Vacation

Last week we went to the cabin for the week with my parents. It was a great time away. Gary and my dad, however, didn't have so much as a vacation as a work week. You see, the outside cabin steps, being over thirty years old, have rotted. They needed to be replaced. So while the women and Josh relaxed, the men worked.

Mom and I, with a little help from the kids, painted the front window, twice. The twice should have been once, but since the cabin is part of an association and white is not an allowed window color any longer, the white we painted the window was in violation. We had to change it. We got paint chips, picked a color, got it approved and repainted.

Gary took Ellie on her first fishing trip. My dad got the poles ready and informed Gary how to use them since he hasn't been fishing either. Although he took a bucket and a fish chain, he really really hoped not to catch anything. Not to worry, they only used lures and didn't let them get too deep. But she had a grand time. We met up with them after a couple of hours and had a picnic lunch and a swim.

We didn't have much use of the computer. We had low signal strength. Couldn't really do much, so we didn't really try. One might wonder why we took the laptop at all, but I was hoping to blog, and we had a bill to pay. Got the bill paid, but that was about it.

One thing I did get to do was read. I started again on The New Strong-Willed Child. For some reason I stopped reading after a short time. I have found my sanity again. Dobson talks as though he's met Ellie. I am loving reading this book. Over and over I relate. I hardly related to stories in Tedd Tripp's book. [No way my child stands still and takes her spankings.] Though his principles are excellent, I didn't know how to apply it in my situation. I also got some reading in on When Sinners Say "I do."

In all, it was a relaxing week.

Words, words and more words

My little guy's vocabulary has exploded. He just keeps saying new words. They just keep coming out. It's great to hear him use new words. He is growing up so fast. And he has finally said "Ellie." He doesn't often speak on command, though. It starts acting goofy when asked to way a word.

Bittersweet

My girl starts kindergarten next week. My emotions are going up and down.

We decided to put her in private kindergarten, since we found a school that had a half off discount for first time students and has a great program. Next year she will be in public school - either first grade or have her do another year of kindergarten if we think she needs it.

Tomorrow we are going shopping. For school supplies and some new clothes (she's sprouting like a weed and wearing through stuff.) We are also going to have lunch and go for a bike ride together. It's a mommy - Ellie day!

She also has the opportunity to take the school bus but for now that's too much for us. My little baby is not taking a bus yet. Maybe in a few weeks or months. It works out for me to take her, since Gary works on the way, and we only have one car. I'll be the bus driver and take Gary to work and Ellie to school. Josh gets to go along for the ride. In a few weeks once she's used to school, we'll let Ellie take the bus home. After a while she can take the school bus both ways.

My little baby is going to school.

My Life as a Rock Star

I live the life of a rock star. It’s true! I have wild hair and make-up with frequent costume changes.

Everywhere I go I have an entourage. People are constantly yelling my name. I look out into the crowd and they’re actually crying for me, reaching for me.

I have no privacy. I’m watched when I shower, when I’m cooking, even when I use the restroom . . . for my own protection, I’m sure.

When I go places I must do so quickly before my fans get out of control and start a riot. Every night a different (fan) wants to sleep with me. Each of them seems genuinely hurt when I turn him (or her) away.

Occasionally I get dirty undergarments whirled at me with a whoop and a smile. It’s even hard sometimes to walk through my own home without someone spotting me and trying to grab my legs or my clothing.

Oh, and don’t forget about the stalkers! You know those crazed fans that follow you everywhere? Why I can’t even talk on the phone in the pantry without an eye peeping in at me.

Yes it’s true – I live the life of a rock star. And this goes out to my (two) biggest fans – (Elisabeth and Joshua) – thanks for making my debut so special.

I read the above article by Melinda Coats in MomSense, a magazine I get from being part of MOPS. I found it to be humorous and rather accurate for my life as well.

I figured out my problem

Yes, I figured it out. I am a sinner. I know, astonishing but true. And even though I knew this fact, it was made much clearer (and humbling) in my reading of a little jewel of a book called When Sinners Say "I Do," by Dave Harvey.

I especially like the author's illustration about sin in our hearts: a hot engine and oil. He had a live experience with this when his son had started the lawnmower up with the oil cap loose. After the engine heated up, he had an oil geyser. "Original sin filled the "engine" of our hearts with the "oil" of depravity - dark, greasy, and staining everything it touches. Circumstances come along and heat the engine. When the engine is hot - when events in our lives test out hearts by stirring anger, lust, greed, etc. - whatever is in the engine spews out. The heat (circumstances) did not fill the engine with oil, it simply revealed what was in the engine." When Jesus, out best example, was heated up, love, mercy, compassion, kindness spilled out. What comes out when you're heated?

One thing I also like about the book is that even though it is written for married folks, the basis of the book applies to all people. Because married or not, we are all sinners and have relationships of all kinds that would do better when we remember we are the biggest sinner of them all.

Prayers for your day

Yesterday, as I read in the Daily Prayer of the Lutheran Service Book, I came upon this little phrase: "on this day when the work of our calling begins anew." It brought me to tears. As I am sure you are well aware, I struggle with being a mom once in a while. Those words brought a sense of purpose and renewed strength.

Today I read through the Daily Prayer again and caught the rest of the prayer. [Yesterday my focus was on the phrase above.]
"Almighty Father, merciful God, who created and completed all things, on this day when the work of our calling begins anew, we implore You to create its beginning, direct its continuance, and bless its end, that our doings may be preserved from sin, our like sanctified, and our work this day be well pleasing to You; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen."

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend my myself, my body and soul, and all things (children.) Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen"

Another scare

At 7:13 this morning I was concerned that my sister might have been killed. I heard a report on the news that a women jogger was killed when a tree branch fell on her. My brain started thinking. Jess has jogged in the past. [Never mind that I can't recall the last time she actually went jogging, nor that she would go early in the morning.] I was concerned. The report came again, this time with a description. The women was in her twenties maybe early thirties, with short brown, curly hair. She was listening to her iPod, so probably didn't hear the branch falling. OK, I thought, that describes Jess. [Never mind that it also describes over 100 other women.] I started crying, visibly upset. I get up and grab the phone to call Jess. Reason sets in, and I put it down. But I'm still upset - what if? Gary says to call. So at 7:17 I call my sister. Of course she answers, alive and well, and still in bed. After an explanation for my call, she says "I'm going back to sleep now."

I love you, Jess!

Pictures of this goofy family

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELISABETH!

Happy Birthday my sweet girl! You are 5 today!

Ellie and I went birthday prep shopping today. She picked out pink princess plates, cups, and napkins, pink crepe paper streamers, pink decorating icing, a number 5 candle, and pink bubble gum (in a pink container.) Is anyone else sensing a color theme here? We also bought a doll for her cake.

Ellie requested a princess cake.

She received princess dress-up clothes.



She received a tea set.



She received a bike.

She requested pizza for dinner. Did you know you could order a 28" pizza?

Josh wanted to feel like a princess too.




I am certain all enjoyed themselves.

Scare of my life

Friday, Josh got it in his head to not come inside. I had found a dime and had given it to him. While riding home, it fell down in his car seat and I wouldn't dig it out for him. He took exception to that and wouldn't budge from his seat on the grass. I went inside to let Hunter out. While bring Hunter back inm I picked Josh up and brought him along back to the house. I put him down before going inside with the dog.

Josh started walking. Back toward the garage. I had hooked Hunter up to finish his business, but quickc put him back inside when I saw Josh had kept walking past the garage. When I got to the alley, Josh was no where to be seen. I looked up and down the alley. No Josh. I came back in the yard, thinking I missed seeing him. No Josh. I looked around on the back side of the garden. No Josh. I looked around the garage to our neighbor's yard. No Josh. I walked down the alley toward the street. A neighbor asked if I as looking for a little boy. Yes, I told him. The kind man pointed down the street and said he went that way. I squinted my eyes and could barely see a form. I had doubt that my son had walked so far. I started running. Ellie coming along behind me.

I crossed two streets and two alleys before I got to Josh. He had indeed walked so far, two blocks. A neighbor on foot and a lady in her car had been watching out for him. When I got to him, I had trouble breathing for a moment. I was so scared. He behaved as though he always went for walks by himself - "What's the trouble, Mom?" In my hurry to get to Josh, I nearly forgot to ensure Ellie crossed the streets safely, since I run faster than she does.

Relieved to have Josh in my arms, I headed straight back home. I forgot to thank the lady who pulled her car over to ensure his safety, though I did have the presence of mind to stop my walk back home and thank the man who was on foot.

Thank you Lord for keeping my wayward son safe.

What's going on

Our summer has been uneventful. So I thought I'd write about it.

We are doing fairly well with one car. Gary mostly takes the bus. A co-worker has also been picking him up since he drives right by to drop off his daughter at the boys and girls club.

Ellie did splendidly at swim lessons, and we enjoyed the pool afterward on several occasions. I'd pack us lunch, and we'd go to the playground to play and eat, than go back to the pool for some water fun.

Lansdale now has a farmer's market on Saturdays, which I am excited about. I can get fresh produce in town.

Our garden is not doing too badly. The tomatoes are going great, everything else seems to be in slow motion. I planted more beans and cucumbers today. I had a bad experience with grass clippings in the garden. I thought I would spread some down as mulch. It was an unhappy attempt at keeping the weeds from taking charge. The grass was the stinkiest stuff around. We could smell it inside, and Ellie and Josh requested the window be closed because of it. After reading online that grass clippings were worse for a garden than better, I went back out and raked then back up and got rid of them. Unfortunately some odor still remains.

I discovered gDiapers, an earth friendly alternative to cloth and disposable diapers. The gPants are cloth and have a liner that holds an absorbent refill that you can either flush, toss, or compost (wet ones.) Gary chooses to toss, I flush when possible. They also have cloth inserts for those who want to go cloth all the way. Josh fought at first to have that thing on his cute behind, but he's warming to them. His words were "I don't want that, I want that" (pointing to the Luvs on his changing table.) gDiaper has a promo deal, so if you want to try them let me know - I'll give you the discount code.

I am making my way weeding up the fence along the side of our property. The weeds were very bad, but I've tackled almost all of it, and it's looking good. I have managed to do it in pieces and not focus on the entire job. If I had looked at the whole bed, I would've thrown in the towel.

Speaking of beds, I broke Josh's bed last night. I hopped up on it, and the bed came down with me. The wood piece that holds the box springs had already been broken and fixed, and my added weight that time did it in. Right now the box spring and mattress are on the floor, and Josh and Ellie think that's great fun.

We had a great time camping back in June at Camp Swatara. We met a missionary couple. The woman and older daughters in the family wore head coverings. It got us to thinking, and we looked up the verses in 1 Cor. 11 about head coverings. I wore a heard covering that next week. We looked it up online and talked to several people about it. We are still undecided about it. I did order two styles of coverings online to try. Along with head coverings is the idea of modest attire. I have ceased wearing jewelry, except my wedding engagement rings. I wear my watch when I won't be near clocks. I have assessed my wardrobe and pulled out things that aren't as modest as I'd like. I don't need anyone looking at me who shouldn't be or causing anyone to stumble. I don't want to be flashy. I dress to coverup not show off.

I had a nice break from children today at nap time, since Gary took Ellie (who doesn't actually nap but petions not to nap) to pick up his mom from the airport and Josh actually takes naps. But he is awake and calling for me, and Gary and Ellie are now home.

Making Pearls

Today, I am again of sound mind.

Gary pointed out his devotion from today to me. It's appropriately from James 1:2-4. "Considerate it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials (irritations) of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Chuck Swindoll comments:
"One of these days it should dawn on us that we'll never be completely free from irritations as long as we are on this planet. [It would do me well to remember this often.] Upon coming to this conclusion, we would then be wise to consider an alternative to losing our cool. The secret is adjusting." [And I need to remember this, because apparently I'm not doing so well at it right now.]

"When it comes to irritations, I've found that it helps if I remember that I am not in charge of my day . . . God is. And while I'm sure He wants me to use my time wisely, He is more concerend with the development of my character and the cultivation of the qualities that make me Christlike within."

Then Chuck Swindoll uses the example of the oyster and its pearl. You all know that when an oyster gets an irritation, it makes a pearl out of it.

So, although neither these verses nor the fact that oysters make pearls out of irritations is new to me, I see them together now and will be applying them to my life.

And watch out, I'm going to have a new verse to hold to and boat load of pearls!

My challenge is my life

I have been extra weary for the last month. My house's cleanliness is directly proportionate to the disobedience of my children. I don't do much around the house during nap time. Pretty much I just sit on the couch. I find it difficult to do much while the kids are awake also. I feel so tired and worn out from the day that I just want to sit.

Am I taking care of myself to take care of my family, being just plan lazy, or something else I can't even name?

I finally got around to reading some of my friends' blogs and am now feeling ashamed at myself.

I feel as though I don't truly appreciate the gift my children are. I am so concerned with them not making messes, not being along, not following the rules, not obeying that I have lost sight of them as little people made in the image of God, deserving my love not my criticism, at all times. I have forgotten or been too frustrated to remember that Elisabeth and Joshua are my special gifts, given only to me and Gary (and when mentioned heretofore as given to me, I mean both of us. Relaying just my feelings, so writing me.) I have not treated them as such. I have wanted to toss questions at God about how could he possibly know what he was doing in giving them to me. I am definitely the wrong person for the job. But I know that God didn't make a mistake and they were meant for me. What am I doing wrong? I must be doing something wrong.

I am tired of being hit, tired of being told "No," tired of hearing "I don't want to." These things generally happen on a daily basis, usually more than once. (Though today, I don't think I was hit.) I am tired.

I don't know how to handle it. I usually do an awful job at it, saying things I want to snatch back. I struggle each day with my response to Ellie's onslaughts. I compare myself to every mother I can think of and know she would do a better job.

In the everyday, I am not always thankful for this challenge of motherhood. I never thought it would be this hard. I want to be thankful, I want to know I can do this. I want to take all the insults and smacks I get from my daughter and just patiently remind her of how she should be behaving. But it doesn't work. I lose my temper, I get angry, I get frustrated.

Part of me wonders if that is why I am not currently pregnant with our third child. I can't handle the ones I have, why would God give me another one? The other part of me knows God is sovereign and knows what he is doing and will give me the strength I need for each day.

God will give me that strength, but do I reach out and accept it? I fear I don't know how.

And now I get to add to my list of woe-is-me, whining about how hard mothering is for me right now. I wish to be able to just accept, but for some reason I haven't been able to. Do I do something for someone not in my family and in so doing realize I really don't have problems? Do I immerse myself in scripture to drink from the truth found there?

What!

Made to clean

Ellie, Josh and Hunter have been very helpful. They have motivated me to clean. But the words "Mom, you take such good care of the house. You make it sparkle. I love having a clean floor. Thank you so much for loving us by cleaning up after us." are not words I hear from them. Their motivation comes in the form of messes.

The upstairs got a vacuum, because the kids poured their cereal into bowls. We let them have dry cereal in the morning while we are getting ready. Usually we pour the cereal. But this day they did, and of course it was an almost empty box that became a completely empty box on Josh's floor. So out came the vacuum, and the entire upstairs was dirt and dust free by 8:00 am.

Today Hunter thought he'd help motivate me to mop, by pooping then walking in it on the kitchen floor. He apparently didn't get it all out a half hour before, when he pooped in the hall upstairs. He's been having issues lately. So out came the mop and the kitchen floor fairly shines.

Last night Ellie didn't make it to the potty in time, and the floor in front of the commode needed to be cleaned. Gary cleaned that one up. I wonder if I had cleaned it up, if I would have done the entire bathroom floor. I will probably have another opportunity to find out.

Aren't my bunch so thoughtful to make sure I get the cleaning done? And right now it is eerily quiet, so I might be blessed with another mess and an opportunity to clean something up. I wish I always looked at messes as blessings and an opportunity to show love.

Cable like TV - Here we come

Well, what do you know. My parents came over tonight, and we got to talking about the digital cable box of ours that's not working. My dad asked how it was connected. We have it connected right. He asked if we programmed the channels. We asked "Programmed it?" We turned the box on, and he talked us through the process, and what do you know? We now have digital TV, and cable-like reception. We've never had TV so good or as many channels. I think we've doubled them.

Silly me. If only I looked at the book that came with the box.

The pool and swim lessons

We decided Ellie is going to take swim lessons. Last night we signed up for pool membership, and this morning we all had high hopes for Ellie signing up for swim lessons. I envisioned my darling daughter would gracefully enter the water. She would look at the life guards, smile brightly, and show them how well she handles the water. It didn't quite go like that.

First we took care of business, payment. Then we walked toward the pools. A life guard took her to the kiddie pool, which is small and only 3 feet deep with a ramp going into it. She had Ellie go down the ramp and at the bottom asked Ellie to dip her shoulders in the water. She refused. Another life guard got in with her, and still she refused. She also refused to let go of the railing. She even tried climbing it - which is a no no. She then climbed out of the pool and ran across the pool deck. She was told by several life guards not to run, and she referred unkindly to the one particular life guard who stopped her from running. More life guards got in with her as she went back down the ramp and again refused several more times to dip her shoulders, no matter what ploys the six life guards tried. I tried talking with her twice, to no avail. I finally took her out of the pool, and she started having a fit. I couldn't even dry her off, with all her fussing. I put her in a football hold and hauled her out to the car, kicking, hitting, and crying.

The life guard wisely enrolled Ellie in the beginner class, and Gary picked a swim lesson time.

Oops

Forgot to mention that the other part of our seeds not growing could possibly have been the lack of water they received. That might be something they need. But unfortunately, I'm not one for the work of watering. My house plants can attest to that.

But this time around, I laid out a soaker hose along the rows, and I have it attached to a regular hose that I simply attach to the outside spigot when it's time to water. Much simpler and easier than standing there forever holding the hose and spraying the garden by hand or trying to set up the sprinkler.

And, of course, I always welcome God watering the garden.

Our Garden - Take 2

Here are the photos from working the garden the first time. Now the only thing that came up from the planting of vegetables we did on April 27th are 6 tomato plants and possibly a melon of some sort. If you remember from that post I said we planted tomatoes, peppers, peas, green and wax beans, Lima beans, lettuce, carrots, onions, garlic, butternut squash, yellow squash, cucumbers, mint, basil, dill, oregano, rosemary, thyme, savory, and stevia. And the only thing that came
up are 6 tomato plants, a melon plant and maybe some stevia (I don't really know what stevia looks like, so I don't know if the plant growing there is it.) Part of the problem, I know, is that most of the seeds were too old. We were hoping that they would grow anyway. But not so much happened.

We also had some volunteers. At least 10 tomato plants have come up that we didn't plant. They are scattered throughout the garden and along the property fence. I plan to move them to the tomato rows when they get big enough. Now, I am not sure if we planted that melon plant or not, because I can't remember what we planted where on that side of the garden, and I can't find the paper on which I wrote it. I tend to think it came up on it's own.




When we returned from our anniversary weekend, we had a nice green garden - of weeds. I got to work Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday to set the garden to rights. Lest you think I did a whole lot of work, I only was able to garden during nap time, which is why it took so long. I weeded, hoed, reworked the rows (the correct way this time,) bought new vegetable and herb plants and new seeds, bought another soaker hose, planted the plants and seeds, laid out the soaker hose, and took pictures. Ellie again planted cauliflower seeds. She is very excited to grow that vegetable. I hope she is as excited about it when its sitting on her plate.

This time the garden will hopefully give us a bounty of tomatoes, peppers, green beans, peas, Lima beans, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, spinach, butternut squash, cantaloupe, yellow squash, zucchini, stevia, dill, basil, rosemary, thyme, sage, and mint. [The mint actually came up in a flower pot I had stashed away.]























I am more confident in the garden this time around. I also am hopeful that weed control will go better as well.

Our long weekend away

Gary and I left early on Thursday morning to drive to Tennessee for our anniversary. Here are some photos from our trip to Great Smokey Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park.






Sunset from the deck of our cabin.












Ray and Nannette
Gary and me

On the deck of our cabin








Great Smokey Mountains National Park






Gary and me at the Morton Overlook













I believe this is the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River











Noah "Bud" Ogle's cabin














Roaring Fork











Shenandoah National Park






A bear (the black blob in the center of the photo.)












On of the overlooks at the north end of the park. I liked the wisp of a cloud.













Moss dripping water.












Sunset over the South Fork of the Shenandoah River.

Shortened

The kids and I had haircuts today.


Before













After












My friend Nicki did a beautiful job.

I have two ponytails to donate to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. I figure if I want it long again, I can just grow it. Some women can't.

Werth stealing four

During Tuesday's Phillies game, Jayson Werth stole four bases. Stealing home base was the best. I still shake my head in wonderment when I watch the video. You can too.

Ellie likes to type and likes the color pink

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A Beautiful Day

Ellie had beach day today at school. She was so excited. She got to wear her swimsuit (she is still wearing it) and take her beach towel. They had ice cream for snack and had some fun and games outside. The weather cooperated with a beautiful day.

I got to hang out my laundry. Josh and I played outside some. We had lunch outside as well. We sat on a blanket under our maple tree. It is a great shade tree. The stinkers I call my children finally ate their dinner from last night. They were served it for breakfast, but chose to wait until lunch to finish it. They did get to munch on some cheese, animal crackers, and apples once they ate the leftovers.

After lunch we played monster tag. I was the monster that chased them around the yard. Neither of them wanted to be the monster so it was more like a monster tickle game. Then they took turns getting pulled in the wagon. Ellie let Josh go first.

I had a really great afternoon with my children.

Biking it

I broke out the bike pod (the name for the child trailer we have.) I biked with the kids in tow to church for MOPS. They are heavy to pull when the road isn't precisely flat. It is surprising how much I slow down when the road has the littlest hint of a hill. They enjoyed the ride far more then I did. And Ellie had the nerve to comment from her highness's carriage, that I was going too slow. I told her she could walk if she wanted.

In our hopes of some exercise and not using a gas-drinking-carbon-monoxide-emitting hunk of metal, we are going to try to use the bikes more. Ellie and Josh are all for that idea. They love being squished in the pod. But pulling them is challenge for me if hills are involved. If it's a family event, Gary pulls them.

Gary has biked to work. It's 3 miles and not to hard of a ride. Though he does look completely worn out when he gets home. Perhaps that will get better as he does it more often.

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!

Woo hoo! I had a Mother's Day motorcycle ride. Gary's dad has two motorcycles, and today I requested a ride. It is such a thrill be going so fast and to feel the wind blowing and to not be surrounded by a vehicle.

I do have a note to self - Wear a bandanna to hold back hair.

I had a great day on Saturday spent with my family, my mom and sister, and Gary's mom yesterday at a Phillies game. The Phillies didn't win for us though. And I had a fun day at Gary's dad and step-mom's house today. And I had fun with the two reasons I'm a mom, Ellie and Josh.

Gary made our sandwiches for the game yesterday, and he made the burgers tonight, and his dad grilled them. Gary tried a new recipe for turkey burgers. It was very tasty.

Tired

I am tired. I have not felt like writing in a while, so I haven't. But I thought since I had a few moments tonight I would catch you up.

Two Saturdays ago, we did yard work. We moved a bush, moved some bulbs, cleaned out some leaves, and rototilled the garden. After that we inventoried our seeds. Again. We made final decisions on what to plant, went to buy a hoe and the seeds we didn't have yet, and got to work planting. Ellie requested cauliflower and planted it herself. The rest of the list includes tomatoes, peppers, peas, green and wax beans, Lima beans, lettuce, carrots, onions, garlic, butternut squash, yellow squash, cucumbers. We also are growing mint, basil, dill, oregano, rosemary, thyme, savory, stevia, and possibly lemon basil. Gary planted the herbs, and although it's on my list, I don't know if he planted that one, since we have regular basil. Can't wait to eat this stuff. Well, most of it anyway.

It's been one week, and I see a few shoots.

This past Saturday found us hauling bins of children's clothes, toys and stuff and other sundry things we could find to sell to the dining and living rooms. We joined the neighborhood in a yard sale fundraiser for the local elementary school. All week I have been moving stuff around and getting it ready. Our dining and living rooms were packed full of stuff.

I am glad to say we did well. But after hauling all that didn't sell back into the house, one might guess that we didn't yet have the yard sale. Gary even took a load to the local thrift shop. We are going to try consignment with the spring/summer clothes, but probably won't store the fall/winter clothes, since stores only want spring/summer right now. Our attic is considerably more empty. (Though Gary's Legos do take up quite a bit of space.)

Well, after a day of heat, shopping, mothering and all, I am worn out. I am going to go sit, listen to my Phillies and read. Maybe have some ice cream or a hard lemonade. Or both. Maybe some popcorn, too. Maybe after a couple of innings, I'll get back to sorting through the clothes and pulling out all the spring/summer stuff. Or it could wait until tomorrow.

Values

Yesterday at MOPS, we talked about our values. Although it wasn't a sit back and listen meeting, which this busy mom enjoys, it was very helpful to think about my values, go through and identify them, and consider if I am living them.

During group discussion, I decided several things. I am living what I value. What I value is what I want to value. As a mom of two preschoolers, I can't currently live everything I value.

This last thought was brought to me by a mom who has had to re-evaluate her values since she was diagnosed with stage four cancer. She had her pre-child values, pre-cancer values, and her current values. And her hope is to have post-cancer values, where she can once again live values she has had to put on hold.

For some reason, I hadn't thought that even though I could not necessarily live out certain values I hold, they were not less important to me now.

Top Ten Reasons Why it Costs More to Get Your Dog Groomed that Your Own Hair Cut

10. Your hairdresser doesn't wash and clean your rear end.
9. You don't go for eight or ten weeks without washing or brushing your hair.
8. Your hairdresser doesn't give you a sanitary trim.
7. Your hairdresser doesn't clean your ears.
6. Your hairdresser doesn't remove the boogies from your eyes.
5. You sit still for your hairdresser.
4. Your haircut doesn't include a manicure and a pedicure.
3. Your hairdresser only washes and cuts the hair on your head.
2. You don't bite or scratch (or in Hunter's case, bark your fool head off at) your hairdresser.
1. The likelihood of you pooping on your hairdresser is pretty slim.

While I was waiting to pick up Hunter at the groomer, I found a slip of paper with this list. I thought I'd share it with you.

New Growth

I recently discovered that a Poinsettia plant we had from Christmas, that I had "let go," has some new tiny leaves on it. It seems it does not want me to compost it just yet. I hadn't watered it in some time and thought it was done for, but apparently even without the benefit of water the thing has held on. I looked closely at the stems and, surprise, it has new buds. So I commenced watering again.

Gary discovered another bit of new growth in a lilac bush we thought was dead. Gary's step-mom, Judy, dug up a shoot off of her lilac for us. I planted it and didn't water it enough (my problem with plants.) It's leaves shriveled and fell off. All we had left was a few twigs. We didn't bother removing it, though. But alas, Gary pointed out to me this very day, that there are tiny new green buds on it.

Two plants I thought were finished have proved me wrong and shown new growth.

A Man Well Remembered - Daniel C. Haviland

Gary's step-dad died Tuesday, March 31st.


May the road rise with you
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God keep you in the hollow of his hand.
~An Irish Blessing


We will miss you Dan!

Healthier and tasty too!

I have been trying to make healthier desserts that taste good and came across these treats. They are low fat and low cholesterol. And very tasty! Enjoy!

Chocolate Cake
1 1/2 cups flour
3 TBSP cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 TBSP vinegar
5 TBSP oil
1 TBSP vanilla
1 cup water

Preheat oven 350°.
Mix wet and dry ingredients separately. Combine and stir until smooth. Immediately pour into a greased and floured 9x9 pan, a round pan, or cupcake pan.
Bake 35 min. for cake or 20 min. for cupcakes.

Oatmeal Cookies
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 TBSP molasses
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup oil
2 egg whites, beaten
2 TBSP water
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cups raisins

Preheat oven 350°.
In a medium-size bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Add sugar, stir in oats. Make a well in the center; add oil, egg whites, water, vanilla and raisins. Stir vigorously until dry ingredients are moistened. Drop onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until done. Yield: 2 1/2 to 3 dozen cookies.