No Pants April Day 13

 No Pants April Day 13:

Home again, Home again, Jiggety Jig!

Black and floral LuLaRoe maxi skirt, orange tee, and sensible shoes for traveling home today.

#NPA

#NPA21

#NoPantsApril

#NoPantsApril21

#MamaK

Quarantine Goals

 It seems we’re all going to have a little extra free time in the next few days. What are you doing with it? As with most things, this girl needs a plan. Mostly so that I don’t just mindlessly binge watch Netflix while I snack myself straight into diabetes. Also, a plan helps me feel more like I’m in control of something, and if you know any of the Smith girls, you know we all enjoy the illusion of control. LOL! So here’s a few things I put on my to do list to give some order to my days and so that when this nonsense is over and someone asks me what I did while I was at home for a week, I’ll have something more to say then, “I dunno...nothing.”

Quarantine Goals:

•Put together 7 Wonders Box Organizer

•Learn to play both expansions for 7 Wonders

•Play a Game together every day

•Read a book for every 2 days that we are home, including Sahara, that arrived in my mailbox today.

•Not contribute to mass panic, despair, or dismay but to bring cheer and reassurance to all those I “see” online..

•Stay hydrated, get some sun, eat my veggies and supplements each day, and stay on my regular sleeping schedule.

•Post on IG and FB each day, and perhaps take up blogging again.

•Sing, Praise, Worship, and read my Bible every day.

•Try a new recipe, or 3.

•Do a small workout each day: WiiFit, take a walk, have a dance party, lift weights, do some yard work, whatever.

•Catch up on the latest quarterly issue of Simplify Magazine.

•Re-Pot my plants that have grown over the winter.

•Deep clean or declutter one room each day.

•Homeschool Lite with DT: Khan and Reading each day plus memorization practice.

•Do 1 load of laundry, 1 load of dishes, and swish and swipe 1 bathroom each day.

•Stay in contact with my people and make adjustments as necessary to meet their needs.

•Hang out with Hercules when he is around.

•Work at the office as needed.

Do you have any quarantine goals? Share them here

#CoronaVirusPandemic2020

#QuarantineGoals

#INeedAList

#WhatsOnYourList

#IRefuseToLiveInFear

It's the Little Things: Day 272

I want to focus on the good things this year.

All the things people get right.

All the times that everything works out just perfectly after we assumed disaster had already struck.

All the times that the right word was spoken at the right moment.

So, let's celebrate those little moments together, shall we?

•  A day spent almost completely at home. As often as we strive for them, in this busy busy busy culture, an at-home day is a gift. DT is still really embracing the idea of Sabbath, even though to him it just means a day at home to do whatever he wants. ;)
• Dan was helping Roger, Teresa, and Karen move into their new home, so it was just DT and I most of the day. I'm glad he's willing to help friends and family with whatever he can. The tv was on, but quiet, and DT took breaks often to help me with things or head out into the sunshine for a bit. I even snuck in listening to a CD or two while DT was otherwise occupied.
• I chatted on the phone with my mom for over an hour about her recent trip to Ohio, life around here, and just stuff. I miss her. I'm grateful for technology that helps the miles between us seem shorter.
• I accomplished several small projects that had been lingering on my to do list all week, like getting out the Autumn decorations and putting away the Summer ones, catching up on ALL of the dishes, 'helping' DT get his room cleaner and giving the rats a bath, folding some laundry, adding several books and a few items of clothing to the donation box, cleaning the bathroom and scrubbing the counters. Little things, but as a whole, made the house feel ready for Autumn and clean.
• When Dan came home from helping them move, he painted my nails so I would sit still next to him while he watched a movie. Oh my goodness, I love this man. He just wants me to sit by him. (Hello, quality time love language)
• I helped Ricky draft an email to fire his current lawyer, which was the only reason I left the house. I spent an hour at The Hooligan House eating pizza, laughing over the guys' love language quiz results, drafting the email, and generally enjoying myself quite a bit. I got to hug Carolina and Judah, have a chat with Johnny, and listen to Alex put everyone in their place a time or two. Good stuff. 
• When I returned home, Dan and I watched a few episodes of This Is Us, season 2. Netflix DVD service is awesome. It really IS the Little Things.

See how easy it is to come up with things once you start looking around?
What's on YOUR little things list?

#100HappyDays2018: Day 74

 

#100HappyDays: Day 74
A to do list with so many check marks. For a list-making lover like this, this is a great feeling. Not bad for a Saturday at home 👍🏼
#100DaysOfSummer
#ToDoList
#ILoveLists
#100HappyDays2018

It's the Little Things: Day 147

 

I want to focus on the good things this year.

All the things people get right.

All the times that everything works out just perfectly after we assumed disaster had already struck.

All the times that the right word was spoken at the right moment.

So, let's celebrate those little moments together, shall we?

• It's a lovely hour and a half long chat with your bestie after she calls to announce that she's just dropped her daughter off at my house. The last one we lived in while we were in IL. #ItsASmallWorldAfterAll
• It's using and enjoying Wal-Mart's free grocery shopping app so I don't have to wander through the grocery store on a holiday weekend. Plus, it helps me avoid impulse buys...or snacks to keep my shopping 'helpers' happy. 
• It's having friends and family to celebrate with for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday. That's not a little thing, but something to appreciate for sure.
• It's getting a new bookshelf at the LFAL office so we can bring in more books to add to our lending library. 
• It's having an overdue convo with Dan after a compelling sermon by Pastor Dennis in regards to our marriage and how we can improve it. Good stuff.
• It's having another stellar week of community group. I'm loving our study by Rick Warren- '40 Days of Love', a study based on a book called "The Relationship Principles of Jesus" and also the topic of our current sermon series. 
• It's getting a phone call announcing big news from my daughter-in-love. No, they are not pregnant, but it's still big exciting news that will be made public in the near future. Sometimes, secrets are fun.
• It's keeping the counters clean and dishes done this whole week again. 
• It's another fun, late Game Night. Adam learned how to play 7 Wonders, we all laughed ourselves silly over Bananagrams and Farkle, and then once everyone else was gone, Dan, myself, Pat and Nathan played Golf until like 3:30 in the morning. Eek! 
• It's a friend that wants to you come play paper with her and when you are too busy, she brings it to you at a more convenient time. 
• It's being invited to Little Miss's birthday party. DT and I had just been talking about her this week.
• It's a friend that wants to set up a toe-nail painting party and checks with you three times to make sure the time is good for you so you can attend. 
• It's a working lunch on a Saturday with your sister and nephews while admiring your new bookshelf, filled to the brim with books.  
• It's a nephew that comes early to Game Night to share dinner, help set up and to squeeze in some extra visiting time because he's moving away soon and won't be able to attend anymore. 
• It's your sons knowing that they can bring home friends without first asking for 'permission' and that their friend will be welcomed without question or reprimand. It's satisfying to know that our children know our home is a safe place for not only them, but for their friends that are struggling at home. 
• It's a friend that you can truly talk to about your life. Not the perfect soundbite options you post for FB fodder, but the gut-wrenching, brutally beautiful, bittersweet, take-your-breath-away moments. Everyone should have a bestie like my Lizzie. 
• It's the truly simple things, like cutting my own boys' hair. It's a happy little time every few weeks when we get to chat, just us. Or when I pop my head in their room just to say hi and end up chatting for 30 minutes. It's when they wander into the kitchen and start helping make a meal while we are laughing together. 
• It's paying off your ridiculously high library fines so you can start checking out books again. (Some day, there will be a plaque in my honor for all the fines I've paid. I just know there will. LOL) 
• It's a high capacity washer so that even know I've only done one load of laundry this week, it will only take me 2 more to get caught back up. Phew! 

Life is so full of little blessings, happy moments, and beauty. If we only take the time to look at it, we will realize how rich, and how deep and how sweet our lives are. Take a minute to look around. 

What's on YOUR little things list today?

Simple Woman's Daybook: March 5, 2018

For Today: March 5, 2018

Looking out my window: It is dark now, but it's still pleasantly warm (57*) The stars are twinkling in the evening sky and I'm reminded anew of how much I love living in the southwest.

I am thinking: That this new year is already flying by at a somewhat alarming rate, and it's time I opened my eyes to see it, and my arms to embrace it.

I am thankful: For days of having all my local boys under our roof at once, a feat that's getting harder and harder as they grow up.

One of my favorite things: Plans. Meal plans. Reading plans. Travel plans. ALL THE PLANS.

I am creating: A cozy haven for all my men to enjoy when they arrive home. And for me, too...which is something I didn't make a priority until recently.

I am wearing: Jeans, a sparkly tee, sporty socks and tennies. Normal work-week attire.

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to: Boundaries, Married and Still Loving It, and The 5 Love Languages (reading), This Is Us, Land Girls and Call the Midwife (watching), and The Lesters: Ain't God Good? (listening)

I am hoping: that the liquid soap I'm making from the bar soap my cousin sent me will turn out to be the correct consistency. *crossing my fingers*

I am learning: that I don't always have to be in control. (but I haven't learned to like it yet, LOL)

In my kitchen: A Life As Mom freezer lunches meal plan found here It was INTENDED to be prepared and fill the freezer for quick, easy lunches on the go, but when you are #FeedingTeenagers things rarely get to the freezer before they get gobbled up. :)

In the school room: Mr. T and Slick are working on week 25 of school and will be finished by mid-May. I don't know is more excited, them or me. BEST school year ever! We are currently studying King Solomon, Greece, and the Trojan War. We are reading The Children's Homer, which they are loving. They are also working on memorizing Psalm 1:1-6 Aunt Jodi/Mom is working with them on writing book reports about The Indian In The Cupboard series.

In my garden: In the past, I've often called myself the garden nazi because I accidentally kill plants so often that my plants just kill themselves when they see me coming, BUT, this year I've managed to keep 3 poinsettias alive and healthy, plus an aloe plant and my spider plant is blooming like crazy right now. The roses in the front yard aren't blooming yet, but we cut them back 'for the winter' in late December and they are already growing back like crazy and are taller than Hercules.

Board room: Mama K doesn't do Pinterest because I already have more craft supplies for ideas than I'll ever be able to complete before I die, and the last thing I need is MORE ideas, MORE craft supplies or MORE guilt about all the things I'm already not doing. Ha ha haaaaaaa!

Shared Quote: "Women marry men hoping they will change. They don't.
Men marry women hoping they won't change. They do." 

*Ahem* I needed to hear that today myself. Maybe you do, too. 

A moment from my day: A sweet blossom I saw as we exited church yesterday morning. Spring has sprung in the southwest! 

Pretty Petals on an early Spring Morning

Closing Notes: As I anticipate spending Easter away from my nuclear family for the first time since getting married, I'm torn between guilt-ridden sorrow about being away from them and our home church, and delighted glee at the prospect of being with my son, daughter-in-love and grandson and attending our old home church for the special day. It's a quandary. I will say this, however, my BIGS didn't bat an eyelash at the prospect of me being away. They said they would handle the youngest brother while Dad was working, and keep Dad company while I was gone. Makes a mama proud that she can leave for a week and not have a single worry that things will be handled properly in her absence. And people think I brag on my sons too much...as if that's a thing. ;)

It's the Little Things: Days 27 & 28

 I want to focus on the good things this year.
All the things people get right.
All the times that everything works out just perfectly after we assumed disaster had already struck.
All the times that the right word was spoken at the right moment.
So, let's celebrate those little moments together, shall we?

• It's when your child cleans his room and all the kitchen towels that have been missing for months magically turn up in the laundry baskets.
• It's catching up with our Reel2Real friends that have been sick for a few weeks and are now well enough to be back at church.
• It's Derek and I embracing the idea of an entire day at home. No chores, No errands, No work, No school. Just home. It's been a gift!
• It's being invited to my first paper-crafting event in over 5 years. Oh my stars, how I LOVE playing with paper! Paper Pumpkin if you are interested in playing along, it's a delightful monthly subscription service for people who love stamps, stickers and paper-crafting.
• It's time to make pizza from scratch, and to work up 4 pounds of pinto beans for meals in the coming weeks. (The Pantry Challenge continues)
• It's a child asking ahead of time if they can have command of the living room one night a week to host their own version of Game Night.
  ---Yes, yes you can! 
• It's glorious January weather that allows Dan and the BIGS to go 4-wheeling together all afternoon.
• It's a child whose birthday gift finally arrived in the mail that is delighted with it, even though it's not fancy or costly. 
• It's a child that calls late in the evening to 'demand' a haircut, but you're pretty sure he just wanted to talk about life, because haircut time when he tells you his problems. 
• It's binge-watching a show we both like with Hercules. Have I mentioned how delightful it is to have him home again?
• It's learning the art of listening to audio books while I'm in the kitchen. I've used them for many years for the boys in school, but never really implemented them for my own use. It's pretty great!
• It's being well rested enough to manage getting up an hour early to get a jump start on the week.

What's on YOUR little things list today?

Happy Middle of July :)

Just waving a hand to all my readers. Welcome to those of you who are new, and hello to my long time friends. Because everyone who comes to this blog is welcomed with open arms.
I'm just feeling like I'm living the dream today.
Church with my boys, cleaning the house while the boys entertain their friends, and now just hanging out at home with DT while the BIGS are at the movies. A nice day. Un-rushed, no scurrying about from this place to that at top speed, and just enjoying being at home. Life is good.
So, welcome to friends new and not-so-new. Come, look around, read some old posts, dig through Wordless Wednesday pictures and enjoy yourself. Leave a comment if you're so inclined. See you again soon!
     ~K~

Corners of our Home

 I've shared in posts past about my holiday hallway, the fireplace mantle, and showed pictures of my home often. However, they are generally wide angle pictures that don't show the details of the house, more of an overview. So here is a peek into a corner or two of the house. Enjoy!

A corner of the kitchen bar counter that never gets used, so I decorate it for each season. Here we are ready for all those summery AMERICAN holidays!

Our fireplace has a lovely little hearth that is perfect for perching on while chatting with Dad in his recliner, or putting little toys on for toddlers to find, or putting school books on during a chilly winter morning.

Or for decorating for the seasons as well. Ta Da, all dressed up and nowhere to go!

Here is my office desk in the Dining room/School room. Between the calendar, the bulletin board, the bill paying center and my laptop, I do my best to keep the family organized and on time from this little corner.

I will add to this series as time allows. Thanks for taking a little tour with me!
  Blessings, ~K~

Desperately Seeking Susan?....or Something Like That

Sanity. Oh yes, that is what I'm looking for. I knew it was something that started with 'S'. ; )
~Goodness, it's been a busy spring. Moving, gymnastics meets, friends and family moving, parents coming and going. Working 3 jobs in addition to my 'regular' stuff. It's no wonder I'm overtired and grouchy. (oh no, I really AM grouchy, just ask the boys) I've even BOUGHT bread recently *hangs head in shame* I know that's funny to most of you, but to me, that is a huge red flag. I gave Dan the "I'm tired, I'm tired of being tired, I'm tired of being tired of being tired' speech and thankfully, he took it graciously. He promised me some time to MYSELF in the very near future, as soon as we can work it out. Have I ever mentioned how much I love him and the way that he looks out for me?
~In related news, I gave my 2 weeks notice at Kohl's *hurray, hurray, hurray* Not to imply that I haven't enjoyed my 4 years at Kohl's, but the reasons that it worked so well for our life no longer apply, I need more sleep that I used to apparently (I'm not 20 anymore, ya know) and if Dan ends up working out of town again in the near future, well, it's just not as good of a fit as it used to be. So, farewell Kohl's, I shall miss my discount for sure~ *winks* and the great people that I've worked with. The Ad Set team rocks. And that's all I have to say about that.
~Dan joined a gym yesterday so in no time at all he will be even more deserving of the nickname Hercules. He's so hunky! I think it's good stress release for him, and I suppose it should be more motivation for me to get my rear in shape. Maybe I will be able to get a work out in while he's at the gym, D is at his gym and the younger two play outside or watch a movie.
~In the good news department, a dear friend had twins yesterday. Two healthy girls. They didn't know it was twins and I am SO excited for her family!
~In the bad news department, another dear friend found out that she has thyroid cancer. Thankfully they caught it early and her prognosis is good. Please be in prayer for her and her family as well.
~We are loving, loving, loving the new house although I will say it feels strangely empty since Dad and Mom departed last weekend. We miss them already, and they miss the bathroom. HA! In that same vein, we have an empty bedroom that is attached to a great bathroom in case anyone wants to come visit. I'm just sayin' ; )
~I think that's all the news that is news for now. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Lost boys, I am really missing you all this week. Hugs from Mama K. I LOVE YOU
Blessings, ~K~

PS. I know this is a tad random, but just wanted to share whatever came to the top of my head. There it is...the flotsam and jetsam of my overworked brain : )

4 Years??

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 led (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.

Look What We Did for Daddy!

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.

Catching up with us MeYeR's

Well, another week has flown by here at the MeYeR house and much has happened but since I am (as usual) in a hurry, I Will just post a few highlights and dwell on them at a later date. A few highlights include...
~My first lunch date with someone that I'm NOT related to here in Cruces...and to make up for it, Krissy and I chatted for four hours...oops! It was delightful
~The men survived another week on the out of town gig, and even managed to stay out of the fist fight and ensuing firings of several workers..(we are grateful!!)
~Dolli's baby, Ryan, took her first steps this week..and we are so glad that she sent pics and videos so we could share in her special moments
~Work is picking up for me as well since summer is coming rapidly so I am learning to work, clean, teach school and parent with one eye shut...hee hee~!
~The boys are wrapping up school with the next two weeks being our last until FREEDOM to enjoy the great weather and the acres and acres of sand to play in.
~Probably the biggest news of the week is that Pat's tickets to come visit PaPa and Grma Smith have been bought and he will arrive in IL on June 20, return date as yet undecided...LOL. He is THRILLED to put it mildly. Hurray for super grandparents!
I guess that's about it for big news things...Dan and Josh are enjoying one another's company, game night is always fun, the boys have really enjoyed the LONG weekend with the men and I'm glad that summer is almost here.
Kristy

Simple Woman's Daybook

~FOR TODAY ...April 27, 2009 My GOODNESS this year is flying by so quickly!
~Outside my window...We actually have a few clouds today, but the sun is still shining brightly, the breeze is cool and the temp is 77...it is so beautiful here!
~I am thinking...that life here in the wilds of NM is glorious!
~I am thankful for...'Shua coming 'HOME' this week, Dan having a job that he excels at AND enjoys and boys that are healthy enough to complain about chores...LOL
~From the learning rooms...our last week of the free Aleks math trail online, copious amounts of reading and the worksheets that we started eons ago before the move...oh my!
~From the kitchen...The smell of fresh bread baking lingers alongside the home made chicken soup that is simmering away in preparation for dinner...no wonder I am fat..LOL

~I am wearing...comfy clothing since my body can't decide what shape it is in this week
~I am creating...bread, soup, a cleaner house, this blog, and a few more ideas rolling around up here in this head of mine
~I am going...nowhere, unless I get called into work. Dan is gone and especially when he is out of town, I work extra hard at being home...kiddos ought to have at least one parent around, if possible
~I am reading...my Bible, other ladies' blogs, The Long Way Home by Lorraine Snelling, and instructions to change the settings on my Internet Explorer 8....upgrading is sometimes not as wonderful as they would have you think...hee hee

~I am hoping...to catch up around the house and have it shining when Dan and 'Shua arrive on Thursday night, to get the boys truly back on track with school, and to start losing some weight
~I am hearing...the humidifier trying desperately to bring some moisture to the desert air, the dryer tumbling, the ceiling fans keeping the air moving, the boys rummaging around in the car box in the playroom and Pat singing/mumbling while he straightens up the last of his room.
~Around the house...Boxes are waiting to be unpacked, clothes are waiting to be folded, Jodi is working her last week of work before changing professions, and I should be getting to the rest of the chores before they overtake the house ; )
~One of my favorite things..Hearing Dan heave a sigh of contentment and telling me how much he likes it here. I don't struggle with contentment very often, but he does...those words brought music to my heart as we snuggled up in bed after a full day of family togetherness, our first bonfire here in NM, errand running and dune buggy riding.

~A few plans for the rest of the week...Just being home to prepare for 'Shua's arrival...yeah!
~Here is picture thought I am sharing...Jodi and Charlie mugging for the camera during Charlie's 50th b-day party last week...good times! Plus, any excuse to have cinnamon applesauce spice cake is good enough for me!

This post is in response to a desire for the home based life of simplicity. If you, too, long for the simple things...check out Miss Peggy's blog at http://www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Happy looking!