I was TOLD that I had to post today. The 11 year old was right....again. So much has happened in the 3 months since I have last posted that it became overwhelming to even TRY to post.
We went through at least 3 seasons in those 3 months in our family.
Season 1 - My husband quit his job of almost 4 years and spent 7 weeks working on a building project. During those 7 weeks he finished the two kid's bedrooms, and mostly finished the new family room (the fireplace isn't quite finished). He also worked on the new bedroom for us and a second bathroom. Both of those rooms have a ways to go.
Season 2 - Moving and adjusting. We got moved out to the house that my husband was working on. We had lived here for 11 years before moving into town for 3 years. Now we are back in the house, but we have tried to let the house grow up since the kids are more grown up, too. The adjusting comes from having to stay in town from Monday afternoon until early Wednesday morning. Thankfully, my mom has space for us to invade and we do not have to make the 2 hour round trip drive to town and back each of those days.
Season 3 - My husband has recently taken a new job, BUT... This new job is located 2 1/2 hours (one way) from home. It is a Monday -Friday job, so it was cheaper and more fuel efficient for him to get an apartment there and come home on the weekends.
In between all of the seasons, we had mini-seasons. Our local homeschool group had their 9 week co-op, we had 3 more birthdays in our house, my girl made all-region orchestra, my girl and I got to go visit our most favorite friends, I had a part-time job that took more than part-time, Thanksgiving, and we are trying to prepare for Christmas.
Oh, and, my boy is now employed by his dad to help his grandfather around the family ranch. It is a wonderful time for him to get to learn some man skills alongside a Godly man.
I do believe that we will get to slow down just a little as of today. I am claiming that!!
My goals for the new year include:
Doing my best to keep the weekends more low key so I can enjoy my husband
Keeping the weeks less busy so I can enjoy being a family
More time to relax at the park on Tuesday
More time to visit my mama.
Showing posts with label family time. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family time. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
25 Random Things
A friend of mine linked to posts in which people listed 25 random things about themselves.
I am not sure that I even HAVE that many, but I suppose.... I will have to see what happens.
1. I love to cook! Baking is my favorite.
2. Knitting is relaxing to me.
3. I have to read before I go to sleep.
4. I really enjoy reading aloud to my two children.
5. Ya gotta do the voices if you are reading aloud.
6. I like to grow plants, but I don't know much about it.
7. I have become the plant rescuer for my mom... her cat eats them.
8. Italian and Mexican are at the tops of my food lists...IF we eat out.
9. I actually cook breakfast for my kids every weekday....weekends are out.
10. I am a rare breed that even cooks breakfast for hubby each weekday at 6 am.
11. I really don't like Facebook. It is visually too busy. I am too busy.
12. I have never even looked at Twitter.
13. My 14 and 10 year olds still let me read to them at bedtime. We like to find weird, cool books like the Wingfeather Saga.
14. My husband is funny....most of the time.
15. I play too much solitaire on the computer at times.
16. I cannot just sit and watch a movie. I must be knitting or doing sudoku or something.
17. I love routine! Not a strict schedule follower, but the order of the routine is peaceful to me.
18. I have kept a written daily journal almost everyday for the past 6 years. It's kinda boring, but I use it to remember some special events.
19. I am usually mesmerized each Tuesday during my daughter's music lesson. Watching her attention and diligence is humbling.
20. My son's sense of humor is both annoying and captivating. Depends on the moment. :)
21. I LOVE to hang out with my kids. They are fun people.
22. I cannot read a short sentence with comprehension if someone is talking to me. Yet, I am a perpetual multi-tasker....go figure.
23. I get up at 5:28 am just to have time to write in my journal and read my Bible before everyone is up and talking to me.
24. I have been making my own laundry soap each month for the past 4 years. (Even though my son says it makes me sound like a Beverly Hillbilly.)
25. I do not like to talk. I much prefer to listen. Please talk to me. :)
Wow...I didn't think I could do it. (Though I cheated by putting the kids in there. But they count...right?)
I am not sure that I even HAVE that many, but I suppose.... I will have to see what happens.
1. I love to cook! Baking is my favorite.
2. Knitting is relaxing to me.
3. I have to read before I go to sleep.
4. I really enjoy reading aloud to my two children.
5. Ya gotta do the voices if you are reading aloud.
6. I like to grow plants, but I don't know much about it.
7. I have become the plant rescuer for my mom... her cat eats them.
8. Italian and Mexican are at the tops of my food lists...IF we eat out.
9. I actually cook breakfast for my kids every weekday....weekends are out.
10. I am a rare breed that even cooks breakfast for hubby each weekday at 6 am.
11. I really don't like Facebook. It is visually too busy. I am too busy.
12. I have never even looked at Twitter.
13. My 14 and 10 year olds still let me read to them at bedtime. We like to find weird, cool books like the Wingfeather Saga.
14. My husband is funny....most of the time.
15. I play too much solitaire on the computer at times.
16. I cannot just sit and watch a movie. I must be knitting or doing sudoku or something.
17. I love routine! Not a strict schedule follower, but the order of the routine is peaceful to me.
18. I have kept a written daily journal almost everyday for the past 6 years. It's kinda boring, but I use it to remember some special events.
19. I am usually mesmerized each Tuesday during my daughter's music lesson. Watching her attention and diligence is humbling.
20. My son's sense of humor is both annoying and captivating. Depends on the moment. :)
21. I LOVE to hang out with my kids. They are fun people.
22. I cannot read a short sentence with comprehension if someone is talking to me. Yet, I am a perpetual multi-tasker....go figure.
23. I get up at 5:28 am just to have time to write in my journal and read my Bible before everyone is up and talking to me.
24. I have been making my own laundry soap each month for the past 4 years. (Even though my son says it makes me sound like a Beverly Hillbilly.)
25. I do not like to talk. I much prefer to listen. Please talk to me. :)
Wow...I didn't think I could do it. (Though I cheated by putting the kids in there. But they count...right?)
Friday, February 3, 2012
STUFF
Do you have any STUFF?
STUFF is different than stuff, some how. Stuff is the accumulation of things I need now.
STUFF is the accumulation of things I once thought I needed, but now just don't have the heart (or guts) to pass on.
In 28 1/2 years of marriage, we have done a lot of things. We used to take vacations, I taught first grade, we were part of a fun-family-style church, we had pets, we had extended family. Then after 14 years of just the two of us, we added our boy. We moved from a mostly rural area to the Boonies. After 4 more years, we added our girl.
All those things add up to some really wonderful memories.
We had people live with us for short periods of time. We added on to our house down south. We had some fun vacations. Our nephews and nieces grew. Our children are growing. We are aging.
I don't even remember much of my life without my precious husband. I was only 13 when we met, after all. We attended the same high school and college. We were part of the same youth group at church and did all those things together. We have worked together in praise and worship for over 20 years. We like doing things together.
However, as I look around here, at our rent house, and then more out at our property. We have a lot of STUFF. Some of it is good stuff that I would never get rid of.
How could you ever get rid of your personal testimony translated into Portuguese for that mission trip you took when you were 16?
I have gotten rid of a lot of things. How did we ever accumulate so many THINGS? We never have been very rich, even when both of us worked full-time and we had no children.
Some things are well worth keeping, like my great-grandmother's tea cup collection. Books, now those are hard to part with.
I am slowly, so slowly, chipping away at the STUFF. But I sure enjoy the memories that STUFF pulls up.
Even if my kids do roll their eyes and wonder what I am talking about.
STUFF is different than stuff, some how. Stuff is the accumulation of things I need now.
STUFF is the accumulation of things I once thought I needed, but now just don't have the heart (or guts) to pass on.
In 28 1/2 years of marriage, we have done a lot of things. We used to take vacations, I taught first grade, we were part of a fun-family-style church, we had pets, we had extended family. Then after 14 years of just the two of us, we added our boy. We moved from a mostly rural area to the Boonies. After 4 more years, we added our girl.
All those things add up to some really wonderful memories.
We had people live with us for short periods of time. We added on to our house down south. We had some fun vacations. Our nephews and nieces grew. Our children are growing. We are aging.
I don't even remember much of my life without my precious husband. I was only 13 when we met, after all. We attended the same high school and college. We were part of the same youth group at church and did all those things together. We have worked together in praise and worship for over 20 years. We like doing things together.
However, as I look around here, at our rent house, and then more out at our property. We have a lot of STUFF. Some of it is good stuff that I would never get rid of.
How could you ever get rid of your personal testimony translated into Portuguese for that mission trip you took when you were 16?
I have gotten rid of a lot of things. How did we ever accumulate so many THINGS? We never have been very rich, even when both of us worked full-time and we had no children.
Some things are well worth keeping, like my great-grandmother's tea cup collection. Books, now those are hard to part with.
I am slowly, so slowly, chipping away at the STUFF. But I sure enjoy the memories that STUFF pulls up.
Even if my kids do roll their eyes and wonder what I am talking about.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Communication
I love my family!
I am so blessed to have the four of us. Then we are triply blessed since we have 3 of the kids grandparents living close by. Wow! The kids have never even had to have a baby-sitter. And the legacy of watching and learning from them first-hand is even better than just what we tell the kids.
However, we do have quite a bit of extended family, too. Most live in this same state, but we don't see them often enough.
How do I attempt to keep in touch? Well, unfortunately, I am not very good at it. I try to send email birthday cards (since I don't think about it the week before).
But, some of the family only seems to be on Facebook (which I only go look at and don't spend time there), one has a blog, some only do email but don't have 'real' Internet access. I even have one person that doesn't even have a computer at her house! (Can you imagine that?)
In the past few months, I have been making an attempt to actually sit down and write a real letter to my non-electronic family member.
When my boy was little, and even for the first couple of years of my girl, I regularly sent out an email to family that I called "Boonie News". I always got comments when I saw family, but I didn't hear much from them. Mostly, I did it as a journal for myself, I thought.
Recently, I have been asked to do a similar thing at least once a month for some of my email family.
Now, letter writing, blogging, journaling and emailing..... Are folks really that interested in us? I suppose it doesn't even really matter what I say, just that I thought of them when I sent it.
Hmmmm....that's worth writing for.
I am so blessed to have the four of us. Then we are triply blessed since we have 3 of the kids grandparents living close by. Wow! The kids have never even had to have a baby-sitter. And the legacy of watching and learning from them first-hand is even better than just what we tell the kids.
However, we do have quite a bit of extended family, too. Most live in this same state, but we don't see them often enough.
How do I attempt to keep in touch? Well, unfortunately, I am not very good at it. I try to send email birthday cards (since I don't think about it the week before).
But, some of the family only seems to be on Facebook (which I only go look at and don't spend time there), one has a blog, some only do email but don't have 'real' Internet access. I even have one person that doesn't even have a computer at her house! (Can you imagine that?)
In the past few months, I have been making an attempt to actually sit down and write a real letter to my non-electronic family member.
When my boy was little, and even for the first couple of years of my girl, I regularly sent out an email to family that I called "Boonie News". I always got comments when I saw family, but I didn't hear much from them. Mostly, I did it as a journal for myself, I thought.
Recently, I have been asked to do a similar thing at least once a month for some of my email family.
Now, letter writing, blogging, journaling and emailing..... Are folks really that interested in us? I suppose it doesn't even really matter what I say, just that I thought of them when I sent it.
Hmmmm....that's worth writing for.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Mama of the Day Award
I won! For one day.
Little Girl has really been wanting to set up the tent in the backyard. I like the idea, but I am not willing to sleep out there most nights. I have to get up in the morning by 5:50 and get Daddy's breakfast. He could probably survive one morning, but don't tell her that.
I would have to be the one to sleep out there with her. Dad won't. My Boy won't stay out there after dark. So that leaves Mom. I will do it during the summer.... I think.
I came up with a satisfying compromise. We set it up this morning and it will come down on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon. In the meantime, they are doing school out there, can picnic out there, make it their EPF HQ, and whatever else they can devise. We did make sure we both have walkie talkies, too.
In the first hour I had to redo the two ends (at separate times, of course), Deliver water and popcorn, and install a fan. Nothing like roughing it!
Take a second look at these two pictures and try to tell me that boys and girls aren't all that different! And these were taken in the first 15 minutes outside!
She was still getting it all situated and he was settling in to his history reading.
I wonder what other adventures they will concoct out there in the next couple of days. It sure is fun winning every once in a while. The best part of winning is when all sides win at the same time!!
Little Girl has really been wanting to set up the tent in the backyard. I like the idea, but I am not willing to sleep out there most nights. I have to get up in the morning by 5:50 and get Daddy's breakfast. He could probably survive one morning, but don't tell her that.
I would have to be the one to sleep out there with her. Dad won't. My Boy won't stay out there after dark. So that leaves Mom. I will do it during the summer.... I think.
I came up with a satisfying compromise. We set it up this morning and it will come down on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon. In the meantime, they are doing school out there, can picnic out there, make it their EPF HQ, and whatever else they can devise. We did make sure we both have walkie talkies, too.
In the first hour I had to redo the two ends (at separate times, of course), Deliver water and popcorn, and install a fan. Nothing like roughing it!
Take a second look at these two pictures and try to tell me that boys and girls aren't all that different! And these were taken in the first 15 minutes outside!
She was still getting it all situated and he was settling in to his history reading.
I wonder what other adventures they will concoct out there in the next couple of days. It sure is fun winning every once in a while. The best part of winning is when all sides win at the same time!!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Misnomer
Stay-at-home-Mom!
Ah! That sounds so delicious!!
I know that everyone already knows that is a misnomer. There is no such thing as a stay-at-home-mom in our western society. I'm not even sure how women have time to work!
At times, I even think that it is always my own fault or my own choice that I am too busy. I do know that is true, sometimes. However, today and in the past week, that just isn't the case.
I could not simply say, "No, my girl is not going to orchestra camp (last week) because we will be too busy." I also could not say, "No, I will not come and help with my niece's wedding dress (like I really did anything big)." And I cannot, today, say, "No, I will not attend this meeting for one of the best organization to which I belong." I also cannot say, "No, we will not go spend time with a good friend that we haven't seen in the past 3 weeks."
"No" is not always a choice.
Now, next week, "No" may be a very real option. But for today, we will push through some schoolwork and then rush off to the next important thing.
Note to self: Take the time to hug those kiddos and give them smiles as we rush on to the next thing.
Ah! That sounds so delicious!!
I know that everyone already knows that is a misnomer. There is no such thing as a stay-at-home-mom in our western society. I'm not even sure how women have time to work!
At times, I even think that it is always my own fault or my own choice that I am too busy. I do know that is true, sometimes. However, today and in the past week, that just isn't the case.
I could not simply say, "No, my girl is not going to orchestra camp (last week) because we will be too busy." I also could not say, "No, I will not come and help with my niece's wedding dress (like I really did anything big)." And I cannot, today, say, "No, I will not attend this meeting for one of the best organization to which I belong." I also cannot say, "No, we will not go spend time with a good friend that we haven't seen in the past 3 weeks."
"No" is not always a choice.
Now, next week, "No" may be a very real option. But for today, we will push through some schoolwork and then rush off to the next important thing.
Note to self: Take the time to hug those kiddos and give them smiles as we rush on to the next thing.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Baptism
Yesterday was a huge blessing in our family. Our children were baptized with all of our closest family present.
Our girl made a profession of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ over 2 years ago, and our boy made his over a year ago. We have been in no hurry for the baptism since they are still children. Dad wisely suggested that we give time for fruit to be grown. We have seen some fruit.
Then there was discussion about how and when to do this baptism. Just our family in a river, just our bible study group, or involve the church. Dad said that we needed to have the whole church involved since that is another place from which accountablity will come.
Our very bestest friends were able to be here this weekend to play and enjoy this celebration with us.
His head went down and his feet went up. And on top of that, he was almost too long for the baptistry. Dad says he bumped his head on the way down. (hee)
At our church, we are very informal and we do get the whole church involved. We all gather around the baptistry while the baptizing is going on. Pastor asked Dad to do the honors, but Pastor was right there with the first words of blessing and prophesy over each one.
What a special time! Our task in parenting hasn't changed a whole lot, but we continue to believe for new levels of understanding and continual harvests of fruit.
We are so blessed.
Our girl made a profession of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ over 2 years ago, and our boy made his over a year ago. We have been in no hurry for the baptism since they are still children. Dad wisely suggested that we give time for fruit to be grown. We have seen some fruit.
Then there was discussion about how and when to do this baptism. Just our family in a river, just our bible study group, or involve the church. Dad said that we needed to have the whole church involved since that is another place from which accountablity will come.
Our very bestest friends were able to be here this weekend to play and enjoy this celebration with us.
His head went down and his feet went up. And on top of that, he was almost too long for the baptistry. Dad says he bumped his head on the way down. (hee)
At our church, we are very informal and we do get the whole church involved. We all gather around the baptistry while the baptizing is going on. Pastor asked Dad to do the honors, but Pastor was right there with the first words of blessing and prophesy over each one.
What a special time! Our task in parenting hasn't changed a whole lot, but we continue to believe for new levels of understanding and continual harvests of fruit.
We are so blessed.
Friday, June 18, 2010
It's Friday!
In the past several years, Friday is not as big a deal to me as it is for most. But, this Friday is. My babies come home today!!!
I have seen them a little bit during the week. My girl had a yucky tummy on Wednesday, but was well enough for me to take her on out to camp to finish up the day. We had to stop by and check on her that evening and got to hug my boy, too.
Last night, the church where he is doing Cooking Camp had a concert and reception. Cooking Camp provided the refreshments for the reception. I got to hear a couple of mommas tell my boy how much their kids have enjoyed him. It warms a momma's heart. He is such a good big brother that he is able to share that with others.
I am so proud of them both and can't wait to have them to myself again. I am selfish that way. Of course, the weekend is busy and I won't get to keep them to myself only, but I get to wake up to a cuddle and a snuggle in the morning. I can hardly wait!!
Thank you, Nana, for making this week fun for them, and for being willing to let me have them back! We will do this again in about 3 weeks.
I have seen them a little bit during the week. My girl had a yucky tummy on Wednesday, but was well enough for me to take her on out to camp to finish up the day. We had to stop by and check on her that evening and got to hug my boy, too.
Last night, the church where he is doing Cooking Camp had a concert and reception. Cooking Camp provided the refreshments for the reception. I got to hear a couple of mommas tell my boy how much their kids have enjoyed him. It warms a momma's heart. He is such a good big brother that he is able to share that with others.
I am so proud of them both and can't wait to have them to myself again. I am selfish that way. Of course, the weekend is busy and I won't get to keep them to myself only, but I get to wake up to a cuddle and a snuggle in the morning. I can hardly wait!!
Thank you, Nana, for making this week fun for them, and for being willing to let me have them back! We will do this again in about 3 weeks.
Monday, May 31, 2010
27 Years
Happy anniversary to us!
Last Friday was our 27th wedding anniversary. That sounds like a long time, but it hasn't felt that long. On top of that, in just a few weeks we can say we have known each other for 32 years. Whew! Someone else must be old, 'cuz I'm not that old. Am I? Hee.
Way back in 1983, they didn't use as many fancy color words. Our wedding colors weren't periwinkle and cream, they were baby blue and white. Honey's best friend really HATED his baby blue tux he was asked to wear. We also didn't have digital photos so I don't know how to share my two favorite wedding pictures with you. Maybe some day I will find out.
Honey was 19, had hair, and was just oh so handsome. He is still very handsome in my book.
I was 18, thin, and anticipating the adventure. I am still enjoying that adventure, but all the rest is gone.
We really didn't have that many hopes and dreams yet, because we were too young to see past college graduation and what that could hold. We have had more hopes and dreams fulfilled than we could have ever hoped for.
The secret to 27 years? Trusting in someone bigger than Honey, knowing that Honey isn't going to change because I whine and beg and complain, and trusting in someone bigger than me to bring my peace and my joy.
I am blessed to be married to one of the great guys. Maybe he doesn't fill that in other people, but it doesn't matter. He is MY great guy and I am so thankful to have had him for 27 years. He has brought joy, comfort, and richness to my life. Not always, but plenty enough to make those other moments worthwhile.
Thank you, Honey!! I look forward to lots more years with you!
Last Friday was our 27th wedding anniversary. That sounds like a long time, but it hasn't felt that long. On top of that, in just a few weeks we can say we have known each other for 32 years. Whew! Someone else must be old, 'cuz I'm not that old. Am I? Hee.
Way back in 1983, they didn't use as many fancy color words. Our wedding colors weren't periwinkle and cream, they were baby blue and white. Honey's best friend really HATED his baby blue tux he was asked to wear. We also didn't have digital photos so I don't know how to share my two favorite wedding pictures with you. Maybe some day I will find out.
Honey was 19, had hair, and was just oh so handsome. He is still very handsome in my book.
I was 18, thin, and anticipating the adventure. I am still enjoying that adventure, but all the rest is gone.
We really didn't have that many hopes and dreams yet, because we were too young to see past college graduation and what that could hold. We have had more hopes and dreams fulfilled than we could have ever hoped for.
The secret to 27 years? Trusting in someone bigger than Honey, knowing that Honey isn't going to change because I whine and beg and complain, and trusting in someone bigger than me to bring my peace and my joy.
I am blessed to be married to one of the great guys. Maybe he doesn't fill that in other people, but it doesn't matter. He is MY great guy and I am so thankful to have had him for 27 years. He has brought joy, comfort, and richness to my life. Not always, but plenty enough to make those other moments worthwhile.
Thank you, Honey!! I look forward to lots more years with you!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Raisin'
Kids nowadays have no respect. Kids nowadays don't care about anything. Kids nowadays don't know how to behave.
What a sad state to be hearing these words regularly! I am sure that 40 years ago some of the grandparent generation said some of the same things. Which lead me to an interesting conversation.
On Sunday, I had to quickly remind my son about some behavior. As a friend came by I smiled and said, "Boys!" She responded by asking which is harder to raise, boys or girls. I had to pause for that one.
My answer to her was, "Moms!"
She looked at me quite strangely. Since she has no children and has not spent much time around my children, she would not have understood, but I tried.
Discipline begins with the parents. Literally. If the parents have no self-discipline, how can they teach their children to have any. Even reprimanding a two-year old correctly requires self-discipline. I had to be willing to pay attention to them, their behaviors and what the real situation was that they were in. Then I had to say what I meant and mean what I said, being diligent to make sure they were obedient. Even when they were teeny.
I have to give of myself to teach my children. Not just in homeschooling. We all know (but are we aware) that we are even teaching our children when we least think that we are. How we walk through and conduct ourselves in Walmart teaches them. How we answer the telephone teaches them. How we speak to our spouses teaches them. How we respond to them teaches them.
Now I am not the perfect person to be showing forth an example. However, being aware that they are always learning goes a long way.
How do I teach them today as we run errands and enjoy a summer day? Discipline on my part is the biggest key. Sure, I would love to have a day where I just get away. Who wouldn't? But being aware keeps me on my toes and keeps me vigilant in how I should be conducting my life even if little eyes weren't watching.
There is never a place I can escape from the eye of the Lord. Thankfully. I think He gave me two pairs of little eyes to train me to be watchful under His guiding eyes. He always strives to be raisin' me to a higher level and purpose.
What a sad state to be hearing these words regularly! I am sure that 40 years ago some of the grandparent generation said some of the same things. Which lead me to an interesting conversation.
On Sunday, I had to quickly remind my son about some behavior. As a friend came by I smiled and said, "Boys!" She responded by asking which is harder to raise, boys or girls. I had to pause for that one.
My answer to her was, "Moms!"
She looked at me quite strangely. Since she has no children and has not spent much time around my children, she would not have understood, but I tried.
Discipline begins with the parents. Literally. If the parents have no self-discipline, how can they teach their children to have any. Even reprimanding a two-year old correctly requires self-discipline. I had to be willing to pay attention to them, their behaviors and what the real situation was that they were in. Then I had to say what I meant and mean what I said, being diligent to make sure they were obedient. Even when they were teeny.
I have to give of myself to teach my children. Not just in homeschooling. We all know (but are we aware) that we are even teaching our children when we least think that we are. How we walk through and conduct ourselves in Walmart teaches them. How we answer the telephone teaches them. How we speak to our spouses teaches them. How we respond to them teaches them.
Now I am not the perfect person to be showing forth an example. However, being aware that they are always learning goes a long way.
How do I teach them today as we run errands and enjoy a summer day? Discipline on my part is the biggest key. Sure, I would love to have a day where I just get away. Who wouldn't? But being aware keeps me on my toes and keeps me vigilant in how I should be conducting my life even if little eyes weren't watching.
There is never a place I can escape from the eye of the Lord. Thankfully. I think He gave me two pairs of little eyes to train me to be watchful under His guiding eyes. He always strives to be raisin' me to a higher level and purpose.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Cleaning For Company
This is one of my biggest pet peeves EVER! I HATE to clean for company. I do it. I rush around and do those extra things that I have been needing to get done, just like everyone else does. But I really hate it.
I am one of those who thinks my family is more important than my company. I SHOULD have my house like this all the time to show my family how important they are.
*Sigh* Now back to reality. I love to relax and have fun with my family. I like to sit on the couch and watch dumb shows with them. I like to go running errands with them or cook for them. I think they much prefer that I do some of those things with them rather than only scrub toilets and floors with them.
The kids do like helping me with our housecleaning chores and they are quite helpful. I do keep the kitchen clean and most things picked up, most of the time. But I loved finding hidden paper wads that the kids were hiding to throw at me, even more than any of the above.
We are blessed to have a house near town so that we can host the Friday night Bible study group at our house every other week or so. I do love the fact that that is a good excuse for sweeping really well under the table like I ought.
So until we can live in a place without leaving any daily residue, I will clean house when company is coming and keep it decent in between times. I do like having my family's residue, most of the time. It usually makes me smile. Paper wads, ice cube melting experiments, and rock collections. Life is more fun than cleaning for company.
Come and visit our house so we can clean it for you.
I am one of those who thinks my family is more important than my company. I SHOULD have my house like this all the time to show my family how important they are.
*Sigh* Now back to reality. I love to relax and have fun with my family. I like to sit on the couch and watch dumb shows with them. I like to go running errands with them or cook for them. I think they much prefer that I do some of those things with them rather than only scrub toilets and floors with them.
The kids do like helping me with our housecleaning chores and they are quite helpful. I do keep the kitchen clean and most things picked up, most of the time. But I loved finding hidden paper wads that the kids were hiding to throw at me, even more than any of the above.
We are blessed to have a house near town so that we can host the Friday night Bible study group at our house every other week or so. I do love the fact that that is a good excuse for sweeping really well under the table like I ought.
So until we can live in a place without leaving any daily residue, I will clean house when company is coming and keep it decent in between times. I do like having my family's residue, most of the time. It usually makes me smile. Paper wads, ice cube melting experiments, and rock collections. Life is more fun than cleaning for company.
Come and visit our house so we can clean it for you.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Vacation
We were so blessed last week to be able to take a vacation to the beach. We were there for 2 1/2 days and 3 nights - rent free!! Thank you, Melanie!!We got to take Grandma and PaPa with us. While we were there the kids got to swim 3 times, we did some beach combing 4 times, rode the ferry, and visited with two sets of our very bestest friends in the whole wide world.
Best of all, we got to just spend time together. We are so blessed.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Life is Good
We have been taking a Spring Break this week. I thought we would use it for Mom to catch up on some things. We just moved 6 weeks ago, so how much can there be to catch up on? I did get those main jobs done, like switching out most of the winter clothes for springtime clothing. Here we are on Friday and I still feel like there are more THINGS to do. I guess that is what life is about. Get these things done so you can get to those other things.
One thing we got to do this week was visit the bookstores. The kids were given giftcards at Christmas they have been anxious to spend. Dad took the day off so we could all play together. Our idea of a great outing is hitting the bookstores. The giftcards were for one of the big name, new book kind of stores, so we went there first. Fun was had by all! The boy didn't find the EXACT book he wanted, but he is well pleased with the ones he found. The girl had trouble leaving some behind. :-D
Then we hit the used bookstore. Ooo, more fun! More books. We had listen to some music and a story on CD on the way to the big city, but on the way home there was quiet in the van. I did get them to look up for a couple of seconds.
And then, even Dad wanted his picture taken. What hams! This was a thing worth doing!
One thing we got to do this week was visit the bookstores. The kids were given giftcards at Christmas they have been anxious to spend. Dad took the day off so we could all play together. Our idea of a great outing is hitting the bookstores. The giftcards were for one of the big name, new book kind of stores, so we went there first. Fun was had by all! The boy didn't find the EXACT book he wanted, but he is well pleased with the ones he found. The girl had trouble leaving some behind. :-D
Then we hit the used bookstore. Ooo, more fun! More books. We had listen to some music and a story on CD on the way to the big city, but on the way home there was quiet in the van. I did get them to look up for a couple of seconds.
And then, even Dad wanted his picture taken. What hams! This was a thing worth doing!
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