It's been a fantastic weekend! Friday David and I went to Houston for a marriage conference called Love and Respect, based off the book by Emmerson and Sarah Eggerichs.
We had not been to a marriage conference probably in about 15 years, so we really didn't know what to expect. (More dialogue about "I feel" and "You feel"? I hoped not!) However, this one was recommend by a friend and it equaled 2 days and 1 night ALONE, so we said YES! And, I'm so glad we went!
Their entire premise is that God made us different - pink and blue. Neither one is wrong - we're just different. God made men to be strong, warriors, with certain aspects that are just planted into them. He made us in a totally different light. We like feelings and connections and we're much more sensitive.
But there are two main affections that we cannot do without and that is LOVE for a woman and RESPECT for a man.
When a woman feels unloved, she disrespects her man and when a man feels disrespected, he is unloving to his wife.
That's it in a nutshell.
If you have a great marriage or a marriage that is shaky at best, it would do you good to look into this book or study materials. Better yet - find a conference near you and attend. You won't be sorry!
We left Friday and drove to Houston, ate Mexican food, saw a movie, then attended the conference. Saturday morning we had a delicious breakfast and went back to the conference, then had a great lunch and headed home. It was just enough time to renew ourselves and take a break from the daily grind. We had great conversation throughout and learned alot about what we're already doing right and what we need to work on.
What a blessing it was!
(Thanks Honey!)
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
On A Shelf
When was the last time you walked into a store, saw something and said "I have to have that!"? For some of us, it may happen more often than not, and for others, who aren't really shoppers, maybe not so often.
Here are two such purchases I made several months ago that evoked that exact response in me:
I saw these two pitchers and instantly fell in love with them. They fit my style perfectly. As I stood there in the store, contemplating buying both of them, I was day dreaming about how I would fill them with cold, sweet lemonade and tea; how I would serve my family and friends out of these and be so happy while doing it. You could almost hear the music playing in the background as I would pick one up, put it down and pick up the other. I loved these two! And even sweeter - they were on sale and I had a coupon! It was my lucky day!
I brought them home, unwrapped them with the utmost care, put them on the shelf, and have used them exactly once since then.
How many things do we have on our shelves that we don't get any use out of? People like things; we collect things; we hoard things. Then we neglect our things.
Just as I stood in the store that day, dreaming of all the things I would do with these special items, I can imagine what the creator of these pitchers was thinking when he made them. I would guess he had a special vision of where they would end up; what they would be used for. Little did he know that they would spend most of their time put away on a shelf.
I think that's how God must feel sometimes when he sees us not using the gifts He's given us. I'm talking about spiritual gifts and earthly gifts.
Take the gift of hospitality - do you have it? It's a unique gift that seems very accessible to everyone; yet it's painfully uncomfortable for some. I will admit - I'm not a great hostess. I get nervous and fear things will not go as planned. (I'm a planner). Then there are some who seem to blossom as each guest arrives; smiling, serving, floating from room to room effortlessly doing the hostess thing as if she were born to serve. I fear not doing it well enough, so I put that desire on the shelf and only share it with whom I feel comfortable.
What about the gift of giving? Do you generously give or do you just think about giving? I'm not talking about tithing or giving to charities. I'm talking about reaching out to others with your abilities, your resources, and just for fun. I love to give. I sometimes see something in the store and think about buying multiple ones and giving them to my friends. The problem is - well, besides money, of course - is that I have great intentions, but rarely follow through. So, my gift of giving sits on the shelf and becomes just another thought.
What about the gift of time? That's a big one for me. It's one of my love languages. I want to spend time with the ones I care about. But, too many friendships go stagnant because of the lack of time put into them. I always think of friendships as flowers; if they aren't watered, they die. Think of the story of Mary and Martha in the Bible: Martha obviously had the gift of organization (my words), but Mary knew that time was what was appropriate there. Do you have someone wanting to spend time with you, but you're too busy? Do you put your friendships up on a shelf; thinking they will wait on you?
God has bestowed many blessings upon us in the form of talents and gifts. He's freely given and yet, we put our blessings on a shelf and plan on getting to them one day. We have great intentions of writing that story, making that meal for someone, inviting that woman over for coffee, but we never do.
We have good china in a cabinet, collecting dust. We're waiting for that special occasion, but there is never one that is special enough. We have dresses we are saving for the right function, we have shoes being protected from the rain. We have so much and yet, we hoard and we save and tuck things away for just the right moment.
But, what if the moment is now? Why can't it be?
Get out your gifts, dust them off and bless yourself today. I guarantee in the process, you will bless someone else too.
As for my pitchers - I filled one with lemonade yesterday and the other will be blessed with ice tea today. They were made to be used and I plan on doing just that.
Until next time......
Blessings!
Here are two such purchases I made several months ago that evoked that exact response in me:
I saw these two pitchers and instantly fell in love with them. They fit my style perfectly. As I stood there in the store, contemplating buying both of them, I was day dreaming about how I would fill them with cold, sweet lemonade and tea; how I would serve my family and friends out of these and be so happy while doing it. You could almost hear the music playing in the background as I would pick one up, put it down and pick up the other. I loved these two! And even sweeter - they were on sale and I had a coupon! It was my lucky day!
I brought them home, unwrapped them with the utmost care, put them on the shelf, and have used them exactly once since then.
How many things do we have on our shelves that we don't get any use out of? People like things; we collect things; we hoard things. Then we neglect our things.
Just as I stood in the store that day, dreaming of all the things I would do with these special items, I can imagine what the creator of these pitchers was thinking when he made them. I would guess he had a special vision of where they would end up; what they would be used for. Little did he know that they would spend most of their time put away on a shelf.
I think that's how God must feel sometimes when he sees us not using the gifts He's given us. I'm talking about spiritual gifts and earthly gifts.
Take the gift of hospitality - do you have it? It's a unique gift that seems very accessible to everyone; yet it's painfully uncomfortable for some. I will admit - I'm not a great hostess. I get nervous and fear things will not go as planned. (I'm a planner). Then there are some who seem to blossom as each guest arrives; smiling, serving, floating from room to room effortlessly doing the hostess thing as if she were born to serve. I fear not doing it well enough, so I put that desire on the shelf and only share it with whom I feel comfortable.
What about the gift of giving? Do you generously give or do you just think about giving? I'm not talking about tithing or giving to charities. I'm talking about reaching out to others with your abilities, your resources, and just for fun. I love to give. I sometimes see something in the store and think about buying multiple ones and giving them to my friends. The problem is - well, besides money, of course - is that I have great intentions, but rarely follow through. So, my gift of giving sits on the shelf and becomes just another thought.
What about the gift of time? That's a big one for me. It's one of my love languages. I want to spend time with the ones I care about. But, too many friendships go stagnant because of the lack of time put into them. I always think of friendships as flowers; if they aren't watered, they die. Think of the story of Mary and Martha in the Bible: Martha obviously had the gift of organization (my words), but Mary knew that time was what was appropriate there. Do you have someone wanting to spend time with you, but you're too busy? Do you put your friendships up on a shelf; thinking they will wait on you?
God has bestowed many blessings upon us in the form of talents and gifts. He's freely given and yet, we put our blessings on a shelf and plan on getting to them one day. We have great intentions of writing that story, making that meal for someone, inviting that woman over for coffee, but we never do.
We have good china in a cabinet, collecting dust. We're waiting for that special occasion, but there is never one that is special enough. We have dresses we are saving for the right function, we have shoes being protected from the rain. We have so much and yet, we hoard and we save and tuck things away for just the right moment.
But, what if the moment is now? Why can't it be?
Get out your gifts, dust them off and bless yourself today. I guarantee in the process, you will bless someone else too.
As for my pitchers - I filled one with lemonade yesterday and the other will be blessed with ice tea today. They were made to be used and I plan on doing just that.
Until next time......
Blessings!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Just Blessed
After a strange week powered by the full moon, the weekend was much better. All last week I felt out-of-sorts. Nothing out of the ordinary went on; just a mix of weariness and bad moods. I'm blaming it on the moon.
But, the weekend was much better.
We started off Saturday morning by going to the gun range with Collin. He's taking the Rifle courses in 4H so every Saturday he and David have been going to the shooting range to practice. This time I went along so I could witness the greatness of Collin (his description) and dad, doing what men do. I think I surprised them both when I took them up on their offer to shoot some rounds too. And, I must say, I didn't stink at it! I had a quick little lesson from the instructor, learned how to hold a 22 rifle, shot about 10 rounds, and had a great time. I needed a little outdoor activity to get me out of the funk I was in all week. Thanks guys!
After a great lunch of chicken and sausage gumbo, we headed home just long enough to put up some new blinds in the livingroom, have some coffee, then head out again to a benefit that David's company was sponsoring for a senior center. Our friend Britt Godwin and his Remember When Orchestra were the entertainment and we had a great time listening to the big band sounds in an old theater in downtown. What a great evening. We finished off the night with some classic Alfred Hitchcock shows with Collin, then off to get some sleep.
Sunday we went to church and came home to a day of rest. I purposely made myself NOT work around the house (it's really hard to do when you see things that need to be done), but instead took a 30 minute nap, started a new book, and enjoyed a few shows with David and Collin. Unfortunately, by late that night, I couldn't stand it any longer and I had to vacuum the floors. Ahhhhh. I felt much better after that!
Today I will be getting Ted started on his Speed Reading course from College Plus. Last week he spent his time filling out scholarship forms and writing an essay for a scholarship contest. I hope he does well. His essay was very unique and had such a different perspective.
I'm starting two new books this week: Candace Cameron's "Reshaping It All" (for pleasure reading) and Sheila Walsh's "The Shelter of God's Promises" (for book review). I like to have one book that doesn't require much thought and the other I will read during my quiet time each morning. My goal is to be finished by next Monday. I have another review book sitting on my shelf patiently waiting, so I feel pressured!
Now I'm off to eat a wonderfully fulfilling cereal bar that tastes almost like cardboard, but not quite, drink my vitamin C and throw in my 1st load of laundry for today.
Hope you are truly blessed today as you work around your home.
Until next time.....
Blessings!
But, the weekend was much better.
We started off Saturday morning by going to the gun range with Collin. He's taking the Rifle courses in 4H so every Saturday he and David have been going to the shooting range to practice. This time I went along so I could witness the greatness of Collin (his description) and dad, doing what men do. I think I surprised them both when I took them up on their offer to shoot some rounds too. And, I must say, I didn't stink at it! I had a quick little lesson from the instructor, learned how to hold a 22 rifle, shot about 10 rounds, and had a great time. I needed a little outdoor activity to get me out of the funk I was in all week. Thanks guys!
After a great lunch of chicken and sausage gumbo, we headed home just long enough to put up some new blinds in the livingroom, have some coffee, then head out again to a benefit that David's company was sponsoring for a senior center. Our friend Britt Godwin and his Remember When Orchestra were the entertainment and we had a great time listening to the big band sounds in an old theater in downtown. What a great evening. We finished off the night with some classic Alfred Hitchcock shows with Collin, then off to get some sleep.
Sunday we went to church and came home to a day of rest. I purposely made myself NOT work around the house (it's really hard to do when you see things that need to be done), but instead took a 30 minute nap, started a new book, and enjoyed a few shows with David and Collin. Unfortunately, by late that night, I couldn't stand it any longer and I had to vacuum the floors. Ahhhhh. I felt much better after that!
Today I will be getting Ted started on his Speed Reading course from College Plus. Last week he spent his time filling out scholarship forms and writing an essay for a scholarship contest. I hope he does well. His essay was very unique and had such a different perspective.
I'm starting two new books this week: Candace Cameron's "Reshaping It All" (for pleasure reading) and Sheila Walsh's "The Shelter of God's Promises" (for book review). I like to have one book that doesn't require much thought and the other I will read during my quiet time each morning. My goal is to be finished by next Monday. I have another review book sitting on my shelf patiently waiting, so I feel pressured!
Now I'm off to eat a wonderfully fulfilling cereal bar that tastes almost like cardboard, but not quite, drink my vitamin C and throw in my 1st load of laundry for today.
Hope you are truly blessed today as you work around your home.
Until next time.....
Blessings!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
The Pioneer Woman - NOT!
I've always wished I was like a pioneer woman; waking up early, making a huge breakfast for the family. Instead, mine get cold cereal and pop tarts. It's just NOT going to happen. But I have been trying to make a few changes around here; positive ones that affect our health and budget and my sanity.
A few weeks ago I bought some Shaklee cleaning products and I must say, I'm impressed. The hardest thing to get used to is the fact that there is no smell in the cleanser. When you grow up associating the smell of Clorox or Pine Sol with "clean", it's hard to scrub the sink and not wonder if you've really made a difference. But, besides the smell (or lack of) the shine is amazing! It makes me think that the other cleansers have left a residue that I've not noticed, because all of my white countertops, sinks, toilets, etc. are bright white and shiny! I guess that's my new "clean"!
That's just one area I've changed over the past few weeks. I've also tried to stop eating out as much. We've been working on our budget and when you see the money going to the fast food joints and restaurants, it's sickening. So, I've been cooking alot more; knowing that it's healthier for our bodies and our wallet! In fact - I've been cooking so much that I think I've put Collin in detox (from eating out) because the other day he said "Mom, when are we going to have some modern food? I'm tired of all this old fashioned cooking!" I laughed so hard when he said that! That's when you know you've eaten too many hamburgers and pizzas! So, now we can still eat burgers and pizzas, but they will come from our kitchen and not the greasy joint down the street.
Then there's the area of laundry; the never-ending saga of wash, dry, fold, put away, repeat. AHHHH! Thank goodness I didn't live back in the pioneer days! (I'm fickle) I can't imagine having to do all of this by hand! Who has time for that? As it is, even with the modern conveniences, it's an everyday job! So - I've been trying to think of ways to make this task easier and spread the wealth, so to speak. And, here's my solution:
A few weeks ago I bought some Shaklee cleaning products and I must say, I'm impressed. The hardest thing to get used to is the fact that there is no smell in the cleanser. When you grow up associating the smell of Clorox or Pine Sol with "clean", it's hard to scrub the sink and not wonder if you've really made a difference. But, besides the smell (or lack of) the shine is amazing! It makes me think that the other cleansers have left a residue that I've not noticed, because all of my white countertops, sinks, toilets, etc. are bright white and shiny! I guess that's my new "clean"!
That's just one area I've changed over the past few weeks. I've also tried to stop eating out as much. We've been working on our budget and when you see the money going to the fast food joints and restaurants, it's sickening. So, I've been cooking alot more; knowing that it's healthier for our bodies and our wallet! In fact - I've been cooking so much that I think I've put Collin in detox (from eating out) because the other day he said "Mom, when are we going to have some modern food? I'm tired of all this old fashioned cooking!" I laughed so hard when he said that! That's when you know you've eaten too many hamburgers and pizzas! So, now we can still eat burgers and pizzas, but they will come from our kitchen and not the greasy joint down the street.
Then there's the area of laundry; the never-ending saga of wash, dry, fold, put away, repeat. AHHHH! Thank goodness I didn't live back in the pioneer days! (I'm fickle) I can't imagine having to do all of this by hand! Who has time for that? As it is, even with the modern conveniences, it's an everyday job! So - I've been trying to think of ways to make this task easier and spread the wealth, so to speak. And, here's my solution:
BASKETS!
Everyone has their own basket - even the socks! My method used to be folding everyone's clothes, taking the clothes to their rooms and putting them on their beds. NOW - I take the clothes from the dryer, put them in each basket, and let them fold them and put them away. Then, all the socks are going into the little basket with the handle, which I will take to the couch in the evenings and sort socks while we have our evening "TV time". Most likely I will assign this job to Collin in the future (very near future). This should cut down on the time I spend in the laundry room.
I've always said and have to constantly remind myself, that organization is the key. The more organized I am, the more efficiently I can run this household. I certainly haven't reached the top of the organization game, but I'm slowly making my way.
I'll write more on budgets and couponing in the next post.
Until next time......
Blessings!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Love Is.......
Remember the comic strip from the "old days" (when I was a kid), called "Love Is...."? They would write clever things like "Love Is......saving the last piece of candy for someone else" or "Love Is.....never having to say you're sorry" (which I don't get).
Here's my own little version of "Love Is..." to tell you how Valentine's Day was in our house.
First, I prepared these for my boys......
Here's my own little version of "Love Is..." to tell you how Valentine's Day was in our house.
First, I prepared these for my boys......
Love Is.......SIMPLE.
Then after David left for work I found this...........
Love Is.......SWEET.
Then Collin gave me this.............
Love Is........PRICELESS.
Later in the afternoon, I had a heart to heart talk with Ted about being 18 and what responsibilities and privileges come with this new number that is about to live in our house. It was a good, honest talk; one that allowed me to see into my son's heart and understand his feelings a little better. Then, I got to experience love as he hugged me and told me what great parents he thinks we are. It was a sweet moment in time, as he patted me on the back while tears of realization rolled down my face. My son is not a little child anymore; but has grown into a young man. And I'm so proud of him.
Fast forward a few hours: I cooked David's favorite chicken - Shake-N-Bake Chicken, potatoes and sauteed onions, and sweet peas. Dessert was (again) Chocolate covered strawberries.
***Side Note****For as long as we've had kids (almost 18 years), we've always celebrated Valentine's Day with them by our side and most of those years have been with dinner at home.****
Usually on Valentine's Day, I will pull out the candles and set the table and we will have a "romantic" dinner. BUT this year Collin decided he wanted something different.........to eat on TV trays while watching The Lucy Show (on DVD). It just so happened that the next episode involved Lucy on a date, so he felt like it was totally appropriate for the occasion. It was a great dinner and the show was funny. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
Bonus to the night was that Collin and David cleaned the kitchen together while I sat on the couch watching The Bachelor (we all have vices). I was happy to take them up on their offer. Love Is......Serving others.
After Collin went to bed, David and I watched our favorite show, Hawaii Five-O, together. Love Is......spending time together.
It wasn't glamorous, it wasn't expensive, we didn't get dressed up, but it was a great day, spent with the ones I love, doing our normal things - just living life.
To me, that's what LOVE IS.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Renew Your Spirit Day
I just love the FlyLady's title for Sundays - Renew Your Spirit Day! I guess because by Sunday, that's exactly what I need - to renew my spirit (and the rest of me)!
We are about to head out for church this morning. It's a beautiful clear (and cold) day with blue skies and sunshine. Now THIS is how a Sunday should be.
We're having Sloppy Joes for lunch with Mac & Cheese, sweet corn, and most definitely something chocolate for dessert.
After that, my goal is to get some scrapbooking done. I hope I can make that happen.
Have a blessed day everyone!
We are about to head out for church this morning. It's a beautiful clear (and cold) day with blue skies and sunshine. Now THIS is how a Sunday should be.
We're having Sloppy Joes for lunch with Mac & Cheese, sweet corn, and most definitely something chocolate for dessert.
After that, my goal is to get some scrapbooking done. I hope I can make that happen.
Have a blessed day everyone!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Don't Shoot The Messenger!
I've always wondered where the phrase "don't shoot the messenger" came from. I may have just found out.
I was listening to a tape called "Courageous Conversations" today, and heard a fact about Hitler that I had not known. Apparently, whenever a messenger came to Hitler with news he didn't like, he would have the messenger shot to death. Eventually the messengers caught on to his evil ways and stopped bringing him messages.
Well, sometimes I feel like one of those messengers.
Occasionally I will post something on FaceBook that I've seen in the news. Today happened to be one of those days. A friend posted a link to a news story and I "shared" it on my page. The story was about some public schools in Texas, forcing students to learn the Arabic language. This story was unbelievable and it made my blood boil.
First of all, we're in America. Our language is English. It's great that everyone is ambitious and wants to learn other languages, but this should be a choice; not the law. Second, this is just another attempt by the government to indoctrinate our children (well, not mine).
I felt like this news was worthy of posting, for the mere fact of informing those whose children attend public school. Contrary to what they might believe; I actually care about the souls and hearts of their kids.
But - sometimes people would rather shoot the messenger, than deal with the message.
I have found this to be the case amongst some who have their kids in public school or some who teach in the public schools.
I don't write the news. I don't create the news. I am not on the school board making decisions. I'm simply sharing information that SHOULD be important, considering their most valuable possessions are behind those walls!
My theory is that it's because I homeschool. As a matter of fact, I would be willing to bet that if I were a fellow public school parent sharing the news, the attitude would be much different. It's kind of along the same lines as when you were a kid and someone teased your kid brother. It was ok for you to tease him; but not anyone else.
So, they talk about how bad the system is; how rotten some of the aspects are; how unreal the government influence is; even griping about the teachers, but they don't want to hear it from a homeschooling mom.
What a shame to let pride stand in the way of really hearing the information you need to make the best choices for your children.
Will I keep posting the news that I feel is worthy of alarm? Yes, I most likely will. I can't stand the thought of knowing something evil is going on and not warning someone about it. That goes against every gene in my body that makes me a mom!
Hopefully, one day, something I've passed along will make a difference in someone's life. Hopefully, some day I'll be seen as a fellow mom; not an evil messenger bringing bad news. Only time will tell. But, eventually I may decide it's not worth bringing the message any more. I may decide that they get what they get, because they turned their backs on the truth. But, somehow I don't think my conscience will let me get away with that.
Until next time......
Stay informed and be blessed.
I was listening to a tape called "Courageous Conversations" today, and heard a fact about Hitler that I had not known. Apparently, whenever a messenger came to Hitler with news he didn't like, he would have the messenger shot to death. Eventually the messengers caught on to his evil ways and stopped bringing him messages.
Well, sometimes I feel like one of those messengers.
Occasionally I will post something on FaceBook that I've seen in the news. Today happened to be one of those days. A friend posted a link to a news story and I "shared" it on my page. The story was about some public schools in Texas, forcing students to learn the Arabic language. This story was unbelievable and it made my blood boil.
First of all, we're in America. Our language is English. It's great that everyone is ambitious and wants to learn other languages, but this should be a choice; not the law. Second, this is just another attempt by the government to indoctrinate our children (well, not mine).
I felt like this news was worthy of posting, for the mere fact of informing those whose children attend public school. Contrary to what they might believe; I actually care about the souls and hearts of their kids.
But - sometimes people would rather shoot the messenger, than deal with the message.
I have found this to be the case amongst some who have their kids in public school or some who teach in the public schools.
I don't write the news. I don't create the news. I am not on the school board making decisions. I'm simply sharing information that SHOULD be important, considering their most valuable possessions are behind those walls!
My theory is that it's because I homeschool. As a matter of fact, I would be willing to bet that if I were a fellow public school parent sharing the news, the attitude would be much different. It's kind of along the same lines as when you were a kid and someone teased your kid brother. It was ok for you to tease him; but not anyone else.
So, they talk about how bad the system is; how rotten some of the aspects are; how unreal the government influence is; even griping about the teachers, but they don't want to hear it from a homeschooling mom.
What a shame to let pride stand in the way of really hearing the information you need to make the best choices for your children.
Will I keep posting the news that I feel is worthy of alarm? Yes, I most likely will. I can't stand the thought of knowing something evil is going on and not warning someone about it. That goes against every gene in my body that makes me a mom!
Hopefully, one day, something I've passed along will make a difference in someone's life. Hopefully, some day I'll be seen as a fellow mom; not an evil messenger bringing bad news. Only time will tell. But, eventually I may decide it's not worth bringing the message any more. I may decide that they get what they get, because they turned their backs on the truth. But, somehow I don't think my conscience will let me get away with that.
Until next time......
Stay informed and be blessed.
Why So Long?
Why has it been almost a week since my last post? I have little sticky notes on my desk about different things to write about; just never enough time to sit and do it.
Last week - as indicated in my last post - I thought we were in for some snow. Nope! Just several days of frozen water. Oh well! It's not like we haven't seen it before! I'd rather have no snow than so much snow that we are trapped inside the house. That's never been the case here, and I don't anticipate that happening - EVER!
The days during the freeze were nice though. David was home (instead of work), and we all just kind of did our own thing inside the house. It was just nice having everyone inside, safe and sound.
This week I have been working on College Plus plans. We got a few boxes of books and cd's in the mail last week. Even though Ted's first official day is not until February 28th, we're getting a head start. Never hurts to get ahead!
I also received a shipment of Shaklee products, which I'm thrilled about!
After seeing a video testimony (on someone's blog - can't remember) about a couple who changed to Shaklee cleaning products and basically eliminated their son's asthma, I decided it was worth a try. Both of my boys have mild asthma and frequent allergy symptoms (so do I), so I'm giving these products a try, to see if we can eliminate some of the toxins in the home.
I just set up the bottles tonight. You have the larger bottle of concentrate and the individual spray bottles that you mix for different jobs (windows, degreaser, all-purpose). I actually purchased one of their starter kits, so it came with the products and the dispensers, measuring tools, sponges and rags. It looks like it will last a good number of months, due to the concentration and the small amounts used. I'll report on the results as I use them.
I'm contemplating making a pot of coffee tonight and staying up to get some writing done. Is it worth getting less sleep? I'm thinking about it. I guess you'll find out in the next few days:)
Until then......
Blessings!
Last week - as indicated in my last post - I thought we were in for some snow. Nope! Just several days of frozen water. Oh well! It's not like we haven't seen it before! I'd rather have no snow than so much snow that we are trapped inside the house. That's never been the case here, and I don't anticipate that happening - EVER!
The days during the freeze were nice though. David was home (instead of work), and we all just kind of did our own thing inside the house. It was just nice having everyone inside, safe and sound.
This week I have been working on College Plus plans. We got a few boxes of books and cd's in the mail last week. Even though Ted's first official day is not until February 28th, we're getting a head start. Never hurts to get ahead!
I also received a shipment of Shaklee products, which I'm thrilled about!
After seeing a video testimony (on someone's blog - can't remember) about a couple who changed to Shaklee cleaning products and basically eliminated their son's asthma, I decided it was worth a try. Both of my boys have mild asthma and frequent allergy symptoms (so do I), so I'm giving these products a try, to see if we can eliminate some of the toxins in the home.
I just set up the bottles tonight. You have the larger bottle of concentrate and the individual spray bottles that you mix for different jobs (windows, degreaser, all-purpose). I actually purchased one of their starter kits, so it came with the products and the dispensers, measuring tools, sponges and rags. It looks like it will last a good number of months, due to the concentration and the small amounts used. I'll report on the results as I use them.
I'm contemplating making a pot of coffee tonight and staying up to get some writing done. Is it worth getting less sleep? I'm thinking about it. I guess you'll find out in the next few days:)
Until then......
Blessings!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Snow is on the way!
We haven't had snow - YET - but I feel like we're on a winter vacation!
Yesterday we finally had the anticipated winter storm blow in. It literally went from being in the 60's at 6:00 a.m. to about 40 by 9:00 a.m. That was ushered in by a 30 minute thunderstorm that knocked our power out for about 45 minutes. Since it was darker outside, due to the storm, it was dark inside the house too. No matter. I just kept on working; emptying the dishwasher, straightening up, etc. Just about the time I gathered all the random candles up to burn, the lights came back on. Boy! I would have never made it out on the prairie with Laura Ingalls! Sad confession - but I realized how much I rely on technology to entertain me throughout the day. 45 minutes seems like a long time!
Anyway, everyone around our area is in winter mode. It's not very often that we get to see snow, so when our two (very trustworthy) weathermen start predicting it, we believe it!
Hence my opening sentence about being on a winter vacation; it feels like play time instead of a regular school day. Everyone is hustling and bustling in and out of stores; trying to stock up on......what? I don't know! I had to get out yesterday to buy paper goods, so I threw in an extra pack of lunchmeat (way to prepare, huh?) and a bag of chips for our nachos today, but I refused to go crazy. We have food we can cook on the grill and we always have enough snacks to feed us for a week, so I figure we'll survive.
Today I'll be clearing my memory card on my camera; getting ready to take some snow pictures. The last time we had snow, Ted went out to the back yard and came back inside with a picture on his phone of a snowman he had built. I thought it was so cute and wondered how he was able to build such a great snowman with the little amount of snow we had. When I looked outside to find the snowman, I started cracking up!! The snowman was actually only about 6 inches tall, but the way he took the picture (up close) made it look full sized! I still laugh every time I think about that little 6" snow creation.
I bet I'll have some beautiful pictures of the horses in the snow. Looking forward to that.
What else?
Well, yesterday I downloaded an e-book by Molly (at the Old Schoolhouse Store) that has some really good meals laid out and grocery lists to go with the menus.
I'm trying to get through Dave Ramsey's book More Than Enough, which is one of his best financial books. It deals more with the emotional side of spending and finances, rather than just the practical advice.
I've got College Plus info to listen to (for parents) to try and figure out what my role is in this new adventure and how I can help my on-the-go-teen get a little more focused on his college career.
I need to work on a budget so David and I can sit down and go over our goals for the next year. (For any of you Ramsey fans out there - I'm the nerd).
And, I have the two constants in my daily routine - laundry and keeping Collin on track with his school work. Both are my biggest challenges.
In the back of my mind is the fact that Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so I need to be thinking of that.
Last night I made these just for fun:
David and I are going to a Love and Respect marriage conference at the end of this month, so that is actually our Valentine gift to one another, but I'm sure there will be some sweet things handed out on the 14th too.
If you have any good ideas, I would love to hear about them!
Have a great day friends!
Blessings,
Debbie
Yesterday we finally had the anticipated winter storm blow in. It literally went from being in the 60's at 6:00 a.m. to about 40 by 9:00 a.m. That was ushered in by a 30 minute thunderstorm that knocked our power out for about 45 minutes. Since it was darker outside, due to the storm, it was dark inside the house too. No matter. I just kept on working; emptying the dishwasher, straightening up, etc. Just about the time I gathered all the random candles up to burn, the lights came back on. Boy! I would have never made it out on the prairie with Laura Ingalls! Sad confession - but I realized how much I rely on technology to entertain me throughout the day. 45 minutes seems like a long time!
Anyway, everyone around our area is in winter mode. It's not very often that we get to see snow, so when our two (very trustworthy) weathermen start predicting it, we believe it!
Hence my opening sentence about being on a winter vacation; it feels like play time instead of a regular school day. Everyone is hustling and bustling in and out of stores; trying to stock up on......what? I don't know! I had to get out yesterday to buy paper goods, so I threw in an extra pack of lunchmeat (way to prepare, huh?) and a bag of chips for our nachos today, but I refused to go crazy. We have food we can cook on the grill and we always have enough snacks to feed us for a week, so I figure we'll survive.
Today I'll be clearing my memory card on my camera; getting ready to take some snow pictures. The last time we had snow, Ted went out to the back yard and came back inside with a picture on his phone of a snowman he had built. I thought it was so cute and wondered how he was able to build such a great snowman with the little amount of snow we had. When I looked outside to find the snowman, I started cracking up!! The snowman was actually only about 6 inches tall, but the way he took the picture (up close) made it look full sized! I still laugh every time I think about that little 6" snow creation.
I bet I'll have some beautiful pictures of the horses in the snow. Looking forward to that.
What else?
Well, yesterday I downloaded an e-book by Molly (at the Old Schoolhouse Store) that has some really good meals laid out and grocery lists to go with the menus.
I'm trying to get through Dave Ramsey's book More Than Enough, which is one of his best financial books. It deals more with the emotional side of spending and finances, rather than just the practical advice.
I've got College Plus info to listen to (for parents) to try and figure out what my role is in this new adventure and how I can help my on-the-go-teen get a little more focused on his college career.
I need to work on a budget so David and I can sit down and go over our goals for the next year. (For any of you Ramsey fans out there - I'm the nerd).
And, I have the two constants in my daily routine - laundry and keeping Collin on track with his school work. Both are my biggest challenges.
In the back of my mind is the fact that Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so I need to be thinking of that.
Last night I made these just for fun:
David and I are going to a Love and Respect marriage conference at the end of this month, so that is actually our Valentine gift to one another, but I'm sure there will be some sweet things handed out on the 14th too.
If you have any good ideas, I would love to hear about them!
Have a great day friends!
Blessings,
Debbie
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