Silliness

Monday, I took Little K to VBS, knowing he would love all the fun activities and learning about Jesus.  On the way home, he stated "Jesus is mean!"

"Um, what are you talking about?  Jesus loves us and cares for us greatly!"
"Well, He told Zacheus that he couldn't play in the tree anymore and had to get out!" Little K stated.

Needless to say, we went back over that event and made sure he was clear on what really happened.

*****************************

Day one and lego hand is forming

Two weeks ago, I had my first surgery for Carpal Tunnel.  Youngest has been so impressed with my Wolverine scar and my Lego positioned hand.  Not what I was thinking when he asked to see it, but the humor was welcome. 

I decided to watch some of my old DVR shows, after having carpal tunnel surgery two weeks ago.  I happen to be  watching one from Christmas  from the Hallmark Channel, when Youngest walked by and a Countdown to Christmas ad was playing.  "Are you kidding me Hallmark Channel!!!  It is not even the end of June!"

******************

Paul and Tracy

Sunday, we attended a "sending off" to some dear young-at-heart, recently retired friends, Paul and Tracy, who are just the dearest.  Many people were there, telling stores, sharing a meal, and singing songs lead by Paul.  Tracy has been the biggest encourager to me in regards to surviving being a mom to boys, plus she loves to sew and do embroidery work on her machine.  I can't wait to hear of their new adventures as they travel the US.  There were not a lot of dry eyes, and my heart was aching a bit, but I'm thrilled for them.  After telling hugging Tracy, she looked at me and then at Youngest and laughed:

  "You know, the memory I will always laugh at with Youngest was during church.  He decided he wanted to sit with me during service, he must have been 3-4 years old.  Someone had made a hilarious comment during service and the auditorium was filled with so much laughter, but I looked down and he was completely stone faced.  So I asked him what was wrong and he said "I'm laughing inside my head."  I just lost it!  

I'd never heard that story before and was so thankful to hear it now.

************

Went to the Farmers Market this morning for some yummy corn and potatoes, and whileYoungest was buckling Little K back in his carseat... Little K said to him: "Don't mash my Peter." Lol!  Oh the joy of boys!!! 

Would you care to share a funny story that has happened lately?  Have you had a good belly laugh?  I'd love to hear it! 

Ordinary Moments

Yep, I tried to eat a stick

Pulling a tractor

The weather during the last week of school was pretty nice, so we headed outside for some fun after naps.  I love watching the kids chase bubbles, pick clover and dandelions, and just play in the dirt. They do not really care that the toys are about 15 years old, but that they roll in the dirt.  With five kiddos to care for on most days, venturing outside is not always ideal, but watching them play makes it all worth it.  I love their laughter and dirty hands!  I do love my "mommas", as each is unique as her child.  Three are seasoned moms with an older child, and the others are learning that it's okay to say "no", set limits, routines are good, add some laughter and a few sweet teas, and all will be okay. Kinda...

Cutie Pie "L"

Honey and his supervisors

One of the "perks" of home ownership?  Searching for that hidden water pressure gauge installed back in 1994 that is now faulty and causing low water pressure.  I'm not sure who is more tired, the dogs watching us dig or Honey and I.    After digging for over an hour and only discovering some great fishing worms, a snake we accidentally cut in half, lots of mud, and only water pipes that seem to be going deeper into the ground, we gave up.   Guess we'll call the plumber tomorrow.

Wednesday, I got some contractor grade gravel to fill in the "pot holes" in our driveway.  It zapped my energy for the next few days, but it was worth it!  Do you have those projects that you put off, but desperately need to do?  This was one of them.  It was like riding a bucking horse pulling into our driveway!  

begging for attention

Poor Bandit is feeling the absence of Oldest, after he left for church camp and has desperately tried to distract me.  There are only so many times I can let the poor guy out for him to turn around and come back in.  I have a feeling he'll be sleeping close to me tonight!

Oldest and Youngest left for church camp today.  It's going to be a quiet week for us!  Honey has a ton going on at work with upcoming renovations and  moving to a temporary building this week.  Not sure I'll see him much.  This is my first summer in years to have some days off each week, as I will only have one child doing part time.  I'm so excited, but know my summer will get away from me quickly.

 Do you have any special projects/home improvements planned for the summer? do you have any projects you've been putting off?  Our list seems to be growing by the week, but I'm considering doing Rock, Paper, Scissors to determine which one to do first. I'm having carpal tunnel surgery on Thursday and will not be able to use my hand for two weeks,  so I'm leaning towards just painting the bathroom this week.

• the house needs to be power washed and treated sealer applied
• clean out the gutters (can I confess we have, eh hem, trees growing in ours
• find that pesky water pressure gauge
  
• get a DQ Blizzard 
• replace the front door knob
• dejunk
• paint the kids' bathroom
• fix treadmill
• clean honey's new temporary office before Wednesday
• take a nap
• Kiltz paint the shed

Thanks for visiting today.  I'd love to hear about your latest project you want to accomplish this summer! 

Friendly prayers

I was running errands,  when I entered our local grocery store and spotted a friend's son, who just finished basic training and was home on leave.  He seemed a little down, but said he was getting groceries with his two younger brothers.  So I gave him a side arm hug and told him we'd been praying for him since he entered the Marines.  The button of his jacket scratched my arm as I felt tears hit at the same time.  I started to pray for him then, but I felt something scratching my face...

Sheesh!  I woke up to find our daughters coon hound pup practically sitting on me, licking my face.  I need to find a safer place to nap!

Lynnet 

Duh, how did she get so smart?

Last week test confirmed I have carpal tunnel in both hands and I have found some relief in this awesome hand/wrist brace that has Memory Foam in it. Dr wants to do surgery on my left. Not sure when I'll be able to find time for that!

This carpal tunnel thing sure interferes with many activities, but one really bummed me out - quilting! My hands get so tired and very sore and the brace doesn't fit under my Grabaroos. I mentioned this to QL the other day and she asked "won't the brace fit OVER the Roos?"

Genius! It's not the prettiest thing and it makes taking off my Roos much more tedious, but it works and its much more comfy to quilt. Now if she could just solve some of my other issues!

What I've been reading and visiting in blogworld

These last few days, while I've been sick, I've had a little more time to visit some blogs I like to read.  I wanted to share a few of these with you.   

• Craig Love thins out the herd of negative voices  (eliminating negative voices)  this was REALLY good. In all fairness, you really need to read all of his "Love" series to fully understand, but it very worth the time. for a matter of the heart. 
  
• The Queen Mommy wrote about Motherhood's Journey in which journaling about our growth, effort, accomplishments and successes through the journey of Motherhood and to see how God is changing us. This really touched my heart as a mom.
  
• Glenda about her daughter following in a legacy of missionaries and moving to England with Reign Ministries.
  
• Shelly at Life on the Wild Side about taking a sabbatical with her husband.
  

  

  Walking across a precipice

• Cindy at For One Another did a review of HOMESCHOOLOPY.   What a hoot!  I think it might be kind of fun, but if you know me, Monopoly is actually call The Divorce Game at our house.  No, it has not caused a divorce, but it sure does not embody fond feelings.  A few years ago, Youngest had a part in our church's Annual Business meeting which had The Great Adventure (Indiana Jones) theme.  As a token of appreciation, he was given the Indiana Jones Monopoly game and it's actually the only Monopoly game we can play without huge disagreements.
  
  
• Due to recent illness at our house, I  made a great large investment in Jello and Kleenexes with Lotion (this has got to be the best invention - really!).  Did you know that Jello has a Jell-O Lounge?  Care to make a guess what that is about?  Hint, you must be 21 to enter.  Yes, recipes for Jello with a bit of a twist.  I had no idea this was out there!

Finally decided to quit feeling like a train wreck and going to the doctor in an hour. Jello and yogurt are only good for so long. 

Well, after two hours at the doctor's office, I have fluid on both ears, high fever (STILL) after 5 days, sinus junk and a myriad of other stuff.  A horribly painful powerful antibiotic shot later,  5 days of free sample antibiotics, with a script for an additional 5 days ($10 a pill), and horrible headache I'm exhausted... Guess it's time to apply MORE Miracle Rub from The Momma.  I was so thankful that Only drove me to the doctor and fixed dinner after gathering 5 dozen eggs and caring for  friend's critter...  Anyone need some eggs? 

Just ask

Last night, 

a sweet friend, Melissa and I 

had a girl's night out

just the two of us

Delicious Stuffed Chicken Marsala

We had the best time!!!

Not as two moms,

or as someone's wife

just two good friends

good conversations

delicious food

Want to hear the funny part? 

Both of us 

share the same wedding anniversaries

June 23

19 years apart

our oldest children are dating
and our daughters are best friends
(it's complicated)

Stay with me...

So I had to ask...

yes, I did!  

I asked our server 

if we could have a dessert 

to celebrate our anniversaries!!!

No, our husbands were not present

Guess what???

This is the yummy celebration dessert we received!

Our celebration dessert

"I don't want to judge..." she started

We had a little explaining to do

We are not married to each other 

GASP!

 "Our husbands are unavailable to celebrate

One is at boy scout camp and the other doesn't like Italian

It's Girls night out!"

Oh so delicious and rich!

We gave our sweet server an bit more of a tip

took our dessert to Sweet Bay

got a coffee and chai

two forks

and each had two-three bites

more good conversations

two good friends

Ah, we must do it again soon
for we had to go home way too soon.

Spaghetti in my mouse already

Lunch time at our house

 I'm not sure how it happened, but there is spaghetti sauce in my mouse wheel. I'm not going to bore you with details, but each day, this is basically what our school time looks like - this happens to be lunch time.  Regardless of the time of day, there is a lot of noise  in our home with this many people, especially  with three active girls under 28 months.  It stays busy from 6:45 a.m. until a little after 4.  It's normally this abnormally crazy.  Can you imagine the diapers that I change each day?  Where is the sanity?  There isn't much. 


This morning when I pulled up my email, there it was.  Another post from Holley at Heart to Heart with Holley.  Seriously, I think she has a spy camera or bug planted in my house  or in my heart because she write about what I'm dealing with in my home and in my heart.  I've included her post at the end.   

Chocolate covered gold! 

   Just as my day was slowing down, a sweet friend showed up at my door.  A mysterious little white box in her hand - oh.... my mouth was watering as I spied the label.  I think I'm going to find a happy place, maybe my closet, and eat my fruits and veggies because it was a box of chocolate covered STRAWBERRIES from Kopper-Kettle Candies!!!  Yummo!  Melissa sure knows how to cheer up my day!

Heart to Heart with Holley: Already

It's still only the beginning of the week.

Already I've...

snapped at my husband.

felt like pulling the covers over my head.

fallen behind on my to-do list.

"It's going to be one of those weeks," I sigh.

But then I remember I have a choice.

I can live by a different list of "alreadys."

Already I can...

ask for forgiveness.

find new strength.

let God's love woo me back to joy and the center of His will.

Whew, now that's good news my heart needed today.

Anyone else?

His compassions never fail; they are new every morning. {and every week!}

Lamentations 3:22-23

I'm don't know about you, but I'm all ready for a different type of "already's" that Holley wrote about.  Oh, the spaghetti sauce?  I used a toothpick and played surgeon on the little blue mouse.  I successfully squeaked by with no causalities. What about you? 

Five Questions Friday - on the lighter side of this week

Whew!  It has been a week!  We added a new little one (I know, I must be touched in the head) but she sure is a sweetie!  When you add all three girls (ages 12, 15, and 24 months) together, you get a lively crew!

I needed something lighthearted tonight after a busy week.  I'm was so tickled Wednesday when I found I was awarded a blog award from inspiringly sweet Glenda. I've really enjoyed getting to know her this last year.

I was visiting Jodi at Green Acres and really enjoyed her edition of  Five Question Friday. 

1. Can you drive a stick shift?  Yes, Growing up in a rural community, I used to drive an old Ford truck around the oil fields for Jack, an elderly gentleman who had glaucoma.  He always told me I was driving me too fast.  Dirt roads always made it seem you were going faster than you really were. I don't like driving them in hilly places or stopped at the top of a hill with someone else who thinks they need to be on your tail!  I remember once when I was driving it over a hill and the brakes went out - there was a busy intersection at the bottom and I had two other people with me.  Took me a mile to get it stopped! Didn't know I could have downshifted!  

2. What are two foods you just can't eat?  Since I can only pick two, Liver and Okra are right up there with cow tongue and mushrooms.  My mom used to fix liver and onions when I was growing up and I couldn't stand the smell.  The Okra?  I couldn't stand touching it in the garden - very prickly when raw, but slimy yucky when cooked.  Makes me shiver thinking of it!

3. Do you buy Girl Scout Cookies? What is your favorite kind?  I send those cuties to my husband and he always knows exactly what I like - Thin Mints all the way!

4. How do you pamper yourself? I don't do this often, but buying a book and finding time to read is pampering for me.  Honey bought me two massage sessions this last year for Mother's Day/Birthday, but I've not used them yet.  I think going out with girlfriends for Girls Night Out is pampering, relaxing, and fun. 

5. What is your nickname and how did you get it?  I've had a few over the years, but Net is the one that people close to me call me.  It's kinda un-original - the last three letters of my name.

  What about you?  How would you answer these questions?  Leave me a comment, I’d love to hear from you!

 This post is linked up with Five Question Friday!   Click on the button at the top of this post to read more responses!

Remembering...

I glanced down the grocery aisle and saw them.   Their backs were to me, but they looked like an ordinary couple in the baby aisle. Heads bent together, comparing bottles, glancing at their watches - in a hurry.  I was too.

Bethany and CW

Our carts nearly collided as our eyes met and I knew her, an old friend.  Our kids used to play together as we spent time at each other's homes.  She was always great at pinching pennies and just a great practical mom.  Sadness rested in her eyes, though a smile was on her lips.  I wanted to give her a hug and hold her, because I knew her  and her story, though not because it was in the news. Sadness rested on my heart as her familiar greeting reached my ears "Hey Lynnet!  Good to see you!" peppered with a thick Indiana accent.

We talked a while about their toddler grandson  and some of his struggles to gain weight and find the right foods and taking him for GI test at ARCH. I didn't want to say the wrong thing and bring her more pain. I asked about her college age son, who is just a year older than Oldest.  They were playmates in the church nursery and even went to HS together - friends on FB.  She said he was doing okay and thinking of changing his major to law.  That should not have been a surprise.

I push my cart to the middle of the aisle, out of the way of the floor cleaner, and settle in for a long chat.  Hurrying home seems so trivial now, but yet our conversation made me want to rush home and hug my kids. Even now as I write, it is difficult - remembering, my heart breaks. The hurt was still raw. Remembering, makes the gifts more precious...

September 18, 2010  
Today is a day that we should be celebrating Youngest's 12th birthday.  A day to celebrate the miracle that God performed yet 9 months before he was born, forming that beating heart.  Celebrating the amazing hand of God as He worked through the surgeons, Life Flight helicopter attendants, nurses, and family and friends as we prayed...

How is it possible that, while we should be celebrating, we were actually mourning the loss of a young lady, her family still numb from the tragic and horrifying events. The car-lined streets and parking lot of the church made navigating difficult. We ontered the small packed church, scanning for seats near friends.  The TV station was already setting up discreetly at back of the church, ignored by most. Whispered conversations floated through the hushed worship center.  My eyes wandered to the table up front where her family had displayed pictures of her short life, a video replays, her favorite country songs cut through the air.  We laugh at some of her choices and toes tap.  The mood lightens momentarily, until their minister step to the front.

One by one, memory by memory, photo after photo, salty tears pool and fall.  None are hidden. Grief, and sorrow blend, there is no division of race or stature. Peace and answers elude us.  Emotions crash likes waves on a reef. Sharp, cutting the soul.  I fight to keep my grief from escaping my throat. 

Her momma, Bethany, makes her way to the front, following the memories from her two remaining children. It all seems unreal.  Funny memories are recalled, laughter titters, her momma seems in a fog, memories cloud over the pain, but her smile doesn't quite make it to her eyes.  She looks at
no one, but rather at a place in her heart - a swing sets, silly songs, dress-ups, sweet baby smells, siblings silliness, teenage life.  It all meshes together in one moment in time - a memorial service for her murdered daughter, Briana. 

My phone vibrates and I turn back to my forgotten cart.  It's Only wanting to know when I'm coming home.  I cannot believe I've been standing there talking with them for over an hour. Our carts clank as we attempt to turn them,  Bethany and I hug - holding tight.  We have lived day to day, laughed, played in the snow, slept comfortably in our beds, dreamed, When you stop to think about it, our lives have gone on. But they have not.  They live each day and night listening still for Briana - out of habit. Their lives are on hold as they go to counseling, work their jobs, learn to live, and endure a long wait for justice.

"Some people say really dumb and hurtful things.  It's only been 6 months and it will take us years to heal. We'll forgive, but we can't just forget."  It's a different hurt and loss from a miscarriage or losing a parent, which she has both experienced.

You really never think it will happen to someone you really know.  It will always be someone else right?

RSV Woes and updates

Well, after a few rough days of horrible coughing and a few boxes of tissues with lotion, "H"'s mom took her to the dr. and she was diagnosed with RSV.  We were all shocked and they immediately began breathing treatments. Her momma is keeping her home today, so we will miss her. Please pray for them. 

 The Princess still has her horrible cough and cold, but that didn't stop her from persuading Youngest into playing Polly Pocket with her.  Seems all it takes is a smile and one of her giggles to pull us in. 

Honey sometimes just flabbergast me on who he knows.  It seems he can't go anywhere where he doesn't know someone.  They always stop to shake his hand or give him a hard time about something. Last week a customer told him to have Oldest stop by and talk to him about working at his local pharmacy.  He want Oldest to start working there soon, which would be a blessing since he needs a job desperately. Our only issue is he is in band and they have a strict policy about missing practices.  We hate for him to quit band just months short of graduation, especially since he's been playing since 3rd grade.   What would you do?

Another blessing for Oldest.  We're not the type of family that goes out to get a new cell phone when the 18 months rolls around.  We usually hold on to them until they are heading for the great recycling coffin box... Oldest has been using my old Blackjack for a few years now (i got it new in '06 I think) and it was dying FAST.  A friend of his has a great phone that he wasn't using anymore, brought it over last night and Walah!   You're probably asking why we didn't just go out and get him a new one?  We're really trying to save $$, pay off bills, and having a senior in HS hasn't helped.  What a blessing this was to us!

We're all looking forward to the weekend! 

• Friday we will gather with three other families for a monthly get-together - we call it the RWHK Gathering (first initial of our last names).  We take turns hosting at our homes, plan a menu theme (soup, italian, mexican, grilling, etc), and just take time to relax. Sometimes we play games (Apples to Apples is our favorite), have wii tourneys, ride 4-wheelers, do target gun practice, or just visit and laugh until the cows come home. 
• Saturday, Honey is taking a van load of teens to the Winter Jam (Christian concert in Tulsa) where it cost only $10 to get in.  
• While the family is away, I have a day of me time, which I plan on working on my Blissful confection quilt.  Quilt top is done, I pulled some flannel out of my fabric stash and purchased material for the binding.  I just have to lay it out, get it all pinned together and start quilting... The time always slips away from me, but a little alone time is always good, though I miss having the family here.

 Well I need to stop and get some school work done.  The Princess wants to color and I have two boys that are "ready" to do school.  Grabbing some tissues and signing off!  How are you doing and what plans are you looking forward to this weekend?

Call me crazy, but...

My "weekend retreat"

I'm not sure if you noticed, but I actually only have three kids (Oldest, Only, and Youngest), and I care for two little girls, one of whom is The Princess.  But if you were to come to my house at the moment there are EIGHT, count them please (1,2,3,5,8,12,12,17), kids in my house ages 1-17, one has ADD/Aspergers , Youngest has ADHD (I made sure he had his meds this morning), 2 kids with gluten/wheat allergies, add a psycho cat and a anxious German Shepard, and then there's me. 

view from their deck

 Let me back up a bit... I'm sure you don't want the long version, so here is the short of it. Saturday, we became aware of some dear friends of ours, (owners and founders of Adair Ya Candles), were in the hospital due to possible heart problems. We've really come to appreciate the special creative spirit of them and how their talents are used to encourage and bless others.  We offered to take their beautiful three kids until things calmed down and so the fun began.  Knowing the kids would be more comfy at their house, Youngest and I hurriedly packed our bags and headed for their home in the woods, about 1/2 an hour away.  Bedtime finally arrived at midnight, but at 3 a.m. their youngest son crawled into bed with me and then quickly realized I WAS NOT his momma!  Had to chase him down before he woke up the rest of the house, give him a drink and put him back in his bed.  Then at 5 a.m. the youngest woke up with an earache, got her meds and a drink and put her in bed with me. Somehow, there was comical humor it in all. 

wii games

Sunday Morning:
Though the beautiful snowy woods glisten in the morning sunrise, a lonely train can be faintly heard, but all is not silent... No, the chatter of two little boys downstairs waken me after a restless night. Ah, their excited giggles beckon me from my comfy bed, *sigh*  It was an an active and full day, but not one without giggles and memorable moments.

Crew of 8

Today was really not bad at all. 

The blessing in it?

• I so much appreciate my friends Eva and Tracy who each have more kids than I do. I'm not sure how they do it day in and day out.
• The Princess had
  "M" to play with, someone close to her age and loved the girl time.
• My friend "EM" picked up some of the kids for some fun and play time at her house - they made special chocolate chip cookies and decorated them with icing, and had wii tournaments. They were all full of smiles and excitement when they returned.  How fun is that!  
• We're so thankful that our friends trust us to care for their kids.  Each one show unique and special gifts, and it has been a joy to spend time with them.  You should see the creative pictures that "J" has drawn and the stories behind them, "M" has the most beautiful smile and giggles - such a sweet little girl, and "S" is smart as a whip - he astounds me!   You can tell that their parents love them deeply! 
• I'm blessed to learn more about gluten and how it affects people and how creative and smart their momma is in all she does to insure their health and well-being.  I'm not sure how she does it, but she is a wonder and sweetheart! I'm amazed at her heart, knowledge, and love for others. A truly beautiful lady from the inside out. She inspires me to dig deeper, love others more, and think unselfishly. 
• I'm amazed at the energy and spirit of these kids.  How wonderfully their minds work and their parents have done a fantastic job with them.
• My family loves being in the "A" home.  It is like an awesome retreat in the woods. You can wander through their home, and never grow tired of seeing the awesome ways they display their kids' art and pictures. Always puts a smile on our faces being with there because creativeness and personal touches ooze from it. Shawn is an accomplished artist, whose art emits a special message and creative touch that blesses so many. He's not afraid to think outside the box and talents overflow! 
  
  I confess that I've done none of this on my own, but you already knew that. I would be dumb to take the credit for how smoothly it has gone.  It would not have been possible without a group effort and God being in the middle of it all.  These kids miss their parents, but they have handled it well, with full credit to their parents and God.   It has been a great experience for our family. 
  
  Well, I need to get going.  We've got a busy day tomorrow as well, and we look forward to seeing how the day will unfold.  Looks like I'll have them tomorrow because Shawn has blockages and they're going to do a heart cath in the morning.  I know they would appreciate your prayers! I can see the weariness in "S" face, through her beautiful smile, she still finds a lesson from God and how He is working through this.  Someday, when I grow up, I want to be more like her.

Catching up and a little ennui

Kernels are popping, butter is melting - a sure sign that it's Sunday evening at our house.  Honey and Only are watching Winter XGames and football.  Yep, Honey has control of the remote.

 Sunday - it's a day I usually do lesson plans in the evening while the kids are at youth group, Honey relaxes by watching some game (this is a fancy way of saying he's taking a nap) or we'll sit and talk.  All weekend I meant to get out my sewing and work on my quilt, but the weather was just beautiful!  So what did I do?  I took some time to catch up on some blogs and friends I've missed reading.

Glenda over at Gg is settling in her new home and received a lovely blog award - she has a rich and wonderful story to share - always encouraging.

My friend Kelly is expecting another miracle

The Momma found a way to find joy in laundry  (she masquerades as the Quilt Lady)

Lorie is celebrating her momma moving closer to her

My friend EM is finding her week a little more calm and answers to questions being answered.


and where did all this lead me?  Blog surfing!  I found this lovely blog that Felicity from Australia, Gifts of serendipity.    She posed a lovely idea of creating a strand of Lustrous Pearls honoring women in our lives:

"They are women we admire, they are women we care about.

They inspire us, they help us reflect on our own lives and give thanks for what we have."

 I loved perusing, being encouraged, and I love her Word of the Week!  Something I learned today that I wanted to share with you.

ennui

[n] mental weariness from lack of occupation or interest.

The feeling of being bored by something tedious.

Listlessness, tedium, lassitude, languor.

Do you see where I'm going with this?  Finally a fancy name for The Blahs!  Now if I only knew how to pronounce it!  Well, I'm  must confess that I feel ennui at the thought of heading out into the night for last minute groceries, when I'd rather stay home and watch the Hallmark movie The Lost Valentine...

Late night blessings

wildflowers from the Quilt Lady

What a day it was

I will not bore you

with how it went down

 but I had to relax 

the only way I knew how

Fan droning beside me

pulling cool Fall air in,

Out came the machine, 

and the sewing began.

Fabrics were cut

 and a dream began to form

"who is this for?"

a small question was asked

"for me, I believe,

something fun

something warm"

Small squares, rectangles

pink, green, brown,

the quiet whirring 

broke the silence all around

Headlights shone

on the drive bathed in dark

I hesitate and wonder

who dared to come

A beautiful face appears

slowly in the dark of the porch

holding a beautiful yellow bouquet

flowers, fresh from the field

Ah, the Quilt Lady

a smile adorns her face

(yes she would dare

venture out in the night)

and welcome is she,

into my sewing lair

that beautiful smile

and encouraging words

her hug was most needed 

at the end

of a very hard day

    Like cold water to a weary soul,
         So is good news from a distant land. Proverbs 25:25 (New American Standard Bible)

How have you been blessed by a thoughtful friend, in the midst of a hard day or week or were you the one who listened with your heart and blessed someone?  I'd love to hear about it!

Ice Cream Festival

Saturday we traveled

to Broken Arrow, OK

for the 

8th Annual Blue Bell

Taste of Summer Ice Cream Festival.

   whopping 21 friends in 5 vehicles

All you can eat ice cream (you name it, it was there)

bounce arounds,

fire trucks

crafts to make

"cow" to milk

(did I mention the ice cream to eat?)

corvettes for the "big guys"

mix that with a massive crowd of 15,000 others

There were about 6 of these ice cream stations scattered around the grounds and this doesn't even count the separate stations in the kids area where you could get ice cream sandwiches, pops,  drumsticks... Can we say sugar overload?

After 3 different samplings of ice cream, I was ready for something of substance! 

Some of the guys headed to the Drag Races in Tulsa and the rest of us headed home.  We had to stop at Abuellos to eat a late lunch.  Ah, never under-estimate the welcome of great food and air-conditioning!

This is how we spent our Saturday.  Is there something you did with your family or friends this weekend that you can tell me about?

Friends to the rescue...

I've been constantly reminded this last month of how blessed our family is by our friends.  As nutty as we can get these people accept us for who we are  and STILL hang around us!  Amazing! We're so thankful that God has placed these people in our lives and family - because when we're with them, it's like being with family.

• Tracy - fellow mom and sewing guru.  I love going to her house, even for a sewing consult on a quilt or just for inspiration.  She's fantastic at knowing how to trim and save.  Her knowledge of how much something cost or where the best deal is, her knack for finding awesome bargains, or making the cutest clothes for her kids just astounds me. She has the sweetest kids and I love listening to them.
• The Leonards - the best of friends for 10 years, we love going to their house and spending time with them. They were married the same year as we were, and Les had his first open heart surgery the same year as Youngest. Les (reminds me of Mickey Rooney) is a fantastic griller (though we try not to tell him too often).  Ester, smart nursing instructor at a nearby college, but don't let her quiet demeanor throw you off. She has the biggest heart... 
• Phyllis - talked me through making Strawberry Jam, found a great gas stove to replace our dying 20 yr. old range - FREE! 
• Friends who have allowed us to come over to do laundry while we're waiting for a part to come in so Honey can get our washer fixed. 
• Eva - dear friend who helps me retain sanity, talk me through some rough moments, listens and has agreed to not stress me out. She is a friend who listens with her heart, gives greatly.
• The Girls - who allow me to be myself when we get together, make me laugh, bring me to tears, encourage, keep me accountable, and let me know that it's going to be okay.
• Raine - dearest friend, who happens to be my cousin and Aunt to my kids.  We've gone through a lot, she's prayed much and spoken with her heart.  I so much admire her and her spirit.  She is a sister of the heart and absolutely beautiful!
• Amy - she has shared her Princess with us this last year, her heart and spirit amazes me. I love to see all the things she does with her family, unafraid and moving forward...  She loves those kids she teaches and has so much to offer them... 
• Shawnda - she is Only's Discipleship Group lead, tells it like it is, is the most fantastic resale shopper, active mom with a huge heart and beautiful voice.  I appreciate that she will take Only resale shopping and really enjoys it! 

Stuck and In Need of a little Friend Therapy

Sometimes I just get stuck  and need some inspiration in

 my fashionable attire
my clean house

what I say
(how do those things slip out of my mouth?)

my habits

my finished projects

my cooking

So this last week,
when I stewed and mulled thought about
what to fix for dinner

(I know, it's such a simple thing)

Honey said - Pancakes

I wasn't feeling that

I cracked open my collection of recipes    Nothing
I opened up a few cookbooks

nothing said "Fix me!"

Finally I did the only thing I could think of to do
I shot off a text to a friend who loves to cook

So the long and short of it
What I actually was craving was
a little action
laughter
and close friends family

Lily Pie

her adorable brothers

big boys with toys

Grown up friends
(Les, on the left, is the BEST griller and took over those duties)

hearing the kids laugh and run around

It was just the Pick-me-up that I was craving

to be surrounded by friends, 

bumping into each other in the kitchen
some grilled chicken, ribs, and burgers, and ice cream
a little bit of this, a little bit of that...
pulling it all together at the last minute
They may have been friends, but it felt like family.

Want to hear a funny that one of Tracy's kids asked

after they found me softening 

the rock hard ice cream in the microwave? 

(yes, I really do this or I'd never get it scooped)

If we really had Microwavable Ice Cream!  

Honey and I were so tired

when we finally crawled into bed around 11 p.m.

but it was so wonderful

to have friends over that

accept a lived in house
and not notice that I've not 
vacuumed or dusted this week.
Okay, so I've not dusted in a VERY long time, 
but let's not get technical.