A Boy

Today we invited a 12 year old boy (little man) over to the house.  His blood runs "farmer" through and through.  We have about 7 acres of land and have been trying to think creatively on how we can be better stewards of this land.  Scott has been chatting with this "little man" the past couple of weeks at church.  So today he came over to give us some 'ideas'.  He is a really sweet kid.  His dad was killed in a racing accident a few years ago and his mom works at Honda.  He spends a lot of time with his grandpa who is an organic farmer!  Anywho, it has been so neat to watch Scott spend time with this "little man".  I can tell this little guy really is excited to bestow Scott with all of his knowledge! 

Transformation....or Transition

For the last year we have been working on projects around the house such as fresh paint on the walls, installing the bamboo flooring, and a few other things.  It seems like it has been a year of projects! With Connie recently moving out, everything seems like it is all over the place all over again!  Oh well...God is keeping us on our toes!  I have been trying to simplify, purge, and purge some more!  It is easy for me to get my focus off during these times of home projects.  I can easily get into a "I need, I want, I really like..." mode.  YIKES!  Not good!  Inspiration is good, coveteousness is not good.  Anywho, I thought I would give some update pictures on what is going on around here....

Oh Scott...isn't he so cute?  He started pulling up the carpet and pad at 9:00 on a Sunday night.  Really....

 Yes...that is a big open hole! 

 Ahhhh....my hot honey again!

Can you believe Scott and I put this door in all by ourselves?  Yeah....never done it before.  Just imagine...I helped Scott carry that door up the deck stairs.  YIKES!

New floor.  New coffeetable (Thanks Lee & Lydia!)  Rug brought up from the basement. 

NEW ROOM!!

Should know better...

than to brag about being "Refreshed & Ready!"  This week sure has been a doozy.  YIKES!  From not feeling well, to the weather, to drama control with the girls, to like 100 million errands...I AM ZAPPED!!  I need a mental retreat!  Calgon...take me away!  Seriously....  Why does it always happen like this?  It all seems to fall on one week.  The worst of it was I was so unaware.  Oh well.  There have been many highlights to the week as well...like a great visit with a friend, watching the girls serve others with smiles, listening to the kiddos at co-op recall all the amazing facts we learned in the fall, and knowing there truly is nothing on the schedule tomorrow!  YAHOO!!  It will be a great day to catch up on chores, school, and get ready for the weekend! 

Going Camo

This is the color I picked out...

I am really liking it but still have a little doubt.  I can't wait until we can get to rolling it on as I know that will make a big difference.  Regardless, it will be this color for at least another 7 years!  HA!

It's been 7 years....

actually almost 8 since we moved into our home.  We had our home built and you know how it goes.  You are so excited to pick out the paint and colors and decorations for your home.  Before the children came I would say I was pretty neat and tidy.  I routinely cleaned the washer, dryer, moved out the fridge and stove.  I would wash down the walls and baseboards, use Murphy's Oil Soap on the wood furniture, vaccum under the couch cushions (even rotating them to keep them evenly worn), wash windows, wipe out and organize closets .... BUT I can't seem to get any of that done now.  You all knew the big BUT was coming....right?  Well with redoing the girls' bedroom last spring, my MIL moving in and repainting her room and bathroom, along with our room and bathroom and laying down new floors we are finally moving on to the main living space....which seems GIGANTIC right about now.  I am terribly embarrassed by how dirty our house has become.  The walls haven't been wiped in who knows how long.  It was funny because Anna and I were wiping the dust from when Scott sanded the nail pop fixes and such.  As I was wiping down the walls I was astonished at how much dirt was on the walls and coming off the walls.  I know...it's not rocket science.  Nevertheless, it feels good to be embarking on such a huge project because the house will feel clean and new!  Hopefully it will also motivate my cleaning efforts! 

Getting Organized....Again!

It is never ending, isn't it?  A mother's attempt to try and organize all the things it takes to run a household...smoothly.  Ha!  What's that?  Smoothly?  Well, I was recently inspired by my good friend Kim to give it another shot.  Chores have never been something I have completely linked with an allowance because I believe they should just do it...just like I just have to do the laundry, buy groceries, prepare meals, etc.  Some chores are no brainers.  However, Kim gave her girls the option to earn some extra money with optional chores if they chose to do so.  I loved it!  Now Kim was cute enough to make some rather artsy mod-podged clothespins and nameplates for her girls.  I cheated and took the lazy way out and just created a plain old chart.  Yep.  I just don't have it in me for today.  I used cool font I found and downloaded for free from the web.  Does that count for anything?  Anywho, here are some of the extra chores...

• clean sweep the van
• load dishwasher
• vacuum
• put away laundry
• fold laundry
• straighten up schoolroom
• clean/organize coat closet
• organize the tupperware cupboard

I wanted to throw in a few for fun that taught them the joy of serving so I included...

• write an encouraging note to a friend or family member
• learn a new Bible verse

Some extra learning ones I threw in to the mix include...

• read for 15 min from the book basket
• extra piano practice for 10 minutes
• practice math facts for 10 minutes online

The girls can earn $.25 per chore.  They will have to total and I will pay at the end of the week (which they will have to tithe 10%).  I bought some cookie sheets from the Dollar Store and am going to jazz them up a little with some ribbon.  We will hang these on the door in the kitchen.  They can make some magnets to use.  I have also made a calendar.  On the side of the calendar I listed the no brainer chores.  Each day they are completed they get a star.  They are automatically given 3 free passes (a heart) because some days are just crazy.  Sundays are free since it is the Sabbath (even though I sometimes have to do chores on Sundays).  The girls are HIGHLY motivate to participate in our homeschool skates at the roller rink in either Columbus or Marion.  This will be the GOAL for a month's worth of chores. I may tweak this a bit.  Anywho, these are my initial thoughts and efforts.  If you are interested in anything I have prepared so you don't have to re-invent the wheel, let me know and I will email it to you. 

Catch Up: YIKES!!

One day in early October Scott was getting ready to leave and I realized he had forgotten something so I grabbed it and ran it out to him.  I was barefooted.  Just as I handed it to him I looked down by the edge of the cement where the garage starts and noticed this lovely creature.  Yeah...I was just inches away.  I screamed and then of course ran to get my camera.  As soon as Scott left I called my good friend Jacque who should totally work for the Department of Natural Resources (or be a nurse).  As I am talking to her, telling her what the snake looks like and how big it is, etc. I am snapping more pictures.  I just can't believe it!  This baby was HUGE!  We had just went on a field trip to the Cedar Bog where the naturalist told us we shouldn't kill some species of snakes because they help with mice control, etc.  Jacque, although she couldn't see the snake, kept assuring me she thought it was most likely a garter snake.  I trusted her and let the creature slither on it's merry way.  If he was a garter snake, he was the biggest garter snake I have ever, ever seen. 

CAUTION:  Be prepared!!  Snake photos!!

Here is some information I found from the ODNR:

Eastern Gartersnake

Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis

At-a-Glance
• Mating: Polygamous

• Peak Breeding Activity: March and April

• Gestation Period: 90-100 days; young born July-October

• Litter Size: 10-40 young snakes; 20 average (WHAT???? NO!!!!!)

• Young are Born: Able to care for themselves; they receive no parental care and disperse shortly after birth

• Number of Litters per Year: One

• Migration Patterns: Does not migrate; year round resident

• Feeding Periods: During daylight hours; feeding can depend on appropriate weather conditions.

• Typical Foods: Earthworms and amphibians (Probably feasting on all the toads around the house...not mice)

• Length: 18-26 inches

Good Things from Pinterest

I have 'pinned' so many ideas and yet as I sit here, alone, I have no idea what to do.  There are ideas screaming "Pick me!  Pick me!"  Ach!!  I love having all these ideas right at my fingertips, literally, but then get overwhelmed when I actually have time to do something.  I made this really awesome Chocolate Cobbler this morning and am getting ready to try my hand at this No-Knead bread with my new King Arthur bread flour, which has been said to be the best!  Maybe this afternoon I will also try my hand at making these headbands which look easy enough and totally cute!  Maybe I will also try an embroidery project with the girls since I have two hoops and some cute patterns.  Maybe I will just finish the laundry and work on school lesson plans.  Maybe I will finish the pillow project I started on Monday and make another pillow or two.  I just want to really enjoy this day!  Every.single.minute! 

Drooling....

Today I went to TJMaxx.
I drooled.
I drooled some more.
Not pretty.
I loaded the cart.
I unloaded the cart.
I drooled.
Yes, TJMaxx is my most favorite place.
I haven't been there in years.
Years.
I am totally rethinking my "okay with Grandma's Kitchen" comment from an earlier post.
I am drooling...
still!

A Little Randomness...

1. If you have been looking for me on FB you won't find me there.  I decided to permanently delete my account.  There are various reasons but the top reasons include 1. too nosey  2. waste of time  3. privacy.  I loved the re-connectedness I had with several friends but it just became too much and I needed to be obedient.

2.  My heart is so heavy.  I have several friends who are dealing with ailing parents due to cancer.  Some of them are in situations where the cancer is ravaging through their bodies.  I can't imagine finding out one day that my mom or dad may only have a few months to live.  In fact, my heart is literally breaking because I recognize the fraility of life and the need for my Savior. 

3.  My mother-in-law will be moving in with us next weekend.  This is why we have been working on a room makeover for the girls.  There are many reasons as to why she is moving in with us.  We have been very, very busy trying to prepare a space for her in our home.  At times, it has all been overwhelming but I have a peace with our decision.  It is unexplainable...

4.  The earthquake and tsunami in Japan rocked my world several weeks ago.  I almost felt paralyzed with fear and sadness over the tragedy.  In fact, I think my mom was very concerned about me.  This has affected production at Scott's plant.  Fortunately, Honda hasn't suffered to the extent many other car manufacturers have suffered at this point.  It is really a wait and see and pray situation right now.  Production was cut back to 4 hours a day with the option for associates to leave after those 4 hours.  Honda though prides itself with never having a layoff since coming to America almost 30 years ago.  They are working to make sure associates can continue to earn pay by attending health & safety classes, along with cleaning the plant, in the remaining 4 hours of their work day.  Honda is an incredible company and I appreciate the "Japanese Way."

5.  Tonight my sweet friend stopped by after dinner to see the girls' new room.  After we had talked for awhile, catching up and me finally giving her her birthday gift (hilarious story), she could tell I was just feeling exhausted and did my dishes.  I felt so bad but was so grateful.  It is much harder for me to receive these types of blessings from my friends.  Tonight though, I appreciated her act of love and friendship.  Added bonus, I got to hold, cuddle, and rock her precious one year baby girl who fell asleep sucking her thumb whild snuggling her blankie.  Priceless all the way around!

6.  My friend Lindsey was asked to coordinate the decorations for the Union Co. Pregnancy Care Center's upcoming event, Girl Talk.  It is basically a purity conference to encourage girls to make wise decisions about modesty, purity, etc.  Lindsey is starting her own business as home stager and re-designer.  She is amazing and has a passion and eye!  She understands our desires as stay-at-home moms for an "up-do" on our humble abodes on a tight, one income budget.  If you would love to call her for a consult let me know or check out her blog, A Paisley Day.  She desires to work with us "real moms" who can't really afford a high fluenent designer.  So, back to the PCC event.  She asked me help her.  It has been an amazing challenge for both of us and we have been so blessed to be able to work together and spread a little {behind the scenes} love to these young girls through the decorations.  The event is this coming Saturday and we would certainly welcome your prayer support, hoping lives would be changed through the saving power of Christ!

7.  Last week we thought my sister had suffered a seizure.  It was heartwrenching and scary.  After receiving clearance on all tests, the doctor sent her home with no real explanation of what happened and/or why.  My mom spent the rest of the week with her.  This past Monday she saw the neurologist and he said he was pretty sure she had suffered from a panic attack.  Whew!!  He gave her clearance to drive again!  Praise the Lord!

8.  Encourage one another!  Please seek someone out to encourage.  I don't know why we don't do this more often.  We are really just robbing ourselves of a blessing and someone else of a smile and pick-me-up.  It can be as easy as sending scripture reference as a text message or elaborate as a little gift in the mail.  Who wouldn't love or appreciate either one of those?  It is SPRING!  The sun is beginning to shine!  Spread a little love....

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Today the girls and I had the privilege and honor of babysitting some of the most precious little people I know.  Since it was St. Patty's Day, I wanted to be sure we would be celebrating with yummy food.  We had green foods like grapes, apples, green peppers, and pistachio pudding; however, the item that took the cake literally was....RAINBOW CUPCAKES!

WAY cool!

Check out the deets here!

Making Mansfield Marvelous!!

To keep our week in Mansfield exciting (hahahahha...did you read my post about Valentine's Day?), we visited a few "hot spots"! 

 ~ Coney Island Diner ~

Kate is sooooo like me.

We get so excited about anything nostalgic.

She loved eating at a real life old style diner.

Coneys, fried pickles, french fries, but we didn't do the root beer float.

~ Richland Carousel Park ~

$0.75 a ride

Perfect fun!

~ A New Library ~

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Well, I knew we were headed to Mansfield for the week so I had done just a tiny little something special for Scott before we had left.  I had also picked up cards and little gifts for the girls and had Scott write each of them a note inside their cards.  Funny...I got a card with a kitty on it for Anna because she loves cats and a card about a "recipe" for Kate because she enjoys cooking with me.  When Scott wrote his notes in the cards he mixed up the cards.  These were priceless to the girls and just like their Mommy, they get so much strength and comfort knowing how much their daddy loves them.  They slept with these cards underneath their pillows every single night while in Mansfield.  We arrived on Sunday night, late.  We had just battled the influenza and precious Kate still had a fever.  All day Sunday I was beside myself with anxiety.  I ended up calling the pediatrician on call to see what she advised.  Luckily, she ended up prescribing an antibiotic for Kate.  I was so incredibly thankful because I didn't want to take her to Urgent Care (dislike these for the most part).  When Scott went into town to pick up the script he decided to pick up some extra LOVE for the girls and bought them new baby dolls and the game LIFE.  Isn't he sweet?  Anyhow, I knew Paige had a very important doctor's appointment bright and early Monday morning.  When I got to her house I became very concerned about her ICY driveway since my car doesn't handle wintery conditions well, at all.  I just kept praying for the Lord to help us, knowing He is always in control.  Sunday night Paige and I stayed up later than we probably should have, giggling and laughing as only sisters can.  It had been a looooooonnnnnnnnggggggg time since we had done that. 

Monday morning.  We are up.  Everyone is ready.  Everyone had breakfast.  Everyone is in the car.  I gave the girls their cards and a little love (Crayola Expressions).  It is 8:15!  This is a huge accomplishment from the girls and I since, well, we just are rarely (mainly me) ready by that time in the morning.   Before backing up, I pray.  As I back up, I pray.  As I pull forward to get up the inclined and icy driveway, I pray.  As we begin to slide backwards because of the ice, I cry.  Then I pray.  We made it this far....

and were then completely stuck.  Paige called the doctor's office.  I prayed.  I took this picture and sent it to Scott and said, "Happy Valentine's Day!"  Yep...I did! 

another picture I took and sent to Scott with the same message

Paige's neighbor Marilyn, who could easily be the real life Maxine from Hallmark, kept offering her tidbits of wisdom as she watched from her window in her leopard print bath robe.  No joke!  She gave us some kitty litter from when she used to have a cat....like 20 years ago.  I so appreciated the gesture but it didn't work.  We used her garden spade to try and break up the ice.  It didn't work.  Paige called AAA.  After waiting for a very, very long time, help arrived....

Yes.  That is a flatbed towing truck.  I have had an unexpected date with one of those before and hoped to never have to see one again...but alas, another date.  Unlike my other date, I didn't have to be pulled up onto the flatbed, just hooked to the chain so he could pull us out.  Another unique part of this story is that Paige's driveway is at the crest of a hill, so when you pull out you pray there are no cars coming.  Yep.  Can you tell that I really, really, really, really dislike her driveway situation for several different reasons?  4 reallys...maybe even 5!  Anywho, he pulls us out and we almost get stuck again, halfway in the road and halfway in the driveway because of the ice still on the driveway near the entrance, but the Lord protected us and we made it!  We sang His praises all the way into taking Paige to the bank, for her first day back to work!!  It is 10:30ish.  Hallejuiah!  (By the way, I sent the picture of the flatbed truck pulling us out to Scott too with the same message and shortly after sent him an actual text that said I would be treating myself to new tires today!)  I forgot to mention that we all stayed in the car this whole entire time.  Paige asked later why we didn't take the kids inside the house.  Ummmm......well, I suppose it was because we just kept trying to get unstuck with kitty litter, hoping and praying for the best, and they seemed content thanks so much to the new DVD player they got for Christmas!  I also told her it would have been very, very dangerous for them to be walking on the sheet of ice that covered the driveway, right?  ;)

After we dropped her off I called my dad, since my loving husband was not responding to my calls or messages so I could get his advice.  My mom answered my dad's cell.  :)  While this made me smile, I was thinking...I called DAD's cell for a reason Mommy dearest!  :)  So I explained to my dad what had happened and asked his advice on whether I should drive home and get the truck or get more salt for the driveway.  He advised to get more salt for the driveway.  The kids and I then headed to Walmart to get Ice Melt.  I had no idea how much it was, I just told the lady, "I want 3 bags!"  She said I could do my other shopping and come back and she would even help me load it in the car!  YEAH!!  We shopped around for the groceries I thought we needed, checked out, and then I had a grandiose idea....WENDY'S!  Oh...I forgot, I also bought a garden spade, not a little one but one with a long handle like a shovel!  So, I went through Wendy's, grabbed lunch for the kiddos, backed into Paige's driveway (praying, praying, praying) onto the tiny, little dry spot, left the car running so the kiddos could eat their lunch and yes, watch more movies, while I set about de-icing the driveway with Ice Melt and my new garden spade.  (Yes, I have a picture of this too that I had Kate take and send to her Daddy with the same message but it didn't turn out very good.)   It is 12:30ish! 

I worked and worked on that driveway for at least an hour to hour and a half.  As each car and truck passed by I couldn't help but wonder what everyone else was doing.  I did think about all anger and frustration I could have been feeling but just kept talking to the Lord, praying for His strength to get the job done.  I kept thanking him for the men in my life who are always there to help me, to keep me safe, who usually are available to do these jobs that I do not like to do.  I kept thinking to myself, "Wow girl...did you know you had it in you to get this accomplished?"  Then I remembered to thank the Lord for His strength because He helped me.  Although I keep mentioning I sent those texts to Scott and while it may come across as though I was angry, I really wasn't.  No joke that I was frustrated and feeling helpless, I really did try to keep the perspective that at least we were safe, the kids were taken care of, the car was safe, Paige was working!!!, my mom and dad were on a much needed WARM vacation in Florida, this is all about service, Paige's neighbor did try to help, I am stronger than I think I am, when push comes to shove I can git-r-dun, I can't allow this to set the tone for the rest of the week, and thanking the Lord over and over again for His strength and grace!  I actually had fun (but don't want to admit it too loudly) breaking up that ice and spreading salt everywhere.  Even though I felt I had conquered the world, in all acutality I had cleared a safe walkway to the steps so we could get in and out of the house, and closed the icy gap between the road and her pavement to only 1 foot instead of 3 feet. 

Once I felt as though my hands and arms would fall off and my back would break, I hopped in the car and we headed to Krogers for the final groceries needed that weren't at Walmart.  We bought some special things to help us celebrate Valentine's day like ice cream and sparkling grape juice then headed out to pick up Paige from work.  Once home, Paige put Isaac down for a nap and we were just hanging out in the basement when we heard a huge THUD upstairs.  Seriously?  Isaac had climbed out of and then fallen out of his crib.  After realizing he was okay, since he laughed when the girls and I rushed into the room, Paige and I set about lowering his mattress.  We just laughed and laughed about our terrible day!  :)

For dinner that night I had talked Paige into trying spaghetti squash with roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, garlicky olive oil, and parm cheese topped with baked balsamic chicken.  Low carb!!  The girls decorated, signed Paige's V-day card, set the table, and got the fancy glasses ready while I cooked.  Unfortunately, no one besides me, really cared for the spaghetti squash substitute.  I think I just missed something in my prep...like more salt, more cheese, more garlic or something....that would have made it better.   Oh well, we turned the whole day into a day full of laughs, hugs, and love as it ended with these sweet girls putting on a "show" for us with these loving words for their daddy....

Lessons Learned and Giggles Giggled during Influenza 2011

Let me begin by explaining why I keep calling it "Influenza."  As I have mentioned before I always opt out of the flu vaccine.  So, on Monday morning when I thought we might be dealing with the flu and remember I sent Scott with the girls so I didn't have to face the doctor, well, Anna was terrified to the point of shaking that she would find out she had the flu and need a shot.  Anywho, when the doctor had returned to the examination room to confirm the findings she said, "Yes, the girls have the influenza."  Once in the truck Anna told her daddy, "At least we have the influenza and not the flu."  :)  I keep kinda slipping up and she has asked, "Momma, do we have the flu?"  I reply, "Honey, you have influenza."  Because my girls never stop thinking, this afternoon as I crawled into Kate's bed to console her because her fever had returned she asked, "Momma, do we really have the flu?  Anna told me in the bathroom that she thinks we really have the flu."  I confirmed again, "Honey, you girls have the influenza."

~~~

Tonight Anna was begging me to cuddle with her.  Cuddling with Anna sometimes is not an easy task because she bounces and moves all around.  She lays on you, kicks off all the covers, twists, turns, flops, and flips.  I cherish it all, but you know sometimes you just want to cuddle and relax.  I had had about enough and got up.  She begged me to come back over with her.  I said sure but told her she needed to quit bouncing.  Here is her reply, "But Momma, I'm six.  Six year olds bounce.  That's just what we do."

~~~

My mom had given me some movies that she had taped on to a VHS tape.  Yes, you read that right!  VHS tape.  We don't have the Hallmark Channel so she has taped us some movies so we could watch these good movies.  Anyhow, we have had a marathon of watching these movies.  My favorite so far is one called "Generation Gap."  Soooo gooooood!!  Anywho, my mom, while taping these movies from her DVR onto the VHS (isn't she amazing!  what an act of love!), fastworded through the commercials.  Again...amazing and an act of love!  The girls would giggle when maybe she had gone too far and had to rewind.  However, the funniest comment was while we were watching one movie the commercials had not been fastforwarded through so Anna states, "Grandma must have fallen asleep on this one." 

~~~

• I will probably still decline the flu vaccine next year.
• Although at times the high fevers have been very scary, it forced us to slow down, enjoy being together, caring for the needs of one another, relax.
• I think this helped the girls realize how I serve them as their Momma.
• Anna willingly served her sister tonight as Anna was feeling great but Kate's fever had returned.
• I have been so proud of the girls having courage and understanding there are some things that aren't worth fighting about....like taking icky medicine.
• I am a terrible nurse, but I try.
• Scott is incredible.
• Scott is tender.
• Scott is incredible.

Little Change = Big Impact

Scott and I have always worked really well as a team.  We get so much delight accomplishing something together.  Here is yet another one of our home improvement projects...

Before

After

Random Reasons to Smile

I found several "one off" type of pictures that have been lost in the shuffle.  Sometimes this idea of a "Scrapbooking Style Family Blog" gets the best of me as I do get behind, just like my feeble attempt at scrapbooking several, several years ago.  Thus...a post with several random pictures, all of which have a reason, purpose, and ultimately make me smile. 

A Yummy Treat

Pears.

Canned with Love.

By a dear, dear friend.

Opened in the dead of winter.

Topped with whipped cream.

A sprinkling of cinnamon.

Yummy!