Fieldtrips, Family, & Fun

When I look at my children, I feel such a sense of fulfillment.  Reward.  Satisfaction.  Sense of purpose.  They truly bring out the best in me and in the words of Melvin Udall, from the movie 'As Good As It Gets', they make me want to be a better (wo)man.  And, I can't help but see time slipping away as I look at my eldest son, turning 18 in just 3 months.  So, this past summer and fall, I made sure to fit in many trips to the beach, fieldtrips, just time together as a family out having fun, because before you know it, Miguel will be a grown man, with a job, maybe getting married, and I want to store up as many memories in my mind, as I can.

Our beach trips were so fun...

Then there was the day we went to the air show here in San Diego, to go watch the Blue Angels.  It was on the marine base in Miramar, so we got to see lots of cool stuff like this...

DO NOT MESS WITH ME :0)

The boys got to sit inside a large cargo plane.  Seems they are eating apples in every picture, doesn't it?

Next fieldtrip was to the zoo.  FOR FREE!  All of us got in for free with our homeschool group.  God is always providing!!  This was Isabella's first trip to the zoo and she loved it.  It was so nice that Daddy took the morning off so he could join us and see the joy on Isabella's face as she discovered so many new things.  The San Diego Zoo is a must if you ever come to visit.

"Hi, Goat."  Said in the cutest little girl voice.  She was hugging and kissing every goat that she could get her hands on.

There was a goat that got tired of her, and wouldn't let her love on him.  She took it pretty hard.

Zack consoling her, after her first rejection, by a goat, no less.

Eating fruit, again.

Had the best time with the kiddos, but especially Bella.  I can't wait to take her again.



Just 2 days later we took a fieldtrip to a farm near Alpine. We were invited to attend for free, again, because we are homeschoolers!  That saved our family $70 for the entry alone.  Thank you, God!

We got to watch how the cowboys eat off an old fashioned chuck wagon, and even got to sample the beef stew.  Yum!

This is a working cattle ranch, so the boys were taught how to rope cattle.  Christian actually got his around both horns on the first try!

The boys learned how to use an old fashioned machine that would cut the corn off of the cob.  They were so fascinated.

Then they learned how to grind the corn-maiz

They really loved watching the bow and arrow part of our fieldtrip

Karizma got to his helper.

The boys learned how to stamp their names into leather bracelets

We even put Miguel to work in the cabin 

Walker didn't want to miss out

We were so blessed to have my Mom, the kids Gramita, join us for the day

How I LOVE my arrows!

And, for those of you that stuck around, the last note worthy fieldtrip was to Oma's Pumpkin Patch in early November.  We were so excited that our cousins were able to join us for this one.  

More goats!!  She is ecstatic!

My BIL and niece, Sonoma, petting the goats

My nephew, Skyler, was so impressed with his milking skills

The White kiddos:  l-r, Sonoma, Walker, Zack, Isabella, Christian, Tristan, Skler, Jacob (the honorary White kid), and Gracen

Cousin Tristan and big brother, Walker, helping Isabella through the hay maze

At the end of our day at the patch, each of the boys picked a pumpkin to take home.
See you next year!!


I know I included a kazillion pictures in this post, but  I am trying to catch up because I have fallen so far behind in posting, but we are not mentioning anything about that, remember?  Ahhh, it is so nice to be back.


I still need to post pics from my awesome visit with my biological Dad and that side of the family, and pics from the visit we got from my brother and SIL, Susan, and about Miguel and his new driving adventures, and Karizma turning sweet 16, and of course, we will post pics from our upcoming trip this weekend to the happiest place on earth, which happens to be an early SURPRISE Christmas gift to all our arrows.  I can't wait to see their faces when we tell them we got them annual passes to Disneyland!!

Ahem...

Ahem.... shall we just not mention how long it has been since I blogged?  Let's not, please.  And, shall we not mention how much I have missed it, and how every time my husband asks me to blog, and I say I will, I really do plan to, but never seem to find the time to sit and write an actual post?  And, lastly, can we just not mention that once again, I am writing run-on sentences, and they are my favorite, and facebook doesn't allow for run-on sentences, so I really do need to blog more, because did I mention, they are my favorite??!!  You are so gracious, for not mentioning my failure to blog more often.  Thank you.  And, thank you also, Janet and Carrie, for encouraging me to get my blogging butt in gear.  I sure do hope it isn't another 3 months before I post again.

Well, so much has happened in the last 3 months, (Yes, it has been 3 months, but we aren't mentioning that, remember?) one of them being our Craft and Discovery class.  LOVED IT!  The homeschool satellite program we belong to offered these classes, once a week this past semester, and both Walker and Christian were a part of it.  I was blessed to be able to be one of the 'helpers', which gave me the opportunity to be with my little boys through the entire course.  It was great being in the class with some of our friends and we learned SO MUCH!  Thanks, Miss  Joan and Miss Kelly!  

Miss Kelly did the craft portion and we made great things like candles for the Thanksgiving table (Which I forgot to put on our table the other night, arrrgggh!), Christmas ornamanents, craft kit pouches, and this long worm thingee that you put next to the door to keep the draft from coming in.  What are those called?  Draft catcher thing-a-ma-bobs?  Anyway, you catch my draft...err, drift.  It was a really fun class, and Walker especially loved it, because he is always creating at home, too.

Miss Joan was our discovery teacher and this class was mostly about nature.  It was AWESOME!  We learned SO MUCH!  She taught us things about bugs, and spiders, and birds, and butterflies, and plants, and oh, the list goes on and on!  She is a gifted teacher and I can't wait for next semester.  I loved watching the kids soak up the information and so excited when Miss Joan would bring one of her great displays, like the one of the bird nest, along with her magnifying glasses so everyone could really get a close up look.  The class was really hands on and fun and Miss Joan, well, I can't say enough great things about her.

For the last day of our semester, siblings were invited to be a part of class, so Zack was thrilled, as it was so hard to not be able to join his big brothers those past few months, but he handled it so well and I am so proud of him.  God rewarded his patience all semester by having this last class include him.  Isabella, Karizma, and Miguel joined us, too.  Even Daddy made an appearance.  It was so nice having them all there.  It was a great way to end the year.

Miss Joan starting class, with the calender, and picking Christian to help.

Christian using markers to help make a sign with sponges.

Isabella helped, too.

This is Zack towards the end of class, being a butterfly and using his proboscis(Yes, I had to look that up on dictionary.com, and no, I dont know how to put this picture at the end of my blog where it goes, instead of the middle, because I haven't blogged in so long, which we aren't mentioning, so the new format is still foreign to me.)

Walker took the sponging so seriously.  Every craft was serious business to him.  He cherishes each one.

Miguel captured this great picture of Karizma.  Isn't it great?

Miss Joan always had super fun and educational things for the kids to do.

Zack really enjoyed this.  I have to go buy some sponges and I know he would sit and do this for hours.

Ready for the food!  We had quite a spread for our end of the semester party.

Check out these cuties!  We had a blast and can't wait for the next one!

(Special thanks to Miguel and Karizma for watching Zack and Bella, while I took their little brothers to class.  You both are invaluable to me!)

I'll be baaaaaaack...

2 Days Down, 160 To Go

Day 2 was also successful!  I cannot tell you how nice it is to be back on a schedule.  I didn't realize how much I needed it.

And, although our day 2 ended up having a couple of wrenches thrown into the plan, literally, it still ran pretty smoothly.  And, I thought I would have less time for the extras, but what is happening is that it is helping me organize the extras a little better.

So, on top of our regular day, I was able to go be with my lovely friend Susan for one of her final fittings of her wedding dress, take Miguel to an impromptu dental appointment since his filling from last week was bothering him, and have my van fixed by one of the cutest mechanics I have ever had the pleasure of laying eyes on when we saw that the hose that carries my coolant to the engine had a major leak.

Now, it helped so much that I was up at 4am and was able to get my bible study in early.  I was also able to get caught up on my emails and things of that nature.  All before anyone was even up in the house!  Wonder how my being up at almost 2 am on the same day is going to fair for day 3 of the schedule?  Doesn't matter, I can catch a nap later, because I am not going to miss out getting the great start to my day by sticking to the schedule come 7am.

Oh, and the cute mechanic, you ask?  Well, that was my amazingly, brilliant, intelligent, can figure anything out that he sets his mind to son, Miguel.  When, he noticed that my car was leaking coolant at the bridal store, I called my Dad to see if he had an idea of how much that might set me back at the dealership and he suggested that Miguel give it a try.  I have seen Miguel fix things that I thought were beyond repair, so I thought, why not?  We went to the local parts store, he bought the hose and clamps, I took a 90 minute nap, and woke up to a 17 year old boy having fixed my van!!  He probably saved us a good $150!  What a blessing to have sons!  And, then to top it off, as he was fixing my car, my lovely daughter, Karizma made garlic fried chicken with fettucini alfredo for dinner.

It was a good day at Casa White.  A very, very good day.

p.s.  I must add that I found that many of the 'fun' things I used to do with Miguel and Karizma when they were first homeschooling, I had kind of forgotten to reapply as my new batch of students start schooling.  So, today we assigned a flag leader.  This is the person that has the honor of holding the flag during the pledge of allegiance in the morning.  The boys were beyond excited about this new part of school.  It is a great way to get them excited about starting their day with a great attitude, as the rule is whomever is having the best morning, gets to be leader.  I love how something as simple as this brings them so much joy.

I also have started a 30 minute spanish lesson for the little ones twice a week in the afternoons.  It is hilarious right now, but I know in time it will pay off.  I have always regretted not having made more of an effort with my older 2 and took for granted that their grandparents spoke spanish to them, but it really isn't enough.  It's a start and I love the time I get to spend just me with my 3 little boys, while Princess Isabella oversees, as usual.

BTW, she is still nursing.  PRAISE GOD!  I am so loving this!  I hadn't had the chance to nurse beyond 14.5 months before, and now that Isabella is just over 15 months, and showing no signs of stopping soon, it is a sweet, sweet gift.   I will post about her soon.

I didn't mean for this post to be a catch up on my life, but it's almost 2 am... it is what it is.

"The Best Mom I've y Ever Had"

This is one of Zack's daily comments to me...."Mom, you are the BEST Mom I've ever had!"

He will say it when he is just passing me in the hallway, or when he is happy I agreed to let him have a marshmallow before dinner, or when he knows he has been forgiven of a wrong in a gracious and loving manner.  He has even been known to say it when he is being punished.  As a way to get out of it, you think?  I'd like to think it is because he really and truly believes it.  And, if you know my Zack, you would think the latter as well.  He is a sweetheart and he loves his Mama.

Zack, without even realizing it, was really convicting me every time he said those words to me.  Was I really behaving as the best Mom he's ever had?   I realized that I had so much improving to do.  So much work to be done in my home.  Sometimes we get so wrapped up in doing so much outside the home... church, our women's ministries, friends... that we neglect our first priority... Our Home!  I am guilty of this!

When I was just a Mom of 2 and even 3 little ones, I loved, loved, loved our family schedule.  It helped me have order in my life and I know it gave my children and husband a sense of security to know that certain things were going to be done at certain times.  But, as Tim's hours became longer and we started having more children, our schedule went out the door.  Completely.  We tried to have some order with nap times, bedtimes, or school; but still the chaos remained.  What we were missing was the commitment and willingness to adopt it and use it.

So, this past weekend, after talking about doing it for weeks now, we finally sat down and had a family meeting about setting up a family schedule.  Our meeting was a success and we all went in with open hearts to what God has in store for our family.  The kids, especially the older ones, thanked me, and told me they were excited about starting. My husband, a bit reluctant, but on board.  Lawyers aren't quite used to running on a schedule!

Yesterday was our first day on the 'schedule'.  Can I tell you that it was one of the most productive days?  And, can I also tell you that my little ones had their school work done 2 hours early, so decided, on their own, to work ahead!!  Throughout the day, my eldest son kept saying how much he loved the schedule.  And, by the time dinner, clean up, bath times, and bedtimes rolled around, we were beside ourselves with how smoothly the day ran.  My eldest daughter even exclaimed at how she couldn't believe how early it was and how much time she had left over.

Now, I am not going to say that I think it will run this smoothly everyday, but I am so thankful that day one did!  It helped us know that God answers prayer.  That God hears our cries!  That God was in the details.

I am aware that sometimes the schedule will run like clock work.  Other days it will be non-existent.  But, the fact that it is there...I made a large poster board of it and posted it in our classroom so we can all see it during our school day... is almost like a security blanket.  One I needed so much!  And, because we are known for our flexibility, we are going to be realistic, too.  The schedule is really for Mondays through Wednesdays, with it being applied loosely on Thursday and Friday, and the weekend is ours to be free.  But, the schedule has really freed up time as it is!  I feel like I have gained back 3 hours a day!  That is a clear indicator to me that God totally knew my heart, heard my cry!   Even if it was said in jest...

You see, just a couple of days ago a friend knew I was overwhelmed and she asked if there was anything she could do to help..."Yes,"  I told her.  "Do you have a few hours out of your day you can give to me, so I have more  hours in the day?"  She laughed.  God delivered.  HE IS THE BESTEST DAD I'VE EVER HAD!

1 Corinthians 14:40
But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.


*A special shout out goes to Janet C. for helping me finally take the schedule and own it.  J, you were instrumental in helping me see the light at the end of my chaotic tunnel.  Thank you!

Words Of Wisdom

If you know me, you know I love Michelle Duggar, the mother of 19 children that has a show on TLC that follows her along her journey as wife, mother, homeschool teacher, sister in Christ.  She is a godly example to me and when I was watching their show the other night, I couldn't help but rewind and rewind this part, because I felt that it was exactly what was on my heart.  Thanks, Michelle!!


"God changed my heart years ago about how I view children and that heart change has not changed.  As far as having another one, I would love more if God saw fit. Bu t, I also realize that may not be possible.  I may not be able to conceive or even give birth to another full term baby.  I know that there are others out there that may have opinions, and that's OK.  They can have their ideas and their opinions, but I'm the mom.  I look in the face of my daughter Jill, who was born after my twins of which I had pre-eclampsia with them, and I think, "She wouldn't be here if I had decided I'm not going to allow another gift in my life."  There's no way I can please everyone, but there's one I do want to please, and that's my Lord.  And, if my relationship in my heart is right between Him and I, then all the other stuff will work out."  ~Michelle Duggar

Too Private?

I have been wanting to post on my blog since it went private, but find that now that I know exactly who is reading it, I am feeling sort of naked, exposed.

Now, my blog sometimes is a place to see pictures of the kids and hear about how they are growing.  Sometimes, a place to share their funny comments.  Other times, a place to share my love for Jesus, my Lord and savior.  But, many times it is a place that I have used as an outlet.  Therapy, if you will.  Having it be public, for some very odd reason felt more private.  I had no idea who was reading, unless I received a comment.  And, I am going to miss those comments from random people, around the world, that don't know me...but, took the time to post words of kindness and encouragement.

So, now that my blog is private, I am wondering what I can share.  Isn't that silly?  Especially since I OK'ed each person that can see it.  If you are reading this, it is because I want you to read my blog.  I love you.  So, why is this so hard?  Did I let the person that made hurtful comments to me "win"?   It may sound trivial, but, I want to make the right decision as to what God would have me do with my blog.  I thought going private was just the right thing to do...but, I suppose I should have really prayed about it.  Will you take a minute to pray for me, too?

A friend of mine added this quote at the end of one of her emails, and it really stood out to me.  Thought it might bless you as much as it did me.

" I AM YOUR BEST FRIEND, as well as your King. 


Walk had in hand with Me through your life. 


Together we will face whatever each day brings.: pleasures, hardships, adventures, disappointments. 


Nothing is wasted when it is shared with Me. 


I can bring beauty out of the ashes of lost dreams. 


I can glean Joy out of sorrow, Peace out of adversity. 


Only a Friend who is also the King of Kings could accomplish this divine alchemy. 


There is no one like Me. " 


(Sarah Young)