Vacation Part 2: Big Cedar Lodge

After a few days in Branson, we headed about 20 minutes away to Big Cedar Lodge. This place is stunning!
We hiked, rode horses, ate wonderful food, roasted marshmallows for smore's, and did tons of swimming.

This was really one of the most beautiful places.
Especially for people who love to be outside :)














After a nice little hike we had lunch in this adorable cottage cafe. I could've lived here!









We played some miniature golf. (I whooped them all!)





The next day the boys got to ride horses. Brighton just loves animals, he couldn't leave this one alone haha.











Every evening I enjoyed the walk from the pool, back to the lodge. The glory of God just had me in awe.











I kinda love it at the end of the day when the boys are completely worn out, and we came to this cozy room and ordered room service. They even had a little patio we would just sit out on and enjoy.



But, not every night. The last night they had a bon fire and smore's. Yum.





And lawn games.



And amazing sunsets.



And. Movie night. At the pool.





We sure were sad to leave this place. The boys made lots of new friends that they enjoyed swimming with in the evenings, they hated saying goodbye...but...we actually already set up another trip there very soon. Yay!

Family Movie Night

It has been a while since I did a post about family movies. We took a HUGE tv break for about 4-6 months, so we are slowly getting back to our family movie nights, but this time around we won't focus on movies...just family nights. One night we may watch a movie, one night we will play games, one night maybe go on a hike, or out for ice cream etc. I'll keep you updated on those.

However, last week we rented Dolphin Tale. Have you seen it? I have to admit, I wasn't that excited to watch it, but ended up loving it more than I ever thought I would.

It was a wonderful movie based on a true story about a dolphin that hurt its tale and ended up losing her tale. A boy who was lonely found out he could help the dolphin in her recovery. Their bond and how they both healed was beautiful to watch. I even loved the idea (added to the movie) that her disability gave great courage to people all over the country struggling with their own disabilities.

It was a wonderful family film!

On Being a Mother and a Family

I have been so encouraged lately from a few posts I've read and videos I've watched. We are in the process of learning and listening to God and how He would want us to live our lives. It has brought us through some major (but exciting)changes that I can't wait to share with you over the next few months.

I am right now, so encouraged to stand up and be the mother God created me to be, and I wanted to share what I've been encouraged by with all of you!

Sarah writes a guest post today called The Three Important Lessons About Being a Mom. Number 3 melted my heart into a huge puddle of love.

Sally wrote a beautiful post about giving time to each child.
"I was pondering this event–him sitting still for this long and talking and talking and talking, and suddenly it dawned on me–”He is an extravert and he needs people, activity and wants to talk and be heard.”

I have a boy just like this, I know time being heard would win and keep his heart.

Just last night, before I ever read this article, I revamped our evening routine.
We ate dinner, helped clean up, the boys picked up toys, and one of the two little ones got in the bath. (Jaiden always takes his in the morning)

While one was enjoying his bath, playing with the tub toys all to himself, the other boys went on a night walk looking at lights with their daddy. We all met with brushed teeth and pajamas in their bedroom and read a book and a Proverb. 2 fell asleep and one was so happy. He had time, time spent with dad and all was well.

It's so important. Our role in mothering. We help mold these children. We help create a family. We have this one chance with each child, not that there isn't room for mistakes, but the overall objective is to know them, to love them, and to train them. It takes a LOT of time and a huge amount of dedication. It takes self denial. The end result will prove worth it. The time you spent with them will never have been wasted time.

This video was precious to me! I'd love to watch the whole thing. I hope this encourages you today as it has me. Be blessed!

It Is Your Life: The Moss Family from Moore Family Films on Vimeo.

Cold and Rainy Day Activities

We have had a few very cold, windy, and rainy days over the past few weeks. And although I prefer my boys outside:



Getting dirty...and man do they get dirty!



As I have explored the internet I have come across some of the neatest ideas and printables. They are WAY too much fun not to share.

GREAT for days when you can't spend so much time outside.

Have you met Joel over at MadeByJoel

He has come up with such simple and fun paper toys. Yes, you just print and cut them out. These have provided hours of fun for our boys!



See? it even inspired our boys to make some of thier own paper houses to go along with it.


There is also the neatest woodpecker toy I've ever seen! Easily amused I know...but really this thing is fun...because it works! You print and cut out the woodpecker, cut a straw and put it in the fold, tape, string a rubber band through, and watch the woodpecker do his thing!





Take some time to explore Joel's site. You'll love it!

Another site I just came across is properly named All for the Boys.

Filled with tons of diy projects boys will love! We had fun with making these strawplanes. They are really simple and work very well!

First we worked on measuring:


With our pb&j in hand of course...


Almost ready!


Time to race:


The boys have loved these projects while it's cold and rainy. We are trying the tiny bow and arrow next...since we now have a boy with his own swiss army knife...;)

Enjoy those boys!

180

I have been anxiously waiting the release of the new 180 movie. God revealed that in America, we have our own holocaust to me a few months ago, so I couldn't wait to view Ray Comfort's movie on abortion.

It's available to view for FREE and takes 33 minutes of your time.

Sometimes, I think it's important to take a stand. It's time to stand up for God. The God who created all life. The One who gives you every breath you take. He did it for you and me...couldn't we do it for Him?

**some content not for children**

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Movie Night Picks!

The days keep piling up on top of each other, I can't quite keep up! I had the boys all to myself last weekend. I was a bit nervous to have them all on my own (you know...in case we had a crazy 6 hour long meltdown) but it went fabulous! We had fun, rested, went to church, and just enjoyed the weekend together.

Now, gearing up to do it again this weekend =]

I have been doing tons of planning and organizing. I can NOT wait to share, but I want to upload pictures, so that may have to wait until the weekend.

We have been doing school, but again need to upload the pictures.

Now on to Movie Night! We have weekly (Fridays)movie nights, but are currently switching them to Saturday night in order to observe the Sabbath.

Over the past few weeks we have watched some really great movies. I like to give a little rundown so you can see if it's something your family may enjoy. Sometimes we love the movie, sometimes not so much.

We did have a movie night outside to end the summer!





#1) A Bear named Winnie. It's based on the true story of a bear named Winnie of course and that inspired The Winnie the Pooh Series.

It sounded like it would be a fun topic. It's an old movie, and while it was good, it seemed to drag on for a long time and was honestly a little boring. Good story, just boring.

#2) Moondance Alexander. This happens to be a favorite in our house. About a quirkly little girl with no friends, Moondance starts cleaning stalls for a man so that she can learn to ride one of his horses. Very predictable and cheesy at times, but really a good quality film for all.

#3) The Secrets of Johnathan Sperry. I mentioned this one last week. This one touched our 6 year old so much and left him in tears. The story of some boys in the 60's or 70's mowing lawns, riding bikes, and having crushes on girls, meeting a man who taught them to bring out their Bible and use it to change their lives. Many life lessons, I highly recommend this one! When the movie was over, I turned and asked Tristin if he was okay. Wiping tears he said, "I'm just thinking about what a wonderful man Mr. Sperry was."

#4) A Shine of Rainbows. I am a sucker for movies taking places in other countries. I love the scenery and the culture. This movie takes place in beautiful Ireland. About a boy who is adopted by a woman and her husband. The little boy absolutely loves his mother, but doesn't bond well with his father. This movie includes some refrences to a difference in what we believe when it comes to praying. No mention of God. We did love the story line and thought it was still a beautiul story. Our boys know that people practice different religion and some not at all. With our firm biblical upbringing we felt this was an enjoyable film. We are sure to talk with them when we see others depending on anything but God.

* There is mention of magic in the summery of the movie. There is no magic (as in super power type stuff) Only finding wonder and love in a boy that had nothing.

Family Movie Night Picks

Since we have Movie Night almost every single Friday night, I thought each weekend I'd share the movie and treat we had.

Sometimes the movie we watch is not so great, but most of the time we love it. I'll do my best to post them all, and what we truly thought of them.

We make pizza most every time using NieNie's whole wheat pizza dough. It turns out wonderful.

We also make the whole wheat waffles on Saturadays too ;)

The past few weekends we've watched some pretty great movies. I like older movies that are just plain good and family friendly, but I've found with some of the older ones, you'll find a few colorful words that kids would say back then.

When we come across stuff like this we simply tell our boys that those words aren't okay to say. If for some reason it's just too much we turn it off and pick something else (Dan and I have usually seen most of the movies when we were younger, but can't recall how the language was in the movie).


Movies we've enjoyed lately:

Where the Red Fern Grows. This was a fabulous family movie especially for our boys. Billy (the boy in the movie) shows great character and hard work. Just keep the tissues near by (if you've read the book you know why). I can't wait to read the book in a few years with the boys, it has a lot more emotion, but the movie was wonderful! There is an older version we may watch one day.

The Adventures of Ociee Nash. We knew nothing about this movie, but really enjoyed it. About a young girl named Ociee who is a complete tomboy. Living with her daddy and brothers since her mom died, her dad sends her to live with her Aunt to learn to be a lady. She gets into mischief and ends up winning the heart of her Aunt and her town.

The Indian in the Cupboard. I loved this book as a child and watched the movie a long time ago. We got it for the boys to watch and we all really enjoyed it. However, this would be one of those movies with a few colorful words and a scene with the boys falling asleep watching tv with women in bathing suits for a few seconds. Wish those few parts weren't there though we did really enjoy the movie.

Stuart Little 1 and 2. We LOVE both of these movies. It's been a while since we've watched both, I love just love the feel of them. What I really love about them is how it shows to love and accept others (your brothers) even if they are different. In our family that is SO important and I love how these movies teach that. I also adore the house they live in....I look at every detail of houses in every movie... In the second one, the kids do tell a lie by having their friend say Stuart is at his house when he really isn't.

Treats!

I usually make cookies or cupcakes. I am going to be trying a few other things like pies, cakes, and flavored popcorn in the future.

We have enjoyed Crinkle Cookies...yum!



These Butterscotch Brownies were REALLY tasty and so easy to make. Mine were a little flat, but so good.

This weekend we made these wonderful cookies, I think they turned into my favorite cookies EVER.

Enjoy your family this weekend!


Philippians 4:11-13
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.