Maintaining...

This afternoon, I put on my apron and got busy in my kitchen. I hate that I get it looking so pretty and then in just a few days, it gets to be a disaster area again! It drives me insane! Why can't I maintain?? I'm going to try!! (I always try but I'm going to try extra hard this time.;o)

I love my kitchen. It is so beautiful and big. The walls are yellow with wood cabinets and wood floor and tile counter tops. I'm a cluttery person though so the counters are hard for me to keep clean. I'm working on it though!

I've been listening to XM radio on the TV on the 40's station and I love it! DD said, "Mom, don't you just love this music!" I really do. I've always loved the old standards and enjoy old movies.

It's been a nice quiet day. Nothing that HAD to be done. Just stuff I WANTED to do for a change. We cleaned the kitchen and the kids worked some in their rooms and got their stuff out of the living room. I took a nap! Yes, I did!!!

Now, DD is having a friend over for the night and they are playing a game and DS is outside gathering worms. I had to find a jar to fill with dirt for them. Science, right!?

Well, that's all for now. I'm going to go and sit and listen to the music and the kids play and maybe read a book. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. My porch is always open so come on by anytime for a nice chat. I'll be waiting.

MAIL!!! I love mail!

I received such a lovely parcel in the mail today. I joined a vintage swap and my package arrived today. In it was a beautiful tea cup and saucer with some yummy tea, pretty soap, a very pretty choker, sunflower seeds, a school house memo pad and a red and white checked kitchen towel all in a very nice tin. It all smells so good!!

Sharon over at My Front Porch, was my partner and she doesn't even know me and yet she sent perfect items for me.

I collect tins and have already added this one to my collection. And I have been wanting to start a tea cup collection! Yea!! Now I have my first pieces! I have the ones that go with my dishes but they are not nearly as lovely as this! I love every bit of it! Thank you so much new friend!! It was a lot of fun.

DS helped me to find the things we sent to Sharon and so he was just as excited to see what was in our parcel and well, DD just can't keep her hands off it! I will definitely do another swap sometime. Thanks to Ms. Robyn over at Daily Parcels for putting it all together! It was lots of fun.

I'll edit later with more pics. Having trouble with my computer this minute.

Which Narnian are you?

I took a quiz and yes, I am Lucy.

"As Lucy Pevensie, you may be quite timid and shy, but your heart is in the right place! You make sure you tell the truth, even if it results in embarrassment."


Go see who you are! It's fun.

Oh, it's a Wednesday night at our house. That means a quick dinner and then off to church. I felt frazzled so I took the easy way out tonight and we watched a Veggie Tales movie for our time. We didn't quite finish it so we will finish it next week. Whew... I'm tired. I'm always tired when we get home on Wednesday nights but it's usually a good kind of tired.

This evening our house (and truck) was filled with laughter. My kids are crazy!! They both had the giggles and by the time we got to church the wonderful lady who does the bells told DD that tonight DD would be called "Giggles" instead of her real named which just made her giggle all the more. Even DS was near hysteria with laughter. I told them I didn't remember laughing this much before and DS said, "Well, I wasn't homeschooled then!"

I said, "That's true and you were such a miserable child before!" I was being funny but he agreed! He is much happier and someone even commented on it tonight at church; that there was a difference in him.

We have a lot more fun lately. I can't wait for DH to get home so that he can share it all. I think he will be surprised by the change in all of us. Homeschooling can really be freeing. Wow, I don't know if we can take much more of it!! DD will be homeschooling with us next year too! Our house may just float away from the lightness of it all!

You know, now that I think about it, I feel like I'm even smiling more. (I've always been a smilier so that is saying a lot to say more.) Now, don't get me wrong. I miss my DH so very much and not a moment goes by that I don't wish he were here to share in all the joy and trials we have been experiencing, but we do talk to him almost daily and he shares in it that way. It's not the same but I think... I hope he feels it too.

This deployment has been so hard and sometimes I've felt like I couldn't go on much longer but when I look back at it as a whole I realize that it has gone relatively well. I think the homeschooling has really helped.

DS and I have had each other more to help get us through all the rough spots. When I've had bad mornings or days or nights or whatever, DS is so cute. He's always there to give me a hug or to joke with me to bring me out my sadness and on really bad days, he emails his dad and tells him that I am really missing him and asks his dad to call or email soon. It is so sweet.

Then for him, he always knows where I am and that I'm here if he needs a hug or some talking. It's just been nice that we have been able to be there so much more for each other. It's hard to explain and probably sounds kind of weird to others who haven't gone through all this or even to those who have gone through a deployment but don't homeschool. It's just been nice whatever it is that's helping.

Well, I feel like I've been sitting out on my cyber porch visiting with friends. I hope you do too. Stop by anytime for a chat in my swing. I'll be here waiting.

Hello Dear Cyber Friends....

How is everyone today? I'm still in my quiet mood and not a lot to say. There's nothing wrong or anything just feeling quiet. I hope everyone is doing well. You guys chime in and tell me how you are and maybe something will liven this blog up a bit! What is going on with you? Tell us what you do when you are quiet without much to say. Tell me a joke (keep it clean please). Whatever, just stop by for a visit on my porch swing. I've some diet soda or tea. Come on over! I'll be waiting.

Sorry

I know I've been AWOL. I guess I've not had anything to say. I've sat down several times to post but always drew a blank. Not a lot going on here, I guess.

I have lots to do and had big plans for today but here I sit at this dang blasted computer instead! I mean it, when DH gets home I'm turning this thing off for maybe a week! (hehehe don't hold me to it!)

This thing rules my life! It's worse than to TV for me. I just browse on here all the time. Looking at this and that. The funny thing is I spend a lot of time reading about keeping house and homemaking but then never get around to doing any of the things I read because I'm always on here reading about it!! CRAZY!! I know!

So, I'm getting off here for now and am going to go start some laundry and then get a bag and put everything on my kitchen counters in it and then sit down and go through it and throw out what I don't need and put the other stuff where it goes. I think that is a good start for now....

1. my family
2. a comfy bed
3. someone to mow my lawn even it takes him a while to get here!
4. this dang blasted computer!
5. plenty to eat

(my list for the week.)

Good Morning, cyber friends!

It is a beautiful day this morning. I was awakened around 5 am by thunder and lightening but no rain came and now the sun is shinning. It's nice with a very gentle breeze. I love it.

I want to go and buy lots of flowers to spread all over the deck and out by the front door but... probably not going to happen. It would take money I just don't have right now. I did buy some seeds and some starter packs so hopefully I'll have some pretty plants in few weeks or I guess months.

I still have much to do. I did get a little done yesterday. I hope to get even more done today. I still have to plan my lesson for this evening too. I'm going to do good today. So... I'm off to get started now. Have a wonderful day, dear cyber friends.

What a lovely day. It's been very busy but nice. We just got home from a nice walk. The kids wanted to take their scooters. I hate that. They get too far ahead of me or they stay right on top of me and the dog. The first part of the walk was awful but they finally got in the groove and it ended up nice.

We had a very nice dinner of Chicken and Rice. DD wanted corn on the cob but with DS's injuries he had to have corn in butter sauce. DD ended up eating it too because she has a loose tooth. Then for dessert I bought some butter cake. It was yummy!!

I have lots I need to get to this week. (I know, I always do.) But I want to get some paperwork filed and put away and shredded. I need to keep up with the laundry and then I want to work on a scrapbook I'm doing for DS and I want to see about starting another craft I've been thinking about doing. Oh, and I want to spray the yard for bugs. I've done part of it but ran out of spray so I had to run and get some more and now I need to finish.

DH sent me a wonderful email this morning. It was a marvelous way to wake up. He is so wonderful. He called tonight and we had a nice visit. I love to visit with him.

Here is an Easter picture.

What a lovely day....

It really is. The morning started out not so good but has gotten better.

DS woke up but was very down and lethargic. It bothered me but then he started vomiting. Poor thing was sick all morning. It was rough too because he hadn't really eaten much since Wednesday at supper. He seems to be feeling better now though and has even eaten a little.

DD and I ran out for a quick hour to get me some shoes for Easter and DS some 7up and DH some razors (can you believe they ran out over there? Maybe that means a beard is now authorized! NOT!!!) and DD wanted to get some gloves and a new purse for Easter. She is going to be an elegant little darling on Easter morning. She has style! and she's beautiful to boot.

When we got home we ate quick lunch and have been playing outside ever since. I turned on the sprinkler because I want to spray the yard for bugs (ticks and such) but it says you should water first so... DD is out playing in it. She is having a ball. The dog is with her and he likes it too.

The wind is really blowing. I will definitely have to wait until tomorrow to spray. It's a beautiful day though. Nice and warm (okay hot) but windy. DS came out for a little while and sat with us. He even played a little. Now he's in the house now playing a game.

We are so fortunate to have such a nice yard. It's got lots of trees and because few have fences it seems so big. We are wanting to put up a fence eventually. I want a nice picket fence. One that's not too tall so I can still see and maybe the deer and can still visit but that will still keep the other little dogs out. I look forward to it.

You know there is so much we'd like to do to our yard and house but it's all so expensive. I can't get over how much things are costing these days! It seems so unreal. But I guess with the price of gas what it is everything has to go up. It's frightening really. Sometimes I wonder how we will get by when gas gets up to $3 a gallon but... then I think of those that are less fortunate than us and I'm amazed at what they can do. Sometimes I think about us after I quit my job and DS was a baby and I'm amazed at what we were able to get by on. So I guess we will manage now.

Well, it's time to move the water again and before I know it, it will be time to cook dinner so... until next time...

1. dentists
2. a beautiful yard
3. people who care about us
4. the breeze
5. family near and far

I had the night from hell last night. There was an accident with my son at church and I won't go into all the details but we had a late visit to the dentist and spent 2 hours there this morning. I'm devastated, he's really devastated.

I don't know if I've posted on this in the past or not but I'm too tired to go see so you'll just have to hear it again if I have. Anyway, my DS used to never smile, he always seemed unhappy. He rarely laughed even. Since we have been homeschooling he smiles all the time and we laugh and laugh all the time. I'm worried now. He seems so depressed right now.

Well, he just woke up from a nap and he is much more animated. YEA!! He's even laughed and joked with me a bit. Last he said he wasn't going back to church again. But just now I said something about needing to wash his new shirt for church Sunday and he didn't argue. Thank You GOD!

I've spent most of the night last night and this morning praying for DS spirit not to be crushed. He seem so much better already. I'll keep on praying!

I'm late today....

I've been BUSY!!!

I went to buy Easter stuff first thing morning and then when I got home I realized DD had left part of her lunch at home so I had to run it to her and I figured I'd just stay and eat with her. (DS went too.)

When we got home we worked on his Math. We had some things we needed to go over. Then while he took a test, I worked on the basement (I never did get to it the other day{blushing}). It is looking much better. I'm hoping we can start working on finishing it when DH gets home.

Then before I knew it, it was time go pick up DD from school!

So now I'm sitting here surfing the net and realized that I haven't posted my list for today so....

Here it is...

1. valid driver's license (long story don't ask)
2. a tidier (not perfect yet) basement
3. my great kids who often drive me insane but keep me laughing
4. My DH
5. Spring

I hope you all have everything good going for you too!

Questionaire...

Okay, I got this from Athena in a Minivan. It is interesting. Some of it is very true but some is totally wrong but these type of things are fun. I take them with a grain of salt. (Highlighted are those with which I agree.)

the Questioner

Test finished!

you chose CY - your Enneagram type is SIX.

"I am affectionate and skeptical"

Questioners are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.

How to Get Along with Me

• Be direct and clear.
• Listen to me carefully.
• Don't judge me for my anxiety.
• Work things through with me.
• Reassure me that everything is OK between us.
• Laugh and make jokes with me.
• Gently push me toward new experiences.
• Try not to overreact to my overreacting.

What I Like About Being a Six

• being committed and faithful to family and friends
• being responsible and hardworking
• being compassionate toward others
• having intellect and wit
• being a nonconformist
• confronting danger bravely
• being direct and assertive

What's Hard About Being a Six

• the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind
• procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence in myself
• fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of
• exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger
• wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right
• being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations

Sixes as Children Often

• are friendly, likable, and dependable, and/or sarcastic, bossy, and stubborn
• are anxious and hypervigilant; anticipate danger
• form a team of "us against them" with a best friend or parent
• look to groups or authorities to protect them and/or question authority and rebel
• are neglected or abused, come from unpredictable or alcoholic families, and/or take on the
• fearfulness of an overly anxious parent

Sixes as Parents

• are often loving, nurturing, and have a strong sense of duty
• are sometimes reluctant to give their children independence
• worry more than most that their children will get hurt
• sometimes have trouble saying no and setting boundaries

Renee Baron & Elizabeth Wagele
The Enneagram Made Easy Discover the 9 Types of People HarperSanFrancisco, 1994, 161 pages

Oops

Well, I didn't get on here yesterday so it seems that I owe myself a list of 10 things I have going for me. Here it is...

1. Hilldale United Methodist Church
2. The Youth at our church
3. Palm Sunday
4. Easter
5. The sunshine
6. friendly neighbors
7. Two GREAT kids
8. cell phones!! ( I get to call home several times a day!!)
9. Friends
10. My Dear Husband (even though I've not heard from in over 2 days!)

Whew, that was tough. 5 is easier to come with it. Have a fabulous day!!

Movie

Oh, the kids and I just watched the best movie. It was on the Hallmark Channel and was called "Though None Go With Me". It was wonderful and very touching. I cried quite a bit. I always cry though.

There is a part where she doesn't believe she's made a difference and she is shown that she is wrong. In this way I relate very well with her. I often question whether or not I make a difference in the world. It showed that in very simple ways we all make a difference.

I was a great movie and if you have a chance, check it out! You'll be glad you did.

I'm tired.

I really am. I didn't sleep well on Thursday night and then last night we had storms and so I slept with the TV on just in case we needed to head to the basement so, it kept me from a sound sleep. Plus is dreary outside today. Clouds usually make me tired. I'm feeling so lazy but I have lots to do!

I want to get down in our basement and get it cleaned up. The kids play down there and it is a disaster area. It's a little my fault too. I've been trying to move things into some space saver bags and it's not going well. The bags keep opening up and they aren't going flat and they are taking up more room than before and are WAY messier than before. So.... I've got to try to fix all that.

I also have an Usborne Books Show this afternoon. If anyone is interested in ordering books, I have an e-show open that you can order through or you can just order. It will come straight to your home. Yes, that's a shameless plug but I so love the books and want to share them with everyone.

Anyway, I guess I need to do my list for today. Here it is... what I have going for me....

1. My family's safety
2. My basement
3. Books, I love books
4. my computer and the internet, my lifeline to my dear hubby
5. spell check (sometimes I'm a terrible speller! It helps keep me from looking too dumb on here.) hehe
6. Humor

Have a fantabulous day. Maybe this evening it will clear up and we can sit out under the stars in my virtual front porch swing and chat. I'll be looking forward to it!

Day 3

Things going for me list:

1. The Best thing I have going for me is God. He's on my side and He's rooting for me. He wants the best for me.
2. I have the sense of touch. I feel my children's hugs and kisses.
3. I am able to talk often to my dear husband even though he is far far away from me.
4. I have good transportation
5. My puppy who loves me no matter what.

I'm getting an early start this morning. I didn't sleep well. I kept waking up thinking I heard something. And then the last time, I woke from a terrible dream, fighting back tears and gasping for air. It was terrible. So, yes, I had a rough night. I hope it is not a sign of the day to come. I'm going to try to have the best day. I have lots to do. But will fit it all in with a smile.

I straightened up the house yesterday because a friend was coming by. It's so nice to have a tidy home. I have lots more to do but it's a start. I need to have company every day so that way I always have to clean!! Sad isn't it!

Well, I better go finish getting myself ready. To all my many readers.... (hehehe) have an absolutely wonderful day!

Day 2

Well, my bro-in-law failed day one but I'm going to continue with it because I think it is good for us to remember the good things we have going for us. So here is today's list.

1. A great church
2. Food in the frig and money in the bank
3. Friends near and far
4. my health
5. lots of love in my life

So... this is today's list. I'm trying to come up with new stuff daily but we'll see. It's not always easy.

Didn't talk to DH last night but we had church and so he probably didn't call because he knew that.

Church was really neat last night. Very interesting and the kids enjoyed it too. We had a Seder Meal. If you've not ever participated in this try to do so sometime in your life. It was a really neat and interesting experience. It's a Passover Haggadah. We sat down as a huge family and participated in it. It was really neat and I just can't get over how well my children participated in and enjoyed the experience.

It is rather dreary here, cloudy and rainy. We've had such beautiful weather the last few days. I've been able to sit out on the back deck and enjoy the sunshine in the mornings. In the afternoons and evening I've been able to sit out on the front stoop and watch DD play and look at magazines or write to DH. It's been lovely. So I guess I can put up with a little rain that the grass and trees and plants need. When it clears up why don't ya'll come on over and we'll have a soda out on the "porch swing" (I don't really have one) and visit a while.

Challenge

Okay, I've challenged my brother-in-law. We are going to come up with 5 things every day that we have going for us and post them to our blogs. His is at Business As Usual. Here's my first list.

1. a husband who loves me and takes care of me
2. two beautiful healthy children
3. a great family that loves me and is always there when I need them
4. a nice house to call home
5. my Faith (should be #1)

Okay, if anyone else wants to jump in let us know so we can come check out your list!!! We all have something going for us, even when we feel like we don't. This is a good way to remember what all we have.

Have a great day.

My Honey

I've really been missing DH lately. I've been fighting off the sadness that goes with that. Sometimes are easier than others. It just hurts so bad during those hard times. I'm doing okay at this very moment.

I'm actually sitting up watching the weather. We are having tornado watches here and warnings all around us. The kids are in bed but keep coming out to make sure that I'm awake and watching the weather so that I can come get if them necessary to go to the basement. Poor kids. It looks like most of it is going just north of us and just south of us. we are getting a lot of lightning and high winds and some rain and the wind and lightning are what is scaring the kids. I stepped out onto the porch earlier and it does look nasty out there.

I'm really ready for bed. I would fall right asleep but... I feel like I need to stay awake just in case. I'm sure it's silly but there is one storm that looks like it might hit us so... stay awake I will.