~el mundo de mamacita ~

Growing Up

2012-01-26T19:30:00.000-07:00

Here is my 17 year old gorgeous daughter, opening a letter from her 1st choice college:

Reading aloud to us:

With much excitement and help from her brothers:

The more she read, the more excited she got:

Until her joy just erupted into this!!!!!

"I'm IN! YAY!!!!!"

And then, one look at me and her happiness became tears of joy:

I'm not sure what my tears are of. Maybe just tears. Because, honestly, she's been a part of me as long as my husband has and my stomach literally hurts just thinking of her leaving.

For now, I'll support, love and encourage her and pray someone is here to help put me back together next fall when she is very very very far away from home.

Man, I'm going to miss my baby girl.

Norge

2012-01-24T17:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my home, Norge!

Norge, our 1960 WORKING refrigerator was welcomed to my home today after many years of living with my brother.

Norge's life began in 1960 when my parents lived in College Town, Colorado. They were poor as church mice and my Grandma sent them $100 to purchase Norge. He's been a good friend.

He lived for many years with his original owners, my parents, until 1994 when he went to live with my brother.

Norge has been faithful, keeping our drinks cold and extra food as he sits safe in the garage (after he was replaced by a larger model as the main fridge). I prayed as they moved Norge that he would survive and turn on when plugged back in. He did!

Norge has door shelves and a veggie drawer, one metal shelf and and a freezer. He is in pristine condition.

Norge, I am so glad to have you join our home. As my parents and brother before me, I will love and care for you. I hope you live for a long time in my pantry.

MEAT!

2012-01-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

I just love a good savings, especially when it's on things we are going to buy anyway - like meat!

At my local Winco the other day I happened upon a fabulous chicken thigh special. It just sealed the deal on what I would make for my sons 22nd birthday dinner.

The savings varied so here is an example:
1.69 pounds that I paid $2.41 for making it 1.42/pound instead of $1.78
1.84 pounds for $2.30 = $1.25/lb (instead of $1.78
2.13 pounds for $2.66 = $1.25/lb.

On 5.66 pounds of chicken thighs, I paid $7.37 for all of them instead of $10.07! A savings of $2.70! That is 27% savings!
It's a true savings since we were already needing meat and all I had to do was bring it home and freeze it so that it would make it one week for our party tomorrow. What I also look for is meat that hasn't been frozen before; which this hasn't. While I regret that I couldn't buy organic meat this time, I was able to buy hormone and antibiotic free meat, no salt added and never frozen. So, I feel this is my next to organic option.

Always out for a deal; especially on things we truly need and will use... er, eat.
Yum-may!

Honor Begins at Home

2012-01-16T10:09:00.001-07:00

I love the movie FireProof and Facing the Giants! Now the same folks, who also made Flywheel, have made another awesome movie: COURAGEOUS!

Staring tomorrow, January 17th, Redbox will have this available. If you reserve online, it still only costs $1 to rent from Redbox.

The Kendrick Brothers are real men, raising their families to love God. The majority of their actors and crew members are people from their church as VOLUNTEERS!!! Honestly, I've been tired of Hollywood for a long time. I love seeing real people on the screen.

And I want my children to see real people on the screen. People who don't have live-in chefs, trainers and nannys.

Courageous is a movie that we will own and watch and resolve to live.

"But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

What We Got

2012-01-15T17:25:00.000-07:00

Christmas Eve seems like forever ago and yet it hasn't even been a month. To hightlight some of our Christmas time. check out the pictures below!

The long awaited Red Rider BB GUN!

Rest for the Papi

Lovings for Zorro:

Silly Kids with new Jammies:

New Christmas Dress & haircuts:

Some snuggle time between uncle and niece:

A digital camera of her very own:

A "new-to-him" iPod:

In 1937, my Great-Grandma Elda received the following:

Table Cloth, Purse, samdwich dish, gown, dresser scarf, book ends, dog ornament, picture, picture of baby, hankerchief.

One gift was given per couple or family and many were made by hand. I don't know that we'll get back to how they gave gifts but we're headed in the right direction; drawing names helps!

From an uncle each of my four minor children received Dutch Bros. Gift Cards and I honestly think if this is all the had gotten they would have been happy!

From another they received CASH. Since we saving for a family vacation this summer, they were THRILLED!

Another gave them a book on CD which they love.

We gave our oldest son a coffee maker, coffee beans, creamer and mugs.

Our next to oldest son got PS3 games!

Our oldest daughter got a digital camera.

Our 14 year old daughter got a new coat.

Our 7 year old son got his BB Gun that he's begged for since he was 5.

Our 4 year old son got BOGS.

The little boys also got "new-to-them" iPods with lots of music on them, ready to go! (LOVE pawn shops for things like this!)

Our granddaughter also got a "new-to-her" iPod, all set with music. She also got a travel speaker so she can listen to it instead of earphones. It was fun to set the kids up with all types of music; including lots of Spanish kids music!

My hubby got work boots (BOGS) and work jeans (Prison Blues) which he LOVES!

I got a gift certificate from my man. Plus, a gorgeous Black Hills Gold necklace!

We fill the kids' stocking full of fun things:

Orange goes in the toe
all-in-one spoon/fork/knife
gloves
toothbrush and paste
gum
DVDs for girls
socks for little boys
orange peeler from Pampered Chef
Lip Balm
Renw Lotion
Hotshot/Coolshot
Soap
Big Boys got pillowcases I made

Not in stocking but unwrapped and under tree were Hot Cheetos for all and Underroos for our big boys.

I love having price limits and scoring big on sales so we can spoil our family a little bit. Most importantly, it was the time we spent together. We got out of town for New Years and you'll have to wait to read about that later.

Blessings Abound,

Mamacita

Conversations in the Tub

2012-01-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

Growing up, we had one of these awesome claw foot bath tubs. I loved it. As a child, it was deep enough that I could play and not make a terrible mess even if one of my friends was in there with me! As I grew older, it was deep enough to really soak in and enjoy taking a bath. Ours was inside our home but I have to tell you, I have dreams of having one outside...

As a child, when my Mom was bathing, I would come in, sit on the toilet lid and we'd talk. I remember walking in on my Mom on many occasions while she was bathing and we would visit about who knows what.

This happened all of my growing up years. She never made me feel weird or intrusive or interupting her bath. Is it because I am her only daughter? Is it because after three boys she didn't know that other people didn't do that?

Why am I thinking of this now?

Why did I feel this was the best time to talk to her about really important things? Maybe because if I was going to be vulnerable asking, she was vulnerable sitting there in the tub. Subconsiously did I need to level the field a little? As a teen, did talking to my Mom while she was in the tub give me the courage to talk about things I might not have been courageous enough if we were both clothed in the kitchen? Perhaps.

Why I am thinking of this now?

As I took a long bath last night, I locked the door. I locked my girls out of an opportunity that was never off-limits to me. I didn't think of it while I locked the door but as I sat in the tub, soaking in the hot blissful bubbles, I thought of it. As I heard the girls talking outside my door, through the door, I thought of it. And honestly, it made me a little sad.

If it's my body I'm self-conscious about, add more bubbles! Maybe if they saw me more confident and not caring they'd be more confident in their own skin and not cower and cover when forced to change in front of each other. In front of me.

Needless to say, I've been doing some serious thinking. My Mom isn't perfect but she sure has done lots of things right and set an example for me to follow on how to be a moma. I just have to follow more closely.

So, here's a question for you mamma's with daughters: "Did or do you let your daughter come in while you are bathing or showering or do you lock the door?" If you lock the door, what was the most frequent time your daughter came to you about important, maybe sensitive, things? When did she see you as vulnerable if outside the tub?

Maybe, if I get my outdoor clawfoot tub fixed up, I can create a safe place for us girls to visit. Just thinking....

I May Never...

2012-01-10T16:08:00.000-07:00

There's a picture hanging in my hall from 2003 when we took two of our many kids to Mexico. Why only two? Well, we didn't have three of them yet and the other one had a schedule confilct. Anyway, back to this picture... we're in our swimsuits, mine a bikini. I look G-O-O-D. It's a year after my wedding (remember I married three kids when I married my husband) and I was looking great.
I may never look like that again. There, I've said it outloud for the world to see. I MAY NEVER LOOK LIKE THAT AGAIN!!!

And what if I don't?

I have two healthy sons who each did a number on this bod.

I love to eat. I really do. I love food. It's flavors, smells and textures bring me pleasure. I don't eat just for nutrition, I eat because I want to! It's fun and enjoyable.

I may never do many things in my life but there are some I really hope I get to do. Fitting into and looking great in my 2003 bikini is not even on my list.

I want to feel good. I want to feel good when I wear a swimsuit. I want to feel good when I have on jeans. I want to feel confident wearing a sundress. I want to BE confident in my own skin. I want to look in the mirror and smile from my heart on out.
I may never look like that again but I sure hope I feel that way one day again... sooner than later is preferred.

P.S. I am blessed to be married to a wonderful Godly man who loves me just the way I am!!!! That is among blessings I count often.

2012 Priorities

2012-01-04T10:34:00.001-07:00

Let's see how I fared last year before writing down 2012:

1. I still want chickens. It's been on my list since 2009... so this will be the third year it's listed. DONE! This past June we got hens! Here's a great post on my being the Country Aunt.

2. Garden - I'd like to have a large enough garden that I can can food from it. Especially tomatoes and green beans. DONE!

3. I'd like to get my composting worms back in business. They took a year off. Oops...

4. QUILT! Having just begun this journey, I can't wait to see what gets completed this year. Thankfully, I have a new sewing table to make it less painful on body. For Christmas, Roy got me a quilting retreat in McCall in March! YAY! I can't wait. So, quilting is on the list for 2011. YES!

5. Keep snowballing our debt. WHOO HOO! Not done but goals have been met.

6. I want to learn to bask in the love of Jesus. To grow in Him, show His love more, be His hands and feet regularly. Still learning.

7. Show love to my family... they are the ones it's easiest to be short and snippy with. I think I did better this past year in this area - I need to check with the ones who are on receiving end, though.

2012 Priorities

1. Move on to Baby Step #3; which is 3-6 months of living expenses saved. We need to complete #2; which is be debt free - we are on our final debt (besides mortgage).

2. Spend time with my family.

3. Continue Bible Studies and continue to work on a strong foundation so when the walls fall down I'm still standing firm.

4. Refresh my Spanish speaking skills...

5. Adjust to life with my oldest daughter leaving for college in the fall. Man, will I miss her!

6. Utilize my gym membership! Get in shape, loose weight and feel great!

7. Maintain these accomplished priorities:

~ Chickens

~ Garden

~ Healthy Wholesome Eating - Organic

~ Quilting/Sewing

~ Green Living

8. Relax and just have fun! (Easier said than done for me)

Blessings

2011-12-22T16:35:00.001-07:00

God bless our food and our drinks;

What we do and what we think;

Help us in our work and play

to love You more and more each day.

Amen.

The countdown is 3 days until we celebrate our Lord's birth. It's not too late to order a gift in someone's name from EFM or Compassion; donate food to your local Salvation Army, rescue mission or women's shelter if you haven't yet or carol someone's home.

Our home is ready - for the next 3 days, we will spend time together focusing on Jesus, not Santa. I am so excited!!!

Merry Christmas!

For Those Hard to Buy for People

2011-12-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

What do you do for the people in your life who have everything? I love them, want to show that love and so at Christmas I buy them something. Usually something they don't really need (or honestly want). Most of my family and friends have everything they need and want! Here is one way I can show them how much they truly mean to me.. giving a gift in their name. Compassion makes it easy. From the warmth of our own homes, we can sit at our computers and shop Gifts of Compassion.

I'd like to encourage you to think outside the box - or gift bag.

Do you have any idea how far $100 goes in other countries? That's the amount I need to put my new pictures in matching frames from Costco! My parents saw first hand how far $100 goes while on their mission trip to Peru and Bolivia. $50 actually buys something big! For all of the people we spend around $20 on? $16 buys a chicken. Due to their own health conditions and diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, many new mothers are unable or are advised not to breastfeed their newborns. Sadly, other mothers trapped in poverty do not survive in childbirth and leave behind an orphaned infant. $20 provides one of these precious babies with formula for a month!

Your $10 gift list... A lifesaving mosquito net!! Malaria, which kills nearly 1 million people every year, is transmitted exclusively by mosquitos. This $10 gift will help give children and their families countless nights of mosquito-free sleep with an insecticide-treated bed net. They will also receive education about ways to prevent the breeding areas where mosquitos thrive.

Here's a question for you... How many Bibles do you own personally? How many Bibles are in your home? How many are in English? In America, we don’t often think about the joy that comes from holding a new Bible that is in our own language. But for Compassion-assisted children in 26 countries around the world, a brand-new Bible that they are able to read is a treasure. $5 will provide a child or caregiver with their very own, new Bible in their native language. In the past, I have given $5 gift cards to a coffee shop where the recipient gets one drink with some change left. One drink. Barely a gallon of gas, certainley not 2 gallons. Or $5 for their very own Bible, brand new Bible in their native language!!

Please, take a moment and look at the people you still need to buy for and consider a Gift of Compassion instead.

Elda Brown's 1935 Christmas

2011-12-03T13:38:00.000-07:00

I told you about my Great Grandma Elda's December 1934 a long time ago and was brought back to her journal today. I wondered what she had done on December 3rd...

Dec 3-4-5-6: I worked on my fancy work for Christmas.

There you have it. In 1935, that is what my Great Grammy did.

Here's what she received as gifts in 1935:

From Leroy and Marie (daughter): "Radio Stool & their wedding picture."
Vena (daughter) & Allie got her a "pretty pink slip."
Lout & Gladys (daughter) - "cap"
Kenneth (son) & Margaret (my grands) - "Baby's picture" (Waylen)
Hazel (daughter-in-law) got her a "pretty plate and hankerchief."
Leroy (grandson) got her a "broom holder and doorstop."
She got a "perserve dish" at their Christmas meeting at Bowdles.

She doesn't say exatly what she was making with her "handy work," but that is what she gave as gifts and they were completed on December 13th.

Grandma's Story - Part I

Footloose

2011-12-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

We went to the Footloose re-make last night... maybe I would like it if I hadn't ever seen the original?

While I liked that the re-make didn't have Ren smoking or drinking hard alcohol (beer was used), the clothes were very skimpy, it felt more sexually charged than the original and I just can't wait to watch the original with my girls BEFORE they see this one.

Even with the mom-jeans on Kevin Bacon...

New Christmas Favorites!

2011-11-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

I've had these as favorites for a few years now but here is updated post on what I keep wanting more of.

Amy Grant's "I Need a Silent Night" if you haven't heard this one, click here.
The Florin Street Band "My Favourite Time of Year" (click song)
Faith Hill's "A Baby Changes Everything" (I sung this one Christmas Eve and it's been a favorite for a few years now.)
Becky Kelley's "Where's the Line to See Jesus"

Sugarland's Gold and Green CD is truly one of my favorites. I love the original songs and my 17 year old daughter and I have claimed "I'm Coming Home" as our song for when she leaves for college next fall. It's so us! The whole album is wonderful and I go to it often.

"Winter Snow" is right up my alley. Audrey Assad's voice reminds me of Norah Jones and Sarah Mclachlan; which I can listen to most any day! Chris Tomlin does not disappoint as a worship CD and I was thrilled when DH dowloaded it for me so it could be added to my 100+ Christmas songs on my iPod!

Christmas music and the carols from long ago bring joy to my heart. It's my most favorite time of year!

Tomorrow is the first of December and that, my friends, brings on the December calendar of traditions - old and new - that I can't wait to celebrate with my family all month long!

Gifts That Make a Difference

2011-11-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

My four year old son loves this Christmas brochure. He asks me to read everything on the page to him. He loves hearing how we could help someone else out. Will you join me in buying one less gift from the many we buy for our children and make a life changing gift; if not from the catalog above then maybe from here:

Cow - $100 (chicken picture)

Pig - $45 (red picture)
Goat - $35 (red picture)
Chicken - $16 (chicken picture)
Garden Seeds - $10 (chicken picture)
Blankets - $5 (red picture)
Bibles in native language - $5 (chicken picture)

Safe Water for Life - $55 (chicken picture)

Every day over 4,000 children die of water-related diseases such as cholera and typhoid that are easily preventable. Compassion’s Water of Life treatment system and education can change that for an entire lifetime. Your gift will provide a safe water system for a child and his or her family. Each system, which is based on kidney dialysis technology, can provide over 1 million gallons of safe water.

Please take a minute and look through the above catalogs. I am not paid by EFM or Compassion. My heart hurts for the abundance we have and the means to make a HUGE difference for less than what we spend getting coffee from a little hut with a DUTCH windmill... or whatever your favorite coffee shop is - it's all expensive in terms of a $5 blanket which could save someone's life.

Please let me know if you do some of your shopping through a relief agency. The amount is not significant to me, just if you do something different. Maybe start a new tradition?

BLESSINGS to you.

Advent Conspiracy 2011

2011-11-29T08:52:00.001-07:00

I'll be sharing more of how we are making this our tradition in the coming week.

Trimming the Tree

2011-11-26T22:45:00.001-07:00

~ 2007 ~
(click the year for post)

~ 2008 ~

(click the year for post)

~ 2009 ~

The last year we had Troy and Brady here decorating the tree:

~ 2010 ~
Our first year with Porscha joining us!

~ 2011 ~

It was so special having our granddaughter here for her first tree decorating time. One son wasn't here and we sure do miss him! My nephew who has decorated many a tree with us wasn't able to make it either.

We ended the evening with new Christmas mugs and homeade hot cocoa! The boys got new jammies to wear this month - aren't they cute?! Miss M (granddaughter) got a new little outfit and I can't wait to see her in it.

I love December. Can't wait for Thursday!!!

Simple Gifts

2011-11-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am a Pacifist

2011-11-17T14:46:00.001-07:00

I'm glad I am a Quaker. A Friend. A pacifist. I'm glad that I belong to a collective body of Friends who, for the whole, believes this statement:

Respect for Human Life: We reject the unchristian preempting of God’s authority over human life. Because we trust God as the righteous and final judge before whom we spend our lives in probation, we oppose capital punishment. Because we believe in the sacredness of human life, we oppose abortion for personal convenience.

I am sick that 17 years ago Keith Eugene Wells was executed in my home state of Idaho. 17 years later, with a daughter the same age as I was at Wells' execution will experience the first execution by the State of Idaho in her lifetime.

Cardinal Joseph Bernardin's obituary highlighted his writings on "the seamless garment of life," in which he argued that one can't be simultaneously anti-abortion and pro-euthanasia, a big issue at the time of his death. It was along these thought lines that I wrote Governor Otter and asked him to truly back his Pro-Life stance. Life is life. We as sinful humans shouldn't decide who live and who dies. God does.

I am a pacifist and I value all life.

CLOROX, the "Parent Company"

2011-11-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

In case you've ever wondered what brands Clorox owns, here is a list. If you haven't ever wondered, well, you might find yourself surprised.

Additional Clorox Company products include: Agua Jane®, American Heritage®, Arco Iris®, Arela®, Astra®, Bluebell®, Bon Bril®, Brimax®, Clorinda®, Emperatriz®, Gumption®, Handi-Wipes®, Handy Andy®, Kitchen Bouquet®, La Negrita®, Lemon Tok®, Lestoil®, Límpido®, Los Conejos®, Luminosa®, Lustrillo®, Mono®, Mortimer®, Nevex®, OSO®, Oxi Magic®, Pal®, Pinoluz®, Prestone®, Primor®, Rota®, Sani Pine®, Selton®, Trenet®, TruBlu®, Ultra Power Yuhanrox®, Wash’n Dri® and XLO®.

Jesus Loves the Little Children

2011-11-12T17:09:00.004-07:00

Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World! and have your heart touched reading Kelly's post.

All who are thirstyAll who are weak

Come to the fountain
Dip your heart in the stream of life
Let the pain and the sorrow
Be washed away
In the waves of His mercy
As deep cries out to deep
(We sing)
Come Lord Jesus come
Holy Spirit, come
(Brown and Robertson's "All Who Are Thirsty")

I'll be praying for those who will be on this group trip to Ecuador. This isn't my time but I can't help but think what it would be like if I had $3,000 to spend on just me (not selfish, just not hurting our family financially). Someday, it may be possible. I think it's possible that I'd just cry tears the whole time. Tears of joy from meeting Roosbell face to face and tears of sorrow for the pain I'd be exposed to.

Reminded of Hope and M.A.D.

2011-11-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

Each morning as the kids leave for school I tell them, "GO MAD!" MAD means "make a difference." I need to tell myself this each day, too. To live these words each day so my children can see that we should never stop GOING MAD!

Baby Bangs is blogging from Ecuador for Compassion International.

So are Kelly, Sophie (where you can cry and laugh as you read Jonathan's story), Ann and Melanie (where I couldn't help be a tad carsick with her as I read of her experience!)

These five blogging women are on tour with Compassion in Ecuador. I've been stalking their blogs since they've left and have been so moved and ministered to at the same time.

In 2008, I asked you to join me in making a difference in a child's life. Since that post, we have sponsored Roosbell each month.

May I be honest and say I really didn't know how much our letters meant?

When he shows us his bedroom, there are no photos of his father on the wall. Or mother or brother. Just a trio of smiles— a photo of a family, a long haired girl, a cluster of kids. It’s good to find smiling here. We brush at wet cheeks and smile too and ask who are these beautiful friends of yours, Jonathan?
I look towards our translator. She asks Jonathan and she turns to us —
“These are his Compassion sponsors.” The the only family he knows, right there, hanging over his bed, the only things hanging on the walls of this hut. Love is always our only art.
“These are the letters they write me.” A smile flickers. The scrawling script under the Compassion logo talks of snow and dogs and school. “I love Mr. Andrew and his family very much.”
He whispers it.
Love is always our only hope.

I honestly don't know that I'll ever get to meet him face-to-face like this; but if God wills it, I AM THERE!!! In the meantime, I am LOVING the new online letter writing tools that allows me to load pictures and backgrounds to make it more personal. We are going to be more faithful in writing Roosbell. That is a something we can do to M.A.D.

Made in the U.S.A.

2011-11-09T10:30:00.002-07:00

I found the best gift resource this morning! I've been looking for an easy site with various price options and found it this morning!

REI -Outlet has a whole section to MADE in the U.S.A.!

I am willing to pay a little more when I know it's made right here on American soil but sometimes can't or choose not to depending on the item. I was floored today when I found American made items for LESS than their over-sea counterparts!

Check out these socks! REI Merino Wool Light Hiker Crew Socks - Kids' - 2011 Seconds for only $3.93! Yes, they are kids' socks but how about these for us adults? At a whopping $4.93 I can't help but get excited!

This sled, made right here is only $28.93 and I have to tell you, we've bought cheaply made sleds and paid this much money only to have them crack and break after a few runs down the mountain. Grrr!

Prison Blues. The original, authentic, prison-constructed blue jean brand. Manufactured by inmates at the Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton, Oregon U.S.A.

Made on the Inside to be worn on the Outside© to read their story and see how you can purchase American made jeans from American grown cotton!!!

When we went into the Prison Blue store in Pendleton last weekend, I was certain the prices would be sky high; especially when the employee told me that the cotton was from Georgia... $35 folks!!! We're talking the good quality of jeans that my Daddy use to get from the farm store that were sturdy and the color that "new jeans" should be! To find a retailer that sells these, just click here and you can enter your zip code or see online retailers; as well.

Do you have a "go-to" place for American made products? I'd love to hear about it.

Modesty

2011-11-08T15:23:00.002-07:00

The Duggar Family - Modesty

Here is an eight minute video that I think was very well done on the topic of modesty. We did a series last fall that discussed modesty and I while I showed others that got the job done, this one does the job well.

More From The Working Girls Hotel

2011-11-03T21:24:00.003-06:00

Here's our suite looking West toward the bathroom.

This little sitting room is between the bedroom and the bathroom - all open doorways. The little lamps are beautiful and you can see the furniture is unique and antique. Check out the old radio!

There are windows above the DOORS! With cool old openers... so neat!

The dining room chairs have ELBOW rests!

We're really enjoying our stay and would highly recommend it to anyone wanting a unique experience from the chain hotels. I don't know how the experience would be if we were sharing the space with others but would give it a whirl. For tonight, it's perfect just the way it is!

The Prodigal Son

2011-11-03T20:40:00.004-06:00

Our "where to eat contest" has the following rules:
1.) Locally owned - NO CHAINS!
2.) A unique experience
3.) we each bring ONE place to the table and try to convince the other to eat at our pick.
4.) Haven't eaten there before.

I mentiond that DH "won" which means he convinced me to try his place and not the other way around. Mind you, I didn't try very hard to convince him so I didn't feel like a "loser."

We ate at The Prodigal Son Brewery & Pub, blocks from our hotel so we walked. It was drizzling rain but comfortable and we enjoyed window shopping with some picks to go back to tomorrow.

DH got the Pit Boss burger; which is what he saw to make him want to go here in the first place.

He feels the 30 minute way to get our food was worth it once he tasted this juicy spicy burger:

I got the Rueben and did NOT feel the wait was worth it. The bread was soggy, they didn't have regular yellow mustard (how can a pub not have yellow mustard?), A1 sauce (one of the two ways i prefer steak fries, the other is yellow mustard and ketchup mixed) nor did they have honey for my hot water, lemon & honey drink. Besides the fact that the rueben left much to be desired - and I love ruebens!

What else was wrong? I guess since we were not partaking in their beverage of choice (thus the name brewery and pub) we had to ask for water refills each of the three times we were empty. The steak fries were horrible! I ate a few and even DH had several left on his plate and agreed they were "less than desirable." (He's so much nicer than I am!!!)

I would not go back nor would I recommend it. Boo Hoo.

DH, however, might go back just for the burger.

The Working Girls Hotel

2011-11-03T18:01:00.004-06:00

DH and I are staying in a former bordello tonight in Pendleton, Oregon. The Working Girls Hotel is part of the Pendleton Underground Tours and it's an amazing hotel. We're the only people staying here tonight so we have the whole place to ourselves. Here is DH in the dining room firing up his laptop for our "where to eat contest."
Here I am posing with the authentic Pendleton wool blanket (MOM, you have one just like this!!!)

DH and his new cowboy friends (the old brick walls are so cool!):

Totally fell in love with the calendar art from 1924!

So did DH...

I'll share more pictures when I can edit them better... the lighting is hard for me to work with but I can't wait to show you the coolest chairs ever! And our room - wow. We booked the suite and it is so nice.

DH won the "where to eat" contest so we're off to The Prodigal Son Brewery & Pub for a mouth watering burger! (No worries, friends...)

My Little Book Monster

2011-10-24T11:00:00.005-06:00

There is new book worm in our house. I call him "My Little Book Monster." My Dad is a book worm, I am a book worm, 17 year old daughter is a book worm and now my 7 year old son is a book worm. I LOVE IT!

Last week I went to the library while my little monster was at school and picked out the following books for him to read. Actually, there is a book missing. He just had to take it to school in case there was "free time" and he could read more. It's a Dinosaur Cove book.

He read Squanto two or three times and asked that I re-check it out (7 day rental only due to holiday theme) so that his Granddad could read it because he thinks Granddad will like it alot.

He then read Spider Kane. Right now, he says Mary Pope Osborne is his favorite author because he absolutley loves the Magic Tree House series. He and I snuggle up together either on the couch or in my bed and read silently side-by-side. It's one of my most favorite times with him right now.

Yesterday (Sunday) he finished Spider Kane and couldn't wait to see the next book I had checked out for him. I try to keep them a surprise so he doesn't know what's coming. He sat down and started reading Horrible Harry at Halloween. We took a break and joined the rest of the family and did the whole social thing until bedtime. After we turn out the lights, we let him read with his flashlight for "a bit" before we tell him lights out. He often turns the light off himself after a while. Last night he came in at 8:47 (I forgot he had been reading since 8:00) and was could hardly contain his excitement... he had finished the book! Granted it wasn't long but still, 8 chapters later and the book he had started was finished in the same day.

We all fell in love with this "Spanglish" book that I happened upon. To hear DH read it outloud with his thick Spanish accent was the best and funniest thing ever! Paco read it outloud yesterday and really tried to copy his daddy. It was darling.

The illustrations are too cute and we just love the way the story ends - a new spin that is worth finding this book!

It has an extensive glossary in the back to help out the folks who aren't sure what the words mean as well as how to say them in Spanish.

It's so fun to see reading turn from hard work to pleasure in a year. I love his school teacher and know his ability has been fine tuned under her care. We are so blessed!!!

Pepitas

2011-10-23T16:59:00.002-06:00

Last night we carved pumpkins for the first time that the boys remember. Don't worry, I have enough mommy guilt that I don't need you feeling sorry for my kiddos. We go to the pumpkin patch three years running now so I'm not THAT bad a mama.

So, I took scores of photos but with one click of a button, Poof! They are gone - never to be retrieved. You'll just have to take my word for it. And I'll take more pictures of the finished project tonight.

Today, Pepitas are on the menu! Ree, The Pioneer Woman, has already done a fabulous job of showing us in her awesome style how to make them so check it out by clicking Pepitas at the top of this post. (Links are working for me here anymore.)

Enjoy! I know we will.

Canning Season 2011 Complete

2011-10-20T10:22:00.004-06:00

Lots of jam and jelly made this year!

Right to Left: Pears, dill pickles and dilly beans
bottom shelf: zuchini, dill pickles, dilly beans, beans

You can barely see the jars of applesauce from last year (not canning any this year)
PEACHES! I love the peaches this year.

Tomatoes. I love canning tomatoes. I am not sure how many I canned total, but kept 63 qts for us. Canned for my mom and two brothers, too.

First year doing hot peppers! They are pickled but not dill so think nacho style hot peppers.

First year doing Dilly Beans - my Mom has done them in the past.

First year doing Zuchini Pineapple! I can't wait to try it! I bought organic pineapple juice and used the zukes from my garden so I'm very excited. Think crushed pineapple and that's the texture.

I enjoyed canning this year. I missed the time spent with my Mom but feel real good about having a nicely stocked pantry with most of it from our garden or own fruit trees!

Apples are soon but since I have applesauce and apple butter left from last year, it will be low-key and I'll dry more apples for snacks and granola. All in all, I feel great about the bounty the Lord blessed us with and look forward to eating quality food from our garden this winter. Now, if my freezer was stocked with home grown beef or better yet, elk or deer, I'd have no complaints what-so-ever!

Discombrugleated

2011-10-19T08:58:00.003-06:00

My baby doesn't need me anymore. He's so unlike his older brother in many ways but in this way, they are WAY different. When he turned a year old, I lamented how different he already was from his brother. ( http://mamacitalujan.blogspot.com/2008/03/my-baby-is-1.html) My baby weaned himself at 16 months by one day shaking his head and refusing to nurse. He never nursed again. I was not prepared. I mourned. It was awful for me. He sucks his fingers. And has a favorite blanket. And sleeps in his own bed. His older brother had me... and my bed. And was forced to wean at 2 1/2 years old and it was awful for both of us. We mourned. We cried. We went through it together. I didn't know what I was wishing for when I wished for this: http://mamacitalujan.blogspot.com/2007/11/1-year-ago-now.html.

Okay, enough lamenting. Here is my baby, 4 1/2 years old, still not needing his mommy. He's in preschool now, 3 days a week and he loves it! He's such a character, check him out on his first day of school:
He could NOT stop laughing! We're talking belly laugh here people!

And what's really funny, is he was cracking himself up! I was trying to get a good picture here and the more I wanted him to "smile nicely for moma" he did this:Until I finally went to sport mode and got this out of him:

While the smile is what I wanted, looking back at these pictures, the crack up ones are my boy! They are HIM! And oh, how I lovew him and really don't want him to change... at all.

So, why the Discombrugleated post title? That is how I feel. I'm in an weird space mentally and emotionally. While he's not in school full time, he'd like to be. He's never ready to leave when I pick him up, looks forward to going to school each morning and is sad when it's not a school day.

When I was canning up a storm, I welcomed the break to get things done. Well, I'm done canning for the year.

My parents are in South America and I miss them terribly.

I don't have a quilt going. I want my sewing room so I can have a place that is "my space."

I miss having my baby around bugging me.

The chickens are fine. The garden is done and the chickens are enjoying gleaning it.

I miss my parents.

Fall is here and I want to get quilting. I need to get quilting!

Thankfully, Bible Study has begun and that is helping a great deal with me centering in on Jesus.

I'm fine. Really, I am. I just feel a little out of sorts and need to work the bugs out.

Country Aunt

2011-10-18T15:59:00.004-06:00

This fall my brother brought two of his grandkids out to Aunt Joy's to feed the chickens, gather eggs and experience "life in the country!" I can't tell you how exciting it was for me to be the Country Aunt for the afternoon. We had so much fun!!!

Here is Gorgeous eating a peach fresh from the tree, having no idea that they didn't come from Walmart. She wasn't so sure she liked it either...

Here are the kids with their beautiful mother:

Feeding the hens, little man liked throwing the feed AT them instead of FOR them... not sure the hens cared as long as he didn't eat their feed. (which he tried and I told his mama, it was okay, it's organic feed!)

Gorgeous gathering the eggs:

Two darlings trying not to break any eggs!

It was a fun day and I can't wait til we do it again!!!

Fall

2011-10-18T15:55:00.004-06:00

We are really missing my parents who are in Peru and Bolivia right now (Bolivia today, actually). They'll be home soon and we can't wait to hear all about their experiences!

Enjoy the pictures of fall!

Pumpkin Patch!

2011-10-13T16:24:00.004-06:00

Fall 2009, ages 2 & 5!
Not sure what P is trying to do to J but I can't believe
how much they've grown and yet how much they
look the same!

2010, ages 3 and 6

2011, ages 4 & 7!

J had the option of going to the pumpkin patch with his preschool OR going with P to the same patch together. He wanted to go with his brother. So we asked P if he wanted J to go with him or if he only wanted his classmates... he wanted his bro! So, for the third year, they went together and had a blast! The weather was perfect and the company couldn't have been better.

We love fall time!

Call to Worship

2011-10-08T08:30:00.003-06:00

John Keith Falconer said,

I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in land flooded with light.

Tele' from World Renewal Brazil shared about the opportunity to minister in NE Brazil on the campus of Barclay College and my oldest daughter and I got to experience the Holy Spirit moving in us! Evangelical Friends has partnered with WRB and we heard two students share their testimony of their recent internship in Brazil.

The Call to Worship centered on the quote from Falconer. I love being Friend but there are times when I feel especially blessed to not only be Friend but be among other Friends. I experience that feeling often at our Yearly Meeting sessions in Oregon. I have to say, I got an unexpected dose of blessing at Chapel on Thursday at Haviland Friends Church.

I have some more time to spend in prayer as the Holy Spirit leads me on how to live my one candle of life...

The Fort

2011-10-04T10:01:00.004-06:00

My parents found this FORT (not playhouse thank you very much) on the side of the road. They stopped and found out they could have it if they came and got it... so, last night, Granddad and Dad took the boys to their surprise errand and at dark they pulled in with this:
(forgive the goolish photo - break lights, dark and person behind the camera did a number on it!)

Daylight brings this:
Inside that will soon be gutted:

More inside that needs work...LOVE the chalk board though!

There's even an option for electricity. Just plug in a reverse cord on the outside and VOILA! poower in the fort. We're opting for flashlights and lanterns right now though.

Side window that opens! New curtains have been ordered by the boys in either camo or cowboy - to be determined by what's on sale! HA!

New paint, copper penny roof, my kitchen from when I was little... put it on stilts and have a ladder to get to door, add a porch... the things being said on what we can do are endless. I'll keep you posted as progress is made!

Ways to Cut Costs

2011-09-27T11:39:00.003-06:00

After taking Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University (FPU) in the fall of 2009, much has changed in our lives. We took the class and then we personally were rocked when the economy bottomed out and we found ourselves making HALF of what we had been just a month prior.

Thankfully, we knew how to do our budget, and stick to it, after FPU so, we got to it! Here are some ways we cut costs:

~ Know your priorities and take care of them first. For us, it was 1) our home 2) our car 3) our children's private education and at the top was, tithing. If something needed paid and those 4 things hadn't been taken care of, the answer was simply, "No." Notice I didn't say easily, "no."

~ If you had debts, like us, don't be afraid to ask for a hardship relief situation. After explaining our financial shortfalls, many were willing to work with us.

~ Keep your word. If you tell a debtor that you will pay $10 each month, DO IT! The worse thing in this situation is to not pay the amount you promised. If you can not keep your word, don't give it. Simply say, "I am not able to committ to a monthly amount at this time."

~ Cut optional expenses. These include eating out, want versus need purchases, phone packages, cell phones, data plans, texting plans, internet, cable, netflix, redbox, gym memberships... We looked at and cut MOST of these options since 2009.

~ Cook from scratch.
~ Eat at home.
~ NEVER waste food! Eat leftovers - freeze them if needed and then eat them in a week so they don't seem like "leftovers" if that is an issue for your family.
~ Cook once - eat twice! This saves money!!! Cook a larger quantity of meat up and then use that meat for the weeks meals.
~ Go meatless AT LEAST once a week. Use eggs or lentils as your protein.

~ Learn how to say, "No." No to kids fundraisers, No to girls nights, boys nights, No to cool home shows that are selling wants and not needs... you get the idea.

~ Stop buying gifts. Make them or give gift certificates for services you can provide - babysitting, cleaning their home, raking leaves, washing windows, breakfast in bed, dishes for a week... the ideas are endless!

~ Ask your family what they enjoy doing. You will be surprised at their answers. Ours ranged from playing outside, family game night to just hanging out together.

~ Monitor your utilities! Work with your utility companies to see how you can cut costs. This was HUGE for us.

~ Have a garden. Learn to preserve the bounty.

~ Stock up on staples so you know you always have food to eat.

~ Menu Plan.

~ Grocery shop once a month.

~ Stay healthy... be willing to treat yourself for minor things to save on medical costs. This does not mean don't go to the doctor if you need to. Sometimes we go (or take our children) for minor things like colds. Be willing to see if intervention is needed. Our experience has been rest, OTC meds and hydration took care of their ailments.

~ Last but not least: DO NOT SPEND MORE THAN YOU MAKE. PEROID.

First Day

2011-09-27T10:53:00.002-06:00

School has been in session one month this week and I'm just posting First Day 2011 pictures.

All the kids, The youngest was not to be left out!

Our grown up 8th grader!

How is it possible that this is her Senior year??? I cry over this fact often.

And here is the first child I gave birth to... 2nd Grade came fast.

Canning Season 2011

2011-09-07T09:07:00.002-06:00

Canning season is underway. In past years, I have purchased most of the stuff I was canning and so it was a huge project that plumb wore me out but it was over in a matter of days...

Now, I am canning from the garden so it seems like a never ending canning season. One batch today, two yesterday, one tomorrow, all spread out, taking FOREVER!

I know I prefer the first way as far as my time goes and having canning stuff out forever but price wise, my investment were the plants or seeds (some were free), my organic spray I use from Melaleuca and our time.

So, I guess I prefer the way I'm doing it this year as opposed to past years since my quarts of green beans and tomatoes have become pennies to the dollar now and they're exactly what I want - natural, no chemicals and I know what we're getting.

Jams have been made and canned, too, using Chillover Powder from MaryJane's Farm. I LOVE IT! I need to order some more so I can finish my jam making for the year.

Back to grindstone, I'm ready for quilting days to come.

EGGS, Costco and LOCO, I mean Local

2011-09-03T11:25:00.006-06:00

Coming to you LIVE from JOY'S SOAPBOX...

This past June, we adopted 13 hens. Then, deciding we were't getting enough eggs, we got 11 more, making a total of 24 hens. Well, they are laying and we're getting about a dozen eggs a day. YAY! Since we have a surplus, we decided to try to sell them and went with the going Farmer's Market rates since we were feeding these little ladies organic feed; which is $3.50/dozen.

I was surpised when on a trip to Costco this summer, I saw they had LOCAL organic eggs for sale. I wondered who was providing them since it is really hard and expensive to get organic feed in Idaho. Then the Costco Connection came out. http://www.costcoconnection.com/connection/201108?pg=26#pg28
I am so upset that Costco thinks Utah is local for Idaho! Is this really what you think of when you are told something is locally raised or grown? Another state?

I don't. I think local means just that, LOCAL. Sure, it's local to people in Lewiston, UT where Oakdell Egg Farms are located. It's not local for me.

So, check things out and be sure what you are buying is what you want to be buying. If you want local farm fresh eggs from hens that are fed 100% organic feed and scratch that I mix together myself to ensure the best and freshest possible, then look no farther! Unless you're not in my neck of the woods then find someone in your neck of the woods....

I just get so frustrated for people who want to buy local and organic and fair trade and they think are meeting their goals only to be disappointed by words and definitions.

That's it for today, coming to you live from Joy's Soapbox, signing off...

Your Own Instant Oatmeal

2011-08-17T09:42:00.002-06:00

Here is a great recipe for making your own instant oatmeal. I use all organic ingredients but you can do what you want. (YAY for choices!!!)

Regular/Base Oatmeal:
1/4 cup oats (I do NOT use quick or instant)
2 T blended oatmeal (dump a cup of oats in the blender and blend til powder. Add 2 T of this to the baggies and make more as needed)
1/2 t sugar, optional
then the optional flavors:

For Cinnamon Apple:
1/4 t cinnamon
2 T dried apple pieces

Cinnamon Raisin
1/4 cinnamon
24 raisins or whatever you add

Brown Sugar and Cream
2 T brown sugar
1 T dry creamer, any flavor you want ( powedered milk is preferred but it can go bad if not used up quickly enough... not an issue here)

Here's the thing, once you have your base oatmeal, you can add whatever you want! The blended oats makes it thicker. If you like it less thick, don't add the "oat powder."

To eat, add 1/2 c boiling water or 2/3 c water and microwave for a minute and enjoy.

Moms Who NEED Wine???

2011-05-11T09:30:00.002-06:00

In the Statesman on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 on the front of the Life section is an article (that has so much to say it continues on to L7) about moms needing wine. NEEDING. needing...

Today marks the 10 th year, count 3,650 days, I have gone without drinking wine, or any other beverage that contains alcohol. This date by no means makes me superior to anyone nor beneath anyone.

The timing is not lost on me, though. I didn't read the paper yesterday so to grab it this morning and read that "Why did Marile Borden name her website Moms Who Need Wine? If you have to ask, your must not be a mom." makes me stop and think and then climb up on my soapbox!!!

Seriously!

The article starts off with, "Moms are becoming much more real in terms of admitting that the job is a difficult one and that a nice glass of wine at the end of the day sure helps," says Marile Borden.

Dubbing it Mommy's Juice (brand Mommy Juice) plants the seed that when our daughters become moms they too will drink mommy juice or desire a time out (brand Mommy's Time Out) so they can get a grip on their life...

Cheryl Durzy, wine producer, is quoted on page 7, "It's not about getting drunk around your kids, it's about having that glass of wine at the end of the day when the kids are in bed." And yet her children are the ones quoted on the front page calling her nightly glass of wine "mommy's juice." Durzy goes on to say, "We would walk through restaurants and they would point to other people with wine glasses and say, 'That's mommy's juice!' and it was really embarrassing, but funny and cute, too," she says.

Another mom, Christine Trice says, "...I want to send the message that it's OK to enjoy wine now and again and honor yourself for being an amazing parent."

So, how does a mom like me, one who is physically not able to have one glass of wine every night cope with the stresses and demands of motherhood? How do moms like me get through life without the mantra, "OMG I so need a glass of wine or I'm gonna sell my kids."??? It seems THOUSANDS of moms have this take on life (if facebook is accurate)... so what's a mommy to do who either can't because of addictions or GASP have strong convictions (religious or otherwise) that NOTHING good comes from a bottle? or can? or box? that contains alcohol???

I get that these moms "needed a platform where we can vent and not worry about being judged because we've all been there..." and so websites are popping up all over featuring moms and wine and how the two go together. But why? Why the wine? I have similar stresses, I don't want to be judged, I want to vent... do I have to drink wine for these moms to accept me? YES! I feel I would. If wine is the common factor to their motherhood stresses then I just couldn't nor wouldn't want to be part of that environment.

Well, here's what this mommy does for her stress relief AND for honoring herself for being an amazing parent:

~ Tea works fabulously for easing stress and tension at the end of the day. After the kids are in bed, I make (more like my husband makes) a carafe of tea for us to enjoy together.

~ A hot rice pillow takes many a stress away and feels SO good on my feet or legs.

~ Pray. What is stressing me out? What are the pressures of the day? Give them to God! Cast your burdens on Him! My God is strong enough that I don't need wine to unwind.

~ Quilt! Do something enjoyable. It works wonders for me. Before quilting, I read. A lot.

~ Have a cup of coffee with a friend and vent to someone you trust! Not thousands of strangers. If you wouldn't say it to your confidant, why on earth would you share it online?

~ Join a cake decorating class, a ceramic course, learn something new and then do it!

~ Go to bed, grab a cup of tea and listen to book on CD. You'll be relaxed in no time, if not asleep far earlier than if you sit at the computer with a glass of wine. ;)*

I choose to live without alcohol one day at a time. We have an alcohol free home and I thank God for the strength and courage to show my children BY EXAMPLE that alcohol isn't the answer. It doesn't make for a better time. Alcohol tears families apart. If you think it doesn't, search for a recovery website online and see how many options there are. Too many.

Wine isn't the answer moms. Shame on the Statesman for the amount of space they gave this article.

* If you are a mommy who drinks wine, that's your business! Really! I'm just upset that it's being advocated as a way of coping with motherhood. I'll take my tea, coffee and Dr. Pepper all day long.

Like a GAZELLE!!!

2011-05-05T14:57:00.002-06:00

In the fall of 2009, DH & I did one of the best things we've done since we were married... we took Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University (FPU) course. Shortly after that, we had a drastic financial change, for the worse. Thanks to FPU, we were able to work out a budget and stay the course, not paying any debts off, but not going into any more debt than we already were!

Since the fall of 2009, here is what we have done:

Baby Step 1: Emergency Savings of $1,000 - sold, sold and sold our stuff to get there! Even though we have had to dip into a couple times, we have always paid it right back!

Baby Step 2: Pay off all debt using debt snowball:
~ We've just begun really being able to do this and have been amazed how fast the ball is rolling! We applied our tax returns all toward debt and that felt awesome... any extra money was applied to our debt and since we've begun we've paid off over $11,000 of debt, including our car!

What other steps have we've taken to help us on this road? Please don't think it's been easy...

~ Immediatley (2009) changed our Qwest phone plan to the lowest, cheapest plan available. No caller ID, call waiting or anything fancy... it rings. We have an answering machine at our home... no voicemail! Our bill went from $50 to $20 a month!!! That $30 went to debt.
~ Changed cell phone plans! I got rid of my blackberry and that saved us $30 a month! That went to our debt... (see how we've already applied $60 more a month?!)
~ Stopped eating out. That saves us an easy $100 month... apply it toward debt...
~ Stopped buying gifts for people... I have always bought items when they were on sale and then have a "gift closet." I stopped buying and started only giving what I had on hand, already purchased! I gave Pampered Chef and Melaleuca as gifts and for our new granddaughter, I made her a baby quilt!
~ Continue to NOT pay full price for things!!!
~ Invested in quality hair clippers and give the boys hair cuts at home. This saves us $22 for the both of them.
~ Stick to our budget, allowing for our own "blow money" to do with what we want.

It's been a ride and I can't wait to move on to Baby Step #3!!! 3-6 months living expenses in savings!

Thanks to the encouragement and suggestions from wonderful Godly people, we did NOT give up when the going was tough. THANK YOU!!!

Sewing for Babyshower Gifts!

2011-05-05T14:52:00.002-06:00

One of my long-time friends is expecting her first baby this June. I really wanted to make her something and after thinking and thinking, I decided on this for her...

Nursing Cover with pocket:

Burper with fringe (with batting in the middle):
Burper without fringe: I had a lot of fun making these!

Cowboy Quilts!

2011-05-05T14:42:00.004-06:00

Nearly after a year of moving the boys in to one bedroom, they finally have their quilts. This fabric was the first I purchased BEFORE I even knew how to piece a thing. It's a wonderful feeling to have them complete and on their beds.

Here are the boys, on top bunk:

Check out the detailed quilting by Harry! I love the random horse quilted in the
middle of the horseshoes! Oldest Cowboy's back:
Youngest cowboy's back:
Quilt top, on bed:

Walking Foot Adventure

2011-03-03T14:39:00.004-07:00

Having been frugal, I have to say it did not improve once I took Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University.... that being said, here is my adventure in trying to find the best deal on a walking foot for "my" sewing machine. (It's actually my Mom's.)

I've gotten along without a walking foot making smaller quilts with no binding but have been told by many that it won't be so hard if I just got a walking foot... so, with the recent quilt I just completed, I really needed one to do the binding.

A certain store carried a "Universal" walking foot that should work on most sewing machines for $14.99. I already knew that others have paid $70-$100 on their walking foot so I was bound and determined NOT to pay that price.

"Universal" foot bought and hmmmmm, the screw that I had was too short and needed about 1/8" longer to catch the threads to hold the foot in place. After calling my Dad, I set out for the hardware store to buy a longer screw.

With original screw and machine in tow, young son and I headed out. With assistance from salesman, I purchased two screws for a whopping .29, thanking the salesman and bragging about how much money he just saved me!!! Having now spent $15.29 for my walking foot, young son and I went out to the car to put it all together to make sure it worked...

Hmmmm, walking foot does not reach sewing plate area - not by a long shot. Hmmmm. Still, bound and determined NOT to pay bucho bucks, we set off to next town over to the Viking Sewing Machine Shop. With touch feely 3 year old hands on thousand dollar machines, I did hope this stop would not take long.

After trying several walking feet, I was told, "NO GO!" They would need to order me one because my machine was just too old. I asked if he had a longer shank for the machine so it would make the walking foot I had longer... No. I asked for any other options... none.

Defeated, I limped back to rig with young son in tow. I barely made it to the car before I burst into tears... even though I had a crisp one hundred dollar bill in my wallet, I did NOT want to spend it on a walking foot.

Young son consoles mommy and begs her not to be sad and that he'll buy me lunch if I stop crying.

We meet up with my mom and I whine and lament to her so she says similar thing as young son... "I'll buy you lunch." So, eat we did!

Phone call from Machine Shop - they can order my a walking foot for $105 and it will take 10 days before it's here. Not what I wanted to hear.

Phone call to Viking Machine Shop in big city 30 miles away... yes, they know what I'm talking about... yes, they know the universal walking foot won't work... yes, they understand I don't want to spend bucko bucks.... yes, they have the walking foot I need in stock -last one in stock, actually... yes, they'll hold it for me on the off chance that someone comes in between phone call and drive to big city.... yes, that will be $99.99 plus tax.

Drive to big city with young son and mother in tow.

Meet Ed the Tech. He showed me how to put it on, told me about which needles I should NEVER use on my machine, and taught me that my "C" foot is also a screwdriver that fits all Viking screws. Hmmm. Good to know! Also learned he lives in a small town near me and gave me his card for any "future needs!"

Moral of the story? Sometimes you just have to suck it up and pay bucko bucks because Swiss things just cost a lot.

Couch Quilt!

2011-03-03T14:15:00.003-07:00

Fall Couch Quilt by Country Treasures is complete! I have to say, I am in love!!!
I used an assortment of fabric for this one, mainly Benatrex fabric. Pieces from the "12 Days of Christmas," "Love Is," Tried & True," and one really awesome Batik fabric in gold!

Here is a view of the back, top and binding:

Back quilting detail: the quilting pattern is Chantilly Lace and was done by my cousin in Colorado on his long arm! He used Sulky Autumn thread and it is everything I wanted.

Top detail - isn't it just gorgeous?!?!

Here I am, posing with my new quilt.

Sewing and Quilting!

2011-02-16T10:14:00.002-07:00

I know pictures are needed but until I actually move them from the camera to my computer, here is what I have been doing!
~ Making pillow cases! I love it! I can start to finish a case in 30 minutes. There are days I just need to start and finish something and be able to look at it the next day, next week, next month... unlike supper which I never see again (HOPEFULLY!)
~ Quilting! I will have pictures soon of my first larger than twin quilt! It has turned out wonderfully and after the binding is on, I will take and post pictures. Promise.

I have also finished two more tops and am ready to ship them off to my cousin to quilt them in Colorado. Those are more twin size and are for my two younger sons.

What's next on the sewing table? quilts, hair wraps and coffee cozy cuffs are up and coming... as well as possibly some pot holders.

Thanks to Toy Story 3, I have hours of unlimited time to sit at the machine as Jav can't watch it enough... he needs it for his birthday, for sure because my free weekly codes from Redbox don't come often enough!!!

Super Bowl Food

2011-01-28T11:50:00.003-07:00

For me, Super Bowl is all about the food. It's the ONE game of the year that I care anything about and like many, I really care about the commercials. I like to see how offended I can become from the over-sexual themes marketing our young (and older?) men today...

Sorry about the side-rant. We were talking about food. Super Bowl food.

What will I make this year??? Here's my planning plate:

~ Shrimp Ceviche and red corn chips (as much organic I can but I don't let that stop me with super bowl food.) It's all about fat and grease and yummy goodness...
For this dish, I basically make picco de gallo (or buy from local Mexican store to save time) and add shrimp, lime, salt and Tapatio.

Then I sit alone, close my eyes and imagine heaven being similar to that feeling I have when eating ceviche.

~ Pulled Pork I use The Pioneer Woman's recipe. Serve with warm tortillas. We live this out on the counter all afternoon and just feast on it.

~ Brie and hot jalapeno jelly delicious.

~ Chili Con Queso, again from the Pioneer Woman. To. Die. For.

As for dessert, well, I've usually had my fill of fat by that time but I'll let my Mom serve up some ice cream for those peeps who need something sweet and cool to top it all off.

Yep, I think that's why I'm making. Oh, I almost forgot:
Little Smokies Cooked in BBQ Sauce in the crock pot. That is for my son, Reg.

And I always make WAY too much so we eat this fat laden food for a week and gain 10 lbs. Sigh.

Family Vacay

2011-01-17T08:33:00.002-07:00

Since I forgot the cable to load pictures from the camera...there won't be any pix on it. Sorry.

We decided at Christmas to take a mini vacay to see my brother who lives in Hailey. This is a long weekend, celebrating MLK Day so we will remember while sledding!

On Sunday after church, we ate a yummy chili meal my Mom had made and hit the road for Hailey! Rain and fog greeted us for the the majority of the drive and warm weather made the roads non-icy.

We arrived at supper time and my brother met us at the Inn before taking us to a fantastic Mexican joint... Lago Azul. RAVE reviews from this family! The portions were generous enough most of us shared an entree. It's a small 10 table joint that has delicious authentic Mexican food. I ordered pollo con crema and shared with my mom, The girls got the same and shared. PLENTY of food. My Dad got chili colorado and the flavor was perfect, meat was tender - yum! DH got lengua en cevollada which he really enjoyed. My bro got caldo de rez and after he'd eaten all the good stuff, the little boys drank the broth! When it was time to pay, I was ready for a pretty good size check since each entree was $10... not really figuring in my head, just going by the amout of food on the table. Total bill - $55 for 9 people and more food than we could eat. Will we go back? YES! My bro eats here about once a week and I can see why!

Fun evening of hot tubbing for the kids, visiting for us old folks and then bro went home, little ones went to bed and DH, the girls and I played Banagrams and Uno til midnight! FUN!

Today will consist of getting dressed, eating and SLEDDING! We stopped and picked up a couple more sleds on the way out of town and we're in for a fun filled of BLUE skies and WHITE snow covered mountains to sled down.

The goal? To have utterly ehausted children for ride home this evening and nothing but fun memories planted in their minds for years to come.

Vote for the Boise Limited Rail Road!

2011-01-14T14:04:00.003-07:00

The Boise Limited!

Starting in Salt Lake City, the segment travels north to Ogden and Brigham City then north to Pocatello, Idaho, then west to American Falls, Shoshone and Mountain Home, concluding at Boise.

One of Union Pacific's steam engines will travel the route segment with the most votes!

Winter 2010

2011-01-14T10:31:00.002-07:00

We've had a good winter so far! Enjoy the pictures...

DH & I in McCall sharing some alone time.

Sky at her Christmas concert in December.

Mel & I

Mel

Granddad and the boys enjoying hot cocoa

2011 Priorities

2010-12-31T10:35:00.003-07:00

With 2010 ending today and 2011 beginning tomorrow, I thought I should think of some priorities for the new year. I don't resolve to do anything anymore but I do try and think of things I wand to do and what I'd like to do differently.

1. I still want chickens. It's been on my list since 2009... so this will be the third year it's listed.

2. Garden - I'd like to have a large enough garden that I can can food from it. Especially tomatoes and green beans.

3. I'd like to get my composting worms back in business. They took a year off.

4. QUILT! Having just begun this journey, I can't wait to see what gets completed this year. Thankfully, I have a new sewing table to make it less painful on body. For Christmas, Roy got me a quilting retreat in McCall in March! YAY! I can't wait. So, quilting is on the list for 2011.

5. Keep snowballing our debt.

6. I want to learn to bask in the love of Jesus. To grow in Him, show His love more, be His hands and feet regularly.

7. Show love to my family... they are the ones it's easiest to be short and snippy with.

That's my list. Short but loaded!

2009 List

2010-12-31T10:19:00.003-07:00

Back in 2009 I had this list and after 2 years of working on it, let's see how I fared and what 2011 looks like:

#1 - Get my own chicken flock. This includes having our own eggs and raising some birds for fryers. Sadly, no. This has not happened yet. I have not given up hope, though!

#2 - Finish converting my pantry to all organic staples and as many items as I can buy organically. Yes, this was accomplished in 2009 and I've continued to buy as much organic and natural products as I can.

#3 - Return to having "Coffee with Jesus" each morning. I did this when I was single and need to get back to it. Now. This year. This entails, simply, doing nothing but having a cup of joe with my Lord and Savior, Jesus! If led, scripture reading and always prayer. Not exactly but I have started a Beth Moore Bible Study and will take another one.

#4 - Continue to improve my Spanish speaking. I did in 2009 so it was accomplished. I have not continued to seek out ways to speak Spanish though in 2010.

#5 - Get back on budget and stay on track to live debt free. Did in 2009, took Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University class and have done our best to keep on track. I think we've done very well in this area. Many debts paid this past year and it feels good to keep knocking them off.

#6 - Grown my own organic garden this year! I have started the process by already buying many seeds and have a nice pile composting. Doing well in this area. Even had enough to can tomatoes. Green beans did not make it. :(

#7 - Convert to cloth napkins - make my own napkins! This was done in 2009. We have kept our cloth napkin craze up and don't have paper napkins or paper towels anymore.

#8 - Do one "new for me" thing a month to be as frugal as I can! Yes in 2009... now I'm just trying to live daily frugality and sometimes I fail!

#9 - Get a clothes line up and stop using my dryer so much! YES! However, I would love an outside line... I select dry the kids clothes but still have a long ways to go in this area.

#10 - Use my gym membership at least twice a week!! (I wonder when this should start???) I did this in 2009 and beginning of 2010 but alas, need to add it to this year's list. Ick.

#11 - Learn to sew. This is huge for me. I want to make napkins (see #7) and grocery/shopping/cloth totes. YAY! Not only did cloth napkins happen in 2009 but this past June is started quilting! I have completed two lap/crib sized quilts PLUS 5 pillow cases and 12 rice pillows that I gave as Christmas gifts. I have lots of fabric purchased (CLEARANCE!) and am ready to start 2011 with a quilting bang!

#12 - Focus on 2009 General Priorities (above). If I don't do anything else this year, I want to grow spiritually and enjoy my family. Everything else is second. By growing spiritually, Jesus will continue to guide me into becoming the wife and mother He created. Still my goal. I pray it always is.

I'll update a 2011 list so it's easier for me to track what my year priorities are.

Early Christmas Present!!!

2010-12-09T12:47:00.003-07:00

I am one happy gal! My girlfriend and I exchanged gifts last night and she gave me the most perfect gift! You see, she is the one who started me on this passion.

The inscription is perfect, too, showing our true friendship,
" Joy ~ Now you have an answer to ALL your questions! Merry Christmas, A."

I got home a little late last night and as quickly as I could without be overly rude to DH, i climbed in to bed with warm rice pillow and carafe of tea and read the first two chapters through!

Can't wait to read more and then put it to the test on my machine!

There are several things for quilting I want/need that are on my Christmas list... I've bought myself a couple of them already to help DH out but I'm hoping the most exciting one I get from him is a quilting retreat/workshop in McCall at Quaker Hill in March! I'll let him combine it with my birthday present for ONCE. I'm that nice of a gal.

My machine is humming along with Christmas gifts! I have 9/14 completed! WHOO HOO!

Tis the Season!

2010-12-03T14:07:00.002-07:00

My parent's 41st Open House is this Sunday and I thankfully got the peppermint bark finished today. 2 big batches ought to do the trick!

Christmas music is blaring and I'm singing at the top of my lungs as I putter around the house. Many in my family are getting rice pillows I am making. Shhh, don't tell. I'm using lavendar from my island and oh my they are wonderful. I need to get moving faster on them if they're all to to be complete for this Christmas! HA!

Our December calendar is made I am so happy with it. The kids love seeing what's coming up and when things are happening. I included many more pictures with it this year so Javi can get all excited, too.

Tonight we'll watch The Christmas Story and get the boys wanting BB Guns even more than they do now! Tomorrow our decorations go up and we'll trim the tree tomorrow evening. It will be our first year without Troy and that's sad but life.

Am sure you're all busy too! Don't forget...

Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

Snow Suits

2010-12-01T15:18:00.003-07:00

Boys will be boys.... they got themselves a snow fort!

And I can I just say.... the new suit that Javier has on is the BEST ever?!?!?!?! It's from Cabela's and we got it for Paco when he was 2 1/2. It's a 4T and he wore it the 2 1/2 winter, the next and the year after that (4 1/2) for a total of 3 years. I think he even wore it some last year but it was a bit snug - he just loved it too much. At a whopping $70, it might make you turn close your eyes and head to Walmart for the suits at $20... DON'T! This suit HERE is worth every single hard earned penny!

Why?

They only have to wear one single layer under it to stay warm. It keeps them DRY and toasty warm no matter what the temperature is... and believe me, we've put it to the test! It's sturdy, well made and went through Paco for 4 years and now is on to Javier and you can't tell it's been used at all!!!

Paco came in from playing outside today... cold. wet down to his britches. cold. What was he wearing? You guessed it. Walmart bib overalls. They were wet clear through to his pants. He was miserable! We put him in another pair from Walmart and sent him back out after changing his clothes and when he came in... wet all over again.

Javier? Same snow suit each time he's gone out to play (3 times so far) and it's dry and he's warm.

Why did I buy those bibs for Paco when they were on sale? To save a buck. Was it worth it? No. I'm kicking myself now cause someone had better hold me back or I'll be down at Cabela's by sun-up getting my boy some good snow gear.

Now, if only we could find some snow boots that worked as well...

P.S. Cabelas does not pay me one iota for this blog post. They may know I exist after flooding them with darling pictures of Paco goose hunting in all Cabela's gear... but this is not a paid advertisement. I would let them send me suit for Paco if they wanted, though.

Quilt is Quilted!

2010-11-29T09:23:00.003-07:00

Our first granddaughter is due in December, perhaps on her Nana's birthday; which would be the 20th or her Grandma's; which is the 19th! Our son, Reggie, is the new Daddy and we're all getting excited for Marlee's arrival.

We had a church shower for them this past Saturday and here are pictures of the quilt that I made. It's the first one that I actually quilted and it was so rewarding to finish it! Thanks to a good friend, I was able to get it done before their shower... YAY!

Quilt Top:

Quilt after it the three layers were basted... until I learned I had done it wrong and my good friend assisted me in making it easier to do!

Reggie and Porscha opening quilt - I think it was a surprise!

Here I am holding my completed quilt. It is folded in half...

I have fabric purchased for next one but I will wait until after Christmas to begin it. Until Christmas I have a few other projects I am working on... rice pillows to be exact.

Next on my list is to complete our December calendar. That is another thing I learned from "Unplug the Christmas Machine." I try and get all the activities and things we're doing the whole month so that there's not the big build-up to Christmas and then it's over in one day. It worked real well last year and I'm hopeful it will do the trick this year, too!

It's such a relief to be done shopping so I can focus and my family and minstering to others this month.

Attitude of Gratitude

2010-11-25T11:42:00.003-07:00

Last year Paco learned a song at school called "An Attitude of Gratitude." Its lyrics say how an attitude of gratitude is pleasing to the Lord. I can't help but think of this song today.

As the turkey is roasting, the sweet potatoes are mashed and the cranberry orange sauce is made, I am grateful.

Grateful for... a warm home. I don't say this lightly, either. I cried when the news devoted a whole section to the care of pets "in these terribly cold conditions" and how they brought in portable heaters to keep the temperature at 60 degrees when the power went out at the pound.... and the images I saw through my tears were of moma's and their children freezing in their car because they don't have a home.... men and women huddled up trying to stay alive...little ones crying because they are hungry and cold. And I was angry at our news. Then I thought of our service men and women recently deployed - in terrible war conditions and we are educating people how to care for their pets in the winter on our 10:00 news.

I'm grateful for healthy children... I didn't realize how rarely we were sick until Paco had a terrible fever the other day and we didn't know why! Still don't. But I realized how often others are ill and I'm so thankful for our health.

I'm grateful for my children. I miss them this year. Half of them won't be here and it's just not the same at all.

I'm grateful for a husband who loves me and I him. I'm grateful for our marriage.

The turkey is done - what are you grateful for this year?

Beloved Disciple

2010-11-22T09:04:00.003-07:00

I'm 5 weeks into the Bible Study, Beloved Disciple, by Beth Moore. It's the first corporate study I've done in years and years. Too many years to count, actually. It's..... awesome.... powerful.... life giving.... life changing.... amazing.

Today's thought that I want to share is:

"Moving a mountain is nothing compared to changing a selfish, destructive heart." Beth Moore

If ever there was a selfish destructive heart, the Lord truly knows mine was one. I'm so thankful today for the amazing love of Jesus and the grace he extends to me.

Christmas Pledge Update!

2010-11-11T12:29:00.003-07:00

In 2008, I brought you this pledge:

The Christmas Pledge

Believing in the true spirit of Christmas, I commit myself to:

*Remember those people who truly need my gifts.

*Express my love in more direct ways than gifts.

*Examine my holiday activities in light of my deepest values.
*
*Be a peacemaker within my circle of friends and family.

*Rededicate myself to my spiritual growth.

From "Unplug the Christmas Machine"

I also pledge to:

~ Have a debt-free Christmas. If I can't afford it - I won't buy it!

Last year, I brought you this post! Sharing ideas on economic gift ideas and sharing with you how we were staying on budget through the gift giving season...

This year, I want to share our daughter's wish lists with you to show you how far we've come since introducing "Unplug the Christmas Machine" several years ago.

M's list:
1. Gas Money :)

2. Overcome - a movie (she wants us to have as a family)

3. Books by Jane Austen and Jane Peart

4. Any other book you think I'd like

S's list:

1. NIV Bible

2. Book - Jaguar by Roland Smith

3. Socks - white and black any length

4. Barbies (to model clothes she is making)

5. Material/Fabric (to make clothes for Barbies)

6. Gift Cards - Starbucks, Moxie Java and iTunes

When they gave me their lists, I looked for the "big ticket item." The one big thing on their list... it's not there! They both confessed that they didn't "need" anything and honestly their want list is very small. It's not that they couldn't come up with a bunch of wants but they're learning that those things don't/can't fill the void that only Jesus can!

Needless to say, I am humbled by how far we've come as a family. From spending over $1,000 on immediate family gifts to way below half that now. From charging to "make Christmas happen..." to saving and only spending Christmas money for Christmas.

God is good. He has brought us a long way. It's a good place to be and yes, all my Christmas shopping is done. I can now focus on the real important stuff - meals, story time, lights, TIME! I don't have to be the stressed out, broke (and broken) mommy and wife anymore. Like I said, it's a good place to be.

Fall Life

2010-10-19T08:45:00.004-06:00

School started and fall has arrived in all its glory of gorgeous leaves, crisp cool weather and harvest! This means canning and prepping for winter!

One of the things I've wanted to learn how to do for years is sew. This past June my friend took the challenge and has been working with me ever since! I am even enrolled in a beginners quilting class!

Here is the first (and only so far) quilt I have done. It is tied, not quilted...

Front of the rail fence quilt:

Back of quilt. I used a real nice big fleece to make it cozy warm:

Back and Front to see colors...

I made this for Sky's 13th birthday. I am very pleased with my first attempt but am truly looking forward to all the cool things I will learn in my class. I learned many things NOT to do with this one and that's okay! She loves it and so do I.

Other projects I'm working on: aprons, class quilt and several dream quilts are in the making! Add canning, apple butter plans and life with kids and you can see why I haven't been on here much!

Enjoy fall - I know I am!

Simply Simplify

2010-08-05T14:55:00.002-06:00

I have been working on ways to simply simplify our lives. Here are some other people's ideas I am way excited about:

Bulk Breakfast Burritos: Convenient, Cheap, Healthy, and Easier Than You Think. I am going to make these up for the kids to have before school so they get the stuff they need while not taking forever in the mad rush that tends to happen each school morning! What I love about this recipe is I can easily make it with all organic ingredients that I already have stocked! Perfect!!! Plus, i can see DH taking some on his way out the door to work. Win-Win!

I was given a subscription to MaryJane's Farm and have truly enjoyed it! In it, I find Simple Solutions to Everyday Organic. I've been challenged and stretched to do things differently and how to go about doing it!

I'm also learning that to simply simplify, for me, means slowing down, taking time to see what Jesus actually wants me to do and listening to His will. He does speak to me, I just have to stop and be still long enough to listen. When I do, I find I a result tends to be simply simplifing!

Old Quaker

2010-07-29T16:32:00.002-06:00

An Old Quaker

I want to be an old Quaker. For to me, that means having arrived to speak my mind. That does not mean that I don’t already speak my mind but being an old Quaker means I actually SHOULD speak my mind. By then, my mind and heart and soul shall be so intertwined I shall truly have something to say!

Don’t get me wrong, we all have a voice and should use it – often. And we do. Okay, I do. I speak. I think I sometimes I have something to say. And hopefully others think I do to.

To be an Old Quaker… to sit… in the midst of Jesus wherever I am - whatever I am doing is to “have arrived.” And I’m guessing I won’t even know it. For it seems, with being an Old Quaker I have found the virtue of humbleness. And I’m sure by then; I won’t think I’m close to arriving. Similar to how I feel now, perhaps?

To be an Old Quaker and when I speak to have others nod their heads and smile with awe with knowing that an Old Quaker has spoken.

I don’t think being an Old Quaker and age are related but time spent with Jesus plays a most important part of the transformation from being a Young Quaker to being an old one.

Have I offended with the term Old Quaker? I hope not for that is not my intention, whatsoever! The opposite is intended – praise and humble adoration to those who have plowed through generations of our worldly crap. (I’m sure an Old Quaker won’t use that word, either. Sorry, Mom/Dad.)

An Old Quaker has been around the block. They have seen the life cycle of our times come and go and come again. The issues that have been debated and discerned over time are being debated and discerned again. And they have endured through them all. They have come out the other side wiser, more humble, more transformed, more Quaker.
Who are these Old Quakers of whom I speak? They are the ones who, when they speak, you listen. Arthur R spoke today and I tell you what… I listened. He is an Old Quaker. He hit the nail on the head when saying we have one virtue in common left anymore and that is tolerance. Oh my, if you weren’t there, it was a moment I’m glad I did not miss! Alice M, you are an Old Quaker! Your heart and soul and mind are so intertwined and linked so closely to Jesus, I love being in your presence. Dorothy K, an Old Quaker I get to spend much time with shows me how gentleness and love pave the way for open doors in accepting people in Jesus’ name. My list goes on and on of Old Quakers I just can’t get enough of. I wish they spoke more often but honestly, they don’t have to! I owe much to those who have walked before me as Friends and am blessed personally to be part of this awesome family.

Today, I am honored to be a Quaker. I will keep running my race and know that when I finish and go to my heavenly home, I want to be like Jesus and I see Him in my Old Quakers.

As Brooke Fraser sings:

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like You have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks Yours
Everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity

Yearly Meeting!

2010-07-28T00:00:00.002-06:00

I love the last week of July. You will find me in Oregon on the gorgeous campus of George Fox University being fed spiritually, challenged in every way and looking at what I need to do differently for the Lord.

I love learning new songs; which I always do here.

I love catching up with friends I only see here.

I love meeting new friends and hope I see them again sometime!

I love the campus life of centering on God for the whole week... alone and corporately.

I love seeing my children light up from the inside out. Hearing God speak to them and work in their lives in a MIGHTY way.

I love meeting people that are friends with my parents have been since 1964 when they moved to Newberg. Their 6 years here weren't the easiest and the friends they made during the time of my Grandma dying and having their infant daughter die are true friends to this day. What an awesome God I serve and I am reminded of His power when I see them interact, laugh, pray and cry together. Friends.

I love slowing down.

I love not driving everywhere.

I love how I have so much time to spend thinking of how God can still use me and my family. How unfortunate that my schedule changes so much when I go home. Why do I allow it to? I need to evaulate things, obviously.

Our theme this year is "Eyes Fixed - Running Free" using Hebrews 12:1-2 as our focus verses. If I don't post again this week, it's not that I don't have the time. I'm just spending it doing something else.

Know this - God isn't through with me yet. Not by a long shot.

My Parents Trip!

2010-06-24T09:15:00.003-06:00

Mis padres left on Sunday for Alaska. On their motorcycle. I miss them already. That being said, I'm so glad they're finally taking their dream bike trip! We've started a blog for them and they've been able to do some posts already! You can check out The Preacher and His Biker Babe.

I have a ton of pictures to go through on my camera. From Paco's Kindergarten graduation, birthday, 50th anniversary of my parents.... hopefully I'll have some pictures to go with my posts soon!

Twilight Saga

2010-06-23T10:17:00.002-06:00

It's true, I can't and won't deny it. I have read the Twilight Saga. In fact, I will read Eclipse again before seeing the movie, just as soon as Melynda is done reading it for the first time.

I confess, I have reservations as to the age appropriateness of this series; which is why Melynda is just reading them now. I needed to read them first and I have done some research on who the author wrote them for... Young Adults!!! So, Sky gets to look forward to reading them in high school. I know many feel differently, and that's great! We're makes the world go round.

There are many serious subject matters that come up in Twilight Saga. As for the movies, well, I stand by my saying that the books are ALWAYS better than a reel. Always. My imagination is awesome, I guess. That and the details are very important. The books are really what changed my mind on Twilight. I saw the first movie and hated it. Truly hated it!

Then I got the book for Christmas and finally ready it - felt it was very different than the movie. Wouldn't say loved it. Read New Moon... it captured my attention. Eclipse - enjoyed it. Breaking Dawn... really had to enter the fantasy realm to enjoy it but once I did that - enjoyed it.

Will I see Eclipse? YES! Do I expect it to be better than the book? Never!

Twilight Addict? Yep. If for no other reason than it drives my family crazy and I love getting reactions.

Would I recommend the series? Yes, for Young Adults. They're really not for kids, according to the author and my conservative standards. Some subjects are really age-appropriate and Twilight has many.

It's been fun! I even have a New Moon plastic cup that I got for Mother's Day (from me) and I love watching the family roll their eyes and get all weirded out.

Here's to summer reading! May your book list be long and your days (and nights) full of tall tales and imagination.

Happy Spring

2010-05-12T15:44:00.002-06:00

Happy Spring!

Lots is happening right now. Life, in general but mostly end-of-the-school year functions. There is something happening every night right now.

That may be your life, too.

What is new? I'm going to learn to sew! Really! This has been on my "want" list for a couple years now but hasn't happened. I've bought the material(s) and my new friend, Anna, is going to work with me each week this summer! YAY!

Gardening ~ The garden is worked up and while I'm sure it should be planted now, I just haven't had the motivation to get out there in this blasted wind. So, plants are ready to go in the ground, my organic seeds and plants arrive next Friday and with the help of my Daddy-O, we're going to do this thing!

Party-Planning! Plans are underway for a big hoorah for my parents' 50th wedding anniversary. I'll really hit the pavement with this the first week of June. I'm so excited to see friends and family from near and far.

Mexico ~ Mel's trip to Mexico is a go and she's very excited. We're still fundraising and praying for her financial support. She'll get to spend 3 weeks just talking with people, helping with VBS and whatever else needs done.

Life is hard but God is good. Never forget that.

A Heart Like Jesus

2010-04-19T10:29:00.002-06:00

Max Lucado has a little pocket book out called, "A Heart Like Jesus" and it is rocking my world! I'm being challenged on loving, forgiving and living.

I have not been blogging much and perhaps you wonder why? Maybe not. ;)

I'm licking my wounds. I don't want to bore you with my hurts so I don't write.

I'm in a dry spell. I'm crying out to God for mercy and love and am not sure I am ready to share this part of my journey with the dot com world.

While I am not stagnant (see first sentence), I am in pain. Who wants to read a sad, painful, depressing blog??? Not I, for sure! So, I am sparing both you and me from having to read or write such misery.

No need for worry...it's just spring. What do we do in the spring? We prune. We trim. We uproot the dead ugly stuff and plant life. I believe I am right on schedule for the season. I am being trimmed and pruned. It hurts. It's not fun. It's ugly.

I am hopeful, though! This is the season for new beginnings! For new life, blossoms and blooms. Soon, summer will be here and I'll be maturing. Who knows when harvest time will arrive so before I get too far ahead of myself, know I am well. I am alive! I am living.

I hope to have some fun pictures to post soon. Then, we'll all smile. Promise.

Empty Me

2010-04-06T18:23:00.002-06:00

Let me fill you with my Love, Joy, and Peace. Your weakeness is not a deterrent to being filled with My Spirit; on the contrary, it provides an opportunity for My Power to shine forth more brightly.

As you go through this day, trust Me to provide the strength that you need moment by moment. Don't waste energy wondering whether you are adequate for today's journey. My Spirit within you in more than sufficient to handle whatever this day may bring. That is the basis for your confidence! In quietness (spending time alone with Me) and confident trust (relying on My sufficiency) is your strength.

Empty Me video. I can't stop singing this chorus.

Perhaps this post will inspire you as it has me.

Celebrate March with some GREEN!

2010-03-01T15:09:00.002-07:00

March is known for being our Green month, with St Patrick's Day on the17th...

I'm ready to help you SAVE some green! Watch for some old tricks, new tricks and no tricks at all - just plain old green tips.

Today is March 1st - let's get started...

Saving money - shop for fresh produce the last day of the special and ask the produce manager what great special they'll give you if you buy a large amount of produce! Then, once you're given the awesome deal (I'm rarely refused) already plan what you're going to do with it - freeze, can, eat!

I've saved lots of money and was able to get it organic just by asking. Let me know how it goes!

Kidz Playin'!

2010-02-09T14:11:00.004-07:00

Great news!!!! Stella is finally enjoying her new brother, Zorro. Here are some pictures of them playing together:

She loves to get up on the couch or our bed so she's "bigger." It's so fun to watch them play together.

On Sunday, we needed to kennel Stella since we'd be at church for hours and she started crying... so we let Zorro stay in the room with her and it was so sweet.... Roy snuck back in and Zorro was laying in front of ther kennel door and she wasn't crying. Thankfully, we haven't gone anywhere else at one time so that's the only time she's been cooped up. She's adjusting slowly to the little boys and not at all to Reggie yet. She can even growl while eating her food from his hand! She's a good girl and I love her so much!!!

My Baby Girl

2010-02-05T09:27:00.006-07:00

Now that you've met Stella, here are some "candid" photos of her.

This first picture shows where Stella is most of the time... at my feet. Looking Left:
Looking Right:

Wanting lovin's...

And occasionaly, she'll even lay on her bed, very near me but a tad warmer on the carpet:

I'm not why Roy isn't smiling. We have our hands full with both dogs together right now. Zorro is still more excited to have Stella than she him. They are having some short lived play times, so that is progress. Here is a picture of Zorro next to the bed and Stella IN our bed.

Night #2: Much better. Slept all night long with my baby girl snuggled up to me. She even did well when Paco came to bed with us at 6 AM... gave him kisses but then burrowed back down to snuggle with me.

She doesn't like men and it's taking her a while to warm up to Reggie. She has a thing with glasses and facial hair. While Reggie doesn't have either, he does have hair! And perhaps she can't tell if it's on his face or not. ha. And Reggie is a big boy so it is obvious she is very intimidated by him. Poor Reggie! He's the gentlest giant! Most of these relationships are on Stella's terms so... we'll see how quickly she warms up to all these men in our lives.

As for the little boys - keep praying she warms up to them! It's so hard for Paco & Javi to "ignore her" as I keep telling them. :( Soon, we pray. Soon.

Introducing.....

2010-02-04T11:47:00.005-07:00

STELLA!

Stella is a little over a year old and I am so excited to welcome her into our family. And now, let me introduce her to you...

First kiss when we met yesterday

Arriving home.

Introducing the kids and Stella...
she was a surprise.

Love at First Sight for these two gals.

Showing Stella with love and attention.

Stay tuned for Stella updates as we all adjust to a new family member. As for Zorro and Stella... well let's just say, Zorro is WAY more excited to have Stella than the other way around. For now. We're hopeful they'll be buds before we know it.

Stella is a true rescue. She was rescued as a tiny pup from a horrendous life. Her last adopted family loves her so much but due to some circumstances in their lives, needed to find a different home for her.... that's where we fit into the picture!

24 hours ago, I got the first call that Stella was needing a home and here I am, blogging about my new baby girl while she naps on her bed next to my feet.

Finally, my Doxie days have begun again. Praise the Lord! These are the two breeds of dogs I had growing up - Black Lab, "Blackie" and my Doxie "Snitzy."

I'd love to write more and post more pictures but.... mommy duties call. Until next time!

Woof!

All Grown Up...

2010-01-30T15:20:00.003-07:00

Proud Mommy moment please.......

Last week was Tip Off. While our sweet daughter is not old enough to date.... we allowed her to go with GIRLfriends and attend the banquet on the campus of the College of Idaho. Enjoy the pictures! She's a beauty.

P.S. We used my hot rollers for her hair. If I had known in high school that my daughter would be using the same rollers when she was in high school.... I MIGHT have taken better care of them. HA. As it is, they still work great and had her hair done in no time. Good times and interesting memories, for sure.

Grandma's Story - Part 1

2010-01-21T20:34:00.005-07:00

catch the first post here.

Written by my Great-Grandma Elda Brown in January, 1936:

I was born at Bangor, Iowa, in the year 1868. Having lived there a short time, I moved with my parents, sisters and brother to a little 80 acre farm. About 8 miles from this little village, I had three sisters and a brother older than myself. This was a pleasant little home and I can well remember the happy times we had playing with our neighbors children. About a quarter of a mile from where we lived, there was a little brook about half way between the two houses and many times my little girl friend and I would take our lunch and spend the entire day by this little stream in the shade of the trees near by. I lived there until I was 8 years old.

During this time, my sister just older than myself was taken from us by death. This brought a sadness into our lives and it wasn't long until we decided - as there was quite a rush to Kansas - that we too would follow the crowd.

So, my father loaded up two wagons (covered wagons was the way people traveled in those days) and in the faul (her spelling) of 1876 (100 YEARS before I was born!!!) we started on our trip. I still remember the thrill I had when we drove our wagons on a ferry boat to cross the Missouri River. At the end of nine days, we reached our destination. A little settlement in Republic Co. near Mill Creek where we had friends and a few relatives. We had as yet taken no claim, so we secured a double log cabin to live in for the winter.

There were no schools organized, so the people there insisted my oldest sister starting up a subscription school in one room of the cabin. This she did with the aid of of willing hands who brought chunks of wood with native lumber laid on for seats. It was unusual thing to see a board slide off the chunks and a whole seat full of youngsters fall over backwards. Three months was the length of this term.

It was soon after this that neighbors went together and built a log church where a Friends meeting was organized and a monthly meeting established to be known as Mill Creek Monthly Meeting.

By the next spring, my father had filed on a place that had a dugout on it built close to a little stream of water and we moved into this. At one time during a heavy rain the water got so high that it ran into the dugout!

...to be continued!

Javanese - revisted.

2010-01-01T17:20:00.003-07:00

Nothing welcomes the new year in better than my family around
Javanese. I told you about it here in 2008.

What else today? Besides full bellies, naps!

Happy New Year, all!

What's milling around in my mind for here? Well, I want to discuss how 2009 went and where I stand with those priorities... how they may be changing and...

more of GG tales! Plus...

can you believe I am actually going to try and make an apron? More on that later. LOL!

December, 1934

2009-12-22T21:39:00.006-07:00

Elda Baker Brown was my Great-Grandma. She was born at Bangor, Iowa, Marshall County, in the year of 1868, July 26. I have the history of her life, written by her in January of 1936. I am going to share her journal with you over the course of many posts. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

December, 1934

Vena and Allie took us to Alva, Okla. to attend the funeral of Russel
Kasparck. He died of appendicitis and was almost 29 years old. When
we came home we were surprised to hear that Henry Duke was buried that day and
that Edwin Clarkson's baby was very ill and passed away Dec. 23.

All the preparation for Christmas this year was made with sad hearts
for one of our dear ones is absent "a vacancy that never can be filled."
Five little girls have already been called to the glory world. What there
was left of us had our family tree at Allies.

Then all but Kenneth and Margaret eat Christmas dinner with Lout and
Gladys. We invited Albert and Emma Daily to be with us on this
day.

Great-Grandma's story may not be told in order. But I am going to tell it. After reading her post, 75 years ago this month, I can't help but cry. I don't have it so bad, at all. In fact, I have to say I am so very blessed.
Thanks, GG.

"What's Good About___?"

2009-12-15T09:25:00.003-07:00

Twins!

Last night, during our Advent readings, the activity was "What's Good About.....?" game. The point of this activity was that building one another UP is an important lesson for all of us. And can I just say how fun this was???

We started at one end of the table (Paco) and then the person to the right (Melynda) started by saying either "What's Good About Paco is......" or "What I LOVE about Paco is that....." and then one by one (all 8 of us) would go around saying something positive about that person. This took the entire meal and it was delightful! We laughed, we teared up, we laughed some more.

More and more this year I am being reminded how blessed I am, how blessed our little family is. We have love and we have each other. It doesn't get any better than this. And I mean that.

Season Your Giving

2009-12-07T09:31:00.003-07:00

We have begun the second week of Advent. What exactly does that mean? As with most things, it means different things to different people. Since this is my blog and I'm the author, you get to know what it means to me - this year.

Giving with the generosity of Christ is this week's focus. I have a nifty little helper, the Seasoning the Season Advent Calendar. They have different ones but this is the one I have; thus the one I am using.

Last week's focus was "Greet others with expressions of God's love." It was fun hearing different things we can say to both strangers and friends. My new favorite is

JOYOUS NOEL!

Yesterday we had a very interactive conversation on gift giving and receiving. Here is a recap:

Q: Tell about a favorite gift you received at Christmastime. Why was it special to you?

A. 1. My Bible - I like how it has places to help me live today - it makes me want to read it more. 2. Gold-Toe Socks - they're really nice and feel good on my feet. 3. The huge blue bag with my name on it. (#2 says, "Yeah, that's one of my favorite's too.) Why? It's mine. 4. The year I got the gift of time. That was so special. 5. The nice pajamas and robe set - they were so warm and snugly. All - whatever it was, it made me feel loved and special.

Q. What kinds of gifts trivialize the act of gift-giving? Which of these are most difficult to avoid?

A. The gifts that you know someone just bought because it was cheap and no thought was put it to it. It's hard to avoid these because "I" don't have any money and it's easy to buy in mass and just hand it out.

Q. How do you choose gifts for those on your list? How you can better season them with the meaning of God's greatest Gift to the world? What kinds of meaningful, small gifts might appeal to those with whom you might exchange presents?

A. I don't' want to bore you, but this was a great exercise! It was interesting to hear that they like to give non-practical gifts but like to receive things they'll really use... they liked the effect opening the gift brings - delight, surprise, tears, smiles... they want to see your reaction and see if it matches what they wanted it to be.

We discussed which gifts makes us feel loved and how we can continue to show that love to each other with each gift we buy, make or bake!

To give with the generosity of Christ, James Lundeen says,

Giving to the poor is not something we have to do because that's the way things work in the kingdom, whether we like it or not. The commandment to care for others was not meant to be a burden. Jesus, who always talked about blessings, commanded us to care for our neighbors because it was a blessing to us as well.

Something to Look Forward To...

2009-12-03T08:48:00.003-07:00

...but not in the near future. More like the far far far far future. I'd prefer never but life doesn't happen that way.

We have a long-time friend who has been a skilled painter the entire time I've known her. My Mom has had her paint antique saws, high chairs and chairs for our family. One year, my Mom was able to get these gorgeous hand-painted Christmas balls from her. There are 4 of them and there are 4 of us kids (my 3 bros and me). It's a known fact amongst us that someday, these delicate ornaments will belong to each of us. That will obviously be a very sad year because that will mean my parents won't be here to celebrate with us.... that being said, let's take a look at these beauties!

We are blessed to have many wonderful friends in our lives. Joyce is just extra special. I can't wait to see her on Sunday!

Childhood Memories

2009-12-02T12:02:00.003-07:00

This sweet Merry Christmas ornament was given to me by my 5th grade teacher. I think of him at least once a year when I decorate our tree. He's the reason I have nice penmanship!

This little gal was given to me in 1981 for my "ornament of the year." I have carried this tradition on and each of our children gets an ornament each year. The tradition has been that when they are married, they will get all their ornaments for their 1st Christmas.

This home-made wreath is one of MANY just like it. The year my mother was pregnant with me she decided to have a "themed tree" and made a gazzillion of these little buggers. Something to do with pregnancy induced sanity, I'm sure. No matter, I have a bin of them and one gets hung each year in both her and my honor as I was born 5 days before we celebrate Christ's birth!

Our stockings are hung by the chimney with care, we've decked the halls and Christmas music is playing loudly from the speakers. Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Blind Side

2009-11-25T11:07:00.005-07:00

I have my own Michael Oher. His name is Reggie. He's one of my children. You see, I have six kiddos. 4 boys and 2 girls: Reggie, Troy, Melynda, Sky, Paco & Javi. My kids range from 19 to 2. I am not able to tell you my whole story for several reasons... 1) it's too long. 2) I'd short-circuit my computer with all the tears I'd shed and 3) My blog wouldn't be able to upload all I have to share. I'd need to have my own movie made.

Here's Reggie. Very young. Always smiling. This picture was taken before he came to be our son. He was a freshman in this picture, I think. Maybe a sophomore... he was already in my heart.

Reggie throwing shot his senior year.

Reggie and Paco in Mexico. We took the whole family after graduation from high school.

Here is Reggie packing Paco in Mexico. They love his hair.

If this isn't love, tell me what is! A naked, not potty trained babe sitting on your stomach! Reg may have been trying to nap here and look at his face - grinning & bearing it!

Tears come now... this picture was Senior presentation at his high school. I went as his Mom. I cried then, too. One of the happiest moments in my life. I couldn't have been more proud than I was at this moment.

Okay, I was really proud this day, too. And I cried - again. Graduation day!

One proud Moma.

And don't think Roy wasn't a proud Daddy... he was - is.

And here we are. I could so relate to Sandra Bullock's character when they took Michael to college. I was so happy and proud and then bawled my eyes out all the way home. Here we are in his dorm room, freshman year. He is in college, with a scholarship for track & field.

I miss him something fierce. Not for our lengthy conversations. I just miss him. When he's here, it just feels right. The movie Blind Side is not a replica of our journey with Reggie but it has many similar feelings and situations. At least from my view. I cried. I laughed. I cried and laughed some more. I can't wait to see it again with our family.

Being a step-mom to 3 kids, it's a different place with our Reggie. My step-kids didn't choose me. They got me when I married their Daddy. And I love them dearly, as my own! Reggie chooses us. He chooses me. While we took him in, he stayed. It's a good place to be. I love him so much and am a better person for him being in our lives.

For him and my family, I am thankful.

My Crazy Hubby

2009-11-19T09:05:00.003-07:00

Roy turns 41 today. Happy Birthday, Darlin'! Here's a post in your honor. I am blessed to have you as my husband and the father to our children - all 6 of them. Go get 'em tiger!

Excitement take over at Downtown Disney

Letting our baby go down the slide ALONE!

Helping our baby ride his bike - ouch on the back!

Comforting Paco when hurt.

Packing the boys all over Mexico on his back.
This pack has spent 20 days hauling big heavy boys around Mexico!

Thank You, Dear Hubby! You are a good man.

Mi Corazon

2009-11-18T14:31:00.003-07:00

Corazon is heart, in Spanish. Mi corazon is my heart. For a fun definition, watch this.

So, take care of your corazons. Not just the corazon inside you, but the ones outside your body; as well.

"Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your go heart walking around outside your body."

Elizabeth Stone

Today, Paco sang with the elementary choir at chapel. He has an eye ache and we're fixin' to get him to the "eye guy" later today to have it looked at. While he was dressed all up and singing his heart out, he would rub his eyes. I couldn't tell if he was nervous (he doesn't dig this kind of thing), scared (he doesn't dig this kind of thing), terrified (he doesn't dig this sort of thing) or if his eyes hurt. And the more it looked like he was going to cry, the more my heart hurt. It started out as a ping and turned in to a pang each time my corazon rubbed his eyes. OUCH!

And the more my heart hurt, the more my stomach hurt and the more my ears started to ring - not from their singing... no, from me trying not to cry! And then Elizabeth Stone's words were burned into mi corazon: my heart was walking around outside my body. And I couldn't wait to gather my sweet boy into my arms and kiss him and take away the pain. And I did just that.

We've lost Thanksgiving. It got smooshed between Trick-or-Treating and Christmas. And I think it's awfully sad. But I am endeavoring to keep it alive in our home. I'm not doing a post a day of thankfullness but... today I am thankful mis corazons. All of them.

Paco, front row, center.

Homemade Chili

2009-11-12T12:00:00.003-07:00

One of my favorite books is The Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn. I read it all the time and it has been the inspiration to so many of my changes!

I've always known that homemade from scratch is the most economical way to cook - I was raised this way so I didn't have to be sold on that idea.

I was ultra-inspired to find this research for homemade chili... I can make homemade chili, using my canned tomatoes, dried beans and TVP for .07/cup! This is the most economical way to go with Wendy's costing .99/cup at the time this was written, canned chili = .53/cup, Homemade with dried beans and hamburger = .27/cup and dumpster diving for canned chili being free.

Here is the recipe I go by, using whatever beans I have in the pantry. I am sure mine costs a little more as I use organic but I am going to stick with these costs for your benefit:

1 chopped up onion
2 cups TVP
3 cups pinto beans, dried
1 cup black beans, dried
1 cup navy beans, dried
1 cup kidney beans, dried
chili powder
garlic, pressed
salt & pepper to taste
2 quarts home-canned tomatoes

Boil all the beans and TVP all day. Half-way through the day, add everything else and cook until beans are tender. Be sure to watch the water level so the beans are able to cook. Once they are tender, turn the temp down and allow the flavors to meld.

This makes a HUGE batch and you can then freeze into smaller portions to use on baked potatoes, nachos or for lunch time.

Using The Frugal Zealot's numbers, if this takes me an hour to make, I will make $10/hr tax free, for my time. My guess is I make a lot more since it didn't take me an hour. Win-Win situation.

Enjoy!

Economic Gift Ideas

2009-11-05T10:35:00.003-07:00

DH and I have been having some great convesations over the reason we give gifts. Do we give someone a gift that they desire or do we give a gift that we want them to have? The answer we came up with... both. So, if both are okay, let's look at some gift ideas.

I believe I mentioned that DH and I enrolled in Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. We are half-way through our first 13 weeks. Then, in January, we will be the coordinators for our church and will be able to go through it again, right away, which I think is going to be great for us!

That being said, we are not spending a dime over what we have saved for gifts this year. I'm not going to take my Pampred Chef commission, my funeral escort pay or Roy's vinyl collection to "make Christmas happen." We've been trying to incorporate the ideas in "Unplug the Christmas Machine" for a couple years now and we're very happy with the results so far.

We're unplugging the machine even more this year - and I'm so excited about it! It's what I have wanted to do for a long time.

This post is on economic gift ideas:

~ Grandparents: pictures. They love pictures of their children, grandchildren and grandanimals! Think collage or calendar that they will enjoy throughout the year! If the GRANDS live away and don't get to see you often, consider making a home-movie with your family doing regular things, in addition to the posed moments.

~ Children: Honestly, they could care less if it is brand new. They prefer things out of the box, anyways! Shop thriftstores, yard sales, craigslist and better yet, find a friend and swap toys for toys!

~ Grandparents - Consider making a movie of you reading stories to your grandchildren for them to watch at bedtime! How awesome for them to see the story with you, hear your voice, see your face. What a lifetime treasury!!!

~ Spouse: Look around the house at something they have wanted to get to and do it for them! Is it laundry? Dusting? A little remodel? Have they wanted the bedroom rearranged? Do it!

~ Teachers: They want coffee and chocolate. Really. Maybe tea. Find a mug that you haven't used that is "like-new" and fill with chocolate, coffee or tea. They want a jar of your home-made jelly and fresh baked bread. You don't have to spend money to make it special. Perhaps you could make them dinner one night for their family! How thoughtful a present is that?

~ All those family members.... hopefully, you can speak to them and ask that "family gifts" be encouraged this year. Then, make a basket of carmel popcorn, one of your families treasured favorite movies that has been replaced by a new favorite movie, home-made goodies and a picture of you all! Merry Christmas Family!!!

Raid your closets. Really. What have you bought and never used or maybe used one time? Do you know of someone who would just love it? Don't pretend its new, if it's not... say, "I used this one time and realized I'm just not a cake decorator, after all! I know you enjoy decorating and I hope this works great for you." Let your friends know it's okay to do the same for you. Do you have a closet with lots of candles in it? Give some away! Think outside the box. Everyone will be relieved by the pressure it takes off of them to find the "perfect" gift for you.

~ Your BFF (best friend forever, Mom): How about making her favorite meal and a spare for the freezer! I know I would love you forever!!!

Have we covered your gift giving list? More gift ideas to come.

What's it Worth?

2009-10-16T12:02:00.002-06:00

We used to go to the barber to get these four heads of hair cut. Not some economical barber shop, either. No sirree! We paid a pretty penny for these fine specimens to have studly hair cuts.

Not anymore. You can thank Damn Ramsey, I mean Dave Ramsey, hereafter DM, for what you are about to see.

Troy cutting Roy's hair. Savings of $12
Roy cutting Paco's hair. Saving us $10.

Troy's haircut - again, $12 savings.

Who would possibly pay $11 to have this gorgeous boys' hair cut? Ugh, us. In our former lives. Now Roy does it and saves us...... $10.

What is this pile of hair worth on my kitchen floor? $44 of cold hard cash, my friends.

Checking Up on 2009 To Do List

2009-10-10T08:52:00.003-06:00

This past January, I posted Living for Jesus in 2009 and several "bullet points" of other things I wanted to do this year. Areas I wanted to change, improve in...

It's October 10th and I think it's time I review. Want to join me? It might be scary...

My General Priorities:

Staying home.... yes and no. I had three HUGE trips this year - being gone a total of 45 days from home BUT when we were home, I think we did a good job of being home. I haven't felt the need to leave home just to go somewhere too often. Even this summer, we did a great job of being home and enjoying ourselves. So, I feel good about this one.

Hug the kids more. I think yes but will need to ask them if they have seen (or felt) any difference this past year.

Kiss the hubby. Again, I need to ask DH if he feels I've done a good job in this area.

Read more. Sadly, no. Maybe that will change with the cool weather.

Play with the dog. I've spent time with Zorro. Time he and I have enjoyed. Play? As in roll around on the floor? No.

Work outside. Clearly no. Pathetic, is all I can say.

Stay on our budget. Uhhhh. kinda? Let's say, we felt we needed some HELP in this area so we became lifetime members of Financial Peace University with Dave Ramsey and are SO glad we did. We're just starting week 5 but we're so glad we did this. We're going to be the coordinators at our church in January so we can not only take it again but give others the opportunity. Lifechanging. And that's exactly what we need.

I then went on and listed 12 items I also wanted to do in addition to the lifestyle changes above. I'm going to list the ones I have done by number and you can see what they are here.

#2 - YES!!!! Long ago in 2009 this happened.

#4 - YES! It's a process but I have most definitley improved.

#5 - Yes. Now. Thanks to Dave.

#7 - Yes.

#8 - I think so. I'd have to add up all the things I have done but I do believe this was accomplished.

#9 - YES! We have a temporary line up in the sun room and it's worked like a charm!

#12 - Amazing how we humans sometimes need tough times to help us stay focused on Jesus. Yes, I have grown in the Lord this year. I'd like to see it continue by adding #3 but just haven't done it. Just being honest here.

So, there you have it! Did any of you make a list for 2009? How have you done this year?

Feeling Poor-ly?

2009-09-26T16:38:00.004-06:00

I thought it might be time to post some frugal tips since I'm feeling like I need reminded! Maybe you're not feely poor-ly but you don't want to, either! In any case, this post is for us. All of us:

Canning - If you're not and you buy canned fruits and vegetables during the year, you are throwing money down the drain! Seriously. You can find all natural, no spray tomatoes for as little as .45/pound! You don't have to pressure cook tomatoes so we're talking easy! I did a whole post last year on how worth canning is. And my wonderful tutorial on how to can green beans!

Freezing Eggs - When eggs are on sale or buying in bulk (like I do from Azure Standard) you can freeze them! Lightly mix 1 cup of raw eggs (about 5 large eggs) with 1 teaspoon salt and store in airtight container. Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Properly frozen, eggs will keep for up to six months! 3 tablespoons of mixture is about 1 large sized egg. They taste good scrambled, in omelets, or in baking.

Make your own food! While this may seem like a given, think yogurt, butter and granola...

Make Christmas gifts! I was surprised the first year I made our parents a photo calendar for Christmas that so many people wanted "just that" for themselves! So, I've thought about it and perhaps because it is personal, it does take time, and it's PERSONAL, it is more special than anything money can buy. As trite as that sounds, I believe it true. So, make whatever you can - knit, photos, sew doll clothes, cookies, bread, dinner, an apron, pet blankets, pet treats, and then make using things you have around the house! Old denim jeans, hole-y blankets. A coupon book for a married couple with kids! A bulletin board filled with things you know that person likes! A new paint job instead of a new bike - paint the old! Or their bedroom... or the bathroom....

Okay, that's it for today. My challenge today?

Write down all the people you buy gifts for at Christmas time. That's it. But write every single person down. From your family, to your kids' teacher, to your secret sister, to your neighbor. Write their name down. And then add a few lines for the people you don't remember you buy for but will suddenly remember them when they show up with a gift for you!

We'll talk about this list later. So make sure you do it. Great!

Lost Posts?

2009-09-15T11:42:00.005-06:00

I'm sure I've posted since.... July?!?!?! How can this be correct? I think blog land deleted some of my wonderful posts I created with awesome pictures of my kids, trips and happenings.

Sigh.

I think I left us in Oregon. Well, we've been home and left several times since then!

Paco rode a mutton!

Paco rode a bike!

Nana rode a bike!
Nana did NOT ride a mutton!

We went camping with all our kids and family!

We got together with Roy's family!
(Only biological family in this picture!)

And more. Much more. From midwestern "English" lessons to crazy road trips, all ya'll better check back often!

Northwest Vacation

2009-07-28T14:51:00.003-06:00

Last Wednesday, the kids, my Mom and I loaded up into our Suburban and headed to the great Northwest! We have had a great week so far, seeing friends and family along the way.

Our dear friends, Pete & Nancy, hosted us for 3 nights in their home in Olympia. Actually, we took over their home! They gave us their house and they moved in with their son while we were there!!! Talk about giving, huh?! It was a great time. Cool weather that I'd love to see some of today, scenic drives to Port Orchard to see our dear friend, Doris, lunches out, parks to play at/on and coffee to drink!

A day of haircuts, and boy do I mean haircuts was held, too!

On Saturday, we found the Woodburn Outlet Mall and had a great 4 hours of school shopping time. That evening we made it to McMinnville, the city my Mother was born in, and where her sister still lives. A nice supper with family and then off to the mountains of Panther Creek!

Sunday brought more coffee, scenic drives and visits plus a little detour to see where my Mom's brother is buried. Then we landed in Newberg where we will stay this week.

We left my DH home working, getting stung by wasps working in the recycling (poor thing!!!) and taking care of Zorro.

Good times for sure!

Yearly Meeting Time!

2009-07-27T12:43:00.004-06:00

It's July and that means Yearly Meeting Sessions in Newberg, Oregon! It's hot-hot-hot here, similar to home but more humid. Last year, I blogged a little and am excited about our little guy Roosbell. I can't believe it's already been a year but I do feel that I lived this past year differently - better - for Christ. I seek ways to serve God more. I try to have quiet time daily with him... try.

And here I am again, sitting in a dorm room on the gorgeous George Fox campus, blogging. Life really is grand.

I was excited to meet up with my new friend Patty and learn more about the ministry she is involved with: Peace Through Pieces. I was even more excited to talk her into coming to visit us and share with our area meetings what is happening with Peace Through Pieces and THARS. Plus, I am honored to have some bags made by the quilters in Africa to sell at home!!! YEAH!

I've made some new friends and visited with some long-time friends and it's been a great day so far!

Woof

2009-07-10T15:34:00.003-06:00

We have a new woof. You may say roof but it's so much cuter listening to my 2 year old say woof.

My DH walking on our gorgeous copper penny standing seam panels.

Workers consisting of Roy, my Dad and Frankie, Roy's brother. Hey, when you don't pay you take what you can get! ;)

Here "we" are lifting 30' panels up = not an easy task. Thankfully, we had Troy and Reggie to help man the panels.

30' of the standing seam panels!

I got up on the woof to take some pictures but boy howdy, it didn't take me long before I wanted down!!!

The awesome thing about standing seam is you don't see the screws in the panels. See how they overlap and lock into place? Very nice. Very very nice. And it looks great!!!

You, too, could have a standing seam woof! This is what we do! Rockin Roofers, we are. ha!

Hmmmm. Naked Sleeping Baby Boy

2009-07-07T16:12:00.005-06:00

It's a strange sight to check on your child and find him sleeping peacefully in his crib not at all like you left him.... because really, I had a diaper on him.

I should have known we were in for an interesting afternoon when he wouldn't go to sleep and kept taking his diaper off and then peed over his pillow......

but when I left for town, he was sleeping and diapered.

He is still sleeping.

Sleeping oh so peacefully with his dukeys.

and sucking his fingers...

and this is on the floor...

guess he doesn't like to be confined anymore, huh? What shall we do from here, I have no idea. None whatsoever. In fact, I sent Melynda in to get him because I just love getting reactions from people.

Days Gone By

2009-06-30T14:46:00.003-06:00

Do you ever find yourself lost in digital picture land? That's where I find myself today and I just can't believe how quickly time passes until I look at these photos.

I see photos like this where my nephews are single and my daughters are so very young:

I see my little girls as just that, little girls and can't believe Melynda finishes Driver's Ed this week. I see Sky and her sweet little smile and can't believe she's old enough to have braces on her teeth. I see my niece Ging and can't believe she's going to be in middle school!

I mean, really! Look how little they all are!!!

I see my baby Paco and can't believe he's riding his bike without training wheels and starting kindergarten this fall:

I see my big boys and can't believe they're 19 and accountable to the law now.

Sniff sniff. I'm so glad I have photos to look at and remember all these days gone by.

My Favorite Things - Matching Travel Shirts!

2009-06-10T14:55:00.005-06:00

Perhaps you remember when we went to Mexico last year... there were 11 of us. To help keep track of everyone, I tie-dyed green shirts in as many sizes as they make white shirts! Here we all are last year. The shirts were wonderful and they saved our bacon both coming and going in the airports. We vowed never to travel again without them!

As you can see, we look like a group traveling together. That, my friends, is the point!! Especially with little ones in tow... here we are in the airport:

I used teal shirts this year and then took the color out in the same process of tie-dying.... not exactly what I set out for but it turned out. I started out with white shirts but they got totally dyed teal - no tie dye. So, in sheer panic mode, I reversed the process using the tie-dye method and LOVED the results.

Here Mom and I are at Disney World. I made special shirts for the boys this day. Still the tie-dye but I added a special iron on transfer and used material marker to make the backs unique. They loved them!!! The shirts served their purpose at DW, too.

We took last years shirts along and wore them when we went to Gatorland. I'll tell you about our time later, but this park was by far my favorite and I'm so glad we went! Here is my Dad and the little boys in our "Mexico shirts" as we refer to them.

And all of us, in our"Mexico Shirts" at Gatorland.

Traveling and going to tourist places can be crazy! To help ease some of the stress, we travel in unique tie-dye shirts, made by yours truly. People love them and are always complimenting and commenting on them. It's fun and like I said, we've decided it's worth the effort to have them. I enjoy doing this for my family and it's super affordable since you do the work. I use the RIT dyes or in this case, dye and then color remover. I'd advise to just buy colored shirts and then remove the color if that's what you're going for instead of the way I did it this year. :)

Anyway, this is for sure, one of my favorite things!

School's Out For Summer!

2009-05-29T10:41:00.002-06:00

Normally, on the last day of school, I am as excited as the kids! This year is different, I'm sad to say....

They have their own plans. With their own friends. Without me. They get out of school in one hour but I won't see them til tomorrow!!! What gives?

And, if I weren't so overwhelmed with my mile long list to leave to Sunday, I might just break down and cry. But I don't have time for that today.

Why? Well, I need to pack myself and two little boys for a 9 day trip. I need to finish laundry. I need to...
~ finish the schedule of events for the home front so I can leave with peace that the poor souls not going to Orlando know when to water, mow and feed our dear dog. Oh, and know when Melynda has Driver's Ed - that's a milestone!
~ Make Birthday T- Shirt for Paco for Disney World and one for Javi so he's not left out.
~ Pack
~ Get carry on's ready for two little boys
~ Pack
~ Get carry on ready for Moma
~ Pack
~ Win the lotto. Wait, I don't play it - can one of you win it for me and just give me some $$$?
~ Pack.

That's it. I have already:
~ Tie-Dyed our trip shirts for travel days.
~ Have our Orlando folder ready
~ Bought Arabian Night tickets from undergroundtourist!
~ Got the garden ready to leave - thanks Roy!
~ Made granola and trail mix for snacking.
~ Made cupcakes for Paco's last day of school
~ Had a board meeting
~ Done loads of laundry
~ hung tinsel in fruit trees to deter birdies eating the fruit
~ made lots of lists.

If I don't post before leaving - ta ta! I'm off the the Sunshine State!

2 Weeks From Now!

2009-05-20T13:02:00.000-06:00

2 Weeks from today will be Paco's 5th birthday in Orlando, Florida! (Ican't believde it will be 5 years since this little man escaped my womb.)

We're doing a two-part trip. The first part, Monday - Friday, we'll be staying at the Hilton Walt Disney World Resort. Here, we will attend a conference while my Mom and the boys have fun. I am going to play hookie on Wednesday for Paco's birthday and Mom and I will take him and Javier to Disney World! He already has his Birthday Pass from Mickey to get in free and he's so excited!!!

Did you know I died my hair? See below? That's me basking in the sun - alone. ha ha ha. If my boys were anywhere near her she would not look so peaceful either!!!

I've been hard at work trying to find us deals and free things to do while there. My list is long and I'm so excited!!!

I joined http://www.mousesavers.com/ for latest deals, http://www.orlandoinfo.com/ gave us a free Magicard; which has tons of discounts. http://www.allears.net/ gives detailed menu prices so we'll be sure to scan those before departing.

I can't wait to see the Lego Imagination Center with Paco. He is in love with blocks, as is Javier. I've read a lot and listened and it seems that there is "Disney" everywhere and Downtown Disney is free and their restaraunt and stores are less expensive than in the parks. So, we're doing the park thing one day and then we're playing it by ear.

We are going to do at least one dinner show and it's either going to be Arabian Nights or Medieval Times. I think the Pirate Show may scare Javi.

More later on the 2nd half of our trip when we go "off-site!"

Reality

2009-05-17T11:00:00.002-06:00

I haven't been on the computer much this past week and just checked some blogs since I'm home from church with Paco.

Roy and I are doing something new.... for every negative thing we say, we have to say two positives.

Last night's conversation went something like this:

Me - "Am I getting more gray hair?"

Him - "YES."

Me - "Serious? Lots more or just a few?.... and don't be mean."

Him - "I'm not being mean. I'm being direct. You asked me a direct question and I gave you a direct answer. Do you want me to lie to you?"

Me - silence

Him - "Do you want me to lie???"

Me - silence..... "Well, not lie but not be so blunt when we're talking about my looks here. Do you think it's stress related?

Him - "I think you stress yourself out, yes."

Me - "I stress myself out?!?!?! So, it's not the girls and their homework troubles? It's not that I have 6 kids? It's not that I have a husband who acts like a kid? It's not that....." I rambled on -and on - and on.

Him - "You owe me 20 positives."

Me - "WHAT?!"

Him - "20. You said 10 things about your life in a negative way and you need to tell me 20 positive."

Me - silence

Me - silence

Me - I came up with 10 quick like. Basically the things that stressed me out bring me great joy. Then I came up with 5 more. Then I was stuck. It was late. I was tired. He let me ramble on for a while and we agreed I did a good job.

Moral of the story? I'm going to be so much more careful what I say!!!

And then this morning......

I read this. And I cried. I cried for my friend. For her children. And I cried with thanksgiving for my life today. Because that's all we have, right? Today.

So, I'm going to go snuggle with my sick boy who is watching Toy Story in my bed.

I Am Not Alone

2009-05-11T08:07:00.005-06:00

I know that what comes to me today is a tiny part of God's big plan for my life. I am not alone.

--A Woman's Spirit

Thought to Ponder....
Wisdom is knowing what to do, virtue is doing it.