New Year's Eve

Just finished a cup of tea (had somehow gotten a small sampler of this tea in the mail---see photo---that tiny tin of 5 teabags) and part of a scone middle daughter made yesterday. She made me a big heart, and I've been nibbling on it. Dealing with a sore throat and sore shoulder muscles (related somehow), and trying to get into a relaxed sort of mood. No big plans for New Year's Eve, but staying in and being cozy.

Wanting a restful weekend, with healing children (a couple of others have been sick this week), and good eats. I feel the strong need to stay in and nest a bit. Putter around and put away stray Christmas decorations, and get the house back into shape. With December being stressful with the death of my friend only 3 weeks ago, I realize I've not allowed myself to process that information---staying just busy enough with consuming tasks that's prevented me from giving in to grief. Hope that makes sense. I think our bodies know when our minds are fragile, and our instincts oftentimes tell us one thing when practicality tells us another. And who wants to be practical, eh?

The house still sleeps (oldest children have days off today), and husband is about to go to work. Will go for now---back to bed with library book.

Well, a sore throat is making the rounds---two sons have succumbed and their mother has quickly followed. Nuts. Seems we just got over that November virus and it seems too soon to have something else. The good news is that it runs its course in 3 days, or thereabouts. I'd just as soon be done with it, so I can enjoy the weekend before we begin school again on Monday.

Need to get the last of the Christmas decorations put away, including lights and wreaths outside. One son put away the tree for me (or did I mention that earlier in the week?), and I so appreciate that because I tend to get melancholy when I box up the ornaments---thinking ahead to what will be different when I get them out again. Not meaning to be dramatic, but I do get to wondering. A lot can happen in a year. Must remember the good things that are in the air, eh?

Treats

It's amazing how much a person can buy when their oldest son gives them a $50 Target gift card. I came away with a neat acrylic tray for putting my tea and toast on in the morning (on sale at around 4 bucks or so), a new Mary Engelbreit calendar (also around 4-5 bucks...such a deal my husband said I might want to make sure it's for 2010 and not 2009...I found that to be so funny), some stationary, some blush 'cause I've not been blushing for several days now, a pair of sweat pants for the least one (also just over $4, but which weren't large enough and will have to be exchanged...I hate it when that happens), and several 2-packs of bath towels---okay, the cheap ones at $2.99/pack, but who can afford the really thick and wonderful towels? Our towels had gotten to the reject status, holes galore in them, and better for dust rags than for drying off. So ridiculous. But money well-spent. I had fun.

The thing is, I have spent my last 2 Target cards on groceries, as a necessity. Could've done that this time (we're out of everything), but that would've been disrespectful of our son's generosity. He wanted me to enjoy picking out things and I did.

And, I have money still left on the card. Now I have to make a trip to Borders to spend the $10 gift card for there that my husband gave me! Lovely free money. :)

New Year's thinking

I tucked a quote at the sidebar by Voltaire, 'We must cultivate our garden', after finding it in a book I was reading over the weekend. Now, here's an admission. I'd been reading the A. McCall Smith book, and 'This is Your Brain in Love' at the same time. Try as I might, after reading both, I couldn't for the life of me find the quote, but I *think* it's in the McCall Smith one. Regardless, it fits with the story he writes, so here I babble on.... The main character of the story leaves London for personal reasons and relocates in a small English town for the duration of the war. Her circumstances change in one by her need to grow a garden. Now, the war wasn't the reason for her move, but something else---even so, she was driven to live her life a bit differently than she ordinarily would have simply because of war-time.

Anyway, she struggles over dealing with her personal pain (won't give it away here), and the reality of war in her backyard, so to speak. She gardens not only for vegetables, which were needed, but to soothe her mind. The thread that runs through the book (and one I need to hear) is that we have to sometimes focus on what's in front of us, and almost avoid looking too far outside of ourselves.

This is true in my life.

I can get so wrapped up in the folks who pretend to run our country, reading the news to an extent that's addictive, OR, I can spend all of that energy and angst in a positive way by taking care of my family. The idea of focusing nearer to home is so appealing, I had to memorize that quote. It just comforts my heart. I don't have to indulge in self-torture by gobbling up the daily events of the world, but I do have to tend to my personal garden. And these days, that seems to be plenty.

La's Orchestra Saves the World

Just finished reading Alexander McCall Smith's newest book, 'La's Orchestra Saves the World' and thoroughly loved it. I was leery at first since I tend to shy away from books dealing with WWII...it's just not my favorite era, but this book was wonderful. Very soothing and a treat from start to finish. It's definitely a book to buy and re-read.

One more thing...this book is very different from his others. It stands alone, and, as far as I know, his other writings are in sets of volumes. And while I'm not a keen fan of his other books (though they have the most wonderful covers), this one was a peach.

The day after

I really like the day after Christmas because all the hub-bub is over. Now, don't get me wrong---I'm not so much a curmudgeon, but a mother who's a bit overwhelmed at having eight kids and all that the holiday entails as a result of having all of these children. Life's busy enough, but put a major holiday in the mix and I'm not so settled in my head.

So, for now, I'm satisfied.

Looking forward to the New Year and fixing or adjusting things that haven't gone to suit me *this* year. Yeah, me and the whole human race, eh? Losing weight, making plans, adjusting attitudes, being calmer---the list goes on and on. But, the mindset is a good one. And I do love new beginnings.

I can actually almost excited at the prospect of all of it. :)

Merry Christmas

Nap-time can't come soon enough today. Couldn't get to sleep last night (it was 2:30am before I did!) and then got up at 7am to deal with the dogs. 'Course went back to bed until about 9:30am or so. I can't complain.

Right now the onions/celery mixture is ready to be put into the dried bread and seasonings. Yum. Turkey's in the oven and I'm about to leave for a minute to grab a Coke Zero. Just feeling a need for a zing, you know. Then, that nap.

But have to share what our three girls got me for Christmas. See the photo? My favorite doll...the Exquisite Fancy Nancy. Oldest son gave me a Target gift card, and might just buy her some accessories! :)

Enjoy your Christmas. We are indeed blessed.

Almost Christmas

It's nearly midnight, and all chores have been finished.  Got the house all cleaned up for dinner tomorrow evening, pies are made (2 cherry and one blueberry), bread all torn for stuffing, presents wrapped, stockings stuffed, Daisy the Pug almost completely well, and invites accepted for my mom and oldest daughter's beau to come to eat with us. 

Looking forward to the day tomorrow---not for the gifts, but for the chopping of celery and onions for stuffing.  I just love that.  Our Christmas meal is almost a carbon copy of Thanksgiving, with some minor changes.  That's my favorite part of the day.

Oh, and nap-time! :)

Christmas Eve

Sitting here at the dining room table with Daisy the Pug slung out on my lap...all 23 pounds of her.  When she was weighed at the vet's the other night, he made a comment referring to her size, saying that since pugs tend to be such loves, folks feed them a lot.  True, I guess.  She does love to eat, the opposite of her sister, Violet, who only eats because she has to.  The charts say that they should weigh between 12-18 pounds.  Oops!  But really, I'd rather refer to her as big-boned.

Another reason I love Daisy so much! :)  We battle the same monster.

Woke up feeling like I could take a breath for the first time in days and days.  My running around is done, though I habitually went to that mental place where I realized we needed toothpaste, another jug of milk, etc.  Have to quit that.  I can putter around today, just thinking about fixing meals and tidying up the house.  The way I see it now, if it's not done----it's not important or necessary to what I'm doing here.

A breezy, rainy day.  Just looked at the weather map and it appears we're in for a gully-washer in a bit.  The kids have a bit of running around to do, so hope the weather cooperates for them to get there and back.

Now off to enjoy the day!

Merry Christmas Adam

Daisy the Pug is better (thanks for your sweet comments), but Violet the Pug is desperate to play with her.  The thing is, when Daisy gets excited, she begins to cough again, so has to be kept a bit quiet.  Hard for the girls to not be able to get together, but will give it a bit more time before allowing them to sniff and snuggle.  Plus I figure that a bit more time on the antibiotic will get her into 'not contagious' mode.  Maybe by tonight they can be in the same room for awhile. 

Like most folks, trying to get into a settled mindset.  Not easy with Christmas breathing down our backs.  No matter how much I plan on not getting frazzled, it just seems to be a part of the holiday package.  But if I look at things rationally, I can see that all is well.  Money's tight, but what else is new?  I realize I'm hugely blessed and need to focus on that.

And you know, when I take a breath and look beyond grocery store runs, last-minute chores and the clutter and dust that surrounds me---well, I can almost feel festive! ;)

(our church is calling tonight Christmas Adam, which goes together nicely with Christmas Eve tomorrow...i'd never heard that one, but love the humor of it!)

Happy Christmas Eve-Eve-Eve

Feeling a bit wonky just now.  Yesterday certainly was full.  After a wonderful time at Molly's house with lunch and good company (her house looked so festive), we came home to Daisy the Pug still ill with an awful choking/gagging/hacking noise coming from her throat.  It'd started in the morning, and just escalated as the day went on.  By bedtime, we figured she'd sleep and whatever was wrong would go away....huh...wishful thinking.  She got a couple of the kids out of bed after 1am this morning, and I was so overwrought...thinking she really had something caught in her throat, that I asked Gary if we could take her to the animal emergency clinic. Of course, we did.

Her hacking began again in the examination room, and the vet instantly diagnosed her with tracheitis.  An inflamed throat in layman's terms, aka as sort of like kennel cough, though where she picked up any infection is beyond us.  Anyway, after a steroid shot along with an antibiotic and sedative, we came home.  She was asleep soon after one of the boys made up her bed in the kitchen (alone since she's contagious) and we followed afterward.  Asleep by 2:30am.  Not fun.

I was so sure she had something stuck in her throat, but the doctor said that if that had been the case that she'd not have had any restful moments between coughing spells.  She'd have been determined to get it out.  Makes sense in retrospect, but it never occurred to us that she was actually sick.

Not sure why I'm sharing this but I'm so darned tired, and needed to mildly vent.  So glad she's better without the awful hacking today.  Phew.  She's my personal Pug, and for her to have anything wrong with her is totally unbearable. 

Finally got that gingerbread cookie dough made and just took the last batch out of the oven.  Talk about smelling cozy.  After those cool, will frost them, and in the meantime, one son is making many loaves of cranberry bread.  Some for breakfast eating and a couple for gifts to neighbors. 

Saturday's plan, I think

OK, so yesterday's list was a bit of a flop.  Who really cares but me, hmm?  Nobody!  I did fit in some shopping, constantly reminding myself to have fun, not hurry, smile lots and occasionally swing my head from side to side so that my snowflake earrings would jangle.  Did NOT watch 'Prancer', make cookie dough (one son did that), hang outside lights or clean the house.  DID watch a movie, last night, with my husband---get this---'Terminator Salvation'---and enjoyed it very much.  A total guy movie, but hey, if he's happy, then so am I.  Besides he's worked so awfully hard this week, and deserved a treat....not that he has to earn it, but you know what I mean.

Am going to make attempts to avoid fretting today.  And to not look at these few days before Christmas as a chore.  It's supposed to be fun, least that's what the kids keep telling me.  Will put 'Prancer' on the t.v. while we dance around the house making cookies with wild abandon (snapping to attention when Sam Elliott pops up on the screen---mouthing the dialog since we have this movie memorized).  Gingerbread cookies definitely to mix up for today, and for sure hanging roping and lights around the outside doors. 

And fun.  Did anyone hear me say fun?  Absolutely. :)

Today...

• watching 'Prancer' later on...time for my Sam Elliott fix
• mailing package to in-laws
• mixing up more cookie dough for gifts
• shopping a bit, but not enough to drive me nuts
• cleaning the house for the weekend
• making out a plan of sorts for next week
• hanging up outside lights
  
• drinking copious amounts of Coke Zero to enable the above list to come to fruition

My list is likely a carbon copy of many other folks.  I tend to like to wait until the last minute for things....not so much procrastination, as joyful anticipation.  Depression has lifted, now time to enjoy.  My husband commented on everyone's Christmas lights outside as we drove home from the grocery store last night.  Said it was TIME we put ours out.  He said, "It's Christmas!  Hang up the lights!"  Can't be sad in his presence too awfully long.  He cuts to the chase, and glad I am of it. :)  Must be off now.

Just a small piece of cheese, please

One of my challenges on a daily basis is trying to NOT look at each day as running a race.  I tend to spend a few seconds in the morning, before I even get out of bed, making a mental list of what needs doing.  Then I must get into racing mode, because the rest of the morning is spent in cramming in as much activity as possible, not realizing that life can be enjoyable.

I'm so pitiful.

Christmas almost makes it harder.  The pressure of performing those duties has gotten a bit old.  And this year is the first time ever I've not hung up outside lights.  I have a *who cares* mentality, and the funny thing is, only one of the kids (the 18yearold) has asked about it.  Huh.

Rather I'm thinking the New Year and how I want to change things.  (don't we all?)  I really want the word 'simplify' to be on my radar, along with 'joy', 'relax' and 'laugh'.  My husband would get a kick out of that, being that he told me the other day that I've forgotten how to have fun.  Admitted that he has too, for awhile, but said that since he's searching/shopping online for a Harley, that at least he's got a tiny idea of what makes him happy.  Now, mind you, he wasn't being cruel, but tends to wrinkle his brow when he sees me being so angsty.  He's right.

Yesterday was such *fun* with my alone time and movie, that I'll have to pencil in some jollies today as well.  Life truly is short.  And happiness *is* allowed.  (make note to remember this)

'Julie and Julia'...my afternoon

Today has been my day.  The kids ate lunch with my mom, and I got 'Julie and Julia' at a Redbox and picked up a Greek salad at Fresh Market.  A totally delightful afternoon.  Not without its strange moments, however.  Had to call the kids to figure out how to make the DVD player work with the t.v.  Then the UPS man came by, startled me, and I tried to put the player on pause, only to succeed in turning it off.  Couldn't for the life of me figure out how to get back where I was, so ended up putting the disk in my laptop.  How much more elderly could I feel?!!

Anyway, a full lap of Pugs later, and I can completely say that I loved this movie.  My friends who've tried to impress on me how much fun the show is---well, they're completely right.  A treat for sure.  And we all know how much I've needed that.

Funny thing, though.  Was planning on making Potato Soup for dinner, but will stop by the store and find something a bit more fun to prepare.  Not a clue, but anything would be an improvement. :)  I'm figuring I'll have a different focus on dinner for awhile yet.  A good thing too!

Yes!

Feeling like a real person today for the first time in a LONG time.  Woke up when oldest son left for work...sometime around 6am, and couldn't get back to sleep.  Got up, had my tea and a smidgen of the coffee cake the little girls had made last night.  Felt a bit energized so folded a multitude of clothes that were gathering dust, then began to straighten the kitchen counters, etc.  Just felt good to be productive again.  I've been so beaten up by life, it's wonderful to be moving around again.

Grief made me into a sodden clump of a person.

I know the family will appreciate this, seeing the house sparkle again (they do tidy up, but it's just not the same as the mom doing it, you know?), and having permission to have fun.  'Bout time.

Now must be on my merry way.  I figure I'll crash soon enough, but it's not nap time yet!

A fresh, new week...I think

If I wasn't sure of some of my friends here being REAL friends, and of them visiting regardless of my mood, I'd shut up shop.  I realize I've been in a depressing mental place, and offer no apologies, but hoping that the darkness lifts enough for me to experience Christmas.

Figure if I look at life more in a daily way, I'll be able to manage.  Today is filled with schoolwork (again!), cleaning the house and washing dog covers, planning which day this week we'll bake gingerbread men (a tradition going way back for the week before Christmas week), and beef stew for dinner.

Little bites.  I think I can do that.

Oh, and want to recommend a book our oldest daughter bought and shared with me:  Saints in Limbo by River Jordan.  Finished it last night and it's definitely a keeper.  Not light, fluffy reading, but full of good quotes and it caused me to take a breath.  Always a good thing.  In fact, I just added it to my Favorite Books of 2009 list at the side.  Enjoy.

Bah humbug

Have done some Christmas shopping, but wouldn't mind just looking past the holiday this year. I still remember the hospice worker who took care of my neighbor 2 years ago telling those of us who were grieving that real grief can take up to 8 years to pass. I remember being shocked then, and it still makes me shiver. Thing is, we don't often get spaces of 8 years in order to process one loss before we're prepared for the next one. They overlap.

It will take awhile to recharge after my friend's death. It's almost been a week. I mean, we prayed for 3-1/2 years about her cancer. I want to *snap out of it*, but it ain't happening. And it won't. I know that. Honestly, to expect to feel better, really better, after a week would be laughable. What gets me so much is that I just recently was able to feel myself again, without tearing up about my neighbor being gone. Those darned milestone days smack us in the face, reminding us of their passing and in my life, the holidays seem to be the dreaded dates. My neighbor died the week of Thanksgiving and now Christmas has its own reminder. Goodness, I'm melancholy today.

It's like the daily weight I'd feel after the passing of my father 16 years ago. I'd wake up in the morning not remembering what had happened, and then it'd hit me. He was gone. And on it goes.

I don't handle death well. But who does? Of the most trying situations I've had to deal with, they've all had to do with the losses of folks close to me. And maybe everyone is the same. I don't fear the hereafter, but am so plagued by the messes that are left as a result of it. I absolutely hate it.

Resting today...

A very nice day. Gathered up the kids (excepting for two of them---one working, one wanting to stay at home), and we braved the light rain and cold to go to a local parade. Such a sweet time. Folks there were out simply enjoying themselves---a very welcome treat after this hard week. And oldest daughter's beau met up with us there, and he's here now, visiting with the kids in the living room. He fits right in. I hesitate to admit that because it means that she's growing up, but God is definitely blessing us. Truly, if I was having to make a pattern of the young man she'd spend time with....well, it'd be this one. But let's take this slow, shall we?!!

Amazing.

Actually glad one son stayed behind because we were able to call him from the truck to warn him we were bringing home company. He ran around the house with the duster and vacuum, making things tidy. Good thing!

Now will just enjoy what's left of the day.

Two weeks and counting...

Glad this week is winding down. Went to my girlfriend's memorial service Wednesday morning, which was sweet. I recovered enough yesterday that I could feel the kids lightening up around me. They've seen my grief, and have had their share, but to see me laughing and carrying on seemed to give them permission to be kids again. Yeah, you have to express your pain, but children (even teenagers) are unsettled when their parents are heavy into grieving. I tried to limit how much they saw me cry for that reason. But see me cry they did.

Now about to climb into the attic and dig out the winter clothes for the little ones. We have a Christmas parade to go to tomorrow, and I need to bundle up these kids. It's COLD!

Btw, hard to believe that Christmas is two weeks from today, isn't it? Am I ready? I think we all know the answer to that question! ;)

Thinking about stuff

OK, here's what I know. It's not much, but appears to be truth in my life. When I'm so wracked with sadness (like now), it seems that I'm putty in God's hands. Like I was reading the online news regarding the health care nonsense, and found myself totally releasing my worries about it. Just pointed to the computer screen, and asked the Lord to take care of that one, since it's so totally beyond me.

Pain makes me more pliable. I don't have the energy to fight, and am more willing to resign myself to what God wants, and not what I seem to think is so important. Am putting all my cards out there for whatever He feels is best. Not that I'll always agree, but really, it's just better that way.

I don't know diddly, but am realizing anew that what I gnash my teeth about is better handled in His time. There's a relief in that too.

(...but I think my head's gonna explode from trying not to cry in front of these kids. Dang. My girlfriend's funeral service is tomorrow morning at 11am, with visitation at 10am. This shouldn't be happening, but again, God IS Sovereign.)

A long post, but necessary for me

I need to get this down on paper, so to speak, and have a record of something. I shared about my old girlfriend who died early yesterday morning. She was only 49, much too young to die in my estimation, but then again, I'm not God. He truly has this all figured out.

Anyway, the story on her is that we grew up together---right across the street from one another. My first remembrance of her is us playing Barbies when I was about 5 and she was 4. Her parents both taught school, so Dana would be left at home with the housekeeper (lots of average folks in the South had women in to clean when I was a kid---not just the affluent), and we'd play. My mom was always at home, so if we weren't at Dana's with Willie (the maid, who I just adored), we were at our house.

Well, over the years, we lost touch. Our moms occasionally kept up with one another (they moved several miles away when we were in high school) and Dana and I knew what each of us was doing, but the closeness was gone.

Fast forward...Dana experienced a dizzy spell about 3-1/2 years ago, and went to the doctor, thinking she'd had a stroke. Turned out, she had a brain tumor. Amazingly, they operated and got all of it. The downside of the story was that the tumor had occurred as a result of lung cancer that had traveled. After chemo., radiation and much misery (we were in touch once again), Dana got a clean bill of health last December. What had been stage 4 cancer, was gone.

Zoom into the fall of '09...the cancer was back, and centered around her heart. A stint was put in place since the cancer was blocking an artery to/from her heart. She'd already had her fill of radiation, and couldn't have anymore, not that they'd zap her heart, but she did have a chemo. treatment last week.

On Saturday, I was standing at the dining room table, doing who-knows-what, and heard so clearly the Lord's voice telling me to call Dana. Now, I'd not had her on my mind, and was in the middle of some ordinary task. But, I've learned to listen to that voice, and immediately picked up my cell phone and dialed her number. She answered after a bit, and sounded so groggy, I asked if I'd called at a good or bad time. She admitted she'd just woken up and asked if she could call me back after she got herself together. I, of course, told her that that was fine. Well, she never called, and even now, I don't have a clue as to how the rest of her weekend played out. I just know the end result.

The call from my mom about her death was at 8am yesterday morning. And even so...even with all the grief I'm feeling, I'm so grateful that the Lord prompted me to call her. Out of the blue. One last time I got to hear her voice. How amazing is that? Pretty much so, I believe. God is truly a God of Grace. And I'm glad our kids got to know her---this person I'd known forever. We ended up going to the same church once again as well, and at the Saturday evening services we'd get to chat and catch up. I loved that. Our kids even became acquainted with her too, waving at her across the sanctuary. What had been a lost relationship was rekindled during Dana's illness.

Just needed to say the words. It's sort of like when a woman has a baby...it's said that it's healing to write down the whole birth experience. Helps you to deal with the good and bad, and to move to the next step. Guess I'm doing that too.

Time off (but not really)

Will be taking tomorrow off from the computer. Heard that the wife of my high school friend (who I referred to on Saturday) passed away at home this afternoon, and I'm giving myself a day to soak it all in. I'm in need of some time to deal with it....I rarely do that courtesy to myself, instead getting busy and stuffing the emotions down even further.

See you all later.
***************

UPDATE on Monday morning, around 8:30am. My old friend who I also mentioned in the Sat. blog entry died this morning as well. She was my first girlfriend, living across the street from us before we even started first grade. And while I'm so grateful that both of these women were believers in our Lord, the pain of their passing is so heavy. Families and friends grieve and that's the hardest part.

Going to the Family Force 5 Christmas Pageant concert tonight with 3 of the older kids, and will likely be hard of hearing when I return home.

NKJV Greatest Stories of the Bible

The NKJV Greatest Stories of the Bible is probably the best book I've reviewed for Thomas Nelson. I'm so impressed. The cover is beautiful---hardbound, without a dust jacket, so the photo you see is exactly like the actual cover looks. An heirloom piece.

What first attracted it to me was the idea of having an easier-to-read Bible available for our younger children. It doesn't look prissy or too valuable to tuck under your arm and tote around. It's very user-friendly. And while the translation is NKJV, the chapters read like a storybook. Yes, verses are omitted for the flow of the stories, but the truths remain intact. That said, it pays to remember that this isn't an actual Bible, but a book of Bible stories. There is a difference.

I highly recommend this book especially for families with children. What a wonderful book to have for snuggling in bed.

I'm a member of Thomas Nelson's blogger book review program and more information can be found at their website.

A cold, clear Saturday

Life sure is busy. As my mom says, "If it's not one thing, it's another." I have two friends who are dealing with cancer in a couple of ways. One is an old high school friend whose wife is in hospice care at home, and an old childhood friend who's suffering a relapse with lung cancer. A burden to bear, but lots of folks are praying. Have to remember that even in death, and maybe even more so, God is Sovereign.

That said, I'm so grateful for today. For a son who's been moved up the ladder a bit at work, thinking he'd be laid off for Christmas, but was given the surprise of a change to a different department (retail work can be such a drag!). Husband has a full shop and the surprise of chair repair work, which is wonderful, quick income when you need to buy groceries. :) All sickness is out the house, with residual coughs being the only proof that we've been sick.

Church tonight, complete with holiday music. Really looking forward to that! It's been over a month since we've been able to go, way overdo, so that'll be nice. Took the kids there, last night, to see 'Polar Express' in 3D...plus 'Charlie Brown's Christmas'. The least one had such fun, her eyes were all sparkly. For those who don't have children, you really need to get to know a kid during the holidays. They really do show the Christmas spirit in such sweet ways.

Now, off to write my grocery list. Must get that done so that when one of the older children gets back from running around I can leave.

Enjoy your day!

Violet, the attack Pug

Front door

Photography isn't my strength, but I think this one turned out pretty well. In an amusing way, finding ribbons that don't fight the pink door is a challenge in decorating it for Christmas. But, I think this works!

Around the kitchen this morning

December first

Woke up at around 6am, hearing our Shepherd, Opal, yawning (loudly) and shaking her coat---wanting to go outside, even though it wasn't time. Nuts. She's usually so good at telling time, knowing exactly when 4pm hits, since the dogs get fed a tiny, extra meal then. I mean, she gets it on the dot. So creepy. She'll walk to the dog food container and will just stand there until you either feed her or yell at her to go lie down. I often opt for choice two being that it seems that someone (furry ones included) is always instructing me on the next step I should take. Gets sorta tiresome.

That said, Opal needs to bone up on time-telling, being that they actually don't go out in the mornings until 6:30am. Yeah, half an hour does make a difference.

Anyway, am stuck at home today, which is a very good thing. Waiting on my truck tags which were paid last week, thinking they'll get here in the mail today. I have, in the past, driven on expired tags, and yes, have gotten tickets for it. One year I got pulled over twice---within a 2 week period. NOT going to experience that fun again. Court ain't no joke. I'm much more law-abiding now, let me tell you.

So now must be off. Much cleaning to take part in, and the house is still reasonably quiet---everyone's not awake yet, so can enjoy a bit of alone time. Oh, and the kids eat lunch with my mom tomorrow. My first major alone time in over a month. Now THAT I can get excited about!

November's last day

Saw the newest Twilight movie, 'New Moon,' with some of the older kids tonight and totally enjoyed it. Totally. It was as enjoyable, if not more so, as the newest Harry Potter movie, 'Goblet of Fire'. Such fun! But, do you know what surprised me while we were there? In the theatre, there were only about 15 folks watching, including us. Huh!

But tomorrow needs to be a work day. Back to reality. The living room rug hasn't been vacuumed in too long for me to admit, and the house needs a hearty going over. The Thanksgiving holiday gave me the excuse to be a lazybones over the weekend, and I can't stand the clutter any longer. So, after school in the morning, one son will help me spread some pine straw out front that my yardboy sons collected from a friend's yard, and then will put away the Fall decorations inside in favor of a tiny bit of Christmas foolishness. Not ready to hit it big time, like Molly, but we'll get there gradually enough.

When we came out of the theatre tonight, I had to do a double-take as we drove home, because colored lights were all about and in my attention to the movie, I'd forgotten that it was Christmas-time. That just shows how NOT ready I really am.

Sunday afternoon

Just finished watching 'An Ideal Husband' on a YouTube channel, as per Susan Branch's Twitter comment, and it was my first foray into viewing a movie there. So cool. Ten installments of about 10 minutes a piece, so it was easy to start and stop when I wanted to, with no commercials to mess up the works. Again I say, so cool. A wonderful get-away.

A quiet day besides. A couple of the kids went to church, but the rest of us stayed at home, still coughing a bit, but just enjoying a nice, drizzly day inside.

Now off to make waffles, not that anyone here gets excited about them. I hear in some houses that pancakes and waffles are considered a treat. Must sometime see what I can do to encourage that sort of enthusiasm here, but not holding out much hope. ;)

Evening meal

Happy Thanksgiving

In a better mood today. I'm thinking that the reality of having all of us sick for a month has made me a bit testy. Still coughing, but everyone's better. That's something to be thankful for.

Now the turkey is in the oven, the stuffing is in the fridge to be baked later on, the sweet potatoes are cooking and the house is tidy. Husband is puttering with his Suburban and the kids are scattered about the house. I'm about to take a nap/read a book and rest for awhile.

All is well. Hope all of y'all have a wonderfully sweet and special day.

Pulling hair out

So, I was piddling around on the computer last night after dinner, being constantly interrupted by our 3 youngest, who had the need (all of 'em) to share with me. Now, granted I am the most patient person I know (not bragging, but it's absolutely true), but even so, I get wasted by chatter.

Gary said all of twice for them to *leave your mother alone*, and *back away from the table*. He's my hero, a welcome fan at all times. And magically, they leave. Me? I don't have the touch, being continually nagged because apparently I'm not very believable the first several times. Yes, I said several.

Now today I'm feeling, once again, the twinges of needing to run and hide. Being that I'm not a talker, to have to listen to questions so much of the time is truly draining. I have to wonder...why don't they get it?

Must needs practice *the hammer technique* that my husband has such flair with. 'Course he's pretty tough-looking and while he can be a push-over, he's totally obeyed. Huh.

Thanksgiving Eve

I couldn't love slow days more than I already do, and today is no exception. Husband and two oldest children are off to work, and the house sleeps. Will turn on the heat in a minute, because the house is a tad bit chilly. My toes are cold! I just want to savor the day, making pies with the kids, tidying up before (or correctly put---we have to do some major dusting and vacuuming) tomorrow. But with it only being us, the pressure is off to impress.

Am hoping that we can get the house in shape before everyone returns home from work. Dinner is tuna sandwiches tonight...I tend to feed the family scraps and boring things the days before Thanksgiving, so that they're REALLY thankful once dinner is served that evening. So far, it's worked!

But most of all I'm truly grateful for God's provision this year. Gary's work has continued all through what the world is calling a recession. His shop has been continually full, and even with oftentimes slow-paying clients, we've made it. Also thankful for a full kitchen today. Several years back, we were experiencing some extra-tight times and come Thanksgiving morning, all we had was the turkey. We literally dug out change and money here and there that day for me to go the grocery store and buy the rest of the ingredients for our meal. I'll never forget it, but sure don't want to repeat that day.

God is good, even when it hurts.

And finally another hearty salute to my husband and his side of the family who recently found out that they are related to Francis Cooke, who was a passenger on the Mayflower, and signed the Mayflower Compact. I can't claim that status for my own (yet, but intend to dig into it), but being part Chickasaw Indian, I like to think that I helped host that meal. :)

(graphic a freebie from indygo junction)

Cactus/African Violet fetish

...and the photos were taken on such an overcast day, hmm? Am partial to the Thimble Cactus (second from the left in top photo), and the Hindu Rope Plant in the middle of the right-hand window. Such sweeties. :) Btw, Violets have been a tad temperamental, lately. The one blooming is brand new. Hasn't learned 'not' to bloom yet! Give me time.....

A slow Monday

Sometimes the fog lifts and I see life the way it's supposed to be...well, in my world. Maybe it's having been sick for days on end, or the anticipation of the holiday this week---though actually, it already feels holiday-ish 'round these parts. That's one thing I'll say for Americans, we know how to do holidays.

I'm feeling a bit slower (being that I break out into a hearty cough if I move too much, or too quickly), and maybe that gives me room to pause and think about stuff. Whatever the reason, I'm enjoying washing our bedsheets, puttering, and allowing the recovering kids to sleep in awhile. The weather is drizzly outside and the one son who's up says it feels crisp when he sticks his head out the door. Sounds nice.

So today I'll make attempts at cleaning out the fridge so I can put in the turkey to thaw---I just love that routine on the Monday before Thanksgiving. Then will tidy up the house a bit. It's only us for the holiday meal, and frankly, I like it like that. No frustrations in over-cleaning, and we can pace the day as we like it. Now I just need to continue to focus on pleasing my family. Sounds just about perfect.

(photo from tumblr)

Sunday evening

Still healing up around here. The coughing is getting to be a bit of a drag, though. Get us to laughing about something and we all begin to hack. So pitiful. Least we're smiling through the whole mess. Glad we're in good moods...that's something to be thankful for in the midst of herbal remedies, cough drops and endless cups of tea. It'll pass.

And I'm enjoying this evening...Sundays being sort of laid back. Regret not being able to go to church on Saturday nights lately with this nonsense going on. The pastor started a new series on the first of November to run for four weeks, but I only got to go on the first weekend. Nuts. But, that's the way it goes. With us being a large family, sickness runs through the whole crew in a draggy sort of way.

But, we'll all be well enough by Thursday. I absolutely ADORE Thanksgiving, it running a clear first with Valentine's Day my second favorite holiday. Christmas is fine, but loaded with so much hoopla that I don't find it to be as much fun. Or maybe I tend to like holidays centered around food----turkey/stuffing and chocolates on heart's day. Who knows?!!

Take care.

On our Friday

Stuffy headed, coughing a bit, and enjoying a re-read of an old John Grisham book. His are light enough (hope he doesn't see this, not that he would!) that they don't tax my brain too awfully much. The house looks a bit worn and rumpled, but comforting nonetheless.

Vegetable soup in the crock pot---a variety of frozen veggies I'd been saving along with some taco seasoning, some leftover spaghetti sauce and whatever I could find in the cupboards. It's always good, but never a repeat performance, if you get what I mean. :)

Now, after I get the little ones fed, will cozy up with my book and settle in for awhile. Tomorrow should be even better.

A few things, and not all related

• finally turned on the heat yesterday afternoon after seeing the little ones rubbing their hands together. Well, it didn't get warmer than the 40's with it being a cloudy day, so guess it was time. Feels nice and cozy in here now, and I admit to enjoying the warmth.
• all are healing up well from sickness. Residual sniffles and coughs, but guess we weren't hit by the big one. Tougher than a cold, but not as radical as the fl*.
• glad for sunshine today. Will put my little pots back in the window, since I didn't yesterday. Wasn't wanting to plaster their little leaves against the cold glass.
  
• my cactus are doing wonderfully. I'm smitten by them. Could end up being a collector who needs a 12-step program, since I find them that buying them is so addictive.
• thinking about blogging and how it's not nice for folks to leave negative comments on the blogs of folks they don't know. It's that old duck and run mentality. Not nice.
• Olive, the wonder dog, who's been in remission with mammary cancer is dealing with that problem again. She's a plucky one, though.
• do yourself a favor and look at Susan Branch's YouTube videos. A pure delight. LOVE her kitchen!
• very, very grateful for more work for my husband's shop, and for clients who pay up on time. He's backed up with build jobs right now and we stand amazed at God's grace.
• going to take the day slowly...I get sorta woozy when I move too quickly, and there's not a rush to do anything, so another slow day will be good. Have one errand, but that shouldn't tax me too awfully much.
• taking deep breaths and counting my blessings. Today is good and for that, I'm blessed.

Sickness is good on one sense in that it demands that you pay attention---maybe to your health or your sanity.

'What About Now' by Westlife

Blah-dee-blah-dee-blah

Children update: Assorted temper@tures...from a high of 103, down to around 99. Scr@tchy thro@ts, head@ches, sore eyes and sensitivity to light, lousy appetites, a little joint p@in. UGH. Figured I'd give a symptom run-down so that Blogg*r could puzzle over my odd typing skills. Heard they were keeping score with blog entries---tabulating folks with sickness. Oh bother.

Just praying that this won't conk Gary and me upside the head. A scr@tchy throat and c*ugh I can stand...but don't have time for the other stuff, especially the tiredness. Not sure what to call this bug, but will avoid using the 3-letter name. ;)

Sure is quiet around these parts with most children in bed before 9pm. I like the silence, but not the price that's been paid for it.

Sick folks---take two

Here I sit, feeling guilty for feeling a bit sick, but realizing (deep, deep down) that nobody's holding a gun to my head in order for me to be productive. Huh. I'm some kind of sadist, aren't I? But the frustrating part is that we already had one cold virus hit the family---now a second sort is having its way with us. I think I've had just about enough fun, you know?

I'd like to just mosey through my day, expending as little energy as possible, setting a good example on how ill people should behave. Tea, a good pile of books and magazines, and cozy time on the sofa with Pugs.

What'll likely happen is that I'll continue loading/unloading the washer/dryer and will vacuum the living room rug (which has run amok with dog hair), disinfect the bathroom and doorknobs, and fall into bed at naptime and doze off.

Real mothering isn't anything like the pretend-in-our-heads sort, is it?!!

(photo from sxc.hu)

Let's say thanks...

THIS is making the rounds...a way to thank the troops for their sacrifices for us. So cool.

A snuggly sort of day

A slow rainy day. Got back from taking middle daughter out to shop with her birthday T@rget cards awhile ago. She's so sweet and is fun to be with, but when we began the drive home, she admitted to being tuckered. Everyone's healing from this sickness that's plagued our house, but we tire easily.

Is it naptime, yet?

After getting the kids situated with their schoolwork, will settle myself in bed for a nap. Even my husband was restless last night, saying as he left for work that he'd have gotten more sleep if he'd walked up and down the street rather than tossed in bed.

Off to rest my weary bones.

(photo from tumblr...sadly *not* my bedroom)

Nifty trains

Yesterday, oldest daughter and I got out a bit and went to the Town Square of a town nearby. They have a selection of cool trains and we spent some time walking around them. The photo is me sticking my head in the doorway (locked) of a caboose. Least I could see in the window. The other shot our daughter got is of the inside...reminds me of what a ship or submarine looks like in the movies. ;)

I love stuff like this...just out-of-the-ordinary things to do.

Sometimes I write here to get my thoughts on paper, so to speak. Have, pretty much, given up my hand-written journals, having overloaded on them when my neighbor was ill with ALS. Just got burned out writing out my frustrations back then. I know I'll get back to them, but for now, it's not what I want to do.

Now I tend to put in here what's on my mind, no matter what's rattling around in there. Feeling battered just now. A neighbor has had to go back to the hospital with problems with her Addison's, and my childhood friend is, once again, dealing with cancer. Darn. Plus, my husband's shop is over-flowing with work (which is a huge blessing) but he's feeling a bit overdone himself. A one-man shop is a lonely place to be, and his is on exception. I think I've been fretting over out oldest son and his job as well. Just being a mom. This cold we've passed around has worn us out to boot. The tiredness related to it is a bit wearing, to say the least. Not used to a simple bad cold leaving such fatigue.


Going to take a deep breath and try to sort my thoughts. To enjoy the evening watching 'The Amazing Race' and get into another book. The house is relatively tidy, so that's not a worry, which is nice. Will attempt to look at this evening, and only that. That's as far as I need to see anyhow.

About 'Her Fearful Symmetry'

Well, finished 'Her Fearful Symmetry' and was blown away. Was a bit put out at the author's usage of crude language/situations in a couple of places---a tiny bit of swearing and a couple of spots where I thought the crassness of the topic should have been avoided, but all in all, the story was amazing. But for the rude parts, I'd put it on my favorites list for this year, but can't for that reason.

Funny that she sort of got permission from the cemetery to write the book (see previous post here) and put Highgate Cemetery as the starting place of the action, but still she had to slip in the nonsense. Yeah, it could've been lots worse, but then again, it could have worked without the s*xual references. Less is more.

I recommend it with the disclaimer. Do a search online for images of the cemetery. Wow. The one I show above doesn't even scratch the surface.

(photo above available for download at photobucket)

'Her Fearful Symmetry'

Began reading 'Her Fearful Symmetry' by Audrey Niffenegger (which is wonderful so far), and found an interesting bit of information online about the book. Much of the story centers around this cool old cemetery in London, which actually exists---and she went so far as to meet with a founding member of the Friends of Highgate Cemetery, Jean Pateman, telling her that she wanted to arrange the book setting around that old place. Mrs. Pateman tried to discourage her, alluding to the profanity in 'The Time Traveler's Wife' (which Niffenegger wrote) feeling it was not respectful of the cemetery to have similar language in the current book. The author agreed to limit her use of foul language and to not have naughty scenes in the cemetery, and everyone was happy.

Me too. Unnecessary swearing doesn't add to a book, in my opinion, but just makes lots of folks uncomfortable. Write well without the nonsense.

Anyway, as I said, am really enjoying the book so far. Very Gothic, in a current time frame sort of setting. Reminds me of 'The Thirteenth Tale' by Diane Setterfield and 'The Historian' by Elizabeth Kostova. Good creep stuff! My favorite sort of reading is anything that smacks of late 19th century England anyway, and when modern fiction picks up on that flavor, I'm hooked.

(information acquired from Chicago Magazine, October 2009)

Tea and stuff

I just had the most wonderful thing to say here, and whoosh, out it went. Don't you hate it when that happens? My brain. So undependable at times.

Oh well.

On to other things. I was online last night, wanting to order some tea...it's a weakness, I know. A friend had told me about some chocolate tea she liked (can't find it in town), and I decided to browse for others like that one, and found some at St@sh tea. Some of the reviews at various tea sites say that chocolate teas can be weak (which is fine with me since I don't care for strong tea), or a bit oily with the chocolate bits. Doesn't sound appealing, does it? Might take the plunge and order some later after I hit on my husband for some money. One thing....found what looked good at one site, and was filling out the order form, only to find that for two boxes of tea, I'd pay over 8 dollars in shipping. Ha! Like that's going to happen.

It's like what I tell the kids at birthdays and Christmas. I rarely buy gift paper, except at Christmas, telling them I'd prefer to give them the gift than spend my money on fancy trimmings (though I do love me some fancy trimmings at times!). The comics from the paper do fine, and brown paper sacks can be decorated to look a treat. We fell to the lowest low with my husband's and oldest daughter's birthday recently, though. Grey duct tape doesn't look pretty on a package no matter how much you dress it up!

Enjoy your day. :)

Mid-week

Woke up WAY too early, having heard Olive the wonder dog attempting to break free of the baby gate to come to our bedroom door. The thing is, after hearing that noise at 4:45am, a person tends to just be awake. Such is the case with me. Plastic baby gates that slam to the floor make an awful noise in the middle of the night. Told the annoying Lab. to go back and lie down, and noticed that Violet the Pug was bouncing around the living room, wanting to be held. Does this nonsense ever stop??!? Set her back on the sofa after a hug and then snuggled myself back in bed.

Nuts.

Didn't work. Got back up an hour later, after thinking about stuff all that time. The dogs were good---it was my brain that was misbehaving at this point. Yesterday we heard about a friend who's seriously ill, when we thought she was going to be fine. Hearing that was a slap in the face on my husband's birthday. Maybe that kept my mind whirling. Plus Violet has something wrong with a back leg, not knowing if it's hip dysplasia or some injury she's dealing with from playing so hard. Some days are better for her than others. I think we're more bothered than she is, though.

Figure I'll mosey on back to bed soon. One son gets up at 6:30am, and the least one usually soon follows, besides two boys who are pet-sitting a neighbor around the block. They have that duty today.

Will pay homage to Veterans Day, get in some more sleep, and cosset myself a bit. Feeling in need of some gentle time, you know? Sometimes you just have to.

And after the birthday is over...

Surprised my husband with fried chicken which is a family joke, being that I never go to the trouble. Consider that I had 4 iron skillets going full blast for a total of 8 huge chicken breasts and about a dozen or more legs before I was done. In two hours the frying and all was ready. Man! That's why I rarely do this meal. :)

And all the time he was expecting spaghetti. I love secrets.

A good day for a birthday, and we finished it off with renting "UP" which is absolutely darling. "Nemo" has been my favorite children's movie for years, but this one definitely is as good as that one. Highly recommend (please forgive the pun!).

'The Liturgical Year' by Joan Chittister

Joan Chittister’s book called ‘The Liturgical Year’ reads like a textbook. Not that that’s a bad thing, but the subtitle of ‘the spiraling adventure of the spiritual life’ gives me the impression that this book should be more intriguing. I’m afraid I found it to be a bit dry. And while Chittister covers the history of liturgical practices very well, she doesn’t grip me with wanting to observe the traditions she maps out. The world, however, is giving a harder look at ancient practices, with liturgy being one of them. I’m just not convinced.

My issue is whether these feast days should be given so much attention, and when they are, if folks are focused more on the ritual and not on the true meaning the ceremony represents. Obviously my Protestant beliefs are showing. My issue isn’t so much with her writing style, as the subject matter. Clearly we’re at odds with one another.

A final point, and a negative one, is Chittister’s mention of the feminists Simone de Beauvoir, Betty Friedan and Bella Abzug in a chapter titled Models and Heroes, holding them up as women who strove to ‘free their mothers and their daughters from sexism and abuse’. That comment in itself is enough to cause me to not recommend this book.

I'm a member of Thomas Nelson's blogger book review program and more information can be found at their website.

Husband's birthday eve

Husband's birthday is tomorrow (Tuesday), and I'll likely be out-of-pocket here. Lots to cook/bake and we need to make the house all sparkly besides. He's been tired lately---getting over a long-running cold and cough, and with a difficult build job to tackle (a vanity that'll end up with gold paint---he's not sure about how successful that finish will be) he's just tuckered. A birthday dinner will be just the ticket, plus with presents, he'll be pampered well. :)

Must be off now. Since everyone's been in a state of new or recurring sickness, we're all weary. Time to call it a day, though if we were smart, we'd have turned in a couple of hours ago. But we're not that smart!

What's needed...

...is a support group for women who have lots of kids. The churches have MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), but there needs to be an additional group for me. Maybe not so much as a place to unload and whine, but a padded room with soft music, chocolate, tea, candles and enough books that have soothing, and possibly pathetic story lines...nothing that requires too much brain power.

The tendency is for folks to suppose that moms who've already raised a few to have the answers down pat (maniacal laughter heard in the background). I get so tired, probably not any more than a woman with toddlers, but the difference is that my body takes longer to recharge. Those of you with young ones would probably roll your eyes at that, but I believe it to be true. Sheesh, I get so tired, and there's no end in sight. I mean, I'm fifty and my youngest is seven years old...you do the math!

The solution? A sense of humor at what the Lord has blessed me with and enough diversions (like the Backstreet Boys music I've got playing now), so that I think of something other than myself.

It's easy to get sidetracked and think that it's all about me. Last I heard, it's not! I'm blessed and just need to figure out how to get a balance. I think I'm way too hard on myself, but know that there's a answer out there. Until I figure it out, I'll just blether on here as usual. ;)

The habit of blogging

Because on days like today with sick kids, a quiet house and a mind that wants freeing up, the above mindset just makes sense.

YouTube jollies

Oldest daughter has gotten hooked on boy bands, with no small encouragement from her mom. That would be me! Guilty as charged. She found the following and we're having no end of fun watching them. Go here and here. ;)

As an aside...colds abound here in the house, but generic (from W@lgreens) Zyc@m, and Airb0rne are doing the trick at stopping the spread. Going with the flow....it'll be over in time.

Enjoy your weekends.

Late Friday

I think I've had sort of a Zen thing going here, with the header and white space. Very calming for me to write here, especially with 3 children sick and the weekend possibly being very busy with dishing out herbs/drinks and Popsicles. I'm not as quiet and restful as the teacup photo would suggest, though. I do like clutter and crowded rooms. So, have switched to an English scene, that mirrors my likes better. I'm not serene enough to be very Zen-like. Give me old stuff every time. (...thanks, Naomi, for your sweet comment!)

Must be off now, but not before I share that my husband has had 2 bids approved for work this week. The Lord has been very good to us. :)

Needing quiet

Cranky this morning, but I attribute it to needing sleep, and maybe some alone time. The least one has been more needy lately, just wearing on her mama a bit more than usual. And with our oldest son having a call-back for a job interview he had this week---well, that adds to my tension, I guess. And another son has a cold we're praying won't be spread. Plus, having 2 birthdays in a short period of time is wearing. (Husband's is next week, but don't tell!)

Least I don't have to go to the grocery store today. Polish sausage/potatoes/cabbage for dinner, with some homemade bread of some sort. I'm needing a puttery day, and having the makings of our evening meal in the house sure helps.

Will do schoolwork, get one son busy afterward with caulking their bedroom windows, then hopefully can just sit. I need that. Just to be myself for awhile.

Thursday afternoon

Have the need for a quieter photo at the top of this journal for awhile. It's been a busy week---one full of blessings and activity, at least of the mental sort, so my brain seems to require some visual peace.

This afternoon I began reading the book I'm to review for Thomas Nelson, The Liturgical Year, and am finding it very soothing. Maybe it's stretching my mind a bit. I don't know why, but am attracted to it nonetheless. It's written by a Benedictine nun, and I'm not Catholic, so the end result of my reading will be interesting to see. (Update: Reviewed on Nov. 10th, and my opinion changed.)

I've got a pile of library books to savor tonight, simple navy bean soup for dinner with leftover jalapeno cornbread and a store-bought loaf of French bread. An easy meal for a restful mood.

from the British group....'Take That'

Favorite song now: I'd Wait for Life

Way to go!

Husband just found out that he's descended from Francis Cooke who was on the Mayflower. I've got the documentation right here in front of me. I couldn't be more envious. :) Oh, and thankful to have the mother-in-law too, since it's from her side of the family. Man. I can pick 'em!

Here's the deal...

“Well, I do think someone might have arranged about our meals,” said Digory.
“I'm sure Aslan would have, if you'd asked him,” said Fledge.
“Wouldn't he know without being asked?” said Polly.
“I've no doubt he would,” said the Horse (still with his mouth full). “But I've a sort of idea he likes to be asked.”
The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis – Chapter 12

For anyone who's wondered about our money situation, since I mentioned being short of cash over the weekend, here's my story. My comment was something about not knowing what we'd eat on Monday. Well, as I said yesterday, oldest daughter took care of that. So tonight we'll have the potato soup that would've been last night's meal. A stick of margarine, a 8 oz. package of cream cheese and seasonings will dress-up a five pound bag of red potatoes nicely. Had gotten a deal on potatoes the other day, and was able to gather the rest of the ingredients in fits and starts. With biscuits, I can feed all ten of us.

Now, onto other things. Oldest daughter turns 22 tomorrow, and my prayer has been for funds to buy her dinner fixings and presents. I asked the Lord for X amount of dollars to accomplish this. My husband has had trouble contacting a particular client who owes him money, so the actually gathering up of monies has been up in the air. We've learned, however, to NOT depend on people (who will fail us whether they intend to or not) and to put our eggs in one basket---namely God's.

So, I got up this morning with the knowledge that I can't do a thing about money. Pray, and that's it. But that's huge. One son came up to me with some cash in his hand, telling me he felt the Lord telling him last night to give this to me today. Guess what? It equals exactly the X amount I prayed for.

Can't add anything to that but to say that I'd told nobody in this house of my prayer. God just blows me away.

The day's doings

• School with kids, and the reviewing of chapter five of The House of the Seven Gables (a really good read)
• The washing and hanging out of about 4-5 loads of laundry
• Baking something for tea party with little girls of mine today (middle daughter did this)
  
• Meeting up with husband at 3 o'clock-ish for mochas---found cash for this jolly (or as my tendency is---a double chocolatey chip frappuccino...total yumness)
• Cleaning sofa with soapy water since we have Pugs (shedding machines)
• All-around tidying of house
• Making list for oldest daughter's birthday which is on Wednesday...she'll be 22
• Cutting up red potatoes for tonight's meal...baked potato soup with cream cheese in it
• Focusing on the Lord and His plan of my day...don't want to get too side-tracked with busyness
• Going to house of neighbor I don't know and seeing if we can put the Yard of the Month sign in their yard (so cute)
• And finally...going to neighborhood association meeting after dinner
  
• Bed will be my reward :)

UPDATE: Haha....seven outta twelve ain't bad. :) Oh, and oldest daughter said she didn't want potato soup for dinner, so she sprang for burger and fries makings. Good daughter.

Playing with blogging backgrounds

Know what I wish? I really wish I was one of those folks online who design their blogging page--photo and all, then walk away and leave it alone. Or at least put it in place and keep their mitts off of it for a month's time. But, apparently that's not my tendency.

You'd think that with the enormous amount of graphics out there that I'd find SOMETHING to get my teeth into for an extended length of time, wouldn't you? Or maybe it's related to my background in design---hard to leave something alone when there's just so much to play with. Sort of like my love affair with re-arranging the furniture. I think I just want it all, and enjoy playing with the templates and backgrounds so much that I find it unnecessary to limit myself.

Oh well. Least I know what my addictions are---least one of them.

NavBar tweaks

If you come here very often, maybe you've noticed that I don't show the Bl*gger NavBar at the top. I added code to my html page so it won't show. BUT, I found at a site today that you can make it 'transparent' by following this link....(so cool) at Butterflygirlms, and if you want it to disappear just temporarily until you mouse over it, go here to the Shabby Blog blog. Follow the easy directions. Or do both and have it transparent when you scroll your mouse on top of it.

I love stuff like this.

Book give-a-way mention...

I've been meaning to mention this, and my mind's been a bit distracted. Wanted to share that Cindy at In a Garden is giving away a copy of Pilgrim's Inn (aka Herb of Grace) by Elizabeth Goudge to one lucky reader who posts on her blog. I know this interests me, especially since I own only 2 of her fiction books, and one devotional. A treasure indeed.

Have enjoyed getting to know Cindy via her blog as a result too. The photos of her daughter on her sidebar are worthy of a visit by themselves. :)

A sunny Saturday

Three shots. The other front door...loving the smaller burning bush beside the pink paint. Also a photo of the way the kitchen looked early this morning with the light coming through the larger burning bushes outside. Finally, the backyard yesterday morning, pretty early, before a storm. Just previous to this shot, the sky was the neatest yellow.

Friday's news

Flat broke and sort of curious to see how the Lord handles this one. :) There are times when exercising my faith is an adventure, and something that thrills me. 'Course it's nice to have groceries in the house BEFORE this happens, as now. I can feed 'em through Sunday, but after that it's out of my hands. I love it that He's in charge, and not me. Well, in all honestly, I'm not always so calm. But this time, I figure, why not.

Thankful for work in Gary's shop (just will have to wait for payment for a bit more since he's got a project he's still working on), and for healthy kids. Husband is hanging onto a cough that's lingered since we all had a cold awhile back. He's still stuffy, so I can blame congestion, but still......glad it's leaving, slowly but surely. But consider that he's got his head in the sawdust on a daily basis, most folks would cough.

About to take a bit of a nap, then will whip the house into shape for company we're having to dinner. Not a high pressure guest, but I want the house to feel/look a bit more presentable. Vacuuming, dusting, a pumpkin candle, and we're set. Okay, I'm simplifying it a bit, but you get my drift. Don't want to be tired, but a happy hostess. And cleaning like a fool won't help my cause at all!

Must be off. Enjoy your day!

But for Your Grace

We all bow down

Madness will set in shortly

Olive the wonder dog, our Yellow Lab. who appears to have survived a bout of cancer back in the spring (which I'm totally thankful for---honest), is annoying the daylights out of me. She's begun waking up at around 4am or so this week, thinking she wants to go outside, while in reality, she's only disturbed that her younger sister---our Shepherd Opal---has taken over the covers. Nuts.

My problem is that I can rarely get back to sleep after her escapades. I hear the click, click, click of her nails on the kitchen floor only after the slight bump of her sliding the baby gate to the side of the dining room doorway so she can make her way to our bedroom door. My hearing is phenomenal.

I think as I've gotten older the things that have been most difficult to manage have been: sleep and lack of privacy. Even now I find myself typing quickly because I know one of our sons will be up in about 10 minutes. Then the fiasco of letting dogs out/feeding them, and hopefully a tiny nap for me before the rest of the house wakes up. I'll tell you, I have to be up in the middle of the night to get any peace and quiet. Oh, I forgot. Olive messes up that plan.

Must put on my happy hat, hmmm? I sometimes feel that my brain has been removed and stretched tightly over a flat surface. I'm not as bright as I used to be (or maybe I kid myself), and the days are getting much, much shorter.

On the up side, I'm have lunch out with an out-of-town friend today. If I can really slip in that nap, that ought to be fun. We'll see (lovely phrase---a parent's last defense).

Folks

Burning bushes all aglow

Photo of the front porch taken by one of our sons, who's a dab hand at taking pictures...love the blurry warmth of it. :)

'The Fallacy Detective' by Nathaniel Bluedorn and Hans Bluedorn

‘The Fallacy Detective’ by Nathaniel Bluedorn and Hans Bluedorn is just wonderful. I’m partial to having my brain teased anyway, so this book is perfect for those times when the reader needs to feel the strain of a good think. Our children have enjoyed it as well, having fun asking one another questions and getting a laugh when they’re wrong!

The book in itself is so well-done, even beyond the exercises. Design-wise it’s very appealing, and the addition of cartoons (rare in my experience of teaching critical thinking), makes this soft cover book very user friendly. The fonts and layout are also well handled making this book excellent all around. In addition, the Bluedorns have set up a website specifically to go hand in hand with this book (www.thefallacydetective.com) and their other critical thinking materials.

If you’re concerned about your children knowing how to reason well, and want a resource that covers the topic thoroughly, I highly recommend this book. With many home schooling materials involving the subject of critical reasoning appearing to be trite or hard to understand, the opposite is true with ‘The Fallacy Detective’. And while it’s directed at individuals from 12 years on up to adults, I’m finding that I might need this resource even more than our children.