The Man Crew

Do You Have Photo Envy?

2012-01-13T07:23:00.008-07:00

Earlier today, I read this great article over here. (http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/2012/01/beautifully_picturesque/#comment-5158) And it got me to thinking about the assumptions we make about the people in front of the camera. Surely they don't have financial troubles, marital issues or rowdy, goofy children. They must be very nearly perfect, I mean the proof is in the picture, right? Most of my family pictures come out looking very much like they were inspired by a Calvin and Hobbes cartoon (no offense, Calvin) and I get frustrated sometimes. So today, I'm going to embrace the personality of my kiddos and post a posed picture and a 'real' picture or two. Hang on to your hats people : )

For another peek into 'real' life, check out this too! http://themancrew.blogspot.com/2010/05/wordless-wednesday_20.html

David's 1st Gymnastics Meet of 2012

2012-01-12T16:14:00.007-07:00

David's first meet of the gymnastics season was this past weekend, Jan 7th. He did really well, but still wasn't satisfied with his performance, so he is now working doubly hard to tweak his routines, get the last trick or two just right and remember to point his toes, every.single.time. : ) He came home with medals for Rings, Parallel bars and the All Around. However, I won't embarrass him by gushing over how talented he is. I'll just post a few pics and call it a day. He's so 14. *grins*

And I'm sure it goes without saying, but I'm going to say it anyway. We are SO proud of him. And a big thank you to Jim and Tricia who generously share their home with us every time we go to Albuquerque.

Simple Woman's Daybook

2012-01-12T12:30:00.005-07:00

FOR TODAY: January 12, 2012
Outside my window... The sun tries valiantly to shine through the clouds. It is chilly (low 40s) and gray.
I am thinking...that God is too gracious to me.
I am thankful...that He is.
In the kitchen...sadly, nothing this minute. However, menu for the week is

Monday~Daddy brought home pizza
Tuesday~Tacos
Wednesday~Crustless quiche YUM~O
Thursday~leftovers
Friday~Game Night (no dinner, just veggies and dip, crackers and cheese, and chips and salsa
Saturday~Lunch sammies, Dinner Homemade pizza
Sunday~Lunch TBD, Dinner popcorn and veggie tray

I am wearing...Brown t-shirt, faded jeans, ankle socks and slip on shoes.
I am creating...clean carpets after this morning's boy vomit and cat diarrhea. Yes, it's been that kind of day : )
I am going...crazy, wanna come? Just kidding. I have tutoring from 3:30-5:30 and then Kohl's from 6-11. Somewhere in there, D has to get to gym from 5:30-8:30
I am wondering...how long the boys are going to put off doing their chores and school since I am NOT reminding/nagging them today. Should be interesting.
I am reading...21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership/ White Oleander (not really liking it, but I read every book to the end. Just one of my *things*) and Philippians every day for January
I am hoping...to become a better person this year, through prayer, much reading, and self discipline.
From the school room...an inde study day since DT is not well. We did some reading together this morning and he's been resting on the couch for the day. The BIGS were assigned 1 hour of educational reading, a math lesson, a writing exercise and a brain game. (a nice easy return to schooling since we just started back yesterday.)
I am looking forward to...a weekend without kids later in January. I love a free hotel room AND people to watch the kids!
I am learning...that I don't have the self discipline I used to, and that I need to re-find it and USE it
Around the house...a sad little dog is waiting to have his ear sewn back on after a wrestling match earlier this week, there are crumbs on the tablecloth, and PILES of dishes waiting to be attended, but it may just not happen today.
I am pondering...belly button lint, the sad state of the US economy and the contents of my pantry.
A favorite quote for today...'Lack of preparation on your part does NOT constitute an emergency on my part'.
One of my favorite things...rows of home canned tomatoes
A few plans for the rest of the week: Well since I'm late, there isn't much 'week' left. However, tomorrow is Game Night, Saturday is a shift at the gym, Sunday is church and preparing for the new week. That sounds like enough.
A peek into my day...an interesting way to use the counting cubes sent by big brother 'Shua.

PS> If you like this type of post, join me over at www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com to read more daybooks like this or check her out on FB.

Catching up with us MeYeR's

2012-01-11T17:38:00.002-07:00

Just dashing through on my way elsewhere, but since I'm making an effort to get back to blogging more often than not, here's a quick catch up post.

Dan and David are out tearing up the desert in the dune buggies and/or dirt bike as often as time and weather allow. It's a male bonding thing for them and they love it.
School started back today. Started off slow, just an hour of reading, a math lesson and a few brain games
David had his first meet this past weekend. He came home with 3 medals. More on that later
Dear friends of ours have reserved us a room in a snazzy hotel and offered to babysit (more like big boy sit these days) so that Dan and I can have a little retreat. A-MAZ-ING! You guys rock!
My parents are here and having a wonderful time (at least I think they are, we sure are enjoying having them here)
Summer visitors are starting to request dates, so come on over, we'd love to have ya!
Derek has lost both front teeth and while he's cute as the Dickens, he does NOT appreciate anyone singing, "All I Want for Christmas is my 2 Front Teeth' :D
Patrick is slowly readjusting after the holidays and travel and is having a better week than the past few.
We didn't have game night last week since we were on the road and we CAN'T WAIT to catch up with everyone again! We MISSED you all so much!
I am trying to work on losing some weight this year. Some pounds have GOT to go! Encouraging comments are welcome, dieting advice is not. Thank you.

That's all the time I have for today, crust-less quiche is calling me for dinner. Have a wonderful evening!
Blessings, ~K~

Christmas Countdown Post

2012-01-11T16:21:00.006-07:00

I know, it's after Christmas. I had wanted to do this really cute ongoing post series about the super cool countdown we did for Christmas. Ahh, the best laid plans and all that : ) So, instead of 10 posts about it, I will spare you every single detail and just post a few pics of the best activities.
The idea behind it is to do something fun each day that leads up to Christmas, to build the excitement, get a few things done, spend some quality time together, think of others and (perhaps the most important one) keep the "I-can't-wait-for-Christmas' blues/boredom away. So, join me for a quick recap of our adventures down Christmas Lane.
~Day 1: Boys are already saying how silly/lame this is, but once they open the envelope that says MAKE FUDGE, they are on board. We make fudge, eat too much and start looking forward to tomorrow's activity.
~Day 2: Go to Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.
~Day 3: Eat dinner backwards. Boys were glad to start with fudge
~Day 4: Watch "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"
~Day 5: Take coloring pages to children's hospital or Dr office.
~Day 6: Make Paper snowflakes. This was a huge hit with everyone
~Day 7: Board Games
~Day 8: Do something nice for a neighbor
~Day 9: Take treats to Police/Fire Dept. (boys did NOT want to do this...it won't make the list next year)
~Day 10: Camp out in the Living Room. Boys LOVED this one, although by the time they finally quit wiggling and giggling at nearly midnight, *I* wasn't loving it so much. HA
~Day 11: Movie Night with popcorn and fudge
~Day 12: Out for Ice Cream with Grandparents
~Day 13: Kids Choice~ they opted for a movie again
~Day 14: Card Games~ Fluxx, anyone?
~Day 15: Volunteer at homeless shelter/soup kitchen (sadly, we couldn't coordinate schedules between Dan working late, me working early, David's gym schedule and only having one car. Next year!!)
~Day 16: Gingerbread house
~Day 17: Bake cookies
~Day 18: Movie Night
~Day 19: Treasure Hunt Dinner (another one that didn't quite work out due to schedules, but I'll know better for next time)
~Day 20: **Mama's Birthday** Eat out at fave restaurant. Hello, Texas Road House!
~Day 21: Dice Games/Dominoes
~Day 22: Kids Choice. They picked Living Room Camp out (but thankfully went to sleep sooner this time)
~Day 23: Sing at Nursing Home (this one was just for me, but ended up not happening, we were too close to the hysteria of Christmas by then)
~Day 24: Go look at lights with hot cocoa and cookies. Mmmmm, hello CHRISTmas!
If you are interested in trying this activity this coming Christmas, it can be found here (http://lifeasmom.com/2011/11/a-christmas-countdown-family-activity.html) Have fun!

PS. Pics are on other memory device. I'll add them later. rats.

Review of Hooked on Hope Organization's Products

2012-01-11T15:05:00.003-07:00

I have been asked to review a product for Hooked On Hope Organization. It's a non-profit organization started and run by Danielle Decker. According to it's Face Book page,
"Hooked On Hope's mission is to spread the Word of Christ by loving others with hand-made items in our local area. If you know someone in need or would like to volunteer, please let us know." Check them out here.

I was asked to review the workmanship and quality of a set of washcloths that I had previously won in a giveaway. I found them to be lovely, in quality and craftsmanship. They are soft, cuddly and pretty. They have enough texture to them to either wash your dishes or your face without being rough. They hold up wash after wash. Just toss them in the washer and let them go! They are hand crafted with care, with no snags or blemishes to be found. Danielle is an excellent crafter.
All said and done, I would purchase items from Hooked on Hope Organization with confidence, knowing not only that I was purchasing high quality items, but that the money was going to help meet the needs of people in that area of the U.S. that needed a bit of help, a bit of love and a big dose of encouragement.

My Book Reading List for 2012

2012-01-03T20:29:00.004-07:00

I thought it might be fun to copy Money Saving Mom (http://www.facebook.com/#!/MoneySavingMom) over on FB and post a list of the books I intend to read this year. It's only 24, so I'm sure I'll read more than that, but I wanted to be a bit more intentional about what I feed my mind this year. I tend to pick up whatever catches my eye on the new arrivals shelf, or whatever someone gives me, and I don't proactively look for books that apply to a certain area of my life. So I thought her idea was a good one to keep me on track with the goals that I have set for myself this year. These are in no particular order and I'll pretty much read them as I can find them at my library, on eBay or at the COAS which is the local used book store here in our town.

You Can't Make Me, But I Can Be Persuaded
A Deeper Kind of Calm: Steadfast Faith in the Midst of Adversity
Rekindling the Romance: Loving the Love of Your Life
The 3 R's
Between a Rock and a Grace Place
One of Us Must Be Crazy...and I'm Pretty Sure It's You
Grace for the Good Girl
The Simplicity of Homeschooling: Discover the Freedom of Learning Through Living
Satisfy My Soul: For I Am Desperate for Your Power
Eats, Shoots and Leaves: A No Tolerance Approach to Punctuation
The Husband Project: 21 Days of Loving Your Man--on Purpose
and with a Plan
The Marriage Project: 21 Days to More Love and Laughter
Erasing Hell: What God Said About Eternity and What We Made Up
Whispers of His Power
The Shelter of God's Promises
What Women Fear
Don't Make Me Come Up There!
Crazy Love
Jesus Freaks: Martyrs
Large Family Logistics
The Grace and Truth Paradox
Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman's Guide to Finding Contentment
168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think
America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money

Phew! I can't wait to dig in to some of these. I'll be looking up my first set when I head over to the library on Thursday. I'll keep you posted on my progress and which ones are worth reading!
~K~

Simple Woman's Daybook~Hello 2012

2012-01-03T13:35:00.004-07:00

FOR TODAY...Jan 3, 2012
Outside my window...the sun is shining, boys are laughing and jumping on the trampoline and the dog is busily chasing school busses (or think he is *winks*)
I am thinking...that today is a great day!
I am thankful...for today. It is, after all, Grati-Tuesday! I'm grateful for my hardworking handsome hubby, my healthy boys enjoying the winter break from school, and for a few minutes of solitude. Just me and the fishies right now.
In the kitchen...we just finished lunch of New Year's Cheese and cracker leftovers. Meals for the week are as follows

Monday~ Black bean, Beef and vegetable soup (with homemade veggie stock, no less!)
Tuesday~ Pasta bake
Wednesday~ Roast Chicken and garlic mashed potatoes with salad
Thursday~ Chock Full 'O Veggies Meat loaf from the crock pot and leftover mashed potatoes
Friday~ snacking in the car on the way to ALB for D's first gym meet of the season. Things like homemade trail mix, cereal bars, cheese sticks, fruit leathers, and sweet iced tea
Saturday~ Fast food on the way home from ALB
Sunday~ homemade pizza, popcorn and a veggie tray

I am wearing...a pink tee shirt, double braids, jean capris and bare feet
I am creating...goals, plans, school lessons for the return of school next week, order from the post holiday chaos and new routines for the new year
I am going...nowhere today *clapping hands* It's so rare to spend a day completely at HOME
I am wondering...if I can actually pull of losing 30 pounds like my New Year's Resolution says. **chewing nails**
I am reading..."The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You" Good stuff!
I am hoping...to be able to finish this blog without the phone ringing, the doorbell chiming, or the boys coming in to tattle on one another :D I seriously HEART me some quiet time!!
I am looking forward to...going to ALB this weekend and watching D do something he LOVES!
I am learning...to take one day at a time and not borrow tomorrow's troubles.
Around the house...the tree is finally down AND put away. The decorations are safely tucked away for another year, and our home is slowing working it's way back to normal. (whatever THAT is)
I am pondering...the words of a great Bible verse. "The Lord is near" I've said it before, I'll say it again, there's a WHOLE sermon in 4 short words. Ponder it with me, ruminate over it, live like you believe it.
A favorite quote for today...Hmmm, caught me off guard with this one, it's new. Well, I'll fall back on one of my old favorites. As quoted by Ronald Reagan, "The most terrifying words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.' " Ha ha ha~
One of my favorite things...fresh cracked babies. (that's what we call newborns around here, they just got "cracked" out. We're C-section babies here at the Man Crew House)
A few plans for the rest of the week: packing for the weekend trip, making snacks for trip, one night of work at Kohl's, one night of tutoring, taking D back and forth to gym, reading to the family in the evening. Spending time with my parents. Life is good, ya know it?
A peek into my day...welcome to the Mayhem! I was watching Dan weld the other day. SO cool!

Homeschooling Hiatus~ Winter 2011

2012-01-03T12:56:00.002-07:00

As this Mama has gotten smarter through the years (or lazier, you decide) we've started taking our long break in the winter months while Mama is working MORE and LATER hours at her Kohl's job, so that she has a chance to sleep once in a while, plus we don't end up frustrated by trying to stay on schedule while the season gets busier and busier. So, we've been on break since the week of Thanksgiving and we've LOVED it!
Now, before you think I've got and thrown all caution to the wind and that my children are irreparably and irrevocably damaged, let me also add this. We've done lots of hands on learning, lots of reading, lots of enjoying family time, and lots of projects. All interspersed with tons of Christmas music, movies and activities. We've done puzzles and games, played outside while the weather was nice (and even when it wasn't) we've baked, cooked and crafted our way through the season. We've even thrown in a random math or grammar lesson as the whim struck. And yes, at least one of my boys ASKED for school work so he wouldn't get behind. Can I get an "AMEN"?
So a quick update on each of the boys and I'll close. (I'm working on not being so long winded, wish me luck) David is in the 9th grade and enjoying the opportunity to pick his own projects. Right now he's working his way through the Famous Men of Greece book and the Greenleaf Guide to the same. He's LOVING it!! Next up, Famous Men of Rome. Earlier this year, he memorized the entire first book of Genesis. I should mention that I'm loving this curriculum as well. He gets to pick the projects, but they are all appropriate, Bible based, God fearing choices. Patrick is working through his My Father's World Creation to the Greeks package, but he and I had a rough start this year, so we may need to go back and redo some of the lessons. His writing, grammar and math are excelling, so I'm thrilled about that! Derek is coasting through his 1st grade year, and while he LOVES to be read to, and to spend hours poring over books, he is still showing little interest in actually learning to read for himself. However, I am not worrying over it, he will read when he is ready. His handwriting/scissors skills are improving recently, as if his fine motor skills are finally catching up to his gross motor skills.
So truly, good news on all fronts and that's always a good feeling. I'll post more later about some of the projects and activities we enjoyed over the break, along with some pictures. Thanks for your support!
Blessings,
Kristy

Hello 2012! Back to Blogging...SOON!

2012-01-03T00:48:00.003-07:00

Just passing through to say that after 6 weeks of neglect, I'm ready to get back to blogging! Time to get caught up, post tons of pictures, relate our adventures and share some new things I've learned recently. It's the middle of the night, so I can't do any of that right now, but I wanted to let you know that I haven't forgotten about you and that I'm cooking up new ideas for this year. Have a great night and I'll be seeing you soon!
Blessings, ~K~

Pumpkin Patch 2011 ~Updated

2011-11-14T18:35:00.005-07:00

***Updated with pics***
The boys and I went to the pumpkin patch a while back, and what a great
time we had! There were many new things to do and try and play with, so the boys
were nearly beside themselves trying to figure out what to do first. We ate hot
dogs and cotton candy (two huge no nos at this house except about once a year)
they went sliding down the hugs slides on burlap sacks, frolicked in the
sunshine and came home happy with their choice of pumpkins. Derek liked the
Hamster Wheel, the slides and the tricycle track the best.
Pat picked the tractors that he could climb up and pretend to drive, the slides and the ducky game, mostly because he likes to get wet.
David liked the hook on a wire that you had to swing up onto a hook (and he was quite good at, as well) the slides and the gerbil tunnels. I thought the tractor tire tic-tac-toe game was quite
clever and I also enjoyed the Mystical Grove (a shaded tunnel that has misting hoses in it...get it? MYSTICAL??) Anywho, at the end of the day, we came home tired, a little sunburned and a lot happy with our day.

Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-11-13T13:27:00.003-07:00

For Today~ November 13, 2011
Outside my window...it is overcast as cool. 60* is our high for today. Yes, I know some of you have snow already. Just keep in mind that when it's 70 at your house, it will be 110* at mine. Cool is relative : )
I am thinking...that it has been WAY too long since I took part in this great post on a regular basis.
I am thankful...that we get to enjoy EXTRA family for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. SO excited about that!
From the learning rooms...we are wrapping up our curriculum studies at the end of this week and will be enjoying 'homeschool lite' until after the New Year. My hours are just too long and too late for this season to *teach* in the traditional sense, so we read, watch educational videos, play games, make gifts and crafts, and just enjoy the season together.
From the kitchen...potato soup simmers in the crock pot for dinner tonight. Hot tea is cooling on the counter and chicken is thawing in the fridge for something tasty later on this week.
I am wearing...brown knit capris, a coral t shirt, ankle socks and tennies. Hair is double french braided, I can't get over how quickly it's growing back out.
I am creating...secrets for Christmas, a clean house and a completed "Fall Into Reading' List
I am going...nowhere for at least 24 hours. HURRAY!
I am wondering...why bad things happen to good people. I know it's the age-old question, but sometimes it gets me down. I don't know HOW people manage to keep their spirits up when they don't know the Lord and how good He is.
I am reading...a huge list of books, but mostly, How To Be More Than a Good Bible Study Girl, curriculum books, blogs about green living, sewing and organization. Also Thanksgiving lists, meal plans and recipes. Mmmmmmmmmm
I am hoping...to try a few new recipes this week. Mostly, pumpkin goodies. Like pumpkin spice lattes, scones and whoopie pies. Also a new recipe or two before sharing at the Thanksgiving table.
I am looking forward to...the holidays, a visit from long awaited company, and a break from school.
I am hearing...Transformers 3 and little boys giggling and wrestling together. (kinda wish I could still hear Amy Grant singing the hymns, shhhh, don't tell!)
Around the house...we are getting ready for a new week to begin with a fresh, clean house. SO< to that end,

Dishes
Laundry
LR tidied and vac'd
Bathrooms swished and swiped
Bedrooms picked up and tidy

I am pondering... more Christmas gifts, some extra cleaning projects from "31 Days to Clean: Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" and how rapidly my boys are growing up right in front of my eyes.
One of my favorite things...autumn
A few plans for the rest of the week...a full week of school before the break, extra sleep whenever I can squeeze it in, tutoring, coffee with Karen and menu planning for the next few weeks.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Now THAT's what a Saturday afternoon should look like : ) Have a great week, everyone!

Fall Into Reading Question #4

2011-11-13T02:13:00.003-07:00

Aha, I finally found question 4. Here it is : )
How large is your personal/family collection of books? And where do you keep them?
Oh my, I don't even want to answer this question! SO so SO many books! I'd have to say several hundred books, not counting curriculum for Home School. >.< And they are everywhere! I have a large bookshelf in my room, 5 shelves high, stuffed to the gills. I have several boxes of books in my rooms also, where there is no room for them. Each of our boys has a bookshelf in his room stuffed, and a few here and there laying about in their rooms as well. There is a basket full of 'seasonally appropriate/school subject' books in the LR to encourage reading ON TOPIC during book basket time. Add in the Library basket that normally has close to 50 books in it each week and we've got, (Dare I even say it?) Too many books. As if there IS such a thing. And actually, now that I think of it, we've got several Rubbermaid Totes out in the garage full of books that never made it into the house when we moved here several months ago. Yikes! AND, there are 2 bookshelves in our DR/schoolroom with our current homeschool materials. Oh dear, I have even more than I thought. But, at our house, books are friends so you can never have too many friends, right?? SOMEDAY, when my boys are grown and gone, living their own exciting lives, I'm going to have a room dedicated to just books, a comfy chair and a snuggly blanket. Now THAT sounds great! However, between now and then, I probably ought to get rid of a few since I already have enough to fill a room, a large room in fact. Thanks for the nudge in the right direction!
Having fun reading this? Head over to www.callapidderdays.com and join the fun!

Fall Into Reading Question #7

2011-11-13T01:58:00.003-07:00

Is there a book that has had a tremendous impact on your life? One that made you look at life in a whole new way, or caused you to completely change something in your life?

Oh my, so many choices! As a Christian, I would say first off the Bible has completely changed my life. The wisdom, love and grace in those pages offers it's gifts to all who would read it. Aside from the Bible, books by Elizabeth George have caused me to change some of my thinking patterns and actions towards my husband and family. Books that make me laugh, either in general or at myself are always great. It's important to encourage your sense of humor, it helps deal with the 'bumps' that life brings your way. Life Made from Scratch made me want to become a Homesteader, which would be a rather LARGE change for us. But baby steps can take you where you want to go : )
**Bonus Question: How is your Fall Into Reading coming along? Are you on track? Ahead of schedule? Falling behind?**

Hmmm, not really sure. I haven't looked at my actual list in a while. Let's see if I can find it quickly. Oh good. Here is my list, in no particular order : )
DONE~My Father's World curriculum books. I know that required reading, but it
still needs to get done, so I might as well make it more fun, right?? Included
with that, I'll be reading the recommended books that come along with Pat's
lesson plans. *the total of these books will be counted as 5*
Not Yet~I bought a large box of books off of eBay to compliment our History of the
World book 1. There are about 20 in there, however, most of them are less than
5th grade reading level, so I can probably polish them off in just a few hours,
so I'm only counting them as one. ; )
DONE~I won a gift package that had 2 magazines in it, called Ladies Journal (Not
to be confused with Ladies HOME Journal) and Where Women Cook. Can't wait to dig
into those!
DONE~Also in the package were 2 books called More Than A Good Bible Study Girl
(looks great) and Made From Scratch which is about homesteading. : )
The Debt
CURRENT~World Magazine to keep up with current events with the BIGS for school. Love
this magazine, keeps us up to date on everything happening in the world, and
with a Christian worldview~ LOVE IT
A few Christmas books, like A Christmas Carol, Christmas in the Big Woods,
The Gift of the Magi, The Night Before Christmas and such. Plus the children's
books that they love so much.
DONE~Fireman Dad, Love Finds a Home, Doctor Right, Rancher's Promise, Family by
Design, and The Cowboys Homecoming
Hmm, I'm doing better than I thought. I've also read several books from the library that I forgot to write down, so I guess I'll have to say that I'm doing well, I'm ahead of schedule and that I'll be able to add several more books to the list through the next 6 weeks. Yeah me!
There's still time to join if you want. Head on over to www.callapidderdays.com and join us!

Fall Into Reading Question #6

2011-11-13T01:52:00.003-07:00

When it comes to fiction, are you more of a “plot person” or a “character person”? If you had to choose, which concept would win out when it comes to picking and loving a book: plot or character?
I think I would have to say that plot is more important simply because a plot that makes no sense or is just dragging along is rather un-fixable, whereas a poorly fleshed out character can be imagined while the books goes on with the plot. You can even guess that the character will develop as the book continues. Now, this is not to mean that I don't like good characters, it's just easier to "fix" them in my head versus trying to rewrite the whole book due to a poor plot line.

Come on over and join the Fall Into Reading challenge over at www.callapidderdays.com It's a hoot!

Fall Into Reading Question #5

2011-11-13T01:41:00.003-07:00

What about you? Are you dedicated to reading every word (even the boring ones)? Or have you been known to skim over some passages?

Ummm, may I please plead the 5th on this one? As a parent, and especially as a teacher that insists my students read every last word, even the super boring parts, I want to say that of course I read every last word, including the dedication, the appendix and the table of contents. However, that would not be truth, and truth is more important that skimming over a few paragraphs, right? RIGHT. So, in honesty, I have to say that sometimes if the writer goes off on a tangent, or starts describing the scenery in flowery terms or worse yet, if it's a historical fiction book and they spend 3 pages setting the scene for a gory war battle, I skip that and move on in a hurry. Generally speaking though, I plod through even that, lest I miss some tidbit that might be relevant later. : ) Another great question!
If you are enjoying these questions and want to join the fun, head over to www.callapiddardays.com and sign up for Fall Into Reading 2011

Fall Into Reading Question #3

2011-11-13T01:32:00.004-07:00

This week, we get a little techy:
On what devices, if any, do you read books? Or are you strictly a “physical book” reader?

I am an all physical books, all the time girl. Real, actual, paper, physical books. I can do an ebook once in a while, but I don't have a nook or a kindle or anything like that, so I get tired of sitting at the computer and staring at the screen, so even then I tend to print it out, bind it together somehow and then I've got a 'real' book anyway : )

Come check out Fall Into Reading over at www.callapidderdays.com for more fun questions!

He's Working Again!!

2011-11-02T14:48:00.005-07:00

Praise God for answered prayers! After being off of work for June and 1/2 of July, and then from mid August through November 1st, Dan is back at work today! It's right here in town, with lots of people that he's worked with before and he is excited! I am so glad for him :) Thank you Lord for providing for our needs in the meantime, and continuing to do so through a job for Dan.

Pumpkin Patch 2011

2011-11-02T14:35:00.003-07:00

The boys and I went to the pumpkin patch a while back, and what a great time we had! There were many new things to do and try and play with, so the boys were nearly beside themselves trying to figure out what to do first. We ate hot dogs and cotton candy (two huge no nos at this house except about once a year) they went sliding down the hugs slides on burlap sacks, frolicked in the sunshine and came home happy with their choice of pumpkins. Derek liked the Hamster Wheel, the slides and the tricycle track the best. Pat picked the tractors that he could climb up and pretend to drive, the slides and the ducky game, mostly because he likes to get wet. David liked the hook on a wire that you had to swing up onto a hook (and he was quite good at, as well) the slides and the gerbil tunnels. I thought the tractor tire tic-tac-toe game was quite clever and I also enjoyed the Mystical Grove (a shaded tunnel that has misting hoses in it...get it? MYSTICAL??) Anywho, at the end of the day, we came home tired, a little sunburned and a lot happy with our day.
PS> Jodi has my camera right now, so I'll have to add the pics later, but I wanted to get this posted while I had a chance : )

Happy Birthday 'Shua!

2011-11-02T14:07:00.005-07:00

I'm not AS late with this one, but still tardy. Happy 23rd Birthday 'Shua! We didn't get to spend the day together, of course, but we did have a nice chat. I am so proud of him and Lauren doing so well up there in IL. Working hard, loving each other and enjoying their families up there. It's good, even if I do miss them terribly. Hugs to you, Young Man. You deserve every bit of happiness you can find. I love you!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T13:50:00.002-07:00

Oh my gravy, this made me laugh! : )

Happy 14th Birthday David!

2011-11-02T12:23:00.006-07:00

I know, I'm crazy late, but David turned 14 October 3rd, the same day that Mambo had hop replacement surgery. We skipped school, rested after camping and just hung out together as a family. Friday Game Night was our actual celebration of his birthday and we let the good times roll! Mama made graham cracker cake, friends joined us and David brought a few extras home from the gym. We had a ball!! He received some very thoughtful gifts and has enjoyed them all. The money he has been saving for this weekend at the Renaissance Festival at Young Park, he wants to buy a sword (oh my heavens!) Just a few pics as he's getting "too old" for birthday silliness. *sigh* He's my boy, not into the pomp and circumstances, and is much more concerned that everyone else has a good time. And we did! Happy Birthday Son!

Fall Into Reading Question 2

2011-10-28T02:17:00.002-07:00

How often do you re-read books? What does it take to make you re-read?

Oh goodness, I DO love to reread some of my books, over and over again. At my house, books are friends and you wouldn't just have tea with a good friend and then never do it again, would you?
Although, let's be honest, some books are a one time read, and some should have never been read at all, but most are worth at least a few reads, and some never grow old. For me, this is what makes the cut over and over again.
~ The Bible: NEVER grows old, and the Lord uses it to teach me new things each time I read it. As 2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. AMEN and amen.
~Anything ever written by Janette Oake, Al and Joanna Lacy, Lori Wick, Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, and several other Christian fiction writers. Just makes the story come alive and become part of you.
~Informational books about parenting, family, homeschool, homesteading, marriage, and the like.
Books that make me laugh.

This is in response to a series over at www.callapidderdays.com Come on over and join us as we Fall Into Reading

Fall Into Reading Question 1

2011-10-28T02:11:00.000-07:00

How much do book reviews influence your decision to acquire and/or read a book?
~ Not much I suppose. I don't know those people writing them, so their opinion means little to me. And quite generally, I don't even read them, so even less influence. I read the blurb in the front page or the back and decide if it looks good or not.

This post is a response to questions being asked over at Callapidder Days' Fall Into Reading Series. Join us!

Homeschooling Updates HERE

2011-10-28T01:54:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder. If you are looking for a homeschool only post, check out www.homeschooledhooligans.blogspot.com That's where I put them, when I remember to write them : )

Starnes' Boys Pictures

2011-10-28T01:19:00.005-07:00

James and Titus love to come hang out on Game Night. We have a ball all playing together. Patrick is a favorite playmate since he's so fun! In fact, one of Titus' first words was PAT : )

Enter the Starnes' boys: Superman and Mr T. Love the hat, Mr T!

Camping is the BEST. THING. EVER!!

2011-10-15T17:37:00.007-07:00

A few weeks ago, we took the boys camping for the first time. Yes, we've slept in tents in the backyard, in the LR, in our bedrooms, and even in friends' backyards, (and for a short while, Patrick 'lived' in one in the house) just never in the wild. D and P were just about old enough to take 'real' camping when we were expecting DT, so we had to wait another several years so he was old enough. Anywho, we've been saying we want to go for a while and just haven't gotten around to it. SO, we just up and decided to go as a fun way to kick off David's birthday. We packed and drove up over the Organ Mountains, and drove way into the Aguirre Springs Park and found a cozy little campsite away from the other people there, and made camp. 2 tents, a newly formed fire rock ring, lots of collecting firewood, and tons of schlepping bags and coolers up a hill, we were ready to do some camping. Later that night as we sat around a fire of glowing embers, while clutching gooey S'mores and laughing together, I thought to myself, "Now I know why people pack up, leave town and go camping. Because THIS is a good as it gets. No electronics to distract from conversations, just family, beautiful nature and plenty of time to enjoy them both." The boys just loved it and are already pestering about when and where we can go again. They played capture the flag, followed hiking trails, chased bugs and lizards, laughed and whispered in their tent, got to eat HOT DOGS, and discussed the best way to make the perfect S'more. Dan and I enjoyed the quiet night without computers, TV, garage projects, or dinner dishes getting in the way. There really IS nothing like sitting around a campfire laughing and chatting with those you hold near and dear. I could wax eloquent about it for far too long I am sure, but I'll just suffice it to say that we are hooked and will definitely be doing it again soon. I'll add some pics for you to enjoy and you too, can feel like you went camping with us, without the lack of running water part : )

Blessings,

Kristy

October Catching Up Post

2011-10-15T16:54:00.002-07:00

Goodness, has 3 weeks gone by AGAIN without a single post? Phew, life gets busy here at the Man Crew house sometimes and living life is more important than blogging. Anywho, just a quick recap of the last few weeks. Let's start with...

GREETINGS FROM SUNNY AND WARM NEW MEXICO. We're still enjoying upper 80s and low 90s temps most days, but truly enjoying low 60s for the overnight hours. Great weather!

Dan is still looking for work, although he's staying busy working on projects with friends, helping people move, hanging out with the boys, and enjoying some extra sleep here and there.
David turned 14 on the 3rd of October. Where DOES the time go? He enjoyed his birthday game night, and we went camping the weekend of his birthday.
Pat is getting so tall and is already looking forward to his 13th birthday that is rapidly approaching. He's really missing James and Titus each day now that they aren't coming as often. His drawings are getting better, and he's loving our weekly trips to the library. He always checks out his fill of cartoon books, plus 1 educational book (per my request) 2 movies and 1 CD so he can get to know some new music. He's such a creature of habit (little like his mama that way)
Derek is really liking school. We're making crafts, writing letters and sounding out words. So. Much. Fun! He's busy as usual with riding bikes, enjoying game night, jumping on the trampoline, chasing his brothers, playing with the cat, and just being him : )
I finally got that rest I've been wanting. Spent last Saturday evening at the ER with what I thought was appendicitis. Turns out, thankfully that it was *just* a viral infection that was making my lymph glands in my abdomen swell and mimic the symptoms of appendicitis. So I got a lovely script for some Vicadin and spent the next two days laying on the couch drooling on myself. Dan and the boys took excellent care of me, cleaned the house and kept everyone fed and happy so I could rest. The next few days were led mostly from the couch as well, and I've now got 'real world' experience that school can be done from the couch, instead of just a hunch : )
I also talked just this week with a dear 'old' friend (like from high school days) that I recently re-discovered on FB, and she called this week and we laughed about old times, where life has taken us and how it rarely becomes what we think. GOOD TIMES, what a wonderful time of catching up it was.
My parents are COMING!! They've been saying for years that they're going to become snow birds and stay the winters here in NM, but it's just never panned out. This year seems to be the year, and even though it's still 2 months away, I find myself stopping at least once a day and thinking aloud, "They're coming! They're REALLY coming!!" Not only for my own enjoyment of course, but for the kids, they miss PaPa and Grma so much, and can't wait for them to get here.
Game Night lives on. Some weeks we have 8, sometimes 20 and no matter how many we have, it's always fun. Uno, Farkle, Skip Bo, sometimes Chess, Bananagrams, Fluxx, Phase 10, Spades and a few random others grace the tables. We eat veggies with dip, chips with salsa, bean dip or cheese goo, cake if it's a BIRTHDAY Game Night, and laugh ourselves silly. It's great!

I think that's it for major updates, and I'll post some pics soon. Thanks for the love.

Blessings,

Kristy and the Man Crew

SCORE!! Thanks April!

2011-09-25T20:36:00.004-07:00

Just wanted to say thanks to my friend April Rogers who helped me score a SUPER great deal a few weeks ago. She shared a link to a page (that I can no longer remember the name of, sorry) that shares good deals from everywhere so other Mamas can get a great deal also. At any rate, the deal of that day was to order composition notebooks online from Wal-Mart, pick them up at the store and pay the bargain price of 40 cents per 5 notebooks! I ordered the max of 12 sets and after a few frustrating moments at the store where the person behind the counter didn't seem to understand that I was supposed to be picking up 60 notebooks, not 12, I actually ended up at home with 65 notebooks for $5.12! So thanks April, I've got enough notebooks to last until Derek gets to high school. Hurray!!

Fall Into Reading 2011

2011-09-25T19:31:00.005-07:00

It's that time again each year as the weather gets cooler, days get shorter, life is following a more predictable routine (at least in theory) and there is more time, and more desire to curl up with a warm drink, a cozy blanket and travel the world courtesy of a good book. So, make your list and join me as I link up with the friends over at www.callipidderdays.com/2011/09/fall-into-reading-2011-start-reading.html Pick a few books, or a pile, or whatever you think you can manage and join the fun. The party started on Sept 23 and runs through the end of December. Post a blog with your list and then link up to see what everyone else is reading, what adventures they are having and such. Here is my list, in no particular order : )

My Father's World curriculum books. I know that required reading, but it still needs to get done, so I might as well make it more fun, right?? Included with that, I'll be reading the recommended books that come along with Pat's lesson plans. *the total of these books will be counted as 5*
I bought a large box of books off of eBay to compliment our History of the World book 1. There are about 20 in there, however, most of them are less than 5th grade reading level, so I can probably polish them off in just a few hours, so I'm only counting them as one. ; )
I won a gift package that had 2 magazines in it, called Ladies Journal (Not to be confused with Ladies HOME Journal) and Where Women Cook. Can't wait to dig into those!
Also in the package were 2 books called More Than A Good Bible Study Girl (looks great) and Made From Scratch which is about homesteading. : )
The Debt
World Magazine to keep up with current events with the BIGS for school. Love this magazine, keeps us up to date on everything happening in the world, and with a Christian worldview~ LOVE IT
A few Christmas books, like A Christmas Carol, Christmas in the Big Woods, The Gift of the Magi, The Night Before Christmas and such. Plus the children's books that they love so much.
Fireman Dad, Love Finds a Home, Doctor Right, Rancher's Promise, Family by Design, and The Cowboys Homecoming

I think that's it for now. I'll add to this as I finish books and decide if I have more time. Fall into Reading with me!
Blessings, ~Kristy~

Just a Random Picture Post

2011-09-24T19:41:00.005-07:00

Sometimes, ya just gotta post some pics. No big story behind them, just random life snapshots. So enjoy.
It's amazing what passes for entertainment around here sometimes, LOL! Pat was being a robber with an mandarin oranges mesh bag on his head, what goose!

Dan has been polishing up a storm for his gas pump project. SO SO shiney!

Story time before nap time. Derek isn't 'really' reading yet, but he loves to read a story to Mr. T before he goes down for a nap.

And here is Mr. T, sleeping with the fishes. : ) Yes, I know I'm a dork. I can't help myself.

Sand Art. Derek has been looking forward to this project for quite some time. And we FINALLY made it this week, hurray!!

Pretty Pretty

2011-09-24T19:32:00.003-07:00

We are always so grateful for 'real rain' here in the desert. You know, not the kind that pours down for 2 minutes and is dried up in 5. But a REAL thunderstorm, complete with pouring rain, lightning, thunder and in this case, enough to flood the street so the boys could sail a toy boat down the side of the road. Better even than that, a lovely rainbow to remind us of God's goodness. Wow, just wow.

Catching Up With Us MeYeRs

2011-09-24T19:04:00.004-07:00

Greeting from sunny and still HOT New Mexico : ) Actually, it's cooled down in the past few weeks and is only getting into the low 90s most days now. What a relief, right?? Just wanted to pop through, say hey and catch you up on the activities of the Man Crew from the past few weeks.
~Dan is still unemployed, but remains the busiest unemployed man I know. Building fences to keep in a friend's doggies, refurbishing a set of old fashioned gas pumps with another friend, helping people move, refinishing doors for the gym, driving and fixing the dune buggy, teaching a shop/auto repair class for David and Patrick, and keeping us all laughing in between all those activities.
~David started high school 2 weeks ago and is not sure whether he likes it yet or not. He's a bit overwhelmed by making so many of his own choices, I think. But we are almost done putting together his syllabus for this year, and he is looking forward to digging in. He's starting to gear up for competitive season with gymnastics, and is putting in long hours of practice each week. His routines are starting to come together and he's quite pleased with his own progress, as are we.
~Patrick is just starting his 7th grade year and is not sure how he feels about not having classmates this year as David is using a different curriculum this year, and James is no longer joining us for school. We have just been 'warming up' this past week or two, practicing our math facts, brushing up on our geography skills, writing dictation sentences, reading to Derek and Titus, and partaking in Daddy's shop class. He grumbles but I think is glad for the return of a more regular schedule. : )
~Derek is about to start first grade and we have spent hours each day reading, playing games, and watching educational videos, along with much outdoor play. The birthday bike is a fave and gets many hours of use each week. In fact, he's the only kid I know that can manage a jump off a ramp on a bike with training wheels, LOL! He's my biggest helper in the kitchen and LOVES to help with bread, pizza and chopping veggies.
~I always hate posting things about myself. I'm the same, LOL! Boring. Working at home, working at the gym, working at Kohls, driving the Mama taxi, and enjoying my family.
That's about it, I guess. Nothing much else to report. Karen is settling in well at her new place just around the corner from us : ) Jodi is off camping with the boys this weekend, Dad and Mom are off gallivanting across the countryside (and Praise the Lord for Dad's health to allow that again) and all the news from Mike and Kelly's house sounds like everything is hunky and dory. Oh, Flat Stanley is here for a visit, so we need to take him out and about to show off our great state!
Hope everyone is having a great, super blessed week! Call, write or come on by and see us sometime! We'd love to have you!

Kristy and the Man Crew

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-14T00:03:00.003-07:00

Like Father, Like Son. Or at least some of the sons : ) Patrick, David and Dan at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO in April.

Hair cuts for the New School Year

2011-09-12T20:13:00.010-07:00

Well, it's that time again. Time to cut off all the summer hair and get back to looking like we own a pair of scissors, LOL! All the boys were ready, at least right up to the time I actually got out said scissors :)

Derek, Before and After His Buzz Cut

Patrick refused to cooperate for before OR after pics, so this is the best I could do. He only got a trim anyway, so it's not much different, but he IS fond of his highlights

David was the one fussing for a haircut the most, but in the middle starting asking if I was cutting off all his good looks, LOL! What a goof, he looks good either way.
Well, I guess that's the long and short of it anyway, unless you're looking for a good laugh and want to enjoy this one...

Dan had been painting with primer all afternoon, this was the aftermath *giggles*

A New Bike for the Littlest Meyer

2011-09-12T20:04:00.003-07:00

Thanks Nana, Auntie Karen, Cousin Hayley and everyone else who gave Derek birthday money. He finally decided yesterday on a bike he's been eyeballin' for a few weeks now. It's red, SUPER fast and all his : ) Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Wordless Wednesday~ well almost

2011-08-30T14:41:00.003-07:00

OK, OK, I know it isn't Wednesday but this tickles me so much, it couldn't wait. My Man Crew, what a pack of goofs they are. See??

They were dying their hair together, LOL! I sure do love them

If only...

2011-08-30T14:35:00.002-07:00

If ONLY we all got along so well. I'd certainly be grateful about THAT!

Wouldn't that be a blessing? Happy Grati-Tuesday everyone~

So So Behind

2011-08-24T21:26:00.009-07:00

Alright people it's official. I'm so far behind on this here blog that I don't even know where to start. A *brief* overview follows.

April~ family trip to Co Springs for Gymnastics Regionals (Utah, NM, CO and WY). David took a place in every event and the all around. We also got to spend a weekend with my niece and her beautiful family. After the regionals, Dan went home to get back to work and I drove with the boys to IL and spent 6 glorious weeks hanging out with friends and family, and helping my Dad recoop from a health issue. (Homeschooling is wonderfully flexible, have I ever mentioned that?) Dad turns 75. Big party for him, which he enjoyed.

May~ First 1/2 of May spent in IL. We arrived home and went back to school. Dan was VERY glad to see us and I was glad that the laptop fairy had visited him while I was gone, LOL! Tyler (nephew) graduated from high school. Said nephew also turned 18 *yippee* Spent most of the rest of May just trying to get settled back in and back to *normal* whatever that is.

June~ More school. Back to work for me. Dan gets laid off from his beloved Wooten job. Joined local CSA, very excited about that : ) Dan refabricates engine for dune buggy. She lives!

July~ Independance Day! School finished for the year during the last week of July. Prepared for niece coming for 2 weeks. Dan gets hired by company called Les File. Really likes it. Dan puts final touches on dune buggy like decals, painted muffler tips, etc.

August~Derek turns 6. Niece comes and spends 2 weeks. MANY adventures (whole blog post about that later) Dan gets laid off by Les File. Jodi spends weekend in Chicago and nephews stay here, much to our boys' delight. Dan busiest unemployed man I know. *amused* Dan buys me a dehydrator and I learn to make beef jerky. Dan repairs damage to dune buggy done by neice, oops *grins* Nephew James turns 9.

Phew. I think that's all the BIG stuff. Coming up is our 15th anniversary, Sister moving closer to us and Dan looking for work, and of course, the start of school in early Sept. Good times!

4 Years??

2011-08-24T21:00:00.007-07:00

4 years ago yesterday. That's when David, Derek, my Mom and I arrived in NM where Dan and Patrick were already setting up house. It would be our first time living farther than a few miles from our parents. It was the first time we'd be living far away from our high school and youth group friends. We were in a terrible place in our marriage, undecided about whether we should just throw in the towel, or keep fighting what seemed like an endless uphill battle. We'd lost our home, our pride and our self-respect somewhere along the way. And then, God lead (that should read dragged) us here, and we started a new chapter in our life. One that was centered on Him. One that made family (our nuclear family) a priority, not just by a conscious choice, but by not knowing a single person in this town except for my sister and nephew that we were living with at that time. One that showed us how far off the mark we had become. Since that time, we've moved 3 times, lived with another sister and nephews, had and lost jobs, our sanity and sometimes our temper, but we've grown in the Lord, in our family and in our maturity levels. We do almost everything TOGETHER, sometimes to the amazement of our house guests. We live, laugh, love and learn here at home, because that's where we like to be. Life is good here in NM. Happy anniversary to the Man Crew! Here we are in July 2011

And here we were in 2007 not long after we arrived.

Blogging After Dark : )

2011-07-20T01:00:00.003-07:00

Hello all and greetings from Sunny and HOT AS THE BLAZES New Mexico. : ) We are experiencing record breaking stretches of triple digit heat here, but since we have A/C, and running water, all is well. Life is good here on the surface of the sun, LOL! School will be out in less than 2 weeks (yes we homeschool year round, just saying) Our niece will be here in the same amount of time to spend 2 weeks enjoying the sun and fun here and Dan went back to work this week! It's all good! I just got home from work a bit ago and am heading to bed, but since I'm trying to carve out time to blog again, well this is it *hee hee* No pics this time either as the flash drive is in the dark bedroom with the sleeping Hercules, so I'll try to post some new pics soon. Mostly, just waving a hand to everyone and saying, "Hey, don't forget about us! We're still here."
Blessings,
~K~ and the Man Crew

Testing Testing

2011-07-20T00:06:00.000-07:00

Please ignore this post unless you can tell me how to schedule a post. I'm just trying some things out. Thanks, the Management

Hello Again, my Friends

2011-07-06T23:33:00.005-07:00

Just popping through to say HI to all my friends and family that try to keep track of me on here. It's been a hectic few months filled with school, gymnastics meets, travels, and much chaos. As things are simmering down a bit, I'll be around more often again. Hope that's ok with you all *winks* For now, just a hello and a quick update.

In April, David made the gymnastic regionals in his first year of competing. And then placed in every event!!

Also in April, my father became quite ill and spent the weekend in the hospital and then a month in a nursing home/rehab center.

SO~ we made one trip count for two. Went to CO for the regionals, took a right turn and drove until IL and spent 5 weeks there. GOOD times! More on that at a later time.

The great thing about homeschool is that you can take it with it, and when that fails because you are so busy, it can just wait until you get back home. The kids are playing with cousins, hanging out with grandparents and visiting old friends. The lessons learned about taking care of family are some of the ones kids don't learn at school anymore.

David is about to finish his 8th grade year and will start homeschool high school in the fall. WOWZERS, when did that sneak up?

Patrick is wrapping up his 6th grade year and will be enjoying middle school all by himself next year since D will have moved up.

Derek is (sigh) finishing his Kindergarten year and is starting to sound out words. He is quite proud of himself.

Dan is currently unemployed, but as this is a normal part of the construction life, we are not worried. He's taking great pleasure in having the time to work on all those projects he generally doesn't have time to enjoy. The current project is a new (to us) motor for the dune buggy which hasn't been running well in quite a while.

Dan got a kitten for Father's Day and it's the best gift we ever got him. He even allows that silly thing to sleep on his head : )

Me? I guess I must be boring. I'm still working at Kohl's, working at the gym on Saturday mornings, still teaching school, baking bread and spending too much time on Facebook. ;) Still spreading my own personal brand of sunshine wherever I go. That's me.

That's enough for now. I'll try to post some pics of our trips, antics and silliness, but I'm not going to go back and try to tell all that's happened since I was regularly posting. I'll just pick up and start again. I hope to be catching up on some of your blogs soon also! Much love and God Bless, ~K~

Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-06-07T12:40:00.011-07:00

Hello friends hither and yon! I'm back from my travelling days and ready to get back to our regular meeting times. Let's start with an old favorite of mine.
For today...June 7, 2100 (Where IS this year going?)
Outside my window...the sun blazes down with intensity, the temp soars to over 100* and a dry wind blows. However, the flowers bloom, the veggies stretch for more sun and the kiddies play.
I am thinking...that homeschooling is the best thing ever.
I am thankful for...boys that play together so nicely most of the time.
From the learning rooms...reading, spelling lists, copious amounts of reading, and science video classes to round out the year.
From the kitchen...right now, a roast simmers away in the crock pot. Other tasties this week include fresh bread (yum~O) a cookout, pizza, breakfast for dinner, popcorn and a veggie tray, and BBQ sammies from the leftover roast.
I am wearing...brown knit capris, a peach t shirt, ankle socks and tennies.
I am creating...a Martha house the Mary Way. Check out the e-book titled "31 Days to Clean: Having a Martha House the Mary Way"
I am going...to get slimmer : ) Even if it kills me. I started P90X yesterday. ouch.
I am reading...the aforementioned e-book, an annotated copy of the Constitution (which is taking forever since it takes me a long time to understand it little bits at a time) "What Would the Founders Say? (Also taking forever, same reason) and new new TOS magazine : )
I am hoping...that P90X gets easier, but I'm not holding my breath, that dinner is tasty, and that I'll make it through my to do list today.
I am hearing...Tommy Walker from the stereo, boys whispering to each other, the dryer tumbling clothes, Shadow barking at the garbage truck and the ceiling fans pushing around cool air. Praise God for Central Air : )
Around the house...all is clean, for now.
A few plans for the rest of the week...taking D back and forth to gym, finishing the homeschool week, working out with Dan each day, Sam's Club trip tomorrow, game night, and a BBQ with friends. Life is good!
A picture thought I am sharing with you... being the mother of boys is not for the faint of heart. Just sayin'

If you enjoy this style of post, come take a peek into the lives of other daybookers over at www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com and maybe even join in : )

Joy-FULL February 2011 Catchin UP! Days 16-24

2011-03-01T13:50:00.006-07:00

Please forgive the mass catch up post, but this month has just been so busy. Thanks for understanding : )

Day 16~ Something that I rarely 'allow' myself to do is sleep in, or go back to bed after Dan leaves for work. However, there is something so refreshing about a little nap here or there, or even better, just sleeping in. It's so, well, decadent feeling, like I've somehow become a lady of leisure overnight and I no longer have to heed the alarm clock's demanding bell. It's glorious! I've allowed myself to get back to bed after Dan left several times this month and it's been wonderful!

Day 17~on the flip side of sleeping in, is getting up REALLY early, before the mayhem of the day arrives. When the house is quiet, and I can check on sleeping boys, start a hot breakfast for a treat, get the dishwasher unloaded and feed the critters, and get my computer time done, all before the day officially starts. It's great to start the day ahead of the game instead of waking up behind the 8 ball and running all day to catch up. The best part is having time to do my devotions without interruption. Now THAT'S a great way to start the day.

Day 18~ New books! I love books! New books, "new to me" books, borrowed books or old books found after a long disappearance. Just love books! A while back, I went to the used book store and also hit a big book sale at B and N in the same week and I bought TONS of books for us to dive into. Everything from a DVD math program to a field guide to our plants, animals and such around here, and a couple of novels for me, and some for the boys. Ooooo! I just love new books. I've given myself 'permission' to purchase a new book now and then. I had quit buying them for a while in an effort to save money and while that is good, having quality literature and homeschooling resources available is also a good thing. So, I have a little book budget now : )

Day 19~ Dinner recipes that EVERYONE likes! In most families, I think there is at least one picky eater. I am a tad on the adventuresome side when it comes to food. Those of you who have known me a long time, this is a NEW thing for me : ) However, some of my family members are not so open to new food sources, or familiar ingredients used in new ways. So it's always wonderful when you try a new recipe and EVERYONE likes it! Or at the very least, no one declares it gross or disgusting, LOL! Last month, I tried 6 new recipes in one week, using only my crock pot. Some were met with rave reviews, some mediocre and some were awful. But the ones that were great, they will make it into the prized recipe box which holds the recipes that EVERYONE likes, so next time I need to hit one out of the park for a dinner party, I know which ones to use. Mmmm, delish!

Day 20~ Bargains!! Who doesn't love a good bargain, right?? I know I sure do! It's brings me great joy to fill my pantry with good, wholesome food on the cheap, or to use my Kohls employee discount on clearance items, with an extra 15% off coupon to put quality clothes in my kids' dressers for way less money. Again, something that I'd quit doing was shopping sales because we were trying to cut every cost to the bare minimum, but now that things are easing up a bit, it's time to hit the clearance racks again : ) Anyone wanna go shopping??

Day 21~ Days of rest. They are quite rare around here as we've become quite the mobile family. As the kids are growing up, we spend more and more time on the road, taking them hither and yon. So a day that does NOT require us to leave the house after 3 pm is a treat! Saturday, we just laid around like beached whales, sleeping, resting, reading and lounging while the day waxed and waned around us. It was GLORIOUS! What a time of refreshing it was after the last 12 hectic weeks. I felt like a whole new person come Sunday morning! We've got to get back to taking good care of ourselves even when life gets hectic.

Day 22~ Getting out doors each day. I've been sadly neglecting getting outside with the boys recently and I've missed it. Even if we just walk around the block or ride bikes up and down the street, we (I) need to get out every day. It provides Vit D, fun, a connection to the wonderful creations of God, and helps our bodies take care of themselves as we breathe in the fresh clean air, and breathe out the indoors stale, over processed air.

Day 23~ The technological age. I have so been enjoying getting back on Skype and chatting with friends and family across the land. It's so fun to see them while they are talking to you, makes everyone seem that much closer. We talked to my mom this week, and Derek ran to get all the crafts he's made in Kinder this year so PaPa and Grma could see them, then came the long line of cars he's fascinated with this week. David showed off his new gymnastics sweatshirt and his longer hair. Karen and I laughed and giggled as we watched Dad and Mom interact with each other and the grandbabies. Good times!

Day 24~ Friends! I've often been guilty of neglecting my friendships for the sake of spending time with my family. I'm working now on a balance that includes caring for my family's needs while still enjoying healthy, well balanced friendships. So, to all my friends that have been with me for the long haul and know that I can take weeks to return a phone call at times, thanks for hanging in there while I learned some balance : ) You all are wonderful and bring me GREAT JOY!

Thanks for catching up with me in this great adventure I'm taking!

Joy-FULL February 2011 ~Day 16/Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-02-23T15:26:00.003-07:00

Here's is another Simple Woman's Daybook entry. LOVE, love, LOVE these posts, and how they insist that I slow down, think coherently, and organize my feelings into word pictures. Here we go.

For Today...February 23, 2011
Outside my window... the sun shines bleakly through the thick clouds that are so rare here. It is breezy and cool. Although cool is relative, of course : ) Dan still rode his motorcycle to work.
I am thinking...That I'm glad I gave myself today 'off' I've been busy all day, I can't imagine how I would be feeling if I hadn't been a slacker today, HA!
I am thankful...for boys that have played so nicely together today. Playing imaginative games, helping one another out with chores and school, and coloring all together. It is sweet! I'm also thankful for filed taxes and the anticipation of getting our money back soon. Does that make me shallow?? I sure hope not!

From the learning rooms...today, very little. Just a math and spelling lesson. Usually, we get much more accomplished, but that's why we needed a break today, so we could get to those other things that pile up when we aren't looking.
From the kitchen...nothing yet. Dinner is Steak Fajitas. YUM~O! Other meals this week include ham and bean soup, lasagna, pizza, a popcorn and veggie tray night and to my everlasting shame, beanies and weanies. BLECK, but the boys love them, so I am allowing them their disgusting treat. I'll have salad! LOL!
I am wearing...jeans and a layered t-shirt, along with bare feet and ridiculously SHORT french braid. I still feel a bit bald after this month's donation of hair.
I am creating...sassy new hairdos, mended jeans, creative boys and a happy hubby. And less mess due to still unpacking boxes here and there that keep appearing.
I am going...to work later this evening, running the Mama taxi later this week, and taking a trip to the library, too.
I am reading...a fabulous book that breaks down the constitution into little phrases and makes it understandable. If you've ever wanted to really get INTO the constitution, read this book.
I am hoping... that Dan has a wonderful birthday on Friday, and that school continues to roll along in the smooth fashion that is has been for the past few weeks!
I am hearing... Dan's router buzzing in the garage as he creates cutting boards for friends, D and DT playing video games together, and Patrick sighing loudly over having to use the dictionary to finish his spelling lesson. Outside I can hear Shadow barking at the Fed Ex truck as it rumbles past, and the cars driving in and out of the neighborhood. All nice, homey sounds, well except for the router, it's noisy, LOL!
Around the house... a load of laundry waits to be folded (as always) dinner is about to get started and the WHOLE house could use a good dusting. But, pictures are up on the walls, the floors and counters are clean, as well as the bathrooms, and I know where all the library book are for once : )
A few plans for the rest of the week...Dan's, my Mom's and Lily's birthdays this week, GAME NIGHT returns after cancelling last week for a road trip, work, work and more work for Dan and I both, and homeschool just keeps rolling on. Oh and James and T will be over tonight and Friday so Jodi can tutor. A nice full week.
A picture thought I am sharing with you... A few of my wild hooligans that I can family. Dan and Derek during the gymnastics meet on Saturday in Phoenix. And David working on his handstand press.

This post is brought to you by The Simple Woman over at her site, appropriately named http://www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ Check her out!

Joy-FULL February 2011 ~Day 15

2011-02-15T09:15:00.004-07:00

I find JOY in the small things, the simple things, and the quiet things. A chat with a friend, a letter in the mail, a good book, a thoughtful comment, an appreciative hubby, cheerful boys, or a kind cashier at the store. These are all 'little' things, but they do bring cheer to the heart. The stillness of the morning before the regular mayhem and chaos take over, a cup of hot tea with an encouraging/funny/helpful blog to read, laughing with friends at game night, the mountains in the distance, or driving back into our town in the late evening and watching the lights as they twinkle from the distance getting closer and closer. A secret whispered in the ear, whether it be from a sticky faced 5 year old, or a question from a teenager, or even something silly from the hubbs about where he hit the chocolate stash from the kiddies. : ) I love going to from room to room after the boys have been shooed off to bed, and finding them all reading a new book, or realizing that they've all piled into one room because they prefer not being apart. Hearing Dan say that he wants to live here forever. These are all little things on their own, but together they make one wonderfully JOY-filled life. I am blessed.

Now then, where IS the chocolate???

Joy-FULL February 2011 ~Day 14

2011-02-15T08:43:00.002-07:00

I {heart} homeschooling! I do, it's great! I get to spend time with my boys, who will be grown and gone before I know it, I can teach from a Biblical perspective and I can decide how and what they learn. There's so much more to it, but those are the overriding principles of it. Teaching a child to read, do his letters correctly and finally "GET" math, that brings me great JOY. I've learned so much from teaching and learning alongside of the boys. All my boys know how to bake, care for babies, clean the house and how to have friends that aren't in their exact age bracket. I also give 'how to be a good hubby' lessons, LOL! They are curious, and we can chase down those curiosities. Just yesterday we discussed Siamese/conjoined twins (what they are, how they form and how cooperative they must be for each other) texting and cell phone usage etiquette, and the history of Valentine's Day. And that was all before lunch. : ) Other times, we watch animal videos, How It's Made video clips, do crafts, go to the farmer's market, or read a 'classic' and then watch the movie to see if they followed the storyline. If there's an 'old' version and a 'new' version of the movie, even better. One we really enjoyed last year was "Around the World in 80 Days' which David and Patrick managed to read in just 2.5 days. I could go on for days about how much JOY homeschooling brings me, but I'll hush.

I will add this disclaimer...

I don't think homeschooling is the best choice for everyone. I don't think that sending your child to public or private school is anyone else's decision but yours. I'm not a public school basher, or a private school hater. We just do what works for us, as should you. Please don't anyone think that I'm judging you if you don't homeschool.

Joy-FULL February 2011 ~Day 13

2011-02-15T08:28:00.003-07:00

Still behind. Gotta catch up, hold on, here we go~
Today I want to just quickly mention something that bring me JOY. Taking these trips with the family for David's gymnastics has just been wonderful. We rarely go anywhere outside of our town, as we're all basically homebodies, but we do like an occasional adventure and these have provided just the right amount of excitement. We plan it all out, we pack up and head out. We get to watch David enJOY his new found sport and that brings us JOY. It also prevents us from wasting the whole weekend in front of the TV, running errands or just wasting time in some other fashion. It also makes us appreciate how much we enJOY being home. (see previous post) We've been to Rio Rancho, to Albuquerque twice, we're heading to Phoenix this weekend and before the season is done, we will have been to Albuquerque again, had a meet here in town and possibly even Colorado Springs for Regionals. Along the way, we've visited with old friends, made some new friends, squeezed in some family fun like putt putt golf and our first visit to a tapan grill restaurant, and had several delightful conversations that only seem to happen in the car on a long ride. Such a blessing this has turned out to be! Thanks you Jodi for helping us get started. : )

Joy-FULL February 2011 ~Day 12

2011-02-15T08:13:00.003-07:00

I LOVE being home. Love it, love it, LOVE IT! I love watching the boys wake up each morning all sleepy-eyed and bedhead-y, I love sending Dan off to work with a full tummy, a tasty lunch, a smile and a wave. I love keeping the house neat (err, most of the time I love that) I love being able to run my errands during the day when less people are crowding the stores. I love homeschooling, I LOVE being the one that gets to spend time with them and I love having dinner ready at 5:30 every night. Call me old fashioned, call me June Cleaver, Suzy Homemaker or Betty Crocker, call me irrelevant and outdated, I don't care. I just LOVE being home. It brings me great JOY to be able to provide for/contribute to my family in this way.

Joy-FULL February 2011 ~Day 11

2011-02-15T08:06:00.004-07:00

My goodness I am behind! Let's get this back on track with a few shorty posts. For today, the generosity and kindness of my friends that read this blog bring me JOY. They never complain when I am late, offer kind comments when something touches them and they almost all write things that inspire me. So today, it's all about YOU~

What brings you JOY?

Joy-FULL February 2011 ~Day 10

2011-02-11T11:01:00.003-07:00

(Kayla, this one is just for YOU! EnJOY the guilt blanket)

Again I'm late, but several of the past few days have just flown past stuffed full of life, errands, school, chores, baking and then my 'real' job. I use quotes around it because I consider my REAL job to be this one at home, but the world considered my real job to be the one at Kohls. For today, let's focus on Kohl's. I enJOY my job with Kohl's. I do! It's late at night, doesn't interfere with our family time much, doesn't require us to purchase another car, hire a sitter or go to public school. It's a pretty good compromise as far as jobs go. I also enJOY the people that I work with, the ad set team is the hardest working team on the property. Just ask us, we'll tell you *winks* Actually, because only 8 of us are trained to do ad set, we always work with the same people each night, so we've become friends and teammates instead of a revolving door of new faces each night. I will admit to enJOYing my employee discount, too! As a whole, it's not a bad gig. Dan is happy because I'm working, I'm happy because I'm honoring him and God, and not having to 'sell out' to accomplish my goals. All in all, it's great!

Joy-FULL February 2011 ~Day 9

2011-02-09T22:26:00.004-07:00

Another short post in an effort to catch up : ) Something that brings me JOY is spending a little while each day on Facebook/Cafemom keeping up with friends and family across the miles. Also meeting like minded crunchy/homeschooling mamas to share ideas and helpful hints with, exchange recipes with and just enjoy like minded chatter. *sigh* It's good!

~K~

Joy-FULL February 2011 ~Day 8

2011-02-09T22:22:00.002-07:00

Just a little quick post about something that brings me JOY. A slice of ice cream cake while the rest of the house is sleeping and I don't have to share : ) That is all. Shhh, don't tell!

~K~

Joy-FULL February 2011 ~Day 7

2011-02-07T23:14:00.003-07:00

Today I'm writing about something that always brings me JOY, and that is planning. I love to watch a blank page in my daily TO DO notebook fill up with things to do, people to see and places to go. It keeps me on track when I would sometimes rather spend the day playing online, chatting on the phone or laying around reading a new book. I love to plan our meals so that I always know the answer to that dreaded question, "Mom, what's for dinner?" That also saves me money, and while that brings me joy, it is a WHOLE other post : ) I LOVE to fill up our homeschooling planner with interesting books to read, field trips to take, projects to try, and links to follow on the computer. I used to say that planning made me feel more in control and as a good portion of you know, I'm a bit of a control freak (that's a whole other post, too) so that made me feel good. As I aged and *hopefully* matured, I've learned that no matter what, we are never really in control anyway, so I've had to deal with that concept and then see if/where planning fit into my life. For a while, I just gave up planning and went with the whole 'fly by the seat of my pants' idea because I was so frustrated with all my careful planning was going out the window on a daily basis. And I can honestly say that it brought more stress into my life than having plans and then having upset plans, so here I am back to planning. Not because it makes me feel in control of the situation, but because it makes me feel more prepared to handle whatever the day brings my way. Let's be honest, some people live perfectly manicured little lives where nothing out of the ordinary ever happens. I'm NOT one of them, so I need to be ready, whether that means dealing with a sick/naughty child while I'm trying to teach the rest, fixing dinner for a crowd on 20 minutes notice, cleaning the house while the littles are messing it up faster than I can clean, being able to rearrange the school day so that we can leave the house on a moment's notice to help a friend or even take an impromptu field trip, or having/making the time to spend a few quiet minutes each day with Dan somewhere in the midst of all this chaos that we call home. Or finding cats in the wall, LOL! Anywho, all of that to say that I love to plan so that I'm ready no matter what the day throws at me, what the kiddos are up to, or where the Lord leads that day. It's GOOD to be prepared. As my sister Kelly's husband always says, "Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance." And he's right : )

Blessings, ~K~

Joy-FULL February 2011 ~Day 6

2011-02-06T20:49:00.004-07:00

Today I remembered something that brings me JOY and that is not procrastinating. While some things inevitably get pushed aside in the chaos that IS my daily life, some things should not be allowed to be put on the back burner. So, today I bit the bullet and did something that I've been putting off for a while now. I had Dan cut my hair. Like 15 inches cut off. I'm donating to Locks of Love so that some little one will have a chance to feel 'normal' and pretty again. And that brings me JOY, too!

As for the procrastination part, I've been thinking about and talking about cutting my hair for almost 6 months. Just like I always put off cleaning out my closet until it threatens to collapse and crush me with it's contents. Just like I HATE doing the dishes, but it always feels so nice when they are all done, and I feel like I can relax for a while without them calling me from the kitchen : ) So, no more procrastination for me this month. I'm just going to do the tough things first in the morning and then the rest of the day will be cake. I know, I'm old enough to know these things, but every once in a while, we all need a good reminder of what we already know. Have a JOY filled day, everyone!

Blessings,

~K~

Joy-FULL February 2011 ~Day 5

2011-02-05T09:47:00.003-07:00

Today's post is quite simple to understand, but difficult to implement sometimes. Something that brings me JOY is silence. In a house FULL of rowdy boys, fish pump filters, electronic labor saving devices, and surround sound speakers, silence can be difficult to come by, and even more difficult than finding some is taking the time to enJOY it, allowing it to seep into my soul. Letting it fill in the quiet parts in my heart, quiet my restless thoughts and random ideas, allowing my thoughts to drift toward the Savior ...*sigh* It's good! That's all for today. Take some time and enJOY some silence if you can find any.

Shhhhhh, ~K~

Joy-FULL February 2011 ~Day 4/Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-02-05T09:01:00.004-07:00

Today I am going to share a post that I've missed doing quite a bit. It's called the Simple Women's Daybook. It brings me JOY to simplify my thoughts, organize my days and center my heart each week with this post, and since I've quit doing them, I often find my weeks spinning out of control, my heart is grumpy and disorganized. So, as part of my back to the JOY February, I'm beginning to do them again, starting with this one. And they go a little something like this : )

For Today... February 5, 2011

Outside my window... the sun is shining weakly and melting the last of the snow from Wednesday. The temperature is a mild 33* and a gentle breeze stirs the leaves.

I am thinking... that a house full of boys is a wonderful thing, except when they are all sick : )

I am thankful for... regular electricity after this week's rolling blackouts in the aftermath of "Snow-maggedon" Heat, working appliances, and a snug home.

From the learning rooms... We have enjoyed a light week of work since Daddy was home for 2 days in the middle of the week. Spelling lists are going well, the DVD math program is just the BEST THING EVER, and this week we started the Story of the World series. The boys are begging for more each day.

From the kitchen... not much today so far. I need to go to the store for a few fresh supplies, but mostly we are enjoying the stocking up I've done in recent months.

I am wearing... My uniform for the Gym, but I need to change back into my housework clothes before I start cleaning this house.

I am creating... a clean, organized house. Still going through boxes as Dan finds them in the garage. It's a work in progress, but I'm enjoying going through some old pictures and such.

I am going... Nowhere today except to pick Dan up from work later.

I am reading... not much right now. Hoping to catch up on some blogs, vblogs and recipe sites soon.

I am hoping... that I don't end up sick : )

I am hearing... the end of the movie "UP" that the boys are watching, my crazy broken alarm clock going off AGAIN, since it won't shut off today, and Shadow bounding around outside since he's been cooped up in the house for the most part of 3 days.

Around the house... boxes to unpack, kitchen to clean, meal plans to make, a Living room to tidy and 3 sick boys to tend to. Gonna be a busy day!

One of my favorite things... SNOW DAYS! Even though we don't take off of school for snow, we still enjoy the snow when it comes.

A few plans for this week... School, house keeping, some baking, church if the boys are well enough, the library for some CLASSIC movies and hoping to squeeze in a date with Dan.

A picture thought that I am sharing with you... I haven't made my whole wheat yeast crust pizza for a while. I've been making baking soda crust, I want to get back to my yeast pizza dough. Here I am making some LAST February.

The Simple Woman's Daybook is brought to you by Peggy over at http://www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ Check it out if you, too are seeking the simple life.

Blessings,

~K~

Joy-FULL February 2011~ Day 3

2011-02-03T23:08:00.003-07:00

It's LATE on Day 3, but since I had to work tonight, this is the earliest I could get it in. For today, it's something simple that I LOVE to do, but just end up 'too busy' to do it. I love to write letters. Short, long, sweet, scolding, thank you, congratulation, encouraging, how's the family, here's what we've been up to lately, it doesn't matter, I just love to write letters. Let's be honest, we all get enough bills, statements and sales fliers in the mail. It's SO great to open the mail box and find a letter from a friend asking how you are, thanking you for some small favor you did, or a note of encouragement while you are going through a tough time. In this technologically advanced day we live in, letter writing seems practically irrelevant anymore, but nothing says I LOVE YOU like taking the time to write a note and send it through the 'snail mail' system. Having a paper to hold in your hand is more comforting that saying, "let me dig through my zip drive files, I know you sent me something a while back" : ) So, take up the letter writing challenge with me and let's bring letter writing back!

~Kristy~

Joy-FULL February 2011~ Day 2

2011-02-02T20:38:00.007-07:00

As I sit here in the middle of 'Snow-maggedon 2011' I had time to look through some old pictures that Dan and I found while clearing the garage. Oh my, the good time I've had today remembering how incredibly cute the boys were when they were little, how silly Dan and I were when we first met, and how many crazy things I've done over the years with my sisters. Someone remind me later in the month to tell Jodi's Bat story, now THAT brings me some joy!
Anywho, since I enJOYed the pictures so much, I thought I'd share some with you. Now if I could just get my scanner to work, all would be well. I'm updating my software in between power outages. (We've had 5 today thanks to El Paso Electric's 2 down power plants. Have I mentioned how glad I am that Dan and I recently bought a generator??) So to bring some joy back into my life this month, I'm going to dig through pictures each week. And as I find some truly great ones, I'll share them : )

PS> Can't seem to get the scanner to work right now, and I want to get this posted before we lose power again, so here goes. When I have a steady power source and can fight with the scanner more, I'll post the pics I am talking about. Love to all! ~K~

PPS: Given enough time, power and a little help from the tech guys, I can have VICTORY! Here are a few I found today~

Oh my word, what a cute baby Derek was, even if 'Shua called him "Chubby-Blubby"

What a handsome man Dan is, Am I lucky or WHAT? Actually, I'm blessed, but that's a whole other blog post

'Shua may have called him names, but he loves that baby!

Pat with his "I'm trying to be good' face. LOVE it!

Dan with baby David all bundled up for some winter blizzard in IL
Awwww, aren't we cute? Right after we started dating, I came down with the flu and Dan came to visit me.

How many brides show up looking like this? A veil masking a french twist, a shirt bought at my favorite store (Ex-Boyfriend Apparel) bike shorts and hiking boots. I'm surprised no one tried to talk Dan out of marrying me : )

Oh my, Sisters are just the best invention ever, aren't they?? Here we are in MOST of our radiant glory.

Dan is doing his creepy stare into the camera thing, but other than that, I just LOVE this pic. D and P were so cute and sweet in this one. Ahh, good times!

L Bar C Youth for Christ Camp, 1991 I think. This is the vast majority of the group of boys we called "the Stud Squad" at t he time. They were not photogenic or cooperative : ) LOL~

Joy-FULL February 2011

2011-02-01T20:43:00.003-07:00

Hello friends! It seems that in my quest for efficiency in the home making/homeschooling department over the past several months, and in trying desperately to UN addict myself from the computer, I've lost something. It's a little something I call joy. I've been living my life as if it's one long TO DO list, not something to be savored, treasured or lived to the fullest. So, to combat that loss of joy, I'm going to blog each day of February about something that brings me joy and how I'm bringing that back into my life in some small or not so small way. For today, let's start with defining joy. According to http://www.wiktionary.org/ JOY is both a noun and a verb. Here's what else it says;

Noun

joy (countable and uncountable; plural joys)

(uncountable) The feeling of happiness, extreme cheerfulness.

They will be a source of strength and joy in your life.

(countable) An activity etc which causes this feeling.

The joys and demands of new parents.

Verb

to joy (third-person singular simple present joys, present participle joying, simple past and past participle joyed)

(intransitive) To feel joy, to rejoice. [quotations ▼]
- 1885, Sir Richard Burton, The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Night 18:
  
  I swore readily enough to this and he joyed with exceeding joy and embraced me round the neck while love for him possessed my whole heart.

(transitive, archaic) To enjoy. [quotations ▼]
- 1596, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, IV.i.2:
  
  For from the time that Scudamour her bought, / In perilous fight, she neuer ioyed day [...].

SO, now we know what JOY means according to the dictionary. But what does that mean in real life? Does it mean that we never do anything unpleasant, feel discouraged or are slightly less than UBER-perky? Of course not. Real joy comes from doing the unpleasant things with a good attitude, knowing that after discouragement comes ENcouragement, and that not everyone is UBER perky without coffee. Joy comes in doing difficult tasks for people that you love because they need help, it's encouraging a friend that is experiencing a heartbreaking time (or allowing a friend to minister to you) and knowing that some personality types are never UBER perky, caffeine or not. : ) Something that's been missing in my life recently is music. D and P are getting old enough to have musical tastes of their own these days, and sadly, they've outgrown Veggie Tales Sing-Alongs. Both of them seem to prefer Dan's style of music more than my own, and while I don't have a personal vendetta against classic rock, it's not my favorite either. It just doesn't lift the soul, ya know? My taste ranges more to the hymns, drum and bugle core, and Gospel Quartet music. I like music that you can sing along to, and I LOVE 4 part harmony. Anywho, I digress. In an effort to be 'nice Mom' I've started letting Dan and the boys have free reign over the radio on long trips (like to Albuquerque and back in one day) and again, I have nothing against classic rock, but *sigh* I miss my music. So while Dan and I were going through boxes this weekend, I found a box of old tapes (yes TAPES) that had some OLD favorites on them. I put them in the car, and fired them up the next time I was in the car. I think poor David wanted to cover his ears, as I kept turning it up, and up, and up and singing along all the louder : ) What JOY flooded my heart as I remembered all the words, and the harmony parts! What lightness of spirit as I cruised on down the highway. So, I'm going to reintroduce my home, my family and myself to the joys of REAL music. Music that reminds us of why we live, why we sometimes need to take the high road even when it's more difficult and why we need to love others so much.

Once upon a time, a LONG time ago, when Dan and I were dating, we got to go see the Cathedrals at Moody Bible Church in Chicago. I am pretty sure Dan wasn't that excited, but it was pretty much the highlight of my LIFE at that time. (Yes, I know I'm a dork and that I was born 50 years too late) I got to meet them all, listen to their testimonies, etc. I LOVE to listen to the author of a song sing it. Even if they don't have the best voice, miss a few notes on the accompaniment, or whatever, it's STILL the song in it's most meaningful, authentic version of that song. So, along with that story, here's a link to a video of the Cathedrals and a song they did that night. Roger Bennett wrote that song while he was battling cancer and it makes me choke up every time I hear it. Every. SINGLE. Time. Not with sadness, but with a light heart and trust in GOD. Listen and see if it doesn't bring some joy to your heart and soul. I'll be back tomorrow with something else that brings me joy.

Catchin' Up with Us MeYeR's

2011-01-29T18:06:00.003-07:00

I think it's safe to say that in the past 6 months or so, I've completely fallen off of the blogging bandwagon. Not intentionally, mind you, but our life has just been completely crazy and out of control, with intermittent patches of OH.MY.WORD. thrown in for good measure. Dan has been in and out work, in and out of town, the county and the state while working, David has started travelling for gymnastics, we've moved YET AGAIN, and that always throws us into a small (OK, large) tailspin for a while as we resettle and begin again, Derek started Kindergarten which threw Mama for a loop, and Pat is his wildly exciting self, bringing much joy and activity to our days. School is settling into a new routine, which I think we are all liking, Dan is starting back with his beloved Wooten Construction IN TOWN on Monday, I'm still at Kohl's and the gym, and the boys have already made several new friends in the 'hood. So, all of that to say that HOPEFULLY, very soon our life will be back on an even enough keel that I can get back to blogging on a more regular basis. I PROMISE to post some new pics before the end of the week. If I don't, feel free to BOO me and stop following this blog : ) Thank you all for your continued patience with my lack of organizational skills and time management skills. These too should be remedied soon. For now, adieu and well wishes! Post a comment and catch me up on life on YOUR end of the blog!

Blessings,

Kristy

HELLO 2011

2011-01-10T08:08:00.003-07:00

Is anyone still homeschooling these days? Is everyone too busy to post here? I know the last 6 months of my life have been completely insane...so I'm cutting everyone a break...LOL! I'd like to see a post for each author once a month if possible and you ladies feel free to hold ME to that as well, OK?
As for the Homeschooling MeYeRs, we are trying something COMPLETELY new this year. Last school year ('09-'10) took much longer than planned. As in we didn't finish that school year until November of '10. YIKES...however, since we have switched to the year round schooling to accommodate our ever changing schedule that tries to accommodate Dan's work schedule, it's all good. So, we've been on break since the week of Thanksgiving and are restarting today after a move, the holidays and some good family time together. The new things that we are doing are as follows...

I am buying NO BOXED CURRICULA this year (this should THRILL you, Kim *winks* )
I am using up the FREE resources that I've downloaded or been given, or things that I have previously purchased and haven't used yet.
I am going to write/create/find more of my own teaching plans...anatomy class, anyone?
I am going to work on having MORE hands on activities...science experiments, music class, more structured PE time, going and SEEING things, not just reading or hearing about things (for all the boys, but especially for Pat)
We are going to take more "educational" family field trips, serve the community together and get involved in something besides our own life.
I am not teaching English this year....no grammar, no book reports and no diagramming sentences. We will be reading, reading, and reading....mostly from the classics and we are going to let the GOOD English seep into their brains without horrible worksheets and boring book reports. We will be using narration and dictation as our guides for retention and understanding. Oh and enjoying a free spelling program I found online since D and P both struggle with spelling sometimes.
We are starting movie/book month themes. We will read books and watch movies from particular categories each month. So excited about this one! For instance, this month is comedy. We will be watching, listening to and reading some of the greats; Bill Cosby, Mark Lowry, Red Skelton, Abbott and Costello and more. I've got some super audio broadcasts downloading and waiting for them. Add some good belly laugh movies and before you can say, "I love homeschooling!" we are having fun AND learning a bit of history AND sharpening our comedy skills.
I found a great deal ($4) on some math books/DVDs at the local used book store this fall and am excited to get started on using it since the boys have been just trudging through math this past year. So this year, they get to watch a 10-15 minutes lesson on math, do just a few practice problems and badda-bing, DONE with math for the day : ) It's a thing of beauty
Derek will be working on his alphabet lap books, working his way through the 100's of preschool/kindergarten resources that I have, playing math games, using flashcards, memory and other learning games and sitting in on the big boys' lessons when the mood strikes. He will do nature study alongside of them as well.
We will be joining Jodi and James several times a week to work through the 2nd year of My Father's World with them and I'll have the boys do the supplemental (6th -8th grade) work at home. They LOVED doing MFW last year and are looking forward to it again.

I think that's about it for now. So excited about this new school year! I know I always say that this school year is the best one, but this past one really had some super high HIGHS and a few lows. It was a good year, but it just stretched on for too long. So this 'year' we are trying to cram everything in by mid July. Then we can have a short break and begin again in late August. Phew, I can't even start thinking about next school year yet...LOL! Hope all is well in your homeschooling universe. Be well, learn and love much!

Blessings from my homeschool to yours,

Kristy and the Man Crew

Fall Into Reading 2010~Weekly Questions 3-6...oops!

2010-11-08T20:36:00.002-07:00

Oops...in my no blogging break, I overlooked the fact that I'm in the middle of Fall Into Reading and I'm supposed to answer questions each week. Well, since I can't go back in time, I'll just answer all the questions at one and hope that's close enough *winks*

Question 3: Do you eat/drink while reading? If so, do you have some favorite reading snacks? Yes, I do...and I enjoy it! I ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS have my tea near me...hot or cold, decaf, herbal, super sweet, black, doesn't matter. Fave snack is something salty like chex mix or pretzels and french onion dip. Mmmmmm

Question 4: Do you ever dog-ear the corners of book pages to mark your spot? Or are you a faithful bookmark user, refusing to damage the pages of your books? OR do you have another way to keep track of where you are in a book? I never use a book mark and I almost never dog ear a book. Not because I'm a slob and I can't find a bookmard or a snob and I wouldn't DREAM of bending a page, but because I have the bizarre ability to remember which page I was on when I quit reading last. I can't remember the last time I went to the bathroom, or what I ate for breakfast, but I can tell you that I'm on page 396 of this book and 127 of that one. Weird.

Question 5: When you read a book, do you read EVERYTHING? In other words, do you read the dedication, the acknowledgements, the foreword, the afterword, the prologue, the epilogue, the appendices, etc.? Or do you just read the “meat” of the book? Or is your approach somewhere in between? I read the dedication, the prologue and epilogue if they are there, the front cover and the back of the dust jacket. I don't generally read the index or appendix, unless it's a technical book that I need some clarification.

Question 6: Where do you love to read? Note: I don’t mean where do you actually do most of your reading, because that might be the carpool line, the work cafeteria, or even the bathroom (if you have to escape from a few small children in order to read a chapter of your book). I mean, what are a few of the places where you LOVE to read? I LOVE to read outside...as long as there aren't too many bugs out. I love to read in bed, snuggled under the covers, I love to read curled up in a corner of the couch. I even like to read in the garage while Dan is working on something...that way we can be together even when both doing separate things. I know that's dorky...but depending on what I'm reading, I'll just start reading out loud so we can both enjoy it.

OK, now I"m caught up...sorry about the delay : )

Pumpkin Patches, Faires and Fall Fun

2010-11-08T19:19:00.006-07:00

Greetings from sunny and still warm New Mexico! What a wild ride we've had these past few weeks. We've been to pumpkin patches, the Renaissance Faire, enjoyed the fall weather, LOVED having Dan home, played with our friends new and old, ignored the 'non-specific fall holiday' without having to explain our aversion to it to anyone (that's a first) earned a few new nicknames and lived to tell the tale. Here I am armed with some great pics and some entertaining stories. Who's got a few minutes? Cozy up with your favorite warm beverage and let me regale you with some of our favorite stories from the past few weeks.

~Well, starting with Dan getting back 3 weeks ago, we've been on the run. Dan went back to work, and we immediately fell back into the familiar groove. Chores got done, schooling got learned, errands were run, work was accomplished and life was good. Game night the first week he was back was just great! Everyone was so happy to see him, we had homemade pizza all together again (even though we have it each week as a family, it's just not the same, ya know?) and we laughed and laughed and LAUGHED together. It was special. I went back to work, much to my bosses' pleasure and my team's delight since they had apparently been suffering through whoever the management team could find to fill my place. It's nice to feel like you belong. They even had ordered pizza the first night I went back to welcome me. Awww!

~The pumpkin patch was such a great day that I'm going to save it for it's own post, I think. Suffice it to say that we had a BALL!

~The party at Mike and Myra Eorio's (think OREO) house was super fun. Not only did Dan and I get to enjoy a night with no kids (thanks Jo!) but we enjoyed the company of other adults as well. Whee! Most of them were either neighbors of theirs' or people that Mike and Dan work with so he immediately knew people, but once I met a few people, I had a great time too. My banana cream brownie squares won rave reviews and I met a lady who was interesting in homeschooling so I had a ball filling her in the fun that homeschoolers have. Dan was being silly that night and so everyone was having a good time. We met some really great people, and a few really strange people that left us saying that we were REALLY glad we homeschooled since they have kids in our district...LOL! Anywho, we were one of the last ones to leave and we had such fun visiting with just Mike and Myra once most of the crowd had left. They are so fun, and interesting, and fun. Did I mention how FUN they are? Good times, and let me just say that I had almost forgotten how stunning Dan looks in his oilskin duster and hat. Phew! I got several remarks about how lucky I was...hee hee! (we even found out later that one of the other guests at the party "took a fancy' to him~LOL)

~The weather here has been just fantastic! It's nice and cool overnight, like in the 40s and then by lunchtime, the sun was warmed the air to a lovely mid 70s-low 80s range. Now that's my kind of weather! We've had a few rain showers, but mostly, sun sun and more sun : ) I love NM! And, so pretty!

~The boys are sometimes disappointed that we don't 'DO' Halloween so we generally buy them a bag of candy so they don't feel cheated and that's that. This year, the church we are attending hosted a huge fall festival so we took the boys to that. We didn't dress up or anything, but the kids had a ball. They got PLENTY of candy, played lots of games and even took a hayride. It was great fun and I'm glad that they got to do SOMETHING fun during a weekend that we normally stay home and avoid any activities.

~The Renaissance Faire was just this last weekend and it was great! Over 120 vendors, artisans and crafters come with their wares to help support the Dona Ana Arts Council that provides all the wonderful entertainment here in Cruces. Like the free concerts in the park that we enjoyed this summer, some of the kids programs, craft/art/music classes and much more. So we spent 2 days wandering about, examining crafts, enjoying the Robert the Ratcatcher show, joining in some amtguard boffer word fighting, tasty local honey, eating things like Rat on a Stick (teriyaki chicken on a stick) and looking at some of the most exquisite jewelry ever crafted. Dan spoiled my by purchasing me some fancy hair doodads called the 'mystic flower' which is the working model of the mathematical equation of PI. Coooooolio! : ) David and I worked in the soup booth that the gym had at the faire, making some money towards his upcoming competitions. Dan and the boys purchased boffer swords, and then decided that they could improve upon the design, so they spent the better part of yesterday creating sword and such. Oiy! Today was spent making shields to protect themselves...LOL!

~The 'Hot Tomato'~Have I ever mentioned that Dan seems to have universal appeal to everyone? Young women, old women, dogs, babies, cats, other men...doesn't seem to matter, they all love him. LOL! Well, on Friday, I asked him to accompany me to the Sam's Club for the weekly trip for the gym. He reluctantly agreed and off we all went. The boys and I have been going on our own for some time now while Dan was in Washington and the boys love to go right at lunchtime so we can taste all the samples and we've made friends with the 'sample ladies' We got a late start Friday so there weren't many still passing out samples so we were just hurrying through. One of them stopped me and asked where my biggest boy was, since David was around the corner. I pointed to Dan and she said that she wasn't talking about him, but since now we were....WHO was he?? (eybrows wagging) I said that it was Hercules, the hubbs...and she seemed quite impressed. So after she stared a bit longer, she waved a few times and told me that I was one lucky lady, then she declared LOUDLY that he was one HOT TOMATO and started winking and waving all the more. Dan's face turned about 3 shades of purple and he looked quite uncomfortable. Oh my word...I haven't laughed that hard in along time. WooHoo...I'm married to a HOT TOMATO~ I'm a lucky girl : )

So, all in all, a fabulous few weeks. Thank you Lord, for getting Dan back home to us where we can all live, laugh and love at home.

Picture post

2010-10-24T18:57:00.003-07:00

Just posting a few pics...I'll be back to actually blog a bit later, or tomorrow : ) Enjoy!

Oooo, David's become a teenager. Lord, help me!

Yes, he did his hair like that on purpose! They were having so much fun with the pomade...LOL!Derek is so proud of his new funny face!Yes, that's a praying mantis and yes it's as big as it looks and yes it was on our property. In fact, it was right by the front door, I think it wanted to come hang out for game night...LOL!

Back soon with some actual stories about our antics here. Love to all! ~K~

Look What We Did for Daddy!

2010-10-12T22:41:00.004-07:00

For as long as I have known Dan, he's has this old musty milk crate full of old bottles that he's found here and there. They are dirty, smell and just plain gross, even though some of them are interesting shapes. He's never had a place to display them, so once in a while (generally when we are packing to move) he digs them out and mentions sadly that it would be so nice to have them on display. And I always think, "I don't think so, buddy" I know, I know...bad wife award for me. Feel free to leave me some hate mail in the comment box. Anywho, while he's been gone this month, I got to thinking about something nice we could do for Dan as a welcome home gift....but it had to be inexpensive and readily available. So...what to do, what to do....and then I stubbed my toe on, wouldn't ya know it, a musty old milk crate. So I spent the better part of the day scrubbing old bottles and then Pat and David helped me arrange them. Ta~Da! Looks pretty good, if I do say so myself : ) So, welcome home Daddy! It's only taken me 15 years to get it right.

Pat did all the climbing, David directed and I took the pics : ) That's what I call team work.

I'm Gonna Miss This....

2010-10-12T22:20:00.003-07:00

...When Dan gets home. The boys and I have taken to piling into the master bedroom after having dinner and enjoying a board game so we can hang out together. Derek gets his jammies, his pillow and blanket along with a few books and gets cozy in the bed and after a book or two, is almost asleep. Pat serenades us with the keyboard that Lauren lovingly left behind for him to use. David checks on his Frontier on FB and they all listen while I read aloud to them for a while. Then I goof off on FB while the older 2 get comfy on the bed with a book. *sigh* It's just so cozy. And while I'm ever so anxious for Dan to get back home where he belongs....I'm gonna miss this.

Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-10-06T20:01:00.003-07:00

FOR TODAY October 6th, 2010
Outside my window... it is dark and quiet except for an occasional car slipping past
I am thinking... that being a parent is ever so much harder than I anticipated and yet, so rewarding.
I am thankful for... The time I'm spending with the boys while Dan is gone. We've started piling into my room after dinner and a board game. David checks his e-mail and such, Pat serenades us on the keyboard, Derek snuggles in close beside me while I read aloud to them. I think I shall miss that once Dan comes home and turns on the TV again. Maybe we can convince him to join us once in a while ; )
From the learning rooms... Math, math and more math. We are doing little else at this point while we labor to end the never ending school year. I know, it's October and we are still working on last year's math, but it is just the way the year worked out. Both the boys struggled with math this year and it's been slow going. HOWEVER, we can see the end, and we are excited to finish this year and start on next year's things. Schooling year round is wonderful....why didn't we start doing it sooner?
From the kitchen... Oh my, what a day we had in the kitchen! Pat declared it a baking day, I decided that baking counts as practical usage of math principles and we hit that kitchen hard! On my counters are banana and pumpkin bread, caramel apples, brownies, oatmeal bar cookies with chocolate frosting, caramel corn and pumpkin muffins. OH MY WORD {happy dance}} We wrapped up the baking frenzy with BLTs for dinner and then tasted our goodies : ) As for the rest of the week, we are eating simply due to Dan's absence and the kids are happy with easy meals.

Thursday~ Soup and grilled cheese
Friday~ Veggie tray and munchies for Game Night
Saturday~ Pizza
Sunday~ Pot Roast
Monday~ Not sure yet...probably something really simple like spaghetti, mac and cheese or leftovers

I am wearing... Orange 3/4 sleeve Henley, navy jumper, hair in bun, feet BARE, of course
I am creating... As stable an environment as I can for while Dan is gone. Also, a scrapbook for my Sister-Girl, Karen and a PILE of finished books on my bookshelf headboard : )
I am going... Everywhere and No where...LOL! Tomorrow holds Gymnastics class, TaeKwonDo class, picking up and dropping off Ebone, probably Kohls to check my schedule and maybe the park.
I am reading... Raising Boys and Loving It, and starting the Left Behind Series as well.
I am hoping... that Dan calls. I miss him so much! I have new respect for those 'left behind' when a spouse is away on military duty or long business trips.
I am hearing... Kenny G in the background and a car starting down the road. Near silence is a beautiful thing.
Around the house... Boys are sleeping, heaps of dishes from our baking party wait to be washed, and the night beckons me to rest.
One of my favorite things... BIRTHDAYS! David turned 13 on Sunday...where DOES the time go?? We had a very small celebration as David wants to wait for Dan to return before he has a real party.
A few plans for the rest of the week: The Taxi Mama run tomorrow, Sam's Club on Friday along with GAME NIGHT, working at the gym on Saturday morning, church on Sunday morning and then preparing for a new week.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...The sun rising on the morning of David's birthday. So pretty!

Come by and read other posts like this one over at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Fall Into Reading 2010~Weekly Question #2

2010-10-05T21:44:00.005-07:00

The host of the Fall Into Reading challenge over at http://www.callapidderdays.com/ is posting a weekly question to keep the fun flowing. So here's question 2 and my answer

What do you think of e-books? Do you engage in e-reading or do you prefer to stick with good ol' physical books?

Hmmm, good question. I do not have a kindle or any other type of e-book media storage except my computer and when I want to read one of my e-books, I tend to print it out so I can pick it up and read it anywhere. I do love the convenience of e-books, the instant gratification of clicking the ORDER button and having my book in 30 seconds instead of 3 weeks. However, they can't replace my 'regular' books. So, I guess the short answer is I stick to physical books, even if they start out as e-books. I love the smell of a book...the paper, the inks, leather cover if you happen to have any of those these days. Mmmm. Plus I enjoy the thought of other people having read the book before me and those that will read it after me and feel like I've taken part in the 'life' of a book, if you will. Plus, I can't curl up with a blanket, a mug of hot tea and my desktop computer...LOL! Nothing is better than being in front of a cozy fireplace, with an afghan, a comfy hubby and a good book, with the littles all scattered around the hear the story.

Great question...keep them coming. I need to update my FIR list since one of the books I have on my list is missing. Can't wait to see next week's question.

Blessings,

~K~

Back to Blogging...seriously!

2010-10-04T21:45:00.005-07:00

I took a break from blogging this summer and while it was a good thing, I missed it terribly. So I've been trying to get back to it, and now I'm having trouble doing that. Seems to me that with Dan gone to Washington for weeks, I'd have PLENTY of time to blog, read, scrapbook, and goof off. OK, I admit to the goofing off part...at least a little. But my reading rate is WAY down, I've scrapbooked 2 pages in the 2 weeks that Dan's been gone and I've just barely touched my toes into the blogging pool. So...what gives? I don't know either. Guess I'll have to just keep plugging away at it as I have time and see what happens. Thanks to my faithful readers for your continued patience. I'm working on it, I really am!
Blessings,
~K~

PS. My friend Dani says that she likes to throw a random picture in here or there just for fun...so there is my random picture. : )

Fall Into Reading 2010~Weekly Question #1

2010-09-29T00:03:00.003-07:00

This is a quote from www.callapidderdays.com
"I mentioned in the Fall Into Reading 2010 launch post that every Tuesday this fall, I will post a question about reading. Why am I doing this? Well, for one thing, I love reading and talking about reading with others. And for another, I thought it would be a great way to keep Fall Into Reading participants connected throughout the course of the challenge.

So without further ado, here’s your first question, and my answer.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to your reading? What prevents you from reading as much as you’d like?
Oh dear...why DON'T I read as much as I would like to? Hmmmm....good question. I read the comments already on the post and while I do spend more time than necessary on the computer, I still have time to read. While others claimed not being able to shut out the background noise to concentrate of the book...but I have the opposite problem when I read. I can't shut out the book to hear what's going on around me in real life : )
At this exact moment in my world, I AM reading as much as I would like. Dan is out of town and after the boys head to bed, my time is my own. So I can read, gab on the phone, scrapbook, blog or just hang out on Facebook without concern of shortchanging the hubby. In my 'normal' life though, I don't have much time to read for extended periods of time. So I read for 5 minutes here and there, or a chapter or two as a break from physical chores around the house. It may not be much, but little bits of time, used wisely can certainly add up.
What it all boils down to in the long run is whether I MAKE time to read or not. Sometimes, I'd rather stare at FB and feel like someone is on the other side of the screen. Sometimes, I'd rather go to bed early, visit with hubby, play with the boys or try to 'get ahead' on the chores around the house and reading takes a backseat in priority. But, for the time being, with some extra time to read at night...I'm going to take full advantage of the chance to read as much as I would like. What great timing : )

Consider Yourself Tagged!!

2010-09-26T19:49:00.004-07:00

I've been tagged!! My pal over at MishMash Maggie asked her friends to answer these 8 questions. and so without further ado, I shall answer them : )
My Eight Questions...

1. What is your favorite Bible verse? How did it become your favorite? (If you don’t have a single favorite, please share one of your faves.) I love, Love, LOVE all the verses that start with, "...and it came to pass...." Keeps me focused on the fact that time is short, misery and hardship don't last forever and that we should be about the Master's business instead of arguing about the color of the pews or where the choir should stand. I also LOVE the verse in Psalms that reads, "Be still and know that I am God." How often in our hustle and bustle of life, do we rush right past God while talking on the phone, texting a friend, scheduling a meeting, picking up and dropping off the kids, dry-cleaning or dinner and trying to stay caught up on the laundry. OOPS...guilty!

2. What is currently on your nightstand? I dump my heart and brain on my nightstand... what's on yours?? I don't have a nightstand, but on my bookshelf headboard, there are the 43 books I've read since moving into this house in the end of June, plus 2 Bibles, a Concordance, 3 candles, lip balm, a phone book, Dan's notes from the Men's Seminar 2 weeks ago, a picture of my handsome hubby and one of my best friend, one of the family and of course, the alarm clock. Oh, and 3 elastic hair ties, a barrette, a matchbox car and a candy bar wrapper. And a monkey shaped lamp...It's cute, I swear! Hmmm, I don't even know WHAT that implies about me. Can I just go back to saying I don't have a nightstand?? ; )

3. What place have you not traveled to but would like to? Why? Oh, the choices! I'd like to visit Australia someday, and Hawaii, and take an Alaskan cruise, but I'd really like to take a trip to a resort area of Mexico because I've been to Mexico four times on mission trips and only saw the ugly/poor/sad things about it. I want to see the pretty side.

4. What is your favorite snack? Just about anything covered in salt will do, but my all time fave snack is mini pretzel twists and french onion dip with a huge glass of sweet iced tea.

5. Why motivates you to blog? A need to share myself, my family and my creativity with others. It started out as simply a way to keep my family in IL posted on our life here in NM, and now, I just can't STOP...ha ha ha!

6. Which person from the Bible (besides Jesus) are you most looking forward to meeting? Well, today, since I recently read a book called "A Woman Named Damaris" by Janette Oke, I'd like to meet Damaris that was mentioned BY NAME in Acts. Why was she singled out? What did she do? Why didn't they tell her story, just saying her name and moving on. What is her story....inquiring minds want to know!

7. What brings out the best in you... what brings out the worst? People (teenage boys especially) in need of mothering bring out the best in me. I go right into high gear and feed them. Not just their bellies, but their hearts, and their souls. Moving brings out the worst. All the disorganization, the not knowing where anything is, the complete destruction of our routine, balance and lifestyle just does NOT work for me. I better DIE in this house!

8. What characteristic of God are you the most grateful for? Oh my...that's a toughie! I suppose His sovereignty, that allows us to trust when all seems lost and we can't see where we are going. Knowing that He is in control when I am obviously NOT, is a comforting thought. Of course, His love which sent Jesus to the cross, can't be overlooked either. It's what allows us the opportunity to have a relationship with Him.
Thanks, this was fun. Can't wait to read other's answers!! ~K~

Let's keep this going! I'm going to post MY 8 Questions. Please answer them on your blog and post a link to that page as a comment here. This is going to be FUN!
My 8 Questions
1 What is in your CD player (or on your iPod) right now? Why do you like it?
2 Tell me about your childhood in 3 words, your teenage life in 3 sentences and your adult life in less than a paragraph. Be succinct : )
3 How did you meet your spouse, or best friend?
4 How has blogging changed your life? It doesn't have to be PROFOUND
5 What is your favorite Bible story and why?
6 How would someone else describe you in less than 5 words?
7 If you were stranded on an island, what 4 things would you take with you and why? Assuming that food, water and basic shelter was somehow provided.
8 How did we meet and why are we friends?

ENJOY!! This is gonna be great! Thanks MishMash Maggie for getting this started!!
Blessings,
~K~

Catchin' Up with Us MeYeR's

2010-09-25T22:51:00.005-07:00

Watched the Harvest Moon come up from Behind the Organ Mountains last night....completely amazing! Never seen anything like it.

Oh my goodness, I LOVE the Organ Mountains. All I did to get this was walk one block down the road, so that the church wasn't in the picture. It's no wonder Dan never wants to live anywhere but right here : )

Catchin' the MeYeR's might be a better title for this week's update. Seems like we were on the run and scattered to the four winds this week. It's official...I've become a soccer mom, err~ more like a TaeKwonDo observer, Gymnastics dropper offer and picker upper, TumbleBugs supervisor, Sam's club trip making concession stand refiller, airport shuttle runner, take an extra kid along-er Mama...LOL! Phew...I don't know who made up the term "at home' mom, but it obviously wasn't a mom : ) It's a good thing that I 'stay home' so I have TIME to do all those things. Thank you Lord, for the blessing of being able to be at home with my boys. Dan left Monday morning for a work trip to Washington state for an undetermined length...probably 2-3 weeks. *sigh* I sure do miss him, and so do the boys. However, I'm so grateful that he has the chance to do this, and that his work ethic is so good that someone would call him from 5 states away because he wants DAN, not just anyone that can handle a torch. I'm glad that the Lord provided the job, at just the right time.

~Anywho, here at home with the junior set of the Man Crew...we've been busy finding things to do that DON'T involve the TV. When Dave Roever was at our church 2 weeks ago, he challenged the kids to spend 30 days without TV, video games, texting or MP3 players. The boys weren't thrilled but agreed to try it out. So far, so good. They've complained about being bored more often, but generally find something to occupy themselves with before they are even done complaining. I'm glad to have quieter evenings, nice chats and game playing instead of just vegging out in front of the tube. The boys will even begrudgingly admit that it hasn't been as bad as they thought. So...it's progress and I'll take it!

~David is working really hard and is close to mastering a DOUBLE Front flip...as in two full rotations before landing. I'm amazed at his talent, his dedication and his continued enjoyment of his sport. Going down the tumble track at gym. I've seen him do a roundoff, backflip with a full twist, a whipback, another back with a full twist and then a frontflip with a 1/2 twist...all in one tumble pass. ZOIKS!! He learned how to do gainer backflips this week as well. He even said the other day that he thinks he would like to be a gymnastics coach once he's an adult.

~Pat's 2nd week of TaeKwonDo classes went MUCH better this week and he even signed up to help do a demonstration at the Festival this weekend. He did really well and even got to break his first board today : ) James and Derek won a FREE month of lessons...Jodi may or may NOT thank me...LOL! He's excited about James joining his class...Derek, not so much. He is really missing Dan and in serious need of some MAN TIME...hurry home, Daddy! Pat is also actively being 'recruited' by the David's gymnastics team coaches. Dan and I have decided not to allow him to join, but it does tell us that it isn't just in our heads that the boys have talent...LOL!

Ai-YAH! Pat shows off his new skills at his Demo today.

~Derek loves, Loves, LOVES his TumbleBugs class and anxiously awaits in all week. He is desperately missing his GameBoy, but has been doing much more 'reading' this week and asking me what things say and picking letters and numbers out wherever we go. He has really enjoyed all the books my Mom read onto tapes for him especially this week and will NOT go to bed without the tape player on his bed now : )

~I am tired...I miss Dan....I should NOT be allowed to be a single parent (I stink at it) and I'm tired of being in the car all the time. BUT, I've enjoyed this week. I've been playing on the computer after the boys go to bed including finally getting back to my beloved blog that I've neglected all summer, I've chatted on the phone longer and more often this week than I probably have in the last month and have had a ball catching up with my girlfriends, I've scrapbooked, and I've READ, READ, READ! I counted earlier this week and I've read 41 books since we moved into this house in the last week of June...WOW! No new books, but that I've read that many of my own collection in the past 3 months, surprised even me. At the end of the day, though....I still miss Dan, I'm still tired and I still shouldn't be allowed to be a single parent. Dan is usually the fun one and I'm the 'fun-sucker' but with Dan gone, I'm trying to be more fun, and I'm just no good at it. I really should just stick with keeping everyone fed, healthy and on schedule and let Dan be the fun one. I knew that parenting was designed to be a 2 person gig for a reason LOL! Have I mentioned that I miss Dan and that I'm tired?? I can't remember....

~In the not so great news department this week, my maternal grandmother passed away on Thursday. She was almost 94, survived by her 6 children, 23 grandchildren and almost as many in law grandchildren, I've LOST COUNT of the great grandchildren and I think 4 great GREAT grandchildren. She loved the Lord and her family...what a legacy she leaves behind. I can't say that I wish her back...she gets to be with the Lord and with my grandfather who has been gone about 19 years now. I'm sure she was missing him. You will be missed, Grma

~In the great news department...'Shua and Lauren are celebrating their ONE YEAR anniversary today. I'm so proud of them! May the Lord continue to bless them as they grow together and towards Him.

~We have been trying to enjoy our 'local culture' more this past month...Dan and I went to the Hatch Chile Festival over Labor Day weekend for our 14th anniversary and HAD A BALL! We took the motorcycle up there (about an hour) and the weather was perfect for riding. We tasted, sipped, smelled, chatted, sampled, bought trinkets and just had a wonderful time. This weekend here in Cruces is the Whole Enchilada Festival where Cruces has the WORLD RECORD for the largest Enchilada. Why?? Who knows...but there it is : ) So we went today, and wandered about in the sun for a while, listened to Jodi sing (I put up a video on FB) Pat did his TaeKwonDo Demo and just had a good time. Not sure what odd or obscure festival or celebration is next, but bring it on. One thing I realized after we moved away from IL is that there are so many things to do there, and we had enjoyed so few of them...what a waste. Let's get out there and have some fun and soak up some of the local flavor.

James at the Whole Enchilada Festival...trying desperately NOT to get any more sun.

~OK, big shock, but this is turning out to be much longer than I had anticipated, so I guess I'll post a pic and then sign off. Got church in the morning, and the church picnic tomorrow afternoon. David is bringing a friend, and Pat is meeting a friend there. I'm going to make apple crisp....and something else. Any suggestions??

Our beautiful church where we will be enjoying said picnic. Isn't that a beautiful building?

Thanks for listening to me ramble,

~Kristy~

So Long Summer...and Good Riddance!

2010-09-22T19:58:00.004-07:00

My word, it's been a L-O-N-G summer, hasn't it? At our house, it seemed like something bad, upsetting, horrific or traumatizing happened every week. Ugh...make that double ugh! It made me want to sing the little ditty my friend Meredith used to sing, which was adapted and tweaked from Sound of Music...."so long, farewell, good riddance and goodbye!!" So often I wanted to wish away this summer. I just wanted it to be over as quickly as possible so that we could move on to more pleasant things and just forget about the things that we so painful and challenging to us. But the more I thought about it, the more I prayed about it and pondered the issues facing us, the more I was reminded that growth doesn't come in the 'easy' times, when everything is going smoothly, life is simple and times are good. Growth comes when you have no one to depend on but God and each other, when times are tough, money is TIGHT and the car breaks down on the way to work. So, I chose to trust. Sounds simple and easy, doesn't it? I wish I could say that trusting comes easy, but it almost never does. Sometimes you just have to WILL yourself to believe that things are eventually going to be better, or easier or simpler. Or that even if they aren't, God will get you through it. That's the really hard part, is saying, "OK, Lord...you and me are in this until the end. Even if it never gets easier. Even if it never gets better. Even if this is the best that life has to offer me. I'll still trust you to take care of me." Wow, that's HARD! However, I found that if I could find the TINIEST thing to be grateful for on the worst days, then things started to look up. As I look over this long, difficult summer, I can see the hand of the Lord guiding us so easily now. Why is it so hard to see when we are in the midst of it? So...instead of focusing on the negative, I choose to look for the positive. And here are just a few of the highlights of the summer.

Dad and Mom have been able to come for 2 extended visits...in one summer!

Dolli and Ryan have also been able to come visit twice this summer...and even intend to come back this fall with John after he returns home from his deployment.

We moved to a smaller, cheaper house in our first, well thought out, intentional financially wise decision...EVER! We even got a great deal on the rent since the house had/has some cosmetic issues that Dan is fixing right up. Praise God for a handy, hunky hubby!

We added a room to said house for practically nothing since Dan got many of the materials from a remodelling job he was doing at work. That's my kind of recycling...less waste, less money spent, less trash in the dump...it's good!

David and Patrick made the leap across the chasm that separates the adults from the kids for the first time this summer. You know, the first time you realize that you can have a serious conversation with them and they can respond intelligently, ask appropriate questions and you don't have to worry about them making a ridiculous unrelated remark, laughing about something that's not funny or changing the subject in the middle of an important conversation. That totally blew my mind! The chat ranged from evolution, to why Dan and I weren't intending to have more children, to autism and other special needs, to astronomy, family values and what the Bible says about several other topics. It was a special night indeed!

When money was really tight this summer, 'magically' someone would invite us for dinner that week, or clean out their freezer and bring us food. Hmmm.....what a coincidence. I think NOT

We have a gorgeous view of the mountains from the back of our house and many is the night that you will find us sitting out there, watching the reflection of the sunset on the mountains, sipping iced tea and just chatting together.

We FINALLY found a church here. We, of course, had to find it that hard way, but that's our style. It's an Assembly of God church (yes, I heard the horrified gasp) and although they teach some things we don't believe, they are a Bible preaching, God fearing church and we've made some friends there already. Just more reason to discuss the Bible and what WE believe with the boys if they hear something they aren't sure about.

All of the boys have started/are continuing a recreational activity...and all through the lovely world of bartering! David has decided to compete with his gymnastics team this winter, so I work at the gym on Saturdays to earn his PRICEY lessons. Pat is FINALLY in his precious martial arts class and in return for the price of his lessons, I drive the carpool both ways, every time so that his friend Ebone can take classes, too. Derek just started a TumbleBugs class on Saturdays that are 'paid' for by a weekly trip to Sam's Club to stock the concession stand. I {heart} bartering and trading for services!!

One of my favorite "coinky-dinks" from this summer just happened last weekend. Most of you don't know this, but Dan got laid off last Thursday and we weren't really sure when he was going to be called back...probably a few weeks or more, so we really just said, 'Lord, you know that Dan needs to be working as soon as possible, so....do Your thing!' The very next day a good friend handed us $400 saying that we've been feeding him and his family for a LONG time and it was time they gave back. What a blessing!! Wait, it gets better : ) 2 days later, an old work buddy of Dan's called and said, "I'm running a job up in Washington and I need you and your welding skills. Can you be here by tomorrow night? Good money, room and board paid for...just get yourself up here. " Would you believe that the amount of money we were given on Friday paid for the ticket on Sunday with just a few cents to spare?? Who said God doesn't provide?

All of that to say that while our summer was HOT, sticky, offensive to our pride, HOT, sometimes stinky and often stressful, irritating to our sense of propriety, HOT, filled with moving, painful losses and quite a bit of heartache, did I mention HOT....maybe it wasn't a complete loss after all. If it brings us closer to the Lord and brings him glory, then I say....bring it on. So long summer...come back soon!

~K~

Fall Into Reading 2010

2010-09-22T19:33:00.007-07:00

It starts today...so I'm a bit late, as usual...but I'm jumping on the bandwagon and trying this out. Basically, just make a list of the books you want to read between now and December 20th and start reading. Sounds fun, doesn't it? Check out this link to http://callapidderdays.com/2010/09/fall-into-reading-2010-the-basics.html and see what the low down is. Here is my tentative list of books...

September...completed!

~Read to Derek every day

~Read to the older boys 2x a week

~Finish the Canadian West Series by Janette Oke

~A Woman After God's Own Heart

* I ended up substituting for A Woman After God's Own Heart when I realized I had lent it out and not gotten it back yet. I read the GREEN Book instead. Chock full of simple things that we can do to help the environment, and ourselves, enjoy a healthier future.

October

~Read to Derek every day

~Read to the older boys 2x a week

~Start the Left Behind Series

November

~Read to Derek every day

~Read to the older boys 2x a week

~Finish the Left Behind Series

December

~Our special Advent book to the boys each day

~Not sure what else yet, I'll have to get back to this one.

So, grab your favorite reading beverage and a cozy afghan (unless you are here in NM with me where it's still in the mid-90s) and start reading! Can't wait to see what everyone else is reading!!

Have fun,

~Kristy~

Simple Woman's Daybook~ Evening Edition

2010-09-21T22:16:00.003-07:00

For Today...September 21, 2010

Outside my window...it is dark and the temp is finally falling into the comfortable range for sleeping. The stars are twinkling brightly around the glowing moon....the frogs are croaking, the birds are quiet and the air is still.

I am thinking...that I really should be in bed, but I just HAD to post a blog today~ LOL : )

I am thankful...that Dan arrived safe and sound in Washington. And that the Lord provided a job at just the right time.

From the learning rooms...math is still being finished up and tomorrow we are enjoying some homeschool gaming fun.

From the kitchen...Stuffed peppers was the star of tonight meal as requested by Dan and Patrick this week. Nothing else stellar coming out of the kitchen this week, just too hectic without another adult in the house to help keep a lid on things.

I am wearing...a navy knit jumper with a teal t-shirt. Bare feet, of course and my hair is in a bun after doing tonight's dinner dishes.

I am creating...this blog post, and then I'm going to create some dreams...hee hee

I am going...nowhere tomorrow, and I'm super happy about that!

I am reading...Psalms, the gospel of John, and "When Breaks the Dawn' by Janette Oke

I am hoping...that Dan enjoys his time in Washington, that I can handle everything while he's away and that he comes home safe and sound.

I am hearing...almost nothing, and it's glorious! I can hear cars passing on the distant freeway, Shadow breathing beside me and the clicking of the keyboard...that's IT

Around the house...the LR is tidy-ish, but I'm discovering more and more each day that in the same way as the mama sets the tone for the family, the kitchen sets the tone for the house. After being without hot water for 4 days, there were dishes piled everywhere and the whole house seemed cluttered and dirty. I washed those dishes and all of a sudden the rest of the house seemed just fine...isn't that strange?

A few plans for the rest of the week...running the Taxi Mama run on Thursday, homeschooling and cleaning each day, Game Night on Friday, the gym on Saturday and church on Sunday, sounds like a good week to me!

One of my favorite things...having a family to share my life. It's goooooooood!

A picture thought I am sharing with you...well, as always....so many choices. Let's see if I can narrow it down to just one...LOL! This is the sunrise from yesterday morning as we were taking Dan to the airport. I just LOVE the way the clouds look like cotton candy!

If you enjoyed this post and want to read other posts by simple women, check out the lovely Miss Peggy's site at www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com

2010-08-24T08:14:00.004-07:00

I've discovered as I make this journey through life that it's not the HUGE things that make or break your day, week, month or life...it's the little things. In celebration of those little things, list a few things that made your day, week, month or LIFE sweeter or brighter.

It's having enough clothespins to hang that whole load of SOCKS to hang in the sunshine.
It's friends that call, text, or e-mail just to check in when they know you are having a rough day.
A birthday surprise party that lets someone know how much they are loved.
A weekend with enough relaxation in it so that you can face the coming week.
Fun pictures to cherish, turn into sweet scrapbooks and to use as blackmail here on this blog...LOL!

I like the idea of this kind of post. If you do too, then add a few of YOUR little things. I'm making it a goal to be more positive this year...join me!

~K~

Only at MY House!

2010-08-24T08:03:00.004-07:00

I've come to realise lately that certain things only seem normal to us MeYeR's...and so in honor of that...here's a few pics of things that only seem normal at my house : ) Patrick was feeling silly so he broke into my hair doo-dads and then found some beads...and made a new look for himself. Goodness that boy needs a haircut!

I have no idea...there are no words! Such silliness!

Dan mugging for the boys to make them giggle...it worked! : )

Back to Blogging.........someday!

2010-08-05T04:52:00.003-07:00

My blog...oh how I've missed you! I've got about 37, 892 things I want to share with you all about the 6 weeks it's been since I've had the time AND the Internet connection to write for your entertainment and my sanity, however, it's super early in the morning and I worked last night~ so for now...just a hello and the promise that I will soon be back here, making you all laugh at our antics, sharing some pictures and reminding everyone of how God is so good to us. It's good, Good...GOOD to be back!
~K~
PS. Hello to my 2 newest fan readers, Lorena and Rhonda...happy reading, ladies!

Just a Good Day

2010-06-12T22:22:00.002-07:00

It's been a good day around here at the MeYeR house. I went off and earned David's gym lessons, which he greatly appreciates and on days like today when there isn't much activity, I can catch up on my letter writing...LOL! Patrick got invited over to 'Shua and Lauren's for an overnight trip, hurray for Pat! David had a friend over to spend the afternoon and they had a ball running around, beating each other with boffer swords, jumping on the trampoline and playing video games. Dan and I spent some time together making fruit leathers (kinda like fruit roll ups but healthy). We talked, decided and then signed the paperwork on our new house (phew, that's done) and still had time to chat with Mom, Dad, Lee and Marsha about the new place, and the cousins played some games together via Skype which has to be one of the best inventions, EVER. Derek played on the computer, ran around outside, made a pest of himself to David and his company, got tickled until he screamed by Daddy and then collapsed into bed. Pizza has been made and enjoyed...love me some homemade pizza! So now, it's 11:30, everyone is asleep except me (I'm waiting for the fruit leathers to get done) and I'm absorbing some quiet, not only in my head, but in my spirit. God is so good...even and especially when we don't deserve it. Kinda makes you want to holler AMEN, doesn't it?
~K~

Wordless WHATEVER day it is...LOL

2010-06-12T22:15:00.003-07:00

I know, it's not Wednesday...but I wanted to share anyway. ENJOY!

Sophie is a VERY curious kitty and Dan is a rather indulgent pet owner, when she started noticing the ceiling fans....Dan just picked her right up so she could see them go 'round up close and personal like!

Everyone say it with me, "Only at MY house" LOVE it...LOL!

Moving Musings~ Part 1

2010-06-12T21:39:00.007-07:00

I'm going to ASSUME there will be more than one part to this post : ) Moving does NOT bring out the best in me...and that's putting it mildly. I crave security, schedule (or at least scheduled chaos) routine, and HOME. Take those things away from me and I become my least best version of myself. All my flaws, insecurities and character defects become magnified, and it's not pretty. I get over emotional, catty, sarcastic and whiny, and that's on a good day. It all boils down to control. I dislike moving because I feel like I'm not in control of what's going on and I tend to feel a bit left out of the goings on and activity, while at the same time feeling overworked as underappreciated as I do much of the packing and sorting of belongings. However, this move has been going a bit differently already, and well...it's pretty great! Dan is helping me look the PAGES of homes for rent each week, and we drive past each one that is in the price range and size that we are looking for. He has asked me how I feel about each one after we look at it. We are being more reasonable in our idea of what we want, need, or dream about. We are talking more about our financial goals, and how to make these things happen more than we ever have before. (LOVE IT) It's one of the first times we've really gone about achieving a goal together in terms of moving. It's super! Still not sure if I'm friends with Dave Ramsey or not, but that's another story : ) I'm following the advice of a dear friend, who told me to follow my husband, even if his choices weren't what I considered the best. (Marsha, that's HARDER to do than to say!) We have found a house and signed the lease today and while the house is a tad unique, so are we and we will just make it work. I've found as I get older (and hopefully wiser) that I really can set the tone for our home...so if I say it's gonna be fine, it will be. So...it's gonna be GREAT! Give me a week to settle in and I'll be baking bread and hanging my clothes out on the line, and Dan may even let me have chickens! It will be HOME. And home is where Kristy's heart is.

~K~

Catchin' Up with Us MeYeR's

2010-06-12T20:56:00.008-07:00

Well, my goodness, it seems like it's been forever since I blogged. Where to start, where to start? ~Big news first, I suppose......we are moving in 2 weeks from yesterday! No, we are NOT packed, no we are NOT ready, no we are NOT going to be ready in time, but moving we ARE!WE have found a house (Praise the LORD), signed a lease (Amen) and will be posting pics (Yippee) soon to let you all know what it looks like, before we move in and clutter it up...LOL!

~More big news, Dad and Mom will arrive Tuesday for a 12 day visit DURING which we will be moving...can you say HECTIC? Mom will be of great help to me with packing and such and Dad will help entertain the boys, so we may just pull this off yet.

~Smaller news, but still good....school is coming along nicely; we took a week off last week, worked really hard this week and I'm hoping to get a full week in this week as well, after that, I think moving chaos will take over for a week or two. Have I mentioned recently that moving makes me insane? If you've forgotten how I feel about moving, check out these posts #1 and #2.

~Have I ever mentioned that I LOVE it here in New Mexico? To be honest, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it when we moved here almost 3 years ago. After living in the lush greenery of northern Illinois for my entire existence, the dull greens and varied browns didn't look like much to me. But what I've come to love about the vegetation in the desert is that they have to work so hard just to stay alive and yet, at just the right time, they bloom so beautifully. It takes my breath away. Reminds me a bit of Dan and I, we struggled so hard, for so long, and just when I was about to give up and resign myself to a life of misery, God picked us up, transplanted us and gave us a new lease on life and now our life is one of those gorgeous flowers *sigh* Along the same lines, I've decided that no sunset on Earth can rival the ones seem from down here.

This is from our yard, taken from our sliding glass doors in the master bedroom. I'll miss that view, but I think we may get something as spectacular at our new place. *Here's hopin*

~Dan is enjoying his weekends off : ) The motorcycle is running well and he's enjoying riding it whenever he can. He's even called a sitter a few times so we can ride together. I LOVE to ride, but will say that I've discovered my limit is about 2 hours. We rode yesterday while looking for houses and ended up being out for about 6 hours. I'm sunburned, just from the nose down on my face, I'm sore and I was HOT with all my riding gear on in the 99* heat. However, I'll not be doing any complaining to him about it, I may not get invited again...LOL!

~Work is going well for both of us, Dan loves working his 4 10 hour days and then having a 3 day weekend. He will be SUPER busy for the next 2 as we prepare for the move, but that's OK, he LOVES that kind of stuff. I have a new boss, not sure if he's going to last or not. I think he's a bit afraid of us. We're a bit wacky and he's pretty uptight. ; ) Plus, I don't think they told him how late we work, HA!

~We are STILL looking at churches, Dan said today he wants to go back to the original church we had been going to, as sort of a comparison to the ones we've been trying. At this point, I'm game if he's wanting to go. So, off we go to Calvary Baptist tomorrow.

I think that's most of the bigger news, so I'll be signing off now. Blessings from NM! Lost Boys, Mama K misses you so much!
~K~

A SUPERB Freebie!

2010-06-02T11:58:00.002-07:00

As anyone who knows me can tell you...I Love a good deal and FREE is my favorite price ever! Over at Raising Homemakers they are offering a contest to win the Franklin Springs Media DVD Series by the West ladies. Learn about canning, baking, sewing, quilting, gardening and much, much more in this 10 DVD set. So, go check out Raising Homemakers and enter to WIN BIG!!

Blessings,

Kristy

It's the Little Things

2010-06-02T05:53:00.003-07:00

I've discovered as I make this journey through life that it's not the HUGE things that make or break your day, week, month or LIFE....it's the little things. In celebration of those little things, list a few things that made your day, week, month or LIFE sweeter or brighter.

The first (and hardest) box has been packed...so the rest should be easy!
Memorial Day weekend was just flat out SUPER! BBQ with friends, game night, several projects around the house accomplished, Dan was able to get some much needed extra rest, and even a motorcycle ride....just great!
I only work 1 night this week and while that isn't necessarily good for my pocket book, it IS good for my sanity, and gives us more time to look for housing.

Homemade bread, still warm from the oven, covered in butter...real butter. Mmmmmmm....................

Coffee with my sister girl, Karen (and sometimes my mom, via Skype)

Dad and Mom will be here in less than 2 weeks for their first visit of the summer : ) We are all so excited!

I like the idea of this kind of post. If you do too, add a few of YOUR little things. I'm making it a goal to be more positive this year, join me!

~K~

Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-06-02T04:45:00.006-07:00

FOR TODAY... June 2, 2010
Outside my window... a bird is chirping happily as the sun slowly begins it's ascent into the sky. Forecast calls for a high of 93*, but I'm assuming it will end up warmer than that. The sky is clear and dawn is just on the horizon.
I am thinking... that I really should have gone back to bed when Dan left. I'm so sleepy >_< I am thankful for... coffee with friends, home baked bread, a good book, THE good book, and a family to live, love and learn with.
From the learning rooms... we are taking a break from MFW this week, but still doing homeschool lite...reading, practicing our math facts, and a little copywork
From the kitchen... Pumpkin is thawing for pumpkin bread this morning, bread is soon to be rising on the counter, tea is steeping and here's the menu for the week.

Monday~Memorial Day BBQ...BBQ ribs, grilled corn on the cob, pasta salad, veggie tray, baked beans, brownies, snowball cake, sweet tea and GOOD friends to share it with : )
Tuesday~Hamburger Helper "crunchy taco" flavor, made by Pat
Wednesday~Breakfast for Dinner...Eggs, biscuits, bacon, sausage, and hash browns
Thursday~Chicken and potatoes on the grill, salad

Friday~Soup and Sammies

Saturday~Pizza

Sunday~Roast Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and Salad

I am wearing... my jammies...shhh, don't tell!
I am going... to look at houses again today. Anyone have a house they want to rent me so I can quit looking??
I am creating... Packing boxes FILLED with our things (and a LIST to go with all those boxes)
I am reading... Musclehead Revolution, Proverbs and Dr. Suess/Veggie Tales books
I am hoping... that the Lord leads us to our new house soon...we are moving at the end of June whether we have a place to go or not, and I'd really rather not live in a hotel with my 3 boys.
I am hearing... The birds chirping and the fish tank filter. That's IT!
Around the house... it's CLEAN : ) I'm going to take advantage of that today and do as little housework as I can today...LOL!
One of my favorite things... A long weekend filled with friends, laughter, tasty food and sunshine, and plenty of rest to recharge the body and mind
A few plans for the rest of the week: Looking for houses, packing, and homeschool lite
Here is picture for thought I am sharing... This is DT, after WAY too much Memorial Day fun....notice the BBQ on his face, wet hair from playing in the hose and the grumpy expression since I just announced that he needed to go to bed (it was already 2 hours past bedtime) ...LOL! Love his Eyes in this pic, so BLUE!

*If you enjoyed this post, go to http://www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ to read more like them...or join us!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-02T04:32:00.002-07:00

What's that old saying about not being able to pick your friends?? Oh my...Dan and Devin get silly. Love Pat peeking in the corner of the pic : )

Funny Pics post

2010-05-27T05:53:00.004-07:00

Recently, the boys have been just being hilarious and I've been snapping pics like crazy...so here are some of the highlights : )

Apple slice grins make my day. David was laughing so hard....so cute!

Pat ALWAYS make me laugh with his silly faces!
Oh my, what cute cheeks!

AAAAArrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhh, matey! LOL...Derek was quite a fetching pirate in my old silk headscarf

Random silliness...that covers just about everything that goes on around here : )
"Come here, doggy...I'm gonna getcha!" (Love the demon eyes..LOL)

Sophie feels completely at ease and relaxed...nap, anyone?

Homeschool Happenings

Math Facts and Laundry, it's a good combo. Pat learns best when his hands are busy : )

Literature guide for David. He LOVES the book "Holes"

Wildy Exciting Week

2010-05-27T05:32:00.003-07:00

This week has been a plethora of super highs and extreme lows. Let's see how quickly we can cover them, shall we? I always feel bullet journalling does the trick, so here we go....

Dad and Mom will be OFFICIALLY retired at the end of this week and are coming soon for an extended visit (HURRAY) but Ellyn won't be with them as previously planned (BOO)
We ARE moving...not sure if that's the good part or the bad part. Both I guess...I don't really want to move, but I am working at finding the good points, like living in a neighborhood again so the boys can make some new friends.
We found kittens in the wall...yes, really and the boys and I fell in love with them instantly, but we did the right thing and gave them back to the mama. I miss them already.
My Best friend Liz is having a terrible time with her oldest daughter and while I REALLY wish I was in IL so I could 'do something'...I know that I'm better off here caring for my family right now, plus the learning to trust God to handle things is a lesson I need to learn over and over...and over *sigh* I'm so stubborn.
Dan and 'Shua are finally one week away from finishing up the side job and will have weekends to relax again...HURRAY! So, they took on another one...LOL! Someday, the two of them will learn to relax : )
Game night went well for it's first 'pizza free' night and everyone still seems to love me : ) I enjoyed the extra free time, but missed pizza. However, I really enjoyed having pizza for just us on Saturday. However, that single batch of dough looked soooo small and lonely in the big bowl...LOL!
School is going well...and there IS no downside to that : ) As Jodi's days are freeing up, she's coming more and more for school and we are FLYING through the MFW curriculum, and the 3Rs are coming along nicely as well. It's good : )
Another bonus, we haven't caught a mouse in almost a week and I'm seeing no evidence of them hiding somewhere. HURRAY HURRAY HURRAY!!!

I guess that covers most of them, so this one turned out shorter than I thought it would be. Yeah! Signing off before I make it any longer...hee hee!

~K~

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-27T05:26:00.002-07:00

Seriously, Kittens IN THE WALL???? Can I repeat...only at my house : )

My Man Crew of Kitty lovers : )

Dan with Sophie, David with Cassie, Pat with Fluffy, Derek with Tabby, and Josh with Fatty McPatty

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-20T04:53:00.002-07:00

Oh. My. Goodness...... hee hee!

Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-05-17T15:30:00.003-07:00

For today... May 17th 2010
Outside my window... birds sing, the sun shines warming us to a toasty 89 degrees and the air is heavy with the scent of fresh lilacs. Mmmmmm.....
I am thinking... that too many thought are tumbling around in my head and I need to get them on paper before they disappear altogether.
I am thankful for... boys big enough to be helpers. They are tackling Mt Washmore right now! Hurray : )
I am wearing... same ugly housecleaning outfit as every week. Gonna shower and change before hubby comes home....poor thing has to look at me all evening!
From the kitchen... the counters are full of my hard work this AM. 3 loaves of fresh bread, a loaf of pumpkin for breakfast tomorrow, and a batch of choc chip cookies waiting for snack time.
As for meal plans....I'm only planning 6 meals this week since I always get interrupted at least once...LOL!

Lasagna with fresh garlic bread and salad
Pork chops with mashed potatoes and green beans
Tuna casserole with salad
Chicken breasts with brown rice and veggie sticks
Tacos with chips and salsa
Pizza

From the learning rooms... this week in MFW, we are travelling to the Middle East and studying about Saudi Arabia. Also learning about being eco-conscious and how we can help the Earth. In Abeka, lots of reading, working on parts of speech, division and fractions, and working on literature guide.
I am creating... sadly, nothing yet this week, but probably some scrapbook pages and some new note cards.
I am reading...Here by my Candle by Liz Higgs Curtis
Pondering these words...
I am remembering...that I should be doing something besides sitting at the computer...LOL! Dishes, here I come!
I am hoping...that I can finally start sticking to my workout routine and drop some weight.
I am hearing..."Beverly Hills Chihuahua" in the background...I think I'll make them turn it off. So sassy! NO LIKEY
I am going...to run errands tomorrow, like the bank, library and the park. I only have to work 2 nights this week, so I will be more awake that usual, and that's always a good thing : )
Around the house...it's pretty tidy (hurray) and the boys are folding laundry while I get the dishes done.
A few plans for the rest of the week...none yet. I haven't made my plans for this week yet. That's ok, isn't it??
One of my favorite things...being home with my boys, even though some days they drive me batty...ha ha ha! That's the glory of being home, I get to experience EVERYTHING with them!
A picture thought I am sharing... another pic from my "only at MY house' file...LOL! 2 Grown men having a tickle fight! Seriously!!

If you like this post and would like to read more like it, feel free to visit Miss Peggy's site over at www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com Thanks for reading : )

Bye Bye Bubba~

2010-05-17T15:10:00.005-07:00

We have one less dog than we did 2 days ago...*sigh* We've had Bubba (who is named after his original owner, Bubba Rogers) since he was a tiny pup of 6 months or so. He is a black lab/Jack russell terrier mix. Looks like a small lab but has the energy level and jumping skills of a jack russell. Long story short, he'd already had 3 owners by the time we got him and we've always described him as emotionally scarred. If I believed in doggy therapy, he'd have gotten some...LOL! We got him from Jodi whose neighbor was complaining about him and so we took him on as a companion for Shadow....5 years ago. So, it was time for him to go back to her now that they have their own place. Since we are most likely moving soon, one less pet in the menagerie will be good for finding a rental place, but I certainly do miss his exuberant welcome every time I come in the door. He is having a great time with Jodi's puppy Jude and they are good buddies, so it helps to know that he is among friends and being well cared for by Jodi. So anyway, "Bye bye, Bubba...we love you!"

Mouse Wars...Chapter 5

2010-05-17T15:00:00.004-07:00

I think we are winning the battle!! Yippee!! We have caught to date 22 mice (I know, repulsive) but at least there is that many less. Please keep in mind that I live out in the boonies with no other people/houses/etc to keep them away : ) At any rate, I need a few more traps to make sure we've caught them all, but we are not hearing the scratching and squeaking like we were and I haven't seen anything that has been nibbled on in DAYS, so that's good news! Thanks for joining us in our adventures with the mice, but hopefully, those days are over. I'll keep you posted.

Bubba does a great job of guaring the mice...LOL!

~K~

All Good Things Must Come to an End, so they say...

2010-05-17T14:41:00.003-07:00

...And that's true at our house as well. Game night has undergone a change....there is no longer any pizza to be had at my house on a Friday night. I feel sad about the change, I feel almost guilty about the change and while most of the gang was understanding, some were actually upset over the change. Here's the why behind the change. When game night originally started, our routine was family game night on Thursday, Pizza/Movie night on Friday and Game night with the gang on Saturday. The 'gang' consisted of us 5 MeYeR's, my sister and nephew which we were living with and the infamous Charlie and Devin. We'd all crowd around our ridiculously tiny dinner table meant for 4 and play games and laugh hysterically. Then one week, we got thrown off schedule due to my new job at Kohls...and game night got mixed in with pizza/movie night. And it stuck : ) We loved it and kept it, and also started inviting more people as the house grew and we got another table, and another. So, 25 people later, preparing for game night had become an all-day process. Not one that I minded, but one that was affecting my time to teach the boys, and one that seriously impacted my energy level. After 2-3 hours of grocery shopping with 3 boys in tow, then the slicing and dicing started, then an hour of MAKING dough, then almost 3 hours of actually making the pizzas and baking them. SO, I finally discussed it with Dan because we all LOVE game night and didn't want to just end it, so we came to a compromise...we still host game night, but everyone either has to eat before they arrive or bring a frozen entree with them to pop in the oven. And so it is. On Friday, I felt a bit melancholy, but I will admit to enjoying the extra free time since I didn't have so much prep to do. I enjoyed playing games with everyone instead of fussing about in the kitchen. : ) Once in a while, I'll do pizza for old times sake. This also allow for a return to the previous routine for our weekends. One of the boys in particular is partial to routine, traditions and the like. So a good change for him especially. All in all, a good change.
Sorry about my ramblings...I'm sure that wasn't that interesting to most, but I needed to process it a bit more than in my head. Thanks for *listening*
~K~

David is Flippin' Awesome!

2010-05-15T18:27:00.003-07:00

Just a quick video...David had his first gymnastics recital/performance today and despite being incredibly nervous, he did quite well! ENJOY~
By the way, he's the one that does the cool trick...you'll know it when you see it : )

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-11T23:56:00.005-07:00

Only at MY house does any of this seem remotely 'normal' and yes, I use the term loosely, VERY loosely.

Can I come out now please?
A lizard that likes to be cuddled and held like a baby?!? What.On.Earth.....

Is that thing smiling? It certainly looks content. Hope you are enjoying yourself, Norbert.

PS. Kim, I know there are words, but these things HAD to be commented on, don't you think?? *winks*

Mouse Wars...Chapter 4

2010-05-11T04:40:00.004-07:00

Where ARE they coming from?? Ewww.....

So let's see...as of chapter 3 we had caught 9 in the hamster cage, that was IN the rubbermaid box, right?? So, here we go. Monday during the day, there was no real change...the mice hopped around in the hamster cage, I fed them popcorn and grapes (they're not dying on MY watch, right??) and waited for Charlie to come fetch them. Lauren was fascinated/horrified by them and Bubba was actually trying to bite the hamster cage to get at them...May I repeat...only at MY house is the DOG trying to catch the mice, while the Cat just wants to watch...ha ha ha!

So, all was well until Charlie called and said that he wasn't feeling well and could he please come tomorrow. Of course I said yes, but I DID say that if any more started reproducing,we weren't going to be friends anymore...LOL! So he should be here before lunch to pick them up, hurray! Anyway, there wasn't much activity last night and I was REALLY FINE with that, thinking that we had hopefully caught the majority of them. We only caught one last night, right before bed. So that makes 10 in the box. UGH. This morning, we could tell that they had been active...whether the remaining few were throwing a final hurray, or looking for a way out or what, but when we got up this morning...there were 6 MORE! DOUBLE UGH....and bleck! So, Dan dumped out the hamster cage into the Rubbermaid box since there was no way they could all fit in the one little cage and he didn't want the others climbing onto the top of the hamster cage and jumping out of the box. SO now, sitting behind me is a Rubbermaid box with holes in the top with 16 mice in it. The incessant scratching and squeaking is starting to drive me a little batty. Ya know when you watch a scary movie where the people end up covered in bugs and it makes your skin itch?? It's like that...times 16~ Hurry up, Charlie!!

Mice:0

MeYeR's 16...can anyone else say EWWWWWW?

PS...I AM going to win the Mouse War, I'm not going to rest until they are all gone, and without resorting to buying a snake... although that option is looking better as the days go by : )

LInks to the other Mouse Wars sagas...ch 1, ch 2, ch 3

Mouse Wars...Chapter 3

2010-05-10T07:04:00.003-07:00

*sigh* I'm getting REALLY tired of mice. Kristy no likey Mice in her house. *double sigh* Here we go...as of Sunday night the score was Mice:1 MeYeR's:6 and Dan and I were heading to bed. Next scene...the BAD NEWS. Mice are really resourceful, despite having a teeny tiny brain. I got up with Dan at 4:30 and headed into the kitchen to make Dan's lunch. I peeked into the hamster cage and only saw 1 mouse...I rubbed my eyes to make sure I was seeking clearly and yes, to my horror, realized that they had chewed a hole through the roof of the hamster cage and all but 1 had escaped. Make that Mice:6 MeYeR's:1 Not a happy start to my day. I started the coffee pot and pondered what the next step should be. Yea, no idea! Boo! Anywho, I proceeded to start Dan's lunch and hear a tell tale squeak...I peeked behind the fridge and to my delight, 3 mice stuck to one trap...hurray! So, I excitedly called for Dan to hurry up so they didn't get away somehow. About this time 'Shua showed up to pick up Dan for work. He checked behind the fish tank, and we had re-caught that one too! Yeah...now we are moving in the right direction! Dan checked the other traps and when all is said and done on this early Monday morning, we now have 9, yes NINE in the hamster cage that has been reinforced and I also got a large Rubbermaid tote and put the whole thing inside of that box, just in case...LOL! Charlie better come today and get these things!!

Look for chapter 4..coming soon I'm sure : )

Mice:0

MeYeR's: 9 total caught/produced (counting the babies born later that day) 18

PS...on the upside of this whole scene: I've found a new way to entertain the cat...it's like TV for cats! There's only one channel, but she doesn't seem to mind!