What a fantastic wonderful super fun Christmas this year! I won't bore you with every detail but I'd love to share the highlights. Here goes....
~We're getting a puppy! (Lord willing) We're still waiting for our application to be approved by the rescue place. Quite a process really.
~A pleasant and unexpected visit from the in-laws.
~A card from my g'mother with her own voice. I've never gotten one of those before. Neat since I don't get to hear her voice often.
~My mom sent us all embroidered blankets with our names on them. She also sent everyone individual cards with notes. That took a long time.
~Lots of new books!!
~A new book mark from Nana.
~A whole bag of M&Ms for Bird. She stashed them in her new lunch box and checks several times a day to make sure they're still there or to show them to whomever walks by.
~iTunes cards and Walmart cards to enjoy all year long. Actually we already put some of the WM cards to use upgrading the air soft guns.
~Did I mention LOTS of air soft guns??
~A way too short but loads of fun Wing visit!!!!! Ahhhh.....
~A few air soft war wounds. LB is a good shot!
And now it's New Year's Eve. We said a tearful goodbye to our Wing family this morning. Spent the day cleaning up and switching the kids' rooms around. Tonight is a Star Wars marathon with the kids. Appropriate since we got new light sabers I guess. And tomorrow the cousins come over for more air soft wars and dinner.
Good thing we got more BBs.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
The Wings Are Here!!
So I haven't been blogging much. Too busy having FUN!! After a great Christmas (which I will highlight later) we now have great company to play with.
Lots of.....
air soft wars
food
talking
movies
air soft wars
church
gaming
air soft wars
getting kicked off the playground for air soft wars
zoo
talking
egg nog night again
You get the idea.
Lots of.....
air soft wars
food
talking
movies
air soft wars
church
gaming
air soft wars
getting kicked off the playground for air soft wars
zoo
talking
egg nog night again
You get the idea.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
The Church Family
Last night at the Christmas program I told everyone that I wouldn't be at church today. You see, Honey and Eldest are shooting a wedding at another church and wrestling Babyest during the service isn't much fun by myself.
Before bed I was reading A God Centered Church by Henry and Melvin Blackaby. He quoted Eph 2:19-22
"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."
As I read this coupled with Blackaby's thoughts, the whole idea of my church being my family hit me anew. We're a family of brothers and sisters in Christ brought together to love each other, help each other, and honor God. Did we really want to stay home and watch a church service on tv when we could be with our family in person?
When we entered the church my pastor said "Welcome!" with surprise in his eyes. Several family members told me how glad they were that I changed my mind. We sat on the front row and enjoyed the singing, the message, and the prayer time. A little fellowship followed with one more chance to say "Merry Christmas!"
Shortly after we got home the phone rang. It was one of our senior ladies calling to tell me how glad she was that I made the extra effort to come. She told me how the children always bless her and said that I was a good mom.
No, Babyest wasn't wonderfully behaved and needed to be taken out twice. The littlest kids were squirmy and didn't want to pay attention. But the inconvenience was more than made up for by the love we received. Look what we would've missed if we'd stayed home.
I will close with some Blackaby thoughts....
"God has called us to join the family gathering and enjoy the benefits of that relationship. In God's family we will receive strength, encouragement, and much-needed fellowship. We will grow in wisdom and maturity as we benefit from those who have walked with God for many years. We will find security in the family's watch care of our life and respond to its comfort and accountability. More than anything else, God our Father manifests Hie presence in special ways when two or three are gathered together."
Before bed I was reading A God Centered Church by Henry and Melvin Blackaby. He quoted Eph 2:19-22
"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."
As I read this coupled with Blackaby's thoughts, the whole idea of my church being my family hit me anew. We're a family of brothers and sisters in Christ brought together to love each other, help each other, and honor God. Did we really want to stay home and watch a church service on tv when we could be with our family in person?
When we entered the church my pastor said "Welcome!" with surprise in his eyes. Several family members told me how glad they were that I changed my mind. We sat on the front row and enjoyed the singing, the message, and the prayer time. A little fellowship followed with one more chance to say "Merry Christmas!"
Shortly after we got home the phone rang. It was one of our senior ladies calling to tell me how glad she was that I made the extra effort to come. She told me how the children always bless her and said that I was a good mom.
No, Babyest wasn't wonderfully behaved and needed to be taken out twice. The littlest kids were squirmy and didn't want to pay attention. But the inconvenience was more than made up for by the love we received. Look what we would've missed if we'd stayed home.
I will close with some Blackaby thoughts....
"God has called us to join the family gathering and enjoy the benefits of that relationship. In God's family we will receive strength, encouragement, and much-needed fellowship. We will grow in wisdom and maturity as we benefit from those who have walked with God for many years. We will find security in the family's watch care of our life and respond to its comfort and accountability. More than anything else, God our Father manifests Hie presence in special ways when two or three are gathered together."
Friday, December 19, 2008
A Good Idea
I felt like I had hit a road block with Bird. She's such a helper and wants to do everything Momma does. I had exhausted every idea I had on how to help in the kitchen. Sometimes there's nothing to stir, nothing to open, nothing to take to the trash can....just big jobs that she can't do.
I was left with either having her sit on a stool and watch or shooing her out of the kitchen. I prayed about this b/c I don't like either of those options and felt like there was something I was missing.
It wasn't long before the Lord showed me something new. Actually 2 somethings! The first being place mats. She could set out place mats all by herself. She liked this new job and enjoyed getting just the right place mat that she thought each person would like best. Of course I had to explain to the boys that it was HER special job and they could not do it. They have their own.
Next was getting water for everyone. By sitting up high on a stool she can reach the water on the fridge and the cups on the counter. She fills up each one then has to climb down and carry each one to each place. (That takes a while!)
She can also unload the silverware from the dishwasher if someone will carry it to the counter for her. Yes, she puts the forks in the spoon place and most of them are upside down but she's proud to have such an important job. The boys are glad to have another dishwasher unloader in the house!
The Lord is full of good ideas and our Bird is happy with her new responsibilities.
John 17:23
"May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me." John 17:23
This is a prayer that Jesus prayed for future believers. I've been praying this for my church. That b/c of our peace and love for each other the world may know of God's perfect love.
I've been asking the Lord to show us how to love one another to that extent. If our own small bodies of believers can achieve unity within ourselves then we will be a light to a world that suffers from a self-serving, me first mindset that is begging for love.
How can we work toward this kind of relationship in our church? God gives us practical steps for holy living in Col 3. Please take a minute to read it and pray for your own family of believers.
This is a prayer that Jesus prayed for future believers. I've been praying this for my church. That b/c of our peace and love for each other the world may know of God's perfect love.
I've been asking the Lord to show us how to love one another to that extent. If our own small bodies of believers can achieve unity within ourselves then we will be a light to a world that suffers from a self-serving, me first mindset that is begging for love.
How can we work toward this kind of relationship in our church? God gives us practical steps for holy living in Col 3. Please take a minute to read it and pray for your own family of believers.
Let The Fun Begin!
Honey is done! Off work until 2009! Ahhhh......
Time to finish up the shopping, practice for Christmas program, some soccer, Christmas program, photograph a wedding, a family photo shoot, help with a mystery dinner, Christmas, and the Wings!
I love this time of year!!
Time to finish up the shopping, practice for Christmas program, some soccer, Christmas program, photograph a wedding, a family photo shoot, help with a mystery dinner, Christmas, and the Wings!
I love this time of year!!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Come And Behold Him
Introducing...my new book!
I've been pondering the propriety of our various Christmas traditions wondering if I'm caving to commercialism in the fun of it all. I took it to the Lord in prayer.
The very next day I was browsing the shelves of the used book store at the public library and my eyes fell upon this....
Perhaps I am premature to recommend it since I'm only on pg 31 but so far I have enjoyed every page. It is not divided into chapters but more like short readings....minus the overuse of poetry thank you very much. The first reading deals with decorating our homes. Here's a short excerpt....
"If God commissioned angels to roll back the night and fill it with blazing light, if God provided a mighty celestial choir to serenade a few startled shepherds, if God graced the heavens with a miracle star, if God went to all this trouble to open our eyes to His entry into our world, then we needn't apologize for festooning our home with a few seasonal reminders!"
He encourages us to open our homes up to our neighbors saying, "It is a witness to our neighbors when they see a believer actually happy about life!"
I've been pondering the propriety of our various Christmas traditions wondering if I'm caving to commercialism in the fun of it all. I took it to the Lord in prayer.
The very next day I was browsing the shelves of the used book store at the public library and my eyes fell upon this....
Perhaps I am premature to recommend it since I'm only on pg 31 but so far I have enjoyed every page. It is not divided into chapters but more like short readings....minus the overuse of poetry thank you very much. The first reading deals with decorating our homes. Here's a short excerpt....
"If God commissioned angels to roll back the night and fill it with blazing light, if God provided a mighty celestial choir to serenade a few startled shepherds, if God graced the heavens with a miracle star, if God went to all this trouble to open our eyes to His entry into our world, then we needn't apologize for festooning our home with a few seasonal reminders!"
He encourages us to open our homes up to our neighbors saying, "It is a witness to our neighbors when they see a believer actually happy about life!"
Jack Hayford has a style that is neither ultra sensitive nor overly intellectual. There's a "smile" to his writing that makes you feel like you're enjoying a visit with a friendly neighbor. There is an air of seriousness mixed with fun as he uses Scripture, song lyrics, and personal examples to show us practical ways to Come And Behold Him.
What God Is Like (Guest Post from my 7 year old)
Dictated to Momma from The Adventure Bible.
Psalm 38 pictures God as an archer. His arrows wound a person who does wrong. But God hurts us only to help us. When we feel bad about doing wrong we confess our sins. Then God will forgive and heal us.
Psalm 43 :2 says that God is like a stronghold. A stronghold was a walled city or fort where people went when an enemy army had invaded the land. To say that God is a fortress means that He will keep us safe in times of danger.
Psalm 61:3 says that God is like a strong tower. Strong towers were built inside walled cities. Even if the walls were broken down the people of the city would be safe inside the tower.
Psalm 71:3 says that God is a rock of refuge. Some cities and forts were built on high rocky mountain cliffs. It was extremely difficult for enemies to attack such cities. To call God a rock of refuge means that we are safest when we trust in Him.
Psalm 89 says that God is Lord God Almighty. He is the One who created the whole universe and stars, the sun, the earth, and everything on it, including us. Such a powerful God is surely able to take care of us.
Psalm 103:13 says that God is like a compassionate father. This means that God loves us very much. He made us and He knows us better than we know ourselves. He will not stay angry when we sin, but He will forgive us.
Psalm 119:97 says that God is the lawgiver. He gives us rules to live by, to keep us from doing wrong. God is good, and He shows us how to do good. The writer of this psalm loved God's rules, thought about them "all day long," and obeyed them.
Psalm 38 pictures God as an archer. His arrows wound a person who does wrong. But God hurts us only to help us. When we feel bad about doing wrong we confess our sins. Then God will forgive and heal us.
Psalm 43 :2 says that God is like a stronghold. A stronghold was a walled city or fort where people went when an enemy army had invaded the land. To say that God is a fortress means that He will keep us safe in times of danger.
Psalm 61:3 says that God is like a strong tower. Strong towers were built inside walled cities. Even if the walls were broken down the people of the city would be safe inside the tower.
Psalm 71:3 says that God is a rock of refuge. Some cities and forts were built on high rocky mountain cliffs. It was extremely difficult for enemies to attack such cities. To call God a rock of refuge means that we are safest when we trust in Him.
Psalm 89 says that God is Lord God Almighty. He is the One who created the whole universe and stars, the sun, the earth, and everything on it, including us. Such a powerful God is surely able to take care of us.
Psalm 103:13 says that God is like a compassionate father. This means that God loves us very much. He made us and He knows us better than we know ourselves. He will not stay angry when we sin, but He will forgive us.
Psalm 119:97 says that God is the lawgiver. He gives us rules to live by, to keep us from doing wrong. God is good, and He shows us how to do good. The writer of this psalm loved God's rules, thought about them "all day long," and obeyed them.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Out With The Old
The Lord has been working on me in the area of letting go. I never knew this about myself, but I like things to be the same and not change. Oh, I like change in things that don't matter...like living room furniture or the dinner menu. But not so much in the things that hit me personally.
When those things do change against my will then I tend to rebel either inwardly or outwardly. And even though I might not say them out loud, the phrases "it's not fair" or "that's not right" take a prominent place in my thoughts. My character is revealed by my reaction to the unplanned.
And while I try to surrender I find myself still working hard to order my life in the way that seems best to me. I want to avoid these unnecessary and uncomfortable changes. I'm good at justifying my own "needs" to skirt around an unreasonable rule or others' advice being sure that they really don't understand my unique situation.
In 1 & 2 Samuel there are so many different situations that make me want to rise up and cry "INJUSTICE!!" The story of Michal, David's first wife, is a perfect example. I feel sorry for her. She was taken away from a husband who obviously loved her to be just one of many in the king's palace. And what about her husband who followed behind weeping??
But the thing that really made me sit up and take notice was Michal's reaction. When she saw David dancing in the street she despised him in her heart. No doubt still bitter from what she had lost. Did she have a "right" to be? Doesn't it seem natural? Not to God. All the days of her life she was cursed to have no children.
So what would've been right? To forgive. To surrender. To be content in all circumstances. To love her husband David. I'm guessing that a smile wouldn't have hurt either.
It has made me reflect on this feeling of fairness and justification. Of not willing to give of myself unless it is perfectly comfortable. Of manipulating circumstances to please myself. And I think, "how is that Christ like?" How am I following my Savior that willingly gave up everything for me?
Lord help me not to be a Michal. Help me to surrender fully from my heart and hold nothing back. Help me to embrace every new thing and willingly give of all that I am. Amen.
When those things do change against my will then I tend to rebel either inwardly or outwardly. And even though I might not say them out loud, the phrases "it's not fair" or "that's not right" take a prominent place in my thoughts. My character is revealed by my reaction to the unplanned.
And while I try to surrender I find myself still working hard to order my life in the way that seems best to me. I want to avoid these unnecessary and uncomfortable changes. I'm good at justifying my own "needs" to skirt around an unreasonable rule or others' advice being sure that they really don't understand my unique situation.
In 1 & 2 Samuel there are so many different situations that make me want to rise up and cry "INJUSTICE!!" The story of Michal, David's first wife, is a perfect example. I feel sorry for her. She was taken away from a husband who obviously loved her to be just one of many in the king's palace. And what about her husband who followed behind weeping??
But the thing that really made me sit up and take notice was Michal's reaction. When she saw David dancing in the street she despised him in her heart. No doubt still bitter from what she had lost. Did she have a "right" to be? Doesn't it seem natural? Not to God. All the days of her life she was cursed to have no children.
So what would've been right? To forgive. To surrender. To be content in all circumstances. To love her husband David. I'm guessing that a smile wouldn't have hurt either.
It has made me reflect on this feeling of fairness and justification. Of not willing to give of myself unless it is perfectly comfortable. Of manipulating circumstances to please myself. And I think, "how is that Christ like?" How am I following my Savior that willingly gave up everything for me?
Lord help me not to be a Michal. Help me to surrender fully from my heart and hold nothing back. Help me to embrace every new thing and willingly give of all that I am. Amen.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Today
~This has been such a fun Christmas season so far. We haven't done anything different than previous years so I don't know why this one seems funner. I love the dark nights, the snow, the bee-youtiful Christmas tree, the music, and all the prep.
~I was lying in bed thinking about this this morning and wondering if it was ok that some of the things that I'm so crazy about have nothing to do with Jesus. There's egg nog night, the gingerbread house, stuff like that. I know that some families do every sort of Christmas thing around Jesus. They have Spiritual meaning behind every gift, all the ornaments are Spiritual. Every tradition has a lesson or Scripture involved. I like that idea but it's not us. So I was wondering if that means that we sorta have a foot in both worlds or are sitting on the fence. I don't know.
~I ordered more Christmas pix. I just couldn't bring myself to shorten my list much. PLUS I have new friends in CO!
~We are having the best time making Christmas crafts this year. The kids' stuff is so cute and I know the g'mas are going to love it! Today I did some canning for gifts. Those little jars are so satisfying. I love to can.
~Speaking of canning, I found some jars at Savers! They put them together in bags and sold them as a set. Not my favorite idea since I only wanted some of the jars and not all. They were still cheaper than buying them new.
~Today we did our gingerbread house. It's one of those kits with the pre-made gingerbread and all the icing and sprinkles and candies. It is always sure to bring out lots of laughs as the walls cave in or the baby eats the chimney. I think this one is the best so far.
~My daughter asked, "Why is a gingerbread house a Christmas thing? Seems like it should be a Hansel and Gretal thing." Hmmm...I don't know. I asked Honey as he doesn't know either. Anyone know why they sell gingerbread houses at Christmas time?
~When my older kids were little we loved The Beginner's Bible. You know the old one with the white cover? We read it until it fell apart and we finally had to throw it away. Now they have a new version which is just as good but I'm a bit partial to the old illustrations. In the last few weeks I've found 2 of the older ones in great shape at Savers for $.69 each. They are both for gifts for our little bittys. I'm happy to still get to share this with my younger kids.
~I had an old iTunes card and bought the new Bebo Norman Christmas cd. It won't be a favorite but it's ok. We need some new Christmas music. Any suggestions?
~I had this big piece of meat in my freezer and I didn't know what it was. It had obviously been in there since before my parents brought us meat b/c there was ice all over it. I thawed it out and stuck it in the crockpot all day. It was actually good....if roast could ever be called "good" that is.
~I planned creamed spinach as a side dish for tonight. My daughter was helping me and instead of pulling out spinach, she got broccoli from the freezer. Not paying attention (they're both green, right?) I thawed it out in the microwave and didn't notice until the recipe was well on it's way. We substituted the broccoli for the spinach and it was just as good.
~I wish I could visit my family for Christmas. BUT I'm praying for a way to visit in the spring. My boys (and a couple of girls) would love some farm time. I want some time w/my moms and dads. Maybe a trip to AR too?? I guess we'll see.....
~I was lying in bed thinking about this this morning and wondering if it was ok that some of the things that I'm so crazy about have nothing to do with Jesus. There's egg nog night, the gingerbread house, stuff like that. I know that some families do every sort of Christmas thing around Jesus. They have Spiritual meaning behind every gift, all the ornaments are Spiritual. Every tradition has a lesson or Scripture involved. I like that idea but it's not us. So I was wondering if that means that we sorta have a foot in both worlds or are sitting on the fence. I don't know.
~I ordered more Christmas pix. I just couldn't bring myself to shorten my list much. PLUS I have new friends in CO!
~We are having the best time making Christmas crafts this year. The kids' stuff is so cute and I know the g'mas are going to love it! Today I did some canning for gifts. Those little jars are so satisfying. I love to can.
~Speaking of canning, I found some jars at Savers! They put them together in bags and sold them as a set. Not my favorite idea since I only wanted some of the jars and not all. They were still cheaper than buying them new.
~Today we did our gingerbread house. It's one of those kits with the pre-made gingerbread and all the icing and sprinkles and candies. It is always sure to bring out lots of laughs as the walls cave in or the baby eats the chimney. I think this one is the best so far.
~My daughter asked, "Why is a gingerbread house a Christmas thing? Seems like it should be a Hansel and Gretal thing." Hmmm...I don't know. I asked Honey as he doesn't know either. Anyone know why they sell gingerbread houses at Christmas time?
~When my older kids were little we loved The Beginner's Bible. You know the old one with the white cover? We read it until it fell apart and we finally had to throw it away. Now they have a new version which is just as good but I'm a bit partial to the old illustrations. In the last few weeks I've found 2 of the older ones in great shape at Savers for $.69 each. They are both for gifts for our little bittys. I'm happy to still get to share this with my younger kids.
~I had an old iTunes card and bought the new Bebo Norman Christmas cd. It won't be a favorite but it's ok. We need some new Christmas music. Any suggestions?
~I had this big piece of meat in my freezer and I didn't know what it was. It had obviously been in there since before my parents brought us meat b/c there was ice all over it. I thawed it out and stuck it in the crockpot all day. It was actually good....if roast could ever be called "good" that is.
~I planned creamed spinach as a side dish for tonight. My daughter was helping me and instead of pulling out spinach, she got broccoli from the freezer. Not paying attention (they're both green, right?) I thawed it out in the microwave and didn't notice until the recipe was well on it's way. We substituted the broccoli for the spinach and it was just as good.
~I wish I could visit my family for Christmas. BUT I'm praying for a way to visit in the spring. My boys (and a couple of girls) would love some farm time. I want some time w/my moms and dads. Maybe a trip to AR too?? I guess we'll see.....
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Homemade Egg Nog
This is not as rich and thick as the store bought stuff but tasty just the same. (Cheaper too!) Everyone likes it at my house although my son did request that we buy the real stuff for Egg Nog Night. Can you believe we have a Christmas tradition centered around egg nog?
Eggless Egg Nog
8 C whole milk
1 small box of vanilla pudding
1 t. nutmeg
2 t. vanilla
1 C cream
1/4 C. sugar
Mix pudding w/some of the milk w/a wire whisk. Add everything else and mix well. Let stand in the fridge overnight. It will thicken as it sets and will need to be stirred.
Enjoy!
Eggless Egg Nog
8 C whole milk
1 small box of vanilla pudding
1 t. nutmeg
2 t. vanilla
1 C cream
1/4 C. sugar
Mix pudding w/some of the milk w/a wire whisk. Add everything else and mix well. Let stand in the fridge overnight. It will thicken as it sets and will need to be stirred.
Enjoy!
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Christmas Shopping
Honey and I went Christmas shopping last night. Shopping for the kids is one of my favorite Christmas traditions. We went with our list in hand (after a trip back to the parking lot cause I forgot it) and hit the store.
After we got home we continued our shopping on line. Isn't internet shopping great?! Remember the days of catalog shopping...."allow 4-6 weeks for delivery" ? I can't wait to see the UPS truck in front of my house.
This is one of the first years that I had the forethought to save for it all year long. Whenever we got our monthly expense check or any rebate checks or whatever other "bonus" checks I cashed them and saved them. It proved to be helpful last night.
Shopping the grocery sales will help for Christmas foods I hope. I bought 4 turkeys during the Thanksgiving sales and I hope they go on sale again. I wish I had bought about 5 more. I've also been stocking up on my baking supplies. (Thank you again for hanging cabinets in the garage Honey)
This year I've decided to save some money on our Christmas cards. I usually send out lots of cards/pictures and it turns out a little pricey. This year I think I'm only going to send to close friends and family and those that I will get to personally hand deliver. (But if you want a Christmas picture then let me know and I'll send you one too! ) This idea might not pan out since I love sending out pictures...and getting them! Wanna sneak peek?
Look here !
After we got home we continued our shopping on line. Isn't internet shopping great?! Remember the days of catalog shopping...."allow 4-6 weeks for delivery" ? I can't wait to see the UPS truck in front of my house.
This is one of the first years that I had the forethought to save for it all year long. Whenever we got our monthly expense check or any rebate checks or whatever other "bonus" checks I cashed them and saved them. It proved to be helpful last night.
Shopping the grocery sales will help for Christmas foods I hope. I bought 4 turkeys during the Thanksgiving sales and I hope they go on sale again. I wish I had bought about 5 more. I've also been stocking up on my baking supplies. (Thank you again for hanging cabinets in the garage Honey)
This year I've decided to save some money on our Christmas cards. I usually send out lots of cards/pictures and it turns out a little pricey. This year I think I'm only going to send to close friends and family and those that I will get to personally hand deliver. (But if you want a Christmas picture then let me know and I'll send you one too! ) This idea might not pan out since I love sending out pictures...and getting them! Wanna sneak peek?
Look here !
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Our Outa Hand Junk Drawer
The junk drawer was getting unmanageable. It was so bad that you had to rearrange stuff before you could shut it. What's in there anyway? Junk of course.
I didn't have time to pull the whole thing apart so I just spent a couple of minutes on it. I pulled out countless pencils and crayons, a golf ball, 5 screwdrivers, dead batteries, paint sticks, b-day candles, some sort of clippy thing, ....shall I go on? Because I can. It was (and still sorta is) a mess.
Does everybody have a junk drawer? I don't ever remember not having one. And when we were moving we actually had a box labeled "junk drawer stuff". Seems like you wouldn't want to move junk with you but what else do you do with it?
I thought about taking before and after pix. Now I'm glad I didn't b/c it's hard to tell the difference between the two. At least you can shut it now though.
I didn't have time to pull the whole thing apart so I just spent a couple of minutes on it. I pulled out countless pencils and crayons, a golf ball, 5 screwdrivers, dead batteries, paint sticks, b-day candles, some sort of clippy thing, ....shall I go on? Because I can. It was (and still sorta is) a mess.
Does everybody have a junk drawer? I don't ever remember not having one. And when we were moving we actually had a box labeled "junk drawer stuff". Seems like you wouldn't want to move junk with you but what else do you do with it?
I thought about taking before and after pix. Now I'm glad I didn't b/c it's hard to tell the difference between the two. At least you can shut it now though.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Today
~Monday Night Football means I have the computer to myself and I'm a little bit blog happy. Can you tell?
~We got a new table for the music room! I love it. Out with the swirvy recliners that never stay put. This is much more practical and gives not only more seating, but also another school table.
~Do you know what I love? My husband that comes home all noisy like. It's like the real fun begins when he steps through the door. Some sorta game in the cul-de-sac cause the snow's almost gone. Then loud beautiful worship music with drums and guitar while I'm finishing up dinner. And while there are times when I wanna clap both hands over my ears and run for cover, there are other times when the noise of the house is just lovely.
~My daughter that doesn't like to cook so much made a delicious dinner. I enjoyed working with her in the kitchen.
~Our new school table is handy. It's funny how just something as simple as a new place to work necessitates a slight change in schedule. We used to do preschool at the coffee table and now I need to move to 3 places instead of 2. My babies can't crowd up to the new table b/c it's too high, my big kids use the dining room table, my middles are at the new one. Anyway I like it.
~I have a ridiculously messy laundry room. Snow clothes will do that. And Christmas stuff. And diapers. And, well laundry.
~We took a cabinet down in the laundry room and behind it was wallpaper that says "I HATE LAUNDRY ROOMS". I took offense to this. If you've ever lived without a laundry room, you will certainly come to love it when you do get one. That ugly stuff has got to go. I am thankful for my laundry room.
~My new bread machine doesn't work after all. I give up. It was really too small to help me out much anyway. But if I ever find a replacement pan for my Zo I will be so happy. THAT is a good machine.
~I'm not communicating very well with my teenagers. Things I think they should've understood, they don't. I gotta work on my communication skills.
~December is a good time to pray over things the Lord would have me change.
~25 more days until our Wing visit!
~We got a new table for the music room! I love it. Out with the swirvy recliners that never stay put. This is much more practical and gives not only more seating, but also another school table.
~Do you know what I love? My husband that comes home all noisy like. It's like the real fun begins when he steps through the door. Some sorta game in the cul-de-sac cause the snow's almost gone. Then loud beautiful worship music with drums and guitar while I'm finishing up dinner. And while there are times when I wanna clap both hands over my ears and run for cover, there are other times when the noise of the house is just lovely.
~My daughter that doesn't like to cook so much made a delicious dinner. I enjoyed working with her in the kitchen.
~Our new school table is handy. It's funny how just something as simple as a new place to work necessitates a slight change in schedule. We used to do preschool at the coffee table and now I need to move to 3 places instead of 2. My babies can't crowd up to the new table b/c it's too high, my big kids use the dining room table, my middles are at the new one. Anyway I like it.
~I have a ridiculously messy laundry room. Snow clothes will do that. And Christmas stuff. And diapers. And, well laundry.
~We took a cabinet down in the laundry room and behind it was wallpaper that says "I HATE LAUNDRY ROOMS". I took offense to this. If you've ever lived without a laundry room, you will certainly come to love it when you do get one. That ugly stuff has got to go. I am thankful for my laundry room.
~My new bread machine doesn't work after all. I give up. It was really too small to help me out much anyway. But if I ever find a replacement pan for my Zo I will be so happy. THAT is a good machine.
~I'm not communicating very well with my teenagers. Things I think they should've understood, they don't. I gotta work on my communication skills.
~December is a good time to pray over things the Lord would have me change.
~25 more days until our Wing visit!
Wanna See Some New Pix?
All of us at Mally's party except photographer Dad. He made a comment about how in a big family every single b-day is a party. It's so fun.
Mally got a lot of new food for her kitchen set. It was irresistable to even the big kids. They went into Babyest's room and had a little party of their own with lots of plastic pie. I love this picture b/c they are all so happy and enjoying each other. There is no barrier of age difference.
LB and Babyest. Yes, it's a girly pink snow suit. That's all we had. I'm sure he'll be scarred for life. Never fear, now he has a blue one thanks to my local thrift store.
Excited kids loving the first snow fall!
Wrestling with Daddy.
Isn't he beautiful? I mean REALLY!! I just love his dark brown eyes and perfect smile.He's such a love.
From Elisabeth Elliot..
My friend Lisa sent me a card with this quote. I've read it over and over again. It was so timely for my circumstances and mood. It is from her book Keep A Quiet Heart.
"The choice is ours. It depends on our willingness to see everything in God, receive all from His hand, accept with gratitude just the portion and the cup He offers. Shall I charge Him with a mistake in His measurements or with misjudging the sphere in which I can best learn to trust Him? Has He misplaced me? Is He ignorant of things or people which, in my view, hinder doing His will?...The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances."
"The choice is ours. It depends on our willingness to see everything in God, receive all from His hand, accept with gratitude just the portion and the cup He offers. Shall I charge Him with a mistake in His measurements or with misjudging the sphere in which I can best learn to trust Him? Has He misplaced me? Is He ignorant of things or people which, in my view, hinder doing His will?...The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances."
Vegetable Dip
This is an easy versatile recipe that goes with chips, crackers, or veggies. I make this for tea sometimes.
1 brick of cream cheese softened
2 T sour cream
2 garlic cloves pressed
Mix these together then add whatever combination of...
minced onion
chopped broccoli
chopped olives
tomatoes
sun dried tomatoes
shredded carrots
cucumber.....you get the idea.
Mix that together then add s/p to taste. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Today I made this with tomatoes, black olives, onion, and broccoli and we had it with crackers and Gollum juice. Yum!
Today's Meals..
breakfast - oatmeal muffins
lunch - chicken soup
dinner - tuna sauce w/garlic bread, green beans, salad
tea - veggie dip and crackers
1 brick of cream cheese softened
2 T sour cream
2 garlic cloves pressed
Mix these together then add whatever combination of...
minced onion
chopped broccoli
chopped olives
tomatoes
sun dried tomatoes
shredded carrots
cucumber.....you get the idea.
Mix that together then add s/p to taste. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Today I made this with tomatoes, black olives, onion, and broccoli and we had it with crackers and Gollum juice. Yum!
Today's Meals..
breakfast - oatmeal muffins
lunch - chicken soup
dinner - tuna sauce w/garlic bread, green beans, salad
tea - veggie dip and crackers
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