Elfy

. . . More Coming Soon!

Nothing but a miracle . . .

Saturday morning while I was editing some pictures in my office I heard a loud “BANG” come from our living room.  Initially, I thought it was the sound of our 400gal aquarium busting.  Seconds later my husband, Tim, is screaming, “Call 911 & keep the kids in there!  … It’s bad baby, real bad.”

Tim was rearranging guns in his safe (unbeknownst to me) & while pulling one out the strap hung on his 30.06 (deer rifle) & “BANG!” 

Being married to a cop there is always a possibility of receiving that call, but never in a million years would I have imagined I would have to make it.  I can’t even begin to tell you the emotions that totally consumed me.  My heart raced & seemed to have stopped all at the same time. 

There wasn’t time to panic, I immediately called 911 attempting to give them the few details I had:  My husband was shot & it was bad.  For several minutes I didn’t know where he had been shot – he was on the other side of the house, I was on the phone that was attached to the wall, & I was sick & had lost my voice, so Tim couldn’t hear me questioning him.  Those minutes seemed like F.O.R.E.V.E.R!!!!

Surprisingly, our entire household remained calm.  Our boys were amazing & that man of mine – he is one tough hombre!  By the grace of God, the bullet hit his ring finger (only inches from his head).  You honestly would have to see the layout of the accident to fully get it, but any time a gun is accidently fired & there aren’t any fatalities – it is a miracle. 

This is Tim’s wedding ring.  It has been lost in the bottom of the ocean in Jamaica & now it has been shot in half!  Tim can’t wear it anymore.  Not on his ring finger at least.  He lost his finger.  It’s gone.  Completely.  But he is alive!!  Nothing but a miracle. 

At first we weren’t sure how this would affect his job.  *He has to be able to shoot his duty gun single-handedly in each hand in order to qualify to work the streets.  God is so good!!! Tim's appt with the specialist went well. He is expected to recover completely (- a finger) & should eventually be able to hit the streets once he is completely heeled *possibly by the end of this month.

Never in a million years would I have thought my husband would have a gun related accident. This has been eye-opening in so many areas & we truly feel the Lord's protection!  At times I feel the urge to naturally defend my husband, explain why we *had* loaded guns *in a locked gun safe* & tell you how smart Tim is, what a great police officer he is, how protective of his family he is, & how gun cautious he always is & assure you that he has been harder on himself than anyone else could...

As much as we hope you use this as an opportunity to reevaluate gun safety in your own home, I think there is more than a lesson with guns to be learned. I pray this experience has also shown you how awesome God is when we make mistakes! There is no doubt that our God is a mighty all knowing God that brings good from every situation & with 4 boys this is a lesson well learned. Beyond the lessons there is an opportunity to see God working miracles. Because it truly is a miracle that he is alive.

The past few days I have been tired & emotional, but mostly THANKFUL ...

 

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you & help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10

Our Advent Activities

Dec. 1 – Make Advent Calendar (red & green construction paper links with activities written on the inside & number on the outside)

Dec 2 – Buy a new ornament

Dec 3 – Christmas movie night

Dec 4 – Decorate Christmas tree

Dec. 5 – Paint Ornaments

Dec. 6 – Popcorn Garland

Dec. 7 – Christmas Pictures

Dec. 8 - New Christmas Book

Dec. 9 – Hot Cocoa Night

Dec. 10 – Give our pastor a special gift

Dec. 11 – Nativity story

Dec. 12 – Go look at Christmas lights

Dec. 13 – Recycle Toys

Dec. 14 – Volunteer

Dec. 15 – Take neighbors a special gift

Dec. 16 – Take canned food to church food pantry

Dec. 17 – Take meal to family in need

Dec. 18 – Go see Santa

Dec. 19 – “Merry Christmas” phone call to someone

Dec. 20 – Ice Skating

Dec. 21 – Make a gingerbread house

Dec. 22 – Bake Christmas treats

Dec. 23 – “Door step stocking”

Dec. 24 – Visit family

Dec. 25 – Happy Birthday Jesus

Randomness Checkin

How did I ever have time to blog?  What was I missing when I was sitting behind this computer?

Surely one sweet baby couldn’t have added that much to my days . . .

I have every intention of continuing to blog, it will just be in seasons.  For now my days are full . . .

Chasing this little guy around

Farm Life & Hunting

Homeschooling

Baby{Wearing}

Boys

Girl Time

Enjoying the Holiday Seasons

It’s a CrAzY Life, but it’s our LIFE <3

Halloween {in November}

I have been so busy, I forgot to post pictures of Halloween, but my kids were way too cute not to share.

11 years

Today marks my 11 year anniversary of being a mama.  11 years ago today the Lord blessed me with my first born son & change life as I knew it.  I cannot imagine not being this boys mom.  I know some moms brag about how good their kids are, but mine, this one – he is an amazing person, wonderful son, & fantastic big brother!  I could not be more proud of the young man he is growing to be.  I admire his diligence, tender heart, & God fearing soul.

I love you Tyler Alec!!

*This is his 12 point!!!! buck he shot 2nd day of deer season.

Just checkin’ in

I have gotten some very sweet e-mails from a few of you & your comments are so encouraging – THANK YOU! 

So, how are things going?  It is a work in progress . . . 2 steps forward, one step backward . . .

 

God

I’m still lacking in this area, but I think (like a lot of things) that it’s more of things just not looking the way *I* think they should more than total failure….  I have this vision of waking up early to a quite house full of sleeping children, sitting on the porch with a glass of warm tea or coffee, reading my Bible & praying while I watch the sunrise.  Reality – I talk to God all day.  However, it’s not in a quiet house – it is in the chaos of rearing children, schooling, cooking, & cleaning.  Sometimes I pray for immediate help in my day-to-day moments, often I lift others up as I move laundry around or prepare meals.  The quietest moments are during showers.  So, maybe I should cut myself some slack & just realize this quiet mornings with God aren’t realistic for this season of my life.

My Kids

Tyler

I still haven’t started reading with him one-on-one, but I am happy to report that his personal reading time is getting done.  EVERY.DAY!!!

Tucker

I am sooooo proud of him!  This week he caught up to Trevor in his reading & spelling & is doing a FABULOUS job in math & other subjects!!!  And you better believe I’ve been praising him!

Trevor

We have had a couple Mommy-Trevor playtimes & he ate every minute of it up!  We are moving right along in math.

Truman

ChAlLeNgInG!!!!  I’m doing pretty good with using positive words, but still need to work on less yelling.  We are still finding our groove as far as a routine, but I’m consistently disciplining this strong willed boy & have been doing good with having at least a few things planned for him, rather than last minute activities being tossed his way.  AND I gave our schoolbarn a pretty good fall cleaning – we took out ALL the annoying/distracting toys & put up some old “baby” toys, plus got a few new BIG BOY ones out. 

My Husband

Dinner was ready early more days than not!!  This sounds small, but it is a HUGE accomplishment for me!  Bedtime is getting better, but not so consistent.  We did squeeze in some alone time a few nights this week.

Homeschool

I totally sucked at starting school at a reasonable time… I’m just wondering if we are more of afternoon schoolers!  I did pretty good not going online while schooling.  It is much easier if I just leave my cell at the house.

AM Routine

With nursing & lack of sleep, my body just hasn’t kicked into gear for me to get up (& actually get out of bed) before the kids.  We are rising between 7:30-8, but aren’t always getting around immediately.  Although this might not be very productive – I am getting some really good snuggle time in with my kiddos.  Truman wants nothing to do with school in the mornings with me.  So much for that idea . . .

School Routine

Core subjects are getting done.  It’s looking like my mustangs will finish their writing book, language, & maybe spelling by January. 

30 minute “Truman time” is successful!  He does great with Tucker, but is still pretty mean to Trevor.   Mondays with my mil are fabulous!  Now if I can find someone Tue-Thur

Afternoon Routine

Quiet time – LOL!!  Still no science or history in the afternoons

After school Routine

I’m doing great here.  I’ve been good about “work before play” & am using this time with the boys or for housework. 

PM Routine

Truman has been in bed by 8!!! {most nights}  WHOOOO HOOO!!!!

Tucker & Trevor are 50-50.  I try to get them in bed by 9, but it’s more like 9:30 when Tyler goes to bed.  I’ve been going to bed on time too!

Life is still crazy!  Deer season is here (pictures coming soon – hint!  hint!!!) so that has thrown a curve ball into our schedule too.  I’m tell ya, if it isn’t one thing, it is another!  But memories are being made.