As for Me and My House We Will Serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

TRULY

2012-01-28T21:20:00.003-06:00

Truly, I am trying.

I have just been busy.

But, the good news is I have been busy doing what I set out to do this year.

I have, for the first time in a LONG while, finally achieved a feeling of being "caught up" on house work. Either that, or I have lowered my standards. LOL! More on that, in a minute.

My laundry has been relatively caught up. I'm never in a state of totally caught up. I have to average about 2 loads a day to keep up. Last week, I got everything washed, folded, hung, and put away....only to have my hubby come home about 45 minutes later with about 2 loads of laundry. :-)

I have been teaching CPR. Not a lot, but enough. Meaning, it is working out how I prayed. It has worked out wonderfully with my family schedule. It is fun. AND, it is giving us some much needed added income. :-)

JBQ is keeping me busy, especially with my oldest son. We have been studying a lot. I help with the team, and I quizmaster the meets. I LOVE IT!

I have not been subbing.... which is nice. I love the kids, don't get me wrong. And teaching.... I miss teaching. But, subbing is hard for a certified teacher.... many reasons why, the least of which is the scheduling. At night, I plan my next day: grocery shopping, cleaning out the FTU, The Lobby and sushi with my dear friend, laundry, baking day.... whatever.... and BAM. You get a call at 6, or 6:30, or 7..... needing you right away. It turns 4 school lunches into 5. Suddenly, the 4 uniforms you have sitting out is not enough to make your morning easy.... you gotta find appropriate clothing, that you don't have time to iron..... no, this is much nicer. :-)

We had a lovely dinner last night with my niece, and her new hubby. Some of you remember the post that I put up "over there." We are moving on. If other parts of the family do not want to get on this particular band wagon, they don't need to. I'm not waiting for the "grown-ups" to facilitate a relationship.... because, remember, the "grown-ups" jacked it up to begin with.

I'm not bitter.... really.... I used to be pretty resentful about it all, but I'm finally OK with it, especially now that I am working to build those relationships. My boys adore them....and especially her hubby...who happens to be a pro baseball player.... HOW COOL IS THAT?

A surreal moment came last night when niece's DH got a phone call while here. He was asked where he was. He said, "We are at [DW's] aunt's and uncle's house." Just..... wow.

Last night, we also set up the chocolate fountain. It was a BIG HIT with the kids. Messy! Chocolate on the floor....all over the counter....and it was perfect. To dip, we had: pretzel rods, strawberries, marshmallows, angel food cake, and sugar wafers. DS#3 declared that we should set up the fountain at least once a month. I concur, whole-heartedly!

We have our 7th annual birthday bash coming up in a few weeks. Every February (the month of DH's and my birthdays) we invite some of our closest friends over.... The same 8 couples come out each year....we have a blast. The menfolk all go fishing for the day. (Those 3 other men are friends from elementary and middle school.) That evening, they return, bringing Mexican food. Their wives show up and we play games or visit.... the laughter is non-stop. We end the evening with promises of doing it again next year.

Speaking of birthdays: mine is in less than a week. And, my hubby is spoiling me, 'cause he's good like that. :-) I got some fabulous new blue suede platform pumps. (They have a 5-1/2 inch heel.) I am getting some Tom's. I will probably get a new dress to wear with the new pumps....'cause at this point, I have nothing to wear with them. :-) Plus, a Greek meal and a meal at Chipotle. Happy birthday to me!

Back to the beginning point: am I truly caught up? Or did I lower my standards? Yes, and yes. I finally....FINALLY reached a point where I allow myself to not have everything done, perfectly, at the same time. It took me several years to accept (I don't know if that is the right word) to realize that laundry NEVER ENDS! The housework NEVER ENDS!

I have tried schedules: certain days to do certain things. I have tried check lists. (Well, I still do checklists, because I LOVE checklists!) But, still...these things always leave me feeling defeated. I don't keep up with them like I anticipate.

Nope.... the secret (HA! as if you haven't figured this out yourself) is to take care of it when it needs taking care of. Of course, don't let things get to a grossness factor of 50. But, if you take care of it when it approaches.... I don't know.... grossness factor 27, then take care of. (Hey, I live in a house full of boys.... even my dogs are male, so a bit of grossness is expected.)

OK. I'm done. I've got nothing else. I know this isn't any type of "lightning bolt" moment. And, certainly, most of you have reached this point that I have taken OH, SO LONG, to approach. I'm slow to get on the train, but I usually get to the station on time.

I hope you are all doing well. I would love to read your comments. I hope to be back relatively soon.

BLESSINGS!

HOUSEHOLD HAPPENIN'S

2012-01-15T15:17:00.003-06:00

Well, I know that I said I would be a little more diligent in blogging. And, I'm trying. I haven't forgotten. I just haven't had the time to sit down and blog.

Tuesday, I put up a recipe. I will try to start that up again. I need to really research, work, and possible create some new recipes. I love LOVE to cook and bake. It is a therapy for me. However, my husband doesn't want me to cook a lot of the things I normally cook. I consider myself more of a "Paula Deen" of cooking. I really cook a lot like she does.....Paula.... who, ironically, just publicized that fact that she is a Type II Diabetic. I would hate for my hubby, myself, or my children to have that to worry about.

I have a friend, who found out about a year a go, that she is diabetic. I know it upset her, at first. But, from what I can tell, she is coping.... and coping well. I pray for her on this. I know it has been something to work on, for sure.

ANYWAY, I need to create some recipes that a) give us the yumminess we love; b) involved enough to "therapize" me; and c) guilt-free enough for my hubby to enjoy. That is a *new* task.

In my project list (which I plan to put on my sidebar soon) I got my Christmas stuff down. Not a lot, I know, but it's a step in the right direction.

*Totally off-topic: my 4th son cut his hair... again! WHEN WILL HE STOP? So, we get to go in tomorrow to get a *real* haircut. *sigh*

Man....I started this, I think, on Friday or Saturday? It is now Tuesday. So, I will try to wrap it up and then start again.

Friday was a half-day for school. I love those. If the school didn't take attendance, I wouldn't have made them go. :-)

Saturday, I feel like we got a lot done on the house. Christmas is down.... though I am still finding remnants of my favorite holiday in parts of the house. Blue tinsel, a Minnie Mouse Santa hat, a snow-globe, 2 rugs, and a rubber ducky Nativity.

I got a good handle on laundry....for now. I have read, and tried (or thought of trying) various laundry schedules.... "Monday Blues," "Tuesday Towels," but honestly, that is too much thought. Basically, I need to average 2 loads a day to stay completely caught up.

Note, I said, "average." I don't always get 2 loads a day. Some days, it's 4 and I skip a few days.... or, as lately, I wash it, but don't fold it or put it away for about a week.... then I have several hours of separating, washing, drying, folding, and putting away. :-( I'm trying to get away from it.

The only set day I have to do anything is on Friday nights and Saturdays, the older 2 boys do their laundry. Then, I do the little boys' laundry. This allows us to have school uniforms done for Monday.

Hmmmm.... I don't know what I was going to talk about. I knew a few days ago. So, I shall go ahead and post this, then blog another day.

Later!

CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

2012-01-10T11:56:00.005-06:00

Hey, y'all... my friend, over here, has a recipe blog called "Tempt My Tummy Tuesday." I hope you will pop on over and see what you can see!

Ingredients:

2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp cumin, 1 teaspon salt, 2 tsp chili powder all mixed together

1 tsp olive oil

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 yellow bell pepper, diced

1 onion, diced

1 garlic clove, minced

3 tbsp tomato paste

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

32 oz chicken broth

2 cans rotel with green chiles

4 cups water

3 tbsp cornmeal

5 corn tortillas, cut into strips

Garnishes:

red onion, diced

avocado

cilantro

salsa

lime

Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil onto chicken. Sprinkle with the seasoning mixture. Set aside whatever you do not use. Bake in 375 oven for about 25-35 minutes, until juices run clear. Remove and shred with 2 forks.

Meanwhile, in a dutch oven, in 1 tsp oil, saute pepper, onions, and garlic until soft.

Add tomato paste. Cook out for about 2 minutes.Add chicken, broth, canned tomatoes, beans, and water.

Boil for about 45 minutes.

Mix 3 tbsp cornmeal (you can use masa) with a bit of water. Mix into soup.

Simmer for another 15 minutes.

Add corn tortillas that have have been cut into strips.

Turn off heat for about 20 minutes before serving.

Garnish

GETTIN' IT ALL TOGETHER

2012-01-10T11:43:00.003-06:00

OK.... I have some motivation. It's motivation from a blog I like to keep up with. She can be *controversial, at times....though I agree with her about 95% of the time. :-)

Anyway, I will link to her blog as soon as I get her permission. Yes, she is public.... but it's one thing to read a blog...it's another to intentionally steer traffic toward said blog. SO.... I wait for that permission.

In her blog, she discusses a lot of housekeeping stuff. It is common sense type of stuff... but stuff that I often need to be reminded of. Because of her reminding, and because I like stuff like this, I am thinking of doing something similar.

So, hopefully tomorrow, and maybe every other day, I will try to write out some ways to get the home in order.... not just the house, as a building, but the HOME.... schedules, meals, shopping, recipes..... I am also wanting to redo my blog set-up.

This will be hard as I have NO clue how to code a blog. I bought this layout.... and I love it... however, I need a new, more functional layout. I might try some of the templates on here, but I like having my own design. I tried contacting the gal who did my blog, but she hasn't gotten back with me. Ow well.... what do you do? We shall see?

SO... for the 2, or 3 of you who read.... what do you think of this idea? Is it dumb? Is it good? Is it something you would be interested in reading? Let me know

Peace out....

THE NEW YEAR

2012-01-04T21:00:00.005-06:00

I just trashed about 300 words of this entry. It sounded dumb.

I've talked about New Year's resolutions. I don't like them. They sound temporary.

I am just going to list some changes I want to make....not because it's the new year, but because I am finally fed up with some things. I hope I am able to make them stick.

make, AND STICK, to a meal plan
cook ahead more meals (or at least prep)
coupon.....diligently
blog at least once per week
grow in the Word
keep my kitchen counter free of the forest of paper that springs up......always

You know what? I'm done with this. I have a lot of housekeeping stuff to do. Some of the jobs are major projects. Some are short daily tasks.

I don't want to write out all this stuff.

SO.... I will write out some projects and things I want to accomplish. Nothing like the above, but "honey-do's."

take down all of our Christmas stuff. :-) (Yes....it's still up.)
paint the hallway
have our foundation checked
garden? maybe
read at least 30 books (last year, I barely read anything, the year before.... 56)
go through the boys' clothes
clear out the little boys' toys
shampoo the little boys' bedroom carpet
either buy a new dining room table or get a picnic bench (cheaper and easier, I think)
get my Master Seal in JBQ
scan pictures
transfer wedding video to DVD
catch up on laundry

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

I KNOW........HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

OK.... needed the comic relief.... back to it:

get new blog design
make my Christmas cards
work on the Christmas trees that I planned to do this past year
work on the cookie decorating
start going to bed by 10:30 most nights (as I type this at 11:00 pm)
start a book outline
organize *scrapbooks* for the boys.....ok..... start (nothing big or fancy, just organized, an such)
shadow box for DS #1's JBQ shirt, patches, and medals
organize, trash, donate my teaching supplies (most of it will go away)
begin hand-writing letters to grandparents
family portraits
clear out/organize the garage (that alone could take weeks)
learn how to clean our guns
target practice once every 1-2 months

That's all for now. Buh-bye!

CHRISTMAS TREES, END TIMES, AND STUFF

2011-12-29T18:01:00.003-06:00

Yeah.... I put up a Christmas tree. There are many who don't, claiming that it stems from pagan practices.

Well, here is what I know....EVERYTHING Holy that is out there has a counterfeit. EVERY thing. It's what satan does. But, the thing is, I am remembering the birth of Jesus.

Some don't celebrate Christmas as it is supposedly the time of His (Jesus') conception, NOT the time of His birth. Again, I don't think we should split hairs on this. As Easter, arguably one of the most important days to a Christian, is always changing days....yet we still remember....I don't know how good of an argument that is, as those who don't celebrate Christmas don't celebrate Easter....again....pagan roots. BUT, they rename it, calling it "Resurrection Sunday." It's still Easter.

I get so frustrated with the legalism that people hold to. What's more is that nobody really knows the specifics of these holidays, as there had to be a LOT lost in translation.... but we are to remember Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection. I know....*she* (my former, non-friend) will say I'm judgmental.... unless she agrees with me. (Sorry... maybe that should have been in the "catty" post.)

I think Joel Olsteen and Joyce Meyer....(is it Meyers? or Meyer?) Either way, you know who I'm talking about.... are full of hot air and it annoys me that their "self-help" junk is going all out. People think just because they have a big church and/or preach/teach to thousands that they are on board with all that is great. Weed it out, people. Yes, I think they are Christian, but I do not think all they say is good. Joel is not realistic and Joyce....well, she doesn't know her place as a Biblical woman.

I know....that wasn't in the title. That was free.....

You're welcome.

The false prophet that I read..... she is fascinating, really. Makes me think. She puts stuff up that makes sense....but she is full of bunk. She is trying to put a date to Jesus' schedule. She calls herself a "watcher." I have no problem with that. We are to all watch. We were given things to look for....and, quite honestly, this stuff is happening at an alarming rate. How long do we have? I don't know. But, if it happened tomorrow, I wouldn't be surprised.

Anyway, this gal is like a train-wreck... you know, it's impolite to stare, but you can't pull yourself away.

The former non-friend I told you about? Yeah.... I had a dream about her a few months ago. It made me sad. Sad for me? Sad for her? I don't know.....just. sad. I contacted her mother to let her know I was praying for her, and that I hoped everyone was OK.

I would like to write a book. I have some very sketchy ideas.

And, that's all I have to say about that.

One week from today I am scheduled to teach my first CPR class at a local junior college.

Three words:

Ter. i. Fied!

Really, I am. I don't know why. It's something new. I don't generally like new things. I know how to teach. I'm not "eskeered" to speak in front of people. I have the materials that I need. It's just different. This time next week, I will be OK. I am excited to go this path....this path that God has so clearly put me on.

I have a few more posts in my head. One is fermenting. That will be one on the catty side....then deleted. I need to rant. AND, many would get mad. I guess I should just get a private journal going. I mean.....I tend to speak before I think. We shall see.

My youngest son has started using the word, "butt-hole."

I know.... totally gross. And, he is starting to get swats for it. On the "dirty word scale" from 1 - 10, it is not that bad..... but there are a few words that REALLY offend me. That would be one. Yes, he's a boy, and they do stuff like that, but there are other words I would rather him *experiment* with.

Michelle Duggar.... God bless her. I feel badly for her.... as I would for anyone who lost, or loses, a child. It is not any of my business, or yours, for that matter, how many children she chooses to pop out. I mean, really.... I wish I had the means to have more, but it is not right for me. As long as their family is not on welfare....fine. Have as many as you want! It just irks the snot outta me when people say, "Well, they're only living off their TV show." Well, BOO-FREAKIN' HOO!!! You sound a tad jealous. And really? No, duh! Sounds like excellent business sense, if you ask me. If my family could be on TV for a some money..... dude, I might just consider it.

People also complain about how much quality time they (the Duggar parents) spend with their children. First off...once your children get to a certain age, they don't need you. Second, she doesn't work. And, from what I have seen on their show, and read in their books, he doesn't have set hours that he is gone. Plus, they home school. If they spend 10 minutes per child per day, that is probably pretty close to what you and I get in quality time with our own.

That being said, I need to figure out a way to spend more time with my kids. :-)

I got black pearls for Christmas. They are GORGEOUS!

My Christmas stuff is still up. It won't come down until January 7. Because that's what I do.

Next post will probably have something to do with my resolve not to resolve....or maybe I will resolve.

Call it what you want, resolution, reflection, regrouping, recommitting....whatever, it is all the same thing..... brown duck, white duck....still quacks!

Who still reads? I'm curious. If nobody is reading, I'm considering shutting down. What's the point, right?

IT'S BEEN.....AWHILE

2011-12-18T19:24:00.003-06:00

Yeah..... it's been awhile since I've been here.... in case you didn't notice?

Did you notice?

We have been very busy.

You know that CPR thing I'm doing? Well, I'm just about done. In fact, I already have some classes scheduled at the community college. I'm nervous as all get-out... but just as excited. This is truly an answer to prayer. That helps with the nerves. God didn't set all this up for me to fail.

The boys are starting their Christmas vacation.... just as my husband ends his vacation. I wish his vacation overlapped with the boys', but we take what we can get. He will, fortunately, be home Christmas Eve. It will be nice to have him home Christmas Day. He will work New Year's day....holiday pay is decent.

I didn't get my candies done. :-( It makes me sad, as I LOVE to make my candies. By the time I had time, it was way too humid. The candies I make are caramels and things that need to set. High humidity prevents it setting. SO.... I baked bread.....about 40 loaves of bread. Those were the gifts to teachers. I'm not done with treats. I still have our neighbors to bake bread for.

Having the kids home for 2 weeks is going to be great. The thing is to keep them busy, while letting them relax, getting my stuff done, and enjoying the holidays AND each other. :-) There will be stories, and treats, and games, and movies. Here are some things I have planned right now: gingerbread houses, sugar cookies, clean, Christmas movies, go look at Christmas light, play games, donut breakfast, play at the park....not forgetting piano lessons, guitar lessons, and JBQ practice.

I have a "catty" to blog, but I need to wait a few days. Nothing really TOO catty, but enough that I need to keep it from certain people.

I will try to be back in a few days. I still have a lot of ideas....they are listed in a file, so I don't forget them.

Until then, know I'm praying for you. I'm praying for my friends, non-friends, ex-friends, a false profit, many following a false religion, and just people.

Later -

IF

2011-11-20T16:19:00.003-06:00

If you are cooking Thanksgiving dinner, you really should have your turkey in the fridge, thawing.... assuming it is frozen.

Your menu should be complete.

Most of your shopping should be done.... except for the stuff that needs to be consumed within a day, or two, of purchase.

That being said.... I really should complete my menu.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I know what I want. And, I have most of the stuff planned and purchased. BUT, I haven't had the time to work on my cookbooks, as much as normal. SO.... there might be a few unexpected dishes that show up. :-)

So far, this is what I have:

2 turkeys (one smoked, one roasted)

dressing

mashed potatoes

gravy

sweet potato pie

green beans

broccoli and rice casserole

macaroni and cheese

rolls

cranberry conserve

yum yum salad

fruit salad

pecan pie

pumpkin pie

3-4 other desserts

and 3-4 appetizers

I am doing all, but the mac-n-cheese, taters, sweet potato pie, yum yum salad, and fruit salad. I will make 2 appetizers and the pumpkin and pecan pies. Hubby is prepping the smoked turkey, while I do the roasted turkey.

So.... speaking of that, I'd better make sure my fridge in the garage is on and the turkeys are thawing.... instead of rotting. I *think* hubby turned on the fridge... if not? yikes! We will have 2 rotten turkeys to toss.

TURKEY DAY ON THE WAY

2011-11-11T12:39:00.001-06:00

Today, let's talk turkey.

Turkey is one of the easiest things to fix, but so many have never done it and are a bit overwhelmed.

First off, you want to allow roughly 2 pounds per person so if you have 10 adults, you need at least a 20 pound bird...I would allow 1 pound per child. This will feed everyone well and allow leftovers which are a MUST! Keep in mind that when you look at the tag with the weight, they are including bones...you are not getting 20 pounds of meat and an adult isn't going to eat 2 pounds of it.

When you buy your turkey, it needs to be bought with enough time to thaw or defrost. (I have a former friend who would say "dethaw." Huh?)

To thaw in the fridge you need to allow 1 day per 4 pounds. So, a 20 pound turkey will need 5 days....Thanksgiving is on Thursday. Your 20 pound bird should be bought and in the fridge by Saturday! There is another way to thaw...using a cold water bath, but this is a pain in the tush. You have to change out the water every 30 minutes. It's messy and you have a mushy, gross mess if there happens to be a hole in the wrap. Also, if the bird gets TOO warm, you do run the risk of bacteria in the meat. Just buy it a week early and keep it in the fridge.

Thursday morning you need to get up EARLY (if you want your feast at lunch) and work on prepping "Tom." If you buy that 20 pound turkey, you will need to bake it 3 1/2 to 4 hours. (Until a meat thermometer, stuck in the inner thigh (don't touch the bone) reads 180.) You really don't want a "self-basting" turkey, as that tends to mask the flavor of the turkey (IMHO). At the same time, if you buy a frozen bird, it doesn't get much better than Butterball....again, IMHO.

So, unwrap your turkey, rinse inside and out.

****VERY IMPORTANT**** Remove the bag with the giblets and neck.

Pat turkey dry with paper towels. Oil the skin. (here is where opinion comes into play) You can brush with vegetable oil, spray with cooking spray or rub with butter.

Personally, I like to take a handful of softened butter (quite literally) and rub it over the breast UNDER the skin AND on top of the skin. This will keep the bird moist and will brown the skin nicely.

Sprinkle both outside AND cavity with salt and pepper. Then fill the cavity with aromatics. (I personally don't do stuffing. The thought grosses me out (it also adds baking time) I do a pan of dressing.) I fill cavity with onion, celery, thyme, garlic, maybe lemon slices. You won't eat this, but it flavors the meat mildly.

Tuck the wings under the body to prevent them from browning too much. Tie the legs together. (You want to do this as the legs loosen from the body and the skin will break. You will end up with leg bones and meat just hanging off the body....broken skin and a lot of moisture lost) Some folks say to skewer the opening...I don't because I don't stuff with a side dish.

Put turkey, breast side up, (flat portion down), in a roasting pan. You NEED something heavy-duty. If you do buy a disposable roasting pan, it will need to be put on a cookie sheet or other heavy-duty baking pan. I have placed it flat on the pan, roasted it in a bag (in the pan) and put the turkey on a rack.) I have had success with all 3, so don't freak if you don't have a turkey-bag. I will say this, a bag helps with clean-up as the juices can really stick to the pan. Just be sure to cut a vent in the bag and allow enough room for the steam to "puff up" the bag. You don't want it to touch the top of the oven. My preference is to place it on a rack.

Put the turkey into a 325 degree oven and bake for at least 3 1/2 hours (for a 20 pound turkey). The last 30 minutes to an hour, you might need to tent some foil over the breast to keep it from getting too brown and too dry. You won't do this if you use a bag.

Before taking it out, check for doneness. One easy way is to grab a leg-bone and move it back and forth. If it moves easily, it should be done...or really close to being done. I like to check the temp. I stick a meat thermometer into the inner thigh (where it is thickest...NOT touching the bone) to see if it reads "180." If yes, I remove from oven.

Final step before carving....LET THE MEAT REST FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES. Keep it covered with foil to retain heat. Really, this step is very necessary. ANY meat that you roast should sit out for a bit. As the meat is roasting, the juice tends to head to the surface and evaporate. While the meat is resting, the juices redistribute leading to a moist meat. If you carve too soon, a lot of the juice will run out at the first cut.

Carve, either at the table or in the kitchen. (This is what I prefer. I carve it and arrange on a platter to put in the center of the table.)

Well, there you go. I hope this was helpful. Another great help is Butterball...the company. You can go to butterball.com and they can give you MANY turkey tips. They even have a hot line that you can call on Thanksgiving Day to help will any "uh-ohs" or other concerns you may have.

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

2011-11-10T21:27:00.003-06:00

So, I made these whoopie pies today. They are my latest, favorite things to make.

Anyway, these are a big hit, whenever I take them anywhere.

Today, in about 2-1/2 hours, I fixed about 60 of these. Lots of fun. Full of flavor. It doesn't get much better than this.

A lot of folks asked for the recipe......so here it is!

Cookies:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten

1 cup Pumpkin

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Filling:

4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

6 tablespoons butter, softened

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions

For cookies: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease or line four baking sheets with parchment paper.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt in medium bowl.

Beat butter and sugar in large mixer bowl on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Add pumpkin and vanilla extract; beat until smooth.

Stir in flour mixture until combined.

Drop by heaping measuring teaspoons onto prepared baking sheets. (A total of 72 cookies are needed for the recipe.)

Bake for 10 to 13 minutes or until springy to the touch.

Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

For cream cheese filling: Beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl on medium speed until fluffy.

Gradually beat in powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Spread a heaping teaspoon of filling onto flat side of one cookie; top with flat side of second cookie to make a sandwich. Repeat with remaining cookies and filling.

THIS-N-THAT

2011-11-09T21:24:00.003-06:00

I have been busy. What about you all?

The holidays are here. Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. And I...... just made my menu. :-(

I am SO behind, but it is all good.

I am now, officially, a CPR Instructor. I will be starting to teach soon, I hope. I need to observe a few classes before I start teaching. There are a few things I need to watch.

I'm nervous as all get-out.

No.... that isn't bold enough.

I'm completely terrified.....and excited.

My oldest son is doing well. He got his cast a little over a week ago, but his arm is quite swollen. So, they split the cast, and taped it. We go in on Monday to get it tightened. Then, the Monday after Thanksgiving is when he will have it removed. After that, he will have 4 more weeks of restriction. That puts us the day after Christmas. :-( Poor thing. He was wanted to try out for the basketball team and he will miss the entire season.

I am planning 2 parties for the last day of school before Thanksgiving break. One is a feast. One is a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Fun, but work.....on top of the 376 or so things that I feel are on my list. :-) But, I LOVE this time of year... just for this reason.

I didn't get to do my pumpkins this year. Still time? Maybe. I don't know if I can get the tiny pumpkins still. Oh well.... what do you do?

See, here's what happens. I plan all year. (If you read me at all, you know that I look forward to Christmas all year. :-) ) Anyway, I keep putting off stuff until timing is better. Or until I'm done with this, or finished with that. Then, I find that I am almost out of time.

Next year.... HAHA! We shall see.

I have a few Christmas crafts I am wanting to work on.

I was supposed to have my tree up LAST week.... didn't happen. I don't remember why. :-(

I have about 80 Christmas cards to make. I have NO idea how, or when, that will happen. *sigh* I don't have time to start, just yet.

Heck, I just got laundry caught up. Since I finished my long-term subbing stint, I have *maybe* had 3 days at home.

I have a list 2 miles long.

That makes me happy.

My teeth still hurt. Not as bad, but still. I'm tired of dental issues. SO. Tired.

OK.... I'm done.

I'll try to be back soon.

INJURED....AGAIN

2011-10-28T21:54:00.003-05:00

My oldest boy..... this one....

Well, he had a bit of an accident today. He, one of his brothers (DS #2) and DH were going deer hunting. We had no school today, due to staff development, AND it is "youth hunt" weekend, so the 3 boys, and some friends, took advantage of the time off.

My boys got to the lease early. They started scouting out the feeders, and such, in order to be sure everything was ready for the morning. DH sent the 2 boys out on 4-wheelers.

Let's just say, "Thank God for helmets."

Basically, the boys went one way, DH another. (DS #1 has a phone.) They weren't at the lease 10 minutes when DH got a call from DS #1... "Dad. I'm hurt."

He had come over a slight rise, going down into a ditch.... except the ditch wasn't too deep or wide. He came over and the front end bit the dirt.... sudden stop. Head hit the handle bars (helmet.... he's OK), his leg got a bit banged up, but he took a lot of the impact on his right arm.

Yes, he has a buckle fracture. The 2nd break in his young life. Same arm, close to the same place. He is right-handed, so he will have a bit of difficulty with school work. Also, his guitar lessons will be put on hold. How long? Not quite sure.

He will go to an ortho. in the next 3-5 days and get a cast. I'm currently trying to figure that one out, as I'm supposed to chaperone a field trip on Monday, meet with 1st grade room moms on Tuesday, meet with 2nd grade room moms on Wednesday, and chaperone another field trip on Thursday. (I currently have no plans for Friday, but that is a week away. I'm SURE something will come up soon.)

Yeah.... that's the excitement in our house.

HOLIDAYS

2011-10-26T11:58:00.003-05:00

So, the 2 of you who read know that I am all about the holidays.

I have already had two *panics* in the last few weeks.

The first involves cards. Usually, if I order them, they are in AND being worked on, slowly but surely, to go out BY December 5.

If I make them, I'm usually WELL underway with said crafting.

SO, what is she doing this year? SHE IS MAKING THEM!

Has she started yet? NO, SHE HASN'T!

eeeek!

Panic #2: I met with one of *my* teachers today, to talk about classroom stuff. (I 'm a room-mom in 2 classes and co-room mom in another.) Two of these classes will have relatively involved events, come Thanksgiving. The other? Not sure yet.

I was happily driving home when I realized that, after this week, we have 3 weeks before Thanksgiving break.

SREEEEEEE VEEEEEEEKS! (sorry.... inside joke)

I haven't even introduced myself to the other room moms.... the polite thing to do before I go in and take over everything. MUWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! (rubbing palms together.)

OK... I'm not THAT bad.

Really.

Anyway, I haven't introduced myself to the other room moms, to the parents... nothing like that. They are probably thinking that these teachers do not have a room mom. Of course, if they know that my child is in their classroom, then they KNOW who the room mom is, but there are a few folks out there who have not, yet, been formally introduced to yours truly.

That being said, upon this realization, I got on email, lickety-split, and asked the teachers when, NEXT WEEK, I can meet with them (with the other room moms) to get the ball rolling.

It is not too late. I have not run out of time. But, I mustn't dilly-dally.

HEH..... I used "lickety-split" for the first time.... EVER!

I know..... I know......

2011-10-24T21:36:00.002-05:00

Yeah, I said I would be back "in the next few days." THAT was a few days ago.... OK.... about 10 days ago.

I haven't abandoned my blog. I really haven't. I have just been busy.

I told you, I think, about my long-term subbing position. Six weeks of....

Well, six weeks of trying to hold my family together. I don't know that I was a success in either job.

The students loved me. I loved them.

My children ate and wore clean undies.

We ate a LOT more junk and the clean undies haven't been folded in weeks.

Really.

I tell ya, now that I'm home, I appreciate the fact that my hubby has a job that allows me to stay home. AND that my hubby is supportive of my staying home.

That was a journey, to be sure. It is amazing how you can be so convinced that you need to do something...to take a specific path...you pray, you feel led, and it doesn't work out.

It is a distressing, really, when you are so sure that letter "A" is the answer. Letters "B," "C," and "D," don't even seem to be an option. But, then you look back and you realize that letter "R," which wasn't even on your radar, ended up being the answer that God had for you.

Once you look back, though, it is truly amazing to see that God had His hand on you, AND ON THE JOURNEY, the WHOLE TIME!!! I am SO blessed. I am SO thankful. I love God, and He loves me!

So, like I said, the teaching was enjoyable. As long as I didn't think about all the house stuff NOT getting done, I was OK. The problem came as soon as I walked out of the building with 3, of my 4 boys. We would have to go get #1 from another campus. Then, we would rush home to start homework, guitar practice, piano practice, JBQ practice, supper, baths.... we had no time to play. Tuesdays, being our worst day, looked like this: Come home and start homework, leave the house at 5:15, take #3 to piano, leave to get #1 to guitar, leave to pick up #3 and drop off #2 for piano, pick up #2 from piano, leave to pick up #1 from guitar, grab, and shovel some food, drop off #2 at baseball, take #1, #3, and #4 home, put #3 and #4 in bed, leave to get #2, come home and put #1 and #2 in bed (up to one hour late.)

Yeah.... we haven't started our lunches for the next day, nor have we gotten out our clothes. No.... I did that.... often not getting in bed until after midnight. THEN, I would get up at 5 to make sure that I got myself beautified, lunches made, kids up, fed, and dressed and #1 to school by 7:30 so I could be at school at 7:45. Our *easiest* days didn't have as much running around.

My youngest has been a terror.... I think it is because of my working. My kids didn't get my attention because I was busy. We were always rushing. I realize, now, that God didn't have me receive a contract for a reason. My family cannot handle my teaching full time.

That was hard to realize, and even harder to admit out loud - especially when you consider that my husband and I were convinced that this was the best thing for us.

I was raised Pentecostal. We take the Bible as it is... we don't add to it, nor do we take away from it. We are outspoken in our beliefs. I was raised to pray specifically. What does that mean? To put it simply....if your car is broken down, and you want a red VW bug, then pray for a red, VW bug.

Back in the summer, when DH and I started talking about my return to work, I had mixed feelings. I didn't know things would fall apart, as they did, I simply enjoy my time at home. I enjoy going out and shopping for the holidays, when I want. I enjoy volunteering in school. I enjoy, being able to drop and go, as needed, or desired. Mostly, I enjoy having the day with my husband, when he is home. Returning to work would end all of that. Not some. All.

Despite the mixed feelings, DH and I discussed it and both agreed that working was the best thing for us. And, then I started.....

Yeah, it didn't take long for me to pray, specifically, and earnestly, for a job that paid more than subbing, allowed me to leave work AT WORK, allowed me to spend time with my kids, allowed me to NOT go in, on the occasion that I had a sick kid, field trip, or whatever happenstance.

Sure, I felt a bit foolish. I even told God. I told Him that, even though I knew it was within His power, I knew it was a bit *selfish* to ask something so specific and so..... well.... great! (Shout out to my friend, NR, who encouraged me to pray this way, back at kindergarten end-of-year picnic.)

The resolution to this insanity?

Well, I didn't get a contract, and frankly, took it personally. BUT, on my first day as long-term sub, I was told of several posts they had, with me in mind. (All long-term, nothing with a contract.) Yeah.... a bit discouraging.

Meanwhile, I have a friend, who has a business (with her hubby) teaching CPR and had spoken with me about the possibility of teaching CPR. I don't know when I got serious, but it was looking good. I just didn't know if that was something I should do.

About 2 weeks into my post, I started praying specifically. I had already told God about my ideas. Now the prayer was, "God... if I am supposed to teach, I need a measure of grace...and money for a housekeeper. If I'm supposed to teach CPR, I need a CLEAR directive, as I have some long-term positions opening up to me."

About 15 minutes (literally) after that new prayer, I got a text from the one friend, with the CPR business, that says, "There is a local community college that wants to pick up another section of CPR. We can't do it. We told them we had another instructor in mind. They want to start the 'new-hire' process."

Is. That. Not. AMAZING?!?!?!

So, now, I'm fast-tracking to get my CPR Instructor Certification. WAY BEYOND COOL!

That is what is going on, in a nutshell.

That, and we are 9 weeks from Christmas.

NINE. WEEKS!

I gotta get my Turkey-Day posts up.

Stand by!

TAP TAP TAP

2011-09-27T17:41:00.007-05:00

*click on images to enlarge*

Anyone out there?

Anyone?

Anyone know that I'm posting a blog?

It's not going to be that interesting right now. I just wanted to let y'all know what all is going on.

I have a LOT going on. Too much to blog about, right now. But, I do plan on blogging a bunch of stuff......

So, what has been going on? I have been teaching. But, I'm not under contract. I'm in a long-term sub. position... covering some one's maternity leave.

I was asked today if I ever thought about being a "real" teacher.....

"I am a real teacher."

"No! I mean... instead of *just* a sub, you becoming a REAL teacher."

"I am a real teacher."

*sigh* I don't know if I have lost my knack, or if I'm just too busy to do anything properly. The kids love me. I love the kids..... just some of them don't think I'm a real teacher.

So, I am finished with this assignment on the 14th. Around then, I can blog and *go public* with all that is going on. Big changes.... I'm taking some big chances. But, I have the support of my hubby and we both feel that God has led us to this.

Anyway, I can't say anything just yet. Stay tuned. :-)

On other news:

We celebrated a financial miracle last week.

My 3rd son's 1st surgery had a balance of around $28,000. Well, long story VERY short.... our surgeon is now, in-network. The 1st surgery was resubmitted and our balance went from about $28,000 to $288. (There are no typos in that statement.)

SO.... yeah..... we're still pretty stoked about it. That, along with the other stuff going on.... well, we are SO thankful to God. He is doing a great job providing.

Also, in great news, my 2 younger sons were water-baptized on the 11th. We are very excited and proud of them.... hopefully, I can get some pictures transferred. I'll work on that now.

Have a great day!

TWISTED SENSE

2011-08-18T21:08:00.010-05:00

While in Canada, we came across a lot of road signs.... as you would expect when traveling a few thousand miles. What was really fun is that they are completely different from what I am used to. That being said, I decided to dedicate a post solely to those signs.

Now, for those of you who don't know me very well.... this will be corny, a little stupid, and some things might not make sense. However, if you know me at all, you understand my skewed sense of humor.

So, without further ado, I give you some Canadian road signs (except for 1), and what they TRULY mean.

This is the only American sign.... just this side of the border. Simple. To the point.

This is either "Giant Moose Meets Car," or "Smart Car Meets Moose." Either way, you must drive slowly at night.... during the day, all things return to normal size.

Square stoplights..... Square. Stoplights. And circular "go" lights. AND diamond "speed up" lights.

"CHECKERED FLAG... THIS WAY! OR THAT WAY!"

"No camping. No S'mores. No wine. No dogs," ..... but ONLY from April 1 - October 15. The rest of the year? Party with the dogs!

"HANG ON!!!! IT'S GONNA BE A BUMPY RIDE!"

Chicken Take-Out? "WHERE'S THE BEEF?"

"GOT QUESTIONS? WE GOT ANSWERS!"

OK... "Twisted Sense of Humor" alert. Say that top word as you are speeding down the highway. Doesn't it sound like "CWISPMIS?"

(If you are wondering, I think it is Canadian for "Christmas.")

Food. Gas. A bed under a floating roof.

"I passed through the seven levels of the Candy Cane Forest, through the sea of swirly, twirly gum drops, and then I walked through the Lincoln Tunnel."

"Please take care of your pet moose's poop."

We drove REALLY fast. ;-)

Three mountains..... that's it.... just three.

When driving a truck really quickly, walls will jump out in front of you!

At this exit you can find: tents, campers, questions, beavers, and golfers..... it's just like WalMart!

And this is our favorite...

Food. Gas. Floating ceilings. Questions. Golfers. And.....

MAGIC!!!

So, there you have it. Whenever you take a trip to Canada, please refer to this post.... it will help you greatly, in your travels.

VACATION

2011-08-06T15:32:00.016-05:00

I wasn't exactly sure *how* I was going to write this. I have stories, but so many don't mean anything to anyone, but me and/or my hubby. So, what I think I will do is just post a bunch of pics and describe them.

Thanks for looking.

Crossing into Quebec

Quebec City

The Fortified City

Going down an elevator to the water.

YES! They DO celebrate Christmas in Quebec in July!

POUTINE....this is something that is a Canada thing... maybe even more in Quebec. It consists of french fries, cheese curds and brown gravy. Pretty good, if you are in that "junk food" frame of mind. I was.... I loved it!

We went to a fireworks competition. There were several countries participating, one a week for several weeks. Anyway, we saw Spain's entry.... it was great. The display was held at these falls... Montmorency Falls, I believe.

Nope, no idea who she is. I just thought she was a beautiful little girl.

If you've seen one fireworks display, you've seen them all, right? Though, I did hear a lot of "ooh la la." I didn't think people really said that. They do.

So, probably cooler than the fireworks was this presentation.... all in French, so I'm sad to say that I have NO clue what was said. BUT, they used the falls as a movie screen, of sorts.

We are now on P.E.I...... Prince Edward Island. I cannot describe the beauty. The pictures do it no justice. I want to move there. Now....

This field is actually a vibrant yellow. More yellow than a sunflower.... but not quite lemon-yellow. Anyway, we couldn't figure out what it was. Google is a great thing. It is canola. They grow corn, canola, and potatoes.... LOTS of potatoes.

So, I just had to take a picture of this, because honestly.... WHERE in the States have you seen such a snazzy Super 8?

Our room.... "Rose's Room" at our bed and breakfast: Elmwood Heritage Inn. There is the thought that this bed and breakfast is the inspiration for a house in "Anne of Green Gables." You know Anne's best friend, Diana? Well, her rich Aunt Josephine, in Charlottetown..... this is "her house." In the book, it is referred to as "Beechwood." These are Lucy Maud Montgomery's stomping grounds. So, it looks like this is it. Cool, huh?

You KNOW you gotta have raspberry cordial when you are on P.E.I.

YEA, YEA, YEA!!!

Queen Anne's Lace.

Part of the North Shores.

Oh, my joy!

Lovely

Yes.... this is what you think it is. We bought the newspaper the next day, on which this was on the front page. We were just leaving the area where I did the cartwheel. We were looking left and right, trying to take it all in. I look over and start hollering at my hubby.... "OH MY GOODNESS!!! THAT IS A TORNADO!!!" Well, fortunately, it didn't touch down, so *technically* it was a funnel cloud. But, seeing as how 99.9% of the people currently on the island have no knowledge of Tornado Alley.... well, nobody but the occupants of the red rented car were alarmed.

SO pretty!

Look. At. This!

*SQUEAL!!!!*

So, this house, is the inspiration for Green Gables.... It is set up as a museum. You don't go into the rooms, but through the halls to see each room. This is Anne's room.

Green Gables. The window just above the door is Anne's room.... "Anne, with an 'e.'"

Yes, we went into the Haunted Wood. I wasn't "a-skeered."

Other unusual sightings on P.E.I. When we first saw it, in the distance, we thought it was a big cat... like a bobcat. Didn't take long to realize this pretty thing was a fox. It just crossed the road and didn't give us a snort..... until DH whistled.

These are the cliffs on the North Shore. DH kept bellowing, "The CLIFFS OF INSANITY!" Remember that from "The Princess Bride?" BAHAHAHAHA!

Yeah.... lobster at Subway.

This is the outside of Elmwood.... our bed and breakfast.

Aw..... the good ol' USA!

In Maine. So... since moving to PEI probably isn't realistic, considering DH's job, we could just move here. My dad tells me I am no yankee. And, I don't think I would slip into that. But, I LOVE THE NORTHEAST!

Now we are in Boston..... Sam Adams..... God rest his soul.

This bell was made by Paul Revere.

The Old North Church.... as in "One if by land, two if by sea," is my favorite historical sight in Boston.

Outside our hotel window in Boston..... ignore the smoke stacks to the left. The obelisk is the memorial at Bunker Hill.

Thanks for your patience in looking at these. This is probably 2% of my pictures. It was a WONDERFUL vacation. I am so blessed. The middle part of the vacay, my hubby only wanted to go on because I wanted to go. Prince Edward Island is a "bucket list" type of thing. SO glad I got to go.

I have said that I want to renew my vows on a beach in Hawaii on our 25th anniversary.... a mere 5 years away.

This trip changed my mind. I want to renew on the North Shore of Prince Edward Island!

IT'S A GOD-THING!

2011-07-15T09:32:00.004-05:00

OK....

For a few weeks, I have had friends on FB, family, and others praying for a situation that had the potential to be quite difficult, financially.

We have..... let me back up.... we HAD a house in NM.

In 1998, we moved from Alamogordo, NM to Silver City, NM. We had a home in Alamo. A CUTE and wonderful first home for us. We could see Sierra Blanca from our front porch. We were just 30 minutes from Cloudcroft and 45 minutes from Ruidoso. It was a nice place to live. We had pecan trees, lavender bushes, a grape vine, a back porch with a lovely trellis that covered in trumpet vine during the summer..... we even had a basement!

We moved across the state, due to hubby's job, and rented out our house. We weren't really in a financial situation to sell, considering the market and finances. (I was in school and we were paying for DH's flight training.) SO, we rented it out.

We felt blessed that we had an older couple with an older child. Whenever there were any problems, we would get a phone call from the renters. They would generally take care of having something replaced, send us the receipt, and deduct it from their rent.

Several years into the rental, they fell on really hard times. As in.... could not pay rent..... at all. *sigh* Difficult, yes. And, where we legally had the right to kick them out, we just didn't feel like God wanted us to do that. After much praying, we decided to let them pay what they could, when they could. Praise the Lord! We were always able to keep up with the payments. These were times when we really saw God's hand on our finances.... because let me tell ya.... it was TOUGH! Kids. Teaching job. Airline job. TWO house payments. That equals MORE going out than coming in. BUT, GOD PROVIDED.

After a few tough years, the renters were finally able to start paying. They weren't able to pay anything from the non-paying months, but it was OK. We had had them for several years and had a good renter/landlord relationship.

This past June, on our way to Minnesota, we got a call from Mrs. Renter. She informed us that she and Mr. Renter were splitting up and moving out. She called to give us notice. (Not the normal month, but a few weeks.) Not only that, but they wouldn't be able to pay rent for the month, NOR would they be able to pay the few thousand in what they owed. *sigh* Really?

We were frustrated, but it was all good. We finished our vacation and DH flew out to NM to see about having the house professionally cleaned to either rent out again, or put on the market.

OH. MY. WORD!

OK.... these people didn't pack and move.

THEY. LEFT.

LEFT!!!!!

Picture appliances and furniture on the porch.

Picture water damage in the bathroom.

Picture caving in ceiling in the kitchen.

Picture lawn equipment that is broken down.

Picture dirty dishes in the sink.

Picture 2 or 3 rooms full of furniture.

Imagine the smell of smoke from 13 years of housing multiple smokers.

Yeah....

That is what it was.

First things first..... pay someone to haul off crap. YES! CRAP!

After much thought, and talking to a wonderful friend (who happens to be a realtor)..... well, we discussed several possibilities:

Fixing it up and renting it out.

Fixing it up and selling it.

Letting the bank have it. (We still owed SEVERAL thousand on the house.)

Leaving it and paying it off.

Bonfire.

OK.... bonfire wasn't really an option.... I promise.

It would cost us THOUSANDS to fix it up. Honestly, we wouldn't be able to get a loan to help us, because the house just wasn't worth it. Sad, huh?

We couldn't let the bank have it.... that would RUIN our credit!

So, we were faced with leaving it alone and paying it off.

I PROMISE! WE NEVER CONSIDERED BONFIRE!

Imagine having a cute little starter home, which you adore. Then, pseudo-grown-ups coming in and trashing the place, flipping you "the bird," and leaving you THOUSANDS of dollars worth of damage.

Yeah.... that's how we felt. Well, except for flipping us "the bird," that is exactly what they did!

It was sickening.

We are not rich. My hubby makes a good living. But, we have 4 boys, and a VERY expensive ear that we will be paying for, for awhile.

AND, I do not have a job.... yet.

So, we go from: comfortably having 1 income, 2 homes, renters, 11 1/2 ears, old carpet, and plans to slowly, but surely, fix a few bedrooms, to having 1 income, looking for a job in a SLOW market, 2 homes, no renters, 12 ears (and the bill to pay for that ear), busted pipes, water damage, need of new carpet, various other medical issues, and necessity to fix the bedrooms, PLUS tons of cash needed to fix the damage left in one of the homes.

This immediately became a matter of prayer. Sometimes, you don't know what to do... much less HOW to do what needs to be done.

I started posting requests for prayer on FB. Our families were asked to pray.... and, of course, hubby and I really began to bombard Heaven with our pleas for guidance and financial assistance.

Some family in NM gave us the name of a dude who buys and flips houses. THAT would be a great option. Hubby called him and they met at the house. I don't *think* the dude laughed out loud, but he did tell us that he wouldn't even pay $14,000 for the house.... less than half of what we owed.

At the suggestion of our realtor friend, we cleared the junk and put the house on the market... damage and all.

In a little more than a month, someone was found. That is incredible, in and of itself. HOWEVER, this buyer gave us $1,000 OVER what we owed.

THAT, is a God-thing.

There is no other way to put it.

Yes, I realize that God is involved in every aspect of our lives. He helps us. Guides us. Whispers to us. But this? It was ALL. HIM!

I have seen miracles in my life. I have prayed for miracles. This? This was a miracle. An unexpected miracle. We were praying for more income, somehow.... not that the bill would go away completely.

We give God ALL the glory for this one.

THANK YOU, GOD!

ETA: a word from my hubby: "Just to clarify a point to show just how amazing this was: It was a month from the time we found out the renters were leaving to the time we sold it. But it was only 2 WEEKS, from the time the junk was hauled off to the time we had a deal. AND, we never even actually listed the house. Our great friend in Alamogordo hooked us up with the deal before it ever even got that far. AWESOME!"

OBSERVATIONS FROM HAWAIIAN FALLS

2011-06-28T20:43:00.004-05:00

It seems kind of.... I don't know.... comical that one could use Hawaiian Falls as a blackboard, so to speak. I mean, SO MANY life lessons....a plethora of knowledge....an ampleness in the available pearls of wisdom.

Yes, Grasshopper. Sit and learn.

I have several areas that need to be addressed. These are all important. They are listed in random order.

Well, that isn't absolutely correct. I had to catalog these without writing them down, so I remembered them in alphabetical order.

THE BIKINI

The thought that immediately comes to mind is this: Just because you CAN wear a bikini, doesn't mean that you SHOULD wear a bikini.

Granted, this is enough said. However, I shall expound.

Yes, Honey. I saw you with your perky girls that have been subjected to surgeon's manipulation and forced to stand at attention. This is NOT the issue.... well, in some cases, it IS the issue. But, YOU.... you with the bosom that happens to be the ONLY thing on your body defying gravity...

Yes, your "pillows" aren't saggy, but most everything else is.

OK. I will give you that some of you weigh less than you did before you conceived one, or more, of your children. However, things shift. You are like the great Mother Earth. She is always shifting. Her basic shape is still the same, but some things just aren't where they were when they started.

THE COLOR

Black is always a good swimsuit. The one color I focused on was purple. It was nice. However, when you are wearing a suit that is not black, and you get in the water, go ahead and submerge. It really is not attractive to have just a touch of your lower half get wet. I mean.... it makes it look like you peed. Now, I feel pretty confident that you did NOT pee in the water, but.... it LOOKS like it. And, contrary to what so many people will tell you.... YES, it IS noticeable, and EVERYone will notice!

THE HATS

It stands to reason that if it is SO sunny that YOU.... MOM.... need a hat, so does your baby that is not even walking.

I'm not saying that every baby should be covered. I never did.... but I don't generally wear a hat, either. Just sayin'.

THE MEN

*sigh* YOU, the male of the species, are NOT exempt. You, who are strutting around whilst trying to attract some attention..... I'm sorry. Where to begin?

There are swim-shirts in your size. I've seen them. I can promise you that it will not, in any way, detract from you "hunkiness." On the contrary, giving us gals something to wonder about.... well, I would rather wonder than be proven WRONG!

You know that little plastic doo-hickey that holds a 6-pack together? Well, some of you have lost yours..... not the 6-pack.... no.... that is still rolling around your body. You've lost the doo-hickey. AND, a 6-pack without the doo-hickey is just a bunch of cans.

Some of you, knowing that you need to cover the "hair or bare" chest and gut, but not having a swim shirt, have opted for a t-shirt.... a "wife-beater" no less.

A wet "wife-beater" looks good on NO ONE! I would even hazard a guess that a Hooter's girl would not look her absolute best in a wet shirt, such as this.

THE PREGNANCY

I love pregnant bellies. I'm jealous that the clothes got SO much cuter the year AFTER I had my last child. I don't mind the clingy clothes that show a baby bump. It's cute. There is even REALLY cute swim wear for pregnant gals.

Please cover your belly.

Please.

I know stretch-marks are nothing to be ashamed of. They are badges of honor, in my opinion. I just don't want to see YOURS! What you may not notice, due to your personal rotundness, is that often, your thighs and back fat get stretch-marks, too. SO.... please refer to "THE BIKINI" section.

THE SERENITY

Ma'am, I think "Serenity" is a LOVELY name for your daughter. But, the minute you shriek her name across the wave pool, repeatedly, you single-handedly remove the peacefulness her name implies.

THE TATTOOS

Oh, my. OK, first off be VERY selective as to style AND placement. Especially, placement. The cute little "stamp" you got your third year in college, celebrating the fact that you no longer have to wait until "college night" to go to the bars dancing..... well, see "THE BIKINI."

THINGS. SHIFT.

They do.

You got a fish? It might now be a puffer-fish.

The tatt of the cute little Disney character? It may very well turn into a Picasso.

I am not anti-tattoo. I have two of them, myself. I even have a fish. It will not be a puffer.... unless I gain 300 pounds. It's on my foot. And where fat feet ARE possible, seeing as how I am 29 (for these many years), it is not likely.

Just because it is summer.... and granted, it is hotter than "H-E-double hockey-sticks"..... does not give you a reason to practice '"WHAT NOT TO WEAR."

PLEASE! For the love of all that is good! COVER UP! TAPE IT DOWN! STRAP IT STILL! Just don't let us see all that God gave you.

**This has been a Public Service Announcement. This has been brought to you by: HOBBY LOBBY! Where Christmas starts in June!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DS #1

2011-06-24T22:29:00.003-05:00

I thought, for fun.... MY fun.... that I would put my past birthday posts on my child. I don't know that I did it every year of my blogging, but this is what I found:

Turning 8

Turning 9

Turning 10

OK.... so it seems that I was on my hiatus when my oldest turned 11. :-( Oh well.... what are you gonna do?

Tomorrow, my son turns 12.

TWELVE!

I have no words.

Ha... that's a lie.

I'm SO PROUD of him. He is going to make quite a catch.... but calm down, ladies. I already have his wife picked out. ;-)

He plays guitar.

He earns great grades in school.

He is accomplished in JBQ.... is that right? Accomplished? He has earned every individual award in the program.

He is growing into a handsome, young man of God. And for that, I am SO grateful!

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." 3 John 4

Happy birthday, Son! I love you with all that I am!

THIRD SURGERY

2011-06-18T22:45:00.000-05:00

This post isn't going to be lengthy in words. The pre-surgery, surgery, and post-surgery appointments were pretty much the same as the other two.

The last surgery was performed on May 20. Unfortunately, my husband was unable to attend my youngest son's kindergarten graduation, due to the surgery. I was sorry he missed it, but sometimes, a family must handle two big events at the same time.

The surgery was a one-day ordeal. He went in the late morning and was home around 6:30 that evening.

Basically, some cartilage was taken from his *good* ear and placed on his new ear. This was used to create a *bowl* to make it look like DS #3 has an ear canal.

The most common question we get is, "Can he hear?"

The answer is, "Yes." However, it is muffled. If you were to put your finger in your ear, that is how he hears. We do not know the level (how many decibels), but we do know there is hearing.

The way this *one-sided* hearing affects him is that he cannot hear in-stereo. An easier way to say it is that if one were to walk in behind him and speak, he would hear the voice, but would have to look for the voice. I will always have to tell his teachers that they have to be sure he is watching them when they speak directly to him. He is learning to, but doesn't always hone in on the teacher.

We could, if we find it necessary, get a cochlear implant. We are not sure, as yet. We will need to get his hearing tested. Right now, his hearing in his *good* ear is perfect. His speech and language are developing nicely. His grades are quite good and he excels in reading. In fact, we just found out that his reading and comprehension level are at end of 5th grade. As long as his education, and speech, do not suffer, there shouldn't be a need.

This next year will be the first year that people will not be able to tell that there is some sort of hearing deficit. I will always have to contact the teachers with this information so that proper steps can be taken to ensure his academic success.

A week after the surgery, we took DS #3 back to the doctor to get the bandages removed.

That's it.

He goes back in 6 months for a check and then a year after that.

Seven years of his little ear...... done.

Well, without further ado.... let me get some pictures up here.

Every visit has a cupcake, cookie, or ice cream!

One week after surgery.

For anyone thinking about using Dr. Fearon. He is a wonderful doctor. He has changed my son's life! I truly believe that God led us to him.

Bandages have been removed. DS #s 4, 2, 3, and 1 striking a pose.

Of course..... ice cream!

This is one happy kid!

Thank you for following us through this journey. Please, if there are any questions you may have, leave a comment. I can either answer through comments or contact you personally. I will not release personal information through the blog. You may leave a comment with your email address. I will respond, but will not post your address.

God bless you all!

MY BROKEN MUSCLE

2011-06-04T21:52:00.004-05:00

Following is a recount of yesterday's (Friday) event.

My youngest boy calls it my "broken muscle." He is trying to be helpful....all the boys are.

I can't do a whole lot. I can hop around. I can put weight on the ball of my right foot and use it to hobble.... but I'm not supposed to. I'm not supposed to use it for a few days. So. Difficult. :-(

I don't sit around in pain... which is a good thing. But, I cannot walk as normal. If I extend my calf muscle at all, well... it's not good. The pain is intense.

My stubborn streak tells me to suck it up and work through it. However, we are leaving for a week, come Tuesday. I need to be able to walk around by Friday.... SO... I baby my leg.

Forgive me. A few of you do not know what happened. Please read the following that I posted in my notes on Facebook.

OK.... the back story.

On the 23rd, I was walking down some steps at a movie theater and on one of the down steps, my right calf clenched in pain. It felt like I had pulled the muscle. BUT, I was able to walk and use my leg.... I was OK. In fact, I wasn't even sore the next day.

On the 29th, I helped in our kids' worship service. It was a lot of fun.... until we jumped.... a lot. I could fee the pull in the leg, but still, I could work through it. If I jumped and landed equally on both feet, I was OK. When I tried to baby it.... well, let's just say that my coordination did not allow that.

Fast forward to today. I had not been having any soreness. It was all OK.

I was walking from the kitchen down our hall. (Really, that is as glamorous as it gets.) Anyway, during the aforementioned walk, I felt and heard a *POP* in my calf. It didn't drop me, but I could not walk.

I hollered for DS #1 to go get DH. He rushed to help me. We iced it... and began to research.

Upon our first, and quick look, we determined that I might have torn my calf muscle. Further investigation alarmed us.... especially considering that we are leaving on Tuesday.... and our vacation/JBQ Nationals will require a lot of standing/walking. So.... off we went to get it checked out.

Not sure what best to do, we decided to go to a CareNow. Then we decided that I should call my good friend doctor friend.

While waiting for her return call, we contacted another doctor friend.... who said it would be better to go to an ER.

We went to an ER. We weren't there too long, considering it was a Friday evening. They actually sent us to the Minor Emergency Clinic because my injury wasn't life threatening.... try telling that to my boys when they are all expecting supper. :0)

Long story short..... it is not a torn muscle. It is a "severe muscle strain." But, honestly... I have never had that kind of "owie." Imagine a bad Charlie Horse that you can't work out. It is so bad that if I put my foot flat on the floor, well.... it is almost enough to bring me to the floor. I can't support myself.

SO, guess what I get to enjoy for at least a week?

Crutches and a boot.

A BOOT!

Come JBQ, I might still be on crutches, but I promise, I will be sporting my sassy new crocheted TOMS!

I do have some fun muscle relaxers that I get to take.... kinda lookin' forward to that.

AND, for 2 days, at least, I get to sit and state my wishes. I am to stay off my feet as much as possible, for a week. So, the goal is: sit on my rump through Sunday.

Monday, I must get my nails done, go to the dentist.... (AGAIN!) and go to a piano recital. We will also be packing for our week long trip.

Tuesday and Wednesday will see a lot of FTU travel, so that shouldn't be too bad.

Thursday, will be the opening ceremony for JBQ National Festival.... some walking. Will probably need the crutches.

Friday and Saturday: I will be quiz-mastering..... a lot of standing. I hope to have a tall stool.... at the very least, a chair to sit in once the round is over.

The rest of the week.... well, DH is working on that, as we speak. A lot of what we were going to do in Chicago won't happen now.... :-(

I just pray that I'm done with crutches and the boot by next Friday.

Thank you, ALL, for the prayers. I have no doubt that it was key in this injury not being as serious as it could have been.

WHY MY KIDS NEED PRAYER

2011-05-28T18:43:00.003-05:00

OK... besides the obvious. I mean, I am always praying for them. But, sometimes.... such as today.... they need prayer that Mom does not totally lose her cool.

The day started off a bit rocky. Apparently, there were several vehicle on our street that were broken into. Fortunately, ours was not. I'm sure the combination of locked FTU, motion-sensored light, and prayers for protection over our property all played a role.

We had a productive morning. We all worked on the house... which is still a disaster, just not as bad as it was last night.

My 3rd, who just had his stitches removed came screaming in to me with MORE blood.... from his ear. BUT, it was from his good ear... but from where the stitches are from the surgery. (Yes, work was done on his other ear.... I'll explain that later.) Anyway, the ear is still attached, so no worries. Just a warning that it is still a little early to play dog-pile.... even if you are "top-dog."

We went to a birthday party. Cake with frosting (lots of refined sugar) and 2 hours of playing in 96 degrees made for some hot, antsy and cranky boys. There was a mandated "quiet time." Mainly, it was to cool off.

Then it started.... "He stole my beyblade!"

"No, I didn't!"

"YES! YOU! DID!!!!" (Each word climbing in shrillness.)

Then, when watching tv, #1 kicked #3.

"Go to your room."

He unplugged our tv/sound system. (It goes through the wall into the closet in his room.)

"You will go to bed early for being ugly."

#4 saw me spraying some Febreeze in my room.

"Can I try?"

"Honey, I would rather not."

Ten minutes later, come into the kitchen to find/smell Febreeze on every drawer, lower cabinet, oven, fridge, microwave, door, and floor in the kitchen. On top of all that, he decided to glue nice, new, and pre-sharpened pencils (a hot commodity in my house) to a composition notebook.

Grrrrr.....

"You are going to bed early because of your disobedience."

Mom puts herself in timeout.

Mom comes out.

Mom gets a rag to start cleaning up a very "Febreezey" kitchen.

Mom gets squirted with the sink "squirter." It seems #2 decided that THIS was the time to play a joke.

"You are going to bed early.... clean up that water."

Now, having sat and typed for a bit, I probably need to visit with #2. Knowing him, he was trying to diffuse the situation... he just doesn't understand that when Mom is having a bad day, everyone should go to their own little rocks and leave her alone.

She doesn't do well, some days.

EXTREME COUPONING, END OF THE WORLD, AND OTHER THOUGHTS

2011-05-25T22:54:00.003-05:00

Yes, I know.

I have been gone a LONG time..... or have you noticed?

As I don't get too many comments anymore, I am not sure who reads. However, I still enjoy writing. I just hope you will come along.

Extreme Couponing. Have you seen that show? It is CRAZY what these people are doing. As a couponer, I do get questions about this show.

Well, it's not realistic, people. I'm not saying it can't happen.... I'm saying it isn't likely to happen. I seriously doubt that these EC'ers do this all the time. Not only that, but whenever I coupon, I NEVER have such a nice and accommodating cashier.

Just saying.

The end of the world came......

And went.

And we are still here.

I am a bit miffed with the old coot for scaring my boy. He asked if I thought the world would really end. Let me clarify..... THAT DAY! He wanted to know if I thought the world would end THAT DAY. No, I didn't. I asked my oldest, "Who knows when the Rapture will occur?" He immediately said, "Only God, the Father." (Thank you, JBQ.)

My 2nd did finish talking it out to the point of being OK. We remember that since we already have Jesus in our hearts.... well, it doesn't really matter when HE comes back.... we are going. I have some friends and others I know who say, "Well, in the end.....you just. don't. know."

WRONG!!!

I KNOW!!!! And it drives you crazy that you don't know like I know.

Tomorrow is the last day of school.

How can that be? I have a son going into 7th grade next year. My baby finished kindergarten.

I was SO busy this week. Last night, I sat and cried a bit. I realized that I miss them. I miss their needing me. I miss their wanting me around all the time. If I go back to work..... gosh..... my heart already hurts at the time it is going to cost me...... time away from my boys.

I still need to do a post on JBQ...... a big one, especially seeing as how we are going to Nationals in less than a month! WOOHOO!

I have pictures from our JBQ awards ceremony.

I have pictures from kindergarten graduation.

I have pictures from my 3rd son's last surgery.

HIS LAST SURGERY!

He's done!

Such a huge thing and *poof.* Done.

I have pictures of our school awards.

This past Sunday, I baked 9 loaves of bread and cut up fruit salad for about 50.

No really.

I did.

After silently celebrating the fact that I pulled all of that off, on top of kinder graduation, Monday's 1st grade end-of-year movie, yesterday's kinder picnic, today's 4th grade party, and awards ceremonies..... well, my oldest informed me that he volunteered my banana-chocolate chip bread for tomorrow.

I didn't get mad.

I LOVE that he feels he can do that..... and that I can. I want him to remember that.

I have family that reads my facebook posts.... prints it.... shows it to my grandmother.... who discusses it with my dad.... who does NOT do facebook.

Funny.

**ETA: I found out from my cousin, who shares with our g-ma. I think it is cute how family, who does NOT, Facebook actually Facebooks. :-)

I'm not sad that Oprah no longer will have her show. No, I didn't watch it.

I have never liked Oprah. I think she is an iconic figure. I think she has a lot of influence over society. And, I think she is dangerous.

I know.... some of you are ticked by those thoughts.

Really, what's the big surprise there?

I haven't had anyone mad at me in a few days, at least.

We are going to have a busy summer. We start with 2 piano recitals, followed by: a week long trip to Minnesota for JBQ National Festival, swim lessons x 2, camp at a horse ranch x 2, art camp at school x 1, baseball camp x 1, week long trip to Canada and BOSTON (insert falsetto sing-song voice) for my hubby and me...... then, it is time to get ready for school.

During that time, there will be birthday parties, trips to the water park, trips to Six Flags, picnics, uniform buying..... so many other things.

I hope to be a bit more diligent in my writing. I miss it. But, we have been crazy-busy the past few weeks. It will calm down......

Soon......

Like in about 8 years.

EARTH DAY BLOG HOP WINNERS

2011-05-02T21:37:00.004-05:00

First, let me apologize for the delay. We didn't close the drawing until the 30th. This past weekend was a big JBQ meet..... we DID qualify for Nationals, by the way.... but I just haven't been able to get to my computer until now.

Here are the winners.... if you will contact Kiki at A Home Made By Kiki, she will send you your H2 Cleaner by Shaklee! CONGRATULATIONS!

1.) Sweet Pea

2.) Trend Setting Mom

3.) {Mom of 3 Dolls}

4.) Wee Share

5.) A Mellow Life Is A Good Life

EARTH DAY BLOG HOP

2011-04-21T21:27:00.003-05:00

First off, I owe you an apology.

I have been remiss in my posting. I have good reasons.... all of which are too long and boring to get into. Basically, it has to do with the house and all that is going on. I will post on our work, later.

Yesterday was my 3rd son's birthday. We enjoyed the day with him. I will post about that, later, as well.

But, this post.... THIS POST is about an Earth Day Blog Hop.

This blog hop is hosted by one of my new blogging buddies over at A HOME MADE BY KIKI.

In just a bit, you will want to go over to her place to start the hop. Let me tell you why.

Kiki, is involved in Shaklee products. You can get lots of stuff through her...... including household cleaners. What is cool about this blog hop is that there is a give-away! There are a few things you need to do. They will be posted throughout, AND recapped at the end.

BUT, you have to go see Kiki at the link I posted up above. You have to read the posts in order..... you need to get your letters. Collect all your letters, in order, and enter for a grand prize.

I know.... prizes. That is exciting, isn't it? The grand prize is a $30 Paypal deposit into your account.*

REALLY.... THIRTY DOLLARS!

AND, for commenting on this post, you have a chance to win the sample that I am highlighting here. FIVE people will be chosen through random drawing. *

*This give-away is only good for US residents.*

ALSO, you can get a free Shaklee membership with a $30 purchase. PLUS, Kiki has an unadvertised special. You can email her for details at: healthy-solutions@hotmail.com. (OK... so I'm challenged and don't know how, or if I should, hot-link an email address, so you just have to copy and paste.)

Now.... I'm not a tree-hugger, by any means. In fact, I generally prefer the burn, in my nostrils, of bleach, verses some healthy, organic, or some other seemingly *innocent* cleaner. To me.... the searing stench of product is DOING something.

However, I AM cheap. (That is a post for another day. I used to claim I was frugal.... nope.... gotta admit it.... I'm cheap.)

So, here is what I want to show you. It's a concentrated cleaner that you add to water and.... well, you clean with it.

First off.... LOOK HOW TINY THIS VIAL IS! That is why I held it up like this... compared to fingers..... well, this is tee-ninecy!

In fact, small vials need little packaging..... like this. This is what I'm using: the Basic H2. It takes 2 drops for 16 oz water.

ONLY TWO DROPS!!! That's quite a bit of cleaning solution!

Remember that I like "the burn?" Well, if you don't, then this is for you. There was absolutely NO smell.... a bit sad.... the head-rush is kinda cool. BUT, if you are into that sort of "no-odor" type of thing. LOL! (What is really funny is that my hubby is shaking his head because the "No-Smell Rule" is Life Rule #1.) I really can't explain WHY my eyes are rolling up in the back of my head.... except to say I was REALLY trying to smell something.

OK.... here, I've sprayed down my mirror in the dining room. I mean, to wipe down a sink or a counter.... well, I can do that with water. But, a mirror? Well, let's see how it goes.

If you look on the right side of the photo below, that is the frame of the mirror. I am actually pointing into the mirror, looking at the reflection of the window looking out to our backyard. There are NO streaks. And, please believe me when I say that I did not scrub, retouch, or go back with a different glass cleaner. Nor did I use a microfiber rag, newspaper, or lint-free cloth to *buff.* Nope.... just a regular rag.

All-in-all, I'm OK with my experience.

Will I become a member of Shaklee? I don't want to say "no" right off the bat.... I just don't know. Right now, I still like to feel the singe of my nostril hairs.

What am I getting for this? Nothing.... except a link to my blog from the person in front of me. I get no money. I only got that tiny vial of concentrated cleaner. However, I DO like free stuff. So, I will be reading these blogs to submit my own entry.

How do you do that? Well, let's cover the steps:

First, start at A Home Made by Kiki.

Next, hop your way, in order, through the blogs.

Be sure to record your letters from each post. MY LETTER IS THE LETTER "r." Keep them in order.

You *must* become a follower, via Goggle Friend Connect, of Kiki's blog. A *follow* to my blog and a shout-out on your facebook page can snag you some extra entries.... so leave me a comment as to what you did..... and THAT gets you an extra entry, as well.

NEXT, go here: www.thenesteffect.com. (Don't forget to keep getting your letters.)

Finally, take your time. Get to know these folks. Enjoy learning about some Shaklee products. You have until midnight (ET) on April 30th to get your entry in.

I hope you will join us for this Earth Day Blog Hop. I think it's gonna be fun!!!

Have a great weekend, and if I don't talk to you, remember:

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THIS SEASON!!!

HAPPY RESURRECTION SUNDAY!!!!!

ULTIMATE BLOG PARTY 2011

2011-04-03T20:26:00.002-05:00

Howdy, y'all!

My name is ~LL~. Welcome to my blog.

A few years ago, I participated in UBP. I had forgotten about it this year, but was reminded by a dear friend of mine. SO, here I am..... excited to make some new blogger friends.

I have 4 boys ages: 5, 7, 10 and 11. I am a certified teacher, but have been staying home since "the baby" was born.

My hubby and I were high-school sweethearts. We have actually known each other since 1st grade. We have been married almost 20 years.

I live in North Texas.

Grab yourself some sweet tea and browse around. I hope you find something, at best, inspirational. At the very least, I hope you are entertained. If you will scroll down a tad, you will see in my right sidebar a list of some of my favorite entries.

Leave a comment and I promise to come check you out!

HOARDER'S HELL

2011-04-01T20:56:00.007-06:00

More pictures..... and words.

Yesterday, I happily opened up my windows, began to water my yard, sat at the computer, and listened to the kids playing outside.

After about 30 minutes, my older two came in for a bit. #1 warned #2 that his floor was wet, but he didn't know why. Well, the report of spills always perk me up a bit, because none of the kids have learned how to properly clean up spills.

I went to investigate.

It was no spill.

It was a busted water pipe.

The pipe was between the front bedrooms (my older children's rooms) and..... well...... I feel like I am in Hoarder's Hell.

Really.

Parts of my house I have seen on TLC.

See for yourself.

OK, so this was discovered in #1's box of "treasures." (They have to share toys, but they each have a box of stuff that doesn't have to be shared.... their treasures. Well, here is a treasure.... or it was.)

Yes, it is slime. Note how it says "non-toxic."

I think not.

Water damage. :-( This is #2's bookshelf that has since *almost* collapsed. It leans. To the right is #2's bed frame. I really hope it isn't damaged too badly. It was my Daddy's bed, and then my bed.

This is one of the legs of the aforementioned bed frame. :-(

#4..... playing like this is normal.

The hallway.

The dining room.

The dining room table.

The dining room floor.

The living room. Note the piano.... see the nicks? Yeah, #4 chewed on it when teething. None of my other kids ever felt the need to eat the piano. :-(

The living room (from the front door).

DS #1's bedroom.

DS #1's bedroom. The small, rectangular hole is where the pipe was replaced. The bigger hole? Wet wall.

DS #2's room.

DS #2's room. Note the back corner.... another hole in the wall. The wall to the right is shared with DS #1.

Master bedroom.

Master bedroom. There is a hope chest under that giant teddy bear..... WHICH, I might add, hubby gave to me for my 16th birthday. (The bear, not the hope chest.) See the bare floor of the hallway?

The other side of the bed in the master bedroom.

DS #1 and #2 and Moose. The boys get to fall asleep in my room. One of them will be sent to the couch when I go to bed.

So, I will admit that *some* (about 10%) of this hoard is..... um..... naturally occurring..... meaning that it was already there.

However, I hope to take advantage of this. I have said, for awhile now, that if I were moving, it would be easier to clean certain areas and things. Well, this is 'bout as close as I can get without actually doing so. I hope to get some good cleaning done.

We will have to replace a set of shelves and a dresser. We might even replace the beds with smaller beds to give the kids more space. BUT, that happens after the insurance adjuster tells us how much they will kick in.

On the list? Besides new furniture - carpet. I will also get closets cleaned out because I have the time.

HAHAHA! Not really. I have no time, but I will do it. Hubby, as with the last water leak, gets to sit this one out. He WILL be able to talk to insurance people and help move furniture back, but he missed out on the fun of calling insurance, filing the claim, calling a plumber, moving the furniture, and just the overall experience of my hysteria..... poor man.

PICTURES and THOUGHTS

2011-03-31T08:25:00.009-06:00

I have some pictures that I want to share, but nothing to really say. So, I'll just post my thoughts on these.

OK, really? I bought this for my 11 year old son, because he is a victim of "man-stink." Little did I know that he would actually "get dirtier." Gotta find a way to cover this up. Who knew? Soft porn on a soap bottle.

Again, for my 11 year old. Wash. Attract. Repeat? Seriously?

HAPPINESS IS CUPCAKE LINERS!

Not often that you get to look directly at the sun, or take a picture of it without special equipment.

These are out of order, but I'm too lazy to fix them. This is #2 "high-fiving" the opponent after his scrimmage. (We won.)

Running for home. I know it is cruddy, but I was on the phone at the time, saw him running in and tried to talk, cheer, and take a picture at the same time.

Warming up to bat.

Sacked out after a day at Fiesta Texas.

#3 thought about this for several minutes before he decided on the dinosaur. Unfortunately, he had to "decide" based on the new gal.... she couldn't do the shark he originally wanted.

Who is this? We don't really know. The gal was new and pretty limited on her face-painting talent. In fact, this WAS supposed to be Batman. Note the spider......

Ooooooo-kay!

#4 just got a new hat in a Mexican market in San Antonio.

Me and my hubby, with our 4 boys, along with DH's sister, her hubby and their 2 girls.

LOVE THEM!

#3 got mad and decided to hide. He zipped himself up and finally got stuck. DH had to free him.

COUSINS!

#3's ear. This is taken about 2 weeks ago, maybe. Isn't it looking good? In a bit over a month, we will take him in for his 3rd and last surgery. They will sculpt it a bit more and make it look like there is an ear canal.

My new tattoo

You can see 2 ears!!!

THINGS I'M THINKING ABOUT

2011-03-29T21:05:00.006-06:00

We have been SO busy.

My 2nd son has just started playing baseball. He loves it. We have not had any problems with practices or games..... until this weekend. We have a tournament. BUT, our coach is so awesome. He is OK with the fact that we will not miss church for a game. I know a lot of people don't see it like we do, but the way we see it, God is not going to judge us on our baseball skills. There are more important things. If we teach our children that God is second to baseball.... well, honestly, I don't want to answer for that.

My 4th son is coping with his trauma of a few weeks ago. For several days, he didn't refer to it. The other day, he wrote me a note that said, "I 'mist' you." He was talking about when he got lost. A few days later he really talked to me about his fears. He was so afraid that he wouldn't see me again and that I would not be able to take care of him. He also said he was afraid he would be stuck at Six Flags forever. That poor little guy.

My 2nd son is in Battle of the Books. He has to read about 11 books.... over 1500 pages... by mid-May. Not too hard.... unless you are 10 and in many extra-curricular activities. So, we just keep plugging along.

This past weekend, we had our District JBQ meet. My older 3 competed. My 3rd competed in a division that couldn't get out of District. My older 2 did compete in a tier with the possibilities of going on. My 2nd son's team didn't not make it. My oldest son's team DID make it.

SO, what are we doing in JBQ? My oldest has every award possible, so we are not learning anything new.... we are just practicing for speed and such. (And yes, I do realize I still need to post on that. I want to video a demonstration.) My 2nd son still needs his Master Seal. We will be able to slow down and work toward that. Then next year, he will be in a good position to be a high-point anchor on one of our top teams. My 3rd wants his first seal, so we will work on learning the rest of the 10s. He knows about 100 out of 288 of that point-value. My 4th.... we will start working on the 10s. He knows about 20 of them, but as competition became more intense, his practice time dwindled immensely. As my oldest is "graduating" the program, I will be able to use him to help us practice.

During our District competition, I quiz mastered. That was intense. It was a LOT of fun, though. I LOVE seeing all the kids and getting to know the coaches. Some of these people, I have seen each year for the past 5. They are truly some great friends. I was surprised to be voted "Favorite Quiz Master" for the Achiever Division. It is quite an honor.... especially considering this was my first year QM'ing and I was up against some seasoned QM's.

I'm about to start couponing again. I don't know how the job situation is going to pan out for this year. I have my application in at the boys' school, as well as the secondary campus. However, the schools are being hit really hard this year. I mean.... when things are looking really bad, cut into education because THAT will help. >:-(

Either way, God is good all the time and we know that we will be OK.

Spring cleaning.

Heh..... that's 'bout all I have to say about that. It hasn't happened. I should have put my list online. BUT, I didn't. Needless to say, I'm behind. Of all the things I put on my list, I probably have 1% done. :-( Will be working on it.

I have to start working on Easter parties. I have 2 of them to plan. That won't be a big deal. I will get parents to help.

I have 4... yep, FOUR... teacher luncheons to plan. I will use a few trusted parent/friends to help me. I don't ask just anyone. I don't trust very many people on some of this stuff. I have yet to decide what I'm going to make. It will either be lasagna, enchiladas, or green chile casserole. I will make the main dish and the desserts and have my helpers bring the bread, drinks and salad.

My hubby and I went to see a band that impersonates Queen. It was a LOT of fun.... more fun watching the old farts pretend they weren't old.

I got a new tattoo the other day. I need to take a picture of it. The only picture I have is right after it was done. It is blood-saturated (is that how you refer to it?) and you can't see the color. It is blue.

OK... that is all I have for now. I need to blog on #3's ear.... the money stuff. Also, I need to put up some new pictures. His ear is looking fabulous!

Have a good one!

REGROUP

2011-03-20T21:01:00.003-06:00

I have been having a moment.... or 3....

I don't know. Not really in a funk, but been thinking about a lot of stuff.

I don't think I have been very good at mothering. Now, don't get me wrong. I think I'm a good mom, but I think I have been too lenient with my kids. I love to be able to give to my kids.... to let them have a bit of freedom. BUT, they still need to remain within the boundaries.

I can't say that this is happening with all my kids, but my younger kids, certainly. I don't even think that I'm giving in to their demands, per se. Considering all we are doing with the older kids, it is hard to be.... I don't know..... strict? Maybe? With my younger boys.

They are going to bed too late. They want.... no, they expect, to watch TV while in falling asleep... and THAT drives me crazy! There are other things, but this is what is on my brain, at the moment.

Another thing is the house is OUT. OF. CONTROL! I haven't been working from my "Spring Cleaning" list (all 5 pages of it). Granted, some of it is Spring Break. I'm out of my routine. I have never been a great housekeeper. I haven't been planning my meals. My grocery buying is jacked up. I'm having to run to the store 2-3 times per week... that is a budget killer, in case you are struggling with finances.

Plus, I have a lot of "extra" stuff going on that is eating at my schedule. *sigh*

TIME TO REGROUP!

I have made up my menu through Friday. (See sidebar, top left.)

I have made a Monday list (using some of my "Spring Cleaning" notes).

I have made my grocery list.... and will go to the store tomorrow.

I will TRY to limit what I do and how long I do it. I tend to work on tasks the way I eat.... one thing at a time. The laundry, ALONE, will take me 4 hours. SO, I will use my timer.

I know these are all simple solutions. I just don't utilize them.

I will have to work my butt off while the boys are at school, because my extra stuff is a bit overwhelming.

What are they?

2 piano lessons

1 guitar lesson

1 baseball practice

1 JBQ practice (with the team)

Nightly JBQ practice with the 3 boys (individually)

Edit several training manuals

Read a few books for my son

Sub in 6th grade Wed. afternoon

Help son put together his costume for his wax museum presentation

Meet with (and coach) DS #2's Battle of the Books team

All this is Monday - Wednesday. The GOOD thing is that DH will be home Wednesday. I just hope it is in time for either JBQ or baseball.

Finally, Friday and Saturday, we have our District JBQ Meet. My 3 oldest will be competing. DH will be judging (maybe).... at least traveling with a team..... and I will be quiz mastering.

It will be a fun week.

It will be a busy week.

Wow...... that was a rabbit trail..... sorry.

LOST HEART

2011-03-18T09:01:00.006-06:00

Did you ever have something happen to you that haunts you? It plagues your dreams? You keep reliving the "what ifs?"

Well, my family had one such event yesterday.

It was a time of absolute fear, panic and desperation rolled into one.

My hubby and I took our kids to Six Flags Over Texas to meet some Oklahoma family. Granted, it was Spring Break.... it was insanely crowded (so much so that we were told in the first 2 hours, there was a record-setting 15,000 passing through the gates.)

After a few hours of discussing, waiting in line and riding a few rides, we began moving.... our party of 6 adults and 6 kids. The kids ranged in ages from 13 to 5.

As we were walking toward our next ride, I decided the family needed a potty break. We called ahead to my cousins that we would catch up. I went into the ladies restroom while the boys went with Daddy into the other. I came out and saw #1.....he looked at me and asked, "Where is #4?"

Seeing as how Daddy wasn't out yet, I knew they were together.... and I stated as much.... until I saw Daddy.... without #4.

I lost my heart.

While hand-washing, DH saw #4 dash out.... he called to him to "wait up," but was not really concerned as the 3 older brothers were already out at the stroller. (Yes, we use a stroller for #4 when it is crowded, or there is a lot of walking, so that we can move quickly. In fact the progression is generally: Daddy pushing #4, followed by #1 and #2 and then Mom holding #3's hand and bringing up the rear.)

We..... I mean I am a paranoid parent. I am constantly counting noses, to be sure that we are all where we should be. I don't enter a bathroom alone until I see all the boys are with Daddy.

#4 never made it to the stroller.

He ran out and saw a daddy-look-alike..... and followed him.

We don't know how far he got before he realized it was not Daddy.

When hubby came out, and I realized we no longer had eyes on #4.....

Well, I can't say I panicked right away. I mean, he had JUST. RUN. OUT. He had to be near.

Right?

We called.

We looked in the men's restroom.

We looked in the women's restroom.

We looked in the line for the nearest ride (which was right behind the restrooms).

We looked into a crowd of hundreds.

It might as well have been millions.

Throngs of people going this way and that.

And no sign of my five-year-old son.

I pride myself in usually keeping a cool head.

We've had broken bones, busted lips, bloody noses, cracked noggins..... I just don't panic.

I don't recall ever feeling panic.

Until yesterday.

I calmly went to one of the workers to ask the protocol for "missing children."

She told me of the "Lost Parents" office in Looney Tune Land.

I called my cousin. They immediately turned and spread out. They retraced their steps, looking for the cute little blondie in a Buzz Lightyear shirt.

I texted names on my "recent list" with the words, "PRAY! We have lost #4!"

I started to holler his name. I expected him to be right there. I expected the hundreds of people to get quiet. I expect everyone to help me search for my child.

Fact: About 20,000 people in the park and less than a dozen knew he was gone.

I went through all this about 2 feet from my other children..... my cousins and my husband fanned out. We didn't know where to go.

With all the whack-jobs out there..... well..... I can't even put into words my fears.

One of my cousins stayed with my other 3 while I stood in the middle, hollering my son's name, fighting back panic, swallowing the fear, trying to function under the heaviness of desperation.

I have never felt so utterly helpless.

Never.

I have never felt..... so.....

I prayed. I didn't even know how. I could think of nothing holy. I couldn't formulate the flowery prayers that sound like they should reach God faster than the simple plea.

All I could say, over and over, was, "Oh, God! Please, Jesus!"

I called my mother..... and almost began to hyper-ventilate, for the first time in my life.

I asked her to pray. She did..... as well as the people in her office.

After about 15 minutes..... or was it 3 hours? My husband called and said, "I have him."

I almost collapsed in tears, pain, weakness, surrender, thankfulness, relief....

I texted all who had been called to pray, and told them our wonderful news.

My other children, when I reached them, all hugged me and said they had been praying. Judging from the looks on their faces.... they had been.

Our son had somehow gone quite a distance, before realizing he was going the wrong way. He started to cry. Thankfully, a Six Flags maintenance worker saw him and took him to the "Lost Parents" office.

Our son, through tears, told the guard his name, age and grade.

And he waited.

I have imagined how it must feel to lose a child.

I have felt the fear when, in a store, they travel an aisle or 2 over, without my knowledge. But, that fear is often laced with frustration that my child disobeyed and left my side.

This didn't happen.

He didn't do anything wrong,

WE didn't do anything wrong.

He just got confused and followed the wrong daddy.

Could it have been worse?

I can't..... no, I WON'T imagine possible outcomes.

I'm just thankful.

SO, SO THANKFUL.

LENT

2011-03-08T22:03:00.003-06:00

I am not Catholic. I don't hold to any of the liturgical denominations.... is that what you would call them? Anyway, I have never really considered Lent.... never observed/practiced it. I don't observe Ash Wednesday. But, I DO celebrate Easter. Though Christmas is my favorite holiday, Easter is the one I hold as most important.

OK.... tangent..... coming back.

Anyway, I have never even considered Lent. I didn't know if I thought it was wrong or right.... I just never.... thought about it.

Until 2009.

February 25, 2009 was Ash Wednesday. The night of February 24, I knew I was being told to stop drinking Dr Pepper. I don't take a direct word from God lightly. The irony of being told to start on Ash Wednesday is not lost on me.

Ash Wednesday and Lent of 2010 came and went. Like I said, we don't observe it.

Well, this year, I decided to do something.

I did a bit of research to see if it was Biblical. I can't find it in the Bible. But, I can't find evidence of a church choir, either. It doesn't have to be in the Bible, for my peace of mind.... but I have to be sure that it is not prohibited, in any way, or for the wrong reasons. And.... I think it is OK.... for me..... for this year.

In the Bible, there are many times that "fasting" is discussed. Fasting can be done in various forms and for various reasons. My reasons? To give up something that I feel is addictive. To grow closer to God. To discipline myself.

I have chosen to give up caffeine.

I don't drink sodas as much as before, though I do still enjoy a Dr Pepper or Coke a few times a week. I drink sweet tea everyday.... not in the quantities that I used to drink Dr Pepper, but enough that I miss it if I hit about 10:00 a.m. without it.

I have told my kids. They will help me. My hubby has decided to join me. He is working on cutting out sweets. Both of these changes will help us to be healthier. That is a good thing.

So, whether you observe Lent, or fasting, at this time of year or any other, I pray that you are doing it for the right reasons and that you achieve your goal.

And, as always, God bless you.

IN THE DAYS OF NOAH

2011-03-04T11:01:00.003-06:00

Matthew 24: 37-19 ~ As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.

OK.... seriously. Do you listen to the news? Do you SEE what is going on?

I remember when I was little, I made a comment to my mother about Jesus coming back soon. I don't want to say she blew it off.... but she did tell me, basically, that it was all "relative" and that "soon" could be another 2,000 years.

Ever since I was little I have always thought that Jesus would return BEFORE I live long enough to die of natural causes. I'm SO convinced of it, in fact, that part of me does not expect my kids to leave home. That being said, I feel the push to MAKE SURE my kids are ready.

Maybe what my mother said is true.... maybe we still have awhile. Maybe I will live to see great-grandkids and then die. Well, if that's the case, then I need to MAKE SURE my kids are ready. :) The longer we are here on this earth, the more chance we have of: confronting evil, witnessing to the loss, believing in miracles, spreading the gospel..... all things we are supposed to do, anyway.

I don't consider myself a "watcher." In fact, one blog that I DO read.... well, she calls herself a "watcher." I call her a "whack-a-loon." But, DUDE! How can you ignore what is going on? One only needs to listen to one segment of the news to know that our time is limited. Thank God, for that!

Mark 13:32 ~ But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

A lot of people use this verse..... maybe as an excuse.

TRUE..... we do not know the day or the hour. BUT, we do know the season. God didn't just push us out to wait without giving us something to look for.

So what do we look for?

Increase in evil

Increase in knowledge

Wars

Rumors of Wars

Return of Jews to Israel

False prophets

False messiahs

Earthquakes

Famine

Pestilence

What season do YOU think we are in?

Do not be like an ostrich with it's head in the sand. Ignoring the event will not delay the event. And, believe me.... this is ONE bus you do NOT want to miss.

DRAMA

2011-02-27T13:11:00.002-06:00

Do you ever get tired of it?

I sure do.

My life has had its share of drama.

I'm not talking about certain events that build up to a climactic ending. I'm not talking about a serious movie.

No, I'm talking about DRAMA! As in "drama-queen." As in "oh my goodness she did, WHAT?" As in "holy smokes, that girl is a fruit loop!"

Yeah, that kind of drama.

And, I believe, it is inherent in females.

Disagree if you must, but if you really think about it, 95% of the drama you have encountered has involved females.

Now... the dudes. Yeah. They get mad. They might even fight. But, they get over it a go on.

Girls? They don't know when to let go.

Now, before you call me judgmental.... and I know which ones are doing it right now, bear in mind the recent events I have gone through with frenemies and other acquaintances.

I like to think that I don't involve myself in drama as much as the typical gal. My hubby does a good job of helping me see a different angle and decide if the drama is worth it. And, you know what? Usually, it isn't.

So, that is where I am. Trying to avoid drama. I wish some of you would try to avoid it. You know who you are.... the ones that read hear and proclaim you don't read here. LOL. ;-)

There is a good side to drama.... but it is small and hardly worth it. It makes you feel as if you've found the "Fountain of Youth." Because, really.... I know many 7th grade girls who act better.

Yes.... middle school and high school had its fair share of drama.... but back in the day, it was serious! I mean, "She looked at my boyfriend and then told her friend, who told Tommy, who said to Gina who promised not to tell me (but she did) that she wanted MY man and that she was going to kick my butt."

You laugh..... you know I'm true.

You graduate. You go to college. You get married. You get a job. You go to a reunion..... and you get DRAMA! No.... it doesn't go away. I won't even TELL you the things I have witnessed at reunions.... both school AND family. If I did..... well, that would lead to MORE DRAMA!

Needless to say, this "Fountain of Youth" has affected so many..... for sure!

Recently, I posted on a blog that is sometimes.... um... controversial. I won't get into details. I don't feel that, 1) it's good story-telling and 2) I don't think I could do it coherently.

Basically, one party has it in for another party. And these people who don't even know me are trying to throw me under the bus for talking to her. (See? Female.)

Whatever!

I can say that. Easily. I don't know these people. They don't know me. I'm done.

I have been thrown under the bus by people who DO know me.... obviously, not well, but have decided to believe stuff abut me that isn't true.

As hard as it has been..... after the past few months I can finally say, "WHATEVER!"

Some folks just OOZE drama. Those are the people I'm trying to get away from.

Believe me, people. Your life will be a lot easier and a lot more pleasant if you cut the drama.

I know I'm trying to.

ONE OF MY MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENTS

2011-02-21T22:14:00.004-06:00

Another previous post.... from 2007. I'm a little lazy, of course. But, some of these are just too good. :) ENJOY!

What I'm about to tell you is true. It is almost unbelievable. When I tell others, the tears stream from all eyes. These are not tears of sorrow, empathy or pain. They are tears of hysterical, uncontrollable laughter. Yes...it is laughter at my own expense. One would think that laughter such as this might be too hard to face....like I said, it is unbelievable. Embarrassing? YES! So funny, I LOVE to tell this story.

To truly understand this story you need to put yourself into the scene. If you are a teacher or speaker, imagine that you are teaching 30 VERY bright 13 year-olds in an inner-city middle school. The kids are rough. The demographics are not important, but the age is. These kids understand a lot more than we would want them to know. If you are neither a teacher nor speaker, go back in time to a relatively difficult math class; a class in which the teacher is firm, sarcastic, but loved by the kids. Finally....imagine that teacher is pregnant!

The year is 2003. The place is my middle school classroom. The audience, about 30 boys and girls 12 to 13 years of age. The topic, pre-algebra...to be more specific, geometry...even more specific, congruence.

Now in order to prevent the brain-strain-pain that is hitting some of you (I won't mention any names, but I know who some of you are) I will not get technical and assume you know the term. Granted, you have all heard it, but for some of you, school was a LONG time ago and even if you remember hearing it, you might not have understood it. All that to say that the definition of congruence is basically same size, same shape.

I was always a fun teacher. I did cartwheels up and down the halls, walked across desktops and drew zeros around my room (on the walls in chalk). I allowed candy days as rewards and held lessons in various parts of the school. I was (and am, thanks to my newly renewed license) a good teacher. The parents liked me (most of them, anyway) because I was firm and I pushed rote memorization of multiplication tables. The kids loved me because I brought my life into the classroom. They knew my children. They knew my husband. They knew I could get mad at them for doing the stupid. They knew that I loved them from the bottom of my heart.

Knowing what a good teacher does, I was always on the lookout for good examples. These examples needed to reach out to the children to help them attach to the core of the lesson. It's not enough to read from a book, copy it on paper and hear it from the teacher. A good teacher reaches for ideas and presents concepts in multiple ways in order that he or she may reach every type of learner.

SO, here I am in pre-algebra. This class is an Honor's class for 7th grade. These kids are smart, but some, like me, have a hang-up in geometry. Knowing this, I really worked (and still do) when presenting concepts dealing with geometry. I didn't want to lose anyone. We were learning about congruence. We discussed, made models, measured things...to no avail. I knew I had to cover it again after seeing their first test.

I have them repeat after me over and over again.

me - "What is congruence?"

them -"Same size same shape." (this is done in monotone...I was quite pleasant and chipper.)

me - "What is congruence?"

them - "Same size same shape."

me - "WHAT IS CONGRUENCE?"

them - "SAME SIZE SAME SHAPE!"

Finally, I reach for one more example. I say, "OK, you know when you show up at school wearing the same shirt as your best friend? You are Twinkies." (y'all remember using that term? They understood. So then I say, "For example Brian (NOT his real name, but it was a boy) gets up one day, looks in the mirror and sees his Twinkie."

There it was...it just hung there (no pun intended) in the silence. Nobody moved. Nobody even breathed. They all waited for the reaction of the speaker.

Realizing immediately the faux pas, I tried to recover. I couldn't pretend it didn't happen. I had already turned various shades of red. I couldn't brush it off, because DUDE...the teacher just referred to a....YOU KNOW! So I said, "Hmmmm. THAT didn't sound real good, did it?"

The class burst out laughing. There was a sense of relief as the students were finally able to release the toxins and take in fresh air.

After owning up to this horrible event to some co-teachers, I drove home and chalked it up to an interesting, but successful, lesson taught by one, but learned by all. The next day, I swallowed my pride, walked into my classroom only to find some Twinkies on my desk.

That class, to this day, contained my favorite students of all time. I love them all.

LIFE RULES

2011-02-16T13:38:00.001-06:00

This is a repost from 2006:

Everyone has rules. There are rules, as in: "THOU SHALT NOT...." These rules are pretty common sense. I mean, it's not right to go out and shoot someone. The rules against lying and coveting are the ones that are so easily broken, I should think.

There are other rules, as in: "IT'S AGAINST THE LAW TO....." Again, you don't go shooting someone, though you don't get thrown into jail for lying to your mom. These rules can have some pretty severe consequences...from paying a fine to going to jail to going to "the bad place." (Here is where you get to put your fingers on top of your head....make little horns....and kind of growl in a sinister voice "the baaaad place!")

Then there are the rules that really have no serious consequence. These rules are more self-imposed. They come from personal experience, like when you touch a hot burner you learn to not do that again. The consequence was painful, but was experienced only once. This could be a life rule.

I have a few life rules that I would like to share. Some of these are...well, ALL of these, to my way of thinking, are common sense. It is almost laughable to think that some of you do not hold to such rules. However, to enlighten some and entertain others, I will post some of my life rules...and hopefully, a bit of reasoning behind it.

Life Rule #1: If you HAVE to smell it.....it stinks! For example: If you pick up a sock off the floor and you have to smell it to see if it stinks....well, YUCK! Just wash it anyway. What is ONE SOCK! This holds true for various other objects: undies, used dishrags, lunchmeat, MILK!

Life Rule #2: Do NOT...I repeat...do NOT consume milk or other items past the date stamped on the carton or can. HELLO!!!! There is a reason there is a date on the milk. MILK GOES SOUR!!! Some see the date and, since the date has JUST passed, they believe they are in a "milk is OK" window. So what do they do? They smell it. PLEASE refer to Life Rule #1.

Life Rule #3: Always proofread your emails before you hit send. You do NOT want to sound like an idiot. Now...the word idiot...it can be debated, so let me clarify. You do not want to seem like an uneducated moron because you forgot to hit spellcheck (let me assure you, I will be hitting that very button in about 4 minutes.)

Life Rule #4: ALWAYS double check your "to" box on emails. How embarrassing if Daddy were to read a seductive page of poetry meant ONLY for your beloved. (The thought is not only embarrassing, but a bit disturbing, as well.)

Life Rule #5: Be on time. I say this to myself and for myself. You do NOT want to get into a habit of being late all the time. With 4 kids, I know that it is difficult, and it is something I battle constantly. However, being late is a bad habit. Those who are always dealing with your lateness...well, they don't find you very trustworthy...I promise.

Life Rule #6. Be a TRUE friend. Sometimes that means offering advice. Sometimes it means shutting up. Be wise....learn when to shut your mouth and offer a shoulder. I have dealt with a few issues in which a person had a mouth too big for her head. How sad....in the name of friendship and "maturity" this person has alienated some and misled others. And in my book, she is not one whom I can and will trust.

Life Rule #7: Remember God gave us TWO ears and ONE mouth...there is a reason for that. Learn which to open up and when. *hint....when one is open, the other must be closed. Again...I am preaching to myself.

Finally, Life Rule #8: Pray every day. Pray to the point that prayer, and calling out to Jesus, becomes a natural reaction to any problem, big or small.

NERVOUS

2011-02-10T09:46:00.004-06:00

Today, I am nervous. Really. Nervous.

I'm not normally a paranoid parent. In fact, I take most catastrophes in stride. Blood does not bother me.

But, this ear thing..... I feel quite disconcerted.

When we had the bandage removed, I was told that if it "weeps" we would have to start dressing it.

"Sure, doc. No problem."

Well, yesterday morning, my son woke to a "dry" ear. It is hard to clean because there is "baby skin." (Ha.... I had to clarify to my son that it wasn't skin from a baby, but brand new skin.) I don't want any of the dried blood to pull the new skin, so I'm being quite gentle.... in fact, "avoid" is probably a better word.

BUT, I do assess everyday. I look at it SO closely each morning and night so that I may note any changes.

Well, last night, I noticed it was a bit.... gummy. You know when you have "rug burn?" That kind of gooey, almost gelatinous-like, blood-tinged fluid? Well, it's that...... is that "weepy?" Does it need to be dressed? Does he do that? Do I do that? Does he need to be assessed? Can you hear my voice getting higher as I start to reach panic-mode?

Not being used to seeing my boy head-on and seeing a 2nd ear.... quite frankly, I'm all freaked out that it's gonna just fall off his head. What if he bumps it at school today? Does "fresh" skin peel off easily? Will it split? I JUST DON'T KNOW..... and I'm freaked.

When talking to my hubby last night, I was trying to talk myself out of calling because I didn't want to be the "paranoid mom." Embarrassing. However, this ear is costing a lot of money..... A LOT. OF MONEY! They can take my phone call. They can take 10 phone calls!

The nurse is in surgery. She will call back, hopefully, within the hour.

Another concern is the area of son's rump where the skin was taken. It has been covered with what appears to be Saran Wrap. Very expensive Saran Wrap. Anyway, it has been keeping the patch covered..... prevents air from reaching it, thus, no pain. That is all well and good. The covering can be removed tomorrow.

Except.....

I looked at it yesterday and was nothing short of horrified.

The "blister" (the part of plastic that was filled with fluid [expected]) started to ooze. It didn't pop, but seeped out the side. That is no surprise. It's on his rump. He walks, sits, lies down.... all that movement.... the liquid is going somewhere.... like out the side of the plastic.

OK. That is not alarming. Last night, when inspecting the tush, I noticed some of the plastic had kind of wrinkled up ACROSS the patch of removed skin. That CAN'T be comfy. On top of that, where the liquid has been escaping.... well, he looks like he has a rash. :-(

I feel like a terrible mom since I didn't notice this happening. It has been itching, so I have been leaving it alone.... don't want to draw attention to it. I guess that was a mistake. He hasn't been able to be bathed with all this "stuff" going on.... I've been ragging/sponging him down. :-(

I can remove the plastic tomorrow, but I might do it tonight so I can get him all cleaned up.

BUT, THEN.... the question is.... will it be OK to not be covered anymore? Do I treat it with an ointment? Should I cover it with a pad?

Oh, what I wouldn't give to be able to just keep him home another week to get him more healed up. :-/

So, here I sit. Waiting for the phone to ring. Not willing to even leave the phone, lest I miss the call somehow. I NEED to hear from the nurse... NOW. I need to know if I should go bursting into the school and remove him from school. Does he need a protective bubble? Anyone know where I can get one?

You know, this wouldn't be happening if my hubby were home. He is the one that helps me talk out things. He can see what I'm talking about and help me to make decisions.

I blame him.

Ha..... not really, Honey.

I love you!

ETA:

Phone call returned. We "soaked" off the saran wrap.... that is truly what it was. LOL! AND it was not wet..... meaning new skin is now formed.... THAT is great. So, he runs around in only boxers, but will double up on undies at school.... 1 to keep it from rubbing and 2nd to soak up any possible oozage.

The ear.... it was/is weeping and I had to get the crusty stuff off... which scared me because I didn't know how it would react to the new skin. I was able to bathe him as normal, so I washed his hair and let the kid shampoo sit on the ear for a bit to soften and loosen the "scabs." I then used q-tips to gently clean away the area.

Finally, I am to dress it with a bit of gauze that has a bit of saline on it for a few days (changing every few hours) and then assess Monday..... so basically go several days, and look again.

The ear will stop "weeping" as the swelling goes down. As the swelling goes down, the ear will start to lay back on his head.

And, I was assured by my fabulous pediatrician that the ear will not, in fact, fall off.

My Friend

2011-02-05T14:44:00.003-06:00

I have this friend on facebook. I DO know her IRL. I know her sister. Her mom. Even her nephew. She has a wonderful outlook. She has a passion for the Lord and the Word of God. AND, she is having a hard time.

Her issue, to my knowledge, is that she doesn't know how effective she is being.

I know how she feels.

She is hurting because some that probably need to "hear" her words, don't acknowledge what is being said. I can imagine that some are being a bit ugly toward her, too.

I can only go by my own experience on that.

I had a "friend" who did not..... um.... appreciate the fact that I am confident in my faith.

It is a hard thing to go through. Is it persecution? Gosh.... I don't know that I would go that far. We are told that we are judgmental and intolerant. We are told that we "just don't know" what is in store in the here-after.

See.... that is where the actual conflict is. We DO know.... and because others don't seem to, then they attack our position, instead of searching it out on their own.

I am sorry for my friend. Not sorry as in pity. But, I do empathize with her hurting heart right now. I pray that she doesn't listen to the nay-sayers. I pray that she continues to post what God puts on her heart.

Specifically, to my friend: It is not your job to make sure that everyone reads what you say, or takes it to heart. It is not your job to make sure that this opens up meaningful dialogue between you and the reader. Your job is to listen to the Most High and post what He impresses upon you to post.

Remember, Jesus ministered in "small settings," too. You will reach the one who needs to read at the time. God will make sure of that.

Galatians 6:9 ~ And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

As for Me and My House We Will Serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

TRULY

HOUSEHOLD HAPPENIN'S

CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

GETTIN' IT ALL TOGETHER

THE NEW YEAR

CHRISTMAS TREES, END TIMES, AND STUFF

IT'S BEEN.....AWHILE

IF

TURKEY DAY ON THE WAY

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

THIS-N-THAT

INJURED....AGAIN

HOLIDAYS

I know..... I know......

*TAP TAP TAP*

TWISTED SENSE

VACATION

IT'S A GOD-THING!

OBSERVATIONS FROM HAWAIIAN FALLS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DS #1

THIRD SURGERY

MY BROKEN MUSCLE

WHY MY KIDS NEED PRAYER

EXTREME COUPONING, END OF THE WORLD, AND OTHER THOUGHTS

EARTH DAY BLOG HOP WINNERS

EARTH DAY BLOG HOP

ULTIMATE BLOG PARTY 2011

HOARDER'S HELL

PICTURES and THOUGHTS

THINGS I'M THINKING ABOUT

REGROUP

LOST HEART

LENT

IN THE DAYS OF NOAH

DRAMA

ONE OF MY MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENTS

LIFE RULES

This is a repost from 2006:

Everyone has rules. There are rules, as in: "THOU SHALT NOT...." These rules are pretty common sense. I mean, it's not right to go out and shoot someone. The rules against lying and coveting are the ones that are so easily broken, I should think.

NERVOUS

My Friend

TAP TAP TAP