Magic little word of purging

It all started with nine little words: "I'm having a garage sale, want to join me?"

Honestly, I've wanted to have one for so long.  I feel like I live in clutter, and it really does bother me.  Some of the clutter has come from 27 years of marriage, three kids, two parents passing away and acquiring some of their belongings, and having an in-home daycare. I was pretty giddy when Honey suggested we work on cleaning out the garage.  So we only cleaned out 1/3 of the garage, but it's a start!

When the garage sale came up, I was so excited!  I'd not had one since the kids were little and there was so much I wanted to purge.  First was the antique china cabinet and former front storm door sold, then we wanted to get rid of our Big comfy Couch.  We attempted to list it on a local on-line garage sale, but we found that people want to low ball, no matter what something is really worth.  Something for nothing.  Grrrr...  It didn't sell at the garage sale, even though we had a live model sleeping on it.  Eventually it did sell and we were beyond excited.  We were so tired of hauling that thing back and forth.

What I did love was the openness that we suddenly had in the living room.  We have been longing to replace the old massive entertainment center we purchased over 25 years ago.  I knew we wouldn't be able to re-sell it, so re-purposing was perfect. Some of it became a new storage center in the now empty bedroom after Oldest moved out of state.  It still needs to have a cap put on the top, but I'm pretty happy.  I may use another portion to make another storage bookcase if needed.

Original

The search began for a new entertainment center and we wanted to go small.  We are working towards the empty nest and paring things down.  It's really kinda exciting!  I found a cute antique dresser for $50.  I can't figure out why someone would paint over the beautiful pulls, but after cleaning up the beautiful handles, Honey reconfigured the drawers, and drilled two holes in the back for cord access. I repainted and distressed it, before setting it up.  We're quite pleased with the final look!

Hidden beauty

We have since purchased brand new couch and recliner, and filled up that wonderful open space we made. My mom's piano now occupies part of one wall, and a major tuning needs to happen, but I am really looking forward to playing it once again. I plan to purge the daycare toy area, getting rid of needless toys, and hang some pictures before I'll be finished, but it's a start!



Now if I could only get the spare bedroom cleaned out!!!!  Guess we need to hold another garage sale!

Updated

Home Ec Supper Project

Today, Only is fixing dinner as pat of her Home Ec. class.  The tantalizing smell of the roast mingles with the bubbling of the broth it is bathed in. Dinner rolls rising on the counter tempt us of what our palate will taste at dinner.  She has done a fine job and I'm sure Honey will be impressed!

As I was coaching her through making yeast dinner rolls for the first time, I had Youngest take over feeding Princess AB and H.  "Hey, Mom makes this look really easy, but it's really HARD!"  I was secretly smiling over that comment.

Only was doing a fantastic job with the rolls, but was unsure about the kneading. After a quick demonstration and I was sure she was doing it correctly, I got back to school with the boys. Pretty soon I heard her mutter, "This is hard work.  Mom makes this look a whole lot easier than it really is."  I was secretly smiling over that comment.

Well, I have some more papers to grade and the girls are waking up from their late afternoon naps. They have been a wrecking crew today!  We'll need a weekend just to recover from them! I hope your weekend is relaxing and I look forward to visiting with you soon. 

Have your kids, family or friends ever said that something you do looks easier to do than it really is? I'd love know more about it if you care to leave me a comment.

UPDATE:  When Honey finally came home for dinner, he had no idea that Only had fixed it.  Her rolls were just as big and fluffy as mine and her roast and potatoes were delirious.  No one died and there were very few leftovers.  I think she is secretly proud of herself and this was a HUGE confidence booster!


ps.  I have been so encouraged by the comments left.  They have cheered me on busy and frantic days, and reading them sure has put a smile on my face more than once!  Thank you!

Broadsided by Monday?

Whew!  Today has literally exhausted me!  I know, by looking at the calendar that it is not Monday, but it sure feels like it!  If you had peeked in one of my windows today this is a snapshot of what you would have seen:

• The Princess literally THREW her ham and cheese tortilla across the kitchen.  "I don't like it!" she cried. She ate it anyway.  We're trying to get her to realize that not liking something and being full are two different things.
  
• "Why is there poop on the light?"  That is not POOP, Oldest was a messy painter and got brown paint on the bulb. I ended up taking the light out and letting her touch it...  Now how did she think that poop was going to get on the light up by the ceiling?  She must think we are more exciting than most people!
  
  
• Our newest little one, Princess AB wore the dog out chasing, hugging, kissing (yes, she was actually kissing Lady), and touching her.  Lady ended up begging to be let outside so she would have some reprieve.  I think she ended up taking a sun nap in the quiet outdoors - this is something she NEVER does because she believes she is my shadow.
  
  
• With three little sweeties, we have three different sippy cups, all filled with apple juice.  Mind you, they all look different, but they are all PINK. So imagine my frustration when I tried for 10-15 times to get a lid on a sippy cup and it not fit.  Give it up to some blond root I wish I had, but I had the wrong lid for the wrong cup.  Duh!
  
  
• Do you know how quickly three little girls can totally DESTROY a place? It was like a tornado unleashed times three and picking up while they were here would have been as pointless as shoveling snow during a blizzard.

• The Princess messed in her diaper (that's what they're there for right?) so I proceeded to change her. In the midst of that, I became aware she wasn't done, so I popped the potty seat on the toilet and plopped her on it.  I stood there waiting, forgetting I left the DIRTY diaper (with poop in it) on the counter.  I usually put the poop in the toilet if I can to cut down on the smell, but hadn't had a chance. She's sitting there doing her business when she suddenly looked over - a look of stinky horror replaced her silly smile.  "EWWW!  Why is there a snake in my diaper?"
    "Sweetie, that's not a snake, that your poop!
    "No, it's a snake!"
    "No, it's not a snake, really. It's your poop!"  
  
  There - I blogged about poop.  TWICE in the same post!  Never thought that would EVER happen.  Please forgive me or laugh with me.

The blessing in it all?

• When Oldest came home,  it was a joy to watch him and Youngest shoot hoops outside in this beautiful weather.
  
• "W" was able to moderately concentrate in the midst of the chaos, learn, comprehend, and even crack a smile.  Amazing!
  
• Taking full advantage of the special deals by text message that McDonalds offers (we typically don't even go there) has been doing each Thursday, Honey spent $10 for 40 pieces of chicken nuggets and provided dinner for all 5 of us. So it probably wasn't the healthiest, but with a day that we've all had, we don't care at the moment.
• Through most of this, Only and I were able to laugh about most of it.
  
• All three girls and "W" went home by 5 p.m.   *sigh*
  
• A little humor: During a very relax dinner, The Princess' sweet momma sent me the following (she said I could post this)  

"Count "L" out for quiz bowl next year. Dinner conversation:
       "L"- "My class is studying the United States. Everyone drew 2 states to study. I drew Colorado and Vomit. My friend drew New Hamster.
       Momma: I have laughed until tears were rolling down my cheeks."

         Our family about laughed until we were laying on the table.  Hope you got a laugh from this!

How was your Monday Tuesday?

5 day weekend

If you were unexpectedly given a 5-day weekend, what would  be your first thought?   Impossible? Unreal?  Keep dreaming?  My first thought was "glorious!"

Youngest and Princess

 Due to sickness and some testing for "W" (more about this later), it was a dream come true (the time off, not the sickness).   I still had the girls, but no school!  Could it get any better?  So how did we fill our unplanned vacation? 

There was probably more TV watching going on than normal, but I loved rocking the girls while watching the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I actually finished a book that was more than a picture book with 15 pages in it. Youngest took advantage of some beautiful 50º weather to play outside, and Only read and relaxed.  Sounds a little boring, but we rarely get so much down time.

Blissful Confection Quilt

I started on a new quilt, Blissful Confection, but this one is selfishly, just for me.  I'm trying to be thrifty and use extra material that I've already used on previous quilts (small blocks take longer the number I needed), but this cozy quilt will be just right for wrapping up in a comfy chair, maybe for some baby snuggling or book reading.

New Pillows for Only's room

I made The Princess an apron, refashioned from an adult apron, added some fabric she liked, an iron-on flower, and she was ready to go.  We also made her a cute pillow for nap times and a few pillows for Only's bed.

Apron for the Princess

 Only turned 17 on Saturday.  Can't believe time has passed so quickly.  Honey took all the kids to the Razorback vs Alabama basketball game (we love free tickets), then stopped at Red Robin for a birthday dinner.  While I missed being with them, there were only 4 tickets and I knew they would enjoy it more than I.

 Sunday evening was wonderful family time as we watched Up and No Time for Sergeants starring Andy Griffin. 

 Today?  We're all excited to spend a few hours at a friends house for a little Girls Lunch, pizza for the kids and quiche and salad with Olive Garden type bread sticks for the adults.  Kids get to play and visit and we get some much needed Girl time. 

 Well, I need to put "H" down for a nap and start making some pizza dough.  Have a fantastic day!

Something Possitive

Monday   Does that word bring you dread or anticipation?  What is it about that word that makes us groan? 


I knew the day would be frantic or at least terribly busy.  Disregard the fact that it was Monday, but I had a new little one, a 7 month old chubby baby, joining our crew.  I wasn't sure how it was going to work with The Princess, homeschooling, and everything...

But when my eyes popped open at 5:45 (argh!  45 minutes before the alarm was supposed to go off) my first thought was "Lord, please help me find something positive in this day."

Let me tell you how God wrangled my day!

The Princess arrived 20 minutes later, which allowed me to clean up the mess in the kitchen from the weekend. Only got up early and I was able to vacuum before everyone arrived (hate to do it while she's sleeping), and start a load of clothes.  I think they are still there.

Both girls took a nap at the exact same time and we were able to get our science experiment on Chemical Reaction completed with little interruptions and much fun!  Who knew you could have so much fun with cabbage, vinegar, and balloons! Fixed dinner during lunch, so I was feeling pretty good at that point, if we could just get through school with no tears. 

 Whew!  Made it till 4 p.m.  Time to relax... No wait - the student I tutor just pulled into the driveway... After that, a quick dinner and then Boy Scout meeting in town... 

What was the blessing in the day?  The girls napped AND later had dirty diapers at the same time, the science experiment actually turned out the way it was supposed to, Only (she's my right hand girl and knows what needs to be done without being asked), a short meeting, glorious rain to soothe our dry area, and a short meeting.  I'm so thankful that God turned a day I dreaded into something to enjoy.  It may take us a while to get our schedules in sync.

Tuesday?  I was nothing like yesterday and it was a struggle from the beginning, but I'm looking for the positive. The "work" day is almost over and we completed all of our school work.  I got to see Honey at lunch, and I have been blessed to be able to stay at home while my kids are school age.  I love it when all my kids are home, hearing the laughter around the dinner table, the kidding, the interaction... I love seeing the excitement of Oldest joke around with Youngest while they clean up after dinner, seeing Honey smile, and believe it or not I love to see him tinker in the garage because that's what he loves to do.  It doesn't look like much fun to me, but it's his kind of relaxing. 

Today?  Got bran and banana muffins made for tonight's home group, am part way through school, schedules are way off and I'm not sure where Youngest has wandered off to. The Princess is croupy and grumpy, the cat threw up on the floor but has stopped peeing in the dog food (we think it's because of a UTI and not rebellion), it's raining again (we could use that) and the dog is ready for the padded cell because it's lightening and thundering and she's  a scardy dog... life will go on and I'm looking for the positive on another day in paradise.   The difference between Monday & today from yesterday - I didn't start my day talking to Him.  I knew better, but let the craziness of the morning take hold.  While not every day will be great, but it sure is better when I give it to Him... and you know what?  Just because I do give my day to Him, it may still be crazy... but how am I going to let it define me and how I handle it?

For He will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble.   Psalm 27:5

Keli from Internet Cafe Devotions stated:

  "I hear Jesus whispering in my ear, “Abide in me. Don’t let your circumstances define you or expect them to nurture you. Don’t sit back and hope the rains will come. Set your roots deep into me. Listen to me, follow me, love me. When you do, I promise you’ll not only survive, but you’ll thrive. When you’re…

…filled with sorrow, rest in me.

…overcome with worry, trust in me.

…drowning in despair, follow me.

…thirsting for a fresh word, listen to me.

…dabbling with doubt, obey me.

…a swirl with apathy, seek me.”

 I guess what I'm so slow about it realizing I need to bloom where He has planted me.  Some people are missionaries in foreign countries, people are talented and gifted leaders, artists, businessmen/women, sanitation workers, photographers, teachers, and more.  Me?  I'm learning to love where He put me, in a place that I prayed for when I was young, with my own mission field of kids being brought to me in the form of babysitting and tutoring.

The Crazies

I don't know about you, but it has been crazy around here! Is that how it's been there?

Honey's Poker Face

It started in with a little rebellion about not wanting to start school.  I must confess that I was the one not ready to start school.  I had no clue to what I was going to do, only had half of the curriculum I needed (I'm still waiting on 4 books), and lesson plans??? HA!  So here I sit, 4 days into school, because I put school off for a week.  You know, no matter how much I didn't want to start, I had to, and it's going to be okay.  We're still trying to settle into the routine, thankfully Ebay has helped keep cost down on books.  Yes, I'm still tutoring/home educating "W", so I have felt the pressure to start school.

Oldest has been in school for a week now, with a few schedule changes he's now taking college calculus, college environmental science, psychology,  honors English, and American history, while being active in band. Almost every day he receives some type of information from colleges... it's a little sobering!

Only has posed a problem with me because I really had no idea what to do with her this year.  She already has all of her Science finished, will do Government/Civics next semester (we are borrowing it from a friend who is using it this semester), and since $$ is a little tight, so spending $300 for an AP English class is out of the question.  That said, she is doing a Home Ec/Family Economics class paired with two minor weekly jobs: Babysitting once a week (3 hrs.) for a ladies Bible Study and cleaning a couple's home on Thurs or Friday. She started buying her own clothes last year and she has learned that buying new cost more than going to resale where she can find quality clothes for less and get more!  She has also been working on her Driver's Learners Permit.  There have been times I've prayed for God's protection as she was driving because I thought I was going to die, but she has improved greatly and I believe she will be taking her driver's test today or tomorrow! 

This summer I started tutoring a 9th grader three times per week (6 hours) and this has continued now that school has started, except now I only tutor him for 3 hours.  He and Youngest really hit it off and they love it when I give him a 5 minute break.  They love to play Hide and Seek from me, so at the end of 5 minutes I always seem to have to really hunt to find them.  Sometimes they hide under beds, in closets, clothes hampers, cubby holes... in the weirdest places and they are hard to find!  Sometimes I find them quietly talking - about what is a mystery to me. 

Oldest, Only, Bandit - here comes trouble!

Last week we were able to spending time with friends relaxing, the kids rode go karts, did some target practice, and swimming.

Proverbs 16:24  Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 

Come this Monday, I will start watching a 7 month old... Yes, I know... I already have enough to do.  It's actually a remedy for a situation of watching a different infant (The Princess' aunt, who is due in Oct.) that would have put a great stress on our house and relationship with the mother's family whom we are close to, but we are not close to the mother... long story, but I will spare you the pain.  Thankfully the new infant is from a family we know and she is a chunkaroo!   Looking forward to getting some baby time, but it will be a period of adjustment for us and The Princess, as she believes she runs this house and the toys and people belong to her.  It may be a rough day for us!

We have had some drama in our house for the first time involving teens.  We've been fortunate so far that we've been drama free, but we've been watching a relationship develop and it's getting sticky.  Oldest has taken a huge liking to Only's best friend, and he is counting down the days until she turns 16.  This has put a strain between Only and Best friend and Only and Oldest, especially when Oldest asked "J" to the Prom without telling us or Only, as well as the mission trip they went on. Yikes!  I'm so thankful for prayer warriors that have surrounded us during this time, or we would not make it out very well.  We have a long road ahead of us and much building and repairing to do...

doing the Cockroach

If you've made it this far, you're doing good!  Today has been the first good day of the week.  Youngest has been up since 4 a.m. so I sent him off to bed at 10:30.  I'm sure this has to do with his ADHD and starting back to school.  I was thankful that God sent a dear lady my way by phone that offered a few things we can try to help him and am anxious to try a few of them. Our freezer decided to quit last week and we lost about
 $60 worth of meat along with other stuff... Not figured out how to solve that one yet - I should be praying for that as well.

Job 22:21-22

        ²¹"Yield now and be at peace with Him;

         Thereby good will come to you.

    ²²"Please receive instruction from His mouth

         And establish His words in your heart.

Happy Birthday to Me?

Yesterday was my birthday (39 and holding) and I can say it didn't start out that great. I had a bad attitude.  I didn't want to do school.  I wanted to take the day off, play with the Princess, blog, and relax, but I knew that I needed to.  I had to ask God to help me change that or it was going to be a miserable day. I must say the morning and day did get better.  I was overwhelmed with birthday wishes from friends on Facebook and text from friends.  They were just the encouragement I needed!!  Honey gave me a gift certificate for two massages at Positive Energy.  I had one of these a few years ago for Mother's Day and it was divine!  Wahooo!  I  can't wait to schedule this. I'll probably have to wait until school is out, but Nancy is awesome! 

Hebrews 4:12 (New International Version) 

 ¹²For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Look what crawled up in our yard on Saturday!  It was just plain scary. We tried to pick it up to get it away from the house, but discovered they have the LONGEST necks and really powerful jaws... YIKES!  Finally got it in a bucket and Oldest hauled the massive 14" beast across the road.  We had one chase us across the road when we went out to check it out and it was twice as big as this one!  We ran like chickens!

Here is the bouquet of flowers now that Honey gave me for Mother's Day now that it's opened up.  I think it's one of the prettiest one's I've gotten so far. 

  I was surprised when The Princess' family gave me a birthday balloon, coconut M&M's (so yummy), the funniest card!  Here is what was on the inside:       "And if you can Remember two things, you're way ahead of the rest of us."

Oldest went to the Prom this weekend with a sweet girl, "J", that we love.  First Prom, first Date... They said they had a great time, his friends were super nice to "J" and she felt very comfortable with them.  Us? We sat at home watching TV and I worked on finishing Only's Rag Quilt (just have the snipping left to do).  I didn't worry because they are responsible and good friends, but I did pray for them, the nuts out there on the road and at the prom, and that they would have a good time and return home safely.  He was a gentleman, treated her like a Princess, and got her home before Curfew and they were both still smiling when they got home!  
 
Mother's Day was actually pretty good. I've had to ask God to work on my heart in this area as well.  I know I've not made it easy on Honey, and I've really had to examine why I dread this "holiday" so much... I spent most of the day working on lesson plans and actually fell asleep at the desk.  Should have opted for that nap!  Family did take me out to Chili's for dinner. Youngest gave me a cross sucker and fancy tissues he got with his Awanas bucks.  I did have a great time reading cards at the store (something my roommate and I used to do when we were in college).  There are some really FUNNY ones out there and I wanted to buy more than a few but didn't.  I actually bought one for a friend, but my kids thought I bought it for myself and signed it... *giggle*  Here is one HallMark card that I wanted to buy but didn't.   Inside: If it gets on your kid,  Mom Spit will get it out!



We finished my birthday  last night riding out the storms that blew across OK, KS, MO, and AR.  Much destruction with this one, but thankful it wasn't as bad as it could have been here. It still tied my stomach into knots.  Growing up in Southern KS,  I've always been really nervous when it comes to storms! 

What are we looking forward to this week?  

• Oldest has Spring Band Concert tonight (should be really good!), 
• I'm doing research on Asperger Syndrome concerning the boy I tutor, I have so much to learn and observe.  I'm so out of my comfort zone.
• Saturday Only and I are heading to Little Rock to meet Kaye Dacus at a book signing (we're so totally excited!!), and the boys are heading to Tulsa for Drag Races...
• Only and I have been getting up at 5:30 each morning for the past 3 weeks to work out and I've already lost 5 lbs!  Honey joked that he found them, but I already feel better.  I'm looking forward to being able to do Level 2 without so much moderation!
  
  
  What are you looking forward to this week?   How has God been working on you?  

Evening at home

Look What was going on at our house tonight...

A little whip cracking by Youngest

 

 Pretty Flowers  

Grilled chicken, burgers, and tators

           

Grilled homemade burger buns

 

 Only reading a good Kay Dacus book

 

 

What kind of interesting things are happening at your house? Are things more relaxed? Stressed? Any special celebrations?  Everyday happening? 

A New Day

I think there are a lot of people praying for us.  It was a fabulously beautiful day for us yesterday.  We've had much laughter at with The Princess and we even did school!

• The Princess used the potty THREE times (even the littlest things are cause for celebration),
• we laughed at her (and my) silly dancing to Days of Elijah after lunch
• I explored blogs while Youngest was doing math problems and English (I'm shameless) and found a few new ones I enjoyed and revisited a few I had not in the last two weeks.  Here is one from a fabulously creative Momma that I love dearly and some beautiful purses she recently made.
•  Where a Second Glance Makes all the Difference
• Last night was Girl's Night Out at Sweet Bay Coffee Co. while Honey took the kids to a Skillet concert. 
• Youngest had a great day with minimal tears and better concentration. 

Last night was a wonderful time with the Girls.  I so much appreciate these Sisterchicks so much because when we are together there is an allowance of being real, honest, crying, sharing, laughing, venting, and accepting of the vast differences and backgrounds, experiences, and roads we've been on. I just love these ladies and the feeling of being at ease when we're all together. 

Whew! There is a lot going on this week with just our family.  

• Oldest is on a summer job interview at this moment.  My heart made a huge leap in my chest when I saw when walk out the door all dressed up for this.  
• Oldest will go on his FIRST date this Saturday and to his first Prom as well... Thankfully, she is a girl we know well, love her and her family, AND go to church with them!  We've never pushed dating or stuff or made a big deal about it, but a few rules reside in our home: No dating until 16, must go in groups, and have fun. So Oldest has been working hard to secure his own tux, the fitting, the corsage (or a "wristlet" as it called it), and finding someone fun to double date with.  He finally asked his best friend (who happens to be from a rival school) to hang with them while driving to and from.  It's honestly been a little sticky around our house because Oldest's date is one of Only's best friends and Oldest neglected to tell us or Only that he had asked her out.  Still praying on this one... 
• Only now has her drivers permit, but Honey has been doing the ride-along stuff.  
• It's Mother's Day weekend... It's a REALLY long story, but I've never liked, always disliked this day, and even dreaded it.  It always falls on or extremely close to my birthday (10th) and it has always been a difficult day for me.  Knowing this, I was surprised when this flower arrangement arrived today from Honey, but thankful that he's not given up trying.  God has been really working on my heart this last week about Mother's Day... Even now as I write about it, it is hard and I'm ready to cry and just pitch it all.  
• The Sunday before last we attended the vow renewal of some really dear friends, celebrating their 22nd Anniversary. Their two little boys giggling from the pews as their parents "sealed their vows with a kiss" and family looking on.  Later that week, as the kids and I were in the kitchen after school was done, it was brought up that Honey and I should renew ours since it will be our 20th in June... I told them I had no time to plan something like that, so they countered we should do it for our 25th.  I told them they wouldn't be around at that time (I'm thinking they will be in college or something).  The boy I tutor said he wanted to be the "best man", to which Oldest put his arm around my shoulder and said "Mommy, I'll walk you down the aisle!"   I just wanted to sit down and cry because no one had ever offered to do that before (another long and painful story) and now Oldest and Youngest were fighting who was going to do it... What a deep effect this has had on me... *sigh*
• On the lighter side, I had 4 inches chopped off my thick straight hair and my dear hairstyles even did a quick color my gray for me yesterday... I felt like a new woman... Now if I can just style it to look half like she did for my driver's license picture tomorrow that I have to renew! 
  
  Thank you so much for stopping by, wading through this post and just "listening!"

Just another day in paradise

I think I have a theme song for our family. In fact, it is actually my husband's ringtone - something that we can relate to on a daily basis. The kids and I know exactly who is calling when this song plays. Granted we don't have kids screaming - they're teenagers now... But when I hear this song, it puts a smile on my face because somehow Phil Vassar's Just Another Day in Paradise makes it seem so much more normal and okay.

The kids screamin', phone ringin' Dog barkin' at the mailman bringin' That stack of bills, overdue Good morning, baby, how are you Got a half hour, a quick shower Take a drink of milk, but the milk's gone sour My funny face makes you laugh Twist the top on, and I put it back There goes the washin' machine Baby, don't kick it I promise I'll fix it 'Long about a million other things Well, it's okay, it's so nice (It's) just another day in paradise Where there's no place that I'd rather be Well, it's two hearts And one dream I wouldn't trade it for anything And I ask the Lord every night, ooh For just another day in paradise Friday, you're late Guess we'll never make our dinner date At the restaurant you start to cry Baby, we'll just improvise Well, Plan B looks like Dominoes' pizza in the candlelight Then we'll tippy toe to our room Make a little love that's overdue But somebody had a bad dream Mama and daddy (Can) me and my teddy Come in and sleep in between For just another day in paradise, oh yeah Well, it's the kids screamin', the phone ringin' Just another day Well, it's Friday, you're late Oh, yeah

Well, this week I've lived this song - the washing machine did break. I can't tell you the last time I visited a laundry mat, but a sweet friend helped me find the ONLY one we have in our town! Yep, just one and thankfully it was pretty empty for my 8 loads in those tiny washers and I would have rather not spent close to $20 on this adventure... Yes, I'm so thankful that there was a laundry mat and I didn't have to drive to the next town. Through this little break down in our daily lives, God reminded me of how well he has provided for me... No we didn't win the lottery, but rather He gave me a husband that isn't afraid to tackle the job himself - and I must say he succeeds most all the time. Life doesn't always go smoothly, dr. bills, boy scouts, algebra, and - oh yeah, what's for dinner, I can't find any clean jeans... I'm trying to figure out how to get it to all gel together, but we're two hearts, one dream... Just another day in paradise!

I choose to Remain

John 15:4

"Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me.

Matthew 11:28 (The Message)

^28-30"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

I was reading this morning before the day really started, grasping for some sanity on a day I know will be busy. As I was sitting there reading, I was struck with how much He desires to be part of our daily lives. The first thing that came to my mind as I was reading, was when we have company - especially pizza night. When we have friends over for a pizza night, it is a night filled with tons of laughter, kids running and playing, and adults just sitting and enjoying time for conversation amid the cloud of flour rising from the kitchen. Friends know that when they are at my house for pizza, they grab an apron and get in there, helping to make pizzas, create and customize for each person the pizza they want. It's fun! This is what God wants from me. He doesn't want me to sit him in the living room while I go on with my life, He wants to be in the "kitchen" with me, creating, encouraging, guiding and helping me to grow. If I put Him in the living room, I won't get to visit with him and live with Him. Rather, he would be a Guest not a friend. I just have to remember to not put him in the corner in a stuffy chair, rather let Him into the Kitchen of my life and share in the "fun."

What I've learned

Cats often devise their own sets of rules that they think we should live by, and they may be quick to chastise us if we fail to adhere to these rules! Margaret Reister

It was difficult to feel vexed by a creature that burst into a chorus of purring as soon as I spoke to him. Philip Brown

These two kitties have been sworn enemies since the day Tex arrived at our home. Hissing, arched backs, barred claws, and cowering kitten has become an every waking hour common place. It has been more than a month, but they are slow making their way to becoming friends. The atmosphere is tolerable at least, but yesterday we saw spotted Midnight snuggled under a fresh warm load of laundry and Tex inches his way as close as he dared... It gave us a bit of hope. It's been a few weeks since I last posted and I've felt guilty, but this time has been spent with my family and I needed that. It's the last day of 2008 and I could spend the time reflecting on this past year, but when you're sick most of the year, time spent in doctor's appointment, having test done, etc. I'd rather not revisit it! I must say that I'm thankful for blogging. It has given me an outlet for writing, which I love, and a way to keep family and friends up on what is going on in our humble home. What have I learned through blogging?

1. There are terrifically wonderful people out there that I've not met, but they've influenced and touched my life. They have challenged me to think deeper, care more, pray harder, love deeper, and listen. They pray, encourage, laugh, cry, and pray. Thank you!
2. I've learned tons of handy household tips and recipes, and shared a few of my own: making my own laundry detergent (thanks Tracey), using vinegar in place of fabric softener,
3. I've learned that after 42 years on this earth, I'm still working to find out who I am, face my fears, that doing something I'm uncomfortable with does not have to be a terrible experience. I'm finding that if I think I'm going to fail at something, I put it off... Isn't there a self help group for this??? I'm learning that I'm not the person that people assume I am, but I'm struggling to be real. I'm a little like the Velveteen Rabbit.
4. I'm learning that's it's okay to say "No, I'm not taking on any more responsibilities outside my home", being honest is okay, and I should have had my deviated septum taken care of YEARS ago. If I only would have known how much better it would help me feel.
5. It's okay to laugh and be silly, be human with your kids, but still, burping at the dinner table is taboo, even if some cultures deem it as a good sign that the food was good.
6. A lack of planning on my children's part or the inability to write something down on the calendar does not constitute an emergency on my part.
7. If we don't PLAN and write the time down to get together, the "We need to get together sometime" will never happen. We have a great year getting together with friends, even if it's over pizza. This is one investment we're so glad to make!
8. I spend too much time on blogging and facebook!

Chocolate cake for breakfast

Oldest is now 16 Only made his cake, so keen Momma made the frosting Honey loves the goo on his humble cake too. Youngest got his Twinkie chocolate gives him hives. Christmas Tree is up, cat in tree, decorations still in boxes like forgotten sock Teen watches weather, crushed to school we must slush. Mom contemplates the day and sneaks chocolate cake and milk for breakfast. Wonder what's for lunch?

The Spirit that lives in my home...

Humans are curious by nature, curiosity is not only a feline trait. Have you ever driven by a house at night and caught yourself looking in, if the window blinds are up and the lights are on? Wondering who lives there, how they've decorated, what do they do. Am I the only person with this type of curiosity? I'm not sure about you, but our family enjoys looking at houses. We've played that game with our kids and ourselves: "That's my dream home" or "I wonder what it's like on the inside, " or "Oh! I love the way..." Mind you, we're not peeping toms, or stalkers, but we're curious and we're dreamers... While looking out my kitchen window yesterday, I was reminded of a popular country group, Lonestar, that has a catchy tune out From my Front Porch Looking In. It talks about what's on the inside of the house that matters, the family. It got me to thinking of those people that drive by my house. Okay, so we don't live in a mansion or astute neighborhood, but it's our house and it has become our home through the years. What would you see if you drove by or even stopped by our house? Now be warned, this is where we live and it actually looks like we live here. Martha Stewart nor HGTV have ever visited here, and we'll never be featured on Better Homes & Gardens, but we want you to be at home. We will NOT pass the White Glove Inspection, but the EPA will not be shutting us down. What is home? To us it is a place where we belong, we can unwind, relax, and and feel safe. We are all homemakers, not just me. To borrow from Emily Barnes, Christian author and speaker, in her book "The Spirit of Loveliness"

A refuge is not a hole where you disappear to eat and sleep and then emerge to go about the business of life. A welcoming home is where real life happens. It's where personalities are nurtured, where growth is stimulated, where people feel free not only to be themselves but also to develop their best selves. That caring, nurturing quality -- not the absence of noise or strife -- is what makes a home a refuge"

You would be Welcome: Driving up to my house you may see the potted plants and flower bed out front filled with various treasures (special rocks given by my kids), things they have made, a basketball goal (kids like to play outdoors), a worn set of wood chairs (just right for stopping by to sit and visit in), welcome mat (Beware of the Cat) meant to warn and bring some humor. Come in! Come in! Kick your shoes off by the front door if you want. Pull up a chair at the kitchen table or get comfy in the living room. Make your self at home. Care to browse a magazine, children's book, photo album, or just sit back and take a nap? Don't mind the dust on the table or on the pictures. Can I get you some tea or water? The bathroom? Um... Oh... I hope it's clean! What is my goal in all this? Again, I turn to Emilie:

"For home is not a structure of wood, brick, metal or spackle. It is what grows within its walls, nurtured by the hearts and sounds of whose who live within... Open your hearts and allow your teachable spirit to develop a home and a life that are filled with caring and warmth and growth... and welcome." Emilie Barnes

If you visit here, hopefully you'll see treasures, memories, and maybe even an idea or two. We hope you'll laugh, snooze, chat, and relax. The invitation is open, just stop on by, but remember: If you come to see us, you're welcome anytime. If you come to see my home, please make an appointment, because, remember we live here, and we have bunnies that live on ceiling fans, under couches, and other various places. Next time, I'll try to make sure the bathroom is a little more clean! Does this mean that I'm completely comfortable with the way my house looks? Will I rush to straighten things up if I know you're coming? Probably. Why? Because my house is an extension of our family. How you view my home is how I see you view us. I hope that you will see that you are welcome

Matthew 25:35 'For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in.