Charlene-Living Life Out Loud!

Giveaway Fun over at Marilyn's!

2011-07-05T21:28:00.000-05:00

My Friend Marilyn's got a great

Giveaway Going on! You won't want to miss it!

Follow this link for all the fun!

Project Life - Lessons Learned

2011-01-04T20:45:00.001-06:00

On New Years Day 2011 I put the finishing touches on my Project Life 2010 book. When I ordered the kit I had no idea if I'd even finish it - come on now, we all have unfinished scrapbook projects laying around - don't judge! I also had no idea how many lessons it would teach me!

When I look through the book I can SEE how blessed I am. I mean we all know we are blessed. Just living in the U.S. of A. makes us blessed but when I flip through this book I can actually see photos of the blessings, I can SEE God's hand at work in our lives.

Even though 2010 wasn't the best year we've had it was still one fantastic year for us and the book documents that. All the trips, family, friends, and things we did.

I see how resilient we are and how we don't stay down for too long when things try to knock us down. When we closed our family business this year it took me nearly 3 months before I could actually journal that week, but during that time we were still living life out loud!

I also overcame my urge to make this book perfect. Early on I changed the style - skipped labeling the pictures with the day,quit the arrows, stopped pressuring myself to put a picture in every day and in the end it turned out wonderful. There's not a page I don't love even the one with only 3 pictures, some journaling and filler cards. It's my life and it's NOT perfect!

I've always known it's the little things that make this place a home and this is my first book that has ever documented things like what my desk looks like, how I decorate the mantel for the seasons, the messy kitchen, a new purse or towel I love.

I am super proud of this book and I debated long and hard if i should do one for 2011. Will I be able to keep it up two years in a row? Will I find new things to photography? Will I get bored with it?

Today I ordered my 2011 Project Life Kit. I decided I can keep it up, I will find new things and some of the same things to photograph and HOW can I get bored with my life? It's Fabulous!

Here's to a New Project Life Year!

Christmas Stress -YIKES!

2010-12-10T16:03:00.000-06:00

You know, I’m trying to stay calm, trying to relax and enjoy the moment and be in it, but then it sneaks up on me, it grips my chest and sucks the breath out of me.

Christmas Eve is 2 weeks from today. My presents aren't completely bought - despite two days of shopping this week. My cards aren't written. My tree isn't decorated. I haven't fulfilled my duty to turn in a Christmas article. The cookies aren't baked. The presents I do have aren't wrapped. AND worst of all the presents I need to mail aren't ready.

What was I thinking? I mean it comes EVERY year. Normally I am ahead of this. Normally I am about done by this time.

I'm thinking I should have gone away for the month.............. Left gift cards in envelopes for everyone and had a big party in January when I got back......... that's what I'm thinking............. LOL

Santa ClausE and Christmas Cottage

2010-11-30T16:10:00.002-06:00

Even though we haven't put up any decorations, written any cards, or wrapped any presents yet - we have been keeping up with our Christmas movies -so far we've watched Elf, Santa ClausE and Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage. The Santa ClausE is one of our favorites so that was an easy pick. The Christmas Cottage was a new one for us this year. My sister-in-law Paula gave it to me last year for Christmas and we didn't get a chance to watch it. I must admit I really enjoyed it. I learned a bit about an artist I truly admire and of course shed a tear or two.

I'm waiting to feel a bit more Christmasy before we break out Holiday Inn, White Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street ..........

Project Life - an Update

2010-11-30T15:37:00.001-06:00

Well here we are just about to enter December and I thought I'd let everyone know how this project has turned out! With about 6 weeks left until the end of the year I can honestly say I'm Gonna Make it! I really wasn't sure when I started out with this project, if perfectionism would rob me of the joy or not. Along the way I made some changes - I didn't label each picture with the day, I quit with the little arrows, and I took the pressure off on a picture a day. Some weeks have photos from one very important day, or a day we had a lot of fun or a pool party. One thing I have enjoyed is taking pictures of everyday things. Or being able to put in a picture of one thing that would never make a traditional album.

Now, the big decision is - Do I do it again? Are you doing it again? I'd love to hear how you've changed this project to make it work for you and if you are going to do it in 2011.

Black Friday

2010-11-26T20:02:00.000-06:00

Normally on this day John and I set out with master lists in hand to conquer this years Christmas shopping. Usually we come home nearly done. Mostly because I have been thinking and planning it for weeks. This year however is completely different. It's the end of Black Friday and all I've purchased is a ticket to Tangled. Yep you read that right. There is not ONE Christmas present in the house, not one idea down on paper and no plans to go out tomorrow.

I wonder what this means? I um.... didn't even have him get up in the attic today, and I uh.... don't really see him doing it tomorrow either. The house cleaned up very nicely after Thanksgiving dinner yesterday and I'm not wanting to see boxes of Christmas stuff stacked up all over it - yet.

We had a wonderful time watching Tangled - Disney's 50th Animated Film. You can read my personal review and check out a wonderful video of clips from all 50 films over at Agent on the Loose.

Now, I think I feel like watching another Christmas movie tonight.......... I wonder what Stephanie will pick?

Thanksgiving Traditions

2010-11-25T23:50:00.000-06:00

Our family has many different Thanksgiving Traditions - there's turkey, and stuffing, and sweet potatoes and pumpkin bread and over the years we've added ham and macaroni and cheese and who knows what other carbohydrates we might add next.It's really just a carbohydrate fest....

This is the buffet table we set up - I could say my table is kinda small, but the truth is we only had 6 eating and enough food to feed -- well let's just say there was food enough for your family as well! During dinner we had some conversation starter cards and John passed them out. We talked about where we'd like to go on our next vacation, what our favorite breakfast food was, if we could have any job for one month and the skills to perform it what would it be and quite a few others.

We usually play games and this year Stephanie begged Paul to bring Call of Duty - Black Ops (real Thanksgiving like! LOL)

We also played Bop-It!

One thing we've started doing is ending Thanksgiving Eve with a Christmas movie - the end of Thanksgiving marks the beginning of Christmas - at least around here, it's the official kick-off for Christmas music as well.

Tonight after all the leftovers were clean up, cleared out and chilling in the fridge we settled in for the first movie of the year.

Stephanie got to pick the Official First Movie of the Season and I could hear her anxiously unwrapping a new movie ---- well it's wasn't exactly new, David bought it for me for Christmas last year........ but I'm not exactly a big Will Ferrell fan so I never watched it before New Years Day - which is the official last day we watch Christmas movies here.

But I am a GOOD SPORT and my kids do know me pretty well by now and so I settled onto the couch in pj's and wrapped in a nice fleece blanket.

I can honestly say I did not expect to love ELF as much as I did! My absolute favorite part was when Buddy put the Star on the top of the tree...... we had to pause the movie I laughed so hard and I now understand why a few years back Stephanie randomly popped a cotton ball into her mouth only to realize this isn't such a good idea with BRACES.

Happy Thanksgiving!

End of Summer Review

2010-08-27T19:46:00.004-05:00

I decided to do a little end of summer review - check on my blog and read through the list I made for myself at the beginning of the year.

Read for pleasure again - I can honestly say I am not doing bad on this one. The year started out strong and I've managed to do more reading for pleasure this year than I have in the last 3 or more years combined so yeah for me!

My body has not been tweaked yet - thumbs down on that one!

Those date nights are still negotiable but the years not over yet - something to keep working on!

Be more productive when I work - I can say yes to this - I'm doing better this year with FOCUS and using my work time wisely - I also quit Farming...........

Spend time being creative without guilt! - Been scrapbooking regularly and even went to a card making class...... set up a new scrapbooking room and feel pretty good about the whole thing! NO GUILT!! YEAH! Now blogging is another story!

Family and Friends - I always try to keep things in perspective and put my family and friends over things but responsibilities sometimes get in the way ....... I'm doing pretty good, but room for improvement for sure!

Deep Yet With Jesus - Can you ever get close enough - I don't think so, I just want to keep getting closer every day!

So that's my End of Summer Review!

WOW

2010-03-17T22:36:00.003-05:00

Things have been - well emotional around here. I find it super hard to blog when I'm not feeling "up" and so I just don't. I probably should though because life is all about the ups and downs.

We had to close our business down - after 5 years we just couldn't hang on any longer. My husband grew up in the business, his parents owned it and he's worked there all of his life. So it's been a big change for us. We've been working hard to keep a positive attitude all these years and believe things were going to turn around so realizing that it's over was a relief in many ways but still hard to comprehend.

God has blessed us every single step of the way. The last Friday in Feb was the last day the doors were open for business and on the next Monday John walked into his new job. Insurance, even dental - something we haven't had in years and overtime pay.

Yes we are blessed. You know what? I wanted to move. Yep I just wanted to move away from the cold and the snow and the grey, but I didn't get to. Bratty I know. I really wasn't thinking about all the wonderful friends and family and youth group I have right here that I would miss more than I could ever imagine.

I was just wanting to get ahead of God a bit. We believe that God has a great plan for us, but always knew that running a family business would make it nearly impossible to pursue that path. A door closed, but I wanted a different one to open.

Today we celebrated 26 years of marriage. I've learned a lot about being married over the years and I still have a lot to learn. I'm glad I married my best friend because I wouldn't want to go through all this with just any one! We shared a quick sandwich before heading to church. No fanfare today - flowers and cards - and a deep knowledge that we love each other dearly.

Priceless if you ask me!

Wrapping up the week!

2010-02-09T15:25:00.006-06:00

Last Friday night instead of working on my album like I've been doing almost every week thus far - I spent the night at Of Wood and River's Farewell Concert. This was their last concert - hence the "farewell" name because two of the members of the band are moving to Oklahoma - my son being one of them.

Yes I am melancholy about this - excited for him to head out on an adventure of his own, nervous about all the bad stuff the world has to offer, confident that God has all of this under control! They leave this weekend!

The next morning I woke bright and early to take my GAP Girls along with the Friend's Club to volunteer for the Children's Hunger Fund. We worked for 3 hours, with a mini break of Gator Aid and snickers bars and a short movie in the middle.

Our group bagged spaghetti noodles - we had pasta busters, baggers, and tapers all lined up. This was one of the best volunteer opportunities we've ever done - they worked the girls and made it fun. They've been shipping boxes to Haiti and they also distribute boxes through the local church.

About once a month we head to Sam's Club to pick up food for our Youth Snack Shack - we discovered the best kept secret - Sam's has the BEST pretzels - they are under a buck and usually make them up fresh, dip them in butter and salt if you want and well - yep they are yummy! Here we are enjoying them!

This next picture has not been changed in anyway - when I say it's grey around here I MEAN IT - sometimes it looks like we live in a Black and White movie during the winter!!!

Another Texas sighting! Ever since I made these awesome Texas friends I have these random Texas sightings here in Indiana - for instance how about these Grapefruit? Why do they have to be called Texas? I may just have to do an entire blog on this - I'm wondering - do YOU have Indiana Corn? What about Indiana SOY BEANS? LOL

Okay, that's about all I've got for my Project Life post this week - hopefully by next week I'll have both weeks layouts done in my book and not be falling behind!

Click here to follow others on their Project Life 2010 Journey!

The Beauty and The Geek Ball

2010-02-04T08:48:00.008-06:00

Who ever came up with the Beauty and the Geek Ball was truly inspired! I love that name! This dance was sponsored by a local church. All the girls had their hair done for FREE at a really nice Salon and the boys presented the girls with carnations. They all looked beautiful! Even the boys were handsome - not Geeky!

I loved the antiques in this place and especially all the mirrors - Her hair turnout out fabulous!

These two have been friends since before they could tie shoes! They have made so many memories over the years and I have a feeling they'll be making memories for many more!

The photo shoot included tons of pictures and I must admit most of them turned out great, it's just well - she looks so grown-up and beautiful I can't bear to post them all!

Breathtaking!

David is going to be heading out on his Big Adventure and Stephanie is going to miss him very much. (we all will) Every picture I take seems more precious than the last one! Steph hasn't been to a dance without her brother - until this one!

Move over Taylor Swift!

While Stephanie was getting her hair done the owner of the shop handed her a package and she unwrapped it to find a beautiful rose - her Dad dropped it off for her on his way out of town. He couldn't be here to see her, but wanted her to know how special she truly is........

She asked me - "has Daddy always been like this, even when you were dating?" and I said......

YES - always.

Project Life Revisions!

2010-02-02T13:37:00.010-06:00

As I was putting my pages together for the Project Life book last Saturday morning I realized I am going to have to speed up this process. January is usually my slowest month of the year and by looking ahead at Feb. and March I'm not going to have hours each week to devote to this. In order for me to keep this book up for a whole year I am going to have to spend less time fussing over the layouts, which is eating up quite a bit of time. I've been giving myself some leeway - I mean we just started! But now it's time to tweak this a bit. So I decided I needed to change a few things - first of all I separated the journaling cards and filler cards by color and rearranged the box like this - it's a tight fit right now, but as I work on it there will be more room. Now I don't have to go through those tiny boxes looking for what I want. I also decided to hand write everything - and to use the day stickers on the outside of the pages. I like the color ones best and will use the same color as the Month card at the top. I need to keep this simple or I just won't be able to keep it us. Am I a fan of my handwriting? NO

I love it when I see something that has been written by people that have passed away that are dear to me, so I believe my family will one day feel the same. Hopefully they'll all be able to read cursive.....a skill I am realizing is quickly fading from our texting generation!

I also learned something about myself - I'm not so random! LOL So I decided to do my next layouts using the matching colors. I also went ahead and put the journaling cards I anticipate using in the book and worked on making them flow a bit better. I know that I can change them up if I want to, but now I feel like I have a framework from which to build.

Maybe some of you are thinking DUH - but possibly some of you might be struggling with how is this really going to work for me all year - so I thought I'd just share my simple idea. Time will tell if it is going to work! Here's my latest week - I am proud to say I am up to date and surely hoping with this system it's more of a "slide in, journal and go experience" than an "oh my now I have to be creative experience" which I love but don't always have the time for!
Thanks for stopping by! Click here to follow others on their Project Life 2010 Journey!

Mysterious Lady Bug

2010-01-29T21:53:00.003-06:00

So, I live in Northwest Indiana - right now it's 19 degrees outside maybe less and certainly less if you factor in the windchill or feels like temps. Basically it's COLD.

Last week it was 46 degrees for like a minute.

THEN here comes the Lady Bug. We have this mysterious thing about our house. We always seem to have a lady bug around. I have no idea why. In Autumn it's like they move in.

I never kill a Lady Bug. I kinda like them. Suppose they know that? HA

Normally I find them dead in the window - sad, but true. So I haven't seen one until this week - I want to ask her - what happened? Did you get messed up because it warmed up? Surely you haven't been flying around the house since Autumn have you?

Any ideas out there????

Just the Highlights

2010-01-26T14:04:00.005-06:00

This week for my Project Life post I thought I'd share with you a few highlights so far.

Saturday a friend came over and we scrapbooked together - My husband was right when he said the house would eventually get bigger! When my oldest son married he left a vacant room which I quickly claimed as my scrapbooking room - Alanna my niece has renamed it the ART room and I kinda like it!

Marilyn came over on Sunday and brought me this mug.

It says - When it comes to dieting, remember one simple rule..."if you can't lose it, decorate it." She has a matching mug at her house - NO we do not have hideous matching outfits........sorry if YOU do!

Monday's are hectic here - We head off to Biology class, during which I grocery shop, then I had a conference call to listen in on, lunch and so on. Well I noticed in the morning something had exploded on my night stand, and I cleaned it up before I left........ When I came home I found this............

At first I took a close up of if - but then I decided for my Project Life book it would be better to take a mini snapshot of what's next to my bed -

Most of it is ordinary stuff - the lamp nothing too special, lotion because every inch of me has been dry since I was born.....The TV controller, I gotta watch the weather.....my Bible and devotion book and the book light - I've never used it, I have the lamp....there's the basket with pens and hair ties and it usually has the can of mousse cream for my DRY and CRACKED heals (to much info for you? sorry!) WHICH is sitting on the MOOSE coaster my Mom sent me and then the mousse can which continued to explode during the day. I noticed after I took this pic that I didn't clean up all the mousse from the morning....

That about wraps up the highlights thus far - hope your Project Life Book is coming along! Check out how others are doing here.......

Project Life Arrives!

2010-01-19T11:37:00.007-06:00

My Project Life Kit Finally arrived! I was pretty excited to get it but bothered because I couldn't drop everything and play with it. I finally got to play with it for real on Friday! I printed the first two weeks of photos and then I just stared at it.

I have never scrapbooked like this before EVER. I had all these coordinating pieces and no plan. I searched the box, through each piece and nope - not as much as a layout idea. Good thing I had peeked at some websites. I did a little "self-talking" - ok, just do the title page, nothing is permanent - you can change it later, and I began.

I didn't get the MEMO that the pictures needed to be horizontal until after I had taken a few days worth - apparently the majority of people take horizontal pics, I am not in the majority (once again) I tend to take verticals.......no idea why. So that proved to be a little bit of a layout nightmare - thankfully my Creative Memories software allows me to print different sizes easily and so I printed the pics so they would fit in the smaller pockets. I like the way it turned out so no more fussing, it leaves more room for journaling and you can slide in a few extra pics of events that way if you can't narrow it down to just ONE.

I am super duper excited and happy to have the first two weeks of January in and I made it simple it starts JANUARY 1, 2010. The book is much larger than I anticipated! I love the colors and how it looks!! I haven't journaled yet but here are the pictures! I'm looking forward to adding the journaling tonight - and then deciding just WHAT to do with the stickers and all that jazz........ the fun of it all!

Read about others and join in the fun - use this button!

This stuff can tear you up!

2010-01-19T11:06:00.002-06:00

I bought this really healthy good for you full of fiber and goodness cereal because well I'm trying! I paid like 4 bucks for this. Measured out 3/4 a cup and had a yummy healthy snack.

Something called Toasted Berry Crumble OUGHT to be bad for you - kinda like coffee cake goodness.

WELL it WAS GOOD

But It tore my insides up something awful..........

however the morning shines brightly ........

Good morning – I have 35 Flex Points to spend! I made it through my first week of Weight Watchers even though I thought the filling foods were going to KILL me. Especially that Kashi cereal ……….but I have Survived! (cue the music)

I did 14 meals or snacks that included filling foods this week. I journaled everything – and went back and did the points. It was UGLY – soo soo ugly. But explains why I have been gaining weight…….and to think I cut back last week on the junk food…….my precious junk food…….

I was full most of the time HOWEVER I was STILL wanting my junk food – that’s just WRONG don’t you think?

A mini recap

2010-01-15T16:55:00.003-06:00

Fed Ex finally delivered Project Life and I am busy printing my photos - next post will be a pic of how it's going! YAHOO!!!!!!

I have also read 3 books this year already. If I stop now, I'll have beaten last years record - pitiful isn't it. I am not planning on stopping!

Today I am starving - the apple didn't replace the salty bag of baked snackies I am craving. I have shown REMARKABLE discipline though and have not stood at the pantry and shoved salty stuff in my mouth or finished off all the left over pizza in the box in the fridge........

dinner time please get here...........

Weight Watching

2010-01-12T15:01:00.007-06:00

Call me crazy but I got it in my head yesterday that I'd better get back to Weight Watchers and right away! So I found a different meeting and went and joined again - yep AGAIN. UGH

I dragged Marilyn with me. She's still going - good little girl that she is - me on the other hand - gained 12 pounds back while I wasn't going....besides the weight I put on while I was "watching" - bad little girl! LOL

THEN we went out to dinner - I mean, come on YOU would too!

Today I rediscovered that 3 points worth of Broc slaw does fill you up but isn't nearly as fun as 3 points worth of Baked Cheetos.........

I've got a long way to go

Crackers

2010-01-07T16:02:00.003-06:00

I was putting something away in the pantry - which happens to be a closet in the hallway across from the kitchen and the crackers fell out AGAIN.

We have too many crackers. Who has too many crackers?

Ritz
Trader Joe's Multigrain
Oyster
Social Crackers too - I suppose if you don't feel like being social you can't eat them. We have three packs of these, apparently I wasn't social enough over the holidays.

We also have extra cracker boxes downstairs - from Sam's Club or Costco, can't remember which. Wouldn't want to run out of CRACKERS.

By the way here's a picture of my cleaned pantry - it probably has too many crackers in it if you look closely. I think I still have some of those noodles too........ obviously January is a pantry month.

Anyway

When we have too much bread I make french toast, or grilled cheeses or something like that, but crackers?

By the way my Project Life is still not anywhere in sight - I can't say I'm too impressed with Fed Ex, I think if it was coming UPS it would be here already.

Project Life

2010-01-05T15:44:00.003-06:00

I signed on for something, in one of my crazy moments at the end of 2009. It's the Project Life scrapbook that Becky Higgins is promoting. Basically you take a photo a day and journal it - it's supposed to be a quick and easy way to journal through a whole year.

I need quick and easy - in many areas of my life right now.

I got an e-mail today - It's SHIPPED. Fed Ex should be bringing it.

Last year I was going to do it, but Creating Keepsakes had a shipping fiasco and basically sold out of it - not realizing how many "closet" Becky Higgins fans there were. Then I thought I'd do it digitally, well I never did anything.

I like the feel of a good book.

So I am waiting, hoping that it will come soon, and taking photos daily to put into this book.

I'll let you know how it goes.

New Year, New Layout

2010-01-03T19:37:00.004-06:00

I decided to change my blog layout today. Blogger makes it easy in some ways, it's just a click of a button here and there. Clearly there are so many better looking blogs, but I have no idea how to make one! I'm stuck with the freebies until I can dedicate the time to learn how to design, or find a free one I like!

Sometimes I wish I could redesign myself so effortlessly - just a click of a button here and procrastination is gone, my eyes are maybe green today, brown tomorrow, everything fits in the margins and no one feels left out.

I'm getting ready to change up my goals on the sidebar for 2010 - I like accountability and even this seemingly invisible list helps me throughout the year.

Here are a few of my Personal Tweaks for 2010 - I got that name from the editor in-chief of Clean Eating magazine she said "feel free to steal" and so I have.

I'd like to read for pleasure again.
I'd like to tweak my body back to it's goal weight!
Make Date Nights with the love of my life non-negotiable!
Be more productive when I work.
Spend time being creative without guilt!
Reconnect with some family and friends.
Delve deeper into my relationship with Jesus Christ

And, so with a quick click of the button my seemingly personal and invisible Personal Tweaks are not so invisible anymore!

Reflecting

2009-12-20T22:43:00.003-06:00

I've been doing some year end reflecting - imagine that!

I've been looking at this blog - I really like blogging, but you just can't tell! I noticed the side bar - Things I'd like to fill 2009 with - so I felt like I owed the few readers of this blog ( mainly myself, Marilyn and my mom) an update on how I did.

Reaching my goal weight and maintaining it AGAIN Wasn't even on the radar this year - at least not the last half. Still on the 2010 list, with slightly renewed passion.

REGULAR 3D Travel hours so I know when I'm working and when I'm not - I did better with this, still fine tuning! I'm thinking regular hours might not happen until I am no longer homeschooling.

Purposeful downtime with NO REGRETS I probably still need more downtime, but I did have more purposeful downtime with NO REGRETS so I did good here.

Knowing "What's for dinner" with less fuss This one comes and goes, as soon as I get on a good roll, then I fall off the eating at home wagon. There's room for improvement in 2010.

More intimacy with God I think this is an area I can always increase in, I feel like I've done good though and will continue in 2010.

Blogging without guilt! Pretty much flunked this - well when I blog I don't feel guilty, I just didn't do it as much as I want to!

Scrapbooking I did scrapbook more this year, but David is like 14 or so in his book and Stephanie doesn't even have one soooooo yep I still need to keep this on the list.

Family & Friends Maybe I'm being hard on myself here, but I always feel like there's family and friends I don't do enough with - either see, call or write - whatever it is I always feel like I'm in the negative on this one.

For some reflecting is painful - for me it equals growth! So I'll be thinking about what I want to aim for in 2010.

My One Fan

2009-10-13T10:16:00.006-05:00

It seems to me I have one true fan of this blog. Well, there might be a few more of you but for the sake of this post we are going with One Fan.

From what I can tell she's been a fan most of my life. I can say that now cuz I'm so OLD. heheh The only other person that's been my fan almost as long as she has is my husband. But he doesn't request blog posts - I suppose he gets enough "live" updates.

Fan - do you know who you are yet? You should! You are a stand out fan, one of a kind, a super special fan but not the dangerously creepy stalker kind. We can be dangerous together though. When together odd looks abound, people tend to change seats or join in, and tears of laughter streak our cheeks. We can talk for hours on the phone or skip a month but once we get rolling there's pretty much no stopping us.

Whether we are walking to the beat of "Another one Bites the Dust" down Michigan Avenue, comparing cokes and fries in Indiana, deciding we only like sprouts on sandwiches together in Arizona, shopping the day after Thanksgiving in Georgia, hanging out at the Continental Divide in Colorado, taking a million pictures of rocks and the ocean at La Jolla Beach, or driving in circles on Disney property we are awesome together.

I love you Mom!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-05-11T10:35:00.005-05:00

FOR TODAY May 11th, 2009...

Outside my window...the sun is shining and the grass is green!

I am thinking...how quiet the house feels this morning

I am thankful for...my family

From the learning rooms...subjects are winding down - physical science is now done WOO HOO!

From the kitchen... I'll be making this weeks menus today and shopping tomorrow.

I am wearing...blue jeans, a pink and white shirt, and white tennies....hmm in March the last time I did this it was very similar!

I am creating...a fun car trip for my family - we are going to Florida the end of the month for my Brother's Wedding Ceremony!

I am going.....to pick my daughter up soon from her Marketing class and figure out something creative for lunch.

I am reading...my Bible.

I am hoping...that I won't need to take Lyrica for weeks and gain lots of weight as a side effect!

I am hearing...Disney music, because I am on hold with Disney!

Around the house...the floors need vacuumed and the bathroom cleaned - other than that it's good to go!

One of my favorite things...planning a family trip!

A few plans for the rest of the week: keeping up with school, going to the green house with my friend Marilyn, oh and a follow-up appointment with the doc.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

It's not to late to begin your Daybook! Click here!

Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-03-16T10:08:00.004-05:00

FOR TODAY March 16th , 2009...

Outside my window...the birds are singing and the sun is trying hard to break threw the clouds!

I am thinking...how quiet the house feels this morning

I am thankful for...the joy I have in my heart

From the learning rooms...there's much to be caught up on now that the wedding is over but I've learned to tiptoe slow into it after 10 years of homeschooling!

From the kitchen... it's pretty barren in there right now - a trip to the grocery store will help it out a bit, or maybe just a good menu plan.

I am wearing...blue jeans, a pink and white sweater, and white tennies

I am creating...a back in the groove routine - which will probably actually begin NEXT week!

I am going...to take my daughter to science class, lunch with my parents and then to the thrift store!

I am reading...the Readers Digest and my Bible.

I am hoping...my son and new daughter are enjoying waking up each morning together! I still love to wake up next to my husband and tomorrow it'll be 25 wonderful years for us!

I am hearing...the birds all happy outside!

Around the house...the floors all need vacuuming, the laundry needs done up but other than that - it's pretty good!

One of my favorite things...the beginning of spring- which has finally appeared this week!

A few plans for the rest of the week: spending time with my parents before they head back to Arizona, celebrating my 25th wedding anniversary and there 42nd this week, and all the normal stuff that needs doing!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...Okay how about two thoughts today!

It's not to late to begin your Daybook! Click here!

Friday already?

2009-02-13T10:48:00.005-06:00

Well there you have it - a wonderful thing! Provides HOT water in all the right places - NOT on the floor, under the wall and into the family room like the OLD one. Grateful? YES Wishing it didn't cost so much? YES BLESSED that it didn't cost more? OF COURSE - we have a wonderful friend that gave of his time to install it.

Ever have one of those weeks? Well I spent some time putting these candy cards together for the kids going on the retreat with us this weekend. Even thought to take a pic for YOU GUYS. YES I had the camera turned the correct way. YES I loaded into blogger the right way. YES I did it multiple times. NO I'm not worried people will think I'm nuts.

So we are taking off with 26 kids to the frozen tundra of some place NORTH of Greenbay - Packer territory for Bears fans. The retreat is appropriately named FreezeOut because it's always freezing up there. NO I didn't want to go the first time. YES I have signed up willingly every time since. NO I still won't get on the horses after my horrific experience in the Rocky's. YES I love the kids and can't wait to get on the bus!

Thrift Store Finds

2009-02-09T15:05:00.004-06:00

$28 Bucks Later

Five T-shirts, 5 long sleeved shirts, 4 Sweatpants - one from Limited Too - thanks Jo Anne - 2 nice hoodies, and one pair of Old Navy Jeans.

The find for David - this Tuxedo T-shirt - now when Twilight the Knight needs to dress it up a bit he's ready.

My personal favorite - the Disney Cruise Line Sweatshirt that I WANTED to buy on our Cruise, but didn't.

A. because it was over 50 bucks
B. because they didn't have it in navy and pink it was all pink with Navy letters.

Everything was half off! YIPPEE!!

Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-02-09T08:28:00.005-06:00

FOR TODAY February 9, 2009...

Outside my window...the snow has melted away, leaving brown dead grass and alot of dog doodoo.

I am thinking...why do I always feel behind the 8-ball?

I am thankful for...finding a dress for the wedding!

From the learning rooms...another area that I never seem to feel like we've done enough in lately.

From the kitchen... I'm thinking it's gonna be chicken something tonight.

I am wearing...blue jeans, a white shirt with my new red Aero hoodie over it, and white tennies

I am creating...games and treats for our FreezeOut retreat-still working on this from last week.

I am going...shopping at the thrift store for long-sleeved t-shirts and sweatshirts for FreezeOut.

I am reading...Eat This and Live - and some scriptures concerning spiritual gifts!

I am hoping...the new hot water heater doesn't cost too much! Hey! I can hope can't I?

I am hearing...silence - except my keyboard clicking away as I work on this.

Around the house...things are pretty well straighten up - though without the water heater the laundry is going to swallow us up.

One of my favorite things...reading out loud to my kids.

A few plans for the rest of the week: preparing for FreezeOut, installing a water heater, and loosing weight

Here is picture thought I am sharing...Good times!

Go ahead, begin a Daybook, you know you want to! Click here!

Never a good sign

2009-02-08T19:11:00.002-06:00

Water leaking from the hot water heater is never a good sign. Naturally it leaked on a Sunday - a day we are gone most of the day and rarely go in the basement. The water leaked across the floor, clear into the familyroom - under the video cases --- blah blah blah.....waiting for the NIPSCO guy to come and "fix" it.

Positive spin - this could have happened while we were gone for the weekend and really caused some damage, I didn't have to fill the dogs water bowl, the floor got washed - currently it's just one of those little annoyances.......

In progress

2009-02-05T17:07:00.002-06:00

Yep, I've been hiding out in my new scraproom - doing nothing but organizing it - haven't taken any photos yet.....I'm about ready to create....something! I'm not sure what! Once I get it done, I'll reveal it right here for YOU!

You have GOT to be kidding!

2009-02-03T21:26:00.003-06:00

I know who you are and I am going to get YOU!

Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-02-02T15:47:00.003-06:00

FOR TODAY February, 2009...

Outside my window...the skies are cloud covered and grey, more snow and cold are on the way

I am thinking...what should I make as sides with dinner tonight

I am thankful for...the furnace, which I just turned up

From the learning rooms...it's been a good day, science, spelling, literature, government, math tonight

From the kitchen...the floor needs washed, now who can I get to do it?

I am wearing...blue jeans, a pink shirt, with an old navy fleece shirt over it, and white tennies

I am creating...games and treats for our FreezeOut retreat

I am going...shopping for a mother of the groom dress this week

I am reading...Eat This and Live - I finished Boundaries last night!

I am hoping...to be aware of what I eat this week, so I can have another weight loss!

I am hearing...my daughters music, which I enjoy and the furnace warming up my space

Around the house...the vacuum needs run, and mirrors windexed

One of my favorite things...going to Friends and G.A.P. classes on Monday nights

A few plans for the rest of the week: bringing home a dress for the wedding, straightening the kitchen cabinets, and taking my scrapbooking things downstairs

Here is picture thought I am sharing...8 more inches in the next 24 hours and 2-4 inches of special lake effect just for us!

Go ahead, begin a Daybook, you know you want to! Click here!

The Day the Rooster Didn't Crow

2009-01-31T18:09:00.010-06:00

Way to go Stephanie!

Aunt Kay, Uncle Bob and Grandma and Grandpa came along for opening night!

Katie came home from college to see you in your first production...well and to see Mitch also!

David was there to show his support along with Lara, who sure knows what it's like to be onstage!
Wayne was probably late for "Hang Night" - thanks for convincing him to come along Jessica! I'd say the kids had a great time!

The night would not be complete with a few cockadoodle doos from Uncle Matt and Paul.

And then on to Culvers!

A brand new baby

2009-01-30T10:29:00.004-06:00

Welcome Alex!

Another GREAT nephew! I can't wait to hold you!

What? Oh, sweetheart don't be afraid of those flashes - you were born into a scrapbooking family!

Congrats! Brian and Becky!

Get Right On IT

2009-01-29T13:57:00.003-06:00

I've been reading Exodus lately and I've read through it before, most of us are familiar with Moses - the burning bush, plagues, parting the red sea......one night I was reading and this scripture just jumped out at me.

"Along the way at a (resting) place, the Lord met Moses and sought to kill him (made him acutely and almost fatally ill)." Exodus 4:24

Whoa - want's THIS? I mean come on, this is AFTER the whole burning bush episode, AFTER he agrees to go and FREE the people. I mean he's already on his way! YIKES! Upon further investigation into this tiny but scary verse I find out Moses didn't take care of some business before he left. God felt it was necessary, at this stage of Moses' experience to know that he is earnest when He speaks.

That's some scary stuff.

When John came into the room I said - hey honey, if God has told you to do anything you better get right on it okay?

Me? I've been looking backwards a bit ever since.........

Is this Cheating?

2009-01-28T22:26:00.002-06:00

25 Random Things about me (Published on my Facebook today also)

Supposedly if you read this you have to do it ---- consider yourself tagged, if you want to be!

1. I really don't like doing this, but got tagged by so many people I felt like I had to write one because I read so many.

2. I wish I had like 10 more kids....My kids are glad John is their Dad because otherwise I would have dressed them alike, moved to the farm and turned them into weirdos -- in THEIR opinion!

3. I love to homeschool.

4. I love to organize anything, a drawer, my pantry, my day, an event.

5. I would pack up and leave NWI for the entire winter- the only thing that keeps me here is that I am madly in love with my husband and couldn't leave him for more than a week, or two.

6. I could eat pizza for every meal, oh and garlic bread. YUM

7. I'm a melancholy surviving in a house full of sanguines.

8. I work for 3D Travel Company and can book lots of different cruises, Sandals packages, and my favorite Disney! Disney World, Disneyland, Adventures by Disney - Disney Cruises, and did you know there are two Disney Resorts NOT in Florida!

9. I broke a tooth eating a lean pocket - not even worth it!

10. I love to camp.

11. I love to take pictures and scrapbook!

12. I sell Creative Memories too........

13. I can walk for hours and not get tired.

14. I'd rather sleep in than get up early.

15. I got hit by a South Shore train and lived to tell you - here on this 25 Random Things note!

16. I went to 7 different schools in 5 years.

17. I spent 8 years using an alias and didn't even know it.

18. Someone hired a private detective to find me. Imagine MY surprise.

19. I had an amazing experience with God and it changed my life FOREVER.

20. I love HOT summers!

21. I don't ever need to eat ice cream again.

22. I love deep meaningful conversation. John does NOT. LOL

23. Music has always been in the background of my life and nothing ushers me into God's presence quicker.

24. I wish life could be like a musical, we just all sing and appear in peoples lives randomly! How fun would that be, if you all showed up here singing right now!

25. I'd like to be bolder, to achieve greatness and rock the world!

What's inside your pantry?

2009-01-27T10:34:00.004-06:00

This morning while I was sitting at my desk I heard a series of loud crashes, and thuds.

I knew exactly what it was.

The Pantry

It had been begging for attention since well before Christmas and I had ignored it.

Not so anymore.

I'm not winning any blogging awards here because I didn't think to take a picture of it when I opened the door - so you only get the AFTER shot. Here it is all happy with nothing ready to fall out.

Now, I discovered that our hot chocolate has been reproducing. I would say I drink on an average 2 cups of hot cocoa a year. It's not because I don't like hot cocoa, it's because after I joined weight watchers and did the points value on it, I gave it up. NO the diet Cocoa isn't the same - don't even try to tell me that. I did discover however that I did not give up BUYING hot cocoa and here's a sampling of what I found in my pantry.

The large container in the middle is really to blame for leaving the other cocoa mixes as outcasts. Two years ago we received this filled with homemade hot cocoa- and realized it was the BEST hot cocoa in the world. YES I said best, so good in fact one of my children would take it to their room. When it was empty that child promptly returned it and requested more - and they were honored and filled it again. As you can tell it's getting dangerously low again!

What did I decided to do with the rest of the hot cocoa? I threw it out.

Go ahead - GASP - I know there are millions of children around the world that have never had hot cocoa, and probably hundreds of thousands that would like a cup right now, even the diet kind. I did it anyway.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-01-26T15:56:00.005-06:00

FOR TODAY January 26th, 2009...
Outside my window...the skies are cloud covered and grey, the ground is still covered with 8 inches of snow
I am thinking...this day has gone well
I am thankful for...94% fat free popcorn of which I can eat the whole bag and not wreck my WW points for the day
From the learning rooms...we are finished for the day, next week we will no longer have drama and should be able to add a few more subjects back in for the balance of winter
From the kitchen...Biscuits and gravy for dinner - my family loves breakfast foods for dinner - me - not so much
I am wearing...blue jeans, a green shirt with an old navy fleece shirt over it, and white tennies
I am creating...my new scrapbook room - in my head for now, soon downstairs in the room my eldest son left vacant this weekend when he moved
I am going...to eat better this week
I am reading...Boundaries - still, thought I'd finish it last week but didn't and Eat This and Live- a very interesting, easy to read but hard to take little book
I am hoping...to get out of bed a little earlier in the morning this week
I am hearing...the tv on and the clickity clackity of my fingers typing, and the furnace just turning on
Around the house...the laundry is actually done a day ahead, so that means bedding can get done tomorrow
One of my favorite things...IM'ing with Kim
A few plans for the rest of the week:seeing my daughter in her first play and moving my scrapbooking supplies downstairs, deciding what the topic for FreezeOut will be
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Go ahead, begin a Daybook, you know you want to! Click here!

How smart IS your right foot?

2009-01-23T14:07:00.002-06:00

1. Without anyone watching you (they will think you are GOOFY......)and while sitting at your desk in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.

2. Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air with your right hand. Your foot WILL change direction.

I told you so!!! And there's nothing you can do about it!

Shower of Blessings

2009-01-21T09:55:00.002-06:00

Paul and Lindsey's shower turned out lovely!

The flower girls, Allison and Alanna, were on hand to help draw door prize names, play with each other and deliver extra smiles when needed!

The bridesmaids did a great job keeping track of things and moving the gifts along!

Unregistered gifts can sometimes be the best gifts of all especially when they are handmade quilts from Marilyn!

The wedding is not far now!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-01-19T09:13:00.004-06:00

FOR TODAY January 19th, 2009...

Outside my window...The sun is brightly shining, casting long shadows across the yards and houses. To the east of me lake effect snow is falling heavily causing the sky to be dancing with color.
I am thinking...how wonderful it was to be able to start this morning slow.

I am thankful for...the warmth of my home and my family.

From the learning rooms...choir begins again tonight, drama practice picks up as the performance nears, and the Inauguration takes place tomorrow!

From the kitchen...menus are planned this week, but the grocery list needs to be written out before I leave the house

I am wearing...blue jeans and a long sleeved red shirt, with another shirt underneath - think WARMTH!

I am creating...an article for the monthly newsletter I work on.

I am going...to take my daughter to Science class, I'm also on pick up duty today, grocery shopping and to the girls class I teach on Monday nights.

I am reading...Boundaries - I should finish this week, and have begun Eat This and Live.

I am hoping...to find a dress for the wedding soon! I am hearing...birdies outside for the first time in over a week - it's finally warm enough for them to come out!

Around the house...things are quiet - laundry waits silently for tomorrow.

One of my favorite things...snuggling in the morning with my husband.

A few plans for the rest of the week: piecing the newsletter together, tending to some work, and lunch with a friend!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Begin your own Daybook!

Excitement Abounds

2009-01-17T08:51:00.004-06:00

Today we are celebrating Paul and Lindsey's Bridal Shower! I am a bit nervous-happy nervous! We did as much as we could yesterday so today could be more relaxed, yet I still woke with that anxious stomach. Does that ever go away?

I am so happy for them and have watched them grow up separately and now together. It is beautiful to behold what God puts together.

Here are a few pics of the table decorations. I couldn't have done it without Marilyn's help. She traipsed around with me last weekend in the cold, slush and falling snow until we were satisfied!

Lindsey has chosen chocolate brown and champaign as the colors for her wedding with a hint of green. I am really looking forward to lighting all the candles this afternoon!

This is the wedding party's table and I will never forget the smile on Lindsey's face when I told her after the shower she could take it home.

I know that so many of my friends and relatives don't live close enough to be here and share this special day with us - but we know how much you love us all and wish in your hearts to be here! We love you too!

Wintry View

2009-01-16T08:16:00.009-06:00

Bla-Go

2009-01-15T09:18:00.002-06:00

I saw the Keith Harrison Band on the news yesterday - this guy won a contest writing this song! Here's the write up and a link to see the band performing the song. Or you can enjoy the You Tube version. Catchy tune if you ask me! The lyrics are fun too especially if every time you turn on your TV Bla-go is on like he is here!

Snow Day

2009-01-14T15:09:00.004-06:00

It really is beautiful in a greyish kinda way!

No birdies feasting at the feeder today!

Thanks to David I did not have to go out today - so the car still looks like this!

Think before you speak.......

2009-01-13T15:08:00.004-06:00

Think

Is it True
Is it Helpful
Is it Inspiring
Is it Necessary
Is it Kind

A scripture reference for this would be Matthew 12:35-37.

"The good man brings out good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. but I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

We have been discussing God's will for our lives in our high school girls class on Monday nights. How positive and wonderful His will is for us and how we can help others even by the way we speak. Jessica our wonderful assistant leader sent this to me to share with the girls. I couldn't help but share it with everyone. I think they are words to live by whether speaking, IM'ing, e-mailing, texting, posting on Facebook, Myspace or wherever else. I know I sure can use the daily reminder!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-01-12T09:06:00.005-06:00

FOR TODAY January 12th, 2009... Outside my window...the ground is covered with snow and the sidewalks and it edges the walks and drives of my neighborhood.

I am thinking...today is going to whiz by

I am thankful for...my family

From the learning rooms...science is in progress, and spelling will be next

From the kitchen...meatloaf for dinner tonight - one of my favorites

I am wearing...blue jeans and the new pink and white sweater I got for a GREAT price this weekend!

I am creating...table decorations for my soon to be daughter in laws shower coming up on Saturday I am going...to the grocery store right after I drop my daughter off at SHELL class

I am reading...Boundaries and Exodus

I am hoping...for a wonderful week

I am hearing...the paper shuffle

Around the house...things need tidied up a bit

One of my favorite things...a warm bath

A few plans for the rest of the week:laundry-it never ends, getting together with Lindsey to prepare for the shower, schooling Stephanie, Girls club, Switched, a hair appointment!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Begin your daybook today click here!

Shine Don't Whine - Part TWO

2009-01-12T08:26:00.005-06:00

Blizzard Watch

As soon as I admit something I always get a chance to practice what I preach!

Now I'd much rather go to Blizzard Beach in Florida - if that sounds better to you click here! Let me help you escape the real thing!

Of course you could always run out for one of these!

Spending this week watching the weather and glad I did the majority of my errands Saturday and Sunday!

Shine Don't Whine

2009-01-10T19:57:00.005-06:00

I've been working my way through Genesis and I'm reading about Joseph - he has an awesome write up in the Bible. It kinda starts in Chapter 37 and runs through 50, with a little detour in chapter 38 about a "pretend" harlot - who said the Bible wasn't interesting -- anyway I like his story.

He started out one of the youngest brothers. The older ones didn't quite like him because he was favored by his father. Basically they put him in a pit and then felt a little guilty about it and decided selling him to slavery was better. I'm not sure how that felt better to them or how they figured it wouldn't affect them their whole lives but it did. They later end up really regretting this, but I don't want to ruin it for you if you haven't read it yet!

Joseph's life is filled with a lot of crazy ups and downs and I love that he just makes due with what he has. He makes the best out of every rotten situation - in slavery he ends up running the palace, when he ends up in jail, he ends up running the jail, once he gets out of their he ends up 2nd in command of Egypt - this is way cool! There's not one place where he's like DANG what's going on here,I'm doing the best I can....he's just trucking along doing what he can with the situation at hand.

I try to Shine not whine - I think Joseph did too. I mean when the bad stuff comes even mildly bad stuff we can take the negative side - sure we can whine and complain and waaaaa it's not fair our way through the day - find people to agree with us- there will be plenty- but in the end I just don't feel better for it, in fact I feel worse.

One place I just don't shine too much is in the cold wintry months. I whine my way through the entire winter - seriously! I love summer - the sunshine and I really don't ever get too hot! So winter just seems especially drastic to me! I'm gonna work really hard to stop whining about something I'm going to have to do the rest of my life and start shining --- I'm not too sure how this is actually gonna play out, I'm sure my closest friends will now use this post to "encourage" me the next time they hear me whining not shining through the ice, below zero wind chill, snow and more snow, did I say wind chill....and ice.....OK OK SHINE don't whine!

Never give your children music lessons!

2009-01-08T21:41:00.009-06:00

Unless you are prepared for this!

Or something like this....

I'm mighty proud but it wasn't what I was thinking back then....

Uh OH

2009-01-07T18:10:00.001-06:00

And to think --- on Friday I'm going to a Pampered Chef Party.....

This is divine intervention............

Senile?

2009-01-07T17:23:00.005-06:00

NOT ME Silly!

Monday night our black lab decided at 6:30 pm to go to the park. She didn't tell anyone and she didn't take a cell phone! Imagine the nerve of that dog!

Out we go with flashlights and large booming voices. I got into the car - I mean it was cold and dark outside.

I found her in the park - again - this is the second time in about a month's time.

She was running around sniffing everything - normal doggy stuff. The thing is when I called her she didn't come and she ran off in the other direction - last time it was daylight and she didn't recognize me for quite sometime. She's going to be 13 in March and except for the graying she doesn't look it - she runs and plays and is quite slim for an aging Black Lab.

Well anyway by the time I got back to the house she was in the front yard like "Hey it's cold out here, let me in" I had a long talk with her about taking her cell phone with her the next time she wants to go to the park. It's just not safe to be out in the dark alone.

The Mountain

2009-01-06T21:11:00.002-06:00

Wondering what I did today?

I bet you can guess!

The mountain!

I concurred the mountain of laundry - it's one of those silent jobs that churns and tumbles in the basement and clean clothes magically appear in drawers and closets throughout the land......

Simple Woman's Daybook 1/5.2009

2009-01-05T12:57:00.004-06:00

FOR TODAY January 5th

Outside my window the sun is shining brightly!

I am thinking it's going to be hard to get back into the routine after the holidays but I am also looking forward to it.

I am thankful for my husband who rises every morning without fail and goes to work for me and his children.

From the learning rooms I am wondering how we will begin after so much time off.

From the kitchen I'll be making Beef Stew and homemade cornbread and wondering about the family I got the recipe from.

I am wearing jeans and a sweatshirt.

I am creating this blog and longing for a day to scrapbook again.

I am going to Friends class tonight.

I am reading boundaries and finding out that anger is not necessarily a bad thing.

I am hoping for a smooth transition into school.

I am hearing silence for the first time in WEEKS!

Around the house things are getting back in place, Christmas is put away and things look tidy - except the laundry room - that's Tuesday's chore!

One of my favorite things is knowing that as I go through this day and everyday God is near me.

A few plans for the rest of the week: planning the bridal shower, going to church, beginning new subjects for school.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

I found this at Simple Woman's Daybook - go here if you'd like to learn more

It's a little bit dusty around here....

2009-01-04T19:54:00.003-06:00

It's been awhile since I posted a pic of my little niece! Here she is on Christmas Eve using one of Fly Lady's feather dusters - apparently she felt the need to dust up a bit, or maybe just check to see if Santa was on his way.

Wait for it.......

2009-01-03T08:40:00.000-06:00

To coincide with my short list of goals it seems God places a character quality on my heart to develop more fully. The last few years it has been simply to love. In my quiet times with Him it always came up and I began to turn my heart to it, to see Love more fully, to pray that I would love more and many wonderful things happened over those years. Amazing things and indeed in loving more fully I have learned to judge less quickly, to be more positive and have mended many fences.

In the past few weeks I have had a leading from the Holy Spirit that this season was changing and through my Bible reading, prayer and quiet times before Him I've found patience to be creeping into my thoughts.

YES patience. The one thing everyone says they don't want prayer for. I already feel patient in many ways. I don't think one would say "she's not very patient" when it comes to describing me - I may find out differently though! LOL

I think it's more like Wait for it.......

I'm in Genesis again and I've noticed that God's people really spent a LONG time waiting for it. As many of you know my husband is the youth pastor for our church. This is something we both feel called to and we both love doing. He is studying and hoping to get his credentials and working a very FULL time job. We are in our mid forties SHOCKING I know. We are old enough to be other Youth Pastors parents......

So I have the nerve to wonder......wouldn't YOU? What are we doing? Well, really What is God doing? I know well enough I'm not gonna know until I need to.

I KNOW God knows what He's doing! I have NO DOUBT about that and I KNOW we are following HIS direction. After reading through Genesis and listening to Him I just keep hearing PATIENCE Wait for it..........
Whatever IT is I'm waiting for it!

Flowers in the Attic

2009-01-02T11:34:00.005-06:00

Not really but they sure would be prettier than this!

Today we put the Christmas stuff away - the only place for it is the attic!

I am typically a very organized person, a place for everything and everything in it's place. I will not buy something I truly like simply because I have no idea where to store it if I can't leave it up year round. So the attic is my "dark side".

Once upon a time a very busy young Mom ran out of room in her "old shoe". She ran out of time taking care of the children in the shoe but wanted to save bits and pieces of their lives to put in some orderly fashion when she "had more time". The problem was she couldn't stand clutter and when the small basement storage area became overridden with necessaries like the vacuum cleaner, seasonal decorations, scrap booking supplies, etc. she began to ponder the square foot above her and so alleviated her painful existence of too much stuff to save. Heave, ho it went up through the tiny hole in the linen closet ceiling! Not only was it safe and sound for a day with less to do, it was added insulation from the long winters chill. And so Christmas was very soon delegated to it's 11 month existence up in the attic, along with children's rockers, stuffed animals hearts could not permanently part with, toys, papers of all sorts and who knows what other miscellaneous items for a day with "less to do" That day with "less to do" has still not arrived and the dark side grows deeper and harder to tame. But alas time is on my side for one day I'll climb up there and box by box go through all those treasures shipping them off to my grown children with gleeeeeee.......or maybe even finally tossing them free to the Thrifty store near by.........

The End

what's YOUR Attic look like????????????

365 Fresh New Days

2009-01-01T16:05:00.002-06:00

2009

365 Fresh New Days for YOU and ME - it's like a new notebook to journal in! The possibilities are endless!

Here are a few things I'd like to fill them with -

Reaching my goal weight and maintaining it AGAIN

REGULAR 3D Travel hours so I know when I'm working and when I'm not

Purposeful downtime with NO REGRETS

Knowing "What's for dinner" with less fuss

More intimacy with God

Blogging without guilt!

Scrapbooking

Family & Friends

The Lock INN

2008-10-30T10:53:00.002-05:00

Well my darling husband finally wore me down. The youth from our church have been clamoring to have a Lock INN. You know where they keep chaperoning adults hostage and awake all night long...and they call that FUN! :)

Halloween night AFTER the traditional Harvest Fest for the Grade School kids, we will have our Lock INN. I keep spelling it with two N's hoping they might think they are going to sleep like you do at an INN, but it's just wishful thinking.

I'm hoping that I'll be recovered by Monday morning.....I know we will have a great time but I also know even fun things have a consequence!!!!!!!!

Eventually you will have to touch raw meat

2008-10-28T12:08:00.002-05:00

Her plans are to marry a husband that cooks.

I hope she does!

Coping Method #1

2008-10-27T15:48:00.002-05:00

The house is cold, winter hasn't even showed up and I am freezing. Here's my newest coping method.

I can't say it's working well.

My fingertips are still cold, as are my nose and toes.

Stay tuned for coping method #2

The Kitchen Table

2008-10-25T13:37:00.005-05:00

I've had my kitchen table for 18 years. I fell in love with it the summer we were moving into this house. I was out shopping for bunk beds for the boys with my MIL and right next to the bunk beds was this table. If it wasn't for my MIL I wouldn't have this table. See we spent 6-weeks living with her inbetween houses - ours had sold and we hadn't found another one yet. We were about to finally move in and I know she was anxious to get us out! In a loving sorta way.

She was also wise enough to know that the butcher block looking table with the chrome legs and roll chairs just wasn't gonna make it in the dining room. I really hadn't thought that far ahead.

The table is ceramic. 2 boys and a ceramic table. hmmm There is one crack on it from when the Cub Scouts did leather making and one boy forgot to move to the floor before hitting the engraving tool with the mallet.

My Mom didn't think that made much sense. I could see her point. But the deed was done.

Many years later my Mom and I were sitting at the table and she said - "Gee I'm surprised at how well this table has held up."

"Well Mom, we have been eating on what most people walk on!"

We laughed a good laugh!

When we began homeschooling I discovered that we could use dry erase markers and write on it! I was going GREEN before most! We still do school on the table - mainly spelling - why waste the paper.

Last night it was our turn to host the Staff Monthly Dinner. I really like getting together with the Staff of our church. I should have taken our picture. I thought about it, but didn't do it. I regret it now!

I put the table cloth on. There's POWER in the table cloth. I don't know why. For some reason Autumn and Winter just deserve a table cloth. Maybe it's because my ceramic table is white. Maybe I'm just weird.

Wii Fit Family Fun

2008-10-22T21:51:00.004-05:00

Wii Fit - the fun and exciting way to get fit!

My son David brought home a belated birthday gift for me and I must say we have all been enjoying it. Naturally it has brought out the uh - shall we say competitive side of our family.

NO we are not interested in getting fit really - we just want to keep our names as #1 in the categories!

Well it's MY GAME and their names are all OVER THE PLACE! I don't even get to rank in some of the activities!

Imagine my excitement last night when I finally decided to try the Strength part - the one I'd been avoiding like the stomach flu. And it ranked me numero UNO BODYBUILDER! Take THAT BOYS I shouted outloud- to no one other than myself! I wish I could have seen their faces when sometime between midnight and 3 a.m. they discovered their MOM ranked higher! YEAH!

Now for the fit part of this - it ranks your age - I think the Wii Fit is definately a Girl because the first day I got on it ranked me as 59 years OLD I AM NOT 59 - NO I will not tell you how old I AM, but I'm not 59. The next day like magic I was 34 - that made me happier. I think she's moody! It also weighs you and lets you know just how overweight you really are - all with a cute none threatening graphic.

The Wii Fit actually talks to you, monitors your improvement and tells you in the morning when you put it on to go have some breakfast and come back! It also tells you to take a break now when you play too long!

Tomorrow I weigh in again at Weight Watchers maybe the activity points I got jogging in place and feeling like I was going to DIE after 2 minutes will help!

Did it hurt when you fell from Heaven?

2008-10-21T17:41:00.005-05:00

For Sweetest Day my darling Husband bought me this paper weight for my desk!

Nope, Not at all!

Weekend Update

2008-10-20T10:49:00.003-05:00

Believe it or not I didn't take a single photo this weekend!

Friday night Marilyn and I went to watch one of our Youth Leaders in his last band performance. He is a Senior this year and is the Drum Major. Naturally when I attend sporting events it's rainy and cold. This one was no exception! The company was well worth it and watching him do his thing was also enjoyable! Afterward we stopped by his house checked out his Senior Pics and enjoyed his family and friends company. He has some awesome pics and if I had a scanner I'd scan some in for you.

John and Stephanie went to a Father-daughter Hayride and left the camera home also - due to the rain!

Saturday John and Stephanie headed out to another student's Girls Sectional Soccer game - when the kids call and invite you or in this case tell you Pastor John you just have to come to this game!!! It's really hard to resist - especially for my husband he loves sports. Naturally I didn't go and it was sunny I won't say warm!

Sunday we went to church and that was full of surprises -- testimonies, our beloved worship leader will be moving and a Woman's Meeting!

Today I am sitting with my Grandmother Dotty! Tonight teaching the Middle School girls Club called "Friends".

I can only imagine what you all are doing! In fact, I"m hoping to visit your blog next! See ya soon!

Tortilla Soup Starter

2008-10-15T14:15:00.003-05:00

There's a sucker born everyday - and there I was, desperate - in the store and there was the soup starter --- I like tortilla soup - so does my family. Never made it at home though.

There's a few interesting things about this soup starter kit - the directions are on the bottom. I find that humorous - maybe you don't. Anyway The directions seem simple - put in a crock pot. Viola, magic words in the cart it goes.

Today is a perfect day for it, cloudy, cool, rainy - lazy and busy all in the same day.

So I turn it over and it says - add meat - nah I don't think so and then it says ---add seasonings of your choice....WHAT? No hints, no ideas just seasonings of my choice? Like Cinnamon? rosemary? Basil? Okay I add garlic-my favorite, cumin, cayenne pepper and chili pepper - in small amounts oh and I threw in a bay leaf for good measure. 32 oz or my choice - water, beef broth or chicken broth. Chicken broth is what's in the pantry so that's what goes in.

I think dinner is going to be good tonight!

Fly Lady's Morning Routine

2008-10-14T09:34:00.002-05:00

I've been a Fly Baby for about 5 years now. I am by nature a list maker. I even think in lists - so this works perfect for me! Every morning I basically do these things - well EXCEPT ONE - I wonder if you can guess - anyway no matter what time I wake up and get moving this is what you'll find me doing - some days it'll be over the span of 2 hours, others in about 45 minutes depending on what time I wake up and what time I have to get out of the house.

I'm wondering can you guess which one I don't do?????

1. Get up and weigh
2. Shower, get dressed to lace up shoes,fix your hair and face
3. While you are in the bathroom Swish and Swipe
4. Grab a load of laundry and start the washer
5. Check your calendar for today's activities
6. Empty dishwasher to start your day
7. Eat something good for you, take your medicine and vitamins
8. What's For Dinner
9. Drink your water.
10. Put some Loving Movement into your day

There should be eleven things -

11. Devotions

Okay now can you guess which one I don't do?

EXERCISE

shhhhh....even though she calls it Loving Movement I just can't seem to get it into everyday and still have my morning start at a decent hour. I have spent the better part of my adult life trying to be a morning person and I do get up naturally between 6:30 and 7:30 every morning, HOWEVER that is still not early enough to get what I want to do done and school beginning by 8:30 - 9.

Any other Fly Lady's out there?????

What's For Dinner?

2008-10-13T15:43:00.003-05:00

It's that time again - time to make dinner - well at least time to be planning it out - I took some meat out, I went to the store.

I have NO EXCUSE

I just don't WANNA

I'd rather clean something.

A Night of Tasting!

2008-10-12T18:36:00.005-05:00

Saturday night we went with our son, his fiancee and her parents for a wonderful night of tasting! More like FEASTING! We sampled main dish after main dish all AFTER three different appetizers, and the most wonderful bread and butter. Then it was off for a peak at the hall with an actual wedding going on! Then back for a taste of cake.

WOW! I can't believe my son is getting married!!

Isn't he cute????

Sorry he's already taken - but I do have another son!

Seriously, I was a child bride - ask my Mom!

Dreams do come true

2008-10-12T18:10:00.006-05:00

Spent my Friday night rocking out with Twilight the Knight! They packed the house!

After hours and hours of writing, composing and practicing these three guys played their first concert! Everyone had a good time and they've already got another gig! Do they say "gig" anymore?????

"The hair works with playing the drums Mom"

I suppose it did!

Week in Review

2008-10-10T08:06:00.006-05:00

Where does all the time go?

Saturday we spent most of the day passing out Krud Kutter to the flood Victims - even though in the bloggy blog world the flood posts seems along time ago these families are just beginning the clean up and rebuilding process - we saw homes with standing water in the basement, homes that were skeletons inside and piles and piles of peoples stuff on the streets. Every home had people working inside, outside and all around! Kudos to those who have been faithfully staffing the relief tents and providing meals and shoulders to lean on for so many families!

Sunday brought Chad Varga into our church to challenge us to reach more teens, with statistics like 1 out of every 4 middle school aged child admits to drinking regularly and 1.3 million teens make a suicide plan every day. Cheery huh!

Monday brought school, cleaning, and preparing for Friends Class - We had 9 Middle School Girls and I love them all!!!

Tuesday night we went to Anna's last soccer game and stood in the rain and cheered her team on - it reminded me of old times and how I really don't like to stand in the cold rain!!! Anna is in our Youth Group at church and we've known her since she was little! It is so fun to watch them all grow up!

Wednesday was my birthday! John took the day off work!! That's a biggie! What did we do??? Where did we go???

Trader Joes - I had never been there before and really wanted to go - it's about 30 minutes away and sells "health" food - if you can call it that! Some of it is good some of it is just organic junk food if you ask me....shhhhhh I had a great time though!

Then we went to the mall and I went into a very cool store called Williams-Sonoma. I had a very good time looking at all the things for "serious cooks"

I am NOT a serious cook! That store proved it. Most of the stuff I had no idea what to do with! I did however purchase two things. Mulling Spices to add to apple cider and Pecan Pumpkin Butter to make this wonderful dessert they were allowing us to sample! Turns out they cook everyday right in the store!

We finished my celebration with my favorite group of teens! The Switched Youth Group. They sang Happy Birthday and shared in my cake!

Thursday I weighed in at Weight Watchers - a Lifetimer struggling to get back to goal - I was happy even after the birthday I lost more than a pound! Now I HOPE I NEVER find that one again! After that Stephanie and I went to spend some time with Dotty.

Dotty is this amazing woman! She's my Dad's Mom and we all love her very much! I have always been encouraged and strengthened every time I sat with her at the kitchen table and now we are honored to be able to spend time with her and care for her as she prepares for the next great adventure of her life - meeting the King of Kings our Heavenly Father! The Hospice nurse marveled at how well she's doing and is amazed she's still here - they gave her 1-2 weeks back in August. Even yesterday she told me "Char, I really want to get better!" I do believe she does!

And here we are at Friday already and I wonder where did this week go? There are so many wonderful things to do with our lives now and it seems never a spare moment. I count myself blessed that God has so graciously given me so many opportunities to serve, to love others, and to be challenged.

Where am I going from here? To get a haircut, lunch with Marilyn, to cheer on my son's first band concert! Twilight the Knight! And on Saturday "A Sampling of menu items" for my older son's wedding!! YUM

Followers

2008-10-06T22:34:00.003-05:00

Okay I have ONE follower! ONE of you willing to say I will follow this blog - I'll at least sign up. ONE FRIEND! How pitiful is THAT????????????? Do I have a big capital L on my forehead or what???

OR

Could it be

No one really looks on the sidebar and has no clue how to follow?

You guys crack me up! I love ya!

Decorating for Autumn

2008-10-03T10:52:00.020-05:00

What is this you say?

It's the pile of Autumn decorations I brought up from the drawer I have in the basement full of autumn goodies!

With a quick slight of hand we went from this............

To this..............

I added the autumn screen and dusted up the shelf

The front door has a cheery greeting now!

The curio cabinet even got a touch of autumn

The Piano and Mantle were even "dressed" for Autumn

Now this little clear pumpkin used to house my favorite October treat! Dry roasted peanuts mixed with candy corn. I finally had to start filling it in with this attracted and low calorie potpourri mix - it keeps my hands out of it and the fat off my thighs. Well in theory I suppose I could run to the store and buy some, I noticed they have it packaged that way now - back in the olden days I had to mix it myself!

I Caved

2008-09-30T20:53:00.002-05:00

I caved in - sorta - we didn't eat fish. However I did make my darling daughter cook up the sausage for the personal pizzas we had instead AND she made them. Amazing how readily she took up the task!

The fish in question? Tilapia - one of the FEW I'll actually eat. It's still lurking in the freezer though, so EVENTUALLY she'll be eating it for dinner....until then............My GREATNESS IS SECURE!

My Greatness is hanging in the balance!

2008-09-29T16:34:00.003-05:00

Yep you heard that right!
My reputation as a GREAT MOM is hanging in the balance right now!

Mom - "Please clean the backseat of the car out for me".
Daughter - "it's not all my stuff".
Mom - "I know - but just do it because you have a GREAT MOM"
Daughter - "Does this mean you are NOT making Fish for dinner"?

An A-B-C Birthday

2008-09-27T10:10:00.025-05:00

Today my beautiful daughter turned 15 and we decided to celebrate with an A-B-C Birthday. For weeks I had been asking her what she wanted for her birthday and all she would say was - I just spent 2 weeks at Walt Disney World I can't think of anything I want! She's thoughtful like that.

So this morning when we were ready to leave she opened her card - There were 3 slips of paper with an A, B and C on them. The gift bag we gave her was empty though nicely stuffed with tissue!

A or B we promptly asked and off we went for Breakfast - B was Dunkin' Donuts!

From there we were off to buy a new top - A was for dELiA*s!

A new top needs new earrings she picked A and off to Claire's we went!

Next stop a new pair of shoes - her pick? B After much looking she forfeited the shoes instead of buying something she didn't really want! She's practical like that!

A girl can't just look nice on the outside - she's got to be smart too! So she chooses B and off we go - to Barnes and Noble to pick out some books! Nancy Drew!

By now we are ready for a snack! Choice C brought us to Maggie Moos - the BEST cake batter ice cream I've ever tasted!

While we were sitting there I realized I had two things in my purse for her A or B A quick choice of A and out pops one of her favorite movies! National Treasure!

Time to get back in the car and head for something else SWEET! She choose Gummy worms - ruling out Chocolate!

It was time for her to SHINE so A she picks and off we go for some new Lip Gloss!

Next stop - A for Circuit City - to pick out the headphones we ended up with C for Target because they were cheaper at Target and she new that! She's thrifty-even with others money!

Dinner Time! The Lucky letter B! Off to Burger King - one of her all time Fav's that we just don't go to anymore!

Here I also gave her the last little thing I had been carrying around in my purse! Happy Birthday my sweetheart!

SHOCKING!

2008-09-26T17:19:00.002-05:00

No one has a Green Bean Recipe!
I must investigate this further!
Does ANYONE eat green beans?
Maybe they aren't supposed to be eaten?
Are they like that green lettucy stuff on the plate that we aren't supposed to eat?????

Green Bean Rescue & Plain Ravioli?

2008-09-26T08:55:00.008-05:00

Please rescue my family from canned green beans - which I refuse to eat - gag reflex-sorry TMI - anyway I'm looking for a recipe for green beans - not the canned ones, and not the mushy gross ones we grew up eating, but the wonderful ones you can sometimes get in nice restaurants. Apparently I found another green veggie I like - as long as it's NOT MUSHY or canned!

Ravioli! My kids eat it plain! DID YOU HEAR THAT? PLAIN - maybe a tad bit of sauce and possibly some Romano cheese sprinkled over it. I can get away with PLAIN RAVIOLI for dinner - it's EASIER than Ramen Noodles!

I know what YOU'RE thinking! She should have her own cooking show!

Apparently I CAN be Persuaded

2008-09-24T12:09:00.003-05:00

I've been behaving myself today - teaching school, doing laundry, and cleaning so when lunch officially came I decided checking some blogs would be a good "reward" I found this test at Emily's Blog and decided to take it.

Here's what I found out.

You have unusual charisma and are an outstanding leader in your role as the Envisioner Mentor. Your type is found in only about 5% of the population. People turn to you for support and nurturing, because of your caring and concern, and you can usually deliver what they need. People are your highest priority and value.

You're very tolerant of others, always trustworthy, and able to react to others with understanding. You have well-developed intuition: follow your hunches with confidence! You tend to long for an ideal relationship, feeling vaguely dissatisfied when yours isn't perfect. You excel in occupations where personal contact, one on one, is important.

6 Random Things About Me

1. I prefer blue jeans, t-shirts and white tennis shoes. A warm hoodie over all that if it's chilly.
2. Give me sunshine and warmth over cool and cloudy.
3. I see God in nature and hear Him in Music
4. If it's gonna storm - I want it BIG! LOUD Thunder, POUNDING rain, FEET of snow!
5. The more the Merrier however I'd love to talk with you one on one.
6. I never get tired on a walk.

Okay - I have to get back to my regularly scheduled activities - Lunch is OVER!

What Can you do?

2008-09-23T14:20:00.011-05:00

This morning when we arrived to help out a woman looked at Stephanie and I and said "What can you do?" At the moment they were trying to decide when and where and how to go about unloading the Convoy of Hope semitruck that had just arrived from Missouri. So for the moment it appeared we could do nothing. Eventually there were quite a few of us standing around doing nothing.

I took a few photos - hey that's what people who bring cameras along do to pass the time!

Following the Convoy of Hope truck through the town brought tears to my eyes - hey I'm like that too.

Eventually we arrived at the right place and at the right time!

We can unload a Convoy of Hope truck that's what we can do!

For flood photos click here

Tropical Storms and Hurricane IKE in the Midwest

2008-09-22T12:36:00.008-05:00

I'm told that the damage our area sustained was due to a Tropical storm named Lowell, and then Hurricane Ike riding Up North together. Whatever it was we received 10 inches of rain in two days which puts us at 13 inches of surplus precipitation for the year. Roads were closed - major ones, and now I hear that this bridge - our main link to the expressway and church will be closed until December. I also heard this morning that there is a HUGE sink hole on another of our main roads. This is nothing compared to the damage of homes - many had 6 feet or more in their basements and are now deemed uninhabitable.

This is my Mom standing in front of a barrier of sand and cement blocks meant to keep the water from flooding our area - she asked is blog worthy? She was here along with my Dad for another serious reason - maybe I'll post on that another day. Maybe

With the expressway closed there was an eerie kinda quiet around here - except for the helicopters constantly filming and surveying.

Having the inquiring mind I do - I had to check out one of the pump stations along my regular walk. The Little Calumet was 3 feet above flood stage and they were still pumping into it. I've never seen the water this high.

I climbed over the sand and stood on the bridge last week to get a better look myself - risking being ticketed - I was told. I got this beautiful photo.

Meatloaf

2008-09-21T12:33:00.002-05:00

Meatloaf - it's an odd thing. Depending on the shape depends on whether we like it or not. Over the years I've found that mushing together 2 pounds of raw meat with a variety of eggs, breadcrumbs and seasonings and molding it into a loaf of sorts didn't quite work for my family.

However

If I took the same recipe and put it into the cupcake pan they thought they had gone to heaven!

Rolled up into mini meatballs and I am the queen of meat!

Flattened into a patty and it's your average hamburger.

Preposterous I know!

Perspective

2008-09-20T20:32:00.002-05:00

There have been so many different things going on in my life this year that it's helped me to put things into better perspective - at least I hope it's a better perspective. We've had three one hundred year floods this year, a tornado, multiple power outages, unexpected surgeries and illnesses. My personal time has been seriously compromised. It seems I no longer have time for scrap booking, and blogging has been more of a chore than the enjoyment it had started out as. Unfortunately I have less time to take care of the physical me too - and it shows in my weight! Somethings you just can't hide!

Looking back over this year so far - I wish I would have blogged more about what was going on - these are after all our diaries in a sense. I have always thought of them kinda like the sketchbooks of generations gone by - except we don't sketch as much anymore, we photograph or video tape.

Right now I'm trying to figure how to get back into a good school routine. We've had quite a few months off and my youngest and only one left to home school will be starting 9th grade! 9th Grade! Where did all the time go? I am still wanting to do grade school subjects, and nature walks! Instead we have a year filled with Algebra, Physical Science, Government and Elections. Yes, these too will be interesting and maybe dare I say kinda fun - but somehow they don't feel as carefree as grade school. How will I squeak school back into an already packed schedule? I just don't know - one class at a time I suppose. I'm glad that I know our family was called to home school, that I can still remember the moment I realized this is indeed what I was to do and that helps in times like these - it helps me to know that God is in control and He will make a way. He will work all things out for HIS GLORY and I am good with that! I hope that no matter what is going on in your life you are too!

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-04T12:38:00.001-05:00

Enjoy the day, the weekend - be Proud to be an American!

Bravo Ball Girl!

2008-07-02T21:46:00.002-05:00

I wouldn't call myself a sports fanatic at all, but when I saw this young girl I was completely amazed! Way to go!

July ALREADY?

2008-06-30T22:46:00.003-05:00

In about an hour it will be July 1st. Where does time go? Where has Summer gone? I heard on the news that the last 7 months have been cloudier than normal and if we have one more we'll break a record. We also might have our SECOND 90 degree day this week - I just might break a sweat! Okay - I suppose we could be battling fires or floods - so maybe I better stop whining!

I must admit I like it warm but I also like not paying the electricity company so much money while the AC runs AND the pool filter, so I am NOT complaining - BUT HEY we only get 3 months of summer here and I feel shortchanged!

One good thing about the coming of July is our 4th of July Family Festivities which involve walking to the Fair, watching the parade, tasting new fair foods like fried alligator, fried Twinkies and well - I suppose whatever they might fry this year. We manage to get some swimming in and walking over to the fireworks on the 4th.

I love having my family and friends here and just hanging out!

How DO you Rate as a 1930's Housewife?

2008-06-25T17:13:00.002-05:00

115

As a 1930s wife, I am
Very Superior

Take the test!

This was too good to pass up. The questions were pretty obvious and kinda hilarious! Give it a try! There's also a test for husbands..hmmmmm?

My 10 Favorite Movies

2008-06-24T17:24:00.003-05:00

I dropped over to see Chickadee today. It had been a long time. Even though I had posted today I thought I'd like to do this meme. Here are my 10 Favorite movies - in no particular order - because HEY it depends on my mood!

1. Pirates of the Caribbean - The Original
2. While You Were Sleeping
3. Mary Poppins
4. Holes
5. Anne of Green Gables - all three - Is this cheating?
6. Borrowed Hearts
7. Princess Diaries
8. Parent Trap - the OLD one
9. Night at the Museum
10.Italian Job
BONUS Pride and Prejudice

What are yours? If you haven't blogged enough lately - consider yourself TAGGED

Cast ALL your Cares, God has a PLAN

2008-06-24T08:32:00.004-05:00

This morning I read a few different things for my devotion time. I thought I'd share them with you.

"I know the plans I have for you" Jeremiah 29:11. If you've stuck around church any length of time you've heard this. I read it today and I said to God - I just wish you'd tell me! And I smiled because I know He isn't gonna. At least not in the way I meant! You know that way your girlfriend will sit down and say "look honey you just can't keep saying yes to everyone, or you really shouldn't wear that outfit.

Then I switched to a book I'm reading a little bit each morning and there it was Cast ALL your cares. All of them. First Peter 5:7 says "Casting the whole of your care (all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all) on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully."

WOW? REALLY?

ALL of them - you know GOD there are ALOT of them! I mean there are Spouses, children, finances, workplaces, health, responsibilities, ministries, friends, extended families, the price of gas, milk and food!- just to name a few.

Where does one begin?

You want them ALL? Imagine the freedom that would bring if we just gathered them all up like we do for a garage sale and gave them to Him?

What a pile that would be!

And that is exactly what He wants us to do. It says so right there in First Peter.

Why? Because He cares for me and YOU affectionately and watchfully. I don't know about you but I like that. I need someone to care for me affectionately and watchfully. Don't get me wrong - there are plenty of people that do care for me but I like knowing that GOD cares for me. That GOD watches over me. It makes me sigh in relief. It's not all me, it's GOD.

Cast ALL your Cares because God has a plan for you and He cares for you affectionately and watchfully!

Did you notice that Once and for all part? That's the hard part isn't it? I mean we can pile all our stuff up and haul it out to the garage for the sale, but ever notice how you bring something back in, or it never really makes it in the bag - I mean we night need it one day right? OR maybe you just go out and by some more stuff now that you've got room.

Cast it out ONCE AND FOR ALL and then you can be really FREE! Imagine what that would mean. How giddy would you be - you just might skip around a bit, sing a song, really enjoy this day. Hey we might spread SMILES all around! People might not recognize us because we've CAST IT ALL and we are NOT taking it back!

I hope you spend sometime CASTING today and feel the burden lift as you do!

I've Lost my Mo Jo

2008-06-17T16:22:00.006-05:00

I was spending a lovely afternoon with my friend Marilyn sitting outside telling her how I just haven't scrapbooked lately and wonder if I'll ever get back to it. She said --"You've lost your Mo Jo".

Lost my Mo Jo???? Sounds like a cup of coffee to me but she assured me it was a term used among quilters for when you just don't feel like sewing right now. I suppose we could use it for lots of things - including scrapbooking and blogging!

You'll notice on the side of this blog that I was scrapbooking when I started, in fact I had a regular goal that seemed doable and if you check the archives you'll find out that it just slipped away from me. Once David's injury entered the picture I gave it up entirely!!

To top it off I still sell Creative Memories so if you haven't lost your Scrapbooking Mo Jo and want to order something go ahead! There are some fabulous new Disney products you just might want to try out! Maybe you'll inspire me to find my Mo Jo.

So there you have it -- I've lost my Mo Jo! I can't wait to get it back....

Tell Me When

2008-06-16T08:44:00.003-05:00

With all of the bad things I know about "pop" "soda" "cola" "coke" or whatever YOU call it in your town why must I still drink it?

Last week I had a headache if I didn't drink a glass. Then I'd have a headache if I drank too much of it. Maybe I was just gonna have headache last week! I fasted it for 40 days earlier this year but never stopped craving it. Part of the reason is I do not like to drink tea or coffee, Crystal light gives me sore throats and water can be boring.

EXCUSES

Tell me WHEN will I stop drinking POP?

What do YOU drink when you are having popcorn at the show, spicy tacos, or pizza? I need a substitute!!!!!

An evening in May

2008-06-11T16:18:00.003-05:00

It was a brilliant night with stars shining over Lake Michigan. They walked to the end of Navy Pier in Chicago, and there on bended knee my oldest son asked the girl he first met at age 10 to marry him. And of course she said YES!

(I know, I know I should have told you sooner!)

More Randomness

2008-06-10T08:24:00.006-05:00

Seriously folks, you have no idea how many photos I take with this blog in mind - here's a few more for your enjoyment!

My first Pedicure and my first pair of "flip flops"

Before I went on my trip in May my sister took me for my first pedicure! I loved it and then I had to buy a pair of croc flip flops to show them off! I bought these on City Walk by Universal Studios!

While we were there, Kim had to give me Flip flop walking lessons because my foot cramped up so bad from trying to hang on to them with my toe muscles! Now you know I have some SERIOUS deep inner issues...we'll save that for a later post. Maybe

I like small things - I always loved my doll house, and those miniature glass animals my Grandma used to put in her mini terrarium when I was growing up. I have a small collection of small Longeberger Baskets - HEY they have BIG prices! So it makes sense that as soon as I would see these small sized condiments I would awe over them! Yes they are blurry - sorry!

Pictured here for your size comparison are Kim's fingers! One thing I learned during this trip is that Kim has the same gift my son David has and that is the gift of knowing what to order at a restaurant! At this particular meal I should have ordered the steak instead of the pizza - keep in mind I love both! More than once I've been with her and wished I ordered what she ordered!

A few months ago we had phone line troubles - every time it rained the phone lines would go out, which of course knocked out the internet - another reason blogging was slow around here. These guys spent many afternoons in my backyard - I'm not sure I would want to be up there in the tent - the electricity is running right by them too! Right now they have spent about a week across the street - seems they need to fix all the lines in our area!

That's all the randomness a person can take - for one day anyway!

Random Stuff I meant to tell YOU

2008-06-09T08:59:00.005-05:00

I've been thinking about all of you and there has been so many things I wanted to tell you. So I decided to just do it! I mean some of this stuff is OLD but hey, it's my BLOG and I can BLOG What I want to! eh hem, if you can hear the tune behind that - well then we are probably kindred spirits in some musical way. Don't misunderstand me I am NOT musical...I just think it would be nice if more of life was like a musical.....maybe I'll save that

My Christmas Cactus bloomed at Easter Time - I think it must have Easter Lilly Envy or something. I took this photo just for YOU!

This was going to be part of Shipshewana Part Two, which if you are still checking back daily for it - then you have the gift of perserverance!!

I really don't think they are concerned with the price of gas, or being overweight. They probably didn't try on 4 different tops this morning like I did trying to pick the most appropriate top I have for a funeral I am attending today. I decided that I am a cheery person when it comes to tops - pink and bright green - that about sums it up!

UPDATE ON FIJI WATER!

You can purchase this at WALMART! 2 for $5.00 and that was a few weeks back, with the Roll Back it's probably cheaper...so go ahead, give it a try! Live like the RICH!

Here's our latest Graduate posing with his Grandma! See really this isn't such a bad idea - instead of photos and photos of family, food, and friends you just get the highlights!!!

Seriously Folks

2008-05-21T17:25:00.003-05:00

I stood on top of the extra thick mattress in the Renaissance Hotel in Orlando to capture this amazing tidbit - I mean - this is something YOUR MAMMA never taught YOU!

Contact with Sprinkler Will Cause Flooding maybe in the backyard when we were kids - maybe in the backyard right now -- where are YOUR kids?

That's gonna be alot of flooding - being it was 10 foot (at least) in the air and we were on the 4th floor! It should have some kind of arrow on it that symbolizes if the room above hangs something on there's YOUR room is gonna flood - pays to be neighborly!

Ponder this -- okay seriously now -- nothing about FIRE? Just Flooding? If the place is burning, then we WANT our hangers on the sprinkler system -- is this how they work? Is this practical? What happened to STOP DROP and ROLL? Now it's JUMP, HANG and FLY outta the room!

I'm wondering if I need to place crazy notes on things around the house like

Warning - toilet may overflow when flushed

Flooding will occur if you leave the hose on and in the pool overnight

Dryer will catch on fire if you never clean the lint trap

Leaving food in the oven to long causes burnt food.

What do you think?

Carnival Sensation

2008-05-19T22:00:00.003-05:00

Yep -- this is gonna be hard to leave --- the weather outside in Indiana is Frightful -- though I must admit what the Florida Humidity does to my hair is mighty FRIGHTFUL TOO

Carnival Glory

2008-05-18T23:32:00.003-05:00

Here are some photos of the Carnival Glory Ship - it was a bit too dark woody for me inside - but hey, if someone wanted to send me on this ship I'd go - what about it? Found out I can do Seminar's at Sea - I have a LIST of them - I can bring another guest or two with me. The line forms to the right.

Don't Drink the Water

2008-05-18T07:17:00.003-05:00

The Royal Pacific had numerous - amenities - a fancy smancy key we had to put into the elevator which would then allow us to get to floor SEVEN. That was cool - I recommend all hotels do that for all guests, it makes them feel special - even if they are going to the basement near the laundry facilities.

I awoke about 3:30 a.m. on Thursday morning - have I mentioned I am NOT a morning person? By the time I arrived in Orlando I was hungry and thirsty - there provide for my refreshment was bottled water - nice sparkling water.

OUCH - at $7.00 a bottle I'm more likely to drink straight from the tap in the bathroom - how a bout you?

What a View

2008-05-17T21:13:00.002-05:00

The view from our room at the Royal Pacific! Lovely absolutely lovely! Besides the pool view we also overlooked Islands of Adventure. We were on the Concierge level so we had snacks every few hours available - sweets, cheese and crackers, they even gave us a special CD of the music they play here...so we can at least take the sounds home along with our memories and photos.

Really?

2008-05-16T21:49:00.003-05:00

I know, I know I THOUGHT I was back in the saddle, but really I'm not! I'm "working" in Orlando! I've spent one whole day exploring the Universal Resorts - so my uh...clients could ask me questions and I'd be able to answer with some accuracy. Then I spent one day at Universal Studios - experiencing the attractions -- if you are wondering - SKIP the meal plan! NOT anywhere near the Disney Dining Plan!

Somethings will never change -- I can't seem to upload any photos to blogger..............until next time!