Wednesday, April 16, 2008
And Now I Can Hear the Birds Singing
Today is the first day of freedom for me in a couple of weeks! I go through it every year. When April comes I began a long, tedious and exhausting process. The children don't enjoy it anymore than I do...tax time. By the 16th of April joy reigns again and I feel like dancing on the housetop and shouting hurray to passersby! We have almost always been self employed around here and hubby has his own 'recordkeeping style'. Ahem...
This year I was able to convince him to put all his notes into one planner style book, and to put all receipts into one box. It still took me almost a week to finish all the work. (Probably because I homeschool and have two 2 year olds in the house! :-) ) In the end our new 'hi-tech' system saved me loads of stress and time, so I'm very happy! So--if i pop by your place on the web and seem unusually cheery you now know why.
Well, I'm off to begin a happy day of homeschooling and dishwashing and laundry and bill paying...It all seems so simple and light again!
Perspective. It's the stuff life is made of.
This year I was able to convince him to put all his notes into one planner style book, and to put all receipts into one box. It still took me almost a week to finish all the work. (Probably because I homeschool and have two 2 year olds in the house! :-) ) In the end our new 'hi-tech' system saved me loads of stress and time, so I'm very happy! So--if i pop by your place on the web and seem unusually cheery you now know why.
Well, I'm off to begin a happy day of homeschooling and dishwashing and laundry and bill paying...It all seems so simple and light again!
Perspective. It's the stuff life is made of.
Labels: Another Day, Holidays and Celebrations
Sunday, March 16, 2008
I'm not missing just distracted...
Sunday smiles to you!
I am sorry I went AWOL.
I was sick for about a week and then Ladybug and Doodlebug were sick for a few days and then I spent several days getting ready for Osprey to come home on Spring Break!
We cleaned out the extra room for two of Osprey's friends and Rivergirl and Amanda (my several-times-per-week helper) made cheese cake.
He was able to ride with three friends from college and arrived home Friday evening. His friends spent the night here so they could get a fresh start on Saturday morning. They still had 10 hours to go..bless their hearts!
Friday night we had a fun time eating pizza and talking. They were also kind enough to play music for us! It really was one of the happier times of my life! The three visitors were all polite and charming and played with, held, sang to, and read to my littles. We heard a sweet version of Jesus Loves Me in piano, saxophone and guitar. They have officially earned a place in this mama's heart! :-)
I probably won't be posting very much this week since Osprey is here. I'll be spending a lot of time with him. But I'll try to tell all about our week eventually.
This afternoon we are scheduled to go get his senior portraits taken in a neighboring town. He's dreading it a little (too much fussing and ordering about) and I'm really looking forward to it.
have a sunny day!
I am sorry I went AWOL.
I was sick for about a week and then Ladybug and Doodlebug were sick for a few days and then I spent several days getting ready for Osprey to come home on Spring Break!
We cleaned out the extra room for two of Osprey's friends and Rivergirl and Amanda (my several-times-per-week helper) made cheese cake.
He was able to ride with three friends from college and arrived home Friday evening. His friends spent the night here so they could get a fresh start on Saturday morning. They still had 10 hours to go..bless their hearts!
Friday night we had a fun time eating pizza and talking. They were also kind enough to play music for us! It really was one of the happier times of my life! The three visitors were all polite and charming and played with, held, sang to, and read to my littles. We heard a sweet version of Jesus Loves Me in piano, saxophone and guitar. They have officially earned a place in this mama's heart! :-)
I probably won't be posting very much this week since Osprey is here. I'll be spending a lot of time with him. But I'll try to tell all about our week eventually.
This afternoon we are scheduled to go get his senior portraits taken in a neighboring town. He's dreading it a little (too much fussing and ordering about) and I'm really looking forward to it.
have a sunny day!
Labels: Another Day, Family, Holidays and Celebrations
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Happy 2008!
Well...I'm still alive. :-)
My apologies to those of you who have faithfully been checking my blog for updates and sent me kind notes.
I truly needed to take a blogging break.
Even though I haven't posted much , I have done a little checking on my friends blogs and I hope to leave some comments with you soon. Welcome to all my new friends and readers! I have received some uplifting notes from several of you over the past couple of months. I hope I can reciprocate the smiles and inspiration!
Since last posting we have celebrated 4 of the children's birthday's: Rivergirl is 13, Little-Guy is 5, and Ladybug and Doodlebug are 2. Life is zipping along at a rapid rate and it's sometimes hard to catch my breath. Osprey is a senior in our home high school and we have been praying and working on plans for his next steps...college bound? Where? How? When?
Now that I am back I will probably be reporting about a few of the changes taking place in our lives. This will be an eventful year for our family.
I hope all of you had a delightful holiday season with your friends and families and I hope your new year is blessed and joyful.
My apologies to those of you who have faithfully been checking my blog for updates and sent me kind notes.
I truly needed to take a blogging break.
Even though I haven't posted much , I have done a little checking on my friends blogs and I hope to leave some comments with you soon. Welcome to all my new friends and readers! I have received some uplifting notes from several of you over the past couple of months. I hope I can reciprocate the smiles and inspiration!
Since last posting we have celebrated 4 of the children's birthday's: Rivergirl is 13, Little-Guy is 5, and Ladybug and Doodlebug are 2. Life is zipping along at a rapid rate and it's sometimes hard to catch my breath. Osprey is a senior in our home high school and we have been praying and working on plans for his next steps...college bound? Where? How? When?
Now that I am back I will probably be reporting about a few of the changes taking place in our lives. This will be an eventful year for our family.
I hope all of you had a delightful holiday season with your friends and families and I hope your new year is blessed and joyful.
Labels: Holidays and Celebrations
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Cruising
Hubby and I went on a short 3 day weekend cruise last week with his family - which included his parents, and 2 sisters and their husbands. We live in Texas and hubby's family all live in Washington State. We left our house at about 4 am to catch an early morning flight to Seattle.
My dear mother came and stayed with the 5 children. I think she was completely worn out by the time she left! Thanks mother!
We had such a fun time...we are planning and saving our pennies to go again next year and hopefully bring all the children along--I missed them something awful this time!
Here are a few pictures:
Our ship was The Mercury~
~Just prior to leaving Seattle~
Bon Voyage!
~Mandatory muster drill!~
We all enjoyed laughing at each other...
~Learning shuffleboard~
It was a nice cold day in Nanaimo, Canada...hot cocoa and cookies were the order of the day...:-)
~Arrival back in Seattle~
We rose early to be on deck the day we returned. The skill with which the captain maneuvers that huge ship is breathtaking!
My dear mother came and stayed with the 5 children. I think she was completely worn out by the time she left! Thanks mother!
We had such a fun time...we are planning and saving our pennies to go again next year and hopefully bring all the children along--I missed them something awful this time!
Here are a few pictures:
Bon Voyage!
We all enjoyed laughing at each other...
It was a nice cold day in Nanaimo, Canada...hot cocoa and cookies were the order of the day...:-)
We rose early to be on deck the day we returned. The skill with which the captain maneuvers that huge ship is breathtaking!
Labels: Holidays and Celebrations
Monday, August 6, 2007
True Love!
Today we celebrate 19 years of marriage! We met almost 21 years ago in the fall.
The following summer he paid my way to the Northwest to meet his family and he asked for my hand in marriage.
We were married the following summer after a long year of separation while he earned some money and I devoted a little more time to be with my family, especially my parents.
It has been a long and difficult road, as those of you who are married will understand! But the rewards are worth the effort.
True love is an act of selflessness and serving. We have both grown so much through the years, and are still doing so now.
Just this last week I found myself feeling selfish and grumpy. I was unkind...to many members of my precious family. I am so sorry when I do these things but I know that because of love..of my dear heavenly Father, I can be forgiven. I am so grateful that my dear husband is forgiving of my weaknesses and faults and my children are so gracious.
Yesterday, our oldest son treated the whole family to a lovely breakfast at Cracker Barrel as an anniversary gift. Wasn't that sweet? We had to wait for quite a while to get a table so we all enjoyed looking around...as we always do... at that lovely store.
I saw a set of salt and pepper shakers that were so adorable. A darling old couple with rosy cheeks and gray hair and hats. She in a long dress and he in overalls...and they are kissing! Loved it! I just wish I had a photo to share. We didn't buy them but enjoyed looking at them immensely! I told Hubby that it was us in a few years...he smiled at that.
I love that dear man. He is strong and true to his convictions. He takes care of us and forgives us and smiles at our silliness. He is very funny and keeps me laughing. He has been my best friend for so long and always will be.
I need to go now and wash and fold clothes and supervise the children's activities and make our home a bit more welcoming for dear hubby to come home to this evening. Today, in celebration of true love, I plan to bake a special cake for the family to enjoy after supper.
I hope you have a day of sunshine and smiles...I plan to.
~~And now abide faith, hope, love, these three;
but the greatest of these is love.~~
~~Love doesn't grow on trees like the apples in Eden-
it's something you have to make.
And you must use your imagination.~~
-Joyce Cary
Labels: Family, Holidays and Celebrations
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
The Perfect Birthday Gift
Today is my Dear Hubby's birthday. Happy Birthday wonderful man! I love you dearly! I'm proud of you as a Christian, as a husband and as a father.
Sometimes he likes to have a celebration with friends but usually he prefers to do something on a smaller scale. A nice dinner with his little family and a cheesecake or peanut butter pie will be just the thing!
So today I will be cooking a brisket and making BBQ sauce and we'll set the table with a red and white checkered cloth and have fun guitar music on the stereo when he arrives home from work. I'll dress all the littles in overalls and the bigger kids and myself can wear denim and red and white. He should get a smile or even a chuckle out of his home welcoming crew!
I have been trying to figure out a birthday gift for him over the past few weeks and couldn't come up with any satisfactory ideas. We are in the process of de-materializing our lives and so there are no things that he actually wants. But last night I discovered the perfect gift! Hurray!
He had to go to town to price materials for a job bid and asked me to go along (I love knowing he likes my company even if looking at hinges and lumber is not my favorite pastime :-)) On the way he told me that he would love to start working out at the local Rec. center like we used to do. I hem-hawed a little because there is nothing fun to me about working out on equipment in a crowd. I shudder to think of my past experiences. He said that he didn't think he would do it alone...he needed a partner because he doesn't want to be in a crowd by himself either.
It was at that moment I remembered something a friend had told me. (Thank you Antelope's Mom!) There is a church here that has their own fitness center gym that they open to the public for a very nominal fee and it's never crowded. I told hubby and we decided to check it out.
Long story slightly shorter...we did our first workout last night at this great little gym and we had the whole weight room to ourselves for over an hour! Yippee! Did you know exercising with your sweetie could be romantic? Well, kind of. I asked him if a member card there would be a good gift and he said "Perfect!".
Smile! :-)
We now have a 'Two of Us Tuesday' planned for every week. Our dates will be self improvement outings.
This morning I am sore and shaky and don't even mention picking up anything. I found some muscles I forgot I had...so did he.
I have high hopes of going from looking very cute (ahem) and roundish :
to fit as a fiddle--and I'll probably be able to do this: Tee Hee!
And it should only take a few years! ;-)
I think hubby will be pleased.
I've got to go now...I need to soak in some hot water and take some tylenol.
Sometimes he likes to have a celebration with friends but usually he prefers to do something on a smaller scale. A nice dinner with his little family and a cheesecake or peanut butter pie will be just the thing!
So today I will be cooking a brisket and making BBQ sauce and we'll set the table with a red and white checkered cloth and have fun guitar music on the stereo when he arrives home from work. I'll dress all the littles in overalls and the bigger kids and myself can wear denim and red and white. He should get a smile or even a chuckle out of his home welcoming crew!
I have been trying to figure out a birthday gift for him over the past few weeks and couldn't come up with any satisfactory ideas. We are in the process of de-materializing our lives and so there are no things that he actually wants. But last night I discovered the perfect gift! Hurray!
He had to go to town to price materials for a job bid and asked me to go along (I love knowing he likes my company even if looking at hinges and lumber is not my favorite pastime :-)) On the way he told me that he would love to start working out at the local Rec. center like we used to do. I hem-hawed a little because there is nothing fun to me about working out on equipment in a crowd. I shudder to think of my past experiences. He said that he didn't think he would do it alone...he needed a partner because he doesn't want to be in a crowd by himself either.
It was at that moment I remembered something a friend had told me. (Thank you Antelope's Mom!) There is a church here that has their own fitness center gym that they open to the public for a very nominal fee and it's never crowded. I told hubby and we decided to check it out.
Long story slightly shorter...we did our first workout last night at this great little gym and we had the whole weight room to ourselves for over an hour! Yippee! Did you know exercising with your sweetie could be romantic? Well, kind of. I asked him if a member card there would be a good gift and he said "Perfect!".
Smile! :-)
We now have a 'Two of Us Tuesday' planned for every week. Our dates will be self improvement outings.
This morning I am sore and shaky and don't even mention picking up anything. I found some muscles I forgot I had...so did he.
I have high hopes of going from looking very cute (ahem) and roundish :
to fit as a fiddle--and I'll probably be able to do this: Tee Hee!
And it should only take a few years! ;-)
I think hubby will be pleased.
I've got to go now...I need to soak in some hot water and take some tylenol.
Labels: Family, Holidays and Celebrations
Monday, May 21, 2007
Barn Party
Yesterday we had a birthday party for Osprey who is turning 17 this week!
The party was also for his cousins who turn 13 this week.
We held the 'Barn Party' at my uncle's farm-where I grew up.
Here is a picture of Osprey on his 7th birthday--his first 'Barn Party'.
Here is a picture from yesterday's 17th.
We all had so much fun and laughed! A LOT! It's hard to describe all the fun but they say a picture is worth a thousand words:
So let me just say this:
The birthday trio. Osprey and his cousins.
Tug of war!
Photo Shoot (Out) Corner goofiness:
Hayride:
We made some wonderful memories and reminisced about the days when the kids were little. We got better acquainted with new friends. And we all got very tired! All in all I'd say it was a great success!
Osprey, you have made us so proud! We love you so much! It's hard to believe how fast you're growing up. Happy Birthday!
The party was also for his cousins who turn 13 this week.
We held the 'Barn Party' at my uncle's farm-where I grew up.
Here is a picture of Osprey on his 7th birthday--his first 'Barn Party'.
Here is a picture from yesterday's 17th.
We all had so much fun and laughed! A LOT! It's hard to describe all the fun but they say a picture is worth a thousand words:
So let me just say this:
The birthday trio. Osprey and his cousins.
Tug of war!
Photo Shoot (Out) Corner goofiness:
Hayride:
We made some wonderful memories and reminisced about the days when the kids were little. We got better acquainted with new friends. And we all got very tired! All in all I'd say it was a great success!
Osprey, you have made us so proud! We love you so much! It's hard to believe how fast you're growing up. Happy Birthday!
Labels: Holidays and Celebrations
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Happy National Pack Rat Day Everyone!
It has come to my attention, while reading TC's blog this morning, that today is National Packrat Day!
I don't know where she gets this crucial information. But, I'm telling you--this is NEWS.
Aren't you excited?
If only my dad would have known about this when I was just a youngster...he would have insisted on our family celebrating my natural talents in this area! I could have been given special meals and special songs could have been sung to me: "For she's a jolly good paaack raaat..."
He always wondered how I had gotten so good at the 'packratting'--and mentioned it frequently (very complimentary, of course) . I have since learned that I came by it naturally (through one of my grandmothers), but no one was 'fessing up back then.
Now perhaps you are beginning to understand why this moving thing is taking so long...hubby would never admit it, but he's a bit of a 'saver' himself. At our house, you can never have too many kitchen gadgets or extra blankets (it gets cold in Texas sometimes), or books or extra windows (in case we get to build someday), or pretty pieces of fabric, or papers! My word! The papers! The papers are not by choice...they just sneak in when I'm not looking and then they marry and have children.
Due to the fact that this day is so near to my heart I did a little online research to find out more. It seems that there are traditional celebrations already in place.
Naturally, some of these are just common sense.
Here is what I learned:
And so, I really need to get off the computer and start celebrating. We'll probably dig out some some special foods for the occasion. Maybe we still have those nuts I saved from Christmas...? Or some canned asparagus topped with little jars of cheese? I think I put them in the back of the pantry, just in case.
I don't know where she gets this crucial information. But, I'm telling you--this is NEWS.
Aren't you excited?
If only my dad would have known about this when I was just a youngster...he would have insisted on our family celebrating my natural talents in this area! I could have been given special meals and special songs could have been sung to me: "For she's a jolly good paaack raaat..."
He always wondered how I had gotten so good at the 'packratting'--and mentioned it frequently (very complimentary, of course) . I have since learned that I came by it naturally (through one of my grandmothers), but no one was 'fessing up back then.
Now perhaps you are beginning to understand why this moving thing is taking so long...hubby would never admit it, but he's a bit of a 'saver' himself. At our house, you can never have too many kitchen gadgets or extra blankets (it gets cold in Texas sometimes), or books or extra windows (in case we get to build someday), or pretty pieces of fabric, or papers! My word! The papers! The papers are not by choice...they just sneak in when I'm not looking and then they marry and have children.
Due to the fact that this day is so near to my heart I did a little online research to find out more. It seems that there are traditional celebrations already in place.
Naturally, some of these are just common sense.
Here is what I learned:
Pack Rat Day
When: Always on May 17th
Do's and Don't's:
Don't clean your room, basement, garage or any other area today.
Don't discard anything today...It may be valuable.
Don't even empty the trash today. You might have accidentally thrown out something useful.
Do keep an eye out for useful stuff being discarded by others.
Do go to garage and rummage sales. They can be pack rat goldmines.
Do look around your belongings and be thankful for what you have.
Do spend time thinking of uses for your things. Justification for saving is satisfying.
And so, I really need to get off the computer and start celebrating. We'll probably dig out some some special foods for the occasion. Maybe we still have those nuts I saved from Christmas...? Or some canned asparagus topped with little jars of cheese? I think I put them in the back of the pantry, just in case.
Labels: Holidays and Celebrations
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Mother's Day Thanks
Happy Mother's Day!
I especially want to wish a Happy Mother's Day to my own dear mother's-in-law and my very own mother.
To my Mom-in-law, thank you for bringing the most wonderful man into this world! Thank you for all the years of self sacrifice and difficult challenges you faced to give him a good home. Thank you for seeing his potential when no one else was willing. Thank you for creating special memories for him...he still compares everything we do for our children to the special things he remembers. You are a hard working and tender hearted woman and I'm proud to be your daughter-in-law.
To Step mom-in-law: Thank you for being such a fun friend! I carry around special memories in my heart of all the fun times we shared at the lake and at your house. You have made a wonderful home for your children and I admire and respect you for that. You taught me a level of calmness that I hadn't experienced before. Thank you for being willing to be called Grandma at such a young age. I still tell people how awesome you are for that! It means so so much to our children!
To my own Mother, what a Godly woman you are!
Thank you for all the prayers, the long nights on your face before God, the many hours spent teaching us God's Word, the faithfulness and devotion to our Daddy, the sincerity of your everyday life, your self sacrifice in small ways everyday, your determination to teach us good manners. Thank you for being unflinching in the face of danger, and for never giving up on us. Thank you for being a true servant. Your life is a beautiful example of what God can do when someone allows Him to shine through them in every way.
I think of you every time I learn something new along this road called motherhood, and I wonder how long you've known that particular truth and been patiently waiting for me to get it.
Thank you for setting a really high standard for mothers everywhere!
Most of all, thank you for being such a dear friend to me!
I remember when I was just 6 years old...I was crying because God had not given me a sister to be my friend...you comforted me and told me that when I grew up you would be my friend.
You are my friend!
I love you more than words can express.
Labels: Holidays and Celebrations
Friday, May 11, 2007
Does this mean I'm not a rookie anymore?
Today is my official one year blogging birthday! Woooo hooo!
I'm so glad I decided to start this blog.
It's been a year full of new friends and encouragement.
I love blogging!
Thank you for helping make it such a great experience!
Today is the Arlington, Texas homeschool bookfair/convention.
I'll be out having fun with the 5 lambies, showing them around.
It will be their first bookfair ever!
If you're planning on being there look for us. Hubby has to work but said "GO and have fun!" :-)
I'll be the lady stooped under a heavy baby backpack (while my ds16 wears the other one) trying to figure out how to carry all those things I wasn't going to buy and dropping half the contents of my purse while holding up the checkout lines. My bags of purchases will be stacked between my feet. DD12 will be trying to keep DS4 in line and the baby will be happily pulling my hair while trying to climb out of the pack! But I'll be smiling! I hope to see some of you there!
Have a great day!
Labels: Holidays and Celebrations, Homeschool
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Ozark Outing
I promised to post afew pictures of our trip to the Ozarks. Here we are in all our glory! :-)
I took many more pictures but I'm only going to share a few.
Even though we were all sick we loved the trip..especially the little lake. You can read about our trip here.
Little Guy and Rivergirl enjoy the water.
Curious Geese
The whole Crew
Doodlebug and Ladybug loved the sand!
Amazing view from the observation tower..LittleGuy was very nervous...can you tell?
I took many more pictures but I'm only going to share a few.
Even though we were all sick we loved the trip..especially the little lake. You can read about our trip here.
Little Guy and Rivergirl enjoy the water.
Curious Geese
The whole Crew
Doodlebug and Ladybug loved the sand!
Amazing view from the observation tower..LittleGuy was very nervous...can you tell?
Labels: Family, Holidays and Celebrations
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Back from Time Out
Wow! Is it Wednesday already?! Time has gotten away from me.
I am here to report about my activities of the past week.
It all started on Sunday afternoon, last week, when my dear hubby and I were discussing our life plans, dreams, goals...you know the sort of conversation. We have recently decided (6-8 months ago or so) for reasons I won't go into here that we need to consider relocating to the Ozark mountains. In order to do this, however, we need to make a scouting trip to look for housing and check out the work possibilities, etc.. It seems that we just haven't been able to get away...either illness or money or time has prevented it...especially money or lack thereof.
During our conversation hubby said "Why don't you just take the kids and go? Treat it like a vacation and have lots of fun with the children, take lots of pictures and while you're at it deliver my resume to some places and scout for houses. That way I won't have to miss any work."
Let me explain that this is NOT the way we typically do things around here. My husband is very protective and prefers I not drive too far away...where he can't rescue me if need be. :-) Also, I don't really like doing things away from hubby, because... well...he's my best friend and I miss him so much when we're apart that it's hard to have fun. I spend all my time saying "Oh! I wish he could see this!"
This time, I said "Are you serious? I'll do it!"
I have been told that I am a little crazy and several friends suggested that I may be a little too desperate for adventure...'taking all 5 kids by yourself? for 6 or 7 hours one way?'
This was Sunday afternoon and I knew that with the current condition of my home I would have to spend all day Monday cleaning and doing laundry and packing in order to be ready. So we went to work, my parents came and helped again (God bless them so much) and we were able to leave Tuesday.
The trip up was pleasant and basically uneventful. Osprey was able to take some driving time and give me a break. We arrived at the motel and settled in and I was looking forward to seeing the local scenery and a few days of fun and games and rest.
During the night Little 4yo guy woke me with crying and a raspy, croupy sort of cough. I jumped up and put him in the bathroom to breathe steamy shower air and ended up being up for a couple of hours...after that I had to tend to the babies. By morning I was limp and exhausted but still optimistic.
Let me sum up the rest of the story with this: Every one of the children got sick! And so did I. The dry motel air only aggravated the problem so we spent part of one day buying a humidifier at the local StuffMart and that did help us sleep through the night. Being the stubborn and basically optimistic person that I am, I declared war on anything that would ruin our fun and we pushed forward bravely. We ate at a local BBQ place (spicy food is easier to taste than other foods when noses are stuffy). We climbed towers and visited lakes and drove mountain roads... but the biggest thing we did was lay in the motel and eat snacks and watch Andy Griffith. :-) Oh well, it was together time and there was no housework or cooking involved (except for the occasional hot dog in the microwave).
The scenery was just lovely...the dogwoods and redbuds were blooming:
It all started on Sunday afternoon, last week, when my dear hubby and I were discussing our life plans, dreams, goals...you know the sort of conversation. We have recently decided (6-8 months ago or so) for reasons I won't go into here that we need to consider relocating to the Ozark mountains. In order to do this, however, we need to make a scouting trip to look for housing and check out the work possibilities, etc.. It seems that we just haven't been able to get away...either illness or money or time has prevented it...especially money or lack thereof.
During our conversation hubby said "Why don't you just take the kids and go? Treat it like a vacation and have lots of fun with the children, take lots of pictures and while you're at it deliver my resume to some places and scout for houses. That way I won't have to miss any work."
Let me explain that this is NOT the way we typically do things around here. My husband is very protective and prefers I not drive too far away...where he can't rescue me if need be. :-) Also, I don't really like doing things away from hubby, because... well...he's my best friend and I miss him so much when we're apart that it's hard to have fun. I spend all my time saying "Oh! I wish he could see this!"
This time, I said "Are you serious? I'll do it!"
I have been told that I am a little crazy and several friends suggested that I may be a little too desperate for adventure...'taking all 5 kids by yourself? for 6 or 7 hours one way?'
This was Sunday afternoon and I knew that with the current condition of my home I would have to spend all day Monday cleaning and doing laundry and packing in order to be ready. So we went to work, my parents came and helped again (God bless them so much) and we were able to leave Tuesday.
The trip up was pleasant and basically uneventful. Osprey was able to take some driving time and give me a break. We arrived at the motel and settled in and I was looking forward to seeing the local scenery and a few days of fun and games and rest.
During the night Little 4yo guy woke me with crying and a raspy, croupy sort of cough. I jumped up and put him in the bathroom to breathe steamy shower air and ended up being up for a couple of hours...after that I had to tend to the babies. By morning I was limp and exhausted but still optimistic.
Let me sum up the rest of the story with this: Every one of the children got sick! And so did I. The dry motel air only aggravated the problem so we spent part of one day buying a humidifier at the local StuffMart and that did help us sleep through the night. Being the stubborn and basically optimistic person that I am, I declared war on anything that would ruin our fun and we pushed forward bravely. We ate at a local BBQ place (spicy food is easier to taste than other foods when noses are stuffy). We climbed towers and visited lakes and drove mountain roads... but the biggest thing we did was lay in the motel and eat snacks and watch Andy Griffith. :-) Oh well, it was together time and there was no housework or cooking involved (except for the occasional hot dog in the microwave).
The scenery was just lovely...the dogwoods and redbuds were blooming:
(this pic is from istock photo)
I want to post some of my own pictures here but it may be later today or later this week. Our USB ports have all quit working so I'll have to go get the pics on disc and bring them back.
As it turns out, I am still quite sick and coughing and the littles are all getting well slowly. We have semi-quarantined ourselves from friends and family until we are sure not to spread this nasty bug around.
As far as moving...it's a go! Hip hip hurray!
I brought back my 'spying out the land' reports along with some giant clusters of grapes between two poles...and hubby says let's take the land! Never mind the giants...we've faced them before. God always makes the way for us. So now life has taken on new adventures. I started packing the house yesterday. I don't know exactly how it will all come together but it will. I'll keep you posted on new developments.
Labels: Family, Holidays and Celebrations, News
Friday, March 23, 2007
Chocolate peanuts
Yesterday I went grocery shopping for birthday supper supplies...which will be eaten tonight with family. When I arrived home hubby was there and I thought...could it be? I asked "Do you still have a job?" He does!
He had come home to visit in between jobs and brought me a big bag of my favorite: Peanut M & M's in pastel colors and a card.
What a guy!
I've been sharing them with everyone and it's nice to let the celebrating linger...especially in chocolate form.
Labels: Family, Holidays and Celebrations
Thursday, March 22, 2007
...and Speaking of Birth Order
Today is my 39th...
We started the celebration out family style at about midnight last night.
Our sewer backed up so BuilderMan was outside wading and emptying the sewer clean-out. (Later we had to bleach clean the bath tubs and toilets and bathroom floors.) The 14 month old Ladybug and Doodlebug cried tag team until 6 am...4 year old Little Guy was running a low grade fever and couldn't get to sleep (better now).
I finally got the little sweeties settled in the living room. Little Guy on the couch and the girls on the floor surrounded by pillows. I tiptoed towards my room looking forward to hitting the pillow when I heard a noise...
the alarm was on! :-) Time to get up.
I crept into bed and snuggled by hubby and said good night. He chuckled and said goodnight. Then we both stared at the ceiling in silence for a few minutes. Apparently we were both remembering the same thing: the day he got fired on my birthday many years ago...so he broke the silence and said "I'll probably get fired today..."
We both laughed.
I love my man and I love that we have the same sense of humor and so many years of shared memories. I couldn't ask for a better birthday present than that.
Labels: Family, Holidays and Celebrations
Sunday, March 4, 2007
The Ultimate Blog Party is Here!
The ladies over at 5 minutes for mom are hostessing a blog party
March 2-9!
It's a way for us to get acquainted with new blogs and make new friends.
The best part is that there are prizes to be had! Lot's of them! Click on the Ultimate Blog Party banner on the side bar of this page to find out how to participate.
I'm a few days late getting my party started but life keeps going when I stop to smell the flowers!I need to be flexible.
So, here I am anyway!
The house is not as clean as I would like but I'm a southern hostess...nothing shall deter me...
I even did my nails for the occasion.
Come on in and make yourself at home!
We got started this morning before you came.
We were excited about the cake!
Everything today was simple things that we already had on hand.
We had a special breakfast of biscuits and gravy and followed up with some cake.
There's a couple slices left...would you like some?
There's a couple slices left...would you like some?
We also happen to have some way cool lollipops. Help yourself.
We love the great outdoors so we thought a drive in the country would be a peaceful way to end the morning festivities.
Before you go, though, I'd like to tell you a little about myself.
I am a busy and happy mommy of 5, so far. I love being a wife and mom. I like to blog. :-) I love: cats, llamas, reading, sewing, scrapbooking, walks in the park and woods and steaming cups of chocolate flavored coffee...or just plain steaming chocolate.
I was born and grew up in Texas but I would rather be in the hills somewhere (Ozarks?).
Dh (BuilderMan) and I have moved 19 times in our 18 1/2 year marriage.We've lived in 5 states. We have high hopes of moving only once more and then staying put for good.
I use this blog as a place to post about me and our family life including our homeschooling, inspirational thoughts (on occasion), and anything else that strikes my fancy.
Please browse around the blog to read a bit more about me and my family.
I'm so glad you stopped by and hope you'll leave a comment so I can visit your blog too.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
New Driver in the House
Well, it's happened.
A new chapter in our family has begun.
Our oldest, my 16 year old baby boy, got his driver's license today.
We loaded up car seats, purses, babies and paperwork and scooted onto the highway going north. The local DPS office has a reputation for lines that take 2 hours. I'd rather haul my crew 30 minutes away and get through with the office stuff, thank you.
Still there were about 15 other people in line. We got a few sideways glances.... It was hard work keeping everyone happy and pulling out all the documentation, and money from my deep dark purse and DS had to keep stepping around me.
"Now put your thumb on the light over there" so he dodges behind me to the left.
"Now look into the little machine and read line 5" He ducked to my right while I held onto the 4 year old's arm.
"Now sign and date this". I stepped back from the counter to make room. "Now put your toes on the line for a picture". I grabbed a car seat out of the way.
Eventually it was finished and we were dismissed with a smile and a promise of receiving the desired object in the mail in about 4 weeks.
For the past 6 months he's been driving with me in the car with a driver's permit. I like being with him, watching over him, watching for potential danger, offering comments and suggestions (welcome or not ;-)). But now he has a real live license. He has the legal means to drive on his own with no parent present.
I'm excited to have this additional help...I mean now I can send him for eggs. Now he can take himself to his fencing classes and take his sister to her sewing class...and there's groceries, bill paying, car washing, mail checking....the list is endless. :-) Oh boy, this is fun!
Today he requested that we allow him to celebrate by taking a friend to eat at a drive through and going hiking at the nearby park...the friend couldn't come, so he went alone. I flinched just a little as he drove out...and I prayed a lot. I've got a little letting go to do. The angels will be standing guard.
We held our own little celebration by having Subway sandwiches...no cooking for me. :-)
I am very, very proud. My heart is full of joy as I watch my children grow and blossom. Yes, I'm going to miss that little boy, but he'll still be in there somewhere. And the man that is replacing him is awesome! Thank you Lord for keeping these children in the palm of your hand.
Amen.
A new chapter in our family has begun.
Our oldest, my 16 year old baby boy, got his driver's license today.
We loaded up car seats, purses, babies and paperwork and scooted onto the highway going north. The local DPS office has a reputation for lines that take 2 hours. I'd rather haul my crew 30 minutes away and get through with the office stuff, thank you.
Still there were about 15 other people in line. We got a few sideways glances.... It was hard work keeping everyone happy and pulling out all the documentation, and money from my deep dark purse and DS had to keep stepping around me.
"Now put your thumb on the light over there" so he dodges behind me to the left.
"Now look into the little machine and read line 5" He ducked to my right while I held onto the 4 year old's arm.
"Now sign and date this". I stepped back from the counter to make room. "Now put your toes on the line for a picture". I grabbed a car seat out of the way.
Eventually it was finished and we were dismissed with a smile and a promise of receiving the desired object in the mail in about 4 weeks.
For the past 6 months he's been driving with me in the car with a driver's permit. I like being with him, watching over him, watching for potential danger, offering comments and suggestions (welcome or not ;-)). But now he has a real live license. He has the legal means to drive on his own with no parent present.
I'm excited to have this additional help...I mean now I can send him for eggs. Now he can take himself to his fencing classes and take his sister to her sewing class...and there's groceries, bill paying, car washing, mail checking....the list is endless. :-) Oh boy, this is fun!
Today he requested that we allow him to celebrate by taking a friend to eat at a drive through and going hiking at the nearby park...the friend couldn't come, so he went alone. I flinched just a little as he drove out...and I prayed a lot. I've got a little letting go to do. The angels will be standing guard.
We held our own little celebration by having Subway sandwiches...no cooking for me. :-)
I am very, very proud. My heart is full of joy as I watch my children grow and blossom. Yes, I'm going to miss that little boy, but he'll still be in there somewhere. And the man that is replacing him is awesome! Thank you Lord for keeping these children in the palm of your hand.
Amen.
Labels: Holidays and Celebrations
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Cheap Date Ideas
This is a great idea hosted by Shalee's Diner. She asked for ideas for a cheap date with hubby that doesn't use up the bank account.
My dear hubby and I had a fabulous date a couple years ago that I'd like to share:
We picked up 2 pieces of cheesecake (could be fancy or just a grocery store variety), some forks and 2 drinks (Sparkling cider orArizona Tea) and went to a courtyard of a lovely hotel in Dallas where we used to take walks on dates many (20!wow!) years ago! (some of you may know the Crescent).
We sat on one of the park benches in the shade surrounded by flowers and greenery and nibbled our scrumptious desserts while reminiscing about old times.
It was SO Romantic! It was not very expensive but it felt lovely!
Most couples have places that they used to visit or places that are pretty like botanical gardens or even just a place that reminds them of their early days together. Re-kindle the early romance!
Click on the pic above to read all the other great ideas.
1 comments:Stephanie said...Any date with cheesecake would be a good one for me! :)
Labels: Holidays and Celebrations
Friday, February 2, 2007
The Ultimate Blog Party
Are You Coming?
The Christmas decorations are packed away, the party season is over and we still have two long months of winter stretching out before us…
We need something to shake things up. So pull out your prettiest dress, get your hair done, and come on over!
5 Minutes for Mom is hosting The Ultimate Blog Party!
This will be the place to be. Get your blog noticed, win prizes, hang out with your friends and meet some new ones.
I'm going to get the children involved. We'll be making special food and taking some pictures. We always need something fun to look forward to this time of year. I hope you'll join us.
Click on the Ultimate Blog Party Button on my sidebar for more info.
The Christmas decorations are packed away, the party season is over and we still have two long months of winter stretching out before us…
We need something to shake things up. So pull out your prettiest dress, get your hair done, and come on over!
5 Minutes for Mom is hosting The Ultimate Blog Party!
This will be the place to be. Get your blog noticed, win prizes, hang out with your friends and meet some new ones.
I'm going to get the children involved. We'll be making special food and taking some pictures. We always need something fun to look forward to this time of year. I hope you'll join us.
Click on the Ultimate Blog Party Button on my sidebar for more info.
Labels: Holidays and Celebrations
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
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
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