My Most Recent Projects and A New Bear

First off......a New Bear:

He got his hair cut this week.  Really cut (obviously)....not just a trim.  He is thrilled.  I cried.  Such is the life of a momma with growing boys.  Now, onto my most recently completed projects:

These 1st 2 are "baby" blankets.  The wildlife one is for he "big" brother and the colorful farm patcwork is for the new baby :)  They turned out super cute.

These next 2 are the lace project I've been working on.  My FIRST lace project.  I am very pleased with how well it turned out.  The butter yellow color looks great in my living room.

And a pink apron sewn for a customer.  The little lady wanted it in pink plaid snuggle flannel so that is what she got :)

It is snowing here.  I can't hardly believe it.  Very depressing.  Especially since the temps were in the 70's early this week.  Bleh.

The appraiser is coming to look at our house on Wednesday next week.  Greg and I are packin more "non-essential" stuff.  Of course, I believe that most of my stuff is essential so it is very difficult.  LOL

I'm leaving you with a couple of pictures I ran across on the net the other day.  I love them :)  I wish I could look so beautiful while knitting.....

Need a Shot?

What do you think of when you hear the word shot?

A painful shot in the arm or elsewhere???  Keep in mind that this shot is full of healing medicine......

Or how about this -

What about a shot of coffee early in the morning?  Does that give you just the boost of energy you need to get going for the day?

How about a shot of help, encouragement or experience?  I want that!

Today, I want to introduce you to the Encouragement Membership Program.  Doesn't that sound helpful?  Developed by Lorrie Flem of Eternal Encouragment Magazine, this program was created to help you!  Each month, a subscriber to this program will receive a "Super Shot"; 4 products (audio, video or textual) that Lorrie has created to help you dig deeply into a problem or concern that you might be having.  By focusing on that one area for a short period of time, you can learn what God's will is for you in that area and learn from His leading and direction.....Lorrie just guides the way!

I had the wonderful opportunity to check out A Super Shot of Preventing Parenting Pits.  Let's just say, Oh My!  I was momentarily overwhelmed by all the great information this bundle contained.  I plugged along though and was so surprised to be learning so much; and my children were too!  Just wait till you hear the CRIJ rhyme for kids :) 

Each Super Shot contains 4 products that are exclusive to THIS program.  Nothing that you have seen before from Lorrie!  The videos are similar to the Chick Flicks for Moms but longer, more like a mini workshop.  The Super Shot I reviewed also contains a new book by Lorrie, Consistency, Consistency, Consistency.  Now remember, each month you get a different Super Shot, with 4 products each and the cost is only $7.97 a month!  Can you believe it?  I couldn't, but it is true :) AND if you subscribe to the Encouragement Membership Program before April 1, 2011 (when the site goes live) your price will only be $6.97 a month for the lifetime of you membership (NO FOOLING!). 

As I said, the site doesn't go live until April 1st so make sure to keep checking back at http://www.eternalencouragment.com/ and HERE for all the latest news and information.  This will be both healthy and energizing for you :)


***I received this product free as part of The Gabby Moms review program :)

Reflections: Power of a Praying Wife Day 7

His Mind

A successful person is almost always successful in his mind before it plays out in his life.......someone who frequently fails has probably already decided that was going to happen before the project ever started.....and after a while, they quit trying.

Confidence.  I can usually tell who the confident people are.  In a room full of people, they are at ease with the conversation, their surroundings and who they are.  The rest of us (me) are usually praying we find someone we know, can go home early or can hide in a corner.  But we've been over my dreadful social skills, so I will spare you that.  My wonderful husband is a confident person.  I think that attracted me to him.  Not afraid of anything, willing to just jump in and give something a go......even when it didn't work out, he very rarely took it personally.  Sometimes I would get tired just listening to him plan or watching him do, do, do.

That confidence has been shaken.  I really didn't think that was possible, but it is and I (as his biggest supporter and helper) should have seen it coming.  Now I am praying that God give that back to him......show him that he isn't a failure, that sometimes things just aren't in our control.  I'm asking God to give him back his spark and take away his fear (which is the topic for tomorrow). 

I'm also asking God to give me a little confidence.  I am not a doormat to be pushed around.  My thoughts, plans and feelings count.  I am worth respect.  I deserve to be treated as they want to be treated.  And I always have, I just didn't know it :) 

Whether your husband is a confident man or not, pray for his mind.  Dreams die in the mind of a man before they even get to the planning stages.  Ask God to give your husband wisdom and discernment and the ability to act on his ideas (if they are also God's).  If your husband is confident, be on guard and pray about things that might attack him.....they are many.  Most of all, keep praying!

Reflections: The Power of a Praying Wife Day 6

Temptations

I know that my husband is frequently tempted by the world around him and I pray for him to be able to resist, that God would open a window for him to jump out of, every day.  But for the sake of this conversation, lets talk about the temptations that I face. :) Remember, I can only change me.  The rest is up to God.

I suppose that I am not tempted by the usual stuff......alcohol doesn't call my name (although I don't mind a good drink occassionally), never wanted to do drugs, not into porn........I suppose that my temptations are more mundane....the bowl of ice cream after dinner (when I know I had to many snacks throughout the day), facebook when I should be cleaning something, a quick internet purchase that nobody has to know about (remember to pray for financial control!).  I find my temptations to be more habit than anything.  I do things sometimes without even thinking about it.  So I pray, today, for my husband and also that I will resist the temptation of worldly things and keep my eyes on my priorities: God, husband, kids, church......everything else will fall into place :)

Praying

I used to be a news junkie.....before 9/11 it was bad, but for several years after I woud have Fox News on in the living room almost around the clock.  I just needed to know that everything was ok  in the world I guess....by my definition of ok anyway.  Sometime in the last year, I quit watching the news all the time.  I was spending my early morning ours in prayer, bible study and facebook (If there was time).  Occassionally, I would check the local news or catch a radio broadcast.  After Sept., when things got so bad here, I just needed to focus on our problems and not worry about anything else.  Facebook became my major source of news then, as I could get feeds from Fox News and friends were always commenting about local stuff. 

The stuff happening in Japan right now is unimaginable.  I just went and looked it up; Japan is smaller than California or Montana and just larger than New Mexico.  Earthquake, tsunami and possible nuclear meltdown (at 6 facilities!)......I just can't fathom the devastation, desperation of those people.  I keep praying for them, but I don't know what to pray for.......stabilize the power plants - but they don't have food or water......send them food and water - but they face radiation poisoning......What about housing, medical needs, transportation???? 

I asked at church this morning what a safe distance was from a nuclear facility facing meltdown and we all agreed that whatever it was we would go twice that far away.......but if there was a nuclear problem in California, would I consider going anywhere near the state at all?  If something like that happened in IL, do you think I'm hanging around if there are any other options?  Even if it was as far away from me as possible?  But with limited supplies, no roads, even if these people wanted to leave, could they?  (And I fully intend to find out where the nearest nuclear power station is to me)

I just keep praying, even though I can't see the answers.  I know God is over there in Japan and that they are strong resourceful people.  I am thankful that those here in the states that were affected by the tsunami are ok, and pray for the families that lost loved ones.  I just don't know what else to do.

Enough rambling.  Praying with me for those poor people, Christians or non......hug your kids and count your blessings today, as there are few with problems as great as those faced by the Japanese right now.

Reflections: Power of a Praying Wife Day 5

My parents never were overly affectionate with each other.  No lovey-dovey stuff there.  So I started married life ignoring affection all together.  It wasn't that I didn't like a quick hug or kiss, but I didn't make it a priority.  My wonderful husband comes from a very affectionate family.  He often walks on the very thin line between decent and inappropriate.  LOL  I am learning and he has backed off a little bit......and the kids frequently roll their eyes and tell us to "get a room".....so I suppose we are doing ok, now.

There were many years in there though that my poor husband felt like I was shunning him when I dodged his embrace or walked away from a kiss.  I wasn't necessarily doing it to hurt him, but couldn't he see I was busy?  I had things to do!  I have since learned that a 5 minute hug isn't going to make or break my day.  Snuggle on the couch while watching TV (difficult sometimes with 2 little ones crawling on us as well)....hold hands in the car......I try to find ways every day to show Norman that I love him a lot. 

In this department it is the little things that make the big difference :) Pray about your attitude toward affection.  Show some, even if your husband doesn't.  Our actions speak much louder than our words :)

Reflections: The Power of a Praying Wife Day 4

Sexuality.

Hmmmm.

Well, lets just say that if you are married, you should be doing it and you should probably be doing it more often than you are.  Also, attitude is important.

Prayer changes everything :) 

That's all I'm going to say about that!

Reflections: The Power of a Praying Wife Day 3

Finances.

Bleh.

I like money (who doesn't)....I like having it, I like spending it, if there is enough I don't even mind sharing or saving it.....but I hate handling it.  Dealing with it.  Worrying about it. 

In our marriage, Norman makes the money and I deal with it.  I don't like it, but it is what it is.  So yesterday, I prayed for a better attitude about dealing with it.  I am praying that I become a better money manager.  I pray that God will give ME and my husband discernment in our spending habits. 

Starting today, I will be praying before making any extra purchase, even if I consider it a need.  Stick strictly to the budget in all areas barring an emergency.  I am also praying that God will bless my efforts to supplement my husband's income. 

Keep praying!

Reflections on Day 2: The Power of a Praying Wife

I feel my husband is blessed because he has a job that he enjoys and that pays enough for us to feel financial secure.  However, my husband is a correctional officer, and that position doesn't come without danger.  I frequently find myself praying, "Lord, please keep him safe today." 

I learned early on in his career that if I felt the Lord prompting me to pray, I prayed!  Frequently he would tell of a fight or other difficult situation at work that he had to deal with that day and the time would coincide with when I felt called to pray. 

Stay with me ladies and keep praying!

Reflections: Power of a Praying Wife Day 1

If reading chapter 1 in the book didn't open your eyes, then you must be blind!  LOL  I am ashamed at myself to think of the ways that I have been tearing my wonderful husband down.  Not intentionally, mind you, but in the little things that I have let go......or don't do.....or flat out ignore.  Shame on me!  So, after spending the day in prayer and reflection, here are a list of things I am resolving to try to do better.  With hard work and a heart open to God, I know that He can make wonderful changes in my life and that those will filter down to my precious husband.  Here goes:

1.  Daily time spent in prayer with God, giving my husband to Him.

2.  Do my very best (no half-hearted attempts here) to keep the house picked up, the laundry done and supper every day.

3.  Work more dilligently in training the children, focusing more on Bear and Abby but the other 2 as well, to instill good work habits and character in them.  Bear has some major issues that need worked on.  I was waiting for Norman to do it, but that is my responsibility!

4.  No nagging.  Ever.  About anything.  Prayer always before bringing anything up that might be construed as nagging.  ***This is the most difficult for me.  I am a nagger.  I admit it.  May God and my husband forgive me***

5.  Diligence in the financial areas that my husband has given me control over. 

6.  Try to think of something small that I can do everyday to bless him (sweets after work, a new gadget, time alone, etc.)

7.  Look around and find things that I can do daily/weekly that will relieve his burden.  Small things can add up!

I also made it a point last night to LISTEN to Norman.  He wasn't talking about anything especially important, mainly work and his coin collection, but normally I would have "tuned him out".  Last night, I listened, asked questions and made eye contact so he knew I was listening (he knows I don't always).  I even learned a few things :) 

Feel free to comment on things that you have learned - share please!  Maybe the things that you have learned will help the rest of us!

Encouraging My Husband

The last months are really starting to wear on my wonderful husband.  A person can only take so much stress.  I've been looking and praying for a way to help him.  Finally, last night, I realized that the best way that I could help him was by praying for him. 

Many, many moons ago (probably 12 years!), I picked up a copy of The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian.  I can't begin to express how this book impacted me as a wife....and I think that it benefited my husband as well. 

Would any of you like to join me in spending 31 days in prayer for our husbands?  No matter your current circumstances, there isn't a husband on the planet that couldn't beneft from prayer :)  I urge you to grab a copy of the book, or pray on your own (there is a facebook page devoted to this) and begin blessing your husband through prayer.  It will be the best thing that you have ever done for your marriage, I guarantee it!

Some More Pictures

Before church this Sunday.  Aren't we cute?  See those adorable tights Abby is wearing?  I stood in line for an hour at The Children's Place in St. Louis Mill mall so that I could get the $15 tights for $1.47......yeah, I'm dedicated.  Or cheap.  I'm not sure which.

This is the only derby car race picture I got.  Daddy made Bear a Lightning McQueen car.  It did well :)  I spent the rest of the evening holding a sleeping Abby.

Bear and Abby after story-time at Helen Matthes Library.  They had a great time.  We will have to go more often.

Greg made this pillowcase for Bear today.  I gets bored in the afternoon so I am trying to keep him busy.  A yard of snuggle flannel is a small price to pay for a happy child.  The feel of that flannel makes you want to stay in bed forever! 

Ok, I think that updates pictures and such.  Have a good evening!

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.