A new year is upon us! I cannot get over how mild the winter has been up till now. Facebook shows me my "memories" nowadays and so frequently the last 2 years we were under snow starting at Thanksgiving. I will admit that I don't miss it. We had a flurry of wet, huge snowflakes the weekend before Thanksgiving but so far that's it and just now do we have what I consider "winter" temperatures. I hope that this doesn't mean a late spring but I suppose we will have to wait and see.
If you are reading this from a link on facebook, you might have noticed I've been a little quieter lately. It's not necessarily on purpose. I've just been reflecting and working towards some good things for me and my home.
I have, for many years, dismayed on the "lived in" look of our home, but honestly we do live here. We LIVE here.
Read that again.
And again.
Take a second and turn that word around in your mind.
LIVE
We live here.
What does that mean for us? For you?
I had someone lament recently that they would also have time to do the crafty things I do if they didn't work full time away from home. And I completely understand that as a homemaker, I have complete and total control over my time. Almost all 24 hours of it. That, however, doesn't mean that I am sitting around watching netflix all day. In fact, I watch so little TV that I can't keep up with the very few BBC shows that I do enjoy.
The truth is that I am a homemaker.....number 1 person in charge of housekeeping, laundry and all meals. Occasionally, dh will fix a meal or help with one, but 99.9% of the time if we eat, its because I fixed something. I try to cook whole foods, from scratch, nutritious meals. I make homemade bread at least once a week. Not because I'm better than you or I want to rub your nose in it, but because it is better for us, cheaper and I enjoy doing it. Sometimes I don't feel like fixing that big, hearty meal, but I do it anyway, because it is my job.
I also homeschool 2 children. I know that I don't HAVE to do that, but I believe that it is a better way and I enjoy having the extra time with them. Educating them takes about 2-3 hours of my time, 5 days a week, 180 days a year. 90% of the time it goes well and I enjoy what I'm doing, but sometimes I really don't want to....but I do it anyway, because it is my responsibility.
We raise livestock for meat and plant a garden for veggies and fruit. We do our own butchering and preserving of the bountiful harvest. I help with or do almost all of the preserving. I also help in the garden. This saves our family untold dollars in food and ensures that we know where our food comes from and what exactly is in it.
We have a high school aged son that is heavily involved in competitive and school soccer. That takes time to go to practices and games.
We have an adult son that still lives at home. I enjoy spending time with him.
We LIVE here. Sometimes that means the dishes didn't get washed or the garden needs to be weeded. Sometimes that means that I'm curled up in my chair with coffee and a book. While you might get off work at 3, I will still have tasks to do, so I take my breaks when I can....after school and housework, before chores and supper.
We have a beading set all over our dining room table;
****empty jars sit on a counter waiting to be refilled with homegrown goodies
****my crafting stuff occupies the breakfast nook
****my dh has tools charging in the dining room
****my van is full of animal feed
****books are everywhere (I personally believe it is important for reading)
After a very stressful move this fall, I've come to realize the importance of feeding my soul. I need to feed the souls of so many that come through my home, I need to recharge, I need to soak up the quiet for the times when it isn't quiet.
In order to do that I have blocked out time every day to do the following:
**read my Bible and journal (usually 1st thing in the morning and at lunch)
**read a chapter in whatever book I am enjoying (I was actually able to do that while Bear did worksheets today - its a biography of Abigail Adams and her relationship with her sisters)
**knit for at least 30 minutes every day (I enjoy listening to an audio book or podcasts while I knit or sometimes I just sit in silence)
I'm also carving out sewing time on Saturday when I'm not focused on school.
It's the little things people. If you have a home but you are too busy working or micro-managing it to enjoy it, then what do you really have? A burden.
I'm sitting in my cozy nook at my table, wrapped in a shawl, soaking in the sunshine for a few minutes before we get back to school. I'm spending a few minutes doing what I enjoy (writing) before I get back to the tasks that are responsibilities. I will do this again later this afternoon and maybe even for a bit this evening. I will read to my children, listen to their stories and plans and projects. I will snuggle a sweet little dog. I will enjoy my domain and be grateful for every minute I get to spend here. Every minute is precious.....make sure you are doing what you love.
I look forward to another year of simplicity. I ask that you join me in the journey and I would love to have you.....just please don't ask me what I do all day. I don't think I'm better than you, I've just chosen a different path. If what I'm doing makes you irritated or envious then maybe you need to reevaluate your path. Are their changes that you can make? Also, I ask that you don't idealize my life. Sometimes my work is hard, my burden is heavy and I have difficulties just like you. Remember that there are 2 sides to every story and it is unlikely, even reading this blog, that you know the whole side-story of my life. I just ask that we share our time together. I learn so much from other bloggers. I hope that someone can take something good away from their time here.
Showing posts with label General Ramblings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label General Ramblings. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 05, 2016
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
There Are Bells on My Socks
There are....
BELLS
on my socks.
Whew. I actually texted that to someone this morning.
Why? Because I HAD to tell someone that there were bells on my socks (which make me insanely happy this morning, I don't know why).
Why did I HAVE to tell someone this?
Facebook.
Lest you think I've lost my mind, bare with me. Facebook has made me incapable of completing a single thought AND causes me to share mundane silliness that randomly pops into my head with hundreds of my closest acquaintances (poor souls that they are).
Facebook has also caused me a considerable amount of angst over the last few months. You've probably seen me walk away from facebook (and you know about that because I blogged about it, because I NEEDED to). And then you see me back. And you shake your head. Most of you don't know why I left, really. You have no idea what post or article upset me so that I couldn't take it anymore. Its not really A post or AN article but a culmination of posts, articles and pictures that cause ME an emotional reaction. It's MY problem.
I struggled this weekend. A comment to a post that was in no way related or directed to me, that I randomly saw Monday morning, caused me an emotional event. And I wonder why I keep putting myself through this. The little tiny bit of adult companionship and "keeping up" that I manage to do on facebook isn't worth the hurt, anxiety and soul searching that I have to do afterwards. Because I do realize that for the most part this stuff is MY problem. Nobody is being mean to me (normally).
I've got a lot of stuff to work through. You have no idea.
Writing helps me gather my thoughts. It makes me work through what I'm thinking or feeling. I'm journaling my way through a forest of trees. That's good stuff. Maybe something that I'm dealing with can help someone else. I doubt, though, that it is going to help someone else in blurb form. I think it will take more than that.
As I search for a perfect balance of social media, bare with me. I want to read articles you think are relevent and I want to see pictures of your kids. I want to be part of your life, but frequently facebook interaction leaves me feeling......unfulfilled. Because we were made for relationships. Not blurbs.
I sat last night and tried to work through the most recent (and probably most repeated) set of feelings.....I want attention - not really in a "your the best __ ever" context but in an "I care about you" context. How much can someone show love and care on facebook? Love is an action. It is a verb. It requires something to be done.....something that takes effort and requires sacrifice. I want to feel love - but how many people to I need to feel loved by? Isn't God enough? (fyi, He's not on facebook). Isn't my husband enough? I made a list of things that happened just yesterday that my family and God did that showed their love for me. Actions. Tangible proof. Love is shown in an "out of the blue" text, email, call or card. Love is shown in chores done without asking and needs met without complaint. That's the love that I felt yesterday. Love doesn't need to be shown every single day, but it must be shown often. If you can't remember when, that isn't often enough. Love isn't perfect, but it TRIES. I've got that love...already. I don't need to be looking for affirmation on facebook.
However, that leaves me in a quandry. Why? Because so many people, usually family-that-doesn't-live-with-us (not my husband and children) SAY they love us. But they don't reciprocate the calls, texts, invitations. They don't sacrifice their time to be with us. I don't know what to do with those people.
You see, I've been muddling along, reaching out and feeling rejected by a lack of response. A dear friend told me Sunday night that my responsibility was only in reaching out, not in their reaction to it. I can't tie their reactions or lack of reaction to my emotions. It has no bearing on my value as a person if they never call, never text, never invite or respond to an invitation. I am still a loved wife, mother, friend and child of God.
I've got to figure out how to deal with those emotions. It's hard. I feel deeply and love deeply and believe in showing that love freely through my actions. If love is an ACTION and there is no action, no tangible proof of love, then is there LOVE? I have to say no. You can't just say "I love you" and never show it. Those are just words on a screen. I have to accept that.
Accepting that means for now, I am stepping back from facebook. I'll still check in because I get my news there (no newspapers and if I don't leave the house I don't listen to the radio). My interactions will be limited because I have to learn how to deal with people properly. A proper boundary must be set. Now is as good a time to do it as any.
I bid you good day :) I look forward to writing some more tomorrow about my homestead kitchen (exciting stuff!).
BELLS
on my socks.
Whew. I actually texted that to someone this morning.
Why? Because I HAD to tell someone that there were bells on my socks (which make me insanely happy this morning, I don't know why).
Why did I HAVE to tell someone this?
Facebook.
Lest you think I've lost my mind, bare with me. Facebook has made me incapable of completing a single thought AND causes me to share mundane silliness that randomly pops into my head with hundreds of my closest acquaintances (poor souls that they are).
Facebook has also caused me a considerable amount of angst over the last few months. You've probably seen me walk away from facebook (and you know about that because I blogged about it, because I NEEDED to). And then you see me back. And you shake your head. Most of you don't know why I left, really. You have no idea what post or article upset me so that I couldn't take it anymore. Its not really A post or AN article but a culmination of posts, articles and pictures that cause ME an emotional reaction. It's MY problem.
I struggled this weekend. A comment to a post that was in no way related or directed to me, that I randomly saw Monday morning, caused me an emotional event. And I wonder why I keep putting myself through this. The little tiny bit of adult companionship and "keeping up" that I manage to do on facebook isn't worth the hurt, anxiety and soul searching that I have to do afterwards. Because I do realize that for the most part this stuff is MY problem. Nobody is being mean to me (normally).
I've got a lot of stuff to work through. You have no idea.
Writing helps me gather my thoughts. It makes me work through what I'm thinking or feeling. I'm journaling my way through a forest of trees. That's good stuff. Maybe something that I'm dealing with can help someone else. I doubt, though, that it is going to help someone else in blurb form. I think it will take more than that.
As I search for a perfect balance of social media, bare with me. I want to read articles you think are relevent and I want to see pictures of your kids. I want to be part of your life, but frequently facebook interaction leaves me feeling......unfulfilled. Because we were made for relationships. Not blurbs.
I sat last night and tried to work through the most recent (and probably most repeated) set of feelings.....I want attention - not really in a "your the best __ ever" context but in an "I care about you" context. How much can someone show love and care on facebook? Love is an action. It is a verb. It requires something to be done.....something that takes effort and requires sacrifice. I want to feel love - but how many people to I need to feel loved by? Isn't God enough? (fyi, He's not on facebook). Isn't my husband enough? I made a list of things that happened just yesterday that my family and God did that showed their love for me. Actions. Tangible proof. Love is shown in an "out of the blue" text, email, call or card. Love is shown in chores done without asking and needs met without complaint. That's the love that I felt yesterday. Love doesn't need to be shown every single day, but it must be shown often. If you can't remember when, that isn't often enough. Love isn't perfect, but it TRIES. I've got that love...already. I don't need to be looking for affirmation on facebook.
However, that leaves me in a quandry. Why? Because so many people, usually family-that-doesn't-live-with-us (not my husband and children) SAY they love us. But they don't reciprocate the calls, texts, invitations. They don't sacrifice their time to be with us. I don't know what to do with those people.
You see, I've been muddling along, reaching out and feeling rejected by a lack of response. A dear friend told me Sunday night that my responsibility was only in reaching out, not in their reaction to it. I can't tie their reactions or lack of reaction to my emotions. It has no bearing on my value as a person if they never call, never text, never invite or respond to an invitation. I am still a loved wife, mother, friend and child of God.
I've got to figure out how to deal with those emotions. It's hard. I feel deeply and love deeply and believe in showing that love freely through my actions. If love is an ACTION and there is no action, no tangible proof of love, then is there LOVE? I have to say no. You can't just say "I love you" and never show it. Those are just words on a screen. I have to accept that.
Accepting that means for now, I am stepping back from facebook. I'll still check in because I get my news there (no newspapers and if I don't leave the house I don't listen to the radio). My interactions will be limited because I have to learn how to deal with people properly. A proper boundary must be set. Now is as good a time to do it as any.
I bid you good day :) I look forward to writing some more tomorrow about my homestead kitchen (exciting stuff!).
Tuesday, November 03, 2015
New Beginnings
Hello!
I'm so glad to be sitting back here with all of you blogging again. I missed it. I need to write, journal, contain my thoughts and nobody wants to read all that on facebook (although I will link this here).
So, what's new with me, you ask?
We bought a new home. A homestead to be exact. Almost 5 acres and a home, garage and barn all set up for exactly what we want to do. Not just do, BE.
I think it necessary to take a second and explain something. You can live in the country, in a rural area, and not be a homestead. A homestead is what you do with your little piece of heaven. Do you just live there? Then you live in a rural area (which is totally fine, but is basically living in a much larger than average subdivision). We are using our property to feed our family, relaxing our dependency on corporation and over-regulated entities. We are NOT completely independent. We rely on help and knowledge from friends and neighbors and will continue to do so until we are gone. We rely on the blessings of our Lord Jesus to enable us to get through every single day. Humans have never been meant to be alone on this journey.
I see these memes on facebook of a muddy truck or 4-wheeler and people dancing around bonfires and there is always a caption along the lines of "real country" or whatever. REAL country are the people feeding livestock and planting fields. REAL country is working fence in 30 degree weather, alone, because your pigs keep getting out. REAL country knows where their food comes from and how to acquire it, if they and their vehicle of choice is muddy, its for darn good reason and that reason didn't involve tearing up property that didn't belong to them. REAL country hunts, but not just for the trophy (although who doesn't like a trophy buck?). REAL country can wear dresses, even while working (because I take pride in how I look) and can dress up just as nice as everyone else.
Here's what country means to me:
growing food for my family in a garden
raising or bartering for meat and milk and their by-products
eating REAL food
doing the work that these things require
making things with your own hands
spending time with friends and family
slowing down the pace of life and enjoying the rhythms that come with the seasons
knowing how to improvise or do without in most situations
using the wild resources to benefit the family (hunting, fishing, gathering)
helping your neighbors and strangers with the blessings that God has given me
working together and having fun together as a family
Country isn't:
muddy vehicles for no apparent reason
always covered in camo (or NEVER in my case)
beer drinking 24-7 (unless you are an alcoholic and then I suggest you get help)
So, we have our own little homestead here. We are raising chickens for eggs and meat and pig for our own use currently. We will probably get another steer in the spring and I'm hoping to get a couple goats for milk and meat and a llama or 2 for fiber.
I had someone tell me just last week that they had no idea what I did all day, I must get terribly bored. I didn't laugh hysterically but I wanted to (people perceive me laughing at their ignorance as rudeness so I must be careful).
This morning I woke up at 4:30 a.m. (the time change has got me messed up). I woke Norman at 5 a.m. then read my devotional and scripture reading for the day (Wicked Women study, day 2, on YouVersion). Norman left at 5:45 but forgot the medicine for our steer (who is still at our previous home) so I offered to feed and medicate. Started laundry then I woke Greg up for school at 6 and then drove 5 miles to feed and care for the steers. Back home, switched laundry, and had breakfast and coffee. Made my bed, sorted dirty laundry, Greg left for school. Lee came home from work (he works 3rd shift). He went to bed and I went to the shower, finished folding laundry, and ordered propane. I also balanced out the checkbook. It is now 9 a.m. so we start school (Bear and Abby have been up, had breakfast and played a game of Monopoly Jr).
School will be its own post. Maybe tomorrow. We just started this year 3 weeks ago and it is going so well. This will be my 13th year homeschooling. Bear is in 2nd grade, Abby in kindergarten.
We got done with everything around 11:00, except read aloud (right now about Columbus). We had lunch and the kids are outside playing.
As soon as I hit publish on this I'm going to finish up my house chores. Then we will finish up school and I will do something creative for a little bit before I do outside chores (chickens, pigs, dogs, cats) and then fix supper. Norman and Greg should be home around 4 and Lee will get up around supper time. Such is my day. I hope that you will join me as I share the adventure on our new homestead. I know that I can learn so much from you so feel free to comment!
I'm so glad to be sitting back here with all of you blogging again. I missed it. I need to write, journal, contain my thoughts and nobody wants to read all that on facebook (although I will link this here).
So, what's new with me, you ask?
We bought a new home. A homestead to be exact. Almost 5 acres and a home, garage and barn all set up for exactly what we want to do. Not just do, BE.
I think it necessary to take a second and explain something. You can live in the country, in a rural area, and not be a homestead. A homestead is what you do with your little piece of heaven. Do you just live there? Then you live in a rural area (which is totally fine, but is basically living in a much larger than average subdivision). We are using our property to feed our family, relaxing our dependency on corporation and over-regulated entities. We are NOT completely independent. We rely on help and knowledge from friends and neighbors and will continue to do so until we are gone. We rely on the blessings of our Lord Jesus to enable us to get through every single day. Humans have never been meant to be alone on this journey.
I see these memes on facebook of a muddy truck or 4-wheeler and people dancing around bonfires and there is always a caption along the lines of "real country" or whatever. REAL country are the people feeding livestock and planting fields. REAL country is working fence in 30 degree weather, alone, because your pigs keep getting out. REAL country knows where their food comes from and how to acquire it, if they and their vehicle of choice is muddy, its for darn good reason and that reason didn't involve tearing up property that didn't belong to them. REAL country hunts, but not just for the trophy (although who doesn't like a trophy buck?). REAL country can wear dresses, even while working (because I take pride in how I look) and can dress up just as nice as everyone else.
Here's what country means to me:
growing food for my family in a garden
raising or bartering for meat and milk and their by-products
eating REAL food
doing the work that these things require
making things with your own hands
spending time with friends and family
slowing down the pace of life and enjoying the rhythms that come with the seasons
knowing how to improvise or do without in most situations
using the wild resources to benefit the family (hunting, fishing, gathering)
helping your neighbors and strangers with the blessings that God has given me
working together and having fun together as a family
Country isn't:
muddy vehicles for no apparent reason
always covered in camo (or NEVER in my case)
beer drinking 24-7 (unless you are an alcoholic and then I suggest you get help)
So, we have our own little homestead here. We are raising chickens for eggs and meat and pig for our own use currently. We will probably get another steer in the spring and I'm hoping to get a couple goats for milk and meat and a llama or 2 for fiber.
I had someone tell me just last week that they had no idea what I did all day, I must get terribly bored. I didn't laugh hysterically but I wanted to (people perceive me laughing at their ignorance as rudeness so I must be careful).
This morning I woke up at 4:30 a.m. (the time change has got me messed up). I woke Norman at 5 a.m. then read my devotional and scripture reading for the day (Wicked Women study, day 2, on YouVersion). Norman left at 5:45 but forgot the medicine for our steer (who is still at our previous home) so I offered to feed and medicate. Started laundry then I woke Greg up for school at 6 and then drove 5 miles to feed and care for the steers. Back home, switched laundry, and had breakfast and coffee. Made my bed, sorted dirty laundry, Greg left for school. Lee came home from work (he works 3rd shift). He went to bed and I went to the shower, finished folding laundry, and ordered propane. I also balanced out the checkbook. It is now 9 a.m. so we start school (Bear and Abby have been up, had breakfast and played a game of Monopoly Jr).
School will be its own post. Maybe tomorrow. We just started this year 3 weeks ago and it is going so well. This will be my 13th year homeschooling. Bear is in 2nd grade, Abby in kindergarten.
We got done with everything around 11:00, except read aloud (right now about Columbus). We had lunch and the kids are outside playing.
As soon as I hit publish on this I'm going to finish up my house chores. Then we will finish up school and I will do something creative for a little bit before I do outside chores (chickens, pigs, dogs, cats) and then fix supper. Norman and Greg should be home around 4 and Lee will get up around supper time. Such is my day. I hope that you will join me as I share the adventure on our new homestead. I know that I can learn so much from you so feel free to comment!
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Facebook - Part 2
Last week I wrote about removing the facebook app from my phone.
Today I reinstalled it.
Lest you think I'm fickle, read on.
I stand by every statement that I made last week. I've learned a lot of things in the last week about my interactions with others and time wasters in my life.
1. Facebook isn't real life. People can post whatever they want; true or false. We all know that, but I tended to think that the people I was friends with were better than that. Eh. It is what it is. Everyone, including me, wants others to think/believe good things about them. That's human nature.
2. I've spent a lot of time with God this week. A LOT of time. Isn't it terrible that the thing that was supposed to bring me closer to people was pulling me away from the thing that matters the most to me. I've grown so much in my faith this week. I know that wouldn't have happened had I been on my phone all week.
3. Mean, rude and otherwise obnoxious people on facebook can be ignored. It's an easy solution. I was worried that others would think badly about me if I "unfollowed" or "unfriended" them but I've come to realize that it isn't my job to filter all that stuff through my psyche. I just can't absorb all that junk anymore.
4. If a person is spending all their time on facebook complaining or manipulating their current situation to garner the most possible exposure/sympathy, then they don't really have your best interests at heart. True story. I discovered how true this was this week. I made it a point to get online and "check" on some friends and family that I hold especially dear. With only few exceptions, nobody noticed I was gone. I'm not trying to garner sympathy here, just point out the obvious. So maybe the random things that I post aren't that important. And that's ok. They were random small talk things and don't matter at all.
I've decided to take up writing again. More than journaling but really writing. About what exactly, I'm unclear. I'm searching for direction. I did put facebook back on my phone. I was finding it difficult to keep up with community organizations and Bible studies that I'm involved in without it. I am focusing more on my relationship with God, my family and my home. I am reconsidering the random posts.
In the end, I'm glad that I was able to realize the amount of crap that facebook was dumping on me. I think it's a great tool if used wisely. I imagine that I will have to pace myself a bit, place time limits on writing, not go overboard. I tend to get one-minded in my obsessions and we have a lot going on. I hope to be able to write about that in the near future. If you want, leave suggestions on things you are interested in reading about and I'll see if I have enough wisdom to write about it. Thanks!
Today I reinstalled it.
Lest you think I'm fickle, read on.
I stand by every statement that I made last week. I've learned a lot of things in the last week about my interactions with others and time wasters in my life.
1. Facebook isn't real life. People can post whatever they want; true or false. We all know that, but I tended to think that the people I was friends with were better than that. Eh. It is what it is. Everyone, including me, wants others to think/believe good things about them. That's human nature.
2. I've spent a lot of time with God this week. A LOT of time. Isn't it terrible that the thing that was supposed to bring me closer to people was pulling me away from the thing that matters the most to me. I've grown so much in my faith this week. I know that wouldn't have happened had I been on my phone all week.
3. Mean, rude and otherwise obnoxious people on facebook can be ignored. It's an easy solution. I was worried that others would think badly about me if I "unfollowed" or "unfriended" them but I've come to realize that it isn't my job to filter all that stuff through my psyche. I just can't absorb all that junk anymore.
4. If a person is spending all their time on facebook complaining or manipulating their current situation to garner the most possible exposure/sympathy, then they don't really have your best interests at heart. True story. I discovered how true this was this week. I made it a point to get online and "check" on some friends and family that I hold especially dear. With only few exceptions, nobody noticed I was gone. I'm not trying to garner sympathy here, just point out the obvious. So maybe the random things that I post aren't that important. And that's ok. They were random small talk things and don't matter at all.
I've decided to take up writing again. More than journaling but really writing. About what exactly, I'm unclear. I'm searching for direction. I did put facebook back on my phone. I was finding it difficult to keep up with community organizations and Bible studies that I'm involved in without it. I am focusing more on my relationship with God, my family and my home. I am reconsidering the random posts.
In the end, I'm glad that I was able to realize the amount of crap that facebook was dumping on me. I think it's a great tool if used wisely. I imagine that I will have to pace myself a bit, place time limits on writing, not go overboard. I tend to get one-minded in my obsessions and we have a lot going on. I hope to be able to write about that in the near future. If you want, leave suggestions on things you are interested in reading about and I'll see if I have enough wisdom to write about it. Thanks!
Thursday, August 20, 2015
I Removed Facebook From My Phone - Day 1
This would fall under the "keeping it real" blog post label (If there was one).
Anyway, if you follow me on facebook you know that I TRY really, really hard to do 2 things there.
1. don't complain
2. keep it real
It's very hard to express difficulties that you face without complaining. We don't ever want people to feel sorry for us, we aren't throwing a pity party. So overall, we trying to mentally evaluate what we post on facebook....therefore, people tend to think that our life is all sunshine and flowers. ***Note: life and your attitude towards it are what you choose to make of it....you can find things to be grateful for in the middle of the most trying times, or you can wallow in your pity party. Your choice.***
Our life is not all sunshine and flowers. If you are very close to us (I would say I have maybe 2 girlfriends that are close enough, my mom and most of our church family) you know what struggles we are facing. That's generally because these are people who want to be involved in our lives. They send messages throughout the day asking how I am, send cards, stop their busy lives to chat. We share trials and concerns and joys. That's what friends and family do. I've heard that some people have lots of these types of people around....I'm glad that is the case for you, but we just have a very special few. We are very, very grateful for those people. I doubt that they will every know how grateful we are.
Moving on, drama invaded our facebook lives this past week. I'm not getting into it here. I'm told that the situation has been resolved (and by resolved, I mean blame has been placed) so we are letting it go. My very wise older children have admonished me to quit getting into other people's drama. And you know what, they are right (please don't tell them). It isn't my job to straighten people out. They have their own lives to live and mistakes to make, just like me. I might think that saving them from themselves is helping but it doesn't. We all have to learn somehow. I never realized how much time I had spent on facebook "encouraging" people who were complaining. It was a realization when someone pointed out that they weren't posting because they really wanted advice, or assistance....they were posting because they wanted people to feel sorry for them.
In the middle of this drama this week I realized that my blood pressure was high, I was drinking way too much coffee, checking facebook way too often (had to see if we were being trashed again) and not getting a thing done.
We have lives too. I am helping organize our community soccer team (paperwork, phone calls, meetings, emails, facebook posts, schedules), I am coaching 2 teams and helping with a 3rd. Our 2nd oldest son plays high school soccer so we have that schedule to try and work around (it's not working, I'm going to miss several of his games), my husband is working lots of overtime because we are buying a house (and we can either work and save for that or wait on the money fairy to bring us some cash) and he is dealing with issues at work. Son #1 is starting college and entering the workforce full time, Son #2 had an accident this summer that required surgery and after-treatment, my great-aunt passed away, Bear and Abby need educated. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Am I complaining? No.
Life brings bumps in the road and you deal with them. If you are very lucky, you deal with them with a support system around you. People who understand that you are dealing with a lot and deserve the grace extended that they expect you to extend to them. We have been very fortunate to learn who our real "peeps" are. And if you are reading this, you know who you are and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
With that said, facebook doesn't promote that kind of community. It promotes complaining and drama and snippets of life involvement. You see, I believed that I needed facebook for adult interaction. I learned that you probably aren't going to find adult interaction on facebook. You find that in real life. With real people who know your struggles and share theirs with you.
I mentioned to someone yesterday that we are an island unto ourselves and I still feel that is true. My little family of 6 takes care of itself. We are very blessed to have other islands build bridges toward us and let us build bridges towards them. That's what true relationships are about.
So I've removed facebook from my phone. I will still check it occasionally as I like to see pictures of family far away. I was worried I would "miss" something, but in reality, if they want to be part of our lives they will text or call or shoot me a message (because our current house has no cell signal). I know I text the people that I love occasionally and others can to. I'm going to focus on my real relationships rather than the facebook ones.
Love ya!
Anyway, if you follow me on facebook you know that I TRY really, really hard to do 2 things there.
1. don't complain
2. keep it real
It's very hard to express difficulties that you face without complaining. We don't ever want people to feel sorry for us, we aren't throwing a pity party. So overall, we trying to mentally evaluate what we post on facebook....therefore, people tend to think that our life is all sunshine and flowers. ***Note: life and your attitude towards it are what you choose to make of it....you can find things to be grateful for in the middle of the most trying times, or you can wallow in your pity party. Your choice.***
Our life is not all sunshine and flowers. If you are very close to us (I would say I have maybe 2 girlfriends that are close enough, my mom and most of our church family) you know what struggles we are facing. That's generally because these are people who want to be involved in our lives. They send messages throughout the day asking how I am, send cards, stop their busy lives to chat. We share trials and concerns and joys. That's what friends and family do. I've heard that some people have lots of these types of people around....I'm glad that is the case for you, but we just have a very special few. We are very, very grateful for those people. I doubt that they will every know how grateful we are.
Moving on, drama invaded our facebook lives this past week. I'm not getting into it here. I'm told that the situation has been resolved (and by resolved, I mean blame has been placed) so we are letting it go. My very wise older children have admonished me to quit getting into other people's drama. And you know what, they are right (please don't tell them). It isn't my job to straighten people out. They have their own lives to live and mistakes to make, just like me. I might think that saving them from themselves is helping but it doesn't. We all have to learn somehow. I never realized how much time I had spent on facebook "encouraging" people who were complaining. It was a realization when someone pointed out that they weren't posting because they really wanted advice, or assistance....they were posting because they wanted people to feel sorry for them.
In the middle of this drama this week I realized that my blood pressure was high, I was drinking way too much coffee, checking facebook way too often (had to see if we were being trashed again) and not getting a thing done.
We have lives too. I am helping organize our community soccer team (paperwork, phone calls, meetings, emails, facebook posts, schedules), I am coaching 2 teams and helping with a 3rd. Our 2nd oldest son plays high school soccer so we have that schedule to try and work around (it's not working, I'm going to miss several of his games), my husband is working lots of overtime because we are buying a house (and we can either work and save for that or wait on the money fairy to bring us some cash) and he is dealing with issues at work. Son #1 is starting college and entering the workforce full time, Son #2 had an accident this summer that required surgery and after-treatment, my great-aunt passed away, Bear and Abby need educated. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Am I complaining? No.
Life brings bumps in the road and you deal with them. If you are very lucky, you deal with them with a support system around you. People who understand that you are dealing with a lot and deserve the grace extended that they expect you to extend to them. We have been very fortunate to learn who our real "peeps" are. And if you are reading this, you know who you are and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
With that said, facebook doesn't promote that kind of community. It promotes complaining and drama and snippets of life involvement. You see, I believed that I needed facebook for adult interaction. I learned that you probably aren't going to find adult interaction on facebook. You find that in real life. With real people who know your struggles and share theirs with you.
I mentioned to someone yesterday that we are an island unto ourselves and I still feel that is true. My little family of 6 takes care of itself. We are very blessed to have other islands build bridges toward us and let us build bridges towards them. That's what true relationships are about.
So I've removed facebook from my phone. I will still check it occasionally as I like to see pictures of family far away. I was worried I would "miss" something, but in reality, if they want to be part of our lives they will text or call or shoot me a message (because our current house has no cell signal). I know I text the people that I love occasionally and others can to. I'm going to focus on my real relationships rather than the facebook ones.
Love ya!
Tuesday, November 04, 2014
The Curse of Facebook
I had every intention of entitling this post "How Facebook was Killing My Soul". But that was last week and other stuff (somewhat related) has happened and I don't have time to break this down into 45 blog posts so, here ya go.
So, over the years I have had a sneaking suspicion that I spent too much time on facebook. It wasn't really a suspicion as it was a conviction (which is much more important in the light of eternity!). I ignored it, justified my facebook addiction (my personal favorite is my lack of adult interaction without it), and just continued on my merry little way.
And it was merry.
For a while.
Then jealousy creeped in.....anger.....bitterness....a judgmental attitude.....envy.....spite.....
It wasn't pretty....and it was killing my soul.
That anger towards someone who "slighted" me (or did something I deemed stupid - whether it was my business or not) ended up being foisted on my poor unsuspecting family.
I would see someone go on a date, a vacation, buy a new car, new house, move to a new "exciting" place.....and I would get jealous and bitter.....
Even though I live in a perfectly fine (albeit cold in the winter) house, on a lovely piece of property (that we don't own but our landlord is WONDERFUL!), and drive nice, used, paid for vehicles....I would be jealous. I would covet. And then I would be angry that I couldn't do that, or have that.
Pretty ugly, huh?
I think so too. I spent one whole day weeping in despair over what I had become. A horrible, ugly sinful person.
Facebook didn't make me that way but it enabled those sins to creep in, grab a hold of me, and significantly alter my personality and emotions. It was bad.
So, after significant prayer and guidance from God I have made some fairly drastic changes to my facebook account. You may notice, or not. IT IS NOTHING PERSONAL. This is all about me. I am still posting on facebook some. We have family that isn't nearby and it is a convenient way to keep in touch with them and share pictures, etc. I finally decided that as long as what I post isn't angry or judgemental then it was up to the reader to do what they wanted with it. I'm am still reading on facebook some. Not much, but some.
I can't begin to tell you what a difference this has made in my life! I am reading my bible with a goal of understanding, having long prayer chats with God, sewing, knitting, cleaning and blogging again. I've started reading Anne of Green Gables and I'm watching Downton Abbey and Doctor Who and Sherlock. I'm snuggled up in bed with the kids reading Mr. Popper's Penguins or having "life talks" with my teenagers. I'm living a life, a real life....not one created on a hand-held device.
My attitude has changed as well. I'm thankful for the gifts that we have been given. I'm trying to see both sides of the coin - and regardless, not passing judgement. I'm making purposeful connections with friends....real life connections....not over a screen.
Does this mean that I'm completely free from those sins? No. Unfortunately, Satan is always there, trying to distract and pull me away from what is best for me and my family. I am grateful that God finally got through to me about this though. I'm glad to have my life back.
So, over the years I have had a sneaking suspicion that I spent too much time on facebook. It wasn't really a suspicion as it was a conviction (which is much more important in the light of eternity!). I ignored it, justified my facebook addiction (my personal favorite is my lack of adult interaction without it), and just continued on my merry little way.
And it was merry.
For a while.
Then jealousy creeped in.....anger.....bitterness....a judgmental attitude.....envy.....spite.....
It wasn't pretty....and it was killing my soul.
That anger towards someone who "slighted" me (or did something I deemed stupid - whether it was my business or not) ended up being foisted on my poor unsuspecting family.
I would see someone go on a date, a vacation, buy a new car, new house, move to a new "exciting" place.....and I would get jealous and bitter.....
Even though I live in a perfectly fine (albeit cold in the winter) house, on a lovely piece of property (that we don't own but our landlord is WONDERFUL!), and drive nice, used, paid for vehicles....I would be jealous. I would covet. And then I would be angry that I couldn't do that, or have that.
Pretty ugly, huh?
I think so too. I spent one whole day weeping in despair over what I had become. A horrible, ugly sinful person.
Facebook didn't make me that way but it enabled those sins to creep in, grab a hold of me, and significantly alter my personality and emotions. It was bad.
So, after significant prayer and guidance from God I have made some fairly drastic changes to my facebook account. You may notice, or not. IT IS NOTHING PERSONAL. This is all about me. I am still posting on facebook some. We have family that isn't nearby and it is a convenient way to keep in touch with them and share pictures, etc. I finally decided that as long as what I post isn't angry or judgemental then it was up to the reader to do what they wanted with it. I'm am still reading on facebook some. Not much, but some.
I can't begin to tell you what a difference this has made in my life! I am reading my bible with a goal of understanding, having long prayer chats with God, sewing, knitting, cleaning and blogging again. I've started reading Anne of Green Gables and I'm watching Downton Abbey and Doctor Who and Sherlock. I'm snuggled up in bed with the kids reading Mr. Popper's Penguins or having "life talks" with my teenagers. I'm living a life, a real life....not one created on a hand-held device.
My attitude has changed as well. I'm thankful for the gifts that we have been given. I'm trying to see both sides of the coin - and regardless, not passing judgement. I'm making purposeful connections with friends....real life connections....not over a screen.
Does this mean that I'm completely free from those sins? No. Unfortunately, Satan is always there, trying to distract and pull me away from what is best for me and my family. I am grateful that God finally got through to me about this though. I'm glad to have my life back.
Monday, June 02, 2014
Finding My Place in History
I'm a historian. Looking at the big picture in light of past events is something I do...sometimes unconsciously. I like to fit together the pieces of the puzzle, compare past events and their consequences with things that are happening or seem to be happening now. I enjoy teasing out the way history has been "revised" to fit present "correctness".
Once upon a time I thought I might enjoy a future in politics. Historically, many of our founding fathers dealt in politics, although I'm sure nothing like the current mess we have. I wanted to be out there MAKING history. I didn't just want to read about it....I wanted to DO it.
Somewhere along the way, I discovered, correctly, that I wouldn't be cut out for politics....in any century. My skin isn't that thick, I don't think that quickly and I doubt I could shoulder the burdens of the world for one minute let alone for the duration of a career.
That's probably just as well that I discovered this early....like in 8th grade. lol Anyway, as a young adult, a young mother, I discovered my favorite part of history.....learning about the lives of those who have gone before us. That is true history. The day to day stuff that shapes the lives of children, families and communities. THAT is what will eventually trickle down and create history. The lives and actions of ordinary people make a big difference in the scheme of things, even when their names and lives are forgotten. I think that is why it is most important that we keep a journal, whether online or on paper (I do both). I find those things fascinating and I'm sure others do.
In our world today we are fighting a war in Iraq and Afghanistan. The big debate is whether Bowe Bergdahl was a deserter, taliban sympathizer or genuine prisoner of war (I'm sure his mother is glad he is home but was the price too high?). And what in the heck is his father spouting off about?? Who knows, right? Unemployment is through the roof (and touches the lives of those I know), drug use is running rampant and the state of IL is going down the drain (rapidly).
Let's face it....what can I do about any of that? Really? In the course of historical events relating to these headline items, you will not find my name. You won't find the name of anyone that I know personally.
And that's ok.
That took me a long time as an adult to realize.
It's the little things, the mundane things, that matter. They really do.
If I don't feed our cows, they will die. The same with the piglets and chickens. If I don't care for them daily in feeding, watering and general maintenance then they will die. If they die we are out food for the next year and a fairly large chunk of money. I school my children daily so that they will grow into hardworking, dependable, loving, generous and kind adults that make an impact in their family; their community. I shop (care for my family, supporting my community businesses) and visit and take part in community activities. I volunteer. I read. I knit. I try to expand my understanding of the world around me. Not because I can single-handedly change it, but because God made this wonderful, beautiful world and I want to know what's out there. Why shouldn't I?
I want to be able to help my neighbors and friends. I want to love unconditionally. I want to impact my little world. I CAN do that.
Washing dishes might not seem like much but if they aren't clean, chaos reigns supreme. If chaos reigns, then how will my children understand the peace of order? If clothes aren't clean, will my husband be able to go about his duties with a full focus on the work in front of him? If meals aren't healthy, how will our bodies get the nourishment they need to grow and function properly? If we don't expand our minds, how will we know what could be?
Mothers, fathers, don't get stuck in thinking that life is mundane nothingness and then you die! It is the little things that count! One more story, clean laundry, home-cooked meals, snuggling in bed, driving to practice, homework.......we are impacting the lives of our children and those we encounter every single day! Let's put a smile on our faces and embrace our places in history. My place is as a wife, mother, gardener, animal caretaker, dog and cat owner, baker, knitter, seamstress, learner, explorer.......and I plan to leave a written (typed) legacy of all those wonderful things for those that come behind me. How about you? What is your legacy? Have you embraced your place in history?
Once upon a time I thought I might enjoy a future in politics. Historically, many of our founding fathers dealt in politics, although I'm sure nothing like the current mess we have. I wanted to be out there MAKING history. I didn't just want to read about it....I wanted to DO it.
Somewhere along the way, I discovered, correctly, that I wouldn't be cut out for politics....in any century. My skin isn't that thick, I don't think that quickly and I doubt I could shoulder the burdens of the world for one minute let alone for the duration of a career.
That's probably just as well that I discovered this early....like in 8th grade. lol Anyway, as a young adult, a young mother, I discovered my favorite part of history.....learning about the lives of those who have gone before us. That is true history. The day to day stuff that shapes the lives of children, families and communities. THAT is what will eventually trickle down and create history. The lives and actions of ordinary people make a big difference in the scheme of things, even when their names and lives are forgotten. I think that is why it is most important that we keep a journal, whether online or on paper (I do both). I find those things fascinating and I'm sure others do.
In our world today we are fighting a war in Iraq and Afghanistan. The big debate is whether Bowe Bergdahl was a deserter, taliban sympathizer or genuine prisoner of war (I'm sure his mother is glad he is home but was the price too high?). And what in the heck is his father spouting off about?? Who knows, right? Unemployment is through the roof (and touches the lives of those I know), drug use is running rampant and the state of IL is going down the drain (rapidly).
Let's face it....what can I do about any of that? Really? In the course of historical events relating to these headline items, you will not find my name. You won't find the name of anyone that I know personally.
And that's ok.
That took me a long time as an adult to realize.
It's the little things, the mundane things, that matter. They really do.
If I don't feed our cows, they will die. The same with the piglets and chickens. If I don't care for them daily in feeding, watering and general maintenance then they will die. If they die we are out food for the next year and a fairly large chunk of money. I school my children daily so that they will grow into hardworking, dependable, loving, generous and kind adults that make an impact in their family; their community.
I want to be able to help my neighbors and friends. I want to love unconditionally. I want to impact my little world. I CAN do that.
Washing dishes might not seem like much but if they aren't clean, chaos reigns supreme. If chaos reigns, then how will my children understand the peace of order? If clothes aren't clean, will my husband be able to go about his duties with a full focus on the work in front of him? If meals aren't healthy, how will our bodies get the nourishment they need to grow and function properly? If we don't expand our minds, how will we know what could be?
Mothers, fathers, don't get stuck in thinking that life is mundane nothingness and then you die! It is the little things that count! One more story, clean laundry, home-cooked meals, snuggling in bed, driving to practice, homework.......we are impacting the lives of our children and those we encounter every single day! Let's put a smile on our faces and embrace our places in history. My place is as a wife, mother, gardener, animal caretaker, dog and cat owner, baker, knitter, seamstress, learner, explorer.......and I plan to leave a written (typed) legacy of all those wonderful things for those that come behind me. How about you? What is your legacy? Have you embraced your place in history?
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Chicks, Chores and VBS
We have chickens, a very nice borrowed incubator and eggs (and a rooster) so my husband loves to incubate eggs. We put 71 eggs in a month ago and this past weekend had 55 hatch :) It's always exciting to have new babies around. They stayed until Monday when we sold 50 of them. Hopefully at least one or two of the 5 we kept will be hens.
A friend of my husband's gave him some fertilized duck eggs so they are resting peacefully in the incubator now. We've never hatched ducks before but are hopeful that a few make it.
The part I detest the most about gardening has arrived. Weeding. I spent a couple hours out there this morning. Finished weeding the lettuce and got most of the onions done. We could really use a small rain shower, the ground is like hoeing into cement. I'll try not to complain though. Interestingly we still haven't gotten our sweet corn or green beans in the ground. Maybe this weekend. All of our zucchini and many of our tomatoes are blooming :) I found a little zucchini on one plant, about the size of my ring finger. Very exciting. Makes the weeding worth it :) Norman tilled around almost all the tomatoes before he ran out of gas. So it is coming along. If we could get some mulch down that would help with the weeding also. I just need to plan on spending a couple hours out there every morning when it is cooler.
I used some of last year's shredded zucchini and made zucchini bread for today's snack. Ham steaks and au gratin potatoes with corn for lunch. Swept through the house and brought my laundry off the line. My clothes line holds 2 loads of laundry and that is usually what I need to do each day so that works out well. No complaints from me. There is nothing better than warm, sun dried laundry. So that is all folded and everything but the boy's stuff put away. I weeded most of the flower beds around the house until I got into a nest of fire ants. I escaped mostly unscathed. Need to figure out what to use on those little buggers.
Bear and I are going to work on one of his 4H projects here in a bit then I will get the kids ready for VBS. This is the first VBS of the year, at Falmouth Methodist Church and the kids are loving it. Everyone there is great and the kids always have the best time. Next week is VBS at Central Christian then a week off before VBS at our church (Hidalgo Independent Christian). I take my kids to every VBS I hear about that they are able to attend. It's good for them to go and gives me a little break.
The big boys worked until after 8 last night. Norman just left for work tonight, will come home and sleep a few hours then is working a 16 hour shift tomorrow. I'm not sure what we have planned for the weekend but I'm sure it involves gardening. :) I'll let you know how that first zucchini tastes! Oh and one of the cherry tomato plants has a cluster of green tomatoes and Norman said he saw a little one on the regular plants also. I love fresh produce!
A friend of my husband's gave him some fertilized duck eggs so they are resting peacefully in the incubator now. We've never hatched ducks before but are hopeful that a few make it.
The part I detest the most about gardening has arrived. Weeding. I spent a couple hours out there this morning. Finished weeding the lettuce and got most of the onions done. We could really use a small rain shower, the ground is like hoeing into cement. I'll try not to complain though. Interestingly we still haven't gotten our sweet corn or green beans in the ground. Maybe this weekend. All of our zucchini and many of our tomatoes are blooming :) I found a little zucchini on one plant, about the size of my ring finger. Very exciting. Makes the weeding worth it :) Norman tilled around almost all the tomatoes before he ran out of gas. So it is coming along. If we could get some mulch down that would help with the weeding also. I just need to plan on spending a couple hours out there every morning when it is cooler.
I used some of last year's shredded zucchini and made zucchini bread for today's snack. Ham steaks and au gratin potatoes with corn for lunch. Swept through the house and brought my laundry off the line. My clothes line holds 2 loads of laundry and that is usually what I need to do each day so that works out well. No complaints from me. There is nothing better than warm, sun dried laundry. So that is all folded and everything but the boy's stuff put away. I weeded most of the flower beds around the house until I got into a nest of fire ants. I escaped mostly unscathed. Need to figure out what to use on those little buggers.
Bear and I are going to work on one of his 4H projects here in a bit then I will get the kids ready for VBS. This is the first VBS of the year, at Falmouth Methodist Church and the kids are loving it. Everyone there is great and the kids always have the best time. Next week is VBS at Central Christian then a week off before VBS at our church (Hidalgo Independent Christian). I take my kids to every VBS I hear about that they are able to attend. It's good for them to go and gives me a little break.
The big boys worked until after 8 last night. Norman just left for work tonight, will come home and sleep a few hours then is working a 16 hour shift tomorrow. I'm not sure what we have planned for the weekend but I'm sure it involves gardening. :) I'll let you know how that first zucchini tastes! Oh and one of the cherry tomato plants has a cluster of green tomatoes and Norman said he saw a little one on the regular plants also. I love fresh produce!
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Hello Saturday :)
It's been a good day! I recovered from my itty bitty pity party and am optimistic and joyful again :)
We started our day with our 4H club at a local cemetery placing American flags on the graves of those who served in our military. While there we met my sister-in-law and took possession of my nephew Brennan.
I had managed to get 2 loads of laundry on the line before we left this morning so when we got home I finished my house picking-up, brought in the clothes and hung out my sheets and quilt. There is nothing in this world that compares to bedsheets and quilts after they have soaked up some sunshine.
Baby chicks are hatching! We have 4 new arrivals so far so I helped Norman set up the brooder. We gathered eggs (19!), fed and watered chickens. Brennan loved the chickens! He held a chick and a big chicken. He has no fear of them at all :) I just love that little guy!
I baked some cookie bars this afternoon, folded laundry and remade my bed with my nice, warm, sun-shiny sheets and quilt. After my brother picked up Brennan, the littles, Thor and I walked down the lane for the mail. Supper is in the oven now.
Norman and Greg worked on the hog pen again all afternoon. I think its almost done (which is good because the pigs are ready to move!). They fed the cows for me and then Norman ran Greg into town to the swimming pool. I think we are being gifted a tiller so he went to check on that also. What a blessing!
I can smell the herb potatoes in the oven and am feeling so blessed. I'm so very, very blessed! Have a wonderful enjoyable weekend friends!
We started our day with our 4H club at a local cemetery placing American flags on the graves of those who served in our military. While there we met my sister-in-law and took possession of my nephew Brennan.
I had managed to get 2 loads of laundry on the line before we left this morning so when we got home I finished my house picking-up, brought in the clothes and hung out my sheets and quilt. There is nothing in this world that compares to bedsheets and quilts after they have soaked up some sunshine.
Baby chicks are hatching! We have 4 new arrivals so far so I helped Norman set up the brooder. We gathered eggs (19!), fed and watered chickens. Brennan loved the chickens! He held a chick and a big chicken. He has no fear of them at all :) I just love that little guy!
I baked some cookie bars this afternoon, folded laundry and remade my bed with my nice, warm, sun-shiny sheets and quilt. After my brother picked up Brennan, the littles, Thor and I walked down the lane for the mail. Supper is in the oven now.
Norman and Greg worked on the hog pen again all afternoon. I think its almost done (which is good because the pigs are ready to move!). They fed the cows for me and then Norman ran Greg into town to the swimming pool. I think we are being gifted a tiller so he went to check on that also. What a blessing!
I can smell the herb potatoes in the oven and am feeling so blessed. I'm so very, very blessed! Have a wonderful enjoyable weekend friends!
Monday, October 14, 2013
A Woman Who Memorizes God's Word
Last time I posted I commented that I wanted to become more diligent about memorizing the Word of God.
I'm putting that desire into practice this week (and prayerfully for many, many weeks after!).
This morning I got out my copy of Polished Cornerstones by Doorposts. Other times I have focused my memory work on what the kids were doing or whatever a Bible study I was working through suggested but this time I wanted verses that applied to my calling as a godly woman. I knew that Polished Cornerstones would have relevant verses by subject, so that is where I started. I found a whole section called "A Woman Who Memorizes God's Word" so I decided that is where I would start.
Chuck Swindoll writes in Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life:
"I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture...No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified."
I also believe that God uses the Holy Spirit to recall for us verses that we have memorized when we need them.....if they aren't there how can we recall them????
So, I'm choosing to arm myself with the Holy Word of God.
Here are the verses that are suggested for this section and I am going to try to get them committed to memory this week.
Psalm 119:105
Psalm 119:30
Psalm 19:8
Deuteronomy 6:6
Psalm 119:9-16
If you are looking to begin some scripture memorization, those verses are a good place to start.
See you soon :)
I'm putting that desire into practice this week (and prayerfully for many, many weeks after!).
This morning I got out my copy of Polished Cornerstones by Doorposts. Other times I have focused my memory work on what the kids were doing or whatever a Bible study I was working through suggested but this time I wanted verses that applied to my calling as a godly woman. I knew that Polished Cornerstones would have relevant verses by subject, so that is where I started. I found a whole section called "A Woman Who Memorizes God's Word" so I decided that is where I would start.
Chuck Swindoll writes in Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life:
"I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture...No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified."
I also believe that God uses the Holy Spirit to recall for us verses that we have memorized when we need them.....if they aren't there how can we recall them????
So, I'm choosing to arm myself with the Holy Word of God.
Here are the verses that are suggested for this section and I am going to try to get them committed to memory this week.
Psalm 119:105
Psalm 119:30
Psalm 19:8
Deuteronomy 6:6
Psalm 119:9-16
If you are looking to begin some scripture memorization, those verses are a good place to start.
See you soon :)
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Moving
Good morning blogland! I hope that this beautiful morning finds all of you well, happy and in touch with our Lord and Saviour. Mornings are a good time to do that, yes? I think so.
Anyway, I feel like my blog has become reviews only and I'm sure many of you are getting sick of it but I've got so much going on that I'm only doing what I have to. Please know that in a few weeks I have lots of fun stuff planned. I can't wait!
So what have we been up to? Packing, priming, painting, sanding, staining, redoing, packing, moving.....that's it! In addition to the regular working, running, housekeeping. We are moving back to the country. A cute farmhouse down a 1/4 mile lane. We can have critters (pets/livestock). The house was in need of some TLC so we agreed to work on it. When we started we had 6 weeks. I thought 6 weeks was a long time. Wrong! lol It's not going to be done but some of it is so we will take what we can get. Honestly, everything but some painting (3 rooms) and some cosmetic issues (trim) will be done. Considering what we started with I think we did pretty good.
We started in the kitchen. Dismantled the cabinets, tore up the nasty linoleum. Everything got new paint and then Norman put down new flooring. Kitchen - done. Bathroom was in pieces to begin with. Norman took out what was left. Reinstalled the shower, new sink, reinstalled the toliet. New paint on the walls, new flooring, everything sealed up....still needs the trim. Dining room and living room have new paint on the walls. Still working to paint the trim. 4 rooms of hardwood floors downstairs (living room, dining room, our room, abby's room) sanding, stained and 1 coat of poly on. 1 more coat of poly tonight and then they need to dry. The carpet that was originally over the hardwood was stained badly. We were going to just live with it for a while but we couldn't get the fleas out of it so one day I showed up out there to work and the carpet was gone. lol Our room and Abby's room still need paint on the ceilings, walls, and trim. Upstairs the hardwood is in decent shape. The upstairs bathroom needs new flooring (someone patched a hole and did a terrible job) but that can wait a bit. Lee didn't mind the paint in his room (light brown/dark brown) so I just touched it up. It's done. Greg hated the baby blue that was on his walls so we did a reverse of Lee's colors (dark brown/light brown). I hope to finish the trim today and then that room will be done. Bear's room is also baby blue. He wants green with brown trim. I have his room primed but not painted.
Norman has also fixed some water lines, jacked up a sagging floor and replaced the guttering. He has worked his butt off.
Every time we have went out there this week we have taken a load of our belongings. They are being placed in a 2 car garage. When the floor has cured we will start moving things in. Still lots of packing/moving to do but we are on the final stretch. Then I will need to clean this place and turn in the keys.
It will be so worth it to be back out in the country. My guys do better in their element. I don't regret our moving to town. Not at all. It served a purpose and was a gift from God. However, it will be nice to be back out in the country. Norman has already fixed up the chicken pen and they will be coming in a week or so. I think we will need a house cat :) and a cute little dog but that will come later.
I've got 2 more reviews to get done before we lose this internet (I don't know how long it will take to get new internet set up). Bear with me a bit and then we will get some fun stuff started. Love ya all!
Carie
Anyway, I feel like my blog has become reviews only and I'm sure many of you are getting sick of it but I've got so much going on that I'm only doing what I have to. Please know that in a few weeks I have lots of fun stuff planned. I can't wait!
So what have we been up to? Packing, priming, painting, sanding, staining, redoing, packing, moving.....that's it! In addition to the regular working, running, housekeeping. We are moving back to the country. A cute farmhouse down a 1/4 mile lane. We can have critters (pets/livestock). The house was in need of some TLC so we agreed to work on it. When we started we had 6 weeks. I thought 6 weeks was a long time. Wrong! lol It's not going to be done but some of it is so we will take what we can get. Honestly, everything but some painting (3 rooms) and some cosmetic issues (trim) will be done. Considering what we started with I think we did pretty good.
We started in the kitchen. Dismantled the cabinets, tore up the nasty linoleum. Everything got new paint and then Norman put down new flooring. Kitchen - done. Bathroom was in pieces to begin with. Norman took out what was left. Reinstalled the shower, new sink, reinstalled the toliet. New paint on the walls, new flooring, everything sealed up....still needs the trim. Dining room and living room have new paint on the walls. Still working to paint the trim. 4 rooms of hardwood floors downstairs (living room, dining room, our room, abby's room) sanding, stained and 1 coat of poly on. 1 more coat of poly tonight and then they need to dry. The carpet that was originally over the hardwood was stained badly. We were going to just live with it for a while but we couldn't get the fleas out of it so one day I showed up out there to work and the carpet was gone. lol Our room and Abby's room still need paint on the ceilings, walls, and trim. Upstairs the hardwood is in decent shape. The upstairs bathroom needs new flooring (someone patched a hole and did a terrible job) but that can wait a bit. Lee didn't mind the paint in his room (light brown/dark brown) so I just touched it up. It's done. Greg hated the baby blue that was on his walls so we did a reverse of Lee's colors (dark brown/light brown). I hope to finish the trim today and then that room will be done. Bear's room is also baby blue. He wants green with brown trim. I have his room primed but not painted.
Norman has also fixed some water lines, jacked up a sagging floor and replaced the guttering. He has worked his butt off.
Every time we have went out there this week we have taken a load of our belongings. They are being placed in a 2 car garage. When the floor has cured we will start moving things in. Still lots of packing/moving to do but we are on the final stretch. Then I will need to clean this place and turn in the keys.
It will be so worth it to be back out in the country. My guys do better in their element. I don't regret our moving to town. Not at all. It served a purpose and was a gift from God. However, it will be nice to be back out in the country. Norman has already fixed up the chicken pen and they will be coming in a week or so. I think we will need a house cat :) and a cute little dog but that will come later.
I've got 2 more reviews to get done before we lose this internet (I don't know how long it will take to get new internet set up). Bear with me a bit and then we will get some fun stuff started. Love ya all!
Carie
Saturday, June 01, 2013
Menu List June 1-15
Every 2 weeks I sit down and consider our meals for the next 2 weeks. I really wish that I could somehow streamline this process. For a while I did this for a month and I really liked that. Maybe after we move I will go back to that method (especially since the grocery store won't be quite so close).
Anyway, I try to choose 14 main dishes. That allows for an occassional night or 2 each pay period that we can eat leftovers. And by we, I mean me and the littles, usually on a night that dh is working a double shift and the older boys are gone.
Breakfast
cereal, oatmeal or something leftover in the fridge (lasagna, anyone? That's what I had yesterday morning.) I've been having a pbj sandwich because the protein keeps me going longer. If I can swing it in the budget I buy greek yogurt and granola for me. I'm going to start making my own granola. That can be a later post.
Moving on.
Lunch
pbj sandwiches (The littles usually have either peanut butter or jelly but rarely both together. I don't know why...they are weird)
Grilled cheese sandwiches
lunchmeat
leftovers
Supper
Tacos
Corn dogs
baked potato bar
hot dogs - probably grilled
cheeseburgers - also on the grill
BBQ ribs
spaghetti
pizza - homemade
BLTs
ham and cheesy noodles
jambalya
pancakes/waffles
sausage gravy and biscuits
chicken and veggies
SIDES: I usually only choose the main dishes....I just buy some sides and I pick what we are having when I start cooking. This time I will get french fries, mac and cheese, carrots, corn and some frozen veggies. We also have lots of potatoes so could have fried potatoes, mashed potatoes, etc. When the garden starts producing we will have zucchini, okra, etc.
Snacks
Fruits
Zucchini bread
Oatmeal cookies
Chocolate chip cookies
I spread the baking out over 2 weeks. The fruit will be real lucky to make it 3 days after purchase. My kids are fresh fruit hounds. So then I start baking.
I'm going to start working on new menu ideas and mix making over the next few weeks. With moving I'm not sure how much of that I will get done, but I really need to tighten the belt so it is just going to have to get done. Please share favorite recipes! My guys are kinda picky and my dh is a real "meat and potato"man so it is hard. Right now I need fast, or slow cooker easy. Some days I leave to work at the "new" house early and don't make it home till just an hour before the kids need to go to VBS.
Because someone always asks, I am working with a $200 grocery/household supply budget (twice a month). The above meals will come out of that as will trash bags, baggies, tide, dawn and toliet paper. I get our tolietries from AVON and use my earnings for that. I shop at Aldi mainly, IGA for our meat and sometimes Walmart but only if I am desperate (my yogurt, pizza sauce). I am feeding me, my husband, 2 teenage boys, a 5 year old boy and a 3 year old girl. Some days, Abby can outeat everyone else at the table. We also average 1 extra teenager per day, although they usually show up 2 or 3 at a time. I love these kids and don't mind feeding them one little bit! That's also another place that ready-made snacks come in handy....they are great meal stretchers!
Anyway, I try to choose 14 main dishes. That allows for an occassional night or 2 each pay period that we can eat leftovers. And by we, I mean me and the littles, usually on a night that dh is working a double shift and the older boys are gone.
Breakfast
cereal, oatmeal or something leftover in the fridge (lasagna, anyone? That's what I had yesterday morning.) I've been having a pbj sandwich because the protein keeps me going longer. If I can swing it in the budget I buy greek yogurt and granola for me. I'm going to start making my own granola. That can be a later post.
Moving on.
Lunch
pbj sandwiches (The littles usually have either peanut butter or jelly but rarely both together. I don't know why...they are weird)
Grilled cheese sandwiches
lunchmeat
leftovers
Supper
Tacos
Corn dogs
baked potato bar
hot dogs - probably grilled
cheeseburgers - also on the grill
BBQ ribs
spaghetti
pizza - homemade
BLTs
ham and cheesy noodles
jambalya
pancakes/waffles
sausage gravy and biscuits
chicken and veggies
SIDES: I usually only choose the main dishes....I just buy some sides and I pick what we are having when I start cooking. This time I will get french fries, mac and cheese, carrots, corn and some frozen veggies. We also have lots of potatoes so could have fried potatoes, mashed potatoes, etc. When the garden starts producing we will have zucchini, okra, etc.
Snacks
Fruits
Zucchini bread
Oatmeal cookies
Chocolate chip cookies
I spread the baking out over 2 weeks. The fruit will be real lucky to make it 3 days after purchase. My kids are fresh fruit hounds. So then I start baking.
I'm going to start working on new menu ideas and mix making over the next few weeks. With moving I'm not sure how much of that I will get done, but I really need to tighten the belt so it is just going to have to get done. Please share favorite recipes! My guys are kinda picky and my dh is a real "meat and potato"man so it is hard. Right now I need fast, or slow cooker easy. Some days I leave to work at the "new" house early and don't make it home till just an hour before the kids need to go to VBS.
Because someone always asks, I am working with a $200 grocery/household supply budget (twice a month). The above meals will come out of that as will trash bags, baggies, tide, dawn and toliet paper. I get our tolietries from AVON and use my earnings for that. I shop at Aldi mainly, IGA for our meat and sometimes Walmart but only if I am desperate (my yogurt, pizza sauce). I am feeding me, my husband, 2 teenage boys, a 5 year old boy and a 3 year old girl. Some days, Abby can outeat everyone else at the table. We also average 1 extra teenager per day, although they usually show up 2 or 3 at a time. I love these kids and don't mind feeding them one little bit! That's also another place that ready-made snacks come in handy....they are great meal stretchers!
Saturday, March 02, 2013
Recent Reading
I've been reading more.
I love to read. Anything. Newspaper, magazines, books, cereal boxes. When I was a kid we rarely went to the library and the school library would only let me check out 2 books at a time, once a week. I can easily read 200 + pages a day and I had an hour ride on the bus each way 5 days a week. Those 2 books would be done quickly. I would be so desperate for something to read that I would read my dad's hunting, motorcycle and stock car racing magazines, cover to cover. If I ever got ahold of any money it was always spent on books or magazines. I would read and reread the poor things till the covers fell off. lol
Anyway, I digress. We have a free library card now that we live in town and I make it a point to go up there at least once a week. I would avoid the adult section because, honestly, I didn't have time to read and if I did, my kindle is full of books just waiting for me. One day I was weak and made it home with 2 books. I finished those and brought home another. I can't help myself. lol I hope by only bring one home that I can read some of the stuff around here until the next trip (Tuesday, we go on Tuesdays).
It took 3 weeks but I finished the 1st 2 books: (both fiction)
The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier ** A great book set before the Civil War. It revolves around the life of a Quaker woman after she comes to America from England.
Weapon of Choice by Patricia Gussin ** This is one of those medical/biological terrorism books that I love so much. It is actually 2 mysteries intertwined together. Another excellent read.
So what did I bring home this week? Well, it was very hard to choose. I only look on the NEW shelf so that limits me a little, otherwise I would never get out of the library. There were 2 mysteries that tempted me and a nonfiction book about 1775 but the one I left with is a dual biography about Louisa May Alcott and her mother Abigail :) I can't wait to start it. I have a book going upstairs right now but I'm going to try and finish it tonight or tomorrow and then this one is up next. I'll be sure to share about it as soon as I get finished.
Please, share what you've been reading! I love to hear all about it......now I'm off to write reviews on Amazon. Have a great day!
I love to read. Anything. Newspaper, magazines, books, cereal boxes. When I was a kid we rarely went to the library and the school library would only let me check out 2 books at a time, once a week. I can easily read 200 + pages a day and I had an hour ride on the bus each way 5 days a week. Those 2 books would be done quickly. I would be so desperate for something to read that I would read my dad's hunting, motorcycle and stock car racing magazines, cover to cover. If I ever got ahold of any money it was always spent on books or magazines. I would read and reread the poor things till the covers fell off. lol
Anyway, I digress. We have a free library card now that we live in town and I make it a point to go up there at least once a week. I would avoid the adult section because, honestly, I didn't have time to read and if I did, my kindle is full of books just waiting for me. One day I was weak and made it home with 2 books. I finished those and brought home another. I can't help myself. lol I hope by only bring one home that I can read some of the stuff around here until the next trip (Tuesday, we go on Tuesdays).
It took 3 weeks but I finished the 1st 2 books: (both fiction)
The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier ** A great book set before the Civil War. It revolves around the life of a Quaker woman after she comes to America from England.
Weapon of Choice by Patricia Gussin ** This is one of those medical/biological terrorism books that I love so much. It is actually 2 mysteries intertwined together. Another excellent read.
So what did I bring home this week? Well, it was very hard to choose. I only look on the NEW shelf so that limits me a little, otherwise I would never get out of the library. There were 2 mysteries that tempted me and a nonfiction book about 1775 but the one I left with is a dual biography about Louisa May Alcott and her mother Abigail :) I can't wait to start it. I have a book going upstairs right now but I'm going to try and finish it tonight or tomorrow and then this one is up next. I'll be sure to share about it as soon as I get finished.
Please, share what you've been reading! I love to hear all about it......now I'm off to write reviews on Amazon. Have a great day!
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Project Planning and Organization
First let me tell you what I see as I sit here at the dining room table: 2 rooms over we have a ping pong table (in the sitting room of all places LOL)....currently under the ping pong table are 4 children, ages 14-22 months. They are playing war or campout or something (I really haven't been paying attention). It makes my heart so happy to see all these kids playing together so nicely. I just had to share!
Now back to the topic at hand. Project organization. This could be ANY project but for the sake of time/space considerations lets tackle crafty type projects.
In this new house I have a sewing room. That should solve the problem, right. WRONG! I am a little ADHD, or maybe alot ADHD.....or maybe I lost significant brain cells with the birth of each child (and extra with Abby because she was a girl).....I don't know what is wrong with me. I have a project planning problem.
I like to knit, sew, quilt and do other "crafty" type things (this problem also carries over into the kitchen and homeschool but lets stay on topic for now). Here is a list of my current "wish I could do" projects:
**ribbon to make a spring wreath for the front door - but no wreath form. So the Christmas/winter wreath is still out there
**knitted Jane Austin dress for Abby - I actually have the pattern, needles and yarn for this but not the material for the skirt
**knitted Jane Austin shrug for the above dress - I have the pattern and yarn (the yarn actually coordinates with the yarn for the dress) - NO needles
**sweater for Abby - I have yarn. NO pattern. No idea if I have enough yarn. I might have needles that will work. I will know when I decide on a pattern. The yarn is currently living on the above mentioned ping pong table.
**sweater for Abby - I ordered a kit from Mary Maxim for an adorable cardigan sweater. Should be here any day. Who knows if I have the right sized needles but it should come with the yarn and pattern
**quilt for me? Abby? - I bought 9 yards of coordinating material (in sage green/pink). I found a pattern that I LOVE but don't have enough material for it. Can't find another pattern that I like. If I do, I DON'T have batting or backing material. The material is currently living on the ping pong table.
**dresses for Abby - I have the material sitting upstairs for AT LEAST 5 dresses for Abby. I also have 1 new dress pattern for Abby. I can't decide what I want to make.
**I have been busy buying pattern books....lace knitting, theme knitting, quilting. I have found a ton of things I want to make. How am I going to keep all this straight?
**I want to make a pillow for the window seat (might have the material and pillow form)
**I want to knit a coffee cup huggie - I have some patterns, I have some yarn, I don't know if they will work together though.....
**I have the pattern for a beautiful lace shawl for me. Don't have needles and can't decide on yarn.
Right now my sewing room, that started off fairly neat, looks like someone threw up a bunch of material/yarn and trash all over it. The ironing board is covered with stuff I laid there earlier today. Stuffed animals that need repair are on the floor. Yarn is EVERYWHERE (but not really good yarn...it is itchy acrylic yarn in small bits of each color. I am thinking of donating it just so I don't have to look at it any more. It was given to me by my mil who used to do plastic canvas). Material is everywhere.
I thought about small bins or boxes to put project parts in until I was ready to do them. Like put the yarn, pattern, needles in a small box so that it was there and I could just pick it up when I am looking for something to work on and it will be ready. Does anyone think that's a good idea? Any other ideas? At this point I need HELP. Maybe an intervention. And a professional organizer. And a maid (so I have time to do all these wonderful projects).....and 28 hours in my day.
I am open to any and all suggestions as this is also the problem with cooking projects (I have a recipe but not ingredients or an idea but no recipe) and homeschooling stuff (I want to do a project with the kids only to find out that I don't have the stuff). Please help!!!!!!
Now back to the topic at hand. Project organization. This could be ANY project but for the sake of time/space considerations lets tackle crafty type projects.
In this new house I have a sewing room. That should solve the problem, right. WRONG! I am a little ADHD, or maybe alot ADHD.....or maybe I lost significant brain cells with the birth of each child (and extra with Abby because she was a girl).....I don't know what is wrong with me. I have a project planning problem.
I like to knit, sew, quilt and do other "crafty" type things (this problem also carries over into the kitchen and homeschool but lets stay on topic for now). Here is a list of my current "wish I could do" projects:
**ribbon to make a spring wreath for the front door - but no wreath form. So the Christmas/winter wreath is still out there
**knitted Jane Austin dress for Abby - I actually have the pattern, needles and yarn for this but not the material for the skirt
**knitted Jane Austin shrug for the above dress - I have the pattern and yarn (the yarn actually coordinates with the yarn for the dress) - NO needles
**sweater for Abby - I have yarn. NO pattern. No idea if I have enough yarn. I might have needles that will work. I will know when I decide on a pattern. The yarn is currently living on the above mentioned ping pong table.
**sweater for Abby - I ordered a kit from Mary Maxim for an adorable cardigan sweater. Should be here any day. Who knows if I have the right sized needles but it should come with the yarn and pattern
**quilt for me? Abby? - I bought 9 yards of coordinating material (in sage green/pink). I found a pattern that I LOVE but don't have enough material for it. Can't find another pattern that I like. If I do, I DON'T have batting or backing material. The material is currently living on the ping pong table.
**dresses for Abby - I have the material sitting upstairs for AT LEAST 5 dresses for Abby. I also have 1 new dress pattern for Abby. I can't decide what I want to make.
**I have been busy buying pattern books....lace knitting, theme knitting, quilting. I have found a ton of things I want to make. How am I going to keep all this straight?
**I want to make a pillow for the window seat (might have the material and pillow form)
**I want to knit a coffee cup huggie - I have some patterns, I have some yarn, I don't know if they will work together though.....
**I have the pattern for a beautiful lace shawl for me. Don't have needles and can't decide on yarn.
Right now my sewing room, that started off fairly neat, looks like someone threw up a bunch of material/yarn and trash all over it. The ironing board is covered with stuff I laid there earlier today. Stuffed animals that need repair are on the floor. Yarn is EVERYWHERE (but not really good yarn...it is itchy acrylic yarn in small bits of each color. I am thinking of donating it just so I don't have to look at it any more. It was given to me by my mil who used to do plastic canvas). Material is everywhere.
I thought about small bins or boxes to put project parts in until I was ready to do them. Like put the yarn, pattern, needles in a small box so that it was there and I could just pick it up when I am looking for something to work on and it will be ready. Does anyone think that's a good idea? Any other ideas? At this point I need HELP. Maybe an intervention. And a professional organizer. And a maid (so I have time to do all these wonderful projects).....and 28 hours in my day.
I am open to any and all suggestions as this is also the problem with cooking projects (I have a recipe but not ingredients or an idea but no recipe) and homeschooling stuff (I want to do a project with the kids only to find out that I don't have the stuff). Please help!!!!!!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Hacked
A few days ago, my email was hacked. (I have hotmail if anyone cares about things like that) I sent out apology emails and changed my password. I made the mistake of thinking that life would continue on normally. I thought wrong.
Today hotmail locked me out of my email account. I can't balance my bank statement, check on online receipts or work with my Gabby Moms blogging group. I had to answer a bunch of mundane questions and maybe, in 24 hours, hotmail will grant me permission to access my own email account again. To say that I am frustrated is an understatement.
I made the mistake, a few hours ago, of dozing off in my recliner while the babies were playing in the living room (yes, it was about noon. yes, I was exhausted. still am) Anyway, while I was dozing Abby got into my purse, found a tube of lipstick and commenced to rubbing it all over her face (all the way to her eyebrows), neck, ears, hair and hands. Somewhere along the way she also got it on the carpet. THEN Bear decides to wake me up. (((sigh))) Things just aren't going my way today.
I have to say that I have a great appreciation for working mothers. I have been working part time since July - one day a week and only on my husband's day off. Beginning in February I began working both of my husband's days off. So I am working 2 days a week, right now just afternoons (about 4 hours a day). It could increase to 10 hour days again like it was most of the summer/fall. I am exhausted. I am chasing my tail trying to keep up with everything and making a miserable job of it. I am grouchy when I shouldn't be and I know that the stress is showing in the care of my home. I don't know when the last time was that I made bread or spent considerable time crafting and I don't dare ask for a little time alone for me because my poor dh is spending his whole days off taking care of the kids while I am gone (NOT that he wouldn't gladly give me time if I asked, I just feel bad asking). Today I fell asleep at noon. Noon. It wasn't like I had a hard morning. I had done considerable cleaning, but I had also colored with Abby and read books. Nothing I did was heavy labor. But all heck broke loose when I fell alseep and now the email thing really has me upset. Not that it really matters, kwim?
Well, I guess, this is my "day in a life of me" post. Not very cheerful eh? At least now you know I am human and struggle (like you could have missed that). Keeping it real. Pray for me if you feel led. I need some rest; spiritual, emotional and physical.
Have a great weekend!
Carie
Today hotmail locked me out of my email account. I can't balance my bank statement, check on online receipts or work with my Gabby Moms blogging group. I had to answer a bunch of mundane questions and maybe, in 24 hours, hotmail will grant me permission to access my own email account again. To say that I am frustrated is an understatement.
I made the mistake, a few hours ago, of dozing off in my recliner while the babies were playing in the living room (yes, it was about noon. yes, I was exhausted. still am) Anyway, while I was dozing Abby got into my purse, found a tube of lipstick and commenced to rubbing it all over her face (all the way to her eyebrows), neck, ears, hair and hands. Somewhere along the way she also got it on the carpet. THEN Bear decides to wake me up. (((sigh))) Things just aren't going my way today.
I have to say that I have a great appreciation for working mothers. I have been working part time since July - one day a week and only on my husband's day off. Beginning in February I began working both of my husband's days off. So I am working 2 days a week, right now just afternoons (about 4 hours a day). It could increase to 10 hour days again like it was most of the summer/fall. I am exhausted. I am chasing my tail trying to keep up with everything and making a miserable job of it. I am grouchy when I shouldn't be and I know that the stress is showing in the care of my home. I don't know when the last time was that I made bread or spent considerable time crafting and I don't dare ask for a little time alone for me because my poor dh is spending his whole days off taking care of the kids while I am gone (NOT that he wouldn't gladly give me time if I asked, I just feel bad asking). Today I fell asleep at noon. Noon. It wasn't like I had a hard morning. I had done considerable cleaning, but I had also colored with Abby and read books. Nothing I did was heavy labor. But all heck broke loose when I fell alseep and now the email thing really has me upset. Not that it really matters, kwim?
Well, I guess, this is my "day in a life of me" post. Not very cheerful eh? At least now you know I am human and struggle (like you could have missed that). Keeping it real. Pray for me if you feel led. I need some rest; spiritual, emotional and physical.
Have a great weekend!
Carie
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Oh Pinterest
Our plans for the day were fairly simple....quick trip to walmart for paintballs (and the rest of the stuff on my list, but that's why we were going) and then dropping the older 2 boys and later dh at a friend's paintball game. Then the babies and I would muddle through the rest of the day as best we could until they got home again.
I say muddle because the babies are in that stage where things are difficult. Yesterday Abby wouldn't stop playing with the light. I would spank her, put her in a corner for a minute or so and when I would allow her out she would go back and do it again......repeat punishment....and again....5 times total. I was about ready to pull my hair out. That was after she had been very whiny and Bear is being clingy. I just wanted to run away!
We managed along till the end of the day when Daddy got home from working overtime, took Abby and she instantly went to sleep. Fine then, be that way! LOL
Paintball got canceled this morning. The older boys are having friends over this afternoon. I don't know when I will go shopping. Abby is still whiny, but so far Bear is playing xbox kinect. I know it is just a faze. I know that it was my unluckiness that had both of them hitting difficult days together (isn't that how it goes????).
So, I've been amusing myself with Pinterest. Love that site! I am normally on my kindle which doesn't allow me to pin from there. Today I am on a computer and happily pinning away. So many great ideas! So many fussy babies :( LOL At least a girl can dream.....and print off yummy recipes.
If you want to check out my boards I am Carie Shinn on pinterest. Happy pinning!!!!!
I say muddle because the babies are in that stage where things are difficult. Yesterday Abby wouldn't stop playing with the light. I would spank her, put her in a corner for a minute or so and when I would allow her out she would go back and do it again......repeat punishment....and again....5 times total. I was about ready to pull my hair out. That was after she had been very whiny and Bear is being clingy. I just wanted to run away!
We managed along till the end of the day when Daddy got home from working overtime, took Abby and she instantly went to sleep. Fine then, be that way! LOL
Paintball got canceled this morning. The older boys are having friends over this afternoon. I don't know when I will go shopping. Abby is still whiny, but so far Bear is playing xbox kinect. I know it is just a faze. I know that it was my unluckiness that had both of them hitting difficult days together (isn't that how it goes????).
So, I've been amusing myself with Pinterest. Love that site! I am normally on my kindle which doesn't allow me to pin from there. Today I am on a computer and happily pinning away. So many great ideas! So many fussy babies :( LOL At least a girl can dream.....and print off yummy recipes.
If you want to check out my boards I am Carie Shinn on pinterest. Happy pinning!!!!!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Kindle Cover
One of the gifts that I was blessed with this Christmas was a Kindle Fire. I can't begin to tell you how much I LOVE that thing. It is very difficult to put down :) But put it down I must. And I don't want it to get wet, or scratched or damaged.......so......I made it a cozy.
I didn't use a pattern. Just cut some cotton for the front and back and some felt pieces for the padding......all a little bigger than the Kindle. I attatched a little bit of green braid for the loop and a button for the closure. I did a repeat this afternoon for a friend of Lee's and it took less than 30 mins.
Let's see.....oh yes, I was going to share about my Christmas projects. I've made a ton of hats. Tons. And I made an adorable shawl for my mother-in-law. I'll try to get a picture of that. And then I made coasters. I actually cut up the blocks from a quilt top that I made but never got laid out right. I traced around a CD and made a sandwich with random pieces and a same-sized piece of felt. They are very, very cute.
This week I started/finished a knitted baby bib. I'm not sure of the practicality of them but it is adorable! Now I'm working on a cowl for me. Picture to come when I get it finished. (I'm not the best at remembering pictures!)
But isn't that kindle cover adorable????? Happy New Year!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Merry Christmas!!!!!
I hope all of my dear readers can feel the love and presence of our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ during this season of Christmas. Also, I want to thank all of you for hanging in there with me for another year, I treasure each and every one of you!
Last night we had a big Christmas dinner with Norman's mother, her boyfriend, his sister, her daughter and friend and our son's girlfriend. I prepped most of the meal on Wednesday and then Norman did all of the cooking while I was at work on Thursday. We had a beautiful, delicious smoked ham, hashbrown casserole, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, deviled eggs and bavarian dinner rolls. My mother-in-law fixed some pies. Everything was delicious! The only shadow on the evening is the severe illness of my mother-in-law's oldest sister, Joyce. She has had some severe complications following a surgery she had last week. The doctor's don't think that she will make it. Unfortunately, she is in a hospital in Texas, and of course, we are all in Illinois. Her husband and children are with her and our prayers are with them all.
Norman has to work on Christmas day so the children and I will attend church services and then come home and await his arrival. We have so much to be thankful for and many blessings this year. I feel like I don't deserve anything more.
I'm beginning to work through my goals for the year and next month. I kinda let that go with the moving/Thanksgiving/Christmas but they are going to be back. Its good to keep me accountable. Looking forward to some down time with the kids next week.
I thought I had a lot to say but turns out maybe that is it. I hope that all of you have a blessed holiday weekend with your families.
Last night we had a big Christmas dinner with Norman's mother, her boyfriend, his sister, her daughter and friend and our son's girlfriend. I prepped most of the meal on Wednesday and then Norman did all of the cooking while I was at work on Thursday. We had a beautiful, delicious smoked ham, hashbrown casserole, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, deviled eggs and bavarian dinner rolls. My mother-in-law fixed some pies. Everything was delicious! The only shadow on the evening is the severe illness of my mother-in-law's oldest sister, Joyce. She has had some severe complications following a surgery she had last week. The doctor's don't think that she will make it. Unfortunately, she is in a hospital in Texas, and of course, we are all in Illinois. Her husband and children are with her and our prayers are with them all.
Norman has to work on Christmas day so the children and I will attend church services and then come home and await his arrival. We have so much to be thankful for and many blessings this year. I feel like I don't deserve anything more.
I'm beginning to work through my goals for the year and next month. I kinda let that go with the moving/Thanksgiving/Christmas but they are going to be back. Its good to keep me accountable. Looking forward to some down time with the kids next week.
I thought I had a lot to say but turns out maybe that is it. I hope that all of you have a blessed holiday weekend with your families.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Playing Catch-up.....With Pictures
We had our family portraits taken recently and I just got the disk back today. So I ordered Christmas cards (they will be late going out if you are expecting one!) and some prints. Will go back later and order more for grandparents and such. The pictures are great! My children are very photogenic :)
Gregory Robert - age 11
Leland David - age 14
Norman Matthew - age 4
Abigail Caroline - age 19 months
That's a yawn.....taking pictures is HARD work!
Mommy's little girl.
The last 3 weeks or so have been VERY hectic. I did some sewing for a friend (WITH my friend Shanna) - a 81x81inch comforter and curtains. I still need to do matching pillowcases but that will wait until after Christmas. I've been knitting like a crazy woman. Hats for all the kids (Abby is wearing hers in some of the pictures above) and for myself. A few gifts :) And sewing some gifts (can't divulge what yet but I will after Christmas - easy peasy and soooo cute!). I have my sewing room set up the way I think I want it. We will see. It was insane how much fabric and yarn I have. I solemnly swear that I will try not to buy anymore yarn or fabric until I use some of what I have......unless I go to MBT....then I can't promise anything. I had better get back to knitting and sewing :)
I've been baking like a crazy kid. The 3 youngest kids helped me make sugar cookies on Monday. There were so many sprinkles on the kitchen floor that it was like walking on marbles. We took or will be taking cookie plates to our neighbors....some of them are difficult to catch at home.
The Christmas spirit is alive and well here :) I love that I am able to enjoy it with my little family while we remember the real reason for the season. All 4 children took part in our little church's Christmas poduction. I am hoping that someone took pictures that I can get my hands on. Lee was Joseph, Greg was a wise man, Bear was a sheep and Abby was a little angle. After the play Lee and Greg joined some friends in whistling We Wish You a Merry Christmas and playing a few songs with the bells. We are Christmas carolling on Wednesday night. I love to go Christmas carolling. I can't wait!!!!!!!
I hope that all of you are enjoying the wonderful time of year that is Christmas. Remember our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and cherish the time that you can spend with your family. Hugs to all my friends!!!!!!!
Monday, December 05, 2011
Pictures...........
So here are some pictures I've been promising you. We had our "professional" photos done (how professional can the photos be when you can't get everyone to sit still for 5 seconds???? Our photographer works miracles.) so the blog pictures should be updated soon and I will share my favorites then. Something is wrong with our camera so all of these are from my phone which doesn't do the best, but we work with what we have.
The first 2 pictures were taken at the Shinn Family reunion over Thanksgiving.
The first 2 pictures were taken at the Shinn Family reunion over Thanksgiving.
This is Stan (Norman's dad) and all of his grandchildren. Back row: Leland holding Abby next to Greg. Middle row: Noah, Bear, Alice, Grandpa Stan, Nolan. Front row: Christopher. Off to the side holding mommy's hand, Chloe
This picture is 4 of the 6 Shinn brothers. The 2 missing are older than Norman. Back row: Josh, Timothy, Christopher and Norman. Front row: Stan.....Missing are Stanley Jr. and Stanley Wayne (don't ask)
Today, the babies were helping with the laundry (as evidenced by the laundry - clean - all over the laundry room floor). Apparently that involved getting in the dryer. You can just barely see Bear's white hair already in there.
This is the window seat in the sitting room. Abby loves to sit here and look at books. It makes a perfect spot to sit and knit also.
Well, that's it for now :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)