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.

'Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World' by David Jeremiah

David Jeremiah's newest book, 'Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World' was encouraging to me before it was anything else. And while I don't always read books that deal with End Times' issues, his book is very timely. He stresses where Christians should find their strength, and puts emphasis on the fact that believers don't need to be side-tracked by the media, but have their focus on the Lord and His Word. And while that sounds easy enough, it’s clear that Jeremiah realizes that those who follow Christ will falter just like everyone else.

His advice to other Christians is to stand strong and not give up. And that even though life might prove exceedingly difficult, we haven't been forgotten. That in itself bears repeating, since chaos does seem to be the norm in the world, even though the Lord never changes.

The bottom line? We should continue to be about out Father’s business no matter what our circumstances.

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

Needing a day at the park

I was watching one of those home shows on t.v. tonight, the one where a couple look at 3 properties (or it seems like they only see 3 of them) and at the end of the show, they choose their favorite to buy. The words out of their mouths all the time are: "I like" and "I want" and "I could use that" and "I would enjoy working in this kitchen"....and phrases full of more of the same.

After watching it, I began to wonder what I'd like, and not necessarily in terms of buying a new house, but just for an average day. And then, as a wife and mother whose life is overfull, I realized that my wants rarely enter into the discussion. It's more of what will please my husband, how much toilet paper we currently have in the house along with soap, milk, bread, and peanut butter, and whether the needs of our children are being met. As you can see, I boil it down to the very basics. To be concerned about what the world deems important oftentimes seems shallow. Whether a couple has a double sink in the master bathroom (which leads you to imagine more than one bath....which would be a novelty in our home!) is a bit of a minor consideration as far as I'm concerned. On the other hand, I do realize that many wives work as well as their husbands, and need to get ready alongside of them in the morning. Still, a second bath would be a treat. :)

Not sure if folks are over-interested in pleasing themselves, or if I am sorely lacking in the ability and opportunity to suit myself. An interesting mix of thoughts to mull over, let me tell you.

In all honestly, I'm just glad to make it through another day, trimmings aside---to have everyone present and accounted for, and to have the will and energy to repeat the process when I wake up in the morning. Might sound strange, but it's just the way my mind works. To be occupied about inconsequential details just seems frivolous. But, then again, this post itself proves my desperate need for foolishness.

Yumminess

It's almost midnight and Gary and I got back about 30 minutes ago from buying 2 dozen doughnuts. A place near us has a sale every night after 11pm with the doughnuts at $2.50/dozen. 'Course the choice is heavy on pink frosting and sprinkles and lots of chocolate covered ones at that late hour, but who's going to fuss at such richness for our Sunday morning breakfast at such a dishy price!?? Not me!

I'm trying to learn to be spontaneous, and this definitely qualifies under that category. Life's all about making memories anyway, isn't it?

Now off to take a shower and snuggle down. My head still feels a bit strange with the last of the migraine symptoms wearing away, but it's been a good day. Have taken it easy, and was able to go to church to boot. Now must stop moving and go to bed.

Forced rest

Must've been cutting it a bit close, here lately. This morning when I was sitting with the kids doing school, my left eye began to go wonky. I was looking at one of our boys, then all of a sudden part of his face was missing. Those strange blind spots. I knew that what was to follow was one of my classic migraines. One son got me some medicine and then they sent me to bed. Sparkly zig-zags came when my eyes were closed and shortly after that, the headache on the right side. Fortunately I've been through this often enough that I know what to expect.

A short nap and I was fine. My brain felt bruised the rest of the day, though. But for forced rest, I can't complain. Should've known that my mind has been in a whirl lately, and it was only a matter of time before it caught up with me.

Sorta nice to have a slow 'rest of the day'. Planning on a draggy weekend as well. It's like being sick without really being sick.

About Halloween and such

We don't celebrate Halloween at our house, but I remember it happily as a child. When we had our own kids, we laid down some rules---one being that we'd not do Halloween.

October 31st used to be a blast, though. Those plastic masks with the elastic string around the back of your head, and those sweet nylon costumes that tied around your neck and back---all good memories. Plus, oftentimes having to wear sweaters under the costume (which we all hated) since sometimes we'd get a cold snap come Halloween night. Sadly enough, folks began doing wicked things with the holiday by putting dangerous things in kids' bags, plus I admit the church community has been lavish with their criticism of pagan holidays. I've been part of that movement, too, but not so much anymore. Guess I've mellowed.

But considering that I know folks who follow up the avoidance of worldly customs---even going so far as to not putting up Christmas trees or allowing Santas to be part of their decorations, I think they're missing out on some fun. And while we do celebrate the true meaning of our Lord's birthday and resurrection, the trimmings of stockings on Christmas Eve and baskets filled for Easter morning are also part of our ritual.

As to Halloween, we spend it celebrating our middle daughter's birthday, and carve a pumpkin with her name on it. With a lit candle nestled inside, our table decorations take a festive air. Then we pull down the shades, turn off the outside lights and focus on her. No candy for children at the door, and all attention is on our girl. For us, it works.

I'm not so determined to be right anymore regarding certain issues. It's not as important to me to be thought of as a hardline Christian. I do enjoy Harry P*tter movies, Twilight, and Bram Stoker's Dracula. Doesn't make me any less saved, but is a more honest portrayal of who I am. Just goes to show that a believer doesn't have to fake their interests in order to be true. It's all a bit more complicated than that.

On not following the crowd

Not sure is this is a new trend we're being exposed to, but will share it and see what you all say. Oldest daughter has gotten involved in a new Sunday School class of 20-somethings. She'd already been going to a college-aged gathering, and wanted to see what the other class had to offer. What's bugging her is that alcohol is being served at church get-togethers, though not ones that are held on the church grounds. Not sure if these are church sanctioned functions, or just ones that the same young people are going to. But still.

She just got an invitation to carve pumpkins with the group and they were encouraged to bring their own beer and 'drink responsibly'. Huh? I don't know about you, but my history at church-related get-togethers was that we drank soda and iced tea. Lemonade was an added treat.

Plus I'm seeing many online photos of young folks I know and they seem determined for others to see them being 'grown-up' and drinking. They're holding out the beer bottle, or swirling the mixed drink, and seem drawn to sharing what exactly they're guzzling down.

I'm disappointed. Alcohol doesn't make a person an adult, and the bragging about it spells out just the opposite. Sad that it's become a more common trend than when I was in school. I'm just glad that our daughter has a good head on her shoulders, but it does cut the playing field down a bit for places/people she wants to spend time with. I'm thinking she's acting like the 'real' grown-up.

Just ordinary stuff

My life is sadly routine lately. But I'm not complaining, I don't think. Wouldn't mind a bit of a stir, though. Least the house is clean. :)

Took the kids out to a local church that has a heap of pumpkins, a family tradition, and the 3 youngest got to pick out pumpkins for themselves. Then had errands to run---returning movies, etc. In a bit, I'm going out to find some herbal cure for my husband's rough cough. He's not healed well from the cold we all had recently, and his cough just won't let up. With the FDA being so stinky cheese about what workers in natural supplement stores can actually help you with, it pays to do research beforehand. We've had good luck with marshmallow, slipper elm, mullein tincture (which I keep on hand) and fenugreek, and just need to decide which to get. Things get pricey pretty fast, so will decide before I go which I'll actually buy. All this stuff I've mentioned is great for loosening up a cough, but with his not being bronchitis-like as I tend to get, I need to focus on what his actually needs are first.

Then it's home for a nap for me. Rest is good.

Plain and simple

Got the garage door painted, and one outside window painted as well. Oldest son pitched in for these jobs and I was amazed at how tidy he was....with himself, that is. I'd have had splatters on my shoes, in my hair and more likely all over my hands. He was clean as when he started. I could learn from that.

I got our largest bookshelf cleaned out and dusted as well, and got the schoolwork done with the kids, juggling all the way. Interesting how much gets finished when we all work together and the energy level is high. 'Course with it cooler outside, we're more apt to work longer and harder.

The weather should hold tomorrow and 2 windows should be able to be caulked. Oldest son to the rescue again.

Not much news, but all is well. We're all feeling fine, husband has work in the shop, and God continues to bless us. I've got all that I need.

Excellent

Flowers from daughter

She brought me, what she calls, a bag of fun after she went out on errands yesterday. Lucky me, all of her running around centered on me. These flowers, a new candle, and a bag of little pumpkins---orange and white ones. A keeper, yes?!!

What Sundays are all about...

...and, yes, Pug-tails do uncurl when they're asleep. Information for those who were wondering, and I know somebody was. :)

A good day. Started out lazy enough with me getting up with the dogs at 6:30am or so. Had some tea and raisin bread, then went back to bed after cuddling with the Pugs for a bit.

Tired

An uneventful day of buying a couple of things at the drugstore, plus a few packs of violas. Then church this evening, and exhaustion following shortly on the heels of that. Man, I'm so tired. Don't have the excuse of being super busy, but my body is weary.

Tomorrow will be gardening with violas and pansies, naps, tortilla soup, cherry pie, and 'The Amazing Race' followed by 'Masterpiece Mystery'. I rarely watch t.v., but Sunday nights are mine to control. Just get frustrated when there's football in the afternoon that makes the Race come on after a late '60 Minutes'. That makes for a bummer, you know?

Now off to get cozy. I'll crack open my new 'Victoria' magazine (like Bonnie and Dotsie too), and get warm. It's getting downright chilly outside, with lows in the 40s. Will NOT turn on the heat, though!

A reminder

I quoted this from Roxanne Henke's book On a Someday back on Sunday. I've brought it to mind all this week, and it's made a world of difference in how I've dealt with my days. I'm less stressed, more generous with myself, and not so prone to being self-critical. Figured it was worth repeating. Now must go eat my Halloween M&Ms quietly so as to enjoy them fully.

"About that first verse I read," he went on. "It talks about renewing our spirits. This is something God does for us, and that we need to be mindful to do for ourselves. Remember, even Jesus took time away from his ministry to refresh and renew. When the everydayness of life gets to be too much, instead of letting it get you down, don't forget it's okay---even necessary---to take some time to recharge." (the pastor in the story referring to 2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Molly's house

Molly's mantel all dressed up for fall---and a glittered pumpkin she did up via Martha Stewart's tutorials. Talk about cool.

I didn't use a flash, since I like the lightly blurred look of some inside shots on a cloudy day.

Her house, though, was totally a decorative joy. Made me want to come home and re-arrange furniture, you know. :)

Molly's mantel all dressed up for fall, and this cool pumpkin she glittered ala Martha Stewart.

Thursday morning

Woke up way too early, and my mind began to whiz around for some reason, making it impossible to get back to sleep. Not sure why, but figured it was more mature to just go with it, so here I sit with Daisy the Pug curled up on my feet. Can't beat that for comfort.

Thankful that the kids will go to my mom's for lunch, and it'll be nice to be sort of alone. One son will be with me, since he has a house/pet sitting job to look after this afternoon. We'll run some errands then come back home to relax.

But I guess the main excitement of the day will be voting in a new city mayor. We've lived under the nonsensical leadership of one mayor for about 17 years (give or take a year or two) and the city rejoiced when he resigned this summer. Seems like we even baked a cake to celebrate the news. The only trouble is that there are so many folks on the ballot, it's anyone's guess who'll win. Still, we're thinking anyone's better than what we've had. Hope I don't end up eating my words. :)

Think I'll go back to bed in a minute. Otherwise the day will shrivel up before my eyes. Can't stand facing a day without enough sleep. I've become a dab hand at little 30 minute rest periods that don't quite qualify as a nap, but give just enough of a quiet moment. That time is now.

Lunch date

Going to Molly's for lunch, and I don't think I can stand myself. Will try anyway. Definitely will be calmer and in a jolly mood when I return. :)

Too much electricity in house this week with husband buying truck, daughter buying his truck, transferring tags, getting inspected, and all the details that go along with that.

Time to play!

Today's list of things to do

• Wash curtains in living/dining rooms, and kitchen
• Have 3 youngest clean out 2 bottom kitchen cupboards and wing the spare plastic tops that have no partners (lots of frisbees, you know)
• Clean bookshelves in above rooms
• Yearn to hang curtains on line, but the dryer will have to do (more rain? you have GOT to be kidding!)
• Listen to new Backstreet Boys song called 'Bigger' numerous times on MP3 player, thus drowning out sounds of the 3 youngest competing on the cleaning out of kitchen cupboards
• Touch up pink and brown paint on 2 street-side doors (just missed a couple of spots)
• Drink copious amounts of Coke Zero in order to accomplish the above tasks
• Have one older son scrub out tub (it is grotesque)
  
• Have another one put more black paint on bathroom floor (still waiting for funds for tile)

For any who wonder why we've gotten a new (old) Suburban while living with a wooden bathroom floor (whiney voice saying, "why don't they get the tile now and get the truck later?") The deal was that I'd get the new kitchen floor (the wonderful wood one) and the bathroom floor fixed (before we ended up under the house as a result of the rot underneath the bathroom itself), THEN Gary could talk about getting the truck.

He fulfilled his part of the bargain well and I've got lots of time to buy bathroom tile. Besides, it's not on sale yet! We're partial to the black/white vintage one (called pinwheel) at Lowe's. At around 4 bucks per sq. foot, it's a bit out of my current price range. Black enamel paint on the floor does nicely, thank you. ;)

Off to don my cleaning duds. I feel SO good today!

New rides

A relatively mind-bending sort of day. The kind that leaves you craving quiet and plain old normal things. We've been in the midst of a situation with my husband wanting to buy a Suburban from a neighbor down the street. It was in their backyard, full of stuff, but in relatively good condition. I mean, who can argue with a pretty new engine, transmission and tires in a '89 Chevy Suburban? The cracked up windshield will get changed, the odd fender will get painted, and the windows that don't lower will get fixed. By us, but still, they'll get repaired.

It's in our driveway now, as I type, and the deal was done this afternoon. Husband is in a dither, wishing he could drive it already, but honestly, if he did now with that windshield, the cops would be fast upon him. One frustration for us all the time (well, except for when I got my used '94 Suburban, which seemed drop down from Heaven...honest) is that we always have to repair things. In our married life, we've had one new car. It sure was fun, but I do enjoy not having a note. That's one thing we've tried to hammer in our kids' heads as well. If they want to drive, they have to pay for their own insurance, and if they want a car/truck, then they have to buy it. Also, we stress NO CAR NOTES. Might not have the snazziest ride in town, but it being paid for sure will put a spring in a person's step.

But I digress. New stuff, even when it's old is fun. :)

Oldest daughter bought husband's present pick-up, and seems everyone is happy. Tired, but happy. Me? I'm gonna clean some more tomorrow! Best way on earth for a person to deal with stress.

(photo looking toward the dining room...quiet in the midst of busyness! And funny, it's not the first picture I've taken from this viewpoint...both showed the rocker full of clean laundry.)

This is true...

"People in difficulty and distress, or in any manner of odds with the world, can endure a vast amount of harsh treatment, and perhaps be only the stronger for it; whereas they give way at once before the simplest expression of what they perceive to be genuine sympathy."--from Nathaniel Hawthorne's The House of the Seven Gables

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon

Know what I REALLY want to do this week? Clean the house and call it school. I think my peace of mind will absolutely soar if I can get this house in order. My mind will follow. Read the following bit in the Roxanne Henke book called On a Someday I just finished. Well-worth the whole book to find that little gem. Here goes:

"About that first verse I read," he went on. "It talks about renewing our spirits. This is something God does for us, and that we need to be mindful to do for ourselves. Remember, even Jesus took time away from his ministry to refresh and renew. When the everydayness of life gets to be too much, instead of letting it get you down, don't forget it's okay---even necessary---to take some time to recharge." (the pastor in the story referring to 2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

My brain tends to go to guilt-mode, and I think of what doesn't get done in other parts of my life if I change things up. One thing that gets me about the American Way is our tendency to wear things out. We work too much (in my estimation) and play too little. We're so hung up on keeping up that we forget to enjoy ourselves, and sadly enough, I've fallen into that trap as well. If I'm not careful, there will come a day when it'll be too late to goof-off. My age in itself will settle that opportunity.

And notice that I refer to housecleaning as play-time. Honestly, I do love a clean home, but with the folks/dogs constantly wandering through our rooms, tidy isn't always an option. But peace of mind. You can't put a price on that, can you?

Renewing of our spirits....I like the sound of that.

A rainy afternoon

You'd think that *sometimes* I'd be settled and content. Well, I sorta am. I like to have the cupboards full of groceries, and to listen to the washing machine chug along. I enjoy having the house tidy and being able to sit in a room and feel the glow of accomplishment. A good book to disappear into is a treat. Cooking dinner is a simple pleasure I look forward to preparing.

But.....

Lately, it's been hard to find that contentment. Maybe it's hormonal, though I hate to give that reason/excuse. I sigh a lot. Throw up my hands in frustration even more.

You know what I'd really like? To go somewhere this weekend that's a change (the museum might be a good choice---free admittance before noon), or a home movie night with Gary. Both are good ideas. Just feel in one of those funks when I need to stir the inner pot a bit.

You know?

Needing zzzzz's

Well, the way I figure it, I can either rejoice in this day (whether I'm actually tired or not) or be a stinker about it. Think I'll take the former choice. The thing is, I got to bed at a reasonable time, took a melatonin to get me there quicker, and then sleep just wouldn't come. Must've been sometime after 1am before I nodded off. Husband has this cold that we've unwillingly shared, and his coughing made me sad, but still----just couldn't settle. THEN, woke up at 6am just like magic.

This is my habit of late.

Anyone wonder why women of a *certain age* act a bit edgy at times? We're just plain worn out. Not that we don't want to be rays of sunshine, but heck, it's hard to be chipper when all you want is bed. And not just the bed, but oblivion.

But still. As I said, it's a choice (considering that sleep won't be my friend again until nap-time) between allowing myself to be grumpy or not. So, keeping that in mind, will attempt at looking on the bright side, and if it gets too much, will just kick the dog (never Pugs, but the Shepherd might want to leave the room for a bit).

Washing dishes

Since we don't have a dishwasher (only the manual kind), there are plenty of hours spent standing right here, doing a sink full. Thankfully, it's one of my favorite chores. Don't have to work on my attitude like Brother Lawrence and convince myself to do them. But then, his mindset of every domestic act being done unto the Lord is wonderfully spot on. I definitely could learn from that, especially considering that I drag through some chores, not seeing the end result, but rather such a huge job that it paralyzes me.

Small bites are best. Do a bit, pause and do a bit more. That's how I hope to tackle some overloaded bookshelves soon. We'll see how that goes.

The least one's day

Our youngest daughter has been making lists this week of what she hopes to accomplish on that particular day. I want to share because they're just so sweet. Here's yesterday's:

• wake up
• hug mom
• be mad
• go outside
• ride the bike
• greet dad and anna (they ride to work together, so that explains this entry)
  
• untie jonathan's shoelaces
• eat dinner and go to bed

And today's:

• wake up
• eat breakfast
• have fun
• go outside
• play with the pugs
• have lunch
• go down for nap
• get up and greet dad and anna

I'd say that this little girl has her head on straight, wouldn't you? Not so sure about the 'be mad' line, but guess if we schedule it, maybe even anger is put in its proper perspective. Love the 'have fun' part, but her oldest brother really hates that she puts untying his shoes as part of her day's business. She sounds well-balanced, though. :)

Today is good

Daughter shoved me back downstairs to bed again this morning. Didn't she just do that the other day? Seems to me that she did---tucked back in my memory somewhere.

Feel more balanced, though this cold has my head a bit clogged and muzzy-thinking. The day is overcast, as well, which suits my mood exactly. I'm thinking that I need to acquire more of a "This is the day the Lord hath made, rejoice and be glad in it" mentality. I'm always thankful for a fresh day to cram full of work, but need to address the "stop and smell the roses" part of life too.

For the rest of this day the reality is a grocery store run (which I enjoy, to tell you the truth), finishing up going over some schoolwork, returning library books, and time to putter around and drink in some thankfulness. Life is good, and I've gotten into the habit of overlooking that. Yeah, I've got me a dishy husband (who has the greatest telephone voice---wish you could hear it!), sweet kids, and lotsa dogs. Home is cluttered and shabby in spots, but it's home.

Reminder to self: I am blessed indeed.

(photo of corner of dining room)

Wanderings of my mind

Part of my problem is the taking on of too much. Doesn't matter what it is, I do more than necessary. Worry included. If the kids don't do their full requirement of schoolwork (my expectations and nobody else's and it's not like I'm overloading them by any means), then I feel that they'll turn into idiots in a day's time (I've mentioned this before). I'm afraid obsession is my middle name. It's so hard to find balance while homeschooling, and since I tend to make it my main priority, other things get overlooked.

Somedays I just want to paint my toenails and read magazines. But with the eternal piles of laundry, a dirty bathroom (which does get cleaned regularly), and dinner to always be thinking about, I'm just done in. Keep in mind that the kids do have their weekly chores, but also remember that we have 10 folks living in a small house. Might be fewer spaces to clean, but what we have gets dirtier quicker, you see?

When does the fun start? I begin the day planning the meals, running a mental list of whether we have toilet paper, milk, bread and peanut butter, and my brain just won't quit. I'm like a gerbil spinning on that wheel thing all the time, only stopping when the bed calls.

And then I get sidetracked when someone calls a sunset to my attention, or a joke they heard. I honestly forget how to be silly. If it happens, it's incidental and not ever planned. I am way too serious for my own good.

Does a person have to schedule simple enjoyment of life when they've gotten out of the habit of fitting it in? I think the answer is a definite 'yes'. And I think I'm going to remedy this problem of mine (or at least try) so my children don't follow in their mama's footsteps.

Monday morning's thoughts

Feeling a bit nervy. Gary took one of our sons to take the driving part of his licensing test. I always get worked up, wanting things like that to be over (like all parents), and Gary said the same. My husband rarely gets jittery about anything, but when it's to do with the kids---well, he's as bad as me. :)

The day's still overcast from our rain yesterday, and it's not as cool outside. That's fine, since I'm not ready for the really chilly days to hit just yet. Have lit a couple of votives, and am about to start the wash. Cooked a roast in the crock pot overnight, and that will sit in its juices in the fridge until late afternoon, then I'll cook some potatoes and carrots to make a stew.

Will finish my tea and toast with cream cheese now and get ready for school. I know my brain will be on hold until Gary and son are home, or until they call on their way here to update me. Parenting. My goodness, it's exhausting. Just think how I'll feel when they have babies.....but let's not go there yet, okay?!!

(Update...son passed driver's test. No surprise there, but relieved nonetheless. Exhale!)

(photo of the living room on Sunday afternoon....all warm and cozy)

A Perfect Day

Got up with the dogs at around 7am, and while letting them in/out, got the tea kettle to singing. We stopped for 2 dozen donuts last night after church, so I warmed my State Fair (like a cruller, but in a circle shape--total yumness) in the microwave for a few seconds and then got cozy.

My throat hurts just a tad, just enough to make me feel snuggly, and that hot tea went down a treat. One son has had a sniffle this past week, so not surprised to have some symptom or another.

What I want to do? Stay inside all day, except for occasional trips to the front porch to take deeeep breaths. The weather feels significantly cooler, and with the rain that's falling, it's just a wonderful day---scratchy throat included. The book I'm reading, The Forgotten Garden, is just the right read for a day like today. Oh, and Masterpiece Mystery tonight. Man, can't beat this day for anything. :)

All in all, I'm feeling rather festive. Nothing like a cold rain to make a person feel the contentment sinking in.

'Green' by Ted Dekker

If anything, Ted Dekker is consistent. While his books cover a variety of story lines, he does have a talent for finishing what he starts. His stories don’t leave the reader hanging, and the same can be said for ‘Green‘.

The book continues the tale of Thomas Hunter (also known as Thomas the Hunter) and his visits via the Books of History to the present-day and to another reality--one much more primitive, but maybe more believable than how the modern world appears. One thing I really like is the way Dekker incorporates the work of salvation into this series. The drowning in the red pool signifies a person giving themselves over to God, and I appreciate the clear Christian message---sin, rebellion, redemption, it’s all there.

For lovers of fantasy, this book won’t disappoint, but I will add that it was easier for me to understand since I’d read a couple of the previous Circle books. Not that everyone would have the same experience, but knowing some particulars was helpful. The name for this series, Circle, is totally apt as well, since a person could read one after another and on once again, and always get more out the story. Round and round she goes…..

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

Husband meme

1. He’s sitting in front of the TV: what is on the screen? click, click, click, everything and nothing

2. You’re out to eat. What kind of dressing does he get on his salad? honey mustard

3. What is one food he doesn’t like? cornbread

4. You go out to the bar. What does he order? water with lemon (though honestly, the act of going to the bar would never happen)

5. Where did he go to high school? in Maryland

6. What size shoe does he wear? size 10

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? motorcycles

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? cheeseburger sub. from Towson Deli

9. What would the Husband eat every day if he could? Life cereal

10. What is his favorite cereal? ditto 10.

11. What would he never wear? a suit (he'd have to buy one first!)

12. What is his favorite sports team? not sure, not too into that (thankfully)---but he does enjoy watching NASCAR

13. Who is his best friend? me (so he says)

14. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn’t do? worry about money

15. How many states has he lived in? 6: Maryland, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee

16. What is his heritage? French/Irish (hence the name 'dishy' husband)

17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind? chocolate all the way

18. Did he play sports in high school? softball

19. What could he spend hours doing? messing around the computer

Thanks Kim...that was fun! I found this in my saved posts spot, and had forgotten it was there.

Today's tidbits

• Crawled back into bed after doing dog duty at around 6:30am.
• Literally dragged myself out of bed later at around 11am, and not ashamed of it ;)
• Had strange dreams which I attribute to reading Ted Dekker's new book, Green. Not a surprise there.
• Got to grocery store just after noon-time and bought the weekend's supplies. Love not having that to do on Saturday.
• Frying bacon as we speak, for dishy husband's favorite spaghetti. To that add diced onion, garlic, lots of ground beef, tomato paste and a large can of crushed tomatoes. Simmer all afternoon. Yep, the house smells wonderful.
  
• About to hunt down new yeast bread recipe for dinner. Have Julia Child's cookbook, volume 2 from the library, and might just look in there. I just adore making bread.
• And attempting to get my head into a playful mode. My burden to bear---the inability to let go and enjoy the day. What a tired, old tune. My appreciation in getting chores done doesn't seem to equal my desire to be downright silly. What's up with that!??

As the Joker says in the latest Batman movie, "Why so serious?" Really.

Chillin' on Thursday

Feeling rested just now. I tend to be so sleep-deprived, that within about 30 min. of my lying down in the afternoon, I fall sleep. Hard. Then after 20 min. or so, I'm wide awake again. Guess anything can become a habit, and this one is definitely good.

And while I could probably search through my days wondering why I often feel little zest for life---is it diet, or maybe a emotional issue?----simply put, I'm just tired.

And naps are a wonder.

Planning on a quiet evening at home. Soup's in the crock pot, and am about to tidy up the house. The windows are up, the air is cool, and I'm totally crazy about my husband and kids. Not that these thoughts are related, but contentment at home covers a lot of territory, doesn't it? Oh, and tomorrow we're taking a school holiday. Not going anywhere, but just doing as we want. I figured at the beginning of the school year (this Fall), that we'd do a month of schoolwork, and then take one free day. Gives us something to look forward to, and keeps the guilt at bay.

Now, off I go!