I haven't posted much lately (I blame Facebook!!!....lol!) but wanted to come in and share a video for what has become my new favorite Christmas song. So, just in case anyone is still following this sad little blog (if you are then let me know and encourage me to git back to postin'!!).....
Sit back and enjoy this one, and once you've watched it once, play it again but this time close your eyes and just listen.....
Blessings my friends!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Didn't see THAT coming....
So the horse has been here for almost two weeks now. He's a real sweetheart and is settling in and putting on weight and all that good stuff. We spent weeks getting his shed and the turn-out pasture ready for his arrival. I was all ready to go and jump back into horse-ownership....
But I have made the unexpected discovery that I am just not as "into" it as I used to be. Didn't see that coming!! It's a very weird feeling and I've been trying to figure out what's "wrong." What I've concluded is - and this is a hard one to admit - that I don't have the nerve that I used to.
One day last week I was leading him, and some invisible boogey-man spooked him on the right, and he jumped straight and hard to the left, where of course I was standing. His leg hit my knee so hard that I dropped to the ground and couldn't get up for several minutes. Ten days later, my knee is still hurting me.... Yesterday I resolved that I was going to get on him. Thing is, I had to work up to it all day. When I finally did hop on him, we just stood there. For all of 3 minutes. I was absolutely terrified of him bolting or spooking or otherwise doing something to unseat me. Horses can feel your nervousness, so I certainly wasn't helping matters. D'oh!
He's a great horse, but I'm realizing that he's the horse I would have wanted 15 years ago. He's not the horse for me now. I guess I've just been away from it for too long. Weirder still is that I seem to have no resolve whatsoever to just beat it (the fear, not the horse!...lol!). I'm perfectly content to walk away and that's that. If I did get a different horse, what I'm looking for at this stage of my life is some older horse that's seen it all, one that you can lie back on and soak up the sun and he's just gonna fall asleep under you. My idea of a fun ride is just a stroll around camp, not hanging on for dear life going Mach 2! That was me once, but not now. I guess having 3 kids to raise and having a body that just plain takes longer to heal has changed my perspective some!
But I have made the unexpected discovery that I am just not as "into" it as I used to be. Didn't see that coming!! It's a very weird feeling and I've been trying to figure out what's "wrong." What I've concluded is - and this is a hard one to admit - that I don't have the nerve that I used to.
One day last week I was leading him, and some invisible boogey-man spooked him on the right, and he jumped straight and hard to the left, where of course I was standing. His leg hit my knee so hard that I dropped to the ground and couldn't get up for several minutes. Ten days later, my knee is still hurting me.... Yesterday I resolved that I was going to get on him. Thing is, I had to work up to it all day. When I finally did hop on him, we just stood there. For all of 3 minutes. I was absolutely terrified of him bolting or spooking or otherwise doing something to unseat me. Horses can feel your nervousness, so I certainly wasn't helping matters. D'oh!
He's a great horse, but I'm realizing that he's the horse I would have wanted 15 years ago. He's not the horse for me now. I guess I've just been away from it for too long. Weirder still is that I seem to have no resolve whatsoever to just beat it (the fear, not the horse!...lol!). I'm perfectly content to walk away and that's that. If I did get a different horse, what I'm looking for at this stage of my life is some older horse that's seen it all, one that you can lie back on and soak up the sun and he's just gonna fall asleep under you. My idea of a fun ride is just a stroll around camp, not hanging on for dear life going Mach 2! That was me once, but not now. I guess having 3 kids to raise and having a body that just plain takes longer to heal has changed my perspective some!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Today....
....is a bad day.....
Today, I am really disliking home schooling.
Today, I really wish I had another alternative!
But I don't. So I must press on. I feel like my kids are learning nothing. I feel like we just float through our days with no aim. Mostly that's my fault. I am no good at organizing a school day without turning it into a classroom-at-home. I can't seem to find that middle ground. If I try to put some organization to the day, the kids balk at having to do "work." If I try to back off and let them follow their own natural leading, it goes NO where! Well, no, that's not entirely true....but their leading more often than not has nothing to do with "learning" what so ever. Left to their own devices, it would be tv, video games and such.
I'm so frustrated. I feel like I can't win here. And I'm tired of fighting this battle.
.
Today, I am really disliking home schooling.
Today, I really wish I had another alternative!
But I don't. So I must press on. I feel like my kids are learning nothing. I feel like we just float through our days with no aim. Mostly that's my fault. I am no good at organizing a school day without turning it into a classroom-at-home. I can't seem to find that middle ground. If I try to put some organization to the day, the kids balk at having to do "work." If I try to back off and let them follow their own natural leading, it goes NO where! Well, no, that's not entirely true....but their leading more often than not has nothing to do with "learning" what so ever. Left to their own devices, it would be tv, video games and such.
I'm so frustrated. I feel like I can't win here. And I'm tired of fighting this battle.
.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Homesteaders Heart: Here it is! Mini kitchen makeover and giveaway!
Homesteaders Heart: Here it is! My mini kitchen makeover and giveaway!
I'm not sure who all is gonna see this, other than Bloggers who are already friends of Kim's!....but none the less, if you haven't checked out this give-away, well GIT ON OVER THERE!!!!...IT ENDS TOMORROW!
(Well, better late than never, right?!)
I'm not sure who all is gonna see this, other than Bloggers who are already friends of Kim's!....but none the less, if you haven't checked out this give-away, well GIT ON OVER THERE!!!!...IT ENDS TOMORROW!
(Well, better late than never, right?!)
Monday, October 19, 2009
Blog loser
I've come to the undeniable fact that I am, in the world of blog-dom, a loser.....*sigh* That's right, I"m one of "those" kids in high school. I just don't fit in anywhere. Once in a while a "cool" kid will talk to me, but I remain on the fray.
I'm as much to blame as anyone else. You know the old saying, "You've got to be a friend if you want to make a friend." I don't have lots of time to read other blogs and post comments, so really, how will anyone else even know I'm here?!!
But you know what else? I'm comfortable with my blog-loser-ness!...lol!! I like this blog. No one in my circle of family/friends follows it (or even knows about it, for that matter) so it's my safe place to come blog, vent, dream, etc., without worrying that something too personal is gonna get out there. I have another blog that I keep specifically for the purpose of having family & friends far away keep up with our daily life here at camp. But this blog, is alllll mine!
So I will keep coming here, blogging about whatever, when I can. I love to read some of the other blogs I follow...some are side-splitting funny on a fairly regular basis, others are inspirational in terms of home decor. Others are located in parts of the country that I wish I could visit, so it's a good way to be there, virtually. I think maybe when I get scrap booking again (soon!!), I'll start posting some pages here, and maybe - MAYBE! - I'll provide inspiration for someone else!
Or not.
I'm as much to blame as anyone else. You know the old saying, "You've got to be a friend if you want to make a friend." I don't have lots of time to read other blogs and post comments, so really, how will anyone else even know I'm here?!!
But you know what else? I'm comfortable with my blog-loser-ness!...lol!! I like this blog. No one in my circle of family/friends follows it (or even knows about it, for that matter) so it's my safe place to come blog, vent, dream, etc., without worrying that something too personal is gonna get out there. I have another blog that I keep specifically for the purpose of having family & friends far away keep up with our daily life here at camp. But this blog, is alllll mine!
So I will keep coming here, blogging about whatever, when I can. I love to read some of the other blogs I follow...some are side-splitting funny on a fairly regular basis, others are inspirational in terms of home decor. Others are located in parts of the country that I wish I could visit, so it's a good way to be there, virtually. I think maybe when I get scrap booking again (soon!!), I'll start posting some pages here, and maybe - MAYBE! - I'll provide inspiration for someone else!
Or not.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Friday Funnies!
Well I don't know about you, but I think the mere fact that it's FRIDAY is reason enough to laugh!
But I do want to share my all-time favorite scene from the old show "Designing Women." I actually loved any episode that had Bernice in it....she was a hoot!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
And the winner is -----
THE HORSE!
For too many reasons to list here, hubby and I decided that this was the better choice. Maybe someday I'll get to Disney by myself, but in the meantime, we do have a reservation as a family for next Thanksgiving. I mean, you don't think I'd give that up entirely, do you?!...lol!!
The horse is just one of those "don't find this every day" deals. He'd be the proverbial one that got away if I let him go. So we are feverishly working to close in the empty shed, fix the hole in the fence, and get his space all ready for him. It'll probably be another 2-3 weeks before I bring him here, but you can bet I'll be taking pictures and posting them!
A proud momma's got to show off her new baby, after all!
.
For too many reasons to list here, hubby and I decided that this was the better choice. Maybe someday I'll get to Disney by myself, but in the meantime, we do have a reservation as a family for next Thanksgiving. I mean, you don't think I'd give that up entirely, do you?!...lol!!
The horse is just one of those "don't find this every day" deals. He'd be the proverbial one that got away if I let him go. So we are feverishly working to close in the empty shed, fix the hole in the fence, and get his space all ready for him. It'll probably be another 2-3 weeks before I bring him here, but you can bet I'll be taking pictures and posting them!
A proud momma's got to show off her new baby, after all!
.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The battle in my head rages on....!
So I posted recently about a horse for sale that I'd stumbled upon. For better or for worse, I went to see him yesterday. He's perfect for us in every sense of the word.
But, I have a long-weekend birthday trip to Disney booked for January. It's a solo trip, which I have always wanted. I can cancel without penalty. But I can't buy a horse and take a trip. The trip and the horse cost about the same up front. The horse is a long-term deal, but obviously will require ongoing upkeep in feed, vet, farrier, etc.. The trip is only 3 days, but financially, once it's over, it's over. The trip benefits only me; the horse would also benefit at least my youngest son (who's also horse-crazy...he got to ride the horse yesterday and was absolutely thrilled!).
I've been to Disney 5 times in the last 6 years. I haven't had a horse since before my oldest was born, and he turns 13 in a month. It seems like a no-brainer, I guess. I think I'm waging this war in my head because of the long-term aspect of having a horse. And because I have that solo trip to WDW in my grasp. If I keep the trip, I'll lose the chance at this particular horse. Not that there aren't others out there to choose from. But he's SO perfect....
Oh help.....
.
But, I have a long-weekend birthday trip to Disney booked for January. It's a solo trip, which I have always wanted. I can cancel without penalty. But I can't buy a horse and take a trip. The trip and the horse cost about the same up front. The horse is a long-term deal, but obviously will require ongoing upkeep in feed, vet, farrier, etc.. The trip is only 3 days, but financially, once it's over, it's over. The trip benefits only me; the horse would also benefit at least my youngest son (who's also horse-crazy...he got to ride the horse yesterday and was absolutely thrilled!).
I've been to Disney 5 times in the last 6 years. I haven't had a horse since before my oldest was born, and he turns 13 in a month. It seems like a no-brainer, I guess. I think I'm waging this war in my head because of the long-term aspect of having a horse. And because I have that solo trip to WDW in my grasp. If I keep the trip, I'll lose the chance at this particular horse. Not that there aren't others out there to choose from. But he's SO perfect....
Oh help.....
.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
My new best friend....
....is a store.
LOL!...well, not really, but I've found a store that I absolutely LOVE!
Hobby Lobby!
Never heard of those back in New England! Can't say I ever really saw one in Florida, either, although that doesn't mean they aren't there. I just didn't see one where we were. But here in Texas, they have Hobby Lobby!
Best. Craft Store. EVER!
The scrapbooking section is to die for.... I saw it briefly while there with my kids the other day, but I must go back alone and really take it all in. I also like that on the entrance door they have posted this sign under the hours of operation:
"Hobby Lobby stores are closed on Sundays so that our employees may have time for family and worship."
HOW cool is that??! Sure don't see that much anymore.
LOL!...well, not really, but I've found a store that I absolutely LOVE!
Hobby Lobby!
Never heard of those back in New England! Can't say I ever really saw one in Florida, either, although that doesn't mean they aren't there. I just didn't see one where we were. But here in Texas, they have Hobby Lobby!
Best. Craft Store. EVER!
The scrapbooking section is to die for.... I saw it briefly while there with my kids the other day, but I must go back alone and really take it all in. I also like that on the entrance door they have posted this sign under the hours of operation:
"Hobby Lobby stores are closed on Sundays so that our employees may have time for family and worship."
HOW cool is that??! Sure don't see that much anymore.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Eureka!...I've found it!
Some time ago I posted about my disappointment in lasagna noodles now being too short for my 9x13 pan. Once upon a time the noodles filled the pan, length-wise, from end to end. One day, they mysteriously came up short. Box after box, brand after brand. Hmph!....more sneaky food "downsizing."
Well last week while shopping at Super Walmart (the ultimate in one-stop shopping!), I picked up a box of their Great Value brand lasagna noodles. Last night, I made lasagna and LO AND BEHOLD!!....the noodles covered the 9x13 pan with NO gaps at the edges!! They were even wide enough that I had to overlap them a bit! I'm going to buy that brand again next time I need lasagna noodles, just to make sure I didn't get a freak box!..lol!
.
Well last week while shopping at Super Walmart (the ultimate in one-stop shopping!), I picked up a box of their Great Value brand lasagna noodles. Last night, I made lasagna and LO AND BEHOLD!!....the noodles covered the 9x13 pan with NO gaps at the edges!! They were even wide enough that I had to overlap them a bit! I'm going to buy that brand again next time I need lasagna noodles, just to make sure I didn't get a freak box!..lol!
.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
I am in love....
....with another man.
He's about 5' tall, jet black, and has long flowing hair. I found him on the Internet. After browsing quite a few other photos, I saw him and he fairly jumped off the page at me....Love at first sight, I'd say!
What does my husband have to say about all this? He said, and I quote: "Wow, you really want that guy, huh?"
Ok, ok, if you haven't caught on by now I'll fess up that my Romeo is a HORSE!!.....lol! And oh is he gorgeous. He's an 8-yr. old black Polish Arabian gelding. Maybe it's more common around here, but I know back in New England the Polish breeding was harder to find. Most breeders raised the Egyptian Arabians. I am SO not ready to have a horse out here yet, but this guy really got the spark ignited to get moving and fix up the barn, fences and sheds.
And by the time the next "Romeo" gallops across my computer screen, I'll be ready!
.
He's about 5' tall, jet black, and has long flowing hair. I found him on the Internet. After browsing quite a few other photos, I saw him and he fairly jumped off the page at me....Love at first sight, I'd say!
What does my husband have to say about all this? He said, and I quote: "Wow, you really want that guy, huh?"
Ok, ok, if you haven't caught on by now I'll fess up that my Romeo is a HORSE!!.....lol! And oh is he gorgeous. He's an 8-yr. old black Polish Arabian gelding. Maybe it's more common around here, but I know back in New England the Polish breeding was harder to find. Most breeders raised the Egyptian Arabians. I am SO not ready to have a horse out here yet, but this guy really got the spark ignited to get moving and fix up the barn, fences and sheds.
And by the time the next "Romeo" gallops across my computer screen, I'll be ready!
.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
A day in the life....
Thought I'd share a few of the pictures I've taken recently....
Not sure what this is called but this vine suddenly started producing these pretty little purple "trumpet" flowers! I just love them...
One of our gorgeous, gorgeous sunsets over the pond!...
DS7 with the 4-foot Cottonmouth that DH shot in the pond!....nature comes in all shapes and sizes around here!!
Another sunset.....I just never get tired of these....
Not sure what this is called but this vine suddenly started producing these pretty little purple "trumpet" flowers! I just love them...
One of our gorgeous, gorgeous sunsets over the pond!...
DS7 with the 4-foot Cottonmouth that DH shot in the pond!....nature comes in all shapes and sizes around here!!
Another sunset.....I just never get tired of these....
Saturday, September 12, 2009
I'm baaack!
Did you miss me?!!....
So I just figured that I spent all this time and effort importing this uber-cool template for this blog, then I walked away from it. That just won't do. And besides, Kim misses me....
But while I'm busy keeping my other blog up-to-date for family and friends far away, I just need someplace to come and be silly, and post about scrap booking and Disney and funny stuff on Fridays, y'know?
And , if all else fails, I can at least open my blog and listen to some Walt Disney World music.....just keeping the magic close, y'all!
.
But while I'm busy keeping my other blog up-to-date for family and friends far away, I just need someplace to come and be silly, and post about scrap booking and Disney and funny stuff on Fridays, y'know?
And , if all else fails, I can at least open my blog and listen to some Walt Disney World music.....just keeping the magic close, y'all!
.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Last post for a while!
Well my dear friends, I have decided that this will be my last post here for a while. After Friday I will be without Internet for an undetermined amount of time (need to go to satellite service out in TX and I'm not sure how long it'll take to have someone come out and set us up).
I also know that my life is about to get busy, and things will be different. Once we arrive in Texas, of course there's all the unpacking to do and just getting settled. We'll be painting bedrooms, cleaning up the yard, and eventually painting the outside of the house. I'm home schooling the boys this coming year, so I need to get myself organized and ready for that. Once we do settle in a bit, I'll be tackling the extended outside area, specifically the garden, chicken coop, and barn. More or less in that order....!
I'm not going away forever, but I realize that my time will be limited for things like blogging, so I need to trim back and make some choices. I have made a few good friends here and look forward to reading your updates and seeing your pictures. But due to the nature of the turn our lives are taking, I'm going to go back to my homestead blog and do more posting over there. If any of you are interested in dropping in now and then, you can find me here.
Godspeed to all of you!
I also know that my life is about to get busy, and things will be different. Once we arrive in Texas, of course there's all the unpacking to do and just getting settled. We'll be painting bedrooms, cleaning up the yard, and eventually painting the outside of the house. I'm home schooling the boys this coming year, so I need to get myself organized and ready for that. Once we do settle in a bit, I'll be tackling the extended outside area, specifically the garden, chicken coop, and barn. More or less in that order....!
I'm not going away forever, but I realize that my time will be limited for things like blogging, so I need to trim back and make some choices. I have made a few good friends here and look forward to reading your updates and seeing your pictures. But due to the nature of the turn our lives are taking, I'm going to go back to my homestead blog and do more posting over there. If any of you are interested in dropping in now and then, you can find me here.
Godspeed to all of you!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Friday Funnies
It's FRIDAY again!.....time to get your funny on!
Well here's one that's sure to get stuck in your head all day!!.....
(You're welcome! lol!!)
This-n-That Thursday
Another rather random day! Spent too much time on the computer this morning. Eventually I got out and got groceries, for which my family was eternally grateful..! lol! I did get some packing done. But not enough. Fortunately what's left is pretty easy, mostly books from the boy's shelves.
Tomorrow promises to be a BUSY day! In addition to finishing my packing goal, I'm meeting a friend for lunch, and have a sort-of lengthy list of cleaning type chores that need to be done in preparation for my in-law's arrival on Saturday morning!
"Shot from guns!", as MIL would say!
But it's a good thing....It's all in preparation for some very exciting new beginnings.
Tomorrow promises to be a BUSY day! In addition to finishing my packing goal, I'm meeting a friend for lunch, and have a sort-of lengthy list of cleaning type chores that need to be done in preparation for my in-law's arrival on Saturday morning!
"Shot from guns!", as MIL would say!
But it's a good thing....It's all in preparation for some very exciting new beginnings.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Wishful Wednesday!
I wish....
...that boxes could fill themselves.
...that my cats would find the pre-dawn hours as unsuitable a play-time as I do.
...that "dust bunnies" were simply dirty rabbits.
...that I could order food right in my kitchen just like the Jetsons.
...that there were more blogging hours in a day.
...that there were more FaceBook-ing hours in a day.
...that the Secret Chocolate Stash replenished itself magically.
...that I HAD a Secret Chocolate Stash!!
Hang in there!...the weekend's comin'!!
...that boxes could fill themselves.
...that my cats would find the pre-dawn hours as unsuitable a play-time as I do.
...that "dust bunnies" were simply dirty rabbits.
...that I could order food right in my kitchen just like the Jetsons.
...that there were more blogging hours in a day.
...that there were more FaceBook-ing hours in a day.
...that the Secret Chocolate Stash replenished itself magically.
...that I HAD a Secret Chocolate Stash!!
Hang in there!...the weekend's comin'!!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Tepid Tuesday
So today was...."ok." Not great, not awful. Tepid! I love that word. lol! I got more boxes packed, mostly in DS7's room. Also got some random household chores taken care of. I did not get out for my bike ride. I've been going to a local park about 5 days a week to ride the rec trail. It's a beautiful park and I love the ride. I will miss these parks when we go!
The culprit behind my less-than-stellar day?....
Waking up at 4:50am with a headache. And taking Excedrin for it. Which works like a miracle drug on my headaches but it also contains caffeine....
Thus began my day.
The culprit behind my less-than-stellar day?....
Waking up at 4:50am with a headache. And taking Excedrin for it. Which works like a miracle drug on my headaches but it also contains caffeine....
Thus began my day.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Marvelous Monday
Today was a productive day. I've set a mental goal for what I want done this week, and today I got a good chunk accomplished. Basically I'm taking one room at a time and packing away all the loose things that I will not need before we move. Today I got the dining room 100% done. Tomorrow I will tackle DS7's room. He seems to have the most "loose stuff."
My in-laws are arriving on Saturday, too, and will spend 4 days with us here in Florida to have some fun before we leave. We are planning a day at Busch Gardens, some mini-golf, a bunch of outings involving food (!!), and of course the beach. We haven't seen them in 4 months, so it'll be good to have this time. They hope to come to Texas in the fall for a longer visit.
And as if I didn't have enough on my plate right now, DS7 went and got a spider bite on his toe yesterday!! Life sure doesn't cut you any breaks, does it?! lol! He seems fine and I'm not too worried anymore. The top of his foot got a little red and a bit puffy, but overall he feels fine and is showing no other ill-effects. We looked at all manner of spider pictures on the Internet after it happened, but he couldn't identify one in particular. All he said is "It was red." Hmm.... I got nothin'!
Never a dull moment with boys! ;)
My in-laws are arriving on Saturday, too, and will spend 4 days with us here in Florida to have some fun before we leave. We are planning a day at Busch Gardens, some mini-golf, a bunch of outings involving food (!!), and of course the beach. We haven't seen them in 4 months, so it'll be good to have this time. They hope to come to Texas in the fall for a longer visit.
And as if I didn't have enough on my plate right now, DS7 went and got a spider bite on his toe yesterday!! Life sure doesn't cut you any breaks, does it?! lol! He seems fine and I'm not too worried anymore. The top of his foot got a little red and a bit puffy, but overall he feels fine and is showing no other ill-effects. We looked at all manner of spider pictures on the Internet after it happened, but he couldn't identify one in particular. All he said is "It was red." Hmm.... I got nothin'!
Never a dull moment with boys! ;)
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Blessed Sunday
Two weeks from today, we will be arriving in Texas. I'm very ready for this and cannot wait to settle into our new home! Of course we're still praying through the sale of our current home, but I can do nothing more than advertise it and the outcome is in Another's hands.
As I write this we are having one of our typical little pop-up thunder storms. On the local radar, it's a tiny spot of "yellow" and as usual, it's right over us! Go three blocks in either direction, and it's dry. Funny Florida weather...
We will head to church in a while, then spend the afternoon home. My dad is coming over and we're grilling lunch over charcoal. A friend of his passed away the other day and I think he's a little shaken up by it. We're glad to have him over for a while for some company! Later on we'll go to the beach. Trying to take advantage of that while we can!! Galveston will be about a 2-1/2 hour ride for us, so going to the beach will become a once-in-a-while outing and last all day.
Whatever this day holds for you, I hope it's a good one!
Blessings my friends....
As I write this we are having one of our typical little pop-up thunder storms. On the local radar, it's a tiny spot of "yellow" and as usual, it's right over us! Go three blocks in either direction, and it's dry. Funny Florida weather...
We will head to church in a while, then spend the afternoon home. My dad is coming over and we're grilling lunch over charcoal. A friend of his passed away the other day and I think he's a little shaken up by it. We're glad to have him over for a while for some company! Later on we'll go to the beach. Trying to take advantage of that while we can!! Galveston will be about a 2-1/2 hour ride for us, so going to the beach will become a once-in-a-while outing and last all day.
Whatever this day holds for you, I hope it's a good one!
Blessings my friends....
Friday, July 24, 2009
Friday Funnies
Alright, this is just downright SILLY, but our family has always loved the VeggieTales "Silly Songs" and I've discovered them on YouTube....
Oh, and don't forget to scroll down a bit and "pause" my playlist (or you'll have a really interesting sound experience with this video!...lol!0
Enjoy!!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
7 of 52
Last Sunday my family and I took advantage of our local zoo's reduced-admission day (always a good thing with a family of 5!). We had never been and we enjoyed it SO much....it's a beautiful zoo - the exhibits are well done and so much of it was built in and around some HUGE old oak trees.
The following picture was taken at the fruit bat exhibit....if you actually printed the picture and then turned it upside down, you would appear to be "hanging" with the bat! (notice the sign is upside down as well!)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
SO frustrating...
UGH!
Here we go again.
Had someone come take a look at the house today. It didn't take long. They didn't like the layout and said it was "dated." For the size of the house and the money they wanted to pay, I don't know what they were expecting!! Yeesh....
I must keep reminding myself that God is in control of this, just as He was in control of our selling the house in NH, and everything else that has happened to us over the last 4 months. I just did not want to be in this situation again...!
Here we go again.
Had someone come take a look at the house today. It didn't take long. They didn't like the layout and said it was "dated." For the size of the house and the money they wanted to pay, I don't know what they were expecting!! Yeesh....
I must keep reminding myself that God is in control of this, just as He was in control of our selling the house in NH, and everything else that has happened to us over the last 4 months. I just did not want to be in this situation again...!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Trip to the zoo
The Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa had a special reduced-price admission yesterday so we took advantage of it and headed over for the day. What a BEAUTIFUL place!! We had such a nice time. It was overcast most of the day, too, which kept the searing heat at bay. Fortunately when the zoo was built, someone had the foresight to realize that since Florida is so hot for so much of the year, some shade might be nice for the patrons! They left many of the huge, old oak trees, which spread their branches like a big canopy.
I put the camera to good use, naturally....Here are a few of the critters we saw!
This was an Indian (I think?) rhinocerous....All I could think of was the two dudes in the first "Ice Age" who are about the devour the last dandelion when Sid comes along and chomps it up!!!
Mom white tiger and two cubs (that's mom on the platform....Smart mom!!)...the cub below her was pestering her no end...Kitties of all sizes like to play, I guess!
Ok, does this mother orangutan not look like she's shaking her fist at all us gawkers?!!! How funny is that....
This is their new koala....Since koalas spend 90% of their day napping, it was no surprise to find him fast asleep!
The Okapi...such a neat looking animal!
I put the camera to good use, naturally....Here are a few of the critters we saw!
This was an Indian (I think?) rhinocerous....All I could think of was the two dudes in the first "Ice Age" who are about the devour the last dandelion when Sid comes along and chomps it up!!!
Mom white tiger and two cubs (that's mom on the platform....Smart mom!!)...the cub below her was pestering her no end...Kitties of all sizes like to play, I guess!
Ok, does this mother orangutan not look like she's shaking her fist at all us gawkers?!!! How funny is that....
This is their new koala....Since koalas spend 90% of their day napping, it was no surprise to find him fast asleep!
The Okapi...such a neat looking animal!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
6 of 52
So I don't have a picture of myself with one of my kiddos for this week, but I got such a kick out of how this one turned out that I had to use it this week...
This photo was NOT taken at Walt Disney World!! It was, however, taken at Busch Gardens. Just can't get away from that "theme park" theme... At least we all know how I like to spend my free time! lol!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
5 of 52
Alright, alright, I know....it's another picture of me from Walt Disney World. So shoot me. But I'm discovering that if I want to find a picture of me, that's the folder they are in!! Apparently I do, indeed, take all of the pictures around here.
So here we are again, looking particularly lovely this time! Hey, if you can't laugh at yourself...! This was at Animal Kingdom. It was hot. We'd been there all day.... But it's a picture of me, so there you have it...
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Evian Roller Babies
If you haven't seen this yet prepare yourself.....I couldn't wait for Friday funnies so here it is!!...
Oh, you might want to scroll down on my side bar and "pause" the music bar first...
Oh, you might want to scroll down on my side bar and "pause" the music bar first...
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Texas trip
Our trip to Texas was VERY good! If the last little details fall into place, we should be heading over around the middle of August. I absolutely loved it...It's a little paradise out there and a homestead just waiting to happen. I have so many ideas already!
It's a 2-day road trip, so here is what two days of boredom in the van can do to a 9-yr. old boy....!
The approach to the Texas state line over the Sabine River on I-10...
THIS is the view from the front porch! There was a bench swing on the porch and every morning I went out with my Bible and a cup of coffee and sat and soaked up the peacefulness...
Cute candid shot of father and son fishing! The pond is full of perch and a few bass...
My future chicken coop!! This housed exotic birds of some kind at one point, but is perfect for chickens....
*sigh*.....The barn....! There is already a large enclosed area behind the barn as well a couple of run-in sheds. Can you say "horses" ?!!
Looking at the house from across the pond....
The road from the house to the main part of camp....
I have really grown to love Florida while we've been here, but it is clearly not our final destination. It's expensive to live here and DH hasn't found sustainable work. As he put it, all the conveniences in the world don't matter if you don't have any money to use them! Too true. Actually the camp, while quite isolated itself, is only 20 minutes from a major town with all the same stuff we have here in Florida, so it's not like we're going to a little tiny rural hamlet.
I think it's going to be a great new adventure!
It's a 2-day road trip, so here is what two days of boredom in the van can do to a 9-yr. old boy....!
The approach to the Texas state line over the Sabine River on I-10...
THIS is the view from the front porch! There was a bench swing on the porch and every morning I went out with my Bible and a cup of coffee and sat and soaked up the peacefulness...
Cute candid shot of father and son fishing! The pond is full of perch and a few bass...
My future chicken coop!! This housed exotic birds of some kind at one point, but is perfect for chickens....
*sigh*.....The barn....! There is already a large enclosed area behind the barn as well a couple of run-in sheds. Can you say "horses" ?!!
Looking at the house from across the pond....
The road from the house to the main part of camp....
I have really grown to love Florida while we've been here, but it is clearly not our final destination. It's expensive to live here and DH hasn't found sustainable work. As he put it, all the conveniences in the world don't matter if you don't have any money to use them! Too true. Actually the camp, while quite isolated itself, is only 20 minutes from a major town with all the same stuff we have here in Florida, so it's not like we're going to a little tiny rural hamlet.
I think it's going to be a great new adventure!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Celebrity deaths
Over the last two weeks or so we seem to have started losing celebrities one after the other. It hardly seems like a day went by that some well-known person died a sudden death and stepped out into eternity.
Since our culture is obsessed with fame and Hollywood and such, I wonder if God isn't trying to get our attention somehow. We hardly know our neighbors these days but we sure know all about stardom and its personalities. It just seems to me that God is trying one more time to get us to wake up and realize that NO one lives forever here on this earth, and no amount of wordly wealth can prevent that nor can you take any of it with you.
Matthew 6:19 & 20 says "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven....".
And in Matthew 16:26 Jesus says "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?..."
As you celebrate our country's Independence Day this year, reflect a bit on the freedoms that we still enjoy in America, and remember that those freedoms ultimately come from God Himself. We would do well to hold onto that!
Blessings to you my friends...
Since our culture is obsessed with fame and Hollywood and such, I wonder if God isn't trying to get our attention somehow. We hardly know our neighbors these days but we sure know all about stardom and its personalities. It just seems to me that God is trying one more time to get us to wake up and realize that NO one lives forever here on this earth, and no amount of wordly wealth can prevent that nor can you take any of it with you.
Matthew 6:19 & 20 says "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven....".
And in Matthew 16:26 Jesus says "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?..."
As you celebrate our country's Independence Day this year, reflect a bit on the freedoms that we still enjoy in America, and remember that those freedoms ultimately come from God Himself. We would do well to hold onto that!
Blessings to you my friends...
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Oh my stinkin' heck...!!
....I'm going to TEXAS!!!!
.....tomorrow!!
"Sometimes life moves pretty fast...If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it!" (Ferris Beuller)
So I don't even know what to say! But for those of you wondering, and more importantly those of you who followed my journey out of NH and on to FL, we almost moved to Texas.
Long story short: the guy at the camp still needs help; my hubby still hasn't found "real" work here in FL; for some inexplicable reason they have stayed in touch these last few months.
I have no idea what the next couple of weeks will bring, but suffice it to say, this could get interesting! At the very least DH is going to help out with some much-needed construction projects. I'm also pretty psyched (yes, I grew up in the 80s....) about the road trip!! Once we get up to I-10 in northern FL and head west, we're in new territory that none of us have traveled before! Kewl...!
I'm bringing my laptop, but I know there's no service at the camp house currently. I'll try to update when I can from Starbucks or Panera in town. I'll miss "52 weeks" next week (and possibly the week after as well) but I will resume with Post #5 as soon as I can!
Gotta run, my friends....I've gotta PACK!!!!!!!
.....tomorrow!!
"Sometimes life moves pretty fast...If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it!" (Ferris Beuller)
So I don't even know what to say! But for those of you wondering, and more importantly those of you who followed my journey out of NH and on to FL, we almost moved to Texas.
Long story short: the guy at the camp still needs help; my hubby still hasn't found "real" work here in FL; for some inexplicable reason they have stayed in touch these last few months.
I have no idea what the next couple of weeks will bring, but suffice it to say, this could get interesting! At the very least DH is going to help out with some much-needed construction projects. I'm also pretty psyched (yes, I grew up in the 80s....) about the road trip!! Once we get up to I-10 in northern FL and head west, we're in new territory that none of us have traveled before! Kewl...!
I'm bringing my laptop, but I know there's no service at the camp house currently. I'll try to update when I can from Starbucks or Panera in town. I'll miss "52 weeks" next week (and possibly the week after as well) but I will resume with Post #5 as soon as I can!
Gotta run, my friends....I've gotta PACK!!!!!!!
4 of 52
Hey LOOK!....A picture of me that was NOT taken in Disney World!!...lol! And yet, it's still a theme park. Oh well! This is from Santa's Village in Jefferson, NH, a couple of summers ago....
Monday, June 15, 2009
Food "shortage"
So, I'm wondering, are they making lasagna noodles shorter than they used to?? I've been making lasagna for years. I buy different brands of noodles depending on price, but it's a product that is fairly consistent regardless.
Over the last few months (and including before we moved so I can't blame it on the South!...lol!) I have noticed that when I'm putting the noodles into my 9x13 pan, they no longer run the full length....Instead, the come up about an inch shy of the edge!
Remember when you could make a meal in the ol' 9x13 pan and really feel like you made something hearty?! Now I feel cheated. I guess I'll have to start cooking an extra noodle to lay the short way and fill in that gap! ;)
On a similar note, anyone notice that a "half gallon" of ice cream is really only 1.75 quarts?! (except for Publix own brand - woo hoo a real half gallon!!)
Over the last few months (and including before we moved so I can't blame it on the South!...lol!) I have noticed that when I'm putting the noodles into my 9x13 pan, they no longer run the full length....Instead, the come up about an inch shy of the edge!
Remember when you could make a meal in the ol' 9x13 pan and really feel like you made something hearty?! Now I feel cheated. I guess I'll have to start cooking an extra noodle to lay the short way and fill in that gap! ;)
On a similar note, anyone notice that a "half gallon" of ice cream is really only 1.75 quarts?! (except for Publix own brand - woo hoo a real half gallon!!)
Friday, June 12, 2009
Friday Funnies
Here it is! Another Friday, another Funny!
(Kim, I promise to try to have fewer references to WDW in my future posts!!..lol!)
Thursday, June 11, 2009
3 of 52
I'm participating in a year long challenge, created by Carin (click the image above!). The goal is to be in one picture a week, for 52 weeks. Since us moms are always behind the camera, this gives us a chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. Fun challenge, right? You can join too! Just jump in right now and let me know you're playing along! Carin has added a Mr. Linky on Thursdays...so that we can check out each others pictures.
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So here's me!.......in Disney World!! Where else, right?!
Me and DS7 on the bus, headed for Epcot (is it weird that I can look at this
picture and remember exactly what day it was and where we were headed?!!)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Learning and growing
We've had quite a time around here lately. Last week was probably the worst yet in terms of our outlook, and I saw my DH sink to a low I hadn't seen in over 17 years of marriage. This road we're traveling now would split some couples up, to be sure. Stress over finances and especially for him, feeling the burden of providing for his family...all that can really weigh a person down. And it has.
But we are not broken. I don't know how anyone lives without Christ in their lives these days, I really don't! I like knowing that God is in control! I don't find that oppressive, I find it freeing and quite comforting. The road is certainly not always easy - we're never promised that - but it is always passable with God at our side. When it gets too much for us, He will then pick us up in His loving arms and carry us.
I do admit that at times over these last 2-1/2 months I've gotten angry. I've pulled away from God rather than run to Him. But fortunately that didn't last long and lately I find myself drawing closer to Him than ever. And you know what?!.....He's there!!
I have been reading up a storm and devouring books almost as fast as I can get my hands on them. The most recent is one that my dad gave me this past winter after he'd finished with it. I started it then, but soon put it away and packed it up to get ready to move. I dug it out the night before last and have already nearly finished it! It is exactly what I need right now and reading it is like having the Lord reach down and hug me.
The book is called "Just Enough Light for the Step I'm On: Trusting God in the Tough Times" by Stormie Omartian. I read this little gem yesterday....
"Sometimes what seems like the darkest step we've ever been on comes just before the brightest light we've ever experienced."
If last week was our "darkest step" (and it sure felt like it!) then God is about to do something wonderful!!
And yesterday I read what is possibly the most encouragement I've had in a loooong time.....
"The wilderness is where we are forced to leave behind the familiar, the comfortable, the past successes, the accomplishments, and the old bag of tricks that always worked before. The wilderness is where God takes us when He wants to get Egypt out of our hearts. He wants to separate us from all that we crave, so that all we crave is Him. Just as God wanted to get the taste for Egypt out of the Israelites' mouths, He wants to get the lust for certain comforts out of our appetites, too. It's not that He doesn't want us to ever be comfortable. It's just that He doesn't want us to depend on the comfortable. He wants us to depend on Him. He doesn't want us to love the comforts more than we love Him. When God aims us in a new direction, we have to let go of what we've known, be willing to embrace the unfamiliar, and trust that He will sustain us on the journey."
GOD IS SO GOOD!!
But we are not broken. I don't know how anyone lives without Christ in their lives these days, I really don't! I like knowing that God is in control! I don't find that oppressive, I find it freeing and quite comforting. The road is certainly not always easy - we're never promised that - but it is always passable with God at our side. When it gets too much for us, He will then pick us up in His loving arms and carry us.
I do admit that at times over these last 2-1/2 months I've gotten angry. I've pulled away from God rather than run to Him. But fortunately that didn't last long and lately I find myself drawing closer to Him than ever. And you know what?!.....He's there!!
I have been reading up a storm and devouring books almost as fast as I can get my hands on them. The most recent is one that my dad gave me this past winter after he'd finished with it. I started it then, but soon put it away and packed it up to get ready to move. I dug it out the night before last and have already nearly finished it! It is exactly what I need right now and reading it is like having the Lord reach down and hug me.
The book is called "Just Enough Light for the Step I'm On: Trusting God in the Tough Times" by Stormie Omartian. I read this little gem yesterday....
"Sometimes what seems like the darkest step we've ever been on comes just before the brightest light we've ever experienced."
If last week was our "darkest step" (and it sure felt like it!) then God is about to do something wonderful!!
And yesterday I read what is possibly the most encouragement I've had in a loooong time.....
"The wilderness is where we are forced to leave behind the familiar, the comfortable, the past successes, the accomplishments, and the old bag of tricks that always worked before. The wilderness is where God takes us when He wants to get Egypt out of our hearts. He wants to separate us from all that we crave, so that all we crave is Him. Just as God wanted to get the taste for Egypt out of the Israelites' mouths, He wants to get the lust for certain comforts out of our appetites, too. It's not that He doesn't want us to ever be comfortable. It's just that He doesn't want us to depend on the comfortable. He wants us to depend on Him. He doesn't want us to love the comforts more than we love Him. When God aims us in a new direction, we have to let go of what we've known, be willing to embrace the unfamiliar, and trust that He will sustain us on the journey."
GOD IS SO GOOD!!
Monday, June 8, 2009
A reading fool
Yep, that's what I've become! 
I just added Book #2 (officially) to my Summer Reading List!! Yahoo! I read this one in a matter of days. It's a travel narrative and I devour those. It's also by a favorite author of mine who specializes in that genre, so it was all the more appealing. I found this book at the library last week and had never heard of that title by Peter Jenkins, so I was immediately intrigued. Reading the synopsis on the back, I discovered that the voyage this time was all along the Gulf coast of America - from the farthest Florida keys to the Texas border with Mexico. Living on part of that very coast as I do now, I was hooked. And it did not disappoint.
In between my official summer reading, I also managed to finally finish James Michener's "Texas." I started reading it a couple of years ago (just picking it up now and then when I had time) so I don't count it as part of my summer reading. But I'm thrilled to have finally finished it! In hardcover form, it's two volumes!! Quite an interesting history that state has.
I have no idea what to read next! I should probably sort through my still-packed boxes and dig out some gem, some title that once captured my attention but sat, alone on the bookshelf, pushed aside by Life.
Time to read!
I just added Book #2 (officially) to my Summer Reading List!! Yahoo! I read this one in a matter of days. It's a travel narrative and I devour those. It's also by a favorite author of mine who specializes in that genre, so it was all the more appealing. I found this book at the library last week and had never heard of that title by Peter Jenkins, so I was immediately intrigued. Reading the synopsis on the back, I discovered that the voyage this time was all along the Gulf coast of America - from the farthest Florida keys to the Texas border with Mexico. Living on part of that very coast as I do now, I was hooked. And it did not disappoint. In between my official summer reading, I also managed to finally finish James Michener's "Texas." I started reading it a couple of years ago (just picking it up now and then when I had time) so I don't count it as part of my summer reading. But I'm thrilled to have finally finished it! In hardcover form, it's two volumes!! Quite an interesting history that state has.
I have no idea what to read next! I should probably sort through my still-packed boxes and dig out some gem, some title that once captured my attention but sat, alone on the bookshelf, pushed aside by Life.
Time to read!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
2 of 52
And....yet another Disney World photo!....lol! Ah, well, I guess that's where I am most likely to have my picture taken. This one's from a few years ago but it's one of my favorites....I am literally beaming over having my picture taken with Buzz Lightyear! Yep, I love me some characters, I do...
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Messin' With the Mutant....
No, not really. That's a "chapter" in the story of Mr. Magorium and his Wonder Emporium (and I do love that movie!).
But it just sounded better than "Messin' with my head" for a title. Which is how I feel the last few days! I know the Lord is working in our lives. I have been praying about a certain something in particular. I have been trying to be quiet and still while I wait for the Lord to reveal Himself. I believe I know what direction He's pointing us in.
Or do I??
Just when think I know, all of a sudden something else happens that derails my train and I'm left thinking "Huh??!..." Then the games start: Hmm, I must've missed the Lord the first time, and He's moving this way instead. Or is this is a distraction from the goal? Or is this the goal and my first inclination was the distraction?!
And so it goes. I can be one messed up mama! lol!! I'm managing to keep my wits about me. A day at a time is the best I can do, and you have to agree that is usually how the Lord does things as well! :)
But it just sounded better than "Messin' with my head" for a title. Which is how I feel the last few days! I know the Lord is working in our lives. I have been praying about a certain something in particular. I have been trying to be quiet and still while I wait for the Lord to reveal Himself. I believe I know what direction He's pointing us in.
Or do I??
Just when think I know, all of a sudden something else happens that derails my train and I'm left thinking "Huh??!..." Then the games start: Hmm, I must've missed the Lord the first time, and He's moving this way instead. Or is this is a distraction from the goal? Or is this the goal and my first inclination was the distraction?!
And so it goes. I can be one messed up mama! lol!! I'm managing to keep my wits about me. A day at a time is the best I can do, and you have to agree that is usually how the Lord does things as well! :)
Saturday, May 30, 2009
It's summertime and the readin' is good!
I love reading over the summer. Something about it, maybe the oft-described "lazy days of summer," I don't know! I know some families who keep very busy schedules in the summer, but not us. Typcially, when we were in NH, summer was a time of going to the town beach at the lake on a hot afternoon, going out for ice cream in the evening, and maybe a camping trip once or twice before Labor Day. I know it will be different here in FL, but still, summer is just a slower time and one to relax in.
I'll be putting a Summer Reading List over on my sidebar soon. I've decided that instead of putting up a list of books that I want to read and crossing them off as I go, I'm going to list them as I finish them. I have a goal of 10 books, and approx. 12 weeks to read them (since we are homeschooling next year I will busier than ever come September!!).
Now, if you'll excuse me, it's time to dig through some boxes and pull out a good book!
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ETA: I have placed my first book in the Summer Reading List. I didn't just read that in a marathon weekend, but I did finish it today and read fully half of it. It also deserves the top place in my list. Dewey's story is so much more than just a cat story...it's the story of his town, his people, and the lives he touched. A moving and heart-warming book!
I'll be putting a Summer Reading List over on my sidebar soon. I've decided that instead of putting up a list of books that I want to read and crossing them off as I go, I'm going to list them as I finish them. I have a goal of 10 books, and approx. 12 weeks to read them (since we are homeschooling next year I will busier than ever come September!!).
Now, if you'll excuse me, it's time to dig through some boxes and pull out a good book!
---------------------
ETA: I have placed my first book in the Summer Reading List. I didn't just read that in a marathon weekend, but I did finish it today and read fully half of it. It also deserves the top place in my list. Dewey's story is so much more than just a cat story...it's the story of his town, his people, and the lives he touched. A moving and heart-warming book!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
1 of 52!
What??!!....another post from this crazy lady with numbers in the title?!!
NO!...no no no, it's not that at all...I've decided to officially participate in the "52 Weeks" challenge to post a picture once a week for a year that actually has me IN it! (for a change, since I am the photographer in the family.)
NO!...no no no, it's not that at all...I've decided to officially participate in the "52 Weeks" challenge to post a picture once a week for a year that actually has me IN it! (for a change, since I am the photographer in the family.)
So, without further ado....
*drum roll please!*
TA - DA!....Here's me!!
That's me with DS9 and DS7, in Epcot on our last night in WDW last September. A really nice CM who was passing by offered to take a picture of the three of us!
*drum roll please!*
TA - DA!....Here's me!!
That's me with DS9 and DS7, in Epcot on our last night in WDW last September. A really nice CM who was passing by offered to take a picture of the three of us!
91!
91??....What's that about?, you may be asking yourself. Please, allow me to enlighten you....
You see, I have determined that 91 degrees is a perfect summer day to me!
Ok, ok, a bit of a letdown, I know....but that's what it is! lol! I was at my dad's earlier today, and he has an indoor-outdoor thermometer. The outside temp was registering 91, and I gave it some consideration when we went out for lunch. I was enjoying it. The air is muggy but bearable, and it just felt nice to be out there. Now granted I wasn't running a marathon or laying down a black asphalt roof or anything!...but just being outside was very pleasant.
It also occured to me that when we have been at Disney World in September, the temperature has averaged 91. I always loved the weather when we've been on those trips. I actually enjoy the feel of the heat rising up off the pavement, like between Innoventions in Future World at Epcot, or the looooong trek around World Showcase!
So, I have come to the precise conclusion that 91 degrees is my perfect temperature.
And so with that bit of useless information, I have sucessfully taken 60 seconds of your life that you can now never get back!! lol!
But at least you know what 91 is all about....
You see, I have determined that 91 degrees is a perfect summer day to me!
Ok, ok, a bit of a letdown, I know....but that's what it is! lol! I was at my dad's earlier today, and he has an indoor-outdoor thermometer. The outside temp was registering 91, and I gave it some consideration when we went out for lunch. I was enjoying it. The air is muggy but bearable, and it just felt nice to be out there. Now granted I wasn't running a marathon or laying down a black asphalt roof or anything!...but just being outside was very pleasant.
It also occured to me that when we have been at Disney World in September, the temperature has averaged 91. I always loved the weather when we've been on those trips. I actually enjoy the feel of the heat rising up off the pavement, like between Innoventions in Future World at Epcot, or the looooong trek around World Showcase!
So, I have come to the precise conclusion that 91 degrees is my perfect temperature.
And so with that bit of useless information, I have sucessfully taken 60 seconds of your life that you can now never get back!! lol!
But at least you know what 91 is all about....
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
"Umm....Excuse me?....
.....I think there's been some sort of a misunderstanding, because this I did NOT sign up for this!"
Well life has been getting interesting lately, to say the least. I'm wondering how much longer it can go on like this before one of us completely snaps. I should preface my rant with the disclaimer that at no time prior to this move did I have rose-colored-glasses visions of this perfect life in paradise. Vacation in Florida does not equal life in Florida. I realize that. But had I known it was going to go this awfully wrong, I would still be in NH, living in my in-law's basement.
No, actually, I should be at a camp in Texas.....But don't even get me started on that.....
We've been here almost 2 months now, and at this point I feel like I'm just waiting for the bottom to drop out from under us. It's already very unstable, so it's just a matter of time. I keep waiting for the Lord to intervene, to do some great "thing" and bring us up and out of this pit of despair. But so far, He hasn't. I know He's been with us all along this journey, and I have no doubt He's with us now, but He's been so terribly still. So quiet. I have learned quite a bit in the last couple of months - the details are fodder for another chapter entirely - and maybe that's the point of all this. No experience is ever wasted if you can get something out of it. One thing I will say I have come to terms with is that "stuff" is just that and can really weigh person down. At whatever point we leave this house, I'll be bringing fully half of what I arrived with. What a waste of time, effort and space to have brought it this far!!
At this point we are looking into "what next," because I believe you have to use wisdom in life as well as faith. The Bible is full of admonition to "get wisdom!" Had we put our feeble wisdom to better use 2 months ago, I'd be in Texas right now and my husband would have all the work he could handle and then some....
But I digress....
I love Florida, I really do. But it's not coming together for us at all. As my husband put it recently, everyone and his brother is a handyman looking for work around here. Manufacturing is out, and between those two options lie the realm of his experience. He's never sat behind a desk and entered data into a computer. That's not his style at all. He's a hands-on, get-good-n-dirty and fix it kind of guy! At this point we can make our June house payment, courtesy of my dad, but come July?? No clue. We are talking about re-activating our profile with the camping organization and see if we get any bites there again.
But I can tell you with utmost certainty, if the Lord does not intervene here in Florida, or we don't get any more leads with a camp somewhere, come July, I will, indeed, be living in my in-law's basement, in NH....
Well life has been getting interesting lately, to say the least. I'm wondering how much longer it can go on like this before one of us completely snaps. I should preface my rant with the disclaimer that at no time prior to this move did I have rose-colored-glasses visions of this perfect life in paradise. Vacation in Florida does not equal life in Florida. I realize that. But had I known it was going to go this awfully wrong, I would still be in NH, living in my in-law's basement.
No, actually, I should be at a camp in Texas.....But don't even get me started on that.....
We've been here almost 2 months now, and at this point I feel like I'm just waiting for the bottom to drop out from under us. It's already very unstable, so it's just a matter of time. I keep waiting for the Lord to intervene, to do some great "thing" and bring us up and out of this pit of despair. But so far, He hasn't. I know He's been with us all along this journey, and I have no doubt He's with us now, but He's been so terribly still. So quiet. I have learned quite a bit in the last couple of months - the details are fodder for another chapter entirely - and maybe that's the point of all this. No experience is ever wasted if you can get something out of it. One thing I will say I have come to terms with is that "stuff" is just that and can really weigh person down. At whatever point we leave this house, I'll be bringing fully half of what I arrived with. What a waste of time, effort and space to have brought it this far!!
At this point we are looking into "what next," because I believe you have to use wisdom in life as well as faith. The Bible is full of admonition to "get wisdom!" Had we put our feeble wisdom to better use 2 months ago, I'd be in Texas right now and my husband would have all the work he could handle and then some....
But I digress....
I love Florida, I really do. But it's not coming together for us at all. As my husband put it recently, everyone and his brother is a handyman looking for work around here. Manufacturing is out, and between those two options lie the realm of his experience. He's never sat behind a desk and entered data into a computer. That's not his style at all. He's a hands-on, get-good-n-dirty and fix it kind of guy! At this point we can make our June house payment, courtesy of my dad, but come July?? No clue. We are talking about re-activating our profile with the camping organization and see if we get any bites there again.
But I can tell you with utmost certainty, if the Lord does not intervene here in Florida, or we don't get any more leads with a camp somewhere, come July, I will, indeed, be living in my in-law's basement, in NH....
Thursday, May 21, 2009
And the Rain, Rain, Rain Came Down Down Down...
...in rushing, rising rivlets...
'Til the river crept out of its bed,
And crept right into Piglets...!
Such a rainy week here in Florida! I will say one thing, the heaviest rain we had in NH never came close to the way it falls down here! Brings new meaning to "tropical downpour." The state has needed it, to be sure, but so much at once, day after day...I feel like I should be building another ark!
The huge cactus behind our house finally bloomed though! The blooms apparently don't last long, though, so I'm glad I went out and snapped these pictures one morning, despite the rain:
'Til the river crept out of its bed,
And crept right into Piglets...!
Such a rainy week here in Florida! I will say one thing, the heaviest rain we had in NH never came close to the way it falls down here! Brings new meaning to "tropical downpour." The state has needed it, to be sure, but so much at once, day after day...I feel like I should be building another ark!
The huge cactus behind our house finally bloomed though! The blooms apparently don't last long, though, so I'm glad I went out and snapped these pictures one morning, despite the rain:
Monday, May 18, 2009
Life without TV
We don't currently have the TV hooked up at our house. Since DH doesn't have a steady job/income yet, we are really pinching pennies and honestly, TV is a "luxury" and nothing more. I suppose if we hooked up some rabbit ears or some foil and an old wire coat hanger, we might still pull in a few local stations, but can't do that after June 12th anyway, so it's a mute point. But as for cable or satellite, we can't justify spending that money right now.
Had you asked me 6 months ago to give up TV entirely, I would have balked at it and probably laughed outright! But, living without it now by necessity, I find I am not missing it like I thought I would. The biggest "gap" for me is not having news to watch while I'm in the kitchen getting dinner ready. I especially like to keep up with the weather that way. What surprises me the most is that the kids are not complaining about having no TV!!! Now there's a shocker!! lol!
Actually, we all find that - surprise! - there are actually a lot of other neat things to do! DH and I have been reading a lot more. The kids are playing outside more (admittedly helped by the nice Florida weather) and using Legos and drawing and such. We still have our collection of videos and DVDs, and will pop those in once in a while, but everything we own is wholesome and family-friendly, too!
Now, ask me to give up my Internet....That's a whole other story! ;)
Had you asked me 6 months ago to give up TV entirely, I would have balked at it and probably laughed outright! But, living without it now by necessity, I find I am not missing it like I thought I would. The biggest "gap" for me is not having news to watch while I'm in the kitchen getting dinner ready. I especially like to keep up with the weather that way. What surprises me the most is that the kids are not complaining about having no TV!!! Now there's a shocker!! lol!
Actually, we all find that - surprise! - there are actually a lot of other neat things to do! DH and I have been reading a lot more. The kids are playing outside more (admittedly helped by the nice Florida weather) and using Legos and drawing and such. We still have our collection of videos and DVDs, and will pop those in once in a while, but everything we own is wholesome and family-friendly, too!
Now, ask me to give up my Internet....That's a whole other story! ;)
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Gospel for Asia
I wanted to dedicate a post to an organization that is not new to me, but that we RE-newed to me today during our church service. It is Gospel for Asia and if you have a heart for the lost at all, I encourage you to check them out and PRAY.
The founder, K.P. Yohannan, spoke at our church today. I've heard missionary messages before, but his brought me to tears. I chalk that up to the urging of the Holy Spirit; I consider myself to be a compassionate person, but when the Lord really wants to impress something on your heart, He doesn't waste time! Of course we can respond or not, that is our choice. But I can't ignore the plight of these people. Many, if not most, of the people who GFA helps and ministers to are the Dalits, or "Untouchables"...the lowest class in the caste system...and considered by upper-classes to be sub-human and a contamination to society. Can you imagine being a little child and trying to grow up in a world like that?
I can't "go" there myself, but others can, and do. As a matter of fact they have quite a few native missionaries there, those who grew up right in the heart of the country they now serve in. Often they are the most effective, I think.
Before we left church today, I filled out the sponsership card and stopped by the table that was full of photos and info packets on kids in this most impoverished part of the world. It was a big step of faith for me to commit to sponsoring a child right now, but compared to how these children live, I may as well be a queen in a palace. God moved on my heart and I trust Him for the provision.
"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." ~Matthew 18:10-11~
The founder, K.P. Yohannan, spoke at our church today. I've heard missionary messages before, but his brought me to tears. I chalk that up to the urging of the Holy Spirit; I consider myself to be a compassionate person, but when the Lord really wants to impress something on your heart, He doesn't waste time! Of course we can respond or not, that is our choice. But I can't ignore the plight of these people. Many, if not most, of the people who GFA helps and ministers to are the Dalits, or "Untouchables"...the lowest class in the caste system...and considered by upper-classes to be sub-human and a contamination to society. Can you imagine being a little child and trying to grow up in a world like that?
I can't "go" there myself, but others can, and do. As a matter of fact they have quite a few native missionaries there, those who grew up right in the heart of the country they now serve in. Often they are the most effective, I think.
Before we left church today, I filled out the sponsership card and stopped by the table that was full of photos and info packets on kids in this most impoverished part of the world. It was a big step of faith for me to commit to sponsoring a child right now, but compared to how these children live, I may as well be a queen in a palace. God moved on my heart and I trust Him for the provision.
"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." ~Matthew 18:10-11~
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Hey, LegoMom!....
....you just sold some stuff on eBay!....what are you gonna do now?!
"I'm going to DISNEY WORLD!!"
Well, for a day, anyway. Yes, that's right...one little day.
But hey!...I can go for "a day!" Up and back! In the same day!!
I had money put aside for passes for all 5 of us, but alas it was consumed in The Move. Which just depresses the heck outta me..... But, it just means I've got to save up again, which I'll do. Summer black-out season is coming anyway - when it's too hot and too crowded to go. So, hopefully by September, I'll be ready!
But, in the meantime, I have a gals-only day coming up that I am SOOO excited for! A couple of friends from New England are coming down for a long weekend and they've asked me to join them for a day! I'm going on their Epcot day. This serves two purposes: 1) I can see the Flower & Garden festival before it goes, and 2) I can use said festival as a deterrent to my kids and explanation as to why Mom is going to Disney without them! lol! I keep telling them Yes, I'm going to Epcot, but I'm meeting two other ladies and we're seeing the Flower and Garden stuff. It's kind of working....
However, given our current financial state, I had to dig out some old treasures and blow the dust off and put 'em up for sale on eBay in order to afford this day out. One day at Disney may as well be a week!! Oy. But I digress. Right now, I need this trip. This one, golden day in the sun, as it were. A day to be free, to escape reality, to be in my favorite place in the whole world....
Yep, I'm going to like living this close just fine....!
"I'm going to DISNEY WORLD!!"
Well, for a day, anyway. Yes, that's right...one little day.
But hey!...I can go for "a day!" Up and back! In the same day!!
I had money put aside for passes for all 5 of us, but alas it was consumed in The Move. Which just depresses the heck outta me..... But, it just means I've got to save up again, which I'll do. Summer black-out season is coming anyway - when it's too hot and too crowded to go. So, hopefully by September, I'll be ready!
But, in the meantime, I have a gals-only day coming up that I am SOOO excited for! A couple of friends from New England are coming down for a long weekend and they've asked me to join them for a day! I'm going on their Epcot day. This serves two purposes: 1) I can see the Flower & Garden festival before it goes, and 2) I can use said festival as a deterrent to my kids and explanation as to why Mom is going to Disney without them! lol! I keep telling them Yes, I'm going to Epcot, but I'm meeting two other ladies and we're seeing the Flower and Garden stuff. It's kind of working....
However, given our current financial state, I had to dig out some old treasures and blow the dust off and put 'em up for sale on eBay in order to afford this day out. One day at Disney may as well be a week!! Oy. But I digress. Right now, I need this trip. This one, golden day in the sun, as it were. A day to be free, to escape reality, to be in my favorite place in the whole world....
Yep, I'm going to like living this close just fine....!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Long overdue update
SO!....
We're finally in Florida! It was quite a trip... Nothing went "as planned," but God has been with us and has shown Himself in small but very clear ways. Which is a good thing, because we've wondered often if we did the right thing. Not that we had much choice. Less than a week after DH left his job, they had their first lay-off in almost 12 years. Since the numbers are based purely on seniority, he would have been out with only 8-1/2 years there. So, at least we can say that it's not like we left a successful job and made a huge mistake!!
When we arrived in Florida we were hoping to secure a rental. It was hard to do long-distance, even with my dad acting as a local contact. But having no job to back up any kind of lease (and most people wanted a commitment, not just a short-term deal) nobody really wanted to talk to us.
Except, oddly, the wonderful couple who own the mobile home park we are now living in in our OWN HOME! Go figure. No one would rent to us, but they were willing to sell to us. I think they liked us and we are the kind of family they want here. Plus they had spent considerable time talking with my dad and looking at the available homes with him. A relationship was definitely established before we even got here. It's not what we planned, to be sure, but we have a bigger house than I ever dreamed we'd get (4 bedrooms plus a den!!) and it's in a very kid-friendly neighborhood.
Then, on moving-in day, we met our next-door neighbor, who, it turns out, is a Christian who attends the church we were interested in!!! God is so good and you just know that was no accident! One more way He let us know He's with us.
As of today we are still waiting for DH to find a job. So, so many leads and nothing concrete. I admit it's getting scary (1st mtg./lot rent payment is due June 1!) but I continue to trust in my Lord to provide. I have no doubts about what He's done so far, so I have to trust Him for the rest. He sold our home in NH in 3 weeks in the dead of winter in the current housing slump; he gave us our own home when landlords wouldn't talk to us; He has done many small things that gave us assurance....He will open the door for the job!
Any of you inclined to pray to that end, we sure would appreciate it!
Other than that, we LOVE life in Florida!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am getting quite used to it and the kids like being able to go to the pool and the beach all the time. I know the "real" heat is yet to come, but we've experience it before and come next January when it's 10 degrees and snowy up north, I will be really, really happy that I'm here! lol!
We're finally in Florida! It was quite a trip... Nothing went "as planned," but God has been with us and has shown Himself in small but very clear ways. Which is a good thing, because we've wondered often if we did the right thing. Not that we had much choice. Less than a week after DH left his job, they had their first lay-off in almost 12 years. Since the numbers are based purely on seniority, he would have been out with only 8-1/2 years there. So, at least we can say that it's not like we left a successful job and made a huge mistake!!
When we arrived in Florida we were hoping to secure a rental. It was hard to do long-distance, even with my dad acting as a local contact. But having no job to back up any kind of lease (and most people wanted a commitment, not just a short-term deal) nobody really wanted to talk to us.
Except, oddly, the wonderful couple who own the mobile home park we are now living in in our OWN HOME! Go figure. No one would rent to us, but they were willing to sell to us. I think they liked us and we are the kind of family they want here. Plus they had spent considerable time talking with my dad and looking at the available homes with him. A relationship was definitely established before we even got here. It's not what we planned, to be sure, but we have a bigger house than I ever dreamed we'd get (4 bedrooms plus a den!!) and it's in a very kid-friendly neighborhood.
Then, on moving-in day, we met our next-door neighbor, who, it turns out, is a Christian who attends the church we were interested in!!! God is so good and you just know that was no accident! One more way He let us know He's with us.
As of today we are still waiting for DH to find a job. So, so many leads and nothing concrete. I admit it's getting scary (1st mtg./lot rent payment is due June 1!) but I continue to trust in my Lord to provide. I have no doubts about what He's done so far, so I have to trust Him for the rest. He sold our home in NH in 3 weeks in the dead of winter in the current housing slump; he gave us our own home when landlords wouldn't talk to us; He has done many small things that gave us assurance....He will open the door for the job!
Any of you inclined to pray to that end, we sure would appreciate it!
Other than that, we LOVE life in Florida!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am getting quite used to it and the kids like being able to go to the pool and the beach all the time. I know the "real" heat is yet to come, but we've experience it before and come next January when it's 10 degrees and snowy up north, I will be really, really happy that I'm here! lol!
Friday, April 24, 2009
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