Full Life, Simple Heart

~Crazy Good~

2010-09-23T21:18:00.001-05:00

Life feels crazy.

I got a job. I absolutely LOVE this job! God couldn't have blessed me more. It's with a missions organization called Christar. The people are so sweet. My boss is precious. I'm having a ball...and using more brain cells on a daily basis than I've used in the 6 years I've been a stay-at-home mom. I'm head tired when I get home!!!

Mr. 5 is in Kindergarten now. Mr. 4 is in K4.
I juggle the emotions that come with watching "all the other moms" (you know, those who DON'T work outside the home) get to be homeroom Mom, if that's their choice. I juggle the emotions of frustration of "how do Moms that work find time to work out? Or do laundry? Or the energy to play with their kids at night?"

So our family is in "adjustment mode". And life feels crazy. And yet good. Because God is so good to us.

So, until God chooses differently for us...

life is crazy,

but God is good.

~Summer of GROWTH~

2010-08-09T18:03:00.000-05:00

How to even summarize where I've been....hmmmm...

My kids are amazing....I've had such a fun summer with them. They've grown. They are so conversational. We've swam. We've collected and traded silly bands with all our friends. (OK seriously...how BRILLIANT was that invention?!) We've just hung out. No big plans. No over-booked summer. So sweet.

My relationship with Jesus has grown IMMENSELY this summer. I cannot even express to you the precious time of growth I have had...and am in. Our family is still in financial distress...and all I can tell you is that honestly, I wouldn't trade the spiritual growth for all the financial comforts in the world. God is utterly and completely amazing. He has shown up in amazing ways. This book, my Bible Study group and being intentional about memorizing God's promises have been significant in my life this summer.
It's also been a continuing journey of hearing God for what His plan is for our family....do I work outside the home? Or do I work inside the home? That's another post for another day.

Summer is coming to an end. Can you believe it? I hope to be able to post more now that my little men will be in school soon.
Until next time~

4

2010-06-01T10:10:00.000-05:00

Little Guy~

I can't believe it....you are 4. I remember so clearly the day you were born. You were a huge baby! I was in awe...I looked over at you and thought, "he's the size of a kindergartner! No wonder I have stretch marks down to my toes."

You instantly completed our family. We are so thankful you were born.

I have to say....I've NEVER met anyone like you. You have such a distinct, amazing personality. God took special care to design you, for sure. He delighted in you, as I do daily.

You are so fun...and have a huge sense of humor!
Your faces and expressions entertain us all non-stop.

You're way too smart for your own good...and even at 4, can size up a room of people and assess the entire situation. It's really scary!

Never underestimate a man ~ or toddler ~ who is the strong, silent thinker-type.

They've got your number!

My prayer daily is for your heart. Trust Jesus with all of it. He will never lead you down the wrong path. You are truly fearfully and wonderfully made, my little love. Because of knowing you, my heart will never be the same!

Enjoy being 4~

~How lovely...~

2010-05-19T09:05:00.003-05:00

I don't know about you...but sometimes God just has to whack me over the head to get my attention. How unfortunate for me, right? You would think I would've learned by now to listen daily and closely, so as to spare myself much anxiety. Oh well....my stubborness keeps me learning and growing, I suppose.

I went to a luncheon with my Mom as her guest recently. At the end of the luncheon, there was a random drawing (which I am fully convinced there is no such thing as random) and I won! What fun. What had I won?? Glad you asked. This book:

How nice. I really like Beth Moore. I like her heart and of course, her love for the Lord. But one more book to read? Seriously. I barely have time to bathe. By God's grand providence, I opened it one day and began to read. I wish I could say that God whacked me over the head with the turning of each page. Nope.

I read...and read...and read. Beth had some interesting little points. And of course, I was learning nuggets about my insecurities. But for the most part, I felt I was so blessed to be a fairly confident woman. How lucky.

Slowly, God began to uncover my tightly closed eyes. I began to really SEE areas in my life that I am insecure. Now, I understand that all women struggle, to some degree or another. And fortunately, mine are not blatantly screaming insecurities...or an out-of-control daily struggle. They are more hidden. But still as serious.

But thank GOD I don't struggle ~ at all ~ with being insecure with my man. (Ahem)

Last weekend, my husband's work sent us on an all-expense PLUSH weekend in Savannah, GA. It was wonderful...and such a sweet time with Bill. No kids. (Hallelujah!) At this work weekend, we met 30 or so couples from around the United States who do similar work. We met some wonderful people.

We also met her.

Now, I'm tall and blonde...and feel I can generally "hold my own" in a crowd. So is she ~ taller, blonder (no, not really) and can "own the crowd".
I run. I mean, I got up each day in Savannah and went for a run. She's a marathoner.
I have a home based business. She is a corporate company owner. (Uh, hello....getting the picture? Shall I go on???)
I have a general appreciate for sports. She has an unrealistic love and craziness for sports. This led into in-depth conversations and much fist-pumping with my sports crazed husband. (I mean, really?!)
And let's not get into what that girl can do to a swimsuit.....

So what's my point? WHAM! God brought me face-to-face with my total insecurity! There is no denying now that I have the ability to struggle.

We all do. It's life. But I am thankful for God's whammies! I am thankful He doesn't leave me stuck. I am thankful for Beth Moore's obedience to write this book. It speaks to my heart.

We are all so precious to our Father. Only in Him can we be fully secure. I don't have time to go into her whole book and the practicalities of how to make that happen in our lives (that's why she has 18 chapters to do that). But this verse meant so much to me this very morning when reading her book. I've never seen it quite in this light:

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! Ps. 84:1

If we are truly indwelt by Him, his Word says "we are lovely". I don't know about you, but I love that.

I encourage you to add this book to your reading list. It might just be worth your time. Or you may get whammied. (Enjoy!)

~Back to life~

2010-05-16T22:19:00.001-05:00

Here I sit at the computer....on resurrection day. The resurrection of this blog, that is. Thanks to two of my sweet girlfriends (you know who you two are...), I "reconsidered" this blog. This is what I've prayerfully come up with...

This will be my place to document my family, my heart and my love for and walk with the Lord. I decided this blog should be written for my kids. I want them to be able to see their life (since I'm a terrible photo-album-keeper/scrapbooker!), and I want them to truly know me.  Since at this time in their lives, my "job" is to be their Mom and not their best friend, I want them to be able to look back and hear my heart for them...and for the world the Lord has put us in. So this is for them. And me.  And you, if the Lord so chooses.

It's not to impress. I will not allow myself to get trapped in comparisons. I will not struggle to speak, if the Lord hasn't put something on my heart. It's His, mine and my kids. If you want to take the journey with us, we're blessed. If not, we're still blessed.

Right at this moment, I have a broken camera. So I don't have the ability to take new pictures. This could cause me much "blog anxiety". But it is what it is. And I give that anxiety over to the One who can free me from it. For now, I'll just write until I can photograph, too.

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How me and my family have been since March:

(1)Healthy
(2)Growing in our trust of Almighty God each and every day. We're still "touch and go" with paychecks. They are spotty at best. Some months (okay, only one month in the past 8) are feast, while most are famine. But God knows exactly where we are. And that's where He currently chooses for us to be. So I trust. I wait. I do the next right thing daily. And wait some more. And know that God is good.
(3)The boys are changing, growing. They are little people now. Little people with wills of their own. Hearts of gold. Hugs that would melt a glacier. Smiles that are heartwarming. They are discovering who God is. What his Word is...and means in our daily lives. They are learning daily what it means to need God, by dealing with their own hearts bent towards rebellion, as are all of our hearts.
(4)My husband and I are working...lots. He is continuing to press on in his line of work. God is opening doors and will bless as He sees fit.  It's all in His hand.  I have re-picked up a home business I used to work when the boys were tiny and it's been fun to see God bless it. I keep eyeballing Him. He's never steered me wrong yet...in all my 40 years of livin'.
(5)Lastly, Bill and I are just enjoying being married. We're relishing being parents. We laugh a lot about the things our kids do ~ things that are easy and things that are "difficult". We know this time is momentary...fleeting. He's a great leader, that man. And God love him...he puts up with me. Not only that, he loves me well.

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I'm going to bed now. I'm tired.  And grateful. And blessed.

Life IS full and my heart will always stay simple~

2010-03-10T16:14:00.000-06:00

Simply put....I will be retiring this blog. For now, at least. Maybe always. I need to figure out if I will maintain it down the line as a family blog ~so our relatives and close friends can keep up with our busy lives. But for now, it won't be happening.

God has taken us on a journey with debt pay-off, financial challenges, parenting and such. I have shared a lot of this with you along the way. And the journey continues. We're still in the thick of it. There should be so much to write about everyday. My thoughts should be overflowing. They are not.

This tells me that I need to focus all my energy and prayers on the specific things in our lives that we are fully devoted to right now, in order ~~survive~~ thrive during this time. And of course, my family stays as my main daily activity.

I will follow the Lord and my heart on this.....and maybe I'll be back one day. Maybe I'll do another blog entirely. I don't know. But I do know I'll still be reading yours every chance I get (if you have one).

Thank you for following! And blessings upon blessings to you~

Oh, of COURSE....silly me.

2010-02-28T08:44:00.002-06:00

"What's going on here?", I ask.

"My spider is eating.", is my 3-year-old's answer.

"Dog food?"
"Well, we don't have spider food, do we?"

Invasion

2010-02-27T21:41:00.001-06:00

I don't know if it was this guy....

Or this guy....

But some ~~demon~~ virus took over our computer for days.

Locked up. Totally incapacitated.

My world was rocked. At least until my husband brought his computer home in the evenings..and I would hi-jack it for a few minutes to check e-mail!

But thanks to the ~~exorcism~~ gifts and talents of someone way smarter than me (thank you, Jonathan!), our precious computer is back up and running...and (as far as I can tell) healthy again.

It's been very traumatic.

Now I can resume life as normal.

Stylistically challenged....

2010-02-18T09:27:00.009-06:00

I'm not even sure if "stylistically" is a word, but you get the idea. And I sort of have a sense of humor about my dilemma. However...

I am challenged. C-H-A-L-L-E-N-G-E-D, I tell you.

For 6 years, I have been wearing yoga pants and tennis shoes or flip flops. I've been content. I've worn them because that's almost all I own. And I've been happy that way. They are comfy. They stretch. They fit me on skinny days...and not skinny days.

Now, due to my going back to work, I have to actually buy real clothes. Like shoes that grown-ups wear. Every single day.

So I go into stores...and stare. And walk around aimlessly...and stare some more.
There are reasons for this malfunction:
(1) All I've needed to function in my daily life for 6 years are...you guessed it.....yoga pants.
(2) I haven't spent money on clothes in 6 years....due to our desire to get out of debt. I have not shopped. Period.

I realized very quickly....I'm no longer hip. I never thought I be that. Un-hip.

So, now I'm pretending to know what I'm doing clothes-wise...but I don't. I'm trying to get educated, so as to not stay un-hip. I'll let you know how it's going.
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Another way I know I am stylistically challenged is this:
I decided that before I start working full time, I will finish up all those little nagging unfinished home projects that take up space in our garage and zap me of much emotional energy.

Here's my dilemma:

See, I love this look:

It's fresh and clean.

And this look:
It's simple and cozy.

And this look:

As you can see, I'm like the "Sybil" of design. I like all of them.

I especially like this:

Lately I've been painting everything that isn't nailed down.....and I've been painting it black. Yep. Because that's the color paint I have. And black goes with everything, right? Right...????

I AM CHALLENGED, I TELL YOU. I am confused as to which "look" I want...and how to make my house have that look with limited funds. I'm concerned I don't have the eye.

I love the light and airy look of whites. But I live in a testosterone-filled home...is that practical for this time in our lives? And I'm married to a man that would love to live in a lodge in Colorado...or Pioneer Woman's guest lodge. So, I'm trying to merge all those styles.

I guess I'll have to create my own style.

Where is this girl when you need her? Or this one? Why can't she be my neighbor? Or these girls, my best friends?

I persevere. I will move forward and just do what feels right in our home. If the black is too dark somewhere, then I'll move it...or paint it again. God help me.....

Tomorrow I'll invite you in to our home. I'll show you where I feel challenged.

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Lastly, look at the beauty that the Lord gave us last week...in TEXAS! Amazing.

After I finished my two minutes of grumbling that the boys would be home with me since the schools were closed...and my to-do list was a mile long, I then reveled in it. And enjoyed the wonderment of it with my two little guys. We had a ball!

"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow..." Isa. 1:18

~The Journey~

2010-02-01T09:09:00.002-06:00

Journeys can be adventuresome, or troublesome or both at once. They can seem so large that all you can do is seek...and wait...and seek some more.

That's where I am. And that's where I've been since January 18th when I last blogged.

I wrote my first blog post ever on January 31, 2009. That was my first experience ever with writing for anyone but myself to read. It's been spectacular...and scary...and humbling....and insecure....all in one big ball of blog.

I have ebbed and flowed with ideas, proud moments of posting, and moments of asking myself, "why did I just hit the 'post' button??? that was less than a good post."

I have come to realize I am a slow processor. I have to clearly feel a "leading" to write something, or it won't happen well...and I'll regret posting it.

So with the past few weeks, I am sitting and processing. Amazingly, I have mentioned many times in this blog in the past year how life has seemed 'big' and 'overwhelming'. It HAS been. Financial struggles and huge spiritual growth issues can seem 'big' and 'overwhelming'. Incredibly, this year of 'bigness' has coincided with my blog writing. Coincidence? I think not.

I opened my blog a few days ago on January 31st wanting to acknowledge that my 'anniversary' was here. I was incapacitated. Words were not there.

Here's some words today as to where I am:

(1) I am sorting out all my feelings about returning to work. What an ~~amazing~~ interesting journey. Not only am I sorting out my feelings about it, I'm putting together resumes, and trying to figure out what job I am to hold. What I have learned in two weeks: I have been panicked and holding on so tightly to where I think I am to be. As of today, Feb. 1st, by God's grace, I am letting go and letting Him direct me. It's much more peaceful that way, by the way.

I am also sorting out what I can contribute to the 'outside world'....realizing how locked up I am about my value or contribution in life. By God's grace, He is setting me free of that as well. I'm not fully there yet. I am, however, on a journey of discovering who I am as a woman. Not a Mom. A woman of God.

(2) At the same time, as God would have it, something from my past has been dug up. God's timing for this to emerge NOW, along with everything else we're currently going through, is beyond me, but I do see His hand in it all. So I plow forward, grow up in it, deal with it and heal.

(3) At the very same time, God has my marriage in a huge growth time. Amazing growth. It has been a good marriage for over 7 years . Now our marriage is growing up in some hard areas to become great. Again, why now? I dare not ask. I'm just excited to see where we're going.

There. Blah. Truth be told. No cutesy kid pictures this time. No beautiful 'journey' pictures to post. Not as interesting, I know. But I don't have the time or energy to add either right now. If you're still with me at the end of this post, thanks. I'm honored you read.

The invitation

2010-01-18T09:42:00.002-06:00

This morning I was invited to a tea party.

I haven't been to a tea party since I was a little girl, so I was so excited!

I wanted you to meet some of the other guests.

Meet "Sea Horse Freddie"

Meet "Tiger Run Fast" (That's his Indian name, I guess)

Meet "Silly Monkey"

Meet our bird friends, "Pepper" and "Big Headed Bird"

Meet "Chocolate Donut"

And lastly, "Freddie"

It was the best tea I've ever had.

Oh yah...and I had a donut, too.

The best kind of donut...the one that doesn't add a pound.

Calling out for moral support....

2010-01-15T15:50:00.003-06:00

Well, first I want to update you on my progress with Resolution #2, working out. It's going fabulously. In fact, I'm on day 11 and I feel stronger already..... very sore, but stronger. I'm eating well...not sleeping as much as I would like...but, for the most part, doing exactly what I hoped I would.

However, right now, I really want a cupcake.

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OK, I know there are many, many mothers out there who have dealt with this dreaded issue:
going back to work.

If you've followed me for any time at all, you know about our financial ~~woes~~ issues around here. We have been faithful to do all that we know to do, in order keep Mama home. Well, it looks like our backs are up against a wall. This might be the time I have to go to work outside the home. And Mama is struggling with it a ~~little~~ lot....as I'm sure most women do when they face this.

Any words of encouragement out there?

Having children makes you humble

2010-01-14T08:59:00.001-06:00

We've been memorizing Ephesians 6:24 around here: "In your anger, do not sin".

Last night, on our way to a class at church, we were having fun in the car seeing who could remember certain verses. The last verse we recited as we got out of the car was Eph. 6:24.

After class, I went to the children's area to pick up my kids, and my 3 1/2 year old had this very "guilty" look on his face. As I went to hug him, he told me, "I have poop in my pants."

Let me just tell you....we have worked...and worked....and prayed...and scolded...and rewarded...and prayed some more....and rewarded some more....and so on and so on....you get the idea. THIS issue is my button that will throw me into orbit. NOT because I'm not willing to work on it. But because, if you knew my son, you would know he is one of the most head-strong kids you will ever come across. And on THIS issue, he shines.

He CAN do it. He CHOOSES to hold the power.

So we have gone round and round and round. Anyway...I digress.

So, last night, I lost my cool. But instead of yelling...or down-talking him.....I grew cold and silent...and sulked. He knew I was mad. My thought process the entire time I was behaving this way, was "I don't want him to do this to PLEASE me. I want him to make the right choice." But I stayed angry. And distant.

I was cold to him as he tried to engage me in conversation on the way home. I was cold to him as I gave him a bath. I was cold to him as I dressed him for bed and went to tuck him in. He didn't challenge me at all. He knew.

Once he was in bed, I was going to just simply say his prayer, put him to bed and get out of his room. I was still too mad to engage with him. BUT...I decided to go ahead and ask him, "what do you want to pray for tonight?" He said: "I want to pray that God will help me be a big boy."

OH. My heart melted. He WANTS to do differently. He doesn't know HOW to necessarily make it happen on his own. He GETS it....at least the asking God for help part.

How precious. I softened. And then, just as instantaneously, the Lord brought to my mind, "In your anger, do not sin."...and then, "Let your GENTLENESS be evident to all." Phil 4:5. I may not have been harsh, but I was not gentle. At all.

As we prayed together, we asked God to forgive Mommy for my ungentle response and attitude. AND we asked God to help my sweet little one to ask for help from a grown-up when he needs to go to the bathroom. Our hearts are mended.

Today is a another day. Thank God His mercies are new every morning.

Significance....

2010-01-13T11:12:00.002-06:00

A serious topic for the day....so hang in there with me.

I don't think I ever consciously thought (or admitted out loud), "Am I significant?" "Am I enough?" "Do people like me?" "Do they choose me?"

I am discovering that my life has been full of search for significance.
And how, I'm discovering, this plays out in my immediate life is.....

"Is my home nice enough?"
"Are my children well behaved enough?"
"Does my husband tell me enough that he thinks I'm doing a great job at this mothering thing?"
"Will so-and-so think that what I just said was stupid?"
"Will my new community group judge me if they really know me?"
"Will my Bible Study group think I'm spiritual enough?"
"Am I creative enough?"
"Am I organized enough?"
And it even plays out in blogging..."Is my blog interesting or "captivating" enough?

I'm tired of trying so hard. Even though I am just now realizing (or naming it) that I have been trying so hard.

I think it's high time to truly grow up and find my significance in Christ alone....the one who truly, deeply knows and loves me anyway.

To Him, my home is nice enough. He provided it. He wants us to fill it with the things that matter: love and forgiveness for each other, hospitality to others and instruction to our children about living a life that is honoring to Him.

To Him, my children's hearts are more important than their behavior.

To Him, my heart for my husband is more important to God than what Bill says or doesn't say to me on a daily basis.

To God, I don't have to be spiritual enough, or creative enough, or more witty or insightful...He loves me just as I am. He made me. His desire for me is that my heart is right before Him.

To God, this blog is provided as a way to journal thoughts, stories and family photos. It's an outlet of expression. I can so easily get caught up in the comparison game, but God wants me to be honoring in what I say. Period. Honoring to Him. Honoring to my husband and family.

The search for significance....the term has been used so much and yet the "solution" is still sought after. We still play our lives for an audience that doesn't truly matter. What matters is what GOD thinks of me. What matters is how HE sees me. Even when the voices in the world are loud, God's voice is to be heard louder.

How do we do that?

We fill our heart and head with TRUTH...God's Word. And we run over it again and again and again in our hearts and minds. We bank our life on it. We live by it. We claim it.

And everytime we pick up our script and start playing life to the larger audience, and discover that it doesn't work, we go back to where the Truth is and fill our hearts and heads again. And we do this as much as it takes to find significance in Christ alone.

...Be made new in the attitude of your minds...

Ephesians 4:23

Tomato Tea

2010-01-07T20:48:00.001-06:00

This is the latest craze around our house.

One night, when my husband could not breathe when he was supposed to be sleeping, he found this recipe on-line as a cure for severe sinus congestion. Supposedly these ingredients are known for their medicinal properties. Using these ingredients together is supposed to help heal sinus/ear infections, colds, coughing and sore throat. It was mentioned that it has even been found to kill flu germs and strep throat.

I don't know about all that, but I do know that it tastes fantastic...and depending on how much tabasco you put in it, it just might curl your eyelashes, too!! What a bargain, huh?!

Tomato Tea Recipe

2 cups V8 Juice

2-3 cloves garlic crushed (use more if you can) *I used minced from a jar

2 T Lemon Juice

Hot Sauce (the more, the better..so as much as you can handle)

Mix and heat in a pan. Sip slowly. Re-warm as needed to get the full effects of the fumes. It's all natural and healthy, so drink as much as you want or need until you are sure the infection is gone.

ENJOY!

"Hello...yes....is this poison control?"

2010-01-06T22:18:00.002-06:00

Tonight, my 3-year-old comes bouncing into the kitchen, smiling from ear to ear, with a "milk moustache"...only it's red. I said, "baby...what have you been drinking?"

"My medicine!"

"What medicine?"

"My 'cough syrup'"

Uh-oh.

"Show me, sweetie, what are you talking about?"

He then happpily and bouncily (is that a word?) runs excitedly to the bathroom and shows me.

How is it even possible for a person only about 3 feet tall to reach up into a cabinet (that I, at 5'9", have to myself reach UP to get into), pull out "cough syrup", remove the CHILDPROOF LID, and consume 2 full medicine cups of this:

This is a 32 lb. kid....drinking 6+ tsps. of this! His "normal dosage" (please don't think we dole this out like candy!) is 1 tsp.

After NOT handling it well with my reaction, I called poison control. They informed me that he would probably sleep. Very hard. Immediately.

He is. 7:00 pm.....LIGHTS OUT. His idea.

Lessons Mama has learned:
(1) My kid is a make-it-happen-kind-of-guy. If he wants something, he will make it happen. This will make for an amazing adult...but a child to watch like a hawk!
(2) For obvious reasons, I will be checking all the childproof lids on all the meds tomorrow.
(3) If I ever need him to sleep at 7:00 PM, "accidentally" leave the lid loose on the Nyquil. I AM KIDDING, PEOPLE.....PLEASE DO NOT CALL CPS.

We're grateful he's okay. He gave his Mama quite a scare tonight.

Letting go of expectations

2010-01-06T15:41:00.002-06:00

Nope, I've not been feeling good. Neither has Mommy or Daddy or big brother.

What a way to start a New Year, huh?

We've been making lots of hot chocolate. It's super cold outside.

We've also watched quite a bit of Scooby Doo.

Mommy's first week of twenty-ten was not what she expected.

She really hoped to get a new, fresh start to this year.

But.....that's not the way it's worked out really.

Mommy says that is part of what God is teaching her.

She needs to let go of any expectations, not get frustrated, and live each day, loving her family well.

Maybe our fresh, new week can start NEXT Monday.

In the meantime, we're all getting a lot of squeezes around here:

We'll all be back up and running full speed ahead soon.

Resolutions #3 and #4....

2010-01-03T22:09:00.003-06:00

Resolution #3:
Sleep. More.
Get in my room on time.
Then, I'll most likely be to bed on time.
Which will enable me to get up on time.
And I won't be grumpy as often.
My husband and kids will thank me for this one.

Resolution #4:
Read more. I know it's not the highest of aspirations to only plan on reading 8 books in one year. But give me a break, people. It's about the best I can hope for at this stage in my life.

Currently I am reading (and enjoying!):

The Well-Versed Family by Caroline Boykin is really good! I heard her speak here in the Dallas area recently and was really moved by her heart. Her book is about practical ways to help get scripture into the hearts and minds of our kids. I've been putting some of her ideas into practice and my kids are responding beautifully. There is nothing more precious to me than watching my kids internalize the Word of God.

My rating (thus far): 5 out of 5.

I am also finishing up:

Fascinating Womanhood is about marriage and how to become "fascinating" to your man. It's chocked full of great information and practical applications...and isn't for someone who is the least bit feminist. I'm learning a lot and enjoying it immensely, but also know full well that several years ago, it quite possibly might have offended me immensely. :)

My rating 4.5 out of 5.

I better go...I'm supposed to be reading......

These thoughts....

2010-01-03T12:06:00.002-06:00

I have thoroughly enjoyed writing this blog! It's such an outlet for me. I am blessed if you read it. I am thankful, if you walk away with any nugget of information or encouragement. I have enjoyed "getting to know" some sweet people I wouldn't have otherwise known.

And I love your comments! Please keep them coming. That's one of the ways I know you are reading it. Another way I know people are reading is for you to "sign up" as a "follower". This helps me know that my time invested in this means something. My "following" numbers are low, but DAILY I have others respond to me by e-mail or in conversations about something you read. I'd love to know you are out there! :) Or another easy way to let me know you "stopped by", is to sign up on the Blog Frog in the right margin.

Yes, this blog is an outlet for me. But I also am constantly soul searching my way through it. Do I need to change it? Do I need to have a more focused topical blog? Do I need to just keep it little bitty and make it be a "what's happening in our family" blog, so relatives and friends can keep up with our lives?

Then I ask...what does GOD want with this blog? So...I am searching. I will continue. And I will work on it...and improve it. If I know you are interested. I will actually invest energy...and decide what direction I should take it in for twenty ten.

Please let me know if you are enjoying it! That helps me know how to proceed.

Thanks! Happy 3rd day of this New Year....

Resolution #2...as much as I hate to admit it!

2010-01-02T23:35:00.001-06:00

For only the 2nd time in my 40 years of life, I am adding the resolution to get in shape (along with the rest of America) in 2010. Actually, for only the 2nd time in my life, have I needed to. I know, I know...before you log off now due to irritation, please know that there is a difference between FIT skinny and UNFIT skinny. I may have been skinny most of my life...but definitely not always fit! Regardless, now....I am 40....and neither fit NOR skinny. Nice.

So, I have a plan in place. I actually gave myself until Monday, the 4th, to start....so I get one more day to indulge in fattening delights! Nine years ago, I undertook the Body for Life challenge. It's a 3-month nutrition and exercise plan....and fairly easy to do. I really liked it...and loved the results I got. So now at 40 (and two babies later), I will try once more.

Today I took care of planning out the menu Bill and I will eat next week...and bought all the groceries. We're set and ready to go! I'll update you mid-week next week, when I feel like I've been hit by a mack truck.

I must admit, although I am looking forward to feeling like I look better....my main reason nine years later for doing this program again is to be healthy. I want to take care of that which God has given me. I will do my part to see that my sweet boys have a healthy, present Mom...and Bill has a vibrant, energy-filled wife. If I get to actually wear a bikini this summer, then that is just a bonus.

What about you? Do you have any fitness goals this year?

Simple Resolutions

2010-01-02T10:28:00.001-06:00

I told you I'm a New Year's Resolution maker. I thought I'd take a few of them and share them with you in the next few days. I'd love to let you know what God has laid on our hearts around here for twenty ten. Maybe I'm telling you so you can offer some encouragement...or maybe because if I speak the words ~~out loud~~ in writing, then I have to follow through. :) Either way, thanks for letting me share.

In two thousand nine, Crystal offered much inspiration to me in the ways of frugal living. I'm so thankful I found her blog! She has been a true blessing. In this post, she talked about how she and her husband saved up cash to buy their first house this next year. She started out 2009 with 33% saved. And ended the year with 100% saved. Amazing! So she inspired me and got me to thinking....

It's been awhile since I posted about our debt payoff journey. The last time I posted (in June), we were at 64% to our goal. Since that time, we have had some major set-backs financially. My husband's job became 100% full-commission, as he is trying to build a business in a recession. That scared me. But it didn't scare God. It didn't even make Him flinch.

I could recount time after time of God's faithfulness to our family during the past several months. No, we haven't received an official paycheck since September, but we've not missed one payment thus far, not put anything on a credit card, not missed a meal and had a beautiful, sweet Christmas. God is so faithful!

And looking back, it is amazing. Since the last post, we have even moved from 64% to 74% of our goal! How is that even possible?! God is so good.

So...the number one resolution in this house for this year is: DEBT PAYOFF.
This is it. There is a line drawn in the sand.

My personal theme for this year as well is SIMPLIFY. This should be easy in the realm of our financial goals. Life can't get too complicated and busy when you have to say "NO" a lot. We will have one more year of participating in less, so we can walk out of twenty ten debt free, by the grace of God!

In future posts, I will share with you some of the ways we plan to make that happen this year. I also eagerly anticipate God showing up~again~in big and small ways.

Do you have any goals this next year relating to finances in particular?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-01-01T18:23:00.000-06:00

Wow...can you believe it? Twenty-ten is here. Two thousand nine is past.

Looking back on 2009, I see milestones of growth....huge financial obstacles to overcome, a new church, enormous spiritual growth, deep new friendships formed, a death in our family, blessings upon blessings to our family by the generosity of others and potty-training ~~nightmares~~ challenges. We were blessed with great relationships, health, and a rich family life. I am thankful to God for His provision, care and protection.

I am so excited about twenty ten! Are you someone who likes to make resolutions? I so am. I'm a list maker. I'm a freak for keeping track of life on paper. (Which explains why we have a minor paper organization problem in our house...I make sub lists for my lists.)

I have chosen a theme for myself in twenty ten. Believe it or not....it is S-I-M-P-L-I-F-Y. Yes, I know that is hard to believe. How often have I talked about it this past year? I did actually begin the process of simplifying our life around here in two thousand nine...but that is my THEME for this coming year. I hope to help make life for our family as sweet, simple, non-complicated and faith/family focused as possible! I can't wait to share the process with you.

We have had a low key New Year's Day around here. I have a sicky little one...he has a cold.

He has a low-grade fever, a horrendous cough, a pillow around his neck, due to a crick...AND a nasty bruise on his forehead from a slamming door last night. Happy New Year, baby doll! May it only go uphill from here!

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Did you have your black-eyed peas today??? We had our favorite black-eyed pea soup.

OK...so it doesn't take the best pictures...but YUM!!!!

BLACK-EYED PEA SOUP

16 -ozs. dried black-eyed peas

1/2 medium onion, chopped

1 T minced garlic

1 small green bell pepper, diced

1 celery stalk, diced

1 T olive oil

6 cups water

32-ozs. can chopped tomatoes, undrained

3 cups chicken broth

1 T chicken bouillon granules

2 jalapeno peppers, unseeded and chopped

1 T salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

Bring peas and water to cover to a boil in a Dutch oven; cook 10 minutes. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 1 hour. Drain and remove from Dutch oven.

Saute onion and next 3 ingredients in hot oil in Dutch oven until tender. Add peas, 6 cups water and remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasinally, 1 hour or until peas are tender. Yield: 10 cups

May twenty ten be a blessed year for you! I look forward to all God has in store for us.

'Tis the Season

2009-12-03T22:11:00.001-06:00

Well, I actually had some great Thanksgiving pictures. I attached my camera to the computer, transferred the pictues to the computer, and then deleted them from my camera....only to find out they vanished into thin air somewhere on my computer! Seriously? I mean really.

So, I'll move on.

What has been heavy on my heart, rolling into this Christmas season, is that my boys truly get what Christmas is about. Let me tell you (in case you didn't already know!) that a 3 1/2 and 5-year-old can be quite narcissistic. I'm just saying.

So of course, Christmas all around us has become primarily about Rudolph and "what more, more, more can I get, get, get!?!" It sickens me a little. But really, my kids are exactly where we all were at their age....and quite honestly, exactly where they should be...developmentally speaking.

But how can I at least begin to hide in their hearts that, without Christmas, we wouldn't have a Savior?

So, here's my plan this year:

(1) Pray. Pray with them. Let them hear us thank the Father for the gift of his Son Jesus this Christmas.
Pray for them. Without ceasing. That they will understand the beauty of this season...and it's not because of what Santa is bringing down the chimney.

(2) Speak Truth into their lives. Talk about Christmas. Remind them of why we celebrate. Why we give gifts to one another. Who we worship during this amazing time of the year.

(3) Then, lastly, I incorporated a new tradition into our home. We're on Day 3...and so far, it's a sweet addition to our day, our time together and our time with the Lord. First of all, I'm really not that creative....but I'm an EXCELLENT copy-cat! I read about this tradition in another family on someone else's blog last year and thought it was a wonderful idea that we, too, must do. So, at the after-Christmas sales last year, I went looking for this:

I worked to fill each day with two sheets of paper (because, of course, I have two kids who each must have the same thing as the other!) The first sheet of paper is an Advent reading. I got these daily readings from Focus on the Family . I explained to the boys that we would be reading out of the "grown-up" Bible (they each have their own kid's Bible) and that they would not understand it all right now, but that one day they would.

I believe God's Word with all my heart...and in it He says His Word will not return void! And He cannot lie. So I trust, that every time I read His Word to them, it will plant seeds of Truth in their hearts.

We read the daily reading...and then we answer a question or two...or have a discussion based on what we just read. I'm actually amazed that they are engaging in this as well as they are.

The second sheet of paper is an activity for the day. This is the fun part (seeing as they are, in fact, 3 and 5). Some of the activities were copied from the other blog I read last year....but I mostly had to make up my own, since my kids are much younger than the other blogger's. Here are our days so far:

So, tonight we laughed and enjoyed being together as we played Chutes and Ladders and CandyLand. I hate to admit it...but I won both games. OK, so I really like to admit it..... I can be vicious.

I'll keep you in the loop on our holiday festivities around here. Keep it simple...and worship the King.

Mr. Almost-5!!!!

2009-11-21T14:46:00.002-06:00

I can't stop him.

He just keeps getting older....

His actual birthday is on Thanksgiving.

But now that he is reaching the age of 5, I can now no longer get away with "celebrating his birthday at our family Thanksgiving". I don't blame him. He gets rooked every time.

So, we had a party today.

Can you guess our theme??

We had the party at a local park. The awesome Richardson Fire Department showed up at the park today for nine little 3,4 and 5-year-old boys. It was fun.

Even little brother enjoyed hanging with the big firemen!

We had lots of little chiefs today.

When they left the park, they did it with lights and loud sirens. The boys (and the adults!) thought it was cool.

We had lots of cupcakes (which I think is the absolute easiest way to do a cake for a 5-year-old) It looks like Spidey is about to karate chop the cake, doesn't it?!

We had friends come play....young and old(er).

Then we did an obstacle course. Dad was trying to explain the rules....

Run across the bridge. Slide down the fireman pole.

Grab the wagon. Run over here to the tunnel. Throw the balls in the tunnel to "put out the fire". Climb in the tunnel and rescue the animals. Slide down the slide and put the animals in the fire wagon and pull them to safety. Got that straight, all of you??

[crickets]

Blake finally got to dig in to cupcakes and unwrap lots of fun toys.

What a blessed day, full of friends and fun!

Excuse me....I'm gonna go cry now...

I can't believe he is turning 5!

The days can be so long, but the years are so short.

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of this child!

Every good and perfect gift is from above...

James 1:17

Can you pass me the NyQuil, please?

2009-11-15T20:29:00.002-06:00

Well, the CRUD has made it's way around our house....

First my sweet husband had it...major sniffles and slight cough.
Then it escalated a bit as the littlest man in my home had what his Daddy had...plus a relatively low-grade fever for a couple of days.
Then WHAMMO!!! Mommy got it. Worse than anyone.

Sniffling. Sneezing. Coughing. Aching. Stuffy head. Fever.....
You got it. I have downed this for 2 days.

Yesterday I began to feel a tad better, but decided to lay low. Today I woke up and YUCK...I felt like my body was a lead weight! Was I still sick? Or have I had too much NyQuil??

My sweet husband....oh, what a prince he has been these past couple of days. He has completely kept the boys out of my hair and given me lots of recovering space and time. He is amazing. He has spent many hours since late Friday afternoon being a mostly single dad. This morning, he took them to church by himself so I could continue to rest.

I was sitting in my bed when the 3 of them pulled into the driveway after church and I could vaguely hear the conversation outside. All I can tell you is that it was becoming obvious that the testerone in my house has had too much togetherness! I knew right then.....Momma is going to have to get it together...and fast!

My youngest also doesn't like it when Mom is "unavailable" when we are home together, but since he can't seem to put words to his feelings, he tends to "punish" me with less than desirable behavior and then clings to his Daddy (and doesn't want anything to do with me).

My time "off" these past couple of days just confirmed in me that a Momma's job is NEVER done. There are no sick days where we are completely off duty. This is a never-ending job with long hours, many thankless tasks, but full of many benefits (which I will again appreciate much more fully when I feel back to normal)!

So, I thank God:
~that I was sick on the weekend when Daddy could easily be home and rescue me.
~that I am blessed with a husband who can and will take over with the kids when needed.
~that the worst of this sickness is over.
~that He will sustain me as I now get back in the game of being Mommy~even while not at 100%.

I believe the saying goes something like this....
The Show Must Go On!

The formative period for building character for eternity is in the nursery. The mother is queen of that realm and sways a scepter more potent than that of kings or priests. ~Author Unknown

We're lovin' fall!!!

2009-11-09T13:08:00.001-06:00

You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!

Galatians 4:10

Whew...I'm behind! But not with what REALLY matters....

2009-11-08T13:02:00.001-06:00

OK...I know, I know....

most of you have moved on past Halloween a long time ago.

Us....um, I'm just now getting these pictures off my camera.

Normally around this time of year, I am trying hard to be "Super Mom". I am making sure I do all the right "holiday" activities. I wouldn't, after all, want my child to get to college thinking, "my Mom didn't carve my pumpkin or make my spider cupcakes when I was 4...and I remember it! I was robbed..."

Well, this year I took the pressure off myself. I convinced myself that I probably won't get ousted by my kids for not doing the right "Mom stuff" this particular year. And I'm fairly certain they will survive it. If they do actually hold me to the fire many years later for not doing enough this year, then I will pay for their therapy!

We did make our way to a couple of Halloween functions. There was pumpkin painting, trick-or-treating, being with friends, more candy and sweets than should be humanly possible to consume. But, there was no stress!

We didn't bake. We didn't really decorate. We slapped a hay bale on the porch and called it a day.

We had grandparents in for a great weekend. We had close family friends join us for the activities of the evening. And we joined friends for a picnic at the park prior to trick-or-treating. It was easy. Low key. And stress free.

I enjoyed the costumes of others! Have you ever felt like this??? I so couldn't relate.

We've eaten lots and lots of yummy candy. Including Tootsie Rolls. We love how it makes us look toothless!

But amidst all the holiday hub-bub, we mainly focus on Christ...and growing up these boys to walk the walk He has for their lives.

I love this pumpkin Braden brought home from school. He glued the face on.

But mainly, I LOVE the prayer on the back. You'll see why.

My motto for this holiday season is SIMPLICITY. FAMILY. FAITH.

I look forward to a different kind of holiday. One that isn't about impressing others. One that isn't about how much STUFF my kids can get or go to. Or how decorated my house is. Or how cute my family is on a photo that we send out. Or how many parties I can go to.

Don't get me wrong...those things are all good. And they, too, are gifts from the Lord. But my striving this season is about being QUIET in my heart and head...and enjoying God's blessings of simplicity. I choose to be intentional and worshipful this season, going into Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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Well, we've closed out another year of costumes around here. We have enough candy to last us well into 2010 (that is even weird to type!) My boys have been filled with abundant energy and sugar!

I can't show you the full pictures, so let me just paint you a picture in your mind....

I am inside, doing laundry. The boys have decided to play outside. I hear them laughing within a few minutes...they have decided to pour a cup of dirt on top of Braden's head...and a cup of dirt into Blake's pants. Then, within a minute, I hear them laughing hysterically. They have proceeded to make mud in the dirt, strip naked, and put mud all over their entire bodies..and run around in the back yard, playing "Mud Men", Superheroes. I'm quite sure I've never heard of those guys before...until now.

Life is good. Mud is dirty. Water can clean it. They had a ball.

That's all that matters.

How are you doing with what REALLY matters??

Simpler thoughts

2009-10-29T14:20:00.001-05:00

It’s been a long time since I’ve blogged regularly. You know…blogging is hard when you’re constantly feeling deep. That is the state I am in all too often lately. I worry if my deep thoughts will bog down the few readers that grace this blog.

However, I can’t help it. I know it’s a season. It lines up with all that is going on in our lives right now. It’s just where I am.

Perhaps if I had one of those amazing blogs that all I focused on were beautiful homes and home decor. Trust me, I love looking at those blogs. They are entertaining. And idea forming. And dream giving. But then, for me, I would be focusing on things that are not the best for me. I tend to compare. I think too much on things that just don’t matter that much. So, occasionally, I’ll tackle the home stuff on my blog…because I DO love it. But that’s not the kind of blog I have.

Perhaps if I had a blog on frugality, deal-finding, shopping, and money saving. I'd be tired. Those ladies work way too hard!

Perhaps if I had a blog about parenting…but then I would be constantly having to admit that I don’t have a clue what I am doing. I struggle. Every. Day. Prayerfully. I struggle with how present I am with my kids….is it enough? Is it quality? And then…the comparing. Oh, the comparing! Comparing how I mother to how my friends mother. Comparing how my child at almost 3 ½ years-old still occasionally has potty accidents, when other mother’s children that age…don’t.

So, if I had a blog on topics about other things…I could easily be writing daily. But I don’t. My blog is entitled Full Life Simple Heart. My life IS full. So full. And right now, it’s so full of big thoughts, growth lessons, exhaustion, and lots of love. It almost feels too full.

So yet again, I want to focus on my desire for a simple heart. My desire is there. But practically speaking, I yearn for it to be simpler. I wish I could grasp my day more firmly and confidently…and accomplish what I desire to do. I wish my home was more organized. I wish I didn’t have projects looming over me to finish. I wish the voices in my head (not the spooky or multiple personality kind!) were clear thinking right now.

So I am going to be kind to myself. I am just going to sit in my deep thoughts…and occasionally share them, if God leads me to.

Right now I want to bathe in His grace. I want to feel His Presence. I want to watch Him work in mine and my family’s lives. I want to protect simplicity. I want to be okay if things are momentarily chaotic, knowing that they are only momentary.

And I don’t want to worry about whether or not my thoughts are too much for anyone who may or may not read. They are mine. My Father hears me. The heart of my husband hears me. That really IS enough. IF someone else can even remotely be encouraged, then I am glad I spoke my heavy thoughts.

The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak. ~Hans Hofmann, Introduction to the Bootstrap, 1993

Eliminate physical clutter. More importantly, eliminate spiritual clutter. ~D.H. Mondfleur

The best things in life are nearest: Breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of right just before you. Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life's plain, common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life. ~Robert Louis Stevenson

Aunt Amy....aren't you proud?!?!

Crazy thinking

2009-10-22T09:51:00.002-05:00

Remember this?

And then my friend, Jeff, made me this....

And now it looks like this...

(I still have to accessorize it, but I love it!)

I absolutely love it. My coffee tastes more amazing in the morning, coming from it's own bar. :)

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Do you ever feel like this....

or this......

or this....

at 2:00 in the afternoon? I do.

Life can be exhausting.

Physically... there are very practical reasons I am currently exhausted.
(a) I am not going to bed on time.
(b) I am not eating as healthfully as I normally do.
(c) I am not drinking enough water.
(d) I'm exercising sporadically at best.

Simply....I'm just plain old doing all the stuff I know not to do...and am obviously expecting different results. That's just crazy thinking.

Spiritually....it's exhausting trying to carry all the stuff God could carry for me...if I'd let him.

Sometimes I take things back from Him. I take my eyes off of Him. I place them on other things. And then there is unrest, not as much peace, and defintely not the joy.

Again, I'm just plain old doing the stuff I know not to do...yet again...
crazy thinking!

God can. He has. He will.
I should continue to trust. And seek Him.

And take care of myself. God is doing His part. I need to do mine.

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This post was sweet today. Hop over and read it, if you get the chance.
Aunt Ruthie is adorable, sweet...and inspiring.

Have a great day...with no crazy thinking!

And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.
Colossians 3:2 (Amplified Bible)

Like grandma used to make it!

2009-10-16T21:39:00.002-05:00

Oh, I wish you could've joined me today. It was one of those dreamy times in the kitchen.

The weather was amazing today....a beautiful, crisp breeze, with lots of sun. We had all the windows open. I could hear the boys outside playing in the backyard, while listening to all my favorite praise songs playing inside. My pumpkin spice candle was lit, and the scent was filling the kitchen.

And to top it all off....

I made my husband's favorite dessert of all time: carrot cake.

I used his grandmother's recipe, of course. He has great memories of her serving him pieces of her carrot cake. She hand wrote the recipe for me on a card many years ago, before she went to be with the Lord. I'm so thankful I have that from her, in her writing.

There is nothing like "Momma Doc's" carrot cake. It's nothing fancy. Only the good old fashioned basics...made with a lot of love. And let me testify....it's YUMMY!

No comments about my portion size, please. Carrot cake is a veggie, right?!

Grandma's Carrot Cake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Sift together:

2 cups flour

1 tsp. soda

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

2 cups sugar

Beat together:

4 eggs

3/4 cup oil (add slowly)

Add dry ingredients to the oil/eggs alternatively with:

2 cups raw grated carrots

Add 1 tsp. vanilla.

Prepare two 9" cake pans.

Bake for 25-30 mins. or until toothpick comes out clean.

Icing:

1 large package of cream cheese

1 stick butter~softened

1 box confectioners sugar (1 lb.)

2 tsp. vanilla

1 cup nuts, finely chopped

Take, eat, ENJOY!

I'm happy to post this at To Everything a Season. Hop over there and check out lots of great dessert ideas.

Be still my heart.....

2009-10-13T09:53:00.001-05:00

I have loved this piece of furniture from the moment I laid eyes on it. I knew we could be happy together.

I instantly pictured it in my life, sharing my space, letting me adore it for the rest of my life.

The only problem was...I didn't own it. It wasn't mine. It was someone else's.

Oh, but I dreamed about it. It would fit into my home, assisting in so many ways! But I instantly thought how it could love our family so well in the area of a coffee bar....another deep love and passion of mine.

And then....one random day, I asked my amazingly talented friend, Jeff, if he thought he could make one. "Sure, he could try." We talked about how much money it might be and realized it might cost a couple of hundred dollars worth of wood.

And for now, that wasn't a possibility.

But God is a God of possibility, isn't He?

Jeff came across some fence wood from a neighboring house. They were replacing their fence, and there was actually nothing wrong with the old fence.

So with free wood, Jeff's amazing talent (and many hours!), and his sweet, giving heart....

TA-DA.....

Isn't it amazing?! I love it! I'd marry it, if I could. :)

I haven't yet painted it, but how close is THIS to the original picture?!

(My pictures do not even do this fabulousness justice!)

He even put glass in the upper hutch!

AND a light underneath!

Let me catch my breath....

I wish I'd taken an up close photo of the cute little tray he made, too. I have the PERFECT spot for it...my coffee table. And I needed something just like it to go there. I'll come back to that with pictures later.

Jeff, you are a talented man.

And a dear family friend.

Thank you for your blessing.

And thank you, Colleen, for loaning Jeff's man hours to work on this.

You're both so special!!!

Ramblings....

2009-10-07T14:31:00.001-05:00

This will probably be a longer post than anyone would possibly want to read today, but that’s okay. I’m overwhelmed by God’s presence in our family and in my life right now…I can’t even begin to express it. So, in this feeble attempt, I’ll try.

There is nothing like need to draw you to the feet of Christ…which is so where we should be always, even, in our excess. But when we feel NEED, and are at the end of ourselves, that is when God shows up.

When your fear of God is bigger than your fear of your circumstance, then God says, “WATCH THIS!”

Tony Evans

In this trial, we have not panicked. But before you pat me on the back, know this…it is God. It is GOD who has placed us in the family, in the church and in the community of friends he placed us in for such a time as this. It is GOD who has revealed His Truth to us in His Word. It is God who hears our prayers…and answers. It is GOD who draws us closer to Him so we feel His presence in our lives. It is GOD.

So we have been faithful to take Him at His word. And He is showing up. He never ceases to amaze me. He delights in faithful kids, looking upward to the Hand of the Father. He is faithful. He said He would provide. He has. He said He would give us peace that passes all understanding. He has. He said He would guide our steps. He has. He said He will never leave us. He hasn’t. He is a God that doesn’t deceive and doesn’t lie.

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On a lighter, less “preachy” note…..

What have we been doing around here?

Well, this is who joined me for breakfast this morning….

Meet Darth Vader and the Storm Trooper

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Then a few days ago as we were outside playing...and the mosquitos were just awful, this is what Braden did.

I wish I had gotten a "final"picture...he was coated in mud!! I found out later that he was protecting his skin from mosquitos, like Bear Grylls, on Man Vs. Wild.

Makes sense, right?

And truth be told, he's the only one that didn't get bites that night....

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In my quest to simplify life right now, I've been trying to FINISH some old projects that have been hanging over me, before I start any new ones.

Last weekend, my strong man started on my (almost completely cost free!) compost bin I've been wanting him to build. We planned this building adventure weeks ago and then Bill broke his knee cap and has been out of commission. As you can see, he is back in "Honey Do" mode! Can I hear an Amen?!

He even had a little bit of help...

...until it was time to rest and dream about being a villian in outer space....

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Remember this project?

I finished.

(I think I hear the Hallelujah chorus playing in the background...)

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And remember this?

It turns out beautifully.

I wouldn't recommend spending a whole lot of time taste testing....

not that I speak from experience....

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And now, I've finally started on this.

Stay tuned....

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Friends...

They are powerful in my life. I am truly blessed.

I was able to spend many luxurious hours with my sweet girlfriends, Connie and Meleah, on Sunday, perusing the Canton flea market. Under the circumstances, I didn't really have any money to spend, but enjoyed many rain-soaked hours, walking around (ankle-deep in water) with these amazing women. They, along with so many other women friends, are treasures in my life. But Sunday with these ladies was filled with encouraging words, sweet moments and precious conversation.

And my sweet friend Connie blessed me with this t-shirt, that is so fitting right now...

Thank you, friend.

He Giveth...and He Giveth me him.

2009-09-29T22:02:00.002-05:00

This ministered to my heart today:

"He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,  

He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;  

To added affliction He addeth His mercies, 

To multiplied trials His multiplied peace...

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,

When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources

Our Father's full giving is only begun...

His love has no limit,

His grace has no measure,

His power no boundary known unto men;  

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus  

He giveth and giveth and giveth again." 

--Annie Johnson Flint

And since I was absent from blogging on September 21st,

Happy 7th Anniversary, Bill.

Thank you for choosing me.

Thank you for asking me to marry you.

Thank you for always growing, deeply loving, and seeking Him daily.

You're an extraordinary man.

You're a beautiful father.

It's a privilege to be your wife.

I will forever be in with love you.

Contentment in spite of circumstances

2009-09-28T19:11:00.000-05:00

I've needed some time to be away from the computer. In fact, during the time away, we have also sold a television. I have literally watched about 2 hours of t.v. in the past two weeks. And I've been on the computer about 1 1/2 hours, at the most. I must tell you....I needed it. I needed to be away. To be focused on hearing God right now.

He has been so good. So sweet. I have no idea what is to come. And I'm okay. Yes, I have moments. I wonder, "HOW is God going to show up for our family?" And then I ~~remember~~ CLAIM Matthew 6:32-34 as my own, which assures me that God knows exactly what I need. He has never abandoned me or left me high and dry. Ever. All I have to do is put Him first. And not worry. No worrying allowed!

So I've spent time with these guys. And loved on them. And let them love on me. Here they were having some water time outside with Daddy.

Look at Braden' eyes. Can you hardly stand it? I look at him and melt. And then I tear up thinking how much Jesus does that when He looks at me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I wish I could explain the depths of all God is doing in our family right now. If ever we've truly desired simplicity, it is now. And we are doing our best to make it happen.

We don't need distractions that don't matter. We need to be focused on all that God is growing us in.

Hopefully down the line I can share some of What I'm Learning.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

These guys were intently working on a project together. I thought they were adorable.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the day winds down and they are resting on the couch, my heart is overwhelmed. And grateful. And blessed.

Out for awhile...

2009-09-19T17:25:00.002-05:00

I have no idea what has happened to my blog! Since last Thursday, I can't add pictures OR videos, which is difficult for blog stories, as we know. I guess that just makes my other decision that much easier....because for right now...I really don't have the time to sit and figure it all out.

I hate to do this, but for now, I need to be focused on some other things around here. I won't be blogging very much...if at all...and hope this is a temporary thing. We have some big "life things" going on. And I really need to FOCUS on making life SIMPLE. I have no idea when I will be fully back...but hopefully soon. So, for now, I may just post once a week, possibly on "What I'm Learning Wednesday". I sure hope I can figure out this picture thing by the next time I post! (Is anyone else using Blogger having this problem??)

I will still enjoy reading your blogs when I can. I love the blogosphere! Too much, I'm afraid.

...Which is why I need to focus on other things for a change. :)

Blessings~

What I'm Learning Wednesday

2009-09-16T08:09:00.006-05:00

Have you ever noticed that sometimes when God is trying to teach you something, he will often bombard you with the message?!

Well, this is my message of bombardment…I am so guilty of worrying about what others might think. Honestly, I’m pretty confident about myself…and quite frankly don’t care too much if you’re impressed with ME. But when it comes to my house…"Katy, bar the door".

It’s so bizarre. For some reason, I struggle with making sure that when you visit me, you KNOW that I have it all together. I may have two toddlers running around, but my house must be neat, tidy and organized when you come to visit. If you happen to stop by unannounced, panic will strike.

I have a house that is in desperate need of updating and repairs, and you’d better believe that I’m always on it. I never stop. Never. My mind is in constant motion about why something isn’t good enough, what I can change, update or paint.

It’s painful for me to admit, but I have truly been discontented. And even embarrassed at times when others have been to visit. And honestly, I have a sweet house. It's crazy thinking. But I get wrapped up in the "comparison game" with other people.

When my grandmother passed away recently, I had the sweet blessing of friends come to our home while the funeral was going on and fill it with food for my family to enjoy afterwards. For two days, I knew this was their plan. Blessed as I felt by their generosity, I am ashamed to admit it now, but I struggled for two days with anxiety over the fact that my sweet friends and extended family would be in my less-than-perfect-in-need-of-updating-house. What in the world would they think?! For it truly was a day all about me, right?

So the day came and went. And guess what? It was a sweet day. And not one person mentioned that I have no landscaping or my carpet is stained. I shudder now at the thought of my concerns on that day! In all actuality, we hugged, ate food together, laughed, told stories, let 20 kids run crazy and enjoyed our time together. I survived it, I’m happy to report.

Then as I thought about how I could thank these precious friends for all their thoughtfulness and hard work for our family on this special day, I asked my Mom.

“How about if you fix them a meal at your house. Maybe a brunch.”

Oh great. Anxiety setting in again. This means they have to come back to my house. They will now really see the chipped paint, the scuffed floors, and the old cabinetry. This is more anxiety than one should have to handle.

Why am I telling you all this? Because God has BOMBARDED me about my sin.

Through various blogs, conversations with friends and even the sermon at church on Sunday, this message is in my face…and hair…and ears…and eyes (you get the picture). I am mortified at my heart attitude, my unconscious ingratitude, and my arrogance/pride at thinking people come to my house to critique it. Maybe, perhaps, they are here because they love me and my family. Maybe they truly don’t notice the lack of landscaping or the stains on the carpet until I point it out to them for the 100th time.

And I have to ask myself….do people feel loved and attended to by me while in my home? Or do I make them uncomfortable by apologizing the entire time for the state of my home? Do I love people enough to concentrate on THEM and make them feel special?

It’s sad for me to admit that NO is how I’d have to answer the above questions a lot of the time. But I think I’m beginning to understand now…God, do you hear that? You can now stop with the messages from heaven on this topic! Please.

So what am I learning?

It’s not all about me….or my house…it’s about people. It’s about relating. It’s about welcoming people in and loving them.

My attitude should be that of thanking God daily for what he has given me and my family. He has given us a place to call home.

I must stop comparing what God has given me to what God has given you. God has been more than generous with his blessings for our family.

Daily I need to thank my husband that he is a great provider and make sure he knows that I appreciate his desire to get our family out of debt.

Be content. And if I can’t muster it naturally, pray for strength.

Know that God’s mercies are new every morning and today is a new day!

Now that I've confessed, you can hold me to it when you come visit.

What is your big “God” lesson for the week? Do you have an area that he bombarding you with his Truth and his grace? You may want to listen.

Tomorrow....

2009-09-15T11:51:00.003-05:00

I am starting a Wednesday post called “What I’m Learning Wednesday”. Sometimes I am learning big life lessons (I’ll be posting about one tomorrow). And sometimes I’m just learning some new recipe, or homemaking skill, or junk repurposing skill.

I’m a firm believer that Iron Sharpens Iron…and whatever you seem to be walking through and hearing from God can possibly help others.

I’m also a firm believer that I can learn to distress and paint old furniture from someone else who already knows how to do it…or is learning to do it.

All that to say, what you are currently learning can have to do with anything….or many things….or some of you may be currently learning nothing. I sure hope not. But whatever it is that you are in fact learning can help others.

Now, obviously with only 8 official followers of this blog…which I know, by the way, that more people do actually read it, as I get your sweet comments (which reminds me….Mom...please sign on as a follower. Ahem.)….I am not a big enough blog to do a link party. BUT, I hope to have guests share their heart. Maybe a particular topic will be an encouragement to you….or maybe just some practical help of some sort.

I think it will be fun. I hope to get a button made. We’ll see if I can get that done in between serving snacks to toddlers and playing Candyland sometime before next week. Hope to see you here tomorrow!

Mini Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins

2009-09-14T11:35:00.010-05:00

OK, I'm so NOT a cooking blog...but that seems to be what I have to share these days, so please bear with me. I'm always on the look-out for healthier, easy, kid-friendly recipes to try out on the family (poor guys). I love to share what we try and like. If you don't cook or don't care, tune out now.

This one this morning was easy, yummy and fun! It was great for my kids.

I can't seem to make this Blogger thing behave, so please excuse all the unnecessary spaces below!

Mini Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins

1 cup flour (I used 3/4 cup whole wheat and 1/4 cup all purpose)

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

2 T sugar (I used Sucanat)

2/3 cup buttermilk

1 egg

2 T pure maple syrup (I used honey)

2 T melted butter

1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat oven to 350
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar in a medium bowl. Stir with a wire wisk.
In a separate bowl, stir buttermilk, egg, maple syrup and melted butter until just combined.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until combined.
Stir in chocolate chips, if using.
Bake 8-9 minutes.

Makes 24 mini pancake muffins.

Let cool slightly and remove from pan. Serve immediately. Can dip in maple syrup. Smile and enjoy!

My 3-year old sure did. Notice the melted chocolate all over his fingers!

He gave this recipe an A+.

Quick-grab burritos

2009-09-10T19:11:00.005-05:00

From time to time, I like to re-stock the freezer. This allows us to have these kinds of weeks, if we need to…and for now, things are a little uncertain. I just like to be prepared. And honestly, I feel more comfortable when I know there is something in the freezer to eat.

Also, I don’t really want to cook everyday, so this allows me, from time to time, to shop the freezer for a quick lunch or dinner.

One of my favorite freezer foods are Beef and Bean Burritos (recipe originally taken from Tammy). These are quick-grab lunches for my husband on his way to work. When these are in the freezer, we don’t have to scramble to prepare a lunch for him as he leaves for work that day. He grabs a couple of burritos and by lunchtime, they are ready for a quick heat and eat.

Here’s how to make them:

Quick Beef and Bean Burritos

2 lb. ground beef
2 cans refried beans (I use non-fat, or sometimes make my own)
1 1/3 cup enchilada sauce
½ cup water
¼ cup minced onion
1 T. chili powder
1 T. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dried oregano
3 cups shredded cheese (any kind is fine)
~20-25 flour tortillas

Brown ground beef and drain. Add all remaining ingredients, except tortillas. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Heat a few tortillas at a time. Spoon ¼ cup beef mixture and put down the middle of each tortilla.

Roll each tortilla and wrap in a paper towel and then wrap in foil.

Refrigerate or freeze.
If freezing, package wrapped tortillas into a freezer bag.

When ready to eat, remove the foil and microwave for 45 -60 seconds. The paper towels keep the burritos moist. If you don’t use a microwave, simply wrap in foil and then heat the burritos in the oven with foil.

When sitting down to eat, top with lettuce, cheese, salsa and sour cream. But they are good as is for grab and go as well!

Pillow talk with a 4-year-old

2009-09-10T08:57:00.003-05:00

I have to admit, this is one of my favorite times of the day to talk with my kids. They're so snuggly and sweet.

Here's a recent conversation:

Me: Did you know that God made you special?

Him: Yes.

Me: The Bible says you are fearfully and wonderfully made. That means there is no other person like you in the whole world.

Him: Yep. (thinking deeply)

Him: (After a long pause) I’m the coolest kid ever made.

You sure rank up there with me, baby.

You can find me somewhere else tomorrow...

2009-09-08T21:32:00.004-05:00

I will be guest posting tomorrow morning at An Accomplished Woman. I'm so excited! If you've never had the privilege of reading this fun blog, then grab a cup of coffee, have a seat and enjoy your time there. Cynthia is such a sweet lady. I enjoy my daily time with her getting inspired and motivated. She is full of great ideas! So head on over there...and I'll see you back here on Thursday.

Have a great day!

A blessing....a challenge....and the blessing of a challenge

2009-09-08T12:17:00.018-05:00

Remember this?

It'll have to wait for now. I have much bigger fish to fry.

As I posted here, my sweet grandmother went to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 3rd. We are still sad at our loss, but so excited for her. She is no longer in pain...and is with my "Daddy K", for the first time in 20 years.

So here is where I get my title for this post:

A blessing:
My grandmother was kind enough to leave some furniture for us grandchildren. I received a dresser, with mirror....2 nightstands...and a queen sized bed, with head and footboards. This is heavy, hard wood furniture, built solid....you know, the way they used to make furniture.

A challenge:
It's so not our personal style. But never fear....sandpaper and a paint brush are near!

The blessing of a challenge:
I just think it's so like God to not only bless our family with new (to us) good quality furniture...that's FREE to us...and has sentimental value. The same God who gave me this strong desire to create, repurpose and make old things new again, gave me a new project (a big one!) to sustain my creative urges in this difficult time for our family. I think that's sweet! And I'm excited. I look forward to sharing the end result with you...hopefully soon.

Here are some pictures of what I'm up against.

Here is one of the nightstands.

It's a little banged up. But hey, that's okay...we like distressed furniture around here. Most likely I'll beat it up some more.

It has some cool detailing.

The hardware isn't bad....kinda cool actually. But I may change it, who knows.

Here is the dresser.

And the mirror. I'm trying not to show the mess on my bed in the mirror. The mess is everything I pulled out of the old dresser and nightstands and threw onto the bed.

I'll probably remove the detailing on the mirror...but you never know.

What suggestions do you have as far as color? My head is just a spinnin' with ideas!

Mummy K

2009-09-06T19:35:00.006-05:00

Immediately after finishing my last post last Thursday, I received word that my precious grandmother, Cathryn Louise Keller, left this earth to be with the Lord at age 92.

We've had a full weekend of tears over our loss, laughter over wonderful memories, time with precious family members, gratefulness of knowing that she rests in the arms of Jesus.

It was a blessing to have been her namesake. She was a remarkable woman.

I will miss you dearly, Mummy K.

Another day in the life of BOYS!

2009-09-03T09:04:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, one of the boy's friends came over to play for an hour or so. Within 5 minutes (no exaggeration!) a lamp in my dining room had been crashed to the floor and a beautiful candle holder cracked. I DO, however, understand the importance of light saber fighting, so I asked them to please continue their "good vs. evil battle" outside.

After awhile they came inside and wanted to play in my 4-year-old's room. I could hear them giggling. Soon the giggling became hilarity and sounded "mischievious" (those of you that have kids know EXACTLY what I'm speaking of!)

This is what I found:

They said they were preparing to do a "show". And my son was to be a dinosaur. OK, how can you get mad at that?!

As I've said before, life with boys is NEVER dull. Not one minute. And I love it.

This is what it is all about.

2009-09-02T22:16:00.007-05:00

I promise that soon I'll get back to my "DIY project" posts, or "homemade kitchen goody" posts or "Mom of two funny toddler" posts or whatever posts you like that, for reasons unknown to me (and for which I am ever grateful!), you like to come visit from time to time. But for now, I am where I am. And I just have to work through it. And sometimes that looks like blogging about it.

Anyway, I wanted to share with you this sweet experience from today. I was cruising some of my favorite blogs and I came across this post today from one of my new blog friends, Kim. As I started to read, I started to cry. What she was saying spoke to me. I actually thought to myself, "she could be talking directly to me", since it was ministering so much to my heart. Well, guess what? She was. As I continued to read, I saw my name. Kathryn. She was addressing the hurt in my life. She was talking to me and several other sweet ladies going through their own difficult situations...and was encouraging us and praying over us.

I don't know about you, but WOW. This blew me over.

This is the body of Christ at work. Women, whom I don't know personally...and who don't know me...are lifting me and my family up to the Lord. There is such power in community. I stand in awe that God is using women I meet through blogging to soothe my heart and keep me focused on Truth.

Thank you, God. And thank you, Kim, for your sweet post. If you haven't already, head over there and read her blog. She has an amazing heart for others. And her post will lead you to the stories of a few other women who really could use your prayers as well.

And thank you, new blog friends (there are others besides Kim) as well as my sweet personal good as gold friends (notice I didn't say "old" friends)...for listening. For praying. For reading. For commenting. For encouraging.

Now, I promise I'll lighten up a bit in the days to come. I've got some new projects I'm working on around here. I'm excited to share!

All things beautiful

2009-09-01T20:34:00.004-05:00

In all honesty, I am struggling a little bit with what to blog about, due to what is going on in our lives right now. It's occupying my brain space and energy.

So I just want to share this sweet gift of God that landed on my patio today.

It was beautiful...and e-n-o-r-m-o-u-s. I've never seen one of these at our house before. It was a sweet gift to me this morning as I fought off feelings of fear for our future. It just reminded me that God makes all things beautiful in its time (Eccles. 3:11).

A little table in need of love

2009-08-30T17:38:00.007-05:00

I was driving with my husband yesterday...and suddenly saw this in front of someone's house:

My husband, who had already started turning the car around, looked at me and said, "We're going back to look at that, aren't we?" He knows me so well.

I can see the swan in this ragged little ugly duckling, which by the way has about 82 layers of previous paint on it.

Cob webs....
Somebody has been hiding this little gem away.

It EVEN previously had some sort of cow on it, right smack in the middle of the front panel. I can't imagine why they took the cow off.

But the top of it has a really cool pattern in the wood.

Stay tuned for the big reveal.....

Where the rubber meets the road.....

2009-08-29T08:22:00.005-05:00

As I tried to "name this post", I wasn't sure it's best named what I named it...or if I should have named it "Stormy Peace". I don't know. I don't know a lot right now. I'm marinating in it all. And trying to Be Still.

As I said in this post, things with my husband's job were to change. They have. Without going into too much complicated detail, our last guaranteed pay check is September 1st. Then....it's all up to God's sovereignty. It really is.

So it's a little stormy in our lives. But my sweet husband and I both feel abounding peace. Strange, huh? In a weird sort of way, I am almost excited to see what God does.

This is where the rubber meets the road. This is where this faith we have is tested. This is where our actions will determine whether we choose to live out that faith. As you know, we have been paying off debt for some time. We will still move forward. But for the immediate, it's not so much about paying off debt as it is about being faithful and frugal and wise with where we are at that particular moment.

This time in our lives is where our children will see. And absorb. And copy. So we pray. And pray. And love each other. And pray some more. And listen carefully.

So what is MY part in this for my family? I'm still obviously trying to figure it out. But this is what I've come up with so far. Besides the above-mentioned activities, I step up my frugality game. I get more creative. I get less-focused on fixing up my old house (for the time being) and get more focused on my family and what's before us. I get intentional about simplifying. And I pray that I do all of this in a gracious way that doesn't cause me to so "inward focus" that I miss opportunities to love others around me.

I'll keep you posted, I'm sure. In the meantime, if you have any wise words for me or my family, I welcome them. Thanks for listening.

More OPJ finds....

2009-08-26T08:57:00.010-05:00

This was a fun find.

I picked them up from a guy in our neighborhood for $20 (all 4 pieces). I'll show you where they end up finding a home in my house. It sure will be fun trying to figure it out!

I absolutely adore all things "chippy". (Except toe nail polish, of course...which I frequently have)

I thought this piece would look great on the wall next to the herb garden we're starting outside. What do you think?

It doesn't take much to delight my heart. And OPJ ranks high on the list!

Make it a great day.

OPJ (Other People's Junk)....ALERT!

2009-08-24T20:38:00.003-05:00

We had a little “mishap” the other day, which included a ball, a ceiling fan and a lamp. I’ll bet you can figure it out from here. Needless to say, I no longer have a lamp on the table in the corner of my family room.

Until today, that is…..

And then I found this little beauty (ok, not a beauty, per se…but it works) by the side of the road, in someone’s bulk trash pile.

I’m not too proud to trash dive….and look how cute! And it costed me NOTHING, except a little clean- up sweat.

Keep alert…you never know what treasure you may find.

Choices

2009-08-24T07:43:00.002-05:00

There are times and situations in life where we have one of two choices: stress out about it OR trust God. Not just say we trust God. REALLY trust him. Sometimes that is much tougher than it sounds.

My family is in a situation right this minute that will either draw us closer to Christ and each other…or it won’t. The choice is ours. In one month, something will happen with my husband’s job. We have no idea what it will look like. It’s scary…and exciting, all rolled into one. It’s scary because it’s unknown. It’s exciting because God knows. And we trust him.

So daily I cling to his words. I cling. That’s all I have. That’s how our family will get through it.

I’m so thankful to be in a place where I truly now realize that knowing, trusting and believing God will show up and provide IS the way to get through it. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be able to really put faith into practice. But oh…how vulnerable it makes me feel. I truly do understand that as difficult a place it might be...it’s a good thing.

I don’t know where you are right now. Are you in a place where you are having to trust God right now? Or are you in one of those precious places where God allows you to enjoy the quiet of no turmoil at the moment? If it’s the latter, thank Him. If it’s the former, bite into his Word. It’s meaty. Digest it. Enjoy it. And thank Him for filling you up. Then wait…and trust…and obey. And watch the hand of God at work. That’s where I am right now.

Little things I love...(Part 1)

2009-08-21T10:54:00.017-05:00

Candles. But mainly my Farmstand Candle in Fresh Picked Apple scent.

Quilts.

God's Truth.

Bounce dryer bars. Love this!

Notice the ad above...."so easy a man could do it". Ouch. But funny.

The best dish cloths ever.

Being creative from "junk".

No, not my picture...but wish that scarecrow were in my backyard....so cute!

Cookbooks.

First day of school

2009-08-20T08:54:00.023-05:00

These boys woke up FIRED UP for the first day of school! They're still too young to realize that some kids don't actually want to go to school. They giggled all the way through breakfast and I could barely get any eggs or toast into their little bodies. Then off we went.

We entered into the cafeteria, which is where all the kids gather before their teacher comes to get them. It was so sweet. My 4-year-old's teacher came in...and he ran up to her and gave her a great big hug. Score...starting off right.

Then......"IT" happened.

I went to tell him good-bye, hugged him and asked him for a kiss as I always do. He shyly turned his head away from me and mouthed the words (as if in slow motion), "no, Mom", in a sweet little "I'm-too-cool-don't-embarrass-me-kind-of-way".

WHAT? SERIOUSLY? He's 4!!!!!!! 4!!!!!!!! Small dagger. I knew this day would come. But ouch.....so soon?

We might as well go get his driver's license tomorrow. I need to go cry now.

Snakes and snails and puppy-dog tails

2009-08-19T17:50:00.014-05:00

Today, the boys and I went to Wal-Mart to pick up last minute items for school tomorrow. They were running loose and we were all laughing. Some people thought we were cute, having fun. Others…not so much. All I know is that my boys and I were laughing and they were happy to be with me.

We moved to the check-out line and this wonderful lady asked me about my boys. "How old are they?" And then noted that they were behaving so well. She had seen us come into the store and thought, “how wonderful that they are all having such a great time together.”

I had to come clean. And I must now, too.

We were indeed having a good time, but this was no more than 45 minutes after I had gotten down on the floor at home, eye level with a 3 and 4-year-old and asked their forgiveness. I said, “Mommy loves you so much. I’m sorry I’ve gotten loud with you so many times today. Mommy has allowed myself to get mad, really mad…and I shouldn’t have. I will not be yelling at you again today. Will you forgive me?” Thankfully, they agreed.

Parenting is hard. So, so hard.

I pray over them every morning. I war over them in prayer. I ask God for wisdom to lead them. And yet, it’s still hard. Thank the Lord I have Him to take all this to, or where would I be?
They go to school tomorrow morning. It’s bitter sweet. Wonderful, because I love their school, their teachers and the fact that Mommy will have 7 hours to refresh two days per week. Bitter, because I’m actually delighted to have them gone for 7 hours and somehow feel I shouldn’t be THIS delighted. I know I will actually miss them, too.

Giving birth to and raising these creatures called boys is an exhausting, wonderful, frustrating, exhilarating , fulfilling adventure!

I thought I’d take a moment and give you a few glimpses into the daily lives of two adorable little boys I know:

Playing Superheroes, with their friend, Chas. Superhero action happens daily around here.

This is what greeted me in my 4-year-old's bedroom today as I went to put up laundry....a giant spider web. Notice the snake it had caught in it's clutches. Eek!

THUS…all these reasons (and so much more) of why I love them so.

Yes, parenting IS hard. But it's such a blessing as well.

Thanks for letting me share my heart. Just trying to keep it real. Thanks for listening.

Vodka.

2009-08-16T17:37:00.015-05:00

Do I have your full attention??

Yes, I bought some of this last weekend. No, my kids didn't send me to drinkin'.....they actually were at their grandparent's house.

I bought it to make homemade vanilla extract. Yep. I've been looking forward to this day for a month. I've been holding on to (and smellin'!) those wonderful vanilla beans I bought more than a month ago, but hadn't made the extract yet, because I hadn't made the liquor store run yet. But I went this weekend...and came out of the store...vodka, paper bag and all.

So here's how this supposedly works:

Buy vanilla beans. Apparently, this is a great price (and where I bought them from).

Take these three ingredients...vodka, vanilla beans and an air tight container (basket not necessary). I used mason jars, of course.

Take 4 vanilla beans and slice down the middle with a sharp knife, opening the bean up. Then cut into 1/2" - 3/4" pieces.

Pour 1 cup of vodka into your airtight container of choice.

Add vanilla beans to your container and shake vigorously.

Store it away in a cool, dark place. It will take 30 days for the extract to mature. Take the container out one time each day for 30 days and shake vigorously.

I stored mine in the cabinets above my refrigerator. It's not exactly the easiest to get to daily to shake, but it's the coolest, darkest place in my kitchen that my kids can't get to and consume. Boy, I'd have a situation on my hands!

At the end of 30 days, strain the liquid through a coffee filter or colander to use. You can also put it in a decorative jar to give away.

Since I've never made it before, I'll let you know on September 12th how it turns out!

Amusing

2009-08-12T09:55:00.002-05:00

If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers. ~Edgar W. Howe

'Nuff said.

TA-DA!

2009-08-10T20:59:00.009-05:00

You'll notice it is now dark outside in the video. I'm finally done. You'll also notice I have no words left. I'm exhausted. A third thing you will probably notice is that I need to decorate this room...or do a mistreatment or something. That is for another very long day.

But I want to end my day showing you this:

Here is my little farmboy in the making.

Makes this Mama's heart so proud!

FULL disclosure..be afraid, be very afraid!

2009-08-10T10:54:00.013-05:00

Let me start this post by asking...have you ever seen what pancakes look like after they have been on the hot griddle for for 1 1/2 hours?

I have. Don't ask me how I know this.

They look like frisbees. But they actually didn't burn! Can you believe it? I can still consume them. They are like crispy, sweet things. Not preferable, I know...but that's making lemonade outta lemons, don't you think? And very frugal.

Today, the boys are at an all-day play date (YIPPEE!), so I am still trying to unpack us, wash clothes and get back to being organized after our trip last week.

Also, I am in the middle of making a chalkboard for my 4-year-old out of a huge, OLD picture frame I found at a yard sale for $1. Again, I would've taken a "before" picture, if I had a camera.
But guess what...I will have a camera.....it's coming on Thursday!!! I'm so excited. I feel like I'll be able to keep up with blogging much better. So, I'll show you the finished chalkboard then, as well as some more projects we have in the works over here.

But here's the full disclosure part (please see what I'm about to show you with eyes of grace)... and if my friend, Mary the Organizer is watching, TURN AWAY NOW.

I'd better get busy. Kid-free time is a tickin' away!

Lesson from Lucy.

2009-08-08T07:54:00.007-05:00

Dogs…they are like children, only with lots of hair.
But the one beautiful difference is that she’s never upset with me. Never.

I can fuss at her for pooping in the garage or vomiting on the carpet or stealing food out of the trash can…and she is still glad I’m her mom.

I can go 3 years without paying much attention to her (that was back when I had an 18 month-old and a newborn…things are much different now...so calm down, people)…and she still loves me.

I can hear the pitter patter of little feet in the house as she will run from one room to the next…just to be near me. She smiles (as much as dogs do) when I stop in my day and acknowledge her or touch her. She loves my attention.

What if that were how in-tune I was with my Provider and Caretaker? What kind of relationship would I have with him if I constantly sought to be near him? What if I didn’t pout every time he didn’t do things my way…but instead understood that he is Daddy…and knew he always had my best interest at heart?

Thankfully, God IS that faithful to me. Unbelievable. He never leaves me. Even if I "scream" at him in my discussions, or express strong feelings about something in my life, he never turns his back. He IS big enough to handle that, by the way. He is very slow to anger and always listens.

Thanks, Lucy, for helping me to see a miniscule glimpse of God’s abounding love… and reminding me how powerful my relationship with him could be if I just gave like you do.

Since the initial writing of this post, I laughed as I overheard my 4-year-old telling my 3-year-old that "Lucy isn't a dog that protects us....she's only a dog that lays down." How right he is.

Believe it or not...gift-giving season is fast approaching

2009-08-07T07:56:00.007-05:00

Please don't think my child materialistic...or excessive...think him 4-years-old.

Shopping for Christmas or birthdays to date has been okay, but I never knew what to give him. Unlike other kids, it seemed, he didn't have any strong opinions about what he wanted. It was a shot in the dark. We usually ended up getting him toys that looked fun to us and hoped he thought so too.

I can safely tell you....that is no longer the case. Watch this.

Guess I'd better start shopping (and obviously saving more money!). But truth be told...it's getting more fun!

Balance

2009-08-05T09:47:00.003-05:00

We just rolled in late last night. It feels so good to be home!

Our 11-hour journey coming home yesterday wasn't as "Norman Rockwell" as the journey there, but we made it safely and relatively sanely. Truly, I'd have to say that my boys did incredibly well seeing as they had to remain strapped in a car seat for hours upon hours. Can't you remember the days when we used to lay sprawled out across a seat to sleep...or jump from the front to the back seat and back again when we needed to get some energy released? It used to be easier for sure....but much less safe.

So we're home. And the boys start K3 and K4 in 15 days. Unbelievable! This summer has flown by! We are trying to fit in one more trip to see grandparents (without Mom and Dad...which means Mom and Dad will be home alone! Yahoo!) between now and then as well. These would be the Texas grandparents...not out-of-state ones.

So for the next 2 weeks, we must pursue a balance. We have to get ready for school, yes...but we need to enjoy the last few days together before the school routine sets in.

We need to get closets rotated with "new" clothes out of the garage. We have bins and bins of hand-me-downs from cousins and good friends....we are truly blessed. We need to get backpacks and school supplies. We need to set up our school year schedule, in terms of chores and bed times and such, and start getting back on schedule.

BUT, we also need to swim while we can. We need to eat more watermelon while it's available and make more homemade ice cream. We need to play as much as we can while it's still summer.

So we will try to keep it all in balance. We will be intentional about enjoying this sweet season God has given us. And we will thank him for the summer memories when it is over....

Our week...

2009-07-31T09:19:00.003-05:00

First to update you....my night away was heavenly. It truly was. I enjoyed quiet time....in the middle of the day, not just in the wee morning hours. It was remarkable. All that God was able to speak to my heart when it was quiet.....

those are truly treasured moments.

That massive recipe notebook project...I would love to say it is completed. It's not.

First of all, it is an enormous project. I didn't realize how enormous. So I didn't finish it. But I was able to organize it. That, in itself, was an accomplishment. Secondly, I really didn't push myself to finish. I enjoyed just being and relaxing while there.

I also got hooked on this mini series on the Hallmark channel, called Unspoken Love (I believe). When else would I have the luxury of watching a mini series? It is a beautiful story of this amazing family in the pioneer days. What a treat to be able to indulge in!

Since returning on Sunday, we had a full week of preparing for a drive to Mississippi to see the boy's grandparents. That's where we are now. We spent a few days getting clothes washed and packed, packing food, and getting "car activities" for the boys figured out. All of this was then put together in a small SUV with a 3 and 4-year-old, for an 11-hour drive. I have to admit, I was dreading it. And was a little unnerved with my sweet husband who was determined we could do it in one day.

Well, it went beautifully! Our little guys were champions and we actually enjoyed our close-proximity family time together. Only God can do that.

We will be back home next week...and so blogging will resume. I can't wait to catch up on reading other blogs, too! Until then....

$20 update~

2009-07-24T10:18:00.009-05:00

Remember this post? I wanted to give you an update on how the week went. We actually did it! We spent $19.63 on groceries this week! ($6.99 at Costco for a 3-pack of soymilk and $12.64 at Sprouts for fresh fruits and vegetables).

We made it work by living out of the pantry and freezer. I've been working for a few months now to plan our food well, so that we have excess to freeze for later. And you'd be surprised how much stuff is lurking in your pantry that you will tend to pass over because there are better options. Also, we were blessed to have 18 eggs thrown our way (well, not thrown) last Saturday.

Granted, we ran out of orange juice and eggs by Wednesday, but we improvised and barely felt it.

Amazingly, here it is Friday (our last day, since I shop on Saturdays) and I still have a frig FULL of food. It may not be the healthiest, but my sweet friend, Colleen, brought by 3 large pizzas and 4 dozen buffalo wings last night, left over from an event she worked for Dominos pizza. That should be able to fill my kiddos and husband up while I am gone for the weekend!

So, thank you for those who encouraged us and cheered us on. It was much easier than I thought it would be. I plan to incorporate more of those shopping weeks between now and Christmas. Just THAT little savings could pay for our entire Christmas...and then some.

On another, more serious note.....

PLEASE, please, please...take the time to head over to Nesting Place TODAY....right now. She tells of a lovely, Godly family that needs our prayers. I WILL be praying for their sweet daughter, Kate. I hope you, too, want to be a part of what God is doing here.

Have a blessed weekend! I'll be back on Monday.....

Somebody pinch me!

2009-07-23T14:36:00.013-05:00

My man…

There are so many reasons he won my heart. I could go on and on. But I won’t right now. I will tell you that one of the reasons I love him so….is that he GETS me. He understands how I am wired. Even when I don’t always get me.

He knows that I need time alone. From time-to-time, I need time to focus on a project…kid-free; sleep without one ear open for a “Mommy cry out”; read or just sit in silence and think; or even go potty by myself. That’s just the way I’m wired.

So guess what my hunk a burnin' love did for me?! This very weekend he is giving me about 28 hours….ALONE. Let me say it again…it’s almost too hard to believe….

I am spending 28 glorious hours alone this weekend.

Yep, I think I even heard myself correctly. Now I will pinch myself.

But actually, it’s not alone per se….but it’s doing whatever my heart desires. I will set out on Saturday AM (8:00, to be exact) and hit the garage sales, with a Venti coffee in hand. Then I’ll have lunch with my friends, Amy and Pam. Then I’ll do a little bit of necessary family deal-shopping and such, since it’s Saturday, my usual shopping day, and I can’t shirk ALL responsibility. Then I meet another friend for coffee at 4:00.

But THEN, I will land here for the night:

Ahhhhh......

This is what my night will look like:

I will watch the tv shows of my choice…or none at all.

I will read my books…or not.

I will catch up on magazines...or go ahead and throw them in a recycle bin somewhere because free time to just look and read is so rare...and I know they won't ever get read.

I will sleep or maybe listen to music.

But my main objective is to work on this:

I will come home with a fully functional and organized set of recipe books. Alas, I have time to do this project that has hung over my head for almost 5 years now! Let me pinch myself again.

I also hope to come home well-rested, and ready to take on the second half of summer with two toddler boys! Amen.

Not a "fancy" jelly maker!

2009-07-22T13:08:00.009-05:00

Oh, how I wish I could actually can and preserve. For one, I don’t have the supplies…yet. Secondly, I’m not fully sure how to do it. But my goal, by the end of 2009, is to do both!

I do, however, make my own freezer jam. I sent my husband to the store for more pectin. When he asked the grocery lady where to find it, she said, “you mean there are people in Dallas that still do that?!”

OK…it dawned on me that some people have no idea how easy it is! If the lady at the store knew how easy it was, she wouldn’t have asked to talk to me on my husband’s cell phone to get the 411 on how to do it. For those of you who are REAL canners and preservers, please just humor us amateurs and pretend this is a really big deal that we can do this.

OK, here's how you do it. Drum roll, please.

Step 1: Have clean jars ready to go.
Step 2: Buy some FREEZER JAM pectin. It will specify “freezer jam”.
Step 3: Wash your fruit of choice. You don't have to drown yours in water like I did...I'm just too lazy to wash individual fruit pieces.
Step 4: Dice fruit.
Step 5: Stir together the freezer jam pectin and 3 ½ cups of sugar (or sucanat or rapadura, or whatever you choose).
Step 6: Add diced fruit. Stir (for 3 minutes, I think).
Step 7: Pour into clean jars.
Step 8: Let sit on counter for 30 minutes to “harden” a little bit.
Step 9: Freeze or eat. (Will last in freezer up to 1 year….will last opened in frig up to 3 weeks)
Step 10: Consume on toast or ice cream or crepes or whatever tickles your fruit fancy!
Step 11: If your choice was consumption, now walk away…you’re gonna want more!

We love making it...but love eating it more! Hope you can take advantage of the wonderful produce right now and all the great prices...and make some as well.

One Sale a Day

2009-07-21T13:58:00.003-05:00

Molly over at Econobusters mentioned this site this past weekend. Interesting. She said that she has gotten some really great deals, and has even begun to stock up for Christmas gifts using this. Mercy me...is Christmas approaching again?!

I plan to watch this site closely. Let me know if you decide to take advantage of any of these sales!

I cheated...

2009-07-21T08:22:00.002-05:00

I confess it.

I cheated on my hairdresser.
Don’t ever, ever do that, if you trust and like your hairdresser.

I wanted to copy someone else’s hair. Someone younger...with longer, more beautiful locks than I. So…I went to her hairdresser, thinking that my hair would instantly be transformed into goddess hair.

Just so you know....it doesn’t work that way.

My husband said I looked strangely similar to Joan Jett…in the 80’s. NOT the look I was going for.

I did have to go to confession to my own hairdresser, who graciously didn’t gasp out too loud. She forgave me, and set out to do damage control.

A couple of months have passed. I still don’t have goddess locks like my friend. But I no longer look like an 80’s rock star. There’s hope.

Lessons learned:
(1) Don’t cheat on your hairdresser.
(2) Don’t assume that all hair carries the same haircut the same way.
(3) Don’t try to copy the hair of a young 20-something beauty queen, without first seeing if it’s even a possible with the texture of your own hair.

Hair, after all, is very important. It’s our crown, right? At least according to Proverbs 16:31. Oh wait, never mind…I think that verse says gray hair is a crown of splendor….I’m not fully ready to go there just yet.

Their Daddy would be so proud!

2009-07-20T11:42:00.003-05:00

I guess long gone are the days of “Mommy, can I watch Curious George?” or “Mommy, can I watch Diego?” Their Daddy introduced them to MAN VS. WILD. Great.

So now on this rainy morning, when they asked for a television show, they asked to watch Bear Grylls because they like when he bites the head off of a live fish, eats worms or flowers, or spears and fillets piranhas…all in the name of survival.

Boys truly ARE made differently than us girls. And truth be told, I’m glad they are.

Changed forever

2009-07-20T09:28:00.004-05:00

This great little book called Fields of the Fatherless was introduced to me by my friend, Renee. I think it was totally a “God thing”. Eye-opening. Powerful. A peek into God’s heart in regards to the “unloved”.

I was interested in reading this book because my husband and I have an interest in possibly adopting a baby down the line. We both thought it sounded cool…and would be fun to have a baby in the house again. And why not help someone in the process, right? But I have to admit, I didn’t think much deeper than that.

And I knew it. I knew I really didn’t understand the heart of God in the matter. I really wasn’t aware of HIS thoughts. So I asked him to show me.

Boy, did he?! And then some.

I am forever changed. I wish I could encapsulate the actual “feelings” I had while reading this book. I know it’s similar to right after you watch an impactful movie, you feel changed and ready to do something about your changed heart. That is how I felt while reading this book and immediately afterwards. I may not still have the “camp experience high” about the topic now, but I have new information. I have a new mindset. I cannot see God…and loving others…the same.

One thing I did not expect to receive from this book was just awareness of all kinds of “fatherless”, not just orphans. My heart breaks for my grandmother now. It mainly breaks due to my own guilt about not “seeing her” with the right heart…not loving her well…not spending time with her. She is still here on this earth. At least in body…mind, not so much. There is still time for me to love her and to let her know she is loved. I thank God that he helped me see these last days with her in his light.

God, please continue to shine your light on people I need to love. I want to be your hands and your feet. Help me to not be so absorbed in my own stuff, but to take time to love others…and please your heart above all.

I challenge you to open this short easy read and see what God says to your heart. I dare ya.

It's the simple things in life....

2009-07-19T11:15:00.007-05:00

My brother and sister-in-law live on 40 acres out in the country. They raise chickens to produce their eggs.

When we were out at their house yesterday, they gave us 18 farm fresh eggs. What a sweet, simple blessing.

Taste and see that he Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8

Frugal shopping plan

2009-07-18T09:22:00.013-05:00

We budget $100 per week for groceries. I used to never be able to reach that goal. Then I started trying to reach that goal, and it became attainable. Then, Crystal, motivated me even more. She spends $40 per week on groceries for her family. Of course, she is the couponing and deal-finding champion, but I thought to myself… “I can’t imagine doing $40 per week, but what if I try for $80 or even $60?” So I tried. Last week I spent $65. And trust me, we have not been starving! In fact, if anything, we NEED to cut back. We’ve eaten heartily. Confession: I did, however, use an additional $25 for a treat for myself. I bought some vanilla beans. I plan to try to make my own vanilla extract. (I got them in the mail yesterday...so I'll post about the vanilla extract-making soon.) So my total for the week was $90. But all in all, I know I can spend $65 per week on groceries, if I don't make any additional special purchases.

We never did participate in the No Spend Month in July, due to various reasons...so I’m constantly trying to do what I can to help us pay off debt faster. I have planned my menu for next week. Here is my challenge….and I want you to hold me to it. I plan to spend only $20 on groceries for next week. Yep, that's right. I’ll let you know at the end of next week how it went and if I was able to make it happen.

Wish me luck!

OPJ…Other people’s Junk

2009-07-17T13:59:00.004-05:00

I love other people’s junk! What does that make me?...A junkie?

I just took an old screen door out of the pile of bulk trash sitting in front of my neighbor’s house last week. It doesn’t fit anything at my house and I have no idea what I will do with it. But that is the beauty…I WILL find something! That’s probably why I have become so fond of Funky Junk Interiors. Go check it out.

I am starting to get addicted to Craigs List. I think it so much fun to see what bargains are out there. Today I went to go pick up 23 Mason Jars, of varying sizes, for $15. I like to use them for homemade jellies, taking soup or salad dressings with meals to others, making homemade buttermilk, for drinking out of, and of course, decorating. Candles and flowers look great in them! I suppose you could also use them for collecting things, like Wendy at Shabby Nest mentioned here. My goal is to learn to can and preserve more by next year, so the more jars, the merrier.

What junk do you have that you can repurpose in your house?
Or better yet…what junk do you have that I may want? :)

Potty training....

2009-07-17T08:41:00.003-05:00

I’m sorry, this will be the death of me. Literally, my 3 year old needs to learn to do this before I die. I know…he most likely will not go to college with this malfunction. If he does, I truly will call it quits.

I am currently in this tension between “control” (his and mine), will, obedience, anger (mine) and grace. I know this is an over-spiritual way to look at poop, but how would Jesus act in my situation? Seriously. I can’t seem to find it anywhere in the Bible.

So, I just have to ask him to help me know the right way to behave and respond…and to have patience only he can supply. If you have any tips for me, I’ll gladly seek any wise counsel on this stinky topic.

On a sweeter smelling note, go read this fabulous post today by Ruthie at Sugar Pie Farmhouse. It will get your mind right and your perspective clear. I obviously need to go there again right now.

Lessons from Facebook

2009-07-16T09:07:00.003-05:00

I thought I was really hip when I signed up for Facebook. I had been to my 20-year high school reunion and was convinced by some that I needed to. I really don’t have time to “do” Facebook, but succumbed to pressure anyway. Now…Twitter??? I am so not hip. I don’t even know what that is. Maybe one day I’ll be cool.

Anyway, I enjoy some things about Facebook. I really don’t use it enough to understand the ins and outs of it, but I like peering into the lives of others. Maybe it’s the nosy side of me.

But there is a downside. Once I look into the lives of others (namely through their pictures), sometimes I feel inadequate or that their lives are much more “together” than my own.

I just reconnected with a friend from about 8 years ago. I am so delighted to see that she is doing well. Really well. From all appearances, she is living a “Ken and Barbie” life. She’s beautiful, trendy and has a gorgeous “mini-Barbie” daughter.

Then I have another delightful friend from high school…who I deeply love, by the way. From all appearances, she is doing fabulously. She has a gorgeous, large home; friends by the handful; she’s gorgeous…and seriously doesn’t look ANY different than she did in 1988! She’s got 5 beautiful and active children and a sweet husband who is delightful to look at.

OK, seriously?! I’m starting to think there is nothing like Facebook to make you feel not-so-good-about yourself. Or is it just me? Am I that easily swayed into comparing my life with others?

I turn 40 this year. Thank God. As unsure of who I am at almost 40 sometimes….I was even more uncertain at 30. Turning older is truly a good thing. I just want the confidence to do it gracefully!

So anyway, at almost 40, I am just NOW able to discern between lies and truth.

Lie: Other people have better lives.
Truth: Other people have different lives.

Lie: Other people have no problems.
Truth: We all have problems.

Lie: These girls look better at their age now than they did “back then”.
Truth: They’ve had work done.
TOTALLY KIDDING. … They just look beautiful!

Lie: God has blessed them more.
Truth: God has blessed us all. My blessings may just look different.

I could go on and on, but what I know for sure is this:

(1) GOD’s Truth is that I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 149:14), as are my sweet friends.
(2) Anything I have is because God has given it (Job 1:21b). As is true for them.
(3) I am right where God wants me to be, because he is sovereign. They are where God has them in their lives as well.
(4) Appearances and truth may not always match up completely, so I am to always keep my eyes heavenward….not on everyone else’s blessings…or business.

So as I Facebook or Tweet or whatever the next newest cool thing is (because of course I want to be cool at 40!)….
I choose to cling to this verse:

Teach me YOUR way, O Lord,
and I will walk in YOUR truth;
give me an UNDIVIDED heart,
that I may fear YOUR name.
Ps. 86:11

It's nice to be back with you. I feel more refreshed. Thank you.

Break....

2009-07-01T09:42:00.005-05:00

I have decided to take some time off from blogging.

I need to focus on some things around here, and not on the fact that "I can't come up with something to write about today". :) And I need to figure out a way to get a camera...cheap! Remember, we're paying off debt. But to me, my blogging is deeply lacking without the ability to ever document in pictures. I feel like I lose many simple moments to show you...ones where words are not even needed.

Enjoy your summer. I hope to come back with a camera...some great thoughts to contribute...and a more organized blog. However, I do plan to continue reading the wonderful blogs I regularly enjoy.

Have a wonderful 4th!

Anyone share these feelings?

2009-06-29T10:53:00.005-05:00

I can't believe what a writer's block I am having! This summer is overtaking me. Or should I say, a 3-yr-old and a 4-yr-old are overtaking me?! :)

I KNOW there are things going on in my heart, I'm just not sure how to express them in the 10 minutes of free time I have a day to do so. And come evening, I have only enough energy to crawl into the bed. I sound like such a wienie! How do all these moms of little ones do it?! I read the blogs of these "Super Star" women with 6 children, who wake up, clean the whole house, make homemade cinnamon rolls and paint the entire house....all before breakfast, all the while changing a baby's diaper with one hand...and crocheting a Christmas sweater with the other. Well, that might be a slight exaggeration.... But the thought of being able to do that is (a) exhausting; and (b) exhilerating!

I am such a task-oriented, check-list kind of girl. I have, for that very reason, had much frustration this summer. Mainly, because my to-do project list for my house is growing and my time to do it is shrinking. I'm learning that if I can't do it "right" or "right now", it causes me much anxiety. God is teaching me to SIT in my anxiety. And let me tell you, that is so against the grain of my nature. I spoke in this post about how summer had become a time of freedom and letting go of schedules. I have to admit, there are moments when I am losing my mind. I am so wanting to fully grasp the idea of relaxing... and going with the flow. And I think I've come a long way, baby.

What about you? Do you ever have these feelings as well? Or am I an island in this?

$200 basket giveaway

2009-06-24T08:58:00.010-05:00

Sandy over at 4 Reluctant Entertainers is giving an opportunity to win a coupon for a custom gift basket by The Baby Basket Company or Planet Gift Baskets.

All you have to do is head over to Sandy's blog and leave a comment about whether or not you like to keep gifts on hand in a gift closet...or whether you are a last-minute shopper. It's that easy! Then you'll be entered in the drawing for a custom basket. The winner will be notified on Thursday.

I entered! I love gift baskets...to give...and receive. :)

Kitchen catch-up time

2009-06-23T12:38:00.012-05:00

When I think about blogging lately, I think "I don't have anything interesting to say!" I am enjoying reading other people's blogs. They are generally much more interesting!

I'm also spending time figuring out all the home improvement projects I plan to take on now..and which ones I will tackle when the boys go back to school. I've been moving furniture around in the house and deciding what all to take my paint brush to...and what to take a can of spray paint to. One or the other...it's bound to happen! I'm feeling creative.

But so far today has been one of those days where "the sun, the moon and the stars lined up". The boys were happy for an extended amount of time to play nicely together. (Notice the bolded words. THAT's the amazing part.) Anyway, it allowed me to get caught up on making some things I needed to make in the kitchen.

The boys have been requesting pancakes in the mornings, but we've been out of syrup. So I made some homemade maple syrup.

I made some homemade chocolate syrup...to make the boys some chocolate milk ocassionally...and to drizzle on homemade vanilla ice cream next time we make it! Yum....

I made the boy's favorite granola cereal. The boys (their Daddy included) eat it up as soon as it is ready!

I made some more homemade buttermilk.

I mixed up more homemade laundry detergent.

I made some homemade wheat bread. (Actually, today, the bread machine made it for me)

I put together my menu plan for the remainder of this month. I am trying to get better at monthly menu planning. With our casual summer, I haven't been as diligent.

And then I was able to work in the tomato garden .... picking.... weeding... watering... working on stabilizing chicken wire, as the weight of the tomatoes is pulling the wire over. The boys...and their Momma...are enjoying the mounds of cherry tomatoes coming in. Actually they won't eat them....but they like to pick them. I'm selfishly glad they don't like to eat them.

In case you want the three recipes above that haven't been mentioned in a previous post....

Homemade Granola

1 cup butter or margarine

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

7 1/2 - 8 cups oatmeal

In a large saucepan, melt the butter and the brown sugar together. Stir it up and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add the salt and cinnamon, then the oatmeal. Remove pot from heat and stir until all the oatmeal is coated. Spread the granola onto 2 cookie sheets (with sides) and bake at 375 for 10 minutes, until golden brown. Cool granola completely on pan, then break into pieces and transfer to an airtight container. Add raisins, nuts or other dried fruit, if desired.

Homemade Chocolate Syrup

1/2 cup cocoa

1 cup water

2 cups sugar

1/8 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. vanilla

In a 2 quart saucepa, mix the cocoa and water with a wire whisk and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add the sugar and continue to stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture t a full rolling boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and boil for a full 3 minutes. Remove the sytrup from the heat and add the salt and vanilla and stir to blend. Pour the syrup into a clean pint sized canning jar (or old ketchup bottle or chocolate syrup container). Store in the refrigerator. This can be used in place of store-bought chocolate syrup. It's yummy!

100% Whole Wheat Bread (Made in a Bread Machine)

Put ingredients in your machine in the order listed for your particular machine. My order is listed below:

1 1/2 tsp. Active Dry Yeast

3 1/4 cups Whole Wheat Flour

1 1/2 tsp. Salt

2 TBL Non-fat Dry Milk

2 TBL Oil

3 TBL Molasses

1 cup + 3 TBL Water (approx. 80 degrees)

Can add millet or sunflower seeds or the like to make the bread more "grainy" or nutty.

The rest of the day is POOL TIME! Ahhhhh...summer....

A tribute to the Dads in my life...

2009-06-20T23:44:00.003-05:00

This man has been a powerful influence my entire life:

strength
example
courage
persistence
faith
generosity
absolute unconditional love
faithfulness
incredible patience
kind
self-controlled
great character
integrity
...My blessing, my Daddy.

This man is the joy of my life and the king of my heart:

encourager
faithful
persistent
gracious
strong
affectionate
loving
peaceful

kind
good
fun
great sense of humor
wonderful communicator
gentle
great character
integrity
discerning
leader
My best friend
...The proud Daddy of our two boys and my gift from God.

Thank you both for your remarkable presence in my life.
Happy Father's Day to both of you!

This month's financial progress report

2009-06-19T07:27:00.008-05:00

I finally got my numbers together to give you this month's progress report. In last month's report , we were 59% to our goal. I told you in this post that I didn't think we had done so well this month, with all the additional "summer expenses" we took on. I'm here to report that God is a good and faithful God! We are now at 64% to our goal!

I also told you in this post that we were planning to participate in the No Spend Month Challenge in the month of July. After evaluating all the traveling we will be doing in that month, we decided that is not feasible for us to do for that month. So, my goal is to dramatically reduce the amount of money I am spending in groceries and personal/household categories in our budget for the remainder of the summer. We'll see what we can do with that...I'll let you know how it goes. Hopefully we can have a No Spend Month another time. I'd aim for August, but with "back to school", there are certain to be expenses along with that.

So, we continue...with hearts and eyes upward...moving forward. Even if we're crawling.

Summer time....

2009-06-16T13:38:00.003-05:00

I crack myself up.

Before school was out, I actually made a schedule for our summer. Not only the big events, like swimming lessons, or vacation bible school, or trips to see grandparents....I'm talking about a daily schedule. I assumed that with all the extra hours together (me and the kiddos), that we would surely need "activity" to fill the "dead spaces". The boys needed to still be learning. They needed to continue to be creative. They always need time to be active and burn energy. They needed to stay on a schedule. And of course, I scheduled in some fun. (It sounds so crazy as I write it)

This is what I've learned from our summer so far.

There is no schedule. We don't do anything...at all...the same...from day-to-day (except swimming lessons these past two weeks, because we HAVE to be there). We're not practicing our ABC's and 123's everyday. We may not even touch a book on a particular day. There has not been a consistent bedtime, at all. (side note: unfortunately we all still wake up at the same time each day, though!) We have not done daily crafts. We have not stayed in a routine.

Instead, this is what we have done:

We have learned to swim.
We have learned to fish.
We have enjoyed the sunlight of the day to the fullest.
We instilled a chore chart and made it fun....with lots of opportunity for trips to the dollar store!
We have discovered the library (with no pressure to meet goals, but only to enjoy the gift of new books to read).
We have spent time with family.
We have enjoyed our friends.
We have started memorizing a Bible verse a week. (There is nothing more precious or heart-tugging than to hear a brand new 3-yr-old say...."children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right...Ephesians 6:1") Can I get an AMEN?!
We have started drinking iced coffee, instead of hot coffee (obviously I'm not referring to the little ones in my house)
We try to have one bible story a day, in the mornings. I think we've read about David and Goliath for 2 straight weeks, per requests from the audience. That's a fun one for boys!

This is some of what I have learned so far:

I have learned to relax in my expectations of "how my house will look" everyday...and enjoy my kids instead.
I have learned that my growing list of projects will have to wait until fall, most likely, when the kids go back to school.
I have learned to make some new, healthy recipes from scratch.
I have re-learned to work out consistently.
I have learned to apply sunscreen liberally (I now realize what each compounding summer is doing to my face and skin) and am teaching my kids that this is just what you do before swimming.
I have been reminded, through daily time with the Lord, that he is a God...rich in love, grace, forgiveness, promises, hope, faithfulness...and his WORD is TRUTH. I have enjoyed the richness of my mornings with him.
My husband and I have reinstated date night and time with each other alone.

This is what I hope to accomplish and/or learn by summer's end:

Learn to laugh more with my kids.
Learn to greet my husband better when he walks in the door after a long day of work.
Learn to put people ahead of schedules/routines.
Learn to let myself off the hook for not accomplishing as much as ____________ . We all have one of those ladies we like to compare ourselves to, don't we?
Look back at the summer time that is now past with no regrets for the way the time was spent.

How is your summer going?

Couponing....and financial update to come

2009-06-13T08:00:00.018-05:00

I've been asked by a couple of people to consider giving a small "course" on couponing and how we save so much money around here with grocery shopping. First of all, let me reiterate....I still have so much to learn myself. There are many who do this so effortlessly and I am in awe of them.

But, if you are interested, and would like to know how to use coupons and how it all works, there is a crash course offered in how to maximize your savings with grocery shopping.

It's a FREE coupon e-course offered by ChoysterCash.com and you'll get ten short lessons delivered to your inbox--one each Monday--which will walk you through simple step-by-step instructions on how to save hundreds of dollars each year by using coupons. Go here to sign up.

Secondly, if you ever wonder where you can get great coupons from...Gina, from Moneywise Moms, re-ran an old post today about all the places to find them. It's a great, thorough resource. Go check it out.

And finally, for my own personal disclosure....I need to give you a financial update for this month. But first... I need to have a budget meeting with my sweet guy to see exactly where we are. It's been a rough month with traveling out of state, a birthday party and miscellaneous summer activity expenses (like swimming lessons). I don't think we've had as productive a month as I had hoped. I'm not feeling great about it, but I'll update you shortly.

We're running off to a toddler pajama/pancake party now! That should get my mind right.

Storm!

2009-06-11T09:28:00.005-05:00

Last night we had a huge storm blow in. High winds. Dark clouds. Fierce rain. Lightning. Thunder. City sirens going off. The whole 9 yards!

So I threw (almost literally) my 3 and 4-year-olds into the bathtub around 7:00 pm. They were coated in dirt and needed a quick bath. All of sudden, lights out. Pitch black.

Feeling my way around, we found one working flashlight (after handling 3 or 4 unworking ones....note to self....get some batteries).

We proceeded to get jammies on the little guys, grab the dog, some pillows, a blanket and our one flashlight and climb into the closet in my son's room. As we listened to the city sirens, we sat there singing Jesus Loves Me, the ABC song, and whatever else came to mind. We prayed for Daddy's safety and waited for him to get home. And we had no idea what was really going on outside, since we had no power and couldn't watch the weather. Was there a tornado? Was it just a big storm?

All I know is that my kids had a ball! How fun is hanging out in the closet, in the dark, with the family dog and a flashlight?! Not an everyday activity, I assure you.

As the evening progressed, Daddy made it home safely. We finally got the boys to sleep. We all slept in one big sweaty pile in Mom and Dad's bed. Actually, Dad slept on the couch in his own sweat. The boys tossed and turned all night from the sticky heat on our t-shirt sheets (yuck!) I tried not to worry all night about the food in my frig and two outside freezers.

The power (and thus, the air conditioner, hallelujah!) finally kicked on about 5:15 am. NOW the sound sleep can begin!!! :)

We're now home, sitting in the house, watching the pouring rain happen outside (still), wondering if swim lessons is canceled in an hour and a half. (Mommy hopes so!) But my 4-year-old keeps opening the back sliding door, yelling at the "stinky rain" for messing up his morning plans. Hey, I like a kid who can express himself.

Have a great day! We'll be cozied up at home most of the day.

Summer squash

2009-06-09T12:28:00.004-05:00

My sweet friend, Colleen, gave our family some yummy fresh squash out of her garden. The squash was wonderful...and the gesture was beautifully appreciated. Thanks for sharing your garden goodies with us!