Planners, Planners, Planners!

When you get the kiddies all tucked into bed, hubby is out of town and the teenagers are saving the world from the zombie apocalypse via video games, and you have a few minutes to yourself, what do you do? Sometimes I read, I often fold clothes or tidy the house (just being honest) and occasionally I just drop into bed. But what I like to do is use the quiet, uninterrupted time to plan meals for the week, look ahead for upcoming anomalies in the schedule so I can set an alarm so we don't miss it, make sure I've got time to get all the people to the right places, on time...or at least know in advance that I can't be in two places at once so I can make alternate arrangements. At any rate, tonight I thought to myself, "It's been a few days (OK, more like a week) since I spent any time updating and working in my planner. I'll work for 20 minutes and then head off to bed with less mental clutter." That was nearly 1.5 hours ago. Oops.
I just LOVE my planner! Just call me a planner nerd. I won't mind. 😍

I've used nearly a kajillion different planners between my years as a student, as a young wife, as a new homeschooling mama, and as a seasoned veteran of wifely duties, homeschooling organization and lively motherhood. I've used everything from simple pencil and paper (any little scrap will do), a homemaking binder with tabs, color coding, highlighters, schedules and every piece of info anyone walking into my shoes would EVER need, to a desk calendar, daily dockets, fitness tracker apps, daily email reminders, FlyLady website, the much loved "Chandlers" school assignment notebook of yesteryear, and even an app that sent me notifications of when to clean things. I currently have 11 daily alarms to help keep me showing up at the right time and place each day. I lead a B-U-S-Y life and until the last year or so, had never found the perfect balance between usability, portability, affordability, longevity and efficiency. But this one is just right for me. It's called the Print and Go planner by Life As Mom.
A planner that you can print as you go and pop it into a 3 ring binder, or all at once and have it spiral bound somewhere like Staples or Kinkos. It's got a monthly overview page for each month, plus a week's worth of daily time schedule/meal plans/to do lists on each 2 page spread. Also featuring a few pages of lined pages for notes, plus a goals page, which I'm really enjoying this year. Now then, I DO color code my people's activities so I can see at a glace who is where at any given time, but the rest is cake. A few post-it notes, some colored pens, a good black pen, and some white-out tape and I'm ready to plan ALL.THE.THINGS.
From this planner nerd to you, check it out. You won't be sorry.
What do you use to keep your ducks in a row?

Simple Woman's Daybook: May 2017

For Today...May 2nd, 2017

Looking out my window...the sun shines with a brightness that seems to imply that it knows that in an hour it will be tucked away for the day. Birds and crickets chirp, the grass stretches toward the sun and flowers bloom like mad.

I am thinking...that Tuesdays are officially my favorite day of the week. Between focusing on gratitude for Grati-Tuesday and an evening to myself while the rest of the Man Crew is elsewhere, it's pretty special.

I am thankful...for moments of quiet so I can better enjoy the chaos that comes home as my tween, my teen, my man-child, and Hercules come tumbling through the door of the Man Crew House.

One of my favorite things...slightly sweet iced tea on a hot day, while sitting on a shady front porch.

I am creating...plans out of chaos. (thanks Life as Mom for the Print and Go planner)

I am wearing...JEANS since No Pants April is over and my fave new t-shirt that says, "Boy Mom. Messy. Blessed. Life" (found here)

I am reading/watching/listening to...Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life/Parenthood/Selah: Hymns. All are wonderful, all are teaching me and feeding my soul in different ways.

I am hoping...that 'Shua and Lauren bring Baby Caden for a visit this year.

I am learning...about boundaries and why my lack of them always leads to frustration and bitterness on my part. Better late that never, right?

In my kitchen...is nothing. *hangs head in shame* With Dan out of town most nights, Pat not joining us for dinner anymore, and Derek not caring what we eat, cooking has lost most of it's appeal for me. Cooking basically for myself is no fun. We've been eating out too much, snacking instead of eating too often and sometimes simply skipping dinner to avoid fussing over cooking.

In the school room...we are taking a break. With the B-Bunch kids' schedules being wonky from here on out until the end of the school year, I've decided to just take a break and get back to it when our schedule calms back down and is more predictable.

In my garden...the only garden I have is my roses. They are in full bloom and are nothing short of glorious. 

Post Script...I've reset my REVIVE e-course over at Life As Mom and am loving working through it to get systems in place to keep my household humming along without this mama having to do every single thing herself. 

Shared Quote...You Is Kind, You Is Smart, You Is Important -Abilene, from The Help

A moment from my day...We're working our way through a Screen Free Week, which DT is HATING, but we are making it with lots of board games, like this one. The next few days will get easier, once we remember how to entertain ourselves without a screen in front of our faces.

Forbidden Island!

Closing Notes...I shall quote myself from a previous SWD post. " Life can be hard, and messy, and difficult. But it can also be sweet, and deep, and immeasurably wonderful. Don't let the scary parts keep you from enjoying the good stuff.  " Go live life, my friends!

Also, if you've enjoyed this post, please go over and see more of them at Miss Peggy's site called The Simple Woman's Daybook, found here.

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today: November 12, 2016

Looking out my window: It is dark now, courtesy of last week's time change, but I don't mind. The moon is nearly full and the sky is cloudless so I can see it clearly. Lovely.

I am thinking: That the sound of my youngest son and hunky dunky hubby laughing over silly video clips is a wonderful sound in the mostly quiet house.

I am thankful: For an evening to rest and recuperate before another busy day dawns bright and clear.

One of my favorite things: Autumn's cooler weather and an excuse to pull out my long neglected favorite mug for some orange and spice tea.

I am creating: happy memories

I am wearing: jeans and my Mama K Gym Magic t-shirt

I am reading/watching/listening to: Confessions of a Prayer Slacker, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and my new Pandora Station based on Pentatonix

I am hoping: that this week is less hectic than the last few have been.

I am learning: that small bits of time, carefully used, can lead to great things. It's easy to overlook that in hustle and bustle of life.

In my kitchen: Meal Plans courtesy of Life As Mom (found here: http://lifeasmom.com/free-printable-meal-plans-grocery-lists)

In the school room: Reading Eggs, cooking, board games and spelling lists were all that happened this week. But, it's enough.

In my garden: nothing much, but I'm delighted that Dan ran out into the hailstorm of last week to rescue my pineapple plant and my ficus tree that were enjoying the last of the sunshine for the day.

Post Script: Life can be hard, and messy, and difficult. But it can also be sweet, and deep, and immeasurably wonderful. Don't let the scary parts keep you from enjoying the good stuff. 

Shared Quote: Government is not a solution to our problem government is the problem.”
― Ronald Reagan
A timely quote after this week's election.

If you enjoyed this post and would like to read others like it, head on over to Miss Peggy's Site, called www.thesimplewoman.blogspot.com Would love to see you there :)

A Book a Week in 2015 Challenge

I challenged myself and a few friends to read a book a week this year (or a day, month, year, whatever you can do). Then I printed out the owl-so-cute printables found here  and made myself a 3 ring notebook with enough pages for a whole year. I'll update this as I read through the books. If you want, feel free to leave the books you're reading this year in the comments, and we can use them as recommendations for our next book to read.

Here's my list:  
   1. Say Goodbye to Survival Mode by Crystal Paine~Rating: 5 stars
~Notes: An excellent read for the overworked, overtired, over-everything person in your life (like YOU). Full of practical hands-on advice, interesting anecdotes from herself and other readers of her blog, and questions to make you pause, reflect and then redirect your life. Superb.
   2. The Imposter Bride by Nancy Richler~ Rating 2.5 stars
~Notes: This book did not interest me at all, and I considered just quitting it about 17 times, but I'm not a quitter, and hope springs eternal that the book will get better. But it didn't, so this one was a complete bummer for me. I don't care for stories that are told 'inside out' where you're just kind of tossed into the story and have no idea what's going on for most of the book, but perhaps that is just my opinion and not a faulty writing style. It just never really seemed to get to the point of the book, or even let you know what the point WAS.
   3. Confessions for a Raging Perfectionist by Amanda Jenkins~ rating 4 stars
~Notes: This book came highly recommended to me by a friend who enjoyed it thoroughly. It is a good good, especially if you struggle with perfection-ism (which I obviously don't. If you don't believe me, come to my house and admire my dog hair tumbleweeds, my boys' clothing that doesn't match and the clutter around my house. LOL) This book is well written, thought provoking, full of scripture and even has a small group study guide included. 
   4. Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline~ Rating: 4 stars
~Notes: Here's the review I posted on Amazon:
I don't normally care from books that jump back and forth in the time line and between storylines, but this one is done so skillfully and so artfully, that I could not put it down, and when I managed to put it down, I couldn't stop thinking about it, and what would happen next. Molly and Vivian's story is a fantastic piece of literature. A story of love, loss, redemption and the triumph of the human spirit. And a good amount of history thrown in for good measure. It even has questions at the end for a book club discussion. Read it. You won't regret it.
   5. A Hopeful Heart by Amy Clipston~ Rating 4.5 stars
~Notes: A delightful (if somewhat predictable) read. Amish woman meets English man, sparks fly and she has to choose between the life she's always known, and the possibilities of a new adventure. It's not too deep, not too complicated and it's a perfect book for some Sunday afternoon reading either on the porch swing in the sunshine, or curled up by the fireplace. Can't wait to read the next one in the series!
   6. Declutter: The Art Of Minimizing Your Mess (a Kindle QuickRead) by Daria Foster~ rating 4 stars
~Notes : Here's the review I posted on Amazon: This is a great reference for those just getting started on the decluttering journey, or someone who needs a reminder to stay the course down the road. It is well written, succinct, and touches on the most important topics without becoming bogged down with numerous details. I would recommend this to anyone thinking about downsizing, decluttering, or moving towards a simpler life.
   7. A Mother's Secret by Amy Clipston~ Rating 4.5 stars
~Notes: I said I couldn't wait to read the next one, and I meant it. :) Another lovely simple read about the Amish community. Amish woman with a secret meets confirmed bachelor Amish man. Sparks fly, but can she trust him with her secret...and her heart? Delightful. 
   8. 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker~ Rating 5 Stars
~I know I've read this before, but I can't stop reading it. It is reading perfection. It moves my heart every single time I read it. Funny, compelling, heart felt, and a call to live the Christian life the way Jesus meant it to be lived. It's so good, I've recommended it to everyone who will listen, I've read it aloud to Dan, I've quoted it on FB and in conversations, I've considered buying a case full and giving them as Christmas gifts, and I've read it nearly 20 times. Find it, buy it, read it repeatedly and be moved. It will change your life. I promise.

*update as of 3/18/15* It appears that I am about 3 books behind, but considering we are in the throes of gymnastics season and we are 6 weeks post-move, I'm going to call that a win. I'm hoping to be caught up by the end of screen free month. I'll keep you posted. 
     ~K~

 

155,520 Meals in 6 Hours

Could he BE any cuter? When you partner with FMSC, even the little guys can help.

Handsome Hercules had time for a laugh while we were working during the FMSC event.

Forget those paltry "prep-12-meals-in-3-hours" series, this one takes the cake :)
      Yesterday, our church (Mesilla Park Community Church) entered our new facility, partnered with Feed My Starving Children and packed 155,520 meals to feed hungry children in 42 countries around the world. That will feed 525 children for a YEAR! Pretty great way to spend a Sunday.
     Check out FMSC's website and consider partnering with them by packing food, donating money or praying. If you and your church, family or friends want to make the most meals, in the least amount of time, that have the most impact on our world, this is your next stop. Check them out. You won't be sorry.

Summer Fun 2013

Here is a list of fun summer ideas I made for a friend who is going to have her grand-kids all summer, and I thought it was a good start of fun summer ideas for us as well, so enjoy this list of ideas of how to handle summer with kiddos :)

Start by printing these things:
Summer Reading Star found here http://www.howdoesshe.com/summer-reading-star-free-exclusive-printable/
Summer Bucket list and weekly journals found here http://lifeasmom.com/2013/05/diy-on-a-dime-the-summer-to-do-list.html and here http://lifeasmom.com/2013/05/diy-on-a-dime-summer-fun-journal.html
100 Things to Do This Summer found here http://www.babble.com/home/100-things-to-do-this-summer-with-your-kids/

Then add this: ~make a relaxed schedule and try to stick with it, except when away from home
~go see the free movies at the Allen Theaters (I recommend the 9am show)
~check out the www.howdoesshe.com and print out the Summer Reading Star program. USE it. One of the great things about having multiple ages is that the bigger ones can read to the little ones. Ask parents what they want to use for prizes.
~Make your own playdough, sidewalk chalk, and finger paints. Use them (see links below)
~Strictly enforce a quiet time after lunch. This is for YOU and them. *reading, puzzles, actual naps, whatever...as long as it's quiet and you aren't disturbed*~Go the library once a week to pick books for quiet reading time/books on CD/a movie in case of a rainy day
~Plan lunches a week in advance so it's one less thing to worry about each day.
~Pack picnics and enjoy them under a tree on a blanket, even if it's in the backyard
~Pull out the board games and teach them to play your favorites.
~Look up www.littlelearninglovies.com for some educational games for cheap that you can print out and use some of that time for learning.
~Make a salt tray for the little ones to practice their letters and numbers
~Check out www.learnforalifetimelc.com for some day camp ideas for a little time away from the kiddos.
~Most zoos/museums have family passes that make it quite affordable.
~Write a story together. Each person gets to tell a sentence, and then illustrate it together and get it copied and bound at Staples or Kinkos.
~If you don't already have some, ask someone make you some wooden blocks and let them build all day (Legos will also work, but only if they are a special occasion thing that normally stays put away)
~Play make overs/beauty parlor/restaurant
~Pack a 'rainy day' box of special things just for days when you can't go out. Puzzles, craft supplies, cards and dice, a fave board game, a new read-aloud book, a DVD from the $5 bin at Wal-Mart, a special treat they all love, etc
~Teach them the glory of just being quiet and enjoying the day. Sip iced tea, read in the shade, enjoy a rocking chair.
~Make them do chores, it they are helping make the mess, they can help clean it up
~Let them be bored, it's ok

http://lifeasmom.com/2013/05/homemade-finger-paint.html
http://lifeasmom.com/2012/12/diy-on-a-dime-make-a-playdough-kit.html
http://www.parenthacks.com/2013/03/homemade-sidewalk-chalk.html

Ta Da! Great summer fun, pretty easy on the budget and it's all right here. Add some lemonade and a swimsuit and you are DONE! :)

Holiday Hallway Project

Hello Friends!
Just zipping past with a quick craft for the 'no big holiday' months of January and February. I have this lovely little hallway at the front of my house and I've claimed it as the 'holiday hallway' since hubster doesn't care for my 'clutter', I mean decorating attempts. So since we've arrived last spring, it's been adorned with our Summer Reading Challenge posters, spent a while dressed up for fall, and most recently was a wintry blizzard full of snowflakes. I had intended to leave the snow up all winter, but a certain someone declared with CHRISTMAS decorations and helpfully took them down for me. *ahem, thank you* So I now have a bare hallway that is NEEDING some attention. I've got two long pieces of twine strung along the walls and plenty of mini-clothes pins to hang things on, so it's just a matter of picking a topic. After perusing my calendar for upcoming holidays, I decided that I'd do a multi-holiday theme for the rest of the winter. Those holidays include more snowflakes, hearts for Valentine's Day, President silhouettes and quotes plus national and state flags for President's Day, and "I have a dream" Dream Clouds for Martin Luther King Day where they will fill in their dreams for the world. To some it might be a bit jumbled looking, but I'm excited about it.
I've got a house full today with Jodi's 2 boys here to join my 3, so once nap time is over for the littles, we will be gathering around the craft table with scissors, glue and crayons to enjoy some creative time together.
If you are interested, I printed things from these pages.
Flags~ http://www.free-printable-flags.com/ and http://www.freeprintablecoloringpages.net/category/State_Flags
Hearts~ http://homeschooled-kids.com/valentinesdayhearttemplate.html
Clouds~ http://www.edupics.com/coloring-page-cloud-i22857.html
President Silhouttes~ http://kidscraftzone.com/category/Presidents-Day-Crafts.aspx

Thanks for joining us. I'll be adding a few more pics once we are finished with our craft.

Simple Woman's Daybook

BREAD FAIL. My bread developed a huge bubble on the top that then cracked off and left a hole. Bummer. Oh well, it was still tasty, and that's what counts.

FOR TODAY...May 1, 2012

Outside my window...the sun shines brightly as it begins it's decent for the day. Cars zip past in a hurry to get home as I linger at the local Starbucks.

I am thinking...that taking a few hours for yourself every once in a while is a smashing idea and I wonder why I don't do it more often (I know, I know. If I did, it wouldn't be such a treat)

I am thankful...that Dan encourages me to get away once in a while. Being the mother of all boys is not for the faint of heart. Actually, parenting period isn't for the faint of heart. So retreating once in a while to relax, remember who you are, or just listen to the quiet is good for you.

In the kitchen...mac and cheese with hamburger and steamed broccoli. We are doing a pantry challenge at the Man Crew House this month. (It means we are going as long as we can without purchasing any more food.) Wanna play along? I am hoping to get at least 2-3 weeks out of the pantry/fridge/freezer.

I am wearing...Jeans, a brown floral t-shirt, comfy shoes and a messy bun.
http://www.themancrew.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-book-reading-list-for-2012.html
I am creating...a scrap booking/reading/quiet room in the house so I won't have to run away from home to enjoy some quiet from now on : )

I am going...nowhere tomorrow. Glorious! I think Wednesday has become my fave day since D doesn't have gym and I can be home ALLLL day

I am wondering...if having accountability partners will help me meet my goals for this month and beyond.

I am reading..."Unclaimed Baggage" and 2 Corinthians this month. I'm sadly behind on my yearly reading goals as posted here, but the library isn't being too cooperative about helping me find the books I want to read. I will find them eventually and catch up

I am hoping...to meet my monthly goals. (Turn overflow room into quiet sanctuary, do school regularly again, have a date with Dan, read my Bible each day, catch up on some of my reading list, listen to one audio book,  start Financial Peace University and work out at least 3 days a week)

I am looking forward to...being well rested again soon after working nights for 4 years.

I am learning...that the best of intentions don't count for much. It's what you DO that counts.

Around the house...the usual. Men of various ages everywhere, laundry waiting to be folded, dishes waiting to be loaded into the DW, one little boy needing to be bathed and put to bed, and the TV blaring. (Hence the reason I'm hiding at Starbucks. Just sayin' LOL)

I am pondering...what would happen if politicians ever kept their promises. Just kidding, I don't have that much brain power right now. I'll think about that next month :D

A favorite quote for today..."No matter how deep our darkness -- He is deeper still." Corrie Ten-Boom

One of my favorite things...a sunny window seat for curling up to read a good book.

A few plans for the rest of the week: School, home blessing, Game Night, gym for D, hanging out the garage with Dan and making the overflow room become a safe haven.

A peek into my day...well it won't move down here. Go back to the top and check it out. ha ha ha


This post is part of a link up. If you like it, go read some more, or even write your own. Go to Miss Peggy's site at www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com to find out more about it. Thanks!

Do You Have Photo Envy?

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

Just a Good Day

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

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!

Catchin' Up with Us MeYeR's

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!

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

Mouse Wars...Chapter 4

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

Mother's Day

Ah, Mother's Day! A day to relax, not cook, put your feet up and be pampered all day by your adoring children and grateful hubby....right?? Don't forget the breakfast in bed and gifts of flowers and chocolate. Well, maybe on the Lifetime Movie Network, but not here...LOL! Not that those things aren't great, but Mother's Day at the MeYeR house is much like any other. There is laundry to be done, dishes to wash, mouths to feed, boys to wrangle and a new week to prepare for. Dan's family never really celebrated Mother's Day and so when I became a mother, I had to adjust my expectations about it. So, we call our moms, we send a card or flowers, but we don't make a huge fuss over, we just do what we normally do. This year, however...Dan took us out for an impromptu brunch, 'Shua brought me flowers, the boys were great laundry helpers, and Dan fixed the vacuum. And we logged another chapter in the Mouse Wars battle, too! Not a bad day, all in all. I found this blog post that sums up a good portion of how I feel about motherhood, so check it out! Happy belated Mother's day to all my dear Mama friends!! And for my mom...read THIS old post : )