We're Headed for the Hills...okay, the Bayou?

Good Morning Company Girls! Come on in. This morning I can offer you milk, Soda, and powdered or chocolate doughnuts. We are going out of town in a couple of hours so the cupboards have dwindled down to nothing!

It has been a relaxing week in the Tigerden! We have been ENJOYING the first week of summer vacation and the first week of sunshine tremendously! We have "forgotten" mommy's pledge to continue reading and math all summer in lue of going outside and breathing the fresh air and basking in the warm weather! All too soon it will pass and we will be lamenting the pounding rays of the sun, so we are taking full advantage while we can!

Yesterday was SO busy as I had eight, yes eight children at the house, dance lessons, a ball game and packing up for the weekend away! HOWEVER, our air conditioner was FINALLY fixed yesterday and for the first time in three weeks we all slept in our own rooms in our own beds. It was glorious! Now, I did learn a little through this experience. I have often seen pictures of crowded foreign countries where two or three families live in one tiny apartment and wondered how it was even possible. Well, after three weeks of two adults, 3 children and 1 toddler in a pack and play all sleeping in one 10'x10' room, I think we could do it. At least for awhile. Don't get me wrong, I much prefer NOT stepping on three or for limbs when I get up to "use the facilities" at night...but now I know I could. If I had to. Which I no longer do. Praise God!

In a couple of hours, we will head out for a long weekend in LA with Tigerfan's family. Lots of good food, good fellowship and hopefully more good weather. Hope everyone has a glorious holiday weekend! Be Safe!

Be sure to check out the Home Sanctuary blog for more Coffee Talk!

In which I Totally Humiliate Myself By Going Make-upless

Okay, this is where the little camera and the vlogemotions picture thing should be. In yet another techy challenged moment, it WILL NOT WORK! I tried doing it with the code...nothing. tried just copying the picture, can't find it...Shucks! So, please, just go here to Fort Thompson. He is the host of this lovely carnival and now, I can't seem to STOP LINKING!!!

Technology is not my friend!

I am not sure why I continue to do this to myself. It is like a little form of self torture, and yet, I can't seem to help myself!

So, here we go again with this week's vlogemotion. please forgive the way I look, it is frightening at best!



Don't ya just love the lovely way the camera freezes you in these videos! LOVELY!

Photo Contest--Check It Out!

If you have been around this blog for long, you will know how being "organizationally challenged" has caused me much chaos, stress, and frustration.

I wish I was one of those people who had it all together. I wish I could tell you what was for dinner tonight...actually, I CAN do that today, but not always. I wish I never had to worry what surprise visitors think when they walk into my disaster, I mean home. I wish I could say that I've never missed a hair appointment (last week) or forgotten a wedding shower (also last week). But, frankly, I am a mess. A stressed mess. Partly because I live with a man with OCD tendencies. So my lack of ability to keep things tidy and organized drives him crazy!

I often surf around on other sites to get help. Because, those home organization fairies just NEVER come! It was during one of these surfing sessions back in December that I stumbled onto the Home Sanctuary blog. WHAT A BLESSING! Rachel Anne has started this blog to help women like me make their home more of a sanctuary. We are given points each day for doing one small thing. Simple. Sometimes we even pamper ourselves. I have LOVED being a Company Girl and would highly suggest you check it out.

However, I am on a rabbit trail. My purpose in this post is to tell all you shutterbugs out there about a contest Rachel Anne is hosting. You see, she is writing her first book and is looking for photographs to include. These can be by professional or amateur photographers. Now, not only am I organizationally challenged, I am photographically challenged as well and could not take a decent picture if my life depended on it. But some of you, my friends, came LEAPING to my mind with this assignment. SO, Kelly, Linda, and any of you other moms out there who can take a picture without cutting off a major limb or waiting too late to click so after the digital delay, you find you have taken a picture of air, go to this site and check out the contest. Go right now! I'll give you another chance: go HERE! I am living vicariously through you, my friends, and nothing would bring me greater joy than to see you published! Hurry, go NOW! Last chance!

The Simple Woman's Daybook-May 18

FOR TODAY 5/18/09...

Outside my window...The sun is just starting to come up, everything is quiet and peaceful BUT it is, of course, cloudy.

I am thinking...That I really need to get serious about changing my lifestyle and food choices. I plan a lot to eat healthy and exercise but I have gotten lazy about following through, especially the eating. In all honesty, healthy eating is expensive and time consuming and when I get to the store with four kids in tow, my motivation withers and I end up with the same pseudo healthy, easy choices I have been trying to change. I have even gotten really bad about drinking my eight glasses of water lately and that WAS a simple habit that I have been in for TWO years. I am frustrated because all my weight loss work is resulting in regaining what I worked so hard to lose because I am making excuses for myself. I really need to stop talking about getting organized and together and just DO IT. Feel free to hold me accountable!

I am thankful for... Summer vacation, a relaxed schedule, a relatively empty appointment calendar for the week!

From the learning rooms...taking it easy. We have completed our required 180 days, now it is just finishing up, reading, doing a little math and review!

From the kitchen...Since there seems to be more month than money lately, I am playing working with what I've got which means it will involve chicken, rice and salad...that's about all I've got right now. Unfortunately, in the dessert area, we have brownies, chocolate cake, ice cream sandwiches...refer to "I am thinking" above.

I am wearing...My pajamas since Tigercub thought that it would be a good idea to get up at 5:30 a.m. on the first day of summer vacation. But I am not bitter, really!

I am creating...a menu for a couple of weeks from now when we will have some house guests. Besides our family of six, we will have some dear friends staying with us that I THINK are bringing 4 of their children. Any suggestions for good meals that are easily adaptable to feed about 14 people and are relatively budget friendly?

I am going...to take the two oldest for their 6 month dental visit...Good times!

I am reading...Nothing except my Bible and devotion book right now. Just finished "The Same Kind of Different as Me" READ THIS BOOK!!! It is amazing, such a neat story. It will change you!

I am hoping...for a relaxing week where we actually get a glimpse of the sun!

I am hearing...Tigerfan moving around getting ready for work, Tigercub babbling, keys typing.

Around the house...We have so much to do before an onslaught of summer guests. Boys room needs to be repainted, living room needs to be repainted and my wall words hung. The master bathroom that I started "remodeling" about 4 years ago still sits with half stripped wallpaper begging for attention. The garden will probably be abandoned dadgumit!

One of my favorite things...Quiet, mommy time in the morning. Sigh!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Enjoying the first week of our summer break! Hopefully getting the pool opened, possibly making a trip to LA this weekend!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Mother's Day 2009...Do I have beautiful babies or what?

To read the Daybooks of other ladies, go to The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Just Another Day in Paradise

It was a typical evening in the Tigerden. Football Boy went home with a friend after tutorial. I was holding down the fort at home. Tigerfan was out of town.

I had just put Tigercub in his chair for supper when I decided to confirm our baseball schedule for the night. Oops--the game was at a field about 30 minutes away and was thirty minutes earlier than I thought. That meant that in 1 hour we had to be at the game and Football Boy wasn't even home yet to eat dinner or change clothes!

I quickly called him to tell him I would be there to pick him up ASAP. Thankfully, the mother called right back and offered to bring him home. We began flying around the house, stuffing supper in and getting ready to go. I finished feeding Tigercub and went upstairs to get a bag ready. I did NOT close my bedroom door. That was my mistake. Someone else had not closed the children's bathroom door. That was their mistake. Before I knew it, I heard the slamming of a door and a since of dread filled me.

When a door slams around here and Tigercub is involved, everyone should be very afraid and this proved no different. Because no sooner had he slammed the door than he opened the drawer right next to it effectively locking himself in! I ran to the door and tried sticking my fingers through the tiny crack that remained open but to no avail, I couldn't even get them in enough to slide the drawer at all. I then ran and got a hanger...it was no use, I couldn't find anything small enough to go through the crack that was also strong enough to slide the drawer. I then began calling siblings thinking maybe their smaller fingers would do the trick. No such luck.

In the mean time, Tigercub was having a ball with his newfound freedom. He began opening cabinets and found the comet, some bathtub toys and then he had a GLORIOUS time when he found a marker and began dipping it in the toilet...which one of the boys had negelcted to flush. LOVELY!

By this time, we were already running massively late for ball and I had no way of getting him out. I called the coach, no answer. I finally got ahold of another mother and told her what was going on and that we would be there...eventually. She relayed the message to her husband, an assistant coach, as soon as she stopped laughing.

Well, eventually, he closed the drawer and I made my move! I grabbed him, and the comet, and the marker, etc. washed his hands and we left. We made it to the game before it started and actually weren't even the VERY last ones there. Strangely, I find so little consolation in this. Why do I feel that this won't be the last of these stories?

The Simple Woman's Daybook May 11

FOR TODAY May 11, 2009...

Outside my window...The sun is just coming up...I thiink, in a shocking turn of events, it is cloudy and we are predicted to have rain today...I may need to consider building an ark!

I am thinking...of my to-do list--I broke down and bought an appointment calendar after forgetting a haircut AND a shower last week!

I am thankful for...my Momma, Happy Mother's Day!

From the learning rooms...Eight more days, only two of tutorial (insert Happy Dance here!) we will continue math and reading all summer, but much less structured!

From the kitchen...Enchiladas for supper (yum) and some sourdough biscuits and friendship bread...I have A LOT of starter I need to use up!

I am wearing...exercise clothes and I have done it...yeah me!

I am creating...Teacher's gifts for our tutorial teachers. I am going with little pots full of gardening supplies and seeds with a note attached saying, "Thanks for helping us "grow" this year. I know, a little corny, but I can't help myself!

I am going...nowhere today, and can I tell you how soothing that is to this little homebody!

I am reading..."The Same Kind of Different as Me" I haven't made a lot of progress, hopefully it will pick up in 8 glorious days!

I am hoping...to get our air conditioner fixed soon. We actually got to sleep upstairs in our own beds last night because it was cool outside yesterday, most days it has been about 80 degrees upstairs so all six of us have been sleeping in the guest room! Nothing like a little together time!

I am hearing...Computer keys typing, that is all! How beautiful!

Around the house...House blessing and a search party for Tiger cub's missing shoe...WHERE COULD IT POSSIBLY BE???

One of my favorite things...Broccoli and Cheese Soup from Jason's Deli...it speaks to me, people!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Tigerfan will be out of town for Camp Bluebird so I am a single mom for a few days. We have baseball games and field day at the tutorial. We also have a women's event at our church Thursday night but between dance and being on my own, I probably won't make it (shucks), possibly a pedicure if I can get an appointment (have a gift certificate I need to use) and a haircut.

Here is picture thought I am sharing:

Because I am nothing if not prompt, I finally got Easter pictures from my camera to the computer...okay, I got Baseball boy to get the pictures off my camera, because technological skills...they elude me. Anyway, here is the best picture we got of the crew...I figure by July, I should be able to post Mother's Day pictures!

go to The Simple Woman's Daybook to read more or to join up! I would love to hear about your week!

Chocolate Milk Talk

Good Morning! Come on in and have a seat! Although I never have coffee made "cause I don't drink the nasty stuff, I can't even offer to brew you a pot. Tigercub decided to use the pot as a ball, threw it across the kitchen and shattered it into about a million pieces! How about a nice cold soda or some chocolate milk--definitely a favorite around these parts!

We have had a busy week around the Tigerden! We are finishing up school (only 8 days left), and Dancer graduated from kindergarten yesterday!

How did that happen...where does the time go?

All of our school projects are done, so we are just finishing up subjects and counting down till the first day of freedom...I mean summer!

We actually saw the sun yesterday...in case anyone else is wondering, it does still exist and we have had a solid 24 hours with NO RAIN!!! It even looks hopeful for today...dare I hope that it might be dry enough tomorrow to plant our ever elusive garden???

And finally, Tigercub has a new passion. scrubbing the toilet! Oh, yes! Now, I know...as a mother, you would think I would be thrilled. Unfortunately he is not...discerning...in what he chooses to scrub the toilet with: hairbrushes, toothbrushes, bathtub toys and on the frequent occasions that he chooses to actually use the toilet brush, we have to follow up with a complete clothes change and bathroom mopping due to the massive amounts of water that somehow seem to escape the confines of the porcelain throne!

Don't get me wrong...maybe one day he will serve the Lord as a janitor...and if that is his calling, I guess I am good with that...but for now, bathroom doors must stay closed and if you come for a visit, I HIGHLY suggest you keep your toothbrush under lock and key!

To have more lovely coffee conversations go to Home Sanctuary.

Have a great Mother's Day Weekend!

Relieved--How I Love to Proclaim It!

Okay, week two of vlogemotions...no whining this time! Please, kindly excuse the HIDEOUS hair--especially the big lump one side! It has been a long day...full of tutorial, my baby girl graduating from kindergarten, family in town visiting and birthday parties. Not to mention that Dancer "fixed" it for me while we were waiting for the end of the party. Although, in reality...I am kind of having a bad hair life, so these are all just pathetic excuses!

Anywhoo, it is pretty fun to watch all these vlogs and to play along, so join in the fun--look on the bright side, you cannot possibly be any dorkier than me!


For more vlogemotions go to Fort Thompson!

Give My Regards to Broadway

For awhile, the passion was football. There was a season where it was all about Bear Grylls and Survivor man. He has wanted to be a preacher, a photographer, and a veterinarian. But now...there is a new obsession.



Broadway.



Yes, Broadway. It is true, he is only twelve. And yet, he knows EVERY word to a shocking number of songs from Phantom of the Opera. He has watched it more times than me. He knows the actors, the history, how it came to be written. Not only that but Football boy (a name that is so yesterday), has expanded his Broadway vision now to Les Miserables. Rarely a day goes by when I do not get a "show" that is inspired by one of these musical sensations. Our Itunes account is filled with showtunes and our search engines stay busy hunting for the lyrics sung by phantoms and revolutionaries. I am sure this, too will pass. Soon the dress up suits and masks will be exchanged for sports uniforms or swimsuits as they pass into summer and dream of being Olympic swimmers, but for now...I will leave you with this. The comedic rendition of "Do You Hear the People Sing" Lip Sync-ing done by FB himself (please excuse his attire...he is in his "pajama's"--I promise, he is not indecent!).

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY May 4, 2007...



Outside my window...There is a tiny bit of sun peeking through the clouds and while the ground is STILL soaking wet, it isn't raining! Maybe we will be able to live without the ark after all!



I am thinking...that I need to hurry or I am NOT going to get a shower before Hurricane, oops, I mean Tigercub wakes up! I am also considering taking a walk on the wild side and trying green smoothies...anyone have an opinion?



I am thankful for...being able to sleep upstairs for the last three nights, our air con. is still not working, but the rain has brought cooler weather making it bearable up there!



From the learning rooms...we will finish another couple of subjects this week! Hallelujah! AND Dancer "graduates" from kindergarten Thursday at our tutorial!



From the kitchen...I am attempting mozzarella and sun dried tomato stuffed chicken breasts!



I am wearing...exercise clothes...but in an interesting twist of events, I actually used them this morning! Yeah, me!



I am creating...a more peaceful home, I hope. Tigerfan and I used the rainy weekend to go through closets and clothes and get them cleaned out. I will begin house blessing in a few minutes and am striving for organization leading to peace this week!



I am going...to the library, no where else!!!



I am reading..."The Same Kind of Different as Me"



I am hoping...to stay focused on what is important and not stress about the little things today!



I am hearing...Silence (AAAAAHHHHH!)



Around the house...Closets are cleaned out, next task, painting!



One of my favorite things...Amish Friendship Bread...I have four starters going right now...anyone up for a snack?



A few plans for the rest of the week:Baseball, Kindergarten graduation, garden???



Here is picture thought I am sharing

A little comic relief...the "granny" is my 9 year old son! This is how we spend our downtime!

To see more daybooks go to The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Coffee Talk--I tell ya, the inspired Titles Just Keep Coming!

Good Morning my sweet friends! This morning I can offer you lots to drink, just not coffee, and how about some DELICIOUS Amish Friendship Bread. I think my diet is going to have to wait until these two loaves are gone...so eat up!

Hope everyone has had a great week!

It has been a typical, crazed week around here! We finally have all of our projects done (yeah!) and hopefully won't have anymore! The school year is coming to an end! Dancer "graduates" from kindergarten on Thursday and I think we have 14 days left in the school year total! I can hardly wait for that first glorious week of summer!

I have just finished reading an amazing book called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. It is probably the most convicting book I have ever read! Totally makes you rethink...well, everything. But it is really good, really life-changing!

Would you believe that last week, soon after posting my crazy week...my washing machine died. With a tub full of water and clothes! Oh, yes it did! Anyway, Tigerfan talked to someone who said we might as well replace the machine because it was going to be so expensive to fix it really wasn't worth it. So, on a BEAUTIFUL Saturday morning, instead of putting in my garden, I researched washing machines. Just as I had decided what to get, Tigerfan came home from hunting and went into the laundry room...in a matter of minutes, he came out triumphantly telling me to stop my research...he could fix it! I must admit, it felt a little like a mixed blessing. Sure, it was going to save us a minimum of $700, but I had gotten a little excited dreaming about my shiny new high efficiency, front loading miracle machine. A week later...I am SO GRATEFUL! Tigerfan was able to fix the machine for $31. On Wednesday, our upstairs air went out and when the guy came to fix it, he found a leak in the hot water heater! I am so thankful for a knowing God.

I have struggled with intimacy with my Heavenly Father. I totally know He CAN be with us, and I totally believe He listens and hears other people, but I always struggle with believing He will hear ME. I am so insignificant, my prayers are so small. And yet, last Friday...I prayed. I prayed that God would show me the washing machine to buy. I prayed He would direct me and that I would listen. I prayed that He would help my unbelief because I realized that in the whole scheme of things, my washing machine really wasn't all that important. But that is exactly why I needed Him, to know that He is there even in the mundane. It is so easy for me to see Him as a big God, but so much more difficult to see Him as an every minute of the day kind of Father. But He is! I did not get my fancy washing machine, but I got a gentle reminder from my God, a little whisper telling me He is faithful even in those weak faith moments!

I can trust Him this week...even in an 80 degree house. I can trust Him when the projects surpass the time. I can trust Him when my 16 month old learns to open the door and escape to his father who is out weed eating (yes, this happened this week, too). He is a right here, right now, on time God. I cannot understand how the God who created the universe can know me so intimately...and yet He does. I hope you can find rest in that this week...because He knows you too, and loves you with an everlasting love!

God bless! Have a great weekend!

Be sure to visit Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk or to join us in making our homes a little more peaceful by becoming a Company Girl!