Thursday, February 28, 2008
Quiver Full
I have been asked to share a little about our family planning belief's...or non-beliefs :-) or 'quiver full' convictions.
So I will attempt to share our story gently and respectfully. I have avoided this subject in the past because it seems to me that most people are not interested in change. When God begins to work on someone's heart He tugs at it and they respond. He doesn't need me to argue them into something. So...this is not meant to be a persuasive paper or a judgment on those with different beliefs. This is just our story. I DO hope it inspires someone to else to trust God with their family size. :-)
I was growing up in the 70’s and 80's-- when it was not typical for the mother to be home with her children--except at my house. :-) My own sweet mother was there for us in the home, always waiting to hear our tales and always ready to pray with us. She taught me that a woman's greatest calling is to be the helpmeet to her husband and a stay at home mother to her children. From a very early age I dreamed of having a large family (I loved the Walton's television show!). Perhaps I was able to dream of the joys of a large family because my own mother and father made our family life such a joy.
Through the passage of time and thanks to the world's excellent brainwashing program, I came to believe that more than 3 or 4 children were an 'irresponsible and burdensome' thing for people to have. Sadly, Christians in the church had bought into the same lifestyle as the world and were now passing it on to the younger generation.
My husband and I married with the agreement that we would have only 2 children. But...deep in my heart I knew it couldn't be wrong to love children and have more of them.
When our second child was about 3 years old I picked up the book "Full Quiver" at a local homeschool book table and began reading. That's when I discovered that my desire to be blessed by children was put there by God! Amazing! The new problem I faced was the fact that my hubby did not share my conviction and in fact, had never desired or been open to us having a large family. Thankfully, the Lord had already worked on my heart and showed me how important it was to respect my husband and his leadership of our family.
After a few weeks of prayer and SERIOUS Bible study, I went carefully to my husband and shared with him about the tugging at my heart. I did not ask him to change his mind. I did not tell him I demanded more children. I simply told him that my convictions about birth control had changed, but that my desire to honor his decision in the matter was more important than anything else. I explained that no matter what he decided I would be respectful, and more than that, I would be happy! After all, I figured if this really was God's call to us that he could change my hubby's heart whenever and however He wanted.
I dropped the subject and went on with my life as though nothing had changed, simply trusting God to do His will. I knew it would be a true miracle if my hubby ever changed his mind! Ask anybody who knew him then and they would tell you the same thing. "He'll never change on that one!"
After about 2 months my Hubby announced to me that God had changed his heart. :-)
I was excited!
I was scared!
What if we started having babies every 9 months?! Oh my goodness! What had I gotten myself into? I should never have studied the Bible like that! I should never have picked up that Full Quiver book!
Oh, how patient God is with us and how much we have to learn.
It was a long time--years-- before I conceived another child. Of course we were overjoyed and began planning where we could fit a little bassinet into our tiny home. Part way into the pregnancy however, I miscarried. The grief was very real. My heart ached and my arms longed to hold the tiny bundle and how I wished I could've touched the baby soft cheek.
Again, it was a long time before I conceived, and again...the baby went to be with Jesus before I ever held it in my arms.
Through these trying years God was teaching us more. We learned that letting God plan your family means that you trust Him no matter what. My dear husband reminded me that it's not right to attempt to 'twist God's arm' to give us more children! What a revelation! It turns out that WE don't make babies! GOD does! WE don't get to add children unless God WANTS us to! He doesn't necessarily want every family to be as large as the Duggar family...though there are many large families out there. Some families that are trusting God with their family size still have no children and some have just one or two. You'd be surprised! God actually has a plan...He doesn't just hand out babies willy nilly...hmmmm...thinking, thinking, thinking... I guess God is smarter than me?!!! :-D Why does it take so long for me to grasp the simple and the obvious?
Waiting and trusting was hard for me. I am one of those people who likes to jump all the way into something. When I decide something should be done, I want to do it yesterday and I want to do it big! I had to learn trust and patience.
When our second child was 7 years old I got pregnant again. This time I carried the pregnancy full term and the baby was born on my daughter's 8th birthday! Please don't tell me that is a coincidence. I don't believe in coincidences. Because I am a Christian I have given God permission to direct every area of my life. I know He does! The stories I could tell...but I won't right now ... :-)
After about 2 years I got pregnant again....and miscarried for the third time. By this time I knew that God had a plan for our family that was unique, just as each of us is unique. I felt a deep sense of trust and joy. No, I wasn't happy to lose another baby...joy is a sense of peace, not just surface happiness.
When our 3rd child was 3 years old God blessed our family with twin girls! Double blessing!
We have been given so much! And right now I am very busy!
There is so much that God has taught me over the years that it's hard to sum it all up here.
I have learned some very important lessons.
1. God doesn't make mistakes.
2. As a Christian, I need to be responsible to train the children God gives 'in the way they should go' or they will cease to be a blessing and instead be a burden...as children are for so many families who aren't Christians.
3. When God gives a child, He gives the means to care for that child...our financial picture improves every time God sends us a new baby (or 2!)
4. I believe that other people's fertility and marriage bed is their own business, as long as they are not aborting babies-which is wrong!
I share our story with those that are interested but I believe it is rude to inquire after another couples private life--unless that inquiry is because you are genuinely interested in changing your own perspective. Meaning--I don't care to have people try to talk me OUT OF trusting God with my family size. I pray that God will inspire people to trust Him through our lives but I NEVER look down on anyone who does not share our convictions and I don't want to be looked down on either. The door goes both ways. I know God is big enough to speak to His own kids when or if He sees fit--just like He spoke to us. I just hope that more people will listen because it's an AWESOME thing to be blessed so much!
5. I discovered through research that many of the 'dangers of having children' were myth's. Especially the ones about older mothers. Please don't try to engage me in an argument here. I don't want to argue. If you disagree with me that is your own choice. If you are not sure or have fears about childbearing. Do some research. I'm not talking about reading conventional reports. I mean REAL research. The kind where you look at actual statistics and find the real info... It's not as bad as we've been told!
6. The more you have the more love there is to go around! And the less selfish every member of the family becomes!
7. Out of all the families that God has blessed with many children I don't see any of them wanting to send any of the children back! :-)
I hope that God chooses to bless us with more children. But if He doesn't, I'll still be fine with that. I so dearly love each one He has given us and I trust His plan.
“And He said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee
for my strength is made perfect in weakness, most gladly therefore
will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power
of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD:
and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man;
so are children of the youth.
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them:
they shall not be ashamed,
but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate."
(Psalm 127:3-5 KJV)
Edited to add:
Even though I do not make it a habit to inquire after other people's private practice that does not mean they should be unaware of the dangers of birth control methods.
Birth control pills, Depo-Provera or Norplant can cause abortions -go here to read about it.
IUD's cause abortions- go here to read more.
Food for thought:
If we , as Christians, are so sure that God made us? and that God is the giver of life, and that God doesn't make mistakes, and that we cannot force God to do anything...then why oh why are we so sure that it is US alone who makes those babies happen? Where is God in that equation? How in the world does a precious little spirit get delivered into that tiny body if God doesn't want it to? We know that Satan is not a life giver so the only other alternative would be ourselves...are we really THAT powerful? I have even heard well meaning but very confused young wives say.."oh dear...I think I made a mistake ...we shouldn't have got pregnant right now!" No, no, no, YOU did not make a mistake...you did what God expects every married couple to do and then He blessed you for it! YOU do not have the power to make the baby...just the fun of helping the True Creator of Life! :-)
So I will attempt to share our story gently and respectfully. I have avoided this subject in the past because it seems to me that most people are not interested in change. When God begins to work on someone's heart He tugs at it and they respond. He doesn't need me to argue them into something. So...this is not meant to be a persuasive paper or a judgment on those with different beliefs. This is just our story. I DO hope it inspires someone to else to trust God with their family size. :-)
I was growing up in the 70’s and 80's-- when it was not typical for the mother to be home with her children--except at my house. :-) My own sweet mother was there for us in the home, always waiting to hear our tales and always ready to pray with us. She taught me that a woman's greatest calling is to be the helpmeet to her husband and a stay at home mother to her children. From a very early age I dreamed of having a large family (I loved the Walton's television show!). Perhaps I was able to dream of the joys of a large family because my own mother and father made our family life such a joy.
Through the passage of time and thanks to the world's excellent brainwashing program, I came to believe that more than 3 or 4 children were an 'irresponsible and burdensome' thing for people to have. Sadly, Christians in the church had bought into the same lifestyle as the world and were now passing it on to the younger generation.
My husband and I married with the agreement that we would have only 2 children. But...deep in my heart I knew it couldn't be wrong to love children and have more of them.
When our second child was about 3 years old I picked up the book "Full Quiver" at a local homeschool book table and began reading. That's when I discovered that my desire to be blessed by children was put there by God! Amazing! The new problem I faced was the fact that my hubby did not share my conviction and in fact, had never desired or been open to us having a large family. Thankfully, the Lord had already worked on my heart and showed me how important it was to respect my husband and his leadership of our family.
After a few weeks of prayer and SERIOUS Bible study, I went carefully to my husband and shared with him about the tugging at my heart. I did not ask him to change his mind. I did not tell him I demanded more children. I simply told him that my convictions about birth control had changed, but that my desire to honor his decision in the matter was more important than anything else. I explained that no matter what he decided I would be respectful, and more than that, I would be happy! After all, I figured if this really was God's call to us that he could change my hubby's heart whenever and however He wanted.
I dropped the subject and went on with my life as though nothing had changed, simply trusting God to do His will. I knew it would be a true miracle if my hubby ever changed his mind! Ask anybody who knew him then and they would tell you the same thing. "He'll never change on that one!"
After about 2 months my Hubby announced to me that God had changed his heart. :-)
I was excited!
I was scared!
What if we started having babies every 9 months?! Oh my goodness! What had I gotten myself into? I should never have studied the Bible like that! I should never have picked up that Full Quiver book!
Oh, how patient God is with us and how much we have to learn.
It was a long time--years-- before I conceived another child. Of course we were overjoyed and began planning where we could fit a little bassinet into our tiny home. Part way into the pregnancy however, I miscarried. The grief was very real. My heart ached and my arms longed to hold the tiny bundle and how I wished I could've touched the baby soft cheek.
Again, it was a long time before I conceived, and again...the baby went to be with Jesus before I ever held it in my arms.
Through these trying years God was teaching us more. We learned that letting God plan your family means that you trust Him no matter what. My dear husband reminded me that it's not right to attempt to 'twist God's arm' to give us more children! What a revelation! It turns out that WE don't make babies! GOD does! WE don't get to add children unless God WANTS us to! He doesn't necessarily want every family to be as large as the Duggar family...though there are many large families out there. Some families that are trusting God with their family size still have no children and some have just one or two. You'd be surprised! God actually has a plan...He doesn't just hand out babies willy nilly...hmmmm...thinking, thinking, thinking... I guess God is smarter than me?!!! :-D Why does it take so long for me to grasp the simple and the obvious?
Waiting and trusting was hard for me. I am one of those people who likes to jump all the way into something. When I decide something should be done, I want to do it yesterday and I want to do it big! I had to learn trust and patience.
When our second child was 7 years old I got pregnant again. This time I carried the pregnancy full term and the baby was born on my daughter's 8th birthday! Please don't tell me that is a coincidence. I don't believe in coincidences. Because I am a Christian I have given God permission to direct every area of my life. I know He does! The stories I could tell...but I won't right now ... :-)
After about 2 years I got pregnant again....and miscarried for the third time. By this time I knew that God had a plan for our family that was unique, just as each of us is unique. I felt a deep sense of trust and joy. No, I wasn't happy to lose another baby...joy is a sense of peace, not just surface happiness.
When our 3rd child was 3 years old God blessed our family with twin girls! Double blessing!
We have been given so much! And right now I am very busy!
There is so much that God has taught me over the years that it's hard to sum it all up here.
I have learned some very important lessons.
1. God doesn't make mistakes.
2. As a Christian, I need to be responsible to train the children God gives 'in the way they should go' or they will cease to be a blessing and instead be a burden...as children are for so many families who aren't Christians.
3. When God gives a child, He gives the means to care for that child...our financial picture improves every time God sends us a new baby (or 2!)
4. I believe that other people's fertility and marriage bed is their own business, as long as they are not aborting babies-which is wrong!
I share our story with those that are interested but I believe it is rude to inquire after another couples private life--unless that inquiry is because you are genuinely interested in changing your own perspective. Meaning--I don't care to have people try to talk me OUT OF trusting God with my family size. I pray that God will inspire people to trust Him through our lives but I NEVER look down on anyone who does not share our convictions and I don't want to be looked down on either. The door goes both ways. I know God is big enough to speak to His own kids when or if He sees fit--just like He spoke to us. I just hope that more people will listen because it's an AWESOME thing to be blessed so much!
5. I discovered through research that many of the 'dangers of having children' were myth's. Especially the ones about older mothers. Please don't try to engage me in an argument here. I don't want to argue. If you disagree with me that is your own choice. If you are not sure or have fears about childbearing. Do some research. I'm not talking about reading conventional reports. I mean REAL research. The kind where you look at actual statistics and find the real info... It's not as bad as we've been told!
6. The more you have the more love there is to go around! And the less selfish every member of the family becomes!
7. Out of all the families that God has blessed with many children I don't see any of them wanting to send any of the children back! :-)
I hope that God chooses to bless us with more children. But if He doesn't, I'll still be fine with that. I so dearly love each one He has given us and I trust His plan.
“And He said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee
for my strength is made perfect in weakness, most gladly therefore
will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power
of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD:
and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man;
so are children of the youth.
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them:
they shall not be ashamed,
but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate."
(Psalm 127:3-5 KJV)
Edited to add:
Even though I do not make it a habit to inquire after other people's private practice that does not mean they should be unaware of the dangers of birth control methods.
Birth control pills, Depo-Provera or Norplant can cause abortions -go here to read about it.
IUD's cause abortions- go here to read more.
Food for thought:
If we , as Christians, are so sure that God made us? and that God is the giver of life, and that God doesn't make mistakes, and that we cannot force God to do anything...then why oh why are we so sure that it is US alone who makes those babies happen? Where is God in that equation? How in the world does a precious little spirit get delivered into that tiny body if God doesn't want it to? We know that Satan is not a life giver so the only other alternative would be ourselves...are we really THAT powerful? I have even heard well meaning but very confused young wives say.."oh dear...I think I made a mistake ...we shouldn't have got pregnant right now!" No, no, no, YOU did not make a mistake...you did what God expects every married couple to do and then He blessed you for it! YOU do not have the power to make the baby...just the fun of helping the True Creator of Life! :-)
Labels: Family, More About Me
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Six Non-Important Things
Katie tagged me to post six miscellaneous things about myself.
The Rules for this meme are:
*Link to the person that tagged you.
*Post the rules on your blog.
*Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
*Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
*Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
Ok, so here goes...
1. When I was 3 or 4 years old I realized on my own that Santa was not real. My parents never really tried to make me believe in Santa, but society in general did. I remember being very offended that anyone would think I was so gullible. All the 'santas helper's' walking around did nothing to impress me either. Why did they have to try and wear the same red suit anyway? :-)
2. Even though I really try to serve healthy foods and I buy organic etc... one of my favorite snacks is Jalapeno Kettle Chips. Yummy! It's hard for me to stop eating them...which is why I don't buy them very often-- too much temptation.
3. I have always been very sensitive to loud noises. I can barely stand it when people shout suddenly (like when a friend of mine in high school hid in my back seat and jumped out and roared -- I almost knocked him out in my startled state of mind). When I was a young bride I hated to vacuum or use blenders or mixers or anything that makes loud noise. When turning on the blender I would always quickly cover my ears. Most of the time I would just use a hand beater though.
4. As a child, my favorite place to do homework was in a tree. I had a favorite climbing tree on my uncle's farm. There were two large branches spaced just right. I could take my work and stay there for hours. I often took a good reading book up there too!
5. Some of my very best memories of childhood include the long drives we took as a family. We had limited funds in those days (daddy was the pastor of a small church) so for fun, daddy would tell us to pile into the car and off we would go. We would explore back roads and valleys, hilltops and farms. It was always great to see what was just over the next hill. Sometimes we would go all the way to the state line before turning around to go home.
6. My dream house is not a new house. (although I don't think those are bad ;-)) I dream of having a big old house with lots of character including nooks and crannies and a little (or a lot) of history. :-)
Well, there you go, six random things about me.
Now the rules say to tag six people...hmmmm... I guess I'm going to break the rules and just let you choose to be tagged by me. I know that probably isn't as fun, but I have used more than my share of time on the computer today. I need to get off and do something else. If you read this consider yourself tagged! Leave me a comment when you post yours. I love reading about other people!
** I know many of you have been tagged for these things several times in the past or some of you may not want to participate, so please don't feel obligated....this is for pure fun!
The Rules for this meme are:
*Link to the person that tagged you.
*Post the rules on your blog.
*Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
*Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
*Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
Ok, so here goes...
1. When I was 3 or 4 years old I realized on my own that Santa was not real. My parents never really tried to make me believe in Santa, but society in general did. I remember being very offended that anyone would think I was so gullible. All the 'santas helper's' walking around did nothing to impress me either. Why did they have to try and wear the same red suit anyway? :-)
2. Even though I really try to serve healthy foods and I buy organic etc... one of my favorite snacks is Jalapeno Kettle Chips. Yummy! It's hard for me to stop eating them...which is why I don't buy them very often-- too much temptation.
3. I have always been very sensitive to loud noises. I can barely stand it when people shout suddenly (like when a friend of mine in high school hid in my back seat and jumped out and roared -- I almost knocked him out in my startled state of mind). When I was a young bride I hated to vacuum or use blenders or mixers or anything that makes loud noise. When turning on the blender I would always quickly cover my ears. Most of the time I would just use a hand beater though.
4. As a child, my favorite place to do homework was in a tree. I had a favorite climbing tree on my uncle's farm. There were two large branches spaced just right. I could take my work and stay there for hours. I often took a good reading book up there too!
5. Some of my very best memories of childhood include the long drives we took as a family. We had limited funds in those days (daddy was the pastor of a small church) so for fun, daddy would tell us to pile into the car and off we would go. We would explore back roads and valleys, hilltops and farms. It was always great to see what was just over the next hill. Sometimes we would go all the way to the state line before turning around to go home.
6. My dream house is not a new house. (although I don't think those are bad ;-)) I dream of having a big old house with lots of character including nooks and crannies and a little (or a lot) of history. :-)
Well, there you go, six random things about me.
Now the rules say to tag six people...hmmmm... I guess I'm going to break the rules and just let you choose to be tagged by me. I know that probably isn't as fun, but I have used more than my share of time on the computer today. I need to get off and do something else. If you read this consider yourself tagged! Leave me a comment when you post yours. I love reading about other people!
** I know many of you have been tagged for these things several times in the past or some of you may not want to participate, so please don't feel obligated....this is for pure fun!
Labels: Just for fun, More About Me
Thursday, August 9, 2007
All the stuff you've just been waiting to hear...
Ok,
I've been tagged. Once by Icejet and also by Trina.
RULES:
1. We have to post these rules before we give you the facts.
2. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged write their own blog post about their eight things and include these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged and that they should read your blog.
My facts/habits:
1. My dear friend and I met at Bible college in 1986 and were often together and dressed somewhat alike. People often thought we were twins. We loved it!
We both married our 'then' sweethearts (she married my cousin) and have both been blessed with twin daughters! Hers are 13 years old, mine are 1 1/2!
2. My dear husband banned me from walking on any stairs without him or at least without holding onto the handrail for many years. The reason? Because I made a regular habit of falling down them. I once did it when he and I were leaving a school meeting early so we could go eat lunch. I had an armload of books and a large purse. Everything went tumbling down the stairs behind me and he was left standing at the top. It's hard to sneak out quietly with a girl like me!
3. My first car was a lovely old 1964 Mercedes. I still miss her...she had that homey old car smell...
4. Interesting fact: (to me anyway) It is now 4:30 AM and I don't think I'm going to go to bed tonight. I was up until recently with a very unhappy 1 year old... and before that with her sister. If I go to bed now I'll completely crash and be unable to function properly for the rest of the day. Maybe I can grocery shop early in the morning and then come home and take a nice long nap...
5. I have always seen myself as a kind of 'Walton's Mama'...Olivia. She loved her God, her husband and her children like nobody's business.
I loved that old show and dreamed of having my own 7 children. (Since then I have read the book the show was based on: Spencer's Mountain: it was a 'nearly' true story based on Mr. Spencer's childhood years.)
6. Hubby and I have lived many places since getting married. Most of them were not near any relatives. Eventually we moved to Texas and lived near my family.
Flashback for a moment: I did not cry on my first day of kindergarten...I remember wanting to, but I wanted to please my mama and so I chose bravery.
Last week my parents made their final trip to Arkansas to take the last load to their new house. The next day I was driving through their part of town and missed them sooo much! I cried. I didn't care about bravery! I needed to cry. I'm so happy for them but I miss them too.
7. I used to have many embarrassing moments...of course I never do anymore! ;-)
Once after class I was walking back to my apartment down a very busy street in Dallas, with a good friend, when I felt something around my ankles. I looked down to see that my slip had slipped! The elastic was stretched out and it refused to stay up. I was so mortified! I was trying to figure out how to gracefully and quickly remove it from my ankles. I noticed my friend was walking faster and faster to get away from me! I begged her to stand near so I could duck behind her for cover but she wanted no part of it! I stumbled around and eventually got it off and stuffed it in my purse and ran for cover. I wonder how many people got a good laugh that day as they were driving by?!
8. I'm sorry but I'm out of ideas...i'll have to add this one tomorrow/later today after I've had time to think and take a nap!
Tag #2
1. 5 Favorite band's/singers: Bryan Duncan, Wendy and Mary, Keith Green, Chicago, Kenny G.
2. 5 Favorite Movies: Enchanted April, BBC's Pride & Prejudice, Princess Bride, Sound of Music, It's a Wonderful Life.
3. 5 Favorite TV shows: I don't watch/like much TV but I always liked The Walton's and Andy Griffith and As Time Goes By.
4. 5 Favorite breed's of dogs ( I like dogs but I prefer cats): Mutt's :-D, Heelers, Lab's, Bassett Hounds & Airedale Terriers.
I've been tagged. Once by Icejet and also by Trina.
RULES:
1. We have to post these rules before we give you the facts.
2. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged write their own blog post about their eight things and include these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged and that they should read your blog.
My facts/habits:
1. My dear friend and I met at Bible college in 1986 and were often together and dressed somewhat alike. People often thought we were twins. We loved it!
We both married our 'then' sweethearts (she married my cousin) and have both been blessed with twin daughters! Hers are 13 years old, mine are 1 1/2!
2. My dear husband banned me from walking on any stairs without him or at least without holding onto the handrail for many years. The reason? Because I made a regular habit of falling down them. I once did it when he and I were leaving a school meeting early so we could go eat lunch. I had an armload of books and a large purse. Everything went tumbling down the stairs behind me and he was left standing at the top. It's hard to sneak out quietly with a girl like me!
3. My first car was a lovely old 1964 Mercedes. I still miss her...she had that homey old car smell...
4. Interesting fact: (to me anyway) It is now 4:30 AM and I don't think I'm going to go to bed tonight. I was up until recently with a very unhappy 1 year old... and before that with her sister. If I go to bed now I'll completely crash and be unable to function properly for the rest of the day. Maybe I can grocery shop early in the morning and then come home and take a nice long nap...
5. I have always seen myself as a kind of 'Walton's Mama'...Olivia. She loved her God, her husband and her children like nobody's business.
I loved that old show and dreamed of having my own 7 children. (Since then I have read the book the show was based on: Spencer's Mountain: it was a 'nearly' true story based on Mr. Spencer's childhood years.)
6. Hubby and I have lived many places since getting married. Most of them were not near any relatives. Eventually we moved to Texas and lived near my family.
Flashback for a moment: I did not cry on my first day of kindergarten...I remember wanting to, but I wanted to please my mama and so I chose bravery.
Last week my parents made their final trip to Arkansas to take the last load to their new house. The next day I was driving through their part of town and missed them sooo much! I cried. I didn't care about bravery! I needed to cry. I'm so happy for them but I miss them too.
7. I used to have many embarrassing moments...of course I never do anymore! ;-)
Once after class I was walking back to my apartment down a very busy street in Dallas, with a good friend, when I felt something around my ankles. I looked down to see that my slip had slipped! The elastic was stretched out and it refused to stay up. I was so mortified! I was trying to figure out how to gracefully and quickly remove it from my ankles. I noticed my friend was walking faster and faster to get away from me! I begged her to stand near so I could duck behind her for cover but she wanted no part of it! I stumbled around and eventually got it off and stuffed it in my purse and ran for cover. I wonder how many people got a good laugh that day as they were driving by?!
8. I'm sorry but I'm out of ideas...i'll have to add this one tomorrow/later today after I've had time to think and take a nap!
Tag #2
1. 5 Favorite band's/singers: Bryan Duncan, Wendy and Mary, Keith Green, Chicago, Kenny G.
2. 5 Favorite Movies: Enchanted April, BBC's Pride & Prejudice, Princess Bride, Sound of Music, It's a Wonderful Life.
3. 5 Favorite TV shows: I don't watch/like much TV but I always liked The Walton's and Andy Griffith and As Time Goes By.
4. 5 Favorite breed's of dogs ( I like dogs but I prefer cats): Mutt's :-D, Heelers, Lab's, Bassett Hounds & Airedale Terriers.
Labels: Just for fun, More About Me
Monday, June 11, 2007
I've been tagged!
#1.I've been tagged by one of my 12 year old blogging friends, Ice Jet!
#2. Favorite color? Pink.
#3. Hair color? Brown.
#4. Favorite dessert? Cheesecake, or Pecan Pie or Cherry Cobbler....
#5. What did you do before the computer? Happily visited with some surprise out of town guests!
#6. Favorite soda? Dr. Pepper.
#7.Your favorite book? mmm...difficult choice...Heidi, or Stepping Heavenward or Cheaper by the Dozen
#8.Favorite movie? Enchanted April and Princess Bride.
#9.What color shirt are you wearing? Off White.
#10.What did you do yesterday? I cleaned house and went to pick my Hubby up from the airport.
#11. Who are you going to tag? Anyone who hasn't recently been tagged and wants to play is hereby tagged.
#2. Favorite color? Pink.
#3. Hair color? Brown.
#4. Favorite dessert? Cheesecake, or Pecan Pie or Cherry Cobbler....
#5. What did you do before the computer? Happily visited with some surprise out of town guests!
#6. Favorite soda? Dr. Pepper.
#7.Your favorite book? mmm...difficult choice...Heidi, or Stepping Heavenward or Cheaper by the Dozen
#8.Favorite movie? Enchanted April and Princess Bride.
#9.What color shirt are you wearing? Off White.
#10.What did you do yesterday? I cleaned house and went to pick my Hubby up from the airport.
#11. Who are you going to tag? Anyone who hasn't recently been tagged and wants to play is hereby tagged.
Labels: Just for fun, More About Me
Inquiring Minds Want to Know:
Your Blogging Story ~ Carnival
Go read other's blogging stories over at Chili's place...and you can even write your own answers and join in the carnival. After you write yours go here and sign the Mr. Linky with your web address. Easy!
Back to add a few thoughts...As I was working in the kitchen I was going over my answers to this questionnaire in my mind and I realized I need to add some things:
I really do like to blog and I really do hope that certain of my family members will eventually start reading/commenting more...not just so they can know what's going on but because this is such an extension of... ME!
I put my heart out there sometimes in ways that are often difficult for me in real life settings...I get busy changing diapers and taking toddlers to the toilet, making plans for big kids and more...this place is quiet and you get a peek into the inside of me. :-)
Also: If you're new to blogging don't get discouraged if it takes a while to make a circle of friends. Sometimes you'll see a blog and think "Oh! They are just like me! I KNOW we'll be good friends!"
It doesn't always work out that way. Sometimes, you make friends in the most unexpected places! Keep trying!
How did you start blogging?
I was spending a lot of time nursing babies therefore I was sitting in a chair in front of the computer emailing and browsing. I ended up finding some wonderful blogs, by accident. Before you know it I wanted to 'have one of those too'.
Did you intend to be a blog with a big following? If so, how did you go about it?
No...but I did hope to make a few new friends, which I have done.
I think blogs that have followings are
1.either very intellectual (which --cough- I am not) or
2.very funny (not that either). Though I try to keep my sense of humor at the ready. or
3. very well informed/informing/news (nope--still not me--unless your idea of current events is knowing how tired I am or finding out about the latest silly quiz that's going around).
What do you hope to achieve or accomplish with your blog? Have you been successful? If not, do you have a plan to achieve those goals?
Goals?
I, uhmm, wanted to have a place to share my strong opinions on... whatever... and a place to let my distant family members and friends keep up with us. I think I've been mildly successful...but I've also changed my goals somewhat. I now realize that not very many people are interested in my strong opinions so I keep some of them to myself.
Instead, I focus on making my little bit of web space inviting and offering a smile to weary people on occasion.
Plus, I absolutely LOVE the chance to be creative and maintain some place that's pretty and the kiddoes don't mess it up!
I'm not sure if my family members read this to keep up with us or just occasionally...? I do get a few comments here and there from a couple of relatives.
Has the focus of your blog changed since you started blogging? How?
I've loosened up and started being more comfortable with myself and my failures and tried not to be quite so preachy sounding. I like me most of the time and decided to not be afraid to share it, therefore I like posting more than before, therefore I have become anaddicted,er faithful blogger.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you started?
Not much! Maybe that it doesn't matter WHO reads your blog..it's just nice that someone, sometimes, enjoys 'visiting' with you. And it's great to have a place to record daily thoughts and memories.
Do you make money with your blog?
HA! No!
Wouldn't that be cool!? Paid to blog!? YES!
Does your immediate or extended family know about your blog? If so, do they read it? If not, why?
They all know about it. Some of them read it. Lots of them don’t-
I am going to quote Boo Mama here:
"because they’re too busy doing things like 'caring for their family' or 'making a living' or 'staying fit and healthy.'
Guess I should follow their examples...
What two pieces of advice would you give to a new blogger?
1.Don't spend too much time on design and graphics until you've gotten your feet wet and KNOW that you want to do this.
2.Write often about what interests YOU.
and an extra:
3.Be a good bloggy friend and visit OTHER PEOPLE'S blogs and leave LOTS of comments...LOTS!
It's what makes this so fun!
Go read other's blogging stories over at Chili's place...and you can even write your own answers and join in the carnival. After you write yours go here and sign the Mr. Linky with your web address. Easy!
Back to add a few thoughts...As I was working in the kitchen I was going over my answers to this questionnaire in my mind and I realized I need to add some things:
I really do like to blog and I really do hope that certain of my family members will eventually start reading/commenting more...not just so they can know what's going on but because this is such an extension of... ME!
I put my heart out there sometimes in ways that are often difficult for me in real life settings...I get busy changing diapers and taking toddlers to the toilet, making plans for big kids and more...this place is quiet and you get a peek into the inside of me. :-)
Also: If you're new to blogging don't get discouraged if it takes a while to make a circle of friends. Sometimes you'll see a blog and think "Oh! They are just like me! I KNOW we'll be good friends!"
It doesn't always work out that way. Sometimes, you make friends in the most unexpected places! Keep trying!
Labels: Misc, More About Me
Monday, May 28, 2007
Elegant Dresses and Building Sized Brownies
Last night I dreamed about elegant dresses in very small sizes and a giant 1000 sq. ft. brownie.
As I was flying over the top of the brownie (in the mall) I was thinking "That seems like a lot of brownie for just one family...but I guess we've eaten that much before..."
...Care to analyze this for me? :-)
Either I'm very very skinny and need to eat to gain weight so I can wear the super figure hugging gown (which had a cape/train thingy by the way---does that mean anything?).
Or, I (ahem) could stand to drop a few pounds so I can fit into a smaller size (that's probably not it).
Or, I'm a crazed shopper who enjoys flying through malls and searching for formal wear I can't actually buy, and a very generous mom who bakes brownies by the mile, on the floor of public buildings. "Care for a brownie? The shoppers have squished it down with their feet but it still tastes the same."
What are your intelligent opinions? How does this dream reflect me and my personal struggles? Is there some deeper meaning, a shred of evidence that I am an exceptional person? Please leave me your thoughts and comments.
Anyone notice that my posting subject matter seems to be getting less and less noteworthy?
As I was flying over the top of the brownie (in the mall) I was thinking "That seems like a lot of brownie for just one family...but I guess we've eaten that much before..."
...Care to analyze this for me? :-)
Either I'm very very skinny and need to eat to gain weight so I can wear the super figure hugging gown (which had a cape/train thingy by the way---does that mean anything?).
Or, I (ahem) could stand to drop a few pounds so I can fit into a smaller size (that's probably not it).
Or, I'm a crazed shopper who enjoys flying through malls and searching for formal wear I can't actually buy, and a very generous mom who bakes brownies by the mile, on the floor of public buildings. "Care for a brownie? The shoppers have squished it down with their feet but it still tastes the same."
What are your intelligent opinions? How does this dream reflect me and my personal struggles? Is there some deeper meaning, a shred of evidence that I am an exceptional person? Please leave me your thoughts and comments.
Anyone notice that my posting subject matter seems to be getting less and less noteworthy?
Labels: More About Me
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Favorite Things
One of my favorite things.
This was given to me by my dear husband many years ago and is still one of my most loved possessions.
He eventually bought me all the canisters to go with it. :-)
I use it just as intended...to store our bread.
I don't know why it makes me so happy...maybe because I love for everything to have it's own place.
Do you have any favorite things to share?
Labels: Favorite Things, Misc, More About Me
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
40 Questions
Check out Trina, where I got this tag.
1. What is your occupation?
Homemaker, mommy, homeschool teacher...
2. What color are your socks right now?
I'm wearing some old favorite white scrunchy socks that are soft and look, uuhhmm, not too good! I also own a favorite pair of bright pink socks that were worn (not by me) to our wedding almost 19 years ago...but that's a story for another day!
3. What are you listening to right now?
The sound of rain pattering outside the wide-open front door and my hubby and DS16 laughing while playing a Mario Kart game in the next room.
4. What was the last thing that you ate?
Supper...it was supposed to be beef stew but I was talked into making herb-garlic chicken and rice instead.
5. Can you drive a stick shift?
Yes, but I prefer automatics...I learned to drive stick shift while still a teen. Daddy used to be a policeman and wanted me to be a good driver in any situation.
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Pink, very pink!
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
My mother. She called to give me an update on her recent trip with one of her sister's to NYC for a special surprise birthday party for her other sister (who turns 70 next month!). I love talking to my mother on the phone! :-)
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
Yes !! I love reading her blog.
9. How old are you today?
39 years-- I've always felt older than I really am.
10. Favorite drink?
It just depends on the season and the weather and my mood! Could be water with lemon or Diet Dr. Pepper or Int'l Foods Suisse Mocha (mmm!) or English Toffee tea...
11. What is your favorite sport to watch?
I don't really like watching sports...I do like the olympics and...
Oh! Ballroom dancing! Does that count as a sport?
12. Have you ever dyed your hair?
Yes, but no one usually notices...I look like I should be a red-head anyway...
13. Pets?
We love animals...we've owned llamas, ducks, Shetland Sheep, Diamond Doves, Zebra Finches and Button Quail. We've had a few mishaps.We also had a dog, but sadly he decided to play on the railroad tracks and is no more. We currently have a calico kitty named Duchess and a tortoise shell kitty named Daisy who is mama to 6 adorable kittens.
14. Favorite food?
Tex mex!
15. What was the last movie you watched?
An episode of As Time Goes By on DVD...very soothing.
16. What was the last book you read?
I haven't actually completed a book in a long time but I'm always reading something...We homeschool mom's tend to OD on books.
17. What do you do to vent anger?
That lecturing thing.
Once, when I was just a young lass, and married only a couple of years, I got VERY angry at my hubby. I decided to throw something at him and so I threw what was in my hand: a deck of cards. They fluttered gently throughout the room like so many butterflies. Hubby laughed. And I was left with some serious clean-up to do. So much for violence!
18. What was your favourite toy as a child?
I loved my dear old teddy...named Teddy, of course. I got him when I
was a baby and have him to this day! I also really liked my Jodi doll with her long, red hair and her darling kitchen.
19. What is your favourite, fall or spring?
No favorite...but if pressed, I'd say when I live in Texas I love fall. When I live other places--more northerly-- spring is fairly welcome.
20. Hugs or kisses?
Hugs are wonderful! They are good for snuggling, for comforting, for loving and for even for sleeping!
21. Cherries or blueberries?
I don't know...
22. Do you want your friends to leave you comments?
YES! YES! YES!
23. Who is the most likely to comment?
I don't know but I'll take whatever I can get!
24. Who is least likely to comment?
The notorious lurkers...:-)
25. Living arrangements?
Huh? You mean do I live with my family? in a house? in a town? or is this referring to planning to live for a while? because Yes! that is currently my plan...
26. When was the last time you cried?
Yesterday. No good reason. Just needed to because I was sooo tired and couldn't not.
27. What's on the floor of your closet?
Shoes, cedar pieces, receipts that fell out of a 'need to be filed' box on the shelf...my hope chest/trunk, and some stray hair bands of DD12.
28. Who is the friend you have had the longest?
I have several long time friends ---like Taylor-31 years! But most of them I don't see or talk to often. The only one I see often and talk to every week is Bambi! Friends for almost 21 years!
29. What did you do last night?
Walked up and down our road with DD12 and the three littles in strollers for about an hour.
30. Favorite smells?
Baby Magic baby lotion on the babies! and Fresh Peaches! MMMM!
31. What inspires you?
Poetry and nature and my children when they are absorbed in a project.
32. What are you afraid of?
Not teaching my lambies enough to make it in the real world.
33. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers?
Spicy and Cheesy....with plenty of onions!
34. Favourite dog breed?
Airedale Terrier
35. Number of keys on your key ring?
8? I think?
36. Number of years at current job?
Almost 19 years in August. The very best benefit package available!
37. Favourite day of the week?
Probably Mondays...I like to get back to routine.
38. How many states/countries have you lived in?
5---nearly 6: Texas, Colorado, Nevada, California, Washington and soon: Arkansas.
39. Favourite holidays?
Christmas!
40. Ever driven a Motorcycle or heavy machinery?
Yes indeed! I grew up with 4 boys (2 brothers and 2 boy cousins) on a farm. I drove a dirtbike a time or two and a tractor. I'm also married to a builder man who once managed a lumberyard. I got a few rounds on the forklift. I also drove our bus (an old church/school bus) once, but hubby couldn't take the stress. He claims I tried to squash a cyclist...
If any of you want to play along, consider yourself tagged. Let me know so I can come over and get to know you better and leave you a comment.
1. What is your occupation?
Homemaker, mommy, homeschool teacher...
2. What color are your socks right now?
I'm wearing some old favorite white scrunchy socks that are soft and look, uuhhmm, not too good! I also own a favorite pair of bright pink socks that were worn (not by me) to our wedding almost 19 years ago...but that's a story for another day!
3. What are you listening to right now?
The sound of rain pattering outside the wide-open front door and my hubby and DS16 laughing while playing a Mario Kart game in the next room.
4. What was the last thing that you ate?
Supper...it was supposed to be beef stew but I was talked into making herb-garlic chicken and rice instead.
5. Can you drive a stick shift?
Yes, but I prefer automatics...I learned to drive stick shift while still a teen. Daddy used to be a policeman and wanted me to be a good driver in any situation.
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Pink, very pink!
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
My mother. She called to give me an update on her recent trip with one of her sister's to NYC for a special surprise birthday party for her other sister (who turns 70 next month!). I love talking to my mother on the phone! :-)
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
Yes !! I love reading her blog.
9. How old are you today?
39 years-- I've always felt older than I really am.
10. Favorite drink?
It just depends on the season and the weather and my mood! Could be water with lemon or Diet Dr. Pepper or Int'l Foods Suisse Mocha (mmm!) or English Toffee tea...
11. What is your favorite sport to watch?
I don't really like watching sports...I do like the olympics and...
Oh! Ballroom dancing! Does that count as a sport?
12. Have you ever dyed your hair?
Yes, but no one usually notices...I look like I should be a red-head anyway...
13. Pets?
We love animals...we've owned llamas, ducks, Shetland Sheep, Diamond Doves, Zebra Finches and Button Quail. We've had a few mishaps.We also had a dog, but sadly he decided to play on the railroad tracks and is no more. We currently have a calico kitty named Duchess and a tortoise shell kitty named Daisy who is mama to 6 adorable kittens.
14. Favorite food?
Tex mex!
15. What was the last movie you watched?
An episode of As Time Goes By on DVD...very soothing.
16. What was the last book you read?
I haven't actually completed a book in a long time but I'm always reading something...We homeschool mom's tend to OD on books.
17. What do you do to vent anger?
That lecturing thing.
Once, when I was just a young lass, and married only a couple of years, I got VERY angry at my hubby. I decided to throw something at him and so I threw what was in my hand: a deck of cards. They fluttered gently throughout the room like so many butterflies. Hubby laughed. And I was left with some serious clean-up to do. So much for violence!
18. What was your favourite toy as a child?
I loved my dear old teddy...named Teddy, of course. I got him when I
was a baby and have him to this day! I also really liked my Jodi doll with her long, red hair and her darling kitchen.
19. What is your favourite, fall or spring?
No favorite...but if pressed, I'd say when I live in Texas I love fall. When I live other places--more northerly-- spring is fairly welcome.
20. Hugs or kisses?
Hugs are wonderful! They are good for snuggling, for comforting, for loving and for even for sleeping!
21. Cherries or blueberries?
I don't know...
22. Do you want your friends to leave you comments?
YES! YES! YES!
23. Who is the most likely to comment?
I don't know but I'll take whatever I can get!
24. Who is least likely to comment?
The notorious lurkers...:-)
25. Living arrangements?
Huh? You mean do I live with my family? in a house? in a town? or is this referring to planning to live for a while? because Yes! that is currently my plan...
26. When was the last time you cried?
Yesterday. No good reason. Just needed to because I was sooo tired and couldn't not.
27. What's on the floor of your closet?
Shoes, cedar pieces, receipts that fell out of a 'need to be filed' box on the shelf...my hope chest/trunk, and some stray hair bands of DD12.
28. Who is the friend you have had the longest?
I have several long time friends ---like Taylor-31 years! But most of them I don't see or talk to often. The only one I see often and talk to every week is Bambi! Friends for almost 21 years!
29. What did you do last night?
Walked up and down our road with DD12 and the three littles in strollers for about an hour.
30. Favorite smells?
Baby Magic baby lotion on the babies! and Fresh Peaches! MMMM!
31. What inspires you?
Poetry and nature and my children when they are absorbed in a project.
32. What are you afraid of?
Not teaching my lambies enough to make it in the real world.
33. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers?
Spicy and Cheesy....with plenty of onions!
34. Favourite dog breed?
Airedale Terrier
35. Number of keys on your key ring?
8? I think?
36. Number of years at current job?
Almost 19 years in August. The very best benefit package available!
37. Favourite day of the week?
Probably Mondays...I like to get back to routine.
38. How many states/countries have you lived in?
5---nearly 6: Texas, Colorado, Nevada, California, Washington and soon: Arkansas.
39. Favourite holidays?
Christmas!
40. Ever driven a Motorcycle or heavy machinery?
Yes indeed! I grew up with 4 boys (2 brothers and 2 boy cousins) on a farm. I drove a dirtbike a time or two and a tractor. I'm also married to a builder man who once managed a lumberyard. I got a few rounds on the forklift. I also drove our bus (an old church/school bus) once, but hubby couldn't take the stress. He claims I tried to squash a cyclist...
If any of you want to play along, consider yourself tagged. Let me know so I can come over and get to know you better and leave you a comment.
Labels: Just for fun, More About Me
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
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
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
By Way of Introduction
I have another blog at Homeschoolblogger, but they are having some major technical difficulties right now. It started Sunday during a routine maintenance down time...today is Wednesday and still nothing works right. I don't want to bail on them too soon but I would like to have a blog where everything works.
I'm going to give Blogger a try and let my other blog sit quietly for a bit...maybe they'll work the bugs out.
On to the About Me part of this intro: I am a Christian, stay at home mom of 5 kiddoes, so far. We homeschool and love it! We live on a little spot (1 acre) of land in Texas where the heat waves are visible in summer. :-)
We hope to relocate to a gentler climate some day! We have lived in other parts of the country and prefer cold winters and cooler summers. I would love to put more detail into this post but all the kids are starting to get up and I've got to get them some breakfast. Also, the house needs some attention. I'll post more later.
For now, i hope to make some new friends and I hope that my old friends will find their way here and leave me a note.
Have a sunny day!
Edited to add: I have almost--not quite-- made the final decision to close my HSB blog, This makes me sad but I just don't see any improvements over there. :-(
I am an optimist by nature so I'll hold on a bit more.Anyway, I will be moving ALL of my archives to this blog because I don't want to lose it all...so you'll be seeing some posts appear from all throughout 2006.
I'm going to give Blogger a try and let my other blog sit quietly for a bit...maybe they'll work the bugs out.
On to the About Me part of this intro: I am a Christian, stay at home mom of 5 kiddoes, so far. We homeschool and love it! We live on a little spot (1 acre) of land in Texas where the heat waves are visible in summer. :-)
We hope to relocate to a gentler climate some day! We have lived in other parts of the country and prefer cold winters and cooler summers. I would love to put more detail into this post but all the kids are starting to get up and I've got to get them some breakfast. Also, the house needs some attention. I'll post more later.
For now, i hope to make some new friends and I hope that my old friends will find their way here and leave me a note.
Have a sunny day!
Edited to add: I have almost--not quite-- made the final decision to close my HSB blog, This makes me sad but I just don't see any improvements over there. :-(
I am an optimist by nature so I'll hold on a bit more.Anyway, I will be moving ALL of my archives to this blog because I don't want to lose it all...so you'll be seeing some posts appear from all throughout 2006.
Labels: More About Me
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Another fun quiz!
I am an
Echinacea
What Flower
Are You?
"You are a health conscious person, both your health and the health of others. You know all about the health benefits and dangers of the world around you"
Try the quiz and post your results here!
Sunydazy
• Oct. 18, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by CandyFoote
We're twins!!
I'm an enchinacea, too.
Candy
• Oct. 18, 2006 - Very Cool.
Posted by Anonymous
WOW! That's a cool one! Thanks for commenting on my site and taking this fun quiz!
blessings,
kpjara
• Oct. 18, 2006 - That was fun!
Posted by AHappyHome
Well, I'm a snapdragon. Roar! :)
Keri
• Oct. 19, 2006 - sunflower
Posted by JNLANG
I am a sunflower. I tried to put it on my blog, but it didn't show up right. :(
Thanks for the link. That was fun.
Permanent Link
• Oct. 19, 2006 - I'm going to have to post this on my blog!
Posted by Mamma1420
I am a
Snapdragon
What Flower
Are You?
• Oct. 19, 2006 - I'm going to have to post this on my blog!
Posted by Mamma1420
I'm a snapdragon! Love it
Blessings
Jessica
• Oct. 19, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by gottsegnet
This is me:
I am a
Canna
At least according to the quiz : )
• Oct. 22, 2006 - Alas, the View Master
Posted by kristarella
Oh WOW, I forgot about these...all great things of yesteryear.
Thanks for sharing~
• Oct. 30, 2006 - I am sunflower...
Posted by Anonymous
Hello SunyDazy...
Thanks so much for your comment on my post(BE still and know that I am God, on Love is the theme.)....Praise God!! i'm so humbled that the post could speak to you sister...
I like your website...i took the test, and I am a sunflower...LOL
Blessings
Echinacea
What Flower
Are You?
"You are a health conscious person, both your health and the health of others. You know all about the health benefits and dangers of the world around you"
Try the quiz and post your results here!
Sunydazy
• Oct. 18, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by CandyFoote
We're twins!!
I'm an enchinacea, too.
Candy
• Oct. 18, 2006 - Very Cool.
Posted by Anonymous
WOW! That's a cool one! Thanks for commenting on my site and taking this fun quiz!
blessings,
kpjara
• Oct. 18, 2006 - That was fun!
Posted by AHappyHome
Well, I'm a snapdragon. Roar! :)
Keri
• Oct. 19, 2006 - sunflower
Posted by JNLANG
I am a sunflower. I tried to put it on my blog, but it didn't show up right. :(
Thanks for the link. That was fun.
Permanent Link
• Oct. 19, 2006 - I'm going to have to post this on my blog!
Posted by Mamma1420
I am a
Snapdragon
What Flower
Are You?
• Oct. 19, 2006 - I'm going to have to post this on my blog!
Posted by Mamma1420
I'm a snapdragon! Love it
Blessings
Jessica
• Oct. 19, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by gottsegnet
This is me:
I am a
Canna
At least according to the quiz : )
• Oct. 22, 2006 - Alas, the View Master
Posted by kristarella
Oh WOW, I forgot about these...all great things of yesteryear.
Thanks for sharing~
• Oct. 30, 2006 - I am sunflower...
Posted by Anonymous
Hello SunyDazy...
Thanks so much for your comment on my post(BE still and know that I am God, on Love is the theme.)....Praise God!! i'm so humbled that the post could speak to you sister...
I like your website...i took the test, and I am a sunflower...LOL
Blessings
Labels: Just for fun, More About Me
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Highschool Homecoming
• Oct. 11, 2006 -
Well, it's been twenty years since I happily walked up to recieve my high school diploma. I remember the bittersweet emotions I had about parting with my safe, familiar, little world and facing the great unknown future...
It all seems so long ago now. At one time I really wanted to see all those old friends and show off my handsome husband and beautiful children. But as time has passed and my pounds have increased I've become less and less interested in any sort of reunion. After all, I already keep in touch with the friends that I'm still friends with...if you know what I mean.
A couple of weeks ago I got a call from my cousin (he was a member of my senior class). He wanted to encourage me to attend the homecoming football game so we could reconnect with some old friends there. The plan was to start getting a list together of all members of our class in order to plan a reunion for next year (one year late---long story). Anyway, I hem-hawed around and tried to ignore it but eventually curiosity won out and I decided to go with hubby and 4 of the 5 children in tow (11 yo DD was at a birthday slumber party).
I probably don't need to tell you how the rest of the 2 days before the event went. I spent every waking moment trying to figure out how to look like someone else...younger, thinner, prettier, hipper (is that a word?). I called my dear friend (cousin's wife) and asked her what she was wearing...she too was in a panic. We decided we needed to do some shopping and hair makeovers. Forget about housework, etc...I hit the stores. I bought a magazine so I could familiarize myself with what people wear these days.(honestly...people expect me to wear things like that?) I also looked over some hair style magazines.(you've got to be kidding...that's an actual style?!)
With a tight budget I opted to start my shopping trip at Target. They seem to stay fairly trendy. Of course, the next step is to actually know what to try on. I haven't tried on a modern pair of jeans in a long time...they come in such unusual shapes these days. It can be very confusing.
I took all the kids with me and all 5 of them waited outside the dressing room. When I found what I thought was a good combo I stepped out and let the kids vote. I had a hit! My 16 yo DS gave me a thumbs up and a smile. My kids were surprised to see that I could look modern and kinda cute . ;-)
My dear hubby gave me some pretty nice compliments that evening, as well.
I never did do anything spectacular to my hair. I just bought a new curling iron. Did you know that modern technology has really improved those things? I mean instant heat and 25 heat settings! Wow! (mine was about 12-14 years old).
Well, it turns out I had all that panic for nothing..It seems that other people age too! In fact, some of those guys looked really old! Are we really the same age?
It was pleasant to see old acquaintances and we had a great time visiting after the game. I won't dread a full fledged reunion quite so much now. It might be fun.
Sunydazy
P.S. If you want to read a very funny story about a high school reunion, just visit my friend TC and read her post called My underwear (mis)adventure. Be prepared to laugh until your sides hurt!
• Oct. 12, 2006 - High School/reunions
Posted by Amy
Hello! :) I have been reading your blog lately. A fellow homeschool friend who blogs through HomeschoolBlogger directed me to your site since I also have five children, have always homeschooled, and my oldest is 16. I was reading your post from the 11th and it made me think about my highschool days. I never even hung around with but three or four kids from my own class. I hung out with my sister's friends who were three years older. I was a chubby geek in highschool so most of my interaction with kids in my own class was through demeaning comments from them. As my own 20 year reunion has been approaching, I've thought about what most of them would think of me now-an at-home homeschooling mom who likes to wear long skirts and long hair, who still loves to read even though I don't have to, who lives in a mobile home by choice. Would they just think I haven't changed all that much? I'm still chubby too. In fact I'm still the same size I was in high school. I thought about the fact that most of them who teased me can't fit into their prom dresses anymore. That's kind of a good feeling. Well anyway, there was one girl who was relentless about teasing me and who also was prom queen and voted "most likely to suceed" (she had plans to become a lawyer) I still hadn't chosen any true career path as a senior and she thought that was wierd. So I was going on my homeschool email list one day and found a post from a new homeschool mom wanting to get with others in her area. The name was shockingly familiar! It was the same girl(woman). No she hadn't become a lawyer, she never finsished college, she did odd jobs until deciding to work from home as a jewelry designer. As an engaged young woman, her fiance had left her two months before the wedding because she had found out that she was pregnant and he did not want children. Now eight years later she is pulling her daughter from school due to "excessive bullying at the local elementary". And she also decided she wants her daughter to get a real education. She says she never knew, until after highschool, just what the real world was like outside of school and it was a real shock to her. It's amazing that the two of us, so different at one point in our lives, now head down the same path. The Lord will surely lead us where he wants us to go, He is always at the reins! Blessings & Happy Homeschooling Amy
• Oct. 12, 2006 - Nice to meet you!
Posted by sunydazy
Hi Amy, It's always nice to meet people who read this blog. It sounds like we have a lot in common. I too, have long hair and LOVE to wear long skirts. That's why this thinking I needed new clothes, especially blue jeans, was so funny and also why my kids were so shocked to see me in them! I should probably point out that I attended a Christian School founded by my parents in 1980.My senior class was very small (21 or 22 of us?) and we were fairly close knit as a group: very little fun poking. Still, there were some of the members who just didn't hold the same values as I and I only maintained contact with about 3 of them:one of them was my cousin, another one has since become a Mennonite and one other family that is also very conservative(lots of children, etc). I and my husband have become more and more conservative in our life approach as time goes on. I hope you won't hold too much of a grudge against all those mean classmates of yours. ;-) They are probably reaping what they sowed and struggling with life issues that you and I may never have to face...poor things. Sunydazy
• Oct. 17, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by JNLANG
Sounds like you had a fun time. I am not looking forward to my 20th. I didn't have alot of friends in highschool, so I might just skip it.
Well, it's been twenty years since I happily walked up to recieve my high school diploma. I remember the bittersweet emotions I had about parting with my safe, familiar, little world and facing the great unknown future...
It all seems so long ago now. At one time I really wanted to see all those old friends and show off my handsome husband and beautiful children. But as time has passed and my pounds have increased I've become less and less interested in any sort of reunion. After all, I already keep in touch with the friends that I'm still friends with...if you know what I mean.
A couple of weeks ago I got a call from my cousin (he was a member of my senior class). He wanted to encourage me to attend the homecoming football game so we could reconnect with some old friends there. The plan was to start getting a list together of all members of our class in order to plan a reunion for next year (one year late---long story). Anyway, I hem-hawed around and tried to ignore it but eventually curiosity won out and I decided to go with hubby and 4 of the 5 children in tow (11 yo DD was at a birthday slumber party).
I probably don't need to tell you how the rest of the 2 days before the event went. I spent every waking moment trying to figure out how to look like someone else...younger, thinner, prettier, hipper (is that a word?). I called my dear friend (cousin's wife) and asked her what she was wearing...she too was in a panic. We decided we needed to do some shopping and hair makeovers. Forget about housework, etc...I hit the stores. I bought a magazine so I could familiarize myself with what people wear these days.(honestly...people expect me to wear things like that?) I also looked over some hair style magazines.(you've got to be kidding...that's an actual style?!)
With a tight budget I opted to start my shopping trip at Target. They seem to stay fairly trendy. Of course, the next step is to actually know what to try on. I haven't tried on a modern pair of jeans in a long time...they come in such unusual shapes these days. It can be very confusing.
I took all the kids with me and all 5 of them waited outside the dressing room. When I found what I thought was a good combo I stepped out and let the kids vote. I had a hit! My 16 yo DS gave me a thumbs up and a smile. My kids were surprised to see that I could look modern and kinda cute . ;-)
My dear hubby gave me some pretty nice compliments that evening, as well.
I never did do anything spectacular to my hair. I just bought a new curling iron. Did you know that modern technology has really improved those things? I mean instant heat and 25 heat settings! Wow! (mine was about 12-14 years old).
Well, it turns out I had all that panic for nothing..It seems that other people age too! In fact, some of those guys looked really old! Are we really the same age?
It was pleasant to see old acquaintances and we had a great time visiting after the game. I won't dread a full fledged reunion quite so much now. It might be fun.
Sunydazy
P.S. If you want to read a very funny story about a high school reunion, just visit my friend TC and read her post called My underwear (mis)adventure. Be prepared to laugh until your sides hurt!
• Oct. 12, 2006 - High School/reunions
Posted by Amy
Hello! :) I have been reading your blog lately. A fellow homeschool friend who blogs through HomeschoolBlogger directed me to your site since I also have five children, have always homeschooled, and my oldest is 16. I was reading your post from the 11th and it made me think about my highschool days. I never even hung around with but three or four kids from my own class. I hung out with my sister's friends who were three years older. I was a chubby geek in highschool so most of my interaction with kids in my own class was through demeaning comments from them. As my own 20 year reunion has been approaching, I've thought about what most of them would think of me now-an at-home homeschooling mom who likes to wear long skirts and long hair, who still loves to read even though I don't have to, who lives in a mobile home by choice. Would they just think I haven't changed all that much? I'm still chubby too. In fact I'm still the same size I was in high school. I thought about the fact that most of them who teased me can't fit into their prom dresses anymore. That's kind of a good feeling. Well anyway, there was one girl who was relentless about teasing me and who also was prom queen and voted "most likely to suceed" (she had plans to become a lawyer) I still hadn't chosen any true career path as a senior and she thought that was wierd. So I was going on my homeschool email list one day and found a post from a new homeschool mom wanting to get with others in her area. The name was shockingly familiar! It was the same girl(woman). No she hadn't become a lawyer, she never finsished college, she did odd jobs until deciding to work from home as a jewelry designer. As an engaged young woman, her fiance had left her two months before the wedding because she had found out that she was pregnant and he did not want children. Now eight years later she is pulling her daughter from school due to "excessive bullying at the local elementary". And she also decided she wants her daughter to get a real education. She says she never knew, until after highschool, just what the real world was like outside of school and it was a real shock to her. It's amazing that the two of us, so different at one point in our lives, now head down the same path. The Lord will surely lead us where he wants us to go, He is always at the reins! Blessings & Happy Homeschooling Amy
• Oct. 12, 2006 - Nice to meet you!
Posted by sunydazy
Hi Amy, It's always nice to meet people who read this blog. It sounds like we have a lot in common. I too, have long hair and LOVE to wear long skirts. That's why this thinking I needed new clothes, especially blue jeans, was so funny and also why my kids were so shocked to see me in them! I should probably point out that I attended a Christian School founded by my parents in 1980.My senior class was very small (21 or 22 of us?) and we were fairly close knit as a group: very little fun poking. Still, there were some of the members who just didn't hold the same values as I and I only maintained contact with about 3 of them:one of them was my cousin, another one has since become a Mennonite and one other family that is also very conservative(lots of children, etc). I and my husband have become more and more conservative in our life approach as time goes on. I hope you won't hold too much of a grudge against all those mean classmates of yours. ;-) They are probably reaping what they sowed and struggling with life issues that you and I may never have to face...poor things. Sunydazy
• Oct. 17, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by JNLANG
Sounds like you had a fun time. I am not looking forward to my 20th. I didn't have alot of friends in highschool, so I might just skip it.
Labels: More About Me
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Where I'm From
Joy in the Morning is having a contest.
I learned about it from Tammy at Hutcheson Happenings.
She’s collecting “Where I'm From” poems, and the contest winners will get a prize. I decided to try my hand at this.
It's fun ... so many memories!
WHERE I'M FROM
by Sunydazy
I am from iced tea,
From peanut butter and hand me down clothes.
I am from the little mobile home on the farm, always peaceful,
Where praise music flowed from the stereo and laughter ruled every meal.
I am from the wheat, the bluebonnets and the juniper trees,
The irises and hay bales.
From sweet smelling sage and giant grasshoppers.
I am from the heat you can see like waves coming up from the road.
I am from praying always and loyalty to friends,
From Sturtevant and Adams and Grandma Dee:
Always prayerful, always tender, never complaining.
I am from fellowship,
From long visits with dear friends,
And spontaneous drives to see what's over the next hill.
From "stand up and look people in the eye",
And "God will provide our every need".
I am from Daddy preaching with his whole heart Sunday mornings, Unplanned midnight prayer meetings, and joyful singing in the car.
I am from old fashioned traveling evangelists and Argentine missionaries.
I am from Texas and the South, roast beef and pecan pie.
From the land of cowboy and indian games and itchy hay stuck to sweaty skin,
From slip-n-slides and dirt bike rides.
From hikes along the creek; we took the dog in case of snakes.
I am from the daddy with a huge vision for the world,
And the mama with the same for her children.
From family devotions every day
And the knowing that I was made for a purpose.
I am from old photos in a treasured shoe box
And mama's handwritten journals hidden in the drawer beside her bed.
Sunydazy
Where Are You From?
• Jun. 17, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by chickadee (69.21.6.73)
thanks for stopping by. i am glad to meet you. i love this writing contest. i want to do it but i can't find time. i may do it after the contest anyway just for fun.
• Jun. 19, 2006 - Poem
Posted by Anonymous (69.209.127.159)
I loved your poem! I linked to your entry when I posted mine...good job! Amanda http://www.xanga.com/Mama_of_Four
• Jun. 22, 2006 - Lovely poem
Posted by Nichole (esmon.net) (12.201.85.188)
Very nice! I particularly liked the lines: "I am from the daddy with a huge vision for the world, And the mama with the same for her children."
• Jun. 23, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Hutcheson (4.154.13.164)
Thanks for listing me as your referal. Your poem was wonderful and wasn't it fun to write. I used the template to write my father a poem for Father's Day and I also wrote my husband a love poem.
God bless, Tammy
I learned about it from Tammy at Hutcheson Happenings.
She’s collecting “Where I'm From” poems, and the contest winners will get a prize. I decided to try my hand at this.
It's fun ... so many memories!
WHERE I'M FROM
by Sunydazy
I am from iced tea,
From peanut butter and hand me down clothes.
I am from the little mobile home on the farm, always peaceful,
Where praise music flowed from the stereo and laughter ruled every meal.
I am from the wheat, the bluebonnets and the juniper trees,
The irises and hay bales.
From sweet smelling sage and giant grasshoppers.
I am from the heat you can see like waves coming up from the road.
I am from praying always and loyalty to friends,
From Sturtevant and Adams and Grandma Dee:
Always prayerful, always tender, never complaining.
I am from fellowship,
From long visits with dear friends,
And spontaneous drives to see what's over the next hill.
From "stand up and look people in the eye",
And "God will provide our every need".
I am from Daddy preaching with his whole heart Sunday mornings, Unplanned midnight prayer meetings, and joyful singing in the car.
I am from old fashioned traveling evangelists and Argentine missionaries.
I am from Texas and the South, roast beef and pecan pie.
From the land of cowboy and indian games and itchy hay stuck to sweaty skin,
From slip-n-slides and dirt bike rides.
From hikes along the creek; we took the dog in case of snakes.
I am from the daddy with a huge vision for the world,
And the mama with the same for her children.
From family devotions every day
And the knowing that I was made for a purpose.
I am from old photos in a treasured shoe box
And mama's handwritten journals hidden in the drawer beside her bed.
Sunydazy
Where Are You From?
• Jun. 17, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by chickadee (69.21.6.73)
thanks for stopping by. i am glad to meet you. i love this writing contest. i want to do it but i can't find time. i may do it after the contest anyway just for fun.
• Jun. 19, 2006 - Poem
Posted by Anonymous (69.209.127.159)
I loved your poem! I linked to your entry when I posted mine...good job! Amanda http://www.xanga.com/Mama_of_Four
• Jun. 22, 2006 - Lovely poem
Posted by Nichole (esmon.net) (12.201.85.188)
Very nice! I particularly liked the lines: "I am from the daddy with a huge vision for the world, And the mama with the same for her children."
• Jun. 23, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Hutcheson (4.154.13.164)
Thanks for listing me as your referal. Your poem was wonderful and wasn't it fun to write. I used the template to write my father a poem for Father's Day and I also wrote my husband a love poem.
God bless, Tammy
Labels: Inspirations, More About Me
Monday, June 5, 2006
What Kind of English Do You Speak?
OK...Just for fun! I've just taken a little quiz. It seems that I use general english as my 'language' with only 20% of 'Dixie speak' thrown in.
I was born and grew up in Texas so I do have a bit of a drawl to my speech, but my mother was raised with heavy Northeastern influence. My grandmother still calls the couch a davenport...and the front porch is the front stoop, etc... Also, my hubby and I have done a lot of moving. He is originally from Washington State and we have lived in Texas, Washington State, California, Colorado and Nevada (this particular house is our 19th place of residence-maybe I'll post more on our adventures sometime). So I guess I've been influenced by various parts of the country. What kind of English do you speak? Try the quiz and find out!
http://www.blogthings.com/whatkindofamericanenglishdoyouspeakquiz/
Your Linguistic Profile:
75% General American English
20% Dixie
0% Midwestern
0% Upper Midwestern
0% Yankee
What Kind of American English Do You Speak?
• Jun. 7, 2006 - Fun Quiz :-)
Posted by mlbainbridge (68.18.181.205)
Here's my results...I was born Ohio, raised in Indiana...married at 19 and moved south to North Carolina when I was 20 and have been here for 11 years. I "reckon" in a few years the yankee percentage will decrease in favor of the Dixie...I already find myself saying "might could"...if that's not southern :-)! My little girl has a great southern drawl that her daddy adores! Thanks for sharing...and thanks for visiting my blog :-)!
65% General American English
15% Yankee
10% Dixie
5% Upper Midwestern
0% Midwestern
• Jun. 8, 2006 - What language Tonya speaks
Posted by Anonymous (24.18.92.128)
65% General American English
20% Upper Midwestern
5% Midwestern
5% Yankee
If only there were a code for 'hick" I'm sure I would get a % out of it...Chad would say 20%!!
I was born and grew up in Texas so I do have a bit of a drawl to my speech, but my mother was raised with heavy Northeastern influence. My grandmother still calls the couch a davenport...and the front porch is the front stoop, etc... Also, my hubby and I have done a lot of moving. He is originally from Washington State and we have lived in Texas, Washington State, California, Colorado and Nevada (this particular house is our 19th place of residence-maybe I'll post more on our adventures sometime). So I guess I've been influenced by various parts of the country. What kind of English do you speak? Try the quiz and find out!
http://www.blogthings.com/whatkindofamericanenglishdoyouspeakquiz/
Your Linguistic Profile:
75% General American English
20% Dixie
0% Midwestern
0% Upper Midwestern
0% Yankee
What Kind of American English Do You Speak?
• Jun. 7, 2006 - Fun Quiz :-)
Posted by mlbainbridge (68.18.181.205)
Here's my results...I was born Ohio, raised in Indiana...married at 19 and moved south to North Carolina when I was 20 and have been here for 11 years. I "reckon" in a few years the yankee percentage will decrease in favor of the Dixie...I already find myself saying "might could"...if that's not southern :-)! My little girl has a great southern drawl that her daddy adores! Thanks for sharing...and thanks for visiting my blog :-)!
65% General American English
15% Yankee
10% Dixie
5% Upper Midwestern
0% Midwestern
• Jun. 8, 2006 - What language Tonya speaks
Posted by Anonymous (24.18.92.128)
65% General American English
20% Upper Midwestern
5% Midwestern
5% Yankee
If only there were a code for 'hick" I'm sure I would get a % out of it...Chad would say 20%!!
Labels: Just for fun, More About Me
Friday, May 19, 2006
Confessions of a jabbermouth
• May. 19, 2006 -
OK. I have a confession to make. I don't understand people who don't have anything to say on their Blogs. Is that even possible? I was reading some of the forums and apparently this is an actual issue for some people...My biggest concern is that I will run out of years before I have time to say everything I want!
Of course my extra time is limited so I have to squeeze in a few minutes here snd there to make entries, but having nothing to say will not be the reason I don't post here. I might not post because the children are sick or because we go on a trip (I hope, I hope, I hope) or because our homeschool days get so full of learning and living or even because I get extremely involved with reading good health and nutrition information...but not because I close my eyes and come up with a blank...nothing...It seems I am always excited about something and homeschooling only fuels that fire.
My dear husband is like me in a lot of ways and having strong opinions is one of them. I'm surprised he hasn't jumped at the opportunity to post here...but he did tell me that he didn't want to because " I only make people mad, ...they don't want to hear what I have to say". Well, I like to read challenging things... but maybe not everyone is like me.
Ok, that is my morning thoughts. Now I'm off to wake the oldest children and get breakfast started. We have a busy day ahead of us and we need to be ready for Miss Beulah to come over....she is the precious lady who helps me clean on Friday mornings. See! Something else to talk about! Now you are thinking "Someone to clean for her? She must be wealthier than I thought!"
Nope!
More on Miss Beulah later!
Have a glorious Friday!
OK. I have a confession to make. I don't understand people who don't have anything to say on their Blogs. Is that even possible? I was reading some of the forums and apparently this is an actual issue for some people...My biggest concern is that I will run out of years before I have time to say everything I want!
Of course my extra time is limited so I have to squeeze in a few minutes here snd there to make entries, but having nothing to say will not be the reason I don't post here. I might not post because the children are sick or because we go on a trip (I hope, I hope, I hope) or because our homeschool days get so full of learning and living or even because I get extremely involved with reading good health and nutrition information...but not because I close my eyes and come up with a blank...nothing...It seems I am always excited about something and homeschooling only fuels that fire.
My dear husband is like me in a lot of ways and having strong opinions is one of them. I'm surprised he hasn't jumped at the opportunity to post here...but he did tell me that he didn't want to because " I only make people mad, ...they don't want to hear what I have to say". Well, I like to read challenging things... but maybe not everyone is like me.
Ok, that is my morning thoughts. Now I'm off to wake the oldest children and get breakfast started. We have a busy day ahead of us and we need to be ready for Miss Beulah to come over....she is the precious lady who helps me clean on Friday mornings. See! Something else to talk about! Now you are thinking "Someone to clean for her? She must be wealthier than I thought!"
Nope!
More on Miss Beulah later!
Have a glorious Friday!
Labels: Misc, More About Me
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
I Am, I Can
• May. 17, 2006 -
I Am, I Can
I have been tagged! A little about me!
I am - saved by grace, through faith.
I want - to be holy, even as God is holy.
I pray - that my children would do great and mighty things for the Lord.
I hate - sin in my own life.
I miss - sleeping at night :-).
I hear - crickets outside my window at night! What a peaceful sound!
I wonder - how hard will it be to keep up with 2 year old twins?.
I regret - not knowing 20 years ago what I know now.
I am not - doing what I planned right now--checkbook and bills.
I dance - with my children, as we celebrate the gifts God has given us!.
I sing - to my babies and while doing dishes...as many different styles of music as possible that still truly glorify the Lord.
I cry - when watching nearly every Michael Landon production.
I am not always - full of enough energy to get up and do anything except sit.
I make - almost everything from scratch, including grinding my own grains, preparing LOTS of fresh fruits and veggies daily, and even making totally healthy, delicious desserts.(this is a recent renewal for me...I took some time off when the babies were born)
I write - what I wish I had known when I was younger.
I confuse - my husband! ;-).
I need - to lose weight and get back into shape.
I should - excercise more.
I start - sewing projects, organization projects, crafts, gardening, and probably other projects that are on my "to do" list for years and years and years.
I finish - almost everything by a deadline (so-and-so is coming over).
I forget - people's names and what I've told whom.
I dream - of having a place in the mountains someday...and of being a grandmother.
I hope - that my everyday life is pleasing to the Lord.
I read - very few books, at the moment, not enough time.
I practice - improving my outlook on life and smiling at my children.
I study - nutrition and health.
I love - to work side by side with my children.
I expect - little from others (outside of my children); that way I'm never disappointed.
I fear - God's wrath, yet I know He has saved me from it. I fear it for those who don't trust in Him.
I yearn for - more time, more energy, more fresh air, more sunshine, more exercise!
I tag - Anyone who reads this is tagged! Feel free to post here if you don't have your own blog, or better yet, start your own blog!
• May. 17, 2006 -Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Hi this is Dalyn, (The Queen of Quite Alot). I'm not logged in, and don't have time, but wanted to drop a line to say hello, and thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment
• May. 17, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
I am not registered for this one, but I am Jen of Jen's Gems. It sounds like we have quite a lot in common! How far are from San Antonio?
I Am, I Can
I have been tagged! A little about me!
I am - saved by grace, through faith.
I want - to be holy, even as God is holy.
I pray - that my children would do great and mighty things for the Lord.
I hate - sin in my own life.
I miss - sleeping at night :-).
I hear - crickets outside my window at night! What a peaceful sound!
I wonder - how hard will it be to keep up with 2 year old twins?.
I regret - not knowing 20 years ago what I know now.
I am not - doing what I planned right now--checkbook and bills.
I dance - with my children, as we celebrate the gifts God has given us!.
I sing - to my babies and while doing dishes...as many different styles of music as possible that still truly glorify the Lord.
I cry - when watching nearly every Michael Landon production.
I am not always - full of enough energy to get up and do anything except sit.
I make - almost everything from scratch, including grinding my own grains, preparing LOTS of fresh fruits and veggies daily, and even making totally healthy, delicious desserts.(this is a recent renewal for me...I took some time off when the babies were born)
I write - what I wish I had known when I was younger.
I confuse - my husband! ;-).
I need - to lose weight and get back into shape.
I should - excercise more.
I start - sewing projects, organization projects, crafts, gardening, and probably other projects that are on my "to do" list for years and years and years.
I finish - almost everything by a deadline (so-and-so is coming over).
I forget - people's names and what I've told whom.
I dream - of having a place in the mountains someday...and of being a grandmother.
I hope - that my everyday life is pleasing to the Lord.
I read - very few books, at the moment, not enough time.
I practice - improving my outlook on life and smiling at my children.
I study - nutrition and health.
I love - to work side by side with my children.
I expect - little from others (outside of my children); that way I'm never disappointed.
I fear - God's wrath, yet I know He has saved me from it. I fear it for those who don't trust in Him.
I yearn for - more time, more energy, more fresh air, more sunshine, more exercise!
I tag - Anyone who reads this is tagged! Feel free to post here if you don't have your own blog, or better yet, start your own blog!
• May. 17, 2006 -Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Hi this is Dalyn, (The Queen of Quite Alot). I'm not logged in, and don't have time, but wanted to drop a line to say hello, and thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment
• May. 17, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
I am not registered for this one, but I am Jen of Jen's Gems. It sounds like we have quite a lot in common! How far are from San Antonio?
Labels: More About Me
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Just Getting Started
• May. 11, 2006 -
Well, I thought we should give this blogging a try.
This is the first entry. Hopefully, we'll be able to make entries about once a week. Some will be by me...the wife and the mommy. Some entries will be by Travis the husband and daddy. We hope to add pics and use this as a way to share with family and make new friends and air our opinions on various subjects.
Today we are having a slow start to our day. Connor, the three year old was sick last night...running a fever of 102. I was up with him a lot. Today the two oldest:Doran (15 yo ds and Alex 11 yo dd) are complaining of tummy problems. So....homeschool work is put on hold while I sit and nurse the 4 month old twins and attempt to start this blog.
I hope to get to a grocery store today in order to pick up the essentials for the week. I do most of my shopping at two main stores: a small old fashioned grocery store and The Cupboard, which is a local health food store. It's a wonderful place full of spicy smells and wholesome foods. It also has one of the best little cafes in town! Yummy! Everything is organic and delicious. If I can get there today (depending on the families health conditions) I plan to buy some treats from the cafe.
As I am able to find time this week I will add some of our favorite links to this page. Maybe you'll be able to check them out.
Hope you'll keep coming by !
Sunydazy
• May. 11, 2006 - Hi!
Posted by Homeschoolwannabe
Welcome to homeschoolblogger! Actually, I'm new here too. I just started my blog on Monday, so I hope you will check it out! I'll check back on yours too. Those little grocers you mentioned sound so neat! I end up doing all of our shopping at SuperWalMart or Food City (don't know if you have FC out there). God Bless! Amelia
• May. 11, 2006 - So GREAT to hear from you!
Posted by Your Cousin, Sharon!
Hey, Deb! I just got your blogging email! I love this! I am so excited to be able to read about you guys and your life. This is wonderful! Great job! Love, Sharon
Well, I thought we should give this blogging a try.
This is the first entry. Hopefully, we'll be able to make entries about once a week. Some will be by me...the wife and the mommy. Some entries will be by Travis the husband and daddy. We hope to add pics and use this as a way to share with family and make new friends and air our opinions on various subjects.
Today we are having a slow start to our day. Connor, the three year old was sick last night...running a fever of 102. I was up with him a lot. Today the two oldest:Doran (15 yo ds and Alex 11 yo dd) are complaining of tummy problems. So....homeschool work is put on hold while I sit and nurse the 4 month old twins and attempt to start this blog.
I hope to get to a grocery store today in order to pick up the essentials for the week. I do most of my shopping at two main stores: a small old fashioned grocery store and The Cupboard, which is a local health food store. It's a wonderful place full of spicy smells and wholesome foods. It also has one of the best little cafes in town! Yummy! Everything is organic and delicious. If I can get there today (depending on the families health conditions) I plan to buy some treats from the cafe.
As I am able to find time this week I will add some of our favorite links to this page. Maybe you'll be able to check them out.
Hope you'll keep coming by !
Sunydazy
• May. 11, 2006 - Hi!
Posted by Homeschoolwannabe
Welcome to homeschoolblogger! Actually, I'm new here too. I just started my blog on Monday, so I hope you will check it out! I'll check back on yours too. Those little grocers you mentioned sound so neat! I end up doing all of our shopping at SuperWalMart or Food City (don't know if you have FC out there). God Bless! Amelia
• May. 11, 2006 - So GREAT to hear from you!
Posted by Your Cousin, Sharon!
Hey, Deb! I just got your blogging email! I love this! I am so excited to be able to read about you guys and your life. This is wonderful! Great job! Love, Sharon
Labels: More About Me
Monday, May 1, 2006
Our Little Love Story
Once upon a time, when things were not so complex... there was a handsome farm boy college boy (who later became Builder Man) from the great woods of the Northwest who came to the south on his white stallion White Honda Civic and won Buttercup's Sunydazy's heart.
~*~*~*~*~*~
He laid his heart at the foot of her dress and said "Our love can be like a storybook story. Will you be my bride?"
~*~*~*~*~
She accepted and they began talking and dreaming of their perfect future together.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Since that time they have together endured fire swamps, ROUS's, the pit of despair and yes, they have even teetered on the edge of the cliff's of insanity (tee hee!)
~*~*~*~*~*
Though their future was not quite what they expected they still believe in True Love.
~*~*~*~*~
This blog is all about the rest of their lives where they are living'Happily Ever After' in the land of La Kooka Rancha.
~*~*~*~*~
They love to say 'you keep using that word...I do not think it means what you think it means.' and 'Hallo, my name is Inigo Montoya'...but their favorite phrase is 'As you wish'....
~*~*~*~*~*~
He laid his heart at the foot of her dress and said "Our love can be like a storybook story. Will you be my bride?"
~*~*~*~*~
She accepted and they began talking and dreaming of their perfect future together.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Since that time they have together endured fire swamps, ROUS's, the pit of despair and yes, they have even teetered on the edge of the cliff's of insanity (tee hee!)
~*~*~*~*~*
Though their future was not quite what they expected they still believe in True Love.
~*~*~*~*~
This blog is all about the rest of their lives where they are living'Happily Ever After' in the land of La Kooka Rancha.
~*~*~*~*~
They love to say 'you keep using that word...I do not think it means what you think it means.' and 'Hallo, my name is Inigo Montoya'...but their favorite phrase is 'As you wish'....
Labels: More About Me
Name:
