Just Sayin'...

Need some perspective right now perhaps?
 I can help...

Life these days is all but normal..
and because I blog..
well,
Thus...
I will share!

So, life after a newborn is all BUT glamorous!

~I now pack a change of clothes for me AND the baby when we leave the house...
~I catch a glimpse of my skinny  after-baby profile as we scoot through the store on a " Quick!  The baby is not crying.. let's run into the store" errand!
( Which ends up not being so QUICK...
...2 trips to the bathroom for diaper changes.. 
...finding tissues to clean up a trail of spit up that your baby has left behind...
...standing in the diaper aisle...
 ...trying to take in all of the new fangled baby items that have come out in the last 20 years of my having children!...
 you know... those types of things...)

any ways... back to my profile..
Umm..
WELL..maybe NOT!

~The day will come soon,, I hope,, where these maternity pants will either wear out,, or my body will not need to accommodate them.
Just sayin'!

Soo...
To the gym I go...
the treadmill, the elliptical..
and..
then..
my shirt reveals the not so typical sweat marks....
yep..
if you're a mom,,
you know what I am sayin'
I'm missing my baby and it almost time for her to eat.
So, enough said..

ONLY a mom..
in the gym..
with no spare shirt...
and honestly ..
at this point..
Just keep exercising.
Just sayin'!

My honey calls...
Dinner?
Laundry?
Cleared table of water coloring aftermath, school books, this mornings Cheerio Bowls..??

Nope.
Sorry, dear.
If you could just direct me to the bathroom,,, I will try and fit that in today.

And to TOP it all off...
the kids see a dead.. DEAD Turkey on our ROOF!
No one knows where in the world this came from,,,
How it got there..
or how it died!
It was all a big mystery, and everyone was questioning one another for answers.
It is amazing how many creative scenarios a family can come up with for a mystery like this!


Oh... and did I mention that our 90 chicks arrived in the mail this past week!?
The Post Office calls me on a SUNDAY,, and during the middle of Church services...
we have to drive to the Post Office for our peeps.
My husband is the song leader,,, and doesn't show up front for last song.
So, how do you explain this to a whole congregation...
You don't.

Yep...

Life is a great big surprise here every day...

but.. we are having fun!

Take it all in stride...

You gotta love it!

Just sayin'!

Romanticism

Yep...

  Ten (10) children later, and all of the romanticism of newborns has still taken hold.

~Am I enjoying the colicky baby that I have this time?


~Am I loving the lack of sleep and slumber,, the cranky moods that I find myself in just about every day?


~Does my housework seem to be left by the way side.. piling up?


~Have I considered hiring someone to hold, walk, and calm my screaming baby.. so that I can hug my other little ones?


~Do I feel as if time is fleeting by, while I walk, and walk, and cry my tears with my colicky baby?

YES,,, to all of the above.

And the romanticism of a newborn...
the coos, the snuggles, and the warm face against my cheek when she sleeps?
Still there.
Yep..
I love my newborn..
Just praying that I will get through this time with some sanity left, and an ability to catch up on lost time with the rest of my life.

Don't let the smiles fool you.... these are the only smiling pictures we could grab in 2 1/2 months.

Sorry to be missing in action so long,,
maybe this will be the road back to blogging for me.
We will see.

Here a chick... There a chick.. Everywhere a...

Chick... chick!!

OK.. I will be the 1st to admit it..

Our family IS a little eccentric.

some would even go as far as to say...

VERY eccentric.

It is time to pace our order for baby chicks again.
We could incubate some eggs..
Maybe we will again.
But for a large quantity of healthy meat chickens,.. that are fed organic feed, and are also free-range..
then.. we will order them in large quantities.

Egg-Layers are also great for ordering as well.

If you are able to consider raising some chickens,, and have a great spot for a healthy adventure like this..
Then..
WHY NOT!?

Here are some pictures of our chicken adventures..
ENJOY!

                                      A close-up shot of the Chicks after they arrive in the mail!
    

                                                      

Wheel-barrow Races  - I told you we were eccentric!

How many families find a chicken on their roof!   We do!!!

And leave it to Sarah.. to rescue the chickens off of the roof!

Cookie Swap Fun!

If you have never been to or hosted a Cookie Swap...  I would highly recommend this fun idea!

Here is a re-cap and some ideas that we incorporated into out Holiday Cookie Swap -
If you see a recipe that "catches your eye," let me know,, and I can post a few of them ..

One month prior to our Cookie Swap,, we designed and ordered an adorable invitation from Tiny Prints..

Complete with matching return label

After choosing a guest list,... we tried to mix groups of people we knew...young girls, teens, moms, Church family, etc...

We had a GREAT group of ladies join us that day!
We are able to invite larger groups of people because our home is larger, but even a Smaller Cookie Swap would be great!

Every person was to bring their favorite HOME-BAKED Cookies,, and they would in - turn swap an even amount of cookies  to what they brought...from the beautiful assortment that everyone shared that day.

We all gathered around the table and  every rotation around the table was equal to One Dozen.  We had a few that had quite a few trips around the table.
This was soo fun..

There was a different story to every platter of cookies brought., and each person shared their "story," for their Cookies.

Old family recipes, memories while baking, etc. were some of the special touches brought to this Cookie Swap!

We had a Holiday luncheon,,, Appetizers, Hot Soup, and a Hot Cocoa "Bar"... This was a hit.. I washed more hot cocoa cups after the party than any thing!
FUN!  Peppermint Sticks,,, marshmallows, caramel , whipped cream,, etc!

We had Door Prizes,

Take Home Favors....

and Lots of Sweet Things to eat!

Stop back for Recipes for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, DIY Instructions for Party Favors, Hot Chircken Wing Dip, and MORE!

The day I called in sick

I do not work outside the home..
( unless you consider driving as taxi mom for games, appointments, groceries, and more - working?)...

And so, The Day that I called in sick was in a dream that I had.
It was lovely.
Until I woke up....


Honesty is the best policy.. or so I've heard?
What mom out there has never desired a "day off?"
I will be the first to admit... ( not because I like being first,, I just like being honest)...

This year has brought a lot of work to our home, our schooling, the new pregnancy, and to many spiritual areas that the Lord is growing and strengthening...
And a day off would be just grand.

But, truly,, honestly,,
WHAT would I do if I called in sick?
AND,,,,
What would that even look like... figuratively speaking,,, of course...
Like...
"Hi,,, this is your wife and mom,,, I am in bed, and will not be arriving to make breakfast, and the baby is in her crib and will need her diaper changed..... Over and out."

Nope... don't think that would fly.

How about...
" Hi... this is your mom... I have left the house for a sick day,,, be sure to not use the oven or stove, feed your baby sisters at some point, and don't answer the door for any one."

Ahhhh... nope..  NOT gonna happen!

Soo,, here we are...
MERRILY making gingerbread houses..
Decorating the doorways...
Making Christmas Aprons...
Snuggling under blankets on cold days...
Singing tunes of carols and munching on too many baked goods...
Addressing Christmas Cards...
Hosting parties....
Watching old Christmas movies with Vanilla Ice Cream and Egg Nog.

( There seems to be a sugar trend here... oh my .. maybe I will end with a sick day altogether!)

Who needs to leave the home for a MERRY Good time?

(P.S.  I have to confess that if my husband gives me a gift certificate for a pedicure.. I WILL be leaving the house for this, and more...
Why?.. I cannot touch my toes anymore!!!!... another post to come later...)

In the mean time... enjoy a few of our Holiday pictures...

Need a smile?

What makes a day around here fun?

Moments like these:

True gifts of laughter....
Don't you agree?

Live and Learn - Where's my key?

WOW... Who knew that going away for the first time ever from my family would bring such new revelations!


Here are some things I learned while away:


Who knew?


1.)GPS navigators are awesome  AND they talk to you.
2.)Hotel Shampoo does not suds or lather.
3.)Hotel keys are hard to find once in your purse.
4.)Always check to be sure you have stepped off the elevator onto the right floor... BEFORE walking all of the way to your room.
5.)It is not safe to go out to eat alone... what if you have an allergic reaction?  ( or something?)  :)
6.)I cannot sleep with out a fan... even away from home.  Yep.
7.)Always know where there is an extra set of stairs in your hotel.. for escape purposes , you know.
8.)If you fail to pass security in the airport,..and the alarms go off....PLEASE try to remember to tell them you have a steel plate in your leg.. or that you have swallowed a bomb.  ( I hope not)...
9.)Quiet time on the road prompts much better thinking than at home.
10.)Hotel phones blink at night.. ( and during the day),, but I never noticed before.
11.)Is it safe to talk to men with a Texan accent... while riding on the elevator?
12.)Drinking too much caffeine is OK when you are having fun.
13.)I need to learn some new make-up skills. Sometime.
14.)When shopping,, always go with your first choice.
15.)It is the "new thing"  and TOTALLY acceptable....to pass out your blogging cards to the people serving you at Starbucks.  They smile and thank you for them.  Go figure.  Try it.  :)
16.)I have an over-active imagination.  The whole spy thing must intrigue me.
17.)I loved not having any housework.
18.)If you do not want your hotel room cleaned.. you MUST remember to hang up your special sign.  Wherever that is.
19.)Women know how to laugh and cry and the same time.
20.)I missed my family...but...
21....was so blessed to have spent time away.

What do you find intriguing while away?

What NOT to do on a rainy day!

This is my rainy day story.  There is no better reason to share this on my blog, other than to re-entertain the hilarity of the situation....
 and, I guess.. give you a good chuckle!

Busy, Busy, Busy!
The last two weeks have held many activities and responsibilities aside form our "norm."
Canning.. Juicing... and making apple butter, etc.. Just add to the Craziness of it all.

(For those that read this, thinking I am sporting the "Superhero Mom Cape".... Let me take this opportunity to dispel that theory!)

Rainy Day Story!
Rare chance to slip out the door without the kids, to run such an "exciting errand" ( sorry, a little sarcasm here..).. Pick up a Juicer/Steamer at the local Cooperative Extension.

No Rain in site.
Me.. Driving with the windows down.. listening to James McDonald, and seriously enjoying the 10 minute drive of Sanity.. even if was a silly errand.

Rather strange that I notice my temperature gage on the van is saying that it is almost overheating!
I knew that we have had sporadic issues with the radiator,,, but being the "country girl" that I am... do not get overly stressed about these things.  ( Well,, not too often.)

Temperature gage is now peaking at the top, and steam is blowing out from under the hood.
Are you alarmed?
I remember a friend of ours lives about 1 minute up the road...
I get there safely.. pull in...

Before I am even out of the Van.. TORRENTIAL Downpour!!!  Out of the blue downpour.
The kind where the road is so hot,, and the rain is is causing a steam to roll of the pavement,, and I am having a hard time differentiating between the steam rolling out from under the hood and the rain!

I jump out of van in this pouring rain and run to their door.  Their car is in the driveway... and so I begin knocking .. politely.  It is raining quite hard now... I am getting a "little" wet.  Now I am knocking a little "less politely."

( Remember we live in the country... not and overpopulated development.. with many homes to choose from)
This was the ONE and ONLY house en route!

No one came to the door.  Must be away.

Hmmm.. What to do?  I am resourceful.. right?
HA!
I "skooch" with my back along the side of the Farm house to avoid the rain,  ( did I mention this is HARD rain?)..
and make my way into their open barn.

Well, at least I am dry!  Good,, right?!
Until I look out and discover that I have left the lights on in the van.

So, I frantically search for a container I can fill with water.. and put into the radiator.
You would think that I could find something like that in a barn?
Nope.
Oh.. wait... I found a hose,,, so I trace it back to its beginning,, around the edge of the barn, through the rain .. To find that the Handle was broken and unable to be used.

Now,, I am in a hurry, and so I make another run for the inside of the barn,, thinking that if I can find a container.. I could perhaps use "Rain Water?)
Genius .. right!?

Yes,, by now I am looking out of the barn.. laughing.. you have to laugh when these things happen.
What was making me laugh harder,, was thinking that the farm owners are probably watching me...puzzled, and maybe - laughing themselves?

Whala!!  I find an empty flower pot.  Success!   All I have to do now is collect some rain water,, and fill the radiator and I will be on my way!

HA!  I hold the pot out to the rain... and guess what!?  All of the success is gone from my "Sails!"
The Flower pot has a HOLE in the bottom.. ( you know for "drainage!")

Yep.. I am not laughing any more.. I am talking out loud to myself.. loudly... in the middle of an empty barn,, in the throws of a torrential downpour!

I decide to do what any sane person at this point should do...
MAKE A MADE DASH for the van and sit and stew about this.

So,, that handy flower pot with the hole in the bottom .. well... I turned it upside down and put it over my head for an Umbrella,,, and RAN!
With flip flops... in big puddles... and getting the bottom of my jeans very wet with farm pasture rain sodden gravel!

Once in the van. I realize that I am going to have to get to the nearest garage...

Driving against my better judgement...hoping that I will not do any further damage to the radiator.. I drive on.

FINALLY reaching my destination.. I ask the woman at the counter if she can fill a jug of water for me to fill my radiator over flow?
She replies.. "sure... but you know... this is VERY dangerous!"

Uh-huh... I know.
This is my life.

Thankful for the water..
Thankful the rain has ceased.
I lift the hood,, take off the overflow cap..fill the overflow...
and realize I drove the van wayyy to long,, and will have to sit and wait it out... it has to cool down.

What a fun "10 minute errand!!!"

What NOT to do on a rainy day!



Who Needs An Umbrella When you have a Flower Pot?!



There is a chicken in my bed!!!

3:30 a.m....I hear a little whimper next to my ear, and open my eyes to find my Shirley Temple standing there.. fearful.  Shaking and whimpering.

I ask her what is wrong.. and she says, ( crying and pointing).."There is a chicken in my bed!"

I tell her that there is NOT a chicken in her bed, and it is OK to lay back down...( her room is attached to ours, and so I can send her right back to bed.)

Nope.  She is 100% sure there is a chicken in her bed.
Still whimpering, and shaking, I am now trying to get her to truly wake up.
The baby shares a room with Miss Curly-Q, and I know it is only minutes now before she awake also...
maybe afraid herself of the chicken in the bed next to hers.

Being a parent is not convenient, and definitely does not have set hours.
It is a position of commitment and unconditional love.
I love my sleep.  I am one who truly needs her sleep, and this chicken was royally "messing" up my night!

The most frightening this about this middle of the night rendezvous, was that I was becoming convinced that there REALLY WAS a CHICKEN in her bed!
What is happening to me?
I told her once more that there was not a chicken there, and she pointed her little hand in the direction of her bed, and crying, proclaimed.." YES there is!!  It is right there!"

Did I look?
I am not going to tell you.. you will have to guess!!

( In case you don't remember,, we DO have chickens in a pen here on our property!)

10 minutes later,.. she is sleeping soundly in the recliner in our room, and I am almost asleep, when I think that I hear a "SQUAWK!!"

Go to sleep September!  It is only a dream... isn't it?

Where, Oh Where Art Thou?

Life has crazy turns...doesn't it?

Where oh, where art thou? Perhaps that is what some of my blogging friends have been wondering about life here ... A day in my life.

I have missed my writing..my quiet place, and my blogging friends.

Life has taken some wild and crazy turns here, but nothing more than the Lord can handle, and nothing that has taken Him by surprise. And so, One day at a time, Sweet Jesus - That's all I'm asking of You.

If you are a follower to my blog, and want to come back tomorrow to read about a wild and cray adventure that our family has gone on this summer... check in then.
I miss you fellow bloggers!
Feel free to leave a note, and I will stop by your blog as I do my catching up.

Where oh, where art thou?

How Does your Garden Grow?

I took some pictures of some of the produce from our garden today.
About one hour after I took the pictures, a friend stopped by and as we were talking, she shared a simple truth that I later thought about for quite a while.
So, now, you get to see my garden pictures. I am sure you are just so excited.. but, maybe you will think upon what I share here, as the two tie together.
How uncanny.

My thinking brought me to this ... Someone had shared with her,, and she shared with me, and now I am sharing with you... this thought -

How does your Garden grow?
I am not referring to the piece of land that has been tilled, and cultivated. Seeds planted, watered, and produce grown with care.

Here's the question. What IS YOUR GARDEN?
We all have been planted in a certain place, for a certain time. It is our job to cultivate that as well.
My home, my husband, and my children come first. I may not always produce the best results in my own areas, but it is where I give my time, my energy, my love, and my life.
Others give the same, and yet, are planted in other areas to grow beautiful things.
I think of Kelly, from... http://sufficientgrace-kelly.blogspot.com/
She is a mom, wife, teacher, and she still gives her time, her heart, and her love to a special ministry that is dear to her in so many ways.

I can always see where others have been given that "green thumb!" And that is not just referring to our Gardens.
For example, my friend Erica, owns and beautifies a wonderful shop, and you can visit her shop here.. http://sweetmillies.blogspot.com/
She has been planted here.. and it shows.

What we love - produces the best crop.
What are you cultivating? Are your priorities a little overgrown with weeds?

Perhaps there are things have distracted you, keeping you from your priorities?
Is your crop producing its best yield?
It's time to harvest, and we can all grow beauty around us.
It can't be hidden.
How does your garden grow?

MckLinky Blog Hop Favorite Photo

Today, I am joining in on The MckLinky Photo Blog Hop! Isn't this so fun to share our favorite photo's? I chose this photo of Eden and our family dog - His name is Flag, and we love him so very much.

"LOVE and LOYALTY"

Be sure to read my Wednesday's Walk tomorrow. I am sharing a very special walk down Memory Lane. I am enjoying reading all of your comments to my posts. Thank you for your encouragement as I went to visit my friend. She went to be with the Lord 4 hours after I went to see her. Thank you Lord for nudging me - a forever memory.

ALSO - Be sure to visit my blogging chum, Lynnette, here - as she is celebrating a BIG Blogging Anniversary with some special giveaways. She is a GEM, and I KNOW you will love stopping by here -http://lynnettekraft.blogspot.com/.

Let the Fun Begin!

Went to the Swim Park Today!

Kids had a blast, and I had a blast!

( Guess that could have been one sentence!)

Had to stop for an ice cream cone on the way home, right?

Maryahna was infatuated with the water dripping from her suit! Yesss.. it was WATER!! Heehee!

Time for the "meltdown".. err.. I mean... time to go home!

My 100 Random Things Post-FINALLY!!!

100 Random, Strange, Amusing, and Interesting things About Me - you may/ or may Not Want to Know:

1.I was born in the same month as my name.
2.I am the oldest child in my family.
3.My favorite color is yellow. Always has been.
4.I do not like lights on during the day.
5.One of the first things I do in the morning is open my blinds and curtains. I need sunshine.
6.The nails on my little fingers grow faster than my other nails. ( cannot believe the things we blog about!)
7.I accepted the Lord as My Savior when I was 12.
8.# 8 is my favorite #.
9.When I was a child - I lived in my roller-skates.
10.I really like to change the furniture in my home around. Did this as a kid in my own room as well.
11.Love to study natural/holistic health, and alternative treatments.
12.I am very sensitive to temperature. In the winter I am freezing, and in the summer I am sweltering.
13.I either HAVE to have ice in my drink, or I only want tepid water. No in between.
14.I love daises - we had them in our wedding.
15.I hate ferrets. ( sorry, ferret owners/lovers)
16.I have a hard time sleeping without a fan. Bad, bad, bad habit.
17.I have had 15 pregnancies, ( one set of twins,) and have 9 living children.
18.I loved school as a child.
19.I loved going to the lake as a child, and fishing.
20.I hate nail -biting.
21.My parents were divorced when I was 10 years old.
22.I attended public school until 9th grade.
23.I love oatmeal and buttered toast, blueberry pancakes, and really green, crunchy salads.
24.I love chick-flicks, 24, and Survivor.
25.I color my hair - it would be gray if I didn't.
26.I love classical music. Brandenburg Concertos are one of my favorites.
27.I would live in flip-flops of I could.
28.The Ocean is one my most favorite places to be.
29.I use to put other last names after my first name as a kid, to see what married name I would prefer. Never expected a three-syllable last name.
30.Gee, after writing # 29, I believe I really have a little OCB...lol
31.I had to take Algebra twice when I was in school.
32.I wanted to be a writer/ and a teacher when I was growing up. Guess I am a blogging/homeschooling mom.
33.I always said I would not get married until I was 28. Didn't happen that way. 18!!!
34.I do not drink soda.
35.I love to burn candles.
36.Absolutely love button-up cardigan sweaters! In any color! I wear them a lot.
37.I really cannot stand Science-Fiction.
38.I always dreamed of having a large porch with rockers, and am so thankful for the one I have.
39.My husband and I built our home.
40.I took Latin in High School.
41.I have delivered two of my children at home. Great experience.
42.I make/bake almost everything from scratch. It is actually hard for me to buy any thing in a box.
43.My first job was at a fast -food chain.
44.I received the Happy-Gram Awards in my elementary grades. Surprise!! (Heehee)
45.Swimming is not enjoyable to me. I only get in the pool to cool off.
46.I have two brothers, one step-sister and one step-brother.
47. I am married to a contractor.
48. I was engaged three months after meeting my husband on a blind - date.
49.Laziness grates on me.
50.Daisies are my favorite flower. I even had them in my wedding.
51.I love teaching children.
52.My great x's 7 grand-father came over on the Mayflower, fell over board, and was saved!!
53.I am always chewing gum.
54.I only wear small jewelry. My mom and my daughter love the larger, bolder colors/styles.
55.My daughter has two different colored eyes.
56.The same daughter only has one kidney.
57.I am not athletic at all. I pretend that I could be. Heehee.
58.Reading/writing is my escape.
59.Iced Caramel Lattes are a part of my weekly survival.
60.I love to observe people. Craziest thing, I know.
61.I never thought as a child that I would have a large family. Actually, never gave it any thought.
62. Attempt to live every day for the Lord.
63.Love hardwood floors.
64.Have tried every vacuum out there - if you really want to know my favorite, don't be afraid to ask.
65.Have learned that my trials changed my life for the better in so many ways.
66.Almost signed up for Survivor 5 years ago. Crazy- I know.
67.Still miss my sweet babies that are with the Lord. They were so precious.
68.I see my weaknesses more and more as I get older.
69.My dogs name is Flag. (We got him on Memorial Day!) (No making fun!!! - Poor dog.)
70.I didn't start wearing make-up until I was 30.
71.My eyelashes on my right side are blond, and on the left they are darker brown.
72.Love stripes, polka-dots and brighter colors on my children, but not myself.
73.I took ballet from age 4 to age 10. Loved it.. and still do.
74.Would love to take ball-room, swing, and hip-hoop dance lessons some day.
75.Will be married 20 years this year. ( 2009)
76.I am an extremely empathetic person. Sometimes too much.
77.Have an Iodine allergy.
78.Pittsburgh Steelers are my favorite football team. No rhyme or reason here.
79.I live in a very beautiful part of the United States.
80.Snow is not my friend.
81.I have supersonic hearing. It is annoying, yet helpful.
82.Honestly, I do not like handling coins. They are so dirty. ( another OCB thing, I know.)
83.My mom has a beautiful singing voice. She sang on stage for many years as I grew up.
84.Dream of someday have a beautiful picture taken of my children.
85.My husband can find four-leaf clovers without any trouble. It is kinda weird, yet amazing to me.
86.I never understood making lists like this, until, I thought about it going into my journals for my children. Aren't you glad you get this little peek into my strange life?
87.The Bobbsey Twins Books were my favorite growing up.
88.Love a french-manicure. ( although, the only ones I have ever had were by moi'!)
89.I use to have an obsession with holding the TV controller when we had TV. Gone are those days with Teenagers in the house.
90.I have always loved Birch Trees. Had one growing up, and would peel the white bark off. Now, find out it is bad for the tree. Still love them.
91.I love color. Every room in my home is a different color. Not one wall is white.
92.Love to visit schools, Churches, and teach the Bible to young children.
93. I love to find people with the genuine gift of encouragement.
94. Admire those that live what they expect out of others.
95.Really, really do not like beets and liver.
96.Live in the woods, and never want to leave the country.
97.Have the best family in the world! ( It's ok if you disagree with this one.)
98.Purposely do not listen to talk radio.
99.Have learned to make the most of every day. The Lord has entrusted me with so much.
100.Did I mention that I do not like my feet? (lol- like this is really important!)

What Could be more Fun Than This?

Honestly - Every Occupation has its ups & downs- But, I truly do not think that any thing could top the gamut of FUN that a MOM gets to experience ! I am always amazed when I sit down at the end of the day ( errr, I mean collapse).. and I think about what I experienced .

For example -

Today,

A simple jump in the "bus" and run down the road to Grandma's House, turned into -pulling over and changing the baby's messy diaper that had "gotten out of control" ( I will spare you the details),, and the creative way I had to handle it,,, being that I was only running down the road for blueberries, minus a packed diaper bag... it was interesting to say the least. Not to mention, it took about 15 minutes to run a 5 minute blueberry -borrowing errand!



OHHH,,, I can't forget the moment I discovered my 2 year old Shirley Temple strolling around the yard barefoot ( typical fashion for this carefree soul), holding in her hands 10 ( TEN -I SAID),, Dum-Dum Lollipops in her hands. Assorted colors and flavors -ALL unwrapped, arranged like a bouquet of flowers in her hand..,, sweetly licking the handful..all as ONE sucker! It was probably a good moment of teaching and correction, but, alas, I saw it as a great photo-op moment; Seized the fun, and made her pose in various positions for her "dumm-Dumm" Lollipop Picture. It was Sight,, and it was "SWEET!"



But, I know there is no fun in finding that two of our baby chickies ( out of 50) had "passed on," and the sad emotions from crying children were dealt with and we are moving on, hence still taking care of 48 little peeps,, food, water, and care three times a day.



I would be remiss to forget to mention the bee sting under a toe-nail for one of the kids, a bon-fire all day for the Old-tattered swing set/ play house that we decided needed to be dismantled at 10 p.m. last night, administering Annual School testing to my homeschooled children, ( being sure they are filling in all of those answer circles, while nursing a baby, and making the yummy blueberry muffins..)

The challenge of persuading 4 year old Sam to release his fading Lightning Bugs from their quart jar home ( after being held all night in bed,, keeping Sam company and delighted),,was exactly that - CHALLENGING. I was able to help him understand that we would be able to catch some more tonight for him to sleep with, and he settled for that. Honestly - this was priceless.

Following this release of the lightning -bugs ( which aren't so appealling in daylight, by the way), we were able to bad-aid some boo-boo's, get some much needed snacks, and put the potty-training on a shelf for another day!

THIS WAS ALL BEFORE 11 in the morning!

What could be more fun than this?

And I mean this from the bottom of my heart.
Motherhood is challenging, time-consuming, exhausting some days, but truly - it can be fun!



Now we are off to weed the garden, head to soccer practice, run to the store to get a new "Chicken light," work on U.S. History while at the Soccer field waiting, run Teens to their evening jobs, and maybe eat dinner in there somewhere!



All the while ( this is definitely a country slang-term), singing with psalms, and hymns and praise to the Lord for His goodness.

Remembering -

Psalms 118:24 -

"This is the day that the Lord has made, we will REJOICE and be glad in it!"



( This is our family verse. Some days it truly is a challenge to practice the rejoicing part of that verse, but all in all ... What could be more fun than this?)

Rose Colored Glasses

WOW? Will someone wake me up? It seems that I must be dreaming!! Who knew that life could be so good? Even when it seems hard - it is good.

Considering the different trials that we have have experienced, and the heartache that we have seen our family and many friends go through, one would think that I would not be reveling in the "good!"



BUT, it seems that although daily living may seem like a grindstone some days, and hardships can bring us down, I can still see the Lord's Mighty Working Hand in bringing about His plan in the end. Isn't this what life is suppose to be? Looking towards the goal, and continuing to PRESS ON!

I thought that I would journal some tidbits in my life that I was able to see through Rose-colored Glasses:



~My curly-Shirley Temple smiling up at me, holding her pocket-sized Bible, and singing Eee-I -Eee I - Ohhh! ( I didn't know that song was in the Bible!)

~50 ( Fifty - yep, I said 50) New baby chicks,,, peeping in the back of my van, waiting for their ( MY) new home! My children all peering into their little brooding box, adoring their sweet peeps. ( Soo cute to see!)

~My daughter all dressed up in her new dress for a Senior Banquet. She chose this dress with respect for modesty, and she is greatly rewarded with beauty! Inside and out.


~Watching your children all work hard/ together to accomplish a goal. Seeing them persevere even when it is tough.


~Seeing the bills get paid, and work slowly pick up, when in my limited wisdom and understanding doubt, fail to trust. His provision is always there.


~Seeing the reactions of people in public when I take my 7 month old into the Store to get some Chicken Seed, and she is covered with a chocolate donut! ( Which, by the way, was totally fun to stretch my ability to leave her that way for more than 5 minutes!)


~Knowing that my husbands' love for me is never-ending.


~Counting it ALL joy when I take the 16 steps to my daughter bedroom - SIX TIMES now.. to repeatedly get her to take her nap today are all GOOD! These hips could use those 96 steps... no complaining!


~Finding the bag of bird seed that I was given for Mother's Day laying open, dumped and scattered over the porch yesterday! "Come on birdies - it's a buffet at the McCarthy's Home this week! "


~A precious friend gifts me with a precious bundle of Victoria Magazines - all sweetly tied with pink tulle and an heirloom key! Gifts from the heart mean so much. Pass it on!


~Listening to my rattle -trap 15 passenger van, as we drive over, feel, and hear every bump in the road - but keep reminding myself that the air-conditioning works, and it is 86 degrees out! That is worth dwelling on!


~OK - I gave into my re-arranging temptation, and now have a big head start on my new look for the dining room. ( BTW- it is a fallacy, that stay at home mom's- do nothing.) This cleaning project was like a retreat for me to find time to do this. So very thankful.


~Spending time with my parents, brothers, and their families- always have a hearty- heart laugh when we are together! My brother tells stories as he thinks he is a vigilante!


~Getting to the store and smiling my Pollyanna smile - ( been practicing, have you?)... and then later finding that the kids and I have strawberry/blueberry seeds in our teeth from the fruit smoothies we made earlier. No wonder my smiles seemed contagious today!


~Watching the dandelions pop -up an hour after we mowed the lawn. ( I love our grass cut, and those dandelions are just sticking their tongues out at me every time!)

If you have on Rose-Colored Glasses as you walk about your day- life might not seem so hard. For we all know that there's no way around it - Life is difficult sometimes, but when we take those glasses off, it is even harder!

If you don't know where to find some of these special Rose-Colored Glasses- look here -

Prayer, Thankfulness, Giving, and Time alone with the ONE that matters the most!



OK- In the Spirit of Pollyanna Fun - My Son made me these special glasses-( from plastic straws!!...) and this humiliating picture ( photo-shoot) is posted merely to INSPIRE you to throw on your own Special Glasses. It truly makes a difference!

Re-arranging the Furniture

I have a lot of weaknesses. And if you know me, you know that I love to rearrange my home. Quite often.

Usually my husband will either come home to a completely different living room lay- out, or he ends up stuck helping me with the heavy - I can't move furniture. Usually, the latter is the most common. I know what he is thinking while he so "graciously" grins and lifts, and moves the things that I need help with. WHY?? It looked good before - he use to actually say this, but now he just thinks it. He knows there is no sense in it - it always looks good after too.


There was a day, when I wouldn't ask for help. I was too impatient. I would get the urge to re-arrange everything while he was away at work to "surprise " him. Ohhhh.. he was surprised.. just not too happy when he found out I had moved the heavy things by myself. So, now he helps, and knows the routine.


It is fun, actually. The whole family gets into the moves. We do not do them as often as we use to though. Our home is pretty set in its style,, but, I can feel the "re-arranging itch," coming back.

This past weekend, I did some re-arranging of more than just my furniture. I re-arranged my heart. My priorities, and my thoughts were a little "out of place." They weren't looking too good and the entire ensemble put together was quite distracting. And so, the re-arranging began. It didn't start as eagerly as it does when it is my furniture, I must admit.

I began with my marriage. I moved the discontent completely out of the picture, ( not just to the side), and replaced it with appreciation. I then had to get help with the biggest move - my thoughts. Rather than just letting the dust settle on my thoughts that were breeding anger, or resentment, I asked my husband for help with this move, and we worked together to move them as well. Replacing them with forgiveness, love, and understanding. Wow - I love this re-arranging thing. At least, I love the outcome! I find my moves are always a big mess and distraction while I am in the middle of moving things around, but, in the end, I am usually satisfied with the product.

The difference with this weekends projects - I wasn't moving things around for my own gratification. My "living room" - Heart space, thought space - are the Lord's territory. I made these changes to be more pleasing to Him. A cleaner vessel. A more appealing place to worship.

~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here is a memory that was not too funny to me when it happened, but now that I look back on this childhood incident, I laugh quite out loud!

It clearly defines my history with re-arranging. It goes like this:

I had a small, pretty room as a little girl. It was yellow ( my favorite color,) and it was small. ( Did I mention the small part?).. I have no idea how many times I re-arranged my bed, my dresser, and my desk. Only three pieces of furniture. But, I did. And it was a lot.

I had just found this new-fangled way to get my tall white dresser where my bed was, and then notch my desk on an angle into a corner. Holly Hobby wallpaper, yellow curtains, and this new move and I was quite content.
That is, UNTIL I went to bed that night.
I gave my parents a hug and kiss, said my "good nights."
( Just to preface here -I was deathly afraid of something being under my bed at this age.)
I asked my mom if she was going to check under my bed? She told me that I had just changed my room around, and I could see very clearly that there wasn't any thing under there. She wanted me to go to bed on my own this night.

PICTURE THIS:
I KNEW there was something under my bed. I just knew. It was big, and was going to grab my leg, pull me and under and no one would ever see me again. I walked calmly down the hall to my room. ( The calm part was all an act...)
I backed up before my dark room, door open, but lights off. I decided to make a run for it and jump!
I gave it all I had, ran with all of my might, jumped HIGH AND HARD - RIGHT into my dresser!!!!!!!!
SMACK! - I was now pretty unconscious -prone on the floor!

WHO put my dresser where my bed was?!! What lunatic moved my room around again?!
As I lay there, looking into my mom's bewildered face, ( I could see a humorous, sympathetic twinkle in her eye ,) I remember thinking that if there was something under my bed, it would have gotten me by now - as I lay there -waiting, in pain.

I can't say that this curbed my compulsion to re-arrange things, but it did cause me to turn my light on before jumping into bed!

So, I am thinking that although re-arranging can be painful - whether in our homes, or in my heart and life - it can bring about a much more pleasing result in the end.

I have learned that when it comes to re-arranging things in my personal life- the longer I wait to get the most-pleasing result for the Lord, the harder it is to make the change.
I am thankful for this weekend. My "living room" has much more room for worship of the ONE that makes it all matter in the END.