What Is WEYW?

Michelle commented on this post and asked the following question:

Now fend for yourself sounds great. What do you have on hand that they can make? YOur kids are the same ages of some of mine but I just dont give them that freedom...though I think its a GREAT idea. I'm just nervous about them eating all the food I'm saving for another meal. So tell me more. Can you do a blog post on it and comment on my blog to let me know? LOL. Asking much of you these days????

Well Michelle, I try to keep basics on hand for these days, and I actually have two pantries. The first one is a normal pantry filled with all the food our family would use on a regular basis. The second pantry is just a small kitchen cabinet where I keep any food that I am keeping for a specific meal, and any extra food that I might buy and stock up on when I find a really good deal on something. The kids know not to eat anything out of the second pantry without asking. I also have an extra freezer in the garage and I keep anything that I am planning to use in a meal in that freezer.

As for what they make, the boys usually end up eating pb&j or a ham or turkey sandwich. Sometimes they'll have a bowl of cereal. Kristen will either make a sandwich (usually grilled cheese on homemade bread) make herself a salad, or make some mac & cheese or ramen noodles. She would also be the one to heat up leftovers. (The boys don't seem to want to cook as much as assemble a meal) I also always have fruit and yogurt in the house and they can help themselves to that.

I try not to have a WEYW night very often, but sometimes life gets hectic and I don't plan ahead as well as I should. Currently Spencer has soccer practice every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:00 and unless I plan ahead and have something in the crock pot, it's either WEYW for the other kids, or we don't eat until 8:00. (we usually eat around 6:30, so eating at 5:00 is way to early!)

I hope this answers your questions Michelle!

Bible School

Tomorrow we are bringing Kristen down to Chicago to visit a Bible School. This is our first campus visit with her and I am feeling quite melancholy about it.

On the one hand, Kristen is going to have experiences and opportunities that I didn't have. On the other hand, my baby is going to be leaving home.

It doesn't seem possible that my little girl is preparing to go away to college.

Where did the time go?

Apples to Apples

With kids ranging in age from 18 (soon to be 19! Yikes!) to 9, it isn't always easy to come up with family activities that everyone will enjoy. One of the games that we love to play is Apples to Apples.

I won't try to describe the game to you because, quite frankly, Amazon does a much better job of explaining the game. But I can tell you that our whole family loves playing this game! (The box says it's for ages 12 to adult, but my 9yo plays it with no problem.)

So, if you are looking for a really fun game for your family, try playing Apples to Apples! For more great tips check out Works For Me Wednesday over at Rocks in my Dryer.

Mindy

Sunday Scripture

And now I ask you, dear lady-not as thought I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning-that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.

2 John 5,6

Thank You

I'd like to say a big Thank You to the Queen of Good Intentions for two new blog awards!

You are sooo sweet!

I'd like to pass these awards on to the following lovely ladies:

• Cherish the Home
• 50's Housewife
• The Retro Housewife
• Unless The Lord
• Rainy Day in May
• Red wellies, Rainbows and Cinnamon Whirls

Do You Like It?

I've got a whole new look on my blog! Many thanks to The Retro Housewife who linked to The Cutest Blog on the Block.

Go check it out, it's so much fun!

Menu Plan Monday

Well, after an extended absence, I am back to blogging again. With the kids back in school I am settling into a regular schedule, including planning my menus So, without further ado... here's the menu for the week.

Monday -

Polish Sausage

Sauerkraut

Corn Casserole

Homemade Bread

Tuesday -

Carmen Chicken

Rice

Corn

Biscuits

Wednesday -

WEYW*

Thursday -

Broccoli Ham Ring

Salad

Friday -

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Sourdough Bread

Saturday -

Homemade Pizza

Sunday -

Roast Chicken

Oven Fries

Carrots

Homemade Bread

Head on over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for more great menus!

*WEYW stands for What Ever You Want. This is where the kids make their own dinner-as long as it's something they can make by themselves, and they won't burn the house down making it. (Does this make me a bad mom? I don't know, but my kids really like fending for themselves...maybe I'm not a bad mom, just a bad cook!)

Sunday Scripture

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Romans 12:9-13

Sunday Scripture

But the wisdom from above is first pure,

then peaceable, gentle, open to reason,

full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere

James 3:17

I Could Get Used To This

If you read my post on Monday, you know that Kristen was preparing dinner on Thursday. Well, she made the entire meal from start to finish and did a wonderful job!

She planned the menu.

She did the shopping (with a budget of course).

She prepared the ingredients.
She stirred the ingredients together vigorously.

Here's the final product. Chili Grande served in a tortilla bowl! (She also made a salad, but I somehow lost that picture)

She even made Strawberry Shortcake!

And here she is enjoying the fruits of her labor. Andrew's enjoying it too.

The dinner turned out so well that we agreed that she will be making dinner next Thursday too!

He Will Be My Refuge

I've been reading The Gentle Ways of the Beautiful Woman by Anne Ortlund which is a compilation of three of her bestselling books: Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman, Disciplines of the Heart, and Disciplines of the Home. I am only a few chapters into it, but I am already finding it so inspiring!

I love this passage:

If you have made God your highest priority of all, he is
there. You are learning to abide in him, and he in you. there is
calm, there is peace. He is your refuge, to which you continually run. He
is organization, and living in him you sense control and plan. He is
spirit--your living and breathing, your laughter and tears--and all of it becomes holy because his spirit is
holy. Wonderful! Alleluia!

If this is true, your mental and emotional life should
reflect his presence, whether there's nobody around but you, or kids everywhere:
"Whatever is true,...honorable,...right,...pure,...lovely,...of good repute (or
attractive),...let your mind dwell on these things" (Phil. 4:8). (Yes, God says this even to
mothers, and he never asks anything of you that he doesn't also give all the
ability necessary to carry out.)

And also, if this is true (that God is at your life's center)
then your immediate surroundings ought also to reflect him. Your immediate
surroundings--your drawers and closets, your bedside table, your desk--are the
filmiest clothing of your most personal, private life. Even if you have
ten children, those areas should be yours alone, and they should reflect the
order and peace of your inner life with God.

This is so convicting to me. If my immediate surroundings are the clothing of my most personal, private life, then my personal, private life is chaotic! I obviously have not been abiding in God like I should. But I can take heart because when I abide in Him, He will give me the ability to carry it out. He will replace the chaos in my heart with calm and with peace. He will be my refuge. And then my surroundings will be calm and peaceful as a reflection of what (and Who) is in my heart!

Menu Plan Monday

Menu planning for me has been rather hit or miss of late. I usually end up staring into the freezer at 5:00 wondering why oh why didn't I think to take the chicken out that morning, then I'm left with either PB&J or take out pizza for dinner...again.

But no more! I have made a menu plan for the entire month of August. And I must say, it is wonderful to have the "what's for dinner" decision already made.

You will notice that Kristen will be cooking this Thursday. I have been meaning for some time to have her plan, shop for, and cook a meal for the family, and Thursday is the day! Kristen will be cooking dinner occasionally, and I hope to eventually have her cook dinner for an entire week.

Monday - WEYW (Whatever you want) I'm having dinner with friends, so the kids will fend for themselves.

Tuesday - Shredded French Dip
Carrots

Wednesday - Polish Sausage
Corn Casserole

Thursday - Kristen Cooks!

Friday - Spaghetti
Garlic Bread
Salad

Saturday - Homemade Pizza

Sunday - Breakfast - Cinnamon Rolls

Dinner - Greek Chicken Dinner
Salad
Homemade Bread

Head on over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for more Menu Plan Monday!

Sunday Scripture

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,

and the one who gets understanding,

for the gain from her is better than gain from silver

and her profit better than gold.

Proverbs 3:13, 14

I Need A Break

I'm going to be taking a break blogging for a while. Partly because it's summer and the kids are home, and partly because I'm honestly out of ideas of what to write about and it's stressing me out.

So, I'll still be visiting all your wonderful blogs, but I won't be writing here for a while. Hopefully I'll return in a few weeks with lots of fresh ideas!

Spencer Joins The Rest Of The World In Loving Pizza

Spencer is by far my pickiest eater. That boy has about 5 foods that he likes and he hates everything else.

Tonight, after years and years of hating pizza, (without really having tried it) Spencer decided that he does like it after all. This happened at dinner when he was faced with eating only salad for dinner since pizza was on The List.

And who could blame him, he hates salad dressing. (What good is a salad if it isn't slathered in creamy salad dressing, I ask you?)

Anyway, pizza is off The List.

I wonder what he'll put on The List next? I hope it's good with salad... I don't know what I'll do if it actually is salad.

Sunday Scripture

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

Titus 2:3-5

A Finished Project At Last!

I finally finished sewing a tote bag that I'd started months ago, and it turned out so cute that I thought I'd share it with you! It's the perfect size to carry my bible and a notebook to church, and I love the pretty colors.

He's OK, But It Might Take Mom a Little Longer To Recover

Today started out as a typical day. I did some laundry, cleaned the kitchen, and went for a walk with Andrew and Spencer. Spencer didn't actually walk, he rode his new bike (a hand-me-down from Andrew.)

After our walk, Spencer still wanted to ride his bike so I let him ride up and down the street in front of our house, after giving him a stern warning to watch out for cars. Not five minutes later I hear Spencer crying and running into the house yelling "I didn't get hit by a car, I didn't get hit by a car!" I guess he felt that he needed to let me know that he had been watching out for cars. But it turns out he hadn't been watching out for the curb which he happened to have hit and somehow got a three inch gash in his leg.

Let me tell you, it was gross.

And, it was obvious to even my untrained eye that this would require stitches. And it did require stiches...nine stiches.

Spencer has handled it all quite well, and as he has to lay down with his leg elevated for the next day or two he is in seventh heaven with all the DVDs and video games that a 9yo boy could want.

So what started out as a typical day ended with quite a bit of drama.

I'm just thankful that he's OK.

I Have A Plan

Do you have a plan when you read your Bible? Recently in my Bible reading I have been trying to have a more cohesive plan.

Previously when I read my bible I would first wipe the dust off, (I used to be very sporadic in my devotions... and I don't like to dust) and read randomly with no rhyme or reason to my choice. Or, I would pick up a devotional and read whatever that author had to say about the Bible.

The problem with these two methods is:

1. In order to learn what God is saying in His word, we need to be reading it in an ordered and disciplined way.
2. In order to learn what God is saying in His word, we need to be reading His word, not another persons interpretation of His word. (I'm not saying that reading devotionals is wrong, I have several that I love and appreciate, I am just saying that it should not be our main focus during our devotional time.)

So, lately I have begun reading my Bible with a plan.

For my daily reading I begin with reading a chapter in Psalms. I have worked my way through the Psalms several times, and sometimes I will pause to pray through the Psalm if I find that chapter speaking to a specific need or situation in my life.

Next I read the chapter in Proverbs that corresponds to today's date. This way you will be reading through the book of Proverbs every month.

Then I move on to a chapter in the Old Testament. Previously I had never really read much of the Old Testament, so I'm making my way through that too. Currently I'm in 2 Kings.

And finally I read a portion of the New Testament. My plan is to read through the same New Testament book every day for a month (or a section of chapters if the book happens to be long.)
Last month I read through 1 John, and this month I am reading through Titus. By the end of each month, I will have a greater understanding of what God is saying in that book.

So, there it is, my bible reading plan. I have found that I am getting so much more out of God's Word when I stick to my plan!

Do you have a specific plan when you are reading? If you do, please leave a comment and share!

Menu Plan Monday

Yesterday Kristen and Andrew arrived home safely after their trip, so we are back to our normal summer routine. I missed them terribly while they were gone, but they had a great time performing and ministering at different churches throughout the state.

Anyway, I'd better get to the menu plan!

Monday - Bacon Swiss Meatloaf
green beans
homemade bread

Tuesday - Tacos

Wednesday - Spaghetti
Salad
Bread sticks

Thursday - Beef Stew in the crock pot

Friday - 4th of July- we will be eating corn dogs, cheese curds and funnel cakes at the carnival!

Saturday - Grilled Pizza

For more great menu plans, head over to Heavenly Homemakers!

Sunday Scripture

I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up

and have not let my foes rejoice over me

O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,

and you have healed me.

O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;

you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.

Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,

and give thanks to His holy name.

For His anger is but for a moment,

and His favor is for a lifetime.

Weeping may tarry for the night,

but joy comes with the morning.

As for me, I said in my prosperity,

"I shall never be moved."

By your favor, O Lord,

you made my mountain stand strong;

you hid your face;

I was dismayed.

To you, O Lord, I cry,

and to the Lord I plead for mercy:

"What profit is there in my death,

if I go down to the pit:

Will the dust praise you?

Will it tell of your faithfulness?

Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me!

O Lord, be my helper!"

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;

you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,

that my glory may sin your praise and not be silent.

O Lord my God I will give thanks to you forever!

Psalm 30

Because You Can't Have Too Many Memes...

Another new meme, this one is from Karen!

The ABCs of Me

A) Age-43

B) Burger of choice-Whiskey River BBQ Burger at Red Robin

C) Car-2005 red Chrysler minivan

D) Dog's name-Mugsy

E) Essential item you use every day-Reading glasses (They should issue these to you when you turn 40)

F) Favorite TV show-Robin Hood


G) Favorite Game to play-Boggle (It's the one game I can consistently win, although Kristen is getting really good at it too.)

H) Hometown-I grew up in Mount Prospect Illinois

I) Instruments I play-I played the flute and piccolo in high school. I took a few years of piano, but I was never any good at it. (Karen, we have a lot in common!)

J) Favorite Juice-OJ I guess, I'm not a big juice drinker.

K) Whose whatnots would I love to kick? I am not a whatnot kicker.

L) Last restaurant I ate at-Georgio's on my anniversary

M) Favorite Muppet-Kermit. Peter can do a killer Kermit impersonation.


N) Number of piercings-I have three piercings in my left earlobe, one on my right. I did two of them myself when I was in high school. I wasn't very bright when I was in high school.

O) Overnight hospital stays-Yes, when I was about 18months, when I was 12, and with all four kids.

P) People I was with today-So far, Peter, John and Spencer.

Q) What do I do in my quiet time-READ!

R) Biggest regret-Having my tubes tied after Spencer was born. I would love to have had more kids.

S) Status-Does that mean marital status? If so, I've been happily married for twenty years and two days!

T) Time I woke up-6:00am

U) What I consider unique-My kids. They all have such different personalities!

V) Vegetables I love-Corn on the Cob. Yum!

W) Worst habit-I don't always think before I speak.

X) X-rays I have had-I had x-rays of my legs when I was in the hospital when I was 12.

Y) Yummy food I ate today-Banana Muffin

Z) Zodiac sign-Well, I don't believe in zodiac signs, but I would be a Taurus.

If you are reading this, consider yourself tagged! Don't forget to leave me a comment if you play along!

A New Meme!

Misty tagged me for a new meme, and as I love memes, I'm playing along!

Eight Things I Say A Lot:


Hi Honey! (to Peter and kids)
Stupid dog (To dog. Because he's stupid.)
You're so cute! (Also to dog.)
Crap (A bad habit I'm trying to break.)
Where are my_____ ?(glasses, keys, purse, ipod, book, etc.)
What time are you coming home? (To Peter when he's at work)
Is the garage door closed and the doors locked? (At night)
Exactly (when I agree with someone)



Eight Books I Have Read Lately:

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (I'm trying to re-read some classic lit.)
The Grapes or Wrath (another Classic)
Ladybird (A nice old-fashioned Christian novel)
The Hidden Art of Homemaking
Shopping For Time (I've read this one through 3 times!)
Feather Your Nest
Practicing Hospitality ( I'm on my second reading of this one.)
Apples For Jam (I haven't made anything yet from this book, but the pictures are gorgeous!)


Eight Movies I Have Seen Eight Times: (at least...)


The Princess Bride
Grease
Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth version, of course)
Star Wars
Muppets Treasure Island
A Christmas Story
The Wizard of Oz
Overboard (it's my guilty pleasure)


If you're reading this, you're tagged to play along!

My New Favorite Show

My new favorite show is Robin Hood on BBC America.

It has cheesy plots with holes a mile wide, but it has no swearing, no nudity, and minimal fight scenes, (the fighting isn't bloody or gory.) Robin Hood is an entertaining, old fashioned, good guy vs. bad guy action show.

And I love it, cheesy plots and all!

Please Pray

Please be praying for those people here in the Midwest who have been affected by the devastating floods.

Our family has not been directly impacted by these floods, but many people in our community are suffering. The amount of flooding around our rivers and lakes is so astonishing I've never seen anything like it. Many homes, businesses, and farmlands are flooded

Thank you.

Happy Anniversary!

Twenty years ago today, on an unbelievably hot Chicago morning, I married my true love.

Happy Anniversary Peter!

Why It's Important For Schedules To Be Flexible

My first day on my Summer Schedule was yesterday and all went well. I was able to get almost all of my chores done in the morning, the only thing I didn't get to was vacuuming the living room. BTW, the schedule I try to follow for housework is Motivated Moms.

Today I am rescheduling most of my chores to tomorrow as Spencer, John and I will be spending the day with my parents and my nephew.

Wait a minute, tomorrow is our anniversary and Peter will be home.

OK, I will be rescheduling most of today's and tomorrow's chores to Thursday.

I will have a free day on Thursday to catch up on housework, but in the meantime I will be spending today and tomorrow being with family. And isn't that more important than being too rigid with my schedule?

Sunday Scripture

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23

My Summer Schedule.

When the kids were in school I was very good about getting up at 5:00am, doing my devotions, and making the family breakfast. But since school has been out, I have been waking up when my husband gets up to go to work (around 6:30.) I go down to the kitchen to make Peter's breakfast, and watch the news with him. Then I check my email, update my pod casts, and end up reading a lot of blogs, and maybe writing a post on my own blog ;). By then Spencer is usually up so I feed him breakfast. By now it's after 9:00am and I haven't done my devotions, showered, or even eaten breakfast, and the kitchen is already a mess.

It's not the best start to my day. I end up feeling behind the whole rest of the day!

So, I am instituting a new Summer Schedule for myself. I am not planning on waking up at 5:00am this summer, (I'll start that again in September) but I am going to get up at 6:00am.

Here is what my new Summer Schedule looks like:

9:00pm - (the night before) Program coffee pot to start at 5:50am. VERY IMPORTANT!


6:00 - Wake up
Pour myself first cup of coffee
Spend time reading Bible and praying

6:45 - Make Peter and myself breakfast
Spend a few minutes with Peter before he leaves for work

7:00 - Put away dry dishes from the previous night
load dishwasher

7:15 - Exercise

7:45 - Shower and get dressed

8:15 - Do daily chores

9:00 - Computer time.

I am thinking that this will be a much better start to my day, and I will be much more productive. (Don't worry, Spencer will still be fed breakfast when he wakes up, the older kids usually make their own breakfast in the summer) I am leaving the rest of my day open because I don't want to over schedule myself when the kids are home.

Now it's your turn! Do you change your schedule for the summer? If so, leave me a comment and tell me what works for you! :)

It's Gonna Be Quiet At Our House!

I haven't been posting much lately, mostly because I haven't had much to say. I've really got to bet better at this whole blogging thing.

Anyway, tomorrow Andrew and Kristen are going away for nine days. Our local Campus Life group puts together a production each year where the kids sing and do skits and give a wonderful presentation of the Gospel. They then go on a tour of different churches.

It just hit me today that they're really going tomorrow and how much I'm going to miss them! It's going to be very quiet around here until they get back.

Please keep them in your prayers, that they will have a safe and fruitful trip.

Thank you!

Mindy

Menu Plan Monday

This is my first time participating in Menu Plan Monday (nothing like a giveaway to get me involved.)

Monday - Parmesan Chicken
Scalloped Potatoes
Salad
Homemade Wheat Bread

Tuesday - WEYW (Whatever You Want. It means the kids fend for themselves for dinner.)

Wednesday - Spaghetti
Salad
Bread

Thursday - Easy Goulash (new recipe)

Friday - Carmen Chicken
Rice
Corn
Bread

Saturday - Homemade Pizza

Sunday - Chicken Italian (new recipe)
Rice Pilaf

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day Peter! You are such a wonderful Father to our kids, and I am so proud to be your wife!

Sunday Scripture

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. the reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.

I John 3:1

Our Family

OK. I'm just tired of using initials instead of names on this blog, and I'm sure it's confusing for all of you reading this blog too! I think I'm going to start using our first names.

First of all, my name is Mindy. Mindy is actually my nickname, but the only one who calls me by my given name is my mother when she is mad (hi mom!)

My husband's name is Peter. We have been married for twenty years this month!

My oldest son is John. He is 18 and just graduated from High School. He is going to a local 2 year college next year with plans to transfer to a 4 year university after that. He is quiet and shy and just a great kid.

My daughter is Kristen. She is 17 and will be a senior in HS next year. Kristen is bubbly and sweet. She is involved in Show Choir at school and you know when she's home because she is always singing!

Next is Andrew. Andrew is 14 and will be a freshman next year. He is outgoing and social and likes to be the center of attention. He will be in Show Choir next year too.

Last but not least is Spencer. Spencer is 9 and will be in 4th grade. Spencer is sweet and funny with a little bit of naughty thrown in for good measure. He's your typical youngest child.

I hope you enjoyed getting to know a little bit more about our family!

Summertime

It's our first real day of summer here at the Momala household. I am spending the day taking A to the orthodontist, and then K, A, and S to get haircuts. Sounds like fun, doesn't it?

Anyway, I am looking forward to having my kids home for three months. We don't have any major plans since we went on vacation in March.

My only concern is keeping the three teens occupied. K starts her first job on Thursday (JoAnn Fabrics, I wonder what kind of discount she gets?) A is wanting a job, and J really needs a job.

Do you have teens at home? How do you keep them busy over the summer?

Momala's Favorites

It's been a while since I posted a recipe. Today I made one of our favorite snacks, $100 Salsa, so I thought I'd share the recipe.

We got this salsa recipe many years ago when we lived in Illinois. We started calling it $100 Salsa after my husband won a salsa contest with it last year.

Enjoy!

$100 Salsa

1 large can of crushed tomato (I use Contadina)
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
2 bunches green onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 Serrano peppers, minced
2 jalapeno peppers, minced
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/4 C vinegar
1/4 C water
1/8 C pickled jalapeno juice
1 tsp. cumin
hot sauce to taste( I use Cholula)
salt & pepper to taste

Mix everything together and serve with chips.

Let me know if you try it!

Sunday Scripture

If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

1 John 1:6-10

Walls and Glue

Words of wisdom written by S:


Walls are useful. You put your stuff on it. Without them, we would be squished by the ceiling.

Glue is sticky.

Glue + bricks = walls.

Rubber cement + orange juice = glue.

Walls + glue = 2 walls

The End.

Life Is Changing

Today is J's last day of High School.

Today is A's last day of Middle School.

Today is S's last day of Elementary School (in our district Elementary School is K-3, S is going to Intermediate School next year which is 4-6 grades.)

All three boys are moving on to new schools and new challenges.

Life is changing for us all.

Welcome Home!

My husband is coming home today! He has been on a business trip for the last week and we have missed him so much.

We are celebrating tonight with a trip to Texas Roadhouse.

My honey is coming home and I don't have to cook dinner. Life is good.

Dear Daughter To The Rescue

Yea! I have a cellphone again! My old phone is definitely dead, but I now have my daughter's old phone that happens to be a pink Razor! Yea!

I Drowned My Phone, But At Least It's Clean

Yes I did.

I accidentally washed my cellphone in the washing machine.

I don't think it survived.

Sunday Scripture

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

Doggy Allergies

Did you know that dogs can have allergies? I didn't, but apparently my dog is allergic to something. He's been acting weird for the last few days and has a rash on his backside that is infected.

One trip to the vet, one shot of steroids, two weeks worth of antibiotics, and $75 later and he's as right as rain.

WFMW - Getting Rid Of Stinky Smells

Having six people, one cat, and one dog in the house can lead to some rather unpleasant, um, bathroom odors. I've tried all different types of air fresheners, and besides giving me a headache, they just leave the bathroom with a flowery stinky smell.

Then I discovered Pure Citrus! This stuff will cut through and eliminate (ha ha) any stinky smell, plus it doesn't give me a headache. I bought this at Walmart for about $2.50.

This is what works for me! Head over to Rocks In my Dryer for more great WFMW tips!

Poor Dog

We spent yesterday afternoon shaving Mugsy. We forgot to take a before picture, but here's the after picture.

With all the fur we shaved off we could have made a whole other dog.

Then K and I gave him a bath.

Mugsy doesn't like baths.

Poor little guy!

Sunday Scripture

By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established;

by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

Proberbs 24: 3,4

Early Riser

Since reading this book several months ago, I have been getting up at 5am each weekday to do my devotions. I can't say it's been easy, especially the first month or so. Having a coffee maker with a timer has helped a lot.

Other than the obvious benefit of having a committed time to read my bible and pray each day, there have been additional changes in my life due to this habit.

I have become an early riser.

This morning I awoke to the sun shining through the windows and the birds singing and I thought to myself "wow, I must have slept in really late this morning," only to look at the clock and realize it was 6:06am.

And I was wide awake.

On a Saturday.

I don't mind becoming a morning person, it's actually kind of nice having an early start to the day.

The only real downside to rising early is that I am now absolutely exhausted at 9pm each night.

Family Notebook

A few weeks ago I put together a Family Notebook. It turned out so cute, I thought I'd share it with you. (Please forgive the dark pictures. I think my flash isn't working.)

I started with scrapbook paper, stickers, and ric rac.

I put together the cover first. (I covered up our name in these pictures.) I cut the red heart paper to fit, then I cut the red paper to fit and used the letter stickers for a label. I glued the label to the heart paper, and then bordered the label with ric rac.

Using the same method I made dividers for the different sections.

The Planning section has my daily schedule, a calendar, and my to-do list.
The Information section has phone numbers and other important information.
The Money section has our family budget and a spending wish list.
The Menus section has my weekly menu plan and copies of recipes that I want to try.

The Family section holds all the kids different schedules and family information.

The Church section has our church information and prayer list.

The Kids Jobs section lists, well, the kids jobs.

The Medical section has medical information for the family, including the kid's immunization records. These sections are pretty self explanatory aren't they?

I hope you enjoyed the tour of my Family Notebook! It was a lot of fun putting it together. Do you use a Family Notebook? If so, leave a comment and tell me about it.

End Of School Busyness

Hi blog world! I'm still here, I've just been busy with all the different activities and concerts that happen at the end of the school year. I have a free day tomorrow.(yea!) Well, I won't get too excited as I have to catch up on laundry and house cleaning, not to mention blogging!

I'll be back tomorrow with a post about my new Family Notebook!

Sunday Scripture

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22, 23

Prom Night

Last Saturday was prom. J didn't go, but K went with a group of friends. Here's a few pictures:

A wonderful time was had by all. We are so thankful that K has such a lovely group of friends. Don't you just love the jumping picture?

A New Meme

I've been without the Internet for a few days and I am finally back! I have a lot of blog reading to catch up on!

Anyway, now that I'm back, I've been tagged by Connie for a meme.

Here are the rules:

1. List these rules on your post.
2. Answer the following questions in your post.
3.At the end of the post tag 4-5 people. List their name with blog link and leave a comment on their blog to tag them.
4. Let the person who tagged you know when you've posted your answers.

QUESTIONS

1. What were you doing 10 years ago? I was living in Illinois and celebrating the fact that my husband was finished with graduate school. I was also sick with morning sickness since I was pregnant with S.

2. What are five things on your to-do list today? Go grocery shopping, clean the kitchen, volunteer at S's school, catch up on laundry, and take a nap! I got everything but the laundry done.

3. What snacks do you enjoy? Natural Cheetos, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Frozen Ding Dongs.

4. What would you do if you became a billionaire? Pay off our house, give a lot to our church and missions, and save money for the kids college and for our retirement.

5. What are your bad habits? Picking hangnails until they bleed, being unorganized, and rearranging furniture.

6. Where have you lived? Illinois and Wisconsin.

7. What are five interesting jobs you've had? In high school I was the annoying person who calls in the middle of dinner to take a survey, I worked the cash register at Foot Locker, I was a secretary, and now I'm a wife and mom.

8. Who have you tag to continue the meme fun? If you are reading this, consider yourself tagged!

The Best Gift Ever

I had a wonderful Mother's day, my husband and kids made the day so special!

I've been looking forward to this Mother's Day for a long time. That's because S is in third grade this year and third graders at S's school make a special gift for their moms each year. They make a book where they write all about mom from A to Z .

This year I received my book from S, thus completing my set of Mother's Day books from my four kids. Here's a few excerpts from S's book:

It is "X-tra Speacial" It's sad but true. I invent nothing.

You know I'm a good mom 'cause I never punch....

Or kick.

I do expect him after school... but only sometimes?

He did make note of the most important things:


I couldn't have asked for a better Mother's Day.

Sunday Scripture

Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord! Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord! May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth!

Psalm 134

Busy Day At Home

Today I'm having a busy day at home. First of all, it's laundry day, so I'll be running up and down the stairs all day (maybe this will help me lose those 35 lbs that haven't budged since I started the Diet Ticker over to the left. I'm wearing my pedometer today to see if I can get to the recommended 10,000 steps today!)

Second, I've decided that laundry day should also be baking day. The kids eat so much, so I'm hoping that if I make some healthy treats it will not only be better for us than processed foods, but it will be more budget friendly. So far today I have started a loaf of whole wheat bread in the bread maker, and I have two loaves of pumpkin bread in the oven. I am hoping to make some cookies and some sugar-free jello later.

Third, I need to get the house ready for Sunday when we will have family over for Mother's Day.

So, I'm off to fold some laundry! Have a very happy Mother's Day weekend!

Learning To Live Today

For my birthday a few weeks ago, I was given many great gifts, including books. I love books and they are usually the first thing I ask for when my birthday rolls around.

This year I received seven wonderful books from my Amazon Wish List; three from my in laws and four more from my kids.

One of the books I received is The Hidden Art Of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer. Published in 1971, this book has many wonderful ideas for bringing beauty, art and music into our homes. (I got a kick out of Mrs Schaeffer talking about her little granddaughter. Considering that I was 6 in 1971, her "little granddaughter" is most likely about my age!)

Anyway, I was struck by one passage in particular:

Interior Decoration, as I intimated before, is not just one's artistic efforts, but is that which your home (even if it is just a room) is. If you are 'decorating' with clothes draped on every chair, with scratched of broken furniture-it is still your interior decoration! Your home expresses you to other people, and they cannot see or
feel your daydreams of what you expect to make in that misty future, when
all the circumstances are what you think they must be before you will find
it worthwhile to start. You have started, whether you recognize that fact or not. We foolish mortals sometime live through years of not realizing how short life is, and that TODAY is our life.

This really hit home with me. We have been living in our home for over 9 years, and it is in no way, shape, or form my dream house. In fact, we bought the house with the idea that we would live here for 4-5 years and then build our dream house.

Well, that never happened. After 9 years, I am still living here with all the dreams I have for my perfect house, and yet neglecting the house the Lord has given me now. I need to not only learn to be content with what I have, but I need to make the most of it! I need to work towards making this house beautiful.

I may never have my dream house, but I should be making the house I have into a wonderful and beautiful home for my family.

What do you think? Do you struggle to get past your daydreams for a future home? What have you done to make a not-so-perfect house into a beautiful home for your family?

WFMW - What Doesn't Work For Me

With six people in our family, (one of them being a 17yo girl who can change outfits 3 times a day) I do a lot of laundry. All the advice I've ever received about laundry is to do a few loads every day.

Well, this does not work for me.

My laundry room is in the basement and I don't usually go into the basement unless I'm doing laundry. My problem is I put a load of laundry in the washer in the morning and then totally forget about it. (Have I mentioned that I'm not good at multi-tasking?) Then, the next time I want to start a load of laundry, I find a washer full of musty, wet clothes that need to be washed again.....yuck.

So, I have a regular laundry day. I try to spend two days a week concentrating on catching up on laundry. If that is my main focus for the day I seem to get it done, and I don't leave wet laundry mouldering away in the washer.

So, while laundry every day doesn't work for me, laundry day does.

Head over to Rocks In My Dryer for more WFMW - What Doesn't Work For Me.

Sunday Scripture

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another;

be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

1 Peter 3:8

Just Thought I'd Boost Those Numbers

I've read on other blogs lists of words people have Googled to find their blog. Do you want to know the most Googled words that have led people to my blog?

Fashion Hair Nets.

Seriously. I get this at least 2-3 times a week. I guess it's due to this post.

I just didn't know there was such a market for hair nets, and btw, is there such a thing as a "fashionable" hair net?

A New Meme

I've been tagged for a meme by Connie to write a six word memoir.

The Rules:

1. Write your own Six-Word Memoir.
2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you want.
3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to the original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere.
4. Tag at least five more blogs with links.
5. Leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play.

So, here goes:

I've been saved by grace alone.

In the end, this is all that matters. (Ephesians 2:8,9)

I'm not very good at tagging people, so consider yourself tagged if you want to play along!

43 + 1 Day

Yesterday I (gulp) turned 43. I guess I should have blogged about it yesterday, but I just forgot. (I didn't forget that it was my birthday, no I milked that for all I could get, I just forgot to blog about it!)

I had a wonderful day with my family. My husband got me this, this, and this. Is he a great guy, or what! The kids ordered some books from my Amazon wish list but they haven't arrived yet, and they each made me a homemade card. Making cards for birthdays is one of the things the kids have been doing for years, and their cards are my favorite gifts every year.

My husband also showered me with all kinds of yummy treats like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Diet Coke, Cheddar Cheese Pretzel Pieces, and Girl Scout Cookies. Then, we all went out to my favorite restaurant for pizza and cheesecake!

It was a fattening, yet fabulous day!

Sunday Scripture

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by
faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory
of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that
suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because
God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit
who has been given to us.

Romans 5:1-5 esv

It Doesn't Take Much To Impress A Nine Year Old Boy

S - "Mom, did you know that Harrison Ford in Raiders Of The Lost Ark is Han Solo in Star Wars?"

Momala - "Yes."

S - "You know a lot of things 'cause you're a mom."

I didn't happen to mention that I'm old enough to have seen both movies when they were released in theaters. I'll just let him continue to think that he has one smart mom.

Bloggy Giveaway Winner!

We have a winner of the two Kathy Peel books! To pick the winner I used the ultra scientific method of asking my 9yo to pick a number between 1 & 40.

He picked the number 7, so the winner is Tracy! Tracy said her challenge as Family Manager was: " Hmmm.... keeping up with the house AND getting to do what I like at the same time."

Congratulations Tracy!

Tracy has two great blogs, Unless The Lord... and Mama's Fixins, and she sells the yummiest soaps and other fun stuff at her Etsy shop.

Thanks to everyone who entered! I loved reading the comments, and seeing what challenges other Family Managers face. Oh yeah, I never told you what my biggest challenge is. My biggest challenge is being diligent and staying on a schedule. I tend to get distracted very easily!

And thanks so much to Bloggy Giveaways for hosting this carnival!

An Ode To The Dishwasher Repairman

The dishwasher is broken.

I've been doing the dishes for six people by hand for three days.

The repairman is coming today at 1:00.

He's my hero.

Bloggy Giveaway Time!

Update: This giveaway is now closed. Go to this post to see who won!

Hello bloggers! I've been kind-of MIA lately, but I'm back now and I'm having a giveaway!

I'm giving away 2 books by Kathy Peel. The first book is The Family Manager Saves The Day, and the second is The Family Manager Takes Charge.

To enter this giveaway, just leave a comment telling me what your biggest challenge is as the Family Manager of your home!

For more fantastic giveaways, head over to Bloggy Giveaways!

I'll pick the winner on Saturday April 26th. US addresses only.

Sunday Scripture

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1 esv

(We took the boys to see this movie today. I highly recommend it.)

WFMW - Get Rid Of Spiders

I hate spiders. I mean, I really hate spiders. I have two great ways of getting rid of any spiders that dare to enter my home.

First, if I'm home alone I will suck them up with the vacuum. This works great since we have a central vac where the motor and the thing that collects the dirt (and spiders) is in the garage. If the spiders can make their way out of all the dirt and dust that is collected, more power to them. BTW, I get my husband to empty the vacuum, just in case there are any survivors.

Second, I pay my kids $1 for every spider they kill inside the house. This is a small price to pay to have a spider free home. The only downside to this is that sometimes when the kids get low on cash they'll go "spider hunting" in the basement.

There is a third option, which is to get my husband to kill the spiders, but my husband has this mistaken idea that "spiders are good because they kill other bugs." This option is a last resort as I don't like having conversations about the ethical and humane treatment of spiders while said spider is scurrying across the ceiling over my bed.

If you want more great tips, head over to Rocks in my Dryer for Works For Me Wednesday!

Kilroy Was Here!

Here's some pictures of A in his school play, he played Joe Kilroy.

Kilroy getting to know his love interest, Gladys.

Kilroy, Gladys and friends sing "Kilroy Was Here"

Kilroy was kidnapped by spies! They try to hypnotize him to get him to reveal secrets!

But Kilroy's too smart for them, he faked being hypnotized and the spies are arrested.

Kilroy and Gladys are reunited!

I was told it was just a "stage kiss."

A and his Grandfather.

Grandpa was so proud to see A on stage in his uniform!

We are so proud of A! He did such an amazing job. After the last performance the director gives out awards and A won Best In Show!