Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Chillaxination

Well, the kids are super stoked about their new XBOX 360 w/Kinect:)  We ended up going to GameStop Monday and bought 10 games (!), but they are having an awesome sale-buy 2 get 1 free; we also had a $100 gift card that came with purchase.

That stop was after we hit WM and Sam's.  BUSY morning:)  After that, we went home and the kids got started super-cleaning their bedrooms-yay!  My darling husband installed a new bathroom light/fan--THANK YOU!!!

Overall, a great holiday filled with some great people and gifts...now on to "real" life--with a little room to breathe.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Holiday Cheer--or not!

I know Christmas isn't here yet....but I'm ready for it to be over. Rude people at the store, pressure to BUY, the ever-present list-making (list-checking, list-rechecking).  In addition, there are obligations that are fun but time-consuming like the school and work parties and other holiday shindigs.  I really enjoy those, but you still have to shop for Dirty Santa and get a babysitter.

I'm ready for some quiet time!  A weekend without multiple functions to attend sounds so nice.  Maybe we can get a household project done or actually clean my house:)

Thursday, December 1, 2011

All about Ivy (or at least a little) . . .

As I sit here beside my biggest blog fan (aka Ivy, my sister-who funnily enough hasn't signed up as a follower!), I listen to shrieks from the bathroom and I think, "THESE KIDS ARE CRAZY!!!"  Poor little heathens...they just  can't help themselves.  I believe this set of cousins bring out the worst in each other.  But they sure do have fun:)

My wonderful sister invited us down for my favorite dinner-Potato Soup.  YUMMY!! Thanks Ivy:)  Then she let me use the computer since mine's still sick...Thanks Ivy, again:)

I will be very glad for this weekend to come, although it won't be particularly relaxing.  Christmas Party for Adams & Garth in Charlottesville Sat. night, and we're walking in the parade with the Maddox Air & Electrical float *very excited* on Sun. night.  I will need to grocery shop, paint my toenails, and do laundry somewhere in there as well...not fun.  But I WON'T have to call 22 people by lunch to tell them that they do in fact have to work today. 

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

So far, all the kids on my Christmas list are taken care of.  I've had to set deadlines for myself...so sad:)

My next deadline is Saturday-that's when I have to turn in all my scarves that I make for this wonderful project that sends scarves on mission trips:
www.facebook.com/pages/Knit-Together-in-Love/112283612162300

This project has really been a blessing to me over the past few years.  Every time someone sees me knitting or crocheting, I have been able to tell them about it:)

My next deadline is a secretive affair because it has to do with more Christmas presents!!

Confession time:  I had said I was going to post some crafty items for sale...well, I've been working more than I thought I would, AND as you know, my October was not agreeable.  I do have a few things to sell and I'll try to remember to post them soon!  Problem is, my home computer has a virus and doesn't perform any functions, and I obviously shouldn't be using my work time to post on FB...................or blog;)!!!!!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Feeling Normal Again

I am feeling like life is beginning to return to normal.  That feels so good...yet so wrong! 

We have thoroughly enjoyed our inherited Yorkie, Abby. 




She is so very sweet, and the kids are wild about her:)  At this particular moment, I am craning my neck to see over two dogs that have settled down for a nap on my chest and tummy.  Nice. 






After a full weekend (with a little rest), we're back in the swing of things.  The kids are off from school today-which also happens to be Nadia's birthday-and we plan to head out for some shopping!!  Wish me luck...
Yeah, normalcy is good:)

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Broken By Death

My heart just hurts.  Yesterday morning I got the worst kind of phone call you can get.  My stepbrother, 25 years old, had died.  He was senselessly killed by a hit and run driver.  We can only cling to the knowledge that he died instantly...there was no pain, no knowledge of impending death.  That doesn't make it easier, but does give a little comfort.

My stepfather has his unconsolable moments.  Moments where the tragedy of it all comes flooding back, moments where you can't help but wonder, "What if?"  We are a family wracked with grief.  This young man had a heart of gold...made some mistakes, but was on the road to cleaving with our Lord.  I'm told that in the two weeks prior to his death, he was hardly ever seen not reading his bible.  He was a saved soul, and for that I will be eternally grateful.

My husband is down in NC dealing with the aftermath of his sister's death, and our little family had just started to feel like things had calmed down a bit from that and our dog's death.  But God shook it up again.  Don't get me wrong, I don't blame Him.  I just can't fathom having the strength to deal with all this.  I was exhausted before...I don't even know what to call what I'm feeling now. 

I believe death is not the end, so I can rest my hope peacefully in the knowledge that I will one day again see my beloveds...but I'm still a heart-broken wreck. 

Please hold your loved ones tight, and tell everyone just how much you love them-because you never know when you won't have that opportunity again. 

Friday, October 7, 2011

One day, Two deaths

Where do I begin?  The death of my 44-year-old sister-in-law has rocked our family to the core.  She was my husband's only living sibling.  She was bipolar and an alcoholic, so she was not always easy to deal with.  But when she was sober she was a wonderful woman.  She was always bringing the kids all kinds of things they would enjoy.  And man, what a cook!  The memories of the good times will live forever in my mind:)

His parents have both passed away as well as his grandparents and uncle.  He keeps losing family members...gonna have to talk to God about this. 

This happened the same day our dog died.  He was old (almost 10) and had a tumor on his leg-we assumed he probably had one inside as well.  We feel grateful that he did not suffer and was not in pain in the days before his death.  He was the greatest dog anyone could ever ask for.  I remember when my son was a toddler and would yank on his ears and lips (he was a Boxer), and Tiger would just calmly let him.  When he got fed up, he just walked away. Never growled or snapped.  In fact, he would wrap his lips around his teeth when he would "bite" while play fighting.  Great dog.

One bright spot of my week:  I got a job!  I am now the communications controller--aka receptionist--at Adams & Garth.  Staffing Solutions is what we do.  The phone is constantly ringing, people are always in and out filling out paperwork and doing interviews.  I have to make appts and call new applicants.  It is so busy that I have to make sure I watch the clock for 3:00 so I don't end up there till 5:00! 

I'm so grateful for the distraction work has provided from all this grief.  I am just praying for uneventful days..and I'll try to remember to be grateful for boring days in the future. 

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Busy Bee

WOW--this week has been so full!  And it's not over yet... 

Luckily, I had time to sit and fire off 15 emails in a row:)  I'm making my list for tomorrow and I decided I'm not going to do anything else important tonight.  The laundry will still be there, and the floor will still need vacuuming.  Tomorrow will be busy, but productive.

I have to balance the checkbook tomorrow...and find room in our budget for everything.  Have I mentioned the fact that I'm trying to find a job???  This is depressing and stressful. 

I also have to find some time to make scarves for a Christmas charity I've been involved with for several years, and my crafts to sell.  Maybe it's not the time but the motivation that I need.  I'll just pray for it all to miraculously get done....that should work, right?

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

I'm getting a little irritated with the job search, to be perfectly honest.  I'm really hoping it has something to do with the economy...not that I'm just not employable.  I really feel like I deserve a shot, but there are so many folks out there looking also-and they're all better qualified than me!

I'll just have to focus a little more on my craft projects (they'll bring in some money nearer to Christmas), and volunteering at the schools.  And I'll need to do more at home...baking, cleaning, organizing.  Too bad I've been to depressed about not working to get much done around here.  I'll try to channel that negative energy into a cleaning frenzy:)

Bring on the interviews!!!

Sunday, September 18, 2011

A little nervous...

So maybe carefree wasn't the best choice of words-although I have thoroughly enjoyed my freedom.  Now begins the job hunt; part-time work is hard to find.  Unfortunately, I don't have a degree and that just complicates everything.  I stand at a crossroads and I'm really confused as to which way I can turn.  Not that there are a lot of choices, but all the choices I do have are so different.  I'm thinking I'll just have to take what I can get!

Wish me luck on my new adventure:)

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Fab Finds

I have not felt so carefree in a while...after training the lovely Crystal, I am now unemployed:)  So what was the first thing I did?  Sign up as VP for the PTO at Luke's school--and the labels (box tops) coordinator.  It'll do.

One of the first days free of my phone and computer was errand day.  I went and explored the Habitat for Humanity's ReStore.  You can find some great deals in there.  And if you're in the market for some tile, there's a ton of it--especially if you're in the creative mood to use different sizes and colors. 

Another of my errands was the health food store (Fresh Air).  Got some great stuff, and as I was leaving, I decided to pop into the fabric store next door (Cotton Gin).  They have some amazing fabrics, especially upholstery-weight fabric.  I was working my brain pretty hard to come up with an excuse to buy some of these gorgeous prints, when I happened to walk by this rolling bin full of scraps.  I kept walking until my brain registered the price--50 cents per scrap.  Some of these scraps were over a yard, and I got some real leather; unbelievable!  And the best part?--I only paid $10 for the whole bag!



But, it did take me an hour to sort through the whole bin and match the colors and textures for the specific projects each would be used for.  I never imagined I'd find all i needed in that one bin!  Of course, now I need to find a place with some great accessories like buttons and clasps for dirt-cheap.  Any suggestions?

Friday, September 2, 2011

it's the little things

I just finished reading a novel that included several Amish characters-what a lifestyle!  The discipline it must require to deliberately deny yourself of so many things we "Englishers" take for granted every day is astounding.  Forgiveness, selflessness, and peace surround these communities.  Throughout the book characters continued to say that they were only human, but it's so easy to see them as angels or saints. 

In a strange way related, a friend recently sent me an email of an eyewitness to Austria's seemingly being hypnotized by Hitler.  Her account mapped out the slow, slow takeover-such that no one ever blinked an eye.  But by the end, they were obviously doomed.  And she wrote of history I had never heard about in the time after the war.

I am humbled this week to grasp how little I know about so much.  I try every at every opportunity to do something kind for another soul, and I know that I am storing up my treasure in heaven--but my minute-to-minute life does not always scream out Jesus' name.  I realize that my job here on earth right now is to prepare this small family's next generation for a future in which they will affect circumstances.

I heard a quote recently that spoke to me:  You are the only bible some people will ever know.

My prayer is for peace and contentment in the knowledge that it is in the small, sometimes unseen acts that we are most often smiled upon by God. 

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Cutesies

Today is my baby boy's 10th birthday:)  I can't believe it's been ten years!  He's grown into a wonderful little person and I'm so proud of him.  I'm really hoping the upcoming hurricane will not affect his party...

I decided that this year I would not take sweets to the school for the kids' birthdays.  I already have to make a large cake for his party, and the schools do not allow you to bring homemade treats.  I priced cupcakes at a couple of bakeries, and WOW...I'll have something special for him at home this afternoon! 

On another note, I "sparkled" a shirt for Nadia-she designed it, I sewed it:
(I don't know why it's sideways--the org pic is not!)

                
I'm really excited about the upcoming Christmas holiday season, as I will be creating some things to sell--it's been a while since I've done that.  I'll be posting the items on FB.  Exciting times!

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Great Day

Today is such a lovely day:)  It's warm out, all the neighbors are piddling on their Saturday at home.  Luke and I raided a few yard sales this morning and I picked up some yarn and sequins, some zippers and a canning jar. Luke got a book about dogs and a new video game and I got Nadia some clothes.  Everybody's happy!

After we got home we chowed down on some homemade chicken nuggets (even Greg liked them) and as we speak the aroma of freshly baked cookies is calling my name.

I'm looking forward to spending the rest of my day at home sitting on the couch between loads of laundry.  Aaahhhhhh!

Monday, August 15, 2011

Past tense

There are so many times where I just want to move out in the middle of nowhere and do things my way.  But I would miss so much of city life.  I love walking down my road in relative assurance that I won't get bitten by a dog (which has happened to me).  I like that I can run errands in a short time, and food is still hot if I get takeout.  And I don't spend as much gas or time doing things away from home. 

I can just imagine my husband now, getting irritated about a chicken coop and having to help in the garden:)  Mental pictures say it all...

As I've written before, I plan to actually grow things we'll actually from a garden next year.  This plan would be a lot less complicated if I didn't work.  I know a lot of people work and still get everything done, but I just can't function that way.  I definitely need a more leisurely pace and a lot more money!  HA!

I miss my old life; the one where I had two small children to take care of and school to teach, and lunch, and what I miss most of all is having real conversations with my children.  These days they just want to play with their friends or play video games--when they actually come inside.  I never realized how many times we ended up talking about important stuff just because we spent so much uninterrupted time together.  I miss homeschooling.  I miss my kids...

You like my pun in the title??

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Ode to Harvest

I have been dreaming of apples.  Applebutter, applesauce, fried apples, dehydrated apples, apple jelly....  I am so glad that you only deal with a type of produce once a year!  It stinks that most of them ripen back to back or even at once.  Wouldn't it be so much easier if we could garden year-round.  If the trees would produce a bushel or so every month-no more, no less.  Instead, you can think of nothing else except what else you can do with all that produce, until it is mercifully all preserved in jars, freezer or bags. 

I have determined it's a really good thing I don't have room to grow too much.  I can't imagine what it'd be like if I grew all the wonderful food I wanted.  We would be overrun, but our friends would be happy!!  As I am to be the grateful recipient of organic, local food. 

I decided to actually pull out my dehydrater this year and decide if I wanted to keep it.  It was given to me a long time ago, and has sat lonely in a corner just waiting for me.  Well, that thing is worth it's weight in gold!  I am actually looking for more trays so I can use it more:)  They're round if you have some-about 13 1/2 inches across.  I have dried apples, blueberries, spinach and basil so far.  I plan on drying more next year, and this year I should be able to get some raisins done.  I've seen recipes for fruit roll-ups, too.  That sounds interesting, providing it's easy.  I'm planting some herbs to grow indoors now, so I can dry those anytime of year.

So exciting!  I have already begun plotting my garden for next year.  It's small, but I'm hoping to do great things with it.  Right now I'm growing pumpkins, and if my zucchini comes up I can look forward to those.  I can also propagate some grapes, blackberries and cherries.  I guess there are things to do all year; you just get all the food in a couple of months' time.  Will it all be worth it?  We'll see.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

ADD and Me

I got to talk to a wonderful woman last night about our mutual problems with ADD...and it was amazing how similarly we deal with it.  For those of you who have never struggled with it, let me explain.  You know those days when you feel constantly interrupted, constantly pulled away from your tasks, you have ten million things to do and little time to do them in--days where you feel like you just have way too much to do to keep it all straight?  That's pretty much every day for me.  It's like having your plate full and just not knowing what to do with it all.

Frustrating--that's what it is.  For most of my childhood years, I just thought I was dumb and flighty.  Now I realize that had I been able to focus, I might have been a great student.  I guess it says something that I passed all my classes without ever really studying and not being able to fully concentrate on tests.

My friend and I were discussing the fact that our environment seems to influence our abilities to deal with things.  She agreed that when things around us are messy or crowded (cluttered or haphazard) it's like visual noise.  It's similar to trying to go to sleep with a radio blaring.  My environment can make my brain shut down--too much going on.  Not that I am a perfect housekeeper, but I can definitely tell a difference when my house stays clean (you know, the impossible task:).  I feel much more content and able to focus on other things.

We also talked about lists.  I know a lot of people make lists, but this is essential to my mental well-being.  I can't go to the grocery store without one because I just can't focus on all the aspects of the job and remember anything on that list.  I make lists for everything--what I want to accomplish for the day, projects around the house, things to look for when I go to yard sales...  And my calendar-WOW!  I have to write down everything-when the oil was last changed, when I last shampooed the carpets, errands, e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.  But it's for my own good:)

It's always nice to talk to someone who deals with the same things you do, and talking to her made me feel like I would be okay.  Isn't it funny how different yet how alike we all are?

Friday, July 15, 2011

Perspective and Priorities

I got to talking to a friend the yesterday about what we do for others.  Apparently, not enough.  I can't help but remember a time when I was super-involved in church.  Making dinners for other families, giving a ride here and there to another member, visiting the nursing homes.  Then we started homeschooling and things slowed down a bit.  When I put the kids in school (after many stomach problems made it difficult to multi-task) I thought I would have more time to volunteer...yeah, right. 

I yearn to be that giving again.  But working part-time but on-call full-time, mixed with the kids being older and needing to go, go, go...I can barely keep my head on straight.  I feel accomplished when I balance the checkbook these days;)  Perspective, I guess.

I miss those Preschool days of long naps and crayons and singing lullabyes.  The kids loved to talk to me and kiss and hug.  They still do their obligatory amount of loving on me, but it's not the same.  I guess my job of preparing them for the "independent" future is what's the priority now. 

Perhaps the days of giving to outsiders slowed down as the necessity of giving to my own household took over.  Food for thought...

I guess the question is, Will I look back on this time in regret over not being generous to others, or pride that I served my family?

Monday, July 11, 2011

Random Thoughts

Well, I feel like I'm out of the hurricane.  The whirlwind of emotion and instability seems to have died down.  I really needed that.  I don't know what has caused this change back to "normal", but I'm grateful.  I still feel a little irritable toward the kids (and sometimes Greg), but I can definitely tell that I have become more tolerable:)

On a side note, I really wish there were more four-day weekends in the year.  Like, once a month.  Those are the best! You get one day to relax, one day to just enjoy family/friend time, a day to work hard around the house, and a day to catch up on Netflix.  It stinks having to fit all that in two days.  Definitely not enough time. 

I had fun hitting the yard sales and antique shops with my favorite sister this past Saturday.  I really do love a good bargain!  I remember when my kids were small and would go with me.  It was like Toys R Us, but where Mommy said yes:)  They had just as much fun as I did.  Of course, they still like to go.  But sometimes it has to be MeTime. 

I finished making my purse!!!!



My fingers are still a little sore:)  And I promise it's symmetrical in real life.  I can't wait to start on the next one. 

On a bad note, a piece on my sewing machine broke, so I can't make Luke's towel-quilt until I get that fixed:(  I know he'll be happy when it's done.  And I will not be sewing that by hand!

Well, I'm off to run my errands and see some friends.  More random things.  What random things will you get into today?

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Another month goes by...

It's amazing what can take up my time!!  I do love puzzles and Netflix, but what happened to that afternoon I had wide open?  Wow.  Oh right--bills, receipts, budgets...

So I've finally had to begin telling my (usually very active) children to get off the couch and turn the TV off.  I'm disgusted by how much time a person can waste watching that thing!  I admit that I get sucked in to Netflix and its amazing world of TV shows, but only for a little while.  I swear, I could go a month without looking at a show or movie and not even know it.  And then there are those people (yes, Greg-you) that can't seem to relax unless it's on.  But I guess he can't sew, so...

Anywho--I've been trying to get the kids and myself back into our "daily maintenance" schedule.  AKA chores.  Necessary but bo-ring!!  I need to figure out how to spice things up a bit. 

I have been to several houses recently where I look around and see *nothing*.  No blankets in the Living Room.  No toys--anywhere.  Nothing out of place.  Nothing anywhere.  I don't get it.  I work pretty hard to make sure we don't have a lot of extra stuff in the house, but the stuff we use has to go somewhere.  Where is all this stuff at other peoples' houses?  Do they have one of those closets that you don't dare open?  My mantra is "there's a place for everything and everything in it's place".  It's exhausting and I only truly acheive it about twice a year.  But it's a good mantra to have, right?

My goal for today is to get the basement storage reorganized.  We have no closets downstairs, so everything has to be out in the open.  I plan to make it look good and function superbly.  So I won't be going anywhere tomorrow.  See you Thursday! 

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Ahhh, Summer

Yeah, I know it's been a month since I last blogged:)  Things have been busy.  I couldn't quite remember what it was that made me so busy, so I decided to take a look at my calendar...wow.  In May, I worked a lot more than usual (more money, though), I was going to the chiro 2x a week, and the BIG busy week was the last week of May when my kids were having those end-of-school activities.  And June has been no picnic so far.  We had to fix our ac, my blood sugar is/was out of whack, Luke broke his arm, and now Nadia is being tested for Lyme Disease b/c of a rash around a tick bite.  Not to mention all the other things we moms/women do--grocery shop, cook, lunch with friends (a must), playdates for the kids, cleaning the house, and many tedious errands. WHEW!!  I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

I can say that I'm glad the kids are out of school and our schedule is a little more flexible.  No more rushing home to get there before the bus.  No more early morning carpools to school for extracurricular fitness time.  No more assemblies that drag on for...e...ver. 

I do not look forward to school starting--Nadia will be in middle school!  Luke is saying he wants to homeschool next year.  He said the same thing last year, then changed his mind.  So we'll see what he says in a month or so.

For now, we'll just enjoy the pool and sunshine:)  BRING ON SUMMER.

What will you be doing this summer?

Monday, May 9, 2011

The hurt we hide

I read the blog of a woman that could not conceive in her own womb but was pouring out gratitude for the woman who bore her adopted son.  I am so glad for the reminder that there are still some great things about our world such as this.  The love of a mother who knew that she could not give her baby the life he deserved and chose to have someone else fulfill his desires.  The love of a mother who adores the son that she has because of this birth mother. 

There is so much wrong on this earth; so much pain caused by others.  For myself, I know that I live in a very small corner that has rarely been trampled upon.  I have not fought for my life at the mercy of a gunman.  I have never been beaten by a man who claims to love me.  I have not had a trusted adult rape or molest me and rob me of a childhood.  I have not had my body taken over by cancer.  I have not endured the loss of a child or spouse.  I have not had to pick up the pieces after a broken marriage.

It's so easy to get wrapped up in our everyday lives and never consider that every single person we know has and hides hurt.  We ask, "How are you?" expecting the person to say they are fine.  Well, they aren't fine.  They may never tell you and you may never really ask, but it's there.  Every. Single. Person. Hurts.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

The winds of change blow happy

It's been a while since I blogged last, but if I showed you my calendar, you would understand.  It feels like every other week I stretch myself beyond my limits.  But I survive...

I can't wait until the kids get out of school:)  My sister's pool should be finished for us to enjoy, we're getting free bowling tickets every week from AMF, and we'll actually have time to go to the library and chill out.  I've heard that FunQuest will have free admission Thursdays this summer--awesome!  I'm just hoping my job doesn't keep me from enjoying it.  A friend I go to lunch with laughs when I answer my business phone because she knows exactly what I'm going to say.  "Where are you going and What are you getting?"  I'll miss those lunches...

I will not be enjoying the brightness of the sun or breaking out into an instant sweat just for stepping outside.  I am truly thankful for air conditioning; I know I would have been miserable way back when women wore long sleeves even in summer while cooking over an extremely hot fire.  Not for me:) 

The last day of school will be here soon.  I only have to wait 19 days!!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Glorious Efficiency

I try so hard to be as efficient as possible, so here's today's tidbit:

I prefer to have a "laundry day" over doing a load or two daily.  I have a friend who can't sleep unless all the washables in the house are laundered every day...I sleep just fine amid my piles:)  Anyway, a while back, I couldn't help but feel like maybe I needed two dryers to keep up with my washing machine's capabilities.  The washer can do a load in half the time it takes the dryer.  So then I got smart.  I always hang dry our sheets and blankets indoors or out-and yes, I have left blankets out in the rain because I can't remember anything:)

Here's how I work efficiently:  I wash a clothing load, and when they go in the dryer I put a blanket in the washer.  When the blanket is clean, I hang it up and put in another clothing load and by the time the dryer is finished with the first load, I've washed two loads for every dryer cycle.  The key is definitely using my timer...because I can't remember anything.

What do you do to improve your efficiency?

Friday, April 22, 2011

Something Beautiful

I was given this skirt by my sister that is a dark and light blue seersucker material.  I LOVE IT.  But, unfortunately, it looks awful on me.  Its tags were still attached, so my gut feeling is that it didn't look so hot on her either :)  I held on to this skirt hoping one day it would miraculously look good.   It still doesn't...so...I decided it would make a beautiful purse.  I decided that about 6 months ago.  I have finally gotten started creating my masterpiece.  I took a trip to the Goodwill and found a leather purse that I could repurpose-don't worry, it was ugly.

I really didn't think it would turn out as cute as it has.  I thought it would scream, "Homemade!"  (I'll show pics when it's done.)  I'm so proud:)

In taking this leather purse apart, I realized that someone took their time to make the one I was destroying.  Don't get me wrong, I'm glad it didn't end up in a landfill, but it saddens me to mess up someone else's hard work-not to mention that, judging from the "made in ______" tag, I can assume they probably were severely underpaid.

All that to say, it seems very parallel to God's working in our lives.  Sometimes things have to be destroyed in order to create something beautiful.  We may lose a job and then a home, but in the end have an appreciation for the new job and home that we would never have had before.  Perhaps it inspires us to help others who may be in a similar situation that we can help get them through.  God has created a heart of compassion, a heart of gratitude.  We have been made into something beautiful. 

I know God has worked in my life in similar ways.  What has God used to make you more beautiful?

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Food for thought

Every paycheck (every other week), I make a list for the next two weeks of meals.  I've recently required inspiration via cookbooks to dig out of my apparent monotony.  The good news: two new recipes to try in the next 14 days...bad news: my fam is rather picky, so it is really difficult to find new recipes that the majority will appreciate. 

I'm sure you can relate on some level to my pain.  I look over my list of 12 dinner meals and realize that all but three of the meals I have planned will be unliked by someone.  And yes, I only plan 12 because, inevitably, I will not cook for at least two meals.  I leave some room for leftovers or nights we eat out.  Even then, I probably won't cook all 12.  I HATE cooking on the weekends, and since I work on Fridays, I don't usually like to do my marathon "cooking and preparation" that I do during the week.  I need to fix that:)

So now I make my grocery list--on the same paper--according to the meals I have planned.  I can easily go down the list and add ingredients I need for each meal.  I have a special section reserved for Sam's Club.  Thank you Greg for usually tackling that one!!

The kids are out of school for Spring Break next week--yay!!  I'm planning to try to make homemade Vanilla Wafer cookies with them.  We'll also be making Sourdough bread and Banana bread. Yummy.  Hopefully I'll remember where my waffle iron is so we can make those with some strawberries and homemade whipped cream:)  Maybe I'll show them how butter is made with the leftover cream--Science class?  We'll roll chunks of chicken in some Shake'n'Bake to make our own nuggets for lunch.  I'm sure we'll come up with more fun food...

What do you like to cook that pleases everyone?

Monday, April 11, 2011

A matter of the heart

Breathe out a prayer, breathe in a blessing.  That's my mantra this month.  We need only ask...

I'm currently reading Frank Peretti's Piercing the Darkness.  I love a book that points out the obvious things we just don't consider on a regular basis.  This particular book highlights the importance of prayer in a slightly Sci-fi kind of way:) 
I remember reading The Shack which is somewhat controversial, but if you read between the lines, you get a great glimpse of what we humans can't grasp--that God should not be put in a box by us.  He's not the old bearded white guy we tend to imagine.  He can and will do whatever it takes to catch our attention. 
Just like Mandesa says, "...He'll do, and He'll use whatever He wants to--to tell us--I love you..."

I get really choked up by the thought that Jesus CHOSE death.  It didn't just happen.  Many of us would choose to die in our loved-one's stead.  And ALL of us are Jesus' loved ones that he CHOSE to die to spare us--so that we might live.  I think we hear it so much and read it so many times throughout our visits in church and bible studies that we tend to take it for granted.  Take a moment sometime in your near future to go to a quiet place and seriously contemplate what it must have been like for Jesus.  Imagine that one of your children or other loved one should be the one punished, but you have chosen to take the horrific death in their place. Walk your way through the beatings, humiliation, torture and finally, the last desperate breaths of life that were endured in your stead.  When you take the time to meditate on that, you can't take it for granted any longer.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Forecast: Sunshine : )

I feel like I'm finally beginning to wake up after sleeping a little too soundly.  I have been discussing some of my anxiety issues with some friends, and I've been amazed at how similar some of their stories are to mine.  I find it so sad that although my life isn't that complicated, I just can't keep it all together.  Depressing!

BUT, I have begun to see some sun peeking through my self-imposed clouds.  I have really been focusing on the small things.  Letting the sun warm my skin on the one day it was nice enough.  Turning off the radio and rolling down the windows just to listen to the wind. 

I tend to want to be entertained.  Be it a movie or a book, I don't spend a lot of time just being.  Well, I'm changing that.  I'm going to find out what the wind wants to whisper to me. 

Have I been so wholly consuming my time that I've forgotten how to be still?

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Deep amidst the thick

The stars must be aligned just right.  I generally enjoy light comedy in a movie, but I have recently been moved by three movies.

Eat Pray Love--not at all what I had imagined.  I carried away a sense of my needing to be me, even when I don't like me.

Beyond Borders--A movie I had never heard of starring Angelina Jolie.  I grasped the concept that we are all tortured in our own ways.

Autumn in New York--Richard Gere and Winona Ryder find love against all odds.  This reminds me that there is a reason we love who we love, and that a greater hand leads us along every step of the way.

I am so thankful for every one God has placed beside me in this journey of mine.  He has shown me love when I don't deserve it, loyalty when I don't return it, and blessings in the ordinary.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Dinner = Done

 I have a somewhat (alright, really) hot-and-cold personality.  I get on a healthfood kick for a couple months, then it's all hot dogs and cake...or it could be scrapbooking, yard work, etc.  

So, a while back I came up with the idea to cook when I was in the mood and prepare ahead for when I wasn't. It also helps to save energy.  I only turn the oven on once and cook several things at a time.

I think this idea has been my best yet, and I'd like to share it with you:

First off, dinner for tonight was Chicken & Rice Soup-
While I'm chopping veggies, I go ahead and make extra to freeze--I don't know about you, but carrots, celery and onions are my go-to veggies for everything.


Muffins for tomorrow's breakfast go in the oven:

Then tea for the kids' lunches


Beans for tomorrow's tacos and some to freeze:


 And finally, bread starter for the BEST Sourdough in the world:


I broiled some rolls slathered in butter to go with the soup--didn't get a pic, though.

So every time I cook, I do it big-time:)  It makes for a whirlwind of activity-timing is key-but in the end, it's so worth it to me because I don't have to cook much tomorrow!!

What do you do to save time or energy or money?

Friday, March 11, 2011

Whose strength?

A friend sent this to me, and I needed to hear it.  Enjoy:

The greatest energy drainer may be serving God in our own strength.

The greatest energy drainer may be serving God in our own strength.
This is one of Satan’s most effective schemes. He wants to occupy us in good activity void of eternal energy. Serving God and others in our own strength means we are driven by what we can do for God, rather than what He can do through us. It’s the difference in being energized in our service or being drained by our service. Christ’s strength comes from being still.
He strengthens your soul in daily quietness before Him. His whisper of affirmation motivates you to walk with Him. It is learning to trust in Him and not strive for Him. This total trust replenishes your soul like an ice-cold sports drink to a cyclist ascending the tallest mountain in the blazing hot Tour de France. His spirit gives life and endurance.
When you received Christ you received His strength. Strength already resides within you. He is available to you. Your Savior has no fuel crisis to reckon with, as His supernatural resources are infinite. You cannot go for encouragement too many times. Walk in His name and be energized by Him. His Holy Spirit infuses strength, so be strong in the Lord!

I'd never thought of it that way before, have you?

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Wanted: less stress

I have nothing good to say today, but here goes...

I normally love the rain, but today it's just not what I need.  After a rough day yesterday, all I really want to do is get out in my tiny veggie patch and get my hands in the dirt.  No can do:(  I guess I'll run errands...in the rain...my favorite...yeah, right.

I'm so fed up with the details life demands.  I know we all do so much, and a lot of other people deal with A LOT more than I do.  I'm thinking I may have an issue with anxiety.  Great. 

Can I consider my time at Old Navy therapy?

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Closets to be proud of:)

Let me begin by saying...organizing is one of my favorite activities.  Unfortunately, it takes a good combination of creativity, time, and need.  Those don't always meet in the middle. 
Sometimes, I have to reorganize an entire cabinet just because I went a little crazy at the grocery store.

So, I actually got started last night while my hubby was out and my son was sleeping (Nadia was at her grandmother's).  I had been looking at this one closet of mine that used to house the vacuum, but when we got a new one, I realized this one can't be manipulated to fit. :(  That left me with the entire bottom "shelf" unused.  Plus, I figured out that all my smaller appliances can fit on one shelf.  That left me with another entire shelf unused...**sigh**--insert warm-fuzzies here.

This morning, I feared that I wouldn't feel like getting more done, but after the rush I got last night, I couldn't wait to get started.  I have learned over the years, that the more you stay on top of the organization, the easier it is to reorganize.  It also means that it takes WAY less time to actually clean because everything already has a place to belong, instead of stuffing things in a drawer and never being able to find them.

In hindsight, I realize I should have taken pics of before and after--I'll try to remember next time.

I have helped several people in the past to get areas organized (once, a whole house).  That is the best feeling ever!!  Knowing you're giving someone peace of mind, that is.  I actually got an offer to come help someone else from a post I put on FB, and I'm pumped:)

All that to say, I have always been grateful for the ability and love of organizing.  What should I organize next?

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Waste of time?

My computer decided to be bratty today.  I have needed to download the software for my home printer and, being a new computer, some other loose ends needed tying up.  OH MY WORD--I forgot how long it takes to do all that!!  It took 30 minutes to get the printer printing.  I had to register my Microsoft Office package--it kept telling me weird things.  So I call the number it gives me to register via phone and, of course, get someone with the Indian accent.  Not that that's bad, but just one more thing to frustrate me :)

The good new is:  I got it all done.  The bad news:  It's now 2:30 and I haven't really gotten much else done today.  Oh, well.  I'll do stuff this weekend :)

I will rest well upon my pillow tonight knowing I won't have to deal with the computer stuff tomorrow. 

Prepare yourself for a subject change:

So I go for a walk yesterday through the woods with camera in tow so I could capture anything interesting.  This is all I came up with :)


In the midst of all dead things, there was a splash of color-

 Not sure why this caught my attention.

Afterwards, I got the laundry out of the dryer, put it on the couch.  Come back after a minute and look what I found:

If I could fit, I'd probably do that too!!


So much for my fabulous photography work ;)  I'll try to come up with another hobby. 

Will Spring inspire better pics?

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Let sleeping dogs lie?

After a day at work, I can still only wish to sleep this soundly.  Of course, you can't hear the extremely loud snoring through the picture, but I'm sure you can imagine :)  Right now, I'll just be happy to not burn dinner.

Is it okay if I wake him up because the snoring is going to make me lose my mind?

Monday, February 28, 2011

Weekend of wonderful

This weekend was great!!  I got to go out with some friends who get together once a month and gab all night:)  Saturday, I had a few friends and some kids over for lunch and gabbed some more:)  Who doesn't like to talk all day?

With my tummy still in knots, (and Luke coughing like crazy) we decided to skip church and relax Sunday.  Relax I did:)  I got off the couch a couple of times, but not for anything important!!  That, my friend, is the way to get some sanity back. 

Unfortunately, my week just continues to get more and more full.  All good stuff, but it makes me glad I got that couch time.  Can't wait to see what this coming weekend brings:)

Can't you tell I'm ready for anything?

Friday, February 25, 2011

Just one of those days

Today I have been an emotional wreck.  It started last night, actually, with the nausea and light-headed feelings that I have learned are my body's way of showing stress.  So I think back over the last week or so and put my finger on a few stressors.  Problem is, I can't do much about most of them.  Life stinks sometimes.  I like the sign up the street that says, "When life gives you lemons, give the lemons to God."  I have obviously not been doing that.  We'll label that Project #1.

So I lay around all morning just wishing away the nausea.  An old friend IM'd me on FB--that was a welcome surprise:)  I finally forced myself to get up and in the shower.  Sometimes it makes me feel better, other times not so much.  Today was a not so much kinda day.  I really needed to get some errands run before my kids got out of school early.  After forcing myself out the door, I get to the store and realize that what I need to purchase is not fresh-looking.  It was an errand for a dear friend of mine who recently moved to Good Ole' Miss.  So I call her.  We end up not getting what I came for but continue talking.  I get to another store when she drops the bomb question: "Are you doing alright?"  Just to give you a visual--I am weeping in a parking lot with wadded up tissues trying desperately to not have anyone see the snot. 

Then, she takes the time to pray for me right there on the phone.  God has obviously blessed me with this friendship, and I couldn't help but think it was ironic when she asked the Lord to send someone encouraging my way.  SHE WAS MY ENCOURAGEMENT.  I have not voiced the issue with many others, but she has always been there for me, giving me advice, and reminding me to continue fighting Satan.

Thanks, Peg--I love you :)

I must wonder, have I ever been that encouraging to anyone?

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Live to Ski:)

I got back from skiing on Sunday.  What a trip!!  I LOVE TO SKI:)  My poor body had had it by Saturday night.  I basically skiied, ate, and slept.  That's a vacation, folks!

I don't think I've ever been away from my kids that long (of my choice).  It felt weird.  I think my kids are getting to that age where I don't worry about them as much when they're away from me.  I'm sure sending them to school has had something to do with that :)  I love them so much, but I can certainly enjoy some adults-only times.

Going back to that whole not worrying thing I said--I do realize that the time is coming where I will worry myself sick about what they're doing when they aren't with me.  I have been trying to mentally prepare myself for the driving years.  Plus, that's what they make Prozac for, right?

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Clear the Way for New Growth

Today's weather is to die for!!  I got to go outside and rake and turn soil in my veggie garden.  My hubby prefers to mulch most of the leaves into the grass, which is fine because it means less work for me:)  But, my flower beds don't get mowed . . . obviously.  So, I leave the leaves in the flower beds until Spring so I don't have to mulch twice--I'm cheap. 

SO, today I rake and rake and rake until I realize that the fence is getting tangled up with dead vines and leaves.  A couple of years ago, chainsaw in hand, my hubby and the kids and I worked on the "other side of the fence" for almost an entire day getting things cleaned up and beautified.  It was wonderful.  Now I'm seeing that I'm going to have to schedule in some maintenance:(  One of this kids' chores is picking up sticks and disposing of them over said fence, but they are apparently inefficient at the whole throwing part.  I need to get out there and show them how to throw like a javelin (spelling?).  When I got on the other side today I realized the sticks were piled up underneath some new but dead growth.  So what I had was a layer of sticks, a layer of vine-like growth, and another layer of sticks.   YUCK!!  I worked hard getting things untangled and sorted.

I was finished!!  I stepped back and surveyed my hard work--just to discover you couldn't even tell I had been out there.  I'm assuming that it's better than before, but I can't tell.  Come to think of it, a lot of my daily life is like that.  I wake up, get kids off to school then clean the house of all evidence that someone actually lives here.  Nobody notices that the three pairs of shoes and box of spilled crayons are no longer in the living room.  They just know that now they have space to get dirty again:)  I just have to keep telling myself that although what I do may go unappreciated, it's obviously not appreciated when I don't do it.  So, I will continue to daily maintain the chaos and make life easier for those whom I serve, and I will remind myself to  smile--because I know I worked hard and accomplished something today.

I guess if life stayed clean and uncluttered, there would be no room for new growth like the vines that cover my fence and make it beautiful all summer:)  Beauty IS in the eye of the beholder.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Lonely House

I pass this house every Tuesday and Friday on my way to work.  I have known this house as far back as I can remember.  It is in a curve on a backroad where there are no other houses, down in a low spot a short walk from a wonderful creek.  I always considered it creepy.  Now that I've aged a little, it no longer creeps me out, but rather saddens me.  This house deserves love, care, and a family to use it.  But now it's far beyond repair, destined to become a heap on the ground when a good stiff wind hits just right. 

Things like this make me so curious: why did this house get abandoned?  Did the owners have to foreclose; was the owner an elderly individual who had to move to a nursing home?  Why would a perfectly good house become forgotten and abandoned?

Which brings me to a thought I've been rolling around in the empty space above my shoulders;)-- Why do I allow myself to become lonely?  I find myself wanting to call somebody up to go for lunch, but then can't decide who might want to go.  I have many acquaintances, but few FRIENDS.  Women I could call and know would drop whatever they are doing to let me cry on a shoulder.  Women who can help figure out a problem or give advice when my kids or husband frustrate me.

A few years ago, I made a decision that I would no longer continue to push a friendship where I was the only one doing the "work".  I felt it was unhealthy. . . and it was.  So, I was very lonely for a while; until one day I broke down in my prayer with the realization that I was not allowing God to be my bestie.  It was a lighning bolt!  I shared this info with 2 friends who had made the commitment to praying with and for each other daily.  I began to realize I was minimizing how people felt compared to what they were able to do or how much time they were able to pour into a relationship.  And that's what it is--a relationship where perhaps me being the "giver" was exactly what God would have wanted me to have.  Both for my good and for the other's. 

Ever since this lighning bolt I have realized that, like this abandoned house, it may be up to ME to grow, nurture, love, and fix problems with the people in my life that I desire relationships with.  A little at a time, or a whole overhaul could be in store, but that most of the people I have chosen to be friends with deserve my all.

Why did it take so long to figure this out?

Thursday, February 10, 2011

The Calm Before the Storm

Every once in a while I find myself in this weird calm mood.  It's as though nothing can rattle me today.  Usually the spell is broken once real life sets back in.  Once the kids get home from school, there's a whirlwind of activity to help me along with that ;)  Today has been totally relaxing.  After taking the kids to school VERY early, I came back home to clean up the "leftovers" of the evening--shoes in the living room, dishes, and the never-ending laundry.  Then, actually sat and watched a movie--The Holiday.  It was exactly what I needed to see.  A bit of melancholy with a happy ending--and very calm. 

I cherish days like this because-as you are no doubt well aware- I am usually a rather intense person with a lot on my mind.  It's like a mini-vacation for my mind, these calm days.  I don't necessarily have any worries or deep thoughts, just peace and tranquility.  I even showered by the light of my oil lamp-weird, right?

All that to say . . . I just know that I've probably been given this wonderful day in preparation for something.  Isn't that the way it always happens?  It's like having a great trip to the beach and getting the warm fuzzies just to come home to find a beloved pet has passed away or something.  Life just happens like that. 

Well, I'm just going to have to pray harder for a great weekend to come.  I know that I can bring peace in my life in the midst of the storm if I hold God by the hand, because I know He's there with His hand already outstretched and waiting expectantly.  There's nothing in the world like that peace that passes all understanding.

Why do I stress myself out and take back the things I place on the altar on a regular basis?  Human nature?