I'm in over my head but I'm under His grace

Little Angels by Roma Downey

2011-11-02T11:42:00.000-07:00

I have been blessed to have the opportunity to preview this up and coming wonderful DVD series by Roma Downey (played Monica in Touched by an Angel t.v. series) called Little Angels!

The series covers not only learning academic basics but also biblical truths as well as facts
about animals and so much more! It is sure to please both child and parent!
Check out http://www.littleangels.com/ to see more for yourself!

I will be having a Giveaway of a few of these spectacular DVD's.
To be eligible, all I ask is that you check out the Little Angels link and let me know what you liked about it! Your name will go in the drawing that I will have on December 5th. I can even make sure you get it in time for Christmas!

Waking up early

2011-10-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

There is something empowering about waking up before the sun. It makes you feel like you have won the race against the giant golden orb. Like you were there first. But there is also a stillness that is there...a quietness.

The days business has not begun and it doesn't have to. You almost don't want to move because once you move...well..you know...'An object in motion stays in motion until it's met by an immovable force....my bed!'

This morning I awoke and went for a brief walk with my eldest daughter...in the predawn minutes. We came back and there was my next oldest..my son. So we read our devotion together and prayed.

Waking up early is really not my thing...
But spending time with my oldest two..like that...is my thing.
I am glad I am not too old to change.

I hope you are not either.

Because you alone are a gift!

2011-10-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

As a mother of four and caregiver to my Grandmother (which the responsibility is loving shared by my husband). As a runner of errands and all that comes with these responsibilities. I have been urged in different ways to take a moment.

I am taking a moment to find me. I want to find me before I realize late in life, that I am lost.

My mom raised 7 kids and as we all left and moved on in different directions in life, I am reminded of Charlotte, in Charlotte's Web...all her little spiderlings flew away and then...she...she wasted away to nothing.

Well, I am not saying that that is how my mother felt or that I am afraid of wasting away. But only that in the midst of the focus of raising kids and caring for others and your house...stop..and seek out your passion.

Don't wait for the right time or the right way or the enough money to afford. Make the way, make the time, be creative. Allow it to bubble up inside of you and get excited about it.

God gave you gifts...don't be afraid of them..they won't bite.

Don't compare your gifts...they are all unique...just as we are.

Praise others gifts and let them be an encouragement to you.

But for pete's sake....just begin..don't wait.

Because you matter.

Don't just go through life...live it!

2011-09-30T07:31:00.000-07:00

It all begins to sink in as the years pass by. Time really does fly... And if you have kids they are the mile markers of life's journey.

I remember growing up and I remember the ups and downs. I remember when my parents would have a tryst and mom said she needed a break and was gonna leave for a bit. I remember thinking...'take me with you'. I didn't have a bad life at all, don't get me wrong. It just had it's normal ups and down. I grew up the oldest of 6 brothers. I had more brothers but I did not see them but maybe once a year. So here I am living the dreams I had where I thought I saw my mom holding just one more baby in her arms, after she had told me very assuredly, that she was NOT having any more. I knew I saw a baby girl in someones arms...then I had that same dream..again. My mom told me it had to be me. As it turns out, it was. Here I am, my family complete, with three girls and one boy. I have found through the years that in some ways we parent the same as we were raised and shy away from other things. We allow things we were not allowed and restrict the new 'temptations' available to our youth these days.
I am eagerly trying to grab ahold of the ups and stay away from the downs. I don't want to just survive in life..I want to live it. And I want to teach my kids to live as well. And living begins with a decision. That decision is to be happy...and that begins by simply smiling and think of one thing to be happy about. I know what I am happy about...do you!

Ode to the garden that was not...

2011-09-28T15:26:00.000-07:00

So..update on garden! Since there is a drought happening and super hot...for a really long time...AND I went back to work part time~ This year the garden has been a fail garden. 100+ days of 100+ heat and not having the extra time to care for it...yeah..sadness. My sweet husband though has prepared the garden and we have very large plots of raised beds and three compost piles. All we need is water and a little...yes little sun. We have not given up..we are just taking a reprieve. The picture was from a few months ago before we planted. This is maybe one quarter of the garden. I envision so much for this place...and it will be..someday...a fruitful garden.

Gardening?...gotta put on my green thumb first!

2011-02-08T13:12:00.000-08:00

Well..I have always dreamed of having a garden. But just because it is something I have dreamed of doesn't mean I will turn into Martha Stewart! I know that I must first have a plan..a good one. I can't just say, well this is a good time to plant such and such...because I don't know yet what that 'such' is yet. I feel so green about gardening that I wish I could apply my 'greenness' to the process and have it work it's emerald magic!
My sweet dear husband has been doing his magic though. He has been getting the compost set up and helping me plot the garden. He has a compost book that I have dubbed his 'compost bible'. I have my books for me to build my knowledge on and fall back on. I just hope they are strong enough to support my ignorance!
I plan to post pictures of the progress..it should be a fun journey. It will hopefully also help me to stay encouraged and keep going.
So I will call this...post #1 of my Garden Adventure! Join me in the ride!

Between Summer and Winter break

2010-12-27T20:55:00.000-08:00

From summer break to winter break...hmmm. Well, kids started school and it was a wee bit rocky as you may expect when you are going to a new school in a new town. Abby started 7th grade and Caleb started 5th! Now with the school year half over we are able to look forward with more confidence as challenges have been met and conquered! Ana and Beka continue to homeschool. Since all the moving we know that ana got a bit behind and want to make sure she is 'up to par' and ready for the 3rd grade next year. But since Beka is schooling with her, she is catching up to her older sister too quickly.

Living on a small family homestead has been interesting. We have for sure seen our share of wildlife and i am sure we'll see more. We have seen deer, rattlesnakes, armadillo, possum or raccoon, roadrunner, coyote and bobcat! Have gotten closer than I would like to some and have had to catch and kill a rattler. Oh and inside the house (at certain times of the year) I have had to kill my fair share of scorpions too! ...and wasps..but that's enough about pests.

I would say we have had quiet a busy past 6 months. Ralph started and finished a brick patio and walkway, it is a very lovely addition to the wood patio my brother made. We are looking forward to spending warm summer days and cool summer nights outside. I am sure grandma will be able to come outside and enjoy it as well.

The biggest thing I am looking to start this coming year, is a vegetable garden. We really hope to become more self sustaining and raise more goats, chickens and our own vegetables.
It will take some planning for sure.
I sure hope that by the next time I get around to posting, I will have good news to share about my garden...we shall see!

How do you know?

2010-06-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

We face so many choices as parents. We do not realize this until we have children that we will have to decide things like what they eat, clothes, schools, movies, places they can go, when they can date..and the list goes on and on and on. It starts with breast feed or bottle..that is a decision we ALL have to make! And then can span all the way to..college!

Sometimes we question and question again about which is the best. Well, at least I do..some of the time. So my question is 'How do you know?' How will you know you are making the best choice for their health? How will you know you are making the best choice for their education?

Will they grow up in the ways that you teach them or desire for them?

But I have come to this conclusion. We can do our best or what we think is our best, but it is all still up to them as they get older and begin to make their own decisions in life.

The best that we can do is to do the best we can with what we have at the time. We cannot beat ourselves up or agonize over some things beyond us. With Mothers day past and Fathers day around the bend, we need to just be grateful for the opportunity, the blessing to raise a child to maturity and watch them grow. Let the experience bring joy and when there are tears, let those tears water your soul and strengthen it for the next step up.

Where did the year go?

2010-06-04T22:23:00.000-07:00

As I sit here typing, I just realized that it has just been...exactly a year since my last post. I may not have any followers anymore and truly be blogging just for myself. I am ok with that. But I will ramble nonetheless.

So where did this year go?.... Well, the kids did start the school year in public school, 6th, 4th, and 1st. Then we were presented with a need in the family. My grandma needed someone to become her caretaker and live with her because she has Alzheimer's. She and my grandpa had built their home out in the country about 30 years ago. They live about 3 hours west of where we were. My Grandpa had passed away 1 1/2 ago and my Grandma plus the homestead needed care. So after much discussion and prayer, we slowly moved our family out their. It was a slow and sometimes agonizing process, one that has stretched me profoundly. It started with my husband moving himself out their only, the Sunday before school started back in August. Then the kids started moving out there and sometimes they would be with me and other times stay with their dad. I still had to finish my job as an interpreter at a college and needed to finish the semester. So for the next 4 months, I was a weekend warrior and drove to and from....3-3 1/2 hours there and back. The last move was made the first week of December.

So it has been 5 months since we have been living together here. Wow what a journey! Now we have added 2 goats and 28 chickens and 9 guinea fowl. We have a small garden and a new well. So much we have learned and are learning along the way.

Our kids were using an online homeschool for a while, then we switched to working from lifepacs. Now with the new school year approaching and being in a whole new town and now going to a new church, we have decided to go ahead and put the kids back into public school.

So I am sure I will have LOTS to be blogging about now....we shall see!

The perfect dress!

2009-06-05T20:13:00.000-07:00

I have four kids and like any momma, I like to brag on my kids. My eldest just got promoted from 5th to 6th grade. She is no longer an elementary school student. She has begun her journey as a young woman, officially. We went looking for her dress for this special occasion and that itself was quiet the occasion. It was an enjoyable time though. We started at Ross, then Kohl's, and we wandered the mall for a bit. Then we saw Dillards...hmm...they have clearance racks. So we ventured up to the third floor to see what we could find. We knew the right dress would eventually call out to us..and it did. We found this coral beauty and Abby made it shine even more! The whole trying on and helping bring more back and switching clothes on and off the hangers etc...took me back. Back to when my own mom and I went shopping, when we were able to. I grew up in a big family. So when we did go shopping, it was special, and sure enough, Abby let me know that she felt spoiled...good..she should.

p.s. the dress was only an awesome $27. And Abby was so tickled that after we paid, they put it in a plastic bag. It was so exciting to have moved up in the world..she had bought a 'bagged dress'! Love it!

Oh, and just a bit more bragging...she has also got commended scores on all her TAKS (Texas state tests) tests for this year. Which means not only did she pass, but she exceeded expectations. On her last test, science, she ONLY missed one question. Can you see me glowing? I am!

So, yeah...I am not so regular..

2009-05-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

So I don't tend to be real regular. Umm...and I'm not talking about that kind of regular. I just mean I don't get to post as much as I would like. Gosh during the school year I am literally in over my head! With work, and thank God for overtime too, it is really hard to find time for myself...I am still looking. The condition of my house has taken back seat, yet again! And again I am vowing to get it in order before my mom comes to visit this summer, even though she is a big help and encouragement to me.

I never would have imagined myself on the journey that I am on now. I never planned on being a full time working mom, trying to switch between 'hats' quickly and dump my 'stuff' from work before I walk in the door. Wow, what a challenge. I did one of those things that you're not supposed to do. I got the kids what I refer to as 'guilt gifts'. Yeah I got them each a little something because I have not been around enough. But on a more positive and productive note, we just got our passes to the YMCA this past Tuesday. Well the kids wanted to go out swimming right away that night...on a school night. So yes we did and we sure had fun! Just me and the kids. I need to work on making more memories like that.

Buddy! our little angel...

2009-05-04T07:20:00.000-07:00

Since the loss of our two four legged family members, we were wanting to adopt another dog into our family. Well, it turns out that he found us. We found Buddy on the side of our house one afternoon, shaking like a leaf. he was filthy and flea ridden. We took him inside and gave him a bath and cleaned him up. We took him to the vet to check for a chip. We did the necessary checking to see if someone had lost him. But after sufficient time, we claimed him as ours. He has been the most perfect dog. It seems almost too perfect. We love him with all our hearts, which has been very healing for us after the loss of the others. When Ralph goes to pick up the kids from school, he goes along for the ride. When we go to Sweetwater to visit my Grandma and Aunt, he goes. I love that he is 'portable' and that he travels well. I think it is so sweet that he follows my husband around the house and sits at his feet and sleeps by my side of the bed. I think the one thing that I really love most....he doesn't shed! Because he has some poodle in him...poodles don't shed. Thank you God...you knew exactly what we needed and wanted.

Our Little Axle

2009-03-02T15:37:00.000-08:00

Well, we have more sad news from our home. Our second doggie Axle, has passed away as well, he was 12 years old too. He has only been with us for about 2 1/2 years. But he has been such a sweet little guy. He never complained, always loved, and was a real trooper on the road. He is a retired circus dog that we adopted from my circus performing brother. He had a full life and happy life. I feel that we were his retirement family and we gave him the best we had. Thank you Axle for taking us into your heart and loving us. We love you with all our hearts!

Our Dear Robin

2009-02-24T19:06:00.000-08:00

So I haven't blogged in months...either because I have no personal life or there is too much packed into my days...or both!

But we recently had something happen in and to our family. Our dear family companion and best friend of 12 years has passed on. It has been a few weeks now. My heart is still very tender. Some would argue that she was just a dog. Robin was so much more than that. She was there before we were married. She was there for the birth of our four kids and we were there for the birth of her eight. She was with us through all the up, downs, ins and outs of being on the mission field. She has come with us stateside these past three years, in what I consider her golden years. She loved us and was so loved by us. There will never be another to replace her...not even close.
Robin...you'll be missed. But forever in our hearts!

5 Things I enjoy MEME

2008-09-20T15:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks Michelle for the easy idea...
Here it goes.

1...Quiet time at the end of the day with a glass of wine.

2...Reading a book quietly.

3..Taking a nice long bubble bath.

4..Going out on a date with my hubby.

5..Playing with my kids.

Umm, they were not listed in any particular order.

Summer vacation!

2008-07-30T23:22:00.000-07:00

We have been blessed to be able to take a road trip to visit family in another state. But I have left my dear husband to hold down the fort, even though I have the 'tribe' with me. We have been gone four weeks and we are itching to get back home. But there has been so many family and friends that we have not seen and some that we will still not get the chance to see. Nevertheless...we need to get back home. Here are just a few precious pictures of our trip. These pic's are of us 'chillin' at the bay..it was kind of cold. But we had fun. It may be another year or two before we get back there....so who cares if it's cold, right?!

Remembering Easters Past

2008-03-08T07:06:00.000-08:00

This is our first Easter in Texas in our new home...in our green grass backyard. We were so excited because in Mexico grass is almost extinct...just kidding. But it is very rare to have a yard with grass.

We had literaly just moved and had not unpacked all the boxes. We had arrived, if I remember correctly, the friday or saturday before easter.

These are Easter egg hunts that we had while missionaries in Mexico. I believe they are 2006, 2005 and 2004 pix. and like I said...no grass. We hid them on the patio!

Howdy Partners!

2008-02-12T20:44:00.000-08:00

It was so sweet to come home to my kiddos all dressed up. They were having fun playing and then took some pictures. It kinda reminds me of the 'old timey' pictures that cost you a fortune at amusement parks.

So smart of them to save me a bundle! I have been realizing so much that life is so fragil and how much we take for granted.

I have been asking the Lord for more joy.

Because the joy of the Lord is my strength!

And as you can see...these kids bring me lots of joy!

Thank you Lord for them!

I'm so proud!

2008-01-17T17:13:00.000-08:00

Today was a big day for my 9 year old daughter. She is the eldest and has high expecatons of herself. It was so important that I took a half a day off from work.

Today was the first time she has been in a Spelling Bee!
She has been on stage before, but not for competition.
The words she had to spell were very challenging. I was so surprised that she easily could spell 3/4 of the words I asked her of the 874 long list!
But it was not meant to be. She misspelled her first word on the first round.
Yet I am so very proud of her. For getting up there and giving it her best shot. Honestly, it was her nerves that caused her to misspell the word and she spelled it quickly.
I know that there was a cafeteria full of kids that wanted to be in the Bee, but only thirty got in because they took the tests and passed.

You go girl!

From the Good Clean Funnies

2008-01-12T17:35:00.000-08:00

Two-Day Course For Men
EVENING CLASSES FOR MEN!
OPEN TO MEN ONLY - ALL ARE WELCOME

Note: Due to the complexity and level of difficulty,
each course will accept a maximum of eight participants.

The course covers two days, and topics covered in this courseinclude:
DAY ONE:

HOW TO FILL ICE CUBE TRAYS
Step-by-step guide with slide presentation

TOILET ROLLS - DO THEY GROW ON THE HOLDERS?
Round table discussion

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LAUNDRY BASKET & FLOOR
Practicing with hamper (Pictures and graphics)

DISHES & SILVERWARE - DO THEY LEVITATE/FLY
TO KITCHEN SINK OR DISHWASHER BY THEMSELVES?
Debate among a panel of experts.

REMOTE CONTROL
Losing the remote control - Help line and support groups

LEARNING HOW TO FIND THINGS
Starting with looking in the right place instead of
turningthe house upside down while screaming - Open forum

DAY TWO:

EMPTY MILK CARTONS -DO THEY BELONG
IN THE FRIDGE OR THE BIN?
Group discussion and role play

HEALTH WATCH - BRINGING HER FLOWERS
IS NOT HARMFUL TO YOURHEALTH
PowerPoint presentation

REAL MEN ASK FOR DIRECTIONS WHEN LOST
Real life testimonial from the one man who did

IS IT GENETICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SIT
QUIETLY AS SHE PARALLELPARKS?
Driving simulation

LIVING WITH ADULTS - BASIC DIFFERENCES
BETWEEN YOUR MOTHER AND YOUR PARTNER
Online class and role playing

HOW TO BE THE IDEAL SHOPPING COMPANION
Relaxation exercises, meditation and breathing techniques

REMEMBERING IMPORTANT DATES & CALLING
WHEN YOU'RE GOING TO BE LATE
Bring your calendar or PDA to class

GETTING OVER IT
Learning how to live with being wrong all the time

Murphys law?

2008-01-03T00:26:00.000-08:00

So is it murphys law or another one that applies here....
It is one of the coldest nights here in North Texas and our heater decides to take a break. It has happened before and works fine the next day. But why today when at night it is supposed to drop to mid 20's? Ack!
The solution? All the kids sleep in the same room and we put a space heater in their and keep the door almost closed. Well, three girls are already share the one room so that just means adding my son. But then the cat and little dog are cold too so they join in. I think I'll be ok in my own room.

Thank you for your prayers

2007-12-25T20:38:00.000-08:00

I will say that there is quiet a need for prayer for the deaf community in general.
Lonnie and Michelle (who work with Carlos and Virginia) have also been hit. As I am typing this there has already been an improvement in their situation, but still need your prayers.
Lonnie has been on dialysis for some time now but his situation may be getting more serious and he may need to change the type of treatment he is receiving. But just before Christmas he got admitted to the hospital for pnemonia and his little boy (about 3 months old) also has pnemonia. At this time though, he is back home in Mexico with his family and he and the baby are doing better, just taking medicine and getting rest.
Please be praying for Michelle, she has been taking on alot herself. Not only the care of her family but also now that Virginia is in the hospital she has been taking on her responsibilities.
She needs strength and alot of rest and wisdom.
We love you Michelle.

Update on Virginia

2007-12-18T21:57:00.000-08:00

Virginia is still in coma and her family is only allowed to visit her for 5 minutes at a time.
This is to protect others and Virginia as well.
We are waiting to hear the results of the test to find out which kind of Meningitis she has, either bacterial or viral. From what we understand, bacterial meningitis is the more severe and life threatening. They are treating her for this until they get the results back.
It should take about three days.
Thank you for your continued prayers!

Urgent prayer request for Virginia

2007-12-17T23:42:00.000-08:00

This is an urgent prayer request for a dear friend of ours, Virginia Suarez (deaf pastors' wife) had been sick for a few days and on Sunday morning she passed out and has only woken up once since. She is still in a coma at this time. The Doctors say that she is dehydrated and that her sodium and potasium levels are very low. They had originally diagnosed her with diabetes but they just rediagnosed her with menengitis. As you can imagine this has really shaken up their family. Her husband's mother is visiting for the holidays and is able to be the mediator at the hospital and make sure she is getting the best care. She will be having a neurologist come and check Virginia in the morning and if she is not getting proper care she will be asking for her to get a transfer to a better hospital.
We covet your prayers for her.
1.For her to wake from coma and for the doctors to effectivly treat the correct problem.
2. That she would be getting the best possible care.3. For the family, her husband Carlos and the two kids. For their peace and comfort during this time.
4. For their financial situation. They do not have any insurance and do not have the resources to handle a situation like this.
Thank you so very much!
Sorry I could not get the links to work properly. But you can find more information about the Suarez family at my frien Michelle's ministry blog.
www.bajacompassion.blogspot.com

Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T14:41:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for my wonderful husband who cooked our scrumptious meal today while I cleaned the house. And for my 4 wonderful kids who helped me!
This next part was written by my son. It was from a project at school. It was written on a leaf shaped 'booklet'.

I'm thankful for my family and friends.
I'm thankful for math and writing.
I'm thankful for money to stay in my house.
I'm thankful for my whole family.
Im thankful for my country and city.
I'm thankful for my brothers and sisters in Christ.
I'm thankful for my toys and clothes.
I'm thankful for Texas and the other states.
by C.L.

Have a happy weekend!

2007-11-15T23:07:00.000-08:00

Hey Y'all...I sure wish I could stop in more often to post...sigh..but since cleaning house is priority over that and cleaning house has been a challenge...posting has fallen by the wayside.

I have not yet found the 'secret' to maintaining an orderly home, what ever that is! With both my husband and I working and two out of four kids in school...when is there time and/or energy to wash clothes? It always seems like someone is asking at 6:30 in the morning..."Mom, I don't have any socks...where are some socks?" I am ashamed to say I tell them, "If you can't find any then just wear the ones you had on yesterday." In the back of my mind I am hoping that today is not their gym day and they have to take their shoes of and then someone will see that they are wearing dirty socks and I will be found out for being a bad mom cause my childs socks were dirty! That, plus he did not comb his hair today. I think I have a picture or ideal in my mind of how I want my family to be. How we should look and how our home should look...etc. Some of it is realistic expectations and others I think I need to factor in the kids age plus our busy schedual and size of the home (ok and maybe some of our habits). Yeah, I just have to be more realistic. My mom popped my bubble the other day and said, "You realize it is just going to be this way for a few more years." She said this from experience, based on the ages and proximity of my kids. They are ages 9, 7, 4 and 2. You do the math!

On another note! We got our act together and finally got our family picture done! The last picture was taken when we only had two kids. And my mom paid for us to have them done at Sears as a Christmas gift.....Last Year!! Well it was alot of fun. The lady got us in and out of there real quick. I felt like I was being rushed through processing in a factory. But when we sat down to look at the 20 picture after less than 5 minutes of picture taking, I was actually impressed! The one I loved was all of us on the floor. I liked it for myself cause I'm looking up and it hides the 'double chin". and that is a good thing! The one that we are all laughing about and is splitting our sides...is the one where she asked if we didn't mind pilling up. So we tried someting new and my husband laid on his belly and she asked me to lay on top of him! Yeah this is something we usually save for the bedroom but, ok. So then she had the two older children on top of us and the youngers down in front. All this needed to be done quick cause the poor man could hardly breath. Afterwards he said he thought someone had kicked him in the side. Which was not possible cause we were all on top of him! Well the following few days proved what had happened as his side was quite sore. We believe he must have fractured or bruised a rib! Not to mention that in the picture it looks like he has a sunburn cause his face is so red. But no worries, he is better now. And of course we order one of those pictures!

Funny kid quote of the day....my 4 year old tells me she "likes her orange juice with no pope!" ummm..translator please!

Making time to spend time

2007-09-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

Oh my! i just noticed that it has been almost exactly a month since my last post! WOW!
Well, I guess I should explain myself.
It has been going on probably the third month now that my husband has been working for ChemDry, a carpet cleaning company. He works both the morning and evening shift. I continue to work full time as well as an educational interpreter for the deaf for the local school district. Since a change in my schedule I have been working an hour over time every day, which will continue through the school year. Also my husband has begun to assume more responsibilities at work, which means going in earlier to work. All this translates to better income for the family. Which is what we have been praying for. There are goals that we have been unable to achieve, such as getting out of debt or supporting the deaf ministry. And to also be able to have a future for our family and not sit on the edge of the 'poverty pit' for the rest of our lives. But this comes at a price. Every thing costs either time or money. So there is a delicate balance in our home right now. When I come home, dinner is almost ready and by the time we are done eating, hubby leaves for work. Some days I arrive and he has to leave immediately . And with our kids entering public school for the first time it has been a challenge to adapt. I realize this is the norm for so many American families and it may be where you are at yourself. But I challenge you as I am myself to guard your family and the time you spend together. Because once your children are grown there will be no going back.
Slow down your day and go to the library together or find if you have a dollar theatre in your area. We found our local dollar theatre and it has been a very special treat for the whole family. Make time to spend time. On that note, I'll go , because it's the little things and the little people in our lives that count!

Pusgetti...yum!

2007-08-31T22:03:00.000-07:00

From my 4 year old, when I asked her what she ate for lunch at preschool.....

"We had pusgetti and it starts with Nnnn...Nnnn...pusgetti."

Well, maybe the N was thrown in there because that was the letter they learned today?

Go figure!

editors note...pusgetti=spagetti

I'm Invisible...please read!

2007-08-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

***I received this e-mail and I just had to share it! This is for all you moms. It is a little long but so very worth it!***

I'm invisible.
It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store.

Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?"Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all.
I'm invisible.
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30 , please."
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude -but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again.
She's going ... she's going ... she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England . Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it.
I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte , with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."
In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:
* No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.
* These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. * They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.
* The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.
A legendary story in the book tol d of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it."
And the workman replied, "Because God sees."
I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."
At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on.
The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree. When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want himto want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add,"You're gonna love it there."
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Middle Name Meme

2007-08-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

THE RULES:1. You have to post these rules before you give the facts.

2. You must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.

3. When you are tagged, you need to write your own blog post containing the middle name game facts.

4. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged!

So here it is....

R....Rarely do I get the chance to post a blog or have the brain power to figure out what to post about. Unless someone is interested in reading about my errands. Going to work, to the store, drop off and pick up my 4 kids from school/Pre-k/daycare, going to bank..etc.. Somehow, I think it is not that exciting.

O...Often I stay up way to late. During the summer this could be as late as 1:30 or 2:am. But is more of an average of 12:30ish. This is because that is when the house is quiet. I feel like I have a whole other 1/2 day ahead of me when kids go to bed! But as school starts up (and I go back to work for school district) all this will change...dramatically!!

B...Before we moved to Texas about a year and a half ago, we were missionaries in Mexico (to the deaf). Oh what a difference a year and a half makes! Michelle and I were 'neighbors'. I do miss y'all and my family in CA.

I...I decided after having 4 kids (3 of them C-sections) to go ahead and 'tie the tubes. This was my Dr's advice. But it is true that every once in a while I wish I could have more.

N...New to me is the fact that my husband and I will both be working full time and our 2 older kids will be going to public school for the first time and the 2 younger ones will be in Pre-K/Daycare.

So there it is!

Yeah, I don't think I'll have much luck finding someone to tag, since, like I said I have not been posting enough...

But...

R..read it and weep if your name starts with R.O.B.I. or N.
O..Oh, well if it's not I'll
B..be satisfied
I..in the end it's just a game so....
N..never mind!

Dear Michelle

2007-08-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

I am so glad I have a faithful follower.....of 1!! Ok I may actually have 3 who read my blog and I am so greatful!

Thanks Michelle for coming back day after day, week after week, year after....oh, year and a half.

You could probablly consider this blog your own private window to my life.

So with that said...I'll get on to my next post.

Which is..surprise, surprise...another meme from you.

Keep on taggin'!

What it means to be 33

2007-08-10T21:28:00.000-07:00

What being 33 means to me.... Or ...On what great wall will my picture hang?

I have lived in 3 different states but traveled through more than a dozen.

I have lived in 2 different countries and traveled through at least 3.

I have 10 brothers and 0 sisters but only 1 is %100 full blood 'mine'.

I have been married once (whew!) and have 4 kids by that wonderful husband.

I am fluent in 3 languages and a 4th I am knowledgeable and a 5th I once aced but have long since forgotten.

There are no "Great Accomplishments" but simply a starting point...this is just a mile marker for me....for I am barely 1/3 of the way there!

The 'Great Wall' on which my picture will hang?

Well, I guess that would be my living room wall...along with my husband and kids!

5 Things I dig (love) about Jesus Meme

2007-07-25T21:53:00.000-07:00

This post goes out to my dear friend Michelle in MX!
This is a long overdue Meme...I actually owe you a few. I hope that doesn't make me more in debt!
Hey I have four kids so I always have a good excuse for messy house, forgotten things, procrastination...etc, right?

Well this is the "5 Things I Dig (Love) about Jesus Meme"

1...I can talk to Him any time of the day or night....Any!
2...I can talk to Him any where...(shower, library, store.....)
3...He still loves me and forgives me, even after I got upset with my kids.
4...He 'chose' to love me!
5...Even when I've done stupid things and I feel like an idiot, He gently calls me back to Him, and tells me I'm not.

Yeah...my list could go on too...
He is just so awesome...

The Buzz!

2007-06-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

My husband and I have arrived at a new level in our marriage. I am not sure if it is a step up or down....maybe it is sideways!
Over the years (almost 10!) I have offered to help my husband out by cutting his hair. I do not have any formal training. Just being witness to my mom buzzing my 5 younger brothers hair. That counts for something...I was an accomplice?
Well he has ALWAYS said "NO WAY!" In order to preserve our marriage, he would not let me touch his hair!
Well he came to the place where he did not want to spend the money on the haircut ($8-$10+tip). You know when you get to the bottom of the barrel, $10 is alot of mulla.
So he got out his beard trimmer he uses for his goatie and put it to his head!
Aaah!! I told him if he's gonna do that..please let me help!
So I gave him what we affectionately call, the "Lonnie" cut. It is your basic buzz. But it has been named after a friend. I'm sure he'll be honored...maybe?
I spent a long time buzzing, trying to get it just right. But in the end it looked like I spent less than 5 minutes! Then our son decided it was 'Awesome' and he wanted a buzz like Daddy! I was feeling pretty proud of my guys...they looked real good with some gel in there hair...real stylin'!

Oh, and by the way....our marriage is doing great!

And our pocket book doesn't get thinner!

How Nice....

2007-06-25T10:07:00.000-07:00

I picked this didy up over at Laurel Wreath's...

Well isn't it nice to know you can come and bring your kids to read my blog!
But I think the few intimate friends that really now me, know that that rating is WAY off!

Some thoughts

2007-06-23T15:07:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been talking with either a family member or friend about marital problems. Not mine though. I have just been thinking about how so many people see divorce as an option. That if there was just some way for people to see that marriage is not the wedding and you're done. But that it is a whole new beginning. And it is actually one of the biggest challenges of your life!
I have come from a broken home and know the pain of it. I have also seen strife in the home from discontented Christians. Unfortunately there is no magic potion or easy answers. It just starts with making priorities, and interestingly enough, your spouse is one of them. I am saying all this, I guess mostly to remind myself I suppose. That today I need to take the time and tell my 'Man' that I love him. But to not only say it But to also show it through my actions throughout the day.

Reminder to self...go tell him!

A Compendium of Pontifications ...

2007-06-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

1. I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.

2. Police were called to a daycare where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.

3. Did you hear about the guy whose whole left side was cut off? He's all right now.

4. The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference.

5. To write with a broken pencil is pointless.

6. When fish are in schools they sometimes take debate.

7. A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.

8. A thief fell and broke his leg in wet concrete. He became a hardened criminal.

9. Thieves who steal corn from a garden could be charged with stalking.

10. We'll never run out of math teachers because they always multiply.

11. When the smog lifts in Los Angeles, U C L A.

12. The professor discovered that her theory of earthquakes was on shaky ground.

13. The dead batteries were given out free of charge.

14. If you take a laptop computer for a run you could jog your memory.

15. A dentist and a manicurist fought tooth and nail.

16. What's the definition of a will? It's a dead giveaway.

Girls...Girls...Girls

2007-05-09T21:30:00.000-07:00

Well summer is on it's way! Yay..which means more time to spend with my kids. I'll be working during the summer too but not full time and not the whole summer. These past few weeks have been such a whirlwind.
My eldest daughter turned 9 and she had a slumber party. We kicked my son and hubby out.My daughter invited 9 friends and I invited one of the moms to help me out and keep me sane. I Came to realize though that the total body count was 16! My daughter+9 friends+my friend+her 2little ones+me and my 2 little ones= One fun and crazy slumber party. We watched Princess Diary 1 and 2 and ate pizza and popcorn. Then decorated cupcakes. The next morning was muffins, bananas and oj. Notice how I didn't cook anything? (except for the cake). Then when the girls left on Saturday we left to0 visit my Grandparents and Aunt, who live 3 hours away and spent the night at their place. Needless to say...we came back tired. But it was a fun weekend. I think this weekend we will spend at home...the whole time!

I want to thank you all for the prayers for my brother. Please...please continue to pray for him. This has been such a trying time for him and the whole family. Please be praying for his two boys as well. Thank you.

Thanks

2007-04-23T20:54:00.000-07:00

Thank You all for your support and prayers. My brother is out on bail and his arraignment has been postponed for a little while. He was able to visit with the family over the weekend (the week before last). They are interviewing lawyers at this time and have hired a private investigator to look into a situation where there could have been 'foul play'.
We are confident that God is in control of this situation. And that many good things will come from this. I know my brother is in the palm of Our Father.
On a side not..but a happy one...my family in California had a nice surprise the same weekend this brother was visiting. One of my other brothers has been away for a year (Iraq). He showed up the same Saturday that the family was together. I could not be there, but my heart was with them.

Urgent prayer request

2007-04-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your prayers. My Mom arrived safely and we are enjoying her stay. But I have a critical prayer request to ask.

My brother in CA just got in a very serious car accident and killed the other driver(70 yr old man). He was in ICU, but his injuries are not life threatening. He will be eventually transferred to the county hospital.

He is under arrest at the hospital because he was driving under the influence (alcohol). He was driving down the wrong way on a one way street.

He has two young sons (ages 11 and 9). He has always been responsible and cautious. A young man with a big heart. All this has really shook him up. We are certain there will be jail time. We just don't know how much. His arraignment is set for about three weeks.

Please be praying for God's mercy in this situation. And for His strength and comfort as well.

Thank You.

Vacuum cleaner contest!!

2007-04-01T23:14:00.000-07:00

Hey for all who need to, love to or just vacuum as a hobby. This contest may be of interest to you! 5 Minutes for Mom is having a contest.... it is for a new Dyson Slim Vacuum! Go on over and check it out...what have you to lose. The only thing to lose is a clean floor!
We all love good clean fun!

Prayers

2007-03-30T14:16:00.000-07:00

Hey Y'all, I need to ask for prayer for my mom. She is leaving today from California and she is on her way out here to Texas. She will be stopping to visit my Grandparents (her mom and dad who live about 3 hours from us) on her way.

She will be driving by herself. I know she is capable of driving it but it is such a long way, ya know!

On top of this, her sweet basset hound, Clover, just had to go into the hospital. This caused her time of departure to be delayed and has made leaving more difficult. She is not sure what the result of Clovers' blood test will be. It has also cut her money back that she would have used for the trip.

Pray for angels to surround her her entire trip and for Clovers recovery from whatever is causing her sickness. That God would give her peace and comfort on her journey. And for her finances.

Our whole family is looking forward to her arrival on the 6th of April (and my dad coming the following week for a few days).

We have not seen my family in a year and are anxious for their safe arrival.

Thank you!!

Wordless Wednesday

2007-03-28T15:21:00.000-07:00

A little bragging

2007-03-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

This is a bragging post. I realize I have not spoke much about my son. He just turned 7. And he has three lovely sisters surrounding him in age, helping to mold him into a well rounded young man. Well, his sister who is two years older than him has been taking ballet lessons for just about 5 years. When we were living as missionaries in Mexico is when she first started. The picture here is of one of those recitals. Now that we have been stateside, she has been taking a combanation class of ballet/jazz/tapp. Ever since she started, he has wanted to learn to dance as well. She had even tried to teach him a little herself. But back in Mexico it is really not the 'macho' thing to do. So when she signed up for classes here, he followed suit. Their spring recital is coming up. And I just received an e-mail from his teacher. This is what she had to say about him."...By the way, he is doing incredibly well in class - and I love having him there. He is a natural dancer and you should be very proud...."

So can you tell? I am very proud! I am also very proud of his older sister who has inspired him to dance. She is a beautiful dancer. I am very proud of both of them!

Weekend Reflection

2007-03-17T22:23:00.000-07:00

Well considering this has been Spring Break and I work for the school district, I was off for the whole week! As you may already know. I must stop and actually ponder my week.

--Hubby worked on garden out front with kids. Eldest daughter (Miss A) planted seeds she bought with her own money.

--My son (Mr. C) had his 7th Birthday on Thursday. I had different plans I was thought about doing but time and money said otherwise and we ended up having it at the park with a bunch of moms and kids from church....it was great!

--My daughter (Miss A) bought my son a Bionicle (Lego made toy) for his birthday with her own money. I just love that my kids learn to save their own money and buy their siblings gifts!

--I aspired to do a lot of cleaning...but got only some done. I will have to be happy with what I accomplished. I did get the kids rooms cleaned and vacuumed. That was no minor feat! I did not do the cleaning...I only guided. There are only two rooms.

--I started walking more and taking the kids on walks more (this includes going to the park). I intend to keep this up for two reasons. 1..because I work full time and some overtime...so it is good for me and the kids and gives hubby a chance to be at home alone (although he may be cooking dinner at the time) and 2..because at the school district where I work they are having a "Biggest Loser" contest that I joined! Yeah, I can lose weight and win money...I'm not sure which is better? So the extra walking is a needed routine!

--My hubby and I have been spending more quality time together. This has been very good. At the same time it brings things to the surface which is good but can sometimes be painful. But the end result is good.

--Went kite flying for the first time with my kids. Like I said..we are going to make the park a bigger part of our routine.

--I may have finally gotten smell of cat pee (male) out of Mr. C's room! This is a very big thing and my elder female dog has leaking problems when she sleeps too! So these are serious issues, you can understand I'm sure, for those of you with pets. I would keep them out all the time if weather permited. But we let the cat stay in because he is not fixed yet. And let the small dog stay inside because he is old and the biggest dog stay inside at night because we feel safer.

All in all the week has been good. I honestly did plan and want to get more done. But I need to learn to bite things off in small bites. So I will have to pick an evening when the kids are asleep (cause that is when I can be most productive) and pray for energy and tackle one of my projects.

Spring Break

2007-03-14T13:40:00.000-07:00

I am so happy for me that spring break is here! But my poor kiddos still have school such is the life of a homeschooler. Oh the cruelty! Yeah well, when your kids are 'graduating' 6th grade mine will be graduating high school. Right? Ok, Maybe not.
The real reason they are still schooling on vacation is...
1.They need the routine for the sanity of the family
2.My mom is coming out for Easter break from California and we will cancel school for a week to enjoy her visit. We are really looking forward to it since we haven't seen my family in almost a year. My dad might even decide to join her, last minute!

So I am trying to make the most of my week by doing some faux 'spring cleaning' AND do my son's 7th birthday AND enjoy time home with my kids!
Has anyone figured out yet how to get more hours in a day?
I've tried just about everything and staying up late at night doesn't work!

PARTY TIME!!

2007-03-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

These are are three of our past parties and it is my decoration for this party! I am also trying to gather my thoughts and creativity to celebrate my son's b-day next week..he'll be 7!

I have been intending to invite you to this party!

And I will inroduce myself too and I hope to get to know you more as well.

I have been married for almost 10 years and have 4 children. I had been in Mexico for 12 years as a missionary to the deaf. Which is where I meet my husband (who is hard of hearing himself) We have been off the mission field for about a year now and I have been working full time as an interpreter for the deaf in TX. Looking back over my life I have done so many things that I thought I would never have done or accomlished. Like going to a foreign country without knowing the language or any of the people I'd be working with. Or like now, I never thought that once I had kids that I would be a working mom. As in a 9-5 job and sometimes overtime and my husband staying home and doing the homeschooling, cooking and etc.. But alas it is the season of life we are in. I believe children truly are a blessing from God and I love mine dearly! My blog is usually and mostly about my family and personal experiences and the funny things my kids say and do ... and then some!

Who needs normal!?

2007-02-26T20:25:00.000-08:00

You Are 35% Normal

You sure do march to your own beat...
But you're so weird, people wonder if it's a beat at all
You think on a totally different wavelength
And it's often a chore to get people to understand you

How Normal Are You?

The good, the bad ......

2007-02-13T22:04:00.000-08:00

Life here in our household has been in a bit of a 'upheaval'...we have had everyone sick on and off for over a week now. I am the only one not to go down before the 'porcelain throne'. I pray that I stay healthy too, because I need to be able to keep working.
I have been very blessed though. A friend sponsored me to go to a womans retreat with my church this past weekend and it was a much needed break and a wonderful weekend. There were so many highlights that I cannot share them all right now.
Yeah...just need to get myself to bed cause I need to wake up and go to work in the morning. Thank you Lord for my job. And that my family is getting healthier everyday.

Time well spent

2007-01-29T21:20:00.000-08:00

I don't really do New Year's resolutions. And besides the new year has passed, sorta. But in the light of making improvements, I have been working on one thing. Well on a few maybe but this one is the most important and lasting.
I have been trying to make a point to spend more quality time with my kids. Not just time...but the kind of time that they will remember. You know it is easier to remember the negative things and more difficult to remember all the positive. So I am making an effort to be, on the whole, spending more quality-positive time with my kids. I think this has stemmed from the fact that I am working full time now. I had gone from being a missionary mom who was sometimes not home. To a full time stay at home mom then to a full time at work mom. We have all gone through a lot of changes over the past almost year. I am trying not to raise my voice so much and praise good behavior. It is not any easy job, nobody said it would be easy. But it is so worthy and worth it. My children are so worth it.

Word of explination on the pic's...ok so that is my husband reading our 2 older kids a story, not me. But it is a picture of spending quality time. Just in case you needed an example!

My sweet little felon

2007-01-25T19:21:00.000-08:00

Tonight as we left Walmart, the alarm went off. I realize this is nothing new because it goes off for about every other person. The catch was, we had not bought anything. I was only doing a return. I had been in the jewelry section placing an order for a wedding ring (my dear husband had lost his a few months ago). So back to the embarrassing moment...
I happened to have all 4 kids with me and when the alarm went off I turned to them and said "ok, empty you pockets!"
It turns out Little Miss A, the 3 year old had put a ring (big fake one) in the front pocket of her sweater! I asked her what happened and she said it was an accident.
Well, I had let them look at the jewelry while I was busy and I expected her older siblings to keep an 'eye' on her. I guess I was asking for it.
Sheesh, but it was still embarrassing. I did explain to her that that is called stealing. Even if she didn't realize what she had done.

No school--for some

2007-01-17T08:32:00.000-08:00

Working for the school district+school cancelled = No work!!

Yeah I stay home today with the kids! So the only bummer is I woke up at 6:15...oh well.

But we did make a funky little leaf filled snowman the size of my 3 year old. Can you see the brown hat and the carrot? Hey, I'm from California and have been in Mexico for many years so this little snow is a big deal for us! You better not be laughing at us! The backyard looks even more white.

And 'our' school was not cancelled. Meaning, because we homeschool and becacause my husband is a diehard (I say that in a loving, endearing and affecionate way) my kids are still being schooled. Which is why I am doing my 'thing' and catching up on housework...oops..and blogging! But it sure does look pretty outside!

Honesty of a 3 year old

2007-01-14T21:21:00.000-08:00

I don't know what it is about my 3 year old but she is always saying the darndest things.
She has a nack for being uncommonly and comicaly honest.

Little Miss A. tends to be the louddest of the bunch and I have to ask her frequently to 'bring it down a notch', to calm down and so one time I asked her to "turn her volume down"
Well she so matter of factly told me, "my volume is broken."
Well, yeah...I guess that goes without saying...never mind.

And today after she was done using the bathroom I told her to remember to wash her hands and that I could turn off the light for her. This is because the light is in a strange place in our bathroom, it is by the sink and nowhere near the door. Many times she has just climbed on the sink herself and turned it off. Well obviously I am trying to break her of that, but she informed me, "I can climb up there and turn it off mommy, I'm a monkey."
Yes my dear you are, but monkeys can still fall and bust their cute little monkey heads. No I did not say that to her, but man she can be so very honest that it cracks me up.

Family Time!

2007-01-13T17:38:00.000-08:00

I am so very grateful that I have a job, really I am. But I am also grateful for a 4 day weekend. Martin Luther King day is on Monday. Well since we home school, we'll do a short day. My husband is the one who stays at home and does the schooling, cooking and cleaning. Yes, he is a rare breed.
But we will have a lesson about who Martin Luther King is and how he affected history. That will be the extent of our school on Monday. Sounds fair to me. If they are not going to have a full day of school and Mommy is off of work (I work for the local school district) and gets to spend time with them, then it makes sense to learn why.
I am looking forward to the extra day with the kids and hubby, of course!

On that note, we had some bad weather here and the power went out temporarily. So we all sat down and played a game together. We do have game nights sometimes, but why is it that when the power goes out we actually spend quality time together as a family? Do you find this to be true?

Thank You!

2007-01-10T21:33:00.000-08:00

Ladies..I cannot say enough thank you's for praying for my family!! We are up to date with the car now! There are other utilities that are outstanding but we are believing that the rest will come in.

I was talking with a friend, who has been going through even more difficult trials than I, that it is at times like this that we must choose peace. There can be so much stress and trials taking place in your life and you really don't know how to respond, or you respond purely from emotion that makes it difficult to funcion. This also affects those around you and it is a challenge when you have little onnes that depend on your care. I have to chose peace and to be at peace. I do not always do that...I am human. But I have been doing better.

I really do appreciate your prayers, please do continue to pray for us when you think of us.

Thank You!!

Prayer

2007-01-06T17:32:00.000-08:00

I do not know how many actually read my blog daily, weekly or even at all. But I need to put a prayer request out. It is one I am sure we have all experienced at one time or another.

We have been going through a difficult time financially for a while, but things started to get a little better after I got my job. We had a recent setback and now we are back to square one. Or shall I say negative square one.

It is no fun to blog about these kind of situations but it is life and it is where we are at. A while back we were too close to being evicted and now we are too close to our car being taken (repo). There are other things as well but it is the whole financial can of worms.

I humbly ask for your prayers.
Thank you

Christmas break is over...WAaaah!

2007-01-04T17:48:00.000-08:00

I think I have enjoyed my Christmas break too much. Being at home with my Hubby and kids has been so very nice. I work for the school district so I got about 2 weeks off from work! Wonderful!
But now I groan....uuugh.....I go to two staff develpment days and then to work again on Monday. I think I am pretty well developed, must I go?
'Sigh'... it is like the kid having to wake up and go to school and he groans...."just 5 more minutes ma!"

Yeah...I just want a few more days!!! Please!

Anguish Languish

2006-12-28T18:34:00.000-08:00

This is something I just had to share!! We went to the library today and picked up the Children's Almanac of Words at Play by Willard R. Espy
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Lettuce Pray
When you hear the word anguish, you aren't likely to think it's English. And if you hear the word languish you aren't likely to think it is language. But if you hear someone saying "anguish language" you might think he or she is saying "English language." A man named Howard Chase discovered you can tell whole stories, and have them understood, by replacing most of the words with words that sound a little bit like them but mean something entirely different. Anguish languish was the name he gave to this kind of wordplay. Here is the Lord's Prayer in Anguish languish:

Hour Fodder wart unleavened,
Hottub beehive mane.
Tyke idiom crumb, Tie wilt bean numb,
Inert acid dizzy emblem.
Goofy dismay ordeal Libra head,
Ant reefer keeper dentist.
Leaners snot undo ten patients,
Buddy liverwurt frumpy fill,
Four thigh next seeking dumb,
Deep powwow, auntie chlorine
Fur river. Almond

-Mark Burstein

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P.S. You'll probably have to read it a few times and you actually sound like you are reading it with a transilvanian accent!

Christmas Joy

2006-12-27T12:33:00.000-08:00

This Christmas went well, in spite of it being the first Christmas that we have not been with my family in California. It has been the most difficult on the kids. It has been almost a year since we moved to Texas and the change has been a challenge for us all. The kids still ask about going back to Mexico and see our friends and see Grandma and Grandpa in CA. Sigh...Lord willing we will see them soon. Grandpa and Grandma may be coming in the spring.

One of the most precious treasures I had this Christmas, I received Christmas night.....
We took a drive around town that night to look at all the pretty lights that were up in the neighborhood. In between the ooh and aahs, we had a very meaningful conversation with our two eldest children. It went something like this....

As we looked at the big beautiful homes with their elaborate light decorations, I thought out loud..."I wouldn't mind living there, what a beautiful home".

Well my daughter responded with, "Yeah, when I grow up I'd like to have a home like that, but, I probably will never be able to afford it".

This launched us into a conversation about education, jobs and life in general.
I realize as I share this with the blog community that some of you have children and understand that wonderfulness of a opportunity like this. We got to talking about 'what I want to be when I grow up' and 'what I enjoy doing now and how that can become my future job'. You see, what struck me the most are the ages of my two eldest. My daughter is eight and my son is six. Yet he tells me that when he is a teenager he wants to go to college and learn about math and when he gets 'taller', he wants to be a math teacher. It is true...he has a head for math, just like his Daddy. My daughter says she wants to be a designer, either clothes or interior decorating. Hmm..., when I was younger...so did I. She has an eye and nack for detail. We both do, sometimes to a fault...but thats beside the point.

As we drove around I just basked in the wonderfulness of our conversation as we talked about ambitions and being able to do anything you want to do. As long as you set your mind and heart to it. As long as it is something you love and enjoy. And yet it will still take perseverance. There will be extremely hard times and lean times. But if you keep on, keeping on then you will arrive at the goal you aimed for. As I think about it. It is something that my husband and I and our family are working on even at this time. That evening ended with a sense of purpose for the future, for them and for me.

What I love is that we home school and they can do more if they would like or learn about something that interests them whenever they like (not to say that if you don't home school you can't do that). It is a freedom that my husband took advantage of as he asked them on Christmas morning and again the day after Christmas...."Hey, after we have breakfast we'll get ready for school, ok?"....
Without blinking or looking up from what they were doing, they both responded..."Ok".
Well, they do get a break and they are excited about it. But they did confess that they miss school, are my kids abnormal?...nah!

Answers to Holiday Song Quiz

2006-12-27T12:10:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be good to give the answers to the Holiday songs before the end of the Holiday Season and beginning of the new year.

starting with number 2....

2...Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

3...Let it Snow

4...Joy to the World

5...Oh, Christmas Tree

6...I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

7...Silver Bells

8...I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

9.Little Drummer Boy

10...Walking in a Winter Wonderland

11...Oh Come All Ye Faithful

12...All I Want for Christmas (Is my Two Front Teeth)

Holiday Song Quiz

2006-12-08T16:21:00.000-08:00

I thought these would be fun to try in leu of the Christmas Season. I'll do the first one and let you try at the others. I did not think them up myself, but can any of you think of any others? I have a total of 32..but I think I'll only post some of them....have fun!

What is the real name for the Christmas Song?

1. Colorless Yuletide
-White Christmas

2. Castanea seed Vesticated in a Confligration

3. Frozen Precipitation Commence

4. Delight for this Planet

5. Oh Yuletide Tall Woody Plant

6. I Witnessed Maternal Parent Osculating Bewhiskered Male in Carmine Ensemble

7. Metallic Element AG Cup-Shaped Musical Instruments

8. Hallucinating About an Ivory Yuletide in the First Person Narrative

9. Lilliputian Male Percussionist.

10. Perambulating in a Terrain of Stupefaction From 12/21 to 3/19

11. Loyal Followers Advance

12. Singular Yearning for the Twin Anterior-Incisors

Wordless Wednesday

2006-11-22T13:59:00.000-08:00

Meow!

Little Lizard Tale!

2006-11-21T21:16:00.000-08:00

This is a bit long but so very very worth reading...I received it from a friend! I needed that lift at the end of the day!

If you have raised kids (or been one), and gone through the pet syndrome including toilet flush burials for dead goldfish, the story below will have you laughing out LOUD!
Overview: I had to take my son's lizard to the vet. Here's what happened:
Just after dinner one night, my son came up to tell me there was"something wrong" with one of the two lizards he holds prisoner in his room. I put my best "lizard healer" look on my face and followed himinto his bedroom.
One of the little lizards was indeed lying on his back, looking stressed.

I immediately knew what to do."Honey", I called, "come look at this lizard!" "Oh my!" my wife diagnosed the problem after one look."She's having babies.' "What?" my son demanded. "But their names are Bert and Ernie, Mom!"
I was equally outraged. "Hey, how can that be? I thought we said we didn't want them to reproduce," I accused my wife."Well, what do you want me to do, post a sign in their cage?"she inquired. (Actually she was being sarcastic.)":No, but you were supposed to get two boys!" I reminded her, (in my most loving, calm, sweet voice, while gritting my teeth).
"Yeah, Bert and Ernie!" my son agreed."Well, it's just a little hard to tell on some guys, you know," she informed me. (Again with sarcasim)
By now the rest of the family had gathered to see what was going on. I shrugged, deciding to make the best of it.
"Kids, this is going to be a wondrous experience, I announced. "we're about to witness the miracle of birth.""Oh, gross!" they shrieked.
"Well, isn't THAT great! What are going to do with a litter of tiny little lizard babies?" my wife wanted to know.
We peered at the patient. After much struggling, what looked like a tiny foot would appear briefly, vanishing a scant second later."We don't appear to be making much progress." I noted."It's breech," my wife whispered, horrified.
"Do something, Dad!" my son urged."Okay, okay" Squeamishly, I reached and grabbed the little foot when it appeared again, giving it a gentle tug. It disappeared. I tried several times more with the same results.
"Should we call 911?" my eldest daughter wanted to know."Maybe they could talk us through the trauma."(I think I was picking up on some similar sarcasim)
"Let's get Ernie to the vet." I said grimly. We drove to the vet with my son holding the cage in his lap,"Breathe Ernie, breathe," he urged."I don't think lizards do Lamaze," his mother noted. The vet took Ernie back to the examining room and peered at the little animal through a magnifying glass.
"What do you think, Doc, a C-section?" I suggested scientifically.
"Oh, very interesting," he murmured. "Mr. and Mrs. Cameronmay I speak to you in private for a moment?"I gulped, nodding for my son to step outside.
"Is Ernie going to be okay?" my wife asked."Oh, perfectly," assured the vet. "This lizard is not in labor.In fact that isn't ever going to happen.. Ernie is a boy. You see, Ernie is a young male. And occasionally, as they come into maturity, like most male species, they um..um..have certain changes, and he was just...." He blushed, glancing at my wife.
"Well, you know what I'm trying to say, don't you Mr Cameron?"We were silent, absorbing this.
"So Ernie was just..just...excited." my wife offerred....Exactly!" the vet replied, relieved that we understood. More silence. Then my viscous, cruel wife started to giggle...And giggle, and giggle some more, and then to even laugh loudly.
"What's so funny?" I demanded, knowing, but not believing that the woman I married would commit the upcoming affront to my flawless manliness.
Tears were now running down her face. Laughing "It's just...that...I'm picturing you pulling on its..its...teeny little..."she gasped for more air to only bellow in laughter even more.
"That's enough" I warned. We thanked the Vet and hurriedly bundled little Ernie and our son back to the car. He was glad everything was going to be okay.
"I know Ernie's really thankful for what you've done, Dad." he told me.
"Oh, you have NO idea," Closed mouth, my wife agreed, then collapsing in laughter again.
2 lizards - $1401
cage - $50
Trip to the Vet - $30
Memory of your husband pulling on a lizards teeny winkie...Priceless!!
Moral of the story - finish biology class - lizards lay eggs!!

Give me an M!!

2006-11-17T19:59:00.000-08:00

I have so got to get my act together. I wanted to link my Wordless Wednesday to the others. I wanted to do a Thursday Thirteen. I had things I wanted to post about but never got the chance to...cause I forgot what they were! Well I also want to loose about 30 lbs. So we'll just have to add a whole bunch of stuff to the New Year resolutions list...if I can remember....

What I could not forget to post about though was my own personal cheer squad that I have! Yesterday when I came home from work, my kids called me to the back yard. They had me cover my eyes until they were ready. When I opened them my two eldest Miss A (8yrs) and Young Mr C (6) were standing with their backs to me about 15 ft away and about 5 ft apart from each other. Then Young Mr C turns around with a jump and has a large clump of dandelion buds (white) and he yells out M-O-M-M-Y...MOMMY!! Then Miss A does the same and has the same in her hands but she yells out L-O-V-E Y-O-U....LOVE YOU!! and in comes Little Miss A (3) and she tries to spell her name, shouting all the right letters but in the wrong order!! Then following her is Little Miss B (18m) and she shouts 1-2..1-2..1-2!! Then I clapped and told them it was so great! My dear friend Michelle asked me what the ocassion was....hmm...I had to just say...MOMMY!! I was the occasion! Now how cool is that?!

Gosh even reading it does not do it justice and it touches my heart in a way that only a mommy's heart can be touched. But I think you can understand how my heart melted and bubbled with joy at the same time!

Wordless Wednesday

2006-11-14T21:21:00.000-08:00

This is a classic case of "monkey see, monkey do". What is on their face? Well, I'll leave it up to you to figure out!

New beginnings....and ends?

2006-11-11T08:21:00.000-08:00

Wow...it has been 2 weeks since starting my new full time job as interpreter for the local school district. I really am enjoying it!
I am learning how to balance my time between family, work, sleep and all the other little things I want or need to do.
I do have to brag though. My husband wakes up in the morning with me and while I'm getting ready he makes our breakfast and coffee. He also packs my lunch the night before. Then after I go to work he homeschools our 8 and 6 year old and 'preschools' the 3 and 1 year old. He has also kept on top of the laundry and dishes and has dinner ready when I get home. Who could ask for anything more?!

My husband and my kids keep me going and really are my light and laughter....for example...
There is just something about my 3 ear old. She is so innocent yet funny.
The other night while bathing her and her younger sister. She says.."mommy, I got a buttcrack!.....do you have a buttcrack?"....um, yes honey, everyone has a buttcrack.
What I want to know is ....where in the world is she learning buttcrack?
Hmmm, underneath all my husband's wonderfulness....is he going around saying words like 'buttcrack'?
I'll have to check!

EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about it!

2006-10-29T13:40:00.000-08:00

Time for the news!!

My husband and I have officialy swapped roles! Ok....don't go getting confused or any ideas.
I am now going to work full time as a deaf education interpreter for the local school district. He is the stay at home dad/ Mr. Mom. We are both excited about our new responsibilities.
On top of that I am also an Usborne book consultant and an Avon representative! Be watching for contests and prizes in the future on both of these! I am working on how to create buttons for both of these sites but for now...this post will have to suffice. If any one is so technologically adept, I would greatly appreciate help.
Thanks and happy browsing!
ok...the link is not working either, so for now here are the 2 links...
Usborne... www.ubah.com/H2724
Avon... www.youravon.com/kellylynch

Jokes on me!

2006-10-24T22:39:00.000-07:00

I think I was doing to much multi-tasking today. And this is why. I was out on the carport with the kids and we were doing a painting project together. I was also attempting, as mothers often do, to have a phone conversation while 'life just happens'. As I am talking the pretty pot that I was painting with them turns into something strange as my six year old son begins to blend the colors on the pot. Then little miss 1 1/2 year old gets a little paint brush and gets in on the action and dips it in the blue and walks about 3 feet with it! Yeah...dribble..dribble..dribble...
Well I was trying to talk to our church secretary and tell her I needed to drop something of that afternoon. I would drop it off right before 5 and then go pick up my husband from work.
You see...we only have one car..and what I forgot was that we were standing and painting and making a huge mess and I was talking on the phone...right were the car usually is! BUT..my husband took the car to work today. How do you miss something like that?
We finished up our stuff and got cleaned up and I started dinner. I was watching the clock because we needed to leave a little earlier. So at about 4:40 I told the kids to go out in the van and I'll be right there...I just needed to wash my hands.
I didn't realize there was no car until I hear the kids saying, "very funny mom"..and coming back inside...oops...I guess the joke was on me!

Warm Fuzzies

2006-10-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

I beleive I have found the source of warm fuzzies!
One recent cool fall morning. I was sitting in the big comfy chair in the livingroom. My 3rd child, who is 3 years old came in to snuggle with me in all her blond curly cuteness. As she cuddled into my lap she says..."Mommy, you're warm cause I love you". I believe that what she was meaning to say was...You're warm AND I love you. But I totally agree with what she said, it is so very true! I AM warm BECAUSE she loves me!

So where have you found warm fuzzies lately?

Wordless Wednesday

2006-10-11T14:32:00.000-07:00

Getting to know me 'meme'

2006-10-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

A friend e-mailed this 'meme' to me the other day. I thought it was interesting.
This is a bit of a long one though.....if you want to get to know me then sit back and enjoy the ride!! Oh, but make sure you have your coffee or snack to go along with you.

1. What is your occupation? Stay at home mom...in the process of being hired as Deaf Education Interpreter

2. What color are your socks right now? None don't wear them often.

3. What are you listening to right now? My kids sleeping and hubby is sleeping...all is quiet on the western front

4. What was the last thing you ate? homemade turkey burger

5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yesiree

6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? kellygreen...naturally

7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? friend ....Debbie

8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? yes I do (from my friend Melissa)

9. How old are you today? 32

10. Favorite drink? Root Beer

11. What is your favorite sport to watch? hmm...I'm not really a 'fan' of any. But I enjoy watching figure skaters...is that a sport?

12. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes, many times (mostly when younger and recently about a month ago)

13. Do you wear contacts or glasses? I'm supposed to but my glasses are broken.

14.Pets? Yes, I have one mexican mut(shepherd/collie) and am currently dog sitting my brothers dog (little dog, maybe terrier of sorts?)..Robin and Axle

> 15. Favorite food type? flavorful! My hubby makes everything with much spices and flavor...I like that!

> 16. What was the last movie you watched? Harriet the Spy, it was my daughters (8) pick from the library. We watched it as a family!

17. Favorite day of the year? I like Easter, cause I like decorating eggs with my kids and hiding them and finding them. Also because we remember Jesus dying on the cross and raising from the dead. And the promise of new life that we have in Him is awesome.

18. What do you do to vent anger? "Hi my name is Kelly and I'm a yeller, it's been....(looking at watch)...2hours since I yelled at my kids"....I also ask God for help and also talk to my husband about it.

19. What was your favorite toy as a child? Strawberry Shortcake(loved the smells) and Cabbage Patch (it's kinda weird how they came back, huh?...history really does repeat itself!)

20. Fall or Spring? Fall...get to snuggle in when it's cold outside.

22. Cherry or Blueberry? cherry, cause who ever heard of blueberry coke or pepsi?

23. Do you want your friends to email you back? Anyone is welcome to do this...just fun to learn about others.

24. Who is most likely to respond? ....?

25. Who is least likely to respond? ...?

26. Living arrangements? Single family home that we are renting...3 bedroom/1 & 1 1/2 bath

27. When was the last time you cried? About a week ago. I would love to share why but it maybe too serious to tell...just one of those heartcrys for someone close to your heart.

28. What is on the floor of your closet? Nothing beacause we need to put stuff back since the plumber was working in there.

29. Who is the friend you have had the longest? I would say Michelle but aside from her would be my hubby.

30. What did you do last night? Actually get to sleep a little earlier than normal, finally! It was about 10?

31. Favorite smells? night blooming jasmine

32. What inspires you? quiet days and breathtaking secenery

33. What are you afraid of? roaches...especially the flying kind...Aaagh!!

34. Cheddar or pepper jack cheese? ooh, hard choice...cheddar a little more than pepper jack

35. Favorite car? whatever I can fit my family of 6 into and be comfortable.

36. Favorite dog breed? I think Whipits (sp?) look cool, just saw one the other day.

37. Number of keys on your key ring? 4, but only 2 are mine!

38. How many years at your current job? being a stay at home mommy/wife...um, I've been married 9 yrs and was pregnant right away, so that would be 9 yrs!

39. Favorite day of the week? Saturday

40. How many states have you lived in? 3 (Ohio, CA and Texas)

41. Favorite holiday? I'm really liking Easter.

42. Ever driven a Motorcycle or heavy machinery? No and not planning to

43. Favorite music to listen to? Mostly Christian music or jazz or swing...anything me and the kids can dance to.

44. Favorite TV show? well I don't know about shows but I like watching HGtv, oh, but I also like watching Real stories from the ER...sick huh?

45. does anyone really read the answers to these?? If they are curious enough

If anyone is so inclinded to share in this meme and tell about themselves then let me know you did so in the comments so I can 'check you out!'

Men are just happier people

2006-10-02T20:27:00.000-07:00

Men Are Just Happier People--
What do you expect from such simple creatures?

Your last name stays put.
The garage is all yours.
Wedding plans take care of themselves.
Chocolate is just another snack.
You can be President.
You can never be pregnant.
You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
You can wear NO shirt to a water park.
Car mechanics tell you the truth.
The world is your urinal.
You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky.
You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
Same work, more pay.
Wrinkles add character.
Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100.
People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.
The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.
New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
One mood...all the time.
Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
You know stuff about tanks.
A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
You can open all your own jars.
You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
You almost never have strap problems in public.
You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
Everything on your face stays its original color.
The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
You only have to shave your face and neck.
You can play with toys all your life.
Your belly usually hides your big hips.
One wallet and one pair of shoes -- one color for all seasons.
You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.
You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife.
You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache..
You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.
No wonder men are happier.

I just recieved this from a friend via e-mail and was encouraged to pass it on to maybe 'lift your spirits', make you laugh, see how much of it is true for you or maybe make you cry......well I hope it won't make you cry.

YAY!! Good news!

2006-09-29T06:28:00.000-07:00

We have reason to celebrate! As some may know/remember. I had been trying to get a job as a deaf education interpreter. Previously the position Ihad prefered was 30+ minutes away (and gas prices were higher). Then more ecently there was a position available at a High School about 15+ minutes away. I was looking for elementary (because even though I've been working with the deaf for about 12 years, I've never actually interpreted in a school setting and prefered to not be intimidated--I felt that elementary would be a safe place to start). So I did not go for it. Well about a week ago I got word that there was a position open at the elementary! So I did the application online and waited. Now the lady who does the hiring and is responsible for that department was out for the week. So I had to wait..........sigh. Then the day I knew she was back I called her in the morning. She asked me to bring in my resume (instead of e-mailing it) and I went in and ended up having an interview! Which I was prepared for because I was thinking that might happen. So, it went well....and I have begun the hiring process!! I still have to wait to finish all that stuff and for orientation. Please be praying that my paperwork will speed throught the system quickly, that it will stay on the top of the files and get through asap! So this means that my hubby will stay at home and homeschool and cook (of which he is well qualified for) and he will basically become Mr. Mom!! Both of us are excited because he loves to teach the kids and cook and he is so much better at 'keeping order' than me. I will be doing something to utilize my skills and abilities and be able to provide for the family at the same time. I know that this is not the norm (husband-home wife-at work) but we are so very ok with that. My husband will be in his area of gifting and I'll be in mine...sounds good to me. Oh, and another plus is that there is a lady we have met that lives around the corner from us who has hired my husband as a handy man and she has been such a blessing to us.
God is good...he has answered our prayers!! Thank you all for your prayers!!

Will work for coffee!!

2006-09-25T20:10:00.000-07:00

Don't you love at the end of the day when the house is quiet and serene. Knowing that that the little monkeys are securely tied in their beds, oops....I mean tucked in their beds. And you can finally spend time with the one you have missed most all day...your computer! (yes I am kiding!) You can blog to your hearts content and you can chat with a friend who is far from you but close to your heart. You can make silly videos of you and your hubby and be thinking "if only I really looked that good". And then when you finally do lay yourself down to get some shuteye, ( it may be close to 2am) the baby inevitably starts to fuss and cry. You bring her to bed to try and nurse her quickly back to sleep and an hour or so later find you are still doing the same thing and she has done a few exersize routines in that time. So you take yourself and baby to the living room, thinking a change of scenery might help. It doesn't. And a hour or so later..who can tell? The 3 year old comes to join the both of you on the recliner. Well this disturbs the littlest one and you can't tell and don't seem to care because you are not really asleep or awake. Finally you are able to put the 3 year old on the floor because she went to sleep easily unlike other one who is teething her molars (not me!) And fianlly figure out to make a bottle for the babe (who is actually 15 months). But realizing we are out of milk, decide to make her some chamomile tea with half and half ( because we cannot run out of half and half, cause we need it for the coffee, and we can't drink coffee without it, and we need coffee!...for night like the afore mentioned). So! She finally begins to sleep and so nicely do you too..........then, the other two monkeys (ages 8 and 6) wake up early at around 6:30 or 7 (who knows?) And they are hungry? And they want to watch tv? (on a school morning?) Whatever...go eat whatever is in the fridge or cereal or chocolate and yeah watch whatever is on tv, hey and start some coffee while you're in the kitchen, ok honey? But whatever you do...Don't...Wake...Mommy!
Does any of this sound familiar?
Yeah, I had ones of those night/mornings too and am just now recovering from it!

Sorry, my links are not working :( but I'll try to get them fixed....You know who you are...friend!

New Blog design contest!

2006-09-21T22:32:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has seen my blog morph over the past few months know it is time for me to settle into a permanent design....I keep going with these free ones from blogspot cause I am only so smart...the rest of the stuff I have been figuring out on my own. So..on that note...I am entering in a drawing to see if I can't settle myself down to one design.
So...good luck to me!

Modesty is beautiful!

2006-09-09T22:48:00.000-07:00

This is a short and sweet post.
I wanted to point out that I have added a button to my blog. It is "Moms (and dads) for modesty" button. In doing this I have agreed to a few things. If any of you have daughters then you can understand, I'm sure the dilema we are facing more and more these days. Please check out the link and if you agree...please let your 'voice' be heard.

I have three girls and it is only begining. My eldest daughter is 8 ad the other two are 3 and 1. But we have endevoured to teach Miss A (8). about modesty. She is now not comfortable when she puts her arms up and her tummy shows. She knows it is time to toss the shirt or pass it to her younger sister. Now today for the first time her 'next in line' sister, Little Miss A, was wearing a shirt and she declared it "too small"! Because it bared her midriff....and she is only 3! I think that is cool. What that is telling me is that they are getting it on there own without me saying much. We also prefer our daughters shorts not be short shorts. But what has happened because we have had clothes given to us and we have not had money to go looking for the shorts that we prefer (which I have a feeling may be difficult to find), we ended up compromising a little. But we have her wear short spandex underneath. So what do you do in those situations? We are trying to do the best we can with what we have. I believe we should follow our instincts and gaurd our daughters hearts above all else. To teach them that there beauty comes from within. It is so very important!
I will also add...that beacause I have a son...it is equally important to teach our sons to respect girls/women and to treat them that way. To train them to be protectors and gentlemen. My boy is 6....and I tell him that he is responsible to watch out and help protect his sisters and that includes his older sister. You can see his chest puff up a little when I tell him too, he feels like a 'little man'!

Well I said it would be short and sweet.....so I guess it was just sweet, right?

Cause I'm freeee...I'm Freecyclin'!

2006-09-07T19:08:00.000-07:00

I have got to share information. When you find something good it is nice to share. I moved to Texas as ya'll know and in the moving process there are things that are sold or left behind and consequently are needed after arrival but are obviously done without.
Well I had someone tell me to check a website called www.freecycle.org and well, I did. And on there you look up your State and then city etc. You can then join the group and enjoy. What is it about? Well this is just it in a nutshell. It is to post an offer of something you are getting rid of or to post something you are looking for. The main purpose is to keep a lot of useful things out of the landfill and dumps. Many time we need or want to get rid of something but don't know who to give it to or how to dispose of it.
I want to tell you that this has been an AWESOME blessing to us!
We have acquired things big and small i.e.
swingset
woman's mountain bike
sewing machine
material, yarn, beads
11 boxes of books
shelves
swim diapers
ok, ok..so you get my point!
Now mind you...the condition of the item you pick up maybe gently used or extremely used. When you respond to someones offer you are accepting it 'as is'.
The bike I just got needs a little work and the swingset is really old but both are working fine after a little TLC.
Yes..we all work a better with a little TLC!
And that means "Tender Loving Care".....not 'The Learning Channel'!
Which I love to watch....well that's just way off the subject....
So go check out your local freecycle group! Don't delay, use it to receive and to give away!!

Baby Blues!

2006-08-25T22:10:00.000-07:00

When I caught this little precious one with blue marker all throughout her precious little mouth why was my first reaction to run for the camera and get that picture? And it was not...oh my goodness that could be really bad for her! That marker may be toxic! I should wash that out of her mouth right away! Good question..yes? I thought you might agree. This is my 1 year old...she is the one who will help you unpack when you move into your new house. Her unpacking skills have come in handy as I hang my clothes out to dry on the clothes line. What...did I say clothes line!? Yes ladies, I did...I still live in the dark ages where the sun actually still dries your clothes. I don't buy my "clothes line fresh" smell in a bottle. I actually do it. Crazy, huh?
So, back to Miss B. she has also taken to calling nursing "nyum...nyum". She is 15 months old and probablly (ok my tubes are tied), she IS my last child...unless God performs a miracle pregnancy..but the cute way she asks to nurse is so sweet and endearing. I could nurse for a little while longer. Although after 4 kids and nursing on and off for 8 years, I would like to have 'the girls' back to myself. As would, I am sure...someone else very dear to me. Nother story......

4 Things Meme

2006-08-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

So I've been tagged by Michelle.
I have been tagged before but that post never made it past a draft, so I'm going to atempt to do better this time. If you are reading this then it means I made it through to publish it...yeah!

4 Things Meme

4 Jobs I've had in my life
1-telemarketer...very,very brief and I too hated it!
2-stocking shelves...being at work at 6:am...bluh!
3-In home care-also very short, I guess grocery shopping for the elderly wasn't my thing
4-In-N-Out Burger..yummy benefits (christian owned!)

4 Movies that I could watch over and over (in no particular order)
1-Dear Frankie (an obscure library find-awesome)
2-Something's Gotta Give - hilarious
3-Radio - Cuba Gooding Jr. in a differnt role than I'm used to-loved it!
4-Nicholas Nickleby - more than a feel good movie- a classic!

4 Places that I have lived
1-Dayton, OH
2-Lemon Grove, CA
3-Ensenada, Mexico
4-Fort Worth, TX

4 Things I like to do
1-Watch a good movie with hubby
2-read
3-laugh with friends
4-sing

4 Places I have been on vacation
1-Yosemite, CA (honeymoon)
2-Carlsbad Caverns...? forgot where it is, i was too young :0
3-Dayton, OH
4-Texas...traveling around visiting

4 Websites I visit daily (or almost)
1-My friend Michelle at between diapers and dishes
2-Freecycle - Ft Worth....free things that our family can use
3-Craigslist-again, checking the free stuff
4-various blogsites but don't have a blog roll and it doesn't end up being daily : (

4 Favorite Foods
1-Coffee...yes I agree with you Michelle. It IS a food, I would even venture to say a staple!
2-Chocolate..maybe that is why michelle and I are friends..the coffee & chocolate.
3-Keefer yogurt drink
4-Halvah...mmm..made from sesame and honey (#3 & #4 are comfort foods from when I was little

4 Places I would like to be right now
1-Soaking in a hot tub w/hubby in our own private suite in a luxury hotel on the 10th floor w/an awesome veiw!
2-Bed & Breakfast also sounds very nice (with same company)
3-On my dream vacation to Scotland or Ireland
4-Extreme Makeover (for myself, not my house!)

4 Friends I think will respond
1-Friends, what friends?
2-No really, I don't know who would respond. If you read my Meme then you are automatically tagged!
3-But I would like to know if you did, so leave a post so I can learn more about you!
4- This is the reason I need to blog more..to make more friends!

To approach the Roach or not to approach...that is the qustion!

2006-08-14T23:23:00.000-07:00

So over on She Lives, Carol is sharing her infestation and it just got me going! I can totally relate! Except on a much nastier level! At least that's what I think! I have had a problem with roaches. I am not talking about the little ones in cupboards or the 'water bugs'. Oh, No! I speak of the ones I hear are called "American roaches"! Why they are called that when I saw them and loathed them in Mexico (as a missionary) is beyond me. Hmmm, the Mexicans probably called them 'Mexican roaches'...
...Anyway...here in Texas as it gets dryer they go looking inside for food and water. Hey, I could leave them a bowl or pool full of water outside. I'll even leave some food out (outside) for them, if that would make them happy. I know it would make me happy!
The last straw was last week when my hubby and I were watching a movie after the kids were asleep...which is when we as mommies actually try to relax (after we've done the rest of the cleaning around the house). So there I was relaxing when I feel something brush across the top of my foot.....AAAH! I new right away what it was! We finally found it but the nasty bugger was to fast and got to to the kitchen and under the fridge before my valiant hubby caught him. Then the really last straw was the next night when I was sleeping! UGh! I should not even post this, but yes I actually felt it on my elbow! You know when you sleep sometimes with your hand on the back of your head? Well my elbow was near my nightstand. I jolted awake and the rest was kind of a blur but I ended up pushing stuff of my nightstand and waking hubby afterwards! I was so very shook up that I was crying and really couldn't get back to sleep very well after that. I had to try sleeping in the living room. Yeah there was one there the night before. No it was not the same one..don't ask..we could just tell. Oh, but my night in shining armor did kill the bedroom one as it tried to sneak out the door. Ok so pray for me...I need deliverance from the roaches!
I have been doing better this week and have seen like about two since. All this roach sightings make me want to move north! AARRGH! Thank you all for letting me vent.

Ask and it shall be given, seek and you shall find!

2006-08-11T23:24:00.000-07:00

I am asking and seeking!
You know, sometimes when you need an answer, you just have to ask. So that's what I'm gonna do. I know there are alot of smart ladies (yeah..men too) that are resourceful and creative and have a wealth of information. I have been looking online for information about working from home (online). I have spent so very much time looking that it's unbelievable. It's enough to make you sick when you see all the scams out there. I have been careful to avoid them but it is like trying to drive and navigate through a minefield. So my question, specifically is...Does anyone know of a legit online business where there is little or no start up cost? It does seem like alot to ask. Either that or some way for a stay at home-homeschooling mom-with 4 kids (8,6,3,and1)-can have a business at home where there is no direct sales involved? With so many stay-at-home and work-at-home moms out there, I am sure someone may be able to help.
Thank you for any advice or direction you can give!

Sing or Hum along!

2006-08-08T12:42:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday in church Little Miss A. (3 yr) Was worshiping along with us in church. She was just a-singing loud along with everybody! I was holding her and I noticed that her song was different. As I tuned in to her little song I realized she was singing "Twinkle, Twinkle, little star"! It sure made me smile as I'm sure it brought joy to the Father as well. She was belting it out too...hey she didn't know the words to our song so she just put in the ones she knew! It was not the words that mattered but the heart and passion behind it! Yes, and she sang her "Twinkle" with passion. It even made the nice young lady beside us smile!

Also just wanted to share one of my favorite pic's of 'diaper buddies'. Little Miss A. is almost out of them...she is very excited to be wearing panties like her big sister Miss A. Of course we have about two more years for Miss B (1 yr). But at least it will be less diapers...yeah!

sahm I am!

2006-08-06T20:10:00.000-07:00

I have had such a time at making that final decision of being at home with my kids and homeschooling or going to work as an interpreter and taking kids with me to work. As I have mentioned somewhere in a previous post, we really, really need a financial breakthrough. I figured that me going to work was the answer. All seemed like it was going well but my heart just was not at peace. I am the kind of gal that will just do what needs to be done. But I knew that my husband and I where not in complete agreement. For me, that is really important. He would be staying home with the two younger ones but it was still a difficult choice. He has been looking for another job, but because he is hard of hearing it does limit some of the jobs he can get. He is a very capable and quick learner and eager. But I know that people in general don't know how to accept or respond to someone who is different. I wonder if it has affected him getting a better job. So this is why I was going for a job. But In the process of witing to be hired I decided to turn it down. And when I called it turned out the only position they had anyways was going to be farther out. I had already decided that if it was any farther than where it was then I would not be taking the job. So it was a real confirmation.
So my husband and I are really at peace with the decision that we've made and I will again be homeschooling my kids this year. My eldest is entering 3rd grade and her younger bro is beginning 1st. They have 2 younger sisters, ages 3 and 1. So it will be a little bit of a challenge with all 4 plus the house and all that comes along with it. So we still desire your prayers in the area of hubby's job situation and our home life/school. Well I guess that we be like all aspects....I must say that all this has really drawn me closer to the face of the Lord and given me a hunger to know Him more and build more my relationship with Him.

Too late to post

2006-08-06T00:33:00.000-07:00

I've got new info to share since I have fallen from the 'blogshere".
But since it is 2:30 ...am!! I will not post now! I will go to bed and hopefully get to tell you about it tomorrow.
Thank you all for your prayers..I'll be sharing soon!

Ah, the sweet innocence!

2006-07-24T21:26:00.000-07:00

It has been so very very hot here! It is starting to cool down, it is a nice 93 now! Yeah, I know...but that is better than last week which got up to 110! And...our central ac has not been working properly, but that would be another blog topic all together.
So, it has been so very hot and our family is getting ready to head out of the house the other day. But daddy needs to get a quick shower before we leave. Well I mentioned that I needed one too, cause of all the excess sweating! And I said (with kids around-just to see their reaction), "well maybe we can both get our shower at the same time!"....." that would be ok, wouldn't it?" I asked. Well my 6 year old son seemed to think that would be ok. But then again he is also the one who streeeeks from bathroom to bedroom (they are like 5 ft apart). Covering only the vitals with his cupped hands. Well he will also walk the house looking for me, doing the same thing, just to ask me where his underwear are. So maybe his opinion is null.....? But My 8 year old said "NO!" ....."It would not be OK to shower together!" So I asked her why....."because everyone know that boys and girls don't shower together." I guess all I can say is...I taught her well. We will just cross the 'other' bridge when we get to it. Cause ...honey, you wouldn't be here if we didn't do just that from time to time!

Here's it is my friend...you can breath

2006-07-21T21:49:00.000-07:00

Thank you Michelle for your nudge. Hey these pic's are for you too...bringing back a little of those "Thelma and Louise" memories. Except they didn't have babies in the back seat of the convertible! I have been needing to post. Life just keeps happening and my blogging can't keep up...gonna hafta' do something about that..
Well I have mentioned about the washing machine and the lawn mower, now we have a microwave. Plus our food stamps finally came through. This is something that is a big blessing for us at this time but want to be working our way out of needing it . It's there to help us at this point in time, but I pray one day (in the not too distant future) that we won't qualify because we are making to much money. Because all we want to do is pay our bills and get out of debt, who doesn't? But also want to be in a place to bless others as well...abundantly.
On that note...I had my interview for being an interpreter at a school that has a deaf program. I have been signing for the past 12 years but not all of that in a school setting. It has been in Mexico too. So I am not really sure how my experience will be rated. My perception is that it is not a question of 'if' I will get hired but 'how much my salary would be' when hired. We really need double what my husband is bringing in, but only God knows what we truly need. And how and when we will receive it. The school district is about 35 min away and will cost about $160 in gas alone per month. There is a chance a friend could work at that district as well. But there is some red tape holding her back. Please be praying that she be able to work in the same district because that would be so much help if we could ride together. I should find out by the end of next week about the job. If I am in or not and how much pay. Our lives and livelyhoods are in His hands. I thank and praise God for His goodness in our lives and the direction He is leading us. Thank you so much for your prayers and concern. How great is His love for us ...and you! Keeping you posted.....hello, hello? Anyone out there? Well I better hang-up.

I'm so excited!...#2

2006-07-16T00:39:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a mini post since the last was soooo wordy! We just picked up a lawn mower! It was another freebie! Thank you Lord! Now I have a washing machine and my man has his lawn mower. Not exactly our 'toys', but if you don't have one and you need one...then they feel like new toys when you get them. We are basking in His goodness. He knows what we need and when we need it. We were content in going to the laundromat (in a longsufferring-maybe it will help build character in my kids and I kind of way) and our neighbors had helped us mow before, although the grass has been looking really shaggy lately and no one has offered and we hadn't asked for help yet. Isn't God good?!
Thank you for your prayers as we continue to seek the Lords will in our life in the area of jobs/finances.

I'm so excited!

2006-07-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited...and I just can't hide it!
Yeah now the song will be running through your head ! Well in the midst of our needs that we have..financial etc... We, as you know from my blogging about my laundromat experience, need a washing machine. So in brief...WE FINALLY HAVE A WASHING MACHINE! And it is not and old beat up one. It is really new (although I don't know how new) So this is the so cool story. My hubby, while he was out and about working, noticed an old used washing machine in front of somebodys' house. He texted me about it and I went to scope it out. Well no one is home so I leave a note with my number. I go back later in the day on a nudge, cause you really never know if the person will call..and I really want a washing machine...bad! Well I got there and, bummer, it was gone. But the man said they had another one...sweet! So I looked at it and it looked so very nice! And I'm thinking "So what is so major wrong that they are getting rid of it!". He says that it has been leaking. And I think.."Hey, I can handle leak". So hubby comes home and we go over to see it. Well the man of the house is not there. But he told me earlier that he may not be there but we are still welcome to the washing machine if we want it and can pick it up, even if no one is there. So..we do! And then the woman of the house shows up...akward! So the washing machine was on their back porch but there is no fence or gate and we just pulled it on our dolley. We had it almost completely in the back of the van when she pulled up. I felt like a thief! The first thing that came out of my mouth as she was rolling down her window and then steeping out of her car was that her husband said we could come get it. But I told her if that was not ok then we'd put it back! Yeah right! Like I really wanted to, but she was totally cool, she said she didn't know her husband wanted to get rid of it but if that was what he said..it was fine! Whew!
So we hooked it up out back and it leaks....a little! Man if I could take a picture right now and post it, I would. But I'm all out of discs. But it looks so very pretty! Thank you Lord for answering the desires of our hearts. Thank you Lord that I can now do laundry at home. Even though I have to hang it up on the line, at least it won't cost me more for electricity, cause I don't have a dryer. I am feeling so blessed in the midst of the storm. Thank you for your prayers! So you can only guess what I'll be doing tomorrow...LAUNDRY! And I've never been happier to do it!

Lost:Week

2006-07-08T21:08:00.000-07:00

Lost:Week--If found please return to owner--she misses it greatly and really needs it back.

Oh man...I missed tackle it Tuesday and wordless Wednesday. Sigh. You ever have one of those days where you start out the week thinking it's Wednesday and by the Thursday you think it's Tuesday? Huh? Yeah...that's where I'm at.
Whatever...I look at my blog and go 'woah, I haven't posted since the 4th of July!'

Well in case anyone is wondering what the heck happened to that resume thing and getting a job interpreting...it goes a little like this. I guess about a week or so ago (cause remember, I lost a week). I came smack face into the reality of the possibility of going to work full time and not being here with my kids. My husband asked if I thought I could handle it? Um...I actually really don't know. I felt like I was galloping along, just about ready to enter the work force when someone yanked the reigns and I stopped dead in my tracks. So my hubby and I have 'hashed it out'. Which is good, it means we came to terms with where we are. His job does not pay the bills. Period. The Lord has opened the door for this job. I have tried and tried to find a better paying job for him, Cause the man is 'supposed' to be the one working , right? Well to no avail, nothing is coming of another job for him. I have to make a definite decision today. I had been waiting for a call for an interview. I got that call the other day, now I will call her today and set up the time and day for the interview.

So here is the thing. For me to be working full time we really need another car. Please pray that this would come. If it is the Lords will then I know he will provide. And while your praying, please pray for our finances because we don't have the money right now to pay our rent and some other bills. (Meaning they are past due) We need some miracles to happen in our lives.
So that's where I am at. I cannot stress too much. Like once or twice a week I hit a stress level but I give it to the Lord and it also helps to verbalize my frustration with a friend. So I guess that is where my week has gone...it got lost in the 'What's going on of my life and what should we do?' So I guess you don't need to help me find it. I'll try to hold onto it a little better and take it one day at a time...

Our 4th of July fun!

2006-07-06T22:46:00.000-07:00

I had so many pic's I wanted to share..I decided to just do a mini presentation. We really didn't have our plans for the 4th set when we woke up in the morning like I'm sure many people did. Most 'normal' people had planned this day way in advance. Well, we are somewhat abnormal, as anyone who knows us knows! Our eldest was wanting to go to the lake because her friend from church was going. But the lake is a little bit of a drive and with the way our finances are (and the lame-o prices of gas!) we decided not to. But! Don't let that stop this family from having fun! Oh,No! Also...the forecast in our area was for thunderstorms...oooh! Yet the temperature is still in the low 90's..uugh. So I had the idea to put our 'family/kiddie pool' under the car port and swim. We also had a little table top grill and had our own little 'cook out'! It was exciting to swim with it raining and thundering all around! Then we had 4th of July cupcakes...watched firework on t.v. in New York. They actually had rolling dice fireworks...wow! Afterward at about 9pm, which is when it is almost dark here (weird, huh?). We all piled in the family van and drove to the parking lot of a Jack-in-the-Box. This is were a friend said is the place to be to watch fireworks! Wow..it was cool..we were able to watch 2 shows! We told the kids they could sit on top of the van (they did not wiggle and I was close by). It was amazing, the baby just slept patriotically inside the van through it all. And little miss blondie did not like all the booming so she did not last long with bro and sis on top of the van. As soon as the grand finale exploded for one of the shows I anounced that it was time to go. We stopped to pick up vanilla ice-cream on the way home...(yes it was late..uh about 10pm, but it's a holiday)to make home made vanilla shakes. Mmmm...they were good. So once we had the kids good and sugared up and hiped up from the fireworks show...we sent them soundly to bed!
I just love to be creative and think 'out of the box' and make the most memories with what you have. Just because we lack in the monetary area does not mean we can't have fun with our kids and make awesome memories! I hope your 4th was just as memorable and fun as ours!

Heaven vs. Hell in the Laundromat

2006-06-30T23:03:00.000-07:00

I have a question, that I think I have already answered. How do you know when it is time to do laundry. I'll give you 5 good reasons!

1...When it greets you at the door everytime you come home
2..When it does not let you out the front door...especially if you're in a hurry.
3..When the whole family has run out of under wear.
4..When everyone is also running out of clothes.
5..When you have to wash hubbys' jeans and work shirt in bathtub.

This is not Ripley's Believe it or not and it is not my Tackle it Tuesday. This is my normal or shall I say abnormal life..coming and going. From in front to behind...way behind!

Since we don't have a washer, we have to go to the laundromat. Since we are going to use tommorrow as a 'everybody- pitch- in- and- clean- the- house- and- afterwards- go- to -the- park- day'! I didn't want to use the cleaning house time with having to go out and do laundry. So I did it today while Hubby was at work. There have been a few times I have taken all 4 kiddos to do laundry with me alone. There is a reason why it has only been a few time. My kids.....and probablly everyones, seem to think the laundromat is an amusement park. Oh, if life were only so simple and carefree again!

But it is NOT!
No! Those carts are not for riding/climbing/racing or even quietly sitting in!
No! You may not eat that gummy worm you found on the floor even though we apply the 10 second rule at home...you have no idea how long it's been on the floor in this fine establishment!
No! I will not buy you a soda or candy from the machine even though it is the gazzilionth and 1 time you have asked me!
No! We are not leaving soon because I only just loaded 5 of the 10 loads into the wash!
Must I go on?....NO!
So pretty much all of this is accurate, ok, maybe not the gazzilionth thing. It was probably like only the hundreth time.

So this time I got smart..sort of. It is something I am striving towards in life.
The Dollar Store is really close to our laundromat (yes it is ours because we go there so often). So I decided to buy each of the kids a cheapo toy.
4 toy cell phone---$2 each
Color by number Care Bear activity--$1
Coloring Book to share--$1
My sanity at the Laundromat----Priceless!

Yes it worked! They walked and talked and colored and shmoozed chips off another kid and colored and were mostly pleasant for the 2 1/2 hours it took me to wash the 10 loads....yes it was actually 10 beacause 2 twin comforters needed washing!

Also, because it was around lunch time, their only 'food' was some cheapo sodas I bought from the cheapo store and some chips we had at home...pretty sad. But they were happy!

Am I tired? Yes! Was it worth it? Yes! Will I do it again? Ugh! Yeah...only cause I have to.
So wish me luck tommorow on our "Day of Purging the House"! And once again restore order. Soon I will celebrate freedom...from my house!

2006-06-29T06:43:00.000-07:00

You Are a German Shepherd Puppy

Intelligent, quick witted, and a bit aggressive.
You've got the jaw power to take a bite out of anyone you choose.

What Breed of Puppy Are You?

Wordless Wednesday

2006-06-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

That is a hairbrush tucked into her diaper! And hairbands on the arm! Diapers are good for more than poopin'! They can double as a utility belt...cool!

Tackle it Tuesday

2006-06-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

Ok...so here goes! I have been inspired by my friend Michelle. I never realized how similar our dressers were. I figured if I posted then I would HAVE to get it done! Thanks Michelle for your inspiration. This dressers keeps getting worse and worse. Actually it is the room that needs fixing but lets just focus on one thing at a time. And because this is what we see when we sit/lay in bed (it is opposite the bed). It is an important focal point.

I

So check back later...tonight probably, to see how I have done. *Spit* on palms*Rub*! Here I gooooo!!

Wooohoo! Smell that pledge! Hey ladies do I get bonus points for straightening my Hubby's little dresser that can be seen in the mirror refection? I sure think so! Whew and I even have time to go start dinner before he gets home...sweet!

Step by step

2006-06-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

I just posted last night that I couldn't figure out how to change my slide from a post to a header. But now I have to change that post because I just figured it out...yay for me! You may have noticed I keep changing my template. I just get so bored so fast with the choices I have. So black just seems to be the choice. I like black cause it goes with everything! Trying to figure out all the technological stuff has been 'over my head'! I try to make my blog do what I want but it doesn't always listen and obey. Gosh...I have enough difficulty with my children, I don't have to take this from blogger! Well I am proud of myself for figuring it out and it wasn't as hard as I thought. Well, I'll go back to putting my clothes away...again!

Life happens when you're not looking

2006-06-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

Here is my 'Alice' (2 1/2 to the right) as my friend Michelle calls her! This is not with the hair cut. But I will get that pic' up a.s.a.p. But this was a mid-day catnap! Sometimes you just have to stop whatever you're doing and sleep!
This is my littlest monkey (1 yr old to the left) 'Little Bee'. She does buzz around the house all day and keeps me and her siblings busy picking up her messes. Right now I don't have the time or patience to get her to pick up her own messes. I am all for training but half the time I don't know if she made the mess or my 'Alice' did. In this pick she got herself out of her seat, where she was buckled and climbed onto the table! Don't worry, it has a very and strong base. Besides, she is very lightWell, I am still getting my laundry put a away from my laundry day last week. That is bad! I have moved one pile of laundry a few times. There has GOT to be a mom out there that can empathize with me. Please tell me you understand!
I have been taking my kids to VBS this week and they are loving it! I had thought I would come home and get some stuff done around the house...yeah right! Get more done without my older kids help with the 2 younger ones? Well 2 other moms and I have decided to take our little ones places and let them have a little fun while we visit i.e. play area at mall and museum...etc. I have been able to get more done when I come home too. Weird, huh? I think it has to do with the structure in the day. Whatever works!

Now you see it...Now you don't!

2006-06-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

I am realizing that I either don't have an exciting enough life to blog often enough or I am too darn busy to be able to post a blog. Oh, how I want to post more often and to make my blog-site more purty, but alas, I am "over my head"!
Ok..so here it is! My eldest daughter 'sal' and I have discussed her getting her hair cut and donating her hair more than a year ago. Well the other day we saw a post about a girl who had donated her hair to Locks of Love . So, we did it! Ok, she did it! As a mom I feel it is one of the most noble things a child can do. I am very proud of her. It has been way too hot here anyway (it has been in the 90's consistently for too long) And the haircut was free at Fantastic Sam's, because it was donated! Cool, huh? Personally, I think the short hair makes her look so mature, but she's only 8. They cut a whole 10 inches! She has decided to do this every summer. Let it grow long in the winter and cut it short and donate it in the summer. I think I have been just as excited as she has been about the whole thing.
Well we also had my husband and my son's hair cut at the same time. My son who is 6 does not want to spike his hair or comb it to the side. He wants it short and combed straight forward. That kind of Cesar looking style...uugh! I cannot convince him or bribe him otherwise, darn it! I thought my 2 1/2 year old would fuss and want to get hers cut too. But she didn't say anything. Maybe the bowl of lolipops kept her occupied. My son and her promptly finagled one from the lady at the counter. Anyway it finally happened. She had been internalizing her desire for a hair cut. Today she did it...'the chop' ..... herself! She has such pretty blond curly hair and she wacked off a good chunk just above her bangs! She has left remaining a tiny, very tiny bit of bangs left, so I will attempt a 'comb over/back' for how many weeks?! So the really bad thing about it was that I was only about a foot or so away when it happened! Where the heck was I?! Now I know this has not happened to any of you moms! I was so...'Oh My Gosh, Oh Honey, What! Why?!' and she was so' I'm sorry mommy'.......Sigh.....'I forgive you sweetie'.... So, almost everyone in the family got haircuts this weekend some good, some bad and some ugly...hee..hee...not really, they are all beauties!

Tackled

2006-06-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

Well here it is..however humble it may be. I did tackle my laundry today. It was a big pile in the bathroom closet, 2 big tubs and a (twin) blanket,mesh bag, some sheets and a small couch pillow (cause my boy ate cereal on it and spilled milk)! I took my kids to their friends house and I took the laundry to the laundromat. After like 3 -4 hours and I think 6-7 loads and maybe $10. I went to get my kids and had clean laundry in the back of the van. I can't remember how long it was or how many loads or even how much it was. I feel like I went to war with the dirty laundry and it won. So now I'm home with the clean laundry and I'm staring it down. I'm trying to convince it to go too bed. But it keeps telling me I should go first. So here I sit blogging and my husband comes along and asks is I got my resume sent like I said I was going to do. How do I get so distracted? Why didn't God make more hours in the day. Hmmm....maybe cause I'm having a hard time organizing the time I already have. Hey, I'm a work in progress, aen't we all?! I have taken some before pic's but I'm not posting them yet. I'll save them for later.

Resume?!

2006-06-12T22:17:00.000-07:00

Ok...I am becoming the lazy blogger. I'm just going to throw this blog out there so I don't get so far behind that someone worries that I'm gone for good. In our whole job thing/lack of income/Lord help us journey, I have decided to put in my resume at some of the magnet schools in my area. This would mean interpreting for deaf students at hearing schools (basically). I have not worked in like a decade. That is a really long time. I have never had a resume before! I worked in fast food and as a stocker! The only thing qualifying me for a job as an interpreter is that I've been a missionary to the deaf for the past 12 years. So I guess that will have to do. I got the idea to check into this specific possibility from a creditor, funny ,huh? I had been asking the Lord to show me the direction He would want for me and our family. I believe He is doing that. He has been providing for us on a day to day basis. He is good- all the time! I have some nice pictures to share but I don't have time to put them up right now. Oh and I don't think I'll be able to do my Tackle it Tuesday either. Actually....I'll be tackling my laundry at the Laundromat! So there! But the things I took pictures of will not be posted because they are not finished! That will happen later....Really.

Hallelujah!!

2006-06-06T22:24:00.000-07:00

I am hearing the Hallelujah chorus of "Handel's Messiah"! Why? Because, I have accomplished so very much today, in spite of my slacker-disorganized-4kidsdriving me crazy-need coffee condition that I am in! I really wish I had taken a picture of before and after. I did not know about the Tackle it Tuesday, but I am SO signing up! There are still areas to be tackled, don't worry. You may yet get a peak inside the "House of Horrors!" Ok, I have to confess yet again that my hubby came to my rescue. And really the driving force behind me getting so much accomplished today was the fact that I was supposed to have a Usborne books home show today at my house. But guess what? No one showed! Isn't that awful! Well it was not a complete loss. NO! Cause it pushed my buns into action. So about my hubby, after work he helped finish the kids room. Well we were pressing for time. So while I was washing my hair in the kitchen sink, he was literally raking with his hands all the stuff that was on the floor. (yeah I think that may be cheating but it got the job done for the moment). He put it in a box for me to go through tommorrow...hee..hee! Maybe I'll just save those for next Tckle it Tuesday! Sounds good to me...there go those slacker tendencies. To bad no one is perfect. Well because I am motivated visually, being able to see the floor really helps me to do so much more!
Oooh, I also want to mention that my Usborne e-show will stay open for another week. So ya'll may visit and buy any time you like!