Wow what an outpour of

wonderful advice. You know I knew that if I had any doubts, I could just put it out there and you all would come to my rescue (so to speak). You can't understand how thrilled and appreciative I am, of all the great comments left about the prayer.

I wish I could answer you all one by one, but that would take forever. I did notice that there seemed to be a general consensus about one thing. "Speak to Him as if He was right there, like a conversation between a parent and child". THIS is what I wasn't doing, and here is where I get real and honest again......as much as I love Him and as much as I understand that He is my Father, there are still times where I don't make the connection. I start talking to Him as if He is a stranger just listening to me vent. How wrong, how extremely wrong of me!!!

Last night I sat in bed and decided to just BE. Not to try and rehearse some sort of perfect prayer, I thought of every word you all had said and took your advice. Well it turns out that the conversation went something like this:

Me - Father, I know I've been struggling with the prayers, and I'm hoping that I can just be myself for once and talk to you openly. I just hope I don't say anything stupid.....and
Lord - Stop, right there.....See...you're doing it again Sandra!
Me - What do you mean, I was just being myself?
Lord - No dear daughter, again, you forget that I just want to talk to YOU, I want to hear about your day, what is on your mind, what is worrying you, there's nothing stupid about that.
Me - Well I just meant that I want to pray without babbling or repeating myself or sounding sort of dumb.
Lord - Just be yourself, I'm right here, no matter what....and I have all the time in the world.
Me - I'm trying to, I'm trying to remember what everyone told me so that I can do it right.
Lord - Again you're trying to rehearse, I don't want rehearsed, I want your inner most thoughts and struggles, just imagine I'm right there next to you.
Me - Oh, Oh I get it, well in that case......

Next thing I knew, I had spent 20 minutes talking to Him, not even realizing that I had spent that much time. The words just flowed from me, I didn't stumble, I didn't babble, I was just me. Little Ol' Me, sitting in the lap of the wonderful and loving Father, and for the first time in years, I felt it. I felt like everything would be ok, no matter the outcome, no matter if I got what I asked for, or if I didn't. Now THAT is pure contentment at it's best.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God - Philippians 4:6

So again, thank you ALL for the advice and for helping me through this. I know it may not seem a big thing to some of you, but it was really frustrating me the past few days.

Yesterday I went by the thrift store on base. I walked out with some goodies and only spent $7. Yeah, that's the beauty of thrift stores. I could have picked out a few more things, but Nicholas was getting impatient and I guess I could wait until next wednesday when they have the $5 bag sale. I'm going to practice for that, seriously, I'm going to see how much I can cram into a bag LOL

So this is what I found. A vinyl tablecloth for the table (very useful when kids want to draw), 2 big cross stitch books, a bundle of 6 dinosaur books for Jasmine, 2 toys for nicholas, a curtain/valance set that brings two patchwork pillows ($3) and then my last find I couldn't believe. For months now I have seen on TV, the ad for Slim in 6 weeks. I wanted to get it, but couldn't bring myself to justify spending the money on it. Well I found it, the DVD's AND the Slim Training Band. Guess what I'm going to be starting next week??? Yeah, I'm changing my schedule a bit so that I can work in an hour to exercise. Can't wait!!!

Oh and that little pillow that says "This House is Ruled By the Dog", or in our case, it should say DOGS. LOL
Love it, thought of hubby when I first found it and new I had to get it....he lets the pugs get away with everything.

Well it's 7:30am and time to get the kids ready to leave, then I better get started on my to do list. I hope you're all having a beautiful morning. Oh and before I leave, I want you all to go on over to The Flipflopmamma, go on and see how the Lord is working in their lives and how truly amazing He is.

Finish Laundry
Mop kitchen and hallway floors
Make budget for payday
Make menus for next two weeks
Ironing

God Bless,

Brrrrrr guess summer really IS almost over.....

I wasn't quite ready for the cooler temperatures, well, not THAT cool I mean. I don't like very hot summers, and I do enjoy the nicer weather that comes with Fall just around the corner.....BUT this morning the weather is 55 degrees and really windy which makes it feel like 35.

You can tell it's nippy, we're all having to wear coats and sweaters to walk to school, hardly do you see a child in shorts or dresses anymore. Yes Sir, Fall is heading our way!!!

With the kids all back at school, it also means that I get into Fall Cleaning Mode. I explained it more in my Works for me Wednesday post, just below, go take a look. So yesterday I already went through all the closets and dressers and took out the clothes that don't fit anymore, sadly though, it leaves Nicholas especially, with bare closets. So guess where I'm going this weekend???
Shopping, yes, shopping for shoes and clothes that fit. While I'm at it though, I can't help but go into a Dollar Store, and Thrift Stores....they are my best friends.

You know how they say that Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friends??? Well I believe that Thrift Stores are a Crafter's best friends. Nothing like walking out with tons of stuff, vintage fabrics, books and plenty of ideas for new crafts to make. I get giddy just thinking about it.

So here's what I have planned for today....apparently Mount Laundry is at it again. But I've found a sure way to beat it. Before, I would do all my laundry and then let it hang out in the baskets, until I pushed and forced myself to put it away. Or until hubby started asking me where was his shirt, or his socks....then I realized he would just make a mess of the folded laundry in his attempt to find what he was looking for. It meant double work for me, now I had to refold everything yet again.

Now, I wash the laundry, as it comes out of the dryer, I fold what I can get away with without ironing, and set it on the kitchen table. In categories, mind you....my clothes, hubby's, Jasmine's and Nicholas's, towels etc. Pretty much by area, it makes it SO much easier for me.
Then I place it all in the basket and head upstairs, straight into the rooms. Imagine me making my rounds. I stop at Nic's room and put his away, then go on to Jazzy's and so on. NO MORE LAUNDRY WAITING TO BE PUT AWAY, FOR A WEEK!!!

My MIL goes to the doctor tomorrow. It's THE appointment, the one where we find out if the cancer has spread or if hopefully it's contained in just the breast. I ask for your prayers, please, any little prayer is helpful and definitely appreciated by us. I will let you all know how it went and where we stand. She has asked me to thank you all for the prayers, it means the world to her to know that even though she's never met either of you, she's being thought of.

Speaking of prayers.....I've been having a hard time with mine. A while ago, I mentioned how I used to give myself "Performance Anxiety", I tried so hard to say the right thing and pray the RIGHT way (if there's such a thing). It was almost like preparing a speech to the Nation, just that I was trying to impress God. Right there should have been my first sign that I was being ridiculous. But anyway, I would end up either drawing a blank, or babbling and repeating myself over and over. Then I realized that I just need to speak from the heart and that made a world of difference.

Well now it seems that I'm being tested again, because I'm all of a sudden, doubting myself and doubting what I'm praying about. Here's an example. I was trying to pray last night and then suddenly became panicky almost. What am I doing??? Why do I think that I have a right to ask God for anything??? His will is going to be done, who am I to ask Him to even consider changing it to accomodate me??? What do I do, do I pray for His will to be done, even if it's not what I want, or do I specifically ASK for something but then risk having Him think I'm being spoiled and selfish??

So here is where you all come in, I trust you ladies, you are all Christians and so strong in your faith. I am always in awe of the prayers you have, it's like the words just flow from you. I need your help, I need to know how I overcome this sudden anxiety. How do you pray??? Do you ask God for things in specific or in general, or do you just ask Him for His will to be done??? Let me know, for I'm tired of acting like the inexperienced babbler when I am talking to Him....

Well now it's time for me to get ready to head out. I have errands to run, and then have to make a stop at Airman's Attic and the Thrift Store. I'll be sure to share my finds. Have a wonderful blessed day!!!

BTW, if you're interested, I posted a quick and easy Shepherd's Pie Recipe, on my food blog. Go on over and take peek :)

Works for Me Wednesday!!! August 30th

The end of summer brings the anticipation of my favorite season, Fall. But it also brings the much needed "Home Update".

I learnt this tip a few years ago, and since then I stick to it every year and it does make things go smoother.

After the kids start school, it's time to get back in gear and it usually means getting my home and everything to do with it, caught up to date.

Here is what I do:

• Declutter my outside shed. Put away lawn mower, weed eater, hoses and Barbecue Grills. The first year or two of being married, I left everything out and needless to say, I had to go buy new ones when the next summer came around.
• Mend clothing that needs to be repaired. As I do the laundry, I set aside anything that's missing a button, or has a little tear or something, then I take one afternoon and mend it all.
• Call up insurance agents for car, home etc....make sure that I have everything up to date.
• Call up any credit cards or other debts that are being paid off, get the current balance and make sure I'm up to date on everything.
• Check all my appliances, make sure they're working correctly and don't need any new parts.
• Set aside the magazine subscriptions that come in, and go through them, then I only renew the ones that I DO read, instead of getting tons in the mail and paying for stuff I don't even have time to get to, or am no longer interested in.
• Go through the closets and check which clothes still fit and which don't, then donate them.
• Pull out the fall clothes, wash them all.
• Clean up my computer...empty the recycle bin, delete programs no longer used, back up all the info etc.
• Since I like making my own christmas cards, I start looking for the materials now and slowly start buying them, so I have enough time to finish them all and mail them off in time.
• Start collecting ideas for Halloween costumes so that I can make them in time.

Obviously, I don't do this all in a day, but within a week I'm usually done with it, and then I can relax and start enjoying the changing of seasons. I can concentrate on my crafts and sewing and knitting etc. Feels a LOT better to be ready for the cooler temperatures :)

It Works for Me, hope it works for some of you too. If you want to play along, head on over to Rocks in my Dryer.

LET'S GET PHYSICAL!!!

Me, I'm getting exercise, and not because I went looking for it, it sort of found me. Now that it did though, I'm thrilled....hey I'll take anything that makes me loose weight without my body actually hearing the words "Diet and Exercise".

I've told you before, the minute it does, it goes beserk, and then you find me raiding the refrigerator and kitchen cabinets looking for food.

So this is what happened. As it's known, worldwide I'm sure, Jasmine started school last week. Even though she's in second grade, she still wants me to go drop her off and pick her up, whatever, it's fine with me. This means that we walk for 10 minutes to school and then back.....then repeat that in the afternoon. So I figure I'm getting 40 minutes of walking everyday, but here is where the added exercise comes in. The wagon, my trusty green wagon!!!

The kids LOVE riding in it, so every afternoon when I go pick her up, Nicholas wants to ride in the wagon, which of course I pull. Then on the way back, I have both kids sitting in it. So that's almost 100 lbs in weight that I'm pulling, and then to make it better, I have to pull it through the grass field. HA!!!!

Have you ever tried pushing even a stroller through a nice green grass field??? It's tough I tell you, imagine now I'm pulling a wagon so it's exercising my arm muscles....BUT, I have to really push my legs to move, so I'm almost squatting as I walk. See what I mean???

So hey, next time the kids want a wagon ride somewhere, throw on some sweatpants and a tshirt, grab your water bottle and get ready to EXERCISE!!!

Last night, the dinner was supposed to be Sheppherd's Pie. Well the kids had Pizza in mind, so that's what I ended up making, Homemade Pizza. It was soooooo good. Go on over to my Food Blog and check it out, I even took pictures to entice you.

BTW, if you're looking for my Treasure Tuesday and Tackle it Tuesday entries, they are just below.

Yesterday I was talking to Jasmine about sleeping. It's a common subject in this house because both my kids are terrified of sleeping alone, in their rooms. It's frustrating for us, but I also can't bring myself to get upset about it, I too was a scaredy cat when it came to night time.
What I've started doing for Jasmine, the past 4 nights, is turn on the radio to a nice mellow radio station, and leave it on all night, real softly playing in the background. IT WORKS!!!
This is what I used to do for myself growing up. I think it gives you a sense of not being alone, you hear the voices on the radio, you hear the music and it lulls you to sleep.

Now if I'd just figured this out years ago, I would have been caught up on my sleep.

Seems that Julie over at A Joyful Life, and I, were on the same page, reading each other's thoughts today. While I was writing this post, I got sidetracked and then decided to go read some blogs. Well, low and behold, she posted about something that I was going to share with you all today too. So go on over to her blog and see what it is. :)

I have some laundry to tackle today and my kitchen floor really needs to be mopped. Not that it looks disgusting, but I can't stand the feel of any crumbs or anything sticky, it drives me nuts.

I better get my day started, my blog mobile is warmed and ready to go. Watch out bloggers, I'm heading your way.

Treasure Tuesday!!! August 29nd

Well Ladies, it's that time again, time to gather all our treasures and the stories that go with them, and come share them with everyone in blogland.

Oh and by the way, I see a lot of you using the first treasure tuesday graphic I made....and since then I made two more, I figure this way you can pick which one you want. So here are all three AND my treasure for today.

Prepare yourselves, it's going to be a long post. Sorry, but I feel that I have to tell the whole story so you understand WHY this treasure is so important to me.

It's February 2003, and I am 30 weeks pregnant. My father in law had been sick for a few years and then we got the call. He was in the hospital and the doctors said we need to come in ASAP, he wouldn't make it through the night. Now if you've been reading my blog for a while, you know that I had two miscarriages, and when I finally got pregnant with Nicholas, it was a high risk pregnancy....any little thing, mopping, sweeping etc. would cause me to start bleeding.

At first I seriously considered not going because it meant a 30 hour drive, and I was worried about the baby. After talking with the doctors, they gave me the go ahead but I was given specific instructions to stop and get out and walk every two hours.

We set out on our trip, driving as fast and as much as we could each day, trying to make it there in time. When we were about halfway there, my hubby called home to see how his dad was, only to find out that he had just passed away. He was heartbroken and now I knew I had to put on this brave front and be strong for him, while dealing with my own problems with the pregnancy. Let me tell you that at this time in the trip, I was having contractions, a lot of pain and I could barely walk.

Anyway, we got to his house and for the next two weeks, my husband was grieving, he was also trying to take charge and be there for his mom and younger brother. I kept to myself a lot and didn't bother him with anything, and I remember sometimes laying in bed at night in pain, but he and the family came first, and that's the way it was going to be.

I prayed a lot and asked God for strength to get through this. Not only was I terrified for my baby, but I felt alone....the whole family was amazing with me, but my hubby pulled away, he was distant and he felt that his place was to worry about everyone else, he felt that I was fine and didn't need attention. Don't get me wrong, I don't blame him, I totally understand where he was coming from. My MIL did tell him over and over that he needed to remember to take care of me too.....

It was now Valentine's Day, needless to say no one felt like celebrating. I was in the bedroom, laying down and trying to stay calm because the contractions were extremely painful. I must have been in there for about an hour, when I heard a knock. It was my hubby!!!

He walked in, gave me a kiss and a big hug and then gave me this:

Now it may not seem like a lot to some of you, but to me it meant the world. He apologized for being distant and said that even though his heart was in pieces over his dad, he couldn't make it through it without me, he thanked me for being there and that he knew how hard this was for me and how difficult for the pregnancy, but that he couldn't imagine me not being there....I was the one keeping him sane in all of this.

*Excuse me while I wipe away the tears*. It's become one of my treasures and it just means the world to me.

If you want to play along, go on over to Faith's blog and add your name to the list or go read through everyone's treasures, you won't be disappointed :)

TACKLE IT TUESDAY!!! August 29th

So here we are at another "Tackle it Tuesday". Yes, I totally forgot about it again, not to tackle something, but to actually take pictures. So this weekend, when I redid all the closets, cleaned up shelves etc...I totally forgot to use the camera. Woke up this morning, and realized "Oh no, I have nothing to show"....but then I looked over at my Dryer and couldn't believe the stuff piled on there.

See we live in base housing, so we don't have a laundry room, our washer and dryer hook-ups are in the kitchen....yeah, how beautiful!!!

This weekend hubby was cleaning out all of his tools and apparently used my dryer to dump everything on....although that basket and the purse ARE mine (how did they get there?) *puts head down* LOL

So this is before:

And this is after:

If you've tackled something too, just go on over to Janice and Susan's "5 Minutes for Mom" and add your name to the list. I'll be back next week with something else, I hope, better remember to keep my camera handy next time I tackle a project.

BETA HERE I COME!!!!

Alright, when I first heard about the Beta Blogger I was excited, I mean I wanted the added features, especially the ability to use tags and categorize everything.

I was hesitant though, I didn't want to switch over and then end up loosing everything, that would have just crushed my poor soul LOL

But I decided to be brave and here I am, I took the plunge a few minutes ago, just switched over and said "whatever happens, happens". I'm glad I'm still here and I'm glad my blog is still showing as before and everything seems to be in place. WHOOPEE!!!

From first glance, it does look a lot more easy to use and with more fun things, but I haven't tried anything new, will be busy messing around with it this afternoon. So if you do come by and think you see something different, that's because you do. Just giving you all a head's up!!!

Well one is finished!!!

I managed to get both of the pillows candlewick done, but didn't have enough time to sew them, ended up with just one finished. I'm thrilled with the outcome though and I love it on my bed. Hopefully I'll get some time later today to sew up the second pillow.

Doesn't it look just pretty??? I tried to incorporate a little bit of color to it, instead of leaving it all white on white. I'm happy with the results and now I can't wait to make more.

My next project, after my pillow??? THESE....aren't they just the most adorable notebooks?
I've been following Tania's work for a while, she's just so crafty and hey, the fact that she's Portuguese and living in Lisbon, that's just the icing on the cake for me :)

Well come on in, don't sit out there in the cool morning air. I don't have Maple Pecan Coffee to offer you, but I do have Irish Cream and it's equally delicious, so you're welcome to a cup or two, heck I'll even let you have three if you wish.

I can tell it's going to be one of those days. You know the ones, the minute something happens you realize that it's just the beginning of the snowball effect.

So every morning, I get up at 5:30am to spend some time with hubby before he heads out to work. It's something I've grown used to and really enjoy. After he leaves I still have an hour before the kids are up, so I use it to do my devotionals, read a bit, start my laundry and breakfast and then do my blog without interruptions.

Hubby had just stepped out the door when I heard a voice upstairs. "Mommy, mommy, I'm scared of being up here alone". It was Nicholas. Seems that Lola the pug went up there to wake him up. So now he is on the couch downstairs with me, barking orders, like a drill sergeant "I want to watch TV, turn it on"..."I want my milk"..."I'm cold get me a blanket"...OK he DID use Please after all those, but it felt like I was running around like a chicken with it's head cut off (maybe not the best visual first thing in the morning). So we'll see how the rest of the day goes, he seems to be in a crabby mood!

Summer is almost over for us, the weather has become nippy and we're lucky to get above 80 degrees during the day, it's cloudy and some would say dreary, but I for one am thrilled. It means Fall is just around the corner and I'm itching to bring out all my autumn decorations and make some new ones too.

Since I'm thinking about Fall, the change of season and the new colors and smells it brings with it....I decided to end my post with a sort of meme. Hey consider yourselves tagged, I would love to see what everyone comes up with.

It's fun to see life this way:

Sight:



My newest inspiration for a project
My sewing vintage fabrics, library book
A picture that the kids drew for me
The pugs playing in the living room
The country woman magazine sitting on my desk

Taste:

Irish cream coffee
Toast with butter and strawberry jelly
Shepperd's Pie for dinner
Coconut macaroon sitting on my computer desk
Diet Pepsi

Touch:



Turning the pages on my new book
Running my fingers over hubby's hair
The feel of my kids faces
Crumbs falling off my toast
My car keys dangling in my hand

Smell:



Lavender and rosemary from the garden
Clean laundry fresh out of the dryer
Garlic and onion frying on the stove
Freshly mowed lawns
The Air just before a storm

Hear:


Nicholas playing with Lola
The door opening when hubby gets home from work
Baby birds in my backyard
Washer running a load of laundry
THIS music playing while I work on the computer

Wasn't that fun? I really did enjoy thinking of every sense and what I was seeing and hearing etc....like I said above, I'm not tagging anyone specifically because I know there's tons of memes going around and not everyone likes doing them. But if you do try it, let me know so I can go see it OK???

And with that I have to leave, it's time to get the kids up and ready for school. I hope you all have a wonderful day :)

The Name of the Game?!?!?1

Barb at A New Chelsea Morning is asking us all a question, one which I'm sure we've all asked at one point or another. What's in the name of a blog??

Are you like me? Since I created my blog four months ago I've visited hundreds of other blogs. And some of the names are so creative my first thought is, "I wonder why she chose this name. What does it mean to her? Does it say something about her?"

Well I think mine is pretty obvious and at the time I started my blog, I also felt like Barb, I wondered where all the cool eye catching blog names were coming from. I wanted one that would be cute and memorable, but after racking my brain for an hour or so, I just decided to stick with the plain and simple truth. I'm a stay at home mom, and there really is nothing exciting about the title for that, hence "Diary of a Stay at Home Mom".

Yes I know, it's not fancy shmancy and not exciting or memorable, but then again, neither is my life, I'm just a plain and down to earth, mom, wife, military spouse and christian lady....now try to come up with a name that incorporates all THAT!!!

I think I achieved what I wanted, people to know that this is a mom blog above all, so if they're moms themselves or even slightly interested in "momdom", hopefully the name will entice to come on in and sit for a bit. There's talk of everything in here, some neat things and some not so neat ones as you can see here.

So there you have it....this is the downright truthful, pure, direct, no lies DIARY OF A STAY AT HOME MOM.

If you want to play along or just want to know how others picked their blog names, just go on over to Barb's blog.

Maple Pecan Coffee?!?!?!

Alright ladies, come on in. I have some Maple Pecan Coffee ready for you, let me tell you, it's delicious. I also have some Beer Bread if anyone would like a piece. I made it yesterday afternoon, from a recipe I found over at Farmgirl Fare.

I've mentioned her before, during one of my blog drives. She lives on a beautiful farm and always has such stunning pictures to share. She also loves cooking and has great recipes in the works, you'd be amazed at the stuff she comes up with.....yummy!!!

So come in, sit down, look you can sit on the porch swing if you wish.....come share this wonderful morning with me, it's only 54 degrees outside so it feels nice and cool. Let me tell you what is going on here at my house.

Yesterday afternoon I went to the library. We had some donations to drop off at Airman's Attic and also some other stuff to take to the Recycle Center, so hubby offered to take the kids AND the pugs (yes they go everywhere) for a short drive, he dropped me off at library so I could have some peace and quiet.

You all know what it's like trying to go anywhere, but especially the library, with young children. Jasmine is pretty good, but Nicholas, well, he's 3 years old AND he's a boy, he thinks everything is a game. I have to constantly tell him to be quiet and not talk so loud, or beg him "please please just get out from under the chairs". It felt good to be able to walk around and absorb all the wonderful book smells and just stand in awe of the amount and variety of books available. Small books, big books, paperback or hardcover, DVD's or Books on Tape....cooking, fiction, science, crafts...you name it. Come on now, tell me, is there anything better than a library????

By the time I walked out, I had 3 chic flicks (Ladies in Lavender, Just Friends, Charlotte Gray) and 10 books, I was as happy as the cat who ate the canary. You should have seen hubby's face though, it was a mixture of shock and amusement followed by laughing and a shake of the head. Yep, he loves me! LOL

So this is what I got:

1. Sewing with Fabulous Vintage Fabrics
2. Little House Crafts Book (for Jasmine and I to make together)
3. Knit One, Felt Too
4. The book of Cards and Collages
5. The One Forever Promise
6. Anne of Green Gables (for Jasmine)
7. Absent Friends
8. Night
9. Land Sakes
10. Good Heavens

I'll have plenty of reading material for the next few weeks, and what's best is that if I don't finish some when the due date is up, I can just go online to my library and recheck them out.

While I was sitting around waiting for my dinner to cook, I managed to do some more on my candlewicking, Grandma's Spring Bouquet Pillow. It's not quite finished yet, I still need to do the outside border, but so far it's looking beautiful. I'm hoping to get some free time today to finish it up and then try to sew them too. I'm just dying to see the finished pillows on my bed :)

I did manage to get everything done on my list yesterday, but I have some more laundry today, and then hubby and I are going to tackle our downstairs hallway closet.

It's become a drop off for everything that is in the house. I would like to keep just his Chemical Gear in there, yep, you heard me, if you're in the military you know exactly what I'm talking about.
When I hear the words "I need my chem gear today", I cringe. I know that within a few minutes there will be tons of duffel bags pulled out, masks, gloves, weird moon-walking-like boots and all sorts of other weird things.

So yeah, it's going to be a fun project to tackle....hey I might just use it for my "Tackle it Tuesday". :)

And with that my friends, it's time to go back inside. I did enjoy visiting with you, but now I need to get ready to head on over to your houses, it's MY turn to sit on your comfy chairs and hear about YOUR day.

I'VE JOINED THE RANKS...........

You know.......the mom's of little boys ranks???
The one where you walk into the bathroom one day, to find the walls nicely decorated for you??? And I don't mean with crayons, no, that would be too normal, I mean the....you know....the.....oh come on don't make me say it, look I'll just tell you what I saw and you can use your imagination ok?

So it's friday afternoon, Nicholas says he has to go potty, he runs in there like usual. I come walking in after a minute or two, and he is pointing it at the bathroom walls next to the toilet and you know......painting the walls?!?!?!
Then I heard a blood curdling scream and I jumped, only to realize that the scream actually came from somewhere deep inside me. I think I scared him too cause he finished up real quick and ran out of the bathroom.

There, I've said it......I've now joined the ranks of the many of you out there who know exactly what I'm talking about. Why couldn't I be picked to join the "Cool Moms Club"??? Only my luck that I get picked for this!!! So now, he is not allowed to go near the bathroom alone, hopefully I can nip this habit soon.

I have pictures to share with you this morning, some asked for the candlewicking pattern, so I'm giving you that and I'm also showing you how mine is coming along. I also posted another recipe on my food blog, it's for Feijoada (Portuguese Chilli sort of) and it's really good, so if you like beans and bacon, sausage etc....be sure to take a peek :)

Here's the pattern for you all, I also made sure it included the instructions AND I am also giving you the directions for the most common stitches, so now you have NO excuse as to why you can't try some candlewicking, and hey, with holidays just around the corner, wouldn't it be fun to make some as gifts???

Yesterday afternoon, I started my second pillow, I picked one of the new patterns, it's a beautiful basket called "Granny's Spring Bouquet", I only had about 20 minutes to work on it, but I'm liking the outcome so far, can't wait to finish it today and then get this one and the last one washed, ironed and sewn.....I should have them ready to show you all tomorrow!!!

I have quite a bit planned for today, got a backyard needing some attention, the grass is getting high and I'm scared one of the kids will get lost out there (well not really, I'm just kiddin lol), my car also needs to get a tire aired up, I have some carpets screaming for attention, so I'm bringing out the trusty Steamer, love that thing.......gotta figure out what to fix for dinner, bake some bread, clean out my refrigerator and then work on my candlewicking.

I'm hoping to get some time tonight to read. I'm really enjoying "31 Days Toward Intimacy with God" by Joni Eareckson Tada, she has a lot of good books. What an amazing lady, and if you've never heard of her, you might want to go here and read her story, or even better, get her book entitled "Joni" which I'm also in the middle of reading....it's outstanding!!!

From "31 Days Toward Intimacy with God":

He Already Seeks You!!!

God is an intruder. He encroaches, presumes, invades, and infringes. He crashes the party. Tears aside curtains. Throws open locked doors. Hits the light switch in dark rooms. Pulls the fire alarm in stuffy, sacrosant hallways.

Wow, isn't that the truth??? But you know I welcome the intrusion in my life, as a matter of fact He is the only one that I allow to intrude at any time, wherever I am. Doesn't He have every right to intrude? I AM devoted to Him, I belong to Him so you can't really call it intruding.

"You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon him, for you are his personal concern" 1 Peter 5:7

He has intruded in my life, sometimes with small things, the things that we tend to overlook and not even realize until much later that he indeed did, and then there's times that he intrudes with a BANG.....those HUGE wake up calls. It just reminds me that He is never too busy for me, or too worried about someone else, or sitting around just watching me mess up......He is interested in MY life, in what I'm doing, He is involved in my every day things, no matter how small.
But it also shows me that He wants intimacy with me, probably more ardently than I seek it with Him, and that saddens me but it also pushes me to try harder, to make the extra effort to reach Him and to show Him that I can be just as involved in all things Godly, as He is involved with all things earthly.

Can't wait to read the following Chapter, this book has helped me realize many things and I'm so eager to learn many more.

But now as you can see, my Blog Mobile is running and I have friends waiting for visits, so I'm driving off, throwing my cares to the wind and heading your way, yes you over there, and you too, oh and you in the corner there. Well not just them, I have ALL of you to drive by so no time to diddle daddle.....

IT'S FRIDAY ?!?!?!!?

What is it with time lately? Am I the only one noticing that it's flying by?

I remember being a kid and frustrated that the days would just drag on, I mean really, the hours seemed like days to me. That could have been because I was a kid though, and bored a lot LOL

But whatever, hey it's friday and that is nice, it means I can sleep in tomorrow and not have to worry about getting kids to school on time.

Just got back from dropping off Jasmine at school. If there's one thing that I truly appreciate when school starts, is the fact that I can get out of the house at 8am, take a nice 10 minute walk and enjoy the sunshine and the crisp air. I think we all take walks for granted, we've grown used to driving everywhere, even at the grocery store we look for the spot closests to the doors. Why?!?!?! Have we really become that lazy???

I put off driving as much as I can, and unless I REALLY need to, like when it's too far or if I'm getting groceries etc, otherwise I walk wherever I'm going. It feels wonderful!!!

I got my new candlewicking patterns in the mail yesterday, so I'm excited to get those started....they're called Grandma's Baskets and they are adorable. My mind is already racing with the possibilites of what I can make, coverlets, pillows, curtains??? Yes, Yes and YES!!! Oh and if either of you are interested, let me know and I'll post the 3 patterns.

I'm having a bit of a BLAH day, have a pounding headache and that cold that I told you about, well, it went away and now it seems to be crawling around me again. At least it's the weekend so if I do get sick, hubby will be home to help me.

That leaves me with not much to say, trying to use my brain to come up with some clever or funny entry today, is just not really going to happen, so why push it right???

So I'm going to participate in something I have never done before....but I do see others doing it all the time (that sounds so bad)....maybe I should say, "I see others playing along on fridays". There much better!!!
It's the Friday's Feast....so here goes, and if I enjoy it, who knows I may just start playing every week :)

APPETIZER

If you could have a free subscription to any magazine, which one would you like to have?

I would have to say Taste of Home, I LOVE cooking and I love TOH Magazine, but they can be quite pricey and especially when you start buying all the different ones they have, so it would be nice to get it for free.


SOUP

Describe your living room (furnishings, colors, etc.)

Well if you live on an Air Force Base, you will know that the color is an ugly egg shell, how sweet....and this is what it looks like, I'm not good at describing things so I thought I better show you....


SALAD

What does the shape of a circle make you think of?

A plate of food??? See I'm bad, I love food too much, it seems it consumes my every thought.


MAIN COURSE

Name 3 things in your life that you consider to be absolute necessities.

I would have to say God, my family and my make up....yep I can't leave the house without wearing some, I'm just trying to be nice, I wouldn't want to traumatize anyone for life. That's all I'm saying :)


DESSERT

What was the last really funny movie you watched?

I would have to say Office Space. It's one of my favorite movies and no matter how many times I watch it, I laugh like a fool, it's just hilarious :)

And that my dear blogging friends, is all my brain will allow for today. If I had my way, I would be crawling back into bed right now and sleeping the day away, but that is in my wonderful rose colored dreams, in reality, I'm going to clean the bathrooms and the kitchen, do some laundry and then make sure I have what I need for tonight's dinner.....Chicken Ring!!! I'll post the recipe soon...Oh and don't forget to check below for my "Everyday Things" post AND check my food blog for the "Five Ingredients Friday" recipe :)

Have a great day everyone :)

EVERYDAY THINGS!!! August 25th

"...For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11

"If you want any one thing too much it's likely to disappoint. The healthy way is to learn to like the everyday things, like
soft beds and buttermilk..."-- Augustus McCrae-"Lonesome Dove"

So here we are again, another friday and time to think of those Everyday Things that we take for granted but that bring us contentment.

Welcome to Everyday Things. This weekly feature is designed to encourage all of us to embrace contentment and to appreciate the everyday things which we often take for granted.

Today I'm thankful and content for my morning time with my husband. We both get up at 5:30 am and while he gets ready for work, we share a cup of coffee.

I could stay asleep until much later, but I choose not to, it gives us time to talk, catch up on the day before and just enjoy each other's company without having kids asking for something, the phone ringing, the dogs barking or someone knocking on the door.

It's not much time, about 30 minutes, but it makes a world of difference and sets the tone for the rest of the day :)

If you want to play along, just hop on over to Julie and add your name to the list :)

There's a chill in the air

Woke up this morning and I felt..........cold!!! Hmmmm, that's not right, the afternoons are crazy hot, over 100 degrees, but then towards the middle of the night it starts getting nippy. But you know, there's the smell of fall in the air..............beautiful fall!!!

Picked up Jazzy from school yesterday, and I can always tell what kind of day she had, by her look. If she walks out annoyed then it was not good......so I'm standing there waiting and she runs out and gives me a hug and says "It was SO much fun mommy, I love my teacher and I love the kids in my class, and guess what?!?!! NO ONE got in trouble". (hahahah)

It was like music to my ears. So I'm happy to report that she is extremely happy with everything. Of course here in a few months, the situation may change, BUT for now it's all good!!!

I was tagged for a meme, so that is posted below, if anyone is interested....oh and if you missed it yesterday, head on over to my food blog. The Kielbasa Bundles were a huge hit, hubby couldn't get enough of them......so if you're a Kielbasa Family like us, they're perfect!!!

Some of you had asked me where I get the cute graphics I post, well, I find them on the internet, OR I make them myself using Paintshop Pro. It's a lot of fun being able to make whatever graphic you're in the mood for and right now I'm actually making some for the Treasure Tuesday feature. I made the one that I use, a long time ago, so I think it's time for some change. I'll post them all here and anyone is more than welcome to use them at any time.

While browsing through the blogs this morning, I came across a link provided by Adventures in Babywearing....if you do NOTHING else today, you have GOT to go here and watch. I literally jumped off my chair and had tears in my eyes. No No No, it's not one of those scary stupid internet jokes, it's totally different, and it's so powerful, it gave me chills.
Go on, I'll wait right here and then you come on back and tell me what you thought.......

The message in that video is so powerful isn't it??? When I first watched it, I had the volume turned down and it STILL affected me. Am I really ready??? Am I saved??? Do I know for certain that the Lord has a place for me in Heaven???
It's certainly given me a lot to think about!!!

It's time to get the kids ready, take Jasmine to school etc....all that fun stuff!!! Better get moving....but I left some hot coffee ready for you all, go ahead and help yourselves :)

I've been Meme'd...uhhh I mean tagged....

So the wonderful lady Barb, over at A New Chelsea Morning, tagged me for the meme. It's about kids, our kids, and obviously being the proud mother hen that I am, I take any chance I can to brag talk about my kiddos.

As you all know, I have two kids. I have the Princess Jasmine who is 7 going on 18 years old....and then there's Little Man Nicholas who is 3 years old.
They are the apples of my eye, the air that I breathe, the sunshine in my cloudy days, and so forth, you pretty much get the picture of how much I adore these little beings.

The meme calls for us to list 3 things about each of our kids. At first I was a bit intimidated, what kind of things? What they look like? What they eat? How they act? Typical, I want things to be perfect so I worry about everything.

So without giving much more thought (to save my sanity), here we go, I'm starting with Jasmine or Jazzy as we all call her.

Jasmine, age 7:

1. Jasmine is an extremely sensitive and loving child. She easily gets her feelings hurt and at times we've even thought of her as a full on "Drama Queen". She is the most lovable child, she treats everyone with respect and will usually be the first to welcome the new kid to classroom.

2. She's very intelligent and bright and by the time she finished first grade, she was reading at a third grade level. She loves math, she loves writing, but most of all, she is artistic. Give her some paper and pen and she will draw for hours. She has an inquisitive mind which keeps me on my toes, there's just questions that mommy finds hard to answer, but for Jasmine, everything has a why and how, and by God she's going to find out what it is.

3. She's a wonderful big sister and loves her brother to death. It's not the first time that she asks if she can give her brother a bath (while I'm there obviously), and then proceeds to wash him with his special ducky washcloth, making noises, tickling him and just loving him to pieces. The love I see shared between them is such a beautiful thing.

Nicholas, age 3:

1. He is our miracle baby. After trying to conceive for 2 years and going through 2 miscarriages and a very high risk and tough pregnancy with him, he came along.
I was in preterm labor many times with his pregnancy and at one point his heart rate dropped dramatically which cause panic in the doctors.....when he was born, they realized that he had the cord totally wrapped around his body, I guess this was his way of holding on tight and saying "I'M NOT LEAVING YOU". What a blessing!!!

2. He's full of life and joy, and the anticipation in his eyes at trying something new, or discovering that ladybug crawling on the tree, is just beyond words. He's extremely smart and from an early age, has been talking in full sentences and pronouncing words perfectly. He soaks in all the information around him and has an extremely bright mind, especially when it comes to computers. He often asks to play online at nickjr.com or cartoonnetwork.com.......and before we even get there, he has the computer turned on, the browser open, and the headphones ready to go. Watching him interact with a computer is a shock and a joy all it's own.

3. He's the total opposite of Jasmine when it comes to food and drink. He LIVES for milk, and that is usually what you will see him drinking, he could care less for juices or even sodas...YAY!!!
His sister loves candy and he really doesn't care much for it, offer him a piece of candy and he will say "No thank you, can I have some cheese"......how wonderful is that???

And there you have it, my two wonderful children. I'm going to have to tag Courtney because she has three amazing kiddos, Melany who also has 3 amazing boys, Kelli who is like my hero when it comes to homemaking and has such wonderful kids too and finally last but not least, Becky who is an adoptive mom, and you just HAVE to go over and see Chloe :)

AND SO IT BEGINS.....

The First Day of School and I'm not even cranky or in a bad mood, I was up at 5:45am and ready to start the day. There's one thing I've learnt, that the earlier I get up, the more time I have to get things done, do my devotionals and read the Bible, and all this without interruptions.

So this morning, was our first day of school, Jasmine was up and ready to go. She LOVES school and though I have to admit that she usually is pretty good about getting up early, when we get to the last month or so before the summer break, she starts whining and complaining. I figure I have a few good months of cooperation until that happens again.

Here she is ready to go, she picked what she wanted to wear, and THAT was THAT (hear that whip crack?)....in her own words:

I want to look pretty for my first day, I think wearing white will make the whole classroom bright and shiny.

Let me tell you, I DON'T like sending her anywhere in white, especially since I know that during recess you can usually find her running around, climbing the monkey bars or playing tag with some boys. BUT, she can't run or walk much, for that matter, due to the little flashlight accident. She won't be able to do anything during recess and so she says she is "pretty sure" she will stay clean (we'll see lol).

Know what the start of school also teaches me??? That I'm really unfit and that I got too lazy during the summer. Monday and Tuesday afternoon, we walked up to the school to see the lists and then to meet the teacher etc....I thought I was going to have a heart attack. I was sweating up a storm, I was as red as a lobster and I just wanted to lay down, right there and then, it's like I couldn't move another inch without my legs screaming "Stop, stop, we give up, just stop the torture". It's SAD!!!!!

I've got a house to clean, some recipes to post and laundry to put away. Now that things are back to a normal schedule, it's time to get my house back in shape. I miss Jasmine though, it's always heartbreaking for me saying goodbye that first day, I must be the wussiest mom in the planet.

I think we all take for granted just how fast their childhood years go by. I sometimes feel like I've just had her and now she's starting second grade....where did the time go??? And most importantly, how do I let go of the control and allow her to grow without me constantly monitoring her every move? It's just something else to add to my list of things to "Hand over to God"...that list seems to be growing daily, now if I could just give it to Him instead of holding on....see, there we go with the holding on to something.

Hubby is working 12 hour shifts, so we don't see him much at all, it's almost like he's deployed overseas, but we see him walk by the house about 5 minutes a day. In a way, at times, it's harder than when he's physically gone somewhere....you know, you see him, you want to hug him or kiss him or talk and you just can't. Torture I say!!! The kids feel it the worst though, Jasmine misses playing with daddy and Nicholas wants daddy to chase him around the house.

Hey I offered to do these things, but apparently I'm not part of their "club", and I don't follow the rules to the letter. Something about games they play and me not knowing how to, move along mommy, you just don't understand. Oh well, there's some crafting waiting for me anyway LOL

Well here's my to do list for today.....someone once asked me if posting my list made it easier, and it really does. Here's what I found out, if I post my to do's for that day, I feel like I have to get them done because now it's public, EVERYONE and their mother has seen it and now they're going to be expecting me to do it....I can't very well come back the next day and say that I didn't accomplish it all. I guess posting the list on the blog makes me accountable and makes me feel like I really need to do it. Whatever, if it motivates me to get things done, then it's perfect for me.

1. Vacuum living room
2. Clean downstairs bathroom
3. Bake cookies for Jasmine's after school snack
4. Clean out my refrigerator (I have to thank Kristina for that, she motivated me lol)
5. Post my recipe for tonight's dinner "Kielbasa Bundles"
6. Pay Bills
7. Remember to mail off paperbackswap book

I have about two hours before picking up Jasmine, so I think I may be able to get this all done. Nicholas is happily playing "Miss Spider" on the other computer and pretty soon it's lunch time too, so I better skidaddle on out of here. Have a great day!!!

Works for Me Wednesday!!! August 23rd

I didn't get to participate in the "Works for Me Wednesday" last week, so I'm glad to be back :)

I think the tip I have today will be one that a lot of us can relate to.

Summer time in my house, usually means ice cream, or actually more in the line of popsicles. Anything from Crayon shaped to Dora to Heroes, there's just so many to pick from. The kids love them and hey, even I get in there sometimes, especially when it's really really hot outside.

BUT there's a downside to it.....the popsicle sticks. No matter how many times I tell them to throw them in the trash, I still end up finding everywhere, under the couch cushions, on the floor, behind their beds....yeah BEHIND THEIR BEDS.....why they were in their rooms to begin with, is another issue altogether.

Anyway, I was walking around one day, cleaning the house, and I must have collected at least 10, so I thought "you know there has to be something I can make with these". Then I remembered a long long time ago, I mean years ago, I had seen a craft using these sticks to create a little "Recipe Window". AHA!!!!!

So yesterday I sat down and made one real quick.....and now I'm going to show you how easy and how cute they look, and then I'm going to show you the many ways I've found to use them. With school starting today, there's always permission slips, reminders, teacher notes etc...and this will be the PERFECT way to keep them all organized on my fridge door.

Here's what they look like alone. You take 5 popsicle sticks and hot glue them together, then take one of those small ready-made wood cutouts (the one I used was from an old door sign), I'm going to buy some little apples, or hearts or something for the others.....hot glue those to the front of the sticks.....and then glue some magnets to the back. I used some magnets I already had laying around, but for the others I make today, I'm going to use some magnetic strip.

Here's how it works as a recipe holder:

Or to hold photos:

Or important school papers:

Or even mail:

So you see, the uses are endless, and what better way to get rid of all the popsicle sticks laying around the house. AND here's the best part....now that the kids know I'm making these and collecting the sticks....when they're done eating, they go wash them and then bring them to me. NO MORE finding popsicle sticks all over the house :)

Works for Me!!!

If you want to play along with the "Works for Me Wednesday", just head on over to Shannon's "Rocks in my Dryer".

School News and a Meme!!!

Yesterday I told you we would find out who Jasmine's teacher is. Well I'm soooooo thrilled to announce that it's the teacher we requested. Jasmine's first grade teacher recommended her.

What's even better is that her best friend from her class last year, is also in the same class this year....and another 4 boys from her first grade class which she just adored, plus another girl from her kindergarten year. She's ecstatic and I have to say that a HUGE weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I think I can breathe better LOL

So we are all set for school to start tomorrow morning. I can't believe how fast the summer flew by. My hopes and prayers are that all our kids have a great school year :)

A couple of you asked me if I made the pillow that I posted yesterday, and unfortunately, no I didn't. I have made a few similar, and actually made the pillow for the wedding bands for my brother and SIL's wedding. It came out beautifully :)

If you're interested in my "Tackle it Tuesday" or my "Treasure Tuesday" posts, they are just below.

I don't have much planned for today, here shortly we have to go by the commissary to pick up WIC. Then later this afternoon, I'm taking the kids to the park just behind the school because then at 4:30pm we have the Open House/Meet the Teacher night.

Let me just warn you all that I may be real cranky tomorrow, I've gotten spoiled by sleeping in (if you call 8am sleeping in, that is) and it's been hard trying to get back on schedule....maybe if I didn't keep turning off the alarm and actually TRIED to get up...but hey, that's neither here nor there right?

So be forewarned, tomorrow may be tough LOL

One thing I'm anxious for, is the return to normalcy. I love my kids and I love being with them, but there's nothing like when school starts and everything just falls back into a routine.....I'm a stickler for it, there's a time for breakfast, lunch, dinner, playtime, crafting, cleaning etc etc etc. When summer comes around, all that goes out the window, we don't have set meals, we eat whenever and whatever, we go to bed when we're tired (which could be midnight), and we get up when we want to....sounds great doesn't it??? But for some reason, it really messes with my body and my mind.

But anyway, enough babble about me. Moving on to the MEME I was tagged for. Thank you Leah :)
I am going to enjoy this one, mainly because it has to do with books.....love love love love books :)

1) A book that changed my life:

After going through my two miscarriages, I was desperately seeking answers and trying to overcome my grief. Needless to say, I was in a very bad place in my life. I came upon a book called "I'll Hold you In Heaven" by Jack W. Hayford. One quote in particular stuck out "Dreams that become unfulfilled...anticipated joy that was suddenly quenched." It's a christian book and it uses scripture to explain how our children are in heaven, it really offered a lot of comfort at such a crucial time in my life.

2) A book I've read more than once:

I have to say that I don't really like reading books more than once, I don't know why. There are very few that I've read more than once, but the only one that sticks out in my mind, would have to be "You're Late Again Lord? The impatient woman's guide to God's timing" by Karon Phillips Goodman.

3) A book I'd take to a desert island:

Only one?!?!? That's not a fair question to ask a book lover....I don't even think I could ever just select one, but I'll give it a try. I would say the Bible, I think that is the ONE book that has everything in one, romance, action, guidance....what more could you want?

4) A book that made me laugh:

The Shopaholic Series by Sophie Kinsella. She is hilarious and has you laughing from beginning to end.

5) A book that made me cry:

"Night" by Elie Wiesel. I think I cried throughout the whole book, it was one which brought such heart wrenching feelings, and on more than one occasion I wanted to set it down, but I forced myself to read it and I'm glad I did. It's one of my favorite books!!!

6) A book I wish had been written:

I think the story of my life, my childhood through divorced parents, my constant struggle to get closer to God, meeting the man of my dreams only to find that he was NOT christian, the hardships we survived to be together, my moving to another country and leaving my family and everything behind and my two miscarriages, the last one having to grieve through alone when hubby was deployed. I don't know, I think someone out there might have been interested in reading it!!

7) A book that should never have been written:

This is hard for me, I love books and can't imagine any that should never have been written...although I would have to say, books that could in any way harm others.

8) A book I'm currently reading:

"Brave Hearts under Red Skies" by Col. O' Leary.

Whether you are part of the military family or just love America, you'll be challenged and changed by the stories of those who came before you--of those who faced faith-shaking storms similar to the ones we face today. Through these stories, you'll see that God is waiting to give you strength--He is waiting to give you a brave heart under your own red skies.

9) A book I'm planning to read:

"Joni" by Joni Eareckson Tada.

In a split second on a hot July afternoon, a diving accident transformed the life of Joni Eareckson Tada forever. She went from being an active young woman to facing every day in a wheelchair. In this unforgettable autobiography, Joni reveals each step of her struggle to accept her disability and discover the meaning of her life. The hard-earned truths she discovers and the special ways God reveals his love are testimonies to faith’s triumph over hardship and suffering.

10) Five people I'll send these questions on to:

Well I would LOVE to have some blogging friends answer these....

Courtney - Waiting on my Soldier
Morning Glory - Seeds from my Garden
Christina - All that Blog
Stacy - Exceedingly Mundane
Michelle - Big Blueberry Eyes
Mom of 2 - Ramblings of a Stay at Home Mom

And there you have it, I think this post is long enough, hope I didn't bore any of you to sleep, I'm sorry if I did.

I have some laundry to iron and the kitchen floor to mop, so I'm leaving you all, just promise to close the door when you're ready to leave ok?

God Bless,

Treasure Tuesday!!! August 22nd

I feel like it's been forever since I've participated in the Treasure Tuesday feature....but actually it might just have been a week or two?!?! Well, whichever, now I'm back so I'm happy to share another treasure....come on in and sit back while I tell you a story, sort of a show and tell, cause I have a picture too. :)

September 11, 2001....I don't think anyone can ever mention that date without it bringing back tons of memories and feelings. But my treasure has to do with that day.

Most of you know that we are a military family, so when 9/11 happened, within a few short weeks, less than a month I would say, my hubby was packed and sent out to Qatar. At the time, we had no idea where he was going, he was not allowed to tell us for obvious reasons, and the only reason I knew where he was is because I sort of figured it out......you know how the media is, they blab too much and one of the guys from the base we are stationed at, was killed there. I just put two and two together!!!

Anyway, here is my treasure:

My husband left on a sunday night, right after Jasmine fell asleep for the night. I remember holding him tight and crying my eyes out, I knew I would miss him, but you also have that fear of something happening, especially under the circumstances.

The above picture is of 2 letters, one for me and one for Jasmine. I had no idea that he had written these, but they were in his locker at work with direct instructions that if anything were to happen to him, that those letters were to be handed over to me and our daughter, who was only 2 years old at the time.

When after a few months, he returned, he then gave me the letters and I remember clutching them in my hand, not sure if I could even open them. With his approval, I opened the letters and read them, and then bawled like a baby.

I'm not going to post all that they said, but here is an excerpt:

Sandra:
I hope in my heart you are not reading this, because if you are then I did not make it back. You are my life and always have been.

Jasmine I want you to know that I love you!!! I am sorry that I will not be there for your first boyfriend or your first love, I'm sorry I will miss you going to school, I apologize with all my heart baby.

And that is all I can type, because now I'm bawling my eyes out again, and can't really see through the tears LOL......

These letters will be with me forever, they are just a reminder of the sacrifices that our soldiers make, and I for one am thankful and blessed that I didn't have to be given these letters by a chaplain driving up to my house. I was able to read them, sitting next to my husband....but the impact of the letters are one which I'll never forget.

That is my treasure this tuesday....if you also have a treasure to share, then come along to Faithful Mommy :)

TACKLE IT TUESDAY!!! August 22nd

Another tuesday, which means that I should have tackled something.....but did I????

Well actually, with me not feeling well this past week, I did tend to let some things around the house, just slip. I wasn't as "on top" of things, as I usually am. So when I got up this morning, I realized that I didn't have a project tackled for this feature, but then just one look at my kitchen and I thought, Ummm....well, this is something to tackle this morning.

So here we go, I tackled my kitchen and my laundry, yep, got both of them done.....so now it's just barely 9am and they're both done :)

Here are my laundry baskets full and waiting to be washed:

And here is the clean laundry, folded and waiting to be ironed (yes I love ironing lol)

While the clothes were washing and drying, I set out to clean my kitchen. Now I'm really weird about leaving dishes in my sink overnight....I DON'T like doing it AT ALL. Wish you could hear the tone in my voice to understand just how much I detest it LOL
But last night, I fixed dinner and dessert, and ended up with a full load that went in the dishwasher and then some items that couldn't fit......but they were rinsed out, just overfilling the sink until the morning.

So this is what I was faced with this morning:



Not a pretty sight, in fact, enough to make me just want to go back to bed. But I set out to clean it all, and I did...so now I have THIS:

There ya have it, that was my "Tackle it Tuesday" contribution. You know I have to say that if Janice hadn't come up with this feature, my house would probably be in chaos at times....I try to keep it clean but there are days that I just "leave it for tomorrow"...you understand right??
But now, I feel that I HAVE to make a good impression, so I actually get up and DO IT.....thank you Janice :)

Go on over to 5 Minutes for Mom if you want to participate and if not, then you can just go and take a peek at all the projects being tackled today :)
Who knows, it may inspire you to get up off the couch and do it yourself :)

Today is the day...........

Yep, this afternoon we find out who Jasmine's teacher is going to be. I'm excited but also a little aprehensive, I guess it's a mother thing, we want to be sure that they get a good teacher, and she's been so lucky with her past two, that I'm just hoping for one as wonderful as they were.

Not that it matters to Jasmine, while talking to her yesterday, I said "Well honey I hope you have some of your friends from first grade in your class this year, wouldn't that be nice?"

Translation for all the non mother's out there - Honey, I'm FREAKING out and worried and nervous and I'm just hoping that you know one of the kids so you won't be alone or scared or (mindless babble).

She calmly looked at me and replied "I don't care, it doesn't matter if there are or not, I can just make new friends".....then she grabbed the apple and walked off, leaving me feeling ridiculous for even worrying at all. How's THAT for a lesson learned???


Yesterday a couple of you asked me about the Candlewicking and how easy it was....let me just say, if you've ever wanted to do any kind of needlework and felt intimidated, then THIS is the one to go for. I actually learnt it in High School, it was part of our Home Economics Class, and the minute I tried it I was hooked. It's not only easy to do, yes Barb, it is French Knots, but it's quick too.

To me there's nothing better than seeing those special personal touches to a home, something that you make yourself and that gives it the distinctive look, it may be a curtain or a pillow or a quilt.
So Barb, Trish, Kelli, Courtney, I EXPECT some candlewicking from you soon LOL I'm just kidding!!!!
But if you are interested in learning more, you can go here, and here, and also here AND here. There, that should give you an idea :)

Now I'm switching gears, first to tell you that over at "Full Bellies, Happy Kids", I've posted the menu for this week, and I also posted the recipe for last night's dinner, which was "Crab Rangoon".....later today I'll be posting the recipe for "Crab Lasagna". Guess I'm in a Crabby mood....lol

I've been using Incredimail as my email program, for years now. I just like being able to customize my emails with pretty backgrounds, animations and sounds etc. So I was thrilled when yesterday I had a notification from them, about a new program called Magentic. It's a free downloadable program that specializes in wallpapers and screensavers for your computer.

I LOVE both, it's something that I think makes my computer a lot more fun, especially since I spend so much time on it. The difference between this program and just downloading any wallpaper or screensaver, is that, the screensavers are animated and with sound (really beautiful ones, there's rivers, lakes, oceans, forests, butterflies etc), and then wallpapers can be downloaded by categories, and let me tell you, there are some STUNNING ones.

But the best part for me, is that I can turn my folders of photos currently saved on my computer, into beautiful screensavers and wallpapers.

So without further ado, here you go......run on over to Magentic, download it for free, and then go ahead and spend hours (like I did, *ssshhhhhh*) just downloading new stuff to add to it :)
It's NOT like the usual ones that come loaded with spyware and ads, so don't worry about messing up your computer.

Alright, now before I leave, I want to point you in the direction of what others are sharing in their posts today.

1. First I want you to go on over to Courtney's and see her new haircut, it's just adorable, SHE'S adorable :)
2. If you are interested in Meal Planning and make menus every week, or if you want to know what other's have planned for this week, head on over to Laura's blog. Make sure you've had breakfast at least, or you'll be starved after seeing all the yummy meals!!!
3. You NEED to go by Morning Glory's blog....I just love this lady, she always posts the best pictures, not only has she been to such wonderful places, but she has the most wonderful stories to share. Today's post is dedicated to her dad, just go take a peek and be prepared for some tears.....here, take some Kleenex, you'll need it :)

There's so many more, but I just don't have time to share them all, here's an idea, just go down the sidebar on the left there, and visit them all, you won't be disappointed :) Look I've even left the car running for you, go ahead, I trust you with my Blogmobile.

And now I need to get going, got housework to do, bills to pay, budgets to budget? (I don't know lol) and meals to plan. I hope you guys have a wonderful monday, and I hope that the Lord walks hand in hand with you through this day :)

Crafts, Cries and other Crazy Things!!!!

Well Good Morning everyone, are you at all distracted by the title of this post???

I think the title describes perfectly my day yesterday. Want to know why??? Well the crafts is me (obviously), the cries belong to Jasmine and other Crazy things I, well, I guess I don't know, I just put it in there to stick with the flow of C's coming out of my mouth.

Seems that this little cold is sticking around, and hey, who am I to complain, I just say "come on in, hurry up and get what you need and then move along for school is starting and I have NO time to entertain you". Who knows, maybe it will actually listen to me this time.

So while feeling miserable yesterday afternoon, and actually running a fever, I sat around on the couch. BORED!!! Yes, there is such a thing as a SAHM being bored, but not for the reasons some may think, it's not that I was being lazy, it's that I was feeling so sick and miserable that I couldn't DO anything, and THAT for a mom is really annoying. My hubby likes laughing at me about it cause he says "You always complain that you're so busy and never have time for yourself, but yet when you are forced to take some time, you complain that you're bored". He's right, it makes no sense, don't even try to decipher the whole meaning of it, because it's bound to drive you nutty.

But anyway, I was determined to do something, anything, so I remembered that I wanted to get my Candlewicking Pillows (the ones for my bed) started. I cut out the fabric and sat down, and within 30 minutes, this is where I'm at.....almost done, I have one tiny butterfly left, then it's wash, iron, sew and VOILA!!!! Beautiful Candlewicked Pillows for my bed.
Want to see???

This is when I started.....

And this is where I'm at right now.....almost done and I'm LOVING it.

I actually bought another book of patterns on Ebay for just $1.99. Yeah, how neat is that????

So today, I'm hoping to finish that little last butterfly and at least get it washed and ironed. I just can't wait to get the pillow finished so I can show you all :)

But anyway, I got done with my needlework and then it was time for dinner, and I was supposed to make one thing, but ended up making something different, I pretty much just switched one meal (on the menu) with another from another day. Let me tell you, you have GOT to try the Chicken Cordon Bleu Calzones......I couldn't believe how big they turned out, and goodness, how yummy. I've posted the recipe on "Full Bellies, Happy Kids" so go check it out.


Now I'm sure by now you're wondering what the CRIES were about. Well since it was saturday (the one day Jasmine is allowed to stay up late), Nicholas and I had already gone to bed, he was asleep and I was reading "Saved by the Light". It was around 11:30pm and the next thing I know, I hear a blood curdling scream from Jasmine followed by loud cries. I jump out of bed, run downstairs and see her sitting on a computer chair, with Curt holding her left foot up and trying to calm her down. Seems that there was a flashlight on the computer desk, it got knocked down accidently and landed right on her big toe.

Just so you know, Jasmine is a BIG drama queen and when she gets hurt it's like the whole world is coming to an end. Not to say that she wasn't hurt and in pain, her whole toe nail is blue, her toe is swelling and is bruised badly. So now we're trying to assess the situation, trying to make sure her toe isn't broken and that we don't need to take her to the ER, but she's just not cooperating. We ask her if she can move her toe at all and all she keeps saying, well screaming at us is "STOP IT, STOP IT". Yeah, not helping at all.

She did manage to move her toe, but we had to give her some pain medicine because she couldn't get to sleep with the throbbing on her toe. It looks horrible this morning, and she's hopping around and says it only hurts if she touches it......well, why don't you quit poking the darn thing then??? That's all I'm saying!!!

Now here's an announcement to you all......yes it's a major thing, earth shattering, call the media kind of thing. Actually, it's so not interesting, but whatever, I'm throwing it out there anyway LOL
I'm a sloppy book reader!!! There I said it.....I'm so organized and methodical with everything else, but when it comes to books, I can't just pick one and read it and be done with it, so I usually end up with a book in each room of the house. I DO read them all, and it doesn't seem to bother me or confuse me, I don't get the stories mixed up or anything. I guess I just like having a bunch of different storylines floating around.

I was reading "The Englischer" by Beverly Lewis, and then set it down and picked up "Saved by the Light" by Dannion Brinkley. It tells the story of a man (Mr Brinkley) who back in 1975 was struck by lightning and on the way to the hospital in the ambulance he died. He then found himself travelling through the dark tunnel towards the bright light, yes he was having a near death experience. He was met by a Being of Light and was shown a review of his life, the things he's done and how it affects others and then those affect others etc etc. BUT, he got to experience not only what he did, but how it felt to be in the other shoes. WOW is all I can say!!!

It got me to thinking about my own life and what I've done and accomplished, and most importantly how I've treated others around me. Can I really say that when I die, if I do indeed see a review of my life, I will be happy with what I've done??? It's a really scary thought, those times when you've been mean to someone, said an unkind word, acted in an unfair or unjust way, gossiped about someone.....come on, I know we've all done it, we've all at some point or another caused someone else pain.

So here's what I'm determined to do. I can't go back and change my past, I can't change the things I've done, but what I can and do have the ability to do, from now on, is change the way I am with others. I'm not saying that I'll never unintentionally hurt someone's feelings, but I can try my hardest to think before I talk and act (better get some Mouth Guards set up). Who knows, maybe when it's my turn to go back in time and see what kind of person I was.....I can at least be comforted in the fact that I know I DID do some good!!!

And with that said, I better get going. I would love nothing more than to sit here all day and visit with you all, wouldn't that be wonderful if we could get together, have lunch, a few drinks and just chat all afternoon??? *sigh* I can dream can't I??

THE POWER OF THE LORD!!!

Be prepared for you are about to witness the Lord in action and at His best. He never ceases to amaze me and it really goes to show that He CAN move mountains.

This morning I had an email from my MIL. Now on monday she was supposed to go for her PET scan and ended up not being able to because the machines were not working....that in turn pushed everything back so her monday 21st appointment was moved to September 21st. It's excruciating having to wait that long, it's always that in between, up in the air times that most worry us....or maybe it's just me, I don't know.

Anyway, this is what she said in her email this morning:

I had been told that it could be as late as August 28 before they could get me in at the
PET scan. The power of prayer has excited me. Wednesday morning I knelt beside my bed and prayed for two hours. I told God it sure would be a lot easier for me if I could get the PET scan done this week. Yet I added not my will but Your will be done.
I just finished saying amen and was still in the kneeling postion when the phone rang.
It was the receptionist at the PET Center. She told me that the machinery would be down for a lengthy time. Then she offered to make me an appointment in the City for either Thursday or Friday this week. I jumped at the opportunity and said I wanted to go Thursday. My appointment was made and confirmed for 2:00. I called my doctor's office to let them know I was going to the City for the scan. That receptionist said then maybe we can get you an earlier appointment too. She scheduled me for Thursday the 31st of August. I was so excited to see God work this together. I called the PRC and thanked them for their prayers and told them that the power of prayer had moved all my appointments up. Could that be topped??? Yes, after talking to her, Tricare called and said they had given approval for my appointment with Dr. Woodson for an echocardiagram to test my ability to undergo chemo. She gave me his phone number and gave the OK for me to get a date scheduled. I called. She asked me who my doctor was. I told her Dr. Nimeh. (Every one knows him as a very well-known and reputable oncologist.) She said she could get me in for an appointment in three weeks. I told her I had an appointment with Dr. Nimeh on the 31st and asked her if it were possible to be seen earlier. She looked at her appointment book and said she could squeeze me in the afternoon of the 29th. She assured me Dr. Woodson was fast to read his test results and that Dr. Nimeh would have them before the 31st. I was so excited with the change of schedules I could do nothing but thank and praise God for His goodness and His answer to prayer. I thanked Him for every one who has prayed for me (especially your fellow bloggers) and I promised I would share this testimony and His love and faithfulness to any one who will listen. I still am in awe of the power of prayer. This all means that my next appointment with Dr. Nimeh will give the go-ahead for treatment. He will have all the test results in hand so we will know our base line and exactly what we are facing. I thank God that He has kept me calm and relaxed through my days of waiting and tests. I have a peace in my heart that is beyond my understanding. I know God is with me and holding my hand. I couldn't feel safer or more loved.

How amazing is that?!?!?!? Remember I had told you all that I also had this unbelievable peace and calm in me after hearing that she was diagnosed??? It seems to be going around :)

Woke up this morning and the temperature is 55 degrees, it really does seem that Fall is just around the corner. Not that I'm complaining, it's my favorite season, although growing up it used to be summer but now I find it way too hot LOL

So I guess this morning is perfect for my "Blog Drive", and again I did find some interesting sites along the road yesterday, so I'm sharing them with you. Now the other day, a friend of mine asked what makes me like a blog or what turns me off....I would have to say that any mom and christian blog is a HUGE hit with me, but what instantly turns me off is those blogs that say they are mommies and christians and then the very first or second word on their post, is a cuss word. I'm sorry, but that is a big turn off for me.

Here are my newest found destinations (they're on my sidebar already):

Reflections of a Godly Girl - Annie is in BC, Canada and she's a Christian mommy :) Go on over and say hi to her.

Rose Cottage...by the sea - Lady Laurie says she's "An old-fashioned girl at heart with a love for the sea, the angels above and finding peace in my soul". I just recently found her blog, but I had a blast going through her older posts and the pictures she shares :)

Cross Stitch Mummy - Emma is in Australia and I first stumbled across her blog yesterday, but let me tell you the first post had me hooked. You all know I LOVE candlewicking, and when I saw the cushion she just finished I all but jumped through the computer monitor LOL Go on and say hi, and look at all the wonderful projects she's busy with, especially the baby singlets, they are adorable :)

For the past two or three days, I had been feeling like I was getting sick. I had a headache, my nose was congested and I just felt iffy. Well this morning I get up and I've got a cold....I could complain and whine about how school is starting next week and I can't afford to be sick, blah blah blah, but you know, I'm actually fine with it. No I'm not a sicko that gets off on being sick, but I am just thankful that I actually got it instead of walking around with the unpending cold above my head.

I'll have to try and take it easy today, though my house is yelling out for attention. Is it just me, or do the tiniest of kids make a place look like it's been through a tornado? And all in the space of what, 10 or 15 minutes? How is it possible?

So I leave you with my to do list. I know a lot of you think that I do a lot in one day, but I think I actually don't do that much, I've found that if I organize and plan out my day, I have time for everything including reading, sewing, devotionals or me time. It's all in the planning, it's all in the planning.

1. Iron 2 loads of laundry
2. Sweep and mop kitchen and hallway
3. Vacuum living room
4. Bake one load of bread for dinner
5. Post today's dinner recipe "Breaded Ranch Chicken" on food blog

And that's it folks, I'm out. Out of coffee, out of things to write and out of a clean house.....which means, it's time to go for my drive, I hope you all have some coffee ready for me, I could use a HUGE cup :)

God Bless,

IT'S SUCH A BEAUTIFUL MORNING.....

We woke up to 52 degrees, and it really feels good. It's been scorching hot here lately, so this is a much welcomed reprieve.

I actually got everything done on my TO DO list, and I've got pictures to share too. It took me but 3 hours to make my kitchen curtains, between bites of a grilled cheese sandwich, I managed to get them done and they look great :)

Right after I was done with those, I was in such a CRAFTY mood, that I went straight for the Spa Indulgence Kit. Let me tell you something, this was by far the easiest soap making kit I've ever come across, and the results are just wonderful. I'm thinking this could make a great gift for someone's birthday, christmas or any other occasion.
So before I continue, here are the pictures of the curtains and the Spa kit.

The Spa kit makes 2 hand soap pump bottles, and 4 bars of soap.

I feel like I actually got quite a bit done yesterday, doesn't it feel wonderful when you look around and realize that you did it all in just one day??? I'll be honest though, there's days that I don't feel like doing anything, and I just sit around (well as much as a mom can), in between meals and helping the kids. I'm thinking today might be one of THOSE!!! :)

One thing that I love doing, is watching the HGTV channel, but not for all the shows. There's one in particular which I'm fascinated with, and that might be because of my interest in everything Victorian and old. The show is called "If Walls Could Talk", it's so interesting to see the houses that people have bought and restored and the wonderful things they find, remnants from years gone by, notes, journals, legal papers, photographs....just tons of wonderful relics.
On the show last night was a couple who bought a house and when the husband was removing the floor boards in the upstairs rooms, he found a piece of paper, folded neatly, but obviously very old, when they opened it up they were faced with a wonderful little note written by 3 young girls that lived in the house in the 1920's. The note talked about how they were sitting around eating graham crackers, or as the girls said "feasting on graham crackers and our imagination"....how sweet is that??? They even had a drawing of all 3 sitting around :)

I also was able to read a few more pages of my Beverly Lewis book "The Englischer". I just love her work and I've yet to come across one of her books that I didn't like. Can't wait to finish this one.

In a hot, dry season, a tiny drop of kindness makes the world healthier and more hopeful.

When I read this on one of my Christian Newsletters, I was taken aback. What exactly did that mean? I was suprised to realize that I didn't quite get what it was trying to say to me....then it hit me, "OHHHHh, this is why the title was called Watering the World."

Do I contribute to it at all? Am I also watering everything around me? I don't mean literally "watering" as in pouring water on things, I don't think the guy from Housing Maintenance would appreciate a bowl full of water poured over his head.....BUT when he comes in to fix one of my appliances and I offer him a cold drink, I'm "watering" him, per say. Shouldn't we tend to those that bring something special or good to our lives?

See I'm the kind of person that will give a tip at the grocery store, even though I'm bringing out my own groceries. Now don't think that I'm saying this so you all can clap hands and tell me how wonderful and thoughtful I am....that's not it at all....I'm merely using it as an example of how we can "Water the World" around us.

I see examples of this everyday, when I walk into a store and someone stops me to tell me how beautiful my daughter's hair is, or when my car broke down and a high ranking military guy came to help me while everyone else just walked by.....in a way they're all helping to care for and tend to the world. You know Psalm 23 is a great example of why we should care for others the way that God cares for us. Think about it, and when you go out today take the chance to "water the world", say a nice word, help someone by holding the door for them or leave a bigger tip than usual...it's just a small thing, but think of the "ripple" effect it will create. :)

Well the kids just woke up, gotta go give them breakfast and a hug full of love. I hope you're all enjoying your friday. Btw, my "Everyday Things" post is just below, so take a look if you want to see what I'm content with today.

EVERYDAY THINGS!!! August 18th

"...For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11


"If you want any one thing too much it's likely to disappoint. The healthy way is to learn to like the everyday things, like
soft beds and buttermilk..."-- Augustus McCrae-"Lonesome Dove"

I'm again playing along with Julie over at "Everyday Mommy", and her weekly feature,

designed to encourage all of us to embrace contentment and to appreciate the everyday things which we often take for granted.

The thing I'm most thankful for today, is my ability to be able to read. I'm a HUGE book lover, and my house is filled with books, cookbooks, fiction, biographies, christian or children's books. It's such a big part of our lives.

I can't even begin to imagine not being able to read, but yet it's something I think we take for granted everyday, but also something used every second of our lives, whether we're reading directions on a medicine bottle.......a letter from a loved one......a nighttime story to our children.....or even a receipt for something you buy at a store.

So I'm embracing the written word, and I'm truly thankful that I can enjoy the Bible or another book without needing someone to help me with it.

What are YOU embracing today? If you want to play along, come on and hop on over to Julie's blog, add your name to the list or perhaps just read all the "everyday things" being shared by other bloggers :)

I'm going to be in SO much trouble

when school starts next week. You all know that I'm a morning person, and my wake up time is around 6:30am. Well for the past 2 weeks I've been sleeping in until 8 am, and the other day it was actually almost 10am. (I was lucky that the kids slept in too).

But now with school starting next wednesday, I am just not ready to go back to waking up that early.....I'm in so much trouble!!!
I've tried going to bed earlier thinking that "hey, I fell asleep early that means I'll be ready to get up early"....but NOOOOOOOO, mybody says "oh come on, just a few more minutes, and besides it's still summer break you don't need to be up yet". See, even my own body is betraying me!!!

I'm going to start this post by playing the song that I tried to play a few days ago, for some reason it just wasn't working right. I think I finally got it working, so I'm trying it again. This is "Bring the Rain" by MercyMe and by far one of my favorite songs ever :)



I managed to get some of my to do list done, but what I didn't do I'll obviously be achieving today, or so I hope. As soon as I get things straight out around the house, then I'll start on my kitchen curtains, I'm dying to get those done and see how they look :)

As we were heading out the door yesterday, I snapped some pictures of the kids, my family had asked me when I would post more and it HAS been a while, so here you go.......

A few ladies asked me yesterday how I make my fleece blankets, and it really is so easy. Jasmine loves helping me and she actually wants to make some herself, I think she said for some of her dolls as well....I think it's great and it's a project that the kids can get involved with :)

I'm going to point you in the direction of a really easy method, using two pieces of fleece fabric. I've made it that way and I've also made it just with a single piece of fleece, cut the four inch long, one inch wide fringe around the blanket and then tied a knot on each to create the tassled look. That's the way my kids do it, they get confused with the two piece blankets :)

This morning while checking my email, I had one from my stepmom about Cell Phone vs The Bible, I thought it was so cleverly done that I had to share with you all.

Cell Phone vs. Bible
I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our
cell phones?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we turned back to go get it if we for got it?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it as we traveled?
What if we used it in case of an emergency?
What if we upgraded it to get the latest version?
This is something to make you go...hmmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we dont ever have to
worry about our bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid
the bill!

Isn't that the truth?!?!?! Why is it that we as Christians at times feel almost ashamed or embarassed to show that we follow Christ??? Do we really care so much about what other people think???

I feel that the way society has become, we're far too obsessed with fitting in to some sort of mold or standard. If we don't then we're scared of being outcasts or looked down on. It's just amazing to me that some would rather turn their backs on the Lord than proudly announce thatthey're Christians. I'm not saying this without fault, I too used to be the same way. Here's an example, I get tons of emails everyday, a lot of them just forwards and jokes etc.....and I would quickly pass those on to my friends, but then one would come about "If you love Jesus, pass this on to all your friends" and I would think twice about doing it, I didn't want to offend anyone or let them think I was trying to preach or impose my way of thinking on them. How sad is that?!?!?!?

After reconnecting with the Lord, I am no longer afraid to pass those on and let others think that I'm a Christian. I now forward those emails with the same happiness and excitement (or actually MORE) than the jokes or friendship emails. Has the world come to an end because I do that? Do people criticize me or judge me? Has anyone turned their backs on me because I did it?
NO, if anything I feel a million times better with myself, and right now I couldn't be happier with my relationship with God. So next time you're in that situation, proudly announce or better yet, don't DENY that you're Christian, who cares what others think as long as HE is happy with you?

Well it's time for my "Blog Drive", and then I have to get started on my To Do List.

Post today's dinner "Smothered Steak" on my food blog.
Vacuum living room and bedrooms.
Finish putting laundry away.
Clean up computer desks.
Start kitchen curtains.

I hope you all have a wonderful thursday, God Bless,

Dagnabit, no Bellydancing.....

I was all excited, even my hips were shaking....well not literally, but you know, the excitement was running through me.

I walk up to the fitness aisle, look through the DVD's and am met with NO Bellydancing video. WHAT?!?!?!?!? Seems that I can only get it at Walmart Online, not at the actual store. BLEH!! that's all I say to that.

I did spend my whole Gift Card on some craft stuff. Wanna see what I got?

I picked up some fleece to make the kids some blankies with the little tassles on the bottom, they are by far the easiest to make and the kids LOVE picking their own. Of course Nicholas got Dora and Jasmine picked up one with dogs on it.

I've started some of the tassles on the bottom, but wasn't able to finish because they wanted their blankets, like, yesterday....LOL

I also picked up some yarn to make some scarves, gloves, hats etc....needed more yarn since the one I had at home wouldn't be enough. Again they picked their own colors, I think they like being a part of the whole process.

Then I went to my favorite part, the $1 a yard fabric. I could just get lost in all of those, and the possibilities are endless as to what I can make. I settled on one for the kitchen curtains, it just caught my eye.
Then I bought another cream colored fabric to make the pillows and coverlet etc for my bed, the one I want to make using candlewicking....can't wait to get that started :)

I was able to find a refill kit for my soap making and then hubby later bought me another kit called "Spa Indulgences" which is just heavenly....can't wait to make these. I'm thinking that for christmas I'll make a whole bunch of different shapes and scents etc, and send them to my family as gifts.

And there ya have it, that's just some of the stuff I bought. I find crafting very relaxing, no matter if I'm knitting, sewing, making soaps or candles....it's just a wonderful way to have fun doing something which you can then use, gives you a whole new sense of accomplishment and pride :)

I finally got to watch the second part of the movie "Victoria and Albert", totally loved it, it's not only a love story but also historical and hey, if you can get both out of one why not right????

I got my groceries done this morning, all my errands got done too, and now I'm going to start my laundry and work on my kitchen curtains. Oh Oh I also plan on changing my bed, got some new linens etc so I'll take a pic of that and post it for you tomorrow :)
But since I mentioned groceries, you know what grates on my nevers, BIG TIME??? Those people that sit in the middle of the aisles, with their cellphones, asking annoying stuff like "Hey you want the yellow or the blue box of cereal?", "you want chicken or pork tonight? Really? I was leaning towards steaks!". ARRRRGGHHHH!!!!

When I got home this morning, I had all of my paperbackswap books waiting for me. YAY, I got "31 Days Toward Intimacy with God" by Joni Eareckson Tada (just ordered her book entitled "Joni" which tells her testimony). I also got Brave Hearts Under Red Skies by Col. O'Leary and also Saved by the Light by Dannion Brinkley. Can't wait to add these to my Reading Pile.

I haven't yet had a chance to go on my usual "Blog Drive", but I'm hoping to do it tonight. Isn't it funny how just a few days before the new school year, everything shifts into overdrive??? I feel like I'm back on the crazy run run run schedule, feels good in a way, doesn't give me a chance to get bored with anything.

I got an email from mom this morning, seems that she wasn't able to have her PET Scan done on monday, the machines were not working, so she now has to wait until they've been fixed to go in for the exam. It seems that the appointment for the 21st (on monday), has now been moved to the 21st of September to give time for all the test results to be in. She's in good spirits and she is going to fight this, no matter what. I only wish I was as brave as she is, I honestly don't know how I would react in her shoes.

She wanted me to thank you all for the prayers, it meant a lot to her to know that she was being prayed for by ladies that she has never met.....I say, that's the power of the Lord at it's best isn't it? If you could keep her in your prayers still, and pray that the cancer hasn't spread anywhere else, I would be very much appreciative :)

Well I better start my day, or actually, continue my day. Here's my to do list:

- Redo bedroom
- All the laundry, washed, folded and put away
- Vacuum living room and bedrooms
- Start my kitchen curtains
- Post today's dinner recipe on my food blog

It's actually not a lot and I'm sure I'll get it all done before dinner time, just gotta get moving.
I leave you with a prayer taken from Joni Tada's book.

Lord, even though I face a busy day (or have just lived through one!),
even though I find myself running from this to that,
from here to there, I still want to crawl into the shelter of
Your arms. Even though my life moves at a blur,
I want to still myself in Your strength.
I want to rest in Your protection and tender care,
even when I feel like I'm wrestling alligators.
I take refuge in You, Jesus.
This day, all day, and all days.

I feel so rebellious this morning

It's 9:30am and I'm still in my pj's, haven't brushed my hair and I think (not sure) but I think I may have that deer caught in the headlights look?

I'm the kind of person that wakes up in the morning, takes her shower, gets dressed and puts on shoes *snicker* not really, I put on slippers or even better, flipflops. But this morning, I dragged myself out of bed at 8am....another post altogether about how I need to get back on schedule........and came downstairs with Nicholas.

Made him and myself breakfast, nothing special, just toast and scrambled eggs for me and he wanted a ham sandwich.....grabbed my cup of coffee and sat down at the computer. Btw, I think my computer chair has my behind engraved in it because if I move a little to either side, it gets really uncomfortable. Guess that one should go down in the "You know you're addicted to blogging if..........".

I have to finish my menus and grocery list before heading out to walmart. I posted my menus for this week at my food blog, so go on over and check (again, only if you're interested), and if you want to see what other's are cooking (do you smell what the ROCK is cooking?!?!?), head on over to Laura's blog "Organizing Junkie" and look for her Menu Plan Monday post from yesterday.

I also need to finish getting all of Jasmine's school supplies, though we're having a hard time with her because on the list it says "an old sock", and this child is determined NOT to take any kind of dirty (well clean lol) old sock to school. I'll have to find one and sneak it in her backpack that first day LOL

Did I tell you that I also have a gift certificate to Walmart??? Can you sense the anticipation in my voice? Just the thought of all the craft stuff I can buy is making me giddy!!!!
I need soap making materials, yarn for knitting, embroidery stuff and also some fabric to make some new curtains for my kitchen etc. BUT there's another thing that I want to get, and please don't start laughing and spit your coffee at the monitor when I tell you.....I want to get *drumroll* a Bellydancing fitness video Bwahahahahahah (oh that was me laughing, how embarassing lol).


I've decided that I want to get fit, and I already printed this great routine schedule list thingamabob from "The Helpful Housewive", which by the way you should go visit because she's awesome, and in the list she includes an hour for exercise. That's when I had my light bulb moment, I could get fit doing something fun, and bellydancing is sexy too right? At least that's what hubby says, though he hasn't seen me shaking my kid bearing hips around, he may change his opinion really fast LOL

If you want to see what I tackled today, check my post below.....it's nothing earth shattering or jaw dropping, just a simple bookshelf that had been neglected. Go on, go look and then come back ok?

On my "Morning Blog Drive" yesterday, I found some more neat blogs along the way. It's amazing how many interesting blogs are out there if we just pay attention. I already added them to my blogroll, but hey, I'll be nice and mention them here for you too :)

The World According to Julie - Julie lives in Canada with her family and I admit one of the first things that caught my eye was that she says "It's a Somewhat Crazy Place... but the Coffee's Good!" There ya go, I'm SOLD!!! LOL

My Laughter Thoughts - Mom of 5, she says she lives in a Monkey Zoo LOL Love her outlook on things, and you HAVE to check out her "chicken pancake", it's too funny.

HELLOmynameisHeather - Ok you all know I LOVE crafts, so this blog is like a craft book open with wonderful ideas for me to make. She shares the best pictures and always has something neat in the works.

There ya have it, 3 more blogs for you all to obsess about, see I think of my friends too LOL I figure, if I'm going to be addicted to more stuff, I might as well have friends along with me so I don't get bored and don't feel alone. (I'm sure some of you would rather I DIDN'T string you along though lol).

Well it's that time of day again, time for my drive through the blogging neighborhood. I really do enjoy it and I thank each and everyone of you for your wonderful blogs, they always put a smile on my face.
Better go, car's all warmed up and my coffee is cup is full.....better get your donuts out, SANDRA'S COMING OVER!!!! :)

God Bless,

TACKLE IT TUESDAY!!! August 15th

YAY I tackled this week LOL

Last week while family was visiting, I didn't have time to tackle any project, so I'm thrilled to be back and organizing and cleaning etc. So come along, I've got a project to show you....... come on, this way, no no no, don't stop at the coffee machine with those puppy eyes, I promise I'll get you a cup soon....

So this was my project. TA DA!!!! *Act surprised and in awe of such beauty*

This bookshelf has been sitting around looking miserable, and at some point we just started dumping anything on it. So last night I was sitting around trying to figure out what to clean or organize for "Tackle it Tuesday" (yes I actually have to FIND something to do lol).....and I remembered the poor shelf.

I decided to put my TBR (to be read) Christian books on the top shelf. And on the bottom shelf I have my Scrapbook Kit and my library books and DVD's so I don't forget where they are when it's time to return them. Doesn't it look much better?

Oh and those are my teddy bears, I LOVE teddy bears it's almost an obsession with them, though it would be weird if I had them all over my bedroom and on the bed etc. Don't think hubby would feel comfortable in there LOL

So there you have it, my tackled project for today. If you're tackling anything and want to join the rest of us, just come on over to 5 Minutes for Mom and add your name to the list, OR you can see what other ladies have been tackling at their houses.

Just a quick note about template.....

I'm giving up on trying to do my own template, it's just frustrating because it seems that someone is always seeing it messed up, usually IE users. But because I love you all so much, and I don't want to have a messed up template on ANY browser, I decided to just use one of the readily available ones. The only thing I did was the top banner.

With that said, I want to let you all know, that if you want me to make you a banner for your blogs, you're more than welcome to email me with your request...I won't try to make the WHOLE template like I've done before just because with school starting I won't have time, and I'm also not that good at it. LOL
I have a LOT more fun creating banners like mine above. :)

Now is everyone happy with this one? I've tested it in Netscape, Firefox AND Internet Explorer and it seems to be working right.

Oh and the feel of it is supposed to be Autumn...I figure I might as well get it up right? :)

Have a goodnight everyone, I'm off to Tackle a project for tomorrow's "Tackle it Tuesday" :)

Nothing that a hot bath won't cure.......

Isn't that what they always say?

Well last night I decided to do something I haven't done in so long, you know how it is when you're a mom, you can't even go to the bathroom without an audience nevermind having a few minutes for a hot bubbly bath. But I did it, hubby took the kids and I got mine.

Now doesn't that look inviting? I was waiting for the bath to fill up and I couldn't get in it fast enough, it just beckons me, slowly taunting my tired body to come and rest.

I had lavender scented candles making that beautiful glow, lavender bath bubbles in the water, and the sound of MercyMe playing in the background.
It's amazing how a bath like that can make you feel though, I actually got teary eyed, it's like time stood still and it was just me and God in there. Have you ever felt like just the thought of how wonderful He is makes you cry??? Please say so, or I will feel like a dummy. LOL

Anyway, after my wonderful time in the bathroom, I retired to my bedroom and sat in bed with my embroidery. I haven't done it in so long that my stitches were a little shaky at first, but embroidery, whether it's cross stitch or candlewicking or ribbon (which is what mine is), is the kind of thing that once you start you just don't want to put it down.

I just started this project so I haven't done much at all, but I'm already loving it and can't wait to get back in there. Want to see where I am right now?

It's called "The Potting Shed". I actually got the whole kit from my MIL for christmas about two years ago, and had totally forgotten about it......sorry mom.....but now I can't wait to get it finished. Now ONE kind of embroidery which I'm so in love with and have the most fun making, is Candlewicking. I just bought myself these two books.

My goal is to make some pillows for my bed and also some sort of coverlet using the Candlewicking. Can you just imagine how gorgeous that will look???

Well needleworking aside, I also got to watch "Mansfield Park" last night and really enjoyed it. Adventures in Babywearing had mentioned how much she liked the movie so I was eager to see if I would feel the same way, and boy did I.

Anyway, you know how I'm always saying that Nicholas says the funniest things? Well Jasmine had her own moment this morning LOL
I was trying to get dressed and I'm standing there in just my underwear, and yes ladies, I wear thongs, got used to it when I was younger and I just can't seem to break the habit LOL
But I'm standing there about to put my shorts on and she comes up behind me and says, very innocently, "mommy your underwear is pulled on too high, your butt cheeks are showing" LOL
I about died, that was just the funniest thing, and the conversation that ensued was even better because now I had to explain (or rather make sense of) the fact that I CHOSE to wear underwear like this. She's not impressed!!!! LOL

I plan on adding some more recipes to my Food Blog this morning, so be sure to check there if you are interested.

I'm also planning a visit to the Airman's Attic later, have some more items to donate and I also want to look through their kitchen and craft shelves. You would be amazed at the neat stuff you can find. That's me, the bargain hunter, always on the prowl for something else. I know some people turn their noses down at thrift stores or yard sales, but I for one couldn't be happier in one, there's something so fun about it. What about the rest of the ladies out there, do you enjoy them??? And what sort of items do you usually look for???

I can't believe this is the last week of summer for Jasmine and then next week school starts, guess we're going to be busy getting everything ready the next few days, gotta get her a new backpack and finish buying her school suplies. I'm actually eager for school to resume so we can get back to our usual routine but also because it means we are that much closer to .....can't wait.

Well my Blog Car is warmed up and ready to go, got my "Morning Blog Drive" to make, so I better mosy on out of here. Oh I almost forgot my coffee, I'm having Irish Cream this morning, mmmmmm, so good.

Alright I'm done blabbing, go on, get your housework done or your errands taken care of, but if you would rather come take a drive with me, you're more than welcome to :)

God Bless,

Getting Crafty!!!!

We had such a good day today. We got some housework done this morning, me inside and the hubby outside in the yards, and then the kids got to play in the sprinkler again right before lunch.

After lunch we were all just sitting around and I decided to do some crafts.....call it inspiration brought on by some of the new blogs I found.

The first thing we did was make some cool crayons for the kids. I got the idea from Beck over at Frog and Toad are Friends....go on over and see what she and her kids were up to :)
I can't believe I never thought of this myself, I tend to walk around the house collecting tons of crayon pieces, halves etc. Without knowing what to do with them, I just tossed it all in the trash, but NOW guess what we'll be doing with all of those???

The kids are so exited over their new funky crayons. You know come to think of it, I should have waited for Wednesday to use this as the WFMW LOL
Thank you Beck for the great idea :)

While the crayons were melting in the oven (and no I didn't cook them lol), I set about making some soaps. I've wanted to get into Soap Making for so long and just never had the time, but I figured today was it. I brought all my supplies out, not that many since it's a starter kit, but in no time I had made 4 beautiful soaps. Since the kit brings no fragrance oil or anything to add, and I didn't want just plain scenteless soap, I went looking for some sort of fragrance oil to use, I came up empty handed. But not for long, because then I remembered the Baby Oil I had sitting on my bathroom shelf. I poured some of it in with the glycerine and also added two drops of coloring. So instead of plain no scent blue soap, I ended up with this wonderful Baby Oil scented light purple beauties.

Here they are right after I poured them into the mold:

And here they are out of the mold, too bad I have to wait two weeks to actually use them or wrap them, they smell SO good....just like a baby freshly out of the bath:

What a fun afternoon it was.

We just finished having dinner and I am done with the dishes and the usual clean up, so now I'm heading upstairs for a nice warm bath, candles, bubbles and some soft music. Ahhhh great for the soul.

Btw, I posted tonight's dinner recipes on my Food Blog if you want to go take a look :)

Morning Blog Drive!!!!

As I've mentioned before, I love taking my "Morning Blog Drive" ....but just like in real life, when you take a drive somewhere specific, you always end up finding something new and exciting along the way.

That's what happened yesterday, I found a few more blogs that I'm just in love with already. Most of them are crafty ones, either sewing, or knitting or even embroidery (love love love it), and then there's the ones owned by farm owners. I'm sure you've heard me say many times that my ideal place to retire would be a ranch house, or a farm out in the country, filled with animals, greenery, a huge barn and if I'm lucky, a creek or river nearby.

So if there is one thing I love doing, is browsing through these Farm Blogs, they always have the BEST pictures to share, and I guess I'm living vicariously through them. Nothing wrong with that right???

Without further ado, here are the new "Blog Destinations" I found along the way, and I'm passing them on to you all, complete with directions to get there, so that you may also enjoy the wonderful photos, crafts and recipes shared.

Farmgirl Fare - The first thing that caught my eye was the adorable banner on the blog :) Farmgirl lives in Missouri with her husband and her 4 cats and one dog....they live on a 280 acre and 140 year old farm house.....*sigh* my dream place LOL

Haven for Home - A blog shared by a mother and daughter, they share patterns and also "oh so good" recipes. It's a great place to drop by and visit :)

Hey Lucy - I just LOVE all the pictures posted on this blog. She's very crafty and shares all her projects, you'll find sewing, embroidery, recipes, you name it :)

Posy - One of my FAVORITE places to go now, I'm in awe of the pictures she posts, not only of her house, the views around it and the beautiful crafting she does. If you don't get to any other blogs, make sure to go visit this one, and check out her flickr photo's, some of those views could have been taken from a postcard. Just beautiful :)

SouleMama - Another wonderful blog full of beautiful pictures to share, great crafting ideas too.

The Helpful Housewife - Ok this is one that I'm going to be visiting daily too. She posted her lists for "The Helpful Housewife Routine" and I've already printed them all out. She has tons of great tips and tricks and you can even ask questions about house stuff and she will answer :)

With Heart and Hand - A Pastor's wife, homeschooling mom of three in BC, Canada. She also shares great recipes, check out her latest one for "Monkey Bread" :)

And there you have it, those were the new destinations found on my usual drive. I'm so glad I stumbled upon them. I've been sitting around trying to figure out what to make for crafts this fall, and I'm already getting tons of great ideas just from visiting these new blogs.

Aren't you eager for Fall too??? There's nothing more beautiful than the wonderful smells and sights of Autumn, the changing colors of the leaves, the breeze in the air, it's by far my favorite season :)

Last night I started my book "The Englischer" by Beverly Lewis, I'm already loving the book. I've always found the Amish community to be so fascinating, their simple way of life, their crafts, the food and the general family sense....let's not forget the beautiful area they live in.

Just look at that amazing sunset???

Well I have a kitchen floor to sweep and mop and the living room to vacuum. I'm hoping to get some sewing done today, I never did get to finish Jasmine's dresses and there's not much time left for her to wear summery outfits. I also want to get a bit more work done on my embroidery project.

I'm going to leave you with my new favorite song from MercyMe "Bring the Rain", I posted the lyrics for you all yesterday and today I'm sharing the actual song. Is it not the most wonderful thing you've heard in a long time???



Hope you all have a beautiful sunday :)

VISIT TO THE LIBRARY......

Well as said earlier, we went by the library. The reason I'm even posting this is because the library is one of my most favorite places to go, I go about twice a week, sometimes more. There's just something so soothing and calming about it, and let's not forget the books, I'm obsessed with books.

Have you ever looked at your bookshelf TBR (to be read) pile and still gone out and checked more out at the library???? I do that a lot and I'm not ashamed to admit it :)

So I picked up two movies today. The Lion in Winter starring Patrick Stewart and Glenn Close.

The story of England's King Henry II as he manipulates (and is counter-manipulated) by his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their three ambitious sons, each of whom hopes to ascend to the throne.

I love historical movies, hence the one from last night "Victoria and Albert", so this is one I'm looking forward to watching this weekend. The other one I got was "Mansfield Park" by Jane Austen.

At 10, Fanny Price, a poor relation, goes to live at Mansfield Park, the estate of her aunt's husband, Sir Thomas. Clever, studious, and a writer with an ironic imagination and fine moral compass, she becomes especially close to Edmund, Thomas's younger son. Fanny is soon possessed of beauty as well as a keen mind and comes to the attention of a neighbor, Henry Crawford. Thomas promotes this match, but to his displeasure, Fanny has a mind of her own, asking Henry to prove himself worthy. As Edmund courts Henry's sister and as light shines on the link between Thomas's fortunes and New World slavery, Fanny must assess Henry's character and assert her heart as well as her wit.

Well now that I have movies to watch, I couldn't just walk out without books. That would be like going to Starbucks and walking out empty handed right?

I looked through the New Releases and quickly found Beverly Lewis' new book titled "The Englisher". I've loved all her books so I'm excited to read this one.

Then while I was browsing through the Inspirational and Christian section, one caught my eye. I don't know how many of you listen to Delilah on the radio. She's one of my favorite radio dj's and her blend of love songs, compassionate advice and her straight forward and direct attitude, is one of the reasons I just tune into her whenever possible.
When I saw her book I snatched it right up...it's called "Love Someone Today" and it's about her faith and her personal strength. If you get a chance and have never heard her on the radio, I suggest tuning in if possible, I'm sure you won't be disappointed :)

Another thing I always do at the library, is stop by their Books for Sale shelf. You can find such great books for only 25c a piece and some are even free.
My hubby picked up "Left Behind" by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins....now I've seen the movies and I've been dying to read the books, so I'm thrilled to have it in my possession. I also picked up another one that caught my eye, just because the title was funny and you should have seen my hubby's face LOL
It's called "Angry Housewives" Eating Bon Bons by Lorna Landvik. Rest assured I told my husband this wasn't some sort of hint or secret message, especially on our anniversary. LOL

So there ya have it, now you know what I'll be reading and watching this weekend. Oh and before I leave, if you like MercyMe, be sure to pick up their CD "Coming up to Breathe". It's just amazing, there's not enough words to say how good it is. I got it from my MIL on my birthday and I've listened to it endlessly, especially the song called "Bring the Rain", it's one of those songs that seem to say exactly what my life is and has been.

I leave you with the lyrics and the hope of a goodnight.
God Bless,

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray

Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty

ANNIVERSARY YEAH.......

Today is our anniversary and I would LOVE to say that we've been all lovey dovey, but for some reason we've been at each other's throats. LOL Is it a way to remind us that even though we fight we have managed to stick it out for the past 8 years?

Hubby and I have been married for 8 years and have been together for nine. It's been a blessing having him in my life, I'm not going to say that there haven't been ups and downs and fights, and screaming etc....but we do find our way back to each other and we work hard at staying together. After all, it's a MARRIAGE!!! When I think of the word marriage, I always think of carriage....maybe because it's a constant effort and struggle to keep it moving forward.

Curt is the type of father and husband that everyone wishes for. He's there when I need him, he makes me laugh until my sides hurt, he constantly asks me "what do you need me to do help you with?" and one minute he is the stern, strict father and the next he is acting like one of their best friends.....rolling around on the floor, playing tag, wrestling, jumping on the trampoline and acting goofy.

So Curt, I want you to know that even though it's been hard at times, I couldn't imagine doing this with anyone else. I love you with all my heart and I can't wait to butt heads again and keep going for another 80 years. LOL

With that said, what do you think of my new design? I know, I know, you're probably sick and tired of seeing me change it, but I get bored easily. I wanted something simple again and since my favorite color is pink, I thought this would be perfect.

Just this morning I was sitting here messing with the template and then got bored (HA! big surprise there), and decided to go browse through all the Blogger blogs. I just kept hitting Next Blog, on the navigation bar and I was surprised at the diversity of blogs, one minute I was in Sweden and then the next I was in Croatia, Brazil, Oklahoma, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand etc. It's just so much fun visiting all the different cultures and seeing their pictures, though I have to tell you some of them I really couldn't understand a single word posted.........I especially like the Asian ones that have just ????????? LOL

You're probably waiting for me to tell you what we're doing today. Would you be disappointed if I said ABSOLUTELY NOTHING?!?!?! We're just hanging out, and I know usually anniversaries are supposed to be celebrated with an intimate dinner, or an overnight stay at a cozy romantic hotel. I also could tell you that we don't like that kind of stuff, but I'd be lying and you would see right through me. The reason though is that, first, we don't have any family nearby to watch the kids while we whisk ourselves to some secret rendezvous (don't you just like how I make it sound all exciting lol)......the second reason would be that we don't put too much importance into things like that, the fact that we're still together and love each other, is enough for us, plus we are the kind of parents that love being with our children, so staying home with them is just fine with us :)

We do need to stop by the library....but I supposed showing up in a sexy dress and high heels would be looked down on??? And I guess bringing a bottle of champagne too would just be inapproriate??? Yeah, I thought so. Oh well, I tried LOL
They do say "It's the thought that counts" right?!?!?!

I was exhausted yesterday, I didn't realize that having family visiting could be so draining. This is the thing though, I didn't feel it when they were here, we had a blast, would stay up late playing games and laughing etc. Think my body was getting used to that routine, then they left and all of a sudden I was fighting to keep my eyes open.
I got into bed at 7 pm.......ahhhhhhh it felt heavenly, but then suddenly I wasn't tired anymore, I wanted to watch tv, so seeing as there was nothing interesting on, I popped in one of my Netflix movies "Victoria and Albert", the story of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. I really enjoyed the movie, although I was quite annoyed to realize it's a 2 DVD movie and I had only the first part LOL

Well I'm being called upon, so I guess I better hop on out of here and go with the family. I'll be back later to take my Blog Drive, won't be my morning one, let's just call it the "Afternoon Blog Drive" today, shall we???

Have a wonderful saturday everyone,

I'm BAAAAAACCKKKKK!!!!!

The family left this morning so we now return to the regularly scheduled programming. Yep, I'm back to my blogging self, it feels good, I've missed all my favorite friends and blogs and it's wonderful that I get to come back and catch up.

Come on in, sit down and here have a cup of coffee. Don't worry, if you would rather have tea, that can be arranged too.

So mom and Chris left this morning, the kids are so sad to see them go, and so are we. We always have the best time and laugh, boy do we laugh. Mom goes back to more tests this coming monday so please keep her in your prayers, we will find out on August 21st how all the tests went and exactly where she stands. You know what's weird though??? When I found out my father in law had cancer it was just a terrible time for all of us and I was constantly worrying and upset and wondering if he would be able to fight it. I was ALSO distant from God and I could say that our relationship was pretty much non existent at that point. (makes me so sad just thinking about that)

With mom it's been very different for me, I am concerned for obvious reasons, but I am also finding this amazing calm and I don't feel myself consumed with constant thoughts of the situation and how bad it could be. Isn't that wonderful??? It's like I can feel His love and His protection, He's taken her into His arms and I get the feeling of "Everything is going to be alright, no matter what happens, it's ok".

Now THAT'S the beauty of having a close relationship with God, it's almost like being two different people, the sad, miserable, lost and helpless one before finding Christ......and then the happy, carefree, brave and courageous one after finding Him. I'm just so glad that I'm on this side of the fence though, walking hand in hand with God and facing the problems together.

Thank you to all that left birthday wishes for me, not just through the blog but through email, it was really sweet and it means a lot to me. I had a great day with the family, I opened presents, we ate cake and ice cream and then just hung out all day, talking, playing games, laughing and just having fun. Perfect day in my book!!!

It does feel good to be back to blogging though.
I wasn't able to do my usual meme's, but being friday I'm sure I can come up with something for "Everyday Things" hosted by Julie at Everyday Mommy.

Want to know what I'm planning for today??? After I'm done with this post I'm most certainly heading over to all my favorite blogs just to say hi, but then I have cleaning to do.

Yep Mount Laundry is back and if I don't get to it, I'm sure it will erupt at some point today. We also have the back and front yard to mow, sweeping and mopping the floors, vacuuming and yeah you guessed it, cleaning the carpets. You know after having six people in the house, plus 2 dogs, this poor carpet has not survived very well so we're going to give it a good cleaning.

I also want to get all the bedrooms cleaned up and reorganized again. I just have to start getting the kids on the usual school routine, early bedtimes, sleeping in their own beds instead of falling asleep on couches, you know, the usual summertime stuff.
Yesterday was registration, so we got that done and I was able to request the teacher I wanted for Jasmine (not that it's a guarantee). On the 21st we will find out who's class she's in and then the 22nd we have Open House/Meet the Teacher, so I'm excited about that and so is Jasmine....seems that I seem to be the only one worrying about school starting, she's perfectly fine with it.

So I'm closing this post off. I'm refilling my coffee cup and going on my morning Blog Drive. You'd be amazed at the beautiful sights you see along the way :)

Have a wonderful day everyone, Oh and look for my Everyday Things post below :)

EVERYDAY THINGS!!! August 11th

"...For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11

"If you want any one thing too much it's likely to disappoint. The healthy way is to learn to like the everyday things, like soft beds and buttermilk..."-- Augustus McCrae-"Lonesome Dove"

I'm so glad I'm able to participate in this feature today. Remember if you want to join all the ladies appreciating their Everyday Things, just head on over to Julie at "Everyday Mommy".

So you want to know what Everyday Thing I find contentment in?

Today it's definitely my health and the fact that I'm here with my family.

If you read my blog daily, you will know that this past week while my mother in law was visiting, she told us that she'd been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Nothing like that kind of news to make you appreciate the fact that you're healthy.

We go by everyday just taking for granted that we're actually able to be with our children and our husband and sickness is the last thing on your mind.

Well today I'm embracing my health and thanking God for the opportunity to see another day, to enjoy my children, to laugh at my husband's silly jokes, to clean up after one of the dogs and to be able to say that at least at this moment in my life "I don't have to worry about the possibility of not being there in the long run".

What everyday thing are you thankful for today??? Do you want to share it with all of us??? If you do, I suggest you run on over to Julie's and add your name to the list, and while you're there be sure to check out the other Ladies sharing theirs too.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

Now you may think that sounds a bit conceited, but it's not LOL The reason I'm wishing myself a happy birthday is because I felt that since I'm turning 32 years old today, I would post about what my life has been like.

It's not going to be one of those boring.....at 5 years old I went skipping by a pond.....at 10 years old I dropped my ice cream on my dress.........Nah, that's not what I meant, it's just that after being on this earth for 32 years, so much has happened. There's been good times and then there's been bad times, but who doesn't have their ups and downs right?

I'm ready, I have my cup of hot coffee and I'm about to pour it all out, are you ready? If you don't have time for a long post I would suggest doing something else for now, I don't want to bore anyone but I really want to get this all out.

I have to say that I've been blessed with a wonderful life, I have the best family in the world, the best husband and kids and just everything I could ever wish for. I've also been blessed with the love of the Lord and even though right now I feel that I'm at the best place in my life, it wasn't always so.
As a matter of fact, just last year before starting this blog, I was NOT in a close relationship with God. I had drifted away and didn't know how to get back to Him, sure I could pick up the Bible and read it but even that I found boring. I'm not ashamed to admit that I was at a low point in my life and that I didn't have the hunger and excitement to pursue a closer relationship with the Lord.

Then I started blogging, and boy did that change everything. I would sit at my computer and read all the christian blogs and just marvel at the ladies behind the words. These were Christian women so devoted to the Lord that they brought out a hunger and need in me to be just like them.....I wanted to be able to quote scriptures and actually know what I was talking about, I wanted to open the Bible and read with a thirst for His word and get giddy with excitement at the thought of reading another word or another christian book.
But most of all I wanted to have my own testimony and my own stories to tell about how the Lord was working in my life, because you see, I didn't know it at the time, but he had been doing such wonderful work and it was SO obvious that I just can't believe I missed it.

Let me tell you something though, before I started blogging, I have already said that my relationship with Him was non-existent, but more so, I was at a crossroads in my life. They always say that around the age of 30 years old is when some women start questioning everything they've done, where they are, what they've achieved etc....I was there, I didn't know who I was anymore, I didn't know what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go.

Finding that love with the Lord again not only brought me hapiness like I'd never experienced, but it also helped me find myself and realize that all the hardships I had gone through, all the crying and the yelling, the grieving over passed loved ones, my miscarriages, my move away from my family and even the fights with my husband, had all led me to this one single moment....I call it the "SANDRA TADA MOMENT". That was when I went......"OH MAN, this is what I want and it's where I want to be"......and the best part of it?????
After all the years of being distant from God, He was right there with arms wide open and waiting with the biggest smile on His face.

Call me a wussy if you like, but I'm getting teary eyed just writing this LOL

So now that I got that out of the way, I want to do something different, I want to make a list (if you will) of what my life has been, but divided into categories.

At 32 years old I have learnt so far that:
Life is what you make of it.
The Lord is always there no matter what.
The best treasures are those you already have.
Not to sweat the small stuff.
The best friends are those that accept you for who you are even when if you're not their idea of what a friend should be and act like.

At 32 years old I have YET to learn how:
To completely hand over control to God.
To swim.
To do math (yeah I'm running out of fingers and toes)
To garden.
To stop worrying about everything.
To be the best wife and mother I can be.

At 32 years old I've had to learn to live without:
My greatgrandmother.
My grandfather Julio.
My grandfather Antonio.
My father in law Doug.
My two angels in heaven.

At 32 years old I now accept that:
My life is as perfect as it's going to be.
I HAVE all I could ever wish for.
I love who I am and who I've become.
I'm extremely lucky to be where I am.

And now just to show you how blessings have come from hard times.
I had two miscarriages - If I didn't have them I wouldn't have my son Nicholas right now.
Moving away from my family - Learnt to be independent and to be the woman I am today.
Being distant from God - Makes me finding Him again all that more sweeter to me, I now appreciate much more what I was missing.

The list could go on and on but you get the point right???

Well it's time for me to go be with my family, open some presents and just BE happy knowing that I have everyone with me, not just here but in spirit and best of all I have the Lord, sitting right next to me at the table as I open the gifts, holding my hand when I get teary eyed and laughing along when I find something funny. These have been the BEST years of my life and I'm truly blessed to have made it this far, I only hope to be able to sit down in another 32 years and again pour my heart out and list what has happened since then. BUT I do hope that you will ALL be here with me, for I would have never found the Lord again if it weren't for so many of you out there, the ones that have become my true friends and that I love dearly.

Rena
Liz
Jaymi
Courtney
Emily
Sarah
Morning Glory
Christina
Melany
Jen
Michelle

and so many more, but those have really been there for me and I love them all dearly.....I will come put links up later, right now I'm being called to the Present Pile LOL

Love you all, have a blessed day and hey, have a drink for me will ya?

Beautiful afternoon :)

We were sitting around yesterday afternoon and decided to just get in the truck and drive up to C.J. Strike Dam. It's so close to base and it's one of those places you almost forget exists until someone mentions it.

Mom wanted to take some nice pictures so we thought it would be the best place to go. Boy was it ever. We weren't there for long, not even an hour, it was extremely hot and being close to the water those darn mosquitoes were out to get me. Poor Jasmine has bites all over her legs, guess she takes after me, I have them too. BUT that didn't take away from the beauty of the lake and the surrounding area and drive up there.

So are you ready for some pics? If not, then I suggest you go on and do something else, cause I might bore you LOL

When you first leave base there really is no much to see, well, actually, there IS nothing to see, it's just mountains in the distance (far far away) and then plain flat land. The minute you start heading towards Grandview, then you start seeing green, and what a difference it makes.

The kids enjoyed seeing all the cows at the Simplot right at the beginning of town. Now you have to realize that Grandview is one of those quiet small country towns, I guess everyone knows everyone.......there's probably just 6 generations in the whole place LOL

There's a lot of farms, horses, corn etc. It's just really pretty out there. This next picture I actually took from the truck while it was moving but I like how it turned out. It's blurry on the bottom from the motion of the car but the top part is perfectly visible.

Within a few minutes we started seeing the Snake River which is 1038 miles long and runs from actually originates in NW Wyoming then flows down the canyon where it enters Idaho then runs across southern Idaho then through Boise and the Idaho/Oregon border before heading north.
It passes through Lewiston Idaho before entering Washington.
The Snake river runs through a number of gorges, including one of the deepest in the world, Hells Canyon, with a maximum depth of 7,900 feet (2,410 m).
Here are two pictures of the river as we head to Strike Dam.

We reached the dam and this is the first picture as we see it. There's something so peaceful and calming about being near the water. You truly feel close to God and your worries tend to just slip away.

I just had to take this picture, I loved watching them all walking but especially Nicholas holding his Uncle Chris' hand....how sweet is that?!?!?

The moment we got there I think we were all just overwhelmed with how beautiful and quiet it is. The kids loved looking out at the water and they even got to see some fishies, which mommy being the paparazzi that she is, had the camera ready and waiting though you can't really tell, so I'm not even going to show those LOL
But here are some views of the dam before I show you family pictures, which I'm sure you're all dying to see, especially my family in South Africa :)

The boys enjoyed skipping stones over the water and I did manage to catch the one that Nicholas threw, so it's become one of my favorites.

We were all just hanging out on the picnic table when my MIL took this one, it's great having candid shots :) Please don't laugh at me, I HATE having my picture taken and always feel that I look NOTHING like that in real life....or at least I hope I don't LOL

As usual, I get caught doing things I'm not supposed to.....*sigh* LOL

Now here are the family pictures.....enjoy them :) My MIL was really happy to get such good pictures with all of us and her boys and grandkids.

And to end it all, here are some great pics taken on the drive back to base. Now I'm really sorry if I've bored you all, that was not my intention, but I wanted to show you the great afternoon we had and the beauty that God continues to bestow upon us all, it just goes to show that if you look further than your immediate surroundings, there's ALWAYS a sign of His love.

Tomorrow I'll probably post the little videos we made with all the pictures, they came out really good :)

BTW I updated my food blog with a recipe for Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard. It's really good so if you're interested in trying it out, just pop on over to Full Bellies, Happy Kids.

And now I have to go, I have the house to myself, everyone took off for gift shopping and I wasn't allowed to go because it's for my birthday tomorrow.....oh well, it's been a long time since I've been home alone. What should I do???? I feel so naughty I just want to do something totally unexpected that I wouldn't usually get to do with the kids around.......should I break something? Have a neighborhood party? Couple drinks? Turn the music real loud and dance without being embarassed? LOL There's so much to pick from, but you see, I'm just not a person who lives on the edge, so I'll settle for starting my Basil Burgers for dinner and making some Portuguese Rice Pudding for dessert and maybe clean up the house a bit. Oh you little devil you....aren't I just the naughty chef??? LOL

Hope you all enjoyed the pictures and again thank you for the prayers....my MIL is handling it very well under the circumstances, but please keep her in your prayers so that the test results come back negative to the cancer having spread anywhere else.

God Bless,

Works for Me Wednesday!!! August 9

I didn't get to play along last week, I had my family just come in for a visit and was busy with them, and even though they're still here, I do have some free time this morning so I decided it was now or never.

The tip I have for today is due to school starting soon. I find that if I don't organize things then I'm always running around struggling to get the kids out of bed and dressed etc.

I've found that what works for me is to have a plan. The night before, after bathtime and reading etc, we go through and pick the clothes that they want to wear the next morning, including shoes and a little sweater if it's chilly etc.
I purchased these colorful shelves that hang in their closets and then we labeled them with Monday-Friday.

That's where we place the clothes for that day and if there's something going on later that week, whether it's Hat day or Pajama day or whatever, we make sure to place those items in the right shelf as soon as we get the note from school.

After we have the clothes ready, we go through the backpack to make sure her homework is done and she has everything she needs, this way if something is missing we can search for it now instead of in the morning when we're rushing to get out of the house.

Next thing we do is plan breakfast, what does she want to eat. Now I know that sometimes in the morning she wants something but then changes her mind, so we usually go with two choices that she can have and that way I have both of them available or ready for her.

This may not seem like rocket science to many and I'm sure most moms do this, but I didn't for a long time and we had a lot of problems trying to get out of the house and make it to school on time. Works for Me.

If you want to play along or read other great tips, just head on over to Shannon's "Rocks in my Dryer".

No Tackle it or Treasure today!!!

I truly apologize for there not being any Tackle it Tuesday or Treasure Tuesday up today. I haven't had time to tackle anything with the family visiting, and then after yesterday I'm sure you all understand if I don't do either of those features this week.

Thank you all for your prayers, the ones left in the comments and the emails too. We're all very optimistic and keeping a positive attitude, but it's great to know that we have so much support, and for that I truly am touched.

Again we don't have much planned for today, just hanging out, but we may take a ride up to C.J. Strike Dam, there's nothing like gazing over the beautiful quiet water to make you feel centered.

With all that has been going on here, I really do need to take a breath and try to capture the love of Christ. Yes, I say capture because I tend to let it go and leave it just floating around until something major happens, then like a stumbling toddler learning how to grasp objects for the first time, I blindly set out to find it.

Ephesians 3:18b ".......to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ".

That may be really easy to read and understand, but I find it so difficult to live it out in life. Again with me it comes to control, nothing worse than being in a situation where you wish you could have the last say or make the outcome as you wish it to be, but you can't and that is when you need to put it in the Lord's hand. Easy isn't it???? No, it's not, at least for me, it's been my one struggle through the years and one which I'm sure will be continuing for years to come.

Phillipians 1:6 ".....being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ".

There's nothing worse than getting bad news, and it doesn't have to just be someone being sick, but anything to do with family really gets to me. Not only is my MIL going through this right now, but this morning I found out that my uncle is jobless and with no means of supporting himself. Doesn't it feel like when it rains it pours?????

I could become bitter and turn against God and blame him for everything that is going on, but I'm not like that, if anything it just brings me closer to him, seeking that comfort that I so need right now. In the midst of all the chaos, I'm thrilled to know that He is there with arms wide open and welcoming me in, and I'm almost afraid to say that I am finding a calm through all this that I didn't know existed.

Does this mean that I don't feel or that I am just blind or in denial? Or does this mean that I subconsciously know things will be fine? I choose the last one, because I know that even though there are rough times ahead, we're not going through it alone, now more than ever I feel the Lord's presence in my life, guiding me, lifting me up and engulfing me in his all powerful love and THAT is something which I treasure and am extremely greatful for.

I don't think I've ever watched the "Rain" Nooma DVD as much as I am now or will be doing....it's such a great reminder of how God wraps you in his love when something is wrong and you just want to scream and shout.

We get hit with some form of pain out of nowhere leaving us feeling desperate and helpless. That’s the way life is. Still, it makes us wonder how God can let these things happen to us. How God can just stand by and watch us suffer. Where is God when it really hurts?

Boy am I guilty of doing that, my first instinct is to throw a tantrum, just like a child that just lost his favorite toy or is told that they can't have another cookie before dinner.
This wonderful DVD reminds us that it's usually when the big issues are going on, that God uses it to remind us of how much He really does love us, we just can't hear Him because we're so caught up in the screaming and the crying, but if we just stop and listen, we can hear Him telling us he loves us and is RIGHT THERE through thick and thin, in sickness and in health. I've learnt to force myself to stop reacting first and thinking later.........I stop, I sit down quietly and listen carefully and I have to tell you that it's helped me a LOT, it's made me realize that crying and whining is not beneficial to me and the problem at hand, if anything, it just keeps me from listening to the Lord and concentrating on what IS important.

So again I truly thank each and every one of you for the prayers, I apologize for not getting to my email at all for the last week or so, but hopefully will be able to soon :)

Have a beautiful and blessed day in the Lord, I'm sending you all huge hugs,

Know what I can't stand????

PUBLIC BATHROOMS!!!!! And before you even say "Yes the germs"......STOP right there, I know the germs are nasty but that's not even what gets to me the most.

I want to know who was the genius that invented these bathroom stalls????
I'm thinking some pervert sitting at home and coming up with ways of getting a cheap thrill.

If there is one thing I hate is going into that stall and feeling like I'm in a glass case just set up in the middle of a circus, everyone can walk by and look in and see what I'm doing. I've actually started using my kids as BB aka Bathroom Blockers. I stick one in one hole and the other in the next one.........and no I don't mean the holes under the doors, I mean on the sides.

I've lived in many countries but this is the only one that I've ever had this problem with. Why can't they just make it an enclosed stall, and by that I mean, CLOSED, no holes, no huge gaps between doors and walls etc......you know what I'm talking about right???
So please if you are a Bathroom Stall manufacturer or whatever you call yourself, just make sure there's no huge gaping holes anywhere, women are not like men, believe it or not we don't like having an audience watching us.

Now I want to talk about something more serious, and I'm asking you all for prayers, please. WE just found out this morning that my MIL was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, she is going in next week for more tests to make sure it hasn't spread anywhere else. We really really need prayers, it's extremely hard for all of us but especially her boys, my hubby and brother in law. Having lost their father to cancer just 3 years ago, this is a shock to them.......so please if you can say a prayer for my MIL Pat to help her get through this.
She's a Christian lady and very devoted to God, so I have no doubt that she will be fighting this with all she has, but I ask that you please say a prayer or ask a friend to......it's just been a big shock for everyone.

I know I started this post light hearted, and maybe that's just the way I handle things, I try to think on the positive side and not let myself freak out over things, but it really is something that is affecting me, I don't want to have to think about my kids loosing their grandma or my hubby and BIL loosing their mom. It's going to be rough the next few weeks and months, but we'll get through it together.

I'm faithful in the Lord and I know he's going to be there supporting us and carrying us all through the hardest times, but I would really appreciate prayers.

God Bless,

It feels so good outside, after weeks of scorching

weather and temperatures around 110 degrees, I think it's about time we cool off a little, don't you???

Woke up this morning to 70 degrees which just feels like heaven, actually makes you want to get out of bed and not worry about sweating all the water out of your body. I know, I know, I'm exaggerating right now, but you get the point right?

I'm actually feeling a little better this morning, I started taking my sinus medication yesterday so I guess I was able to stop it before it became a full blown sinus attack. Still feeling congested but nowhere near as bad as yesterday. Thank the Lord!!!

We're going to have another slow and relaxing day. I had no idea that climbing down to the cave and those few steps would really hurt my legs. What a great way to remind me that I'm really unfit. LOL

School starts again on the 23rd of August, I can't believe it's almost time to start another school year. Am I the only mom that starts getting paranoid and worried about the whole process???
Jasmine is starting second grade and I'm just freaking out because all her friends from first grade just left to other bases, and then I worry about the teacher, will she be a good one or one of the type that yells at the kids too much etc. I guess as a mom you never stop worrying do you??? So how all you other mothers deal with this kind of stress???

Since I can't stay online too long, I thought it would be fun to redo a Photo meme that I actually posted a few months ago. I tag anyone that wants to do it, if you don't want to that's fine too. :)

So here we go, the way it works is, you have a few categories (which I'll give you) then you go to Google Images and type in the category and then paste the photo that shows up for it.

Your Name

Dad's Name

Your age on your next birthday

Your favorite color


Your middle name


The last meal you ate


Your favorite animal

Your last name


Favorite Bible passage


Favorite era


Favorite food


Where you want to be in 10 years

That was actually a lot of fun to do, hope some of you will give it a shot too, and if you do let me know so I can go check it out ok?

Well I have to get going again, just wanted to touch bases with everyone and let you all know that I'm still here and still alive LOl

Hope you're having a blessed and peaceful Sunday.

I'M SICK, AND NOT OF LAUNDRY......

the actual sick, cold, congested sick one. See I can't trust my body to handle something as simple as a trip to an ice cave, which by the way, has a normal temperature between 24 and 27 degrees, no matter how hot it is outside, it could be melting all around it, but that baby is going to stay a nice cool chilly temp.

So we go in there and we had to take coats (right there is a sight to see), yeah, it's over 100 degrees and everyone is walking around with coats on preparing to head into the cave. But anyway, going back to my story.....we went in the cave and it actually felt really good, I was enjoying the coolness inside after the oven we had come from. After we left the cave we get hit with this wave of heat, the kind that makes you want to drop to your knees and in an exagerated voice start chanting "Water, Water".

The minute we walked out I said to mom "boy I hope this doesn't mess up my sinus or make me sick". Well I might as well have invited the sinus and the cold to enter me, right there and then. I got home and had a bit of a sniffle, Jasmine on the other hand felt a little warm and was sooo congested that she had a hard time going to sleep.
This morning I woke up with a sinus headache, I've got the sniffles, I'm congested, and I'm sneezing every 5 minutes.....*sigh*. Oh well, what can we do, just get through it and be content in the fact that it was worth it right???

I took some medicine and then sat here at the computer trying to read some blogs but I think I only managed to visit the first 5 on my list before my eyes started hurting my nose....does that even make any sense?!?!?! Your eyes hurt and it hurts your sinus, there I think that explains it better (though I still don't understand it).
I went ahead and decided to go check out my Paperbackswap account since I had 3 credits available (3 books for free). This is what I got:

31 Days Toward Intimacy with God (31 Days Series)
Author: Joni Eareckson Tada

Brave Hearts Under Red Skies: Stories of Faith Under Fire
Author: Jeff O'Leary

Saved by the Light
Author: Paul Perry, Raymond A. Moody, Dannion Brinkley

I'm really looking forward to reading all 3, but I think the one by Col. O'Leary is the one I'm really eager to start on. We all know that God is at work in our lives and it's always amazing to hear stories of how he has intervened or guided us and kept us from harm. Well what Col. O'Leary has done, is write a book about powerful personal war stories from America's beginnings through September 11th. Being a military family, it's just something we're looking forward to reading.

Well I wish I could stay here longer, I do miss visiting everyone and blogging as I usually do, but we have family and since I don't feel well either, it's time to bid my goodbye, say my Adieu, you know, the whole Au Revoir, Adeus, Totsiens blah blah blah. LOL

I'm off to start our grill and have us a BBQ, and for dessert we have some Jelly Rolls, check out the recipe on my food blog if you wish :)

I'M POOPED?!?!?! CAN I SAY THAT?!?!?

We left for the Shoshone Ice Caves this morning, it was about an hours drive from home so we had the usual kid questions "Are we there yet?" and "how close are we?", you know how it is, doesn't matter how far you're going they still want to get there like, yesterday.

Nicholas had a bit of a hard time at one point in the trip, it seems he sometimes gets car sick (something he must have picked up from me, poor kid). So I had to go sit in the backseat with him while he rested his head on my shoulder and tried to take a nap.......let me tell you something, the backseats of trucks are NOT comfortable. Not only are they way too straight, but I had to keep my legs either wide open or pushed together with my knees almost to my chest. What a pretty picture that paints doesn't it? LOL
Needless to say, I'm really sore right now, my lower back is just killing me.

Anyway, the Ice Caves were fun to see, we had a pretty young guide, she didn't look older than 18, but she was really sweet and I have to envy her petite thin body. How frustrating is that? She's going on and on about the ice in the caves and all I could think was "you make me SICK, I want to be that thin" LOL
Then I had another idea (and all this while on the tour), maybe I should become a guide, this girl has to climb up and down stairs and climb rocks every hour for 45 minutes, no wonder she's that thin. NAH, I better stick to what I already do!!!!

So here are some of the pictures I took, couldn't get too many because I was scared of either dropping the camera in the ice, or slipping and falling in myself......the little wooden bridge thingy we were on was kinda slippery and wobbly too. I'm surprised that with my usual claustrophobic feelings, I didn't freak out in the cave, although I DID look up a few times and think "Oh man, if this thing caves in I'm a goner".

| View | Add Favorite

We really did have a lot of fun and the kids enjoyed seeing the dinosaur and the ice caves. I have to tell you I was surprised because I had thought that the cave floor would be covered in ice but that underneath it would be rock.....but no, actually it's about 15 to 20 feet deep solid ice where you can actually stand on. I wouldn't test that theory though because with my luck....well you know, I would find that ONE spot that actually melted LOL

The history of the caves is very interesting and if you want to know more, you can go here or here. Oh and if you love antiques and old stuff, you will really enjoy the antique store outside, if I had taken cash with me, I think I would have walked away with a LOT of things. I did get a rain stick that my wonderful hubby got for me....he knows how much I love them, so he surprised me with one when I returned from the dreaded porta potty....EWWWWWW!!!! That's all I'll say to that!!!

And that's it, we spent the day on the road, driving to and from the Ice Caves, on the tour and now we're home and going to start a game of Back Alley Bridge and THEN I'm heading to bed, this girl is getting way too old to stay up so late, must be because I'm turning 32 next week.......ahhhh I remember the days I would so look forward to August 10 and now it's a day like any other for me.......is that how it is from now on, I mean the minute you hit 30 you stop caring about birthday's right???? Say right, or otherwise I may have to think that I'm not normal, well, whatever being normal means nowadays LOL

I hope you're all having a wonderful friday night, can't wait to get back to my usual blog visits, I'm sure by now there's a ton of new posts to catch up on.

Have a restful night everyone, I'll see ya tomorrow :)

My sides hurt from laughing so much.......

See I told you yesterday that the minute I get together with my family or the in laws, we laugh and laugh until our sides hurt. We are just nutty, funny people and there's always bound to be someone saying or doing something silly (not even intentional) to make everyone else just break into laughter.

It's been wonderful having MIL and BIL here, what a blast!!! We play a lot of games, but I would say our favorite is Back Alley Bridge. The first time I actually played was when visiting my in laws in Oklahoma....it was my father in law's favorite game, something he had been playing since he was in the marines. I vividly remember sitting at the table with them and he asked me to be his partner (oh yeah, that's gonna be fun lol)....I tried to say no because I'd never played the game but he insisted and taught me how to play, but everytime I would pull out a card he would either give me a funny look or say "Why are you playing THAT?!?!?" and then start laughing LOL It was just hilarious but it's one of my fondest memories about dad :)

There's just one thing that I'm not used to, and that is the staying up late playing games or chatting, and everytime family comes to visit that is exactly what we do. I get so frustrated with myself because by 10pm I'm literally struggling to keep my eyes open and then I get into that delirious drunk like state of mind. You know the one right???? You're so tired and everything becomes funny, you even slurr you're words.....that's quite sad to think that the only way I get some sort of buzz is by staying up late LOL

We have nothing planned for today, just going to hang out again and have fun, but tomorrow we're heading to Twin Falls to see the Shoshone Falls and the Shoshone Ice Caves....the kids are excited just because they heard that there is a HUGE dinosaur statue thing outside the caves LOL Funny how such little things can get them excited huh?

I'll post the pics when we get back from the trip, right now we're heading out to the bowling alley, guess I should grab the camera for that too LOL

Thank you all for still visiting me even though I'm not here as much as before. :) Hope you're all having a wonderful thursday.....oh and I'll definitely be posting my 5 ingredients friday and my Everyday Things tomorrow :)

God Bless,

It's so great having family visiting......

You know it's one of the best feelings when you have family over and you can all just hang out and have fun. Curt and I were just talking about it on the way to the airport, because I was saying that when I'm with my family or his family is when I actually laugh until my sides hurt....you know the kind, you can't breathe and you just laugh and laugh. What a great feeling!!!

Being military we are constantly on the move and don't have family living next door or just down the street, it's tough at times, especially when there's something going on in your life and you would like to have some help or even just someone nearby to talk to. Anyway, my MIL and BIL arrived yesterday afternoon and then we all headed to Chili's for some dinner........can I say YUM????
It's my favorite place to eat at, it's inexpensive and the food is just deliscious.

Our friends left this morning, it's the one thing about military life that always gets to me. You do make a lot of new friends and meet new people, but you're also constantly having to say goodbye to old friends. Life continues though, and we deal with it one day at a time. :)
Just hope they make a safe trip, I don't envy them being on the road for the next 6 days with 3 kids......so if you could say a little prayer for them to have a good and safe trip, please?

I know I haven't been here as much as I would like to, but you all understand right? I miss seeing everyone's blogs though and chatting, but I guess that will have to wait a bit, guess my blog is being put on the back burner for now. So if you haven't seen me commenting on my usual blog hangouts, don't panic, I'LL BE BACK *said in schwarzeneger voice*

I was just thinking that I didn't get to participate in the WFMW today, but honestly I couldn't really think of anything that makes my life easier, I've pretty much shared all my shortcuts, tips and handy dandy things in my life.....I'm running out of ideas though.

The kids are hanging out with grandma right now, having fun and playing, it's always wonderful seeing the joy in their faces when they know their grandma and uncle are coming to visit. So they're spending a lot of time with her, my BIL and hubby are playing games on the Playstation, and I took this time to sit down and quickly write my post.

We don't have anything planned for tomorrow, just talking and playing games. Did I ever tell you that my hubby's family is big into playing card and board games???? It's just so much fun, we get together and instantly the games appear, it's something we've passed onto our kids too and they're very competitive but also great loosers....they've learnt how to shake hands and say "Great Game" even if they loose, something my father in law did ALL the time :)

So as you can see, nothing much is going on here, I'm just extremely grateful to God for the time he gives us with our families, it may not be long but it's always the best.

Hope you're all having a wonderful wednesday, I'll be back tomorrow morning.

TACKLE IT TUESDAY!!! August 1st

Since I'm going to be out all day today, I tackled my project yesterday. Wanna know what it is???
MY HOUSE!!!!

Yep not just one single room, or a drawer, or maybe even a yard....no, that's too normal for me, I have to deviate from the norm just because....well, just because I'm ME. LOL
I'm doing the whole house, and why you may ask? Because I have family coming in this morning, and yesterday I had to watch my friends kids the whole day which meant by the time they left, at 6pm, THAT is when I was able to get my house cleaned and ready for company.

So what happens when you mix 5 kids and two dogs??? Although I shouldn't even mention the dogs, the poor things didn't do anything but try to stay out of the kids way. It's not like I caught them playing with a toy LOL
But this is what you find......

Not a pretty sight huh???? I had to set the 1 year old down in the middle of that chaos so I could grab my camera LOL
In the meantime, my hubby was busy with the upstairs bathroom, removing the old sealant and adding new one, so my bathroom looked like this.


Not exactly what you want to see when you know it's 6pm and you have family arriving early the next morning.

After the kids left, hubby and I got to work on the house and trying to get everything done, well apart from some little things that I need to finish off this morning. But at least those 3 rooms look like this now. MUCH BETTER!!!!!

Not perfect but hey, it's a lived in house, we can't have Martha Stewartish rooms around here, that would just be silly LOL (for us at least)

So what have you tackled today, a room, a drawer, a craft project.....whatever it is, come share it with us at 5 Minutes for Mom.....go on, don't be shy, we won't laugh I promise :)