I heart church lunches. Especially when it means no Sunday evening services and my man and I get to have date night. I don't know whose idea this new arrangement was, but I love them. And it's even better when there's something special to go with it....like Resurrection Sunday!
Burgers are on the menu for tomorrow and Misty told me to bring dessert.
Dessert.
Me? Because that ain't really my thing, dessert. And I'd much rather bring something more interesting. Besides if I make a dessert then maybe Ms. Marianne won't bring pecan pie. And that would just be a shame ya'll.
So she said I could bring potato salad instead.
Now we're talking.
I adore potato salad. And so do my kids.
The girls and I worked together peeling lots of potatoes and chopping everything else. I have never made potato salad on such a large scale before and I had 2 of my biggest pots overloaded.
Of course that's when my second favorite burner decided to take a vacation and I had to cook it in batches on my most favorite burner because the other 2 are too small. (My second favorite burner just became the unfaithful cursed burner.)
When the potatoes were done and it was time to mix it up, I hit another snag. Both pots were full of potatoes and that left no room for mixing and I didn't have anything bigger.
I'm starting to think this wasn't such a good idea. And I'm also starting to think......what if nobody really likes my potato salad anyway? I used to think everybody loved potato salad. But it turns out that Nana doesn't like it at all. It's probably not her fault though because she's not southern and she doesn't understand potato salad like the rest of us. But if Nana doesn't like this potato salad, maybe other people won't either. Ya think?
But my kids were like, "Good. That means we'll bring it all home and we can eat it for a long time."
Hey, this parenting gig is paying off!! My kids are smart.
Anyhow, Lane and I started mixing it up in different batches working our way through every dish in the kitchen while my son comments that he's sure glad it's not his kitchen work day.
Mr. Smarty Pants then got himself sent to the store because I forgot the sweet pickles and had to put a hold on the entire production until he got them.
Now I also learned that working in batches means you can't mix everything together to make sure you have all the ingredients and seasonings just right. So you kinda have to wing it when it comes to the end result. Whose idea was this?
I've never been so glad to be done in the kitchen in all my life.
Finally we were finished. And I was glad it wasn't my kitchen work day either.
Note to self: next time Misty tells you to bring a dessert, don't whine. Bake a cake.
And call it a day.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
The Carnival Of My Mind
I remember Les preaching one time and mentioning a blog with this title. I immediately loved it and wished it was mine. It's not though but I'm stealing it for at least a post title. Don't tell.
I could've probably also titled it Ridiculous Ramblings or A Lot Of Words That Will Probably Be Boring. Or at least The Junk That Goes Through My Head When I Walk For Too Long.
Because that's just what I did. Walked a loooong time. It started out as just trying to get in a walk before the rain hit. Only it didn't rain. So I kept walking. For a long long time. And rocking my new play list with plenty of Christmas music and giving the neighborhood a free concert.
Because....
I woke up this morning to something I haven't felt in a long time.
I didn't realize it at first, but after Honey left for work and I started moving around I noticed something.......I don't feel terrible! In fact, I felt better than I have in a loooong time!! And I was so thankful. It really feels good not to be hurting as much as I usually do.
I saw Maggie last night. I'm so thankful for the way God has worked through her. It's highly probable that she won't be here much longer but I'm not going to worry about it. As it stands now, my man is trying to learn some of her techniques. I love him.
So as it was a warmer morning, the kids were already busy at the table working on school, and I realized that my wrist, elbow, AND shoulder could all cooperate at the same time to maneuver a leash, I laced up my shoes, grabbed my dog, and hit the street. It had been too long. God and I do some of our best business on these kinda walks.
~I spend way too much time "doing" and not enough time enjoying my kids. Doing school, doing laundry, cleaning house, cooking, bossing people around. And a good example is the fact that my kids were working on math and it is GOOD FRIDAY for Pete's sake! I haven't done Resurrection Eggs with them and we have some good Scripture to be reading together today. NOT math.
~And as I was thinking on this good day and Sunday to come, I burst into tears. My Savior is awesome.
~I got a new book. Honey bought it for me last week because let's just say....it wasn't our best week and the word "butthead" was mentioned.
My favorite quote so far... "Maybe there are times when we think a door has been closed and, instead of misinterpreting the circumstances, God wants us to kick it down."
I've been thinking about it all day. Because I have this deep desire that is good and right and the doors seem closed. But its not going away and I don't think it ever will. So I wonder......
And I know that my man is reading this and saying "Oh my..." But yes.
~I'm praying for my Awana guy Hayden. We were out for spring break last week and when he first saw me on the playground Wed he said, "HI Ms. Sandy. I missed you last week!"
Oh he is such a sweetheart. Then he got in trouble during games. But I'm pretty sure it couldn't have been his fault.
~I have some new ideas on menu planning and reassigning chores.
~Jes is sick. And it always makes me pay more attention than when my other kids get sick b/c while he's a tough kid, his body doesn't usually handle sickness as well. He's older and does better but my momma heart still goes back to when he was two and had 105 fever that I couldn't get down. So I pay attention.
~It's my Duck Dynasty night except it's gonna rain and my kids can't play at the creek so I can't preview which episodes they can watch. So I can't watch it at all.
~Yesterday we went on a field trip to a nursery to see how a large scale greenhouse works.
Boringest field trip ever! And it was 45 minutes out of town AND I got lost coming back. I need to give more thought before signing up for free field trips. I wasted a great amount of time and gas on that.
I have a hard time discerning what is worthy of going to town. Because I would've thought that to be something neat. On the other hand, I keep my kids home instead of going to the library. Homeschoolers that don't go to the library? Because we are probably doing math of course. Even though every time Ms. Turner reads a book to my kids they talk about it for weeks and we end up buying it. Now that seems town worthy. But is it when it would mean no "real" school that day and I have a library 2 minutes from my house?
So Wednesday a couple of us ran in to pick up a chicken book. And they know us in there and told us to shut up because Lane's funny story was being broadcast through the whole place and they are trying to teach the after-school kids to be good and we weren't helping. Plus ZBoy left his hat last time. Ms. Jan helped me look for my chicken book, barked at one of the after-school kids, and gave me the low down on the new librarian I haven't met. Now see?... that's a good use of time folks.
And I just can't seem to get along so well with this Charleston library and I'm not interested in the 25 books they have lined up against the wall. Plus I owe a fine from the one and only time I checked out a book.
I have a feeling I am way over complicating this library thing.
~Last night I mentioned to Honey how I had run into a friend that we've known a long time. For whatever reason, I've always wanted to be better friends with her. But she is not interested. Every time I'm around her, she always snubs me. And I don't get it. Because she is friendly enough to my other friends so I know its not that she is shy or something. Fact is, she is not interested...period.
Do you know what he said? Something like, "what difference does it make?"
Well I guess it doesn't make any difference, its just that I think we could be good friends AND I think our boys would get along great. But no. So as I was thinking on this this morning, I realized that he is right and I've spent too much energy on it. Except it also opened my eyes to think of a couple of times when I've done that to someone else. Reason number 7632 that I need my Savior.
~A long time later I went back home to find my kids being good, my voice gone from singing so loud, and my mind a lot clearer.
And my kids were like, "Mom, did you get lost?"
I could've probably also titled it Ridiculous Ramblings or A Lot Of Words That Will Probably Be Boring. Or at least The Junk That Goes Through My Head When I Walk For Too Long.
Because that's just what I did. Walked a loooong time. It started out as just trying to get in a walk before the rain hit. Only it didn't rain. So I kept walking. For a long long time. And rocking my new play list with plenty of Christmas music and giving the neighborhood a free concert.
Because....
I woke up this morning to something I haven't felt in a long time.
I didn't realize it at first, but after Honey left for work and I started moving around I noticed something.......I don't feel terrible! In fact, I felt better than I have in a loooong time!! And I was so thankful. It really feels good not to be hurting as much as I usually do.
I saw Maggie last night. I'm so thankful for the way God has worked through her. It's highly probable that she won't be here much longer but I'm not going to worry about it. As it stands now, my man is trying to learn some of her techniques. I love him.
So as it was a warmer morning, the kids were already busy at the table working on school, and I realized that my wrist, elbow, AND shoulder could all cooperate at the same time to maneuver a leash, I laced up my shoes, grabbed my dog, and hit the street. It had been too long. God and I do some of our best business on these kinda walks.
~I spend way too much time "doing" and not enough time enjoying my kids. Doing school, doing laundry, cleaning house, cooking, bossing people around. And a good example is the fact that my kids were working on math and it is GOOD FRIDAY for Pete's sake! I haven't done Resurrection Eggs with them and we have some good Scripture to be reading together today. NOT math.
~And as I was thinking on this good day and Sunday to come, I burst into tears. My Savior is awesome.
~I got a new book. Honey bought it for me last week because let's just say....it wasn't our best week and the word "butthead" was mentioned.
I've been thinking about it all day. Because I have this deep desire that is good and right and the doors seem closed. But its not going away and I don't think it ever will. So I wonder......
And I know that my man is reading this and saying "Oh my..." But yes.
~I'm praying for my Awana guy Hayden. We were out for spring break last week and when he first saw me on the playground Wed he said, "HI Ms. Sandy. I missed you last week!"
Oh he is such a sweetheart. Then he got in trouble during games. But I'm pretty sure it couldn't have been his fault.
~I have some new ideas on menu planning and reassigning chores.
~Jes is sick. And it always makes me pay more attention than when my other kids get sick b/c while he's a tough kid, his body doesn't usually handle sickness as well. He's older and does better but my momma heart still goes back to when he was two and had 105 fever that I couldn't get down. So I pay attention.
~It's my Duck Dynasty night except it's gonna rain and my kids can't play at the creek so I can't preview which episodes they can watch. So I can't watch it at all.
~Yesterday we went on a field trip to a nursery to see how a large scale greenhouse works.
Boringest field trip ever! And it was 45 minutes out of town AND I got lost coming back. I need to give more thought before signing up for free field trips. I wasted a great amount of time and gas on that.
I have a hard time discerning what is worthy of going to town. Because I would've thought that to be something neat. On the other hand, I keep my kids home instead of going to the library. Homeschoolers that don't go to the library? Because we are probably doing math of course. Even though every time Ms. Turner reads a book to my kids they talk about it for weeks and we end up buying it. Now that seems town worthy. But is it when it would mean no "real" school that day and I have a library 2 minutes from my house?
So Wednesday a couple of us ran in to pick up a chicken book. And they know us in there and told us to shut up because Lane's funny story was being broadcast through the whole place and they are trying to teach the after-school kids to be good and we weren't helping. Plus ZBoy left his hat last time. Ms. Jan helped me look for my chicken book, barked at one of the after-school kids, and gave me the low down on the new librarian I haven't met. Now see?... that's a good use of time folks.
And I just can't seem to get along so well with this Charleston library and I'm not interested in the 25 books they have lined up against the wall. Plus I owe a fine from the one and only time I checked out a book.
I have a feeling I am way over complicating this library thing.
~Last night I mentioned to Honey how I had run into a friend that we've known a long time. For whatever reason, I've always wanted to be better friends with her. But she is not interested. Every time I'm around her, she always snubs me. And I don't get it. Because she is friendly enough to my other friends so I know its not that she is shy or something. Fact is, she is not interested...period.
Do you know what he said? Something like, "what difference does it make?"
Well I guess it doesn't make any difference, its just that I think we could be good friends AND I think our boys would get along great. But no. So as I was thinking on this this morning, I realized that he is right and I've spent too much energy on it. Except it also opened my eyes to think of a couple of times when I've done that to someone else. Reason number 7632 that I need my Savior.
~A long time later I went back home to find my kids being good, my voice gone from singing so loud, and my mind a lot clearer.
And my kids were like, "Mom, did you get lost?"
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Peep Peep!!
Take a look at these sweet babies!!
Honey made an egg run to the feed store and surprised us with 6 adorable little sweeties.
Ooooh they are so soft!
Honey made an egg run to the feed store and surprised us with 6 adorable little sweeties.
Ooooh they are so soft!
We have their habitat all set up. Or I should say the THIRD one since Saturday since we are learning to get it right and they are growing so fast. The chicken coop is ready for when they are a little bigger and it is warmer.
Look who else likes the new babies....
Look who else likes the new babies....
At first Joey didn't care much, but by Monday he knew full well what was going on in that tub and was totally fixated!
Lane has been working with him though and Joey has even tolerated having a chick on his paw and pecking his whiskers. Oh course he's really just waiting for Lane to let her guard down.
They usually stay huddled together under the light like this. But the last couple days they've gotten on their perch and spread out a bit.
Unfortunately we lack the good sense not to name them. Not sure how that'll turn out in the end.... but right now they are sooo much fun!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Precious Words
A friend of my parents passed away recently. The family needed help cleaning out the house and my parents are helping. It is almost similar to a hoarder situation with brand-new never opened things as well as piles of junk and trash. A big mess.
While we were there, my mom took us over. In exchange for helping the family clean this up, my parents are able to keep/sell anything there. There were boxes and boxes of unopened books, lots of dishes, personal items, furniture, cars, you name it.
It was such a strange feeling going through this house. All of this stuff was important and special to someone at some point and now is reduced to a pile of junk being picked over by complete strangers.
There were even pictures and birth certificates that will eventually be trashed. So sad...
And I've been thinking ever since about how everything we accumulate in this world will eventually come to nothing. All the energy, affections, money, and time we pour into earthly junk will be cast into fire.
The only thing that will remain for eternity is Kingdom work. And I've been reminded again how closely I need to stick to my Bible to understand what the work is.
A verse I've been pondering a couple days is Jeremiah 15:19...
"If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall be as my mouth."
Precious words vs worthless words.
This comes on the cusp of our catch phrase for March which is "pleasant words". It's something the kids and I have been working on all month. We are memorizing Eph 4:29-5:2 which talks about using our words to build up others instead of tearing them down, not grieving the Holy Spirit, putting aside anger, and being imitators of God.
We love others by prayer, words, and deeds. I am praying that God will fill my mouth with precious words for others instead of sarcasm, judgmental condemnation, anger, thoughtlessness, and even an impatient tone.
I want to love the people in my life better and a good place to start is with precious words. In Luke it says that the words of our mouths come from the wellspring of our hearts. Our mouth reflects our true person. So I am praying that God will change me from the inside and it will flow out freely to those I love.
While we were there, my mom took us over. In exchange for helping the family clean this up, my parents are able to keep/sell anything there. There were boxes and boxes of unopened books, lots of dishes, personal items, furniture, cars, you name it.
It was such a strange feeling going through this house. All of this stuff was important and special to someone at some point and now is reduced to a pile of junk being picked over by complete strangers.
There were even pictures and birth certificates that will eventually be trashed. So sad...
And I've been thinking ever since about how everything we accumulate in this world will eventually come to nothing. All the energy, affections, money, and time we pour into earthly junk will be cast into fire.
The only thing that will remain for eternity is Kingdom work. And I've been reminded again how closely I need to stick to my Bible to understand what the work is.
A verse I've been pondering a couple days is Jeremiah 15:19...
"If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall be as my mouth."
Precious words vs worthless words.
This comes on the cusp of our catch phrase for March which is "pleasant words". It's something the kids and I have been working on all month. We are memorizing Eph 4:29-5:2 which talks about using our words to build up others instead of tearing them down, not grieving the Holy Spirit, putting aside anger, and being imitators of God.
We love others by prayer, words, and deeds. I am praying that God will fill my mouth with precious words for others instead of sarcasm, judgmental condemnation, anger, thoughtlessness, and even an impatient tone.
I want to love the people in my life better and a good place to start is with precious words. In Luke it says that the words of our mouths come from the wellspring of our hearts. Our mouth reflects our true person. So I am praying that God will change me from the inside and it will flow out freely to those I love.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Texas Fun
We had a fun few days in TX visiting family and enjoying the perfect weather. We went back and forth from G'ma's and Nana's houses eating, playing, shopping, gaming, fishing, talking, and everything else.
Grandma showing off her new game.
Meg and Ethan came and spent one night with us. He and CT worked on an airplane project.
Feeding horses...
Oh how I love this lady! And I'm kicking myself for not getting pictures with Gram too. It's a huge blessing to get to see both my grandmothers in one place.
Nana and ZBoy reading birthday cards together.
We ended the visit with a birthday party for the March/April birthdays. My dad is an awesome cook!
Notice the moose with the birthday streamers? Ha!
Thank you to my family for their sweet hospitality! We all had a great time!
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Linky Love and Packing Up
Some of us are headed to TX for a couple days to visit family while some of us are holding down the fort...or at least watering the seedlings!
I'm been slowly getting ready. Too slowly. Here we are on the eve of departure and I've barely begun. Mostly because I felt like I had all the time in the world...and now I don't. That seems to happen to me frequently. Thus my man says I work on an abbreviated time schedule.
Whatever. :-)
For this trip I'm trying something new. It's roughly a 5 hour trip and instead of letting each kid pack a bag of things to do in the car, I'm packing surprise bags. I think they'll love it!
Bag #1.... individual boxes of raisins, crayons, and this map where they find license plates and color the state where they came from.
Bag #2.... baggies of popcorn, and this scavenger hunt with brand new pencils.
Bag #3.... m&ms (a surprise from Jes for everyone that he earned at piano last week), and this scavenger hunt.
Bag #4.... graham crackers and those magnetic things where you use a pencil and draw hair on the bald guy.
So each hour I'll pass out a bag + lunch in the middle. It should make the time pass pretty quickly.
As for now, I just created myself a new playlist and I'm trying to figure out how to borrow kindle books from the public library. Next step. Pile up all the books for me!
I'm been slowly getting ready. Too slowly. Here we are on the eve of departure and I've barely begun. Mostly because I felt like I had all the time in the world...and now I don't. That seems to happen to me frequently. Thus my man says I work on an abbreviated time schedule.
Whatever. :-)
For this trip I'm trying something new. It's roughly a 5 hour trip and instead of letting each kid pack a bag of things to do in the car, I'm packing surprise bags. I think they'll love it!
Bag #1.... individual boxes of raisins, crayons, and this map where they find license plates and color the state where they came from.
Bag #2.... baggies of popcorn, and this scavenger hunt with brand new pencils.
Bag #3.... m&ms (a surprise from Jes for everyone that he earned at piano last week), and this scavenger hunt.
Bag #4.... graham crackers and those magnetic things where you use a pencil and draw hair on the bald guy.
So each hour I'll pass out a bag + lunch in the middle. It should make the time pass pretty quickly.
As for now, I just created myself a new playlist and I'm trying to figure out how to borrow kindle books from the public library. Next step. Pile up all the books for me!
Friday, March 15, 2013
A Word About Grace
"From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace." John 1:16
I was reading some Spurgeon this morning and love his thoughts on grace. It goes like this...
"Grace, whether its work be to pardon, to cleanse, to preserve, to strengthen, to enlighten, to quicken, or to restore, is ever to be had from Him freely and without price; nor is there one form of the work of grace which He has not bestowed upon His people."
Don't you love it? Grace upon Grace. For ME! And for YOU!
"Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." 2 Tim 2:1
I was reading some Spurgeon this morning and love his thoughts on grace. It goes like this...
"Grace, whether its work be to pardon, to cleanse, to preserve, to strengthen, to enlighten, to quicken, or to restore, is ever to be had from Him freely and without price; nor is there one form of the work of grace which He has not bestowed upon His people."
Don't you love it? Grace upon Grace. For ME! And for YOU!
"Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." 2 Tim 2:1
Lake
We explored the lake today for the first time.
It's just minutes from our house and the weather was perfect!
I love this picture with their shoes thrown off all over the place. I think they would've jumped in if I would've let them. They are NOT like their momma....who hates getting wet.
This is a creekish type thing with a small waterfall and a hiking trail above.
Little help?
The trail led us to a small outdoor theater complete with a stage, benches, and a big tree trunk to climb.
There was also a little playground at the entrance with "one of the best merry-go-rounds ever" I hear.
After doing all there was to do, we headed to the park until school got out and it got crowded. And by crowded I mean we weren't the only ones there anymore. So it was time to head to Grandma's creek where most of my kids fell in the mud at some point and were too dirty to come in the house and had to eat on the porch and go home early for a long bath.
Fun day!
After doing all there was to do, we headed to the park until school got out and it got crowded. And by crowded I mean we weren't the only ones there anymore. So it was time to head to Grandma's creek where most of my kids fell in the mud at some point and were too dirty to come in the house and had to eat on the porch and go home early for a long bath.
Fun day!
Monday, March 11, 2013
Farm News
~I know I keep saying this but ....the chicken coop is almost finished! It really is this time.
And just in time too because the feed store has eggs that are about to hatch and he took my number to call me when they do so we can go watch. Won't that be awesome! I've never seen anything come out of an egg before. I hope he remembers. He said it would probably be Saturday and the chicks will be ready on Monday or Tuesday. Oh yeah!!
Problem is that I might be in Texas then. And Honey would have to pick out chicks all by himself. And that would not be cool. Because we all care about the chick-picking-out business. So it might have to wait until we get back.
~But TONIGHT!! Tonight is the night to order bees!! The last chance for spring they say. FarmerBoy and I have our last beekeeping class tonight and our bees should be here by the middle of April. That'll give us time to get our hives set up.
~Our little seeds have been planted for about a week now. They are under grow lights in the garage....just waiting!!
And I'm praying over them...
"....open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts." Malachi 3:10-12
Monday, March 04, 2013
Where Have I Been?
It was my oldest son's turn for kitchen work and I heard him holler from the kitchen, "Lane, WHY do you keep doing that?"
And I knew.
Because she always does it. While the rest of us are ok with using our old stinky falling apart kitchen sponges, Lane is NOT. And we can be sure that we will have new sponges after it's her turn. So I usually buy a big pack of them so we don't run out. But this time.....well she threw away the last one and he was left with just a rag. By the way, if you hire her to clean your house, she will throw away your sponges too.
It just so happened that our scrub brush that we use for cleaning out the muffin pans bit the dust too and we were out of SOS pads. A trip to the dollar store was in order.
Am I the only one who keeps a shopping list for the dollar store on my phone? Or do you do that too? I love the dollar store for cleaning supplies. And birthday cards. And stocking stuffers. And batteries. And......well anyway.
We are shopping the cleaning aisle when Lane suggests we buy a micro fiber washcloth.
I've seen these around but never considered spending money on a dishrag when I have so many dishrags in the drawer. But I was feeling generous. I had the extra dollar. And well....I can get carried away in the cleaning aisle. I also bought those plastic scrubby things that look like the metal ones except they are plastic and come in 3 colors. SIX for a dollar? That's a bargain ya'll.
So we get home and break out the new dish rag. OH MY!! Seriously I've been using faded ratty thin dishrags that need a hair cut when this only cost a dollar!!? Where have I been? I loved it so much that the next day I washed a load of kitchen towels special so I wouldn't have to live my life that day without it.
Fast forward. I needed to shower but boys were doing dishes. And since we share a hot water heater with the kitchen that means a freezing cold/scalding hot shower. So I told them to do the dishes without using water and forbid anyone from flushing the toilet. LB stepped in and suggested I use the girls' shower. Good idea.
In my opinion, the girls have the greatest space in the whole house. They have a spacious master suite, on the opposite side of the house, a walk-in shower (which means something to my man, but I could care less), and their own hot water heater. The only thing that kept me from taking that room in the first place is the fact that their closet is smaller and my man has a lot of stuff. Plus I was tired and didn't wanna paint it.
So I was showering and discovered another new thing in life. Girl shaving cream! No wonder they wanted this stuff in their Christmas stocking! It is niiiiiiice and smells soooo good. How have I lived so long without it? I don't even know.
Well there I was in my girls' room and I take a look on their bookshelves and guess what? A new book I'd never seen. Very old looking called The Bible In Pictures. I take it down and look on the first page. Someone had written a dedication to.....ready for this???.....
Who names their kid BLENDIA?? Really, some people are no good at naming babies is all I have to say.
The book is fun though, a comic type Bible story in black & white that will be a good bedtime read. I asked LB where we got it. Apparently it was a hand-me-down left in the old youth guys' office before Honey took the job. (That's nicer than saying she stole it from church.)
Anyhow it's been there for a good long time and I never knew. Just like micro fiber dish rags and girly shaving cream. Where have I been?
And I knew.
Because she always does it. While the rest of us are ok with using our old stinky falling apart kitchen sponges, Lane is NOT. And we can be sure that we will have new sponges after it's her turn. So I usually buy a big pack of them so we don't run out. But this time.....well she threw away the last one and he was left with just a rag. By the way, if you hire her to clean your house, she will throw away your sponges too.
It just so happened that our scrub brush that we use for cleaning out the muffin pans bit the dust too and we were out of SOS pads. A trip to the dollar store was in order.
Am I the only one who keeps a shopping list for the dollar store on my phone? Or do you do that too? I love the dollar store for cleaning supplies. And birthday cards. And stocking stuffers. And batteries. And......well anyway.
We are shopping the cleaning aisle when Lane suggests we buy a micro fiber washcloth.
I've seen these around but never considered spending money on a dishrag when I have so many dishrags in the drawer. But I was feeling generous. I had the extra dollar. And well....I can get carried away in the cleaning aisle. I also bought those plastic scrubby things that look like the metal ones except they are plastic and come in 3 colors. SIX for a dollar? That's a bargain ya'll.
So we get home and break out the new dish rag. OH MY!! Seriously I've been using faded ratty thin dishrags that need a hair cut when this only cost a dollar!!? Where have I been? I loved it so much that the next day I washed a load of kitchen towels special so I wouldn't have to live my life that day without it.
Fast forward. I needed to shower but boys were doing dishes. And since we share a hot water heater with the kitchen that means a freezing cold/scalding hot shower. So I told them to do the dishes without using water and forbid anyone from flushing the toilet. LB stepped in and suggested I use the girls' shower. Good idea.
In my opinion, the girls have the greatest space in the whole house. They have a spacious master suite, on the opposite side of the house, a walk-in shower (which means something to my man, but I could care less), and their own hot water heater. The only thing that kept me from taking that room in the first place is the fact that their closet is smaller and my man has a lot of stuff. Plus I was tired and didn't wanna paint it.
So I was showering and discovered another new thing in life. Girl shaving cream! No wonder they wanted this stuff in their Christmas stocking! It is niiiiiiice and smells soooo good. How have I lived so long without it? I don't even know.
Well there I was in my girls' room and I take a look on their bookshelves and guess what? A new book I'd never seen. Very old looking called The Bible In Pictures. I take it down and look on the first page. Someone had written a dedication to.....ready for this???.....
Glendia
and
Blendia
Who names their kid BLENDIA?? Really, some people are no good at naming babies is all I have to say.
The book is fun though, a comic type Bible story in black & white that will be a good bedtime read. I asked LB where we got it. Apparently it was a hand-me-down left in the old youth guys' office before Honey took the job. (That's nicer than saying she stole it from church.)
Anyhow it's been there for a good long time and I never knew. Just like micro fiber dish rags and girly shaving cream. Where have I been?
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
The Unlimited Patience Of My Man
We had some insurance thing going on where we were supposed to collect some money. Not huge money but like $50 or something. I don't usually (Read: never) have to handle these things but for some reason I had to be involved this time. So I had to call and get the proper receipt and it was a bit of a pain since it was supposed to be delivered to TKD by my friend only I didn't show up that night and then she had to mail it. So by saying it was a pain, I'm really saying I was the pain in this story.
But now we have the paperwork. My part = done.
A couple of days later Honey asks if I mailed in the paperwork along with the form he gave me. I assured him I never saw a form and had no idea what he was even talking about. I only had the paperwork. He was sure he gave it to me. But I knew he was wrong. So he asked for the paperwork so he could take care of it at work. Good idea.
But then! Later I open up my flexi-folder organizing deal and would you believe that right there in the very front was an insurance form!? I have no idea how it got there.
I guess that's why I don't do these things.
I started the day yesterday giving a sermon on love and patience. A looong sermon y'all in which I lost the littles shortly after I started. It was one of those speeches where I was talking to myself more than anyone else.
Because I knew it was coming....... The time of the week when I am stretched waaay beyond my abilities to be nice.
And I was right. And I failed. I acted nice on the outside but then shot off an explosive email to my man ranting about the school lunch program and the insensitivity of inflammatory remarks that show ignorance of the real issues of poverty. The poor guy had no idea what I was talking about. But ranting has a cleansing effect even if the one who has to listen isn't even remotely involved. He's a good listener.
Did you know we had 2 date nights this week? TWO!
So one night we were home from TKD because of snow and I'm like "hey we could go out!". So we did. But since the roads weren't great we only went a mile up the road to a place called Kat's Kitchen which seems to be the spot around here. Prolly b/c there aren't that many spots anyhow.
There were like 6 things on the menu. So I ordered a baked potato with chili and can you believe she says they don't have chili today? It was a seasonal item and apparently snowy winter days do not fall under chili season. Ha! But it was a cute place with cute people.
I was still hungry after that so we went across the street to Sonic and had 2nd dinner.
On the way out the door I grabbed my inlaw's garage door opener so we could swing by and watchDuck Dynasty something on their TV. We pushed the button but it didn't work. Because it was the wrong garage door opener!! Turns out those things aren't universal. I should've grabbed the keys instead.
Date night #2 was more on the simple side. We took food from home and got KEYS to the parent's place. Turns out those work better than other people's garage door openers.
And my sweet Honey watched like 2 episodes of DD with me and Dr Pol!
He loves me.
But now we have the paperwork. My part = done.
A couple of days later Honey asks if I mailed in the paperwork along with the form he gave me. I assured him I never saw a form and had no idea what he was even talking about. I only had the paperwork. He was sure he gave it to me. But I knew he was wrong. So he asked for the paperwork so he could take care of it at work. Good idea.
But then! Later I open up my flexi-folder organizing deal and would you believe that right there in the very front was an insurance form!? I have no idea how it got there.
I guess that's why I don't do these things.
I started the day yesterday giving a sermon on love and patience. A looong sermon y'all in which I lost the littles shortly after I started. It was one of those speeches where I was talking to myself more than anyone else.
Because I knew it was coming....... The time of the week when I am stretched waaay beyond my abilities to be nice.
And I was right. And I failed. I acted nice on the outside but then shot off an explosive email to my man ranting about the school lunch program and the insensitivity of inflammatory remarks that show ignorance of the real issues of poverty. The poor guy had no idea what I was talking about. But ranting has a cleansing effect even if the one who has to listen isn't even remotely involved. He's a good listener.
Did you know we had 2 date nights this week? TWO!
So one night we were home from TKD because of snow and I'm like "hey we could go out!". So we did. But since the roads weren't great we only went a mile up the road to a place called Kat's Kitchen which seems to be the spot around here. Prolly b/c there aren't that many spots anyhow.
There were like 6 things on the menu. So I ordered a baked potato with chili and can you believe she says they don't have chili today? It was a seasonal item and apparently snowy winter days do not fall under chili season. Ha! But it was a cute place with cute people.
I was still hungry after that so we went across the street to Sonic and had 2nd dinner.
On the way out the door I grabbed my inlaw's garage door opener so we could swing by and watch
Date night #2 was more on the simple side. We took food from home and got KEYS to the parent's place. Turns out those work better than other people's garage door openers.
And my sweet Honey watched like 2 episodes of DD with me and Dr Pol!
He loves me.
Linky Love
Here's some places I've enjoyed this week....
I've been coming to this writing site for a couple of years now. If you sign up for the free newsletter you will get writing tips and helpful worksheets to use for your kids. The book is pretty good too, though I don't use it too much because it involves making a lot of copies. http://www.createbetterwriters.com/
A Bowl Full Of Lemons is a fun site if you like cleaning/decorating/reorganization projects. It was my inspiration for finally cleaning up my scrapbook stuff!
I bought all the ingredients to make this salad from Pioneer Woman. Only I don't like ginger so I'll leave that out. And I'll try substituting sweet potato noodles for the regular ones. So my salad might not be anything close to hers!
This simple notebooking idea has changed the way I'm doing history with my
younger kids. And when I say "simple" ya'll I mean SIMPLE!
One more especially for Jennifer....
Take a look at how The Peaceful Mom is making her weekly planner in her art journal. So much snazzier than just crossing through a boring list. I've been copying some of this idea, though mine isn't quite as cute yet!
I've been coming to this writing site for a couple of years now. If you sign up for the free newsletter you will get writing tips and helpful worksheets to use for your kids. The book is pretty good too, though I don't use it too much because it involves making a lot of copies. http://www.createbetterwriters.com/
A Bowl Full Of Lemons is a fun site if you like cleaning/decorating/reorganization projects. It was my inspiration for finally cleaning up my scrapbook stuff!
I bought all the ingredients to make this salad from Pioneer Woman. Only I don't like ginger so I'll leave that out. And I'll try substituting sweet potato noodles for the regular ones. So my salad might not be anything close to hers!
This simple notebooking idea has changed the way I'm doing history with my
younger kids. And when I say "simple" ya'll I mean SIMPLE!
One more especially for Jennifer....
Take a look at how The Peaceful Mom is making her weekly planner in her art journal. So much snazzier than just crossing through a boring list. I've been copying some of this idea, though mine isn't quite as cute yet!
Monday, February 25, 2013
A Little Bit Of Lately
~Except tonight when I have to get out to go to bee keeping class. Which I AM looking forward to. Just wish it wasn't Monday.
~And guess what!? The chicken coop is finished! If it wasn't pouring down rain I'd go take some pictures of it and show ya. It's different from any chicken coop we've seen...which makes us wonder if it'll work.
I'm thinking we're putting more thought into it than the chickens will. Meg is already making plans to beautify the thing for us.
~This morning Carmel had a vet appt to get fixed. The big question remains if Carmel is a boy or girl. NO we CAN'T tell!! But the clinic was fine to take her/him and decide for themselves. Problem is, now that it's Monday she is nowhere to be found. Again.
~ Last week we had several snow days. Super fun! And lots of Daddy time at home.
Mally loves her new purple snow gloves.
Buzzy fighting over a snowball.
~ The week before we had what seemed like endless puke going on. On Sunday we had 3 kids puking at once. We had no juice and no Sprite and no anything else except water. And Honey had already left with the older kids to church before everybody started puking. Sooo we were stuck home with water. But it was ok b/c they got new cups for Valentines Day and still loved drinking from them so pushing liquids wasn't a big deal.
It's so interesting to watch my kids' different personalities come out when they are sick. Some kids completely shut down, sleep for 2 days, and we don't see them again until they are better. Some kids are clingy whiners, some are more cheerful than usual, some are sure they are fixing to die.
~Wanna see my latest re-org project?
See this mess? It was my scrapbook stuff piled up on the shelf in my closet. Pitiful huh? And even though I hated it, I couldn't come up with a way to organize it in a way I liked except straightening up what was already going on.
See this mess? It was my scrapbook stuff piled up on the shelf in my closet. Pitiful huh? And even though I hated it, I couldn't come up with a way to organize it in a way I liked except straightening up what was already going on.
But then I remembered THIS. A dresser I was barely using. And a cute helper that was more than ready to help pull out scrapbook stuff.
So that dresser was just holding random pieces of clothes that I hardly wear so I moved all my clothes to this built in dresser in my closet.
And used all the other drawers for my scrapbook stuff.
Now my clothes are in one place, the scrapbook stuff is organized, and the momma is happy happy happy.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Don't You Love It?!
I do!
And I can't take any credit for it. My friend Leslie just did this awesome makeover for my blog. She's amazing at blog re-dos. I love it!!
Just like when I add something new to a room or reorganize the whole thing, I keep walking in there to admire it. Now I keep coming back to my blog to see how cute it looks.
Thank you Leslie!
And I can't take any credit for it. My friend Leslie just did this awesome makeover for my blog. She's amazing at blog re-dos. I love it!!
Just like when I add something new to a room or reorganize the whole thing, I keep walking in there to admire it. Now I keep coming back to my blog to see how cute it looks.
Thank you Leslie!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Valentine S'mores
Nate made these mini s'mores kits for his siblings for Valentines day. Aren't the heart shaped marshmallows adorable?
I passed out tea light candles and chop sticks and it was our tea time snack.
Squishy marshmallow and melty chocolate!
Mmmmm.........
So when Honey came home we did it again for dessert. But we mostly only had extra marshmallows. He wasn't thrilled with the candle idea so he built a big fire for them instead.
It took it to a whole 'nother level!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
She's Home!
After being gone for 5 days our sweet kitty, Carmel, is home!
FarmerBoy found her last night standing by her food bowl.
Happy Happy Happy....
Saturday, February 16, 2013
You Smell Gooood
Zboy has some eczema on the backs of his knees. I've been treating it with avocado oil and it's looking better. The more I remember to do it, the better its getting.
The easiest ways for me to do this is to either have him lay on his tummy on my bed, or have him stand on top of the toilet. The bed is actually easier.
So yesterday we were in the bathroom when I remembered to do his oil. At first I told him to jump up on the pot, but then I changed my mind and suggested he lay on the bed. He was visibly disappointed so I asked what difference it made to him.
Him: "When I stand on the pot, then you pick me up and put me down."
Me: "So?"
Him: "When you pick me up I get to smell you. And you have a good Momma smell."
Seriously? This boy melts my heart.
The easiest ways for me to do this is to either have him lay on his tummy on my bed, or have him stand on top of the toilet. The bed is actually easier.
So yesterday we were in the bathroom when I remembered to do his oil. At first I told him to jump up on the pot, but then I changed my mind and suggested he lay on the bed. He was visibly disappointed so I asked what difference it made to him.
Him: "When I stand on the pot, then you pick me up and put me down."
Me: "So?"
Him: "When you pick me up I get to smell you. And you have a good Momma smell."
Seriously? This boy melts my heart.
Friday, February 08, 2013
BLACK-Out!
I never get to pick what is on our TV. Ever.
Well last night I was goofing off waiting for the family to come back from TKD. That's when I remembered my season one of DD from the library. Why did it take me so long? It's like it was sitting there going to waste! So I popped it in and watched a good 2 minutes of it.
THEN!!
Everything went out. Pitch black. No electricity. And it was DARK people!!
Like black dark.
Like plagues of Egypt dark.
And I was by myself.
Now everyone knows that serial killers always cut the electric lines (or was that the phone lines?) before they go in after their victims. And they use that cord to strangle them as they are frantically running up the stairs.
Well I don't have stairs but I was SCARED ya'll. Like pee-in-my-pants kinda scared. It never occurred to me that it could be the storm b/c I didn't even know it was raining.
And I didn't know where a flash light was and even if I did I couldn't get to it b/c you can't get anywhere in blackness like that.
But I made my way to the back door to lock it in case serial killer hadn't made his way in. I stared into the darkness telling myself that my eyes would adjust. But there is nothing to adjust to in pure darkness. Outside was just as dark as inside.
My dogs started growling and I could hear Buzz walking around slowly. I followed his noise and made my way over to him and when I touched him he jumped out of his skin! Turns out dogs are scared of serial killers too.
I slipped my fingers into his collar remembering that he is a VERY big dog and even if he is a chicken, just his presence is intimidating to others. Even serial killers maybe. Besides it helped me feel like I wasn't totally alone.
We stood there in the blackness of the dark and I rehearsed all the bad words I was going to say to Honey for not coming home sooner.
Then FINALLY there were headlights! But the driveway is long and it takes a minute to see who it is. Then the headlights went out. Wait...so serial killers probably need the lights to find the right house but then sneak up and turn them off when they get close. So I was scareder than ever.
As they got closer he turned them back on again and I saw my FAMILY!!! Turns out he wanted the kids to see how dark it was without the lights.
I forgot every bad word I was gonna say and dissolved into a mess of tears.
Of course the kids thought it was the greatest fun ever and immediately made plans for hide-and-seek-in-the-dark, and located every flash light in the house. Driving home they said they saw all the power go out in the city and Honey says, "Ooooooh your Momma's not going to be happy about this." Well now he was right.
I learned something....
Country dark is not the same as city dark.
Well last night I was goofing off waiting for the family to come back from TKD. That's when I remembered my season one of DD from the library. Why did it take me so long? It's like it was sitting there going to waste! So I popped it in and watched a good 2 minutes of it.
THEN!!
Everything went out. Pitch black. No electricity. And it was DARK people!!
Like black dark.
Like plagues of Egypt dark.
And I was by myself.
Now everyone knows that serial killers always cut the electric lines (or was that the phone lines?) before they go in after their victims. And they use that cord to strangle them as they are frantically running up the stairs.
Well I don't have stairs but I was SCARED ya'll. Like pee-in-my-pants kinda scared. It never occurred to me that it could be the storm b/c I didn't even know it was raining.
And I didn't know where a flash light was and even if I did I couldn't get to it b/c you can't get anywhere in blackness like that.
But I made my way to the back door to lock it in case serial killer hadn't made his way in. I stared into the darkness telling myself that my eyes would adjust. But there is nothing to adjust to in pure darkness. Outside was just as dark as inside.
My dogs started growling and I could hear Buzz walking around slowly. I followed his noise and made my way over to him and when I touched him he jumped out of his skin! Turns out dogs are scared of serial killers too.
I slipped my fingers into his collar remembering that he is a VERY big dog and even if he is a chicken, just his presence is intimidating to others. Even serial killers maybe. Besides it helped me feel like I wasn't totally alone.
We stood there in the blackness of the dark and I rehearsed all the bad words I was going to say to Honey for not coming home sooner.
Then FINALLY there were headlights! But the driveway is long and it takes a minute to see who it is. Then the headlights went out. Wait...so serial killers probably need the lights to find the right house but then sneak up and turn them off when they get close. So I was scareder than ever.
As they got closer he turned them back on again and I saw my FAMILY!!! Turns out he wanted the kids to see how dark it was without the lights.
I forgot every bad word I was gonna say and dissolved into a mess of tears.
Of course the kids thought it was the greatest fun ever and immediately made plans for hide-and-seek-in-the-dark, and located every flash light in the house. Driving home they said they saw all the power go out in the city and Honey says, "Ooooooh your Momma's not going to be happy about this." Well now he was right.
I learned something....
Country dark is not the same as city dark.
Thursday, February 07, 2013
2 Blog Posts In One Day
because I'm supposed to be doing something else and this is easier.
I'm supposed to be working on my youth lessons for Sunday. But I'm not. I tried. And I thought about it. And I looked up a bunch of stuff. But it wasn't what I wanted and nothing fit so I'll do it later and do this now.
I love Awana. Have I told you that? And even though my boys are angels in class, I heard again today that they were devils in games. And in music. Now I was there in music but I wasn't paying enough attention because I sat in the wrong place. I did pay attention at dinner though and they were great. Sean wasn't but it was my fault he got in trouble with the lunch lady for chugging the empty milk carton. I gave it him.
Anyway, why are they so awful in games? I don't know.
~I'm fixing something new for supper. Paleo friendly and smells delish. Then my man calls and tells me he's taking the kids to Wendys for frosties on the way home from TKD. I thinking I'll have plenty of leftovers of this mushroom spinach chicken broccoli stuff that doesn't have a real name yet.
~Tomorrow is Friday!! Hanging at the in-lawswatching Duck Dynasty working on youth stuff.
And she has this neat hot water dispenser thing that I figured out last time. I wonder why she didn't take it with her?
~My room is littered with valentine creations from my sweeties. Really its so cute. And messy.
~I got season one of DD at the library and haven't watched one single episode. I know. And its due back Monday.
~I need a date with my man. Its been too long. You think he'll watch DD with me?
I'm supposed to be working on my youth lessons for Sunday. But I'm not. I tried. And I thought about it. And I looked up a bunch of stuff. But it wasn't what I wanted and nothing fit so I'll do it later and do this now.
I love Awana. Have I told you that? And even though my boys are angels in class, I heard again today that they were devils in games. And in music. Now I was there in music but I wasn't paying enough attention because I sat in the wrong place. I did pay attention at dinner though and they were great. Sean wasn't but it was my fault he got in trouble with the lunch lady for chugging the empty milk carton. I gave it him.
Anyway, why are they so awful in games? I don't know.
~I'm fixing something new for supper. Paleo friendly and smells delish. Then my man calls and tells me he's taking the kids to Wendys for frosties on the way home from TKD. I thinking I'll have plenty of leftovers of this mushroom spinach chicken broccoli stuff that doesn't have a real name yet.
~Tomorrow is Friday!! Hanging at the in-laws
And she has this neat hot water dispenser thing that I figured out last time. I wonder why she didn't take it with her?
~My room is littered with valentine creations from my sweeties. Really its so cute. And messy.
~I got season one of DD at the library and haven't watched one single episode. I know. And its due back Monday.
~I need a date with my man. Its been too long. You think he'll watch DD with me?
Crazy Chicken Thoughts
Oh so guess what?
The strangest idea came into my head this morning.
I don't even know where it came from. I was fixing my hair in front of the mirror like a normal person. But then! Out of nowhere I was like....."I wonder if its hard to kill a chicken and cook it."
Like a real chicken ya'll. That walks.
Really, who even thinks of that? And a month or so ago my eyes were glazed over listening to someone say too many words about the very thing. Because I don't do that. Kill chickens to eat? No.
But this morning I even went so far as to wonder how Mrs. Cratchet on A Christmas Carol got that big goose/chicken thing de-featherized and cooked in time for supper.
Really!
Country life is messing with me.
The strangest idea came into my head this morning.
I don't even know where it came from. I was fixing my hair in front of the mirror like a normal person. But then! Out of nowhere I was like....."I wonder if its hard to kill a chicken and cook it."
Like a real chicken ya'll. That walks.
Really, who even thinks of that? And a month or so ago my eyes were glazed over listening to someone say too many words about the very thing. Because I don't do that. Kill chickens to eat? No.
But this morning I even went so far as to wonder how Mrs. Cratchet on A Christmas Carol got that big goose/chicken thing de-featherized and cooked in time for supper.
Really!
Country life is messing with me.
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