Kaeleb, the Graduate!!!

Kaeleb Jon, we are so proud of you!!!

Kindergarten is behind you, and you're ready for 1st grade!

Your royal audience.

Last Week of School ~ Whirlwind

Unrelated to school, but Miss Khloie sees her rehab specialist this week who will make the referrals to the cardiologist, neurologist and ophthalmologist.

Kasidi is finished with formal physical therapy for the summer, but her PT has left an extensive list for us to do on a daily basis.  It's paying off though!!!

Last week we had the sports banquet.

Kenzie lettered in fast pitch, basketball, slow pitch and track, and received two special awards in basketball and track!

Kolton lettered in football, power lifting, baseball and track!

Kasidi running away from Bubba Kolton

This weekend we took a day trip to watch my nephew graduate.  Since they rented a house on the lake we got to spend a few minutes in the water.

 We ate a LOT of good food...

 ...had great conversation...

 ...and watched storms roll in.

And this week we have two days of school left, and we're trying to set a record for just how many things we can cram into 7 days...

The Reason for God ~ Chapter One

The excerpt below is copied from Stefanie's blog so you can read the chapter summary.

The Reason for God – Chapter One: There Can’t Be Just One True Religion

Timothy Keller begins by presenting the time honored arguments against the nature of God and Christians in particular – intolerance and exclusivity. And he lays out his response to each of the attempts made by cultural and political leaders to rid the world of the religious binds that they blame for the issues we face today: 1) outlaw religion 2) condemn religion and 3) privatize religion.

Argument 1 – If society could outlaw religion, we would rid ourselves of the divisiveness caused by differing religions – intolerance and violence would disappear. But experimental attempts to outlaw religion in societies has instead created more violence and more intolerance. Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge, Communist China, Soviet Russia and Nazi Germany are all examples of the utter failure of the efforts to remove religion from society. Taken together, the rule of non-religious despots in the 20th Century contributed to an estimated 30 – 40 million deaths. Besides an outright attempt at banning religion, Keller argues that many believe that as science advances, the ‘need’ for religion will summarily subside. And yet, the opposite is actually occurring. As science careens forward, “Virtually all major religions are growing in number of adherents.” [p. 6] Keller believes that religion is not temporary but is instead central to the human condition and that this truth is not going to change.

Argument 2 – If we can’t get rid of religion, can’t we discourage those who claim to have “the truth” and who attempt to convert others? Can’t we just admit that all religions serve the same god, are of equal importance and create the same path to enlightenment? Keller then lays out the arguments:

– All major religions are equally valid and basically teach the same thing
– Each religion sees part of spiritual truth, but none can see the whole truth
– Religious belief is too culturally and historically conditioned to be ‘truth’
– It is arrogant to insist your religion is right and to convert others to it [p. 7, 8, 9, 11]

These axioms – that Keller describes as having been repeated so frequently that they are now considered common sense – have seeped into our society and inconspicuously garnered support with believers and non-believers alike. But as Keller dismantles each axiom, we find that these arguments not only disprove themselves but reveal the self-righteousness and pride of the one making the arguments. “It is no more narrow to claim that one religion is right than to claim that one way to think about all religions (namely that all are equal) is right. We are all exclusive in our beliefs about religion, but in different ways.” [p.14]

Argument 3 – Religion is a private affair and should be kept as such. If one wants to have religion, then it should be reserved for private conversations with those who adhere to the same thoughts and ideas. Keller shows the foolishness of the person who argues against public pronouncements of religious belief because of its supposed toxicity – a case for a secular belief system that, in and of itself, is not universal, and therefore is actually faith based and has the potential to be just as toxic. His grounds are that, “…all moral positions are at least implicitly religious.” [p. 18] Calling for the complete privatization of religion in and of itself is ultimately a conundrum because it is asking to remove itself, the religious secular belief, to be removed as well.

After thoughtfully dismantling each of the arguments presented, Keller comes full circle and states that although religion has the potential to threaten world peace, Christ’s guiding principles can actually lead His followers to be agents for world peace. Not because of any inherent good they might possess, but because of who they are in Christ. He argues that because the Christian understands his inherent sinfulness and need of a Savior, he is able to see the world through a viewpoint of inclusivity not exclusivity. “God’s grace does not come to people who morally outperform others, but to those who admit their failure to perform and who acknowledge their need for a Savior.” [p. 20] We are all sinners in need of a Savior. Therefore, the Christian life – based on the life and death of Jesus Christ who died for those who hated Him and prayed for their forgiveness – should be marked by more honesty, more humility and more selfless love than any other.

Question: Which of the axioms presented by Keller resonated most with you? Do you agree with it or disagree with it? Why?

My response:

This study is proving to be very deep.  In fact, I find myself reading the chapter 3 times to get what Keller is saying.  I feel that the more I get to know, the less I realize I know, if that makes sense.

The axiom that most resonated with me is number 4, it is arrogant to insist your religion is right and to convert others to it.

For some reason I have inadvertently bought into this.  I think it might be the muddy waters between doctrinal truth and cultural/historical beliefs and traditions.  Since coming to know Christ later in life I've had an inherent belief that folks who were raised in the faith must have all the answers and know the walk.  And I'm not pointing a critical finger at those believers; I'm wondering why I've believed that.  In so thinking, I've fallen into the trap of cultural norms.  If so-and-so does such-and-such and believes thus-and-so, then it must be okay.  And then comes doubt.  Doubt in absolute truth.  My 'walk' and my version of Truth gradually conforms to societal standards.  The more I conform, the more I justify my inappropriate responses.  But yet, the Spirit dwells within me, so I know I'm wrong, and the battle rages within.  It would be completely arrogant for a sinner such as myself to insist that my religion is right.

I love what Keller wrote: “God’s grace does not come to people who morally outperform others, but to those who admit their failure to perform and who acknowledge their need for a Savior.”

And that the Christian life should be marked by more honesty, more humility and more selfless love than any other.

My response to Christ should cause others to draw nearer to him.  Just imagine what 'cultural norms' would look like then!

Update on Philippines Trip

I wanted to update you on Kolton's trip to the Philippines next week!
His passport came last week, and the tickets are booked!
The team will fly out early next Wednesday, May 22, the day after school is out.
We praise the Lord for what He has done and is doing.  
If you wish to give to Kolton's trip expenses, you may still use the Paypal Donate button on the side bar.  

THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT HAS COME IN!!!

*Prayer Requests*

1) Kolton's shoulder is better but still not healed.
2) The team: Trevor, Brad, Kolton, Zach


Something so awesome happened last Sunday that I couldn't wait to share it!

Our 2nd oldest krew member, Kolton Tee, was prompted by the Holy Spirit to join a missions team to the Philippines.
Kolton is a hard worker, but he's never expressed a desire to go on missions before.  We've also invited him twice to travel to China with us, and he's declined both times.

But last Sunday he responded with 'Yes!'
Because the team leaves in less than four weeks, we are expediting his passport and scrambling to raise the necessary funds.

Believe me when I say the enemy will try all kinds of schemes to stop him.  Yesterday Kolton's relay team placed 2nd in the meet, but Kolton lunged across the finish line, then fell and injured his shoulder.  X-ray reveals it's not broken, but sprained.  At this point he can't move his arm, so will you please join us in praying for immediate and complete healing?

We are so excited about what the Lord is going to do through this team, and so thankful that He calls young people to life-changing opportunities.  Thank you for praying!!!
Kolton Tee

Kolton T. Johnson

April 22, 2013

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

            I am excited to announce that I will be involved in a great mission opportunity in the Philippines. We will kick off our trip on Monday, May 20^th and return Saturday, June 1^st.  While in the Philippines we will be pouring concrete and laying the tile floor of a church we have helped fund.

            I am asking the Body of Christ to pray for safety, guidance, provision, and most of all that God would be glorified. The Holy Spirit prompted me to join this team on April 20^th, thereby leaving only four weeks to gather the necessary resources. I can’t wait to be the hands and feet of Christ while in the Philippines!

            If the Lord leads you to contribute to my financial need of 3,000 dollars you may give to:

Ringwood First Baptist Church

PO Box 133

Ringwood, OK

73768

*in the memo of your check simply write Philippine Mission Trip*

            I am grateful for this opportunity to serve the Lord and our Philippine brothers and sisters and expect it to be a life changing experience. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated.

            In Him,

            Kolton T. Johnson

Last Call for the 30-Day Challenge!

Okay, y'all, I can't believe the response!  

I'm just as excited as you are about getting started tomorrow, Monday, May 13!

Let's redefine Mondays :)

How many days do we wish we would do something differently or think about changing our habits?  Finally one day we stop thinking and wishing... and we actually do it!

This is that day.

If you've asked me to add you to the private Facebook group and I haven't done so, it's because I can't find you on FB.  I don't want to leave anyone out, so please message me on FB or leave a comment here with your email or FB name.
https://www.facebook.com/connie.darnelljohnson

Let's do this!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

While Mother's Day is meant to celebrate that very special woman whom we call Mom (or Mommy, Mama, Mother...), it can be bittersweet.

Maybe you are longing to have a child and it just hasn't happened.  I pray that our heavenly Father would be your Comfort today and others would be sensitive to your broken heart.

Maybe you didn't have a good mama role model and don't really know what a mom is supposed to be.  I pray that God would wrap His loving arms around you and show you an unsurpassed love.  Whether He uses His children, His Word, your circumstances, or simply gives a fresh perspective, I hope you know you are loved.

Maybe your mama or your daughter have passed, and today you are only reminded of her absence.  I pray that God would fill your mind with such beautiful memories that your sadness would turn to joy.

Maybe you're a mama like me, overwhelmed by the daily tasks of mundane things such as laundry, dishes, mismatched socks, diapers and runny noses.  Today I pray that God would give us fresh perspective as we realize what an awesome responsibility and privilege we have to nurture and grow our Treasures.

Maybe you're a mama who surrendered your baby to the care of someone else.  Today I pray God will give you peace beyond understanding.  I pray you realize what a selfless decision you made and that your presence will always be etched in the heart of your child.

I am incredibly blessed to have 11 children, 3 of which I birthed and 8 because a mama on the other side of the world chose life.  I pray today that each of those 8 mamas have peace in knowing their babies are loved and are thriving under a tiny roof in mid USA.

To birth mamas, THANK YOU for choosing life!

To my children, THANK YOU for your gracious understanding in my failings, but know that I love you with all my heart!

To my mama, THANK YOU for being my mom.  I love you!

To the handful of mamas out there who don't even realize the role model you are to me, THANK YOU for setting a beautiful example!

To my Heavenly Father, THANK YOU for loving me when I am unlovely and for blessing me beyond my wildest dreams!  Thank you for 'ruining' me, allowing my heart to beat for You.

Are You Ready For a Challenge?

 Y'all, whether we like it or not, swimsuit season is right around the corner!
Maybe this doesn't scare you as much as it does me, but I have a whole bunch of little people who love the pool.

You've seen the pictures~
This is what I think I want to look like in a swimsuit...

This is what I actually look like!

Nice, huh?!? 

I'm thinking in the next 30 days I could move at least closer to the first picture. 

Here's where the challenge comes in.

As a Beachbody coach, I'm offering to coach anyone who wants to join me over the next 30 days, in anticipation of swimsuit season!

I believe we can do this together!

We will develop a community of encouragement and accountability, all striving to improve our overall health together!

There will be some requirements in order for us to measure progress and get good results ~

*You must commit for 30 days.

*You must be on Facebook.  This is so we can form a private group to build relationships, encourage one another and stay accountable.

*You must commit to a workout plan.  *I can help with this if you'd like*

*I would recommend that you commit to reporting in daily on the Facebook group.

*There's no time like the present, so let's kick off Monday, May 13th! 

If you're interested in starting an exciting journey of achieving good health, leave a comment on this post.  Also, send me a friend request on Facebook and let me know you want to take The Challenge.  *you can find my Facebook badge in the sidebar*

Let's do this together!

It's not magic.

It requires change.

It requires discipline.

The results will be amazing!

Passport - Check!

Look what came in yesterday's mail...

Kolton's expedited passport!  Praise the Lord!
The reality of him traveling to a foreign land *without me* hasn't sunk in yet.  I've been so excited that he was sensitive to the Spirit and responded that I haven't thought about the reality.

Am I worried?  No.
He is protected.  Hemmed in.
Will I miss him?  Yes.
I enjoy his company.  Even though he's a teenager:)

We are excited about the things God is doing in Kolton's heart.  The journey is just beginning.

He is still raising funds for the trip.  I know folks have responded to his letters, and we are hopeful the church will release the names and addresses so we can personally thank each one of you.  In the meantime, thank you so much!

If you missed the original post, you can read it here.

To Him be glory!! 

The Reason for God ~ Intro

My friend, Stefanie, at Ni Hao Y'all, just completed her first on-line book study on Knowing God by J.I. Packer.  I was so blessed to be a part of that study that when she announced a second one, I wanted in!

We officially start The Reason for God by Timothy Keller next week, but Stefanie posted an introductory question yesterday to kick us off!

This study is going to cause me to dig deep in addressing my cultural and personal beliefs...and doubts.

"Believers are urged to face, head on, both their cultural and personal doubts to Christianity. Skeptics are urged to wrestle with the faith on which their belief – their skepticism – is based, and to consider how handily they could defend those beliefs to those who do not share them. And, at the end of the process, regardless of whether or not our beliefs change, we will hold onto our beliefs with a new-found clarity and humility, and an understanding and respect for the opposing side that we didn’t possess previously.

Question: Can you relate to what Keller says about the need for Christians to dissect their personal and cultural doubts? If so, what are your most pervasive doubts? If not, to what do you attribute your confidence?"

I suppose one of the benefits of not growing up in church and accepting Jesus at age 36 is that I didn't have an inherited faith or beliefs.  However, over the last 12 years as I've tried to live out my faith, I find it easier to settle into the cultural norm.  If asked why I believe what I believe and why I do what I do, I'm not sure I could give a practical answer.  This study will cause me to wrestle with my beliefs and doubts...and hopefully come out on the other side with an answer for the hope that I have!

This is gonna get raw, and it's gonna get real.  That's very humbling.  I'm ready!

What I'm Learning ~ Fitness Talk

What good are mistakes if we can't learn from them, right?
I should be really wise based on the mistakes I make :)  I've made several in my fitness routine that I thought I'd share with you.

Several weeks into P90X I'm figuring out some stuff.  I do the warm-ups and cool-downs for each session, but today is the first time I've done the entire X-Stretch session.  Our bodies need time to recuperate, and X-Stretch is a fantastic way to take care of them.  Why it took me so long to figure this out, I don't know.

Another issue is a sluggish feeling that I couldn't shake after working out so hard.  I'm talking dragging-my-tail tired.  I assumed I knew the answer, but turns out I didn't have a clue.  I talked to my awesome coach about it, and she suggested more protein the night before since I work out super early in the morning.  I also talked to my oldest kiddo, Mr. Personal Trainer, and he told me I need to rebuild muscular cell structure following explosive workouts, and the answer to that is simple carbs.  So eating an apple or other fruit immediately after workouts has made all the difference!

I've suffered from low back pain for years, and I could use it as an excuse not to work out, but instead I'm working around the injury.  I'm really careful with my back, and I discovered today that stretching is a great way to take care of it.

I also have a bum shoulder.  No idea what happened to it, but it's bothered me for almost a year.  I was concerned I might really injure it when I started working out, but I paid close attention to it, and now I'm getting more range of motion, and it's getting better every week!

I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks after all :)

I'm really excited to have the 10-Minute Trainer too for those days when the schedule doesn't allow a regular workout!  I'll let ya' know how that goes.



God has given me one body; it's my responsibility to take care of it.

Can You Say Bacon??? (a recipe)

When the pastor challenges me to make a breakfast casserole "with like a pound of bacon in it", that's a mission I'm going to set out to accomplish!  After all, there are some things you can never have too much of: bacon, cheese...and bacon, to name a few.

I found this recipe on allrecipes and adapted it by adding slightly more cheese.  The only thing that would make it better is adding more crumbled bacon on top!

I refrigerated it overnight so I could just pop the pan in the oven on Sunday morning.  P.e.r.f.e.c.t.!  This is not a breakfast casserole with soggy bread and a hint of meat :)

Bacon Breakfast Casserole
1 lb. bacon         1 medium sweet onion, chopped
7 eggs, beaten     2 cups small curd cottage cheese
6 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
2 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar Jack cheese
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

Cook the bacon.  (I've started cooking my bacon in the oven - thank you, Kim, for that little tip!)  Crumble bacon and set aside.  Add 1 tbsp of bacon grease to frying pan and saute the onion.  Then combine all ingredients, including bacon, in a large bowl.  Mix well and pour into a greased 9x13 pan.  Press down with a spoon and bake at 350 for 30 to 40 minutes.

Go be a hero!

Ripped...or not?

So you won't believe what we've been up to.

A few posts back I shared a typical day with you.
I know that many people rebuke the idea of rising at 4 am, especially to exercise :)
Two things:
1) by 6:45 a.m. there are at least 6, sometimes 12, people awake in this house.
2) there are going to be a lot of people in this place for a long time, and I don't want to sit back and watch them; I want to keep up!

It's not that I'm terribly overweight, but I am definitely out of shape.  I realized the only way that will change is by taking action.  So I made a commitment six weeks ago to do just that.

I have one body, and it is a temple.  I certainly don't treat it as such.

The transformation is kinda slow going because as much as I'd like to think my active lifestyle has made me strong, I'm proven wrong every single morning.

Also, I started another bad habit.  I figured if I'm working out so hard I get to eat more, right?!?  Ummm, not.so.much.  I gained 5 pounds!  No, it's not just that muscle is heavier than fat, okay.  It's the fluff on top of the muscle that makes my clothes too tight!
So I started a new good habit, then a bad habit, and now I'm trying to change the bad one ... again.

I admit that nearly every day that my alarm rings at 4, my body and mind debate whether it's really necessary to get up.  Ultimately, I'm always glad I did.
The first week was h.a.r.d.  There were workouts I couldn't do more than one rep.  Am I seeing progress?  YES!  By the second week I could do more!
I'm now six weeks into it, and although I have a long ways to go, I feel so much better.  Just this week my hubby started the program with me.  I can relate to where he's at :)

So what exactly are we doing?
P90X!


And shakeology!

I am so committed to fitness that a few weeks after starting P90X I signed on as a coach!
Why?  
1) It keeps me accountable.
2) I get to help others reach their fitness goals too.
After all, if a 49-year-old working mom to 11 kids can do this, anybody can!
It's very humbling to share the starting point, but it's an amazing journey to the finish!
If you'd like to know more about the program we're  following, please check out my website!
If there's something you're interested in knowing more about, just let me know.

Have a beautiful day!!!

Behind the Scenes

It seems my blogging has been sporadic.
I haven't been sitting on my hands.  
I've been putting some new things together,
including this...
My New Kandle Site!

This Week is Dedicated to...

Lady Devils Softball!

They rocked districts, winning the Championship!

These beautiful girls have practically grown up playing ball together!

Sophomore power!

Victory ~ LS, Kenzie, KM!

Last week at the Hall of Fame Stadium in OKC

#2 up to bat

Ready at 2nd

Pretty and tough

 Slide!

Way to go, Ladies!!!  See you at Regionals.
Photos courtesy of LS ~ thank you!

Five Short Weeks Ago!

Five weeks ago today we were parents to 10 amazing children!

And then, later in the day I stood dazed and confused at the prospect of holding our next child.  (never really intended to post this picture :)

I

Three people walked in the room, but our eyes were fixed on the little girl in pink!

And our lives have been forever changed from that moment on!

So, how is she doing today?
Couldn't be better!
As for me, these days I'm mostly just dazed and confused :) and amazed at God's plans!
Khloie has gained a pound and grown a quarter inch.
We definitely had an issue with milk, and that's been resolved since Silk entered the scene!  Her diet is gradually increasing.

We are still waiting on our referrals to the cardiologist, neurologist and ophthalmologist, thank-you-very-much awesome health care system.  After looking at her scans, having been seen by other doctors and having specialists look at her file, there doesn't seem to be any urgency; otherwise, we'd be pushing harder.

We've also 'met' two families on-line who have a child with Khloie's medical need.  I love how God brings families into our lives!  I will update once we know more about observation and treatment.

Socially, Khloie is amazingly appropriate!  She is the first of my Chinese treasures who came home knowing how to play.  Many of you know what I'm talking about.  She serves the best tea at our tea parties!  She would probably love the church nursery, and that sure would make service easier for me, but I realize I will never get these early bonding days back so Khloie and I are stuck like glue for now.

The girl would live outside if she could.  Hot, cold, rain or shine, she loves to play outside.

Siblings are awesome as long as they're not up in her grill.

If Khloie's space if violated, she will either scream or give a high-five...to the face!  You'd think they would learn.

This week I will take my first job since returning home so we'll see what that looks like for Daddy and the Littles:)

I just can't believe it's been five weeks!  My, how time flies this side of the process!

Start Your Engines!

Thank you, Mr. FedEx man, for delivering our rides!

A Day in the Life

So, my friend Donna asked me to share a typical day in the life.

That is your cue to hit the X and find something very productive to do...

but if you choose to read through this picturesque post of my pampered life, feel free.

First, to dispel any myths that I might be...

...trust me when I say even if I had a cape, it would be crumpled underneath mounds of laundry.  I am always looking for ways to simplify and organize!

Although I strive for structure and simplicity, because it works well here for everyone, especially ME, our days vary a lot depending on therapy, doctor's appointments and my work schedule.  But a typical day goes something like this ~

My alarm goes off at 4, to which I either respond by hitting snooze or hitting the floor.  Since we've been home from China I've started a new fitness plan (which I LOVE!), so I dress for exercise before starting the day's first load of laundry.  I take a break midway through my routine to put the load in the dryer and start another.

Once that's done I wake up Mr. Greenthumb (because no girl likes anyone watching her work out!), have my quiet time and try to hit the shower before waking up the school kids at 6:55.

Mr. Greenthumb leaves at 6:45 to drive the school bus, so the kids and I have a routine down mostly.  I help Kayden, Kambry, Kinley and Kaeleb get ready for school, striving not to wake up the 3 littles.  By 7:30 six kids have left for school, Kooper is getting ready for home school, and hopefully I still have three sleeping beauties.

Once the girls are up, around 8-ish, I fix breakfast and get them ready for the day.

While I'm tidying up, I let them watch Dinosaur Train or some other thing while Khloie snacks on the remote.

A very important part of Kasidi's day is therapy and stretching, usually 3 to 4 times per day.

Meanwhile, I'm helping Kooper with homeschool, doing laundry, planning supper and trying to keep all systems running smoothly.

Sometimes I spice it up a bit by making laundry soap and body lotion.

The girls love to color, make Play-Doh masterpieces, have tea parties and dress up.

We are waiting for super nice weather so we can spend lots of time outside.  

Three days per week I take Kennah to school for speech therapy, and 1 day per week we spend 8 hours at medical visits.  Sometimes we're super lucky and have dental, ortho or other doctor appointments.  But this is a typical day at home.

I usually am surprised that noon has snuck up on me, and I need to fix lunch for the girls.  Once they've eaten, I put them down for a nap around 1. Kasidi insists I rest with them, and I'm quite obliged to get a 10 to 20 minute power nap!

Ahhhh, me time!  Yeah, right!  This is when I scramble to get as much done as possible before they wake up.  Or I blog.  I usually have an hour, and then someone wakes up or the bus brings the school krew home.

Just gonna say we had to have a family meetin' last week to remind the 4 elementary school kids they simply cannot drop their backpacks, coats and shoes, leaving a trail from the door to the living room.  Khaos and klutter make me krazy!  We have a hook thingamajig in the laundry room where they hang everything as they come in the door.

After they clean sweep the pantry, we start homework and reading.  I figured out we can only open 1 backpack at a time or I will get everything mixed up and once again, khaos rules.  Never.a.good.thing.

I try to serve supper by 6:30, and fortunately since we've been home I'm still pulling pre-made frozen dishes out!!!  But before we can eat, we put all this away:

The homemade tents don't come down till later :)

Since Kolton and Kenzie are heavy in sports, our evenings vary.  During football season, everyone goes to the game, no matter where it is.  During fall fast pitch softball, we try to make most of the games because the weather is good.  During basketball, one of us goes, sans kids.  During spring slow pitch softball, one or all of us make the games when it's warm enough.  Spring baseball, same deal.  We don't make the track or power lifting meets.  If it were just me, or me and 1 kiddo, I'd be at all of my kids' sporting events, but we've come to terms with the way it is, and our athletes are okay with it.

Okay, so where were we?  It's 7-ish.  Two people clean up after the meal, and I start bathing kids.  Daddy reads with Kambry while I get the next day's clothes out for 3 kids.  By 8 or 8:30 everyone is ready for bed.  Daddy tucks Kayden, Kambry, Kinley and Kennah in, and I tuck Kaeleb in.  Then Kasidi, Khloie and I spend some quality rocking chair time.  By 9:30 or so they are tucked into bed, and Mama and Daddy are ready to crash.

And if any of these things didn't get done this day, I surely will finish them tomorrow...