Crazy, Tragic, Sometimes Almost Magic, Awful, Beautiful Life

This is part of the crazy, magic life....

2010-07-19T16:00:00.002-05:00

Things have gone crazy around here!!!! And I'm sittin' back and enjoying the ride!

A few months ago, things started changing around here. My husband and I read Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover, and that is what it is doing to our family. Making us over. Penny by penny we are setting and reaching goals of getting out of debt.

In the process of reading the book and getting on track together with a budget, things started getting a little hairy at work for my husband. I don't know how long he will be employed, and a lay off is always eminent.

Therefore, we have decided to change the direction of our family. Right now, he is in the process of working on maybe entering the insurance industry with an already established company. And in that process, with things being iffy at work, we prayed about me maybe finding employment.

For me to find employment, a couple of things would have to happen. #1, it would have to be nights, and somewhere safe. #2, it can't keep me from my duties as a mother, #3, it would just have to be the perfect situation! So I set out to read the paper everyday to see what was available. In fact, a month or so ago, I had even told my hubby, wouldn't it be cool if I could find part time nights at a local hotel.

Last Wednesday, there was an ad for a job fair at the local Holiday Inn the next day, as a guest relations clerk, AND they were hiring all shifts! So with a prayer and resume in hand, I headed down and applied. I filled out an application and did a quick 10 minute interview. By 9:30 Friday morning, I had a call back for a 2nd interview!

So this morning, I headed down for my 2nd interview. And it went great! I already have a call back for tomorrow.

So things are crazy here, and I'm loving it!

Crazy Life....

2010-06-14T14:01:00.002-05:00

I really don't know how people can blog everyday! It's been almost a year since I have blogged here. And I've missed it. :)

I need to get on here more and put some life lessons and feelings in words.

Hopefully, I can find a few minutes a day to check in.

from this Crazy, Tragic, Sometimes Almost Magic, Awful, Beautiful side of life........

My Friday Deals...

2009-08-15T09:45:00.002-05:00

Here's my deals of the day:

CVS--Spent $8 OOP, Got 11 ECB's back, Saved $8.

Jewel--Transaction #1 Spent $27.72 OOP, Got $5 Inst. Rebate and $20 MIR.
Transaction #2--Spent 37.21 OOP and a $10 MIR.

Total Saved $54.87

Hyvee--Spent $37/ Saved $4.

Target--Spent $24.76 OOP/ Saved $3.28.

SV SuperMarket--$3.69 on a whole chicken (I am going to cook this up to see how many meals I can get from it.)

This trip was a littl frustrating, but I'll work through it. The kids aren't around this week , so most of it was stuff they will use when school starts.

My envelope budgeting is going well. I'm finally on board with what my hubby has been trying to teach me the last 8 1/2 years. Sorry to say, I'm not good with money at all. But now I'm on board with it. Next pay period will be interesting to see how it works. Our big house payment comes out of that check, not leaving much else after it, tithes, and bills. And because my hubby gets paid every two weeks, it shifts when we get that extra pay check every six months or whatever.

But so far, I've only spent $230 on food. Understand that this is a big accomplishment for me. Groceries were never budgeted, so I spent whatever when I went to the store. The last few months before I started doing this, I was spending $600+ on food a month. That included eating out and groceries, and picking stuff up here and there. Now that I have switched to shopping once a week instead of every two weeks, I don't find myself in the store picking up what I ran out of.

We have 1 more pay check in August. And if I do it right, I will have chopped my grocery bill in half!!!! This has been very exciting for me to learn and play with. And there is actually money budgeted to go do other things. :)

So that's how it went this week.....

PS....I think some stores and candy makers are behind a conspiracy to make our children revolt against us. WHO'S BRIGHT IDEA WAS IT....to put all the candy right up underneath the cash register. I have never had a problem with my kids asking for things except at CVS...its right there at THEIR eye level, and a pack of Starbursts (which Mom said no to) about had us headed out to the van for a "battle of the wills" match. And it was only the first stop! But mom got her point across and off we headed to Jewel for stop 2. I think after yesterday, I will try to arrange it to go shopping by myself. 5 or 6 stops with a 3 and 6 year old is just to much for them. It's almost too much for me, BUT it's so worth the savings. :)

Have a great weekend!

Saturday Morning Grocery Trip

2009-08-08T12:06:00.008-05:00

Good Morning, or should I say Good Afternoon, guess it depends on where you are from right now. It actually just turned 12:07 here, so I guess it's afternoon. :)

Here is how my shopping trip went today.

Transaction #1--Jewel Osco

Jewel was having a sale on certain items, if you bought $30, you got $15 back toward your next purchase. So here is what I did...

I purchased their $30 worth of items and it actually came to $26.50 after coupons I had. My $15 coupons toward my next purchase automatically printed out, thus I had Transaction #2 ready. And here that is...

Transacation #2--Jewel Osco

Here you see popcorn which was B1G1, a pound of apples (which I actually weighed and wouldn't you know it, I only got 2 apples). There is also cheese, crackers, and butter. Also you see split chicken breast, which was B1G1. I got almost 4lbs of chicken for $7.39 which is what the heavier of the two cost. So I applied my $15 coupons to this transaction and paid $6.42 OOP.

Transaction #3--CVS Pharmacy

At CVS, I had $12 ECB's from my last trip and a coupon for a free lotion. OOP was $2.33. I also got 1 ECB back.

I'm slowly getting the hang of this. It will take some time, but I'll get it! In just the two weeks I have done the coupons, ECB's and etc., I have knocked $80 off my average grocery bill for a two week period!

So, I spent $37.58 OOP, and my receipts total a savings of $59.75. :)

Till next time, HAPPY SAVING!

P.S. I should mention too, that we are able to slaughter a whole beef every winter, we most do ground beef and roasts, so thats why you will hardly see any beef in my posts.

Can we say.....

2009-08-07T09:59:00.002-05:00

EXHAUSTED!

LOL...thats me, today. I am hoping there is enough coffee in the world for me today. But coffee is what got me here to begin with.

Yesterday, I ended up taking my 6 and 3 year old school shopping. We got school supplies, picked up some new clothes and shoes. We were gone almost all day. We got home at 4 in time to unload grab a bite to eat and turn around and spin wheels back to town for VBS, which has been 6:30 to 8:30 all week. While the kids were at VBS, I decided to sit at Starbucks with a Venti Frapp and read. OH, some nice quiet time. It was very enjoyable.

My problem started after that. I went to bed about 10:15 and preceeded to toss and turn and toss and turn and...well, you get the picture. So I got out of bed and finally wound down about 2:00. YIKES....wouldn't have been a problem except.....

I volunteered to keep a friends 3 girls for the day. So I have five kids in my house...LOL. Everyone is a little tired, a little cranky, I think I see nap times for everyone. :)

So thats what is is here....tired and exhausted. I still have a grocery list to make, I need to get bread made, and my kitchen tidied up, but there is no motivation.

Oh, and did I mention its cloudy and cool here today, that doesn't help me any. :)

Until next time,

On A Mission ( A Money Saving Mission)

2009-08-01T20:23:00.003-05:00

Okay, so here is my mission...I want to save money! How hard could it be? With me, its very difficult.

Here is how I plan to do this. I have started couponing, and I have done an envelope budget system starting with my hubby's paycheck on 8/14.

I am in need of a newer vehicle soon, and my goal, is to pay cash. We don't have a vehicle payment now, and I don't want to start having one.

Before I spent $200 (every two weeks) everytime I went to the grocery store. I really need to cut that back! I started Friday (7/31) with my coupons, register rewards, and help from God. I really want to be a more frugal steward of my husband's (and God's) money. So here I go.

I have already thrown the receipts from Friday away, but I did do really good for my first time out. I think I spent around $85 in groceries for the week and $45 in personal items. I also got 12 ECB's back from CVS to use toward my next purchase.

Please join me on this endeavor and pray that I can reach my goal.

Till next time,

In case your ever in the area...

2009-06-28T16:59:00.000-05:00

http://www.lighthousebaptistchurchonline.com

We would love to have you visit!

WOW.....

2009-05-25T18:31:00.002-05:00

I can't believe it's been since Feb 19th since I have last been on here. So much has happened! Blogging seemed to have taken a back seat.

Since I last posted on my doings, I have taken a trip, had surgery, and finished up the school year with DD.

On Spring Break we headed to Colorado to see family. The kids and I road the train out and back. It was a great experience. I highly recommend it if your not in a hurry.

A week after returning from Colorado, I had gall bladder surgery. It was scheduled and I thought I was prepared, but as much as we plan, it always turns out different. It was an outpatient surgery, which I wish it hadn't been. I really wasn't ready to come home that afternoon. They said within 3-5 days I would be back to myself. Well, it was day 5 before I even started to feel better. I was so blessed to have the help of a wonderful church family and friends. After I hit day 7, I was a brand new woman. I had the surgery on a Thursday and the following Saturday I was roller skating and the next night playing volleyball.

I didn't realize I had been feeling so bad, because I have been feeling better than I have for a very long time. I am down 10lbs since the surgery and I am now training for a 5K.

God has been so good too! We have seen many friends lose their jobs this spring, and yet God has provided for each of them. Many of them have gotten called back or found new jobs to provide for them and their families.

May proved to be a busy month with piano recitals and graduations. I was so glad when school was out for the summer. I hadn't realized how much I hadn't been home, until I was actually home last week! DD graduated from Kindergarten and will be entering the 1st grade already. I am amazed how blessed I am with her.

Summer is in full swing here. We have already enjoyed a trip to the zoo and a great picnic for Memorial Day with church family. This summer looks to be exciting! Vacation will start in a few weeks and we are so looking forward to the days away with one another.

Till Next Time....

Bag Give-A-Way

2009-02-19T10:32:00.001-06:00

I have never done one of these but found it on a friends blog. Such cute bags! Go on over and enter yourself.

http://bagsnrags.blogspot.com/2009/02/grand-opening-purse-give-away.html

You know you live in Illinois when....

2009-02-06T14:36:00.002-06:00

It's only 47* outside and you can open your windows!

Yes! A few of my windows are open. The sun is brightly shining, no wind, and it's actually quite nice out. I have some fresh air coming in to see if I can rid of the sick germs that have been hiding out in my home. =)

2009-02-01T17:59:00.001-06:00

Proverbs 3:11-12

2009-02-01T17:54:00.005-06:00

Chasten (correction)

Ways God corrects us...

1) Explain
2) Example
3) Exercise
4) Execution

2009-01-31T16:29:00.002-06:00

It's Saturday!

Today was the first day I had been out of the house in 3 days. My little darlin' girl has been sick again and missed three days of school. There is a strep epidemic at school, but I think we missed it this time (Praise the Lord, we just got over Scarlet Fever). Now my little guy seems to be getting it. I have gone through more Motrin and Tylenol this winter than I think I have seen in a lifetime (I should buy stock). Hubby and I are going to toss a coin to see who gets to go to which service tomorrow. I hate missing church.

Anyways, I left the house for a couple of hours this morning, to go.......grocery shopping. It was nice to get out for a while. It warmed up quite nicely today, a bright sunny 40*. =)

It's been a semi-productive day for a Saturday. Besides grocery shopping, I managed to wash the linens, clean up the kitchen, dust, and vaccuum. Much needed things to be done, as the housework has been ignored the last few days.

I also sat down and laid out the bills for the next week, and I have to say....God is good! It hasn't mattered whether gas be $4.25 or $1.89, He has provided our every need. There always seems to be just enough. =)

Now I'm off to create dinner..LOL. I am going to whip up some homeade salsa and then get together the stuff for taco salad. That seems to be our Saturday thing.

I already have a brisket in the crockpot for tomorrow. It will be nice and tender. I will probably get up and pour BBQ sauce over it in the morning.

From my sometimes magic life....till next time.........

Another One for the Books....

2009-01-29T18:03:00.002-06:00

Bruschetta'n Cheese-Stuffed Baked Chicken

Prep Time: 15 min Total Time:1 hr

Makes: 8 servings

What You Need!
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
1-1/4 cups KRAFT Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese, divided
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken
8 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (2 lb.)
1/3 cup KRAFT Roasted Red Pepper Italian with Parmesan Dressing

Make It!
HEAT oven to 350°F. Mix tomatoes, 1/2 cup cheese and basil in medium bowl. Add stuffing mix; stir just until moistened.

PLACE 2 chicken breasts in large freezer-weight resealable plastic bag. Pound with meat mallet or side of heavy can until chicken is 1/4 inch thick. Remove from bag; place, top-sides down, on cutting board. Repeat with remaining chicken. Spread chicken with stuffing mixture. Starting at 1 narrow end, tightly roll up each breast. Place, seam-sides down, in 13x9-inch baking dish. Drizzle with dressing.

BAKE 40 min. or until chicken is done (165°F). Sprinkle with remaining cheese; bake 5 min. or until melted.

And it rolls around again...

2009-01-29T11:44:00.002-06:00

Sickness...it's all around. I thought I had very healthy children, then we started school. We have been missing so much because everyone has been so sick. And its not just me, its all my friends and their kids. It just seems to go around and around and around....

Darvi is home for day 2. Fever, swollen glands, etc. Strep is running through the school right now. Over 20 were gone yesterday and more today.

So I'm home...and embarassed to say, still in my pj's. I do have chicken out for dinner. I'm gonna try a new recipe again tonight. I will post the recipe once I have the reviews of the family.

It's been a while....

2009-01-27T18:05:00.003-06:00

22 days as a matter of fact, since I have last graced the presence of my blog page. Seems like things haven't slowed down much since Christmas. I spend 2 days out of the week teaching and cooking hot lunch at our church school and Darvi's school. Mondays are my recoup from the weekend days, and that leaves Thursday and Friday for cleaning and errands and whatever else may need to be done.

My goal this year (especially as we come to the end of the school year) is to learn to say NO; to learn to prioritize and not get my self into things that make my head spin. So far I have managed.

So today was crazy. After being up at 6:15 and showered and ready. I then started dinner in the crockpot, made three lunches, roused the kids, fed them breakfast, and got them desirable for public. Then off I was to drop Darvi off at school before heading for the church. Our Supervisor is out of town, so he doubled up the mom's to help the kids while he was gone. Needless to say, when "the cat's away, the mice will play." We dismissed at 3 and then I was off to pick up Darvi, to the post office, and then home sweet home.

Waiting for me in that contraption known as a girls best friend was the following recipe. It's definetely a keeper. It was great to get great raves on something so simple (even from the kids) after a recipe (which I won't share) from last week bombed.

Campbell's® Slow-Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

From: Campbell's Kitchen
Prep: 20 minutesCook: 8 hours
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
1 1/2 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
2 cups whole baby carrots
2 stalks celery, sliced (about 1 cup)
2 cans (10 3/4 ounces each) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1 cup water
1 tsp. dried thyme leaves, crushed
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
2 cups all-purpose baking mix
2/3 cup milk

Directions:
Place the chicken, potatoes, carrots and celery into a 6-quart slow cooker.
Stir the soup, water, thyme and black pepper in a small bowl. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours* or until the chicken is cooked through.
Stir the baking mix and milk in a medium bowl. Spoon the batter over the chicken mixture. Turn the heat to HIGH. Tilt the lid to vent and cook for 30 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked in the center.
*Or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with spinach salad; baby spinach leaves topped with orange sections, dried cranberries and raspberry-pecan vinaigrette. For dessert serve wedges of mixed berry pie with whipped topping.
Nutrition Information
Using Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Calories 348, Total Fat 12g, Saturated Fat 4g, Cholesterol 58mg, Sodium 968mg, Total Carbohydrate 36g, Dietary Fiber 3g, Protein 24g, Vitamin A 90%DV, Vitamin C 11%DV, Calcium 9%DV, Iron 14%DV
Using Campbell's® Condensed 98% Fat Free Cream of Chicken Soup: Calories 317, Total Fat 8g, Saturated Fat 3g, Cholesterol 58mg, Sodium 796mg, Total Carbohydrate 36g, Dietary Fiber 3g, Protein 23g, Vitamin A 91%DV, Vitamin C 11%DV, Calcium 9%DV, Iron 14%DV

ENJOY!

From C.S. Lewis....

2009-01-05T12:41:00.002-06:00

"God made us: invented us as a man invents an engine. A car is made to run on gasoline, and it would not run properly on anything else. Now God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. That is why it is just no good asking God to make us happy in our own way without bothering about religion. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing."

The Simple Woman's Daybook....

2008-12-30T11:46:00.003-06:00

Outside My Window…the breeze is blowing off the last of the leaves that the ice didn't destroy. It's sunny, but I have yet to leave the house yet today...honestly I haven't been out of the house since Sunday

From the learning room…I am still working on that skirt. It has taken a back seat.

I am thankful for…the two weeks I have gotten to spend with my husband and kids.

From the kitchen…homemade cinammon rolls sit on the counter.

I am wearing…A burgundy shirt and courdoroy pants and shoes.

I am creating…nothing right now....

I am going…to leave in a little while. Darvi is spending the night with a friend so I am taking her over.

I am reading…just my Bible....seems all I have time for lately.

I am hoping…the rest of the week is just as enjoyable as last week.

I am hearing…the kids play and the Storm Chasers marathon.

Around the house…its a little out of place, but its to be expected with the kids playing with al of their new toys at the same time.

One of my favorite things…fresh bread out of the oven

.A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Watchnight Service tomorrow night and then I am taking care of 3 of 5 children for a friend so they can leave for the weekend.

Only......

2008-12-14T10:29:00.004-06:00

11 SHOPPING DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS!!

But, no matter what your financial situation is.....I know its gonna be tough for some....remember what the season is about.

The birth of our Lord and Saviour.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be unto all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which si Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:9-11

Not so Wordless Wednesday....

2008-12-10T13:52:00.002-06:00

I have plenty to say today. I'm so frustrated with some things right now. I can't even begin to put it in writing, appropriately.

The last few weeks has been a struggle to maintain composure and compassion.

Please just pray for us. I need guidance on how to handle this certain situation. Will it take care of itself? Will it just go away? What do I do?

I guess all I can do is rely on the Lord to guide me through it.

I'm just so digusted with people these days. The way they treat each other, the way they are so selfish, everyone has just been so nasty. It's disgusting!

So for now, I'm trying to bite my tongue. And I pray too, that no matter what situation overcomes my life, I be courteous and kind to everyone I meet.

The Simple Woman's Daybook....

2008-12-01T13:40:00.003-06:00

Today is December 1, 2008

Outside My Window…there is no sun peeking through, the wind is blowing, and mother nature has dumped her first 5 inches of snowfall on us. I love the snow....I was so excited to see the white blanket.

From the learning room…I am still working on that skirt.

I am thankful for…great friends and a great church.

From the kitchen…chicken and black bean soup sits in the crockpot, soup is perfect for this kind of day.

I am wearing…jogging pants and a T-shirt.

I am creating…nothing right now....

I am going…to leave in a little while. I have a chiropractors appointment and then back to the safety of home.

I am reading…just my Bible....seems all I have time for lately.

I am hoping…to be able to maintain a clean home during the craziness of the holidays.

I am hearing…Kayl playing in the background.

Around the house…the Christmas decorations are up. It looks pretty tidy, only breakfast dishes sit on the counter.

One of my favorite things…a good bargain.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Secret Pal Party on Tuesday night, Church on Wednesday, I have two hot lunch days this week, and a volleyball game on Friday.

A Refreshing Twist to Pumpkin Pie....

2008-12-01T10:41:00.004-06:00

Pumpkin Turtle Pie

3 Tbsp. fat-free caramel topping

1 (6oz) reduced-fat graham cracker crust

4 Tbsp. coarsely chopped toasted pecans

1 C. fat-free milk

1 (3 1/4 oz) 4 serving-size sugar-free/fat-free vanilla pudding and pie fillin mix

1 C. canned pumpkin puree

1 Tsp. pumpkin-pie spice

1 1/2 C. fat-free whipped topping

-----

1] Drizzle 2 Tbsp. of the caramel topping on the bottom of the crust and sprinkle with 3 Tbls. of the pecans. Set aside.

2] Whisk the milk and pudding mix in a bowl, beating constantly until well blended, about 2 minutes. Add the pumpkin and pie spice, beating with whisk until blended. With a rubber spatula, gently fold half of the whipped topping into the pumpkin mixture just until blended. Repeat with remaining half of whipped topping.

3] Spread the filling in the crust and refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours or overnight. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 Tbsp. of pecans; then drizzle with the remaining 1 Tbsp. of caramel topping. Serve at once.

First Snow of the Year.....

2008-11-30T16:51:00.001-06:00

woohoo...its finally here!!

Worldless Wednesday

2008-11-26T18:07:00.001-06:00

The Simple Woman's Daybook....

2008-11-24T10:12:00.004-06:00

Today…Monday, November 24, 2008

Outside My Window…it is cool and damp. The wind is blowing. It is overcast, and the smell of snow threatens.

I am thinking…of everything I have to do this week. I need to get it all written down, so I don't go crazy trying to remember everything.

From the learning room…I need to pick up some black thread so I can try to put a skirt back together. I took it apart to use it as a pattern for another one.

I am thankful for…my husband and my children.... I am truly blessed

From the kitchen…a sink full of dishes beckons to be washed.

I am wearing…jogging pants and a T-shirt.

I am creating…a new skirt

I am going…to leave in a little while. I am meeting a friend for a workout and then home to get ready for volleyball games tonight.

I am reading…just my Bible....seems all I have time for lately

I am hoping…Johns work schedule gets back to normal soon.

I am hearing…Kayl watching Enchanted. I can't believe he likes the movie.

Around the house…it looks like I’ll never catch up. I need to better prioritize.

One of my favorite things…having coffee with friends.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: volleyball games today and tomorrow, volunteering at Darvi's school on Wednesday, Thanksgiving with friends on Thursday, and hoping some Christmas shopping gets done this weekend.

Why does it have to be such a struggle?

2008-11-15T09:49:00.002-06:00

Why does my battle with food have to be such a struggle? I do so good sometimes, and then others, it just goes out the window.

I have a few friends that don't struggle with it and then I have friends who do, so I know I'm not the only one that can struggle with it.

I wish I could hate it....I wish I wouldn't let social settings run my attitude that it gives me a good excuse to eat.

I've been paying Weight Watchers to help me lose this weight, but here lately it seems I've been forking over the money for nothing.

When I was in high school, I didn't really have to worry about what I ate...I was active in sports, I had 3 horses to ride, and a very physical job, so it wasn't an issue.

Now my body has changed so much and it gets harder and harder the older I get. I'm turning into a new decade in a month, no I'm not looking forward to it, but its awakening a new sense of I'm getting older and weight loss isn't getting any easier.

You would think being a stay at home mom, I would have all the time in the world to work out and take care of myself. I don't. I guess maybe its just time for me to step up and say I need time for myself, but then that does seem selfish when there are other people needing me.

So for now...I just struggle. and then I don't. and then I do.

Isn't she beautiful!

2008-11-06T18:21:00.002-06:00

I am so blessed......................

My favorite one so far....

2008-11-06T13:49:00.003-06:00

PEOPLE OF AMERICA...

2008-10-31T13:28:00.002-05:00

WAKE UP!!!!!!!!

My Favorite Time of Year....

2008-10-14T19:09:00.002-05:00

Can you believe it's October the 14th already. This month is almost over!! I think there is only something like 85 shopping days till Christmas. =)

Okay, okay...I won't mention it again till after Thanksgiving.

I'm so excited about this time of year. It's my favorite! Corn harvest is starting, the beautiful leaves along the Illinois Valley are beginning to change, it's just all so awesome right now.

Corn harvest brings back SO many memories for me. I love watching the combines, grain carts, and trucks roll through the fields. It's just one of those awesome things I love to watch.

If you can't laugh at yourself....

2008-09-19T12:01:00.003-05:00

then who can you laugh at.

I must share my blonde moment. Its quite comical to me....my mom and sister even got a good laugh out of it.

Yesterday morning before leaving for town, I uploaded some pictures to Walmart.com so that they could be ready at 1-Hour photo when I got done with dropping off my daughter at school, and other errands.

When I got to Walmart a few hours later, they had not yet arrived. So I came home.

This morning, I went back in to check on them hoping they had been delayed. Still, no pictures.

I came home to see what was up. Went back through setting it all up, and got to the last step.

Guess what......my account was still defaulted to the town Walmart I used to use 850 miles away!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-17T12:45:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-03T11:31:00.001-05:00

Don't Quit!

2008-07-18T13:49:00.003-05:00

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low, and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don't quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As everyone of us sometimes learns,

And many of a failure turns about,

When we might have won had we stuck it out;

Don't give up though the pace seems slow,

You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out,

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far,

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,

It's when things seem worse, that you must not quit.

--Author Unknown

United...

2008-07-04T18:19:00.003-05:00

For a litte while.....a community united under the awesomeness of fireworks. For one hour, a community stopped, and oooohhh'd and awwwww'd.

Monday Mumblings

2008-06-30T10:20:00.001-05:00

One last post to end June.....

Water drys, bubbles wash, and my house is a mess.

2008-06-12T15:17:00.002-05:00

It's 91* here right now. Humidity says 43%, but I'm pretty sure it's higher than that. So I decided it was time to cool off!

I haven't invested in a pool yet this year, so we made do with the water hose. The kids and I spent about 45 minutes chasing each other around the yard, cooling each other off. Not to mention that Mom got a little "fun" exercise in too.

Then after playing in the water, we chased bubbles for a while. It amazes me how something as simple as bubbles can entertain a child.

Now the kids are watching a movie, and I'm off to bring my house back together from being gone this morning and playing outside this afternoon.

And you know what, its okay my house is cluttered. My children will remember the fun I made for them, not what my house looked like. Life isn't always about a spotless house...it's about a home full of memories.

So go make some memories!

Accountability

2008-06-05T20:44:00.002-05:00

This is my daily accountability to myself, and for those of you curious. I know many people aren't real interested in what I eat during the day. But I feel like if I post it, I will journal what I eat, and hold myself accountable.

I had weigh in today....down 3.8.....That was a blessing considering the 15 lbs. I gained over the winter. Baby steps, Baby steps.

Breakfast
1/4 C. sliced almonds
1/2 C. Oatmeal
1 C. Fat Free Milk
2 Tbls. Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup

Snack
5 pieces of WW candy

Lunch
Bacon Ranch Salad from Mc Donald's
w/ Grilled Chicken
2 Tbls. Ranch Dressing

Fudge Pop

Snack
Popcorn
WW Caramel Latte Smoothie

Dinner
1 Egg
3 Slices Bacon
1 Tsp. Olive Oil

I didn't get all my 8 healthy guidelines in. It's the end of the two weeks and my cupboards are growing bare. Tomorrow is grocery shopping day. =)

All in all I had a pretty good day and used all but one of my daily points target.

I Found My Refrigerator!

2008-06-04T12:48:00.002-05:00

It's there. In my kitchen. It's silver metallic coating shining through.

Before, it was an easel, phone book, magnetic alphabet board. It served as a menu, grocery list, and announcement holder. It's held school papers, notes, and art work. It's been covered in letters and numbers.

This morning, I made my refrigerator match my stove. It's clean and wiped down. Only the neccesities hang there.

It's amazing what kind of clutter we can allow to build up. It doesn't take long. The overload of papers, notes, parent phone numbers, and calendars have remained in plain sight since August.

So, for now, til August rolls around again, I will enjoy the glistening new appliance in my kitchen.

In Memory of Ranny Han Spiz

2008-06-02T11:03:00.002-05:00

A friend sent the following post to me in an email today. I don't know who wrote it, but it was beautifully written. It struck my heart and brought back so many memories. Enjoy.

God gives us horses and compels some of us to love
them.
Yet why does the horse, an animal with such a big heart, live such
ashort life? Perhaps it's because if our horses lived any longer, we wouldn'tbe
able to bear losing them.

Or, perhaps it's because God wants to
jump. Perhaps God looks down on the fine horses we raise and decides when it's
His turn to ride. He gives us a few good years to care for and learn from them,
but when the time is right, it's up to us to see them off gracefully. OK,
perhaps not gracefully. Blowing into a Kleenex is rarely graceful. But we
can be grateful. To have a horse in your life is a gift. In the matter of a few
short years, a horse can teach a girl courage, if she chooses to grab mane and
hang on for dear life. Even the smallest of ponies is mightier than the tallest
of girls. To conquer the fear of falling off, having ones toes crushed, or being
publicly humiliated at a horse show is an admirable feat for any child.
For
that, we can be grateful.Horses teach us responsibility. Unlike a bicycle - or a
computer – a horse needs regular care and most of it requires that you get dirty
and smelly and up off the couch. Choosing to leave your cozy kitchen to break
the crust of ice off the water buckets is to choose responsibility. When our
horses dip their noses and drink heartily, we know we've made the right
choice.Learning to care for a horse is both an art and a science. Some are easy
keepers, requiring little more than regular turn-out, a flake of hay, and a
trough of clean water. Others will test you - you'll struggle to keep them from
being too fat or too thin. You'll have their feet shod regularly only to find
shoes gone missing. Some are so accident-prone you'll swear they're
intentionally finding new ways to injure themselves. If you weren't raised
with horses, you can't know that they have unique personalities. You'd expect
this from dogs, but horses? Indeed, there are clever horses, grumpy horses, and
even horses with a sense of humor. Those prone to humor will test you by finding
new ways to escape from the barn when you least expect it. I found one of ours
on the front porch one morning, eating the cornstalks I'd carefully arranged as
Halloween decorations.Horses can be timid or brave, lazy or athletic, obstinate
or willing. You will hit it off with some horses and others will elude you
altogether. There are as many 'types' of horses as there are people - which
makes the whole partnership thing all the more interesting. If you've never
ridden a horse, you probably assume it's a simple thing you can learn in a
weekend. You can, in fact, learn the basics on a Sunday – but to truly ride well
takes a lifetime. Working with a living being is far more complex than turning a
key in the ignition and putting the car in 'drive.'In addition to listening to
your instructor, your horse will have a few things to say to you as well. On a
good day, he'll be happy to go along with the program and tolerate your
mistakes; on a bad day, you'll swear he's trying to kill you. Perhaps he's
naughty or perhaps he's fed up with how slowly you're learning his language.
Regardless, the horse will have an opinion. He may choose to challenge you
(which can ultimately make you a better rider) or he may carefully carry you
over fences...if it suits him. It all depends on the partnership - and
partnership is what it's all about.If you face your fears, swallow your pride,
and are willing to work at it, you'll learn lessons in courage, commitment, and
compassion, in addition to basic survival skills. You'll discover just how hard
you're willing to work toward a goal, how little you know, and how much you have
to learn.
And, while some people think the horse 'does all the work', you'll
be challengedphysically as well as mentally. Your horse may humble you
completely. Or, you mayfind that sitting on his back is the closest you'll
get to heaven.You can choose to intimidate your horse, but do you really want
to? The results may come more quickly, but will your work ever be as graceful as
that gained through trust? The best partners choose to listen, as well as to
tell.
When it works, we experience a sweet sense of accomplishment brought
about bysmarts, hard work, and mutual understanding between horse and rider.
These arethe days when you know with absolute certainty that your horse is
enjoyinghis work.
If we make it to adulthood with horses still in our lives,
most of us haveto squeeze riding into our over saturated schedules; balancing
our need for things equine with those of our households and employers. There is
never enough time to ride, or to ride as well as we'd like. Hours in the barn
are stolen pleasures. If it is in your blood to love horses, you share your
life with them. Our horses know our secrets; we braid our tears into their manes
and whisper our hopes into their ears. A barn is a sanctuary in an unsettled
world, a sheltered place where life's true priorities are clear: a warm place to
sleep, someone who loves us, and the luxury of regular meals...Some of us need
these reminders.When you step back, it's not just about horses - it's about
love, life, and learning. On any given day, a friend is celebrating the birth of
a foal, a blue ribbon, or recovery from an illness. That same day, there is also
loss: a broken limb, a case of colic, or a decision to sustain a life or end it
gently. As horse people, we share the accelerated life cycle of horses: the
hurried rush of life, love, loss, and death that caring for these animals bring
us.
When our partners pass, it is more than a moment of sorrow. We mark our
loss with words of gratitude for the ways our lives have been blessed. Our
memories are of joy, awe, and wonder. Absolute union. We honor our horses for
their brave hearts, courage, and willingness to give. To those outside our
circle, it must seem strange. To see us in our muddy boots, who would guess such
poetry lives in our hearts? We celebrate our companions with praise worthy of
heroes. Indeed, horses have the hearts of warriors and often carry us into and
out of fields of battle.
Listen to stories of that once-in-a-lifetime horse;
of journeys made and challenges met. The best of horses rise to the challenges
we set before them, asking little in return.Those who know them understand how
fully a horse can hold a human heart. Together, we share the pain of sudden loss
and the lingering taste of long-term illness. We shoulder the burden of deciding
when or whether to end the life of a true companion.In the end, we're not
certain if God entrusts us to our horses or ourhorses to us. Does it matter?
We're grateful God loaned us the horse in the first place.

Oh, it's been so long....

2008-05-29T12:00:00.002-05:00

I wish I could blog everyday. I guess I need to start keeping a notebook of everything I want to say, so I can then post it.

Seems like I get things on the mind, and then get busy and forget what I was going to say.

It's been over a month since my last blog, and things have been so crazy.

The middle of April found me in Colorado for a week. I finally got to see my beautiful new nephew who arrived April 7. It was a busy trip, catching up with family I hadn't seen since Christmas, and of course, helping the sis with the new baby.

Then after I got back from Colorado, the end-of-the-year activities started at school. I, after years of not being on roller skates, found myself volunteering to help the gym teacher conduct lessons for 1st-8th graders. I also managed to squeeze in helping as a lunch volunteer.

For 3 hours a day for 4 days, I was on roller skates, helping the youngsters learn how to use their second set of shoes..lol...I must say, I was in lots better shape at the end of the week than they were. I was proud of that.

Then my hubby was gone for a long weekend to Montana to watch his nephew graduate Valedictorian.

That left me that weekend shopping and decorating for the Kindergarten Program and Graduation. Oh my!!!! That Friday was the longest day I had had in a while. But so well worth it. That morning, I used up my time as a classroom volunteer, before heading out to the gym to setup for the reception. We decorated and set out cookies and snacks for about 200 people. The children had a ball. The program was Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and the gym for the reception copied the theme. It turned out MARVELOUS, thanks to other hard working moms and dads.

Pile on top of all this the daily routine of laundry and meals, I will have to forego the cleaning at this time, as my home did suffer during that week.

So we have finished out May with graduations and Memorial Day. The church had a big picnic hosted by one of the families, but the four of us in my family were finally together without interruption or anybody visiting, so we enjoyed the nice day together.

June looks to be much queiter, I hope! School is out and with gas prices pushing $4/gallon, I am trying to stay home as much as possible. Looks like we will have to use our imaginations to make some fun during the summer.

So life is crazy, and it's also beautiful. I am blessed for each person who is in my life.

Till Next Time.....

One year later....two years later....

2008-04-16T14:17:00.002-05:00

This morning I woke up and turned the computer on. The headlines for today were, Virginia Tech, One Year Later.

What!! That horrible massacre happened a year ago. I couldn't believe it.

Is it just me, or is time flying by. Two years ago, I was a mom to a 3 year old little girl and a 2 mo-old little boy. I was living in Colorado with my husband. My parents were still married, I was about to become an aunt. Life was okay.

A year ago...I was a mom to a 4 year old little girl, and a one-year old little boy. A year ago, while dealing with the divorce of my parents, my husband got a job oppurtunity. Thus moving us 850 miles from all the family we had always been around.

We are going on 2 years in Illinois now. And looking back over all that has happened in such a short time, I can do nothing but praise God.

The things I have learned about myself in the last year, have surprised me. And I thank God that He has given me grace to get through each situation.

Now, I've never been more content. We are settling in to a new home and making friends. This is finally starting to feel like home.

Hold on to the time you have, it goes by so fast.

Monday Mumblings...

2008-04-14T10:47:00.003-05:00

Or Not. LOL.

I just really don't have much to say. For a Monday it's pretty busy. I usually take it easy on Mondays and don't do a whole lot.

But I leave for Colorado on Thursday, thus I have laundry and packing to do. I also have to make sure my house is in tip-top shape before I leave. Hubby and daughter are staying home, so I want them not to have to look at a mess or anything while I'm gone.

So with all this so called global warming, I have no idea how to pack. It's supposed to be warm, but it could get cold. I've seen it snow in Colorado in May. I'm ready for some warmer weather.

I'm ready for some hiking at Starved Rock with my little guy on my back.

I'm ready to be outside working in the garden....wait, I have to plant it first. But it hasn't been warm enough.

So...here's hoping this is the last cool week of the season.

The Perfect Pair of Shoes

2008-04-03T11:47:00.002-05:00

okay....so their not the Ruby Red Slippers...but it's a funny story.

For the last few weeks, I have been searching and searching (just ask Blanca) for the perfect pair of sandals for the perfect price. I love my flip flops, but they just aren't nice enough for Sunday Morning services, and to go with other things I have.

I don't know if it's that I'm picky or for some reason I refuse to fork over $50 for a pair of shoes I will wear maybe 5 months out of the year.

So, today, I thought I would give Kohls one more try. I take a walk down the shoe aisle, and in the Juniors section (who'da thunk it) I find them. They are originally $44.99, marked down to $29.99...well, then frugal little me still had a little money left on a gift card from Christmas...yes...Christmas.

You got it.....I got my perfect shoes for $20!

Slowly Going Back Down...

2008-03-27T13:49:00.002-05:00

Yea for me!

Two weeks in a row I have had a significant weightloss on the scale. Praise the Lord!

After doing really well, and getting down close to my goal weight, winter decided to set in hard and cold, thus bringing lack of ambition and sick children. So after missing 1 1/2 months of WW meetings, my weight slowly crept back up.

So here I start the beginning of my Spring working on the weight I've gained over the winter. But I'm driven to do it.

I just need to learn that my weight is something I'm always gonna have to watch. I wasn't blessed with a speedy metabolism or with a naturally thin body.

I learned alot about myself over the winter months, so hopefully when next winter hits....I'll be prepared.

-2 pounds this week.....Till Next Time.

Everybody Needs A Little Girl In Their Life

2008-03-27T08:14:00.002-05:00

This week, my 5 year old has been home for Spring Break. I remember my Spring Break's growing up and that was always a very fun time.

So I wanted to continue the tradition for my little girl. I didnt' want her moping around the house all week with nothing to do, so I got brave.

I let her have a sleepover. And was it a blast!

She invited 3 girls over, which were sisters, but all very close in age. They were so well-behaved!

And I think they even had fun. =)

We made homemade pizza, ate cookies, painted fingernails and toenails, and watched movies. They giggled well into the night.

And the giggles, my friend, were well worth it. That's why I say everybody needs a little girl in their life. Everybody needs to hear that giggle. Boys laugh, but they don't giggle. And I loved the giggling in my house on Monday night.

What A Fun Day!

2008-03-19T14:09:00.003-05:00

Okay, so have you lived until you've packed about 6 vehicle fulls of teachers, parents, and 3, 4, and 5 year olds and trucked them off to the local fast food joint and then the FFA Petting Zoo.

That was me today, along with 2 teachers, several moms, and even a dad or two, and about 35 K3, K4, &K5 aged children.

What a fun day! The kids had a ball. They all got a kids meal to enjoy, then they got to enjoy the farm animals. Most of the kids are from the city and don't get to enjoy the big animals. Their excitment was great. For the most part they all behaved and by the Grace of God, this is field trip #2 for the year, and we haven't lost one student yet. LOL.

Todays field trip also brought back memories for me. I was very involved in FFA in High School and I loved every minute of it.

I miss not having any farm animals around. But I loved the smell of the shop, with the smell of the animals and all the smells that come with them.

I hope the kids enjoyed it as much as I did.

Checking In

2008-03-15T16:07:00.002-05:00

Hi..

Okay, so I haven't blogged in a while. The blogging kind of takes a back seat to "life". It's been a crazy week.

I've had some exciting things happen this week and some not so exciting things. Just trying to sort it all out has my head spinning.

My dad is here for the weekend, and that's exciting. Love it when he gets to stop by. Love it more when he gets to go to church with us. The kids love having him here.

Hopefully, next week will be a little less crazy. I have some new things I want to start on my blog, so hopefully those will start popping up.

I don't really care if anyone is reading this, it's just a place for me to sort out all the things in my head.

Till Next Time.....

Verse of the Day 3-6-08

2008-03-06T15:16:00.001-06:00

2 Samuel 22:33

God is my strength and power; and he maketh my way perfect.

Verse of the Day 3-5-08

2008-03-05T06:37:00.003-06:00

1 John 1:8-10

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and ust to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Verse of the Day 3-4-08

2008-03-04T09:24:00.002-06:00

Proverbs 4:26-27

Ponder the paths of thy feet, and let all thys ways be established.

Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

Starbucks...Walmart....No More

2008-03-04T09:01:00.003-06:00

So Sunday morning, I missed church because my little girl was sick again. She's feeling better and has been to school both days this week. It just must be some nasty stuff going around, and with her being in school, she's more likely to get it.

Anyways, hubby comes home from church Sunday Morning and informs me I'm no longer able to patronize Starbucks. Why, I ask? I guess Starbucks has been putting some Anti-God slogans on their cups. Why....I ask myself...do they have to do this? I quite frequently visited the drive-thru, and I myself had never read one of these "opinions". It must be serious, when my Pastor will even say something in front of the whole congregation. I wonder how many other church members felt violated and convicted by this. What an insult to us Christians.

So, I love coffee....so now what do I do....I'm gonna go buy an espresso machine and make my own coffee, and guess what.....I won't be buying it at Walmart either.

What's up Walmart?? Sam Walton would be rolling in his grave for how far gone your company is.

Why do I have to walk down the beer aisle...JUST TO GET POPCORN! And you know what else, I'm sick of your rude-non-caring-I don't care if you have help or not-associates.

What happened to CUSTOMER SERVICE? It is so far gone, it's non-exisistent in 95% of business frequented.

My goal is to limit Walmart, Walmart was built for my kind of people, but no longer, even Walmart is changing with the times.

I will be getting my groceries at Hyvee, who have seperated their alcohol from the main building, and they have great customer service, and are very helpful. My fabric will be coming from Hobby Lobby (oh, by the way, who still closes on Sundays so their employess may enjoy their day of worship and with their families), or Joann's. Everything else, I will pick up as needed where I can get it.

I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. I hope everyone else will see what these places are doing to families and Christians. We are being disposed of and mocked.

Feeling Better!

2008-02-28T18:25:00.002-06:00

YEAH!!! Day 3 and everybody is healthy.

It's been a long couple of weeks, riddled with pink eye, flu, ear infections, and other weird things.

So far hubby, son, and I have managed to stay away from it. My poor girl has taken the brunt of all the illness.

I have had that poor girl at the doctor more in the last 3 weeks, than I have in her whole life for being sick. She was such a healthy baby. She got her first dose of antibiotic last week when she had her ear infection.

But, by golly, I think she's feeling better. She's got that sparkle back in her eye, that silly little giggle she has, and she's managed to throw a snowball or two at Mom.

She's also finally getting her appetite back after hardly eating anything over the weekend. She's eating me out of house and home!!! And, of course, its time for me to go grocery shopping, so I hardly have ANYTHING to feed her. Tomorrow is Pizza at school, and she wants some, so I know she's feeling better. =)

Advice?? Or Not So Much

2008-02-28T09:07:00.002-06:00

SO, I'm just really irritated with some stuff right now.

I am so tired of being called for advice. Really....if you want advice, then take it. I'm really not as dumb as I look.

So next time, you call me for advice, please do me a favor, take it.....and then...Don't call me back asking for the same advice on the same subject, and expect me to be chipper about repeating myself. My opinion didn't change.

Then don't get mad when I'm in a bad mood. I'm tired of everyone expecting me to be the chipper one. I have bad days too.

Don't take this personal, it's not directed at anyone specifically. It's just been some things that have been building and building for a very long time now.

Instead of venting at the refrigerator....I'm venting on my blog. =)

I really do love you all!

Okay...No More Fish

2008-02-25T19:26:00.002-06:00

Okay...really, I've tried and I've tried, but I just can't bring myself to like fish.

I've been wanting to try Tilapia for a while now, just couldn't bring myself to do it. Well, last week, the grocery store had a really good sale on it, so I bought some.

Tonight, I cooked it. I didn't like, Hubby didn't like it, the kids didn't like it.

I'm doing pretty good, hubby can't complain....2 bad meals in 7 years. I just wanted to try something different, you know.

For some reason, I just cannot acquire a taste for fish. I've tried it all, and I like none.

My Kids

2008-02-25T12:59:00.000-06:00

I am the mom to 2 children. A 5 year old girl, and an almost 2 year old boy.

Both of my kids are so special to me. Even though they have the same bloodlines, they are so different.

My daughter, has been so easy from day one. I'm blessed to have had her. I'm glad God granted me permession to raise her. Her personality is so sweet. She is such a big girl, and she loves to help. This year we put her in k4 at a Christian School nearby. She is learning so fast, and it just amazes me to watch her grow, watching her little brain just try to absorb everything life is throwing at her. I'm excited for her to get saved at an early age and watch what God will do in her life. She's been asking so many questions about salvation lately. I'm excited for the day it all sinks in.

My soon-to-be 2 year old keeps life entertaining. A different kind of blessing, but he does keep me on my toes. He's such a boy, and I'm so thankful for that. He' s a little more stubborn than his big sister, but that's not a bad thing right? We'll see. Underneath all that boy though, is a cuddly, lovey boy who loves to give hugs and smooches to Mom, Dad, and Sissy. Oh, and he loves his big trucks and basketball. He is so outgoing. It will be fun to watch him grow up too.

I'm so blessed to have these two in my life.

They say time really flies after you have kids, and that is no joke. It has continued to cruise, since school has started.

Before I know it, I'll be attending their graduations.

Spring Fever

2008-02-25T08:54:00.000-06:00

Spring Fever--

Does anybody else see that endless blanket of snow? It seems like there has been snow on the ground since October. I think this is the most snow I have ever seen in my life.

It's just been really hard being couped up in the house, not being able to get out either because of bad roads or because it's been so cold.

Yesterday, the weather warmed up so nicely. It was beautiful, the sun was shining, just enough of a glimpse of spring to reaffirm that it's coming.

But guess what? Another snow storm on the way, that's supposed to leave us with about 8 inches and the wind is gonna blow. So I need to bundle up my kids and get to the store.

I'm ready for Spring!