sahm queen

Menu Plan Monday

2010-07-12T22:31:00.000-05:00

Monday

Lunch- Mac N Cheese and Strawberries for kids, Leftover chicken salad for me

Dinner- Eggplant Parmesan

Tuesday

Lunch- Corn Dogs, chips, and fruit

Dinner- smoked Brisket, sweet potato fries, green veggie

Wednesday

Lunch- PB&J's and cheese slices

Dinner- Coconut Chicken Curry (make sure to add ing. from last comment)

Thurs.

Lunch- Turkey Sandwiches, chips, and fruit

Dinner- Leftovers

Friday

Lunch- Biscuit Pizzas (Biscuit with tomato sauce, turkey pepperoni and mozz. cheese on top)

Dinner- Brisket tacos (with leftover brisket, tomatoes, avocados, lettuce, and cheese) grilled veggies

Menu Plan Monday

2010-06-13T22:28:00.000-05:00

Here we go again...

I don't know if I'll ever be a really consistent "Blogger." I love lurking over everyone else's blog, occasionally, but to actually put something down, takes more thought and intention than I have to give most days. I miss crafting. I have to make some time for that again. I love being in a creative mode. Lately, though, I can't justify making any more messes. There never seems to be a good time to get out sewing machine, or paints.

One thing that I NEED to do is weekly menu planning.

Monday: Lunch: Pb& J's with chips and blueberries
   Dinner:   Deep Dish Pizza Quiche with chicken sausage (no pork in this household)

Tuesday: Lunch: Hot Dogs, Corn, & Applesauce
   Dinner: Meatloaf with tomatoes and cheese melted on top, Glazed Carrots

Wed: Lunch: Mac N Cheese and strawberries
   Dinner: Pizza (I have dinner with Bible Study)

Thurs: Lunch: Turkey Sandwiches, chips, green beans
   Dinner: Leftovers

Friday: Lunch: Sliced Cheese, Apples and Peanut Butter
   Dinner: Salsa Chicken, sauteed zucchini, Spanish rice

Baking treat: Homemade Choc. chip cookies, homemade waffles

Happy week!

Lead Me

2010-05-26T13:36:00.000-05:00

Found this video featured on a great little blog called Heavenly Homemakers. This is a great reminder to pray for our husbands, as they carry a huge responsibility.

Menu Plan Monday...er..Tuesday

2010-03-23T12:41:00.001-05:00

Well, I might be a day late in getting this out there, but at least I am getting it out. I have had a weekly menu in my head for a few days, but haven't been able to get it in writing. I HAVE to have it in writing.

Another thing I am working on is sticking more to a task oriented schedule each day. I make the schedule the night before. So far, so good. I give myself a few assignments for the next day, along with blocks of time to do the things I need to do like, reading to boys, spending some quality time with each kid even if it is only 10 minutes. I also feel like God is telling me to focus on being "PRESENT" in the moment. If it is a homeschool block of time, I need to be fully in that, and not distracted. Same goes for lunch. This seems like a small thing, but since trying to stick to what is assigned for that day, I realize that I am in the habit of being swayed here and there by random thoughts. Then by the end of the day, I have 5 open projects around the house, and the air is full of confusion and chaos. God is a God of order, and my family and I definitely function better under order than confusion and chaos. Who doesn't?

Happy Week! Enjoy the sunshine and take some time to read with your children. It will bless you both.

Monday- Baked Tilapia, brown rice, and sauteed Cabbage
Tues. Slow Cooker Turkey Meatball lasagna (I am using turkey meatballs instead of hamburger cuz that is what I have)
Wed.-Crispy Rosemary Chicken and Fries (borrowed this from Organizing Junkie)
Thurs. Leftovers
Friday- herb mediterranean chicken pizza (also borrowed from organizing junkie)
Sat. - go out to eat after chruch
Sunday- Sloppy joes, baked (fried) okra, fruit

Different Kinds of Happy

2010-03-15T15:39:00.000-05:00

I just LOVE Sara Groves. Her new album, "Fireflies and Songs" is great. She is so honest and real in her writing style. I found the following quote in an interview found here discussing the background for her songs on this new CD:

If you could get everybody in America to listen to three of the songs on the new record, which three would you want to make sure that everybody heard?

I’ll start with “Different Kinds of Happy” because that’s part of our sickness: that we’re pursuing this ultimate, personal comfort and happiness until you’ve suffered through something and get on the other side, and you realize that there’s different kinds of happy. There’s the happy of my wedding day, which is sort of what all the movies are about, the sweetness of standing up with my family looking on and all the beauty of that. And then there’s the happy of a day in the counselor’s office where we’ve just ripped our guts out and laid them on the table, and I’ve told him, “This is who I really am. Are you going to stick around?” and he just showed me, “This is who I really am. Are you going to stick around?” And we walked out of there with a joy; I can’t even explain the happy of that day. It’s just unspeakable. Our marriage now is the fruit of that better foundation being laid. That was like at Year Seven. Of all the marriages that I know, the best ones have just gone to hell and back. Not that you have to do that; I know some marriages where that having just disemboweled each other, but pretty much the best marriages I know are just beautiful because they’ve had to work it out. That’s what “Different Kinds of Happy is about.” I just love that mess

Take a listen and enjoy:

go on and ask me anything
what do you need to know
I'm not holding on to anything
I'm not willing to let go of
to be free, to be free
I've got to ask you something
but please don't be afraid
there's a promise here thats heavier
than your answer might weigh
baby it's me, it's me
it's a sweet, sweet thing
standing here with you and nothing to hide
light shining down to our very insides
sharing our secrets, bearing our souls,
helping each other come clean
secrets and cyphers
there's no good way to hide
there's redemption in confession
and freedom in the light
I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid
better than our promises
is the day we got to keep them
I wish those two could see us now
they never would believe how
there are different kinds of happy
different kinds of happy
there are different kinds of happy
different kinds of happy

Love her!!!

Boutique inspired "Baby Hooded Towel"

2010-03-09T09:38:00.004-06:00

I've been promising to post this creative project for a while. Its actually been finished for several weeks, but because it was surprise gift for my sister in law, who is expecting the first girl in our family, I didn't want to ruin the surprise. Who knows, maybe she actually reads my blog. I wish I would have had more inspiration when I was expecting my 3 boys. I would love to have something now that I actually made for them, like a blanket, or towel. I don't know about you, but when I was pregnant, the creative juices were non-existent. I have only recently felt them come back to me full force, and my youngest is 3. However, I now get why little old ladies knit blankets for babies. It is so heart warming to know that a baby will have something that you poured your heart and time into. That is the way I felt while making this towel. The baby's name will be "Bliss." Isn't that beautiful? I am sorry that I didn't include any actual photos of the making of the towel. I got in a sewing mode and didn't dare stop to take even a photo, for fear I wouldn't be able to get back into the groove.

I started with a regular size bath towel and a wash cloth of same color. I found some girly pink fabric at Hobby Lobby and decided to add it to the back of the towel. Let me now say that I don't consider myself a sewer at all. I happen to have a sewing machine, and I took a 2 week sewing class at a local fabric store one summer when I was 17. I looked up several different methods for making hooded bath towels. The method I chose made the most sense to me.

I measured out the fabric to cover the towel and wash cloth. Then I sewed the fabric onto towel inside out around 3.5 sides, just like you would a pillow. Then I turned it right side out and finished the rest of the last side by hand. For those of you that don't know how to do this stitch, you must learn. Once you do, you will want to take on more projects. I have wowed my kids by performing "surgery" on their favorite stuffed animals with this stitch. No more sloppy home made looking sewing projects either. To learn this simple stitch go here. I actually have found hand sewing to be really therapeutic. It relaxes me to just sit and sew. It didn't used to, trust me.

So once both pieces were covered, I found the middle of the towel, and the middle of the washcloth, and pinned them together. Then I sewed the two pieces together by hand, because it was too thick to do it with my machine. Then I took the top of the washcloth and folded the two ends together and sewed it shut by hand, as well. This is what makes the "hood." The hooded towel is technically done now, but I wanted to add the baby's name to it. I used iron on letters. Isn't it so cute?

Again, I apologize that my pics are already completed pics (and not very good ones, at that). I will do better at documenting the next project. I still haven't figured out how to get a good picture with my camera. The lighting is never quite right. Would love some tips for that.

I am linking up to Get Your Craft On!

and also to I made it without my Hubby

and also check out Be Inspired Link Party

Menu Plan Monday

2010-03-07T17:53:00.000-06:00

This week, I am going to be more intentional to get more veggies into my daily diet. I like vegetables a lot, but they aren't as easy to grab and eat as simple carbs.

Monday-Baked Tilapia Fillets, Spinach, and wild rice
Tuesday-Grilled chicken, sauteed cabbage, biscuits
Wednesday-Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Thursday-Leftovers
Friday-Flank steak, Swiss Chard, Mashed Potatoes

As always, you can find hundreds of other meal ideas over at Organizing Junkie.

Finding a "Kindred" Blogger

2010-03-03T14:12:00.001-06:00

Since discovering this vast "Blog Land," I am always so thrilled to, every now and then, come across someone who I know I would be friends with if we met in person. I found such a person over at
The V Spot. Not only is she very talented with her crafty yet thrifty projects, but she has a great sense of humor and is a great communicator, in my opinion. Don't let the funny Blog name scare you off. She has some great posts about her genuine faith in the Lord, but tells it like she sees it. I get her. Here is a little sneak peek into her mind. (I've had this moment happen almost exactly like this, in my own life)

Dear Handsome Hubby,
Sometimes I have a day where 20 things I needed to accomplish are still 20 things not quite finished by the time you get home.

Sometimes one of those things is an art of craft project that I've been stalking on other blogs, and getting confirmation that it's a current and good idea by seeing similar things in stores.

Sometimes it's something I finally started to work on right about the time you walk in the door.
Sometimes it is a really, really bad idea to come in, wrinkle your nose and criticize something before you see it finished.

Sometimes if you do that, I will be instantly frustrated. I will feel cut off at the knees creatively, will second guess my original vision. In political or legal jargon: your attitude has a chilling effect on my creativity.

signed,
The Cranky, Premenstrual Crafter

Stay tuned for my "Creative Post" coming soon.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-02-28T23:28:00.000-06:00

It's time for me to have more activity on here besides just my weekly menu planning. I have a project that I will be posting in the next day or so, but for now, my menu will have to do.

Monday: Grilled Flank Steak, sauteed spinach, bread
Tuesday: Black Bean Tostadas
Wednesday: Turkey Burgers, baked potatoes, veggie
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Tomato Basil Soup, Grilled Cheese Sandwich

As always check out organizing junkie for more weekly menu ideas.
And also, check back for my "creative" project; coming in the next day or so.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-02-22T00:57:00.000-06:00

Well, I neglected to plan my weekly menu the last 2 weeks. Let me tell you, that was disastrous. We ate out more because I was unprepared. I wasn't feeling well one of the days, but didn't have what I needed on hand to make dinner, or keep the kids quiet. DISASTER! Menu Planning Monday is essential for me and my sanity.

Monday
Lunch- Grilled Cheese Sandwich, fruit
Dinner- Tuna Cakes, cheesy cauliflower, salad

Tuesday-
Lunch- PB & J sandwiches, chips
Leftovers

Wednesday
Lunch- Mac N Cheese, green beans and fruit
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef with rice and mixed vegetables

Thursday
Lunch- Turkey Sandwich, chips and fruit
Quiche

Friday
Lunch- Baseball lunch (Hot Dogs and Popcorn)
Black Bean & Cilantro Tostadas, Guacamole, fruit

As always, check out organizing junkie for more menu plan monday ideas.

menu plan monday

2010-01-31T23:19:00.000-06:00

It felt so good to clean out the fridge and pantry last week. The budget liked it too. I'm also going to try to do the Coupon Game this week with my sister's help. Anyone else do that? I'd love some hints to make the prep go smoothly. Since planning out my weekly meals has helped our family so much, I have decided to plan each day's chore list. I think it will feel so good to have more direction each day and have a clean house by the end of the week.

Monday
Lunch- Hot dogs and apples
Dinner-Eggplant Parmigiana w/ Chicken

Tuesday
Lunch- Mac N Cheese and fruit
Dinner-Moroccan Meat Loaf w/ Grean beans

Wednesday
Lunch- English Muffin Mini Pizzas
Dinner-Greek Salad Drum Sticks

Thursday
Lunch- Pb&J's chips and fruit
Dinner- Leftovers

Friday
Lunch- Turkey Sandwichs and Grapes
Dinner- Turkey Sloppy Joes and cheesy peas

I'm also going to bake some yummy, healthy Buttermilk Spice Muffins for breakfast this week.

Chore Plan

Monday- Bathrooms and 2 loads of laundry
Tuesday- Dust entire house and 1 load of laundry
Wednesday- Vacuum house and 1 load of laundry
Thursday- Mop floors
Friday- Craft and finish any laundry

As always, check out organizing junkie for tons of other menu plan Monday ideas.

Ain't it the truth

2010-01-26T16:38:00.000-06:00

If you really know me, you know Sara Groves is one of my favorite artists. I don't know what it is about her, but every album always speaks to me so deeply. God often speaks to me thru music, and Sara Groves has been used a lot. This video is scary true. I love the end, when they finally both soften. ohhh tears....

Well it came & caught us off our guard
We were just laughin'
Feelin' alright
Had such a great time just last night

We walked into a minefield undetected
You took a tone
I took offense
Anger replacing all common sense

Oh, run for your life
All tenderness is gone
In the blink of an eye
All goodwill has withdrawn
We mark out our paces
And stare our from our faces
Baby, you & I are gone, gone, gone

Incomprehensible, layers of isolation
Now you're the man w a heart of stone
Making me pay by being alone
Soon you will justify righteous indignation
Now I'm a woman who holds all her pain
Looking for somebody else to blame

Chorus

We hold all the keys to our undoing
Cutting me down in small degrees
You know my worst insecurities
I'm making no effort to understand
No one can hurt you like I can
Deep down inside the girl's waking up
She's going to look to the boy she loves

It's me
Oh, baby, it's me
Hmmmmmm

How in the world can tenderness be gone - in the blink of an eye?
Ohh, how in the world can tenderness be gone - in the blink of an eye?

Ooohhh, whoa, whoa

Menu Planning Monday

2010-01-25T12:42:00.001-06:00

It's "CLEAN OUT THE FRIDGE AND PANTRY WEEK!" I don't know about you but my fridge and pantry look full after several months of picking up odds and ends at the store that were probably NOT on my list. Well, we are trying to follow a strict food budget, so I am going to only spend the $20 cash I have in my wallet for groceries for the week. Luckily, we are stocked on cereal, eggs, bread, etc. I will only need a few fresh fruits and veggies. Another thing in my favor is that I get to shift several of last weeks entrees to this week. When I planned our weekly menu last week I had totally forgotten that DH and I were going to be at a conference Friday-Sunday. Things may get "creative" by the end of the week, but I know we won't go hungry. The combinations might just be a bit funny. I always feel so good after a clean out week like this, because then I can start fresh with new recipes and not just piece together stuff I already have. So here is this week:

Monday-
Tomato and Spinach Pizza

Tuesday-
Turkey Meatballs, Green beans, baked potatoes

Wed.
sweetly succulent Mahi Mahi (sound familiar from last week?), brown rice, & Oven Fried Okra

Thurs.-
Leftovers

Friday-
BBQ Turkey Joes, with whatever is left in pantry or freezer (TBD)

As always, head on over to Organizing Junkie for hundreds of Menu Plan Monday ideas.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-01-17T23:11:00.000-06:00

My plan got a little rearranged this week, but thanks to the weekly menu and a pantry full of ingredients, I didn't get stressed out and the family didn't get McDonalds for dinner. I didn't get to make the turkey until Saturday, which means I will slide last week's Turkey Chimichangas to this week. Having my lunches planned too, really helped me. My kids couldn't argue with what we were having because it was too official being printed out on our fridge.

Monday
Lunch- Corn Dogs, Corn, apple slices
Dinner- WW Turkey Chimichangas, steamed veggies

Tuesday
Lunch- Turkey sandwiches, chex mix, bananas
Dinner- Succulent Mahi Mahi, brown rice, green beans

Wednesday
Lunch- Pita pizza, grapes
Dinner- Hearty Turkey Chili

Thursday
Lunch- Pb&J sandwiches, chips, fruit
Dinner- Leftovers

Friday
Lunch- Mac N Cheese, Applesauce
Dinner- Slow Cooker Lasagna

Saturday
Barbecued Turkey Joes

Check out Organizing Junkie for hundreds of menu planning ideas.

Just Give In To Me

2010-01-14T20:49:00.001-06:00

I wanted to share a song that has really touched me lately. It is written from the Lord's perspective. I think it is applicable to so many. Our walk with the Lord is full of ups and downs. Sometimes after the hard times, it is easy to try to forget who you were with God and what He meant to you. It is easy to feel disappointed and direct our anger at Him. We think the world will offer us something easier or more pure. We're left with nothing but useless scars.

When I first really listened to the lyrics of the song, I cried. I could almost feel the longing from God for His prodigal sons and daughters to just "give in." I've been there myself. Maybe you know someone who is pretending to be someone they're not too. No one feels it as much as the Lord does. First go to the bottom of my page and pause my playlist. Then click to listen. ENJOY!

Give In To Me Words and Music by Laura Hackett

Vs.1 I’ve watched you for awhile,

you don’t like to show how you feel inside

I’ve watched you for awhile, you bottle up your emotions in your pride

Oh but it still slips out in moments

And it slips out in your smile

It slips out in moments

And it slips out in your eyes

And I don’t care who you say you are

Cause I see the way that you look in my face

Though you hide in your “mysteries”

I hear the way you call my name

So give into me

Just say yes to me

I just can’t take it anymore

You gotta be mine, be mine

Vs.2 I bought you I paid the price

I’ve called you out and I’ve claimed you as mine

But you keep running, running away from me

You keep hiding, hiding in shame from me

The EVER changing pillows

2010-01-13T14:47:00.003-06:00

I was going to wait until both pillows were complete, but I can't wait to show you this. I was totally inspired by this pillow from Ballards:

I "KNEW" I could duplicate my own version. Although I love pink, I didn't really want it in my living room. I decided to just use scraps I already had. This time I tried to take pictures as I went.

First, I cut the old cover off. Remember these beauties?

At first, I was going to do coffee dyed canvas like materials as the base for the pillow. However, after dying the material in the coffee water and then washing them, I was left with a frayed mess. Remember, i am new to the "Crafty" world. So, I didn't have enough white fabric to cover 2 pillows. I decided to use the white fabric for the stem.

I drew out the stem and leaves, and then cut it out as one solid piece.

Can I interject...Does anyone else's "Work" area ever look like this or is it just mine?

Then I hot glued the stem/leaves thingy on the pillow. The peacock blue cover that is already on the pillow is what was under the felt pillow. It used to be cuter with a red tufted button in the middle. I put that fabric on a long time ago, but the boys popped off the cute button (hence the need for the felt cover at Christmas).

Then I started on the flower, itself. I traced different sized circles out of all my blueish scrap fabric. This one was a scrap from what was covering entire pillow. Most scraps that I used were free sample pieces taken from actual fabric bolts. Some of those samples were fairly big.

I then layered them like this, sewed them together, and added a button.

Then I took the needle through entire pillow to the back of it and gently pulled it tight until it looked "tufted" (not sure if I'm using this term correctly or not). Next time I will use dental floss, because I was on the brink of breaking that delicate sewing thread too many times. I'm not sure how long this one will hold and may have to redo with the floss sooner than later. It worked for now, and the result was awesome.

At this point, I just needed to finish the edges of the stem and leaves. I bought some brown decorative trim at HL for $1.00 and just hot glued it a couple of times around stem and leaves. I am not great with the glue gun yet and had a lot of strings and goops. I found that if I put a clean cloth over bad areas and pressed with an iron, I could smooth out most of the mistakes.

Here is a close up of the flower:

and here is the result

Once I get the other pillow done, I'll show you how they look on my couch. What do you think?

Head on over to

For hundreds of other ideas.

Also check out the DIY SHOWOFF for even more diy goodies

Menu Planning Monday

2010-01-10T22:43:00.002-06:00

Well, the results are in after my first official week of pre-planned meals, and I must say, it was a HUGE success! We only ate out one time after church, which was planned, and I definitely had less stress. My entire week seemed more organized. This week, I am going to add in lunches, since I homeschool and have 3 boys here at home every day.

Monday
Lunch- Tortilla pizza's and fruit
Dinner- Cheese Tortellini with Meat Sauce & Salad

Tuesday
Lunch - Turkey Sandwiches and Chips and Yogurt
Dinner- Baked Beef Stew

Wed.
Lunch- Mac N Cheese w/ Green Beans (Have I mentioned that we don't do fancy lunches around here?)
Dinner- Smoked Turkey (had one of those free ones from Thanksgiving in my freezer), steamed veggies and mashed potatoes

Thursday
Lunch- PB&J Sandwiches, fruit, & chips
Dinner- Leftovers

Friday
Lunch- Hot dogs, corn and fruit
Dinner -WW Baked Turkey & Jack Cheese Chimichangas, & tomato & Avocado Salad

Sat.
Lunch - probably turkey sandwiches hehehe (24lb. bird)
Dinner- go out?

Sunday- Turkey Bacon Quiche

As always, check out Organizing Junkie for hundreds of other Menu plans!

Have an "Intentional" week!

Cheap Felt Pillow Covers

2010-01-07T11:32:00.001-06:00

I know the holidays are over, but I wanted to show you another little project I did. I have some down filled pillows on the couch that needed to be recovered. I didn't have time to visit a lot of fabric shops or sew, for that matter, 2 pillows. My solution was to go to Hobby Lobby, buy $5.00 worth of felt (both brown and baby blue) and get to work. For the first pillow I used Stitch Witch to put the pillow cover together. That was a mess, and it didn't work too well. I actually melted the felt to my iron, at one point. I salvaged it enough to pass it off as done, but the second pillow got hot glued. The hot glue worked like a charm. I cut the poinsettia petals out by hand. I just did 6 big and 6 medium size. I had 2 left over buttons from previous pillows that I used for the center. I hot glued the petals on too. The button was the only thing I sewed on.

I know, I know, I sound like a "Master Crafter" already, huh? (insert sarcasm) Well, I must confess what really happened when I started this project. I couldn't wait to actually jump in and make the pillows, so after kids were in bed and house was picked up, I sat on the living room floor with all of my materials and jumped in. Dh was also in living room as we were catching up on one of our favorite shows, "Finge." An hour and a half later, not only was my pillow not done, but my floor looked like a felt monster had vomited all over the place. Dh, not used to this new "crafty" side of me, looked at me and said, "What on earth are you trying to do?" I just kept going and repeated out loud, as to assure myself, "I am a crafter, and I can do this!!!" I took a 2 day break between pillows, just to gather back my patience.

Next project I will try to take pictures as I am working, so it makes more sense. The felt worked out great, and I don't even mind tearing it off and tossing it this year. Felt doesn't last forever with 3 boys and 2 adults romping on it all the time, but it worked for me over the holiday season. What do you think?

Thrifty "Expression" picture frame

2010-01-06T11:01:00.000-06:00

So my sister over at ABODE turned me into a "Blog Lurker." I actually had a blog running before she did, but let it go when life got too busy. Then my sister started telling me about all of these wonderful blogs that she had been reading that were inspiring her to let her creative side be free. I listened but thought, "I don't have the energy for all of that." Then I started to see her blossom. She started doing all of these cool projects for next to no money. On top of that she was having fun, and her family was benefitting from it. That is when the "lurking" began. I feel like I know a lot of you, personally, even if you've never heard from me yet. I have started building up my craft closet and my garage is filling up (much to dh's disapproval) with thrift store jewels just waiting to be "Cutiefied."

One of my biggest issues is just jumping in. My house is fairly bare because I am afraid that I will make a mistake. I don't like that side of me. I haven't always been so unsure, so I'M BREAKING FREE! I am going to show you my first little project since I've been introduced to all of you creative angels. The Bible says not to despise small beginnings, so I won't. I have lots of ideas for future projects that I hope to share with you really soon. I could use some advice on when is the appropriate time to do projects, read blogs, and then create blogs, when I homeschool and 3 boys under 9 at home? I could easily neglect them all day with this new "find." I won't do that, which is the reason for the slow start. However, that is a subject for another blog. Back to my first project:

I just love those cute 'Expression" frames that are everywhere from Hobby Lobby to Hallmark.

I have been wanting one for a while now. However, the price always stops me. Even at 50% off, I always think it is too much of a splurge. So, I went about trying to make a thrifty version of one. Here is what I came up with. I started with a frame and autograph mat both from the Dollar Tree (Love the DT).

Then I spray painted both black. It took several coats to get a smooth surface. I learned that cheap black spray paint leaves a nasty black dust behind. Next time I will probably just use real paint. Then I had dh apply some stickers that I already had to the picture. He has a degree in graphic design and even worked at a decal shop for a while. He has a very creative and steady hand. Then I did 2 coats of Mod Podge. I thought some texture might be nice so then I did some swirlies with the Mod Podge. It also covered up any streaks left behind from my inexperienced "crafting" hands. I think it turned out great. Seeing that I already had the paint and stickers, this project cost me only $2.00. What do you think?

(yes it laying on my carpet. I kept getting weird glares when I took a picture of it on my wall.)

(Here is a shot that shows the swirly texture. Too much? I never know when to stop.) If you have any ideas for any other embellishments that can be "stuck on" let me know. I don't trust my free hand abilities yet. Hop on over to todays creative blog to see other inspirations of "Get Your Craft On."

Menu Planning Monday

2010-01-03T23:25:00.003-06:00

I am starting 2010 with an attempt to do a more consistent and organized job of weekly menu planning. I have linked up with I'm an Organizing Junkie for hundreds of other menu plans!

Monday
Teriyaki Chicken
W/ Veggies

Tuesday
grilled-tri-tip
w/ veggies

Wednesday
Fish Sticks, Green Beans, and Fruit for family (I'm at a Bible study at Panerra hehehe)

Thursday
Leftovers

Friday
Lasagna-Soup
garlic bread

Saturday
Eat out

Sunday
Herb Tuna Sandwiches

TIMES

2009-07-20T12:54:00.002-05:00

My good friend showed me this song, and it so speaks to me. Make sure to turn off my playlist to listen to this.

I'M BACK!!!

2009-06-04T22:58:00.002-05:00

I haven't kept up with my blog in so long. However, a lot is changing in my neck of the woods...(more to come on that later...don't worry, good stuff) that I felt this was a great tool to capture it all. One more however...it took me so long to figure out some technical things with this blog thingy, that now I am too tired to post anything substantial. Stay tuned!

Organic Milk--Is It Worth Your Money?

2009-03-07T14:36:00.000-06:00

PLEASE READ THIS ARTICLE AND WATCH SHORT VIDEO AT THE END. I have been buying organic milk for my family for a couple of years now, not even knowing everything that I read in this article. Organic Milk--Is It Worth Your Money?

2008-12-18T20:09:00.000-06:00

Photo Fun, Take Three I got this from Gwen. Here are the rules: 1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer. 2) Select the 4th picture in the folder. 3) Explain the picture. 4) Tag 4 people to do the same - NO CHEATING! (cropping, editing etc.)

This photo was taken the other day. I was in the kitchen and I heard Jude running around in the living room. I peeked in on him and saw this. He had his "Israeli Army" hat on that my mom got him in Israel and he was after "bad" guys. No one else was home so it was all in his imagination. He was crouching behind walls and corners. It was way cute.

2008-11-30T15:26:00.000-06:00

Family Photo Shoot with Ashley Langford from Jason P on Vimeo.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-05T17:04:00.000-06:00

Notice the Tarzan move at the end.

Let's lighten it up a bit....

2008-09-10T21:08:00.001-05:00

Noticed that my last few blogs were pretty "heavy." So, here is the cutest video ever starring my 2 year old and dh. What a ham!

Life.....

2008-08-12T15:35:00.000-05:00

This was a full week in my life. My brother in law gave birth to their first son on 8/8/08. It was so fun to be on the "aunt" side of the delivery room, and not in that bed. It was so exciting waiting for that little guy to be born. He is beautiful. The next day was a complete contrast. My very best friend had a son too, but he was stillborn at 28 weeks. They had been told several weeks ago that the baby had some heart defects and some chromosonal abnormalities. We've been praying like crazy and standing on God's Word for complete healing of that baby. On 8/9/08 she went to the doctor because she hadn't felt him move in a while. There was no heartbeat. She had to be induced and deliver him. She was in labor for a day and a half. All things considered, she is doing well, and is supported by a lot of loving family. It is hard to know WHY these things happen. I can't say for sure, but I am thankful that baby never had to suffer on this earth. I just got the new Hillsong CD, "This is Our God." I went on youtube to see if there was any footage of the recording and this "behind the scenes" video of "The Desert Song" came up. It really ministered to me and my friend. This CD is so good. I highly recommend it. Life is full of highs and some deep lows. Followers of Christ are certainly not exempt from the effects of living in a fallen world. I am so glad I have a caring God to walk with me thru the good times and carry me thru the tough times. More to say on this later... This is my prayer in the desert And all that's within me feels dry This is my prayer in the hunger in me My God is a God who provides Verse 2: And this is my prayer in the fire In weakness or trial or pain There is a faith provedOf more worth than gold So refine me Lord through the flames Chorus: And I will bring praiseI will bring praise No weapon forged against me shall remain I will rejoiceI will declare God is my victory and He is here Verse 3: And this is my prayer in the battle When triumph is still on it's way I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ So firm on His promise I'll stand Bridge: All of my life In every season You are still GodI have a reason to sing I have a reason to worship Verse 4: This is my prayer in the harvest When favor and providence flow I know I'm filled to be empited again The seed I've recieved I will sow In every season, we have a reason to sing and worship. WOW!

WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

2008-07-31T22:09:00.000-05:00

I guess I took the summer off for blogging. Didn't plan on doing it, but just kind of forgot about it. When I would think about it, I wasn't too interested. Plus, blogging, reading other blogs, and thinking of new blogs, was really stealing from doing what I am supposed to be doing.....being a full time mommy. Soooo, I am too tired to catch everyone up (all 2 of you) to what is new in my life, so I will just do a bullet point list: 1. My family plus my sister's family and my mom are all heading to the Tx Hill country on Sunday for a family vacation. We have rented a 5 bedroom house on the Blanco River. Picture natural swimming holes, tubing down rivers, hiking, eating, etc. 2. My husband worked his tail off at work to win us an all expense trip to Sandals in St. Lucia. It will be just the 2 of us. I AM SO FLIPPING EXCITED! We haven't been on a trip without kids in 7 years. We leave in Sept. Beaches, swimming pools, naps...YES! 3. I just got the new 3G Iphone. I hated it the first 2 weeks. I am tolerating it now, but still think real buttons are better. This high tech thing is totally wasted on me. I feel like an old fart. 4. My baby (youngest boy of 3) just turned 2 on Sunday. He is our last child, and so every new thing he does is so wonderful and yet kind of sad. 5. My kid goes back to school in like 4 weeks and I just realized we have done almost NO school work this summer. He has been reading a lot, but my plans of journaling and flash cards every night kind of went out the window. 6. We are trying to decide if we should sign 7 year old up for some sort of sport. We are reluctant to get that sort of thing started as we are very protective of our family time. We'll see. That is it. I will post pics. later.

Recent trip to KS

2008-05-26T22:36:00.000-05:00

We got back last week from a 10 hour car trip (with 3 kids) to KS. We had a wonderful time with family. I just realized that I have no pictures with my brother in his cap and gown. My kids love going to KS. It is like a magical wonderland filled with tractors, open spaces, and hyper dogs named "Molly."

Here is DH being "artistic" with his new camcorder. The joys of a long car trip.

Here was our dinner stop on the way there at Canadian, TX. The kids were so happy to be free for an hour. We had some good cheeseburgers at the "Fillin Station."

Here is the famous "Molly" dog. The kids LOVED her. I was not as impressed as they were.

This was us waiting for our ride on the 4 wheeler. Like our matching shirts?

When we weren't on the 4 wheeler, dad was giving rides in his new hi-tech tractor. The kids think my dad is famous because he drives such a big tractor.

Having some fun in the tree. The brown headed kids are 2 of my nephews. My dad's yard was made for little boys.

On the way home, Bam Bam decided he needed to be back with the big boys. The big boys didn't appreciate the slobbery fingers in their face while they tried to watch Veggie Tales.

This is a normal view from any vantage point in western KS. Looks like a dessert, but that is a field. Not a tree for miles. Strangely, it can be refreshing after being in the crowded city.

I made a mess

2008-05-20T23:13:00.000-05:00

Thought I could "spruce" up my blog, and I went and made a mess of it. I will have to have dh help me later. Pictures from my trip to my hometown in KS coming soon.

Meme (because I am bored)

2008-05-03T18:02:00.000-05:00

Where is your cell phone? In my purse. Your significant other? hilarious, hard worker, perfectionist, talented, competitive, sensitive, hot stuff! Your hair? pony tail day (every 3rd day) Your mother? loves unconditionally Your father? multi-talented & wonderful Your favorite thing? being with family Your dream last night? Don’t know Your favorite drink? My morning coffee w/ Hazelnut creamer Your dream/goal? get in shape/ be more productive The room you are in? Our office Your ex? I started dating dh when I was 16, so "ex" is kind of silly, but I don't know where he is or what he does. Your fear? heights Where do you want to be in six years? close to my family, living out purpose Where were you last night? watching "Raiders of the Lost Arc" and eating takeout with dh while kids slept ...HEAVEN! What are you not? detail oriented, good at reading directions, driven Muffins? this makes me think of muffin tops, which I hate....(darn 3 pregnancies) One of your wish list items? a decorator to help me finish house Where you grew up? KS The last thing you did? went to World Aquarium with my family What are you wearing? green shorts, white tee-shirt Your TV? waste of time, but I love it Your pets? I don't do pets. I have enough messes to clean up with 3 boys and a husband. Your computer? Mac something or other....sorry, dh, I don't know the name of your darling.... Your life? pretty great, un-busy (the way I like it), family oriented Your mood? lazy Missing someone? my dad, step mom, and brother Your Car? Texas Cadillac aka White Chevy Suburban (sorry, Al Gore) Something you are not wearing? socks, earings Favorite store? Reality-Marshalls Dream-Banana Rebublic Your summer? chill, go explore some cool part of TX with kids as our family vacation, and try to getaway w/ dh too. Playdates, swimming, sleeping in Like someone? I like lots of people. Right now, I am getting to know a bunch of new friends, which is nice. Your favorite color? Decorating=red, chocolate brown, robin's egg blue...To wear=Navy blue & kelly green When was the last time you laughed? today as my kids sang and danced to nerdy music that dh hated (they are SO my kids) Last time you cried? Thursday

Who will repost this? Not sure but have at it if you want to!

my first Techy toy

2008-05-02T15:33:00.000-05:00

Me and dh's 12th anniversary is coming up and he already got me my gift. It was an Ipod Shuffle. I am usually not into techy gadgets, but I have to say that I am more excited about this gift than any gift I've gotten in years. He has an Ipod, so we already have Itunes and all. Just made my first playlist to add to it. I'm not going to get any "cool" awards for sure, but all of this music pumps me up. I'm going to get so buff working out now..... any suggestion? I have more to add, but am too lazy to do it right now. Here is my playlist: We Cry Out Kim Walker Rain Down Rita Springer In the Girl There's a Room Sara Groves When the Saints Sara Groves Song for My Sons Sara Groves Medals Russ Taff Vision Russ Taff Silent Love Russ Taff Break Free Hillsong United Point of Difference Hillsong United I Will Run Misty Edwards Baptize My Heart Misty Edwards Salvation Is Here Hillsong United Shout Unto God Hillsong United Paint The Town Red Delirious? Now Is The Time Delirious? Here I Am Send Me Delirious? Fires Burn Delirious? Our God Reigns Delirious? Inside Outside Delirious? Mountains High Delirious? From the Inside Out Hillsong United Came to My Rescue Hillsong United

Life is precious and fragile

2008-05-02T13:29:00.000-05:00

I have been quiet the last few days because we had a tragedy in the family on Wed. Around 3:30 PM I got one of those calls that you dread. It was the call where the one calling is frantic and you brace yourself because you know bad news is coming. The one calling was my mil. She told me to listen carefully that she didn't have time to repeat herself. Her younger brother and his 6 year old daughter had just been in a terrible car accident. She was still getting details herself, but they did not know the condition of either her brother or her little niece, but that it did not look good. My mil said she needed me to get the word out to all that I knew would pray asap. My mil just happened to be in the town where it happened with her mother which is about 1 1/2 hours away. I hung up and tried to first text a msg. to as many close family and friends that I knew would pray immediately. It was so hard to concentrate on getting the message typed out and to everyone. Then I sent out a prayer email to several that I knew she would want to be informed. My kids could tell something was up and I asked them to quickly pray with me that these two would be ok. I remained calm for their sake. Right then my mil called back and said that the little girl had NOT survived and that her brother was being care flighted to a local hospital in our area. No one knew how badly he was hurt. I was in charge of getting the word to everyone. I had to tell dh while he was in a mtg. celebrating his best month at his new job. My heart was breaking at the thought of this mom hearing the news in the next few minutes that her only child was gone and that her husband was being taken to the hospital in an unknown condition. Long story short, the uncle has stabilized. He had severe internal injuries, and has to have his knees and hip replaced. He is 54. We had to talk about what had happened to our kids. Our 4 year old didn't really understand, but our 7 year old did. They were fairly close to this young girl, playing with her at all the family get togethers. I tried to death not sound too scary or unknown and answered all of his questions, no matter how specific they were (with discretion, of course).

Of course, I am comforted to know this little one is with Jesus. She isn't unhappy or suffering. The dad does not know about his daughter dying yet. They couldn't tell him until he stabilized and he is in and out of consciousness. They have been instructed to wait until his last surgery today and when he gets his breathing tube out. The family believes he already knows. He has asked about her every chance he gets and the family just says how much they love him. I read a good article on death. Check it out if you get the chance. I know I've hugged my little ones a lot more lately. I also don't take safety guidelines for granted either. Neither were wearing seat belts and the 6 year old was in the front seat. It is so easy to get too comfortable with letting safety slide just this one time.... Pray for the family as they continue to walk thru this tough time.

Thank You!

His Bann-uh - Over Me is Wuv!

2008-04-30T13:59:00.000-05:00

Check out 5 minutes for mom for more Wordless Wednesday.

check out this great give away

2008-04-30T13:43:00.001-05:00

I love this blog. She has a great give away going on too.

Things I can't do anymore since becoming a MOM

2008-04-22T13:30:00.000-05:00

1. Watch the local news. Dh is with me on this one. Every child on that news program looks like one of my kids, somehow. I can get literally ill when I hear of a parent hurting an innocent little child. 2. Watch any type of "Save the Children" kind of infomercial. I almost had a breakdown the other day when "American Idol Gives Back" was on. I was so overwhelmed at how much suffering is in this world, and I felt so unable to help. I was especially moved (upset) when Annie Lenox went to an African family where only the children were still alive. The 15 year old brother was trying to take care of his younger brothers, but he looked like a baby, himself. The parents had died of HIV. The littlest one was barely 3 years old. It was a good reality check, though on how easy my own life is. 3. Watch any type of wild animal shows. I used to watch Animal Planet all the time. It was one of my favorite channels. Now I can't stand to see the animals hunt and kill for food. Secretly, I used to get a kick out of it. Now, it just really bothers me to see any type of suffering even if it is a part of the circle of life. Am I the only one on this??? 4. I don't judge other mothers like I did BEFORE having kids. Isn't it funny that I knew everything about parenting before I even had kids???? HA! I love it when I get criticism from people who have never actually parented themselves. I don't see discipline as black and white as I used to. I don't know why it becomes so blurry when it is your own kid. I mean, it REALLY is adorable when my 22 mo. old shouts "NO MOMMY" to me....isn't it???? 5. I don't enjoy McDonalds anymore. I used to love it. Now, it just tastes like chemicals to me. Same goes for most "kiddie" type foods i.e., goldfish, candy, sodas, french fries, etc.. 6. Go to bed early. I have to have kid-free unwind time. That means if the kids went to bed at 8:30, I need to have about 2 hours of no pressure time to unwind. 7. Get sick. Moms can't get sick. I had this realization the other day when my 4 year old was sick. He needed me to hold him and give him special attention. The world keeps right on going even if mom gets sick. There is no such thing as laying in bed all day without any interruptions. At least, I've never experienced it. That is all for now. Please let me know I am not entirely CRAZY!

Small playroom or what???

2008-04-14T17:51:00.000-05:00

In our home, Dh and I don't believe in "spoiling" the children. In my day, we never had such a thing as a "play room." A pile of dirt and an old tractor tire for a fort was all I needed to be completely happy. So, we have tried to pass on this "Simplistic" way of life to our own kids. Hence, the fun in the closet..... ENJOY!

Wordless Wednesday....(kind of)

2008-04-09T13:12:00.001-05:00

Just so you know....Our family has "Gone Green."

For More WW go to 5 Minutes For Mom

7 Things Meme

2008-04-08T13:05:00.000-05:00

Elaine over at THE MISS ELAINE-OUS LIFE tagged me to write out 7 things about myself. It has been a long time since I blogged last, so this will be a good re-entry.
Here are the rules:

The Rules:
1. Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Here we go:

1. My favorite thing to say to hubby, sister, etc. is "Know anything new?" Translated this means, "Have any juicy information from the outside world?" DH hates it when I ask him this. This all started when I was in high school. My sister and I started asking each other if we "knew anything that our current crushes might have said about us." For instance, she would come home from school and I would say, "I'll tell you something Joe Blow (her current crush) said about you today in Algebra, if you know something that Hunk "My then crush" said about me in band. What we found out years later is that we both made up everything we said just to get information. The whole game was based on lies. The sad thing is I had her convinced this boy liked her enough that she asked him to the Sadie Hawkins dance. He said no, and she never forgave me for the humiliation she endured.
2. I have a very keen sense of smell. It is almost freakish. It is almost a curse rather than a blessing, depending on who I am with. I can tell if dhzz washed my kiddos hair even without putting my nose on their head. Dh sometimes likes to take shortcuts when bathing our children. He doesn't get away with it much.

3. I like to eat things most people don't, like the dark meat on turkey (with skin), dark chocolate, fatty pieces of meat, tomato juice, dark grainy bread. In school I was the only white milk order, while everyone else had chocolate.

4. I just cut off most of my hair. I've had long hair for 3 years, so this was a big deal. Dh actually loves me in shorter hair than long. Here is a picture

5. I have to have my feet neatly tucked into covers. Btw, dh loves his feet outside of covers. Conflict has occasionally occurred.

6. I just turned 32. I feel young and hip until I go to the mall and wonder why teenagers are even allowed out of the house after 5 pm. There should be a mall JUST for teens.

7. I am pretty frugal. I just bought 4 new bath towels from Target, which meant to make room for them, I had to throw 4 of our old towels away. We have had these towels for 10 years. I actually was sad to put those towels in the smelly trash. I tried to think of a good reason to hang onto them, but I didn't need any more cleaning rags. It is hard for me to spend money on something for myself. I love the "hunt" of a great deal.
>I tag:

The Durham's
Gwen
nestingplace
Rocks in my dryer
Jennifer

and YOU!

Dishes Galore

2008-03-10T14:07:00.001-05:00

I am WAY late on this one, but I thought it was fun. Check out Spur-Of-The-Minute Dish Carnival and join in. I loved looking at every one's dishes. It was like a glimpse into their personality.

We will be married 12 years in May. We registered for both our everyday dishes and our formal china. I was amazed that we endedup with both complete sets. I love my everyday dishes. They are blue and white, but the blue doesn't show well in this picture. I think they are timeless. They are called Nikko Tea Roses:

I am sad to say I have only used my china twice since we've been married. I am going to try to get them out more often. I need some ideas for a tablecloth or place mats for my china though. I got these because I knew they would be classic through the

years. However, I don't have any "gold" or "brass" in my home. Any suggestions? These are called Noritake Chandon:

Then of course, I have the "classic" plastic plates that my 3 boys use. These do a great job at keeping the food from touching other foods. You know how gross that can be for a 4 year old. They are from Target:

And here is the cabinet that houses my dishes. I have always insisted on organized kitchen cabinets. Our new house has small cabinets so this was a challenge. I will say, my Tupperware cabinet is proving to be a bit more challenging.

Easter video

2008-03-05T21:21:00.000-06:00

My church, Gateway, put out this video. Join us Easter Sunday!!!

Refrigerate Tag

2008-02-26T15:42:00.001-06:00

I was tagged by The Miss Elaine-ous Life to post a picture of my refrigerator. Well here it is in all of its messy glory. I almost straightened it up before I snapped the picture, but I thought, "this is real life." So I left it. I shot it far enough away so that the personal numbers and pictures couldn't be made out too well. On the side is a homework sheet for my 1st grader. I have two digital meat thermometers that are being used more for the magnetic abilities. The one paper on there that I do look at often is my "21 House Rules" by Greg Harris. I will post them below. On the front are many art masterpieces made by two older boys along with a few pics and an invitation to my brother in law's rehearsal dinner. That is probably way more than you ever wanted to know about my fridge.

The 21 Rules Of This House
by Gregg Harris

1. We obey God.
2. We love, honor and pray for one another.
3. We tell the truth.
4. We consider one another's interests ahead of our own.
5. We speak quietly and respectfully with one another.
6. We do not hurt one another with unkind words or deeds.
7. When someone needs correction, we correct him in love.
8. When someone is sorry, we forgive him.
9. When someone is sad, we comfort him.
10. When someone is happy, we rejoice with him.
11. When we have something nice to share, we share it.
12. When we have work to do, we do it without complaining.
13. We take good care of everything that God has given us.
14. We do not create unnecessary work for others.
15. When we open something, we close it.
16. When we take something out, we put it away.
17. When we turn something on, we turn it off.
18. When we make a mess, we clean it up.
19. When we do not know what to do, we ask.
20. When we go out, we act just as if we were in this house.
21. When we disobey or forget any of the 21 Rules of This House, we accept
the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

I don't get...

2008-02-24T20:36:00.000-06:00

"Exquisite Timepieces" aka EXPENSIVE BUTT WATCHES!!! Dh and I were looking through a local magazine pretentiously named, "Elegant Lifestyle" that is delivered to our door for free. I think they got the wrong house. Anyway, on the back cover was an add for a local jeweler who sells Rolex watches. This is the picture of the watch featured:
Dh asked how much I thought that watch was and I guessed $4000. We looked it up and it is averaging $4500...give or take some change. I have been completely humiliated before in a jewelry store as I innocently looked for a watch to give to my love at Christmas. The humiliation came when I spit my coke out on their shiny glass as soon as they told me how much the watch I was looking at was. I think I literally said to the gal, "You've got to be joking, right?"

I have heard that gold diggers hunt for their next millionaire by checking out the watch he wears. I guess I don't run anywhere near those crowds...thank goodness. Even if I did have a lot of money, I would NEVER waste it on an "Exquisite Timepiece." Here is my cool watch:

I mean really.....

Wordless Wednesday

2008-02-20T18:23:00.001-06:00

Go to 5 Minutes for Mom to see more WW.

Cheapy Cheap!

2008-02-19T13:10:00.001-06:00

Now that I have listed a few items that I believe are worth the extra money, I'd like to list a few items that I, personally, purchase as cheap as possible. First let me say, that the term "cheap" means something different to each person, depending on where they are coming from. I feel like I can get a good "value" from the things below without spending a lot of money. 1. Body lotion. I love the original "Jergens" body lotion with its cherry almond scent. I tend to have dry skin in the winter, so I need a moisturizing lotion, however, I hate greasy feeling lotions. This one is perfect plus it is only about $3.50 for a big bottle with a pump. 2. Makeup. I used to buy all my makeup from the department store when money and time weren't so precious. However, I also used to spend entire days at the mall, which I NEVER do now. I will do almost anything to avoid going to the mall. Funny how things change. I like Almay mascara because it is sensitive for contact wearers, Cover Girl powder, Loreal lipgloss, and Ulta brand tinted moisturizer and eye shadows. I also love Sally Hansen nail polish. 3. Coffee. This one may cause some controversy depending on your point of view. I can't understand paying $5.00 for a cup of coffee at, let's just call it "Moon Cents" when I can buy a whole bag of ground coffee for the same price. Not to mention they burn their beans and make it so strong I end up pouring half out to fill it back up with milk. I personally love "Community Coffee." However, I love some people who think a gallon tin of Folgers is all you need and that I am a "Fancy Pants" for buying that bagged coffee. To each his own..... 4. Shampoo and Conditioner. Again, I used to spend a fortune on salon products because I was told by whomever was currently doing my hair that "Pantene" or whatever other drugstore product I mentioned was the DEVIL. A mortgage, 2 cars, and 3 sons later, I feel like good ol' drugstore Loreal Color Vive does the trick just fine. My hairdresser says my haircolor is holding up great. I have had some awful drugstore products, but this Loreal Color Vive really tames my frizzy due. Well there you have it. I will add more as I think of it. I'd love to hear your suggestions or comments. I am tired now. It is time for some Veronica Mars.....

worth the coinage

2008-02-15T11:09:00.000-06:00

I will spend a few extra bucks on only a few items. Otherwise, I am very frugal. Here is just a sample of some things I consider "splurge worthy." 1. Toilet Paper...this only took one bad purchase to realize-nuf said! 2. Olive oil. I don't go crazy when buying evoo, but cheap olive oil is so gross. I usually go middle of the road and always buy cold pressed. Costco has a great Olive Oil by Kirkland. 3. Milk. This is one of the few things I buy organic. I like the Horizon brand. I don't know if the ultra pasteurization is good for me or not, but I love how long it stays fresh and it doesn't have that gross "milk" smell to it. I am ruined for life on this one. Can never go back to store brand. 4. Candles. I love me a nice candle. I usually just have one votive burning, but if it is a good candle, that one votive will reach my whole house. My favorites are Trapp, Tyler, and Votivo (Woodland Hyacinth is an amazing scent by them) 5. Chocolate. If I am going to have a piece of chocolate, I want the experience to be "meaningful." I never buy cheap chocolate chips when baking either. However, I have to say that Nestle's chips are as good as the more expensive brands, in my book. I have found the "Lindt" chocolate truffles to be just what my heart longs for. They have a smooth chocolate center that just glides over your tongue like silk. Ok, I'm done. 6. Haircuts/Color. Every time I try to skimp on this one, I am ridiculed by my friends and family. I have tried to skimp on my haircare way too many times. Each time I think, oh I can highlight my own hair. I always end up with white polka dots on my head. Then I have to go to my hairdresser in shame and admit that I, once again, tried to take matters into my own hands and I desperately need her help out of this ugly mess. This rings true with my cuts as well. The last time I tried to save a buck by going to the local hair school, I was mangled by dull scissors. It was scene. 7. Vacuum Cleaners. 11 years ago, a vacuum cleaner salesman came to our apartment door. We had set the appointment because we wanted the free cleaning that came with sale's pitch. He poured salt on our floor and then vacuumed it up with my cheapy Dirt Angel. I thought he got it all until he used his beast of a machine and went over the seemingly clean carpet where the salt used to be. A TON of salt came up. We were sold. He gave us a spiel on allergies and dust and all that, which just made us feel justified to spend the money he was proposing. Then we haggled over the price for what seemed like an eternity, and we humored him when he stepped out of the room to get permission from his manager to cut us such a "special" deal. We fell for it then. Since then, I have learned that we were putty in his hands and that most salesmen use the same tactics. However, I have NEVER regretted that purchase. This machine will suck the smirk off of a flea's face. Yeah we spent a lot on it, but in 11 years, I have never had to replace it. The only repair I've ever done to it was earlier this year, and it only cost $25.00. I know people who spend $200 every other year on the latest cheap vacuum at Sears. Then they complain that their allergies are driving them crazy. We spend so much on our floors whether with carpet, tile, or wood, and then we expect a Wally World special to keep them looking new. I'll get off of my soap box now. Btw, our vacuum is a Tri-Star. In case you were wondering. In my next post, I will discuss what is not worth the extra money, in my humble opinion. Stay tuned!

They're everywhere...

2008-02-13T13:05:00.000-06:00

After reading this great post by Musings of A Housewife, I was reminded of what happened to me and my mil last night. After a long day with kids and a hectic dinner time, I needed some brain dead time. What better place to go brain dead than the .99 Cent store. I love this place. My mil wanted an adventure too, so she came along. I was able to get my kids their Valentine Day goodies and some cute V-Day table decorations GUILT FREE because they were only 99 cents each. I checked out first. I noticed the cashier was yawning, so I asked her if she was ready to go home (DUH!!!!) and she said that she was and that she was also excited to have Valentine's Day off. I smiled and walked over to the greeting card's display while my mil paid for her items. Three minutes later I walked back to the check out line only to see my sweet mil holding the cashier's hand, discreetly praying with this young woman who had tears streaming down her face. They said goodbye and we walked to my car. My mil then told me that this woman told her that she was so tired because she had been up most of the night with her 4 year old son. After a few questions from my mil, the woman then said her son had "special needs" after having Meningitis, as a baby. It was a miracle that this child even made it through that illness. His name was Elijah because that was the mom's favorite prophet in the Bible. My mil then asked if she was a single mom. The cashier said that although her husband was still at home, that he was leaving them. The cashier went on to say that she didn't know what she was going to do because she has 7 children at home and only makes $6.00 an hour. On top of all of this, her youngest, Elijah, has many needs. That is when my mil reached her hand out and prayed for this woman. The woman told my mil that she needed that so badly, and thanked her over and over again. After hearing this story, on our way home, we prayed for that family again together. I was very touched at how my mil took just a little time to reach out to a hurting woman. Even though she was a complete stranger, this cashier desperately needed a gentle, reaffirming touch from another warm-blooded human being. How many hurting people do we cross paths with everyday? We have so many opportunities to extend Christ's love to the people around us, if we will just look up every now and then.

4 wishes

2008-02-11T08:41:00.000-06:00

On the way to lunch after church yesterday, my oldest son who is 6 said to us, "Mommy and Daddy, you know what I would wish for if I had 4 wishes?" #1. I would wish that we had just enough money to pay for everything that we needed so that we never had to worry about making money or going to work. #2. I wish that everyone we knew would know God. #3. I wish that superheroes were real. #4. I wish I could use "The Force" for real. I think that pretty much sums it up. :*)

Get rid of the old...Make way for the new!

2008-02-08T12:29:00.000-06:00

My fashion forward friend came to visit me this last weekend. As you know, I was in desperate need for some new clothes. The only problem was that I wasn't in the "mood" to shop or try on new clothes. There is a ZONE that I get into when real shopping success happens. If I'm not in the ZONE, then not much is accomplished. My friend was losing her patience with me. For example, one of the shops that I went into had a line to try on clothes. W ell, I was so put out that I had to wait in line with a bunch of 16 year olds just to try on 2 pairs of pants. My friend forced me back into line. I am glad that she did because those 2 pairs of pants ended up being the only pants I bought all weekend. Here they are. I got them in dark khaki and white.

I couldn't find a pair of jeans to fit me to save my life. It didn't help to overhear my friend ask the saleslady if she could go grab her a pair of the same jeans, only in a 00. Yes that is two zeros. She is sweet and funny so I put up with her smallness. And for whatever reason, my feet decided to swell and NOT fit into any shoes either. Picture the ugly stepsisters trying on the petite glass slipper with their giant hooves hanging over the shoe, and that is exactly the scene that was going on while I tried on shoes. I did find these cute little things at GAP and they fit so well that I quickly bought them before my foot decided to grow again.

I also bought a couple of soft comfy shirts to where everyday. I am really drawn to the nautical look this year. Everything I bought was either Navy, white, or Kelly Green. I then came home and cleaned out my closet. I remembered that Tim Gunn says the "Keep" items must fit and make you feel great when wear them. I threw out 75% of my old stuff and ended up with this pile:
I am going to try to sell some of the nicer pieces on Craig's List. The rest will go to Goodwill. You can't really tell how much is under that pile, but it filled 4 big shopping bags. I need your advice on where to find a really great pair of black heels. I want something timeless and classic. I don't mind a heel. However, I don't want to pay an arm and leg for them either. I completely understand those people on "What Not To Wear" when they get overwhelmed in the store. I felt that. There were so many options, and I didn't really know what I wanted. I will shop more when I get more of a feeling for what I want.

Enquiring minds want to know...

2008-01-28T13:40:00.000-06:00

I copied this from an email I got today, so ignore the sending back stuff. 1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My middle name is after an aunt of my mom's.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Thurs. night

3. Do you like your handwriting? no, looks like a boy

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? corned beef

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? 3

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? not as much as I used to. I get annoyed when an entire conversation is sarcasm. Easy to do, but lazy.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Granola

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? no

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? physically??? NO

3. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Milwaukee Joe's Almond Joy (local fav.)

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? If they smile or not

15. RED OR PINK? Pink

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? too easily offended

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Becca

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Yes!

9. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? white pj pants w/ pink stripes, white slippers

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? coffee w/ hazelnut creamer and 2 eggs

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The hum of my heater blowing

22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Navy Blue....CLASSIC

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Just thinking of this the other day...Noxzema face cream, dried lavender, Rosemary,& Almond

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? receptionist trying to book a haircut.

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Very much. We go way back!

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Women's college Volleyball, I enjoyed watching the Mavericks a few years ago when they were good.

27. HAIR COLOR? light blonde...thanks Clairol

28. EYE COLOR? Green

29. Do you wear contacts? yes

30. FAVORITE FOOD? sushi, brie cheese, spaghetti

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? happy endings...DON'T WATCH "THE MIST"

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? 300. What's the big deal with this movie? Male ego trip, I say.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? black zip hooded

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer all the way! I'm ready for it now!

35. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? this will sound so Hee-Haw, but I would take a good Apple Fritter (from a donut store) any day over a fancy dessert.

37. Most likely to respond? Not sure

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Becca

39. What book are you reading now? hahahahaha

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? just plain blue w/ ergonomic wrist pad

41. WHAT Do YOU WATCH ON T.V.? The View, What Not to Wear, Find your style (just found this show), Daily Show, LOST on THURS!!!!

42. FAVORITE SOUND? high heals on a hard floor, tap dancing

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Minsk

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? my crazy,sensitive sense of smell is sometimes freakish

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Shawnee, Kansas

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Everyone's

Wordless Wednesday

2008-01-23T12:34:00.000-06:00

This is my first time at Wordless Wednesday. Do videos count? The only word I hear is Bam Bam saying, "Whoa!!!!" One of his favorites. What a little ham. You are next! Click the link above.

Great CD by Sara Groves

2008-01-21T14:26:00.000-06:00

"All of my life I have been grooming my faith, but have missed something about the purpose of that grooming. If I understand scripture at all, I have to know that to enter into the suffering of the poor and the oppressed is to know Christ and his suffering.”Sara Groves I am a HUGE Sara Groves fan. She is a great communicator via her lyrics. I started listening to her first CD, "Past the Wishing Well" after the birth of my first baby. As you know, the first baby is a huge adjustment, especially for a naturally selfish and lazy person like myself. I had to overturn some big stuff in those first few weeks because I was determined to be a good mother, and wanted to do it God's way. You know all that "laying down your life stuff." Anyway that first CD really helped me get through that time. It was like she knew what I needed to hear and wrote the CD just for me. Every one of her CDs since then, has touched me in the same way. I went to her myspace page to see if she had any new music to download to my own myspace page, and read her comments on why she wrote the latest album "Tell Me What You Know." SHE DID IT AGAIN!!! She captured a thought (the top quote) that I've been wrestling with lately too. I really encourage you to read the article yourself. I like to think of my daily battles as exercising my spiritual muscles. The more I can turn the other cheek, die to self, love unconditionally, lay down another offense, the stronger I become for the Kingdom of God. I'm not saying these things are small or insignificant. These are the hardest things to do. It would be easier to stand in front of millions of people preaching, then let that awful comment from a relative go by without getting offended. BUT WHAT IS ALL THIS GROOMING OF OUR FAITH FOR??? I think it is this: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come." Luke 4:18-19 NLT I heard Dutch Sheets say that this verse was Jesus' mission statement. Is it mine? In theory, yes; in practice, not yet. But I am moving in that direction, hopefully.

spiritual training takes a nose dive...

2008-01-14T20:30:00.000-06:00

Our pastor is doing a series on putting God FIRST in our lives. He was talking about making our prayer life a priority this last Sunday and was discussing how the Lord's prayer is a model for us to know HOW to pray. I thought it was about time I taught my 6 and 4 year old this prayer. I learned it (plus several others) as a small child, so I knew they could get it. Well, tonight after story time I told them I was going to teach them the prayer. I first said the whole thing to them. They stared at me with blank faces. I told them to repeat after me and started with the first line: Me: Our Father who art in heaven 6 yr. old (bc 4 yr. old was really confused): Our Father ...dart in heaven Me: Hallowed be thy name. 6 yr. old: Halloween be thy name Me: Let's try this again, both of you this time Me: Our Father who art in Heaven 4yr. old tries by himself: Our Father who farts in heaven !!!????!!! WE'RE DONE! That was all it took. They started laughing hysterically. I admit I laughed too. Then they started talking about stinky toots being in heaven. I think even God snickered a little. I told the boys we would try again tomorrow.

I'm not dead

2008-01-13T17:38:00.001-06:00

I know it seems like I have been dead to blogging. Honestly, I go in spurts of really wanting to blog my thoughts to times when I am just to lazy to convert thoughts and incidents to written words. Because I know all 3 of my readers are dying to know what we've been up to, I have decided to do a photo/video update of the last month:

Dec. 20, my only unmarried brother in law (my dh's younger brother) proposed to his girlfriend. We met them at a restaurant only moments after he popped the question. She was so surprised because my bro in law had all her friends and family at the restaurant to congratulate them. I am sure glad she said, "YES" because that could've been a really awkward moment. I am really happy for them both. His fiance', "S," as I will call her, is a nice girl. She is really sweet to my kids which gives her major points, in my book. They are getting married in March. Lancelot gets to be the ring bearer. He is excited to be IN the wedding. Of course, Einstein wants a job too, so DH and I are trying to make up something he can do at the reception. We thought about getting him a disposable camera and having him go around taking pictures. Here is a picture of the happy couple:

I got to play hostess to my family over the holidays. It was a lot of fun. They live in KS, which is where I am originally from. We had a great Christmas even with the bazillion kids in my house. See, my sister also has 3 boys, ages 8, 7, and 4. We are at a phase in life, with all the kids, that we don't get a lot of quality time to chat, undisturbed, but our times together are certainly never boring. My husband got the game "Rock Band" for Christmas from his buddy. The 2 older boys love playing with it almost as much as DH.

One of the highlights of my dad's visit was when he joined in on the "Rock Band" fun with DH, and my sister's husband. It was pretty awesome....(sorry dad):

Good times!

I wish I had some video from New Year's Eve. Our friends came over and they also "Rocked" out with us on "Rock Band." Unfortunately, we didn't get any video of that . It was fun to just let all our kids play at home, eat fattening food, and chill with friends in a low key way.

I've made some resolutions that are pretty typical: lose a few pounds, give first of the day to time with the Lord, organize all closets in house, and get some new clothes. I am really excited to finally get some new clothes. I haven't had new clothes since before I was pregnant with Bam Bam. I plan to rid my closet of all the clothes that are stained, wrong size, or just plain unflattering before I go shopping. That should leave me with about 5 pieces. Seriously, Tim Gunn would have a fit if he saw my clothes. I should care more. I don't want to end up an old, tired-looking mom. Dh and I are going to get a sitter for the whole day and go shop together in the next few weeks. I'll let you know how it goes.

I'd also like to start doing more in the house as far as decorating. I have put it off in the name of "having a baby." However, my baby is now 18 months old. We don't have the money to buy a bunch of new stuff, but I'd like to get a vision of what I will do in the future. I can do a little at a time. I just need a vision on how it is supposed to look. I have all sorts of ideas for OTHER people's houses, but draw a blank on my own. I need some inspiration from a good magazine. Any ideas?

Till next time......

First Haircut

2007-12-19T16:00:00.001-06:00

Bam Bam is 17 mo. and got his first haircut last night. We went to a place that specializes in kid's haircuts, but that did not lessen the horror for him. I remember when I took my first child to get his first haircut. As soon as he started to cry, I got so anxious. I didn't even flinch when Bam Bam started to wail. The girl cutting his hair said she was surprised I wasn't freaking out like the other moms. I told her that he cries at home and survives so I knew he'd make it this time too. I miss his baby curls. He looks like a little boy now and not a baby. Kind of sad since he is my last. I will post a before and after pic. later. Blogger isn't cooperating. Here is the video. Prepare to be horrified.

Our Christmas card

2007-12-14T15:46:00.000-06:00

I will take ALL the credit for the idea for the Christmas card, but have to give credit to dh who did all the computer stuff on photo shop. He also took the picture. I just made goofy faces behind him to keep baby interested. We probably took 30 pictures before we arrived at "the" one. We told the kids to pretend they were holding big letters. Here is the picture before photo shop:

Notice the look of "uncertainty" in Einstein's (the first one) eyes. He's not too sure that mommy and daddy know what they are doing.

Here is the finished product. We had to cut out the whole Christmas tree to get it to fit on our card. I found some plain note cards at a store that I made into Christmas Cards. Much cheaper that way. I will also show you the back of the card. So consider yourself Christmas Carded

Sending a Holiday blessing your way,
Lifting a prayer for you-
May all your Christmas memories be bright…
May His joy BLESS all you do!

Love,
"DH, Me, Lancelot, Einstein, & Bam Bam"

“Today your Savior was born…He is Christ the Lord!” Luke 2:11

I am technologically challenged

2007-12-14T15:42:00.000-06:00

Well, I was getting discouraged because I just didn't have any comments to any of my postings. I know that sounds pathetic, but half the fun of blogging, in my humble opinion, is hearing comments to one's own blogs. So I finally clicked on my actual blogger account and saw that I had 9 comments just waiting to be moderated. I do not know why this setting is on now. I don't remember setting it up like that. Well, thanks folks for caring.

Worlds are colliding

2007-12-02T17:23:00.000-06:00

AsManyAsWe'reGiven and her hubby joined me and my dh for a night out without kids. I think it is funny how the guys always say they don't care where we eat, and try to get the ladies to plan the whole thing, but when it came down to deciding a restaurant both males were in objection to all our ideas, and ultimately chose where we ate. I was thinking of a dark romantic Italian restaurant. We ended up in a lodge like steakhouse. I will say the food was really good and I enjoyed the conversation. The picture below is in front of a fireplace at the Gaylord Hotel. We went there to walk around because it was only 8 something after dinner and we were too old to do anything else. I'm talking about me and dh. I suggested sitting in the car and just talking but I was immediately called "lame." So I shut up. Back when both our hubbies were in a band together, I thought nothing of staying out until 2 am. Now I get tired around 9 PM. hahaha! Thanks for the great night, guys!!!!

Stolen tag from Weavermom

2007-11-28T13:24:00.000-06:00

TEN THINGS I DID THIS WEEKEND 1. ate way too much at Snuffers (mmmm...cheese fries) 2. dh and I tried to take baby to walk around town center. not exactly the magical moment we had hoped for. He didn't want to be in stroller. 3. remembered why I don't like shopping 4. cleaned house 5. got girl time with friend and saw "August Rush" 6. Went to Target for space heater (no more painful exits from my shower) 7. Skipped Church (not proud of this, but it happened) 8. got donuts instead 9. Returned Heater for a different model 10. Saw "The Mist" with dh. (I haven't seen that many movies in one month in years) 9 things on my agenda this week: 1. start diet back up 2. go to bed by 11 3. get up each day early to do devo. 4. clean out office cabinet 5. take back a cheap phone charger from Dollar General that didn't work (wonder why?) 6. buy plain tshirt for Lancelot's Winter party at school (they are making hand print reindeer) 7. clean out linen closet 8. put away Fall decorations 9. Put up Christmas decorations 8 shows I've watched (last week): 1. TIm Gunn's Guide to Style (thank you Musings of a Housewife) 2. Easy Entertaining 3. Survivorman 4. The View (Hot Topics Only) 5.The Today Show 6. Heroes 7. Journeyman 8. HOUSE 7 things I cooked last week: 1. Pork Chops 2. Teryiaki Chicken 3. Smoked Turkey 4. Pumpkin Pie 5. Golden baby beets (this was new) 6. oatmeal 7. sauteed spinach 6 things I read this week (this one is hard, since I don't read much) 1. My bible 2. My Utmost For His Highest 3. blogs 4. The Grumpy Bird (reading with son) 5. Scaredy Squirrel (reading with son) 6. chats with DH (pathetic list, I know) 5 Reasons to be happy today 1. Since getting back to eating right, I feel awesome--not sluggish anymore 2. My 2 younger boys are napping right now (bliss) 3. My family is healthy 4. Dh's new job is going really well 5. I am hitting a lot of my goals each day (see earlier "Priorities" blog) 4 things I need to buy: 1. Band aids 2. everyday clothes for me (Tim Gunn would die if he saw my closet) 3. Stuffing mix for Lancelot's school food drive 4. Christmas presents 3 people I saw this weekend: 1. Stefani and Jordan 2. Danny ad Glenda 3. all of Dh's family 2 things I am thankful for right now: 1. Health 2. quiet time for me while kiddos nap

It reminds me to be thankful

2007-11-21T10:21:00.000-06:00

I LOVE Sara Groves. For some reason every one of her cd's has, lyrically, hit me right where I am at that time. This song 'I Saw What I Saw' is from her latest album, "Tell Me What You Know." My 6 year old came into the office when I was watching this video and asked me about the people he saw. I told him that there were children in this world who didn't have a very fun life. I told him that a lot of them live in countries where there is fighting going on all the time, and the children sometimes lose their parents. I kept it simple, but he wanted to know, and I knew he was ready to hear about it. He just sat there quietly and watched it. I then took the moment to explain that God has really blessed us just by placing us in this country. I think he really got it. On another note, I think God will take me to Africa someday. I just want to go when I can really help. Right now, I would be so overwhelmed emotionally. But someday....

Bringing the bird!

2007-11-20T14:15:00.000-06:00

I have been in charge of cooking the Thanksgiving turkey for my husband's big family get together for the last 4 years. And every one of those years I have prepared the turkey using a brine. recipe. This year I am taking it one step further and grilling the brined bird. I have my dad on speed dial for guidance. He is the grilling master. I wasn't thinking, however, and waited until today to think to buy my turkey. As you know, a big, frozen turkey takes a few days to thaw out. I was prepared to buy a fresh one even though they jack up the prices to almost double the frozen price. However, the stores were all out of the size bird I needed. I am cooking 2 14 pound birds instead of one gigantic one. Smaller birds are easier to handle and taste better. I noticed a lot of women around the frozen turkey bin, so I asked if we still could thaw out a bird, safely. The guy stocking the freezer with the birds said, we could let it sit in the bathtub filled with cold water overnight and it should be ready by tomorrow morning. I am cooking the birds on Wed., so that I am not stressed out come Thanksgiving morning. I also have an extra day to buy another turkey (already cooked, of course) if my grilling experience turns bad. So I have this packaged turkey floating in my bathtub. I am going to get fancy and soak some hickory chips to add nice smoky flavor while I grill. I'll let you know how it goes.

Lancelot's first big school project

2007-11-16T12:42:00.000-06:00

Only my family will appreciate this. Sorry everyone else. It was Heritage Day at Lancelot's school today, which is a day set apart to honor mainly grandparents. Lancelot has been working on his "Mars Project" all week. It was a big deal because he had to give his presentation in front of his entire class plus all of the parents and grandparents. The assignment was to imagine he was moving to Mars. He had to think of 12 things he would take with him and explain why he chose them. I helped him with the poster, and Dh helped him prepare for the oral part of the presentation. This is what you are about to see. Dh is just a tad proud, and so he took a little time to spice it up a bit.

What are my priorities?

2007-11-13T13:25:00.000-06:00

I have been involved in a Bible Study called "Home Experience." We've been learning the value that God puts on our families and home lives. We went through a chapter that talked about our priorities in life. We all say we we have priorities, but after doing a little self examination, I discovered that the priorities (in my head) and my actions didn't match. We were asked to do a journal of a typical day. The things I say are precious and most important to me got the least amount of my time each day. Then the things that are so temporal in the big scheme of things, ended up consuming most of my day. My sister and I were talking and she said something that really stood out to me. She said that the life we dream of isn't just going to fall in our laps, instead, we have to fight and work for it. If it were easy, everyone would have a productive and meaningful existence. No, the life I've been experiencing since my son started school is one of business (and we're not involved in any out of school activities), exhaustion, and doing the bare minimum. I start the day with good intentions, but by 5 pm I am counting down the minutes till the kids go to bed and I can be off duty. I find that we are always so tired by the evening that my husband and I do the bare minimum for bedtime rituals, and other teachable, huggable moments. I finally got tired of being tired of this lifestyle, so I made some goals and changes. I am a list maker, so I made a list of my top priorities in life: 1. My relationship with God and growing spiritually 2. My relationship with my husband/Quality time with him 3. My relationship with my kids. Individual time with each, teaching time with each, reading to each one 4. The health of me and my family which includes exercise for us all (mainly me) and healthy home-cooked meals. Obviously there are other priorities after this, but honestly, to me, if I can only get so much accomplished in a day, the things above need to happen on a regular basis. After my list of priorities, I created a daily schedule to make it a reality. I know enough by now to KNOW that I am NOT going to hit every item on my schedule every day. However, there is a saying that if you aim at nothing, you'll hit it every time. Here is my schedule: (I will put in red how it has gone so far) 6:30 Wake up/ Bible & Devotion. (This is huge since I have been snoozing until 7:15 every morning) 7:00 Start coffee and wake up Lancelot. 7:45 Lancelot to school I Eat breakfast 8:15 Dress Boys & Make their bed 8:25 I get dressed and make my bed 8:45 Monday is Library day otherwise errand time 9:45 Take walk to park (didn't happen, had one more cup of coffee instead) 11:00 Make lunch 11:30 play with Bam Bam/Einstein watch show 12:00 Bam Bam nap Einstein work on letters and numbers &Play with mommy (we worked on letters when Lancelot got home from school. Want to have more one on one time with Einstein still.) 12:30 Einstein nap time My computer time 1:00 My Lunch time 1:30 daily chore: ( Mon. was-replace as many batteries as possible. & organize laundry area, ended up putting 2 things on Craigslist for sale instead. However, that proves I was on the computer when I wasn't scheduled to be. hahaha babysteps.....) 2:30 wake up boys 2:50 pick up Lancelot 3:05 Lancelot/mommy play time 3:15 Snack time & homework 4:00 ALL boys go outside to play 5:00 Start dinner/ boys watch show 5:30 Boys clean up all toys 6:00 Boys bath 6:30 Dinner time 7:00 Clean kitchen -daddy play time 7:30 Family devo time (haven't' done this yet. Dh was playing Guitar Hero with 2 older boys instead. Real spiritual) 8:00 Bedtime/ make lunch 8:15 My Weight workout (.....yeah this hasn't happened yet either. Tonight for sure.) 8:40 Shower and lay out clothes 9:00 read or watch tv 11:00 bedtime So, I didn't get everything done, but I did start my day right and spent way more quality time with my kids. I feel like I am on the right track, and am committed to keep moving forward. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

My weekend

2007-10-28T20:01:00.000-05:00

Since you are all dying to know what I've been up to this weekend, let me catch you up. I spent all day cleaning my house on Friday because we were having our neighbors from down the street over for the first time. They have 2 kids that are the same age as Einstein and Bam Bam. As you know, cleaning a house with small children at home, is no easy job. Seemed like Bam Bam un-did everything that I had just set in order. I am always so excited to have people over to my home until about 4:30 in the afternoon, when I start to feel the crunch of getting everything done. Then I wonder why we don't just meet at Mc Donalds. It somehow gets done, although not always to the standard that I would like, and I am always glad we made the effort. I made homemade pizza for our neighbors, and got a little help by buying pizza dough from a local grocery store that sells great pizza in their deli. I got that tip from some cooking show. It cut my prep time by a lot. I also made a pumpkin spice bundt cake, and this salad. Everything was really yummy, but the kids didn't care for the cake too much. Oh well, more for me. The kids played really well together, and I enjoyed getting to know our neighbors.

Dh and I had a fancy wedding to go to last night. I was really excited because it was a free date night. The wedding was at a fancy hotel. After the minister announced Mr. and Mrs. "so and so" for the first time, 2 minutes worth of fireworks went off. Did I mention the ceremony was out in the garden? It was a surprise to me too. The invitation didn't mention it, or I would have brought a sweater. I wore my black dress that I showed in an earlier post. Dh wore a suit. It was fun to get all dressed up. The reception was very nice. I had Escargot for the first time. It was one of the appetizers. It tasted like sauteed mushrooms. They had all sorts of delicious cheeses, shrimp cocktail (one of my favorites), and New York Strip steak. The diet went out the window. Come to think about it, the diet has been suspiciously absent ALL weekend. Back to the grind tomorrow. I will post a picture of dh and I, but we forgot our camera, so we had to use our cell phone. I was excited to dance, however, the dance floor was occupied by a 50ish aged "lady" (I use that term loosely) who was wearing one of the shortest dresses I've ever seen. She had her own little party going on by herself on the dance floor. No one else dared to join her. It was quite entertaining though. She seemed to really enjoy the open bar. She did dances I've never seen before.
Today, we went to church. I LOVE my church! I don't know if I've ever LOVED a church before. I know we are right where we are supposed to be right now. Our pastor is such a g: ood communicator and teacher. You can view the sermon here by Monday. I am always so blessed after a service. He pulls things out of the Bible in a way that really makes me think. It isn't the same old regurgitated stuff that one might normally hear. Then our neighbors came back over and we watched all the kiddos play outside. It was a gorgeous day. I think it was 75 degrees. I go to San Francisco this next Friday for a cousin's wedding. All of my dad's side of the family will be there. My sister is going with me and we are leaving the hubbies with the kids for 4 whole days. I haven't left Bam Bam yet. I am a blessed woman to know that dh can handle it. It helps that his parents live 3 minutes away. But he is great with them. Not many wives would be able to say that they are comfortable leaving their kids with their husbands for so long. I HAVE to get some new shoes before I go. I am a weird girl and do not love to buy shoes. I usually wear black flip flops all summer long, and then black or brown boots in the fall. I do have a few dress shoes too. I will let you know what I find.
All for now.

This is what "Happy" looks like to me.....

2007-10-19T21:35:00.000-05:00

Apron on, cooking dinner, back door open where I can see all 3 boys playing sweetly with each other; their giggles almost drowning out the old-school Rich Mullins music I have blaring in the house. A cool breeze blowing in just as dh walks in early from work (early for him, anyway). He is smiling and looking devilishly handsome. He gives me a kiss and then heads straight outside to scoop up a youngen who squeals with delight in his daddy's arms. Baby is chasing dh, screaming, "duh--dee!" Dinner is now on and Einstein actually eats the okra I fixed and asks for seconds. Everyone helps clean up kitchen. Baby goes night-night, and we sit and watch, "Pete's Dragon." with blankets and pillows in the family room. Mommy gets some "brain dead" time at Target getting cookies for Lancelot's school carnival tomorrow, and somehow I end up in the makeup section, drooling over aisles of makeup. Back home now, movie is almost over, cinnamon cake cooking in oven (whipped that up right when I got home...also for carnival), and 30 quiet minutes to read new blogs. Life is good!

4 year old in the Hiiisssouuuse!

2007-10-17T17:45:00.000-05:00

Today is Einstein's 4th bday. I can hardly believe he is getting so big. He had his party on Sunday at a local Pumpkin Farm. It was one of my favorite parties that our kids have ever had. It was very unique. During our hayride, we stopped and fed some cows bread. It was so funny to see the kid's reactions when that big, black tongue came out. EEEWWW. There was a great corn maze (see above pic) at the end of the party. The kids wanted to "lose" the adults...and they did. I thought we were going to have to have a rescue party come in after all us old folks. He has been a bit spoiled today, and is starting to act rotten. First, he got to go eat breakfast with Grandma and Grandpa at "The Pancake Store" which is a local breakfast place that isn't really called that, but Einstein thinks that's its name. Then daddy took him out for a special "Dude's Lunch." And tonight we are going for ice cream after dinner. Hopefully he'll sleep away the rotten.

On a different note, I am still doing Core, and doing it quite successfully. I am loosing a little each week. I love eating this way. It is healthy eating without feeling deprived. I give myself one cheat meal a week. I am not exercising though. I think I am going to freeze my gym membership for the umpteenth time. I just don't use it. I would do better to just use dh's home weights and walk or bike every now and then. The thought of dragging the kids to the gym and then working out there makes me want to crawl back in bed. Too much work. I know, laziness at its worst. But it is the truth. It has to be fun. I love riding, but it is hard to get out to do that too since we don't have a seat for baby on my bike.

Today mil came over and helped me get all fall clothes out of the attic. That was a job, as you most know. She is a work horse. I am exhausted. We ended up organizing each child's closet.

Sorry for the boring post. More later....

just cuz he's so cute.....

What should I look like?

2007-10-15T14:10:00.000-05:00

I know it is long, but read it anyways..... Colossians 3 (taken from The Message) 1 -2 So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective. 3 -4Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ. 5 -8And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That's a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It's because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. It wasn't long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it's all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk. 9 -11Don't lie to one another. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ. 12 -14So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. I have been struggling with the question, "What does a true follower of Christ look like?" My mil was telling me about her Sunday service at her church, and how the above text was the focus. The pastor was talking about True Holiness. He was basically saying that too many times, Christians replace true holiness with made up religious rules. I admit, I've done this. It is easier to live by rules, than search out the real heart of Christ. Jesus was one of the most Anti-religious characters in the Bible. He was not put off by sinners, nor was he offended by them. He was constantly offended at the hypocritical religious leaders, though. I want to see the world through His eyes. I want to be salt and light to everyone around me. I want people to see Christ living in me, and be drawn to Him. I have never done this type of post. My devotional time is usually private. However, I wanted to write this one out.

my latest project

2007-10-10T14:09:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of the finished lamp. After spray painting it with this aged iron texture spray, I rubbed some brown wood stain over it to give it a brownish hue, since that is what color the shade was. I think it turned out great for $1.50 lamp, and $9.00 Walmart shade. What do you think?

This was my day --ramblings....

2007-10-09T21:38:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the bullet point ramblings, but I don't have any catchy thing to write about today. Just a lot of little "life" things. *The scale is not moving. Ugghhh. I am on Core and have been since the Sucky diet ended. I have been reading the msg. board on the WW Core site, and everyone assures me that this is a way of eating healthier and not a diet. The weight willl follow. Several have told me that it took a couuple of weeks to start to see the scale move. And then, it just kept coming off. That is what I am hoping for. I love eating and cooking this way, so I'm not about to quit now. I HAVE to exercise on a more regular basis. I have a gym membership, but it is such a chore to get my 2 younger kids there. They like it ok, although I have been called on the speaker to come get Bam Bam who was exercising his demons out that day. I wish I could ride my bike more often. I could ride more if I got a baby seat for the back of the bike. I am terrified that I would fall with him on there. Any suggestions? Anyone use one of those trailers? * I was in Wal-Mart today looking through the clearance isle for a lamp shade. I will post a picture of my project soon. My sister found me a brass swing arm floor lamp at a garage sale for $1.50. It works, but has no shade. I also dont' like brass. So I am spray painting it with this textured paint. The shade is super cool and I got it for $9.00. Anyway, as I was looking, the baby wanted out of the cart because he saw a toy on the shelf that he had to have. I wouldn't let him out, so the fit started. Mind you, he is only 14 mo., but he is having fits that sound more like a 2 or3 year old. I ignored it, because I was almost done looking. I was probably only in that isle for 5 minutes total. This lady (SHREW) walked by and rolled her eyes at me while she said in a loud/RUDE voice, "Geez, give your child something to hold or something. That is ridiculous!" Then to make matters worse, an older guy walked by right at that moment, heard the whole thing, and gave me that "Bless your heart" look. I got all red in the face. It took all I had to talk myself out of chasing after that woman and asking her, point blank, what she thought I could do for a baby having a fit?? I realized that I could not do this since my 3 year old was looking sweetly up at me. I just swallowed my pride and finished my trip. I ended up carrying baby most of the way while I pused the cart with one hand. Pathetic, I know. I did NOT let the other two act like this. I guess it is training time. I so did not want to be the mom who lets the last one get away with more than the others. Gotta jet. DH just got home from band practice, and I am ready to watch some TV.

Gross dead fish and bike ride...

2007-10-06T16:51:00.000-05:00

God gave me 3 boys but I am SOOOO not into bugs, frogs, and dirt. My inlaws took my 2 older boys fishing today at the park. Today is the first time they have ever caught anything. When they got home, they came running into the house yelling, "Mommy, look what we caught!!!" Then they shoved the Ziploc bag of dead fish in my face. They were so proud. I marveled at their fishing talents then discreetly made sure the dead, stinky fish were going with grandma and grandpa.

Then, dh wanted me to go on a bike ride with him. We enjoy doing this together, but can't very often without kids. Well inlaws said they would sit with kids, so we were off. Dh is really into this now. I am proud of him. It is a great way for him to stay in shape and often takes the boys with him. We plan to get a basket seat for bam bam for my bike, and make it a regular family thing. I haven't ridden in so long, and dh was determined to make me "push through the pain." I tried my best to keep up with him. At one point I thought I was going to be sick. He said this was my body lying to me to get me to stop. Once I pushed through that, I felt great. At the end of our ride, a 50 something year old guy rode up with the total biking outfit. I was breathing pretty heavy and feeling strong until he said he had been out since 7am and was just finishing a 98 mile ride. We did 13 in 58 minutes. We did stop a few times for drinks and air. Here is the picture of me right after the ride. I look like I am in pain.

Mama needs some help up in heera!!!!

2007-10-03T20:43:00.000-05:00

Dh just got 2 older boys to bed, baby went down about 45 minutes earlier, and I just got done cleaning the kitchen after dinner. I am pooped. When I say pooped, I mean mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted. I don't know what is going on with bam bam (14 mo. old) but he just seems to go from happy to screaming in a millisecond, and then he screams until you figure out what exactly he is wanting. It doesn't matter how productive my day has been, at 5:00 pm, all HELL breaks lose at my house. Dh doesn't get home till 6:30, usually, so we don't eat until around 6:45. The baby acts like he is ready for bed at 5, but I can't put him down then. He has had to adjust to just one nap a day in order to be up in enough time to pick up Lancelot from school at 3. I love to express my creativity in the kitchen, and have this vision in my head of how it could or should be. I always try to hold off tv until that time period, so the kids are out of my hair (except baby who is usually screaming at my feet). But even then, I play referee for the two oldest who are playing ninjas WHILE they watch tv, and inevitably, one of them gets kicked in the head, but what do you expect when you are playing ninjas???? How do you like that run on sentence? I am so tired, I'm not even going back to correct it. I have burned more things in the last 6 mo., than in my whole life. I never get the table set like I want it; it always looks so thrown together. Dh and I always said we wanted meal time to be a time of communicating and connecting, but I my nerves are literally so shot by the time I sit down, that I don't even taste my food. I just sit there thinking about how long it is going to take me to clean the kitchen. Dh has bed duty after dinner, so I don't mind doing clean up, usually. We have everyone clear the table for me, which helps. Dh thinks I should just feed baby early and put him down at 7. I guess he is right. I want us all to eat together, but it just isn't working right now during his phase. DEAR GOD, I HOPE THIS IS JUST A PHASE. You would think that because I have gone through this 2 times already, I would know that it IS just a phase, but I don't remember going through this. On top of that, it is such a beating to get my kids to eat their food. I am no short order cook, and I am committed to eating healthy meals. I don't make them eat salad yet, but they do get the same things we eat. My oldest prayed that I would make more pizza and french fries. hahaha. Any advice to get through this would be appreciated. I am starting to dread mealtimes, which breaks my heart.

Need new clothes

2007-10-02T18:23:00.000-05:00

musings of a housewife had this great blog on fashion must haves. I really need to get serious about updating my very shabby (but not chic), dated wardrobe. For the past 6 years I have not really wanted to spend much money or attention on clothes because I knew I was still going to be getting pregnant and losing baby weight for a few more years. Now that I am out of that phase, I feel like getting my wardrobe in order. I need to have appropriate outfits for the different occasions in my life. I still have small children with sticky hands, so I will probably not spend a lot of money on expensive, impractical clothes. I did find a great little black dress at Kohls and it is machine washable. I thought it was going to be hard to find a dress that looked good, but this one hides what needs to be hidden and accentuates my curves.

This dress makes me feel a little like Audrey Hepburn. Now I just need the right jewelry and shoes. Any ideas????

I am going to be seriously cleaning out my closet in the near future. If it is stained (like most of my clothes) or doesn't make me feel good when I am wearing it, it goes to goodwill. I may be left with 5 items, but this will FORCE me to buys something new to replace it. When I am out I may see a beautiful sweater or something but think to myself, "I don't need that because I have that one black sweater in my closet all ready." However, I never wear the one in my closet because it is itchy and the sleeves are too short. Can anyone relate???

Hallelujah the diet is over!!!

2007-10-01T15:57:00.000-05:00

Well, the 7 day diet was over yesterday. I had dessert 2 nights in a row because we were at someone's house. And then last night we were at MIL's house and she made sandwiches. So even with the deviations, I still lost 5 solid pounds. Not bad. The last 3 days of the diet were totally easy. I will probably do it one more time before my cousin's wedding in San Francisco. I think the best part is that this diet helped me to mentally jump the eating bad hurdle. Now I am back to eating off the Core food list on Weight Watchers which is just no processed food, and lots of whole foods. The Core diet seems like heaven compared to the strictness of the other one, so I feel really confident. I am also trying to drink all of my water each day. I tasted a diet DP the other day and it tasted so gross. How did I drink those as much as I did?

SURPRISING DATE NIGHT MOVIE

2007-09-28T13:24:00.001-05:00

Dh and I got to do a rare thing and see a movie the other night that wasn't rated G. He convinced me to see "The 3:10 to Yuma." It is a western starring Russell Crowe and Christian Bale. To my surprise, this was a GREAT date movie. It had an amazing story, and no gratuitous violence. My husband loved it too. It was one of those movies that had me replaying certain scenes over and over again in my head....but in a good way. I was shocked that I actually liked it as much as I did.

The diet continues......

2007-09-28T09:12:00.000-05:00

Banana and skim mild day ended up being my favorite day so far. The bananas were very satisfying. I was then able to have the soup for supper and then a banana for dessert. Never felt hungry. Yesterday morning I had lost 4 1/2 lbs. and this morning 2 more lbs. gone. I got that sense of well being yesterday for the first time. Today we get meat. I feel awesome. We are going to a dinner party at a friend's house tonight. She is making roast and I am sure there will be salad, so I will just eat that. I am in charge of bringing dessert. I haven't decided if I will have a some or not. Either way, I'll be discreet. I hate it when dieters come to my house and talk about all the stuff they can or can't eat. After this diet, I plan on going back on the Core plan from weight watchers. Core will seem like a "free for all" after this thing.

Day 3 of this SUCKY diet...

2007-09-26T21:21:00.000-05:00

DAY THREE: Eat all the soup, fruit and veggies you want. Do not have a baked potato. If you have eaten as above for three days and not cheated, you should find that you have lost 5-7 pounds.

Today has been just "ok." I was able to have a fruit salad for breakfast with my coffee. That was pretty normal. Then my mil took me to Black Eyed Pea for lunch. I ordered their veg. plate. You get a choice of 5 veggies. I ordered the carrots, green beans, Squash casserole, and double the Turnip greens. I asked the 15 year old waiter what was in the squash casserole and he said "just squash." Well that was good enough for me. There were breadcrumbs all over that squash, but I ate around them...sort of :*) And I ignored the bacon floating in my turnip greens. I can't help it if that is how they come on your plate, right? We did tell the waiter not to bring the delicious basket of piping hot rolls. That took lots of will power. I haven't weighed yet, but will in the am. I am pretty sure though that I have NOT lost 5-7 pounds. Dh and I got to eat a hot baked potato last night with real butter, and you would have thought we were eating Lobster the way we were moaning with delight. I'm pretty sure we weren't supposed to down a whole stick of butter between the 2 of us. Oh well, the diet wasn't specific on that rule. It just said enjoy a baked potato with butter tonight. Their words, not mine. Let me show you another quote from this diet: "This diet is fast. The secret lies within the principle that you will burn more calories than you take in. It will flush your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well-being." Well, I have not had a sense of well being. I feel like my brain has disconnected at times, and I've been really grumpy. I really don't know how vegetarians do it. I want meat so bad. Day after tomorrow is meat and tomatoes day. I CAN'T WAIT. Feel free to roll your eyes at my stupidity for doing this fad diet. I know I would if I were on your side of your computer monitor. But, I freaked when I saw that 7 pound gain. It snuck up on me like tax day. Tomorrow is bananas and skim milk day. GOD HELP ME!$#$%%@

A Wedding and a Surgery

2007-09-26T09:05:00.000-05:00

You know how when something big happens, you end up telling the story a million times. Well, that is how this whole thing with Bam Bam was. It was a week ago this last Saturday that it all went down. Because I don't want to type the story again (I know, severe laziness) here is my husband's interpretation from his own blog. I will insert my own comments in red:

A Wedding and a Surgery

So we had this wedding to attend in rural, southern Missouri...We drive almost 7 hours and get into town with barely enough time to check into the motel and switch into wedding clothes. When Glory pulls Oliver out of his car seat, I hear, "OH MY GOD JASON LOOK!"...

I scramble over and notice an ENORMOUS bulge on his neck under his left chin/ear. There are a few minutes of confusion as some of her family is leaving to go the the wedding and we are trying to get our pediatrician on the phone at 5pm on a Saturday. (My dad, step-mom, and brother live in KS, so we were meeting them in MO. This was the first time I had seen them since June. I had discovered the bump about 3 minutes before we drove up to motel and see my family standing outside the bldg.) We finally get a nurse on the line and she tell us as long as he isn't running a fever or having difficulty breathing, we should be okay to drive him to the nearest hospital after the wedding. The ceremony is about 25 minutes and we "high tail" it out of town dialing hospitals as we drive.

We find the hospital that is closest, but there is a crazy mix up with some transferred calls and we get directions to a DIFFERENT hospital that is farther away. That turned out to be very fortunate, because we ended up at the only hospital in 100 sq miles that had a pediatric center AND a resident Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. (He says "fortunate" I say God works out ALL things for our good, and HE directed us there. We literally called one number and got directions to the big hospital, thinking we were going to the closer/smaller hospital, which was 30 minutes out of our way).

Long story short - they hook him (as we held him down and he screamed) to an IV and immediately ordered a CT Scan. That showed a definite abcess and they wanted to surgically drain it ASAP. O.R. was booked for the night so they scheduled him for 8 AM sunday morning. Surgery went fine but we had to spend another night in the hospital and finally got back home to TX late monday afternoon...(So, when they told us we would be at least one night in the hospital, I had to think of what I would do with my other 2 kids. They said they would try to get us in the Ronald McDonald house. That just sounded so crazy. My dad said they would stay with us in MO and take the kids to the hotel. Thank God for them. DH and I slept in the room with baby. I slept on hospital bed like when I had him, and dh slept on a rollout bed. Because it was a peds ward, they had a wagon to pull him around the hospital. He is fine now. I just kept saying, "I don't know how we got here." Pretty scary.) Good Times.

Day 2 of my diet....UGGHHH

2007-09-25T15:49:00.000-05:00

Let me first say, that I am not a fad dieter, at all. As you have read from a previous post, I used Weight Watchers to get my post baby weight off. I did great at it, and lost a total of 33 pounds. The other day I went shopping to find a dress for a wedding. Much to my horror, nothing that I put on was fitting correctly and there were weird bulges bulging. I did the unthinkable the next morning and faced the scale. I had gained back 7 pounds!!!! PMS had a bit to do with it, probably a pound or two, but I honestly can't give PMS the blame. It was probably the free for all stress eating hubby and I did over the weekend. In another blog I'll tell about our horrible weekend in MO, which included a trip to ER for bab, 2 nights in the hospital, and a surgery. Yes, I was stress eating that weekend. It tasted great, btw. But back to why I am on day 2 of my diet. I really need new fall clothes and shoes. I am not good at shopping for clothes and don't do it very often. I usually wear my clothes until they look really faded or get stained. I do not want to go shopping with this extra 7 pounds. SO, I need to get it off. My father in law told me about the Sacred Heart Diet. He has lost a lot of weight doing it. It is a 7 day diet/cleanse. I know I know, it is a fad diet. But after looking it over, it is just eating healthy food. Hubby said he would do it with me. I also like the idea of not having to think out menus for dinner. I can cook the kids something simple, and then they eat the veggies we are eating. Here is day 1 and 2:

Sacred Heart Medical Diet

This 7-day eating plan can be used as often as you like. If correctly followed, it will clean out your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well-being. After only 7 days of this process, you will begin to feel lighter by at least 10 pounds and possibly 17 pounds, and experience an abundance of energy.

SOUP:

1 or 2 cans of stewed tomatoes
3 plus large green onions
1 large can of beef broth (no fat)
1 pkg. Lipton Soup mix (chicken noodle)
1 bunch of celery
2 cans green beans
2 lbs. Carrots
2 Green Peppers

Season with salt, pepper curry, parsley, if desired, or bouillon, hot or Worcestershire sauce. Cut veggies in small to medium pieces. Cover with water. Boil fast for 10 minutes. Reduce to simmer and continue to cook until veggies are tender.

This soup can be eaten anytime you are hungry during the week. Eat as much as you want, whenever you want. This soup will not add calories. The more you eat, the more you will lose. You may want to fill a thermos in the morning if you will be away during the day.

DRINKS:

Unsweetened juices
Tea (also herbal)
Coffee
Cranberry juice
Skim milk
Water, water, water

DAY ONE

Any fruit (except bananas). Cantaloupes and watermelon are lower in calories than most other fruits. Eat only soup and fruit today.

DAY TWO

All vegetables. Eat until you are stuffed with fresh raw, cooked or canned veggies. Try to eat green leafy veggies and stay away from dry beans, peas or corn. Eat veggies along with the soup. At dinnertime tonight reward yourself with a big baked potato and butter. Don't eat any fruits through today.

Yesterday was hard. I worked out for the first time in a while too, so I felt a little weird by last night. I am peeing like crazy. Today has been better. I can't wait for the baked potato tonight. I had stir-fry veggies for lunch and got creative and put curry seasoning on them. They tasted really good. I notice I am hungry about every 2 hours. I am about to go have another bowl of soup. This morning I weighed in at one pound less. We'll see...I'll keep you posted.

I am back!!!

2007-09-24T07:57:00.000-05:00

I have still enjoyed reading all my favorite blogs, and have had a ton of interesting things happen in the last few weeks that I COULD have blogged. However, I think laziness won that battle. I am inspired to get back to blogging. Let me catch you up on my life in the last few weeks. Lancelot has tolerated 1st grade. Every morning, when I wake him up, he says he wishes he was his sleeping 3 year old brother. He is happy when I pick him up and says he has had a great day. I worry about him making friends. He can be very sensitive and shy, at times. I drove by the school during recess the other day, and he was playing chase with a few other boys. He seemed really happy. His playground is at the corner of a 4 way stop. Just imagine a white suburban driving suspiciously slow past the playground, only to go around the block a few times to drive by again. I am sure the authorities were alerted. I got involved in the Moms In Touch group here. I really like it. I like the fact that by the end of the year each student, teacher, and staff member in the grade school will have been prayed for. Then we pray for specific prayer requests for our own children. I hope to get to know some more moms through this group. I am one of the only newbies, so Lancelot and I have that in common. Today is hubby's last day as a loan officer. A great opportunity came our way from a friend. Dh will be doing sales at his dad's company (where this friend also works). It is a total answer to prayer. Dh had to drive one hour to and from work each day, and the mortgage market doesn't look to be getting any better any time soon. Dh will be completely mobile and will be able to work some from home. This company is the opposite of "corporate" which dh LOVES. As you can imagine, he is really excited for this huge change in his employment. I just worked out for the first time in a few weeks. It felt good. My sister went with me. Hopefully we can make it there at least 3 times a week. Dh and I are also doing this 7 day cleanse/diet called the Sacred Heart diet. Today is veg. soup and fruit all day. So far so good. My mom invited me and sister out for lunch and I had enough will power to just order the fruit salad with no dressing. I usually stay away from these types of food plans, but I've got a big wedding to go to in Nov. and I need to drop 10 pounds. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

Here we go.....

2007-08-28T12:57:00.000-05:00

First off, I notice everyone has code names for their kids so I will do the same.

Oldest son (6 years) = Lancelot (because he loves to be a Knight when he plays)
Middle son (3 1/2) = Einstein (because he is way too smart to be 3)
youngest son (1 year) = Bam Bam (he is full of energy all the time and very busy)

So, Lancelot started first grade yesterday, and it was our first day of public school. He did great. To say I am not a morning person, is really putting it lightly. Because of this, I did all the lunches (one for kid and one for hubby), had boys pick out what they wanted to wear, and laid out my own clothes the night before. I was showered and ready by 7:30 am, which is crazy for me. I actually have Einstein and Bam Bam napping at the exact same time each day, which means I have a quiet house for 2 1/2 hours a day. I have loved this schedule so far. Ask me in a week, when the newness of waking up early has worn off, and I may not be so excited.

I need some advice on two things. Hubby and I need a good book to read together when kids go down. The last book we read was "The Five Love Languages." Anyone have a suggestion for our next read?

Second question--I need some sack lunch ideas for a kid who doesn't like lunch meat. I can't keep making PB&J and Pimento and Cheese sandwiches all year long. Any suggestions?

Hopefully with my quiet time, I can blog more and read more blogs.

Oh...I almost forgot...I also need weeknight meal ideas to add to our repertoire.

Mountains, Caves, and Tanks...Oh My!!!

2007-08-06T21:05:00.000-05:00

I have been absent from the blogs lately because I was getting the family ready for a mini vacation to climb Enchanted Rock and visit Longhorn Caverns in TX. We also spent a day in Fredericksburg where we toured the Nimitz Museum. The museum wasn't that fun with small kids. I would like to go back when I can actually read all the signs in the museum instead of constantly telling someone to not touch or, "Get off of that." A few days before we left, our AC in our Suburban went out (another blog), so I was busy dealing with that too. Every time I would think to blog or read blogs, I was just too tired, and decided to go brain dead in front of the TV instead.
Back to the vacation. We went with my sister, her husband, and their 3 boys. It was SOOOOO much fun. I might have grown up on a farm, but this girl is a city girl through and through. That said, I have to admit that I fell back in love with nature. I still hate bugs and creepy crawly things, but I finally know why God gave us 3 boys. Being able to share climbing this HUGE rock with my boys was such a thrill. They were so excited, which made me excited. We had planned, earlier in the year, to go to San Diego and do the zoo thing, ocean, etc...., but because we are doing this Dave Ramsey class and are so "Financially Responsible" now......we knew we couldn't blow that kind of money on that. My husband is a loan officer who deals mainly with the sub-prime market, so the pickings are slim (again, another blog). Anyway, I never knew Texas had so much to offer. We only took a 3 day trip, but it felt like one of our best vacations. We ate at one of the best bbq pits in the country- Coopers in Llano, TX. The only problem was we ate at Coopers the night before our big climb at Enchanted Rock. My big joke the next day on the climb was that I was sweating brisket. MMMMMM.......BRISKET!!!......
Where was I? Ok, so dh and I are determined to find out all the cool places to see in Tx, and then take little day or weekend trips here and there with the family to see it all. At the end of each day, we felt like we had really accomplished something besides just spending money. BTW, getting into Enchanted State Park only cost us a total of $12. My brother-in-law got a year's pass to all the TX state parks for Christmas, so they all got in free. I now know what I want for Christmas. Being in this financial class has made us search harder for affordable family entertainment, but what I've found is the best things we've done, as a family, don't necessarily have to be in neat, convenient packages. Sometimes it takes a HUNT!

The Jesus One

2007-08-05T18:05:00.001-05:00

The Jesus One

4andcounting tagged me for the Jesus meme. I'm supposed to list 5 things I love about Jesus and then tag 5 people. I've been out of town all weekend, so sorry for the late response. 1. Jesus loves me. Sounds so simple and childlike, but I am overwhelmed that even though my love runs cold sometimes, He loves me SO passionately. And when I finally turn my head toward Him, He never hesitates to immediately embrace me. 2. Jesus loves the unlovable. This is an area that I struggle with. The more I read about Jesus, the more I realize most of us "Christians" are focusing on the wrong things. He loved the ones crucifying Him, and spitting on Him. He never thought of His reputation, but only wanted to reach those that no one else thought was worth the effort. 3. He only does what He sees His Father doing and says ONLY what His Father is saying. Too many times, I run on ahead of Him, even with good intentions, but He gently taps me on the shoulder and says, "I never told you to do THAT." He is very efficient and trustworthy. 4. He died for me. Obvious one here. Eternity in Heaven is possible for me because of this. This gives me purpose in THIS life; to tell others of this gift. 5. He said I would do even greater things than He did on Earth. This is still a mystery to me, but WOW! He has offered us so much, and given us every key to expand the Kingdom of God.

My first MEME

2007-07-25T16:36:00.000-05:00

This is my first Meme. I don't even know what MEME means. Someone clue me in. I took this from Musingsofahousewife. High School Spirit Meme

1. Who was your best friend? I was in KS for Freshman/Soph. years. Don't know if I had a "best" friend. We all had junkie cars and played chase a lot. Junior and Senior years were in TX. My best friend then was my now Hubby. We were high school sweethearts, and spent all our time together. Looking back on it, I wish I would've had sense to limit my time with him (we were a bit needy towards each other) and developed more girl friendships.

2. Did you play any sports? Sure did. Played Volleyball and basketball. Was Athlete of the year at my school when I graduated.

3. What kind of car did you drive? My dad was kind enough to let my sister (who is only 10 mo. younger than me) share his old work pickup. It was a 1976 maroon chevy pickup. It had a push start button because the starter broke. It used to belong to my grandpa who tore the seat belts out, so it was really safe. Being my dad's former work truck it had a long tool box attached to each side of the pickup bed. Once when I was trying to look cool and impress a boy downtown, the wind picked up at the exact moment he looked my way and the toolbox lids flew open simultaneously. I looked like I was driving a pickup version of the bat mobile. Oh, it had cancer too. We lost a bit of the outside every time we washed it due to rust. My sister left the window down once when it rained, and a little plant started to grow behind the seat. It was a like a wild vine. It refused to die. Very embarrassing driving that thing around a town of only 17oo people.

4. It’s Friday night. Where were you? Usually playing in game and then cleaning up to play in the pep band for the boy's game. The girls never got pep band or cheerleaders. I am still hurt about that.

5. Were you a party animal? No. I was a goody goody too. See question 4. Like I said, to find fun in our small town, we chased each other in our crappy cars or made home movies to resemble an SNL skit.

6. Were you considered a flirt? Nope. Never have been. I am terrible at it, and usually am not friends with the flirtatious types. It makes me embarrassed for them when I see them throwing themselves shamelessly at boys. DH wishes I flirted more with him, so I am working on that.

7. Were you in the band, orchestra or choir? Yes to band and choir. Our town was too small to have an orchestra. I played the saxophone. I LOVED being in any kind of musical program. Jazz band was a favorite. I actually majored in vocal music in college.

8. Were you a nerd? I didn't think so at the time.

9. Were you ever suspended or expelled? No.

10. Can you sing the fight song? Probably some of it, but I'm too tired to think about it. I was always playing in the pep band, not singing it.

11. Who was your favorite teacher? My bible teacher/coach/youth pastor at my new school in TX. He ended up marrying us.

12. What was your school mascot? Ks=Indian, TX=Tiger

13. Did you go to the Prom? Yeah, I went as a soph. with a gross senior. I didn't like him or anything, just wanted to make my ex jealous. It didn't work, and I was grossed out by my date. He had bad breath. Then my TX school was a private HS, so we had a Junior/Senior banquet. I went with DH. I wore a red dress with puffy sleeves covered in sequins. He wore a matching cummerbund, and we borrowed a red Mazda Miata. How lame!!! My senior year, I wore an Emerald green, floor lenth dress. I went with dh again, and we looked a bit less lame. I will post a pict. on Thurs. Good idea, Musings of a Housewife!

14. If you could go back, would you? Sometimes I wish I could go back and make some better decisions or be a nicer person. I wish I would've had the sense and confidence that I have now to be a friend to everyone.. I was too worried about my reputation, at times. I bet we all wish we had more confidence back then.

15. What do you remember most about graduation? We wore royal blue gowns, I sang in a quartet "I'll Keep Believing" by Point of Grace, and also wondered why everyone was crying. I couldn't wait to get to college.

16. Where were you on Senior Skip Day? I don't think we had one.

17. Did you have a job your senior year? 2 weeks at a clothes store. They put me in the changing room putting clothes back on a hanger. It stunk BIG TIME!

18. Where did you go most often for lunch? cafeteria. We weren't allowed off campus.

19. Have you gained weight since then? 40 pounds with each baby. I've lost it each time. I am about 10 pounds heavier than at grad.

20. What did you do after graduation? I don't remember.

21. What year did you graduate? 1994.

22. Who was your Senior Prom Date? dh

23. Are you going/did you go to your 10 year reunion? Yeah, I went to the one in KS. It was so weird. A lot of the old hunks were bald. I felt like I was in a time warp. I enjoyed talking with them all.

You wanna play? Consider yourself tagged.

Run for Your LIFE!!!!!

2007-07-21T11:39:00.000-05:00

Mary at Owlhaven is hosting a carnival today called My Childhood Home. I grew up 6 miles outside of a small town in Kansas. My father is a farmer, so, yes, I grew up on a farm. My childhood home was a single wide trailer. I never thought anything of living in a trailer until I hit junior high. Thankfully we moved to town right around then and into a nicer house. Anyway, living in KS meant that we were subject to many tornadoes. Obviously our trailer did not have a basement. We lived on several acres of ground. There was 1/4 mile of wild grass between our trailer and a major highway. There was a ditch that ran between the highway and the grass. So to paint the picture better, it was our trailer, 1/4 mile of wild grass, ditch, and then the highway. Let me just say that the patch of wild grass was so large that we used a tractor to mow it and that still took forever. We were always told that if a tornado came we were to run through the grass to the ditch and get in the "tornado/atomic bomb is comin" position. Did I mention I lived there during my elementary years? Also, remember, there weren't any sirens 6 miles in the country, so the only forewarning one would get for a tornado coming might only be "RUN, THE TWISTER IS IN THE FRONT YARD!!!" To make a short story long, I never had to run for my life, but the trauma still set in. To this day, I still have nightmares of trying to get across that HUGE yard of wild grass to the ditch only to be protected by a small dent in the earth. HOW WAS THAT GOING TO PROTECT US??? I guess the tornado wouldn't see us crouching there, and would move on to to kill other saps who chose to park their trailer too far from a major ditch. This is probably not what Mary had in mind, but it is what immediately came to mind when I thought of my childhood home. I will add the fuzzy memories another time.

Add On to "Start My Diet Tomorrow"

2007-07-21T11:11:00.000-05:00

"it really works when you stick to it." That seems so obvious but it really is the hardest part. I got too content with how far I HAD come that I fell off the strict wagon. I fit back into my old clothes, so I wasn't as desperate to finish to goal. I totally woke up this morning hungry and thought, "Ooh, I want a piece of homemade bread with real butter on it for breakfast." But then, I remembered my WW commitment, so I had Fiber One cereal instead, and feel totally satisfied. It is a complete mental decision, at this point.

Ok...I start my diet tomorrow....

2007-07-20T22:45:00.000-05:00

How many times have I said that? I usually say it right after a huge, fattening meal. I have been wanting to get back on Weight Watchers for a while now. I have 12-15 more pounds to lose to get to my goal. Weight Watchers works so well for me, personally, that I should probably be able to get it off in about 4 weeks. I lost 33 pounds on it before I quit and I haven't gained any of it back. Mind you, 30 pounds of that was after 3rd baby. I am just so tired of not being happy in my own skin. I remember feeling so content in my skin, when I got married, that I didn't even mind facing the mirror while I ate at the Olive Garden. So, I am posting this to the world ( or the 2 of you that actually read this) that as of Sat. I am back on WW. I have 23 points a day to spend. I will be writing down EVERYTHING I eat. I have a WW journal, so don't worry. You don't have to endure reading how many crackers I had in a day. Feel free to ask me every now and then if I am keeping up with it. I probably will post if I've had a weight loss or gain. And I will definitely tell you when I get to my goal. If anyone out there wants to be WW buddies, just let me know.

poopathon

2007-07-19T17:11:00.000-05:00

Why do men get an hour in the bathroom to do their business? It doesn't take me that long, not even close. I get in - I get out! I lock the door because I am not one for a preschool audience. That is where I draw the line. Because of that, I spend most of my time speaking/yelling in a loud voice to whomever is having the current meltdown on the other side of my locked door, that I will be out in a minute, and they better not break my door. Other people in this world (not naming names) feel that the bathroom is a secret hiding place, a haven from the cares of life. Entire Sudoku books have been completed in just a few of these sessions. "GET A GRIP, GUYS....YOU CAN POOP WHEN THEY GRADUATE!" I'm just sayin........

post baby brain dead

2007-07-17T13:56:00.001-05:00

My newborn turns 1 July 27. Where did the year go? He is also our last as dh took the plunge and fixed himself. He actually did it right before baby was born. I am ok with it, as of right now. He was so adamant about not having any more kids, and honestly, the thought of doing the newborn thing again right now isn't too appealing. I really want to enjoy the boys now. BUT...I am sad that my newborn is going to be a year old. I am getting off track of my title. I don't know about anyone else, but for a year after the birth of one of my kids, I have the brain power equivalent to a highly trained gorilla. That may be giving myself too much credit. At least the gorilla can be artistic and can paint a little. Honestly, my brain goes out the window. I lose most of my vocabulary and a ton of my creative juices. I LOVE to be creative in the kitchen, but that first year is pretty bland come dinner time. I am lucky to get meat and steamed veggies on the plate. I also have zero desire to do any decorating in the house. I am a minimalist already, when it comes to my decorating style, but during that first year, I can't imagine rearranging the mantel or changing out the kid's pictures. I am coming out of the fog now. I have gone back to baking my famous sourdough bread. My backyard neighbor has been caring for a sourdough starter for 15 years, and a couple months ago, she let me have a cup of it. I am in heaven. I never buy bread anymore. I do it the old fashioned way too. No bread makers here. I love pounding out the dough, but love even more, the smell of the bread baking in my home. I have started to get the kids involved in helping me bake, and have found it to be a great thing to pass on to my sons (since I have no daughters). I also have an apple tree in my backyard and recently started canning Apple Butter for the first time. I have never attempted canning because it sounded so complicated, but my brain works again and I can actually follow written instructions without a mental breakdown. Even the food I am cooking tastes better. Am I the only one who experiences this? I did give myself a break this last child and took it as a year to simplify. I recognized what was happening and just went with it, instead of times in the past, when I thought something was seriously wrong with me. I didn't even go through the whole..." I AM LOSING WHO I AM" syndrome. Come on, ladies, you know what I am talking about. You know the dreaded episode of you sobbing to your husband about losing your identity, and feeling like all you have to offer the world is changing diapers and cleaning up spills. And your husband looks at you with half sympathy and half serious concern that his wife is cracking up, and tries to comfort you by saying how good of a diaper changer and spill cleaner you really are and he would never trade you...GOD HELP OUR MEN!!! (please forgive the major run-on sentences, and poor grammar. My child is officially still 11 months old)

Love Languages

2007-07-16T21:22:00.000-05:00

DH and I recently read a book together called, "The 5 Love Languages." He actually got me 2 copies for my Christmas gift because we had a $10 spending limit on each other's gifts, and I have asked him the entire 11 years of our marriage to read a book with me. BTW, DH got a sterling silver ring to replace his wedding band that he lost a few weeks earlier, but that is a different and much longer story. Back to the book...it was great. The book helps you to understand the way in which you receive love and then how your spouse receives love. Some may receive through physical touch, acts of service, gifts, quality time, or affirming words. We usually try to force our love to our spouse in the way that comes most naturally to us, our own love language, but unless they, themselves speak that language, you are fighting an uphill battle. I learned that my love language is Quality Time. This explains so much about me. It explains why I react like I do to flippant friends, and why I get miffed if a parent doesn't connect with me when we are together. But it really explains my relationship with hubby. He was relieved to discover that I wasn't just a needy wife. As most of you know, when you have small children, date nights don't come so easily. We used to go out Friday and Sat. before kids. Then with just one kid, we still got out once a week together. Now we are lucky if we have an actual date once a month. I am ok with this as long as the time we do share, say, after kids are in bed, is, for the most part, connecting time. Well, I was starving for some quality time with hubby. I just missed him, even though we were together all the time. The 2 older boys spent the night at Grandma and Grandpa's and we put baby to bed around 8:30. I had cooked a brisket the night before and had it all ready when baby fell asleep. I resisted the urge to make our plates and plop in the recliner and let my eyes roll into the back of my head as we watch something unwatchable because Lost and 24 are on break. I lit candles and turned on some old standards on the radio. We sat and ate and talked for an hour and a half. It was just as good as being on a a date. Now I feel like a new person. I feel connected and secure with dh, and I feel like taking on the world again knowing I have a partner in this world.

staying above it all

2007-07-15T16:18:00.000-05:00

I am a firm believer that Christ came to give us an abundant life while we're on this earth. I am so trying to be an overcomer in this life. I know that life comes with hardships and trials but that the Lord gives us the blessing of His peace, joy, and strength in the midst of the hard times. My issue right now is not being dragged down by people around me who are in rotten moods. In the past, I was easily swayed by the prevailing "tude" around me. My mil has always told me that the woman sets the tone of the home. Notice I am not naming any names of WHO has the "tude" in my home today. hahaha. Anyway, I don't want it to get on me. I want to stay above it. I felt God's presence in such an awesome way today at church. The "tude" had been going on since last night, so I was ready for a break in atmosphere. I heard on the radio that praise brings God near. I like that phrase. ANYWHO...I felt that heaviness lift right off me during worship today. Just focusing on the Lord brought me such peace. I wish everyone around me could've received it......Now that I am back home, I want to keep above the negative. Remember I am trying to tune into His voice more. So I am taking control of the atmosphere. I am getting off this computer, turning off every tv in the house, and turning up some praise songs. Praise brings Him near....

fun night with the fam

2007-07-13T21:22:00.000-05:00

Tonight when dh got home we went to Chick Fil A with all 3 boys for dinner. Dh and I are taking a Dave Ramsey course at our church called "Financial Peace University." We are on a really tight budget right now so every penny counts. In fact, we are on a "strictly cash" budget. It feels good to hand someone cash instead of my debit card. ANYWAY, we had 2 free kids meals coupons from Samuel's Kindergarten that we shamelessly used. Because of the money we saved we were able to go get Milwaukee Joe's Ice cream afterwards. Their "Almond Joy" ice cream is the absolute best ice cream in the world. On the way home, the baby decided to be a cranky pants, so we sang silly songs all the way home. Dh found a way to turn the Noah song into a song about poo and toots, so the boys thought it was great. DH and I are going to Cancun in Oct. without kids for a production trip that he won at work. We didn't get to go last year because baby was too young. This means I need to work on weaning baby who will be one year old this month. He rarely nurses during the day, so it should be easy. I also cringe at the thought of being on a beach with my body so un-toned. I'd like to lose 10-12 more pounds and really tone up my arms, abs, and booty. I lost all of my pregnancy weight doing WW but got bored with it and gave it up right before I hit my goal. I could probably lose the 10 pounds in a few weeks if I would just do WW religiously. WHY DON'T I JUST DO IT??? I don't need to go to meetings. I know the program back and forth. I keep mixing up all these other weight loss ideas, which isn't working. Like I take a little from this program, and a little from that. I pretty much eat what I want and am able to maintain where I am at, which makes me feel encouraged that if I could just get rid of that extra 10 pounds that I could then maintain pretty easily. I also want to start doing some sit-ups, push ups, and wall squats each night. That with riding my bike every once in a while should do what I want. But when kids go to bed I am so lazy. I just want to veg. I have at least stopped eating after dinner. This is huge because dh and I love to reward a hard day when kids are in bed with a big bowl of delicious cereal. That was killing my figure. It is a mental challenge to not go get cereal, but instead go to bed a little hungry. I really need to buy some cute sun dresses too, but don't want to spend much money for them. Ok, the reason I am randomly rambling is because dh just put boys in bath, and baby is asleep. I have the whole house to myself and it is so quiet. HEAVEN!!!

Well, here I go

2007-07-13T16:02:00.000-05:00

Well, I am the queen of procrastination, but after reading my friend's blog for so long (thank you, Nicole) I feel like this may be a way for me to process my day. I might even see some growth. This summer has been good, for the most part. Having 3 small children at home during a summer of rain almost everyday has had its challenges. My boys have felt caged in, at times. However, I have seen them get really creative and play more using their imaginations. My boys are 6, 3, and 11 mo. The two older ones have warrior spirits and LOVE playing with swords. They also love setting up battles with their castle men, dinosaurs, Star Wars action figures, and whatever else will stand at attention near their Fisher Price castle. Having a baby this last year has been such a blessing. He has been my easiest so far. I think I am much calmer and definitely more care free with my mothering. I have finally gotten good at listening to my instincts. I wasn't around my own mother growing up, so being a good, nurturing mother is very important to me. I am not looking forward to this fall because my 6 year old will start 1st grade at the local public school, which means up early for me 5 days a week. I am NOT a morning person, and neither is my 6 year old. It will be a growing experience for both of us. I look forward to rambling some more later. This is fun!!!

I should introduce myself

2007-03-15T21:50:00.000-05:00

I am a 30 year old sahm mom of 3 boys, ages 5, 3, and 7 mo. I have been married for 10 1/2 years. We've been through some rough times, but who hasn't. I am glad to say that we are very happy and secure as a couple now. I am a Christian, and happy to admit it. My faith is a huge part of who I am. I have grown a lot in my faith the last few years. I want to be more like Christ. I hope that blogging will help me to process feelings and thoughts. I feel like I can be totally honest with this kind of a forum. We'll see.