Need Peace?

It never fails - this time of year my husband and I both tend to fight stress. 

To be honest, I am starting to (finally) view this as Satan's way of trying to steal our joy.  The joy of celebrating the best time of year - the time when we were given the ultimate gift of a redeemer that would pay once for all time the penalty of sin. 

My husband is a carpenter by trade.  Christmas time tends to put a halt on building and renovations - I mean, common, who doesn't want to have sheet rock dust all through their home when they're trying to decorate?!  Totally understandable.  Regardless of knowing why things get sketchy with work this time of year, we still stress out a little wondering what he'll have for work if any. 

With that said, a couple of winters ago, things were incredibly stressful.  I was having panic attacks (was this my lack of faith in my God who is able?  I believe it was.  I was not in control, nor was my husband and that looked scary!) and remember thinking "there's nothing I can do about this situation, I'd better pray about it and look for comfort from God's word."  So I did. 

While going through many pages, I decided to just read verses I had underlined from other times I read it and found it "extra meaningful".  Man, those words, those verses, were like espresso coffee mixed with soothing calmness that just covered my mind, my heart and my soul.  (in other words, they were very exhilarating as I remembered what my Lord had said and promised, and He calmed my racing heart - all at the same time.  Very good, by the way. lol)

It was then I started a peace journal. I needed quick access to my lifeline.  Those verses.   It's not like this just happened once and it was done with.  No.  I had to continually run to Him throughout that season of our lives and be reminded again from His word and to pour out my concerns to Him through prayer.  This is what I later understood to be "giving it over to God." 
Every time the stress of something would attack, I would pray and ask God to help me not to worry, to remember what he promised and to leave my concern with Him.  Then (a crucial part) I would make myself think about something else.  Something good.  Count my blessings.  And for goodness sake, I couldn't sit idol.


God is so good.   We made it through that season.  We survived.  Barely, at times, it seemed, but here we are, looking to see what God has in store for us this winter.  It's scary, yet exciting, sometimes humbling.  And that's ok. 

Do you need peace?  Let me share some verses with you that helped us. (see link Peace Journal below) Or maybe the journey of finding your own is better. Regardless, read them slowly and listen as you speak them out loud.  Put your name in there if you can.  Remember what God promised. I just printed a copy off myself this morning for my husband and even as I was preparing that for him, I found my soul refreshed and calmed.

It may not be a perfect life, but really, we're just passing through - it was never meant to be all roses.

  Peace Journal

 

Oh, I'm going there!

It's the beginning of November and I'm seeing blog posts of my favorite bloggers with Christmas titles.  At first I was a tad bit frustrated about it because I find Christmas can be a little stressful for me. Then once I got thinking about it, I thought, you know, planning for Jesus birthday should take lots of preparation, kind of like a 50th BIG BASH or a major Anniversary party or something, but EVEN bigger....I mean, seriously, do you know his family!  They're Royalty!  That should cause me to put my BEST efforts into gear planning for his birthday! 

So, oh, I'm going there!  I need to talk and plan for Christmas now, so I don't ruin his birthday by stressing out about money or gifts or the stuff that doesn't matter! 

My hubby once shared a line with me that he heard once and I do believe it could be applied here.   "Proper planning prevents poor performance."  Not that I think Christmas is a performance, but I do think it needs proper planning in order for it to be focused and meaningful!  (I totally can get caught up in the "expectation" of what it should look like, and I'm a serious procrastinator to boot!)

So, what should a celebration for Jesus look like? What do you do for his birthday?  I'd love to hear your comments on this. 

Hey You! Yah, you! Wanna Party For Jesus?

It's Party Time!!!

 

My heart rate is going through the roof, I can hardly stand the excitement of sharing this with you.  Shoeboxes.  Who would have thought that filling a shoebox would bring us just as much joy as those we pack them for!

 

BLAWICKQLCJJPQJKFHBNDKWPFUVND.  BLAAAAAA!   I have so many thoughts running through my head I'm having a hard time getting it down here!

 

First things first.  What shoeboxes? 

 

    Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritans Purse, is a wonderful way to be the hands and feet of Jesus to oppressed and needy children. 

 

So many kids, so many needs and we get to be part of God's love around the world just in time for Jesus Birthday!  In Luke 10:30-37 Jesus tells about a good Samaritan who helped a man that was attacked by robbers and left for dead.  He didn't know him, didn't owe him anything, he was just helping in a time of need.  He gives us a clear picture of God's desire for us to help those in need wherever we find them.  Jesus said at the end of his story to “Go and do likewise.”   

 

SO LETS DO THAT! 

 

Ok, here's the deal.  I want to have a shoebox packing party on Saturday, November 10th.  I'm thinking 6:30pm sounds like a great time to start.  YOU are invited!  If you'd like to help pack shoeboxes for needy kids all over the world, please come! 

 

I have tons of shoeboxes (ordered them from OCC website!), so we don't need those, just the fillers to go in them!  All you need to do is drop me an email and let me know you're coming and I'll send you a list of items still needed for the packing party.  You can then pick item(s) that you would be willing to bring several of and together we will fill boxes!  They do need to have a $7 donation to ship the box as well, so if you could help out with at least 1 shipping fee, that would be STUPENDOUS! (Last year we made our donation online and just before Christmas OCC sent us an email telling us what country our package was delivered to!  We opened that email Christmas morning.....loved it!)  

 

The more people we can get involved the more fun it will be and the more boxes we can pack and send.  

 

 I can not wait!  What a great way to wish Jesus a Happy Birthday!!!!!!

 

 

 

****UPDATE****

 

We had a blast!  We were able to fill 33 boxes for these kids this night.  Combined with our church's afterschool program, we filled 56 boxes!!!  YAY!!  Thank  you for all who helped out. 

 

If today were Halloween

The trick is on me, if today were only Halloween.

I decided to be a handy sort of woman today and changed the headlight in my van myself along with checking the oil and tranny levels and filling my window washer fluid. (insert pat on the back here)

When I came inside, I was frozen, so I went to get my first cup of joe when I saw my son's lunchbag still on the counter.  woops.  So, I ran that down to his class. 

On my second attempt to have a hot cup of joe, I realized we were out of creamer.  I had a tiny bit of milk left that made it manageable. 

My costume attempt - if today were Halloween.....

Because I was so chilly, I decided to test my fire-building skills in the furnace.  We've had our furnace apart and worked on so as far as cold days, there haven't been that many to have to use it yet....but when I did.......

I started with my usual - a crumpled piece of paper and the good ol stand-by - empty Capris sun box.  I whacked off a few small pieces of wood with my trusty machete and proceeded my pyro-fun. 

The paper lit right up, the box as well and my sticks were right where they should be.  I continued to add larger pieces of kindling and then my big pieces.  I shut the door and walked away. 

As I started to pick up the kitchen, smoke started billowing out of my register!  WHAAAA?  I ran downstairs to see what the problem was and my fire was stone cold out and a waft of dirty brown smoke filled my face and hair...clothes etc with a fresh ember stink.  Lucky me. 

I was all done playing games.  I grabbed the torch, lit that baby up and with a witch like cackle, (ok, maybe not) began frying me up some naughty wood. 

If you pass me in the hallways at school or at Walmart today....don't make fun. 

I thought today was Halloween. 

Pop Quiz

Most nights we read the bible to our children using the Family Reading Bible.  It guides us each night through the word and then gives us a couple of questions based on the reading and a couple for thought. 

Last night the boys were anxiously applying the stall tactic - "mom, can you read the bible to us?"  so I decided that I would give them a pop quiz on some of the major stories most of us know. 

Me:  Ok, boys, who had a coat of many colors?
Boys:  silence....more silence....."don't know"
Me:  Joseph!  Remember, his dad gave him a coat of may colors?  Ok, next question.  Who sold     
        Joseph? 
Boy 1:  His Brothers!
Me:  Great!  Who did God tell to build an ark?
Boy 2:  Joseph! 
Boy 1:  silence
Me:  No, it was Noah! Who parted the Red Sea? 
Boy 2: GOD!
Me: got me on a technicality.  Who's rod did God use to part the Red Sea? 
Boy 2:  Joseph!
Boy 1:  Haman!
Me:  nope, it was Moses.
Boy 1:  It's so sad, mom, that his mom had to let him float in a river.  (random?)

Enter Big sister

Me:  Who had the coat of many colors?
Big Sis:  Joseph!
Me:  Who sold Joseph?
Big Sis:  His brothers
Me:  Who parted the Red Sea?
Big Sis:  Moses!
Me:  Who built the ark?
Big Sis:  Noah!

Boy 1:  UGH! I'M SO MAD I COULD PUNCH SOMETHING!

Okie Dokie...I think we need to pray!  

Some nights go a little smoother than others....lol. 

Supermans effects still wreaking havoc....

Remember when my superhero flung himself on my windshield  few months back?  click here for the full memory.   We did have them fixed....(it only took a new transmission for the wipers, haha), however, I think I'm still experiencing residual effects.   What do you think? 

 

 

Discipleship...what will happen to our kids?

I love my church.  I am so thankful for our leadership and for the family I have there.  With every church though, there are areas that need bolstering. 

Every year our youth director puts out a plea for Sunday school teachers, helpers for the teachers and nursery workers.  Bless her heart, she's not one to beg and plead from the front of the church for people to be involved, nor should she have to. 

I think the message has been sent out to participate in where you're gifted or where your passions lay...yet, not many are feeling that passion for our youth?  Oh. My. 

Hubby and I felt quite convicted last year about our lack of involvement in this department.  Our children matter to us.  Their spiritual growth matters to us.  So why don't we participate in this portion of a Sunday morning? Finally, we've stepped up to do so.

I am going to be bold enough to say that I think hubby's involvement is even more important than mine because he's a man.  Our men have stepped out of this roll in our children's lives for several years and we so desperately need them to spiritually influence our boys and girls.  God has a great and wonderful charge for men to lead, and us women need to lovingly encourage them to do so.  

Older youth are teaching our younger youth because of the lack of involvement from adults.  If that were regular academics, we'd be furious if we found that out.   We'd wonder how the younger children would receive the proper education and instruction, yet when it comes to spiritual matters it's ok? 

Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that the older youth are involved with our younger youth.   And thankfully we do have the older youth that are willing (and a handful of adults too) or we wouldn't have Sunday school. 

The question is...where are our adults?

As parents, do we expect our kids to be spiritual giants if we never tell them about God and all he's done for us?  Teach biblical principals? Train them how to live like Jesus?  Act like it ourselves? 

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 says:  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates. 

Get involved in your children's spiritual wellness at home and at church.  Help out in Sunday school.  It matters.  Not just for your kids, but others too. For some, Sunday morning is the only chance they get to hear about God. Talk about pleasing our Lord with investing that talent he entrusted to you (Matthew 25:14-30).

What will happen to our kids if we don't? 

Bust a move

Every once in a while I need to just let go and act ridiculous with my kids.  We had ourselves a small dance party yesterday. Despite what you may think, I am NO dancer - just and awkward assembly of 90's moves that were once cool.

One child thought I had lost my mind with my performance while 3 others totally thought I was the bomb! (secretly she was thankful for such a cool mom, I just know it!)

I'm just saying, in light of the mundane-ness of the everyday grind, sometimes it's just nice to let loose and be a clown with your kids. 



Try it.  You just might like it.

Just passing it on

I never thought too much of how pickles, beets, relish and other canned goods get from the garden to the jar.  I would eat them, enjoy them, but not think too much of the process of development.  My grandmother was a big canner.  Once my Nana stopped making them, my mom took on the task of making some of the pickled treats that we love.  She specializes in pickled beets though and Nan's mustard pickles were missing, so I decided it was time Icalled in the big guns (mom) and learned how to make them myself.

That was 2 years ago that my mom and I peeled and diced cukes till I thought I would cry.
It's taken that long for me to try it again!  HA!

The other day, my good friend, we'll call him Gardener D, stopped by with a whole basket of cucumbers and asked if I wanted to make something with them.  My mouth opened before my brain engaged and said "why, yes, of course, I'd love to!"  (Maybe canning is like childbirth....you tend to forget the pain until it is upon you once again and then it all comes back to you.)

 -

 



The kids were restless this past Saturday morning, so I set about charging each of them with a task.  Laundry for one, sweeping for another and peeling cucumbers for the other.  Quickly it became apparent that peeling was the sought after chore.  (light bulb goes off - "hey, maybe I don't have to peel one cucumber myself...I can get the kids to help!")

With 2 peelers, a seed gutter and me dicing things were going along at a decent pace.   Can't say there weren't some cucumbers that were looking mighty scalped on one side or still green in places after being attacked by the peeler, but hey, some help is better than none. 

In steps my knight in shining armor....

 

My fantastic hubby quickly was firing off orders for the job to be done correctly and some serious seed-gutting and peeling mentorship was happening here.

 



Music was blaring, seeds and peels flying everywhere yet each child was having a blast trying new steps to getting these cukes ready for transformation from plain ol' cucumbers to the illustrious "Lady Ashburnham's". 



 

These took a lot of effort, but the end result was worth it.  The kids got to see the process of making  mustard pickles.  They don't just happen.  Someone had to fuss with ingredients and show love through work for these to be created.  Well worth our time and definitely some great memories made by just passing it on. 

Just a Reminder

The Lunch Delimma

Packing a lunch for school is a really painful task in our house.  One doesn't mind sandwiches but hates soup while the other likes soup and only likes Peanut Butter and Jam sandwiches. 

The other day we sat down to discuss the lunch subject.  I asked each child what they wish I would pack for them.  I gave them a couple of stipulations:  it can't be the same everyday and it has to be somewhat healthy.  I got a list out and took notes.   We covered sandwich types, soups, etc then went on to snacks.  I was encouraged that my soup hater is now back in soup liking mode.  (so they say!)

The kids I babysit said they get a Lunchable every Tuesday - great idea.  Friday at our school is Pizza Day.  So, really, I just need lunches Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. 

I got some great tips from thelunchtaker.com. 
you can freeze sandwiches for up to two months

• If you like mayo on your sandwich, we found that Miracle Whip freezes better. It doesn’t get grainy when it thaws like mayonnaise can.
• Never freeze lettuce, pickles, tomatoes or other veggie toppings. Pack them separately just like you would for a freshly-made sandwich.
• Freezing works best for basic lunch meat and cheese sandwiches, or things like tuna salad or ham salad.
• Yes you can freeze peanut butter and jelly!
•  The tip: spread BOTH sides of the bread with peanut butter, and put the jelly in the middle.

I also checked on Pinterst for some ideas and came across all kinds of lunch ideas just by typing in "Lunchbox"

This also led to a small bit of guilt when I realized how lame in the lunchbox department I have been!  Once I started reading what other "Super-mom's" do for their kids lunch pails I was SHOCKED!  It's like there is a lunch pail war going on out there.  I do not wish to compete, however, there were some cute ideas out there I just may try. 

Here are some of my favorite lunch ideas I will try: (we'll see how the kids like them, ha!)

• Fruit, meat and cheese Kabobs
• Apple sandwiches.  (core an apple, and slice into rounds.  dip in a little lemon juice.  smear nutella or PB and oats over it and top with another apple slice!)
• Pinwheel sandwiches.
• Veggies and Humus
• Yogurt & Berries, Big Pretzel Sticks

It never hurts to do a little research on even the simplest of subjects.  We all can use a change now and then.  I'm ready to kick off the new School year with a new arsenal of lunch ideas! 

 

A Priceless Gift

I sure do love my children.  I want the best for each of them.  I want them to be smart, kind, polite and have a quality filled childhood.  Memorable in all the good ways. 

I spend time with them.  I tell them I love them, hug them, kiss them.  I tell them I'm proud of them.  I pray over them and with them.   I read God's word to them so they can hide it in their hearts. 

(insert my many imperfections because I am human of course)

Something I don't spend enough time doing is praying for their teachers.  My husband and I are just 2 influences of many in their lives. School teachers leave a lasting impression on those little minds and hearts.  They are trusted with educating our children with useful information that will hopefully stick with them their entire lives.  A good relationship with their teacher is imparitive for healthy growth. 

As I was thinking about this I decided to look around to see how I could best pray for my children's teachers.  I found a great little list to give me a good start. 

Let me share it with  you so you too can pray for your children's teachers. 

Prayers for My Teacher(s):

*For their protection:

-That God would protect our teachers from danger such as accidents and illness (Philippians 4:6)
-That the Lord would be their stronghold in the day of trouble (Nahum1:7)
-That the Lord would keep them from the evil one. (John 17:15)
-That God would give his angels charge over them to keep them in all His ways (Psalm 91:10,11)

*For their relationships at school:

-That our teachers would be gracious, full of compassion, and slow to anger, having great mercy. (Psalm 145:8)
-That they would learn that a soft word turns away wrath. (Proverbs 15:1)
-That they would be content with such things as they have knowing God will never leave them or forsake them. (Hebrews 13:5)
-That they would not be envious but respect one another. (Proverbs 14:30)

*For their relationship with God:

-That our teachers would come to know and believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and that no one comes to the Father but thru Him. (John 14:6)
-May our teachers walk by faith and not by sight. (2Corinthians 5:7)
-That our teachers would ask God for wisdom which He has promised to give us liberally. (James 1:5)
-That their lives would shine out light into a dark world (2Cor. 4:6)
-That they would come to hate sin. (Psalm 97:10)
-That they would allow God to accomplish His purpose in their lives. (Philippians 2:13)

*For their teaching:

-That they would come to love and enjoy their students.
-That they would be excited about teaching.
-That they would be just or fair in their grading and testing of students.
-That they might be sensitive about how much homework to give.

Prayers for My Principal and other staff members:

-That the Principal would set a standard based on high morals and godly principles.
-That all the staff would seek God and His purposes for their lives.
-That God would give them wisdom when making decisions for the school .
-That the staff would treat students with respect and truly care about their well-being.
-That God would give the school a spirit of unity and cooperation.
-That Parents would be willing to work with the School to make it a great place to learn.
-For the Principal to have good communication skills and to be able to work well with others.
-For their physical safety and good health.

"The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. Psalm 145:18s


I hope this guide encourages you to pray for those molding our little ones minds as much as it has me.   It's a priceless gift. 

Are You Organized And Ready For Back To School?

A fresh new school year.  A great excuse to do some organizing.  I'm thinking along these lines: 

• What is going to make the mornings go smoother than last year? 
• School Lunches
• Quick, Healthy Breakfast Ideas
• What can I do now to anticipate the craziness of pre-suppertime when children turn into 4 eyed food vacuums, frothing from the mouth looking for their next crumb to devour.  (Food Prep)
• When and where will homework happen? 
• Chores? 
• How much TV time is acceptable? 
• Preparation for the next morning? 
•  How much of this is my job and how much of it should be the personal responsibility of the child - something to start teaching now if it hasn't happened yet. 

Let's focus on just one today.

Smooth Mornings.
Is that possible?  I'd say it can be, but it really does start with the parent(s).  We as parents HAVE to get up early enough to get ourselves ready first and then help get the bambinos out the door. 

Start figuring out how much time you need to get ready.  For me, if I shower at night, I can get ready in 15mins.  But if I get a shower in the morning, (ideal) I need a good 45 mins to 1 hour.

Then there is time with God (always a great start to any day).  How much time I need depends on what I plan on doing but let's say I would probably need 15-30 mins. each morning to start the day out right.   I can always add more later too, I just need to get on the right page first thing. 
So I need to get up at least 1 hour before my family needs to start getting ready. 

An evening routine would be ideal for a good start on the morning.  Like having clothes already picked out, ironed if needed.  Backpacks all packed except for lunchbags.  Homework books all signed, not to mention homework done!  My kids all get baths/showers the night before. I just can not add that to the morning...there's too many of us. We'd all have to get up by 4am just to make it to school on time. :)   All the kids would have to do is get up, make their beds, get dressed, deal with the teeth, face and hair, eat, grab and go!  (Sounds smooth and easy doesn't it?! We'll see.)

This year, I would like to try to fit in morning devotionals with the family.  We usually read the bible and pray together before bed, but seeing that connecting with God in the morning is a great, fresh start to the day, I figure the kids should get to do this too.  So, maybe when I get them breakfast, we can do a quick morning devo together. 

School lunches are a subject all on their own, however, in thinking about lunches I decided part of a smooth morning is good prep for lunches the night before.  I just bought some new plastic storage containers knowing I am going to need them for certain things I will send with my kids to school.  I even took a moment and labeled them with my name in hopes that if a container goes MIA they'll have at least a name to associate it with. 

Well there you have it.  My thoughts on what the ideal morning should look like.  Can't say that everyday will be a smooth one, but one can sure try planning ahead!

A Fresh Start

Cause me to hear Your loving kindness
in the morning, For in You do I trust;
Cause me to know the way in which I
should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.
            Psalms 143:8 NKJV

It's been so long since I've last posted.  Between my computer being out of commission for almost a month and the busyness of summer I just haven't been able to connect with you.  The great part is that routine is around the corner and I've got lots to say, Ha ha. 

 

The verse above is one I memorized as a teen and have loved it ever since.  It's a good reminder for me to start my day with God and ask Him for direction for the day.  Too many days I get up with no aim for the day, yet lots to do.  I tend to touch on a few  things of unimportance  in the scheme of Eternity (like doing dishes and mopping a floor) and spend little or no time with God asking Him what today should look like.  By the way, when my "tasks" over take the day without consulting God, I find my days slip away, my importance seems small and smooth is found no where within that day. 

 

Try starting your day out with God.  This morning I opened my bible to the Psalms and read all the underlined verses that have meant something to me over the years.   What a great reminder of who my God is and what He has done. 

My life unwired

Man, I don't know why I've had such bad luck lately with computers but I have.  My Toshiba laptop has bit the dust a second time in only 11 months.  I can't say that this makes me happy.  It is covered by warranty, but I can't say that I was satisfied with their customer service and the $25.00 they make you pay to send it to them.   That would be $50 more that I'm out of pocket because their product keeps failing.  Not good.    I have to say, when I am not connected to the Internet, my life unwired, I feel disconnected and out of touch.  I want to share with you what's going on in Camp Chaos and encourage you in your endeavors, but with no computer, no connect-y! 

So, wondering why I'm online now?  Remember that big ol dinosaur of a computer I had to "declutter" a couple of weeks ago?  I have resurrected it!  I stashed it in the attic of the garage because I didn't know how to get rid of it (can you just throw these things in the trash?) and the last time I thew away a computer in our weekly trash someone picked it and told me about all the pictures on it that I didn't remove.  (of my kids and life....scary!)
The computer is slow, unreliable and uncomfortable to use as I perch it on top of a table and sit erect at a non-desk, but I'm online, so I shouldn't complain.

My laptop should be back to me in a week or so, so hang in there, I'll be back at it full force soon enough.  I'm sure I'll have lots to share! 

Blessings to you all. 

Summer Survival with Kids

Summer was approaching and I knew that if I didn't come up with a plan to make it fun, it would slip by without any special memories and I would be a frazzled freakshow rocking in a corner somewhere saying "find a happy place, find a happy place." 

I decided that trying to make everyday wonderful would be a really ambitious goal, ha ha, and I probably would run out of ideas and not only fail my kids but I would feel I had failed myself as well, so I deemed every Friday this summer to be "Adventure Friday." (surely I can handle that, right?!)

Anyday I can sprinkle an "extra something"  in, even something as simple as sidewalk chalk, makes my kids smile, which in turn makes me smile.

Our  kids are young still and easy to please, so it's fun to do the little things with them.  I live in Maine, so some of these things are Maine-related. Feel free to come up with your own local fun! 

Here's my "Summer Survival with Kids" list.  The red ones mark the fun we've had so far!
(If you have older kids, it may be harder to make these "simple little things" work.  There has to be something "out there" that you can do with them to make memories.  Any suggestions are welcome, please comment!)

• Set up a painting station outside. (painted rocks, scrap wood, firewood - my daughter painted a flag on the butt end of a piece of firewood  - it turned out GREAT!)
• Go on a picnic somewhere. Basket, blanket and all! Bring a kite, some bubbles and a soccer ball. 
• Take the kids to a camp on the lake for the day 
• Write a letter and send stickers or something to a friend or family member 
• Go on a moose hunt in Baxter State Park 
• Take a drive to the Alagash and check it out
• Start reading a kids book series 
• In the fall, visit a corn maze 
• Make a trash can drum set out of 5 galon pails
• Yardsale 
• Do something special for a friend
• Blow up balloons, put notes in them and give them to friends or neighbors 
• Visit a zoo 
• Make a treasure hunt
• Go Camping 
• Take a Horse Carriage Ride 
• Mini Golf
• Go to the movies
• Set up a sprinkler
• Build a tree house
• Family game night 
• Go to a museum 
• Plant flowers from seed 
• Throw a party for no reason
• Tie dye t shirts
• Start a collection of something
• Go to uncle willys candy store
• Roast marshmallows on a campfire....even if it’s during the day!
• Redecorate bedrooms
• Homemade playdough
• Have a sleepover in the living room with a tent
• Water balloon fight
• Make something for a local charity
• Learn to facepaint
• Bird watch/feed birds
• Get a bike go for bike rides
• Legos or duplos or the other kind
• Sidewalk chalk grafiti
• Make some pintrest crafts
• Wash the car together
• Watch the clouds
• Crochet, knit or make braclets
• Star gazing
• Dress up fashion shoot/old time photo shoot
• Set up a progressive supper with other families
• Hang out in a hammock and laugh a little
• Get dollar store creepy crawlers and put in a sand box and have the kids be great explorers discovering fossils
•  Put streamers on dowels and turn on dance music for the kids to dance to
•  7 day club with the kids?

Working through it

Ever hear a bible story a gazillion times in your life but for some reason this one time stood out like a pimple on your cheek?  You couldn't just leave it alone, had to mess with it.   This is how I felt when I heard the parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25:14-30. 

It's crazy how much this parable chapped me this time, but in the end, I was reminded of something so important that I was so glad I wrestled with it.

I always took this passage to simply mean "be a good steward" and "don't hoard your wealth for yourself" and I could agree with that. 

When it was presented to me (in church) the pastor pointed out the the Master didn't give equally to each Servant, he gave different amounts.
¹⁴ “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants^[a] and entrusted to them his property. ¹⁵ To one he gave five talents,^[b] to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.

Which leads me to the first irritating rub. Why wouldn't he have given equal amounts?  I relate this to the North American life I live in - there are very poor people and there are very rich people.  And I relate this to Christians in the North American way of life compared to many other countries like Haiti, Africa, Bolivia, etc.  why don't we all have the same to work with?

"Each according to his ability" We all have different strengths and weaknesses, if we were all the same, it would be quite boring, I guess.  (AND You'll find in many cases that the Christians that don't have much of anything are MUCH less distracted and able to focus more on Jesus....who's better off?)
My conclusion had to be "this is just the way it is.  We're not all equal.  That's life here on earth."

The next part really made me think.  The guys with the 5 talents and 2 talents "went at once and put his money to work" and gained double. 
My question was....what did they do to "put it to work"?   Some versions said they "traded with them." Traded what?   I chewed on this part for a while too.  I want to "put it to work" but what does that look like?

This is where my pastor reminded me that we tend to focus on the money portion, but this also pertains to every good gift the Master (God) gives. Talents - physical abilites, intellect, spirtitual gifts AND money are to all be used to the best of our abilities. 

1 Talent guy burried his.  Ah, smart guy!  Can't lose the money that way.  (so I thought)  Nope.  He got a major tongue lashing and was cast into the utter darkness.  WHAT?!  What did I miss? 

 "Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, ²⁵ so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground."

One of my pastors (after I emailed them both on this for more info) pointed out that the 1 Talent guy was condemned for fearful inactivity.  With help from the Intrepreters Bible he said "This guy obviously doesn't know the merciful, gracious, generous heart of the Father or His Son, Jesus...Many religious types today don't either, and will have received their best blessings only here on earth (their talent cautiously buried), while being thrown 'Into the darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth' awaits their eternal destiny."

We could hammer this part to death, but the gist of what I got out of it was don't keep what God has given you out of fear of losing it, rather use it to it's full potential for God knowing he will bless it.

This is where the light bulb moment was for me.  I have a hard time remembering that this passage isn't just about money.  So after I chewed on it for a few days God showed me just how wealthy we are by having 4 little talents (our children) to invest into so they will in turn bring forth a harvest for the Master.  When I was finally able to see this, I was both elated in how much God has entrusted us with and at the same time am humbled by where we need to pick up the pace of our efforts. 

It may look differently for you, but whether you have lots of money to work with, children to invest into or a brian that barely fits your head, we are called to work it to it's fullest potenial for God's purposes, not our selfish gain. 

I hope you can look around you today and see how much the Master has entrusted to you today and I encourage you to use it wisely.  Every good and perfect gift comes from above.  Count your blessings...name them one by one!  Your cup will overflow when you do this, I promise. 

Today's list of "To Do's"

Looks very much like the last 2 days of To-Do's.  Bo-ring.  Clean, tidy, laundry, yard sale prep and paint birdhouses. 

Doesn't that just make your heart jump!  

The great part is I'm having a couple of friends over to help with the yard sale prep and I'm redeeming that from bo-ring to par-tay! 

Here's a face that's always ready to  par-tay!

Lol.  This kid cracks me up.   Enjoy your day!

Routines are a good thing. Why are they so hard for me to embrase?!

I wish I were a little more routine-ly and a little less fly by the seat of my pants-y.  It would make getting things done a little easier.  :)

I've got a lot to do this week. So I'm sharing my To Do List with you all to keep me accountable. 

The Daily Routine:

• Get up, dressed to the shoes, make up on, dragon breath eliminated.
• Feed the kids, deminish their dragon breath as well.
• Dishes washed and put away
• Table and counters washed down
• Floors Swept
• Entry Way Vacuumed
• Loads of Laundry (like 5 or so!)
• Bathrooms wiped down
• Plan for supper

This weeks list to work on:

• a craft fair to prepare for
• a parade float to help with
• kids to spend time with
• sign orders to fill 
• a garage to clean for a sale on Saturday. 

Better get busy! 

**UPDATE**

Wow, it's been one soggy day but I was able to accomplish much.  I did all of the daily routine listed above and I worked a little on each of the items for This Weeks List.  Didn't get really far with a couple of them, but I at least researched or worked a bit on them.  I put away 7 loads of laundry too.  That has to account for something!  Now, what to do with the appliances in the basement that are sitting in water from all of this rain?!
Supper is on and I'm tired.  Time for a coffee and some serious veg time. 

Little steps paid off

I have been working hard on capturing the clutter in my home and finding an orgainizing solution for my "office" collect-all.  I showed you a picture of my delimma in my Procrastinate No More post.  It went from bad to worse very quickly, but I finally came up with at least a "it will do for now" solution and I'm happy with it. 

Here was last nights mess:

And I didn't even take a picture of the entry way where I was dragging and stacking the "need to go's" nor the living room where I dumped the drawers of movies all over the couches.  (This movie mess in turn invited a slob party by the other occupants of the home in which they decided all pillows should be on the floor as well as any toy in the house should be randomly strewn on the floor to join the fun.) 

But this is what I eventually came up with:

I bought 2 accordian folders for some of the paperwork that was in the plastic drawer system I emptied as well as a pot lid organizer for paperwork that I have neatly placed on a shelf in a nearby closet.  Oh, and a plastic bin that fit inside of one of these drawers for pens.

It cost me $21 to organize this area.  It saved me a lot of money just by repurposing what I already had. 

The only downside to all of this is that my unfinished dining room sticks out like a sore thumb to me now and I have the itch to finish it.....NOW.  Uh, the perrils of renovating an old home.  The work is never done.  We keep telling ourselves to stick with one project till it is complete...but that is so hard for us to do - other projects have been just as important and we have a hard time catching our breath in between each.  (Like when you have ice forming on your outlet sockets, and you can't get the temp above 58 degrees in the winter, you know it's time to rip out some walls and insulate.  Or when 1/2 of the shingles from your roof are laying on your driveway....it may be time to put new shingles on.  Or when you have 3 kids, 3 beds, 2 dressers all crammed into 1 small bedroom....it's time to get that back bedroom up and running! ) We have so many ideas and fun things we would like to do to our home....if only we had all kinds of time and money.  HA! 

I keep reminding myself that it's not what the home looks like, it's who's in the home that counts.   God has been so good in what and who He has blessed us with.  I don't want to have my focus stuck on things that don't and won't matter in the scheme of eternity! 

Thanks for sticking with me on this....I knew I could do it and you can too! 

Stay tuned for more decluttering missions!!!

Procrastinate No More!

I have been putting off some cluttery issues that I just didn't want to deal with because they weren't an easy fix.  Yesterday after posting about Little Steps All In The Right Direction I felt invigorated to accomplish much!  I made my list (it was WAY TOO BIG but I can keep scratching things off of it all week long, so I'm OK with it)  and I set off to multitask like mad. 

I did get a lot done.  4 loads of laundry, cleaned the floors, vacuumed, dishes, mowed the lawns, squeezed in a trip to the Dr's office with 6 kids and even made time to take them all to the playground for an hour...then topped the night off with a birthday celebration for my youngest son. 

BUT I still had a couple of things looming over me at 8:30 last night.   The incubator, I mean, The fridge and the home office space which is still a mess. 

I dawned my big girl pants and attacked the fridge with a vengeance.  Filled the sink with hot soapy water and away I went.  It's not perfect, but the science experiments are all gone.  YAY! 

The office space remains the same today. 
I just don't know what to do with it.  The dining room is the only room it makes sense to have it in as it is right off of the kitchen and it's a big room, plus the other areas of the house just don't have enough room for an office.  No extra bedrooms, they're packed like cord wood with kids.  lol. 

The computers that are here need to go.  One doesn't work at all and the other (that is hiding behind that door) is a dinosaur with a mother board issue.  It's about 8+ years old too. Ha ha.  I think we've gotten our money's worth.  We paid $100 for it 6 or so years ago. So I've been downloading the necessary files off of it so I can feel free to dispose of it.  That's 1 step in the right direction. :)

I really dislike the drawer system, the basket full of scrapbooks and the clutter that is in piles on top of the printer. 

But what is the answer?  I just don't know.   There is a window to the left and it's low.  There is a fireplace beyond that so I don't really want to butt anything right up to it....it would be ugly.  I think. 

I'm looking for a frugal solution.  If you have any ideas or pics, I'd love to hear them. 

Once I get this figured out and fixed, I will be able to move on to decluttering the next room. Until then, be patient with me, I'm working on a solution.  Hopefully it won't take long. 

Little Steps All In The Right Direction.

Do you have a hard time getting anything done?  No matter what you aim to do you have to actually try in order to get there.  (Preaching to myself here) Set goals.  Refer to them often!  Post notes around the house so you are reminded about what you're aiming at.  Sitting around thinking about it doesn't get it done.  Getting sidetracked by all life throws at you won't get it done.  You actually have to set a goal (an attainable one!  So make it small for the first step.) and then set your mind to do it and GO FOR IT!

Flylady says "Housework done incorrectly will still bless your family."     So if a tidy, clean home is your aim, no worries, even if it's done incorrectly - not up to your momma's standards - every effort helps.  Keep on trucking!

I love what Dave Ramsey says in Financial Peace University:  "Do little things all in the right direction, long enough, and eventually you'll get there."


Start here today:

• Make a list of what you would like to and have to accomplish this week. 

• Where to start?  Which task takes the least amount of time?  Start there. 

• Multitask.  Start a load of laundry.  Move to another task.  When the laundry is done washing, that is your timer to stop what you are doing and go switch over the laundry.  Put in another load and start it.   If you have dried clothes, fold them right then.  Once your clothes are folded, either go and put them away (this is where I falter) or start another task or finish the one you were working on.

• When working on a task, pick the entrance of the room and work clockwise or counterclockwise, whichever is more natural for you.  I tend to work counter-clockwise. 

• Pick a time to be finished for the day.  Don't work from 7am to 10pm and expect to want to do it again tomorrow.  Pick a few minutes or hours to work on this stuff, depending on if you work outside of the home during the day or not.   Look at your list of "want to accomplish" and pick only 2 or 3 things to work on today.  It doesn't mean you have to finish those things in completion today, but at least you have a start. 

• Stop reading this blog and go do it.  :)  Can't wait to hear what  you accomplished! 

The Great Home Rescue. Get Organized Now. The Dining Room

Mission 2.  The Dining Room. 

Even though my kitchen is usually a wreck because it is used so much, my dining room tends to be where clutter really clings to.  It's hidden from those who come to the front door because I have a bar to hide it behind.  But when you get into the room...there are cluttery piles here and there because I don't know what else to do with it. 

Here is it's present state.

The Dining Room doubles for an office space as well.  The desk houses 2 computers that don't work.  Well, one will if you reboot it 8 times, stand on your left ear and snort through twizzlers all at the same time.  This to me.....is major clutter.  I dislike it SO much.  Not sure what to do with it yet. 

I just washed the floors so it doesn't look too bad from this last pic, but I didn't think to take a picture before I mopped.  Chunks of carrotts, toys, books adorned the floor.  If only that was "in" nowaday.

.

So today's mission is to declutter.  Start from one end of the room and move to the other.  Look around.  Do you love your trinkets on the shelves?  How bout that Scrabble game on top of the hutch...should it be stacked up there? 

After you get the unwanted's into a confined area, go back quickly with a rag and Pledge and wipe it all down.  You'll be glad you did. 

I'm going to go work on this now!

The Great Home Rescue. Get Organized Now. The Kitchen.

Mission One: The Kitchen

I'll start here because it seems to be the hub of the home. At least it is in my house. 
In order to see what clutter you actually have you have to have your dishes done.  Set a timer for 15 minutes (if it takes you that long) and do all the dishes and put them away.  Empty the dishwasher if you have one and make sure your sink(s) are empty. 

Now that you have that done, let's take a look at the counter top. Is it cluttered?  Look at it as if you were a guest in your home for the first time.  What do you see?  Can any of your appliances be put away in a cupboard and taken out upon usage - Like the can opener or toaster? How about the mixer?  Start from one end of the counter and work toward the other end (or in my case, the bar).  I move anything that does not belong in that area to the bar and then deal with the bar at the end. 

Once you have that done, wipe all the counters clean with your favorite cleaning solution. 

Now, before you deal with "the pile" let's do the same for the refrigerator.  Look on top, on the front etc.  Do you have pictures or papers all over the front?  Take them all off.  Set them aside.  The top of my refrigerator seems to be a collector for anything I don't want my toddler to reach.  It gets wild up there!  Today isn't so bad, but it wasn't that long ago I decluttered it.

Wipe the fridge down (outside only - the inside is a separate task for a different day).

What does your windowsill look like?  Does it have earrings, buttons and medicine bottles on it?  It should be bare when you are finished.  Wipe it down.  (I'm guilty, mine has plant starters on it right now...not all that attractive, I admit!)

Everything should have a home.  If it doesn't have one, you need to create one for it or it'll reappear right where you found it! 

Ok, let's deal with those piles now.  This is what I'm looking at: 

Papers should be filed properly where you can find them later. 
Toys don't belong in a kitchen...have a kid put them away properly.
The purse should have a home in a closet somewhere.
Tools should go to the utility room or garage or basement - where ever it's "home" is.  (yes, there are tools in this pile...lol)
Books & CD's need to be put away in their home.
Dishes that need to be returned to someone need to be taken to the car.

You can do this!  It feels GREAT when the house looks good, keep that goal on your radar and GO FOR IT!  It didn't take me that long...take it a bit at a time if it's too overwhelming.  Set your timer for 15 minutes each time & work as fast as you can.  You'll be amazed how quick it comes together!

Ahhhh! My home is swallowing me up!

Tell me you feel this way at times.  You look around and the question arises - did I do anything last week in this house?  You know you did, but the house can not prove it.  I'm going to spend some time organizing and cleaning my home and I hope you'll join me by working on yours! 

I figure the greatest reason why we have clutter is that we have too much stuff.  We are a stuff oriented society.  My motto has been if I don't use it in a year, it's going to a better home.  If it is used that seldom, ask someone else to borrow theirs!  They won't mind and you can invite them to do the same with you!


Stuff clutters our hearts, our heads and our homes.  It's gotta go.  Keep what you need.  Bless someone else with your overflow.  My last post about clutter touches on this too.  Check it out here.

I'd like to use a cute catchy phrase like 31 days to being organized but I don't know if I can be organized in only 31 days. HA! 

So, let's call this series "The Great Home Rescue. Get Organized Now."  We'll attack the house one room at a time.   If you have any suggestions about what works for you or extra areas I'm not touching on, please feel free to leave a comment so we can all learn from you or figure out a plan for your dilemma!  


So go get 3 boxes, laundry baskets or bags ready - give away, put away and throw away.  We're on a mission and we need the proper tools for the job! 

Music is good for the soul

Not everyone feels music to be such an outlet as I do, but for me, it's essential.  When I am faced with a difficult decision or if I've had a hard day, I will take time to pray about it, read my bible to see what God is telling me and then I tend to turn on my tunes. 

I don't listen to just any tunes, usually.  I have a handful of songs in my music library that are not Christ based songs and to be truthful, during these times, I have to skip them when they play.  I don't find they help my mood, my heart or my soul. 

This was the case for me the other day.  I was looking to God for some clear answers on a situation I was facing.  He answered me.  I didn't like his answer and truthfully I was kinda angry at his response. 

As I mulled over going forward with my fleshly approach or be obedient and go with what He was asking of me, I mowed my lawns.  :)  (it's always a good outlet for me to get rid of angst.) I had my ipod on and the music was blaring truth in my ears.  Matthew West was singing my prayer!!!  Stop the World.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAMg1WaEJ98

The next song I listened to was Aware by Salvador.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJwtcF3ykhU

I believe God used these two songs to quiet my angst and speak right to my heart.  I had to remember it is Him I serve and His ways are so much better than mine, He is so much bigger than my trials.  I am so thankful for the personal relationship I have with my God who is able to make good of any situation.  I am so thankful he gave us music to express encouraging words and our love to him in. 

Hey all you coffee drinkers, your lawn needs you

I knew that title would get your attention.  I too would have clicked on the link without hesitation thinking "maybe she's going to tell me there are wonderful benefits to drinking coffee, so I should drink more."  Sorry to say, that's not the purpose of this post.  In fact, I have been researching lawn care and specifically organic lawn care. 

I'm guessing those of you who don't give a rip about organic living or lawn care are rolling your eyes.   Stay with me for a moment.  I need your coffee.  lol. 

We leveled our lawn a couple of summers ago and had to reseed it.  I did not know that when seeding grass, it is ideal to mix the topsoil with a compost of some sort.  You could snap an ankle on our lawn right now because it is so hard!  I need to aerate it, but I just can't bring myself to buy a pair of spike bottomed sneakers and walk in circles for hours a day. 

I heard that coffee grounds were good for composting.  I wondered if they had any benefits for lawns? Hey, we drink a couple of pots a day (oh common, you would too if you were home with 4 little ones!)  I should check this out!  I was pleasantly surprised at the answer. 

Here's what I found.  Coffee grounds are GREAT!  Here's why:

• they can be worked into soil to improve aeration and drainage
• coffee grounds, make great mulch.  Gardeners report trees, shrubs and flowers responding very well when mulched with coffee grounds
• earthworms go crazy for coffee grounds. Some people think they even become addicted to coffee for the same reasons people do. Worms tear through coffee grounds like any compost. They will eat through the equivalent of their own body weight every 24 hours. They are nature’s roto-tiller
• coffee grounds provide your lawn with both the major nutrient group N-P-K and the macro nutrient group in a slow release form.
• you'll save a few dollars by not buying all that commercial fertilizer
• they are high in nitrogen, which is the same nutrient that is lost in the greatest quantity when lawn is mowed

Here's what my lawn looked like on 5/30/12

I took my can of used coffee grounds out and just flicked them all over this area.  (I've since read that you should dry them out on a tarp or something first as they spread more evenly.)

Can't wait to see the results!