Taking a Break

I appreciate that anyone reads my ramblings. I, however, need to take a break from it. Maybe I'll be back soon and maybe I won't. I have enjoyed sharing little pieces of my life with you. God Bless.

Aggravation and Irritation

I have to admit that I am irritated. I probably shouldn't be, but I am. Someone said something to me that aggravated me; probably because some of what she said is true and partly because some of what she said is completely ridiculous. I have found that as I read blogs and talk to people, I feel a little upset when I know I should be doing or not doing something and an outsider points that out. Of course, you can't really get mad at someone who is blogging their own opinions. But it is easy to feel frustrated when you read or look at some one's blog and they do and have all the things you wish you could do or have. It is really just jealousy and a lack of confidence in that particular area. I confess that these women who can go to Goodwill and transform things from trash to treasure amaze me and irritate me at the same time. Those women out there who have organic gardens, homeschool their children, and have spotless houses aggravate me too. The women who can run home-based creative businesses, always look put together, who always make the most of every minute with their kids, and seem to be able to get more done in 24 hours than I can get done in 24 days make me mad too. Now, I know that they are only really sharing part of their days. I know that no one is really able to do it all. I am not really mad at them. I am mad at me. What should I do? I suppose I should actually attempt to change in those areas where I know I should. If I feel like I am not being all I want for myself and my family--I should change that. Maybe that will be good enough, but I have a feeling no mother ever really feels good enough. I'm working on it...

Treats

Okay, so there are only a few days of school left. Tomorrow is the last Wednesday night church before summer. I am glad that these things are ending for awhile. It will be nice to be doing something different for a few weeks. The treats for the teachers are where I am struggling at this present moment. For Wednesday night church my girls have about 30 teachers between them. If I was rich, this may be less of a problem. I always like to make homemade treats or buy candy bars if they're on sale. What to make? I made cake balls this weekend. They were really tasty, but messy. My kitchen isn't even back to the way it was yet. Cookies seem generic. Truffles are an option. I just need to make a decision. The hardest gifts are for H's teacher at school. One has been there the entire year and is really sweet. The other teacher has worked at the school the whole year as a floater, but just started working in her class full time recently. I like to give gift cards. I like to give gifts that are thoughtful. I don't have enough time for the latter. It's difficult to say an adequate thanks to the people who have been important in your child's life for almost a year. I'll figure it all out, but I am sure it won't be enough.

Summer Reading Challenge

When I was little, the summer break meant I would leave the house after breakfast and return just before it got dark. I would even eat the mint we grew so I wouldn't have to come in for lunch. I am actually hoping that mint has some kind of major health benefit.

Summer for my children is very different. They are much less free than I was. They can't be; we just don't live in the same world we did back then. Summer means they have free reign in our backyard and that's about it. They are also major wimps when it comes to heat. I can sit outside dripping sweat until I melt away; they can stand only about 10 minutes in 90 degree heat before they are headed inside declaring they are sweating (like it may kill them). This brings me to what they do when they are inside. They like to watch TV, but they get bored with it after awhile; and I really don't like much of what's on. They play and make messes as well. This summer they are going to read. Scholastic has a great challenge for kids to read this summer and log in their minutes for competition. My girls have already begun and they are loving keeping track of their time. I am hoping this will continue through the summer.
If they can't be as free as I wish they could be, maybe their imaginations can be. This summer I hope they go to faraway lands, experience magical adventures, and meet some amazing heroes along the way.

Lesson of the Day

I know this post is a little out of the ordinary, but wanted to write it anyway. I am a born teacher and I love to teach. I love to teach things that may have been overlooked or that no one really had the time or reason to teach. So today you'll get a mini-lesson from Samantha. Now onto the post. One of my greatest fears is that the facts of the Holocaust will be forgotten or twisted to a point that the truth can no longer be discerned. I am determined that I will fully inform my children. They have already seen several movies and documentaries about the Holocaust. I have personally been to Dachau, a German concentration camp. I want them to know that the Holocaust did happen and it was a horrendous, terrible thing. There isn't a story that comes from that time that doesn't break your heart one way or another. The stories of heroes are what impress me the most. It is the resilient fighter spirit that I want my children to see. Life was hard and unfair and cruel to so many. There were people willing to lay down their lives to help others. There were people who had no reason to risk their own lives, but they did and the world will never be the same because of it. I think of the generations that are living today because someone saw injustice and though they were only one person they believed they would make a difference. The Bielski brothers were these kinds of people. I had never heard of them until December. This is from Wikipedia: Their family was killed when the Nazis took over their lands. The Bielski brothers, Tuvia Bielski, Alexander Bielski (1906-1995) also known as "Zus",Asael Bielski, and Aron Bielski managed to flee to the nearby forest after their parents and other family members were killed in the ghetto in December 1941. Together with 13 neighbors from the ghetto, they formed the nucleus of their partisan combat group which was formed in the spring of 1942. Originally the group consisted of around forty people but grew quickly.
Hundreds of men, women, and children eventually found their way to the Bielski camp; at its peak 1,230 people belonged to the group, and 70% of its membership consisted of women, children, and the elderly.[1] No one was turned away.[1] About 150 engaged in armed operations.[1]

The partisans lived in underground dugouts (zemlyankas) or bunkers. In addition, several utility structures were built: a kitchen, a mill, a bakery, a bathhouse, a medical clinic for sick and wounded, and a quarantine hut for those who suffered from infectious diseases such as typhus. The camp's many children attended class in the dugout set up as a school. The camp even had its own jail and court of law.[4]

Under their protection, 1,200 Jews survived the war, making it one of the most successful rescue missions of the Holocaust.[1] The group spent more than two years living in the forests and were initially organized by members of the Bielski family.
The movie Defiance tells their story.

As is true in today's world the film has provoked controversy over whether the Bielski brothers were heroes or ruthless killers. An article in the Telegraph says, "One man, Jack Kagan, who as a 14-year-old boy escaped the Nazis to join the brothers in the forest, spoke in their defense. In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Telegraph he said, "The brothers were heroes. They saved my life and so many others. Without them we would all have been killed."
"It was war and they were protecting their people who had seen thousands of Jews, including their own families, murdered by the Nazis."
Mr Kagan, who moved to Britain in 1947, said the killings acted as a deterrent to others "who thought of selling Jewish lives to the Germans for a sack of potatoes".


We have to remember in order to never forget so that this will never happen again. We also have to educate ourselves and future generations so they will never let it happen either.

What Will The Summer Bring?

Oh, how I hope the summer brings wonderful things! I always have a huge list of things I hope to get accomplished during those summer months. We also have a huge number of birthdays in those months as well. I have some things in mind that I would love to do. Some include harvesting my veggies from my garden; playing in the backyard with the girls; cleaning every inch of my house; planning lessons for the fall; baking some really yummy and cute things from Bakerella; and planning some super fun birthday parties. The summer flies by too fast for me to get many of the things done on my list. I do love the summer. We shall see what it brings.

Thankful

Being a mother has changed me completely. I am so different than I was in so many ways. I can appreciate my own mother so much more and other people's mothers too in ways that would have been impossible before. I know the sacrifices made. I know the worry and fear that is involved every time one of your children gets sick or hurt. I know the desire that comes from wanting them to choose the right things. I know the hope to protect them from having their hearts broken or hurt. I don't know many other things though. I am still learning. I have yet to go through many milestones with my children. Today, was our graduation recognition at our church. I always get teary for the parents. If this is the first child to go through this rite of passage, I imagine what the parents must feel. They are about to let their children go. These children who have been with them almost everyday for 18 years, who they have loved more than they imagined possible, are about to move on without them. Scary for all involved. It reminds me that my time with my children in my house everyday is short. I love being a mom. I love having them here each day to teach them and be with them. There are moments, though, when I feel so overwhelmed and so crazy and act opposite than I want to. It is in those moments that I wish I could pause time and remember that all of this, the good, the bad, and the ugly will be gone all too quickly. I am not, nor will I ever be the perfect mom. I do want to always be a grateful, thankful mom. I know that I am blessed far more than I deserve with both the children and family that God has given me. So in this moment let me thank my Mom for loving me with everything in her and always being there for me. All the good that I do with my own children, I learned from her. Thank you too, to my husband's mother. She has a son that knows how to treat a woman; who has a big heart; and who is a great guy. That doesn't just happen on its own.
I am hopeful that my own children will say that they know that I love being their mom; that there is nothing in this world I would rather do; and that I am so grateful for each day with them.
Today, I can sum up how I feel with just one simple word-- THANKFUL!

Pictures

The really neat thing about this picture is that everything in it, except the lamps, was bought at yard sales and I got those lamps at Wal-Mart on clearance.
This does make a big difference in the "finished look" factor for the room. Not that the room is finished, it just really looked unfinished with the naked fireplace.

Okay, after looking these jeans up, it turns out they really only retail for $150. Still, they were a fabulous bargain at $3!

I have a (now not so) secret goal that I will have my entire house decorated with yard sale and clearance items. I was thinking that if you decorated every room in your house from Pottery Barn that it might cost between $25,000 and $35,000 (but probably way more than even this). I would love it if I could fully decorate my house (over the next few years (God-willing)), for about 10% to 20% of the Pottery Barn price. Wouldn't that be pretty amazing? It will be a fun journey and bargain-hunting adventure. Want to join me?

Yard Sale Update

Okay, now this weekend I hit some yard sales that made me remember the reason I get up and sneak through the house trying not to wake anyone on a nice Saturday morning. There were over 5 subdivision sales in our city last weekend. It was impossible to hit them all. I chose the two that are my favorite. It was pouring down rain the entire time and so it wasn't the best time I've ever had. One thing that everyone who really knows me knows is that I HATE to have wet feet! It is SO DISGUSTING! I chose to wear my little slip-on flats instead of my sneakers. Either way I knew my feet would be wet and the slip-ons dry faster. So, there is sacrifice for the bargain hunter. Anyway, I know you are the edge of your swivel chair wondering what I bought. I got a table. It is small and I was truly hoping it would be perfect as a table for behind the love seat because it really doesn't want to show its naked back anymore. It did not fit (of course). My husband said it looked like some kid had made it in wood shop class. I thought it had potential and it was $5. I couldn't buy the wood for that. I also got a fireplace screen for $10. When we had our house on the market several people didn't like the gold thing that went around the fireplace. I didn't put it there, but as a people pleaser, I took it off and my fireplace was naked until Saturday. I also bought some very expensive jeans that I can't fit into yet. The jeans would have cost $200 in a store, but I paid $3. Hopefully, if I can stay on the wagon with better eating and a little bit of starving, I can fit into those jeans by the end of summer. I also got some sunglasses, necklaces, adorable tops, two pairs of shoes for my girls. I hope hitting these good sales doesn't mean I am in for a drought the rest of the summer. I am going to put up pictures tonight of a couple of my good deals. Until then, you'll have to just live in suspense.

Bullies

My oldest daughter has a bully. She has had this particular child/bully in her classes since she was four. I have been the teacher in the class before and seen this girl be a bully to other children than just my own child. When I was the teacher in the class I did try to tell the mother of this bully, what was going on. Needless to say, it wasn't well-received and there has been major tension since. I am one of those people who doesn't want their kid to think that life is fair and that everyone will like you. I guess I just don't like lying to my kids. But we have put up with the teasing for almost 6 years and to be honest, I am done. It has reached a point where Good-Hearted G doesn't want to be in church if she has to be with this kid. I don't know what it is that has caused these problems and I obviously don't know how to fix them. We have a nice associate minister at church who will make sure that they won't be together in class anymore. I think it's sad that it has come to this. I know that if my child was the one teasing and picking I would want to know and I would want to right it. I guess not every parent is like this. It makes me glad that we homeschool. Not that it completely prevents this from happening (obviously), but that it gives us a greater opportunity to talk about these problems and allows me to educate my children even more on why behavior like this is absolutely unacceptable. I wish more parents would realize that teasing and tearing other people down isn't just a normal kid thing and it shouldn't be excused.

Kids, Heaven, and Hell

I teach a class at church on Wednesdays for kindergarten girls. I taught a lesson last night on heaven. I asked the girls how do people get to heaven. Many said being a good person. Three said believing in Jesus. One girl said that you could be all bad, but if God wanted you there, you would go to heaven. Another girl told me you could get there on a rainbow. Another girl said that when you die, they dig and dig and dig a hole for you and if at the bottom of the hole there is fire, you go to hell and if there isn't any fire, you will zoom straight up to heaven. One girl said that if you go to hell a truck will come and pick you up. Pretty funny, huh? The sad thing is that this probably isn't too far from what many adults out there think. Just like these little ones, they need to hear the truth. I told them there is only ONE way and that was to ask Jesus to live in your heart. When asking Him, you have to apologize for your sins and ask Him to be the boss of your life. We talked about what heaven is going to be like based on what the Bible tells us about heaven. I always worry that when teaching these bigger deeper concepts that I will confuse them or say something that they are not ready for. I believe, though, that it is my job as their teacher to start telling them the truth with as little sugar coating as possible. Our society is telling these children more and more everyday that there are many ways to heaven or even that there is no hell. These are not truths. We are responsible for protecting them from the world's lies. Just like you wouldn't tell your child that they can dial any number on the phone and reach you; we shouldn't be telling our children that any religion and any belief will get a person into heaven. This may not be the politically correct answer, but it's the only true one. In some ways, I was a little disappointed that only three of my kindergarten girls said Jesus was the only way. Maybe we need to start telling them the truth earlier or we need to be clearer. I don't want there to be any question or confusion in these children's or my own children's minds about how to get to heaven. There is only one way and His name is JESUS!

Projects

This weekend we had my favorite kind of Saturday. It is what I call a project Saturday. One where we got several of those things we had been hoping to accomplish done. We finished tilling and planting the garden. I also cleaned out my car, even the upholstery. I also got mostly caught up on our laundry. I can hardly wait for our first veggies. The compost I had been making since September was finally used. It smelled just like one would expect and drew the attention of all the neighbors within smelling distance. I am sure they wanted to make sure it wasn't a rotting corpse of some kind. Amazingly, today, it barely smells at all.
My car looks nice for now. There was gum on the carpet and I was able to get most of it out. My kids are really disgusting when it comes to the car. There was so many crumbs and melted candy I could hardly believe it. There are more projects on my wish list. The weather man said the weather was not going to cooperate this weekend, so we'll just have to wait and see. I would love to do some spray painting and there is this table that really wants to be an ottoman in my garage.

Crazy May

Does anyone else feel like May is the second craziest month of the year? I already have almost every weekend booked with plans. I know my girls all have performances at church three times in the month. I also have Spring Fling at Princess H's school. We have 4 birthdays and Mother's Day. We will be having H's graduation. Meetings and planning for VBS are also on the agenda. Since it will be the end of the year for school and church I will have parties and gifts to get. May is fast approaching and my to do list is looking longer than ever. How's your May looking?

Yard Sales

I have told you all before that I love a good yard sale. There are few things that thrill me more than getting a good deal. I am extremely frugal , but I have very expensive taste. I won't and can't just go out and buy everything I think I "need" or that my kids and I want. A garage sale lets you get many of those want and "need" items quite a bit of the time.
I have two great chairs that I bought for $20 a piece. The family I bought them from said they just didn't fit quite right in their bedroom so they sold them. I hit one yard sale where a lady that had owned a little boutique that had gone out of business was selling all the left over stuff. I got unbelievable things. I got a Christening gown for $4 with the Sarah Louise tags still on it. I have bought two Dooney and Burke purses and one Coach purse for $5 per purse.
But on the days that I get up super early (for me) and drive all over God's green Earth and don't find a single thing, I feel extremely disappointed and sad. This was what happened on Saturday. I was at a neighborhood sale with a few things in mind that I was on the hunt for and any other great deal would have been bonus. I went to one house. The lady there had tons of jeans and scrubs. The jeans she had were my size and one of the brands that I know fits me fairly well. I started to gather them up when I asked her how much. She replied $10 a pair. I put them back. Ten dollars is NOT a yard sale price for any clothing item, with the exception of cocktail and wedding dresses. Next house, lots of adorable children's clothes and shoes. No prices on the clothes. Feeling the competition all around me, I begin to carry the items I want. I ask the lady in charge how much she will charge for all three items. She says, $10. I am concerned that one dress is too small and ask about the length. It is too small. I put it back, "Now how much for the outfit and a pair of Gymboree jeans." She says "$7." I say, "Well what about just the outfit." She says, "$5." "What about just the jeans?" She says, "$4." What? No way. I tell her nevermind.

A word to those who have never had a yard sale. Your prices cannot be like a consignment sale or what you might hope to get on Ebay. Clothes should go between $5 for a full outfit or name brand dress and under. Most items will sell if marked between $1 and .50. Big items like furniture can sell for more. Don't get crazy though, you are not a furniture store. Toys and baby items should be marked fairly low. Baby items and toys are fairly easy to find. If you really would rather sell it than give it away, then the prices should be low enough that a person will feel like they are getting a good deal. Most often if you don't feel like selling it for $3 or less, then you should aim for 10% to 15% of what you paid for it. If at the end of the day, you are going to take it to Goodwill, then you might as well be willing to make a deal. Also, nothing infuriates me more than to be sold something that doesn't work. If it doesn't work, give it away or throw it away. If you think someone will be interested in parts make sure that you clearly tell people that it doesn't work.
I will try again (hopefully) this weekend. I surely hope I will have better luck this time. In the meantime, if you know someone getting ready for a yard sale, educate them. If you are planning on heading to one, I hope you find everything you're looking for.

Stellan

I have written several times about this little baby. He will be having risky heart surgery sometime between tonight and tomorrow. This surgery is dangerous for a child as small and as young as Stellan. He has not responded properly to medication and at this time this surgery is seen as the best option, even with the risks involved. I have been blessed by his mother's blog and amazed at how people can rally around a family and pray and support them. Please pray and have your friends pray for Stellan, his family, and the doctors and entire medical team. Visit mycharmingkids.net to get the full story. Thanks.

Weekend Plans

I already know this weekend is going to be too short! I have a to-do list as long as my arm and an I want to-do list that is even longer! I am hoping that the newspaper will have lots of classifieds about yard sales for tomorrow. The rest of my Saturday needs to be filled with grocery shopping and major cleaning. My whole house is a mess and we are having both families over on Sunday to help us celebrate the baptisms of Good-Hearted G and Lovely L. We are so excited for them and have invited everyone to church to see them being baptized and then to our house for lunch. I will be making a meal for everyone. I would love to get my kitchen table painted this weekend and the garden tilled and planted. I also want to clean the upholstery and carpets in the car. I also need to plan my lesson for next week. I know there is no way to get it all done. I'll just have to see if the day stretches out or flies by. Oh, I hope it goes s-l-o-w-l-y!

Children's Books

When I was in college I had to take Children's Literature. I had to read hundreds of children's books for the class and write mini-reports on them. I have to admit that for the most part I loved this class. I love children's books. I thought I would include some of my favorites that I think are great for children and adults alike. My very favorite book of ALL time is The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde. Another good one is Caddie Woodlawn. All of the Junie B. Jones books are hilarious and I can vouch that even adults find them humorous. The Jesus Storybook Bible is one that we absolutely LOVE We read it over and over. My girls also really enjoy the American Girl series. A great book for girls is I'd Be Your Princess. I even made a framed thing based on this book. Are there any books that you just love? Please share. Hey, how do you like the new look?

New School Room

It's been a long time since Lovely L, my seven year old, has liked school as a whole. She has always loved math and science. She is so good at it. She has struggled with reading though. All the ways that I had learned in college to teach a child to read, had not worked for her. We were blessed to have a lady at our church who has a business that teaches reading in the "new old way". Lovely L is doing so much better. Yesterday and today, since being in our school room, she has been doing great on everything. I think she really needs structure and having school in the kitchen wasn't working. I am sad that it took me so long to get a school room; but glad I finally have it and it seems to be making a difference. As a homeschool mom it is often a real struggle to not feel like a complete failure if your kids aren't doing as well or cooperating as much as you would like. I am happy that as this school year is coming to a close, we are finally on the right track. When Princess H comes home for school in the fall, we will have another period of adjustment, but I am hopeful that it will all smooth out quickly. I can't believe it's already time to look for 5th and 2nd grade school books, but it is. These girls are growing up too fast. I wish we could just put life in slow motion sometimes (and fast forward in others).
Here's a picture of her before in the kitchen during school. I am so glad today she is in our new school room smiling and working hard.

Stuff To Make and Do

Okay, I was wandering blogs today when I came across Bakerella. I love to bake and I love to eat almost anything sweet. I love cute food! Bakerella makes super duper cute food. I can hardly wait for the next reason to make something yummy and cute.

I also came across a great little site that had some DIY projects that I am going to attempt if we ever have a nice weekend again. Little Green Notebook has some great decorating ideas and lots of pictures which I love. I am very visual.

Another fabulous site is Remodeling Guy. He is awesome. He has some great projects that I will be trying out once school is out and if the weather is ever nice again. Are you sensing some bitterness about the weather?

I have my school room almost done. It is a miracle. The Nester is too awesome and I think she would be so proud of the skirts I hot glued on to my girls desks. I haven't named my hot glue gun yet, but after seeing what he could so, I just may be in love! Also, I spray painted the plastic school chairs that were various depressing colors. Now they are cream. Okay, now that I have used hot glue and spray paint with success, I am in full on DIY mode. Now, I need nice weather (for more than a few hours) to really get some stuff done.

Sunday

HE IS RISEN!

Saturday

Saturday for most of us means preparing for Easter egg hunts, Easter dinner, pretty outfits, and baskets full of candy. Saturday for those who had witnessed Jesus' crucifixion was something else. The difference between us and them is that we know what Sunday holds, but they had no idea. They believed that Jesus was dead and gone and the hope for all He promised was gone too. We can only imagine that they were confused and completely crushed. In some churches, they tie the doors closed after the Good Friday service to signify the hopelessness that Jesus' followers must have felt. Saturday must have been a horrible day. If they'd only realized what was going to happen on Sunday, all there hopelessness would have turned into anxious anticipation. But we know what Sunday brings. Thank God that Sunday is coming!

Friday

Today is Good Friday. This is the day that Jesus would suffer for OUR sins. He told His disciples just the day before that there was no greater gift than to lay down your life for your friends. I am sure they had no idea on Thursday the extent Jesus would go for them and for you and me. They just didn't get it. There they sat so much of the time with our Lord and still they couldn't understand fully who Jesus was. On Friday two men, who had never believed before, were convinced of who Jesus was. The thief on the cross was promised by Jesus to be with Him in Paradise because of his belief. The Roman officer who stood by the cross as Jesus dismissed His spirit exclaimed, "Truly, this was the Son of God." Two men who never had the opportunity to sit and talk with Jesus, believed that day because of what they saw in Jesus. Those two men saw the Son of God and couldn't help but acknowledge the truth. As we ponder the Passion of our Christ I hope we will feel the same urge as those men that day. To look at who He was and what He did and be absolutely unable to do anything but proclaim the truth.
Because He laid down His life for us, our sins are forgotten and forgiven if we will only accept the grace He gives us. The thief knew what this meant. It meant that "He has removed our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west." Psalm 103:12 What an amazing thing!

Thursday

Today, would be the day that Jesus had His last supper with His friends. Think about it. He knew all that was going to transpire and wanted one last opportunity to have communion with them. Don't we all think of last moments we spent with people when they die? You almost treasure every look, every breath more as you look back and remember. This is what Jesus gave His disciples. Friday would be the worst and best day. Jesus would face more pain and more torment than we can ever imagine. He would pay the penalty for all sins forever. He would defeat death. But on Thursday, He fulfilled prophesy after prophesy. On Thursday He made it clear as He prayed that He was fully willing to die for us. On Thursday, His humanity was so evident. He knew what the next day would bring, and His spirit was in such agony that He sweated blood. On Thursday, He was betrayed by one of His friends. Thursday seems so simple. It's not Good Friday and it's not Easter. But I bet Thursday was the day the disciples replayed over and over in their minds until they saw their risen Lord on Sunday. Even then the things Jesus said at that Last Supper on Thursday probably made more sense after Sunday.

Thank you, Jesus, for Thursday. The decisions you made on that day. When you
could have chosen differently and you didn't. I don't deserve what you did for me, but thank you so much
for it! I love you!

Menu Planning

In an effort to better stick to my grocery budget, I have been menu planning for the past couple of months. In some ways, I have always done a version of this. Now I am being far more deliberate about it. We have stopped eating out (for the most part). I only am shopping once a week (again for the most part). I am spending far less on food than before and wasting a lot less. Our menu plan changes from week to week based on what sounds good for the next week and what activities we have planned too. This week looks like this:





1. Turkey meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and peas (my oldest daughter's favorite meal)


2. Chicken fajitas with black beans and chocolate pudding pie for dessert


3. Poppy seed Chicken with brown rice (new recipe I found on Kelly's Korner recipe blog)


4. Eating Out for my niece's birthday


5. Pasta Primavera and whole wheat rolls


6. Chicken Tetrazzini and homemade yeast rolls

7. Leftovers

I use my crockpot frequently to cook while at the gym. I also have to put food together on Wednesday nights that my husband can stick in the oven about 30 minutes before the kids and I get home from church. We are eating a lot of chicken this week. Last week, we had a lot of turkey. It changes with sales and mood. All the girls love pork tenderloin, but I needed a break from it this week. Almost all my recipes come from Cooking Light magazine.

What's for dinner?

Favorite Things

Isn't it funny how a few little things can make your day so much brighter? On my bad day, I had one little girl at church tell me I looked pretty. That was just the little lift I needed at that particular time. There are lots of things that brighten my day. Yummy smells in the house are one. This week at Bath and Body Works they have their home fragrance oil on sale for $3. If that brightens your day, head over there and put some in your own Easter basket.

. Another one of my favorite things is receiving a new Ballard Design catalog. The items they have in there are gorgeous and give me lots of good ideas too. If you don't already receive the catalog, you can request one online.
Dove chocolate is another, enough said.

Another good one is a cute accessory or two. I just discovered Sam Moon. The prices are crazy good and he donates a lot of scholarship money for Baptist seminary students.
Any good bargain will brighten my day instantly (as long as I can afford it). Yard sale season has arrived and I am hopeful that I will be finding some really great stuff soon.
My children being kind and good is also an instant mood-lifter. My oldest was complimented yesterday on being especially kind to a friend with Down syndrome. She doesn't even think about it--she is just nice because she has a good heart. I love that.
What are some of your favorite day brighteners?

I Had A Bad Day.

All day long yesterday, my big girls tried to play pranks on me. They put vinegar in the water pitcher. They put Saran Wrap on the toilet numerous times. They put sunscreen on the toilet seat. They made some jello concoction. They put sugar in the salt shaker. I caught most of these tricks before they could really enjoy it (HA HA-- too bad for them!) These little pranks were annoying and more work for me; but I let them have their fun. Then we get in the car to head to church. I have 6 cakes and 42 Easter eggs for a party we are having in my class. Also, once I get there I need to make about 40-50 popscicle stick picture frames. We load up and I put the key in the ignition and it won't go all the way in. What? I shake the gear shift and try again. Nothing. Nada. Again and again I try every which way you can think to get the key to work. Nope, not gonna happen! Princess H pipes up and says, very matter of factly, that she stuck a "Santa key" in the ignition and it broke. Fabulous. I call hubby. He asks if this is some kind of April Fools joke. He comes home. All the while I have been trying massive magnets, paper clips, and tweezers. Our neighbor comes over to help. He and hubby work and work. I have to go. I leave and later return from church and it still doesn't work. Hubby is not happy. I go to make dinner and most of the taco shells are broken. I am thinking I am on the bad list. American Idol is on and I hear that Megan Joy is finally going home! YEA!! Maybe this day isn't a total loss! I sure hope today is better! Wish me luck and pray too.

Becoming and Being

Sometimes I'll see someone and I'll be inspired by them.

There was a lady on the beach with her three little kids that looked like she had it all together. She was slender and looked so nice in her Lilly Pulitzer swimsuit. She sat around and drank green tea from Starbucks. She was from Dallas and she was very nice. I remember thinking, "I should drink green tea too." The bad thing is that if given the choice between green tea and coffee from Starbucks, I very much doubt that I could force myself to get the tea. It's not that I don't like green tea, because I do. I just don't like it more than coffee.

I remember another time when someone was telling me about how they loved taking baths and pampering themselves in that way. I decided I would be a bath girl and even asked for bath stuff for my birthday. I maybe took one. For me, the idea of sitting in my own dirt is too gross to be able to get past in my mind and be able to sit and relax.

Another good example of being inspired by someone else is when I went to visit a new friend. Her house is gorgeous and she is crazy about organization and cleaning. Her house was unbelievable. When we went outside with the kids, even the swing set looked amazing. She then told me that she re-stains it every spring. Guess what I went home and did that weekend. I stained our swing set and pressure washed our deck and stained it too. Sometimes a little inspiration is all we need.

It is actually pretty rare for me to be inspired by someone and actually follow through (note the green tea and baths). Maybe it's because we mostly just are who we are. Or is it that who we think we are, we are?

I love to paint my nails extremely dark colors. The bad thing is that when I do, I feel like a fake. I guess I feel I am not "rock and roll" enough to pull that off. My husband doesn't like it either. There are times when I will love a certain look, but no way would I ever wear it because it is not "me". What does that even mean? If I like it, why can't it be me? It is funny to me that I struggle with that. I think it is because all of us are in a constant state of being and becoming. We are who we are; but we can change. I read on another blog (http://conorbootheandgirls.blogspot.com/) that we are like a maple tree; it is always a maple tree, but it is in a constant state of change. Every season brings something new. Every year, while it is still a maple tree, it is changed by weather and environment and will never be the same as even the year before. That is alot like people. We have great ability to change; but we in ways remain the same. We are changed by people who enter our lives and people who exit them. We are changed by circumstances and changes in our surroundings. We can be inspired to change or forced to. We are always being and becoming.

Bearing Burdens

Empathy, as defined in Webster's, is the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts or experience of another without having the feelings, thoughts, or experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner. Most people can sympathize (to share suffering or grief) with others fairly easily. It is something else to empathize. Last week was one of those weeks where I found myself waking in the middle of the night completely unable to get back to sleep because I felt in my soul like something was terribly wrong with someone else. I didn't know who; so I prayed for baby Stellan and his parents. The next day I found out that a man I know, who has two young children and a precious wife, had been killed about the time I woke up in the night. I had found out hours before at church that a young father who used to be a member of our church had died suddenly, leaving twins, another daughter and a wife to live life without him. An older woman in my church (whom I love dearly) lost her husband of 60 years to cancer earlier in the week. I found myself on Sunday morning with my heart feeling like it would break in the pew for the others whose hearts were heavy with grief. I always say that I am not good at emotional stuff. People who are hurting are too much for me. I never know what to say and I feel the urge to physically run away. I always say it's because I lack mercy. The truth is the pain of others feels like it will engulf me too. I feel it in my soul. There are moments that we are called to circle one another and help carry the burdens that are too much for one to carry alone. As I watched these people grieve, I thought how hopeless and terrible it would be if we were to carry it all alone. I am thankful today that we can go to Jesus with pain and suffering and He will not only comfort and carry us through; but He will bring others to us to help as well. Today I am a little less afraid of other people's pain and glad that I can carry even a minuscule amount so it is not so heavy for them. There is a visual that MckMama has on her site. I want you to go and look at it. There are people all over the world (literally) praying for Stellan. Each person carrying just a little for a precious baby boy and his sweet family. This is what "the church" is supposed to be. It brings tears to my eyes and I have to believe that God is so proud of His children..

Share each
other’s troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of
Christ. 3 If you
think you are too important to help someone in need, you
are only fooling
yourself. You are really a nobody. (Galatians 6:1-3 New
Living Translation)

Now head on over there. Please notice Stellan has made it to the White House, Disney, Graceland, Senegal, the Ivory Coast and many many other places.
http://www.mycharmingkids.net/2008/08/eventually-these-photographs-will-be-in.html

Procrastination

I like to think that I don't really procrastinate as much as I have my priorities out of order. For example, I will be folding laundry, when all of a sudden I remember I needed to check out something on the computer. It can be school related, menu/food related, or completely random. I also feel a little like I wander around not quite knowing where to begin. I just have a lot on my mind. My best example of procrastination happened in college. My roommate and I were studying intently for our mid-terms when all of a sudden we decided we needed something. Of course that something was odd for two college age girls to want, but we did. We not only decided that we needed it, but that we had to have it. What was it? Fried Okra, of course! I am sure that was exactly what you were thinking. Neither one of us had a car and you would think that finding someone to bum a ride from during mid-terms for an all out manhunt for okra might be difficult. You'd be wrong! We drove all around town looking for someplace with some okra, but because most fast food places don't have it and it's not all that common even in sit-down restaurants, we had to find a cafeteria style restaurant. After a long drive, much further out of town than we expected, we found the desired okra. It was delicious and I am just positive I wouldn't have done half as well on my mid-terms if I hadn't had it! See, maybe procrastination isn't all that bad--the okra hunt was actually a really fun adventure. I guess I should quit procrastinating and get to more cleaning and organizing (no homeschool today--half my girls have strep); or maybe I'm in the mood for okra.

What a mess!

My house is a disaster. Storage is empty; but my house is overflowing. The great news is that I won't have to buy my little two any clothes for summer. Most of the clothes I had in storage were spring and summer clothes. We emptied them out, washed them, and I have been going through the pile (which actually could touch the ceiling in the laundry room) for days! The school stuff I brought home is a whole other source of mess, which I cannot even think about right now. I feel badly for my sweet husband who comes home to this disaster everyday. It won't be like this forever; but I am not sure he actually believes that. Changing out their clothes from one season to another is always a hassle. It, however, is a huge money saver! In a couple of weeks we will be having a yard sale to sell some of the stuff, until then it will probably be pretty bad. Hopefully, we won't have any visitors between now and then. Once all this is cleaned up and put away, I have plans for some windows that really need some mistreatment (if this makes no sense to you check out http://www.nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/ ).I can hardly wait until I can start some super thrifty and frugal home projects. I am trying hard to convince my dear, sweet, wonderful husband to let me paint our cabinets like Emily from http://www.chattingatthesky.com. We'll see.

The "R" Word

There are lots of words that our children are not allowed to say. Usually these words are the kind that are rude or potty talk. There are other words, many of which my children have never heard leave my mouth, that they are also not allowed to say. My children have never heard racist words come from anyone in our family. If I ever heard such words come out of their mouths there would be big punishment which would involve hot sauce. We have raised our children to see everyone as a child of God, one just like them for whom Jesus died. They don't believe they are better than anyone else based on the color of someone's skin. I am so glad that they are raised in such a time as this as far as that goes. However, there are words out there that people casually use that are hurtful and offensive. I am not one of those people that wants everybody to be happy and nobody to ever get their feelings hurt. I am not so open-minded that my brain may fall out. I will tell you like it is, but I will not use offensive words to do it. It may hurt, but the truth sometimes does. There are people who are intellectually challenged. They were either born that way or something happened in their lives that diminished some of their mental abilities. Either way, these people did not choose it. Like a person does not choose his or her race. I know many people who have Down syndrome. My life is better because they are in it. I see and interact with many children at my daughter's therapy place who have some degree of mental disability. The thought of someone hurting their feelings breaks my heart. The Special Olympics has started a challenge to stop the use of the word "retard" or the "r" word. There is no room in this world for hurting those with disabilities. Princess H is not what her doctors or therapists would call "retarded", but I have no doubt that some day in the near future, she will be called that by a cruel child. She is a tad slower sometimes than other children. She works so hard in all that she does. For someone to belittle her based on the fact that she was born with something that she has no control over, yet she works so hard to overcome, makes me angry. I hear kids calling each other that as an insult. We parents need to be the ones to let them know this is absolutely unacceptable.

I have included a section from the Special Olympics page about this challenge. They put it far better than I can.

"Most people don’t think of this word as hate speech, but that’s exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and friends. This word is just as cruel and offensive as any other slur.
Spread the Word to End the Word will raise the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the R-word and encourage people to pledge to stop using it. America will be asked to declare their support for more respectful and inclusive language, specifically that referring to those with intellectual disabilities.
Created by young people with and without intellectual disabilities, Spread the Word to End the Word is one element of Special Olympics’ vision of a world where everyone matters, where everyone is accepted and, most importantly, where everyone is valued. Leading the way in promoting acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics opposes prejudice and discrimination, continuously working to dispel the negative stereotypes associated with this population — the use of the R-word being one such stereotype."

Maybe, by the time our children are grown up, their children won't know what the "r" word is. Will you join the challenge?

First Day of Spring

Happy Spring everyone! Today wasn't all that warm here; but at least it was sunny! My allergies definitely know that it is spring. Actually, they are quite sure she arrived two weeks ago when all the Bradford pears bloomed.

I am deep in the midst of my bringing home the stuff from the storage unit. I think our house got a lot smaller while this stuff was gone. I have no idea where to put most of it. That last statement makes me chuckle a little. The reason is that last year when I packed up all this stuff, I gave away several truck loads of stuff we didn't want to keep. My husband said several times that he didn't think we would have anything left to put into storage. That is hilarious to me! He obviously had no idea how stuff we had/have (way too much). Anyway, I feel a tad overwhelmed by the mess, but am hopeful that in a few weeks things will be so much better. I want to spring clean as I organize. I ordered an e-book from SimpleMom.net. She has a great blog about living more simply, which I fully appreciate at this very moment.

Of course, my compost is ripe and ready for our garden. I have to convince my charmingly wonderful husband to till. I can't wait for fresh veggies from our garden. When I was little, we always had a garden. I would pick off the green beans and stand in the garden and eat them raw. Raw green beans are my favorite! Spring always seems so cheerful and hopeful. What are your spring plans?

Homeschool Stuff

Before last year, our bonus room had the dual purpose of school room and play room. Then we thought we were moving and put the desks, bulletin boards, and white boards into storage. For this past school year we have done school in our kitchen. I don't want to move it back to the bonus room because of the carpet. Crayons, markers, play-doh and paint are too much to try to keep off the floor. I dislike it in the kitchen for a number of reasons. My girls get food on their work. We don't have any bulletin boards up. Another thing is that my kitchen stays cluttered, which I cannot stand! So, with the great organizational makeover of 2009 I am looking for a new home of our home school. I am taking over my husband's office. He has a laptop now and doesn't need a whole room. The girls and I use the computer in there anyway. I have started to bring some of our school stuff home from storage. My girls acted like it was Christmas morning when they got the books out of the boxes. I don't know how to arrange it yet. I am not sure I want desks or one big table. I am also contemplating getting rid of the big office desk unit and getting or building a small desk for me. It is all in the planning stages. If anyone out there on the internet has a great idea for this room or knows somewhere I can look at someone else's, I would be so grateful. Princess H will be coming home to start kindergarten in the fall. She has enjoyed the school setting since she was three. I want to mimic that in the good ways. I think the other girls would appreciate that as well. My oldest has her SAT in April. It is for elementary students, but is still a big deal for her. This test will show me what I need to work on over the summer and the beginning of fall or where she is strong and can move ahead. One year, she did fabulous on the whole test except for the science section about the solar system. It was all my fault because that is the most boring subject to me and we read a chapter on it and that was that. We had to go back over it during the summer. This year, due to how huge the unit is in her science book, I imagine that section will be big on this test too. We are just really starting it--yuck! I love pretty much everything else that I get to teach them. It is not always easy or exciting, but most times it is extremely rewarding. I hope you guys have a great day. Tomorrow is the first day of spring!! I am so happy about that!

Getting Ready for Summer

It is still not warm here; but having just got back from Florida, I now remember what it is like to be hot. My husband and I went to Disney World for a long weekend, without the children. I know that sounds strange. It is a great place for everybody. You don't have to take the kids! We rode some rides we had always skipped before and went into shops that we had avoided because of little hands and too much breakable stuff. We had a GREAT time. Now, I am home and ready to get ready for summer. Besides the great organization makeover of 2009 that I have planned, I also am wanting to get in shape. Let me preface this to say that this is not an easy thing for me. I am a known yo-yo dieter. The reason this is true is because in order for me to lose weight I have to eat very very little and work my heiney off! This is not an excuse or joke. It is a fact, a sad sad truth that I must live with (poor pitiful me). I have hypothyroidism. My metabolism is basically that of a slug. If I eat more than 1200 calories a day, it is impossible for me to lose weight. So the reason I yo-yo is that I can do this for awhile, but then a holiday or a vacation occurs and where everyone else may gain a pound or two, I will gain 10 or more. Lovely, isn't it? I work out 5 or 6 days a week regardless of whether I am eating the way I should or not. But, I am going to try to eat the way I know I have to. My endocrinologist said, "If you want to be thin you will have to eat very little and exercise a lot." I know getting in shape for summer is basically the goal for every woman everywhere. So, if you would like to join me in this, that would be great. I would say to everyone first, that everybody is different. You really need to talk to your doctor about realistic weight loss, diet, and exercise. What is right for me, is definitely not right for everyone else. There is a great website called Livestrong.com. It has something on it called Daily Plate. I suggest everyone check it out. It is a great tool and it is FREE! I thought I would list some things that I think help when on the quest to get in shape.

• Pork tenderloin cooked in a crockpot is very low in calories and high in protein and yummy too.
  
• Protein shakes with water fill you up and help build and repair muscle
  
• Smoothies made with nonfat no sugar yogurt and a bag of frozen berries is very filling and very good for you! A great substitute for a milkshake or bowl of ice cream.
  
• Eggs are a great source of protein and actually if cooked with a non-stick spray, they are low in calories too.

• Great music that makes you want to move will help you move faster and stay motivated while exercising.

• Eat at home, but measure the portions you are eating. It is really easy to eat more than you thought you were when you're at home.

• Have a goal date. Not one that is in two weeks, but one that gives you ample time and is something associated with fun. A date night or weekend away are good simple examples.

• Food diary. Write everything you eat down or put it into the computer on a site like Daily Plate or Calorie Count.

• Grilled fish and seafood are tasty and low calorie too with lots of protein.

• Realize that no food is bad or off-limits. You can eat that piece of cake or chocolate or pizza. You just have to eat less of something else. Say you have 1600 calories and you really want a milkshake from Sonic (they can be 1200 calories a serving), you may think of only drinking half or drinking it all and knowing that you will have to cover the rest of the day with the 400 calories you have left.

• Plan ahead as much as possible.

Do you have any tips? I'd love to hear them. Again, I am no doctor and you should consult yours before starting any fitness or diet plan. What works for one person may or may not work for someone else. My dinner for tonight is pork tenderloin, veggies, and rice. Also, I will be doing Spin class and the elliptical or treadmill for a total workout time of between 75 to 90 minutes tonight. What are your plans?

Spring Cleaning and Organizing

Last year at this time my family was trying to sell our house and move out of state for my husband's job. We had put most of our things in storage. The girls each had a doll and some odds and ends, but most everything else went into storage. As of July, we took our house off the market and decided to stay put. I put off moving back in all the way. Well, that $124 a month that we pay to keep our stuff out of sight and out of mind just doesn't seem like a good idea anymore. I have made it my goal for the month to bring it all back home (sigh and sob). I will be having a yard sale to get rid of what we just don't want to keep or stuff that no longer has a home. I honestly have anxiety over this thought; but what am I to do? Does anyone out there have some awesome spring cleaning and organizing tricks they want to share? The thing is, I don't have a lot of money to get a bunch of storage stuff, but I want to get this house and garage completely cleaned and organized by the end of May. I'll let you know how it goes.

Sisters

I hope that when my girls are all grown up they will be as close and loving (maybe even more so) as they are now. Sure, they fight and argue and get on each others' nerves, but let someone mess with one and you have to face the wrath of this small all girl army! My youngest, EC, is tiny. She just got on the growth chart. She, however, does not know this. She thinks she's huge. Just the other day, a 4 year old friend was being mean to my 9 year old. EC, who is 3, walked up to the other little friend and took care of the situation like she was 12. She is even protective of me. If one of the other sisters is being ugly to me, she is quick to step in and try to handle it. The same is true for the others as well. They all know that they have at least three other people that will be on their side and stand up for them if a situation arises where they are needed. I love it! I hope as they grow that sisterly bond will grow too. I want them to be best of friends and best of allies forever and always!

Lent

Although I am not Catholic, I have observed Lent for many years. For those who aren't familiar with Lent, it is observed from Ash Wednesday until Easter Sunday. Usually, the time is used for preparing oneself for the Easter holiday ahead. It is a time of reflection. We are to reflect on the time that Jesus spent in the desert being tempted by Satan. We are also to reflect on our lives and what Jesus' death and resurrection means for us. It is a time of repentance and during this time we are pray and think of ways to be of service to others. During Lent many people choose one thing that they will give up. It is supposed to be sacrificial. This year I have given up chocolate in the form of candy, cakes and cookies. I thought about coffee; but let me be completely honest, I don't think that would be good for anyone who has to live or interact with me. I thought about ice cream. I don't eat it enough for it to be sacrificial. I also thought about fast food. We usually have it once or twice a week. Although, I would still like to do this, there are those nights (swim team nights) that are just so crazy and Chik-fil-A has free kids meals that night, so it is so easy. So, I continued to think and contemplate. And the thought of how much I love chocolate came to mind. That's wrong, I know. So, I that's it! I am done with the stuff until after Easter service. It won't be easy, but that's the point.

Where is Spring?

I love warm weather and sunny days! I suppose I am in the majority in this fact. I know it is February. I know it is still winter. I am done with winter, okay?! I bought some adorable Gymboree clothes for Princess H over the weekend from a lady I buy from every year. Her daughter wears these clothes a few times and keeps them pristine (she needs to give my girls a lesson). When I brought them home, Princess H was so excited. On a little side note, with my older two girls I was all about choices and freedom. I am over that! The two little ones wear what I want them to wear when we leave this house. This way they actually match and look like I put some effort into getting them ready. I tried this with the older two, but I had already ruined that for myself! Anyway, Princess H was ready to wear all of the clothes, but I told her she had to wait until spring. It had to be warm for her to wear these clothes, I explained to her. Everyday since then she wakes up and asks, " Is it spring today?" No, it's still winter. Someday, it will be warm and I will put away the winter clothes and bring in the spring ones, but not today. Today it is 28 degrees outside at this very moment. I should count my blessings. I am not even remotely ready for (GASP) swimsuit season! Well, since spring has not yet arrived, I hope you guys have a fabulous winter day. Stay warm!

Meet Princess H.

This is Princess H. She is 5 years old. She has a heart that is a hundred times bigger than she is. She is loving and kind. She is friendly and the hardest worker I know. She was born without incident; but soon after her birth I knew something was not right. We went a year being told by her doctor that she was fine. At her year check-up, we switched doctors. The new doctor immediately ordered a MRI. A few days later he called with the news that things were indeed not right. After meeting with a neurologist, we were told she had colpocephaly. The prognosis was unknown. This is rare and at the present time there are not even specialists in this particular diagnosis. We went through one year of genetic testing. We would be testing for some really awful things. The conditions we were testing for were ones that would cause her to develop to a point then begin to lose those skills until she would die. There were times that the question of whether or not she would live to be 3 was a great uncertainty. All the tests came out normal and we eventually just quit. Our neurologist had said it was a miracle that any of us turn out "normal" and we believe that is true. He had told us at our first appointment that he believed her condition was just a fluke. Princess H goes to therapies and is one of the hardest workers with the most cheerful disposition you could imagine. She has obstacles that most people cannot imagine. She does not let them hold her back. She is a such miracle (all of them are). Having her has shown me some amazing things. I have experienced "the hope that surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7). There were moments while we waited for test results when I would feel like I was literally drowning. In those moments, I would call out to Him and I would feel a peace come over me and completely calm me. I knew that regardless of what happened He would hold me. I am so thankful for this. I am so thankful for Princess H. I am so thankful that God let her stay with us. I am so thankful for all of my children and what having her in our lives has taught all of us. She is doing so well now. I hope that she inspires others. She certainly inspires me.

I miss Mickey

Every so often, one of my girls will say how much they miss Disney World. The truth is I miss it too. In my opinion it is the BEST place to vacation with children. I don't have to worry about transportation. I don't have to worry about the food. The food is gonna be good--really really good! The children will have fun. There will certainly be moments of "not fun" but those moments usually aren't in the majority. Seeing the girls meet the characters, ride the rides, watch the shows is just so much fun. I think back on our trip fondly and honestly can't think of a place I would rather take them. I don't know when we'll be able to go back, but I miss Mickey too.

The Scared Decorator

I have always loved looking at the inside of people's houses just to see how they have decorated them. I have even been known to look at real estate websites just to sneak a peek at how someone has decorated. However, I have not ever truly decorated any house that we have owned. I paint and throw some pictures here and there and maybe an accessory or two and I am done. Why would someone who loves the decorated look live in a house that is almost completely devoid of decoration? Because I am AFRAID!! I am afraid to buy something and not really like it. I am afraid that I will get bored with a certain look. I am afraid of spending too much. I am afraid because I know it can't be perfect. So, I sit here afraid in this undecorated space. That is until I came across a site that may just set me free.

http://www.nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/

You have to check out her site. The Nester may just be my BFF and not even know it! You will definitely learn something and have a laugh while you're there! I wish I had known all this before. Now, I have yet to mistreat a window. I did, however, work on making my master bathroom a room I love. It's not quite there yet, but I like it a lot more now! I am going to "shop my house" and I can't wait for yard sale season. I'll share when I mistreat a window or have a room I have transformed. Until then, I am focusing less on perfection and more on beauty!

Live Sent

This Sunday our sermon was about sharing the Good News of Jesus with others. I have to admit that this is not something I do very often. Of course I teach in church and tell others there and I believe that most people who meet me know that I am a Christian. This is not enough! I have included a link to a movie clip that was shown at our church to make us "get it".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JHS8adO3hM

Penn tells that he still believes there is no God and he sees religion as something that causes harm. How wrong he is about the existence of an Almighty God!! His views on religion are the typical view from those not in the church and those who used to be part of the church until they were hurt or disappointed by someone there. So many non-Christians see the church (whatever denomination it may be) as a place full of hypocrites. They want to call us out on the fact that we fail and disappoint them time and again. What they don't realize is that people who have accepted the gift of forgiveness know how sick they are. We know how much we need Him and we know that His plan is better than ours. We sin over and over because we are still here on this Earth. We are still humans. We (hopefully) feel great remorse and sorrow when we know we have sinned and we hope and try to do better. You don't become perfect when you become a Christian. I hope that my imperfection never keeps me from sharing Christ with others or would cause someone not want to know the God I serve. I want to be bold!! Our pastor asked us to pray for opportunities to share and to seek them out. This clip made me realize that it is cruel to not share. I want to live sent!!

Girls Night

Last night my big girls went to a Daddy Daughter banquet. They love this and look forward to it every year. They become especially girly on this night. They dress in pretty dresses. I put a little makeup on them to give them some sparkle. Daddy gives each one a corsage. We take pictures like it's prom night. Daddy washes the car and gets dressed up as well. It is quite a big deal! After they left the two little ones wanted to do something special too. I painted their nails. I curled their hair. I put makeup on them. We danced. Then we went and got Happy Meals and sundaes; and they got to eat the ice cream first. We watched a little Jon and Kate Plus 8. It's funny how they really do enjoy the simple pleasures. These are the kind of nights I love. When I pictured being a mom to girls, this is exactly what I pictured. Most of the time, the pictures in our heads about the way motherhood is supposed to look may not be the pictures we actually see. It's a little messier and usually a lot more complicated; but the reality of it is a million times better than I ever dreamed.

I did it!

Wow, I actually cleaned it all out. I just finished putting away all those clothes. I also worked on my laundry room. I got stuff out of there that I hadn't seen in forever! All those clothes that get left out after you've packed up one season's clothes, all the socks that have tragically lost their mate, all the hats, gloves, and leotards that don't fit and don't have a home have found a home at last. It is amazing! Now, no one can get the stomach virus and I cannot have an exceptionally busy day or it won't stay like this. I need it to stay like this. Two days of sifting through massive amounts of clothes are too many to just let it all go once it gets crazy around here (which could be right about now!) I am actually looking at ways to get better organized. Not that I am totally disorganized, but I could be a thousand times better. I love it when things are organized and cleaned. It makes me feel so much better. I am currently looking at the Sidetracked Home Executives (SHE) system. I don't know what is the best way for me, but I will be trying my best to find out before someone gets the stomach virus!!

What to do on an Icy Day?

The weather man is saying it is going to be an icy mess here soon. So far, we just have alot of cold rain coming down. So, my dilemma is: should I make my girls do school even if our local schools are closed or should I use this time to attempt an organizational challenge? My closet looks like a clothes bomb has gone off. It reminds me of those bottles that have confetti pop out when you pull the string, only with clothes. Part of the problem is that my husband and I had dropped some sizes in clothes and had given the stuff we couldn't wear anymore to charity. Now, though, we have both added a size and now we have clothes we can't wear mixed with a few clothes that we actually still fit into. It makes us both so sad:O( As we try on our clothes that don't fit the way they should, we leave them off the hangers and in the baskets on the floor. So, now we can hardly get into the closet to find the clothes that do fit. This mess was really exacerbated on Saturday when I put a basket full of clean clothes that I didn't have time to fold in there! I really need to get in there and clean it out. It is the energy and true desire to do it that I lack. I will try to learn how to post pictures in the next few days so you all can see what I am talking about. Hopefully, I will have a couple of snow days to do school and get to my closet. Oh, Lord give me strength!!

Take care!

Samantha

Hawaiian Themed Party

*** UPDATE*** The party went really well and we had a lot of fun!!

Saturday will be L's 7th birthday party. She is so excited. She is my only child with a winter birthday. This one presents more problems than the three summer ones. We are having a Hawaiian themed party inside, because of course indoors is exactly what comes to mind when you think Hawaii, right?

There will be 13 children and a couple of pre-teens/teens there. I actually worry less about them because they will sit around and text each other the whole time anyway!

We are having fruit kebabs, child-friendly pina coladas, sandwiches on Hawaiian bread, Hawaiian pizzas, chips and dip, cake and ice cream. We are playing pass the coconut, a match the Hawaiian words with their English meaning game, guess the number of flip flops in a jar, and we are making grass skirts. I am hoping to find something to teach us the hula so we can all do it together. I'll have to let you know how it all goes. There is so much to do and time is running out!

I would love to hear any ideas for this indoor Hawaiian party (but hurry I only have a couple of planning days left).

God Bless.

Samantha