Princess Mommy of 2

OOOPS we moved!

2011-09-09T22:17:00.002-04:00

We have moved here!

Before the throne...

2011-02-11T16:58:00.000-05:00

****This post was written Feb. 5th****

This morning I was folding laundry and I came across my son's jeans that have holes worn in the knees. Those holes were created by just being a boy playing rough. All of a sudden, I was struck by the significance of those holes. Why are the knees in my jeans not worn through? They should be. I should have holes in all of my pants because I go before the throne so many times that they wear through.

Tears filled my eyes as I realized how much I fail God. I do not say this in condemnation. I do not feel condemnation for this action because I am saved by grace. I only feel sorrow for not seeking God that earnestly. I only feel like I could search for the heart of God so much more. I want to run to the throne and fall on my knees. He only is worthy of my praise. How many times to we run to Facebook or the phone when all we have to do is fall in the arms of grace? He loves us. He loves us no matter what the failure.

For years I was bound in the thought of an angry, unattached God. I was taught that being banished from the garden was a punishment. Yes, it was a consequence for human actions, but it was implemented in love from the Father. God loved us enough to spare us the shame of living in a perfect world with sin enveloping our hearts and minds. True, we cannot dwell with the Most High with sin, but He loved us enough to provide a place to go. He loved us enough to send His Son to die for our sins. Seriously, who among us on earth would allow our only child to die for a prideful heart, a liar, a gossip? I am all of those things and I can tell you that I would not offer my son for anyone else. He already had made a way for us to commune with Him again. He loves us that much.

Just think God was able for me to see all of that with just a simple pair of jeans. It is amazing what He can do.

All that I can be...

2011-02-04T13:28:00.000-05:00

I have given in again this week. Today I am sitting here frustrated with myself because I feel unmotivated to get anything accomplished when in truth the one thing that needs to be accomplished I have not done. Have I gone to the Word today? Nope. I find myself getting frustrated with my children today. I find myself allowing the weather to dictate my mood. All I truly have to do is sit at the throne of grace. I can rest in Him. I can feel joy. I do not have to give in to the attitude that is just beneath the surface.

I was reminded yesterday of what my past looks like. I feel as though I gave myself more grace then. I felt stronger then. I was reminded of how very sick my son was for the first 2 years of his life. I did not even realize how much pain and loneliness I still harbored from that time until I was talking to a friend, who had a child in the hospital this past week. That time still haunts me sometimes. I thought I was stronger than that. Honestly, I do not have to be strong. God does it for me. See, I have all of the right words. I know the answers so why do I give in to the feelings? They are fleeting anyway.

I will go back to the throne. I will rest in Him. I will be all that I can be and He will pick up from there. Wanna join me at the throne?

Passions and Transparency...

2011-01-29T12:41:00.000-05:00

How many times do we as people hide who we really are for fear that someone will not like us? How often are we truly transparent with our feelings? Do we lose our passions because we are so wrapped up in pleasing others? I believe more people do than realize.

I have lost myself in the past few years. Thoughts of am I a good enough wife, mom, Christian, daughter, sister are constantly swirling in my head. Do I serve enough? Should I do more? Is God happy with me? In the process I have served more, been angry more, depressed more, and although I have served I have lost some of my communion with God.

This is NOT what God has for our lives. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (paraphrased from Psalm 139:14) I do not have to serve and work for His love. I already have it and so do you. This year, 2011, I am determined to find me again. I am determined to gain my passions once again. God is the one who gave me those passions to begin with. A sweet, sweet friend helped me see that in the process of trying to be all I can be, I have served man and not God. She did not even realize what her words were doing to my heart. (I don't think she did anyway.) This year will be a new journey for me. I am going to take a step back and watch what God has for me. He know better than me anyway. Won't to join in the journey? I hope so. God bless my friends!

Christmas Shopping in Jan.????

2011-01-20T20:41:00.000-05:00

I fully admit that sometimes I am a little OCD, but this past year was YUCKY when it came to buying Christmas presents. Usually I am completely done by the first part of November and then I do not get stuck in the Christmas rush. I also can relax and enjoy the holidays. Anyway, this past year I did not start until the first week of December. Did you catch that? The OCD lady did not START until Dec. 1st. I was miserable and our wallet took a beating.

This year I decided would be different. There is a local department store, that will remain anonymous, that has a sale Martin Luther King weekend. I received coupons and anything that was not red line (meaning 75% off with an additional 40% off) I could potentially get another 20% off. I started in the red line section because who could beat those prices??? Long story short I purchased all Christmas and birthday presents for my family for the year, splurged and got myself 2 shirts and a sweater, got hubby a sweater, and purchased a 12 piece place setting of a good quality silverware for when we have extra guests all for......$237. I saved around $550.

Now the only thing I have left is Christmas and birthday for my children and my hubby. That may seem like a lot of money to spend to a lot of people, but I purchased some really nice gifts. Our families are not huge but when you add everyone up it is a lot over the course of a year. Now what can I next conquer???

Oh I also forgot that I found a brand new chandelier for my dining room at another store. It was on the clearance rack. I asked what was wrong with it and was told that there was nothing wrong with it. It just happened to be an item they did not have room to stock so they clearanced it. It was a $200 chandelier and I asked how low they would go on it and the man told me $100. I just so happened to have $100 of money I had received for Christmas so I BOUGHT it and I am soooo excited. I will post pics as soon as it is up.

Anyway all of this to say that I hope 2011 keeps shaping up with the savings that we have started with!

Book Review: An Amish Love

2010-12-16T11:45:00.000-05:00

*****I received this book from a program for bloggers called Booksneeze through Thomas Nelson publishers. That is the only form of "payment" I have received.*****

An Amish Love by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Long is a series of short novellas. There are 3 short novellas that can stand alone. It is a very short and easy read. I enjoyed the book as it took away from the Christmas rush and let me enjoy some down time.

The first novella is A Marriage of the Heart by Kelly Long. It centers around a young Amish girl who wants a way out of her life and a young man wanting to re-enter the Amish faith. They end up married due to lies on both of their parts and after time realize what true love is all about.

The second in the book is What the Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller. Ellie Chupp has lost her eyesight and a dear friend to an accident. She holds onto secrets that damages friendships. Christopher Miller returns to his family still angry because of the accident and learns to find and give forgiveness, but do they find each other in the midst of it?

The final novella is The Healing Hearts by Beth Wiseman. This story begins with a man returning to his wife that he has left 11 months prior. Will he be able to reconcile with his wife and children? Is he hiding the truth? Does he really mean that he is sorry and that he will never run from home again? Read and find out.

Baseball and stuff:

2010-10-18T19:40:00.000-04:00

Fall baseball just ended for us. Jordan's team ended the season 7 and 3. I was very impressed with some of the guys abilities on the field. It is amazing how you can see what child really wants it and what child is just there to be there. On Saturday to end the season, they had a parent/child game with pizza and cupcakes. The parent/child game was hilarious!!!!

On a completely different note, being a consultant for Thirty-One gifts has been more challenging than I thought, but it has worked out really well so far. I won a Bose Digital Sounding Dock today in the consultant electronic giveaway. WOO HOO!!!! If anyone is interested in purchasing Christmas presents or becoming a consultant to make extra money, let me know. You can go here to look at a catalog.

OK this has been the most boring post yet, but I always say I am doing this for me. :-)

Book Review: Angel Song

2010-10-04T18:04:00.001-04:00

UPDATE: OOPS forgot to add the this book was given to me through the blogger book program at Thomas Nelson. All words are my own and I was not compensated in any way other than receiving this book.

Angel Song by Sheila Walsh and Kathryn Cushman is a beautifully written book. The plot surrounds two sisters. One who stayed in their hometown and one who has run away. The second returns only to have tragedy strike. People come into her life and shake her to her core. One being the child of the first sister's neighbor, who has Down's Syndrome. Will God reveal himself? What about the music that no one hears? Are angels all around us?

This is a book is a wonderful read that make you really think. It may even change some of your beliefs about angels. Walsh and Cushman do a wonderful job giving you mental pictures of what is taking place. This book is a book that you will not want to put down until finished. I give it two thumbs up!

Thought for the Day...

2010-09-27T09:32:00.000-04:00

If you could see into the spiritual realm what your actions and choices are doing and causing, would you continue to follow the path that you are on?

Happy Birthday....

2010-09-20T22:14:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to the most awesome 10 year old I know!!!!! I cannot believe that 10 years has gone soooo quickly. You are a blessing and a joy to parent! I know God is continuing to bless you as you grow. Happy Birthday again, Princess!!!!

Has it been almost 2 months....

2010-09-19T12:20:00.000-04:00

since I last blogged??? Let's see, in two months time, we have started school again. This time we are using the Classical Method. We are also attending our local Classical Conversations. It is a lot more work than we are used to but we are enjoying it. I have also taken a job with our group as the art and science coordinator. I guess that is what I get for being a Type A organizational freak.

Also, we are getting ready to celebrate a big birthday around here. My oldest, M, is getting ready to turn 10. Would someone please tell me where the time has gone? Anyone? I did not think so. For M's birthday this year she chose to go to Atlanta instead of a birthday party. We went to the American Girl store and also made plans with this awesome family to go to the aquarium. Wouldn't you know however that the day of our planned aquarium they had a sick little one and 2 in our group ended up sick? Not to be discouraged though, we just waited a day and went the next day. The Georgia Aquarium is awesome. My kids loved it. I was sad that the Riches did not get to meet us, but maybe we will get to see them again soon.

Next on the exciting news is that I decided to become a Thirty-One consultant. You can go here and check it out. It took me a long time to decide, but so far I have been pleased and I LOVE their products. If anyone is interested, you can send me a comment here or call the number on the website. Hopefully, I will do well and feel like I am contributing financially to our family again. I have not worked outside the home in 10 years. My husband is awesome in the fact that he works so hard to make it possible for me to be at home, but it is time that we could use the extra income.

Now hopefully I will be able to post on here more often and not leave all one of you hanging on wondering what is going on in our lives. :-) Your welcome, Mom.

Late Morning Visitors

2010-07-30T11:27:00.000-04:00

Last week we had a late morning visitor and again this morning. The pictures you are about to see were taken mostly on my property and some on my neighbors. You should know that YES I live in the city, but evidently these visitors don't care. I am kinda glad they don't because I love that I can look out my window and see them there. Just stay out of what is left in my garden, visitors!

This is for my mom

2010-07-28T17:15:00.000-04:00

HI MOM!!!! She is probably the only one who read this anymore anyway. I know I have been such a horrible blogger but believe me you have not wanted to read what I have had to say lately anyway. I am getting excited that life is going to have some routine in it again. I started to say that it was going to slow down but who am I kidding?

So you want to hear about the exciting things this week? Oh good I knew you did. Monday J had his last ball game. That is until fall ball starts. M decided she wanted to cheer and try out for 2 different productions, but who are we kidding we cannot do all of that. She gets to choose one thing. Between J playing ball, me being on the children's planning team at church, the pauper traveling more, homeschooling and the part time job I took along with it, we just cannot do all three. So far she is leaning towards one of the productions. I am so excited for her because she is a natural in front of people. Completely opposite from her mother that would rather run head first into a brick wall than talk in front of people.

OK so there is your update, Mom. See you soon!!!

Dandelion seeds

2010-07-24T14:46:00.000-04:00

You see those dandelion seeds? You know the ones right up there on the top of the page. I kinda feel like those sometimes. Blowing in the wind, never knowing where I will land. Recently, I started training for teaching my children (specifically M) writing. Can I just tell you how dumb I felt? Oh geez did I ever!!!
I mean on one accord I felt dumb because the man doing the seminars via dvd made it sound soooo easy, but then on the other side trying to do the homework I have is the PITS!!! I think I am trying entirely too hard.

I am excited that school is starting back soon but then again I feel as though summer has been nothing but shuffling to the next thing on my agenda. What happened to the "lazy days of summer"? Please someone tell me. Hopefully as soon as life slows down maybe we can get back into a routine!!! HA HA HA that is funny isn't it? So far I know that school is starting soon, piano is starting back, and J is playing fall ball. WOO HOO!!! I cannot wait! I love seeing my kids succeed at stuff. Ta ta for now!

Please Pray!!!

2010-07-09T15:42:00.000-04:00

I know I have been gone for a while and I have my reasons. The first being that I am so busy right now we do not even eat at home. We haven't eaten at home in a long time. I will be back but for now will you please go here and let this sweet family know that you are praying for them. This blog is one of the reasons that I started my blog to begin with. Send them a message. They no longer post comments because of the very ugly comments they have received in the past. We are not called to judge but to lift one another up in prayer. Please pray for the healing of this precious girl. All life is precious and this family has fought so hard to get her to where she was only to have it slip from there hands. Again, PLEASE PRAY!!! Go here: Ashley's Journal

A Book Review: Sarah's Garden

2010-06-28T16:05:00.001-04:00

Sarah's Garden by Kelly Long is a book that includes patience, forgiveness and the simple way of life of the Amish. Sarah is an introvert who is most comfortable when she is in her garden. What will she do when she has to start looking after the family produce stand? What will happen when the new English doctor comes to visit? Will she fall for a man that her heritage will not allow? Will the pain of winter be too much for Sarah?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This was a wonderful book to read beside the pool and at night to unwind. I felt Sarah's pain. I thought about her quiet and patient spirit although she was feisty when she needed to be. This is the first book I have read by Kelly Long and I appreciated that I did not know what would come next as in some of the books I have read before. I would recommend this book to everyone.

This book was provided to me by Thomas Nelson publishers. I was in no way compensated for my review other than the book. The opinions are my own and of no one else.

Bloggy Break

2010-06-28T15:53:00.000-04:00

I have been so busy the last few weeks. I honestly have had no words to share. My grandmother was in the hospital for 9 days, my parents house sold, and I have had VBS. With the selling of my parent's house came the undertaking of cleaning out, um, everything!

We have cleaned out old toys, old papers, and antiques. We have already had one sale and another this weekend. I guess I should add that my parents are downsizing! Alot! I will be back when I have words to share. Right now I am just too busy for words.

Book Review: Love on a Dime by Cara Lynn James

2010-06-09T09:17:00.001-04:00

Several months ago I joined Book Sneeze. It is a program through Thomas Nelson publishers that allows bloggers to review books. Seeing as how I am such a book nerd could it get any better? So anyway on to the book.
Lilly Westbrook has a knack for writing, however she comes from upper society where a woman earning your own living is against the "rules". Lilly has gotten by with writing under a fake name. Life for Lilly gets complicated when an old beau walks back into her life and has purchased her publishing company. What will happen for Lilly? Will she fall for her old beau? Will her name be released leaving her family to suffer the consequences of her decision? What will happen to the company that depend on her contributions to survive? Does the blackmailer get the upper hand? Will Lilly have the strength to overcome it all?

My Opinion:
Love on a Dime is a well written book that is an easy read. Cara Lynn James does a wonderful job placing the reader in the place of Lilly. There are times when the plot could have moved a little quicker for me, but over all it is a very good book. I really enjoyed learning more about the time period and "social rules" of that time. I felt Lilly's pain when she feels like the whole world is own her shoulders and she has no where to turn. I really appreciate that James turns Lilly towards God and His Word. This is a very good book and would make a great summer read.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Where Oh where I have done gone?

2010-06-03T14:39:00.000-04:00

Let's just say since I do not remember what my last post is about without looking because it has been a long time since I have posted. Then again, seeing as I cannot remember what I had for breakfast this morning, it could have been this morning when I posted last. This week I do believe one of those west wild fires that they have in California has taken residence in my throat and ears. It is not enough that there is a wildfire in my throat but then someone decided it would be a good idea to poke at my throat with something like a pitchfork. OK fine so not really but that is what it has felt like. On top of all of that I had a real live fever for something like 3 days. I have not had a fever that long since I was in high school back in 19 none of your business because I promise I am still in my twenties only not. Oh and I actually went to the doctor.

I laid on the couch for two and a half days and seeing how I have never done that unless I was pregnant and under doctors orders (Which most of the time I did not do that either. Evidently I have issues with orders.) I must have had the plague. During all of this fun time, my kids enjoyed whatever they wanted to eat and watch on TV as long as they were in the same room as me because you know with the whole throat thing I obviously could not yell. OK fine, yes sometimes I yell. Don't worry about the mother of the year trophy, it has already been returned.

Also, my mom surely could not help me out because bless her heart she has been staying at the hospital with my grandmother who has something akin to gastrointestinal I hate that I am in your body. Seriously the docs have no clue what is going on with her. I personally think it is a medication that she is on seeing how I have my MD otherwise know as Mommy Dearest. Hopefully all of this fun stuff will soon leave and we can go back to regular programming since all um 1 of you have missed me.

Good times people good times.

Ramblings

2010-05-25T13:09:00.001-04:00

I have been so busy the last few days getting school stuff together for next year and getting VBS stuff done that I left this blog empty again. I am sure no one else leaves their blog for several days. (grin)

So far with Bible school, I have gotten my crew leaders and now I am working on pre-registration. With school I have gotten so far as to order some of our materials. I have read the Foundations book for Classical Conversations and fully determined that I am completely inadequate to teach all of this stuff. It is a good thing I have God in my corner.

As far as the kitchen goes, it is still half wallpapered. Yes, annoys me but OH WELL. Oh and J's birthday is next week and I am still working on the party. There is part of J's birthday present. Finally after five years of searching we found another Boop. You can tell that the old one is very thankful. Hopefully the new one will not get to the condition of the old one, but you never know. Well I need to go peel wallpaper so Ta Ta for now.

I Will Rise

2010-05-20T09:17:00.000-04:00

I have been reflecting on what God wants from us on earth. Two deaths in less than two weeks in my family. Were they close relatives, no. Did they affect my life, yes. Did they affect my children's lives? Yes. Has it been hard the past two weeks? Yes. One day I want to hear well done good and faithful servant. It has me rethinking areas of my life and reflecting on things past and future. One day we will all rise. The question is for who are you rising right now? You are either for the Father or not. I am choosing to be for.
*****Don't forget to mute the playlist at the bottom.

What a Day....

2010-05-18T21:52:00.001-04:00

Today was one of those days that you hope you never face but would want to watch from aside if you could. Today a distant relative was laid to rest. He affected my children so much. He was a pastor, a friend, a mentor to so many. He walked what he talked and preached. He lived Jesus. Did he fail or sin? Of course, we all do, but he left a legacy that I only hope to attain. In less than two weeks, my family has buried two loved ones. They both touched my life in different ways, but their legacy remains. The phrase rest in peace has always bothered me so rather enter His gates with thanksgiving and worship with freedom, James and Wesley. Don't forget to mute the music at the bottom before playing the You Tube video.

Happy Monday

2010-05-17T10:22:00.000-04:00

I love rainy Monday's! The little apples on my tree and my garden do too. They have been very thirsty lately. I like to laugh at funny little downspouts that shoot water instead of sending it where it should go.

Pauper I guess we know what you will be doing later this week. :-) Cleaning downspouts and clogged bathroom drains. Boy does he speak my love language or what?

Very Important Public Message

2010-05-16T21:43:00.000-04:00

When talking to your husband about stripping wallpaper and painting the kitchen and breakfast area, one should do it in code. That way a certain boy does not get the idea to help out. Helping is fine, only you should probably ask first. That way the husband and wife or in this case the mommy and daddy do not have to start said project a year earlier.

It also helps that the punishment for said offense is continuing to pull down the wallpaper. Another thing that helps is you should invite lots of friends and family over. They cannot resist peeling wallpaper. They will help. We thank you for visiting our public service message.

Praise Report!!!

2010-05-12T09:58:00.002-04:00

We received news yesterday that J has tested negative for Celiac disease. Now to find out why he is having the other issues!

If your still coming back....

2010-05-09T21:40:00.000-04:00

you can just look at last week's menu. We had none of it. My great-uncle passed away Monday night unexpectedly and so we were gone every night last week. Today is Mother's Day and I have and ear ache and we are still waiting on the "ball to drop" so to speak with my distant relative that I wrote about last week. I really do not have a lot to say other than that. There are no butterflies and daisies right now. I am sorry to be a downer. With that being said, I still realize that God is much bigger than all of this and He still loves us. I will try and be back soon!

Menu Plan and Silence

2010-05-03T11:21:00.000-04:00

Sunday: Pork Roast, Crowder Peas, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, Strawberry Shortcake

Monday: Meetings all evening

Tuesday: Roast, Potatoes, leftover veggies

Wednesday: Chicken Pie

Thursday: Meatloaf, Corn, Green Peas

Friday: leftovers

Saturday: Care Group

Sunday: Mother's Day (not sure yet)

I have been silent for a few days. There may be silence this week, too. My menu plan is up in the air. We have some medical stuff going on and a distant family member that I am close to is dying of cancer this week. Without a miracle, he will probably not make it through the week. We would covet your prayers. Thanks!

Think I might be missing.....

2010-04-28T06:30:00.001-04:00

This:

Anybody volunteering to take me back? I will be waiting! Have a great Wednesday, peeps!

I won I won I won

2010-04-27T06:30:00.001-04:00

I NEVER and I repeat NEVER win anything or I didn't until now. I am so excited. I won a robe over at The Thrifty Decor Chick. It was from The Sheet Boutique. I waited until I received it to let you all know. The robe was delivered at the end of last week and the secret is I gave it to my mom. She soooo deserves it. I think she might be secretly in love with it. For anyone who is questioning whether it is worth the price on the website, yes it is so worth it. It is all the website says it is and more. I am not real sure if my mom will be seen out of it this coming winter.

Now for those of you wondering if J is still on his escapades, the answer is yes. He most definitely is still on the prowl. Yesterday, he decided to play with some sticks and a piece of bark flew up and hit him in the eye. I called the eye doctor, who happens to also be our next door neighbor, and they wanted to see him right away. I took him in and it seems that he did not scratch his eye, but it did irritate it quite a bit. A few days of eye drops should do the trick. Hopefully, today will be quiet on the home front. You know I will let you know.

Meun Plan April 26 and Weekend Ramblings

2010-04-26T11:06:00.001-04:00

I am going to start with my menu for the week and that way if you get bored with my ramblings then, um, I guess you can leave. OK here goes:

Sunday: we had Subway because I had not bought groceries

Monday: Lasagna and salad (left from last week b/c I was lazy)

Tuesday: Grilled Chicken, baked potatoes, leftover salad

Wednesday: meatball subs and veggie sticks (Homemade buns from here.
                      This is an experiment and I will let you know how it goes.)

Thursday: Still trying to figure this out, as we have piano and then immediately following we have to
at M's choir performance.
Friday: Also, trying to figure this out b/c we have a meeting at church and the children are staying               with my mom and dad and getting pizza.

Saturday: Roast, mashed potatoes, and green beans

Now, for my weekend ramblings that you have sooooo waited for. Let's see for starters, J had a rough week last week. Not on the health front like we have been having but just rough. If someone tells me one more time that he is just a boy, I might scream. On Friday I had this wonderful post about stuff he had done last week, but it just got better (read: worse) over the weekend. On Friday, he did this:

Um, yes he scaled my refrigerator. Yes, he standing on the back of a chair. His sister caught him and because we have had issue lately with tattling, she took his picture on her DS and just handed it to me. She proceeded to say I am not tattling. When I asked J what he was doing, the response I got was I really don't know. Needless to say I was kinda done, if you get my point. So, I informed the pauper that on Saturday I would send him with the kids to a birthday party while I took a break. On Saturday, we went to a kids carnival that a local church and KLOVE were hosting.

Surely with him jumping, he will get out all pent up boy energy. If you just said yes, your wrong. Just keep reading. M on the other hand was extremely serious about her upcoming race on the bungee run at the carnival.

This one my dear friends makes me laugh because she wanted nothing to do with this when we got to the carnival. It became her favorite. (grin) We had a really good time at the carnival and then it was time to go to the birthday party and for me to have my break. Remember the break? Well I sent them to the birthday party and I decide that I would go with my parents to Earth Fare. Uh, yes I did go to a health food store for my break. Yes, thank you, I am weird. I get a phone call from the pauper telling me the birthday party was not, in fact on Saturday, it is on Sunday. Oh am I racking up points here. He takes them to my brother's and sister-in-law's to play, instead. We decide to meet up and eat supper and that is when the pauper shows me this:

Oh, yes J has struck again. Look closely. He had managed to break off the windshield wiper arm. UGH!!! There is no telling what that is gonna cost. He has to pay for it mind you, but still. Yes I am fully aware that my car needs washing. Thank you for noticing. Anyway that was our weekend in a nutshell. So much for breaks, huh? Just so you know, I was extremely annoyed when this happened. I am over it now. I realize these are just growing pains. It just seems like he is having a lot of those lately. I am linking to the ORG JUNKIE, if you would like to see more menus. Have a great day peeps! No, as a matter of fact I do not know why the spacing is all wonky.

So much to say so little time...

2010-04-22T09:17:00.000-04:00

We have had a busy week, but when I look back at it nothing sticks out. M started the week feeling really crummy and J has just been a typical boy all week. The pauper was out of town on business and when he came home, he felt crummy. Two doctors visits in one week makes for a poor HSA. Both the pauper and M are dealing with some yucky allergies.

Last night the pauper and I DVR'd Food Inc. If you have not watched it, you should. It was very enlightening as to what goes on with our food chain or maybe the lack there of. Most of the packaged food that are consumed are derivatives of corn and might I add, EEEEWWW! I have been wanting to revolutionize the way we eat and I think the pauper is on board now, too. I don't know about you but I do not want my chicken with an oversized br*ast or do I want it to be the color of corn. GROSS!

To finish out our week, we still have one more choir practice and piano lessons. Then the next two weeks are going to be busy as well. Hopefully by then we can slow down. I really can see afternoons at the pool on the horizon.

Now all I have to say is, geez this was some kind of random. Your welcome.

ITS A GIVEAWAY!!!!

2010-04-20T13:12:00.000-04:00

Several months ago I gave my opinion on Thomas Nelson's feedback page on a book I had just read. The name of it was Amish Gathering. It was a wonderful book and an easy read. Recently, Thomas Nelson sent me a book titled Plain Pursuit. I have already read it and it was wonderful. (Can you tell I read a lot?) I need to let you know that it is the second in the series with the first being Plain Perfect. I have thoroughly enjoyed every book that I have read by Beth Wiseman. All three books in the series are enjoyable reads. I really feel like you need to read the first before reading this one, but you could read Plain Pursuit by itself. I just tend to read books in sequence. Now, here is the deal. I have contacted the Customer Service Department at Thomas Nelson and they have given me the verbal agreement that I may give this book, Plain Pursuit, away to one of you. You may enter one or all of three ways:

Leave a comment on this post
Become a follower and leave me a comment when you do
Blog about this giveaway with a link back to here and then leave me a comment letting me know with a link to the blog site.

This giveaway is open until midnight April 25. At that time I will scientifically (grin) place each entry into a hat and allow my daughter to draw a name out. Please remember that I need contact information so that I may contact if you win. Thanks and Good Luck.

Closet destrustion

2010-04-20T11:52:00.000-04:00

The horror that once was my daughter's closet. Oh, I hang my head in shame or maybe she should hang her head in shame. Ya'll, I am just going to be brutally honest here and say that I have not kept up with purging the children's closets like I have in the past. I mean seriously, aren't they old enough to do it themselves? I had gotten to a place that I just sent them to their rooms and asked them to clean up and then if it looked somewhat decent then I said OK. Who sees them anyway, right? I said, RIGHT? (I am in serious need of encouragement here if you have not noticed.) So here is the picture of where we started. Yes I know that is not my daughter in the picture, but what started the whole purge thing anyway was the destruction her brother put on it anyway.

Oh and his red eyes are courtesy of the local pollen infestation. I am not even gonna lie and tell you that I took more than one picture. I was too embarrassed. Anyway I decided that it was time for momma to put a hurtin on that closet. I was going to clean out everything and then maybe just maybe I would be nice and leave just a few toys for her to play with. I mean seriously nine times out of ten you are just going to find her with her nose in a book anyway. So, I started cleaning and throwing away and finding stuff that I did not even know we had. I dumped the contents of purses and bags. I threw away three grocery bags full of stuff (read: garbage) and I sorted Barbie clothes and Liv girl clothes and tiny Polly Pocket shoes. (Whoever thought up Polly Pocket hated mothers everywhere.) Here is where we stand this morning. (Oh and it took me on and off all day to get this done, too.)

Yes, as a matter of fact those are built in shelves. Yes I have them in my own closet, too. No you may not see them until after I do the same thing in my closet. (I am hanging my head in shame, again.) Now, let's see if we can make it longer than 24 hours with it looking that way.

If you want to see more tackles, go here.

UBP 10 After Party

2010-04-19T14:58:00.000-04:00

This is the party that just keeps on going and going. Kinda like the Energizer Bunny, only not near as furry or annoying. Am I the only one who finds that bunny annoying? OK, so back to the real reason I am here. I "met" some really cool moms and bloggers. Not near as many as I would have liked, but I guess my children are the only ones who decided that last week would be really cool to get hurt or just generally do things so that I was not online very much. It is really OK, though, because they always come first.

I am supposed to list at least 3 bloggers that I met and I think I will try and narrow it down to that because I have other things I need to be doing. You know such as folding laundry and finishing the purge of my daughter's closet. (grins sheepishly). So in no particular order here they are:

Halle at Halle The Homemaker

Mikki at The Not So Perfect Housewife

Abbi at Proverbs 31 Living

Now, again these are in no particular order. They just happen to be the ones that I have been able to sit down and read. Hopefully, I will be able to read and visit more. Thanks ladies for visiting me and I will visit some more later.

Menu Plan April 19 - April 25

2010-04-18T22:32:00.004-04:00

Yay, I did sooo much better last week. As a matter of fact, we had all meals and we even had them on the day that I said we would. This week we will be doing good to get all of our meals in because I have a sick child (yes, again) and that same child has 2 choir practices this week and the last day of homeschool co-op. Surely I can make it happen though, right?

Monday: leftovers from last week (freeze the remainder)

Tuesday: Chicken Nuggets, fries, and a green veggie (not the healthiest but oh well)

Wednesday: Fajitas and salad

Thursday: Lasagna and leftover salad

Friday: Chicken Pie (veggies inside)

Saturday: Maybe out

Sunday: leftovers

I am linking to the Organizing Junkie. Hopefully next week will be more exciting on the meal front over here at the Princess Mommy.

My First Award!!!

2010-04-17T13:51:00.000-04:00

I am so excited!!! I just received my very first blog award. Isn't it just the prettiest thing? First, I would like to say thanks to Hallee over at Hallee the homemaker. Go read her blog. I am just meeting her through the Ultimate Blog Party. She gives a very good description of where this award originated. Also, I am supposed to tag seven more people for the award and let's see who will I choose? There are so many "Kreativ" people to choose from. I think I will choose Amber from Classically Amber for keeping me on my toes when it comes to feeding my family good stuff and for her creative ideas with decorating. I am also choosing Heather from Spiritibee for her great advice on homeschooling and even though we do not know each other, she always responds quickly to my crazy homeschool questions via e-mail. I am going to choose Sarah from In the Midst of It because her blog was the first one I ever read and she is so inspirational and real. (Even though again we do not know each other in real life.)

I am choosing Ashleigh from Heart and Home. In the past year, I have read her story. Although a hard story, from marine deployment to watching her parents marriage dissolve, she remains true to her faith and I admire that. I choose Leslie over at Livin' It Sold Out. She is the only blogger that I know in real life. She is true to her word and real with her faith. The last two I am choosing because they give me inspriation that I can feed my family well without breaking the bank. They are Laura from Heavenly Homemakers and Phoebe from Getting Freedom.

Thanks ladies for encouraging me to be better.

Before and After and a shutters question

2010-04-16T06:30:00.000-04:00

When we bought our house almost 2 years ago we knew it was the perfect fit for our family. Our previous house had been on the market for a year when the listing expired and we re-listed only to have it sell in 2 weeks. The bid came with a stipulation however, we had to move in 2 weeks. The only home that we had put a bid on fell through. So, unless we moved into an apartment, we had no where to go. (or so we thought) The pauper is a regional property manager so surely he could find us an apartment to move into right? Well my parents got wind that we were moving into an apartment and asked us to re-consider and move in with them because they have an upstairs that is never used. (My parents have nothing against apartments. It is just that they did not want us spending money on one since they had the upstairs vacant.)

Anyway, we decided to move in. In the meantime, my grandmother's house was also on the market and we decided to offer to buy her house. We bought the house and moved in 5 weeks after ours sold. Long story short we knew that we would want to eventually re-do the landscaping, we just did not know we would be doing it so soon. Six weeks after we moved in, two trees fell on the back of the house and left a hole in the roof. Insurance claims later, we found that our insurance company requested that we remove more trees so that we were not faced with the same problem in the future. We had 26 trees cut that summer and the rest of the landscaping pulled out. Here is the before:

After the trees were cut and the landscaping pulled out, we lived for a year without anything. Last year we had a landscaping designer come out and draw a plan and we went from there. Here is where we are now:

Now, I realize that you cannot see all that we had done, but there were 3 trees in the front yard and the rest were in the back and side yard. We added much more grass and less mulch. Now I am ready to change the shutter color and front door color or maybe the front door altogether as we are going to have to have some work done to it anyway. The question is what color for the shutters and door. I am thinking a dark brown for the shutters but I am stuck on the front door and the trim around the door. Got any ideas? I will surely take them!!! Let me know what you think, please!!! Also, under the windows on the left will be window boxes, eventually. We have to take baby steps, people, baby steps. OK so the question is out there. I am awaiting your replies!!!

Oh my word, Meatloaf

2010-04-15T06:30:00.001-04:00

As you will see here, we were to have meatloaf last night. Surprise, surprise, I am actually following my menu plan this week. Anyway, we were to have meatloaf and I wanted a new recipe. I do not know why I do this, messing up a good thing that is. I mean my family loves the meatloaf I usually make so why change it, right? I must have issues. (grin)

So back to the story at hand. I wanted a new recipe and I remembered when we went to land of the mouse in January (otherwise known as Disney) that we has eaten at the 50's Cafe in Hollywood Studios. Several of my family members got the meatloaf and it was sooooo good so I went on a search to find the recipe. Lo and behold I found it, here. I changed it up just a tad as I added some dry mustard to the mix and also some tomato sauce because my family does not particularly care for a really dry meatloaf, but overall I think it was a hit. So whether you go to the actual restaurant or cook it yourself. ENJOY, because it is yummy.

Wordless Wednesday that isn't

2010-04-14T06:30:00.001-04:00

I wish I could be wordless, but alas I cannot. So here goes. This is M's final project for her cooking class that she is in for Homeschool co-op. She made it herself. The only help she received from me was verbal instruction when she had questions. I am really very proud of her and by the way when we went to bring the cake home, the vultures, I mean other children has consumed it. Good for me, bad for their parents seeing as how it was a triple chocolate cake. I am also very thankful that I had the foresight to ask her to ice it before breakfast. You will see why in the next picture.

This is a picture of the J-man's knee. I was attempting to give M a math test when he hobbled in and said I think I am hurt. I look and see blood running and get him cleaned up only to realize that it is going to need more than I can give it at home, so off to the doctors office I go. (It is a shame that I am on a first name basis with everyone in the doctors office including the PA.) They take a look at it and say no stitches, but we are going to have to glue it and steri strip it. It has to be that way for 6 days and I am supposed to keep him still for 24 hours. YEAH RIGHT! Hope you enjoyed my wordlessness. (Yes spell check I know that is not a word.)

God Covers Our Failures

2010-04-13T06:30:00.002-04:00

WARNING: Raw Material Ahead. Don't judge me by what you read. I am only sharing from the heart.

It is a good thing God covers our failures because He had a lot to cover yesterday. It started out as a good day and then lots of unexpected things came up. Like my sweet daughter telling me she had a paper due today for her home-school co-op science class. Oh and also she had to make a layer cake for cooking class, as her final project. After all of that up upheaval, my cell phone decided to take a nose dive and not charge anymore.

I start off by going to buy the supplies for the cake and then head on over to the phone store. All the while my children are in the back seat arguing about ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!! I am only human. It really started to grate my nerves. We get home and I start supper so that it can cook slowly and then call my phone company because the store would not or could not help. During this time the children are running through the house, yelling. I send them to their rooms, rather angrily. I get off the phone and start to teach my daughter long division. Well that was bad timing. She is very bright, but for some reason she was not listening and I completely lost my temper and yelled at her.

I do not like yelling. It makes me angry at myself. It makes me feel like a failure as a mom. I am still very frustrated with myself. I am so thankful the God cavers my failures. I apologized to my daughter for my actions. I did explain to both of them that although I was in the wrong so were they and we needed to work on attitudes. They needed to understand that God covers their failures also. Today is a new day. It has its own mountains and valleys. I am looking forward to what God has in store and I only hope I am up for the challenge today. Be Blessed, peeps and here's to happier days.

Updated: I have since changed backgrounds and headers and the header is flashing, I am still working on it. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-04-12T10:19:00.000-04:00

Last week's menu was a total flop. I cooked nothing on the list. Absolutely nothing. A couple of nights I pulled something from the freezer and the other nights we went out. BAD, BAD, BAD for the budget. In the spirit of all honesty the budget is blown for the month anyway and we still have two weeks to go. (The pauper gets paid on the 24th of each month and that is is when our month starts.) Here we go with a new week:

Monday: Roasted Chicken, this salad, breadsticks

Tuesday: Chicken Casserole (made with leftover chicken), green beans, corn

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green peas

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: pizza

Saturday: Small group cook out

Sunday: Lunch at church (Mexican, our Hispanic pastor and wife are cooking, YUMMY)

I am linking to the Organizing Junkie.

It's a Party

2010-04-09T22:02:00.005-04:00

Well, I am going to a party. If you are here for the party, welcome. I lurve me some parties!!!! OK so here goes, let me introduce myself. I am the Princess Mommy of 2. I have two wonderful children, who I home school. I am married to the pauper and he rocks! I am the Princess because I am a child of the Most High King. Oh you wanna see a picture? OK, here.

I cannot believe this picture is almost a year old but alas, it is.

My children are growing entirely too fast for me. My oldest will be ten in September and my youngest will be seven in June. My youngest had LOTS of medical issues when he was born. Nothing life threatening, but enough to keep this momma on her toes. Next year they will both be in Classical Conversations and we are sooo excited. The pauper works really hard so that I may be blessed in staying at home and raising these awesome kids that God has blessed us with.

You should also know that sometimes I am a really bad blogger because life gets in the way. You know like this week. :-) I have one with strep and frankly I have spring fever and want to stay outside. Which I cannot do because of the pollen. For some strange reason I like to be able to breathe and I like for my children to be able to breathe, also. Crazy, I know.

I am also supposed to say which prizes I hope to win, but you know I really don't know. I would just love to win anything. (See Update) Be blessed peeps and I hope you return. Oh and BTW I love me some comments, too.
****Update: I forgot to add that if you would like to attend the party click the party sign above and it will take you right to it. I should also add that the above picture is courtesy of Shamrock Studios in Randleman, NC I have since read all of the prizes and I would like US17, US39, US40, US 73, US 76, INTL 6.

OOPS, I did it again

2010-04-07T22:10:00.000-04:00

Oops, I did it again. I took a break from regular posts. I will have to say, however, my days have been filled with things like a certain six year old attempting to melt tootsie rolls in the microwave and pretending to be Tarzan from his closet pole with a jump rope.

I am sure those of you with children understand that sometimes you have to take breaks. I will be back in a couple more days.

Menu Plan April 4 - April 10

2010-04-04T16:40:00.004-04:00

OK so I would like to tell you that we ate at home a lot this week, but that would be a lie. :-) Tuesday, the children and I up and decided to go with my husband out of town on business. So, we ate out Tuesday night and Wednesday. Sunday we went out for lunch because I cooked breakfast (with my mom's help) for the children at church and our air-conditioning went out at home. I was tired and hot. Here goes a new week and we will see how we do.

Sunday: Out

Monday: Crockpot Chicken, leftover rice, and veggies

Tuesday: Meeting (the rest of the family will probably eat at my mom's)

Wednesday: Chicken Pot Pie (leftover from last week)

Thursday: Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Friday: Meatloaf, potatoes, green peas

Saturday: Grill out who know what yet :-)

I really am trying to do better but I seem to get in a rut so easy lately and not know what to fix. I am linking to the organized junkie. You can go there for more menus and maybe some other inspiration.

Lovin' Spring

2010-04-01T14:47:00.000-04:00

Today is April Fool's day. I don't participate because usually I am the fool, as I was again this morning when the pauper called to tell me he had a flat tire. You know that really isn't all that funny seeing as how we are recovering from depleted savings from medical bills. He told me almost immediately but I am kinda still seething. (Just kidding, honey)

I love spring and the sound of birds outside. I also love spring flowers and the smell of fresh cut grass. I think I could sit outside all day today. I won't because I have other things to do, but you know I could. I think with spring comes a whole new mind-set for me. I feel renewed and alive. I am ready to conquer the garden and wash windows and fun stuff like that. I am still working on conquering laundry though. I just wish it would conquer itself. I think I am going to start delegating some responsibility to the children though. It is about time, wouldn't you say? I mean they are 9 and almost 7. Surely they can do some of the things around here, right? I am curious to how all 3 of you peeps get your children to do things at home. (Besides the just telling them to do it, cuz I have that one down.) Comments and suggestions needed!!!! I will leave you with this today...

Enjoy Spring today, peeps.

Spring Wreath

2010-03-30T09:07:00.000-04:00

Before I talk about what I made, I would like each and everyone of you to know that if you looked at the laundry pile from yesterday's post, please know that it grew by 4 more loads. However, right now at this moment all laundry is folded and put away, including socks. YAY!!!!!

Now onto the fun part. What do you get when you take a regular ole grapevine wreath

and a pile of old flowers?

You get a beautiful spring wreath.

Please ignore the glare. It was not in the original shot. I do not know why it is here. This is now hanging on my mom and dad's front door. You know seeing as how she is the one that bought the stuff. HE HE!! If you would like to see more pretties, you should go here.

Menu plan and a conquer

2010-03-29T10:00:00.000-04:00

We are still doing better with our menu plan. We only went out on the night planned, but I have to admit Chick-fil-a has been calling my name. Also I did stop at Starbucks twice over the weekend. I know for shame but OH SO YUMMY! So here goes for this week:

Monday: Taco Soup

Tuesday: Orange Chicken, Rice, and Green beans

Wednesday: Spaghetti Pie and Salad

Thursday: Chicken Casserole and green peas

Friday: Leftovers

Saturday: Pizza

Sunday: Roast and carrots and potatoes and limas

Now for today's conquer, I am going to show you a picture that I am not proud of. It is kinda embarrassing, but I am all about keeping it real around here.

Yes, that is my laundry room as of 5 minutes ago. (I am hanging my head in shame.) All of that is clean. There is still one more load to go in and the washer and dryer are going. I absolutely loathe folding clothes. Also, would someone please explain why all of that is clean and I still have laundry to do that I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR??? Ugh! I mean I have stuff to wear, but some of it has holes in it because let's face it how many stay at home mom's dress like they do on TV all the time? Seriously, I am need of some new clothes, but that is another post for another day. Off I go to laundry land and go here if you want to see more menus.

Random Nothingness

2010-03-26T06:30:00.000-04:00

Tonight as I sit writing Friday's blog entry, I have decided to empty my brain and you my faithful readers are going to be the recipients of all of this knowledge. Your welcome in advance.

I am thrilled beyond measure that my grandmother did not have a heart attack as was once believed. It may be reflux or a bone spur. We just don't know yet.
My J-man is going to attend Classical Conversations with his sister after all. I got a phone call tonight (Although seeing that it is Friday, that was last night.)saying they were both in!!! WOO HOO!!!!
Tomorrow is Friday. Although since you are reading this on Friday, it is already here. I love Fridays.
I might go to the store. If I feel like it. It is still up in the air. Don't worry family, I am sure I will come up with something you can eat.
I am thinking I need to make a list of next year school supplies so that I can budget for it.
I have actually done well on staying on top of laundry this week. (other than the load in the washer but WHATEVER)
I love my life even on "bad" days
I love my kids more than I can count.
That goes for their daddy, too.
It is almost warm enough for spring clothes but my spring clothes need some serious updating.
Does anyone know of good stores willing to take on a charity project? I would be willing to be the project.

For those of you who made it to the end of this mindless dribble, thank you for staying. Later Peeps!

Scared of the Bad Guys?

2010-03-25T06:30:00.001-04:00

Yeah, I used to be and then I got a couple body guards. Now, I am not so afraid anymore.

100th post, recipes, and other crazies!

2010-03-24T06:30:00.001-04:00

Well this is my 100th post. I thought I would be more geared up for it, but I'm not so there. :-) I also thought I would have a giveaway but I did not get it done so oh well. I will say this, I am glad I am "writing" things down now so that I can remember and so can my children. I am enjoying keeping up with stuff my children say and do and my menu plan is really pushing me to cook more.

Speaking of cooking more I promised a recipe and it did not get posted because my grandmother got sick and so did her brother. Thank you for everyone who prayed for her. It was discovered that she did not have a heart attack but has severe reflux and it is wearing on her esophagus. Her brother is doing better, but has not been released to come home right now. Now for the recipe(s).

Applesauce Muffins

Cream together:

2 sticks of soft butter

2 C sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

Sift together:

4 C flour (I usually use half white and half whole wheat)

2 tsp allspice

3 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ground cloves

Add this mixture slowly to the above mixture. Once blended add 1 jar of unsweetened applesauce and 2 tsp baking soda.

Now at this point you can store this in the fridge for up to 4 weeks or bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 min. This makes a lot but as you can see most of them are already gone. I also added 2 Tbsp of ground flax seed this time and no one noticed.

Now for the second recipe:

Tonight we had ham steak on the grill with pineapple. I did not want to waste the liquid out of the can of pineapple so I thought I would make a sauce for the ham. I did not measure I just eyeballed it. In a bowl add pineapple juice, approx 3 Tbsp of honey mustard, 1-2 Tbsp brown sugar, and approx. 1 1/2 tsp of corn starch (to thicken). Place bowl in microwave and heat through until thickened. My kids loved this on their ham.

**** The applesauce muffin recipe I received when we got married. It does not have anyone's name on it so if it is yours please send me an email or comment and I will credit it to you. Thanks!****

Second Tackle It Tuesday

2010-03-23T09:57:00.001-04:00

Today will be a light tackle. I have to keep my day as open as possible. We would covet your prayers right now as my grandmother was taken via ambulance to the hospital yesterday due to chest pains and her brother (that lives with her) was also admitted for breathing difficulties. That brings me to another lesson that I learned yesterday. When staying home to clean, at least put on shoes and makeup so that if you are called to come NOW you are ready!

Now for today's tackle, I am in charge of registration for VBS at our church. That means I need to get crew leaders so that I can register. Today I am going to attempt to get my list together of potential crew leaders. I will also do the regular of cooking supper, school with the children, and school co-op with the children. Thanks in advance for the prayers lifted up on behalf of my grandmother and her brother.

You may go HERE to follow all of the tackles today! Also if you are here looking for the recipes they will be tomorrow because of my grandmother's illness. Thanks for your understanding.

Menu Plan Mar. 22 - Mar. 28

2010-03-22T11:14:00.003-04:00

****UPDATE AT THE BOTTOM****

We are doing so much better staying at home to eat rather than eating out. Here's to hoping we will continue so that we can save more money. I am really going to try and cut our grocery expenses this month. Our month starts on the 24th as that is when hubby gets paid. I am really going to try and hold off on doing any big shopping until the end of the week though. So here goes this weeks plan:

Monday: Breakfast- toast with peanut butter (don't ask the children wanted it)
                Lunch- leftovers from supper (My parents took us out last night.)
                Supper- roast, carrots, potatoes, and green beans (leftover from                                                  last week)

Tuesday: Breakfast- homemade waffles with fruit
                 Lunch- sandwiches and veggie chips
                 Supper- ham, peas and fruit (probably grilled pineapple)

Wednesday: Breakfast: Applesauce Muffins
                      Lunch: baked spaghetti (made with veggies in the sauce)
                      Supper: Grilled pork chops, potatoes, and brussel sprouts

Thursday: Breakfast: oatmeal
                  Lunch: leftovers
                  Supper: Chicken Cordon Bleu over noodles (veggies snuck in)

Friday: Breakfast: waffles with fruit
              Lunch: sandwiches and chips
              Supper: Maybe out (depending on the kids spending the night with    my mom and dad)

Saturday: Breakfast: Breakfast Casserole
                 Lunch: sandwiches
                 Supper: Grilled Chicken, rice and beans

Sunday: Leftovers all day!

Now if someone will please tell me why the spacing is so wonky I would be delighted! Have a fabulous week, everyone.) Go Here for more menu ideas. Come back tomorrow and I will share the applesauce muffin recipe.

UPDATE: Due to family illness the recipe will be posted Wednesday. I am sorry for the inconvenience.

Hair Story....

2010-03-19T06:30:00.001-04:00

Today I had a hair appt. or so I thought. I doubled checked my time last week when I took J in to have his cut and she told me that she did not have me down this week. I said that I had my card and it was for 11. Nope, no go! She told me to come at 12:30 instead. So 12:15, I get in my car alone!!!!!! Sometimes I like to be alone. Do you other moms like that?

I get to the salon and she says you were supposed to be here at 11. What?!? She says its next week that you come at 12:30. UM, again, WHAT?!? I say when have you ever known me to get my hair cut twice in a week. She says never. I mean I get my hair cut like two times a year.

Evidently I have lost my mind (or maybe she has). I say all of this laughing because I love my hair stylist. She is awesome and this has never happened before. It is rather comical because she was on some new meds last week for a cold and she had told me they were making her act funny. So I guess I will just have my hair cut later! See ya'll later!

I'm Going to a Party

2010-03-18T06:30:00.000-04:00

OK, so I am not going. Let's not be so technical! I am attending just not going. You will see this button on my sidebar until then. If you would like to check out the party for yourself, please feel free to go to 5minutesformom.com

Now, onto the riveting stuff that was my day, yesterday. Let's see I, um, picked up our tax return. I know, I know, I am getting soooo crazy with my fun days. The fun part was I rode to Greensboro with my mom and we went and got a Dark Cherry Mocha from St*rbucks!!!! YUMMY!!!!!!! Then on our way home we stopped at a new bakery and got cupcakes. I ate a snickers cupcake and it was delicious!!!! Well, I am not going to bore you anymore for now. I am off to watch Enchanted. Yes by Disney. We preview all movies before our children watch them.

Hump Day

2010-03-17T06:30:00.001-04:00

It's Wednesday. Hump Day, meaning we are halfway until the weekend. That thrills my children because it means they will have daddy all to themselves for 2 days before he goes back to work. My children LOVE their daddy. He does cool things like play ball and watch movies and ride bikes. Last spring, he even taped up the holes in the bottom of the wagon and made into a swimming pool.

I mean, of course this was before the pool opened up, but how much fun was this for the children!?!

What else does hump day mean? It means that I will get some rest from this yucky allergy stuff that has invaded my head. It has hit me early this year, but I guess that is what happens after a very cold winter and all of the maple trees in my yard have decided to bud at one time.

I think I have come to realize that life over here is boring this week. I really have nothing shocking to tell other than we ran out of French Vanilla C*ffee M*te and life as we know it is over. I really do not want to buy anymore of the chemically processed goo, but I have not found a suitable substitute yet so please send recipes. Links to recipes would work, too!

Thanks and good bye for now! I will really try and come up with something riveting for tomorrow!

Tackle It Tuesday

2010-03-16T09:26:00.001-04:00

Well what I am about to share might be embarassing (for me that is)! Oh, I have started putting off so many household chores simply because I do not feel like it. I know you all are gasping in horror, but it is the truth. So today, I am going to give you a list of things I hope to accomplish and then I will update on my progress and hopefully that will give me the incentive to get it done.

Vacuum the whole house (not just the rooms that are seen)
Mop the hardwoods (esp the kitchen)
Finish laundry (Oh how I let this one slide when it comes to folding)
Get the children's schoolwork done
Take the children to homeschool co-op
Cook supper
Wipe down the bathrooms

Now, off to get something done. I should also mention that the pauper fixed the threshold into the hall door last night so I will quit tripping over the loose board because he rocks like that and I will really try to finish all of these tasks but I am fighting an allergy attack that is pure EVIL.

Ta Ta for Now! Go here for more Tackling!

UPDATE***** Vacuuming -Check
                           Laundry is done (folding is not :( )
                           Bathrooms -Check
                           Homeschool co-op -Done
                           Supper -Done
                           Schoolwork- Done
I think I am stopping here though because the allergies have finished me for the day.

Menu Plan Mar. 15 - Mar. 21

2010-03-14T16:47:00.006-04:00

Well we are beginning to do better with sticking to our menu plan. Friday night we did not follow the menu because J and the pauper wanted to cook breakfast. OK so really it was J wanting to cook breakfast with his daddy, but anyway they cooked and it was really good. Saturday we ended up going to my mom's. Sunday we went out for lunch because we were in charge of Children's Church and it give our team a chance to reflect and decided what we can do better next month. So off to this week.

Monday: BBQ Chicken Wraps, carrot sticks and chips

Tuesday: Chicken Nuggets, Mac-n-cheese, Green peas

Wednesday: Ground Beef Casserole and Green beans

Thursday: Chicken Pie (veggies inside)

Friday: Tilapia, Homemade fries, and slaw

Saturday: Pizza Pockets and salad

Sunday: Roast, Potatoes, and Lima Beans

Lunches will consist of leftovers or PB&J.

Breakfast will consist of: Boiled eggs, Granola with milk, PB and banana, or smoothies

Go here to see more menus! I love to go there because it gives me ideas when I am in a food rut.

Funnies

2010-03-12T06:30:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, I was riding down the road with my mom. We got behind a septic tank tanker truck and EWWW! No, that is not what was funny. The funny was above the nozzle that they use for clean outs (EWWW). It was a sign that said, "Contents: Political Promises." BWAH HA HA HA!!!!! I only wish I could have gotten a picture. By the time I remember that my phone has a camera, he was too far ahead to get a picture. Yes, I am soooo technically savy.

Your Welcome,
The Princess Mommy

P.S. On a serious note, please read yesterday's post.

I Will Remember

2010-03-11T19:54:00.000-05:00

There is a blog that I have read for a couple of years. I don't even know how I found it. It is a beautiful blog with beautiful word pictures of faith. It is a blog of a young wife and mommy who lost her dad a little over a year ago to an extra-marital affair that completely rocked her world. She also talks of her beautiful children. She talks of her struggles and triumphs. She is real. This lady blows me away. I do not think I was as strong as her at her age. Sometimes, I do not think I am that strong now.

I have to be honest and say I am not sure I would even know her if I ran into her on the street. I only know her through her blog. This week this lady made an awesome sacrifice. I was there reading when she made the first of this type of sacrifice and I will faithfully read this time. Her husband is making an awesome sacrifice, too. You see her husband just left to fight a spiritual battle made flesh in our sinful world. He has gone to fight the enemy.

I never thought much about wars before this. I am being honest. I sit naively in my little comfortable life and trust that it will never touch me, but it has. As I read her posts, my heart hurts. I get tears in my eyes. I realize the sacrifice that she has made and the sacrifice that so many have made before her and will in the future. I want her to know I will not forget! I will no longer take for granted my easy life. I will remember!

Please go HERE and read her story. Pray for her! Pray for her boys as they grow for a little over a year without their father. Pray for his safety and the thousands of others just like him. Remember the sacrifice my friends. They do it for us. They do it for our freedoms. They do it for the love of this country even if it does not love them in return. Pray, my friends, that the enemy of terror in our world will end. Pray.

Why I Love Spring

2010-03-11T06:30:00.001-05:00

I realize that spring has not truly "sprung", but this week we have had wonderful weather and we have spent a lot of time outside. Part of that time was spent on Saturday with the Pauper teaching the J-man this:

Yes, that is the little J-man riding a bike without training wheels. I don't know why I did not see it coming, but in my eyes he is still a baby. I cheered and praised him and then quietly looked at the pauper and said, "Why do you find the need to rip my heart out and make him grow up?" You know the pauper just looked at me. I think he was thinking that I was a nut! I am really proud of the J-man! He has come a long way from being a preemie with some struggles! I also noticed the crocuses have started blooming which truly means spring is on its way.

Aren't they gorgeous? These are growing right in my backyard thanks to my grandmother who planted them. I loved seeing them poke their heads right through the snow that we had last week. They make a promise of new beginnings in the midst of all of the brown. Finally, I am going to show you my favorite.

This, my dear friends is what my children do in spring. They completely wear themselves out playing outside. Every night the pauper sits down and reads them a Bible story. Well last night when he finished reading, I looked and they were both asleep (mouths open and everything). We carried them off to bed and I remembered why I love spring. It's because of new beginnings and watching my children enjoy it all.

To have or not to have...

2010-03-10T06:30:00.001-05:00

We have been discussing whether or not to put ads on the blog. On the one hand, I would love to have a little extra income, but on the other I would be charting into unfamiliar territory and I am not sure I want the hassle. We are really trying to do better on our budget, seeing as how it was completely blown last year with all of the medical bills.

I will be completely honest and say that I had no idea how much I spent on groceries until I sat down and figured it up last night. It was an insane amount. I will also say that debt is not a huge issue because other than the house we have none. Thank you Dave Ramsey! However, because of the medical bills we are completely wiped out in the savings front. I really want to start throwing money back into the savings account and we will most likely need another car in the next couple of years.

So back to the original question, put ads on the blog or not? Any input would be appreciated!

Retro, What?

2010-03-09T06:30:00.001-05:00

Today was absolutely beautiful! After we got school done, we decided to go out with my mom and goof off. We started at Hobby Lobby but it did not help me get Spring Fever. Next on the list was Lowes Hardware. I started in the garden center which is a bad idea if you know me! I saw so many things I wanted.

One of those things happens to be the glider you see above. My great-grandmother had one of these and I would play on and around it while my parents worked in the largest garden know to man kind. OK, maybe it was not that big, but it seemed so in my young mind. I sat down in the one at Lowes and was instantly transported back in time. I love it and I would love to have one.

After the trip down memory lane at Lowes, we went to a couple of local garden centers. The first had a beautiful lemon tree. It had a lemon on it that was the size of a large navel orange. I am not kidding! It was gorgeous.

The last garden center had little chicks which fueled the fire of me wanting laying hens. I love to look at the little peeping chicks! I am so ready for spring now. I am fully aware that it will get cold again, but I am ready for warmer days and maybe just maybe I will get one or the other, chicks or the glider!

****Image pulled from Lowes Hardware website.****

Menu Plan Mar. 8 - Mar. 14

2010-03-08T10:28:00.002-05:00

Well, last week went well except for we had quite a few leftovers and we went out Friday instead of eating in. We'll see how this week goes.

Monday: Burritos (left from last week)

Tuesday: French Toast with Fruit

Wednesday: Honey Chicken, Rice, and Green Beans

Thursday: Leftovers (M's piano night=no time to cook)

Friday: Ground Beef Casserole and Green peas

Saturday: Pizza and salad

Sunday: Roast, potatoes, carrots, and limas

Hopefully we will stick to it this week! We will see!

****Evidently I am a ding dong! I forgot to put the link to HERE for more menus!****

Dead Batteries and Such

2010-03-06T06:30:00.001-05:00

Yesterday morning started as any normal day would. My little J man asked to get his DS out of the van. (For some strange reason it seems to abide there a lot.) I grabbed the remote and hit the unlock button. Odd it did not beep to tell me the van was unlocked, so I hit it again (and again) because maybe in my drowsy stupor I hit the wrong button. Nope, no go and I assume that the battery in the remote bit the dust. WRONG! I go outside in my jammies (oh yes I did) and unlock the car manually (the horror oh the horror of having to do it manually). Now, I notice that the motor on the van door will not work and open the door. Again have to do it manually. Oh and now the lights are not working either. UGH! I go around and attempt to start the car and guess what? You got it! Nothing!

I, then go inside and tell the pauper that the battery is dead and it cannot be dead today because I have errands to run and you know the taxes need to go to the accountant because I have procrastinated yet again. You know what he does? He prays first because he knows we do not have the money for this right now. He goes outside in his work clothes (that would be dress pants and a dress shirt) and lifts the hood and takes the battery out. Oh and he has to do that with pliers because someone has been playing with his tools and has misplaced the correct wrench. (I plead the fifth!) He goes and gets me a new battery and installs it, again with pliers because the wrench is missing. Then, he goes to work. Late, I might add.

Do you see the pattern in this? He came to the rescue when I needed him. He did not get upset when he knew that we do not need to spend ninety-seven dollars on a ridiculous battery. He was late to work and fixed it with the wrong tools and in his dress clothes without one complaint. The children stood by and watched. They saw Jesus in him this morning. M saw her daddy fix a car so that we could get to her piano olympics ceremony. J saw his daddy step in and help mom when he did not have the time. How many times do we take God doing things for us for granted? I did not take this for granted! I noticed! The pauper fixed the car and God will provide the money to cover it. He always has and always will. I tend to be the dramatic one (shocker I know) and get all upset when things do not go my way and the pauper and God showed me once again to stop and allow God to work in a quiet yet strong way!

Beloved....

2010-03-05T06:30:00.003-05:00

Aren't you glad that THE GREAT I AM calls us His beloved?

****Don't forget to mute the playlist at the bottom****

Lizards and other slimy things....

2010-03-04T06:30:00.001-05:00

Since yesterday's post was all about spring, I thought I might share some stories. I need to back up a little and say that when I was a child lizards did not bother me that much. Snakes, however, were a different story. Spiders, oh my word, terrified is the word for those.
I really was not afraid of spiders until my brother would take them and drop them down the back of my shirt or pants when we would be outside playing. My first interaction with a snake was when I was 8 and my mother sent me out to get the mail. Now, our mailbox was in front of a very large ditch and I looked down and laying in the ditch was a 6 foot long king snake. Needless to say I high tailed it back into the house without the mail.
Well since we have moved into this house 2 years ago you would think that I had my fear of snakes conquered. The first year we were here, we pulled out all of the landscaping. During that summer, we killed or ran off well over 30 some snakes. UM, no thank you. Last year as J was going to the strawberry patch, I discouraged him and I rounded the corner and there lay a coiled king snake. UM, please someone tell me that I have not moved to reptile land.
The other crazy thing that happened was in my laundry room. Now this is the truly funny story, only at the time it was not funny. I was in my laundry room doing what I do best and I picked up a dish towel to fold it and felt something land on my shirt. I looked down and was face to face with a lizard. I flicked it against the wall and started screaming, well like a girl. The pauper comes running and I show him and he looks at me and says you scared me over that. Well that was not the thing to say I assure you. I calmly (OK, that part is a lie.) shut the door and stuff towels at the floor so the icky thing cannot get out and tell pauper that he can come out when he has captured it. He yells through the door and says catch it with what and I of course in a very loving way say that is his problem. The pauper finally catches it armed with nothing more than a plastic bowl and a yard stick and sends it outside to hopefully its demise and that is my story and I am sticking to it. I will leave you with all of the mental pictures that you can some up with. Your Welcome and Ta ta for now.

Spring, Where for art thou?

2010-03-03T06:30:00.004-05:00

Spring. I am yearning for you. Snow, mmmm not so much anymore. I am wanting to put my hands in soft warm dirt. Wanting to watch small seedlings grow into plants that produce yummy food for my family. Now, mister king snake in my garden, I can do without you. Come back to me flowers, daylight, bees, and lizards. (Yes, lizards. Just please stay out of my laundry room this year.) I want the smell of fresh mowed grass, the sound of the hawk over head, and the sun beating down. Spring, please oh please, come back to me. Thank you and I promise not to kill numerous snakes this year. O.K. that is a lie. Snakes, please stay away. Just spring please come back.

Lovin' Life

2010-03-02T17:11:00.001-05:00

I was in a funk today. Was being the key word. I took M and J to their classes this afternoon and made a couple of phone calls for church business. After that, I was just going to sit there and wait for their classes to be over. As I sat there, I wallowed in my funk. I love how I do that sometimes. OK, not really but anyway. The longer as sat the more moms that came in and we all started talking about ridiculous stuff, like "nazi" library ladies. We all got to laughing at each other and then started laughing because we would start conversations and get side tracked and never finish them. One of the moms even said that only other home-schooling moms would understand us and it is so true.

Anyway when I got up to leave, I realized that the funk was over and the clouds were lifted. Isn't it funny how when you least expect it, God will send the right people to your place and lift your burdens and heaviness just with a little silly laughter? God loves us just like that, we just have to look for it. Oh and by the way, it is snowing again! I know its crazy.

Menu Plan Mar. 1 - Mar. 7

2010-03-01T10:38:00.000-05:00

Well here goes the ole menu plan:

Monday: Baked Spaghetti for the family (I have a meeting)

Tuesday: Potatoe Soup

Wednesday: Black Eyed Peas, Fried Okra, and Oh some other veggie

Thursday: leftovers

Friday: Pizza and salad

Saturday: Burritoes

Sunday: Grilled Chicken, Baked Potatoes, and Green Beans

Go Here for more menus. We are really trying to eat at home more and stop spending so much money out. Hopefully we will stick to it this time.

Once a Month Cooking (Update)

2010-02-26T06:30:00.001-05:00

My once a month cooking is turning into more like a three day experiment. So far I have two coffee cakes, 3 breakfast casseroles, 3 chicken cordon blue casseroles, homemade pop tarts, and 4 bags of bbq chicken for sandwiches. I still have a lot left to fix, but it will wait until tomorrow. My little J-man comes first and I still have school work to do with M. I am very excited to have all of this in my freezer, though. I will update when I finish.

Got a sickie...

2010-02-25T09:32:00.000-05:00

Well yesterday started as any other day and I went to the store in snow and sleet. Oh wait, that is not everyday. You know for us southerners one snow is enough. Go Away already. OK now where was I? I went to the store to buy my once a month cooking stuff and I was going to start some of it when I got home. Well I know better than to plan, but I planned anyway. We got home and ate lunch and then my little J-man complained of a tummy ache and I told them to choose a movie and rest and it would feel better. A little while later he complained again and I took his temp for good measure. CRUD! 101.5! I call the doc they say be there at 4:00 and he tested positive for strep. CRUD! I brought him back home, finished cooking what I had started, fixed supper, and took off to church when M. I got two of the breakfast done and I will boil the chicken today. So much for Once a Month, huh? Guess I will be cooking for three days instead of one.

Saw this today...

2010-02-23T17:13:00.005-05:00

I saw this today and it speaks volumes. I think it is about time we stop looking at what is wrong with "our world" and look at people. Aren't we all the same? Didn't God create all in His image after all? I saw a comment on Facebook several weeks ago that referred to the media constantly talking about the horrible earthquake and then went on to say that they should not be doing that because Americans had their own problems. How sad. Now those of you who know me, know that I do not watch the news. I choose not to watch because most of it is negative or lies anyway, but I am not condemning them because of reporting the damage in Haiti. I believe God wants us to help all humankind in their hour of need. Watch and listen for yourself and tell me what you think.
****Disclaimer: This is a You Tube video. I want to give credit where it is due. Remember to turn off the music at the bottom first.****

Once a Month Cooking

2010-02-22T10:16:00.000-05:00

I found this site and it has inspired me to try this whole once a month cooking thing. I will probably blog all about it and you will roll your eyes, but that is what I am going to do. I have had a hard time lately coming up with good meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so hopefully this will help. I am going shopping today and I will update later with a very fun picture. Just hold onto your seats and I will be back.

Looth Toof

2010-02-19T06:30:00.001-05:00

I know this week has been a lot about the J-man, but he seems to get into more stuff lately. Miss M, I am sure I will make it up to you. Now on to the story. The J-man is 6 and a half (and please do not forget the half he always says) and has never lost a tooth. He has been through numerous operations and IV's and therapy sessions, but all of a sudden he is afraid of pain. The tooth has been hanging for a couple of days. I have heard every excuse in the book. He has not been able to eat certain things or brush his teeth well because of the looth toof. (At least that is what he has called it.)

Anyway I had seen enough, so when we went to church last night I told him to ask his teacher to pull it. She has a history of yanking out teeth that need to come out with no pain on the recipients part. Well, I went to pick him up and it was still there I asked him why. His teacher spoke up and said he would not let her touch it. I kinda just smiled at her and she told him to just let her feel of it. Well, she felt it alright and yanked it right out. WOO HOO! He did not even realize she had pulled it. I guess now it is official. He is a big boy.

Responsibility

2010-02-18T06:30:00.002-05:00

How hard is it for a parent to teach a child responsibility? We all know that our choices have consequences, right? Well, actually, our children don't. It is our jobs to teach them. Sometimes that means sitting back and watching it all unfold.

For instance, Tuesday the kids went to home school classes. Their job was to bring Valentines for 30 children in choir. Well, that is their second class, which means they will have to keep up with the Valentines through one class. I knew that M would have no problem, but J on the other hand was going to be in PE and he is a boy with lots of crazy boy impulses (as proven with yesterday's post). I proceeded to tell him not to worry about taking the Valentines with him to class that I would just meet him before class and give him his bag.

Now before you all stand there and shake your heads at my mommy moment, put yourself in my shoes. I already knew that he would probably forget and have to go back to PE and retrieve his bag. I did not want him to feel bad about it and so I proceeded to do just as I said I would do. Where was the lesson? I am fully aware that this was not really something to get upset with myself about, but if I cannot give him a little job and him learn from that what is going to happen when he had a big job?

I tend to micro-manage sometimes rather than allowing my kids to learn from failing. You know what? Most of the time they probably would not fail. Isn't it amazing that God loves us more than we love our own children, yet he gives us free will. He does not micro-manage and yet he is always there when we call. When we fall down he picks us up, brushes us off and sends us on our way. Oh how I want to be better at that. I see now that he showed me that on Tuesday. It is OK to let go and allow our kids to fail and sometimes they surprise us and succeed. It is OK to love our kids enough to let them make mistakes and suffer consequences. It is how they learn. I am learning this everyday.

I want to love my kids enough to step back and let them open their wings and soar just as God allows me to soar.

Kinda like Lucy or maybe we can call it Physics

2010-02-17T06:30:00.006-05:00

Two nights ago we decided to watch an I love Lucy marathon. I am now thinking maybe that was not such a good idea. One of the episodes was when Ricky puts a bucket of water on the door and it falls on Lucy. Well, this is what my little J-man came up with today. The idea is that when you close the door the chain saw (yes that is what that orange thing is) will fall on whoever is standing there. Um, maybe we can call it a physics lesson and chalk it up to schoolwork.

Missing Out

2010-02-16T10:32:00.001-05:00

***Edited to add that this IS NOT a slam on working moms. They work very hard. This is just for our family.***

Some days I wonder if my kids are missing out on things that their church friends get to do because we home school. I mean M's friends get to go to gymnastics and cheer and piano and school field trips and ect. J's friends play all kinds of sports and they get to experience what ever male bonding occurs while wrestling in the mud at school. Then I remember that while we may not have the money for all of those activities (esp. here lately, wowsers has it been tight lately) my kids get me. All of me and not some left over part at the end of the day.

M and J play sports. They go to home school classes on Tuesdays and that includes a whole lot of bonding with other children. M plays the piano and we do as many field trips as possible, but most importantly they are taught Jesus everyday. In the schools around our house, children are even frowned upon for praying quietly before they eat their lunch. Seriously!

I have days when I wonder if I can do this anymore. I have been having them more and more lately. I am not going to lie and say that my choice (God's choice) for our family has been easy. We give up a lot in the financial department. We deal with family members finding fault in our choice. We, also, feel left out sometimes and lonely, (O.K. maybe that is just me.) but you know it really doesn't matter. When M and J are grown, I have the time I have spent with them to hold on to. I will not be a CFO or someone who makes lots of money when they get out of school. For that matter, I may not have even finished my own education, but that is fine with me. All that matters is that they see Jesus in me everyday. We have all eternity to catch up on what we have "missed out".

Yogurt

2010-02-14T19:50:00.002-05:00

***Update: The yogurt is very runny. More like a smoothie consistency, but I will not be beaten. I will learn to thicken it so my kids will eat it.***

I am following this and this and I am going to make my own yogurt. Yes, you read that correctly! Yogurt, Organic yogurt at that. Here are my ingredients:

As you can see I am using organic milk and organic yogurt. I was so excited because when I went to the store yesterday I got that whole gallon of milk for $2.35 on a markdown. The expiration date is Feb. 15, but milk will keep a while after the expiration and we go through yogurt like crazy around here. I am going to use 3/4 cup of the organic yogurt as the starter and may play around with gelatin to make it thicker. So for now my yogurt is cooking in here:

I will update tomorrow with my results.
*******Disclaimer: I am not receiving anything from these companies to use there products in my experiment. They are just my preference.********

SNOW, again......?

2010-02-12T13:14:00.000-05:00

Well, they are calling for that white stuff again. I personally am soooo tired of it. I really don't know why. I have enjoyed being in the house, but I am in this funk that just will not go away. I realize that it is only a state of mind, but I am having trouble conquering it lately. I would really like to go back on vacation. Ours did not last long enough. Yes, I am fully aware that we were gone 10 long days, but really I would like to go back. Here is where I want to go:

Oh yes, I would so go back right now. Well I guess I should really go ahead and do school for the day with the kiddos so I will be back when I feel like being nice.

Reminder

2010-02-08T11:40:00.000-05:00

I received a reminder today of why I do not eat a lot of junk food. Last night, as we all know, was the Super Bowl. We had some friends over and had pizza, chips and dip, cake, a veggie tray, and a fruit tray. Your truly ate a little bit of all. OK that was a lie! I ate a lot of all. I am paying for it today. I will be back when my stomach likes me again. Later peeps.

Clean Out....

2010-02-06T21:56:00.002-05:00

So, today I spent the day cleaning out. Pauper and I spent the first part cleaning out the linen closet. It was a destruction zone. We re-folded towels, sheets, and blankets. Stuff we did not use got either tossed or put in an ebay pile. We also realized that we need new towels because ours are really beginning to show their age. I mean we have been married 13 years. ( I so did not just have to ask the pauper how long we had been married. No, I always keep up with those important things.) We were truly blessed when we got married because we had so many towels that we are just now wearing them out.

Next, I went on to the little J man's room. I had let it get entirely out of control! It was a destruction zone. I usually make M and J clean out their rooms before Christmas and toys that are still in good shape go to West Virginia with our mission team from church. This past year, however, I dropped the ball and it did not get done, so I had double the work. I started with the toy box and moved to the book case. I had a whole bag of throw away stuff and piles to sell or give away. Then I opened the closet!!!!! UGH! The piles of stuff in there. We cleaned out the closet and under the bed. Am I the only one who has a child that if they do not want to clean up they just stuff it under the bed? Oh, and when I was cleaning out the toybox I found a petrified muffin wrapped in a paper towel. I assure you I had NO idea that was lurking there! That is just plain disgusting, especially since it has been before Christmas that we had blueberry muffins! After that adventure I decided to take a break and help the pauper group things for listing on ebay and craigslist.

This is just a few pictures of thing we are getting rid of....Army men and cowboys and Indians...

Shake and Go race track with cars...

and my favorite...a bulldozer. We have books and cars and tools. All to get rid of! If you are interested check out ebay! Now next week we will hit M's room, although she does not have near the stuff that the J man has. She is just a book hoarder and from one book hoarder to another I don't think we will have near the pile to get rid of from her room. :-) Wonder what will happen when I start in my closet? Guess we will wait and see! Until next time my friends.

Dry

2010-02-05T20:34:00.000-05:00

Do you ever feel dry? Tired, maybe? I have felt that way lately. Now before you think I am complaining, I am not. I am just stating what is. I love my life. I love my hubby. I love my kids.
Sometimes, however, I get tired of laundry and cleaning bathrooms. I know, shocker! I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to stay at home with my children and to home school them, but there are those times when I do not want to think about what to cook for supper or what needs to be cleaned up or out.

During these dry times I try to remember that I am doing what I am called to do. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that my Heavenly Father has called me to be and to do exactly what I am doing. He never said it would always be easy but I am doing it. Sometimes I forget to thank God for allowing me to stay at home with my children. It is usually when they are arguing. No really I am kidding. My children never argue. Just kidding! I think that starting Monday morning I am going to remember to get up early and have quiet time with the Father and then look forward to my day rather than remember the dry days from this week.

I will choose to praise the Father who allows me to have clothes on my back so that I may have laundry to do. I will praise the Father who allows me to have food in the pantry so that I can cook wholesome meals for my family. I will remember when my children argue or make messes that I can thank my Heavenly Father for allowing me the opportunity to mold such awesome children.

I will choose the higher road. I will choose happiness and joy even in the face of struggles and frustrations. I will choose to remember that life is but a fleeting moment and it is what we do here that will be our legacy.

Here we go.....

2010-02-04T21:34:00.000-05:00

Again!!!!!!!! So they (meaning the weather gurus) are saying that more wintry weather is on its way! Why, I ask, Why? OK so I know that it says it clearly in the Bible. To everything there is a season..... but I am sooooo ready for spring. I don't think I would have been had it not been for the wonderful weather we had in Florida, but let's face it, I am now spoiled to warm weather. UGH! Florida I want to come back if you will have me.
Anyway, one good thing is that we homeschool and I don't have to worry about make up time. We just keep right on schooling until we feel like it! That way we are not going on into June. We are at the pool enjoying life! Woo Hoo, can't wait. Well, if it snows, I will be back with pictures. If it doesn't I will be back with a big smile! Good night, peeps.

OK so I am tired of snow....

2010-02-02T12:34:00.001-05:00

Yep it is official. I am ready for spring. Wanna plant my garden, go on long walks, take the kids on picnics. Hey I would even settle for pressure washing the house, but until this stuff goes away here I sit. OK I am trying to be in a good mood, really I am, but after 4 days in the house it is beginning to bother me. I really don't know why because I have become a homebody but anywhoo. (Yes, spell checker I know that is not a word.) I will leave you another snowy picture and for those of you in the north I am sorry I am whining, but down here in the south we shut down when there is all of this white stuff. Why, you ask? Because these people cannot (and I repeat) cannot drive in this stuff, so you stay at home for safety!

Day 2 of Snow

2010-01-31T08:59:00.002-05:00

We are on day 2 of being snowed in and I still love it. (Even though, I do not love snow.) It is 8:40 and only half of us are awake. I think we will have some church time at home and then I will get some things organized that it seems I never have the time to do. Oh and that book I mentioned yesterday, I read it and it was wonderful. I always seem to make my family irritated that I read a book so fast. What is that you ask? Did I read a book in one day? Um yes, yes I did. Actually 385 pages in 6 hours with interuptions to fix dinner and eat said dinner and just play with the children.

The book that I read was An Amish Gathering by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Barbara Cameron. I found it to be and easy read and quite captivating. *****Disclaimer: I am in no way receiving anything for my comment on the book.******* I find that good fiction always captivates me though. It has since I could read. How else can you go places and see things without a good book?

With that I think I will give you some pictures of yesterday's snow fun. First of all this is the look you get when you stand and tease your daughter asking her why she is so cold when she failed to wear her snow gloves. (Yes, we have snow gloves. They are the ones that are water resistant and not near as cute, nor do they match the coat. Yes that is a BIG deal around here.)

After I gave her the snow gloves, they proceeded to sled down the street and by they I meant all of us.

Um yes that is me up there.

Oh look they are getting ready to fly down the road.

There are my three kids. ERRRR.....I mean my two children and the pauper. Aren't they adorable? Now for the big finally, after you play in weather that is only 19 degrees and that does not include wind chill, you come in and warm up with homemade soup. MMMMMM my favorite on days like these.

****** I have no idea why the text decides to change colors and then change back.*********

What do you get?

2010-01-30T15:03:00.000-05:00

So what do you get when you take this:

and mix it with this?:

You get this:

Yes, my friends, that is snow and ice in NC. About 5-6 inches to be exact and no my children have never seen that much snow at one time. Ever!!!! No I am not kidding and if you are ready for spring please raise your hand now. In all seriousness, we are enjoying being snowed and iced in. The children are playing happily, the pauper is working while watching TV, and I am getting ready to curl up with a good book! Your welcome. Enjoy peeps.

Cleaning the kitchen

2010-01-28T19:24:00.000-05:00

Today I decided I would started cleaning on room of the house until it sparkles. Now there is one problem with that. I cannot seem to stay on task very long. I started with my central vac. I love that thing. It goes where no vacuum or man for that matter can go. I was vacuuming everything from window sills to base boards to the kitchen chairs. Yes, the chairs. Then I noticed the chalkboard that I had made and somehow got smudged. So I stopped vacuuming and proceeded to re-do the chalkboard. Then I decided that I would rearrange my cookbooks onto another shelf so that I could free up more space in my pantry. With that I decided to move my itouch speakers so that they are not as readily noticed.

With that I decided that I would see what the table looks like without the leaf because it is just a little odd shaped for the kitchen anyway. Well the leaf is removed and I think I like it. I started supper and made chicken and noodles. It was delicious and that is all my friends. On to the bathrooms tom. We'll see what happens tom. I know you all are sitting on the edge of your seats in anticipation, but just you wait I am sure it will be riveting.

I love days like these!

2010-01-27T13:55:00.001-05:00

This morning I got up on time (for those of you who know me that is a shock recently) and went ahead and took my shower (bigger shock). You know on a side note, I used to be a morning person, but for some strange reason the older my kids get the more that changes. I know that is silly, but it is oh so true. Now back to the original story. After the shower, I made the bed. All but the pillows. I did not do the pillows because the pauper does them so much better than me. He makes them stand tall and straight and beautiful. Then I opened my bedroom door and noticed that M's room looked extremely light for her to still be asleep so I tiptoed in and found her bed already made. So I did what any good mother would do. I went searching for her. She was curled up on the couch in the school room watching TV. I went ahead and made the paupers lunch and morning coffee and then proceeded to tell M that she needed to get ready for piano.
Now it is 1:52 in the afternoon and we have only started the tip of the mountain of schoolwork we have to do. I still have laundry to fold and a house to clean. Oh and I forgot, if I don't pay the bills then we are going to be homeless, but right now my children are playing oh so quietly in their rooms and not arguing about anything and I am going to have a cup of orange tea and remember why I love being a mom that stays at home with her children.

Disney on Steroids

2010-01-26T16:32:00.000-05:00

*****Disclaimer....This is full of photos if you don't want to see turn now !********

I do believe Disney is the most favorite vacation that I have taken with my family. This time all 10 of us went. (Yes, you read that correctly.) This year we went for 10 days. Wonderful days that I would like to get back. We drove cars

and hung out with the Incredibles.

We then got tired of America and flew to Morocco on a magic carpet and met up with Princess Jasmine and Aladdin. Then we did something that I do believe was the most fun of all. We allowed the children to act absolutely ridiculous even at meal times.

I do believe that this was the most fun. Just acting crazy and letting our hair down (so to speak). Hope you enjoyed our trip so far. You will probably overdose on Disney in the next few days as I document our fun.

Vacation Depression........

2010-01-25T17:58:00.000-05:00

Do you know what vacation depression is? No......Then I will have to tell you. Vacation depression is when you come home with children who do not want to be home (even after 10 days, people) and find that you have a car mechanic bill, you kitchen has been infested with ants, and your FIL has some funny behavior which sends him to the ER in another city all within 48 hours of being home. That, my friends, is vacation depression. Looks like we will be starting school tomorrow instead of today and cleaning up after the exterminators. I promise to bring some very fun pictures soon, but for now I will leave you with this......

Where Have I been.....

2010-01-23T22:49:00.000-05:00

Well I know that all 2 of you have been seriously concerned about me and wondering where I had gone, but never fear I am back and with stories to tell. I will be back the first of the week with pictures and stories of our 10 day vacation to the Mouse's house. (otherwise known as Disney) See you soon, peeps!

Who Am I Kidding?

2010-01-11T15:28:00.000-05:00

You know I used to pride myself in thinking I had it (whatever it is) all together, at least most of the time. Well now I know I never have it together. Only by the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus do I ever get anything accomplished. I mean take today for instance. It is now 3:19 to be exact and we have not started school yet. Now before your mouth falls open, I have accomplished some things. I have gotten ! whole load of laundry done and no it is not folded yet. I did get my kids suitcases unpacked. The ones that they so lovingly packed for me for our upcoming trip. The only problem with them packing them is that they packed everything and I do mean everything that we do not need. I have gotten the vacuuming done and wiped down the countertops in both bathrooms and the windows done, but nothing like I could have gotten done.
I did manage to get on the wii fit only to have it tell me that I had regained all of the weight that I lost last week. UGH! Why oh why is it so hard in your 30's to lose weight? If you take all of that away, all that truly matters is have I sat at the feet of Jesus today and learned how to be more like Him? Have I taught my children how to be like Him? Have I failed at the one thing that I was put here to do? Yeah, actually I have and you know what? It is OK that I have failed. Why you ask? Because I am a child of the Most High King and it is OK if I fail. Do I want that to be my goal? Failure, that is. No I sure don't but his grace and mercy are sufficient to cover my failures and inadequacies and I am thankful that he covers them all.

Don't think he's spoiled...

2010-01-07T22:20:00.000-05:00

Tonight as I was getting J-man out of his bath, I told him he needed lots of lotion. Now the background is, he does not like it unless I warm it with my hands first. So I did what any good mother would do. I squirted it in my hands, rubbed them together until it was warm and then proceeded to slather his back. That is when he replied, "Oh yeah! That does it! A back massage!" OK, is it just me or do I need to start seriously praying for this child's wife now?

A Giveaway

2010-01-05T20:01:00.002-05:00

Well I am going to show you something, but I want it for myself. I am all about sharing however, so without further ado I entered this giveaway and you can too. Just go HERE.

I've Got Nothing....

2010-01-05T08:35:00.003-05:00

*****
Update: I would like to take back #1. I still have nothing to say other than DO NOT PUT A SIT AND SPIN ON THE TABLE AND USE IT!

Right now I have nothing to say.
1. Because the children are being really good.
2. Because we are just waiting for our real vacation.
3. Because who wants to say anything when you are waiting to go to the happiest place on earth.

Thank you and Good bye for now!

Happy Anniversary!

2010-01-04T13:09:00.000-05:00

Today is my anniversary! We have been married 13 years. That is crazy. I am not that old and neither is the pauper. It has been a fun 13 (most of the time) and I am looking forward to the next 100. I got married at 19 and I don't think I would recommend that to everyone but it worked for us. The only advice I can give is keep God first. That is really hard sometimes but it is worth it! Love you honey.

Its A New Year!

2010-01-01T10:57:00.001-05:00

2010, another decade has come and gone. What did you learn? What did you do? I became a mom twice and learned a whole lot of stuff that I was to "smart" to learn when my parents were telling me the first time. I learned that parenting is the hardest but yet most rewarding job ever given to anyone. I learned that although numbers may not match up for you to stay at home with your children, God is above all of that.

I have also learned not to make resolutions. I will ultimately break them anyway. I am choosing to start each day of this year reflecting on what I can do better that day and focus on that day and not a whole year. I will start this new year with focus on where God is taking our family. (Starting with Disney :-))

I do have a list of things I would like to accomplish, but if I don't I will not let my life or happiness be dictated by how much gets marked off.

My list includes:

For the home

Painting and redecorating the sunroom
Painting the shutters on the house
Painting the front door
Getting a new light fixture for the dining room
Stripping the table and chairs in the breakfast room

For School

finish school year with a blast
read more with the kids
go on more field trips
get more school accomplished

Financially

SAVE MORE SPEND LESS!!!!

and finally GO TO DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!! (I would also like to lose weight but you know WHATEVER!?!)

Just Curious...

2009-12-26T21:14:00.002-05:00

I am just curious as to what your New Year's resolutions are. Are you planning to lose weight, eat better, get organized, exercise more, or nothing? Leave a comment and let me know! I would love to know what everyone is planning and if you really think you can follow through!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!

2009-12-25T11:43:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Jesus! From our family:

Hoping everyone has a Merry Christmas! May it be blessed and full of Christ!

*****Photo: Courtesy of Shamrock Studios Randleman, NC

Joseph's Song

2009-12-21T12:30:00.000-05:00

This week of Christmas I have decided to post songs that describe to me what Christmas is really about. I am fully aware that the Christ was not born on Christmas but I choose to remember the sacrifice that humans and the All Powerful Deity made for us when he did come.