Posted in Family Life

OH.MY.GOODNESS... my kids are nuts!!!  I finally settled in long enough to wrap presents last night and when the kids woke up they went crazy over the fact that there were actually presents now.  LOL  Dan still has some shopping to do now that he is out of school and he will be taking the kids to do last minute shopping for each other.  They have been thinking about what they were going to buy for each other and have made their shopping lists.  It is so cool watching them think about what they would buy for each other.  We started that about 5 years ago and it has made them much more generous and they love to watch the reactions from the person they are gifting when they open presents on Christmas morning.  The rest of the year they may fight and bicker but on Christmas morning there is laughing and talking about what they gave each other and why.  It is so cool!!!

I have some serious baking to get done for our church party for tomorrow night.  I won't get to go caroling with everyone this year because I am still moving somewhat slowly but I will set up snacks and make hot water for cocoa and coffee for when they get back.  My friend Gabby will be helping with that so I won't do too much too soon. 

Dan is out at the gun range with a friend this morning so the kids and I are picking up around the house and will be making lunch in a few minutes.  J(14) has decided, I think, to do a CD of music he has written for his grandparents and aunts and uncles.  That is a cool present and I hope I get one in MY stocking, too!!!  The boy is gifted and if I were not his mother I would still think that.  I am not kidding when I say God has created him for music in a huge way!!!  I cannot wait to see what God will do with this boy's life.  (all the kids, really, but right now J(14) because he is the oldest)

I did not spend much on Dan for Christmas this year but I think I got something that would bring a tear to his eye.  I prefer those kinds of gifts to stuff people don't really need or spending money just to say it was expensive. 

I am also thinking there might be a new puppy in our future.  J(14) really wants a beagle... he talks about it a great deal.  We just have to repair some fencing to keep a dog in the yard, first.  That may happen in the next two weeks.  A puppy would not be under the tree but might be sometime around the first of the year if we can find one.  We are going to be picky because we want a dog that would be a good companion for J(14) and still patient with the three year old.  A dog is not a thing to rush into in our house... so many crazy kiddos that need a special temperament  to deal with them and all.  We were like that when we got our cat for E(9) four years ago, too.  The cat is JUST LIKE her... I am NOT kidding.  They have the same temperament and are a perfect fit. 

We have two more Advent candles left and will be doing them Sunday night and then the final on Christmas Eve.  I am enjoying this season so much more than in years past.  I think part of it is that we are not having to travel all over this year and are just focusing on being home and being a family.  I think another part of it is that I have had to be still.  God has kept me still and listening more this year than any other year before.  I think I like that more.  I need to take that and make it happen every year.  I will have to plan to get all the shopping and such done earlier and to focus more on gifts that show how much I love someone instead of just buying "stuff" for gifting's sake.

For Christmas Eve we will be home, probably watching a movie, eating a quiet dinner and opening the Christmas Eve packages of pajamas to sleep in.  I wrapped those this morning and the kids were asking what I was doing...  It was hilarious to hear the conversation...

Youngest:   What are you wrapping mommy?
Daughter:   Our Christmas Eve gifts...
Youngest:   What is it?
Middle Boy:  I don't know...
Daughter:   You don't remember what Mom gives us on Christmas Eve?
Middle Boy:   Books?
Daughter:   No... are you serious?  You don't remember???
Oldest:   Pajamas you goofball!!!
Middle Boy:   OH YEAH, I remember...

Everyone laughs!!!

Youngest:   What do they look like?

Everyone else rolls eyes and walks away... "You have to wait to find out!"
Daughter:  You will LOVE them... we ALWAYS love them.

Happy Mom just smiles!!!  I LOVE PAJAMA GIFTING!!!!!

Boy, this has gotten chatty...  I need to get some lunch going and I am not sure when I will be on again.  I will try to post some foodie things and I am still moving all my archives to the new blog.  Six years worth of blogging postS.... that is a lot of work.   lol  I need to just save it all to a disk and not care but I like to have all my stuff in one place as much as possible.  After next week I should be down to three blogs... foodie, books and main and will try really hard NOT to have any more.  My goal is to just be me on one blog and not split myself into so many realms.  I am one person and need to keep all my thoughts in one place.  Hope that makes sense...

Anyway, I hope you all have a very merry Christmas and may you have all you need at this season but most of all I hope you have Jesus!!!  

Love to you all!!!

~Leann

Posted in Family Life

You reach a point where you are just tired of sitting around.  I have reached that point...

This past week I have missed a great deal. 

Missed Dan's one turn to preach this month last week... I LOVE when he preaches!  *sigh*  The other two, not so much...

Dan and J(14) have had their Christmas concert at school.  I did not get to go...

They had their Cub Scout party.... again, stuck at home.

Today is the annual Tuba Christmas program at the mall... the big boys are playing today....stuck...

I could probably go to church tomorrow if I am just sitting but it is the time after that will be taxing with going to MIL's house and being with all the bouncy cousins that like to jump on me - I cannot be jumped upon at this point... believe me the three year old has been suffering from lack of pouncing on mommy.  I SO hate telling him he cannot sit with me. 

My mom went home yesterday... I miss her already...

...and I am missing Nattie today...  Happy birthday Dearheart!!!

I am in a pity party mood and I apologize... I won't blog again until I feel more spirited and less moody, I promise.

Posted in Family Life

My mom has been here for a little over a week now.  She and my dad wanted to buy us a new refrigerator for Christmas.  It was delivered this morning!!!  I am so excited!!!!!

Out with the old...

This was an 18 cubic feet refrigerator we bought when we had ONE child.  Now we have four so...


In with the new!



Now we have a whopping 24 cubic feet!!!  I LOVE IT!!!!!

Note:  E(9) put the first thing on it... she could NOT resist!  LOL

Posted in Family Life

We have had quite the nutty day.  We woke to 2 inches of snow on the ground at 7:00am and it has been snowing all day since.  I think we reached about 10-12 inches of snow by the time the sun went down a bit ago.  We have also moved our dining room to the sunroom so we can enjoy the view from our dining table as we enjoy our food.  We are also cleaning and tomorrow I am cooking a turkey.  We had our Thanksgiving with family but we are doing our own meal tomorrow just because.  I have a turkey thawed and I will be doing the sides tomorrow.  I don't think we will be going to church tomorrow because J(14) and I have been sick most of the weekend with a headcold and the roads will be frozen after a night with temps in the 20s and all the water and snow on the streets that will be freezing up overnight.  Dan will probably go just in case someone shows up but I think it highly unlikely there will be many if any there.  Anyway... 

Here are some pics from today...

Posted in Family Life

not a stitch of make-up here but the hair was freshly cut.  :)

Posted in Family Life

Hey ladies!  I have missed you all...  The week past has been a bit nuts but here is a bullet update for you...

*   School four days with journal and take home test turned in on Tuesday
*   Worked on my very first wedding cake and reception
*   Got my hair cut and highlighted - I am officially blond!  LOL
*   Piano solo festival out of the way and theory tests done
*   J(14) made 1st chair all-region symphonic band (the top band) and is officially the best trombone player in the middle schools in the whole city... SO COOL!!!
*   Dan and J(14) have the day off tomorrow
*   Got another test in nutrition on Wednesday
*   Got the bake-off coming on Saturday next week so I am working on entries this week
*   I am behind on Bible study but hope to go on Tuesday if all are well.
*   Joshy was sick last week for about 4 days
*   I owe one more day for office work to be caught up on my function credits
*   The biggest part of my semester is over by Saturday afternoon and it is just a matter of two week until surgery by then. 
*   Ready for Thanksgiving and for my mom to be here soon! 

More as I can post...  and I hope to catch up on reading some blogs this week, too.  I am so neglectful of the online part of my life lately. 

Love to all!

Posted in Family Life

What a nutty week!!!  I have had so much to do...  We have been working on laminated doughs in class this week.  I was at school until 10:30pm on Tuesday night and I have a midterm for class tonight along with making croissants.  I finally got the pastry cream down and got praise from chef.... but that should be for the foodie blog, huh?  LOL 

On Monday we got our nutrition tests back and ladies, I got a 99!!!!!  Dan said, "What happened?"  "What did you miss???"  Then he got the big sly grin... It is a private joke, he was not chastising me....    Last night was a lecture night but we have a research paper due next Wednesday and then we are doing our presentation next Wednesday, too.  I will be glad to get past that hurdle.  That means I am going to continue to be scarce for a few more days and then I can be bloggy again! 

I have had to take a step back this week and decide to cut back next semester.  Not an easy thing but I need to to make sure I am healthy and not pushing things too quickly.  I am taking an online course (accounting) and then only one lab course (pies, tarts, pastries...).  That means I will only be on campus for 2 days next week.  I will sure miss it...  It is only temporary and then I hope to be back to it in the summer with lecture and then in the fall with labs again.  Lab simply means the cooking and baking courses, btw.  Lecture courses are those that teach theory and business skills like purchasing, restaurant management and such. 

The week was made more difficult this week with the sickies floating around the house.  Baby boy has been sick along with Dan and J(13) and I have had a bit of a drainage issue with my sinuses, too.  I am back on the echinacea and goldenseal temporarily.  I will have to cut the echinacea completely out at least 2 weeks before surgery. 

Well, the kiddos have piano lessons this morning with grandma and then I am off to meet the teachers at J(13)'s school.  I am going in early today to school and tomorrow morning to get some computer work done for the chefs as part of my function requirements this semester. 

Love to you all!!! 

Posted in Family Life

We spent the day among the cornstalks today!  A lovely day in the country was had by all...  We walked the maze, picnicked, fed the goats and rabbits, picked pumpkins, saw cotton fields and pecan orchards, and rode on a hayride and a cow train.  Pictures are coming to my flickr and MySpace soon...

Question... do any of you have a MySpace that you would be willing to share?  I have lots of you on my friend list at this time but there might be someone else that might be interested in sharing friend status.  If you do and would like to be added to my list please let me know - I would love to add you!  Thanks so much!!!

Posted in Family Life

I studied well for my nutrition test.  I was done with 55 questions in about 20 minutes.  There were a few little questions but for the most part I think I aced this thing.  It feels good to have 2 tests down and three to go.  Now, I have a research paper to work on for the next two weeks and get that turned in and then I  can do my presentation up front, too.  I want as much as possible out of the way before November.  I also had to ask my chef instructor if I could do some office tasks instead of catering and restaurant functions so that I could be off my feet a bit more right now.  He was good with that .  He keeps asking me if I am sure I don't have cancer or something bad.  He is quite serious.  I keep reassuring him I will be fine.  So I will be going in to do some typing of recipes into their database and working on the cookbook and website a bit.  When it is up and running I will share that with you guys. 

I still have lots on my plate for this week even though the most stressful thing is past.  (the test)  I have a mini flower arrangement to do for Friday... (which I suck at, btw...) and then I have some tea cookies and I am praying my Shasta daisies open up so I have something to submit for the horticultural exhibits.  If they don't I have a single rose cluster I have but it is not the same... It is such a long story as to why I am still doing this flower show after I told then THREE times I really had a tight schedule and could not commit.  They are pushy old ladies and quite annoying... I don't think any of them remember having children and a husband and being in school and cooking all the meals and going to a weekly Bible study and studying for a test and homeschooling three children and waiting for surgery while in great pain most days and and and and.....  They don't get that I am busier than the WHOLE GARDEN CLUB COMBINED!!!!!!!    *bigsigh*...  I sigh a lot don't I?  LOL  Anyway, after this event I am out of the circle until I have more time to just hang out with them - which, at this rate, will be somewhere around 2035. 

I am going to make tomorrow as relaxed as I can possibly make it even with the extra tasks I have to do and I think E(9) will be getting a crash course in helping mommy make a miniature flower arrangement.  She is quite creative and I think she can do the brainstorming for her poor brain dead mommy.  LOL  We will go to the store for a few items in the morning and then go from there.  It will have to be a very few due to the budget and I think I have some fabric here we can use.... now if those daisies would just BLOOM!!!  Any suggestions on forcing them??? 

My next post will be thirteen things I wish I had time to do this week...  LOL  or something to that effect. 

Posted in Family Life

Wordless Wednesday

IF YOU GIVE A GIRL SOME YARN ...

chances are she will want some needles and hooks to go with it!  LOL

She will be teaching ME how to knit very soon after surgery. 

We will have lots of time to practice...






Updated for Dana...

Yes, those toes are painted and the girl looks like her aunt...  Dan's sister

Posted in Family Life

I LOVE a new month... a new beginning... a new season...  I ADORE Autumn!  It is my most favorite time of the year.  The air has that little cooler feel to it lately, even here in the desert.  School is in full swing and we are baking pies in class this week so I really feel "fallish" now.  LOL  I have been sharing a computer with my darling hubby and so some days I don't have it until he gets home in the evening.  That explains why this post is so dadburned late in the evening... when I should be sleeping instead of blogging.  LOL 

With little time to post stuff I thought you might want to see a few pics...  It is hard when I have all my other pictures on my old computer to put some here.  I have to remember to do that more often.

I know my mom does! 

So, here is me... yesterday... laughing with Dan over something as he snaps my picture.  He makes me laugh just when I need to most. 


One amazingly supportive hubby!!!  Dan the Band Directin' Man...

This boy has GOT to stop growing!!!!!!!  NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So proud of the man he is becoming.... well, most days!  LOL  The teen years are not easy my friends but they are SO doable!!!!!!!!

Gotta get to bed... Bible study and school tomorrow. 

Love to you all!!!

Posted in Family Life

We attended J(13)'s first football game yesterday.  We sat out in the sun from about 11:00am until 1:00pm.  Dan and the band were there playing and it was a "homecoming game" of sorts with his school playing their longtime rival.  Dan and J(13) both did great!  J(13) had made the team for the week and got to play second string and got several great plays in.  He is a tall kiddo that has proven to be a great tackle.  He got within about a second of sacking the quarterback when he went in.  He got kudos from the coach with a little, "get there faster next time" sidebar!  LOL  He shows promise and really enjoyed the team aspect.  I was one proud Mama... and a bit of lobster to boot!  LOL

Posted in Family Life

We have had two couples that are very close to us tell us that they want a divorce in the last week.  One couple came over last night just to tell us that they were going to file for divorce over the next year and go their separate ways peacefully.  Dan did a lot of counseling last night with them.  I am floored!!!  Why is marriage such a throw away concept today?  My brain is so busy with all the things that have happened over the past 24 hours...  

Would love to blog more but we have Bible study this morning and lots of things pressing in on me today. 

Posted in Family Life

...with some sinus headache and backache issues.  I think it is allergies but I am not sure.  Today has been a bit of a non-productive day.   J(13) did help a friend with an Eagle project by taking pictures and he and I made a cake together earlier for a fellow scout.  He is turning out to be quite a volunteer.  Oh, the mouthiness still exsists and the teen behaviors that are to be expected from time to time but he is doing well.  He is ready for school to start.  I wish I could say the same.  I could use another week of trying to get things together but we will start on Monday no matter what and work our way back into a full day of school. 

D(7) has had a tummy thing for two days and is finally eating normally again today.  I do NOT do regurgitation very well.  I think I have said that before...  No more mention of it in this post, I promise.  LOL

A little project I am working on for the Daring Bakers group is turning out to be fun and I cannot wait to share with you all.  It has to remain a secret until the group reveal on August 29th but it will be yummy I promise. 

I got my first copy of a book today with the words "Advance Reader Copy" on it!  That is really cool!!!  I have taken on some more review work as of late.  Not for pay but the books are free so it has been a blessing for one who LOVES to get books.  These books are really more along the lines of what I enjoy reading, too, so it is easy to take them on. 

Tomorrow is a church day and a dreaded business meeting.  Without going into lots of details I just don't like our business meetings - they are more like dictator instructions than a democratic meeting of equals.  Enough said...

Not much else is going on... just the headaches and the need to do a bit of cleaning and reading for school.  I will check in sometime Monday.  I am on Dan's computer right now but can access mine when I need to do so.  Still no decision on what to do but we have left it in the Lord's hands and we will wait on Him for finances and provision as He sees we need it. 

It is bedtime... see ya!  :)

Posted in Family Life

I am NEVER in them because no one else wants to use my camera but here are two of my favorites.  I will put more up as I load them to my computer.  :)

A day of hiking, fishing and picnicking up at a local lake in the mountains in Colorado. 
It was surely lovely!!!

Same day, same hike but a stop at a local waterfall and bridge in the area. 
I could live here!!!

Posted in Family Life

Got home on Tuesday night and then started my second round of National Garden Clubs Flower Show School on Wednesday morning.  I finish up with my test tomorrow morning at 9:00am.  Camping was lovely!  So much to share and I am trying to learn how to upload video so you can see my stuff on Flickr or somewhere from the baptism.  Everything was so great!!!  My next 18 hours are a bit nuts so I leave you with well wishes until I can get back here for more chit chat.  I have supper to get on the table and some studying to get done and then to bed at a decent hour for good sleep for testing day. 

Blessings!!!

Posted in Family Life

Posted in Family Life

Found out today that Dan has been out of his second medication for THREE WEEKS.  I told him this morning that if he dies on me I am going to KILL him!!!  I try to let him manage all of that so he doesn't feel like I am his mother or anything.  You have no idea how I fight to NOT be so naggy sometimes with his health.  I do really well most days but today...  hmmmmm.....  I am biting my tongue a lot. 

He goes Monday to the doctor and a rather swift kick in the pants when he gets their I am sure.  The doctor will NOT be happy.  He is resting the rest of the weekend until he can get that BP down again.  He swears he had no idea the second med was so important.  I was at the doctor when he got the second med and I KNOW the doctor said, "Do NOT let this run out!"  Maybe his hearing will be better this time.  I believe he did not realize the severity but I sure hope he does not do this again. 

I am being a nice person even though I really did not want to be when I heard this news... 

...just sayin'

Posted in Family Life

Have you seen the moon tonight?  You haven't???  Ok, I will wait... go ahead and step outside for a minute and take a peek...  Is that  not amazing???  I can see it from where I am sitting and typing right now. 

I am so beat.  I catered an event for 12 today.  Only 10 were there so I had leftover food.  I just reheated everything for dinner.  My friend did not mind... at least I hope she didn't.  It was such a weird day.  We got some sad news from a dear couple today about transitioning and having to leave us.  Oh, hold on... there is a cloud passing over the moon... let me take a look... 

Beautiful, I tell you...  Anyway, Dan had to lead that meeting and deal with that sadness.  My friend came for dinner and things were weird.  Dan was acting strange.  He had just been to swim and did sprints during his workout.  His heart was racing and he was feeling odd.  He went out to take his BP and it was crazy high again.  Two meds taken EVERY SINGLE DAY, daily exercise and serious watching of his diet and STILL! What is going on??? 

So, after my children tortured my friend with endless Christian comedy clips she had to head home for the night. 

Dan has been in bed since about 7:30ish.  I put kiddos to bed by myself to let him rest.  I put food away and then did the dishes and now I am watching that darned amazing looking moon.  I am too thinkerly for bed right now.  I may have to work on some homework or study or something until my brain lets go of all the day's concerns.  Maybe I will just sit and read a bit.  I gotta have a closer quiet look at that moon now... and talk to the Creator of such beautiful things. 

See you all later.  Maybe tomorrow... 

Posted in Family Life

My brain hurts!!!  My eyes hurt...   My fingers hurt... Everything hurts from sitting in front of this computer screen all week.  I worked all afternoon on more project stuff.  Part of what I am dong is costing out recipes that I would use in my imaginary Bed and Breakfast.  Another thing I am doing is writing extensive job descriptions of all the positions I would have for said B&B.  It is very time consuming.  The rest of the evening will be spent crunching numbers and pricing menu items.  The rough draft is due tomorrow but I want to have it so there are very few changes I need to make before turning the final in.  I am very close! 

Once that is over I am scheduled to cater a dinner for Dan and the board members of a local camp facility.  Dan is the president and has asked his FAVORITE chef to put this together.  LOL  I have some serious planning and shopping to do and lots of prepwork.  All of this has to be done after tomorrow's class, though. 

The kids are so excited about camping that is all they talk about.  J(13) has been online trying to build a backpacker's stove.  He started with some little soda cans and has done amazing things with that.  He is SO destined to be a music playing praise and worship leader engineer someday.  The boy is gifted!!!  I know I am his mom... you expect that from me but if you met him you would say the same thing.  He did NOT get the engineering and math part from me and not all the music either.  ;)  God expects great things from this boy! 

Potty training is going well with very few accidents.  J(3) is figuring it all out very well. 

The middle children are even keel and are pushing me to hurry so we can eat sandwiches and watch a movie.  I am going to crunch numbers in front of a movie with them because they want me in the room.  I know they are feeling like I am isolating myself a lot this week but it is all for school and then I am all their's next week.  I sure love my family and the way they encourage me in this thing called culinary school.  We are going to really enjoy that three weeks before school starts again. 

Gotta run!  Have a good one... 

Posted in Family Life

The church has been cleaned up.  Two of our college students took it upon themselves to get it done yesterday so the kids would not have to see it today.  They did a beautiful job! 

Got my test out of the way this morning, too, and now I am just working on projects for Thursday.  I have lots left to do and I am planning on getting it done early so I can go on vacation. 

We will  be camping again this year.  We are planning on a family overnight hike, too.  I have lots to think through over the next few weeks to get it all done. 

This post is the MOST boring post on the planet!!!  LOL 

Davy has a birthday coming and we will be on vacation when it happens but I did get his gifts bought and he is going to LOVE them! 

It is BLOOMING hot here!!!  We are heading to the pool (neighborhood pool) very soon to cool off and then it is taco salad for supper with a movie.  My garden is in serious need of water so I will be putting water on it this evening, too.  We have little corn growing!  So fun...  This is the time of year that the plants are waning and I am having to fight to keep them going.  I am planning on some fall crop planting, so I have to think about that soon, too.  I need to sit down and make another list.

The kids did well in the city divisionals for summer swimming.  We are so pleased with how hard they have worked and how far they have progressed.  We feel swimming is important because it is a life skill and a survival skill.  It helps that they love it and excel in it, too.  ;)  They are tanned little fish!!!  LOL

I am trying NOT to think of school but it is slipping into my brain more each day.  I am talking about homeschooling for the fall.  I got pretty burned out and we decided to just take the rest of the summer off after all.  The kids are reading every day but that is about it.  I figure they are getting their PE in with swimming and our camping trips are always nature study and educational adventures.  It fits with Charlotte Mason's philosophy.  We are also playing board games and card games and watching lots of "educational" type videos and movies when we can.  I think all the scout and preteen camp stuff along with VBS count for something, too.  It has been a full summer.  The routine will start soon enough.  We are taking the next few weeks for some down time except for my school projects.  I am almost finished with them but I just need some time to put everything together and print it. 

I am staring at a hummingbird in the side yard right now and I saw a woodpecker yesterday.  I really am enjoying my yard more and more.  It is turning into something beautiful in this barren wasteland of desert.  God has been good to me in letting me live where I do.  I could sit in my chair in the backyard in the evenings and just get lost in thought if I had the time.  I think I need to take that time more often.  I long for simplicity so much sometimes.  It would be lovely to move to the country and just raise chickens and plant gardens and cook from what we raise and all.  I know the kids would love the wide open spaces to run and play.  Maybe someday... 

For now, the life we live needs to be enough.  I have struggled with that for a very long time.  I am a selfish person who finds it hard to be content.  I don't want more money or stuff... I just want different... a different life, a different surrounding, a different something... I am not even sure what sometimes.... just different.  Not different kids and husband, though.  They are wonderful people to live with... most of the time.  I need to get over that restlessness I suppose.  I have tried and prayed but it has not come.  I will continue to pray...  and seek to be content in whatever the Lord gives me and wherever He places me.   Maybe my retreat time this weekend will be just the thing I need to recharge me for all that is coming up. 

Good grief... look at me rambling on!  The pool is calling me and I must go cool off. 

Have a lovely evening! 

Posted in Family Life

God has sure been working on me lately.  This week is flying by and I just have had no time to post on things.  After the weekend I have been on an exhaustion trip.  Not enough water, no exercise because I can barely get out of bed before everyone needs me and then school stuff is pressing in on me.  I got the 2007 copy of Smart Draw in the mail today and before you wonder why the heck I NEEDED that I gotta say that most of what I am doing on my project just demanded that I get it so I am not up at school every day working on their computers.  I got it at a student discount for a really REALLY great price so I bought it. 

I also got my phone replaced.  I am not sure I told you but my son lost my phone back in May and I had to get a new one.  So, we went looking on E-bay to find a used one so we could just transfer our old plan onto it and keep my same phone number.  I spent the better part of today getting it set up but so many of my phone numbers are gone and I have to redo those.  I will do it as it comes up, though. 

I did mention that I was doing a Marriage Monday but it just did not happen.  There is so much going on with us right now that I just don' t want to share here either.  We are so stuck...  *sigh*  the couple part is good but the life part is a bit sucky some days.  It is all over ministry and I cannot put that here.  Too many little eyes...  KWIM?  Anyway...  no marriage Monday this week but maybe a better post later in the week and surely one next Monday. 

I did not get my menus up either.  I know in my head sorta what we are having this week but will have to put it up as I go. 

The days are hot Hot HOT...  in the afternoons it clouds up and spits on us and then moves on.  No real rain to speak of and things are very dry.  Seems the summer is a reflection of my spiritual life right now.  I need a good swift kick in the pants and God already knows that.  I need some serious rain...

I am getting ready for a retreat with a girlie friend of mine and we are going to just do NOTHING in our off time.  It will be great fun!!!  A weekend away... 

Well, the grill is hot and I gotta get some burgers and dogs on for an All-Star Baseball Game night.  See ya later...

Posted in Family Life

The wedding did not happen and there was no cake.  You knew that much.  The groom skipped town and the bride was heartbroken.  She was at church today with her oldest daughter.  We prayed for her and loved on her so much.  This will take some serious healing time.  She left today knowing we love her! 

I did get to bake a cake for today, though... take a look!!! 

Posted in Family Life

Beverly Sills passed away on Monday.  I developed a true appreciation for her when I was studying music back at Hardin Simmons University 20+ years ago and when I was pledging Sigma Alpha Iota.  I have loved her voice ever since then.  Her sweet tones will be missed.

In other news...

My life has been on overdrive!  Big surprise, huh?  I found out yesterday that a lady in the church needs me to make a wedding cake for her by SUNDAY!!!  YIKES!!!!!  I made a quick trip over to Hobby Lobby on the east side for supplies today.  There is a 40% off internet coupon for all of their Wilton products for this week up if you are interested.  I got some great deals on stuff. 

We had made plans with some friends to eat together tomorrow night so now Pattie is making dinner and I am just doing ice cream and baguettes to go with dinner so I can spend more time working on the cake.  They are coming to our house, though for some down time.  Pattie is only here for about 2 weeks and then she is back to active duty.  School is over for the week, though and that is nice.  I have some homework but not too much.  It will all get done on time.  I may be a procrastinator but all my work gets done on time.  I just go sleepless to get it done sometimes...  LOL 

Josh is sick and not getting better so I might have to pop out to the doctor with him tomorrow, too.  It is all snotty and coughing from drainage.  He is feeling pretty miserable.  Would appreciate prayers.... thanks! 

I am starting my homestead blogger site back up for gardening and landscaping projects so I can keep a gardening journal of sorts for myself.  The link is...  Living the Good Life...

I also did a review of sorts on Ratatouille on my foodie blog if you are interested.  There are no spoilers only opinions and how much we enjoyed it.  We went opening weekend and LOVED IT!!!  There are some really cool downloadable things for the kids at the main movie site, too.

Be back with some felicities tomorrow... 

 

Posted in Family Life

Is it already Wednesday NIGHT???  My life has been in overdrive since Dan walked in the door on Saturday night.  I have my midterm projects due this week and turned one in Tuesday and the other is due tomorrow.  I am almost done.  In the midst of that the local Cub Scouts are having day camp this week so the fam is out the door early every day for a day in the hot HOT sun.  The temps have been in the 100's all week and it was 106 yesterday!  I went to the camp with them this morning to take pictures for the slide show JoNathan is going to be putting together for the back to school bash.  I will be spending my evening cooking dinner, watering the garden and working on the finishing touches of my project.  People that say they are bored or have nothing to do boggle my mind!  I don't have ANY boring moments in my days - EVER. 

The project, for those interested, is a business plan for a business of my choice.  I have chosen to open a fictional bed and breakfast.  It has been so much fun working on this but it is very time consuming.  I have the first half due tomorrow and then the final draft is due as my final for the semester.  I am hoping to get it done and turned in early so I won't have to go the last week of school.  I am so tired and ready for camps to be over and swim team to be over so we can just have some of those "lazy days of summer" that I hear people talk about.  I have not had a lazy day in months!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I am certainly due one... 

I will share more later in the week and maybe have some links and pictures for you guys.  Have a good one. 

 

Posted in Family Life

Dan and JoNathan returned from Boy Scout camp today.  Lots of badges were earned.  Lots of honors bestowed.  I am a proud wife and momma!!!  We are all safe and sound under one roof again and tonight we will celebrate a late Father's Day and an early anniversary by going out to eat. 

I am happy...  very very happy!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted in Family Life

You are reading this correctly.  I am posting on a Sunday morning.  I am NOT going to church today and neither are the kiddos.  I packed Dan and the oldest off to Boy Scout camp today and Davy threw up last night so we are not budging from our cozy little home.  I need a bit of sanity time and church would not be that time for me today anyway.  Our little church is seeing some growth but I have issues still and without Dan I just don't want to be there today.  I know that it is my problem and I have to work through it.  I seem to be the only one God wants to work on - at least from my perspective.  I am sure He is working on others but when I go to Him it is always me that needs the work.  KWIM???

I already called my Daddy this morning.  We just saw them a week ago when they went to Dallas with us for JoNathan's recital.  It was so great to see them.  We don't get to do that nearly enough.  It was good to hear his voice and to hear what they are having for lunch today.  I wish I were there...  *sigh*

Not much else exciting is going on.  I am doing some laundry and watering the yard and lots of plants.  I will take some time here shortly to sit and read my Bible.  I have homework to do today, too.  I think we will have a leisurely breakfast and just rest today.  It seems this is the first day we have really had that opportunity so I will let the kids nap and lay around today.  Sometimes you just need a day like this... 

Hope you all have a lovely Father's Day!  Blessings to you all!!!

Posted in Family Life

Posted in Family Life

I pray your Mother's Day was as lovely as mine... 

Dan and the two oldest made me a lovely egg and sausage casserole for breakfast with juice and coffee and we cut up some of my bagels that I made Saturday to go with it.  We had lunch at my MIL's and the MEN cooked and cleaned up while all the ladies sat and visited (and chased kids).  We had grilled chicken with lots of sides (the sides were brought by the ladies at the request of Grandma)  I took a spinach, walnut and strawberry salad with a poppy seed dressing.  It was a nice day... 

In the way of gifts I got a pressure cooker, some new cookbooks and a gnocchi board (you can see more at my food blog on those items...)

My allergies are getting the best of me and we do have a busy afternoon so this is the last I will be on today.  I wanted to let you guys know it is NATIONAL WEAR AN APRON DAY!!!  I got this cute little button over at NotQuiteJuneCleaver's blog.  Have a lovely one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted in Family Life

I have always heard women talk about how you know it is time to stop having children.  Sometimes the decision is easy and sometimes it is not.  For me, the decision was a no brainer when I went through a bought with pre-eclampsia for a third time and I came darn near having a stroke.  My husband, my parents and my doctor all said, "It is time to quit!".  I had no qualms about that - if I had been told that after my third baby I would have balked but not after Josh. 

Anyway, I have reached a point in my "mommyhood" that I have been dreaming of since the time I changed the very first diaper.  Well, not really dreaming and contemplating regularly but more like a day-dreamy kinda dream as in "someday I won't have to do this anymore" kind of dream.  KWIM??? 

Well, my youngest is about to turn three...  I know the time has just FLOWN by!  I got out of school last week and then started going through stuff to find the "potty".  As I went through the kiddos bathroom I started throwing all the baby stuff away - the baby shampoo, the baby moisturizer, the baby petroleum jelly, the baby bath toys with all the slime and mold on them, the worn out vaporizers, the bubble bath that had calcified because we don't use them but we kept getting them as gifts, etc...  I did keep the little bath wrap we used for all the babies and some little towels.  The towels will make good dust and polish cloths - my mom did that, too.   I also saved old cloth diapers that never got opened for kitchen covers.  I cover bread and yogurt pots with them and since they were NEVER used for "youknowwhat" then I don't have qualms about that either. 

I found the potty!!!  I am SO READY to be done with diapers!!!!!  Josh is being "introduced" over the summer to this thing and we will move forward.  I won't have a baby in the house anymore but I am fine with that now.  God has assured me that it is time - for all those who wonder...  you know when it is time to move on.  I know that I know now... 

The next babies in my house will be grandbabies and I am praying that is at least 10 years or more in the future and then it BETTER be J(13's) wife (hopefully they will wait like we did but children have their own thing going on once they are adults.  Oh, and for the record, I WON'T be changing those diapers... I will gladly hand them to their mother to change - my MIL has set a fine example in that area!!!  LOL

SO BRING ON THE POTTY TRAINING!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted in Family Life

....cause I'm DONE!!!  I finished up last night at 11:15pm.  When I FIND the cord to my camera I will post some pictures.  It was great!  Now, I must clean the kitchen that EXPLODED yesterday while I was making hors d' oeuvres.  I also splurged and bought a few used books online to celebrate.  Like I NEED four new cookbooks!!!!  They were all under $8.00 though so I didn't do too much damage. 

We went to J(13)'s National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony last night.  He had a little friend from band that was getting his medal too and he called it his "abduction" into NJHS.  LOL  J(13) is making some good choices in friends.  I met a few boys and they were very polite and sweet.  It makes a mother feel better about things... unless they are all EDDIE HASKELL!    Just kidding...  (sorta)

I'll be back with pics soon...

Posted in Family Life

Who's the grownup???




Wordless Wednesday

Posted in Family Life

One test down and three to go...

Tonight is a prep night at school and I am preparing for my Garde Manger final on Thursday.  I have hors d' oeuvres, a sandwich, a salad, a terrine and a pate to prepare so each night is just making more of my stuff to present on Thursday.  I am learning to spread out the prepwork and what can be made ahead and what has to be made last minute.  It has been a great deal of fun.  I must admit I am ready for a few days of lazing around the house in my pajamas, though.  I am ready for a small break in the schooling. 

We are still waiting on feedback on our "news" so I cannot divulge anything yet.  Sorry.... I know I am driving some of you crazy.  It is imperative that we have prayer, though, if you feel led to do so.  I appreciate it so much!!!

Dan celebrated a birthday on Sunday and we had a quiet little family meal at home.  J(13) arrived home around 3:00am and I had to wake everyone to go and pick him up and then we came home and crashed for a few more hours before getting ready for church.  Dan got home around 10:00am and rushed to shower and meet us at church.  It was good to have everyone home again after being scattered all over Texas and southern New Mexico last week. 

Here is the cake I made for Dan - his favorite is German Chocolate...  It was not the most perfectly shaped cake I have ever made (a little lopsided due to me not being more careful and in a hurry to get it done before I went to bed Saturday night) ... but he said it was THE BEST TASTING CAKE he has EVER eaten and that it was not just 'cause I made it!!!  LOL



I also roasted a chicken and made some veggies and homemade bread for him.  It was a nice day and then we just rested and prepped for the coming week of school. 

I will continue to be scarce until next Monday but will try to post a few things between now and then.  We have a Cub Scout outing Friday and Saturday and then church dinner is on Sunday so I will be cooking all weekend, too.  I think I will take Monday of next week COMPLETELY off!!!! LOL

Posted in Family Life

My spirit needed a good long refreshment this morning so I took a little extra time for it.  I sat in bed reading in Colossians (rereading actually from last week) until nearly 9:00am this morning.  I also moved on to Celebration of Discipline and read about fasting this morning.  What challenging information!!!  There is much for me to contemplate on all of this. 

It is amazing how busy life gets on weekends around here.  I posed a plan to Dan on Friday for Saturday that would help me get our vegetable garden started. 

Oh, did I mention we had a date on Friday night?  It was a wedding (in the afternoon) and then a full dinner at the OFFICER'S CLUB on post (Ft. Bliss).  It was a LOVELY evening!!!!!  We actually had time to chat while we ate a leisurely dinner.  We sat with a few band director/music teacher friends but we talked mostly about family and fun stuff.  The wedding was for a band director friend that Dan taught with at a middle school a few years ago.  They are still ongoing friends.  Dan prayed that man into marriage!!!  LOL  It was all so beautiful and such a blessing to be with Christian friends. 

During our time out we had time to make a bit of a plan for Saturday.  The kiddos had Sonatina Festival Saturday morning but I knew the garden HAD TO BE DONE this weekend or it would NOT get done.  So, Dan agreed to take kids while I got out just after dark 30 to start turning over soil and putting in seeds and plants.  I finally had it all in and watered by noon.  Dan swooped in about halfway through the morning to drop off a few and take a few with him to work at our local pool.  He and the Boy Scout troop served in a community service project to clean up the premises and get it ready to open soon. 

We all converged tired and sore about mid-afternoon to crash in front of a Star Trek episode and Dan put some things on the grill for dinner while J(13) washed and started some potatoes.  Dan and E(9) put a cobbler together for after dinner.  I did NOT have to cook or CLEAN the kitchen AT ALL!!!!!  It was fantastic!!!!!!!!!  I spent the time working on homework for school for the coming week.  It was a beautiful thing...  *contented sigh*

Sunday, of course, was it's typical whirlwind.  Pastor's just do not get time off on weekends...  We went to church then to Dan's folks for lunch.  We had guests - a sweet new couple to our church that just came here with the Army.  The wife is from Germany and their two little girls are ADORABLE!!!!!!  They are a very young and sweet couple.  We had a lovely time visiting until about 4:00pm. 

At that point we headed over to a friend's house to get some little tomato plants and some new rosemary.  She had tons of new plants come up on their own this year and was sharing plants with anyone who would take them.  We wound up staying for dinner so the men could talk scouting and world travel.  E(9) and I spent some time making some little flower pens while we visited with Monica (the mom).  We finally scooted out of there by around 8:45pm to get ready for the new week. 

After such a crazy weekend I was in dire need of some quiet reading this morning so I just took it...  I could use a whole week or maybe even a month like this morning.  I feel a bit more recharged but I am back to classes this week and have practicals next week and written finals the week after.  It will be a bit busy but the end is in sight... 

Oh, ONE MORE THING - Kudzu and Koolaid (Cheri) is heading my way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I cannot wait to see her!!!!!  She will be here for the summer and we are making plans...  I am so happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted in Family Life

We clean up pretty well in our house - doncha think???  LOL

Da Boys...

Dan actually went to the store and picked this out and brought it home to his little princess.  She was twirling and spinning in front of every mirror and window she saw ALL DAY!!!  He did good...  :)

Da Grownups...  ;)

Hope your weekend was as lovely and relaxing as ours.  Blessings!!!

Posted in Family Life

This week has been long...  I have had a spring cold mixed with spring allergies and have been dragging through my days.  I stayed in my PJs until noon yesterday just to lay around and make myself rest.  Once I get dressed I feel compelled to do things so I just did not get dressed.  It worked.  I got some good laying around and reading time.  I hardly ever seem to have time to read with our family life. 

Today I got a call from my BIL and he brought his little boy over to play while he took his car into the shop.  Mickey was here for a few hours and the kids played outside.  It felt so great to get out into the sun for a bit.  I took one step outside and then spent the next three hours gardening.  I got tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapenos, strawberries, some herbs planted.  I also got all the flower beds watered. 

I love gardening so much.  It is very therapeutic for me.  It is also good for the body to work like that not to mention the lovely yard you get when you do that.  I have lots of roses blooming and with a long weekend I am hoping to get three more rose bushes, a grape vine and a wisteria FINALLY put in.  With school the whole garden and yard has been sorely neglected. 

Dan and J(13) will be in any minute from school and we are having a big lunch instead of dinner today.  We will probably do that tomorrow and Saturday, too.  Our summer schedule is usually bigger lunch and small dinner so I am looking forward to that.  I always lose a few pounds eating like that, too.  :)

I thought I would also share this little gem my Mom passed along to me for anyone interested.  She e-mailed it to me this morning...

EASTER STORY COOKIES


To be made the evening before Easter
You need:
               1 cup whole pecans
               1 tsp. Vinegar
               3 egg whites
               Pinch salt
               1 cup sugar
               Zipper baggie
               Wooden spoon
               Tape
               Bible


Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important-don't wait until
You're half done with the recipe)!


Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the
Wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was
Arrested.He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.
         Read John 19:1-3.


Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. Vinegar into mixing
Bowl.   Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given
Vinegar to drink.
               Read John 19:28-30.


Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that
Jesus gave His life to give us life.
               Read John 10:10-11.


Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush
the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed
by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.
               Read Luke 23:27.


So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1cup sugar.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He
Loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.
               Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.


Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff
 Peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents --in God's eyes
-- the purity of  those whose sins have
Been cleansed by Jesus.
         Read Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3.


Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper-covered
Cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where
Jesus' body was laid.
               Read Matt. 27:57-60.


Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the
Oven OFF.
Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain
That Jesus' tomb was sealed.
                Read Matt. 27:65-66.


GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in
The oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was
Sealed.
                Read John 16:20 and 22.


On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie.
Notice the cracked surface and take a
Bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were
amazed to find the tomb open and empty.
                Read Matt. 28:1-9

Posted in Family Life

I am sorry but Leann is unable to take your phone calls right now.  She is playing in the garden this weekend!!!  LOL

I made it to the nursery and am working on planting some new things.  I could NOT pass up some wisteria, grapevine and three new climbing rose bushes.  I know I splurged but I really want to enjoy this little haven I am making in the desert so I am beautifying this year some more.  I did pick up some more strawberry plants, veggie starters and you would NOT believe my little brussel sprout plant that has been hanging in there for 18 months now.  I am going to have BRUSSEL SPROUTS THAT I GREW MYSELF SOON!!!!!  I also picked up a few herbs for the kitchen window box, too. 

I have also been in the kitchen whipping up some African, Middle Eastern and Israeli foods in class this week.  I have a whole slew of new vegetarian recipes I will be making at home now.  Speaking of cooking you should see my new kitchen storage and my newly cleaned refrigerator....

Well, you can see them... here ya go!!!

Here is the before of the new storage space...

We cleared the space and fixed the shelf and moved it to the dining room area instead.  It is storing all my Christmas dishes and other rarely used items.

This is SO COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

...and here is the finished and loaded space - I just have to load coffee mugs and  I am done with it for now.  We will be building a window seat at some point this summer to store the other grain buckets to keep them out of sight a little better and I will be making a little curtain cover for the upper shelves of the cabinet you see here.


I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!  My darling Dan is the GREATEST HUBBY ON THE PLANET (at least in my book that is)!!!

Wanta see the clean refrigerator?

Yes those are hotdogs and they are for the kiddos...  LOL  I am eating the grain, fruits and veggies and that rice milk is mine, too.



Back to the garden... enjoy your weekend!!! 

Posted in Family Life

A conversation from the back seat of our van on the way home from church today ensued.

Child 1:  "I think we should watch SFS tonight."
Child 2:  "Yeah, cause we can't watch TNG second season until the DVD comes in the mail"
Child 1:  "We have to watch the movies in order, too and we just watched STMP and WK so SFS HAS to be next."
Child 3:  "Daddy recorded TOS episode from yesterday that we could watch"
Child 1:  "Can we put DS9 on our queue?"
Dad:  "We need to finish watching all the TNG ones first."
Mom:  "We need to watch them in order... TOS, TNG, DS9, V-ger, then Enterprise... and then there are all the TOS movies and the TNG movies, too!"
Child 1:  "Cool!"
Child 2:  "So are we watching SFS tonight???"
Dad:  "If you get your rooms cleaned up first."
All Children:  "Awwwwwwwwwww."
They are now cleaning their rooms... 

LOL  If you know what all that is then you are a TOTAL GEEK like the rest of my family!!!!!!

Key:
SFS = Search for Spock
TNG = The Next Generation
STMP = Star Trek the Motion Picture 1st movie
WK = Wrath of Khan (which is the best one, btw...)
TOS = The Original Series
DS9 = Deep Space 9
V-ger = Voyager

...and if you still have no idea what this is then you are NOT a Trekkie!!!!!!  ROFLOL  I SO hope they are working on a new project, btw...  I miss new stuff!!!  Even Hercules in Space... I mean Andromeda is gone...  *pouting*

Posted in Family Life

Posted in Family Life

It has been so long since I posted!  You know why...  I have been so swamped with school.  I have been up at the school until at least 10:00pm every night this week.  I went in at 11:30am yesterday and left at 11:30pm last night.  I had two sheet cakes to bake and a dome cake.  Long story but I wound up making four sheet cakes and three dome cakes because of misinformation and a really selfish chef.  The details are only gossipy so I won't delve into details.  Just know I was quite upset over it all and now I am fine. 

My garden is growing in spite of all my serious neglect.  I will be working in it some Saturday afternoon and planting a few early spring seeds.  I have daffodils!!!  They are beautiful!!!!!!!!!  My fruit trees have little buds on them now, too.  One of these days I might get some pictures up at my flickr of all of the stuff I have been doing. 

OH.MY.GOODNESS!!!!!!  J13 got his report card and made all A's and a B in his classes.  He is doing so awesome!!!  PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  He auditions for all-region jazz next Tuesday.  He was first chair last year so he has really been practicing every day to hold his chair.  I am so proud of the way he is growing up and taking such responsibility.  Now, if he will just pick up all those socks off the floor and hang his shirts up when he gets home...  LOL  One bite at a time...  

I have "invented" four new hor douvres this week.  I am sure someone else has done these at some time in history but for me they were new and came from my head and my experience in school.  It was so fun to "create" such fun foods.  I shared two of them for the April newsletter of the Trumpet so they are coming.  I will probably post them with pictures at my foodie blog sometime. 

I miss blogging so much!!!  I wish I had more time to just pop in and write but it is not the season for that in my life right now.  I do have my 5th blogging anniversary coming on March 14th.  I cannot believe it has been five years since I started.  It has not been the most brain challenging or scholarly writing and I have come to know I am such a small being in this world but it has been a delight to be here and I hope to continue to do this for many years to come.  Thank you guys for hanging in and reading when I do show up to write!!! 

I was going to do the Blog Party thing but decided I just don't need something else right now to keep up with.  My real life is exciting enough of a party every day!  LOL  Speaking of parties... we had the annual Blue and Gold banquet last weekend and we have the Baden-Powell banquet (Boy Scouts) this weekend.  I am baking the cake for this weekend and will be crazy busy working on that until tomorrow morning.  I think I will be going to bed early on Saturday night and Sunday just to catch up on a bit of sleep I have lost this week. 

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE MY LIFE?!?!?!?!  I cannot tell you how much I love being in school and cooking and working.  One of my goals for this year was to begin to live in the moment as it is given to me.  When I am at school I am trying to be totally involved with school and when I am at home I am trying to totally be involved with the kids, Dan and our home.  I am also building some new friendships with some ladies just like me.  I have forged a nice friendship with a teaching assistant and some students at school and my friend Aida and I have been talking homeschool.  She is going to be schooling her kids next year and has been picking my brain about it all.  She is a local caterer that I have been volunteering with over the past 6 months.  She is a fellow believer and is pregnant with her third baby.  She is so sweet!  We talk food, catering, kids and homeschooling. 

Well, gotta take another cake out of the oven and run to pick up some fondant.  I have a few chapters to read as I have moments over the next few days on Germany and Sandwiches.  I miss you all and will check in to read as I can.  I think most of you are in my Bloglines so I read you there when I can instead of coming to the site.  I love you all and thanks again for reading!!!!!!!!!  You guys are DABOMB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted in Family Life

The week in review...

*   I have lost 2 whole pounds this week just not sitting around being online.
*   We have had some really fun family time this week.
*   We are playing together much more.
*   We are talking with each other much more.
*   My Bible time and prayer and journaling time have been very consistent.
*   My home is cleaner but still needs much more work.
*   My studies are caught up and school is going well.
*   I am not wasting my time anymore.  I had no idea how much time each day was being wasted online just trying to keep up with e-mail and other reading. 
*   The only thing I have missed is you guys!!!
*   I will be doing this regularly for now.  I will be giving my wireless card to Dan like I did last week and will ask for it back only when I have necessary business or for a once a week check-in for now. 
*   We have also all been sick this week with a stomach thing.  I am still in bed today with it and hope to be back on my feet tomorrow after a day of resting. 
*   I also got to go and hear my oldest play his trombone for solo/ensemble yesterday and he played beautifully!!!  He made a 1+ on his solo!!!!!  He is loving public school.  He also got placed into gifted this week and they start reading Shane tomorrow.  He is working on a creative writing project that is turning out to be a really great story, too.  God's timing is so perfect and His ways are not our ways.  For whatever reason J13 is right where he should be for now and my heart is singing over it !!!!! 

Well, I need to go and place a coop order and then I am off again for the week. 

Posted in Family Life

We awoke to more snow this morning.  Schools are in session and now, three hours after the beginning of snowfall, it is promptly warming to just above freezing and beginning to thaw.  It was lovely while it was falling, though. We got about 2 inches in an hour's time.  I am doing laundry today, schooling the kids and cleaning around the house some.  I have a pair of pants to put elastic in and I am done with those.  I know... I am boring!  LOL

Well, in other news, I have Celebrity Chef tonight and I am on the team to assist one of my professors (who is the actual celebrity) in the event.  It is a $100.00 a plate event and I get to go enjoy all the fun for free.  I have to work but you guys know this kind of work IS my play!!!  It will be a long night and I have things to do around the house to get ready to leave by 4:00pm today and leave things in the very capable hands of my darling husband for the evening. 

Tomorrow is another full day with the start of gymnastics for the kids, a pinewood derby with the scouts and a I am volunteering in a soup kitchen fund raiser called Empty Bowls for Hunger, in conjunction with the art department on our campus, for the late afternoon and evening.  After this weekend I will have two of the five volunteer events I have to have each semester out of the way.  I love all the great experience I get with these events and it takes me out of my little life and lets me see how two different sides of the financial spectrum live.  From a decadent affair to a soup kitchen!  How much more diverse can one get?!?! 

Of course, there is the typical Sunday routine, too.  Things will slow to a more normal pace again next week and I will go back to regular classes and not have all the prepwork we have had this week for these events.  Everything I wanted to share will just have to wait a bit longer... 

Thanks for understanding!!! 

Posted in Family Life

...mainly 'cause my Mom will want some updates.    Life is still a bit crazy with us trying to readjust to a new schedule.  My classes are in full swing this week and I have had some late nights in the culinary school kitchen.  We have been cooking crepes all week so far for a Celebrity Chef event that is coming up on Friday night.  I am excited to be able to go and be a part of this as a student chef and to watch all the professionals work their magic, so to speak.  I have to get five volunteer events in each semester so I get them as early in the semester as I am able so they are out of the way and I can be picky about events later on.  My goal is to have them done by spring break so I can spend more time studying toward the end of the semester. 

J13 is doing well in his first full week of school but says he misses all the time he had to practice his music.  He is going in to eat lunch with Dan and playing piano while he is on break and then again after school he is practicing trombone and piano while waiting on Dan to get done with his after school planning period and rehearsals. 

He has still not  been placed into the gifted program because they have to convene some sacred panel to get this done.  If he is not in soon I will be calling the meeting myself!  LOL  He is more advanced than I realized.  I really am not saying that to brag but rather in shock...  He has balked at doing his work so much at home that I did not think he would be caught up when he entered PS.  He has basically been doing math and reading books for about a year and a half and I just knew he would be behind in science and social studies (history) but he surprised us all and knows quite a bit.  Where the heck did he learn all that???  LOL  God is so good!!! 

He is talking with his dad about lots of things and even though I feel a bit left out I know this is good for both of them.  Now, I realize how much boys really need their dads.  I am trying to find my place in all of this and am praying God will heal my wounds at giving up this dream and grow me in this new adventure.  He is already blessing J13 and I see some changes being made.  It also helps that God has shaped Dan to be such an organized and structured person.  He is able to push J13 to get his act together better than I have been. 

Oh, I am not a really messy and disorganized person - although to look at my house and all the clutter you might think so.  Deep down I am a very structured person and everyone else's messes are driving me insane!  That is part of the reason I am doing the Colossal Clutter Clean-up.  I am moving through the steps slowly due to recent illness but every time I throw something out it is like a little bit more of the weight I feel on my shoulders each day is lifted.  My goal is to have the house purged and the "no clutter added" rule in place by summer.  We can live with so much less than we have and I know that.  Now, if I can just convince the rest of the family of that... 

In other news, I am working on sewing pants this afternoon, crocheting an afghan for J13 Over the coming weeks and reading Spiritual Disciplines by Whitney still.  It has been really cold here and today is the first day it has risen back into the 40s in about a week.  It snowed Monday night into Tuesday and the guys had a delayed start to school set at 10:15am.  We had about three inches of snow we woke to on Tuesday and for this part of the world that was a rare treat.  No one wanted to play out in it for more than about five minutes so I only got pictures of the snow and not the kiddos.  Even though we live at 3500 feet above sea level we have still become quite the desert dwellers and the warm weather has spoiled us greatly.  We are big cold weather chickens now!!!  LOL  I'll try to get those up on Friday with a few other things. 

Posted in Family Life

Dan and our oldest are home today because of hazardous conditions on the roads.  All of the schools are closed.  The kiddos are hanging out by the windows watching as snow falls quickly and sticks to the ground.  We are expected to continue to get snow through tomorrow and possibly again on Sunday and Monday.  It is FINALLY winter around here and I LOVE it.  It won't stay too long so we enjoy it when it comes. 

I am already getting seed catalogs in the mail and have begun thinking about the garden but I won't be working on it this weekend.  LOL  I picked up some seeds through our coop, too.  I got some herbs and lettuces to plant right away.  The lettuces go in around February here for a cooler weather crop.  They do not grow well into June, July and August but can be planted again in August for a fall crop.  The herbs will go in my window box in the kitchen for use when they start growing in my home cooked meals.  You cannot beat fresh herbs! 

I have some more sewing of school pants to do since I will be in the kitchen more this semester.  I picked up some black fabric in heavier textures for warmth during cooler weather and into spring.  I am also working on a new afghan for J13 in his new school colors.  It will be a bit therapeutic for me to do that for him.  He is enjoying his new experience but now he sees what I have been saying about the classes being so full and people being overlooked that are not trouble makers.  Seems the squeeky wheel is still getting all the grease.  The have to convene some committee to put him into the gifted program but he already qualified for it so he should get in pretty quickly.  That will probably change his schedule again but he is good with change so I don't think it will disrupt him too much. 

With my goals for A Year of Abundance and being Clutter Free for 30 Days I was very good at the fabric store and only bought the colors of yarn I needed for the afghan and not more than one skein of each and I only got the black fabric that I needed, too.  I did not buy more thread because I already have black in my stash.  No hoarding and stashing going on... I was a very good girl!    I have also bought only one book this year and it was the Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster.  It was for my study that I am doing now and was a good purchase I do believe. 

Today we are doing some deeper cleaning since we are stuck inside for most of the day.  I have read through the booklet for the Colossal Clutter Clean-up and made some lists and done the heart work so I am ready for the PURGE.  We are planning on a game and a movie a little later in the day and I am hoping for some reading time, too.  I also have a bit of laundry to catch up on since I have been a bit under the weather the past few days.  I missed class last night because I could not talk and was feeling pretty puny.  I am feeling a bit better today but have not been able to talk very loudly with my throat being very hoarse.  It has been a blessing for my family I am sure!  LOL 

Well, I am missing the snow so I better scoot... 

Thanks for all the prayers this week and for just being my friend through this!!!  You guys have been such a blessing to me. 

Posted in Family Life

Thanks so much for your concern and your prayers.  I could not stay offline and not say how much I appreciate the comments and e-mails.  We are all fine - healthy.  We are about to embark on some MAJOR changes in our home, though.  NO, I AM SO NOT PREGNANT!!!!!  LOL  That ship has sailed...  I promise to share when I feel like I can....  Continued prayer is greatly appreciated at this time.  The Lord knows what is on our hearts and He will know when you mention my name just what our family needs. 

Over the past few days I have been taking time to pray and think on some things.  I have come to the conclusion that  I need to do some posts on Spiritual Disciplines.  I am doing this more for me and my understanding than anything.  I am currently starting Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney and have been inspired to share.  So, I will write on each discipline as I go through the book.  I have also been asked to write more about perimenopause by some of you out there that are where I am.  I will be writing on that, too.  At my foodie blog - which has a new name, btw...  (Crunchy Culinary Capers) I will be sharing on crockpot meals and once-a-month-cooking as I have time during the semester.  I will share my favorite recipes and books on such topics with you guys. 

These things are right where my life is right now.  Thanks again for all your precious prayers for our family.  God is so much bigger than our circumstances and I am so grateful!!! 

Posted in Family Life

Sorry, but we are having a bit of a personal family crisis at the moment so I won't be posting until next week.  I just need a few days offline...  Thanks for understanding. :)  Prayers are appreciated...

Posted in Family Life

Hey to you all out there!!!  I have so many pictures and things to share with you guys from the last week.  I am still fighting that infection but took a turn for the better on Thursday night (during the night) and woke up feeling better on Friday so I did not call for meds.  My head is opening up and my sinuses are healing.  I am drinking so much water I feel like I am floating!  LOL 

The week has ended today with the final installation of the toilet which brought about some issues so Dan and our oldest are taking it back to get a different one that will fit the space better.  Hopefully it will be completed and working by later tonight.  The tile is BEAUTIFUL and the room looks so great!!!  My men are so proud of the job they did and well, they should be!!!  I will have to upload some pics to share at the first of next week for you guys. 

I have spent the last two days doing 7 loads of laundry to catch up from all the laying around I have been doing while sick.  The kitchen is now clean, too, (except for that confounded stovetop - I hate cleaning that thing) and all the Christmas stuff is completely put away.  Now, I have to do a bit of planning for school for next week, menu planning and finishing up our schedule for the semester that we will be following while I am in school. 

I have done very well with spending no money but then we finally put the truck in the shop this week to get it fixed from our trip at Thanksgiving.  It has been sitting since that trip but we need it working so Dan can drive it instead of the Probe.  Well, over $500.00 and all our Christmas money spent it is running beautifully.  We now have two well running vehicles to start the year.  We were financially ahead until that but we will get back on top quickly.  We don't need a thing - God is good!!!!!  All of my school and textbooks and supplies were bought last semester before Christmas so that is really cool!!!  We have all we need and a payday is only a week away. 

Some fun things that came this week were a book by Nigella Lawson (Forever Summer) and a Crochet Projects Calendar that I got to order with a Barnes and Noble gift card I got for Christmas.  I had also ordered the Sonoma Diet Cookbook and a book on Everything about eating a Glycemic Index Diet (or something like that).  I had ordered those before Christmas and they finally arrived.  I am using them to menu plan my days to eat better this year. 

Dan had also saved back a few things for an Epiphany gift that he brought out today.  He saved back the Loves Abiding Joy DVD and now I have all four of the set.  I really enjoy the movies because I read the series at time when I was just discovering Christian fiction and we were weathering a Kansas winter and could not get out.  I read the whole series in about a month while we were freezing in our little apartment in 60 below zero degree wind chill factor weather.  I would read while snuggling under a blanket while little JoNathan slept in the afternoons and after he went to bed at night.  Dan spent a lot of time visiting sick people and studying in the basement at our little church for preaching on Sundays.  That was the longest winter of my life!  LOL

One more thing... today in Ireland it is Women's Christmas.  That means that women all over are taking tea and visiting time with each other while the rest of the family takes on the chores.  I wish we celebrated Women's Christmas here!!!  LOL  I may have to start that up next year...  Anybody wanta come for tea???

Blessings and Happy Epiphany!!!!! 

Posted in Family Life

I have not shared much on what we got for Christmas.  There were several fun items that the children have been enjoying from "Santa".  There was an electric bass delivered for our 13 year old, a sewing machine for our girlie girl, lots of Batman bedding and stuff for our 6 year old and a few fun little stuffed animals delivered for our 2 year old.  There was one gift that was delivered that was a group gift.  It was a Veggie Tales Dance Pad!!!  Since it has come into our home we are getting lots of exercise.  I think Dan is the only one that has not tried it and I guarantee he won't be. LOL

I had seen dance pads before and was less than impressed with the music and lyrics they served up but this year Big Ideas put out the Veggie Tale one and there is also a praise and worship one that I would like to get sometime to mix it up a bit.  I have gotten on that thing and my heartrate goes up and brow breaks a sweat.  It is FABULOUS!!!  What a great idea this was!!!!!

I am still not well, btw.  I have a full blown sinus infection and cannot shake it.  I am calling my SIL today for a round of antibiotics because I have to be well before school starts.  *sigh*  I so hate taking meds... 

Posted in Family Life

We had a wonderful time last night at my friend Ingra's home.  It was four families and we had our second annual get-together at her home.  As we left we made plans for same time next year...  LOL  The evening was filled with firsts for me.  I have to admit I don't put myself out there very much but last night I took on the challenges. 

We began our evening with a great meal.  We had spaghetti, meatballs, breadsticks, salad and a slew of veggie and dip finger foods.  It was really a healthy spread.  At some point during the night the cake and ice cream came out but I had a little smidge of cake.  Being sick with icky tastebuds kinda keeps you from overeating. 

After dinner we broke  out the Karaoke machine my SIL and her hubby got for Christmas and sang and danced and literally laughed for about two hours or so.  What a blast!!!  There was a song for everyone to sing.  Our kids even got involved.  Davy, our six year old, was reading the screen and hanging with his Dad as they sang Frank Sinatra's New York, New York.  It was HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!!  I had never done Karaoke before and I am still not sure I would actually do that in public but with friends it was so much fun!!!

We took a little break to grab a bit of that cake and ice cream and then we broke out the the Texas Hold'em set and I learned how to play poker.  Not with real money but with chips.  I was the first one out but it was great fun and I stayed at the table to watch as they continued to play.  I learned a lot and have changed my mind about poker.  It really is a thinking person's game and without the money bets it is quite fun. 

We paused about halfway through the game to ring in the New Year with some sparkling cider and kisses and hugs all around.  At this point the littlest ones were sound asleep but our oldest three were ready for noisemakers and poppers.  Once the noisemakers were used up we put on a movie for the kids that were still awake and headed back to the table for more Texas Hold'em. 

The party broke up around 2:30am and we drove home, tucked kids into bed.  I got a dose of medicine to curb the sinus issues and we headed to bed.  Needless to say, we slept in this morning and I am still lazing around and resting with this cold. 

I have bread to bake, some laundry to fold and a last box to pack away from Christmas stuff.  Dan heads back to work by Thursday and the next few days are about getting our front bathroom tiled and getting the new toilet in.  We are also looking for a new cabinet for the front part of the bathroom to add more storage in there. 

Still to come...

Looking back - 2006 in Review

Looking forward - Some basic plans for 2007

Thanks so much for reading!!!!!

Blessings to you and your families in the new year!!!!!!!!!!

Posted in Family Life

Finally had to get the baby to the doctor.  He has a full blown sinus infection.  The rest of the house is congested, coughing and not much for eating again today.  We are doing vegetable soup for dinner and making it another early night.  Thanks to those of you who are praying for us.  It is much needed.