I love this list from Revive our Hearts...I "stole" it from Heather Patenaude's blog :)

A woman who does not have sound thinking (Self-Control):
is impulsive
lacks discretion
follows worldly philosophies
is driven by her flesh
lacks follow-through
is self-centered
is discontented
has emotions controlled by circumstances
seeks escapism from problems
is easily provoked
falls apart in a crisis
easily loses hope
says whatever she thinks without thinking first
is highly opinionated
speaks roughly with profane or crass talk
is overly concerned about what other people think
has unpredictable behavior
is morally careless
procrastinates
is given to extremes
is a pleasure seeker
is easily distracted
yields easily to temptation
struggles to develop consistent life disciplines
enjoys mindless entertainment
looks for the easy way out
thinks about the short-term rather than the long-term
is demanding
fritters away time
makes decisions based on what is easiest

A woman who does have sound thinking (Self-Control):
is restrained in:
her thoughts
her tongue
her eating
her spending
her reactions
is calm under pressure
is purposeful in the use of her time
is a good steward
is morally chaste
has a well-ordered life
show good judgment
doesn't "lose it" under pressure
responds in faith versus fear
guards her heart and mind
evaluates what she reads or hears in light of Scripture
is mentally disciplined
resists temptation
shows delayed gratification
demonstrates others-centered living
is diligent and faithful in her responsibilities
is intentional
is modest in dress and behavior
hopes in God
gives thanks in all things
makes wise, biblical decisions
prays
demonstrates the Spirit controlling her flesh

November happenings...

Thanksgiving:n. The act of rendering thanks or expressing gratitude for favors or mercies.

2. A public celebration of divine goodness; also, a day set apart for religious services, specially to acknowledge to goodness of God, either in any remarkable deliverance from calamities or danger, or in the ordinary dispensation of his bounties. The practice of appointing an annual thanksgiving originated in New England.

(from Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary)
The girls in their costumes: 1 princess and 1 pilgrim





We had a Thanksgiving "Party" with a few friends, some babies, and lots of kids. :) We made a thankful-turkey-craft, ate snacks, tried to visit over the noisy boys, and the kids played.

The kids and I have spent a lot of time learning about the pilgrims and their sacrifices to come to this country. We've read and re-read several books about Thanksgiving, plus listened to "The Legend of Squanto" (through Focus on the Family) as well as "The Story of the Mayflower" (a freebie download through thelearningparent.com) William said he was thankful for Squanto. Who knows, w/out Squanto's help, the pilgrims may've had trouble surviving in the "New World".






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Deer Harvest last weekend...



Justin and Max each got 2 deer. Dr. Ochenjele had fun assisting w/ the "gutting". :)


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Madeline is taking "piano lessons" (she loves it!)





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My life has become so much easier since Justin is working more "normal" hrs. He leaves around 5 or 6 and is home around 5-6 (since it's dark so early) The boys have been hanging around w/ Justin more, which leaves Madeline and I to hang out together. Here she is helping me make meatballs.


"MMMmmm, nummy" she says. :)


Samuel and Justin were out early the 1st day of shotgun season...

My "short list" of thanks

1. Jesus Christ- 2 Corinthians 5:21 (hallelujah)
2. A Godly husband
3. The gift and blessing of children + a new baby (and the sanctification opportunities they bring)
4. A Godly heritage (grandparents and parents)
5. The ability, opportunity and support I have to be a stay-at-home-mom
6. The freedom to worship God, work and raise our children as we see fit
7. Answered prayer
8. The wisdom found in God's word
9. The blessing of faithful men and women who live out and preach God's Word (good examples are an extreme blessing and encouragement)
10. Extended family and faithful friends

Traditions...

www.thelearningparent.blogspot.com Has some great Christmas tradition ideas and products. My Mom was a great example of establishing traditions in her family. Now that my children are getting a bit older, I want to be more consistent in establishing them in out home. Anyway...thought some of you may be interested in their resources and also the articles! (I just ordered the nativity cookie cutter set--check it out...there's some good ideas. Oh, and the Pop-Up Nativity Book was another thing I ordered. I love having books to read during the holidays that focus on Christ)

28 weeks...

Baby Boy Goff #4 at 28 weeks Yes, he has a full name, but we're trying to keep it under-wraps, if possible :)

I'm so thankful I feel good!

I'm also thankful that I have 1 little girl. Boys are wild and crazy, and she's my little mommy/housekeeper.

The head-less pregnant momma...

I always enjoy pregnancy pictures of other people...so I suppose I'll post a few for ya'll. I learned some things from this "photo shoot" One, is that my bathroom has very bad lighting. Two, wait till mid-day to take pictures...yes, I do look like I just woke up. (plus feeling very tired=very pregnant looking face. hee...that's how it goes, for me, though:) Three, don't expect quality photos from your 5 year old photographer. (although he did have a blast! and captured lots of other misc. things around the bathroom...)

Even though I know this new baby will be here before we know it, I want to enjoy my time w/ "just 3"

"Oh, magnify the Lord with me,

and let us exhalt, His name together." Psalm 34

What would my life be like w/out children?

Not as cheerful, that's for sure. Goodness, he makes me laugh! ;)















I've conquered the past 5 months worth of pictures, as of last night. That's a big accomplishment for me. I get so behind, then struggle to catch back up. It takes time and $$, ya know?!

The kids and I spent the whole day running errands yesterday. The big hit of the day was Hobby Lobby. I love that store, and now 2 others in the family enjoy that store too! Photo albums and some large picture frames were the mission...as well as a few Christmas gifts. I hope to get the 11 x 14's framed and hung up soon. My sister, Therese, did an excellent job capturing this season of the kids' lives for me.

Well, off to go bake some cookies w/ the kiddos. I have a new recipe we're going to try out. Maybe some chocolate will help me not feel so tired today. Otherwise, I will be napping w/ the kids today. Today also marks 28 weeks for this lil' babe.... Those 7 loads of laundry will get folded and put away...eventually. :) And yay...supper is in the crockpot! Happy Tuesday, ya'll!

Books, wild hair, knights and a princess...