Pictures from St. Louis Trip

I realize that I am very late in getting these up.  Sorry :)

Bear loves helicopters, so when we saw this one in Collinsville, we just had to stop!

Lee is as tall as I am so that tells you how tall that truck was.

Bear loved this Catsup bottle.  We drove past it twice that day and he just went on and on about it each time.

They forgot to take the camera to Monster Jam.  And I forgot to take the camera into the City Museum.  So those are the pictures from our trip!

Tearing Paper

This morning I was sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of herbal tea and facebook......pretending really hard that I couldn't hear Abby in the living room shredding paper.....what kind of mother does that?  The didn't-get-much-sleep-do-we-have-to-get-up-at-6 a.m. mommy, that's who!  LOL

See, I finally did get up and take pictures :)  That counts for something, right?  LOL  In my defense, I had already put up the non-board books....I inadvertantly left out a word search book.....

Hiding the evidence :)  She thinks that she is being sneaky......yeah, not really.  LOL

And if we do the cute baby routine for momma she won't care that I just made a huge mess in the living room.

It really isn't my fault.  We have a queen sized bed.  Norman sleeps on half - alone.  Last night, I slept on the other half, along with Abby, Sadie and Bear.  I was squished, cramped, cold and awake. 

Last night Abby shredded a paper towel that Bear left in the living room.  Why does she like to shred things?  I could hire her out to businesses......make some side money somehow maybe. 

When not sleep deprived, I am learning to knit lace. 

When not sleep deprived, I can write blog posts that are interesting and make sense.  Oh well!  Maybe next time!  Talk later :)

The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari

I haven't been reviewing children's book for Blogging for Books program but I decided to give this one a go.  We have so many books, mainly children's books, but Bear loves dragons and dinosaurs.....and he LOVED this book.

Roger turtle and Padraig dragon are friends that are on a safari (in the backyard).  They hear noises that scare them but overcome that and even rescue a baby leopard (kitten).  Along the way they use manners, share and encourage one another. 

As I said, Bear loved this book.  In fact, when I got the copy and set it next to me for review, he spirited it away to his room.  It is HIS book :)  I believe it is written in England English (you know, with the accent) - there is a lot of "jolly good" and "cheerio".  I don't do a British accent and I find it slightly annoying.  Bear didn't know what a mum was so I switched it to mom while reading.  However, the book is very cute and it doesn't have to be read with a British accent so that is easy to overlook. 

The story at the end about Mount Sillymanborrow was super cute, even if Bear was too young to "get" it....I tried explaining and it didn't work so we will save that for later.  The last page contains questions to guide discussion with your child.  Very simple and thought provoking.  We don't always discuss books, but we did this time and Bear got more out of it than I thought.  Nice touch.

The Dragon and Turtle Go on Safari is available for $8.63 HERE.

***I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review***

Encouraging Moments Newsletter

During the wiping, washing, sweeping, cleaning, folding, diapering, reading, loving and living sometimes I just need a break.  If it is Thursday, I look for Encouraging Moments Newsletter. 

You have heard me rant on and on over the years about TEACH magazine, right?  And you read the post about the new name, Eternal Encouragement?  Well, Lorrie has more for you!  Each Thursday Lorrie will send Encouraging Moments Newsletter to your email box FREE.  Yes, I said FREE.

Encouraging Moments is short but packed FULL of all kinds of goodies to encourage a mother's heart.  The issue I just finished reading discussed spiritual strongholds.  As always, Lorrie turns to God's Word to guide, direct and encourage.  

Also, Lorrie is on Facebook (who isn't????).  Tidbits from the weeks facebook discussion are available, as well as a link to Lorrie's facebook page. 

Upcoming dates to me Lorrie LIVE are listed as well.  Be sure to check and see if she is in your area - you don't want to miss it!  That is my dream!!!!!!!

Possibly the coolest thing in the newsletter is Chick Flicks for Mom.

During a quiet moment in your day, you can sit down and listen to Lorrie talk from her heart.  Honestly, these "flicks" are just like sitting at the kitchen table with Lorrie.  You can even submit questions or topics that you would like Lorrie to discuss and she will try to cover them in the future.  I think this is the best use of YouTube so far!  Lorrie covers all the bases with topics including homemaking, mommy-hood and marriage.

In case all the above isn't enough, a Timely Tip article from another reader is included.  I was encouraged this week by the testimonal about getting out of debt from Annie Herrick.  And finally, there is a link to subscribe to Eternal Encouragment Magazine (in case you haven't done so already - what are you waiting for???)

Subscribing to this FREE resource is soooo easy.....just go to http://www.homemakingwithteach.com/ and look for the box in the right hand corner.  It just takes seconds and the benefits are very worth it.

Also, head on over to http://www.thegabbymoms.com/ to see what others are saying about this wonderful resource.

****“I am reviewing Encouraging Moments as an official member of The Gabby Moms blogging program for Eternal Encouragement magazine.  I did not receive compensation for this post and all opinions are solely my own.



St. Louis City Museum

"Bizarre......this is really bizarre."

Those are the words I heard spoken by a young college age fellow I happened to be walking past shortly after we entered the museum.  I think that bizarre is the most fitting description for that place.  You honestly have to see it, to believe it. 

On the drive home, while reviewing the day with my husband, we discussed how City Musuem was the best place for an imagination to grow.  Living in the boonies, there isn't anything like it here.  If we lived closer, I would buy a family pass and I don't say that about many places.

Upon entering the first level, there are the caves.  Filled with "rabbit holes" as my husband called them, they would disappear in one spot and reappear in another.  Abby (in her stroller) and I were even able to walk through several paths and ended up on the M level.  There was a restaurant :)  We took the elevator to the 2nd floor.  I don't remember what was on the 2nd level.....must not have been baby oriented.  LOL  I think that is where the hampster wheel was, and the hallway of mirrors.  The 3rd floor was where it was though :)  Several rooms were filled with architectural relics, bug collections and small critter models.  Then we found the train (for little kids only), an arcade room, snack bar, "sponge" room (lots of big sponges that you could build with), block area (Abby really liked that), a toddler room with toddler sized slides, ball pit and climbing things, circus (Abby and Bear LOVED the show), "creation area" (face painting, painting, etc), a room with Japanese paper cutting and rag doll making, sock skating, trampoline jumping..........It goes on and on.  The 4th floor and roof terrace were closed when we were there.  THEN outside, there were catwalks, a larger ball pit, slides, ropes.  Plenty of places to grab a snack or drink and rest. 

The older boys just wore themselves out.  Norman followed Bear everwhere he wanted to go, even when it was questionable that he would fit.  Poor guy ended up with fluid on his knee and "road rash" on his elbows.  He is still barely moving.  I rode an elevator and pushed a stroller for most of the day so I don't feel too bad.

This was the BEST place ever.  I would totally buy a family pass if we lived closer.  They were super busy but the nice employee I rode the elevator with one trip said that they are mainly dead from Sept - Feb.  I don't know why, I would absolutely go there in the winter.....tons to do inside for kids that can't go out and play.  All ages can find something to do....even Abby played with blocks.  HERE is their website if you want to check it out.

Gone With The Wind

This is one of those cases where the movie doesn't do the book justice....but the movie is still lovely.

I REALLY need one of those dresses.  LOL

Anyway, I'm sitting here sipping echinachea tea hoping to nip the cold I am getting in the bud. We've got plans for the weekend and I really don't want to be sick.

I finished the quilt project I was working on and will get it to my customer this weekend.  Back to the tablecloth now :)  I'm still knitting swiffer cloths and hoping to maybe get a start on some dishcloths. 

My new "drool over" project book came in the mail this week......One-Yard Wonders: 101 Sewing Projects by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins.  I would like to make just about everything.  LOL  I think I will start by making a dinosaur for Bear.....or laptop cases for the boys.....or a dress for Miss Abby.  Wherever to begin??? 

I've got some knitting needles on order and hope that they show up by the first of next week.  I've got lots of yarn sitting here waiting to be knit up.  Oh the projects to do!  There really needs to be more time!

Well, I think I shall head to bed and get a little extra rest.  I hope to rest, anyway.  Goodnight all!

I Smell Spring

I think it might be coming.  It can't get here quick enough for me!  It's been a long, hard winter, physically and emotionally for me and I am ready for spring and the promise of a new start. 

Because I don't really have anything else useful to say and because I have pictures that are dying to be shared, here ya go:

Bear has it made.  He leads a charmed life.  It doesn't get any better than making your 9 month old sister push you around in your dump truck.

Abby says she can do it....she's a big girl!

Yes, she did move him, but just a little.  It was actually in her best interest for him to be in the truck when she pulled up to it, otherwise it would have slipped out from under her.  She's not walking....quite....but she pulls up to everything and cruises around.  She didn't win the prize for earliest walker.....Bear walked at 8 months, Greg at 9 months and Lee at 10 months......She is just a hair over 9 months :)

That is my super informative post for the day.  Stay tuned for more interesting updates at a later time!  LOL

Carie Creates

I've opened at Etsy shop!  You can go HERE to check it out.  If you are browsing around, my shop name is Carie Creates.  So far I only have dishcloths posted but I expect to have many new items in the next few weeks.  Help me out, and spread the word please!

Questions - Answered

Victoria, if the wet jet takes the "throw away" swiffer cloths (and I think it does) then this will work on it.

Briana, it does stretch a lot.  I think that even if it shrinks a little, like the dishcloths always do, that it will still fit as knitted.  The stitching allows for a lot of stretch too.

Julie, this is the 1st thing I've made from this book.  The patterns are very well written and easy to understand.  I am just dying to make the little Edwardian dress and jacket for Miss Abby :)

Knitting Project - Reusable Swiffer Mop Cloth

That's a mouthful!  LOL  Anyway, I know many of you are waiting with baited breath for these photos, so I snapped them as soon as I got it finished.  I had to pry the mop out of Bear's hands....he was so eager to use it. 

The pattern, found in Mason-Dixon Knitting: Outside the Lines by Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne, recommends using up little bits of leftover cotton yarn from dishcloth knitting.  I had a whole bag.  LOL  That is why it looks so.....eclectic.  I tried to tie the colors together with white but I don't think that it worked very well.

On the Swiffer.  Spray it with pledge to dry mop, get it wet to wet mop.  Fantastic!  I wet mopped my kitchen/dining room today and used 3 wet swiffer cloths.  I can't afford that.  This I can afford.  Mop and wash.  My kind of cleaning.

Bear wanted to model with the new mop.  He just about had to lay on the floor so I could get him and the mop cloth in the picture.

A happy little mopper. 

I still have the yarn out and the pattern is ready to go.  I think I need 3 more.  White probably isn't the best choice of colors but I have a lot of it.  Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitter's Guide by the same authors has a matching dishcloth pattern in it.  Instructions are also given to make a dog sweater.    So Sadie could match my dishcloths and mop covers.  Fantastic, huh?  I will absolutely be using this pattern again.

Super Bowl and Other Stuff

We hosted a huge (to us) Super Bowl party here Sunday night.  34 people in total....many of them kids.  We had great fun!  Wonderful food - shrimp/sausage gumbo, wild game gumbo, beef stew, chips, dips, pizzas, pizza bread, fantastic desserts.....the list goes on and on.  I was rooting for the Steelers :(  So sad they didn't win...... but that's ok.  A good time was had anyway :)

I should have taken pictures while everyone was here.  It was a good thing we have such a big living room and so many TVs.  People were watching in Lee's bedroom, Greg's bedroom and our living room.  Crammed in like sardines.  LOL  Good times, good times.....

The snow/ice melted just enough to make the whole thing ice....and then it got cold again....so it is like solid, smooth sheets of ice in our yard, driveway and some of the roads.  This afternoon I am venturing out to return movies to Effingham....I drove to church on Sunday and took Lee to the bus this morning.....I don't drive well on this stuff.  I don't remember when the last year was we had so much snow/ice/mess....and it has been so cold that it stays around forever.  We may never get rid of it.  I can't wait till spring gets here.  I need warm sunshine and flowers.

I think we will be planting a lot in planters this year since we don't know when we will be moving exactly.  We've had a couple of phone calls about the house and one couple wants to come see it but the weather slowed that down some.  Maybe warmer temps will bring just the right buyer.  I would love to be moved quick enough to plant a garden this year, but if not that's ok.  We will manage :)  We are usually given much produce and are sure to get some if we put the word out.  I am itching for a home-grown tomato.....oh the tastes of spring!!!!!

Well, I need to get back to work, so off I go.  Have a good day and stay warm!!!!!

Baby Burp Cloths

Today's project was some burp cloths for our minister's new grandbaby.  The expecting mother doesn't like pink (gasp!!!!) so I went with neutral yellow and green. 

A set of 3.  I thought that they turned out cute.

Rolled and tied up with some ribbon.....

Wrapped and tied with more ribbon. 

Bear and Abby played in Abby's crib while I was sewing. 

BEAR took this picture of me and Abby.  It is a terrible picture of me (why do I have such bags under my eyes????) but I doubt that there are many pictures of me and Abby so I thought I would share one.  You can see Sadie sleeping on the couch in the background.  LOL

So that was my day.  I got the burp cloths done and wrapped, I got the review done.  Bear, Abby and I played a lot and all the boys played outside.  Super Bowl party tomorrow!!!!!  Go Steelers!

A Review: The Miracle Of Mercy Land by River Jordan

Power outages are wonderful things when you have a book waiting to be read :)

The Miracle of Mercy Land is an intriguing book set in the south during the 1930's.  The story revolves around a mysterious book that arrives at the newspaper office.  The book shows the lives of those in Bay City, life choices made and those roads not traveled.  Everyone that "reads" the book says that the lives are felt rather than read about. 

Doc, the newspaper man and Mercy, his right-hand girl struggle to decide what to do with the book.  They don't understand why they have been entrusted with it or what they are to do with it.  As the story unfolds Doc brings a stranger into the mix, someone from his past and Mercy's past as well.  His being there muddies the waters and brings personal conflict for Mercy. 

While I will admit that this story is "out there", it is riveting.  It really makes you wonder about the intertwining lives of those in small towns.  Can one person's choice change the face of a town for 20 years?  That is the question that the book asks and Mercy is really the only one that can answer it.

If this book is any indication of future stories, I look forward to reading more by River Jordan. 

The Miracle of Mercy Land is available from Amazon for $11.89 or Books-A-Million for $9.64 (Club Members).  HERE you can read the first chapter for free :)

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

Abby's Legwarmers

I got them finished up while we were watching movies this afternoon.....I've already got plans for another pair :)  Anyway, here are the pictures:

Isn't she adorable???  She is rocking that cloth diaper and Thirsties cover too :)  They are almost too tight, that's all the higher they will pull up.

With her best buddy, Bear.  In case you were wondering, none of the males in this family ever wear shirts in the house....although it does look like Dad has one on in the picture below.  LOL  Today Lee wore his coat while outside, but no shirt.....Greg put on a shirt but no coat......I have no control.

All smiles.  Isn't she the sweetest thing you've ever seen?  We think so :)

Crawling on Bear is a good way to pass the time.  Normally he yells, "Don't eat me Abby, I'm not food!" but today he was being generous and didn't.  LOL

Ok, she's done.....crawling away.....till next time!

Hello!

We made it through the ice storm in one piece.  A generator is a wonderful thing :)  Many in our county are still without power although ours was only off for about 24 hrs. 

Today we made it out into the world.  Ryan's for lunch, Walmart for groceries, Family Video for movies and we are home again....snuggled up watching The A-Team.  Going to have buffalo burgers and fries for supper.  Yummy!

This is "Cooker Bear" in his new Cars apron that I whipped up on Tuesday.  I used the pattern for the girls apron in the book All Dolled Up: Sewing for Girls and Their Dolls by Joan Hinds.  Very easy.  It took about 30 mins. worth of sewing - but of course I eliminated the cupcake applique, the ruffle and modified the neck strap. Next time I make him an apron I will have to add a pocket.  Everyone needs a pocket :)

This is the kids Christmas Eve before we opened our gifts.  Sorry, I am slow :)

Bear loves it when I make him a blanket tent in the living room.  Actually, we have had one there for most of the winter.  Occasionally, he can coerce Abby into joining him.  So I quickly snapped a picture.  Aren't they sweet? 

I've got a review to do sometime this weekend, I want to finish Abby's legwarmers and get a picture posted and I need to actually finish the legwarmers and prepare for a Super Bowl party.  I also have a custom project that I am pushing to get finished for a customer.  Lots to do :)  Talk again soon!

Epic Ice Storm

I say epic, because I don't really remember one this bad before.  They said it would get as bad as it did in 1988, but I was only 11 so I don't really remember that.  It started sleeting last night and is still at it.  Sometime this evening it is supposed to change to snow.  At this point I don't think it matters.  LOL 

Norman bought us a generator and we have 2 electric space heaters to hook up to it.  A camp stove will be for cooking.  So far the power is still on but it is just a matter of time.  Who knows how long it will be out. 

I will update when I am able.  Stay safe and warm friends!

Swagbucks

Times are hard economically for everyone right now.  I've got a way you can earn a little extra money, without doing anything that you don't normally do.

Meet SWAGBUCKS.  Swagbucks is a search engine, just like Google or Bing.  You search for the stuff that you always search for and you randomly earn "swagbucks".  You can download a toolbar to each of your computers for ease of use and continuity of login (You wouldn't want to be searching while not logged in!). 

What can you do with Swagbucks?  Well, you can enter contests, giveaways, or save them up to buy things.  The list is extensive.  I save mine up.  When I get 450 swagbucks I "buy" an Amazon . com gift card ($5).  It takes about a week to get the gift card, then I go apply it to my Amazon account where it waits peacefully with all of its friends for me to decide to buy something.  Right now, I have $15 just waiting for me, all earned since the first of the year and I am 5 "bucks" shy of another $5.  I didn't do anything but search for stuff I was looking for anyway.  Can't beat that, can you? 

There are other ways to earn Swagbucks as well.  You can take surveys.  Buy stuff from online stores through swagbucks . com.......I bought Abby some shoes last fall from Diapers . com but I entered their store from my swagbucks page.....and I got double points (for example, spend $25, get 50 swagbucks).  Also, you can refer friends.  If you sign up from my referal link then I get to claim the first 1000 swagbucks that you earn from online searches (searches only).  You get to claim them also, so we are both getting 1000 swagbucks.  Cool huh?  Of course I would love for you to sign up under me and you can do so by clicking the links in this post, or by clicking the swagbucks ad in the left sidebar.  But don't let helping me stop you from signing up.  You can also go to swagbucks . com. 

I hope that this helps some of you earn a little extra cash.  We all love a little extra cash, especially when you don't have to do anything special to get it.  Blessings to all!!!!!!!

Our Current School Stuff

I could go through the list of educational stuff that I do with the babies but suffice it to say that they play....a lot.  We read, we color, we practice letters, numbers, shapes, biggest/littlest, colors....you get the idea.  Bear will start "formal" preschool next year.  I will post about all that stuff next year :)

For now, we are focusing on Greg.  He is 10, 5th grade.  Just finished Saxon 54....I will be ordering the next level (65 I think) sometime next week.  We are using  A Reason for Handwriting to learn cursive.  He hates it, I make him do it anyway.  It is what it is.  For science we are using Creation Science unit study by Media Angels.  Very thorough and he seems to like it.  We are also basing writing assignments and spelling words from that study.  Works for me.  That brings us to history.  I like Sonlight.  Actually, I LOVE Sonlight.  We finished up Core 4 in December.  We can't afford to buy another core right now.  So I am improvising.  I borrowed Diana Waring's new Ancient History curriculum available from Answers In Genesis from a friend.  It is nice.  It is geared with activities for all learning styles.  We skip most of them but that is ok.  I read the lesson to him on the first day, then he spends several days listening to material on the provided CD's, does the Bible reading assignments, we discuss the discussion questions, do timeline/map work.  Then he chooses a research/report topic from those given.  I have been giving him 3 days to do the report and he presents it at supper that night for the whole family.  That is forcing him to work on his thought organization and accountability. The whole history units are taking us 2-3 weeks.   He is reading books I assign that we are still working on from Core 4 (we got behind on that reading somehow) or Louis L'Amore.  He really likes westerns.  Our library card expired and I don't have any money for that either so I guess he will be reading my books for a while.  For read-aloud right now, we are reading through D'Aulares Greek Myths.  I thought he would like that but he doesn't.  Go figure! 

How our day goes:
I get home from taking Lee to the bus at about 7:45 a.m.  Greg gets up about 7:15 so I encourage him to get breakfast and get dressed when I get back.  School is supposed to start at 8.  Sometimes it is 8:30. 

Ideally:
At 8 a.m. Greg and I would sit down, I would read read-aloud, history lesson and we would work through the science lesson.  Then I would teach the math lesson and go over any spelling for the day.  After that, Greg is on his own to complete history CDs, Bible reading, regular reading, math worksheets and lessons, handwriting lessons, grammar corrections, spelling practice, etc.  The papers go on my pile and I will stop and grade/correct them as I go through the morning.  If he applies himself, he is almost always done by 10:30. 

Normally:
Bear starts begging me to play with him at 8 a.m.  I send Greg to get started on independent school work (I have all sheets, etc in a folder for each day so he can do that).  At 8:30 I manage to get away from the kids and we do read-aloud.  Then Abby wants a bottle so he works some more on his own.  I manage to get her asleep and put down and we read through history (or I start CDs).  Abby starts screaming so I quickly teach the math lesson.  I get her calmed down, convince Bear he can play with her or alone and manage to get science taught.  Greg finishes his independent paperwork and begs for a break.  I let him take one.  He comes back around 10 and works on math.  Then he convinces me that he will do his independent reading later.  He disappears.  Throughout the day I remind him until he finally gets tired of listening to me and just DOES the 30 mins. of reading. 

How's that for keeping it real?  You can tell if there is something special planned for the afternoon because Greg will just sit down and do his stuff.  You can tell when Dad is home because the schedule goes almost exactly like the ideal scenario.  The rest of the time, it is a crap shoot.  LOL 

Greg says he is staying home for school next year (6th grade).  He is wanting to try Switched on Schoolhouse on CD.  Hmmmm.......I guess we shall see.

Legwarmer #1 and Other Stuff

This is the 1st legwarmer for Abby.  How would I NOT have thought of this before?  They will be so sweet under her little skirts and a wonderful use for leftover sock yarn - I suppose that most of her legwarmers will match a pair of my socks :)  Norman measured her ankle to mid-thigh as 7 inches....the pattern I was using was for a newborn so I had to work several more increases and gave it 12 inches in length....as I finished it up I was so afraid that the top would be too loose, but it just fits.  Perfect!  Which means that she won't have much growing room but they should work for this winter and we will see about another pair next winter.  AS SOON AS I get the 2nd one done I will make her model them for ya'll. 

Abby learned how to "pull-up" to stuff today.  She cries once she gets there though because she doesn't know what to do or how to get down.  Had family for supper tonight and Norman fixed the goose that he hunted a couple of days ago.  He is really liking goose hunting.  LOL  I had chicken. 

Got a birthday party tomorrow - for our cousin Gabby, yes, Abby has a cousin named Gabby :)  Gabby turned 1 today and was one of those here for supper.  She is smaller than Abby, considerably.  I know that Abby is very big for her age, but it is days like this that I realize how much bigger she is.  LOL  Such a little monkey.

Anyway, it is getting late, but I wanted to share the picture.  Hope ya'll have a good night!

True Treasures - A Giveaway!

If my review of True Treasures peeked your interest you can enter to win a copy, courtesy of Homekeeping Heart!  Head on over HERE to read her review and enter :)

AND We Love to Homeschool is also giving away a copy - you can go HERE to enter :)

Good Morning!

I hope that everyone is well today!

Norman got up at 4:30 a.m. to go goose hunting.  In a boat.  On a lake.  It is very, very cold out.  I am fairly certain he will return an ice cube.  But he is hoping to get a goose, the 2nd time he has gone out :)

Regular laundry is in the dryer, diapers are in the washer.  Bear and Greg are still sleeping.  Lee is in the shower, Abby is in her highchair next to me, growling.  She got her first tooth in!  We were beginning to wonder.  She is pretty proud of it.  And she said Dadda, twice to me yesterday.  Daddy is pretty proud of that. 

Nothing exciting here happens until after I get Lee to the bus stop.  Then the pace picks up!  If I can get the little 2 settled doing something quiet, Greg and I start school.  Otherwise, he starts working on the stuff he can do alone while I feed Abby or play with the littles.  Sometimes 15 mins. playing will make all the difference in the rest of the day.  After I get "my" part of school done (I'm going to be doing a school posting soon!), I work on lunch, Motivated Mom chores or play some more depending on how things are going.

After lunch, which is almost always sandwiches or leftovers, I try to finish up any chores that are left, get something out for supper and put Miss Abby down for a nap.  Abby doesn't believe in naps (8 months old!) so sometimes this is in a exercise in futility, but I give it a good shot.  If she naps and if Bear feels that I have paid him enough attention up to that point (which is rare because he is 3), THEN I will try to get some sewing or quilting done.  You can see my current projects in the left hand sidebar.  I knit at night while watching TV with the family. 

Norman gets home from work around 4, with Lee (he meets the bus at the bus stop for me most days).  We usually eat supper early, around 4:30 or 5 and then I finish kitchen clean up and we settle in for the night. 

So, that's a little about us and how things operate around here.  I have a school post up my sleeve, for anyone interested.  I am also hoping to finish at least one of the legwarmers tonight so pictures of those to come shortly.

Have a great day friends!

True Treasures: 10 Years of TEACH Magazine

As most of you know, I've been in a dark place lately.  A couple of weeks ago, my wonderful husband recognized that I needed a break and sent me to town with some "mad" money to hang out by myself.  I grabbed a book before I left......True Treasures:  10 Years of TEACH Magazine by Lorrie Flem.  Once in town, I went straight to Starbucks, ordered a large Caramel Macchiato and sank down in a huge armchair with my book.  I only made it 2 pages before tears were flowing down my cheeks. 

Homemakers know that staying home all day is hard work.  I realize that the rest of the world believes that we are all sitting around eating chocolate and watching soap operas (I do eat chocolate, but not all day.  I do not watch soap operas, wouldn't even if I did have time).  Each day I am mom, wife, cleaning lady, teacher, pretend doctor, bottle holder, diaper changer, remote control wielder, laundry washer/dryer/folder/putter-awayer, train track builder.....the list goes on and on.  While doing all those things, I am giving advice, prayfully answering questions, kissing real booboos and giving pieces of my heart to everyone I meet.  So much goes out of me every day.....it is like "the force" is leaving my body.  God's love is the force and I am thankful that I am here to administer His grace, mercy and love to those around me....but sometimes I get empty.  Sometimes I get so dry that I can't soak up God's word on my own.  I need a human touch.  Frequently, TEACH magazine and Lorrie Flem have been that human touch.  Lorrie and those that share with her, use real life experience and God's words to encourage and lead those of us who are seeking back to godly womanhood.

True Treasures is the BEST of the first 10 years of TEACH magazine.  The articles are laid out on 2 page spreads; short little tidbits to help even the busiest of wife/mother.  She has divided the articles into sections so that you can quickly find the encouragement you are looking for.  Parenting, marriage, mothering, homemaking and serving others are all addressed.  I honestly believe that it would be impossible to come away from this book without having received encouragement.

True Treasures is available for $19.97 at http://www.homemakingwithteach.com/ .  While you are there, check out the other wonderful resources that Lorrie offers.  Also, please note that TEACH Magazine is changing names.  It is the same wonderful resource, with a more fitting name I believe.......Eternal Encouragement Magazine.  Use coupon code GabbyMoms to get $4 off True Treasures :)

If you want to read what others think about this wonderful publication, feel free to check out The Gabby Moms to see other reviews written by homemakers just like you!

***Disclaimer: I received this product for honest review from TEACH magazine as part of The Gabby Moms blogging program.  All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Lots Going On

As usual, there has been a lot going on here.  I suppose I can quit saying that when I am dead.  Anyway, I am very thankful to have been HOME a lot this winter.  I have kept the "running" to a minimum and stayed in the house.  Some of that was due to the depression that I have been under, some a conscious decision that I have made. 

I remember when I was a new mom, early in our marriage.....I hated to stay home.  I would find excuses to go anywhere....shopping, my mom's, the park, a friend's....sometimes we would just drive around aimlessly.  In the evenings we would drive to town, eat fast food and wander walmart.  It seemed so lonely and depressing at home. 

I realize now that some of that was due to my attitude.  Some of it was due to marital and financial problems we were having at the time.  Some was due to depression.  Some was due to my laziness....I didn't want to clean, cook or "deal" with these babies.  If I wasn't home, then the problem could be ignored for the most part. 

God placed many wonderful, godly people (mostly women) in my life around the time that Greg was born.  I can honestly say that their guidance helped keep our marriage together, introduced me to homeschooling and brought my heart back around to my home and family.  God is good!  I wish many days that I had learned more during that first year of marriage, when we didn't have children.  I wish that I hadn't wasted so many years when I could have made better memories for my children.  BUT, I praise God every day that I am where I am now.  I can understand some of the struggles others are having and no matter how "bad" things get, I know that God is here, He is working, ever present in my life and family.  He has brought us a long way so I know that nothing is too big for Him to handle.

One of the godly women that was placed in my path was Mrs Lorrie Flem, editor of TEACH magazine.  TEACH isn't a magazine about homeschooling, but about mothering, godly womanhood and homemaking.  An occasional article about homeschooling will be found in it's pages, as homeschooling is a big part of mentoring in our children's lives. 

I can't hardly believe that TEACH has been publishing for 10 years!  I must have found Lorrie early on, but it still doesn't seem like it has been that long :)  Please, if you are looking for godly encouragment on your role as wife, mother, and woman of God, check out TEACH.....their magazine has a new name....Eternal Encouragement.  I think that is fitting, as Lorrie gives encouragement about the things that have eternal implications in your life, my life and the lives of our families.  Anyway, I will be reviewing True Treasures: 10 Years of TEACH magazine later this week.  Please come back and see what this wonderful publication has to offer YOU!

A Little About Me.....

Since I am determined to keep this REAL and most of you don't know me in "real life", I thought I would list out some interesting tidbits about me, in no particular order :)

***I love to wear skirts/dresses but don't do it all the time.
***I wish I had a dress that required a hoop skirt (other than my wedding dress).  And I WOULD wear it somewhere :)
***I wish I had a bonnet.....although I know people would laugh if I wore it.
***I knit funky socks, and wear them, and they rarely match the other stuff I am wearing.
***I LOVE Italian and Mexican foods.
***I love bookstores.  I love that Books A  Million has huge armchairs that I can sit in and look at books before I buy them.  I LOVE that BAM has a coffee shop so I can sip coffee while sitting in the huge armchair and looking at books.
***I LOVE JoAnn's.  If JoAnn's had a coffee shop I would live there.
***I buy fabric and yarn with no idea what I am going to do with them.  That is why I frequently have 5 yard pieces of fabric (that is the amount required for a full length dress). 
***My hair used to be naturally blonde....I am now a natural brunette that acts like a blonde :)
***I am obsessed with HGTV
***I would love to travel to Oregon on a wagon train.
***I would love to live in a pioneer log cabin.
***I would miss facebook.
***I hope to someday go to Alaska.
***Norman might leave me there.  LOL
***I wanted 10 kids.
***Most days I want to string up the 4 I have.
***Have you ever heard my philosophy on snow?
***I LOVE the color pink.  I think that pink looks fantastic with chocolate brown.
***I hope to retire to a place in the mountains.
***I enter 2 times every day to win the HGTV Dream Home in Vermont.
***If we win, I want to live there for at least a month
***I don't ski and don't want to learn to ski.
***I clean when I am mad......I am generally a very happy person :)
***As of tomorrow, Norman and I will have been married 15 years.
***I love him more now than I did 15 years ago :)
***We had a rough start, but I would do it all over again.
***I hope someday to live in an assisted living community (they cook, they clean, they drive, I just exist!).
***I would like to go tomorrow.
***The kids are ready to drop me off.
***Norman is fairly certain that I am crazy.

That's enough for today.  Have a great evening!

Blogs, Lies and Real Life

How's that for a title?

I've been reading blogs for a while.  Started when the older 2 boys were real little.  That is where I learned early homeschooling, household scheduling....that is where I got encouragement.  Some blogs I have followed for close to 10 years now. 

Unfortunately, it has been brought to my attention that one of the blogs I have followed forever, one that led me to higher housekeeping goals, encouraged me to cloth diaper.....frequently stressed me out because I didn't feel that I could "measure up" to this person.......she was living a lie. 

I find it interesting that someone would make themselves an authority on homeschooling and housekeeping.  I guess I get the desire to BE better than you are.  She made this perfect life look easy though.  I often felt bad because I couldn't get my kids to do the chores hers did and my husband wouldn't eat the nutritious foods that her's did (even though she claimed if I kept putting it on the table he would eventually learn to love it).

In learning that she was "padding" her life a little I am learning to let go of a little guilt.  I've been striving all these years to be just like her......but now I see that I can only be just like me.  That's all God wants us to be.  I'm naive.  Although I always try to be truthful (and if anything make myself look worse than the truth), I understand now that people lie on the internet - even about the mundane, like school schedules and housework. 

I've got to rework my sidebar.  Her link is still over there, although she has taken her blog down after her "cover" was blown.  I will be reworking my blog links.  I need to add some new ones anyway.

Please remember that you, God and your dh are responsible for the workings of your house and homeschool.  You don't need to be like me, and I don't need to be like you.  I think we will all be happier if we quit beating ourselves up anyway. 

I Know God is With Me, But......

This is kinda a personal posting, but if my sharing helps someone else, I am very glad to do it.  Sometimes it just helps to know you aren't alone.

Depression has an interesting way of sneaking up on people.  Sometimes it is the smallest things that make me just want to throw in the towel - and suddenly I realize I am depressed and have to look back and wonder when it all started.  Today's revelation was brought on when a friend commented about paying off one of his last 3 debts.  I could only wish we had 3 debts and that one was newly paid off!  LOL  But it is more than that and I know it.........

My battle with depression began many, many years ago.  I never felt like I was good enough and my people issues didn't help matters any.  I prefer to keep things bottled up.......I don't ever really remember exploding.  I just figure out how to deal with it.  Probably not well, but that is how it goes I suppose.  I graduated high school, got married, had Lee.  I don't really remember being excited about graduating high school, just resigned to my future.  My wedding day was the best day of my life, but even it was shadowed by hurt and disappointment, as the people I hoped would want the best for me were not supportive.  They couldn't even pretend to be happy for me and as much as I tried to ignore that disappointment, it still clouded my otherwise wonderful day.  Because of my choice of husband, we had no financial help in the wedding arrangements (aside from dh's mother who helped when she could).  Life doesn't seem to work out the way you want it to sometimes.  I have a feeling this is turning into a pity party, so I'm moving on.

After Lee was born, Norman lost his job.  We were getting ready to lose the house we had bought and had nowhere to go.  A last hour miracle financed us a trailer on my parent's ground.  We had nothing.  I don't remember fighting a lot but its hard when you don't even have the money to buy groceries.  Norman bounced from job to job while I tried to go to school.  The fighting started.  We drifted apart.  When I found out I was pregnant with Greg, I decided I had to either give this situation everything I had, or get out.  I decided to stay.  Greg was born and I hit the bottom.  I can honestly say that was the worst year of my life.  Norman got a great, steady, financially wonderful job shortly after Greg was born.  However, he had to work away from home.  There were many days that I didn't get out of bed.  Still, my memories of that year are a haze.  So many wonderful opportunities with my oldest 2 children slipped through my fingers.  Great friends and an amazing God got me through that year and helped me get out of that dark place. 

Depression is a very dark place.  Often, the depressed person knows they have a problem (I hate when people say if you know you are depressed, then stop)......they just don't know how to fix it.  Fear places a person in a place of inability......inability to think, to do, to plan.  Inability breeds and grows. 

I've struggled some since then, but I can honestly say that things have never been as bad as they were then.  I wish I could say that I have conquered depression!  Maybe people who don't care what others think, maybe they aren't affected as much.  I don't know. 

Our current situation is a mess.  If you are a personal friend, then you know what is going on, otherwise HERE is the quick story.  Feeling abandoned by the people that should love you the most is the worst feeling.  I don't wish that on anyone.  Loneliness has crept in.  I look around and want to change the house, bring in a breathe of fresh air, but what is the point?  We, God willing, won't be here that much longer.  But what if we are?  What if this house never sells?  What if we can't get financed for another house?  What ifs......they sneak up on you.......a person of fragile emotional bearing is very vulnerable to the "what ifs". 

God holds me up.  Every day I feel Him and I know that without Him I would be nowhere. Sometimes I need a little reassurance though.  A little earthly reminder that things are going to be ok.  I am trying to remember that sometimes you don't get that.........sometimes things that we can't control happen. 

A little change will do me good, and maybe a little more in a direction that can help our future.  Right now, there are so many variables.  I am thankful for the things we have and hope that the future is bright. 

Sometimes I just want to cry.........

Strawberry Shortcake Blanket - For Sale

I just finished making this adorable Strawberry Shortcake blanket.....and it is FOR SALE!

The design side is cotton print, the reverse is chenille.  It measures a generous 36 inches by 54 inches, perfect for a little girls toddler bed or as a throw for a bigger girl.  Price is $30 plus shipping, if necessary.

I am in love with it!  Don't despair for Abby, I have more Strawberry Shortcake material set aside to make something super cute for her :)

Welcome to the New Year!

To start us off, a picture of my favorite little girl....

She is sporting a new sweater dress (Old Navy), new tights (Walmart - the heavy cotton ones), almost new boots (Pedipeds, she got them last month) and the new headband I finished knitting for her last night.  It is made from the same yarn as the cell phone case I showed pictures of in the last post.  Someone asked where I got the yarn.....I am fairly certain that is from Knit Picks because that is where I get almost all my yarn.  I have no idea what the coloring is called though as I have had it forever and the label wasn't on it anymore.  It is a sock yarn (and machine washable) if that helps :)
Trying to get organized this year.  I say that every year.  Some years are better than others.  Four children really aren't any harder than 2 or 3 but there is more of everything......more toys to put away, more clothes to wash, more hands to keep out of stuff, more people to take places.  In the end it takes more mental energy if nothing else and I don't really have any to spare :)  I bought the Motivated Moms planner this year.  I looked at it last year and regretted not getting it all year.  So far I've only used it 2 days but I am liking it.  Daily chores are listed for the whole week on the left (in the layout I got) and bigger chores are listed by day on the right.  Plenty of room to write in your own stuff (appts., etc). 

Looking forward to some changes this year.  I normally don't look forward to change, but this is a good one so I am taking it.  Lots going on here, so if you feel led please pray.  I will share as stuff happens :)

My sewing/knitting business is taking off.  I'm not rich yet :) but staying busy and I love it.  It gives me a reason to create.  Lots of plans in my head.  I visited the quilt shop for some fat quarters last week and came home with more ideas.  My priorities for MY stuff are: denim quilt for Lee, chenille quilt for Abby and a new diaper bag for me.  We will see how it goes while working on orders and packing, etc.  I am staying flexible!

God has been so close to me this year.  I am looking forward to another year of seeing what He has in store for us.  I hope that all of you have a wonderful year as well!

Knitted Cell Phone Case and Other Pictures

I knitted a cell phone case!  I had to rework the pattern a little because I couldn't find the purse frame the pattern called for (very frustrating by the way).  I ended up putting an I-cord in the casing, leaving it open at one edge so that I could be hooked to a bag clip or over the wrist.  It also works as a drawstring so the phone doesn't fall out. 

I needed something to put next to it to show size so I grabbed my sunglasses, which by the way fit in it perfectly!

Since I am uploading pictures anyway, here are some new family shots:

My family :)

A Book Review - Tandem by Tracey Bateman

As a new Blogging for Books reviewer I was so excited to get my first book, read and review it.  In my house, nothing ever goes like planned.  I read through the list of available books and then was called away from the computer.  When I came back the next day I didn't reread the book descriptions, I went from memory, which is never a good thing with me.

I received my book and was excited to get started reading while Abby took her afternoon bottle.  After the 2nd chapter I had figured out it was a vampire novel.  Bleh!  I am not a big fan of vampire love stories, but I did love Anne Rice as a teenager so I decided to keep plowing ahead and hope for the best.  After the 4th chapter I couldn't put it down.

Somehow the author manages to weave vampires, a saucy mystery, a romance (not with the vampires so much) and a little Christianity into one book.  Tandem seems to be the 2nd book of a series (Thirsty being the first) but it can absolutely be read alone.  I fell in love with the main character, struggling to find her own identity while caring for her ailing father.  I empathized with the main vampire character even if she did appear to be a little stuck up at times.  Several of the other characters surprised me, so I'm not giving away the story :) 

If you want to read a little on your own you can see the first chapter HERE.  Although I will try to choose my books selections more carefully in the future, this was a pleasant surprise.

DISCLAIMER *****I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Merry Christmas

A little late, but better than never, I suppose.

We have had a wonderful holiday here, celebrating the birth of our Saviour.  Norman and I always try to keep the focus on the real reason for the holiday and again this year I was reminded often of why we were celebrating.

Sunday evening we met with a group from church and went Christmas caroling.  I love to Christmas carol.  I always feel so blessed afterwards.  There was snow on the ground and flurries in the air making the atmosphere just perfect.  We ended the evening with pizza at Joe's in Newton.  I love their new addition.  The fireplace is delightful!!!

Monday evening, I fixed a dinner for Norman's mom, sister and her family and cousins.  It was nice to have the house packed with people.  I carefully dressed the table and used the good dishes.  It was somewhat embarassing to discover that we only own 4 butter knives.  LOL  So we shared, we were only using them for butter anyway. 

Wednesday evening we gathered up our crew, plus a spare, and met some friends at McDonald's for supper.  Afterwards we visited the park in Olney for the light display and the little ones were able to sit on Santa's lap.  It was very nice.  I love to look at the lights through the eyes of a 3 year old.  Bear was enchanted to see all his favorite characters all lit up in the park.  I think he met some new ones as well.  I have very fond memories of driving through that park during the Christmas season.

Thursday we braved the crowds and made a trip to town for movie rentals and last minute shopping at Walmart.  By that, I mean, the boys got gift cards from Grammy that were burning a whole in their pockets.  LOL

Friday we celebrated Christmas here as a family.  Norman was off work and we decided to do gifts on that day so we would have the whole day to spend together.  Norman blessed me with a cricut.  I enjoyed the 2+ hours that I was able to scrapbook but was depressed to realize how far behind I am!  I wonder if I will ever get to Abby's pictures??  The rest of the day was spent with games and Rock Band.  Too bad I've had a cold for a week and couldn't sing.

On Saturday, the boys and I stayed home while Norman went to work.  Normally we would have went to be with my parents or grandparents, but I just didn't feel that we would be welcome this year and didn't want to deal with the stress.  Christmas shouldn't be a time of family strife, so I proposed to make it stress-free, for my family at least.  The boys and I tried to build gingerbread houses (an epic failure) and then spent the rest of the day playing Xbox and watching movies.  When Norman came home from work he showed us all how to be gingerbread house architects.  LOL  Another movie and we concluded the day in bed. 

Today (Sunday), the boys and I are lazying around the house again.  Norman deemed the roads slick on his way to work so I didn't chance getting all of us to church.  I have really enjoyed spending so much time with my boys.  Normally we would all be doing our own thing in separate rooms, but for this weekend at least, we have made an effort to be together and enjoy things together.  I feel very blessed by that. 

I will be honest, and admit that at times loneliness has crept in.  I don't understand why members of my family have chosen to treat me the way they have.  I don't understand why they do the things that they do.  It makes me sad that I wasn't a part of the hustle and bustle (but don't miss the stress!!!!) of the family gatherings this year.  I realize that I don't get to make choices for other people.  They make their own decisions and choices, the words that they speak and the things that they do are their own.....yes, those choices frequently affect me and my family, but I refuse to let that get me down.  New traditions are being made.  Love was shared.  Christ is remembered.

I hope that all of my readers and friends have had a wonderful Christmas, regardless of the circumstances you find yourselves in.  Here, we are looking forward to a wonderful New Year......every day, week, month and year is a gift from God and I intend to use it to its fullest potential :)

A Penny for My Thoughts.....

I doubt that they are worth a penny though :)

I've been baking, a lot.  With 3 hungry boys and a growing dh I can't seem to keep snacky type things in this house.  LOL  Almost everyday, Cooker Bear and I mix something up.  Bear loves to cook.  I think it is mostly the mixing/pouring aspect but that's ok.  I suppose that there is some form of educational value in there somewhere but for the most part he thinks it is fun and it keeps him busy for a minute.  He is always so proud when Daddy complements him on his cooking.  Ever humble though, he always shares the credit with me or whoever else helped.  Such a sweet little fellow.

I finished the big project I've been working on lately.  A tied, orange and blue quilt, ordered by a friend as a Christmas gift.  Dh delivered it today.  I have a stockpile of dishcloths for sale and a hat or 2....so I decided to knit something fun.  I came across a pattern for a knitted cell phone case.  Cute as a button and made out of sock yarn.  Using up a little bit that was left over after a pair of socks came off needles, it looks fantastic.  I think I can use the pattern and more little bits to make me and Abby some headbands.  I love sock yarn and there are always bits left after a pair comes off the needles so this is a fantastic way to use it. 

Currently, I am using a twin sized flat sheet as a tablecloth.  With all the leaves in my table (and it makes it seat a "roomy" 6) none of my other tablecloths fit and it isn't a "standard" size.  So I ironed some fabric to make a tablecloth.  I am going with a 9-patch pattern of my own design.  We will see how it turns out. 

A new book I am gaining much inspiration from is Marie Osmond's Heartfelt Giving: Sew and Quilt for Family and Friends.  My favorite project from the book is a ruffled shower curtain.  Marie does it in pinks and black.  I can't imagine all the testosterone that lives here going for those colors but I might try something in blues or greens.  I love it :) 

I am looking forward to the New Year.  Many changes are before us, but I am at peace with all of them and ready to embrace our future.  We are together and happy, that is all that really matters!  Stay warm, my friends!!!!!

Freebie!

My real-life friend and fellow homeschool mommy blogger, Vicky, has blessed us with a Christmas gift!  Head on over to her blog and check out the Family Meal Time Conversation Starter Cards that she and her family have come up with.  We all know how important meal time is but sometimes it is hard to get the conversation going.  Vicky says her children feel left out when she and her dh get to catching up.  At our house my dh and I can't hardly get a word in edge-wise because of the kids.  LOL  We all have challenges.  I love the idea and look forward to using them.  Thanks again Vicky!!!!!

School

I'm waiting on Greg to get up (he is not a morning person) so decided to update on school around here.

Bear:
*knows all his shapes and colors
*knows most body parts
*is familiar with positional words and directions
*learning left from right
*learning letters A-F
*he can count to 20, but we are working on number recognition
*basic addition (he understands 1+1, 1+2, etc)
*he has most of his favorite storybooks completely memorized and can "read" them to you.  He is getting new books for Christmas.  I hid all the early readers so I would have something new he could read while learning phonics otherwise I won't know if he is reading or reciting.  LOL

Greg:
We finished up modern American history.  I love American history.  We started ancient history.  I hate ancient history.  We are using Diana Waring's new series available through Answers in Genesis.  She makes history interesting and even I am not bored.  Right now Greg is enthralled with Louis Lamour books.  Our library card expired so that is a problem, but he is reading from our extensive stash of historical fiction and biographies...the stuff he really likes.  Right now he is reading Davy Crockett's autobiography.  He says it is very good.  Math, language arts, spelling, and handwriting are going well.  We are reading Men of Science, Men of God for science and Minn of Mississippi as our read-aloud so that is covering science.  Diana Waring has science topics woven through her curriculum so after the new year we will pull some stuff from there as well rather than do science separately.

I guess that is about it.  Everything is going well.  After so many years of homeschooling we finally have a good routine and so everything just kinda gets done.  There are crazy days and days when it takes longer than others but for the most part everything is fairly stress free. 

Now Greg is late getting up so I get to go be the bad mom.  LOL  Have a great day!

Winter Weather

***To my readers on facebook ***  I know most of this is old news to you, but I do have other readers that don't live around here or aren't with me on facebook.  Feel free to read on or skip :)

It snowed Sunday.  If you ask me if I like snow I say yes.  Almost always.  I like snow.  It looks pretty, I like to feel it float down on me, I love the peaceful feeling that seems to envelope everything when it snows.  However, I hate to drive in snow.  I hate to be driven around in the snow.  I hate for people I love to be driving in the snow, or away from home when it comes.  So, I guess really, I like snow when I am home, everyone I love is home, and nobody has to go anywhere for the forseeable future.  I think you can see the problem there. 

Snow causes me major anxiety.  It had just begun snowing when Norman left for work Sunday morning.  By the time I got back up at 6:30 it was really coming down and there was a good coating on the lawn and driveway.  It wasn't blowing, no visibility problems, so I decided to be brave and go to church....a 30 min. one-way drive from our house.  Unfortunately, Norman had fallen on a patch of ice in the parking lot of work (along with 7 others in 25 mins.).  Fortunately he met us in Newton and went to church with us.  Poor guy couldn't straighten all the way up, or hold any weight in his right arm, but he was being a trooper.  Anyway, by the time we came home, it had started blowing.  We had plans that night.  A beautiful candlelight service and supper with friends.  I wanted to go, but didn't want to go.  Norman said we would go to supper, as it was only 5 miles from home.  We made it down our long drive, couldn't see for a good part of the drive, made it to our friend's house.  Had a quick supper and everyone headed for home.  We were gone less than 2 hours and our driveway was drifted completely shut.  We drove through the grass at the road end and managed to make it 2/3 of the way to the house before becoming completely stuck.  So we walked the rest of the way (not far really, couldn't have parked that close to Walmart).  Very thankful that we were home, warm and together.

By morning the snow had stopped and the blowing had stopped, but the snow fairy had NOT dug the van out of the driveway.  Things being what they are currently with extended family, the boys started digging.  Norman tried to push the van out with his truck.  Finally he got a come-along and chain and managed to get it out after all day of working on it.  The boys shoveled a lot of snow.  LOL  Norman couldn't get in to see our doctor on Monday because she was out of the office so he stayed home from work on Tuesday to see her.  Lee got out of school on Monday but had to go back today. 

Now, our driveway is passable.  I am still afraid to drive down it.  LOL  I hate to drive in the snow.  I haven't left the house since Sunday evening.  I have no idea how bad it is out there (and I hear the roads aren't bad at all), but I really have no desire to find out.  Grocery shopping will need to be done at some point though. 

I wonder what the odds are of me being able to stay home for the rest of the winter?  Not good since I have to take Lee to the bus every day, LOL, but you can't blame a girl for trying!!!!!  I suppose that God made snow so pretty so that we would be able to tolerate all the inconveniences that it brings.......I will try to remember that next time!