Long Past Due: Meeting Terri

Confession: I'm horrible about downloading pictures lately. I sit down to blog or email late at night and my camera is in the other room, the cord in another spot and I'm usually just too tired to get up and go get them. But today I started earlier in the day, determined to get these pictures up.

Several weeks ago we took a little weekend excursion to the Twin Cities for a little get away in the couple day break Andy had between classroom and on-the-road training. We got a hotel so the kids could swim (I think they might be part fish...), I got to shop, we ate out, and enjoyed just being together. Win, Win for all of us.

One of the best parts was getting to met the fabulous Terri from Terri Terri! This is the second blogger buddy that I've got to meet so far.

We met mid afternoon at a restaurant. I was a bit nervous that time of day with kiddos, but they had been bribed with lots of pool time and whatever treat they wanted to eat. The ever sweet Terri took all the worries out when she showed up with a 5-pack of matchbox cars for each boy. They loved Terri instantly. (side note - they've been playing cars ever since).

(Ryan got Terri to smile for the camera)

There were plenty of embarrassing/interesting parent moments, but the boys did REALLY well and were rewarded for it. My oldest Ryan got a kick out of Terri's husband Mark. Enough that he did a little Mark photo shoot when he got a hold of the camera.

It was a great afternoon and Terri was exactly as expected - kind, friendly, honest, caring, open, and funny. Our husbands got a long well and had plenty in common and left us to our conversations.

Thanks Terri for taking time out of your busy day. It was much enjoyed. Photos courtesy of Ryan.

Anticipating Easter

I stumbled upon a great blog The Homespun Heart awhile ago. I don't remember how or why, but there have been so many great ideas that I'm hooked.

In a recent post she mention her plans for leading up to Easter and what she had done last year. What a great resource of ideas and plans and that got me thinking. Tonight, my boys and I made palm branches out of cardstock for Palm Sunday tomorrow. Last year we added something to our slider windows each day about the Easter story - grass, a donkey, palm branches, crosses, empty tomb, angel...

THH Plans:
Palm Sunday: Jesus the King
* read Matthew 21:1-11 and The Colt & The King
* coats on "donkey" (either daddy or our dog)
* coats/blankets on "road"
* wave palm branches and say "Hosanna!" Talk about what that means (Oh save, please save, save now)
* Sing Blessed Is He

Monday: Jesus the Servant
* read John 13
* wash feet; talk about what it means to be a servant

Tuesday: Jesus the Betrayed
* read John 18
* money bag with 30 pieces of silver
* talk about what it means to betray

Wednesday: Jesus the Deliverer
* read Exodus 6-12
* talk about fleeing from Egypt and Passover history
* perhaps older children would enjoy watching Prince of Egypt tonight

Thursday: Passover
* Seder Dinner & Passover Meal

Friday: Jesus the Lamb
* read John 19
* cross on wall (Homespun Memories for the Heart recommends writing down sins on paper and nailing them to a cross! Great visual for older children.)
* hammer nails into wood
* burial in tomb
* have Hot Cross Buns

Saturday: Jesus our Savior
* read Mark 27:62-66
* guards posted at tomb, waiting
* go through basket of Easter items
* Cinnamon Rolls in cross shape

Sunday: He is Risen!
* read Luke 24
* Resurrection Biscuits
* new clothes
* crocheted lamb egg cozy
* tomb is empty!
* Just before church, have each family member release a pink or purple helium balloon and sing a favorite Easter song - a great visual! (This idea is from Homespun Memories for the Heart)
* Lamb Cake for dessert (I was thinking about doing these cupcakes instead of buying a cake pan that looks terribly time consuming!)

As you can see it's a bit involved, but we'll definitely be pulling a few ideas from this to add to our own

Getting Out

A friend sent me a message after reading my last post saying I needed to get out more often. Couldn't agree with you more.

With one car, husband working odd shifts, and no babysitters - getting out isn't that easy. So tonight I had a "get out more often" at home night. A mini-spa night. Colored my hair, painted nails, and a bunch of other spa-ish things. Not a bad night. How do you cap off a spa night - by watching a great football movie. I love that my life is a juxtaposition of all facets of life.

I'm still excited about my couch/chair though.

Butt Bliss

We've been using our futon for the past 3 years as we built our house, worked through medical debt and Andy going back to school. It has served us well, but I'm thoroughly ready to delegate it to the family/playroom downstairs.

Hello couch and chair. How I've dreamed of you, imagining myself curled up with a laptop, or cozy blanket to watch a movie. My backside will be in such bliss, but not for the several weeks it will take to get in because I custom ordered you my Dante II piece of love. I imagined you in a soft fabric of milk chocolate with brightly colored toss pillows. Oh my chair to put my feet up and relax. Oh the excitement of the exchangable abilities of the chaise function - it can be placed in any of the three positions of the couch along with being used on the chair. I can't wait to try you out. Until you come, I'll stare at this little picture of loveliness... come quickly.

Shopping Randomness

It's late. My thoughts are scattered. This post will likely make both of those evident.

Having income again has been intoxicating. The ability to shop again is liberating (and addicting unfortunately). My refrigerator, freezer, and pantry are full. It's been a long time on that one. I've been doing the coupon/stockpiling thing in addition to investing into good quality supplies. We had pared down everything before we left trying to eat down what we had. So it is amazing to me to look into a fully stocked and very full fridge/freezer. Even my husband keeps mentioning about the variety we have to choose from.

Note to Self: Remember the bliss of this.

I'm also enjoying picking up items for the house and clothing instead of just getting by on what we have. I bought a hat, wallet, belt, and fun indigo raincoat at Target ($24 on clearance) just because I loved it (then rationalized it being good for spring walks to/from the bus stop). I scored huge deals at Gap ($3 skirt, $5 jean skirt, etc) and Banana Republic ($2 & $4 shirts) outlets last weekend too. I've bought linens and pillows for the guest room (for anyone wanting to visit) and hope to put the room together this week.

I'm weeding out the stuff "we got by on" - ill fitting jeans, slightly stained shirts, worn out stocks, stuff given to us to help out that was not really us to begin with - and if we don't love it, it's getting donated or pitched.

I'm getting comfortable again. I've splurged a bit. Now it's on to life as usually and getting back to the business of taking care of odds and ends. God blessed us with a great tax return this year. We'll be able to pay off Andy's school debt, share with some friends with needs, plus get the couch I've been waiting about 3 years for, the one that got postponed due to medical bills and Andy's early-midlife crisis.

We're excited to be debt free again and start saving towards a house down payment and getting a second vehicle again.

So grateful for the ways that God provides. Glad to breath again.

On The Road

Today is Andy's first shift on the road with the police department. It's that reality sinking in that "oh yeah, um, he could get hurt/killed doing this job." The likelihood of that happening is incredibly small. Doing on the road sales (previous job) he would have a greater likelihood of being in a severe accident. Yes, I know these things, but it's hard not to think of the possibilities.

This is where that faith/trust thing comes in. I know we are where God wants us to be. He's proven that over and over to my disbelieving heart. Where God leads he provides, and that includes peace for the moments.

Lord, please protect him, and bring him home safe after ever shift...

Thought Provoking

Monday I started my usual migraine process telling me I need to get my neck adjusted. New in town and don't know any chiropractors and I've only met a few people to get referrals from. I take care of the headache and put that on my to do list (which is quite lengthy at this time).

I've been researching online about home economics... No, not that awful class where you learned to make rice crispy treats and mend a hole in Junior High. I'm talking about ways to make my life more efficient, productive, enjoyable, and save money doing it. I figure now is the time to adapt new routines before we get settled into one that doesn't serve our family well. So, break out the to do lists.

To tackle my to do list, I made a lengthy list of things to accomplish on tuesday while Ryan is in school. I did my grocery shopping research/couponing to hit multiple stores to score deals, packages to ship, and check out the YMCA. We were gonna be cruising to get it all done.

Well, I had napped Monday afternoon with Ty to help beat the headache so when the alarm was suppose to go off on Tuesday, it didn't. It wouldn't until 2:35 in the afternoon. Good thing I set an alarm for the boys. At 7:40 Ryan comes into my room and says he's ready for school. I asked him why he was up early (because my alarm hadn't gone off yet) and he said he was tired so he turned his alarm off once and got up the second time. He and Ty were playing....

Um, the bus comes at 7:30. Darn it. Throw on my snow hat, pants & shoes (that means I'm still wearing my pj top, I didn't miss that much) and throw the kids and the car and race to get Ryan to school before it starts at 8:10. Okay, we made it. Tell Ty we are going to have to go home and get cleaned up, breakfast, brush teeth, etc before we hit the road for the day.

Ty had been walking through the puddles so I lifted him up into his booster seat. And then I felt it. That spot where you hips and spine meet... intense sharp pain and I'm stuck. I can't move. I'm standing there half leaning into the back seat with a 3-year-old trying to figure out why mom just sucked all the air out of the car.

I managed to get his seat belt on (through pain), get in the car (barely), wince at every pothole and edge that we hit on the way home, repeat process getting out of car, Ty out, and up the stairs into the house...

There goes my to do list and find a chiropractor moves up the list fast. I find one and get in yesterday. I got some relief. Went back in today and got some more relief... along with a few more questions.

The doctor was really thorough and helped me understand everything every step of the way - why none of my former treatments worked. I'll be doing some serious work over the next couple of weeks with stretching and strength building. The goal is go get my body in balance and strengthened so that ongoing chiropractic care is not needed, or needed infrequently.

He also works with herbs and nutritional supplements as part of his treatment. A lot of what he is saying makes a lot of sense, but it is so contrary to what I've known that I'm not sure. I've got lots to research and find out what the best course of action is.

Anyone have experience and insight in this area?

Mixed Bag

I love the late night. It's quiet, I have time to myself, and it's the time when I really thrive creatively and personally. I've always been a night person. Which means conversely I've NEVER been a morning person.

Late nights have become a mixed bag for me. I long for the me time, to get things done (when I work as well), and play as well. However, I'm finding this time to be when I become most homesick, especially on the weekends.

Add to this, Tyler's body clock adapting to getting up earlier to get Ryan to school and Andy to work. He now consistently wakes up, before the alarm goes off, between 6 - 6:30 AM. He's up, but he is really tired and needs more sleep. I've tried putting him to bed at different times, naps or no naps, etc - and none of it makes a difference.

Late nights, early mornings, makes for a long day. I've given in a couple days and taken a nap with Ty. But I always have a hard time waking up/getting back into the swing of things afterward. I'm gonna force myself to go to bed early tonight. Maybe.

Oddities of Life

Out of the mouth of my three year old...

Singing: "I may never march in the infantry, ride in the cavalry, shoot the nativity..."

Said with his gun in hand: "I come to you in the name of the Lord Almighty the Living God, gotcha, bam..."

Singing: "Making lenonade, making lenonade, in sunshine or in rain, we're making lenon-nade, a nade nade..." (his favorite thing right now is fresh homemade lemonade...)

and many others that I wish I had written down... mostly misunderstood words from Veggie Tale songs, radio clips, and commercials...

Thanks for the laughs little man. It helps balance out the naughtiness in you.

Friend Dating

Remember the awkward days of dating? When you try to get a guys attention? Hoping to catch that girl's eye? Seeing if there were any mutual interests or if you had just entered into a conversation with the most annoying person on the face of the planet? Figuring out what measured steps to take in developing the relationship? Getting your heart broken from rejection? Figuring out how to break off a bad choice of a relationship?

Well, tonight I'm going friend dating. Trying to find friends at a scrapbook night at one of the churches we've tried out. I'm nervous. It feels very much like the old dating days (from what I remember from almost a dozen years ago). I'm trying to figure out what to bring. I'm actually gonna do my hair and wear something other than yoga pants and a sweatshirt.

For what it's worth, it's the most promising possibility I've had of meeting someone to talk to locally (which has basically been the grocery store, laundry mat, and car pool lane). It's only been a few weeks, but they seem like really LONG weeks too. Hopefully shared interests and shared faith will give a little bit of expediting on the friend shopping process.

So, off we go to see what God has in store for tonight's adventure...

P.S. The two calls from good friends back in MI this morning did make the process easier. Good to hear familiar voices and that people still care.

Odd Dreams

I've had quite the series of odd dreams lately. It's a combination of every fear, insecurity, new experience, hope, and recent tv show I've seen. I just want to sleep through the night and not wake up trying to figure out what the heck that was all about.

Settling In

After a few days of the new routine, we are starting to get into a rhythm. I have to admit that I got soft in those husband unemployed days. Taking turns sleeping in, help getting Ryan off to school, working around each other's schedules...

Employed reality is a bit different. Learning I have to go to bed early to be able to get up at 6:30 to get Andy to work and Ryan to school. The joys of having one vehicle. But it's actually working out really well. The boys are adjusting to the time difference and learning to go to bed earlier.

Realizing as well that we let the boys have pop and treats a little too often during the move process. Ty is a sugar addict. He use to wake up asking for fruit snacks every morning. Now he asks for a litany of sugar products - marshmallows, candy, cookies, pop, etc. For the record, none of these items have ever been given to him for breakfast, but that doesn't stop him from asking EVERY morning.

The good news is that a high school friend of mine is in town on business this week and is coming over for dinner. I'm excited to see a friendly face, someone who actually knows my name. One of those little things that will be a nice change of pace after a week and a half in new territory. Seems like we've been here so much longer than that...

One Long Week & Super Bowl Sunday

It's been a week... a long one. Last Sunday we said goodbye to our church and then headed home to pack up our stuff. So many of our friends, family, and neighbors came to help us cram our stuff into a yellow truck to head West.

It was an afternoon of tearful goodbyes, lots of joking, and finding out what to do with our stuff that didn't fit in the truck (that's a whole other story). We said our goodbyes the day before we left so that we wouldn't have to as we pulled out on the road.

As we stood in our empty home that we had worked so hard to create - my husband began to cry and we stood their holding on to each other. Not for a moment has he doubted that this is where God wants us to be as a family, but it was reassuring to see that it wasn't just me who was struggling with leaving.

A neighbor prepared a little gift bagged up for every hour of the trip for my boys. It was a great idea that kept the boys entertained, helped me mark the hours/miles, and made a great big mess. Has to be one of the best gifts ever. I plan on repeating it for others.

Our townhouse manager had a couple of guys waiting for us to help unload the truck which I was so thankful for. The best money we could spend. Now it's just a matter of finding a place to put everything. I may have to rearrange the kitchen a couple of times which will drive my husband nuts, but hey - ya gotta make it work.

One of the great parts of unpacking is finding little treasures that friends snuck in for us. My friend had packed a box and bag of groceries for us. She had asked me for a list of ideas, but I had no idea how much she would bless us.

We tried a different church today and my heart sank. It wasn't what we were looking for. It wasn't home. It made me miss home that much more - when I could walk into a place and have the comforting feeling of family, truth, faith, and community. I'm sure that we'll have that again, I just miss it now.

So, it's Super Bowl Sunday and I'll be spending it with my boys (all 3 of them ;)
When we talked with the boys about it, Ryan asked me when our friends were coming over to watch football with us. It was hard to tell him "not tonight... we don't have any friends here yet. I'm holding on to the "yet" part, hoping that it doesn't last very long...

We made it

We've made our trek west and arrived safely with our sanity (as much of it as we ever had that is). The boys did amazingly well. Once I dig out of some of the boxes I'll share stories and pictures of our adventures.

Andy doesn't start work until Monday so I'm hoping to have most everything settled by then while I still have his help. He didn't get to do much of the packing due to some last minute work projects he had, but I'm gonna let him make up for it on the unpacking side of things ;)

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers.

We interuppt this blog...

... to move to another state. I'll be back next week with stories - as soon as I find all my pots, pans, and food - clothing - toys - kids...

So Blessed

We have been so blessed with friends, neighbors, and family. As hard as it is to say goodbye to so many of them over the past couple of weeks, it's a great insight into what it means to be loved and cared for by others.

I've cried and laughed much over this time. I'm not typically a publicly emotional person, but oh well. You can put up with me after my ugly cries.

Our neighbors had a terrific going away party for us filled with goodbye gifts, concerns, and offers for us to stay with them when we come back to visit. My friend Lynn packed a bag filled with 24 brown paper lunch bags - 1 for each of my boys for 12 hours of the trip. She said we may not thank them after the kids open the bags and that makes me nervous, but oh so grateful for the generous and thoughtful gift.

I was able to spend time with friends who came over to help me pack and then I wouldn't pack that much (only so much you can pack ahead of time), but it ended as a good excuse just to hang out with friends without feeling guilty. However, I am boycotting packing today.

Teresa helped me make Pioneer Woman cinnamon rolls (took to the neighborhood party) and pack and it was one of those that you tried to soak in every moment while you can. I hugged on her kids because I knew they would be so big by the next time I see them. It's hard to say goodbye to a kindred spirit. Once again we have to experience life together. We've both decided to move cross-country and unfortunately it's in opposite directions. Drat, should have better coordinated that. Boy am I gonna miss her.

Said goodbye to my youth group as well. That was difficult. I've been working with Jr Highers for 13-14 years, before some of my current students were even born. Now some of them are married, have kids, are involved in ministries of their own... Never realized what a part of my life it had become until I said goodbye to it.

So crunch time has come, with a crazy week left. It may be a while until I am back. Thanks for all of your encouragement and kind words. They have meant so much.

The Long Goodbye

We've hit the stage of "lasts" and goodbyes. Today I took my last shopping trip to Aldi's. They don't have stores in ND. Had my last night with our youth group kids last night and found myself choking up and holding back tears as kids shared their memories and thanks for us. Oh yeah, and laughed a lot too.

I'm loving seeing friends all the time right now, but not enjoying that the purpose is saying goodbye/see you later... Seems like the time together is dampened by the knowledge of the length of time until the next opportunity to see these precious people again.

I'm not dreading leaving. I know things will be fine there. It's just the unknown. There's no great prize at the end of the trip for me like there is for Andy. He is following his dream. My prize is still unknown. I know that God has one for me... it just hasn't been revealed (or even teased yet). I'm glad that God knows what is going on, because I have to say that I sure don't.

Really would like to cry tears of joy for a change. If you have something wonderful in life - share because I could really use hearing some happy things right now...

Marathon

So the next two weeks until we move is like the never ending marathon - filled with craigslist appointments to be stood up on (why even say your coming if you aren't???), endless telephone calls to be put on hold with, tons of little details to research (insurance, internet, travel, etc), packing, packing, dinner with friends, more packing, coffee with friends, more packing, craigslist appointments, farewell parties, etc.

I'm going in to all of this already tired from a bad round of the stomach flu.

God give me strength, cuz I'm gonna need it.

Blessings & Panic

Our house sold in 2 days. Miracle in MI for sure. However that was before the new job conditional offer was "confirmed" from the tests this week. So now we are scrambling looking for housing, schools, and the essentials in an unknown area that isn't even confirmed. We have until next week to confirm before the house deal is finalized.

Life in the hotel in a different city with 2 young boys while house hunting... challenging to say the least... but a lot of fun with dedicated time together. They really are doing well. Maybe better than their parents.

God is providing for sure... but it's not with a lot of breathing room. Guess it's that faith/trust thing He's working on me.

House

Put our house up for sale today. Bittersweet. You put your money, heart, soul, sweat, and tears into something and then watch the recession suck all of that away... Thanks for the memories.

Waiting Over - Kind of

We got the offer from ND. Going back soon for final testing/details. Still waiting to hear on the MI job. My mind is whirling with all that there is to do, but still need to get the holidays done.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

Update

Another good interview for Andy but we are back to waiting to hear more. It was a really quick (and COLD) trip to ND. Housing is a bit expensive there compared to MI. The recession never really happened there. Will worry more about that if and when Andy gets the job. If he does, you better believe we'll be investing in warm outerwear and lots of underarmor...

Andy does have an interview in MI this week. We'll see what happens.

In the meantime, bring on Christmas. Cue up the music, time to make cookies, ornaments, presents, etc. Oh yeah, and all that household upkeep stuff too. Wish that would all magically disappear for Christmas.

Update

Interviews went well for Andy last week. Should hear more in the next 1-2 weeks on those. We've been asked to go back out to ND for the final interview. Time to start making decisions. Your prayers this week will be appreciated.

Mad Dash

This is a mad dash of a week of interviews for Andy. He's got three interviews (NC, IN, & MI) set this week and will find out about a fourth hopefully tomorrow. The one we are waiting on is a final interview for a position in ND... yes that really cold state. At least it is activity. That alone is highly encouraging after lots of effort with little results and a lot of thanks-but-no-thanks letters.

We have so much to be thankful for. God keeps providing every step of the way. It's been exciting to see how that happens.

Three Week Thanksgiving

With money tight right now, I've been working hard with my family to have a purpose-driven holiday. Thanksgiving really gets skipped between Halloween and Christmas. So we are finding ways everyday for 3 weeks to celebrate. I was inspired by the story of Barbara Rainey from FamilyLife Today who talked about here devotion to helping her family celebrate, experience, and remember the purpose of Thanksgiving.

Here's a few things we are doing over the course of 21 days to celebrate Thanksgiving.

• Celebrate being thankful and grateful EVERY DAY in some way
• Read kids books with Thanksgiving theme - silly to historical
• Kindness garlands - I hung a string from our slider window. Everytime I see the boys showing an act of kindness or helpfulness - they chose an artificial leaf from a basket and we tie it to the string. What you end up with is a cascade of colorful leaves. Mine are above a floor vent so they can "move in the breeze."
  
• Coloring - using clipart that I removed color from to make themed coloring sheets.
• Some of those sheets were leaves and acorns that we colored and cut out to put on our windows and send to others.
  
• Cards - We turned a coloring sheet with leaves reading "Happy Thanksgiving" into cards to send to the grandparents. We tucked in some of the leaves/acorns we colored and cut out.
• Thankful Turkeys - We cut turkey shapes out of brown construction paper and made beaks, legs, and feathers for them. The feather we colored and then wrote on them the things we were thankful for. They were then cut out and glued to our turkeys.
• Pilgrims - read about their lives and hardships they faced, watch Charlie Brown's pilgrim movie (second story on the thanksgiving disc), color pictures, play "pretend" pilgrims
  
• Pilgrim hats - color pictures of a pilgrim hat, cut it out and staple to a band of construction paper to make a hat.
  
• Thankful dinner table - while we eat we go around the table and talk about all the things we are thankful from. We hear everything from "Jesus loving us and dying on the cross" to "my toys" to "my nice cozy bread" to "French fries!" Learning myself that we can be thankful for everything. I do melt when the mention their mom in their list.
  
• TIME - slowing down and being together. It's amazing how much easier it is to be a mom when I'm not planning, going, doing, and preparing. It's been an unexpected treat.

If you noticed. Not much of what is listed here costs much if any money. My printer cartridge is running low, but the rest is reusable or intangible. Overall I am much more clear of what I have to be thankful for this year. Silly me to think this was for the kids...

"Be Patient... Be Patient...

... don't be in such a hurry. When you get, impatient, you only start to worry..."

That's a song from my childhood that gets stuck in my head (unfortunately). Patience is not my strongest characteristics. Maybe that's why God keeps me working on it.

In our world right now it feels like hurry up and wait. Andy hurries to get applications in for a job and then waits forever to hear back, and if/when he does it is a 3-6 month interview process. He has interviews scheduled, and Fargo is doing background checks on him - but we won't get any word on those for 2 more weeks.

I have a lead on a position as a substitute teacher at a day care that would be really flexible and allow me to have Ty with me there. Seems like the perfect fit... Can't apply until I get a TB test and I can't get in to get one of those for almost 2 weeks...

So wait we will. There really isn't much choice in the matter is there. Might as well enjoy the ride.

In the meantime I'm having a ton of fun with my boys as we celebrate 3 weeks of Thanksgiving. If we can devote a whole month to Christmas (or more if you are retail), than we can spend a few weeks being thankful. I love to see my boys getting in to it. They are thinking about being thankful, grateful, and giving. Albeit those are brief moments in between sibling rivalry...

I've had lots of "projects" for the boys to work on regarding Thanksgiving - coloring, cutting, gluing, creating... and it's been helping to keep them a bit busier and strife a bit less. Think I may make a focus each month and keep this thing going all winter if that is the result. Either that or I'll beat a dead horse and my kids will have craft nightmares.

I'll leave you with a thankful note.

I'm grateful for the growing and stretching my family has done this year. I'm glad that we've seen what it means to be a family, what matters, how we can work together, ways that God provides, the kindness of family/friends/strangers/church family, and most of all - how much there is to be thankful for. Learning much about the difference between cost and value. They aren't the same. More on that another night.

Tough Day

Long, hard day with the boys. It's like my 3-year-old woke up with a plan on how to make every part of the day difficult, frustrating, and annoying. Have one of those days before? Spills, potty "accidents," picking on his brother, whining, arguing, saying no, disobeying, licking everything, fits, and that was all by 11 AM. The older brother wasn't much better. It's days like this that I remember I have job security and am definitely needed.

Luckily, my mom was coming to watch the boys so Andy and I could sneak out for dinner for my birthday/Andy's graduation (yeah, we are running a bit behind). God knew we would need it today, because not only were the boys a handful today, but Andy got "sorry, not you" letters from 2 PDs and the scope on 1 more that is coming. He's really discouraged and that's hard for me to see. It's hard to not be discouraged myself seeing as one of those departments was one I had high hopes for - you know, the kind where you don't have to move...

I'm really trying to be open to whatever God has. Some days that is easier said than done.

Peace Offering

I've been very busy and very neglectful. But here is my peace offering. I have a 45+ page color notebook (.pdf) that I can send you from my Holiday Hints event. Here's a preview of some of the ideas. Jot me a note with your email and I'll get it out to you.

Candy Centerpiece

Tomato Cage Christmas Tree

Felt Piece Christmas Card

Merry Christmas Garland

Styrofoam Cone Trees

Autumn Arrangement

Country Centerpiece - clove oranges, button filled vase

Frayed Fabric Ornaments

Fighting Disappointment

It's been a very full (but good) weekend. Enjoyed time with family and friends, accomplished much, and actually watched a DVD with my husband. Such a luxury.

However, I'm really fighting disappointment. Part of it is my expectations. Working so hard on projects, events, and life in general... that when others don't see the work, the accomplishment, or the passion (or choose to not care about it)... When tons of applications go out and the waiting game continues... When the only option seems like it might be 16 hours away...

You get the picture. Disappointment happens. But so much of that is a matter of attitude. So what am I going to do? Keep working, do, trying - but holding on to the fact that the outcome is not my responsibility... only the effort and attitude. People can say and do what they want.

Is it time for a momcation yet?

Weekend

It's a beautiful, crisp fall weekend. I have lot of fun things going on this weekend to enjoy the season and can't wait to share it/show it with you. Pumpkins, donuts, etc.

Also, my SIL took pics of my boys and can't wait to share those as well. She' becoming quite talented and has a good eye for the candid and carefree shots. Saw some of her social documentary work she's doing right now and really impressed. With some more experience and mentoring, I really think she could be outstanding.

Hope you are enjoying all that fall has to offer.

Why I Love Fall

Apple Cider
Colorful leaves
Crisp cool weather
Sweaters
Football
Apple picking
Pumpkin everything
Apple everything
Holiday planning
Bonfires
Carving Pumpkins
Jumping in leaf piles
My birthday
Lots of family get-togethers
Hay rides
etc.

Kept My Mouth Shut

So proud of myself today. I chose to keep my mouth shut instead of spouting off. Sometimes this is an issue for me. That need to be right, convince others of what they don't know, and get the last word in... tends to just get me into trouble. Decided that I'll do a better job of picking my battles and moving on.

Worked today, kind of.

Can't Believe

I can hardly fathom that it will be October this week. I LOVE FALL. There is so much to eat and enjoy. To walk in the crunchy leaves, pile them and jump. We live in the woods. There is no shortage of leaves.

Going to try to go apple picking this week. That means applesauce, apple pie, apple crisp, apple slices, apple cider, etc....

Ryan's just getting over a nasty virus so we're home from church today and we are enjoying a lazy morning together. Movies, cinnamon rolls, getting stuff done... Nice to have some one-on-one time with him while Andy and Ty are with family in IN. Sorry that Ryan didn't get to go spend time with all the cousins, but he's taking it remarkably well.

Better go get busy. Need to sort through kids clothing so that they don't keep showing up everywhere in high-waters.

Domestic Day

While my internet has been down, I've been unable to work or play(waste time). Instead I've been domestic and made homemade spaghetti sauce and salsa, and canned both. Time to make the most of my produce, herbs, and peppers. I love farm markets and what I'm getting out of the garden.

Applesauce is coming just as soon as we can make it to the orchard to go apple picking. One of these days...

What I've Been Missing

I've gotten the gift of precious time with my little man lately. With big brother at school, we get lots of time together, one-on-one. We are both enjoying it. He's a completely different boy when there isn't another sibling to antagonize, fight with, and get into trouble with.

He too is enjoying the time. Tonight he asked if his brother could go back to school tomorrow (not a school day). I'm sure the novelty of it will wear off and he'll find me much more boring that big brother... but I'll take it for now.

I've been trying to think back to this stage with Ryan. I'm realizing I missed a lot of this stage with him because I was busy taking care of a new baby. We had good times together, but he spent an awful lot of time with dad then.

Now I need to make sure that I'm getting good time with Ryan. It's so odd to have him gone so much. The time really is starting to slip away.

Silence

Life continues to be good but hard, fun and busy, overwhelming and pressing, and it just is.

I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. With every great opportunity comes great challenges. Here is a few of my currents:

Husband fulfilling life dream of becoming a cop = trying to find a job
Finding a job may = moving
Raising respectful kids = training, discipline, and lots of hard work
Potty training = lots of messes to clean up + remembering to take him there
Kid in school = lunches, masses of paperwork, bus time, tired kid
Holiday Hints coming = getting stuff ready for others to help

Busy, full days. At least I'm never bored. Sorry for my lack of consistency and input. I often read without commenting. Working on better organizing my time to get more out of the day.

Focus

I'm really having a hard time focusing on anything. My mind is wandering faster than I can think of what I originally started in on.

137 projects going on concurrently isn't helping the matter at all. I'm a good starter, but I somehow keep getting side tracked and don't have everything finished. UUGGHH. Someday.


What was I saying again?

Butts Up Brigade

Today I spent 6 hours in the butts up brigade - a.k.a. I weeded gardens at the greenhouse all afternoon. I'm always self conscious about having my butt up in the air as people drive past. Did you ever see those awful lawn ornaments - a wooden cut out of a fat woman's butt, her bloomers sticking out as her dress pulls up from the tension of her mammoth butt size... Tramatized by those in the early 80s. Glad I haven't seen one in a while. Don't want passerbys to think they are seeing a 2009 version of that.

It's therapeutic to get all the weeds out, but I'm sore from the tug-of-war battle and some serious sun. Just on the verge of burning.

Glad tomorrow is friday and a long weekend. However, we are spending much of it helping roof my BIL's house. At least it isn't going to be a scorcher this weekend. Once again, I'll be out on the Butts Up Brigade with my hammer, nail belt, and utility knife. Sure hope they got the big nail gun. They are one of my favorite power tools.

Night ya'll

I Give UP

I'm not going to get to catching up so I'm just starting from now.

Life is good but busy. Surprise, surprise. Never heard me say that before. I'm getting ready to head into Ryan's school to devise our plan for dealing with his peanut allergy at school. Think I'm about to hit reality that this is really happening. He's so ready. I think I am.

However, we do need to find the boy shoes because evidently his feet grew about 2 sizes this summer. I had only anticipated 1 size when I was garage sale shopping and watching clearance racks. Oh well.

Andy is applying for police positions fast and furiously. However, it's the usual government beaurocracy that moves so quickly ;) We decided that he's going to fly out to North Dakota and test/interview for a job there. If God wants me to move there, he's definitely going to need to change my heart. But He's God, that's nothing tough for Him.

We have some great neighbors that are really helping with some odd handyman project work for Andy to bring in a little money. Andy's also been out talking to some of his former customers trying to find some kind of employment while looking for a full-time law enforcement position.

In the meantime I've been trying to put in more hours to help ends come closer to meeting. Andy's not dealing well with being Mr. Mom. I think we are both coming to a greater appreciation for each other's typical roles.

I really need to dig back into a Bible study. All the stress and work eats away at confidence and peace. I do trust that God will provide, but it is easy to let the doubts edge in... School starting next week should help with the routine of life a bit. Looking forward to that, even though I'm not really sure that I'm ready for summer to be over.

Miss ya'll. Leave a note and help me catch up with your lives as well.

Yah and Nah..

My laptop survived. I'm so excited. It's been fully backed up on my external hard drive. No beverages are near it, and neither are my young boys.

However, I'm delving into the world of migraines and headaches again. Not sure what this is all about. Haven't dealt with these in some time. I have NOT missed them.

Someday I'll catch up.

Verge of Tears

Long day. Boys have been really tired, one very emotional/fits as well. Evening came to a rousing conclusion as boys were fighting over a place to see pictures on the laptop and a glass of water got spilled all over it. Yup, the laptop I use for my freelance work, that I have not backed up in about a month, with all my preferences/bookmarks/shortcuts... yup.

It's dismantled and drying. Praying that when we power it back up that it still works. With Andy out of work, there isn't money to buy another... so we wait and pray. I'm trying not to cry. It's just a computer.

Perspective: A family a few miles from here will say goodbye to their son who died fighting for freedom in Afghanistan tomorrow. Crying over a computer doesn't even compare...

I'm Coming Back

Sorry for my lack of activity. I've been busy enjoying my family. There are tons of stories and pictures to post, but that will have to wait for another day.

Happy Birthday Little Man

So my little man turned 3 today (Tue - even though technically I'm typing this on Wed)...My little man is becoming a little man.

I could share stories about how he was a week late, my interesting pregnancy, the sweet/sleepy baby he was, the mischievous little boy he's become, etc... But many of you already know those stories. So instead, I'll share what my prayer is for him:

* To love and serve God his whole life.
* To be kind and compassionate
* To enjoy laughter and spread it
* To be generous and helpful
* To enjoy a close/rich relationship with his older brother
* To maintain an open and loving relationship with his parents
* That he will learn through instruction as well as experience (hopefully more the former)
* That he will learn to clean up his own room and bathroom, cook, wash his clothing and pick up after himself. (this isn't just for me, but for his future wife)
* That he'll always give great hugs.
* To get potty trained -- SOON!

Happy birthday big guy.

Pearls of Widsom

Here are a few tid bits of a book that I'm reading from Michael & Debi Pearl that I thought I'd share.

* The feelings of a child are just as important and sacred as those of an adult. Always treat your child with respect. Never ridicule, mock or laugh at your child's ideas, creation or ambitions. The trust you desire to have when they are older must be established and maintained when they are young.

* Without that mutual respect and honor, further discipline only angers and embitters the child.

* Parent, if you are having problems with your children, just know that you are not alone. They are also having problems with their parents. On party is going to have to adjust in order to help the other. Since you are reading this book, and not the child, and since you are the more experienced of the two, and since God didn't say, "Children, train up your parents," the responsibility is completely on you.

* If the child is rooted in bitterness, you have a healing and restoration ministry ahead of you. Your heart and life must be fully surrendered to God or you are wasting your time.

*You can't lead your child closer to God than you are yourself.

Little Rewards

Been folding laundry like a mad woman. After all were in bed last night I sat down with 10 loads to fold and treated myself to the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice. A little reward to make a tedious task better.

My Day

Woke Up
Supervised Kids painting project
Made Pancakes
Got grumpy kids moving and ready to go
Packed kids in truck
Found lice on youngest child
Called friend to confirm what I saw
Looking up pictures on internet
Confirmed what I saw
Costco for hair clippers & cake order
Friend's house for lice shampoo
Dropped off garage sale stuff to SIL
Treated kids (and self) to ice cream
Home
Kids bath
Cut hair
Made lunch (at 2 pm)
Wall-E
laundry, laundry, vacuum, laundry, laundry...

It's been a day. Of course it's a late night for Andy at school and I keep itching. I really hope it' the power of suggestion rather than lice. The glamorous life of a mom.

Busy Week

I've been playing with the kiddos at the pool, at the cottage, and paying for it with a mild sunburn. Luckily it was a light one and fading fast.

Tomorrow starts the neighborhood garage sale.

Someday I'll sleep again.

Day at the Zoo

Took the fam to the zoo this weekend with my brother and his fam. It was a lot of fun and the kids did really well. It rained on and off part of the time we were there, sometimes while the rain was shining. It was a little cold... but it was fun. Here's a peek at the day.

Looking for Inspiration

It's so easy to get in the rut of cooking/eating what you know. I'm looking for inspiration. What do you love to eat?

Sweet Smile

My in-laws took my kids to their cottage yesterday to stay overnight. Huge treat for the kids, and us! Andy and I got to go out for dinner (brief date thanks to school running late). It's been a long time since we've had time to ourselves. Forgot what it was like.

On the way back this morning, little man fell asleep in the car, woke up when I took him out, and promptly fell back asleep on the couch. I looked over a minute ago to find him smiling in his sleep. Must be a good dream.

I rarely get to enjoy this peaceful side of my boys anymore, usually just in constant motion. Thanks God for this little reminder of how precious this time is.

Happy Birthday Baby

I just wanted to take a moment wish my husband a happy birthday. For his birthday he's getting up before the crack of dawn to head to school and run 5 miles. It's one of the last hurdles in the police academy PT program. Happy birthday to you.

He's worked so hard and come so far... I can't believe there is just a little over 3 weeks left in the program. With working out and the school's program he's lost 5" off his waist in the last year. Realistically, we both know that won't all stay off, but he's looking pretty buff about now.

Andy's worked hard, studied hard, and made a lot of sacrifices. He's gone from barely making it to acing the last couple of tests. Wish my boys could understand the depth of what he's doing. It's a great role model for them.

It's been a saga and struggle, and at times I've been frustrated with the process. But it's getting easier to see God working in it all.

So happy birthday to the love my life. It's been 9 1/2 years and I'm happier now that I was then. I'm more in love with him now than I was then. He's definitely improving with age.

WAR Party

I was a bit of a tease last week with my WAR party comment and then go busy and didn't update. No I did not lead a group to pillage the next town over. Waht I did was host a party for Women At Risk, Intl. I don't host ANY kind of at home parties, but for this group, I made an exception to that standard.

It's an incredible organization that I've come to know about that is doing some amazing work around the world. They work to help rescue women who are trafficked, oppressed, abused, or help those who are at risk. But they don't stop there. They help these women learn a trade (jewelry making, sewing, baking, etc) so they can not only be safe, but can support themselves/their family with a marketable and honorable job.

I had a party featuring their jewelry (mostly from Thailand) for sale and also to help educate other women about the risks around them and around the world. There is SO MUCH that I was not aware of that was happening in our own back yard. I'm pretty naive to so much of the risk and oppression that is out there. And this is just the start of me finding ways to help other women around the world.

I'll leave you with a few pictures from the night while I lounge around in my orange pajama pants that I bought (with a fun matching shoulder bag/tote) at the party. Talk about feel good shopping. If you aren't familiar with the organization, I highly recommend them.

What's a party without food. Here's the black raspberry cobbler I made.

Along with the grilled pineapple and pineapple cream cheese dip.

My house was covered with beautiful, exotic, creative masterpieces.

I did laps between the kitchen, dining room and living room.

So hard to decide. Great night with friends and family. If you are interested, I'll be having another party hopefully in September.

You know you need to go grocery shopping when...

...you serve your kids ramen for lunch and the only thing you can find all the ingredients to make is tuna noodle skillet. We were out of everything!

So I restocked tonight and hit some great deals. Let me share for a moment because I'm so excited...

• 5 boxes of cereal, box of pop tarts (haven't bought those in YEARS), and a backpack for $7.80
• Pantene shampoo, conditioner, 2 hairsprays, Rubbermaid water bottle, sand bucket/shovel for $6.35

Can I just say I rocked the sales and coupons tonight. Then I bought a compact flourescent lightbulb for $10 and it took the wind out of my sail. For a light bulb? Seriously? They claim to last 8-9 years. We are starting to replace at under 2 years. The rest better last a bit longer.

Excited about my WAR party tomorrow night. I'll share more later.

Catching Up

So it's been a while since I've posted any pictures. Here are a few recent pictures that make me smile and/or laugh.

Berry picking ended up being wildflower picking as well. They picked some for themselves and some for the neighbor girl as well.

My little berry fiend. This could be the answer to "where did all those berries go that I just picked?" You don't want to see what the shirt looked like.

This just makes me laugh.

Fishing with cousins on the 4th of July

Kayaking with Dad and picking flowers for Mom

Trying to keep this boy alive. After several "scares" I was all about precautions in the lake. If I had an inflatable ring I probably would have put that on him too. The kid has no fear.

Little bit tired after a long day in the water and fireworks.

Both boys completely passed out on the way home from the cottage.

On a Beautiful Day

On a beautiful day like this I should be outside enjoying it. Reality is that I feel miserable and have hardly left the couch and my bed today. I hardly slept all last night - think I have bronchitis setting in and coughed all night long.

So today, I missed out on gorgeous weather and a day with my family. I did get caught up on a TV series I haven't seen because of cutting back our satellite package. Oh well. At least it's the weekend and my husband was home to take the kiddos. If I didn't feel so crummy it would almost be a vacation.

Coughing

I'm so tired of this dry cough. Hardly slept last night and I'm not looking forward to tonight.

I had a reason for being so tired today... still it was a good day, but man, somethings even coffee can't help. Better get to bed and start the coughing and tossing and turning.

Things I've Been Contemplating

I've been mulling through some things lately, trying to take it all in, process, evaluate it's impact and truth. Why is it that life is hard? Why do things end up so complex? Is this what life is meant to be?

Nope, this isn't what God intended. He told Adam and Eve they had freedom, with one exception. They couldn't enjoy the majority, but desired what they couldn't have. The rest is history from there. I do the same thing. I have freedom to enjoy so much in life, but what do I do? I cling to what I don't have and all that I want. I miss out on all the good around me for the sake of something I think I want.

Isnt' that what mistakes and sin cost us? A lack of contentment, robbing us of joy and hope. Making life more complicated.

God offers us salvation pure and simple... Jesus took my penalty, as a free gift of grace, I can accept Him in faith as my Savior. I am forgiven, loved, adopted and set free. I'm given strength, hope, joy, and the opportunity to share these things.

But where does it get complicated? When I start replacing the nature of the gift and thinking I somehow need to "earn" love. If I'm good enough, do the right things, act just right, etc... If grace was earned it would no longer be grace (Romans 11:6). If I could earn it, then Jesus' sacrifice wasn't needed. God made it simple - believe and receive (Romans 10:9-13). Humanity complicates it and lives life thinking that if there is enough good to out weigh the bad, that God will accept me. The complication is really a lie in disguise. I'll never be good enough. It's a losing battle.

My relationships are complicated when I attempt to "get something" out of them, make sure it's reciprical enough, keep score. That isn't what was intended. Comfort and ease comes when there is commitment. Sin and selfishness complicates.

So what have I learned? I need to stop making things so complicated. God never meant it to be so. Besides, there are enough people in this world that are going to make things complicated for me, I really don't need to add to it.

Freedom in simplicity. Something I'm struggling to learn this summer.

Things I'm Enjoying

Focusing on the enjoyable things in my life right now.

• Huge neck hugs from a 2-year-old
• My gardens are growing
• Fresh strawberries and blackberries
• A quiet moment - everyone is sleeping
  
• Listening to Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, etc
• Deepening faith
• Great friends and family
• Someone at the insurance company who was helpful
• Checking things off the to-do list
• Husband washed dishes tonight
• Cooler weather at the greenhouse
• Cuddling with my boys watching movies on rainy days
• Strawberry pie
• The sunshine (I know it will come back)
• Frugal Family Feasts
• Sleeping in a little bit
• The smell of my favorite candle
• Chris Tomlin
• My husband is 2/3 the way through school
  

I Got Nuttin'

So I wish there was something interesting to write. I've got stuff, but not the time, energy or brain cells at this point. Think I used the last of the brain cells about an hour ago.

It's cooler this week. A refreshing change from last week's mid-90s. This is Michigan. Going from 80 to 95 is a big deal. Acclimation would be nice. The overcast skies and mild temperatures made it easy to stay inside and get a few things accomplished and dig out of the junk yard that my house has become. THe sad part is that there is a lot more to go.

Ryan's skin hit eczema overload. Last week he must have had a mild peanut contact and ended up with hives all over. THink it might have been on the shopping cart... He was fine, but out came the benydryl. Then all the swimming (chemicals, prolonged water exposure, life jacket friction) left the poor kid's skin almost raw. So a few days away from the water will be a good thing for him.

Hope you are all doing well. Will check in when the brain cells return.

When News Was News

I'm becoming increasingly frustrated with American "news" casts. If it isn't sensationalized, projected, anticipated, or scooped -- it ends up being fluff. I foolishly turned on the news tonight, expecting to hear about political developments, war updates, Iran's election, world headlines and maybe a bit of sports and weather.

What did I get?

The first 10 minutes devoted to the "highlights" of Michael Jackson's life and career. The media that recently was villanizing him are now praising his achievements. Yes, he's a great performer with many contributions to modern music and entertainment. But really - first 10 minutes???

I recently sent an email to a local station telling them that I'm done watching. I'll no longer partake of their hype and hysteria. No more Geha-cking for me.

Think our media outlets need to take another look about what is really important. Thousands of soldiers have their lives on the line. Freedom is being fought for in the streets of Iran. People are being trafficked, oppressed, and tortured around the world. There are people standing up for what is right, regardless of the cost to themselves. There are millions of people out of work. Not to mention a heat wave sweeping the nation.

Father's Day

It was an amazing day. Great morning at church, afternoon/evening at the cottage with family, sunshine, great food (minus the desserts I forgot to bring that I spent hours making...), and well behaved kids.

Sounds close to perfection doesn't it.

Wish I had time and energy to tell you all about it. I learned some enlightening things today and want to share, but need to mull them around and process a bit more. I'm really being challenged to grow in my faith right now. It's so much more than tradition, or believing things others have told me. It's about digging in deep and finding out for myself what God shared in the Bible. More to come on that one...

It's Father's Day. Celebrated the awesome father that my kids have and my father-in-law as well. This year though, there was a bit of a sadness in it all, missing my dad. He's been gone quite a few years now. Most Father's Days and holidays aren't that hard for me anymore - but for some reason this one was.

Maybe it's been being around my friend's dad lately. He reminds me so much of my own - his manorisms, easy demeanor, driving around on his lawnmower or tractor, and always shooting the breeze with someone.

For whatever reason it is, I'm missing my dad tonight, wishing my boys had gotten to know him. My dad would have loved them, and they would have given it right back to him.

I've been trying to share a bit about their Grandpa with them lately. I need to do a better job of that. Maybe we'll pull out a few pictures tomorrow - oops, make that later today.

Happy Father's Day (belated) to you all. May you know the love of God - the ultimate Father and role model to us all.

My World in 2 Words...

Potty Training...


Need I say more?

Trouble In Kidland

Okay, maybe you can help me. I cannot get my 5-year-old to stop picking at his misquito bites, scabs, leg wounds, etc. It's worst at bed/naptime or when he's bored. Small bites have become these large wounds that never heal because he keeps picking at them. I try to keep them covered with bandaids, but he pulls those off to "check" his owie. I've tried rewards for not picking, punishments for picking, detailed explanations of health risks, pleading, distracting, etc.

Some are almost to the point of scarring. I'm all out of ideas. Any suggestions?

Day @ the Dentist

So I listened to advice and made an appointment with the dentist and as thought - it is TMJ. My jaw has always sounded like rice krispies (snap, crackle & pop) but it's finally hit the pain point. So what is a girl to do? Lots of ibuprofen to ease the inflamation/pain, eating soft foods (ice cream qualifies right?), and a bite splint.

I tried taking the cheap route and bought a football mouth guard for $2, but that isn't a good long-term solution. The dentist was very gracious knowing our situation - didn't charge me for the emergency visit, gave me a discount on the splint, and I can choose how much we set the payment plan up for. He also gives you a high-5 every time you are done. Little odd at first, but I'm getting use to it. Ryan thought it was cool though.

Man there are some advantages to small town life. Real people who know each other and try to make things easier... I hear he also has killer sweet corn in the summer.

You know it's small town life when the same man that sells you sweet corn also fixes your teeth.

Welcome to Monday

It was a long but good weekend. One of my former Junior High girls (church youth group) Margie, got married this weekend. She really was a beautiful bride.

I helped with the flowers and decorating. She picked out faux flowers so at least we could make them all ahead of time.


The reception was a lot of fun. My boys were crazy on the dance floor. When I get pics from my friends, I'll put them up. It was a lots of laughs. My oldest has a crush on Margie and had to be where he could see her at all times. But when it came to the dollar dance, he was SUPER shy and would hardly dance with her. He asked if Margie had to get married... Sorry buddy, Barry already stole her heart.

Jaws

For the last 3 or 4 days the joint/hinge of my jaw has really bugged me. I've had issues chewing hard things and my ear has hurt. I don't know if it's the jaw causing problems with the ear or the ear causing problems with the jaw? Any clues on this one?

My Fireman

My 5-year-old needed to relieve himself while we were outside eating dinner. There is no greater joy in this kid's world that to pee outside. His pants are around his ankles and all I can see are the whitest buns on the face of the earth and hear "reeeererer... fire fighter on the scene... fire fighter... fire's out." ROFL. At least we live in the woods.

So Glad It's Done

One of those days that you celebrate when it's over. Bring on tomorrow with a new start and kids who have slept and are no long fussy and horrible to each other, and a mom who's not been worn down.

TGIF for so many reasons.

P.S. I just looked at the clock and realized it's tomorrow already. I'd better go to bed before that last part of the problem repeats.

Selfishness

Sometimes it's hard not to be selfish. It's been a long month, and I'm a bit tired. Correction, lots tired. All the time. I'm having a hard time not being selfish with my time when I get it.

My oldest has been down with a fever for a couple of days. Correction, down yesterday. Today, sick, upright, & fussy. Joy. Top that off, think son #2 is coming down with it. I hope not. We'll see what morning brings.

So today, I was excited about nap time. They both DESPERATELY needed, and so did I. And you know what that means - no one slept. So we tried a movie rest time. Ha. That meant movie mess with each other and get on each other's nerves time. Somewhere along the line I fell asleep on the couch. Dangerous I know. Didn't last long. That's when the loud singing, jumping on me, tapping my face to ask me a question about the movie he's seen a dozen times and knows the answer to, fighting, and mischief began.

God bless my husband who came home from study group and let me sleep for 1/2 hour. Better now. I think.

Good news is that my gardens are in (except for a few more seeds). Can't wait to post pictures and even more so, can't wait to eat the fresh goodness coming out of it. Grow fast my food. I'm hungry!!

Marathon

It feels like I've run a marathon this week. The sad part is that the week is only part over. Better rehydrate, stretch, and get ready for the next part.