm 40:8- “I delight to do Thy will"
when we delight in our children, they respond in delighting to please us.
Our son, Rick, said it often kept him from doing wrong, knowing that doing a certain thing would displease his parents.

Delight is a matter of the heart. It comes from deep within. Our children belong to the LORD, not us. He entrusts them to us. Col. 3:17 -do everything you do for the Lord
“Whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks thru Him to God the Father.”
We need to realize that our attitude as parents needs to grow to be a selfless one. We are called to do what we do for the Lord Jesus, even on the really tough days- not for wealth or fame or recognition or even thanks. Kids don’t appreciate what you’ve done for them when they are little. They will when grown and have kids of their own.

The Lord sees and knows all. As we learn to seek the Lord in our child rearing-for all the details- we begin to internalize that He does care and is waiting to pour out His wisdom to us in precise detail.

Duty is ours, the result is the Lord’s.
In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.
Our kids are created in God’s image. Our job is to point them to their Savior- that is foremost in our job description, not teaching math, geography, or biology, but rather in building servant’s heart for Jesus. ~ Marilyn Boyer

" Lord give me the dicipline, patience and perseverance I need to delight in my children even when I don't feel like it! " ~ Lindsay

Boy did I need to be reminded of this!!

2010-02-04T14:54:00.003-05:00

Homeschooling is all about relationships. It’s about math and reading and sentence diagramming and geography and all those things too, but all these things amount to nothing in God’s eyes if we don’t raise children of character ready to tackle big enterprises for the Lord. If you sometimes feel like homeschooling or parenting is drudgery, you can bet your kids feel the same way. It’s such a temptation to stress out over things like teaching predicate nominatives or the steps of division that we forget to delight in our children and make time to enjoy being with them. We have found through our now 35 years of parenting and 30 years of home schooling that this is actually the key to instilling values that stick and building in your kids a heart for things of the Lord. Foundational to preparing your child to do great things you need to focus on your relationship with each child individually. When your relationship with your kids is right, they will respond to your attempts to make learning fun.

~ Marilyn Boyer

Why I have not updated in awhile...

2010-01-15T13:52:00.004-05:00

I'm sorry to leave you all hanging and wondering where I am! Daniel and I are having some computer problems and are using an old laptop that is VERY SLOW. I have temporarily put my blogging on hold until we can work something out or get a faster computer for uploading pictures and such. Hopefully I will be back at it again soon!

Here is a short update on our family. Mercy is now 8 weeks old and getting prettier everyday:-) We are still trying to get adjusted to having kids under 5 but every week things seem to get just a little bit easier. God is definitely giving us patience and helping us find joy in the journey of raising little ones! The boys who are now 5 1/2 and 4 1/2 are doing very well in Kindergarten at home. They are both reading simple books and are both involved in Awanas. We continue to attend a homeschool co-op on Thursdays called Classical Conversations and we love it. Isaac is playing UPWARD basketball and is very much enjoying his practices. Grace is doing well with her potty training but still has a ways to go in becoming independent with it. I have been getting up at 5:45am to go to the gym in the mornings before we start school. It is making a big difference in giving me the energy and time I need to manage such a busy household! Daniel is still enjoying being self employed even though managing rental properties can be frustrating at times:-) He is very excited and thankful for how far the business has come in the last year! We are still enjoying our Church so much and our Friday night life group. Life is very busy for us but we are thoroughly enjoying it and thank God for each blessing he has given us!

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-24T14:51:00.005-05:00

It is so hard to believe that this is Thanksgiving week! I feel that I have spent the entire month of November and most of October being consumed with having Mercy and now the Holidays have just crept up on me. Thankfully I did do a little shopping and planning ahead this year so I won't be so overwhelmed. I don't plan to make near as many goodies this year since I still have quite a bit of pregnancy weight to lose but I still plan to make this season as special as I can for the kids. We are going to Bluefield to spend Thanksgiving with Nana and Pops this year and I usually make a paper Thanksgiving Turkey with the kids and we all write something we are thankful for on a feather. The kids are already in Bluefield though so I guess we won't make a turkey this year. I would still like to list the things I am most thankful for.

I am Thankful...

1. That I am a daughter of the King of the Kings and my Father loves me and feels the same way about me as I feel about little Mercy!

2. That my Father gave me dreams for my life as a teenager and has answered the cry of my heart to be a wife and mother of many!
3. That I am happier than I have ever been!

4. For a wonderful church family and friends that challenge Daniel and I to live for the Lord in all we do. There have been times in our lives where we have not had this and life was much more difficult.

5. For Daniel and the kids who are my family, my ministry, and source of great Joy!

6. For 2 wonderful extended families, the Rich's and the Bradfield's.

7. For my house, I love to feel organized and settled and while this house may not be perfect or have a nice yard it is large enough for a home school family of 6 and I love my kitchen!

8. For Daniels job, It has always been his dream to have his own business that our kids could be a part of and I am so thankful for the time it allows us to have together as a family!

9, For beaches and mountains, I love the outdoors!

10. For the good health my family enjoys.

11. That I live in Southwest VA and love it here.

12. That I have been blessed way beyond what I deserve!

Mercy's Story

2009-11-19T18:59:00.006-05:00

After Grace was born, I, Daniel, wrote the story of Lindsay's labor and delivery. I suppose I will continue that tradition and tell Mercy's story as well.

We know that each and every child is different, unique in it's own way. What we did not expect was that each pregnancy/labor/delivery was also completely different. This one set records and threw us curve balls.

Lindsay Laboring

Most of you probably remember that - almost exactly - one year ago (November 10th, 2008) Lindsay and I lost a child due to miscarriage. Then, right at Christmas last year, we lost a 2nd child. These were tough times for us (especially Lindsay) trying to understand both spiritually and physically why. But then - God had mercy (compassion) on us and allowed Lindsay to become pregnant again and carry the baby full term! We thought it would be a neat testimony if our Mercy would be born on November 10th - one year after the first miscarriage. But God had different plans. No dwelling in the past, He gave us a New Day (November 15th, 2009)

So, as I said, this pregnancy and delivery was different. Here is how. All our past pregnancies, Lindsay had few, if any, Braxton hicks contractions and once her labor started, she really went fast! It was less than 3 hours with Grace.

This pregnancy, Lindsay was having contractions off and on for weeks. None of them were strong. None of them did we think she was in labor. It was just different. We had everyone prepped for a fast labor and delivery. Dr. Roberts was going to "sprint to the hospital" (these were his words, which we thought was funny since he had broken his foot)! My parents were going to race down here to help with the kids and because we didn't think they would make it soon enough, we had 3 or 4 people on call ready to come keep the kids.

Baby Mercy Soon After Birth

On Lindsay's due date, Nov. 6th, Lindsay was not quite ready to give birth. She was in full swing "nesting stage" and her "nest" was not quite prepared. My honey-do-list which I had been putting off for months needed to be completed. I am ashamed to say that I had not even completed the girls nursery by Lindsay's due date. I was painting and hanging curtains and Lindsay was deep cleaning and decorating. Lindsay was so intent on having a beautiful "nest" that she even rested when she thought she may have had a contraction. However, by the 9th, the honey-do-list was complete and we were ready for the baby to come! We were sure it would come on the 10th. But the baby didn't come on the 10th, nor the 11th, nor the 12th. We're not superstitions, but we really didn't want it to be born on Friday the 13th. So, it was more of a relief that we made it through that day. I was proud of Lindsay. She really did not get that impatient. Although she was ready for the baby to come - she handled being past due pretty well.

Nana Holding Baby Mercy

Saturday the 14th came. Lindsay's friend Kimmy (who was due a little after Lindsay was) had just had her baby. Lindsay went to visit, then. . . She jumped on the trampoline. She took evening primrose oil. She took castor oil. We went for a long walk. When I drove, I tried to hit every pothole. She jumped up and down in the family room. We also tried something I won't mention.

During our walk, around 4:30 P.M. she started feeling a few light contractions! We decided to go get dinner right then. We had to cut dinner short because the contractions were starting to come more rapidly and a little stronger. We were sure this was it! By around 7:00 we put our plan into motion. My parents, who were at a fundraiser for the Wade Center, left immediately! We called Dr. Roberts and apprised him of the situation! Everything was in full swing. . . then Lindsay labor seemed to be slowing down. Perhaps even stopping. What is going on? This has never happened!

The New Family Photo!

In the heat of the moment, my parents forgot their cloths and everything else, and they were wearing dressy cloths. My dad took the Kids back to Bluefield. My mom slept on the couch thinking that at any second we would come down the stairs heading for the hospital.

Finally, at 6:00 A.M. Sunday the 16th, we decided she was far enough along to go to the hospital. She was not in much pain. The contractions were very manageable. They were regular at every 4 min. apart. I think the only person to sleep good that night was me. Everyone else, including the doctor was ready to go.

After arriving at the hospital, the nurse checked Lindsay right away. Lindsay was only 4 cm. dilated and 60% effaced. We were kind of disappointed. We stayed in the room and talked and laughed. Lindsay and I took a couple of walks down the halls. We visited Kimmy, who was still in her room.

Finally, at 1:00, Dr. Roberts informed us that Lindsay was at 8 cm. and fully effaced and had been that way for about 1.5 hrs. He suggested that we break Lindsay's water. We agreed to allow this to be done. Lindsay even laughed a little during the conversation. The nurse was amazed and how much Lindsay had it together!

Dr. Roberts broke Lindsay's water and less than 15 min. later I was staring at my new daughter! What a precious little girl! I had been praying for a quick, painless delivery for Lindsay. I think God knows best. Overall Lindsay was in labor for 22.5 hrs. so it was not quick. But, up until the last 15 min. - the pain was not unbearable for her! What mercy God had on us! What an answer to prayer!

Isaac, James, and Grace came tornadoing into the room just a couple hours later to visit their new sister. Isaac was eager to help, offering to carry Mercy everywhere she needed to go and just dieing to hold her. James was James. He doesn't show much emotion. But I think he was excited about it too! Grace just pointed and said, "baby." She had her baby doll. So there was "Mommy's baby" and "Sissy's baby." (We still call Grace, "Sissy")

Baby Mercy (Our Newest Blessing)

Again, I am amazed at this miracle of birth and the gift of life. I am so happy that God has entrusted us with this little girl. She is so beautiful. I believe that she will grow to become a powerful woman of God!

Thank you so much Lord for these blessings you have given us! Thank you for rewarding us with this little girl! Help us to train up our children in the way they should go. Help us to sharpen them into straight arrows that will be used effectively for Your kingdom!

7 days late...

2009-11-13T21:57:00.004-05:00

I am now a full week past due! It looks like this baby will either be born 8 days late like James was or set a new record for the Rich family! The waiting has been really hard especially as uncomfortable as I have been the past several weeks. Daniel decided to take us all to Roanoke today to look at several houses, check up on a house he is having remodeled and eat dinner. We hoped that all the activity would cause labor to kick in but at least now I don't have to worry about having a baby on Friday the 13th! Ha! I know that there wouldn't have been anything to that but due to all the jokes it wouldn't have been the birthday I would have picked for precious little Mercy:-). I am thankful though that she is going to be born in the month of November because as of yet no one in our family has a November birthday and now there will be 6 months out of the year that someone in our household has a birthday!

6 days overdue and pink cupcakes!

2009-11-12T19:50:00.008-05:00

Well, I am still pregnant! 6 days overdue and trying hard not to be frustrated with all the discomfort. Probably the hardest thing about being overdue is having the pain of being 9 months pregnant extended indefinitely and knowing that each day that passes also delays recovery yet another day. I so wanted to be healed up good by Thanksgiving but it does not look like that is going to happen since it usually takes me 2 weeks to get the worst of it over with and Thanksgiving is 2 weeks from today! I do however have SO MUCH to be thankful for this year and will look forward this special holiday regardless of whether or not we get to celebrate it the way we normally would. I cannot wait to have all 4 of my children with me and this will be our first holiday as a family of 6 with or without all the special trimmings! I decided tonight that it would be fun to help pass the time by letting the kids help me make pink birthday cupcakes to take to the hospital. They loved it! I think Sissy is going to be quite the cook one day. She handled the mixer excellently for a 2 year old girl:-). The boys favorite part was of course the eggs.
The finished product. Come on Mercy! We don't want your cupcakes to go bad before you get here!

4 Days Overdue!

2009-11-10T19:04:00.009-05:00

Well, I am now 4 days overdue and we are still waiting for our little Mercy! It has been a tough few days waiting and feeling exhausted with not knowing when to expect her and afraid to go very far or do much! I have done all the laundry, cleaned the house, given all 3 of my men haircuts, cleaned the van and even packed the van! This morning we were all feeling frustrated and tired of waiting so Daniel decided to take us all to Amelia's for lunch and then bowling. It was our kids first time to go bowling and they loved it! It was a really fun family outing. They were so cute!Grace was able to do really well using this neat little rack they had for little bowlers. The boys used it until they saw Daddy bowl and then they insisted on bowling properly with their fingers in the correct holes. Daniel and I were very impressed that they were able to bowl that way as young as they are. They did use the gutter guards but both boys were able to bowl a few balls that didn't touch the gaurds:-)
They loved watching for their balls to come back up to them!

Sneak peak at Grace and Mercy's nursery!

2009-11-07T21:38:00.003-05:00

Here is Mercy's bed! We got it from a yard sale for $50.00! I found this bedding on ebay really cheap and chose it because I love toile fabrics. The rest of the nursery is not yet decorated. More pictures to come when it is finished!

Nesting or Decorating?

2009-11-07T20:18:00.012-05:00

Yes, I know the baby countdown box is now saying -1 day since my due date! That is because I am still pregnant! I am going to try to get my mind off of it though by writing a post about decorating! A little while ago I put a status update on facebook about having trouble decorating our living room. To be honest I am not at all a natural at decorating and have found it difficult to decorate my whole house! Sometimes I will go somewhere like Ross and think I have found the perfect thing but end up having to take it back because I bring it home and it looks awful! My taste is definitely farmhouse/antique decor but we live in a classic style house in a subdivision so I have tried my best to incorpotate the 2 looks into something that still goes with this house. I will post a few pics of what I have done to the living room so far. PLEASE give me any and all suggestions! We've done alot to our kitchen lately and as soon as it is completely done I will post pictures of it too!

I found this picture last year at a thrift store for $7.00! It looked horrible when I bought it but once I refinished the frame with a dark walnut stain I really liked it. It is very old and may look dingy to some people but I think it goes well in our living room. the basket was a gift from my recent baby shower and is used as my husbands place to come in and throw his wallet, cell phone, and keys ect. The LOVE frame was a recent find at Ross for $4.99. It was so perfect to put our first picture together at age 14 in! The beautiful piano was given to us by Nana and Pops. Someone left it in their storage buildings and never came to claim it. This antique desk I bought from my aunt Debbie when I was a teengaer. It is one of my favorite pieces of furniture! I have pictures of our family surrounding our monogram "R" hanging above it. I keep our wedding album displayed on top of it. In an effort to make our house better accomodate 6 people I got Daniel to put up alot more hooks by the front door! There is one up high for adults and one down low for our 4 kids:-). I am loving the way it is keeping out house so much less cluttered looking with everyones coats and bags not thrown everywhere. The beige colored ottomon to the right of the piano is where we keep diapers and wipes handy and out of sight! I know my rugs are too small for this room but we probably won't invest in bigger ones since large rugs can get really expensive and we do plan to sell this house in the next few years.I had one empty wall that looked really odd but didn't want to spend the money for a nice picture so I decided to put a verse here instead. This verse very much goes with our family!This is the wood stove Daniel recently bought to heat our house with this winter! I can't wait to sit by a real fire! The 2 walls on either side were empty looking so I bought blue willow plates for $3 each at TJ Maxx to hang on each side. Our kitchen is open to this room and these plates coordinate well with the kitchen decor. The rocking chair you see was at the Goodwill for just $25.00 A chair cushion from target was all it needed to add another comfy seat to the living room. I love the country look of rocking chairs! OK, I need advice! Are these chocolate valances enough or later on should I buy the panels that match them to put under the valances? And that corner to the left, is it too empty? Does it need a plant or something? This bookcase was in Daniels room when he was growing up and I have always loved it! The cabinets underneath hold all the kids puzzels and games while the top holds alot of our books as well as the willow tree collection and a favorite decor item of mine, kerosene lamps!

Ok, now that you have seen our living room I am ready to hear all of your idea's and suggestions!

October Highlights and only 5 days till the due date!

2009-11-01T15:45:00.016-05:00

I know it has been a month since I last posted. I am so sorry! To be honest my last month of pregnancy has been full of sleepless nights and just pure exhaustion with 3 other children to take care of! The house is clean and ready but the nursery is still not ready at all. We are hoping to
finish that up this week! It won't be fully decorated or have pictures hung until after she is born but we at least want to get the main things done like clean the carpet thoroughly, finish up the paint, and iron the new bedding and curtains before hanging them. I got a great deal on some crib bedding on ebay. It even came with the curtains, a diaper stacker, a toy bag, and a cute throw pillow to match. I didn't have to buy anything to go with it. It was a little nerve racking to bid on decor like that with only a picture to look at but I was very pleased when it came! I can't wait to post pictures of the nursery once it's all done. I don't think there is a whole lot that could be more fun for a woman than to decorate their little girls room or dress them up and put bows on them:-). Their room is of course PINK!

Here are some things that took place in the month of October. Enjoy!

I went to a baby shower for my good friend Kimmy Bears who is due the same time as me! This is her 5th baby and will make 5 boys for the Bears Family! We are delivering at the same hospital so hopefully we will be in there at the same time! I can't wait to meet baby Christopher!

We planned a family hike up to the Cascades and invited Nana and Pops to come along with us. It was beautiful! On October 10th we celebrated my precious husband's 26th Birthday! We had his grandfather, Charlotte and Nana over for dinner to celebrate. He chose everything on his menu and of course pecan pie for desert! It is hard for me to believe that he is 26 now. He is the most wise and mature 26 year old I have ever met and I am so proud of him! There aren't many 26 year olds out there that have the responsibilty of supporting a wife and 4 kids in the midst of getting a new business off the ground. I am so thankful for him and the love he has for his young family!

On October 11th some of my friends hosted a baby shower for Me at Katie Van Horns house. I have never seen such a big shower for a 4th baby. I was so grateful to everyone who came and blessed Mercy and I. My favorite part of the evening was when the guests took the time to pray for Mercy, myself and our family. Their prayers really ministered to me! Here is a photo of the girls who gave the shower.

I have some of the best friends a girl could have!and the greatest 2 Moms that a girl could have...Mrs. Rich & Mrs. Rich

Thankyou God! I know that it is ALL from You!

"Oh that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works. " Psalm 107:8

Sisters

2009-09-27T23:03:00.007-04:00

Can you tell I'm just a little excited about having 2 girls close in age? I bought these outfits for my girls while we were on vacation. It will be so much fun to see them all dressed up in them! I am planning to make them each a bow to match. We continue to stand amazed at what all God has done for us this year. When I had those 2 miscarriages last year I was so afraid that my desire for Grace to have a sister close in age just wasn't going to happen. Well, it is going to happen and this time it will be in Gods perfect timing! I feel so blessed...

Psalm 37:4-5
Delight yourself also in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord. Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.

Only 6 more weeks!

2009-09-27T22:48:00.005-04:00

So hard to believe it is that close. I have officially started nesting I think. This weekend Daniel worked on the girls room while I cleaned out and rearranged things in our bedroom. I always tend to do that in late pregnancy! I clean out, organize, and rearrange. So funny how I always get the urge to do that when I am close to giving birth. I actually felt really energized after church today and wanted to go hiking. We did a short hike on the Dragons tooth trail in Salem. The boys did really well and wanted to go farther. Sissy rode on Daddy's back in a backpack and seemed to really enjoy herself as well.

Our new niece

2009-09-21T14:06:00.008-04:00

WElCOME TAYLOR ANNE BAILEY! 8lbs. 2 1/2 oz. 21 inches long

Wow, God answered our prayers! Lauren was 5 days overdue and scheduled to be induced this Tuesday if Taylor didn't come. Daniel and I were suppose to go home to VA on Sunday but since Lauren really wanted me here for the birth we decided to stay one more day and pray that Taylor would come naturally before we had to leave. The whole family had lunch together on Sunday and nothing appeared to be happening. A little later Lauren took a little bit of castor oil and then Lauren, Paola, Grandma, and myself decided to go to the mall and walk to see if that would help any. She did begin having some mild contractions during the afternoon but we still weren't sure if it was the real thing. We came home and walked some more and Lauren continued having mild contractions. Lauren and Michael headed home a little later and left Joseph here so they could get prepared to head to the hospital. They got there about 9:30pm and called for me to go ahead and drive up there. All the men stayed home with the kids while I drove mom and I to the hospital. She was already dilated 5-6 centimeneters by the time we arrived. Things moved very quickly and Taylor was born at 11:03pm. It was a beautiful birth! Lauren did it completely natural and did such a great job. It was my first time to ever see a baby be born. I am always the one in labor and can't enjoy it or observe anything! It was so special. I am so thankful God worked it out for me to be there for it. As you can see Taylor is a beautiful baby with fuzzy blond hair.

A very proud Uncle Daniel and Aunt Lindsay!
Uncle Daniel

We are so happy for Michael and Lauren!

Aunt Paola and Aunt Lindsay visiting Taylor this morning! Friday Night. Paola and Grandma both got pictures sandwiched between the 2 pregnant women. These were our last photo's pregnant together.

Grandpa did a great job entertaining my kids while Daniel was gone so I could stay with Lauren. I can't believe he already has them shooting bows and arrows! Their pretty good!

Recipe of the Month ~ Protein Bars

2009-09-14T21:10:00.005-04:00

I know I have not faithfully published a recipe every month on here like I intended but here is one for September! Several people on Facebook saw a status update about me making protein bars and wanted the recipe. I actually got the recipe I use from my sister, Lauren Bailey. She got the recipe from a co-worker several years ago when she worked in a beauty salon.

Protein Bars

2 c. chocolate whey protein powder

1 jar natural crunchy peanut butter

2 c. old fashioned oats

2 c. honey (I sometimes use less)

Melt peanut butter and honey together in microwave for 1 minute. Stir well and then add in the oats and protein. Mix thoroughly and press into a glass 9 x 13- inch dish. Cover and chill in refrigerator for several hours and then cut into bars. Keep stored in refrigerator with lid on. These will keep a long time.

Re-cap of Summer 2009 ~ August

2009-09-13T16:28:00.010-04:00

I already posted some pics of James' 4th birthday party but here is his birthday dinner on his actual birthday with just our family.

Daddy with the birthday boy

Bubby loves anything made with oreo's so I decided to make him a "Dirt Cake". As I figured...He LOVED it!

The Rich Family Reunion in Emory VA.

The oldest set of Rich brothers! PawPaw and Uncle Neel. Our boys, Isaac and James are the youngest set of Rich Brothers.

Nana
left to right: Cousin Kathy, Daniel, myself, Uncle Macon and Aunt Teresa.
Sissy ate a ridiculous amount of watermelon:-)

Blueberry Picking

In Early August we decided to spend a day out in the country. We started off with a picnic on the Appalachian Trail in Craig County and then went Blueberry picking at a Farm close to the trail. It was a really fun day! We picked lots of Blueberries to take home and freeze since we love eating them in our Pancakes. The kids really enjoyed this day. We let them take their Easter buckets to put their Blueberries in.

This pond was right next to the Blueberry Bush's. I just love this picture of our children!

Re-cap of Summer 2009 ~ July

2009-09-13T15:45:00.006-04:00

Here are a few pics of the 4th. followed by some pics of everyday life below.

This is Isaac and Grace participating in a show at the Salem Fair. They were adorable!

We love to eat on the 4th! Don't you? Hamburgers, Hotdogs, and homemade ice cream are among our family's 4th of July favorites:-)

After we ate we took the kids to the River in Radford to watch the Big fireworks show. Afterwards Daddy and the boys set off small fireworks in the road in front of our house while Sissy and I watched:-)

Everyday Life

I realized one day in July that I never take pictures of just everyday life in our family so I took a few pics at dinner one night. Yes we do let our boys run around with no shirts on when we aren't going anywhere:-) One of our favorite main dish's that does not require much trouble on my part. Roasted chicken and potatoes with fresh herbs. The kids actually like it. I don't have time to make time consuming meals anymore and I often turn to my quick roll recipe made out of whole wheat. This is what our kids dress like when they pick out their own clothes:-) Isaac is wearing winter clothes in July and James is wearing Isaac's clothes which are too big!

Re-cap of Summer 2009 ~ June

2009-09-13T15:00:00.008-04:00

In June I took the kids to the Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke with a group of friends from church. We all had a great time. Here is some of our group waiting for the train ride. The kids were so excited:-)

I feel so blessed to have Godly friends with children close to the ages of my children!

Trip to GA

Also in June Daniel and I took a Real Estate Asset protection class in Atlanta and left the kids with Grandma and Grandpa. After the class we all went to Johns Creek to let all the grandkids play in the water and eat water melon. We had a great time! The guys left to right, Josh, Michael, and Daniel.

The girls left to right. Myself, Paola, and Lauren.
All the kids with Uncle Michael

HAPPY BIRTHDAY POPS!

2009-09-08T19:15:00.003-04:00

We are at Topsail Island this week on our family vacation but we just wanted to take a minute to wish a very special Pops a Happy Birthday! We wish we could celebrate with you but hope this has been a great birthday for you anyway. We love you VERY MUCH!

Love, Daniel, Lindsay, Isaac, James, Grace and Mercy

Mercy

2009-09-01T15:49:00.006-04:00

Several people have started asking me what we will need for Mercy so I thought I would post a link to her registry http://www.target.com/ . Go to baby registry and type in Daniel Rich or Lindsay Rich in the name box and it should bring it up. Some church friends are going to host a shower for her sometime in October. That will be great since this will be our first shower for a girl!

Less than 10 weeks to go!

2009-08-30T19:44:00.004-04:00

Well, this pregnancy will soon be over! I am very much ready to meet our daughter for the first time and see what she looks like and what her personality is like. It will be so much fun to see how different she is from the rest of our children. My comfort level has greatly dimished this month. I am noticing that I have far less energy and alot more back and rib pain. I also have to go to the bathroom constantly and don't sleep well at night due to all of the above. I've been asked by my friends if I am having "hormonal moments". Its not been too bad really except that I seem to get stressed easier than usual due to my lack of energy and I did start crying recently when I realized I had been driving our van around with expired tags. All in all though things are going very well! I am enjoying our first official year of homeschooling and trying to make and freeze as much apple butter and applesauce as I can from our apple tree for the kids to enjoy over the winter. They love helping me gather the apples. The most fun part for Bubby is getting to throw all the bad ones down the hill. Daniel and I started the ministry training program at our church last week and we love it. I can tell it is really going to take us deeper in our relationships with God and eachother. We have classes 2 mornings a week from 7:30am to 9:30am. The kids love the fact that Amanda Woodrum babysits them and feeds them breakfast on those mornings. Thank God for home school students who are available to babysit at odd times! As far as other news goes. God has done some amazing things in our Family business and we are trusting Him to continue growing it for us. We took a Creative Real Estate Financing class in Richmond recently that we both really benefitted from. Isaac spent this past weekend with his grandparents in Bluefield and really enjoyed it. It was so strange only having 2 kids. We missed him alot! Especially James who begged me to go get him Friday morning and bring him home. He sure does love his big brother. We are heading down to the beach on Saturday and our whole family can hardley wait! We will be there for 7 nights. We go to Topsail Island N.C. because we like being able to stay away from all the people and can always find a place on the beach to be alone as a family. This will be our last vacation as a family of 5! A precious little 10 month old Mercy will be with us next year:-).

Less than 100 days!

2009-08-03T20:09:00.006-04:00

My friend Leah-Joy reminded me that it is now less than a hundred days until my due date! 95 days to be exact! I don't know if I have mentioned this on the blog yet but my younger sister Lauren is due a few weeks before me with her 2nd child. We are both having little girls. Mercy and Taylor will be just 7-8 weeks apart. Here we are at the end of the birthday party Sunday looking a little tired and pale!
Daniel and I's sweet nephew Joseph (Lauren and Michaels 1st child)

Brother Josh and sister Paola enjoying watching all the kids play at the park.

Family walk. Joseph loved being pushed by cousin Isaac!

James' 4th Birthday

2009-08-03T17:04:00.010-04:00

James is turning 4 on August 14th! We had our GA family up for the weekend this past weekend though so we celebrated yesterday with a party outside at our house. We invited all the family as well as James' friends. I think all the kids had a really big time!

James was extremely pleased with his sports cake made by my friend Kari Beth. She did a great job. James was so happy with it!

We had a water balloon war for the party game. It was definitely a hit! Caleb Hash even got the bright idea to put some water balloons on the trampoline, fun!

Little 2 year old Grace, soaking wet but very content:-) We had a kiddie pool here also which worked well for the younger ones. (A big thanks to Pops for driving all the way back to Bluefield from Wytheville to bring it!) James' Mommy, Daddy, and GA family were up until midnight filling up all the water balloons out in the front yard. We completely filled the turtle pool and 4 buckets full of them!

The Rich Brothers Part 2

2009-07-14T18:25:00.003-04:00

Some of you may remember that awhile back I did a post about the Rich brothers. Now that they are age 5 and almost 4 I thought I would do a continuation of some things the Rich Brothers have said and done lately:-)

1. This past Sunday Bubby (aka James) wore 4 pairs of underwear to church. I didn't realize it until some friends invited us to go out to eat after church and Bubby needed to go to the bathroom. I helping him I discovered what he had done. When I asked him why he would do such a thing... he said he wanted to wear all the new spider man underwear I had just bought.

2. Isaac is very interested in cars knows just about every make and model he see's when we're out and about.

3. Isaac is also very electronically inclined, He can operate the dryer, the tv/dvd , the sound system, my cell phone, and lots of other things!

Pregnancy Update

2009-07-01T14:09:00.006-04:00

I have decided that I want to keep better records of my pregnancies, so I am going to write a short update every so often.

3 weeks~ positive pregnancy test, began going in for regular blood work
4 weeks~ Doctor decides because of my previous miscarriages to put me on progesterone, aspirin, and high doses of folic acid
5 weeks~ blood work continues and looks very promising with great HCG levels detected
6 weeks~severe morning sickness/vomiting began and grew worse
7 weeks~miserable with constant vomiting, we felt comfortable letting the family know I was pregnant at this point!
8 weeks~miserable and dehydrated from constant vomiting.
9 weeks~ got a drug called zofran and still felt very yucky but only vomited occasionally
10 weeks~still on zofran and feeling yucky but made it back to church for the first time in several weeks!
12 weeks~ some improvement but still feeling tired and yucky
14 weeks~ major improvement though not functioning up to par.
16 weeks~ took a weekend trip to Charleston for our 6th anniversary and went off zofran the same week.
17 weeks~ completely back to normal and functioning with plenty of energy!
18 weeks~ found out we were having a girl named Mercy, later in the week woke up in the middle of the night with Kidney stones, had surgery to place a stint
19 weeks~ had stint removed, tired all week
20 weeks~ back to functioning with plenty of energy again!
21 weeks~ weight gain up to date is 11lbs

*I hope I didn't scare anyone from wanting to have a baby with my record keeping! Most people don't go through anywhere near that much being pregnant. It is always SO WORTH any suffering I have to endure!

*Remember: The fruit of the womb is HIS reward!

Summer Home Schooling

2009-06-20T18:18:00.009-04:00

Wow, it is hard to believe that this coming school year I will officially be a homeschool mom at 25! HA! I'm sure some of you are laughing right now because I know most people's idea of a home school mom would definitely not be me! I am so thankful that all the dreams and desires I had as a teenager were also God's plans for my life! I feel so blessed to be able to live the life I dreamed of as a teenager even though challenges sometimes come, like kidney stones and morning sickness:-). Daniel and I are both homeschool graduates so whenever our future children's education became a topic of discussion during our relationship there was never any question whether we would home school our children. It is all we have known and we couldn't imagine life any other way for our family. I know it WON'T be easy but I am very excited to start this new chapter of our lives! Isaac will be in Kindergarten and James will be in K4 this year. I have signed them up for a Classical Conversations Co-op. You can learn more about it here http://classicalconversations.com/
They will go one day a week and do most of their school through that except bible, language arts, and math during the early elementary grades. For bible we have several different devotional, and bible story books we can use for Kindergarten and for scripture memory Isaac will start his 3rd year of AWANA's in the Fall and James his 2nd year. For math and phonics we plan to use Abeka, for handwriting we plan to use "A Reason for Handwriting". I don't have our Fall schedule all planned out yet because it will be tricky to fit in all the breastfeeding time slots once Mercy arrives. I will try and post our Fall schedule once our curriculum arrives and I get it all figured out:-). Our summer schedule looks something like this.

*All times are approximate and may vary day to day

7:30am -boys get up and turn on one of their movies in the basement.
8:00am -Mommy and Daddy get up, Daddy preps breakfast (sometimes I make something the day before like banana bread and some mornings I get up early enough to make other things) while Mommy gets ready for the day and brings sister downstairs to eat.
We have breakfast and Bible time together as a Family most mornings.
9:30am- Chore time! Isaac dries whatever clothes Mommy put in the washer the night before and James unloads the dishwasher which we usually run every evening.
10:00am-we work on just a little bit of phonics and math and then we just read books! (our kids have all signed up for the summer reading program at the library and are trying hard to earn their goodies:-).
12:30pm- we have lunch and and then a quick clean time of the main level of our house.
1:30pm-Sissy has naptime unless we have somewhere to go. Boys have either outside time or quiet time. I have quiet time, check my e-mail, make phone calls, make bread, and sometimes go walking or run errands during this time if Daddy is working from home that day. Sometimes when pregnant or nursing and I've had a rough night, I may just take a nap:-)
6:00pm- I try to have dinner ready
After dinner we have family time either outside or inside, we like to walk down to Custards Corner (an ice cream stand) on summer evenings. We also attend a Life Group from our church and enjoy having people over for supper.
8:30om- kids go to bed and Mommy and Daddy get some time together! Some evenings I read a good book out loud to Daniel, some evenings we just talk and pray, some evenings we like to check our Facebooks or watch something.

exception days-
* Wednesday mornings we go to our church Play Group and usually have lunch with them
* Friday mornings If I can I like to take all 3 children to the library to pick out new books.
* Some days we have people or family over.
* Sometimes at night I enjoy meeting someone for coffee! (though for me it's usually a tall caramel latte)

minus the kidney stones, this has been a GREAT summer so far!

Brothers

2009-06-17T21:16:00.003-04:00

Daniel is his parents only son. I also grew up in a family with only one son. For the first time we are getting a front row seat to observing brothers by watching our own 2 sons! It is so much different! When there is only one boy the mother tends to be very attached to her only son and the only son just has a completely different personalty without having any other male competition in the house. This is a great thing but having 2 sons just makes everything totally different. Daniel and I being completely new to the whole "brother relationship" are just learning and praying about their relationship as we go along. Pray for us if you think about it, we want to do everything we can to help our boys be brothers AND best friends. I was so encouraged today when I dropped the boys off at the Classical Coversations Camp they attended this morning.
When Isaac and James walked into their class dressed alike as usual one of the other little boys came up to them and said "Hey, why are ya'll wearing the same shirt?" as if he thought it was kind of silly. Isaac said very boldly "Because we're brothers!" James then piped up and said in his serious deep voice "Yeah, and brothers stick together!"
I don't know where they got that but I am so excited that is how our precious boys see their relationship!`

The stent is out!

2009-06-15T10:42:00.003-04:00

I woke up really early this morning absolutely dreading having my stent removed. It was a disgusting process and I won't go into any detail but now that it's over I feel SO MUCH better! The nurse said me being pregnant put a ton of pressure on the stent causing all the frequent painful urination and the intense side/lower back pain I was having. Praise God I think this process is finally over! I was very disheartened when they told me that usually people who get them once get them again throughout their life. Please pray and believe with me that this will not happen, especially during my pregnancies! I know you all probably think of your grandfather when you think of someone getting kidney stones. I had never even heard of a 25 year old getting them before. It is pretty rare to get them so young but definitely not impossible! Daniel and I have decided that we are going to buy a really nice big water bottle (BPA free) and start measuring my water intake each day and keep fresh lemons on hand in our fridge in an effort to prevent this from happening again. I am SOOOO thankful this is over and little Mercy appears to be doing fine. I smile now every time I feel her move reminding me that she is still here:-)

Please continue to pray

2009-06-13T20:13:00.004-04:00

I know there are people out there suffering much worse things but this stint the urologist put in my kidney is giving me fits! It is causing alot of side and lower back pain not to mention burning!
It is soooo uncomfortable. Just going to the bathroom is a huge ordeal and being pregnant I have to go constantly! Please pray that God would give me the strength to make it until Monday and that having it taken out won't be too painful. I am soo ready to be back to my active life. Wow, health and the ability to do things is such a BLESSING! Do not ever take it for granted and thank God for it daily! This is a good reminder for me to pray for people who are living in pain all the time for various health reasons. I cannot imagine what that would be like and now have a huge amount of compassion for the elderly and others who are suffer excruciating pain and discomfort of any kind on a regular basis. I am also trying my best not to think about the pain and just be excited that I am going to have a baby! I even created a Target baby registry for her today and it really helped get my mind off things and just get excited about little Mercy coming to join us soon. Thanks for your prayers! Lindsay

Pregnancy Scare

2009-06-11T18:33:00.004-04:00

So far we have told no one about this outside of our family but during the wee hrs of the morning on Wednesday I woke up in horrible pain that would not go away. For almost an hour I tried sitting on the toilet, changing positions, and walking around to ease the pain. The pain just got worse and and worse until I began hollering to go to the ER. Daniel loaded the kids into the van and on the way to the ER the pain got worse, finally by the time we made it in the door I was screaming in pain. I didn't see how I could be in that much pain without losing the baby but having experienced a natural childbirth I also knew that this pain was far worse than any pain associated with an unmedicated childbirth. It seemed as though everyone in the ER was going as slowly as possible. (I'm sure this was not the case but it seemed that way). The ER doc didn't have a clue what was going on and thought I was in labor. He even checked me and told me I had dilated some. I began to shake uncontrollably and hyperventilate partly from the pain and partly from being so scared of losing the baby. Finally after what seemed like forever and talking to my OB on the phone they decided to do an ultrasound to check my kidneys. Sure enough one of my kidneys was severely enlarged and strange looking. They put me on extremely high doeses of morphine to help me cope with the pain. I laid in the ER for over 10 hrs before they finally got me in a room and comfortable bed. I was soooo uncomfortable in that ER! My back began to hurt from laying on that awful stretcher type bed for so long. Once I got to my room they gave me morphine the rest of the day to help manage the pain until they could do surgery that evening and put a stint in my kidney. The procedure went very well and they were able to locate and remove two stones from my kidney. They decided to put me to sleep and do a local amesthetic instead of general anesthesia since I was pregnant.
However the local anesthetic didn't take and I woke up in excruciating pain feeling I was being chopped with knives and intense burning. There was a glitch in the computer system and the nurse was unable to pull up what my doctor said about the surgery what I could have for pain and because of that it took my nurse an hour and half to get a hold of the doctor and the pain medication I needed. The pain meds took the edge off the pain almost immediately and I got up this morning doing much better. We were discharged around lunch time today and finally we are home. I told Daniel on the way home that I would not wish this experience on the devil himself!
Wow ladies, next time you think childbirth is the worse pain there is, think about someone with kidney stones! I can attest after experiencing both that kidney stone pain is 10 times worse than the pain of natural childbirth. I wrote this post because I think every pregnant woman should be aware of kidney stones and how to recognize the symptoms (excruciating pain in one side and the feeling of having a contraction that never ends, burning "down there"). I had never heard of pregnant women having kidney stones and could have avoided a ton of emotional pain thinking I was losing the baby in that ER if I had been more educated about kidney stones in pregnancy. Don't forget to drink LOTS of water when you are pregnant. I thought I was drinking enough because I drank everytime I was thirsty but apparently I was not and was amazed when I was told in the ER that I was partially dehydrated and that can contribute to causing kidney stones. I am just so grateful that our precious Mercy is ok! Please be praying that all the pain killers and narcotics will have no affect on her health. I feel so blessed after being afraid I was losing her that we made it through everything that she is still tucked away safely inside of me:-).
That is the best thing I could have asked for and I am praising God for protecting her!

A dream come true...

2009-06-05T09:33:00.007-04:00

Our 4th child is a GIRL! We took some time last night to really process everything and we are SO happy and stand amazed at how perfectly God is planning out our family. He truly gave us the desire of our hearts. We strongly desired for Grace to get to experience having a sister pretty close in age and that she will have! We always wanted to name our daughters after their 2 wonderful grandmothers so their names are Grace Angela (Grandma Bradfield) and Mercy Lee (Nana Rich). God is so good and we cannot conprehend just how much He has blessed us. Last Christmas we were grieving 2 miscarriages and by this Christmas we will be holding our precious new daughter. God sure has a way of redeeming things even when we don't understand when trials come! I know for me it has given me more patience with my kids, a true heart of gratefulness for my fertility, and a whole new understanding of how each baby God gives is truly a gift and a privilege...

Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing Shall doubtless come again rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him! Psalm 26:5-6

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth, Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed but shall speak with their enemies in the gate. Psalm 127:4-5

Our 6th Anniversary

2009-05-26T18:10:00.011-04:00

Daniel and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary on May 24, 2009! If you all don't mind, I just have to brag on my sweet husband. He planned our very first anniversary trip to Charleston, SC without any input from me! He didn't even tell me where we were staying or anything we would be doing to make it all a surprise for me. It was the best trip ever! I think I enjoyed it even more than our honeymoon because once you have little ones a break just to enjoy anything as a married couple alone means SO MUCH MORE! I'm sure those of you with little ones know what I am talking about. We lived in 2 different states right up until our wedding day and then had children right away so it has never been possible to do do as much together as we would have liked. I wouldn't change anything about our past for the world (other than get married a year sooner like Daniel always says:-) but it was nice to be able to have that time alone together! Thankyou Lord! and a BIG Thankyou to Nana and Pops Rich for keeping our kids so we could do this!

Here we are in downtown Charleston .

My anniversary gift to Daniel, 2 pairs of jeans he desperately needed! Daniel planned out the day of our Anniverary just the way he knew I would want it:-) We started the day by having breakfast at the Charleston cafe, then doing a 5 1/2 mile hike across the West Coleman bridge which was absolutely gorgeous. Then we came back and took advantage of our hot tub before getting ready for the best surprise of all. A real dinner cruise around Charleston complete with live music and private table by the window!

Our hike across the West Coleman bridge

A visit to the Boone Hall Plantation. You may recognize this house, this is where parts of the DVD " The Notebook" was filmed. This is the house where Allie lived with her parents.

Sweetheart, Thank You for planning this trip and making it so perfect! It meant so much to me! I had the best time ever. These have by far been the best 6 years of my life and I love you with all my heart!

your wife

WOW, do I ever love being married to someone I loved and waited so many years to marry! It was worth every tear I cried and all the pain I felt living so far away from him. Only God could give us a marriage like this and I know without a doubt that it is a true gift from Him...

How hard should we as parents try to be FAIR with our children?

2009-05-18T23:43:00.010-04:00

I'm sure as with anyone expecting their 4th child, child training is on my heart and mind alot! I have read a ton of books on the subject and should be an expert and have perfectly behaved children. But guess what? I don't! Go figure haha! Because the bible isn't perfectly clear on every issue of childtraining, all I can do is continue to read, learn everything I can, and pray for WISDOM as I go along in this journey. One thing Daniel and I have talked alot about is fairness between siblings. Some parents are so fair it is almost funny to watch them spend down to the exact dollar on each child for christmas, birthdays, and graduations. Many parents say they don't try too hard to make everything fair between their children because they want their children to understand that life isn't fair which certanly makes alot of sense as well. What Daniel and I have observed in OUR particular family though is that when we are not fair it causes our children to dislike eachother and not want to be as good of friends. We also have the example of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis chapter 37 of the tension it caused between Joseph and his brothers when Jacob didn't treat his children fairly. I like what I recently heard a wise mother say " decide together what your goals are for your family and make your decisions based on prayer and what it takes to achieve those goals ". Daniel and I have decided that our goal of helping our children be best friends is more important to us than having them learn from us that life isn't fair. There are many other ways to learn that life isn't fair such as a rained out soccer game or losing a pet. Don't we want them to learn to treat others with fairness? Afterall, how do we adults feel when we aren't being treated fairly in business or in other situations? So for now our conclusion is that we will do everything we can to be fair with our children. We feel that if our children see us doing everything in our power to treat them fairly and expect the same effort (I say "effort" because some children will have more talent in certain area's than others) from each of them, then as they mature they will begin to appreciate our relentless efforts to be fair and be more understanding when a special situation arises where it is simply not possible. I think it is an area that each family should put alot of thought and prayer into. The Lord may lead your family to a completely different conclusion!

*What do you think? Does anyone have any wisdom they would like to share on this topic from personal experience growing up or raising their own children? I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject! I would love to hear not only from moms but also from teens and young adults who consider their siblings to be their closest friends.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Bradfield!

2009-05-12T16:16:00.012-04:00

Daniel and I now have a new sister! We are so happy to announce that Josh and Paola became Mr. and Mrs. Bradfield this past Sunday May 10th, 2009. Their wedding was very special and I think everyone there was just marveling at how faithful God was to Josh and Paola. It began to rain about an hour before the ceremony but then cleared just long enough for them to have their beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony just the way they dreamed it... Did I mention that I absolutely love my new sister? I always wanted a big sister and now I've got one! She is a month older than me :-)

The groom with all the bridesmaids

Lauren, Lindsay, and Michelle. Josh, I must say you were quite a handsome groom! All 3 of the Rich kids (well I guess literally all 4) were asked to be in the wedding and they were adorable! Yes Bubby did slide down the aisle on his back a couple times but overall I thought they were the cutest ringer bearers and flower girl I've ever seen!

As you can see the bride was absolutely stunning. Her beautiful brazilian looks coupled with the anticipation and glow of a pure and radiant bride made her one of the most beautiful brides I have ever seen.

Paola did an awesome job choosing the bridesmaids dresses and jewelry. We were all thankful for her good taste! She put so much thought and time into out bridesmaids gifts as well. They were beautiful! Thankyou Paola!

Wedding pictures to be continued...

Wedding Month!

2009-05-01T01:51:00.018-04:00

You may have noticed the songs playing on the blog. They are mostly a collection of songs from our wedding. Thats because this month Daniel and I will celebrate 6 wonderful years of marriage! This is also the month that our siblings Josh and Paola will begin their marriage. Hopefully later on this month we will have some great pictures from their wedding to share. It is on my heart this month leading up to the date our wedding took place to share a few things that I have learned in my marriage to Daniel both as a reminder to myself and to encourage others to make our marriage's be all that they can be for the glory of God! Marriage can be romantic and heavenly long after the wedding is over but it takes effort and maturity on our parts to make it that way. This is for you little Grace Rich and any future daughters and daughter-in-loves that come into our family. May God make us the "helpmeets" that he created us to be!

#1 A soft answer turns away wrath~ As the woman of the house we set the mood in our homes and our husbands are greatly affected by the mood we set. It is difficult during PMS, during times of sickness, when kids misbehave, the baby is fussy, and the house is not as clean as we would like not to be irritable, sensitive, or over emotional. We all have days like this and can't always keep ourselves from feeling that way but one thing I learned from my mother growing up is to always use a soft answer even on the worst of days. The tone and volume of your voice says more than your words.

Proverbs 15:1 says~ A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.

#2 Nothing causes a husband to want to get away more than a nagging wife. It can be very frustrating when the trash is running over, the van needs work, and he dosn't seem to notice or you would like him to do something that he dosn't seem to care about doing. I have learned to try and mention something no more than twice (men are one track minded and it is possible he wasn't paying attention the first time you said it). When you have mentioned it twice and he still dosn't do it, it is time to put your marriage first by either not letting it bother you or taking it apon yourself to take care of the need. Yes, it is possible (with your husbands permission of course) for a wife to learn to pick out good tires, go to the auto store and buy the correct brake pads and find the most economical place in town to get the van inspected or fixed!

Proverbs 27:15 says~ A continual dripping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.

#3 Make your bedroom a place you want to spend time together~ A few months ago I attended a womens conference at our church. The wise woman who taught a class on marriage told us that a couples bedroom is a pretty good indicator of their intimate life. This doesn’t mean buying expensive décor or furnishings but keeping it uncluttered and a romantic place to spend time together. This is especially important when you have several small children all competing for Daddy’s attention as soon as he walks in the door and you hardly get the chance to talk. There also tends to be toys in every room of your house and dates can’t be as often as would be ideal . It is great to have one room with no toys or tv where you shut out all the busyness of life to focus solely on eachother. Clean sheets, cheap picture frames and votive candles bought 3 for $1 can do alot to make the bedroom a lovely date place! This is where I think we could actually take some lessons from the immoral woman in Proverbs to use on our husbands!

Proverbs 7: 15-18 says~ So I came out to meet you, diligently to seek your face and I have found you. I have spread my bed with tapestry, colored coverings of egyptian linen, myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love until morning, let us delight ourselves with love.

#4 It is hard for a husband to love a wife who does not love herself. I struggled alot with low self esteem growing up. If I am not careful it is still easy for me to get down on myself. Most of you probably remember the serious van accident we were involved in back in March of 2006. I was driving when the accident occured and became deeply embittered at myself in the weeks following. I cannot tell you the burden it lifted off of our marriage when I finally forgave myself. This can also apply to not complaining to our husbands about other imperfections we feel make us unattractive. What I have found is that Daniel finds me attractive even at 9 months pregnant and even right after giving birth and he can’t stand to listen to me try and tell him otherwise!

Romans 8:1 says~ There is therefore now no condemnation to those are in Christ Jesus

Song of Solomon 4:7 says~ You are all fair my love, And there is no spot in you.

#5 Let your husband know that you are proud to be his wife~ A couple years ago just before my sisters rehearsal dinner I went into a junk store to find a necklace to wear with my outfit that evening. I bought a cute charm to put on a necklace I already owned. The charm had a beautiful R on it. I will be honest and say the thought that charm could benefit my marriage never crossed my mind. The first time Daniel saw me wear it he let me know how much he liked it, that it made him made him feel like I was branded as his and proud to be Mrs. Rich. I now proudly wear that necklace as often as possible!

Proverbs 31:23 says~ Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.

#6 Make your home a place your husband can’t wait to come home to~ Even if the day has been less than perfect or worse, try to meet your husband at the door with a good attitude and let him know you are delighted to see your lover! Not because the trash is running over and you need help with the kids so you can cook dinner. No man wants to come home to a stressed out wife flinging kids at him as soon as he comes in the door.

Song of Solomon 2:8 says~ The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes Leaping upon the mountains, Skipping upon the hills.

#7 Give him time to do something he enjoys~ Last fall I could not understand why Daniel would want to join the church volleyball team. He had no experience playing volleyball and I would have to give him up twice a week for several months. However I now love watching him get into his games so intensely and dive all over the court for the ball. It ended up bringing me a lot of joy to go to his games and see him have such a good time.

1 Corinthians 13:5 says~ Love does not seek its own

#8 Make sure his love tank is full~ I highly recommend the book “The five love languages by Gary Chapman to learn the language that conveys the most love to your spouse. For Daniel and I’m sure alot of other men that language is physical touch. Think of ways you can surprise your husband by loving him in his love language. For example, when He is out somewhere, go find his car and tie a plastic bag to his steering wheel with something pretty of yours inside and leave a note saying “There is a woman who loves you with all her heart waiting for you at 540 Chinquapin Trail”. He will have quite a happy drive home!

#9 Give your husband a safe place he can share absolutely everything with no fear of condemnation~ Be his heart, be his soul mate. If you came to our wedding you may remember that my father-in-love sang a song to us that he wrote. A few words to that song were " You will be his heart". I always remembered those words and have tried my best to be his heart. I want to encourage you to open the door for your husband to talk to you about ANYTHING even if there is a chance it could hurt you. Listen to all of his hopes, dreams, and goals for his life, his business, and for your family and purpose to make them your own.

Proverbs 31:11 says~ The heart of her husband safely trusts in her.

#10 Spend time each day praying for your husband~ I highly recommend the book “The Power of a Praying wife” by Stormie Omartin. Prayer changes our husband’s lives more than anything else. Pray that he will be the spiritual leader and father that God would have him to be. Pray that God will order his steps that day and bless him in his business. That he would have favor both with God and with men.

Romans 12:12 says ~ Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.

It is my hope that all of you who read this will not think I have arrived at being a Godly wife in any way. I am so far from it. I still have so much more to learn and much farther to go in learning to be the helpmeet God created me to be for Daniel. Blessings on all your marriages! ~Delighted to be "Mrs. Rich"

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Brooker!

2009-04-30T16:14:00.003-04:00

This past Saturday some sweet friends of ours became husband and wife! Coincidentally their names are also Daniel and Lyndsie and they also met at the same homeschool conference that Daniel and I met at a couple years later! Daniel is now 24 and Lyndsie 22 and their love even withstood ovarian cancer to make it to this day. They are such an inspiration! We hated to miss the wedding but are rejoicing with them:-)

Baby Rich Update

2009-04-28T14:56:00.003-04:00

I had my 12 week appoinement this past Friday and got to hear baby Rich's heartbeat for the first time. it was music to my ears after this long ordeal! Everything is going great in my pregnancy. I still struggle with nausea off and on but I am definitely getting back to normal very quickly. I so appreciate being able to take care of my children and house again! Its funny how I didn't realize just how much I truly enjoy my life and my family. Praise God for good health and the ability to enjoy those things!

Praise Report

2009-04-22T23:13:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to share a quick testimony! Daniel and I decided before we were married that we would not plan our marriage or our children around money. We knew that was the opposite of what most people did and I'm sure there are lots of people that thought and still do think we were/are being irresponsible. Well, we very well may be but what we have seen over and over in our lives is that when we put God/marriage/children ahead of money that God always comes through and provides whatever we need right when we need it! We made a risky decision to get married when we were just 19 and Daniel did not have a decent job until a week or 2 before our wedding but it came when we needed it! We ended up having our two boys while Daniel was in college and not once did I have to get a job. The 3 years that Daniel was in college were 3 of the happiest years of our lives and we look back on them with the best of memories! Things have been tight at times but not once have we ever had a need that God didn't provide for. We again made what most people would call a stupid decision to try for another child just months after Daniel lost his job in Bluefield. However, now that we are expecting our 4th child we are really beginning to see even more breakthroughs in our family business. Praise God! We know that only God could do this for us and we give Him ALL the glory! It is nothing we have done on our own. I just want to encourage you all to do whatever God puts on your heart to do and trust Him alone to provide for you!

Our little girl is 2 years old now!

2009-04-20T17:58:00.006-04:00

What a sweet little daughter you are! You are a joy to us and we are excited about the woman you are becoming!

I wish I had gotten more good pictures of our guests but I really wasn't feeling much like taking or being in pictures!
This is what we bought Grace for her birthday. It is a girly tricycle that can be pushed by an adult until she is old enough to pedal, then the handle can be removed. It is a radio flyer for ages 2-5. We have taken it out on the street a few times and so far we love it and she loves it!

I wanted to take the time to post a few pictures of Grace's 2nd birthday party. We only invited her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousin since I still wasn't feeling that great. I am doing much better though! I have cut back on my medication though I do still take it faithfully everyday. I am only 11 weeks along and I have never felt this good at 11 weeks. I want to thank everyone who has faithfully prayed for me because I know it worked! Somehow when you are so nauseous you can't see straight and vomiting constantly it is hard to see how you will live through it. I have had the flu and other things but pregnancy sickness is by far the most miserable sickness I have ever experienced. I always in the end though realize just how much it was all worth it! I have to be sick for few weeks but this child will always be a part of our lives! That is so exciting to think about. I will always be able to understand other young mothers experiencing the same thing in a way that other people can't. I hope I will be able to bless other young moms going through the same thing throughout my life whether it be my own adult children or someone in my church.

Easier Days

2009-04-08T20:20:00.003-04:00

I am now going on 10 weeks pregnant and our days are finally starting to get easier. I have had the strength to be able to take care of the children every afternoon this week. I am so thankful! Although I have had a really tough few weeks God has really shown me just how blessed I am. He provided the medicine I needed and the help I needed. Daniel susprised me earlier this week by declaring that our family would go on vacation this summer! I almost cried! I desperately wanted to have a family vacation before the baby arrived but had not even allowed myself to think about it because of all the changes and new businesses we began this year. God is good! I feel so blessed to be going! This will be our last trip with our family as we know it. Future trips will include a 6th family member! It is still hard to process that we will soon be a family of 6. This will be such new territory for Daniel and myself since we both come from small families of 3 children. I'm not sure either one of us has any idea what having a big family will be like. It is both exciting and scary at the same time! God definitely provided us with a bigger house just in time and we will not have to worry about bursting out of our home with all the baby gear when baby Rich arrives. Its probably a good thing I don't know the sex of the baby or I would already have Daniel painting the nursery and want to shop for baby items as excited as I am:-)

The value of good friends...

2009-04-04T17:08:00.005-04:00

I just want to take a moment to say just how blessed Daniel and I have been with good friends! We have only been back in Christiansburg and at our church since July yet throughout this time of sickness we have had so much help and many more offers of help. Daniel and the kids have had meals brought almost every night for over a week and there are friends lined up to take care of meals next week! My friend Cyndi has even taken care of our kids and offered to do so once a week until I get better. I can't begin to thank everyone enough! I hope you all know how much it has meant to Daniel and I. This time last year while we were in Bluefield I was feeling so lonely and wondered if I would ever have many friends I shared things in common with. God has more than met that need in my life and I look forward to growing even closer with the friends I have made.
I have wondered many times why God would give me the desire to have a large family and then allow me to go into hyperemesis (severe nausea and vomiting assiciated with pregnancy) for several weeks every time I'm pregnant. Each time I go through this though I am reminded of what a small price it is to pay. There are so many women out there who would give anything to have a child but are unable. I am so thankful and blessed that I can go through this and know that one day the reward will be great! It is the first opportunity I get to lay down my life for my child. Some of you already know this but I recently went on a drug called Zofran and it has put a stop to the excessive vomiting. I am so glad that I finally found a compassionate doctor who truly cared that I was so miserable. I am still extremely nauseous and don't feel like doing anything but life is now MUCH more tolerable for both Daniel and myself now that I don't have to be so weak and dehydrated all the time. God is good! I can actually envision having more children and we will Lord willing!

And the winner of the gift card is...

2009-04-02T12:15:00.003-04:00

Grandma Jan!

I promise the drawing was not rigged in any way! And yes if you already has us on your blog roll I did enter your name twice. Hope you enjoy your Walmart gift card Mom, don't spend it on the kids!

One more day to win a $20 Wal-mart gift card!

2009-03-30T23:08:00.002-04:00

Ok everyone, after midnight tomorrow it will be time to draw names to see who wins the $20 Wal-mart gift card. I will enter only the names of all of our followers plus people who have added us to their blog roll. If you did both your name will be in the drawing twice! Be sure to let me know if you have added us to your blog roll though because I may not know about it otherwise. Can't wait to see who wins!

What my God has done...

2009-03-26T22:08:00.007-04:00

"For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my

petition which I asked of Him." 1 Samuel 1:27

Yes, this verse means what you think it does. This time 3 months ago I was in the depths of despair after suffering a devastating 2nd miscarriage on Christmas Day. I wondered if I would ever give birth to another child. Today I am thrilled to announce that God has heard our prayers and decided to make us a family of 6! We saw precious baby Rich today for the first time with a very strong heartbeat at almost 8 weeks gestation. We will meet this little blessing sometime around November 6th. Please keep us in your prayers these next few weeks as my HCG levels are very high and causing extreme nausea/vomiting which is a wonderful sign as far the health/strength of this pregnancy! Just pray that God will give us the grace to make it through the next few weeks until I get to feeling well. It is especially tough for Daniel trying to pick up the slack when I am so sick. In spite of the sickness though I cannot begin to describe the joy and excitement we feel over this child! After losing 2 it is like having our first child all over again! I also wanted to mention that we have found what is believed to have caused the miscarriage's and the problem was easily fixable. I will write more on that later. God is so good! Please join our family in praying for this precious baby who is looking forward to meeting you all this Fall:-)

Love,

A very happy pregnant Mommy!

6 Secrets

2009-03-22T17:50:00.004-04:00

Ok, I have been tagged by Paola over at Paola and Josh's journal to tell 6 secrets about myself. I don't know if I can think of 6 but here goes...

1. I used to read a very thick book in one day before I met Daniel and did it often. I especially liked biographies of my hero's like Susanna Wesley and novels following United States history.

2. I spend a lot of time reading medical journals and medical research and know a lot terms that sound like foreign language.

3. I analyze/rationalize too much and have to quote Proverbs 3:5 often.

4. Daniel is the only man I have ever kissed or liked in a romantic way

5. Unlike most women I love maternity clothes, they are so comfortable!

6. I like living in SW Virginia and never want to move.

Trip to Massanutten

2009-03-08T12:27:00.003-04:00

We were thrilled to be able to go to Massanutten for free this past week. We went a few weeks ago and sat through a sales pitch for their timeshares just to get a free trip. It was great because they even paid for our water park tickets and gas to get there! The kids did great and we all had a wonderful time.

You can now follow this blog

2009-03-02T09:04:00.006-05:00

If you notice in the side column (may need to scroll down), I have now set my blog up where you can follow it! I am soon going to add a link to our Real Estate Business to the blog so in an effort to drive more internet traffic to the blog I am offering a special incentive! Sign up to follow The Rich Family blog or add us to your blog roll and we will enter your name in a drawing to win a $20 Wal-mart gift card. Who couldn't use a $20 gift card to Wal-mart? The drawing will take place at the end of the month.

Meet The Snowman Rich Family

2009-03-01T22:50:00.007-05:00

Notice that Sissy has pig tails and since Daddy sculpted his own snowman he decided to give himself a buff chest and a six pack:-). He tried his best to make me look pregnant since we are both hoping for that soon. We were so blessed to get more than 6 inches of snow today! I'm sorry these pictures are a little dark. I probably shouldn't have waited so late to start taking pictures.
Isaac has really grown up alot lately, He diligently made 2 large snowballs like this without help. It was so precious watching him work so hard to push these around. They became the bottoms of the Mommy and Daddy snowmen.

The kids with their replica snowmen!

I don't know what it is about boys and throwing snowballs. As you can see it is not just little boys who enjoy throwing snowballs:-)

Mommy with her precious snowbabies

Sissy loved being pulled by her big Brother. He had a hard time pulling her in the yard as pictured but pulled her effortlessly up and down our street! I am so thankful my children are growing up in a place where they can enjoy playing in the snow. That was something I usually missed out on growing up in GA:-)