Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Inspired to do better...
I've been reading some excellent material lately! Go read these posts and see if you don't get inspired!
My Reality Show Rattling Around
My Reality Show Rattling Around
Labels: Misc
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
States Visited
Places I remember going...including my childhood:
create your own personalized map of the USA or check out ourCalifornia travel guide
Places we have been since we married... (we've lived in 5 of these!)
Places we have been since we married... (we've lived in 5 of these!)
create your own personalized map of the USA or check out ourCalifornia travel guide
Labels: Just for fun
A Homemaker Meme
I picked up this meme over at
Sunshine's Country Days and liked it because it's about one of my favorite subjects: Home...and the keeping of it. I would love to have a few of you do this one...but I don't want to tag anyone who doesn't like it...I'm a little insecure and the rejection would be enormous! ;-) Please feel free to participate and leave me a note if you do, so I can come by and read your answers.
Here goes:
1.Aprons – Y/N? If Y, what does your favorite look like?
Yes, I wear them lots. My favorite one is one that I ordered here and it has wildflower stamps on it. I own 3 from that same company and a few others. They each have a special job...everyday, gardening, dressy, etc...
2.Baking – Favorite thing to bake:
Bread, granola and muffins.
3.Clothesline – Y/N?
Yes. It is in the back yard. There is nothing in this world like the smell and freshness of clothes line dried clothes and sheets!
4.Donuts – Have you ever made them?
Yes, but only a couple of times...the kids decided that there was something very important missing from our usual cooking and decided to try them on their own...they turned out really good but they only made them once or twice.
5.Every day – One homemaking thing you do every day:
De-clutter the couch and chairs...I can't stand to have anything on them when people need a place to sit (except while I'm folding clothes)
6.Freezer – Do you have a separate deep freeze?
Yes, a chest freezer that is mostly full of homegrown beef (raised by my mom & dad). The freezer is in my tiny laundry room just off the kitchen.
7.Garbage Disposal – Y/N?
No, never had one...(except as a child) I take that back... I think I had one when we were first married at one of our rental places...
8.Handbook – What is your favorite homemaking resource?
I don't really have one . I have several...I really like the book Home Comforts and The Encyclopedia of Country Living and Nourishing Traditions (good for nutrition) and I visit lots of web sites...
9.Ironing – Love it or hate it? Or hate it but love the results?
I like to iron but rarely take the time for it...I guess it's not as important to me as it should be...I love the results though!
10.Junk drawer – Y/N? Where is it?
Not officially...though the kitchen probably needs one so that I could de-clutter the silverware drawer!
11.Kitchen – Color and decorating scheme:
My walls are papered in a not-so-pretty paper:white background with green and mauve-ish wiggly stripey lines, light wood colored cabinets & white appliances. I would love to paint a solid color and decorate with pink and green!
12.Love – What is your favorite part of homemaking?
All the little extras after the main work is done: I love to turn on music, light candles and offer my hubby a plate of pre-dinner snacks while we sit and visit after his day at work-in a sparkly clean room...I haven't done this in a long time but hope to get back to it now that the twins are getting older...I also love to make meals from different ethnic origins and decorate and play music to match! Kind of like going to a restaurant!
13.Mop – Y/N?
I don't like to mop, and I try to think of something else to do instead! I do mop occasionally and I love the clean smell...I have a swiffer and use the wet ones more than mop though.
14.Nylons – Wash by hand or in the washing machine?
Washing machine-hang to dry...
15.Oven – Do you use the window or open the oven to check?
Both because my window is hard to see detail through.
16.Pizza – What do you put on yours?
It depends on the week and what mood I'm in...we love supreme with everything like onions and peppers and olives and mushrooms...but we also like simple hamburger or taco pizza.
17.Quiet – What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment?
I don't really get those right now...hopefully again soon though! I used to have a day or two that I would read a bit and a day for sewing a bit and a day for napping...Yesterday I didn't even get to bathe until 2 am...I do computer time while nursing babies.
18.Recipe card box – Y/N? What does it look like?
I have a pretty flowered box but I use my home decorated binder more...it's just 3 ring with plastic photo pages and recipes written on 3x5 cards inserted into the photo pockets.
19.Style of house – What style is your house?
Doublewide mobile home. Built in 1997- I think? It feels small since we have added 3 children since we've moved here! I would love to move to a bigger home, but if we had to stay here forever I guess it wouldn't be too bad.We could add on a room or two and be OK.
20.Tablecloths and napkins – Y/N?
Yes, I have lots. When I'm not too overwhelmed with life I like to use them for fun suppers (see #12)
21.Under the kitchen sink – Organized or toxic wasteland?
Somewhat organized but it could be better!
22.Vacuum – How many times per week?
We vacuum the living room and hallway just about every day. At least every other day.
23.Wash – How many loads of laundry do you do per week?
About 12 to 15.
24.X’s – Do you keep a daily list of things to do that you cross off?
Yes. I have a flip cart that I made for the refrigerator.It is laminated so it will last and I can mark on it with white board markers or grease pencils. It has an outline of basics for each day and then I use my calendar for writing in all the extras--I have to do this one, I have a terrible memory! I always allow myself the purchase of a nice calendar with big writing space each year...preferably something pretty or fun. This year I have a Mary Engelbreit one.
25.Yard – Y/N? Who does what?
Yes! Huge! DS 16 does the mowing and weedeating I'm supposed to weed the flower beds but often neglect them...Dh ends up doing them a lot.
26.Zzz’s – What is your last homemaking task for the day before going to bed?
I walk through the house and pickup stray items, lock the doors, tuck in the little ones, check over the kitchen, let the cat out, de-clutter the living room, thaw meat for tomorrow...All this is only if I'm not bouncing and nursing the tag team girls until 2 am! Then I just fall over on the bed in my clothes and sleep until awakened by someone needing me again.
TAG --you're it! To anyone else who wants to play!
Sunshine's Country Days and liked it because it's about one of my favorite subjects: Home...and the keeping of it. I would love to have a few of you do this one...but I don't want to tag anyone who doesn't like it...I'm a little insecure and the rejection would be enormous! ;-) Please feel free to participate and leave me a note if you do, so I can come by and read your answers.
Here goes:
1.Aprons – Y/N? If Y, what does your favorite look like?
Yes, I wear them lots. My favorite one is one that I ordered here and it has wildflower stamps on it. I own 3 from that same company and a few others. They each have a special job...everyday, gardening, dressy, etc...
2.Baking – Favorite thing to bake:
Bread, granola and muffins.
3.Clothesline – Y/N?
Yes. It is in the back yard. There is nothing in this world like the smell and freshness of clothes line dried clothes and sheets!
4.Donuts – Have you ever made them?
Yes, but only a couple of times...the kids decided that there was something very important missing from our usual cooking and decided to try them on their own...they turned out really good but they only made them once or twice.
5.Every day – One homemaking thing you do every day:
De-clutter the couch and chairs...I can't stand to have anything on them when people need a place to sit (except while I'm folding clothes)
6.Freezer – Do you have a separate deep freeze?
Yes, a chest freezer that is mostly full of homegrown beef (raised by my mom & dad). The freezer is in my tiny laundry room just off the kitchen.
7.Garbage Disposal – Y/N?
No, never had one...(except as a child) I take that back... I think I had one when we were first married at one of our rental places...
8.Handbook – What is your favorite homemaking resource?
I don't really have one . I have several...I really like the book Home Comforts and The Encyclopedia of Country Living and Nourishing Traditions (good for nutrition) and I visit lots of web sites...
9.Ironing – Love it or hate it? Or hate it but love the results?
I like to iron but rarely take the time for it...I guess it's not as important to me as it should be...I love the results though!
10.Junk drawer – Y/N? Where is it?
Not officially...though the kitchen probably needs one so that I could de-clutter the silverware drawer!
11.Kitchen – Color and decorating scheme:
My walls are papered in a not-so-pretty paper:white background with green and mauve-ish wiggly stripey lines, light wood colored cabinets & white appliances. I would love to paint a solid color and decorate with pink and green!
12.Love – What is your favorite part of homemaking?
All the little extras after the main work is done: I love to turn on music, light candles and offer my hubby a plate of pre-dinner snacks while we sit and visit after his day at work-in a sparkly clean room...I haven't done this in a long time but hope to get back to it now that the twins are getting older...I also love to make meals from different ethnic origins and decorate and play music to match! Kind of like going to a restaurant!
13.Mop – Y/N?
I don't like to mop, and I try to think of something else to do instead! I do mop occasionally and I love the clean smell...I have a swiffer and use the wet ones more than mop though.
14.Nylons – Wash by hand or in the washing machine?
Washing machine-hang to dry...
15.Oven – Do you use the window or open the oven to check?
Both because my window is hard to see detail through.
16.Pizza – What do you put on yours?
It depends on the week and what mood I'm in...we love supreme with everything like onions and peppers and olives and mushrooms...but we also like simple hamburger or taco pizza.
17.Quiet – What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment?
I don't really get those right now...hopefully again soon though! I used to have a day or two that I would read a bit and a day for sewing a bit and a day for napping...Yesterday I didn't even get to bathe until 2 am...I do computer time while nursing babies.
18.Recipe card box – Y/N? What does it look like?
I have a pretty flowered box but I use my home decorated binder more...it's just 3 ring with plastic photo pages and recipes written on 3x5 cards inserted into the photo pockets.
19.Style of house – What style is your house?
Doublewide mobile home. Built in 1997- I think? It feels small since we have added 3 children since we've moved here! I would love to move to a bigger home, but if we had to stay here forever I guess it wouldn't be too bad.We could add on a room or two and be OK.
20.Tablecloths and napkins – Y/N?
Yes, I have lots. When I'm not too overwhelmed with life I like to use them for fun suppers (see #12)
21.Under the kitchen sink – Organized or toxic wasteland?
Somewhat organized but it could be better!
22.Vacuum – How many times per week?
We vacuum the living room and hallway just about every day. At least every other day.
23.Wash – How many loads of laundry do you do per week?
About 12 to 15.
24.X’s – Do you keep a daily list of things to do that you cross off?
Yes. I have a flip cart that I made for the refrigerator.It is laminated so it will last and I can mark on it with white board markers or grease pencils. It has an outline of basics for each day and then I use my calendar for writing in all the extras--I have to do this one, I have a terrible memory! I always allow myself the purchase of a nice calendar with big writing space each year...preferably something pretty or fun. This year I have a Mary Engelbreit one.
25.Yard – Y/N? Who does what?
Yes! Huge! DS 16 does the mowing and weedeating I'm supposed to weed the flower beds but often neglect them...Dh ends up doing them a lot.
26.Zzz’s – What is your last homemaking task for the day before going to bed?
I walk through the house and pickup stray items, lock the doors, tuck in the little ones, check over the kitchen, let the cat out, de-clutter the living room, thaw meat for tomorrow...All this is only if I'm not bouncing and nursing the tag team girls until 2 am! Then I just fall over on the bed in my clothes and sleep until awakened by someone needing me again.
TAG --you're it! To anyone else who wants to play!
Labels: Just for fun, More About Me
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Book Drawing Closed
Today is the day I closed my Book drawing contest.
For those of you who don't remember or didn't know about it please refer to this post.
I am finally getting some loose ends tied up and this was one of them.
To make this as fair as possible I wrote all the names on slips of paper, folded them once, put them in a bowl and had my non-reading 4 year old choose one. My 2 oldest kiddoes were the witnesses. :-) For good measure we chose a second name for a second place prize of 1 book (she can choose from the 4 left after the 1st place winner chooses). I will email each of the winners today. My thanks to all of you who participated!
Drum Roll Please.....
ANNOUNCING ...the winners of my book drawing:
1st place: Tonya...:-) the fabulous SIL :-) (I promise this wasn't rigged)
2nd place: Kristarella from Blog Cabin
Don't faint with excitement...I know used books are probably the greatest prize ever. ;-)
Have a sunny day!
For those of you who don't remember or didn't know about it please refer to this post.
I am finally getting some loose ends tied up and this was one of them.
To make this as fair as possible I wrote all the names on slips of paper, folded them once, put them in a bowl and had my non-reading 4 year old choose one. My 2 oldest kiddoes were the witnesses. :-) For good measure we chose a second name for a second place prize of 1 book (she can choose from the 4 left after the 1st place winner chooses). I will email each of the winners today. My thanks to all of you who participated!
Drum Roll Please.....
ANNOUNCING ...the winners of my book drawing:
1st place: Tonya...:-) the fabulous SIL :-) (I promise this wasn't rigged)
2nd place: Kristarella from Blog Cabin
Don't faint with excitement...I know used books are probably the greatest prize ever. ;-)
Have a sunny day!
Labels: Drawings and Contests
Loving My Hubby
I was visiting Blog Cabin this morning and read about the
30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge that Dandelion Seeds is presenting.
It's worth doing.
I'm not planning to print out all the extra journal sheets but I am going to do the simple daily suggestions.
I've found in the past that when I make a specific effort to 'do' and 'show' love (even if I don't feel like it) I will begin to feel it too!
Just to start this out I want to say how much I appreciate my dear husband for his patience and understanding. He's had to put up with a lot of messes and quite a few sleepless nights this year--not to mention a wife who has been lees than glamorous (ahem) and sometimes very grumpy. The Lord has been there every step of the way and is teaching us both so much. I'm looking forward to doing this challenge. I think it will edify us both.
Go here for more details.
30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge that Dandelion Seeds is presenting.
It's worth doing.
I'm not planning to print out all the extra journal sheets but I am going to do the simple daily suggestions.
I've found in the past that when I make a specific effort to 'do' and 'show' love (even if I don't feel like it) I will begin to feel it too!
Just to start this out I want to say how much I appreciate my dear husband for his patience and understanding. He's had to put up with a lot of messes and quite a few sleepless nights this year--not to mention a wife who has been lees than glamorous (ahem) and sometimes very grumpy. The Lord has been there every step of the way and is teaching us both so much. I'm looking forward to doing this challenge. I think it will edify us both.
Go here for more details.
Labels: Family
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
What Non-Homeschoolers May Not Know
We've been educating our children at home for twelve years now. During this time I have come to realize that others may hold expectations of me and my home and family that are unrealistic, simply because they lack the practical knowledge of what it means to homeschool. I came across the following at Preschoolers and Peace and just had to share it with you. It describes so much of life in a homeschool home:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What Non-Homeschoolers May Not Know • Jan. 10, 2007
If you are the mother, grandmother, sister, friend, father, or brother of a homeschooling mom, here are some things you should know:
1. Educating children at home is a full-time job. Don't get irritated if she consistently allows the answering machine to do its job. If she were a teacher in an institutional classroom, you probably wouldn't think of calling her during school hours, so try to realize that while still at home, she is keeping regular school hours, too.
2. Unlike homes in which the children are gone for eight straight hours, her home is...read the rest here...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What Non-Homeschoolers May Not Know • Jan. 10, 2007
If you are the mother, grandmother, sister, friend, father, or brother of a homeschooling mom, here are some things you should know:
1. Educating children at home is a full-time job. Don't get irritated if she consistently allows the answering machine to do its job. If she were a teacher in an institutional classroom, you probably wouldn't think of calling her during school hours, so try to realize that while still at home, she is keeping regular school hours, too.
2. Unlike homes in which the children are gone for eight straight hours, her home is...read the rest here...
Labels: Homeschool
Monday, January 15, 2007
An Incomplete Education, No More!
Ohhh Myyy! I've found something I REALLY want!
This book looks fun, fun, fun!
I am sooo addicted to book collecting (which is why we may have to move into the yard soon).
This one looks like just the thing to satisfy every interest in the house. From science and math to philosophers and more...it's all in here. I read about this mammoth volume over at Granny's House and I immediately added it to my wish list.
For anyone interested in gift giving I am having a birthday in March..hint...hint...:-)
Seriously, I think this will be a great addition to any homeschool family library.
Labels: Books Movies Music
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Texas Ice Storm
We welcomed in the annual Texas Ice Storm yesterday by having one of my brother's and his family spend the day. After several hours of talking, laughing, eating sloppy joe's and playing Apples to Apples we all felt happy and ready for the coming 'stay-in' weekend. All the children were bleary eyed and happy and pleas of "Can't we please spend the night? Pleeaasse?" were heard as everyone filed out to their car. All slumber parties were vetoed by the daddies due to concerns over road conditions for the next few days.
Brrr! It's cold outside now! 30* with a wind chill of 20* or so.
And it's warm and hot chocolate-y inside!
We're keeping toasty with a pot of chili and some warm drinks.
2 of Osprey's good friends are here (neighbors) and good conversation and games will be sure to follow supper.
The evening looks promising ...I just wish I would've stocked up on more of the most basic essentials...like suisse mocha, pizza making supplies, and popcorn!
How are you other Texans faring?
Labels: Another Day
Blessing others...
Want to bless someone?
Go to Boo Mama's post to learn more.
Very good, heartwarming stuff!
Labels: Inspirations
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Blogging Chicks
I'm on the blogging chicks blogroll...feel free to visit some of their blogs. They're listed below left under Blogging Chicks.
Have Fun!
Labels: Blogrolls
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Time to de-lurk thyself!
Guess what I just found out!
It's National De-lurker week! :-)
There's only a couple days to go so don't be shy!
You've got to hurry and make some comments on your favorite blogs.
Let all those (ahem) wonderful, hardworking, heartpouring bloggers know you've been there and you care.
If you can't think of anything to say here is a list of suggestions to get you started:
Hi!
Hello, I read your blog today.
Hi, my name is:___________
Thanks for posting about_____
I liked reading about________
You have cute kids! (hint, hint!)
If those seem too hard you could say whatever is on your left as you read...or your favorite book, or music, or brand of toilet paper, or ...
But please say something!
I hope to hear from you soon!
By the way, this post is not meant to be grumpy or offensive.
I know some of you DO post comments and I thank you!
And I also know some of you are intimidated or unsure how to work this thing...maybe you could just give it a try?
No one will know if you mess up--but if you get it right it will bless my little heart!
OH YEAH! There is also an easy to use little message board on the left of this page...
it says CHIT CHAT! Leave me a message...
You don't even have to leave your email or web address (though it would be nice for me to be able to contact you back).
Just click on the little message box and type your little message and click the little go button!
All done!
Thanks! I hope to hear from a couple of you!
De-lurking week was started by A Paper Napkin.
Labels: Just for fun, Misc
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
My Peculiar Aristocratic Title
Do you know I am aristocracy? ;-)
How do you like my title?
I learned about this fun over at Momma Mandy's Milieu.
How do you like my title?
 | My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is: |
I learned about this fun over at Momma Mandy's Milieu.
Labels: Just for fun
I'm Going for a Long Walk...
I'm going for a long walk with some new friends! We're going across the USA--from Virginia to Oregon! Of course, this walk has been adapted just a bit. Everyone who joins this walk will be walking as much as they are comfortable each week and then posting their mileage over at
The Ultimate Creator.
She was clever enough to come up with this and kind enough to share with all of us. The goal is to see how many miles we can cover as a group. Anyone is welcome, so hop over to The Ultimate Creator and put your name on the list. I hope to see you on the walk!
Our progress so far:
We logged 86 miles and made it to Kings Dominion, VA. Just 10 miles from Ashland, Va.
Labels: Health and Nutrition
Friday, January 5, 2007
More Birthdays!
Their first month.
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Happy Birthday to the two littlest members of our family!
Ladybug and Doodlebug turn 1 year old today!
I can hardly believe it! They are both walking now and have each learned a few words. I guess it finally struck me yesterday that they are entering toddlerhood...no more to be our tiny little babies.
This is a bittersweet thought for all mommies. But the happy side is this: I get to sleep through the night several times a week now, and the girls eat food, so nursing has backed off...It won't be long and I'll feel like a regular lady of leisure...sitting around and reading , or taking baths, or naps! Woohoo!
Tonight will be a simple cake and ice cream celebration at Grandpa and Grandma's house. Maybe I'll have some cake eating pics for posting. :-)
We love you so much little girls!
Thank you Lord for blessing our family with these little members!
Labels: Another Day, Holidays and Celebrations
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Home Eating a Threat to Public Kitchens?
I just found this great link over at Alasandra -- a fun blog to read!
You probably already know how tired I get of people thinking that gov't should control or regulate homeschooling...
I absolutely weary of trying to explain this to people...but this was a wonderful little satire on the subject!
What if gov't decided to control your family eating? Think about the great, interesting and healthy (NOT!) menu options they already offer for school lunches all across the nation! Yippee! Wouldn't that be something!?
Home Eating a Threat to Public Kitchens?
State Allows Growing Trend of Eating At Home
by Angela Paul
After much heated debate on the house floor, legislation was passed today to allow a growing number of families to cook meals for their families in their homes. The children must have annual physical examinations to assure proper growth and weight gain. Attempts to require weekly meal plans and monthly kitchen inspections were voted down.
Click here and
scroll down to
April 13, 2099
Reunited Press
to read the full post.
You probably already know how tired I get of people thinking that gov't should control or regulate homeschooling...
I absolutely weary of trying to explain this to people...but this was a wonderful little satire on the subject!
What if gov't decided to control your family eating? Think about the great, interesting and healthy (NOT!) menu options they already offer for school lunches all across the nation! Yippee! Wouldn't that be something!?
Home Eating a Threat to Public Kitchens?
State Allows Growing Trend of Eating At Home
by Angela Paul
After much heated debate on the house floor, legislation was passed today to allow a growing number of families to cook meals for their families in their homes. The children must have annual physical examinations to assure proper growth and weight gain. Attempts to require weekly meal plans and monthly kitchen inspections were voted down.
Click here and
scroll down to
April 13, 2099
Reunited Press
to read the full post.
Labels: Homeschool
Blog Changes Coming or What I Got for Christmas!
I will be using a little Christmas money to have my blog professionally re-decorated. Stay tuned --- it will probably be a while (4-6 weeks?) but it should be very pretty when it's done! Yea! Fun! Fun! Fun!
Builder Man used some of his new Christmas funds to buy a coffee maker. Coffee makers are very important in this house. When the Builder Man gets up in the wee hours of the morning he likes to have good strong coffee to help start his day (the smell is fantastic!). He doesn't like the coffee pots that dribble coffee in a little stream all over the countertop when he's trying to pour. He bought one with an airtight carafe and a nice pour spout and all the little bells and whistles. The green clock light on it glows so bright at night that I don't really need a night light.
Builder Man used some of his new Christmas funds to buy a coffee maker. Coffee makers are very important in this house. When the Builder Man gets up in the wee hours of the morning he likes to have good strong coffee to help start his day (the smell is fantastic!). He doesn't like the coffee pots that dribble coffee in a little stream all over the countertop when he's trying to pour. He bought one with an airtight carafe and a nice pour spout and all the little bells and whistles. The green clock light on it glows so bright at night that I don't really need a night light.
Labels: Another Day, Holidays and Celebrations
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Happy 2007!
I can hardly believe it's 2007!
When I was a child I used to talk about how old I would be when the year 2000 arrived. It seemed so far in the future! And now it's beginning to seem like a long time ago...
We rang in the new year at one of my brother and family's homes. It's so wonderful to be able to sit in a loved one's home and talk the hours away!
I haven't made any solid resolutions yet this year...I try not to get too carried away~ good intentions they may be~ but I don't want to carry around a load of guilt for not meeting my goals. That may sound like an excuse for not trying , but the truth is, I like to set 1 or 2 very small goals and achieve those and feel like a winner!
I woke up this morning anticipating a return to some sort of normal routine after our long seasonal holiday...routines can be healthy (and so can a break from them).
The star and outdoor lights were taken down yesterday-thank you to ds 16 and his 2 friends for helping. We gave them money for a meal at CiCi's pizza -- a teenage boys delight!
Today I plan to take down the tree and other indoor decor while starting the children on a light load of school.
Speaking of school, one of the wonderful purchases I made for Christmas was The Pilgrim's Progress book with a complete unit study.
We'll be starting that today. I will be including a more in-depth review of this unit study in the near future. Check back!
Well, I'm off to tend to the family and house...I'll be back t chat more later. Have a sunny day!
Labels: Holidays and Celebrations, Misc
Name:
