One More Equals Four

Coffee Talk 1.20.12

2012-01-20T08:47:00.000-08:00

Good morning!

Another day of in and out! We are in the midst of schooling so I'm just dropping in for a moment. At the moment, FB is reading and listening to Great Expectations, the other two school kiddos are doing their math assignments and I got Tigercub playing with Playdoh so I could sneak in here for a moment!

Nothing too exciting to say about the week. We had a normal week of activities and the normal running around. We seem to be finally getting back into our normal routine after the Christmas holidays!

Tigerfan and I stayed up each night and worked on our adoption education courses and I can now proudly say, WE ARE THROUGH! Yay, one step closer!

Today I hope to finish up another jewelry board that we are making to donate to our Orphan Care silent auction...hoping it will be really cute, of course I will post pictures next week.

I have also been reading a book that I TOTALLY recommend if you have children, or are planning on having children one day! It is called Parenting by the Book by John Rosemond. It is so common sense and yet common sense seems to have left our world these days. I am telling you...I have been freed up so much in the past couple of weeks! Now, if you love all the (in the words of the author) "psycho-babble" that has come out in the past 60 years, you may not appreciate the help this book offers, but he has basically thrown out all the advice given by "experts" over the last few decades and gone back to the REAL instruction manual...the Bible. It makes SO MUCH SENSE, and yet I have really gotten sucked into so much of the modern ideas. I am one of those guilt ridden, stressed out, hovering mamas...and I don't have to be! As I have read this book, my eyes have been so opened...what do I want for my children? I want them to be God fearing, Christ centered, service oriented men and women. So why do I spend so much time teaching them to excel in academics, why do I stress myself out over getting an A, why do I hover when they do their work? I want them to be self governing, but I am teaching them that they can't be successful unless I am inching them along each step of the way.

SO...this week, I have stepped back. I have given them instruction, and then let them go. If they fail, it is their fault and they learn they have to work harder. If they succeed, they are proud because they did it ON THEIR OWN! I have had less stress this week than I have had in fourteen years and it feels great! AND...I am not even done yet. More changes will be coming, I just need time to finish reading, praying and figuring it all out! I just wish that I would have started this several years ago because I have a lot of bad habits to break now...we will all be grateful for it in the end, however...I really believe that.

Anyway, this weekend we will be doing some "honey do's" around the house. We have our in home Home Study visit this week so we want to be prepared. We also will celebrate Dancer's ninth birthday and Tigerfan's ? birthday, so we will be enjoying LOTS of celebrating. I will TRY to add some pics next week...if I can get my act together.

Hope everyone enjoys their weekend and I look forward to visiting with you! Be sure to head over to Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk!

Coffee Talk 1.13.12

2012-01-13T07:31:00.000-08:00

I know, nobody actually believes this, but I have to be short and sweet today because we have a CRAZY day ahead of us!

I am in desperate need of a haircut, so I have an appt. at one, followed by F.B.'s guitar lessons at two, followed by dancer's dance class at 3:15, and if the Lord is smiling upon us, we might be able to slip in a Sonic Happy Hour trip! It would also be divine if we could make it to the library and the boys have ballgames tonight probably starting at 5:00. I also promised the kids that I would make baked potatoes for lunch and we also must fit some actual school into the day!

I totally planned, also, on making a totally unhealthy but very delicious looking Pinterest recipe tonight...and haven't totally given up on the idea, although I am not totally sure how to work that into the schedule.

Source: formamas.blogspot.com via Star on Pinterest

Yum, right! Pizza casserole! Trying to figure out how to make it in advance, then cook and eat it before the games. Or...how to cook it before the games and then bring it with us so we can eat it at the games, therefore omitting SOME of the begging for junk food that is in the concession stand.

Anyway, as for the rest of our week...we have done quite a bit toward the adoption so if you want to check out that update, you can find it here. If you want the short version...we have met our social worker, none of us have a criminal record, our water has too much chloroform ***Tigerfan amended his original report, he misread and we do NOT have chloroform (whew!) we have coliform which is much less harmful but not nearly as funny! and I may or may not be issued a passport!

Now, I have a puddle of Kool aid on the kitchen floor, a screaming four year old on the fit rug and two older children who are totally not buying the fact that if they don't finish school today...they WILL be doing it tomorrow! Which also reminds me that F.B. will be attending his first high school formal tomorrow! I use the term formal loosely and we hope that he actually goes with, you know, pants on because finding a 28w 32l dress pant for a reasonable price is IMPOSSIBLE! So yes, the formal is tomorrow, and no, he does not yet have anything to wear to said formal! Good times!

Anyway, hope to visit around some this weekend, hope you all have an amazing, blessed weekend and be sure to visit Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk.

Coffee Talk 1.6.12

2012-01-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

Good morning, ladies! Hope everyone had an amazing Holiday season! We had such a great time celebrating with family and enjoying TONS of family time that it has been a little hard to get back into the swing of things this week.

Now, you know brevity is not my strong point but I am being yelled at to hurry up...I have a newly four year old that is getting a little put out with me because I promised to play with him and I am not there yet. There are pirates, little people, Batman men and Scooby Doo characters all over the floor that are SCREAMING for me to come!

So, in a nutshell...we had a great Christmas. We didn't quite get Christmas cards sent out as we have been somewhat consumed with adoption paperwork. Therefore, here is a nice kid Christmas picture that WOULD have looked amazing on a Christmas card:

So sweet!

This week, we are trying to get back into the swing of things. Tigerfan had Monday off (his holiday day for New Years) and we used the day to put the finishing touches on a jewelry display for our Ugandan necklaces. If you know me, you know that I do not have a crafty bone in my body so I was quite impressed with our finished product!

I told Tigerfan he needs to make some more to sell for fundraisers...it is quite adorable! I think we are even going to make one to donate to our church's Orphan Care silent auction, since our contributions are kind of slim.

I also started back with running this week. I have not gone in several months for several reasons but I got back into the habit this week...Had to back track quite a bit and I still can't say I love running, but I feel so good for doing it so I am going to really make an effort to stick with it!

In other news, we decided to start another blog to journal our adoption journey and to use to promote our fundraisers, etc. I'm not sure why I think I can keep another blog updated when I can barely find time to keep up with this one, but I am giving it the old college try so if you haven't already been by there, feel free to check it out here.

Otherwise, we are just getting back to basketball, dance, tutorial, etc. Nothing too exciting. Tigercub had a birthday and Dancer has one coming up in just a couple of weeks. We also are thrilled that after a year and a half, we have someone coming to our church this weekend in view of a call. He was our former Youth Pastor and we love him to death so we are really excited for our church and for what is in store for the year ahead!

That is about it today...sorry, nothing too profound or even too interesting...but a four year old boy needs a batman partner!

Have a great weekend and don't forget to stop by Home Sanctuary for Coffee Talk.

Coffee Talk 12.23.11

2011-12-23T06:47:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!

I hope today finds everyone full of holiday spirit and doing well! I just put a pan of Cinnamon Roll muffins in the oven (a Pinterest find) and expect to have the house full of cinnamon goodness very soon!

We also have some fudge, Oreo truffles and some unbaked sugar cookies tucked away for any of you sweet tooths!

This year, I have tried to pair down our holiday activities. I haven’t made as many treats (we don’t need them), we haven’t done as many “Christmas” activities, we have mostly been home or visiting with friends...and I have liked it!

For those that have been around here long, you may remember a couple of years ago when I said I longed to have a 3 am friend. I have plenty of friends, but I haven’t had that really close girlfriend in a long time and I have longed for it. Well, this week, a friend invited my children and I over for breakfast so we could talk, she ended up keeping my little ones for an hour while Tigerfan and I went to get our adoption physical. When I got back to her house, we ate...four hours later we ate again...and an hour after that, we finally went home. It was such beautiful, sweet fellowship and such a gift from God! Something my heart has yearned for and yet so unexpected!

Another Christmas blessing has been the completion (almost) of our home study application. All we lack are pictures of each room in our house (the camera batteries died mid photo-shoot) which I hope to finish up today and a letter from the director of our home school tutorial saying I really do teach there. This is a HUGE accomplishment! I had no idea what that entailed until we were in the midst of it! 20 something pages, an autobiography from my husband and from me, physicals for the whole family, gathering birth certificates and marriage certificate, finding references...it has been a huge undertaking and we are HOPING to mail it off Monday!!! Tigerfan has been absolutely amazing...what was completely overwhelming to me, he just grabbed onto and plowed forward and here we are! Our next step is to get our fingerprinting and local background checks and start on passport applications! Things are moving along.

To that end, I, who have NEVER had trouble sleeping...cannot sleep anymore. I go to bed thinking about orphans and I wake up at night thinking of them. My new routine is to pray for those children, pray for their caregivers, pray for those who might choose them until I fall asleep each night. And as I wake up during the night, my prayers continue. I never saw the needs of the fatherless around us until my husband began to mention adoption...and now, I cannot ignore it. 147 million orphans. 147 million children who will go to bed fatherless. Many who will age out of the orphange with no family and no hope. Many who will be “sold” into prostitution or forced into military service. 147 million children who long for a family. My heart is broken for them and for their plight.

So, this year...if you need a cause, if you need a place for your end of the year giving and your heart is tender towards these little ones, consider seeking out an organization that gives hope to the hopeless. There are so many: Sixty Feet (who you can help right now by voting for a grant), Amazima, My Father’s House, PeopleWeaver...there are SO many more! Our eyes have been opened to the needs of those that cannot help themselves and we can no longer ignore them or pretend they don’t exist. James 1:27 says, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” This Christmas, while we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the savior of the World, a little piece of our hearts will be in an orphanage on the other side of the world. Hopefully, next Christmas, there will be one less orphan, one less who is fatherless, a little girl who will hug the neck of Tigerfan and call him daddy. But there are so many more. Please, this holiday season...pray for those who have never even heard of the Light of the World and consider what you can do.

On that note, our other exciting news is that our fundraising "stuff" has come in this week! We got our paper bead necklaces from PeopleWeaver and they are completely beautiful!!! We also got some beauty products from Ladybug Blessings that we will be using to do a brochure sell! I'm excited to try them out...I just wish that we would have started earlier cause this stuff would have made great Christmas presents...maybe Valentine's??? Anyway, a friend of mine has also found a good price on Ugandan vanilla beans, so I am also hoping to make some Ugandan vanilla extract! It is exciting to see these things coming together...I'll keep you posted, and if you happen to be in the market for some rockin' Ugandan Paper beads or some oatmeal soap...I can hook you up!!!

Don’t forget to visit Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk.

Coffee Talk 12.16.11

2011-12-16T07:01:00.000-08:00

Good morning!

How can it possibly be Friday already? By the same logic, how can it almost be Christmas already!

It has been a busy week at the Tigerden, as I'm sure it has been at everyone's house! If you stopped by last Friday, you know Science Fair is over!!! Sort of. FB's project took second place, so we are going to Regionals. I have mixed feelings about this. It will look great on college applications to have gone to a Regional Science Fair as a high schooler. However, it also means more work...which I will have to coerce out of him...again! Ugh!

In other news, while we are pretty well finished with our Christmas shopping for everyone else. I have NOTHING for Tigerfan except a wallet and some cologne that he was with me when I purchased. Nothing, nada, zip. In fact, I don't even have an IDEA for him. Early on in our relationship, I LOVED shopping for him. I loved trying to surprise him and get him something he didn't even know he wanted. I soon realized that he didn't know he wanted it...because he didn't want it. After a couple of years of getting my feelings hurt because my hard searched gifts were returned or unused, I learned it is just better to get specifics...like really specific (sweet OCD man)! These days, it is tell me the exact shirt at the exact store and the exact size, or better yet go pick out the exact item and I will wrap it up for you. I know this sounds a little harsh but it is the only way I know he will be happy. The problem, this year he can't think of a single thing he wants or needs and he doesn't want me to spend much needed money just to have something. Which is totally logical, but I am full of pride. I know that he has been out and about ordering, shopping and he has a stockpile of little somethings for me and I don't want to be outdone...isn't that so American! So I am struggling to come up with little things to make him happy so I can be happy! How crazy is that! I have already told him that I want next year to be different. I don't want to buy a thousand gifts for rich spoiled Americans that don't know what it means to be in need. (That is us, by the way). I at least want to scale back...a lot and buy gifts that will support others who are truly in need...anyway, this year, I've got nothin' and I am running out of time!

Anyway, this week has been full. We had a Christmas party for the kids at our apartment ministry, we did LOADS of laundry when Tigerfan finally got our new washing machine installed, after searching all over this city for a Christmassy dress for Dancer, I gave up and sewed her a dress very last minute, we have filled out MOUNTAINS of paperwork (and have mountains more to work on), we had Children's Choir Share time at church and Christmas parties at Tutorial. But now, we are winding down. We are done with Tutorial until next year and hopefully I can be a nice mom and take it easy on the schooling at home (except math, we MUST do math). FB has three service projects this weekend so he is racking up his service hours and we have basketball practice and last minute shopping but HOPEFULLY next week will be filled with friends in our home, late nights of playing games and laughing and enjoying the simple things.

"The dress"

In adoption news, we are ALMOST finished filling out the Home Study book, er, I mean application. We have pretty much laid our entire life out for the free world to examine and judge. We have mailed off requests, paid out ridiculous amounts of money, and are just steps away from celebrating the end so we can begin the orphanage application! Oy Vey! It will be totally worth it, though. This weeks stress out moment is stemming from a great opportunity. A friend of mine is hosting an adoption open house in her home on January 3. It is an opportunity for several families in the area who are in the process of adoption to bring their "stuff" to sell and help raise funds for their adoptions. The problem, we are so deep in paperwork, that we haven't really taken that step, so this week I realized...I have NOTHING to sell and very little talent to "craft" with. Yesterday, I purchased a few Ugandan paper bead necklaces to sell (love this idea because it supports the people of Uganda), that is all I've got. Today, I am going to call a lady I've been emailing from a site called Ladybug Blessings about trying to get some of their products. I am also considering purchasing some Ugandan vanilla beans and making/selling homemade vanilla extract (again, it supports Ugandan economy) which I like. That is all I have. The thing is...it is scary spending a lot of money HOPING people will want to buy the products, especially because we just do not have a lot to spend right now...you have to spend money to make money...but geez! So, any ideas? My husband says I could sew some of the outfits I make for Dancer and they would probably sell...but I am no professional, I'm not really an expert seamstress and I hate to sell something that isn't top quality. I've also considered preparing meals (maybe frozen) for people or making baked goods for them. What do you think? Any amazing ideas out there?

Oh, one last thing. I got the TWO most precious gifts I have ever received from students yesterday. The first...a check for our adoption fund. Our first contribution...tearing up right now! The second, a student purchased a chick in my name for a person in a needy country...how completely precious is that? THAT is what next year's Christmas is going to look like in the Tigerden!

Okay, I have rambled enough! Can't wait to visit with all of you, hope you have an amazing weekend and don't forget to go to Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk (not everyone will be as long winded as me)!

Coffee Talk

2011-12-08T18:55:00.001-08:00

If you are reading this post than there is rejoicing in the Tigerden...because Science Fair is through. I am either at the judging or at home doing the Happy Dance. Ask me next week and I will tell you what an incredible experience it is. I will hail all its many attributes. I will tell you how much the children learn by participating in this event. Ask me this weekend, and, well, my opinion might be different.

At this point...I don't care if we place. I don't care if we go to regional. I don't care if we make a good showing at regional. All I care about is saying, "We're done! We're done! We're done!"

So, here are some things I have learned from this year's Science Fair:

It does not matter how many times I say, "You need three abstracts and one must go in the top, left corner of the board and DO NOT CUT IT!"...at least 1/3 of my class will, in fact, NOT have three copies, it will be cut down AND at least 3 children will put it in the wrong place on the board. I am convinced, now, that that is because when I speak Science Fair, my students hear the Charlie Brown teacher voice.
It does not matter that my high school student has done a project every year since fifth grade, somehow between November of one year and the beginning of Science Fair the next all Science Fair knowledge somehow leaks out of his brain and he reverts back to the clueless 5th grader.
Choosing a project that supposedly interests previously mentioned high schooler in no way increases their excitement about research, experimentation, compiling data or putting together a board.
It does, however, make the mother want to yank all her hair out because she is completely clueless as to what they are doing and yet seems to be doing all the leg work.
Assuming that next year will be better because they have another year of experience behind them AND they will be that much more mature is kind of like assuming it will be more fun to pay your taxes next year because you got so much practice this year!
Celebrating the end of Science Fair is right up there with chocolate and Diet Coke...in fact, I think I will celebrate WITH chocolate and Diet Coke and this could possibly rank as one of the ten best days of the year!

And now, the focus returns to adoption. We have decided to stick with the original agency...I think, so hopefully this weekend will be spent filling out papers and getting our ducks in a row. I am also trying to think of ways to begin raising money...cause it is gonna take a LOT! I've also been asked by the Orphan Care group at church to try to help find donations for a silent auction to raise money for the ministry. That really isn't my gift...really! If anyone has any inspiration as to what to get, let me know. Or, if you happen to have a car or a week's vacation laying around that you don't know what to do with, I would be the BOMB if I brought in a draw like that! Right now, it looks like my contribution might be...well, I think I have an unused photo album in a dresser drawer somewhere. Maybe a nice freezer meal? Hmmmm, I might have to think a little on that!

Still feeling a bit overwhelmed by all that is going on (see here) but we are choosing to just have faith. And now, I'm off to the judging...by 3:00, there WILL be a celebratory Diet Coke I can assure you...and I don't even care if I've had my eight glasses of water yet. I'm a rebel like that!

Make sure to head over to Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk!

In the Quiet Moments

2011-12-06T18:24:00.001-08:00

Shhh, Tigercub doesn't know it, but he is in bed EARLY!!! The boys are at basketball and Dancer and her friend are in the kitchen decorating stain glass ornaments...best Dollar Tree investment I ever made! I actually have a free moment to sit here and record a little.

Obviously, the topic on my mind most often these days is adoption. And I have been thinking about it A LOT this week. It is funny because we have been so clear about this decision...we have known for a few weeks that we were going through with this huge step, but have kept it quiet. At first it felt like those first 3 months of pregnancy...I felt the need to keep it a secret in case something happened, in case we didn't pass the Home Study, in case we failed. After being reassured that I was being overly paranoid, I guess we just waited for the right time...and coming out with it felt so good!

And now, it is out there...and I am terrified! Suddenly, the financial commitment looms before me. And then in one week our heat went out (we now know we have a hidden leak somewhere...sounds expensive) and our washing machine died. Beyond that, the agency we have been talking to for a month doesn't seem to be working out and we are feeling the need to change agencies...a whole month of work down the drain and an application that is intimidating at best.

Doubts begin to creep in. My insecurities begin to rise. How will we pay for this? If I cook, sell, create...will anyone want our "stuff"? What if I fail in this? How humiliating! Why did we share so soon? Then my thoughts turn to a little girl in Uganda that we do not yet know. And I am filled with such a love for a total stranger.

I wonder, did she get enough to eat today or did she go to bed wishing for just a little more? Did anyone read her a story or help her brush her teeth? Did someone hold and cuddle her before laying her down or did she go to bed longing for human touch? Did anyone speak Jesus to that sweet girl today? Did anyone tell her how beautiful she is and how she is known and loved by the Creator. Does she have a special friend to play with or is she lonely? She is already in my heart. Does she sense that someone is out there praying for her? Does she long for a loud, chaotic, crazy, family? Will she be home with us next Christmas?

So I pray, and then I pray some more. And then I eat chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate. Which makes me think that I should probably start running again. Running and praying is probably a better choice than eating chocolate and praying, but I'm trying here, people...and let's face it, chocolate is pretty tough to beat!

A friend told me this process would be a roller coaster...I guess I just never imagined the ups and downs would come so soon. So, we wait in faith and we pray for our little one and we walk moment by moment. Looking backward or forward is too scary right now. We can't go back to the days when we didn't see the orphan crisis all around us and we can't move forward without walking in obedience.

So that is where we are here in the Tigerden. If you have a moment, please pray for us as we begin this journey...and feel free to send chocolate.

I'm Ba-ack!

2011-12-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

Yep, we are all still alive and kickin' at the Tigerden! I know it has been far too long since I have been to my little bloggy home or visited with my little bloggy friends and I am going to TRY to do better. Every week, I tell myself I am going to get back on board and every week seems to slip by in a blur and I realize I have neglected this little corner of my world one more time.

Life has been full around here with school, guitar lessons, drum lessons, dance, two boys playing basketball, apartment ministry, church...

Tigercub is growing like a weed and isn't much of a cub anymore, he is, however, our comic relief. I wish so much that I would be diligent about recording some of his sayings on here...but by the time I find time to sit down and type...I can't remember what it was he said. Is that a sign of too many kids or too many years?

If you had an hour or six, I would get you caught up on all that has been happening around here...but you probably don't want to know how messy my kitchen is or how organized my...okay, who are we kidding...nothing around here is organized! I'm just gonna start with a clean slate and try to stay on top of things.

If you have been around here much in the past year or two, you will understand when I say it is Science Fair time! Aack! I am blessed to only have one child turning in a project this year, but it is a doozy. If you happen to be one of the blessed Facebook friends that helped us out, "GOD BLESS YOU!" This weekend, we will work on our board and polish up our paper and be done...yes, I say our because I have a lot of work invested in this baby. My fourteen year old might get the credit, but there is a piece of this project that is all mine! My tutorial students will all turn in their projects this week as well, so I'll be checking them twice and Friday is the big day! Whew!

But the BIG news around here is what God is doing in our family. You may want to sit down. Actually, I guess you are probably already sitting. I'm not going to go into the whole story...just suffice it to say that God has been working on Tigerfan and I...in a pretty big way. And while I never thought we would be saying these words, we have made the decision and begun the process of adopting a little girl from Uganda. We are super excited and super scared. In the next few weeks, I am hoping to begin to blog a little about what led us to this point, if nothing else as a record to show our sweet daughter someday. I'm sure you will be hearing a LOT about the journey as we begin and you will definitely be hearing some pleading for prayer, and if you happen to have fifteen or twenty thousand dollars laying around that you need something to do with, feel free to send it our way! :)

Really, we feel so honored that God would call us to be a part of caring for one of His precious little ones. In the past few months, our eyes have been opened to the tremendous blessing in sharing our plenty with the weak and the vulnerable. I know the road ahead will not be smooth or easy, but it will be beautiful as we get to become the hands and feet of our savior and put His words into action. I hope I have just a few people who have stuck around long enough to join us on our journey!

Anyway, it is time to go join Tigerfan for our weekly popcorn and M&M date! Can't wait to visit with y'all this weekend!

Don't forget to visit Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk!

Yes, We are Still Living Around the Tigerden!

2011-09-02T08:15:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been a long time! I cannot believe it has been over two months since I have blogged. I have no excuse, it is just life rolling along and me trying to keep up!

So, here is the summer in a nutshell. Swimming, VBS, Sports Camp, trip to Idaho, trip to Louisiana to see (from quite a distance) Troy from Swamp People, VBS (yes, again!) trip to the beach and getting ready for school.

I know, it seems like there should have been some time in there, but between packing for trips, going on trips and doing laundry when we got home from trips, it seems the summer was just all about trips and now here we are back to school and I am wondering where the lazy days of summer went.

Along the way, I would take a picture here or there because I totally meant to blog it...you can see how that went for me. So, here are a few top pics...okay, these are not necessarily the best, they are the ones that have actually made it to my computer!

So, in no particular order because Blogger has changed things around and after trying to adjust and losing the pictures three times, I am giving up! Above we have Tigerfan's beloved Troy from Swamp People. We opted out of the six hour line to actually meet him...but he did at least get this picture...that is almost as good, right!

We got a picture of all the grandkids while we were in Idaho, quite a feat to get a decent picture of nine kids including two teenagers and a 3 year old...but my daddy is awesome and he managed it!

And here, of course, we have the beach...c'mon, you didn't really think I would show you a picture of ME on the beach did you? This was Dancer and Tigercub's first trip and they LOVED it! B.B. happened to have one of his dearest friends there at the time and spent a day hanging out with him. He came back having had a great time AND having tasted his first alligator...he was hooked! (Really, alligator?)

Anyway, we are now begrudgingly back at school. The kids are getting back into the swing of things and I am able to get up every morning and not feel like bursting into tears at the thought of another year of this. I know, not very positive but that is better than our first week back!

Okay, I have now gone through three sessions of trying to get this pseudo update written and I really must go teach something. I hope everyone has had an amazing summer and I will try to get around to visit as many of you as I can! Blessings to you!

BTW, in case there is any doubt...this weekend will be filled with college football! LSU vs. Oregon and BSU vs. Georgia all in one night! (Geaux Broncos!) Ha...just to get under Tigerfan's skin! :)

Be sure to visit Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk.

Hello Ladies...It's Been a Long Time!

2011-06-24T05:09:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to the Tigerden. I've been MIA for awhile and, to be perfectly honest, today's post is sheerly by force and disciplining myself to do it. For one thing, I don't really like to join up unless I think I can make it around to visit all of you (it is the least I can do, really) and I cannot promise that this weekend. But I miss this like crazy...so I'm gonna try. I'm also gonna try to be short, cause I have tons to do...but if you have been around much, you know that brevity is not my strong suit.

I mentioned last time that summer had been busy for us and that hasn't changed a bit...I don't foresee looking back on this season and remembering the lazy days of summer.

In fact, that is a big reason that I haven't been around. Well, that and the Casey Anthony trial that has me completely mesmerized...but I digress. That is also something that I have been struggling with and am trying to work through this summer. You see, and may remember, that it was last summer that I read a book that changed my entire perspective on things. It was the book "Radical" by David Platt. I am still changing and reevaluating as a result of that book (and, I feel the need to add, my subsequent time in scripture and prayer). Anyway, while I do not feel the need to earn my salvation and understand grace through faith. I have also come face to face with the fact that, if I am a christian I should be devoting myself to spreading the gospel, to reaching the unchurched and to ministering to those around me.

I confess, for many years my standard answer to this dilemma was..."my family is my ministry" and while that idea is good, I realize that I am deceiving both myself and my family. Nothing has done more to show me that than our time at an apartment complex where our church has a ministry. This year, I have seen how I have closed my eyes to the need right here around me. Precious children who live right across the street from a church and have NEVER heard the name of Jesus. Teenagers who are completely shocked when they hear stories about Jesus feeding the five thousand or walking on water. People, in the Bible belt, surrounded by christian people who have no idea Christ (or anyone else) loves them...not for their body or their drugs or their "stuff", but because they are. An entire complex of people that are lost and dying and DO NOT EVEN KNOW IT! It is sobering.

And so, my perspective and my priorities have changed. And that is good. However, the place I am struggling with is this. I am an introvert. While I enjoy being around people and laughing and having a good time, it is draining to me. I NEED my alone time. I NEED quiet moments away. I'm not sure someone who isn't an introvert can quite understand how draining it can be to just socialize...but that is me. This summer, I haven't had that alone time. My kids are home all the time demanding attention, I am trying to help with a sports camp this summer, participating in and planning VBS's, trying to have children's friends over, and keeping up with a few of the children from the apartment complex while we are on summer break. In addition, my nephew is staying with us for a couple of weeks and I am trying to plan and prepare for our trip to Idaho to visit with my family. While all of these things are good and I can't imagine what I could possibly give up, they have left me exhausted. In fact, yesterday I lashed out at poor dancer just out of the need for quiet alone time. Even getting on the computer and reading blogs is such an effort for me right now...it feels like work, and so I have spent almost no time doing that.

However, yesterday, I read a blog I haven't read in weeks and the writer summed up what I am feeling. I have lost my ability to dream. I can think, I can plan, I can look at all that is undone before me and fret about choosing and ordering next year's curriculum. I can freak out at how I cannot afford next year's curriculum. I can think about how I totally need a job to pay for curriculum, but I am just too exhausted to even contemplate adding something else to the to-do list. I can think of ministries that are needed and organization that needs to be done...but I cannot dream, I cannot plan, I cannot even think of things to write (which you may disagree with as you look at the length of this "short" post). I have completely lost my blogging "mojo" and am completely without inspiration when I try to sit down and write. That makes me sad...because it is something I used to enjoy so much and I feel that I am losing a little piece of me. I am hoping it is just a season and that soon I will find that passion and fun again.

But for now, I guess I am just hoping that some of my sweet company girl friends would just say a quick prayer for me. That you would forgive me for not being around much and know that I do miss you. And if you have an extra moment, that you would pray I could find that balance. That I would be able to begin dreaming again and that I would learn to minister and reach out but also allow myself that time to be alone and recharge, cause like it or not, that is how God made me!

I totally did not know that this was going to become a whine-fest, but thanks for letting me unload on you poor, unsuspecting things. I hope everyone has and incredible, blessed, and RELAXING weekend! Don't forget to check out Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk!

Coffee Talk 6.10.11

2011-06-10T05:48:00.000-07:00

Good morning ladies! It has been so long since I have been on here that I cannot even remember what was going on then. The days have been busy and blogging has fallen by the wayside. In order to not bore you to death with all the details, here is our life the past few weeks in a nutshell:

Dancer was finally brave enough to go forward and be baptized after a year and a half of trying to work up the courage!

School is out YAY! We aren't finished with math and will continue to do a little through the summer but the structure is out the window! Eventually I will have to get my act together and get grades turned in and start planning next year...that has not happened yet!

The day Tutorial ended I TRIED to get on a plane and head to Ft. Lauderdale to meet Tigerfan who was there for two weeks for work. After plane delays and going home for the night, I finally made it the next day and we got to spend a lovely weekend together (kid free). We shopped, I learned A LOT about South Florida culture (WOW!) and we visited Key West.
We FINALLY got the pool opened and have had people over swimming almost every day!

We have had VBS at church where I taught 1st grade and are now getting ready for a sports camp we do each summer for underprivileged children in our area.

Dancer had her dance recital (pictures eventually) and was a complete knock out! I celebrated my 39th birthday and today we celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary!

My Daddy introduced me to the world of Pocket Frog iPhone app and I have spent entirely too much time raising and selling virtual frogs (I know...pitiful!) and I have become completely and totally obsessed with the Casey Anthony trial.

So now you are totally caught up with the goings on in the Tiger den. Today will be full of swimming with friends, guitar lessons, library and feasting on egg rolls to celebrate 16 years of wedded bliss. Can't wait to catch up with all of y'all! Don't forget to check out Home Sanctuary for more (and more interesting) Coffee Talk!

Coffee Talk 5.6.11

2011-05-06T05:01:00.000-07:00

Can anybody else relate to the feeling of, "Wow! It is already Friday again!" Life seems to be moving at the speed of light these days and I am struggling to keep up!

I did want to say that I did make it to visiting around to most of you last week...but it was during testing via my phone and I HATE trying to comment from my phone. For me, it is something like trying to nail jello to a tree. My big fingers just can't manage those little buttons and my words come out like this: hekko gopr uo ate a hood weeleng. OR the ever loveable auto correct feature tries to figure out what my typos mean and turns hello into help or mom into monk! Anyway...I will try to do better this week!

It has been a full week, indeed. Sunday was a packed day, beginning with our little princess being baptized! Amen. I do have some pictures...maybe later today Tigerteen will put them on here for me!

Also on Sunday, Tigercub announced his intentions of being a cow when he grows up. He has stayed true to that calling all week, so I'm pretty sure it is his passion. Not sure how to help that happen.

And, because Sunday was such a full day, I should definitely include the fact that we had yet another set of severe weather warnings, ended up in the "dungeon" of the church instead of evening services, and then stayed after they had cancelled said services to enjoy the ice cream fellowship that was scheduled for later that evening. 'Cause Baptists might cancel a service for weather...but we aren't gonna miss the chance to eat and fellowship!

The rest of the week has been spent trying to get caught up from last week's weather related delays and doing our regular "stuff".

Yesterday, we had tutorial and Tigerteen had his last Student Leadership Meeting of the year. Afterwards we had haircuts scheduled for the boys. By then, it was 2:00 and we still hadn't eaten lunch. So, we did what any good (read deranged) homeschool family would do and we "celebrated" cinco de mayo by getting nachos from the Target snack bar. Because that is authentic Mexican cuisine, people!

Tigerfan treated Dancer and I to a "girls night out" last night. He took all the boys and dancer and I got to shop. The idea was that I would find myself an outfit for a Mother's Day gift. The result was Dancer got a new dress, a new book and a ring. I discovered the Vitamin Shoppe, which I am totally excited about (especially because I found out they sell cacao nibs) and Ulta, which is a beauty product store that sells Physician's Formula make up. That is the only type of make up I can wear and while Target and Walmart carry it, they carry a very limited amount and it is sporadic if they will have what I need. I did NOT find an outfit. And, I discovered a little bit about myself. I have become completely paralyzed in my ability to find clothing for myself. Maybe I have done a little too much research on my body type, color, etc. Because I go into a store, look at all that is offered...and cannot find a thing. I am worried it is the wrong color or the wrong shape or the wrong length...I never even try things on. I know a lot of it is because I just don't like how I look. I want to lose weight and I want to look better...but I also realize that I NEED to be clothed! Anyone else go through this?

Anyway, I better go get up the kids...I have let them oversleep this morning and we will be running ragged trying to get school done! Hope everyone has an amazing weekend!

Don't forget to check out Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk!

Coffee Talk 4.29.11

2011-04-29T05:18:00.000-07:00

Good morning, ladies!

I have some OUTSTANDING baked oatmeal to share if you are interested and LOADS of Easter candy. I would love someone to take that off my hands because I REALLY need to get it out of the house.

I only have a moment this morning. I am administering standardized testing with our home school tutorial this morning so I have to zip out of here in a minute. I am a little bitter, however, that someone had the horrible planning to schedule this on the same day as the Royal Wedding. I'm gonna miss the kiss, people! It just isn't the same on the DVR! C'mon, Will and Kate, kiss already!

Seriously, though, it has been a LONG week here in the south. We were under severe weather advisories most of the week and spent much of it in our bathroom under the stairs or at our church in the "dungeon". Many areas around here were without power, many lost lots of trees and many had trees in houses, on fences, etc. One family in our church even had about 1/3 of their roof blown off! However, the relatively mild damage we have had here is nothing compared to the devastation of the areas south of us, Alabama and Georgia, who have been absolutely devastated by storm damage. My heart hurts so much for all of those people and my prayers go out to them constantly. It seems like so little for towns that are leveled, but we serve a powerful God who was not surprised by the storms and is fully able to hold those precious people under His wings and get them through this tragedy! How grateful I am to have that hope and knowledge and I pray all of my dear Company Girls do too!

Okay, I have to run...duty calls! Be sure to check Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk!

P.S. THEY JUST KISSED! I saw it! Woohoo!

Coffee Talk 4.15.11

2011-04-15T04:46:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Ladies,

It is EARLY here, too early. I got up to have my quiet time only to be interrupted by the tornado sirens. The kids are, of course all now up, and (this is where I get bitter) the storm just got here about 5 minutes ago...after the sirens STOPPED! I know we need to be cautious and all, but really...HOLD OFF ON THE SIRENS UNTIL THE STORM ACTUALLY GETS HERE! I am trying to make lemonade out of the lemons, though and we are going to go ahead and start school...maybe we can be done by lunch today!

Anyway, a house full of kids already up and going means not much time to post so here are the high points of the week:

1. Dancer's fashion show went great. She was so sweet. She got a few "treats" that day. We bought her a pair of shoes to go with the outfit she modeled and after it was over Daddy let her get the outfit and another shirt. Nana bought her a pair of flip flops and then we went to Sonic for drinks. When we got in the car she exclaimed..."This is the best day of my life!"

2. B.B. shot his first turkey of the year...quite a humdinger!

3. The rest of the week has just been the regular school, work and tornado sirens! Ya gotta love Spring in West Tennessee! Tigerteen downloaded some pictures for me off my phone so here are a couple that belonged a few weeks ago...I like to keep you guessing!

This is Spring Break when Dancer and her friend helped make cupcakes. If you are wondering about the scarves...they were playing dress up! These babies were chocolate filled chocolate cupcakes.. I would like to say they were delicious...but they LOOKED pretty!

And here is Tigerteen and his friend-girl (isn't she a cutie!)celebrating his birthday at Nana's house...you may notice that Tigertot felt the need to get in on the action.

Well, I am totally aware of how dull this post is, but since we are all up and going, we might as well get school done so I am off to "encourage" our academics! That is code, by the way, for telling them to get off the phones and ipods and get busy already!

By the way, I have to do a little devotion thing in my Bible Study this week. I know it is silly, but I am super nervous about it and have no idea what to talk about so if you think about it, please say a little prayer that it will just be all about God and He will be glorified and speak through me! Thanks!

Have a great weekend and be sure to check out some far more interesting Coffee Talk at Home Sanctuary.

Coffee Talk 4.8.11

2011-04-08T04:56:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! Hope everyone is doing well. I have a couple of lovely treats to entice you with. Both are from this website which I have spent WAY too much time on this week. I cannot tell you how much money I could spend at the grocery store trying all these recipes! Anyway, I can offer you some date squares that are A. MAZ. ING. I could eat my weight in them! The others are strawberry oat squares. Admittedly, not quite as amazing. I did a little tweaking with the recipe...I probably should have left it alone! Not horrible, though. I was looking for a recipe to replace processed cereal bars...this isn't it, at least not in this form!

Anyhoo, today's post will be brought to you in list form. Because I can!

1. Also from the above website, I had VOO for breakfast one day this week. Not bad. I stayed full for HOURS! I look forward to trying other variations...after I go to the grocery store. Which I am in DESPERATE need of doing.

2. I confess, I HATE exercising. There, I said it. I really want to like it. I really want to look forward to it. Instead, I have to force myself. Every. single. time. Aren't you supposed to start feeling so good you get excited about it? Isn't it supposed to become fun? I just don't like it. I don't.

3. It is that time of year again. Turkey season. The time of year I become a hunting widow. I don't really mind. Here are the first fruits of the season. Tigerfan and his daddy went Tuesday night and brought home these little babies! Now they (along with the boys) are itching for Saturday morning.
May I be honest? Can ANYTHING, other than hitting the road to go see my family, really be worth getting up at the horrific hours they get up at and the sitting by a tree without moving or talking? I just wonder...I don't get it!

4. Saturday, Dancer is having a big day! One of our local anchor stores in the mall is having kidfest and it includes a fashion show. We happened to be in the mall at just the right time a few weeks ago and they offer! She has been practicing her walk all week. Here she is on her birthday doing her model pose:

I must admit, her enthusiasm is contagious because I can hardly wait to take her and see her in action...and that is even knowing I have to take "The Hurricane" AKA Tigercub!

5. Speaking of Tigercub, his allergies are KILLING him. We will be making a little trip into town this morning to see the Dr. His little eyes are almost swollen shut and he is just miserable...and that is with daily Zyrtec, poor little guy!

6. We are ADORING pretty weather this week (although we can't actually go OUT in it because it sends poor Tigercub into sneezing fits), especially after my momma sent pictures Sunday of their snow...inches and inches of snow. In April. Thank heavens for Tennessee!

7. I could keep writing snippets forever, but my kids (and dog) need to eat and we have lots to do this morning. I look forward to visiting you this weekend! Hope everyone has a great one!

8. Oh, yeah, last one. I am a complete and total Home Sanctuary failure. I really WANT to do good. I held strong for TWO whole days this month. Yes, TWO. I have failed ever since. Someone help me!

9. Which reminds me...I saw an episode of Dr. Phil this week. (Not sure how that happened because I never watch that show...but it is what it is). Anyway, this girl was on and she wanted help because she was always yelling and screaming at her children. People, Dr. Phil reemed that poor girl over the coals. He was awful. I felt so sorry for her! I am not advocating screaming, and especially not cussing, at your children...but as a home schooling mom of four, I admit...I have done it. I have done it more than I care to admit. Were the things this momma did wrong? Of Course...but we are all sinners saved by grace. She was there for help. She knew the things she was doing were wrong and wanted tools to change it. What she got was a public lashing. She was told she was an abuser, she was told she was obese, she was just pulverized. I have not stopped thinking about her since. I wonder, has Dr. Phil ever been a stay at home parent? Has he ever gotten up at dark and worked until almost dawn with no appreciation, no help and little support? Has he spent hours cleaning a room only to walk back into it in ten minutes and find it utterly destroyed? Has he ever worked tirelessly on a healthy meal to have everyone at the table turn their noses up and ask for something else? What that poor girl needed was encouragement and tools to help her change. What she got was a message of more judgement, more condemnation, another message to join in with the voices in her head that she just wasn't good enough. I have prayed for her ever since. I hope that somehow, the voice of a loving and compassionate God can make its way to that girl's heart. I hope that somehow she receives the message that she is a beautiful girl, created in the image of God and she is loved. Her actions are sinful...so are mine. I am nothing but filthy rags...but Christ died for me WHILE I WAS STILL A SINNER! It is by HIS grace that I am clean, Praise HIM! Anyway, that is my little soap box...now I know why I don't watch Dr. Phil...maybe I should start a program called Dr. Star. Although, I am not actually a Dr. I'm working on a tagline...a program for the redeemed by the redeemed? Needs a little work...but then, so do I! :)

Have a great weekend, and don't forget to check out more Coffee Talk at Home Sanctuary!

Coffee Talk 4.1.11

2011-03-31T18:34:00.000-07:00

It is Thursday night and listen....silence! Beautiful, elusive silence! A sound (of lack thereof) so beautiful to this introvert, I can hardly stand it!

You see, Tigerfan and Tigerteen are out of town. They left at 4:00 a.m. this morning headed to Texas for some good old fashioned turkey hunting. That leaves me here to hold down the fort with the other three. Ordinarily that would be no big deal. But it has been an ugly week here in the Tiger den. And I am tired.

People, we have had drama this week. I don't like drama. I like peace and serenity and I like all my kids to like me! I'm not sure which was worse this week...the teenager or the toddler, but between the two, I am seriously considering committing myself to a nice padded room somewhere!

I say all that to say that, while the idea of a quiet weekend with a couple of folks gone sounds peaceful, I am not in a great frame of mind. I was actually looking forward to this evening. We had NOTHING planned today after tutorial. Just homework...no guitar, no drums, no friends, no appointments...just home and calm (aaaah, sounds great doesn't it). Unfortunately someone forgot to tell Tigercub about the whole calm part.

Thursday nights are usually popcorn and M&M night for Tigerfan and I. Since he was going to be gone, we recorded "Secret Millionaire" and I told the kids we would have popcorn and T.V. night...an unheard of treat because Tigerfan hates for them to eat in the living room. I was even excited! I went to the store and even bought plain M&M's and sour gummy worms for the occasion and told them they could drink a soda. They have been SO excited all day. B.B. even set up a snack counter complete with movie tickets, prices and play money. We got our snacks, turned on the T.V. and got all the way through the opening intros before Tigercub spilled his popcorn...for the first time. We spent the next hour turning up the sound above his "entertainment", picking up spilled popcorn (3 more times), mopping up tears from siblings he injured and pulling him off furniture he was using as a trampoline.

When the torture, I mean the show, finally ended, I knew it must be bedtime! Alas...we still had a solid hour! We then moved on to board games which are almost as much fun as a movie when a three year old is involved. From now on, I am lacing his Sprite with valium (I am totally kidding, by the way)!

Needless to say, the kids are all now tucked soundly into bed...and there is a Hershey bar with almonds and a Diet Coke calling to Momma. No, they are not on my diet, don't judge me! I am SO looking forward to visiting with some precious adults this weekend!

Don't forget to check out more Coffee Talk at Home Sanctuary!

Coffee Talk 3.25.11

2011-03-25T04:32:00.000-07:00

C'mon in and enjoy a nice cold bottle of water. Although, if I drank coffee, I would totally have a big, hot, steaming mug right now because I am FREEZING! Earlier this week it was gorgeous and about 80 degrees...last night, we had a frost!

Once again, I missed you beautiful ladies last week...how dare life get in the way of blogging! Things seem to get so crazy at times and they tell me that before we know it that these moments will be gone and we will miss them...I can believe that the moments will pass quickly, life seems to be moving at the speed of light around here!

So, here is what has been happening in our neck of the woods:

1. Last week was Spring Break. I am usually a fuddy duddy and make my kids do at least partial days of school anyway. Not last week, baby. I think I was more desperate for a break than they were and promised them NO SCHOOL. Nothing. Nada. I promised friends could come over and they could go. And that is just what we did. Somehow, I thought I might get a little cleaning done, get some things accomplished...that didn't happen. But friends did.

2. We still had all our night time activities which meant apartment ministry Monday and dance Tuesday. So days were calm but nights were still busy...plus, I promised the kids they didn't have to go to bed early, so they kept begging to stay up...I finally gave in and made them go get ready for bed at their normal times but then let them stay up and watch T.V. upstairs...away from me...cause people, by 9:00, Momma needs a break!

3. Wednesday, drama began! Our 13, almost 14 year old and his first friend-girl (who I refuse to call a girl friend because they are too young but who I totally know they call one another boy/girl friend behind my back) had their first BIG drama. No details here, just suffice it to say that the day was filled with weeping and gnashing of teeth...It was NOT pretty around here friends. And to see my first born experiencing his first heart break was heart wrenching! On top of that, we had two friends over for the day...they boys playing at the pond, the girls helping me play with cupcakes. (Because I have a secret dream to someday have a bakery, which is not so secret anymore, I guess!) We had so much fun making chocolate filled chocolate cupcakes and lemon cupcakes with beautiful icing swirled on top. They were BEAUTIFUL and I was totally going to show you pictures...only the pictures I THOUGHT were here aren't here and we all know about my issues with getting them on the computer and since my IT man is in bed...you will have to use your imagination. Think two precious girls in dress up clothes (complete with big hats and momma's boots) holding their lovely cup cakey creations. The only problem...the cupcakes weren't actually good. I think the batter was overmixed. This week, I have been researching new recipes and totally want to try out some new ones.

4. Thursday, the boy/girl drama continued and we went to play at the house of a precious friend. He has a children's wonderland built in his yard complete with a zip-line. We went and picnic-ed with him and played till Tigercub was ready to drop! Thursday night, we had Rock Band performance for Tigerteen. His girl decided that she could overlook their issues and come watch the performance so he was THRILLED! They did a great job and had the best location yet...however, this momma was stressed most of the time worrying about relations, so to speak. She even agreed to get ice cream with us afterward...although she didn't actually eat any ice cream (ah, young love!)

5. Friday, Tigerfan took off work and hung out with us. We slept in, had a pancake breakfast, took Tigerteen to guitar, got the obligatory Friday Sonic drinks and went home for a little R&R before having a date night Friday night.

6. Date night included dinner and shopping for spring clothes for the children.

7. Saturday involved Tigerteen, Papaw, and the boys going to the woods to get ready for turkey season. For me, it involved exchanging ALL of the clothes we bought Dancer the night before because I got the wrong size in EVERYTHING!

8. This week, we have gotten back to our regular schooling but have had a wonderful week of rest from night time activities. It has been glorious. I even cooked once! I even cooked a HEALTHY recipe that my kids LOVED and asked me to make again! Yippee!

9. B.B. left yesterday to go on a little weekend trip with his best friend. Right now he is enjoying being in the mountains of Gatlinburg, TN. His first time away from us for an extended trip like this. I am sure he is having the time of his life!

10. Tonight we will enjoy visiting with some friends we haven't seen in ages and tomorrow it will just be me and the youngest two because it is juvenile hunt so daddy, papaw and Tigerteen will be in the woods.

11. The house is still a mess. I am completely stressed over having a child in high school next year and what curriculum, etc. I should get. My house is a complete disaster. I am completely sad that I could not make it to Bastrop to hear our very own Rachel Anne speak at the women's event or hug the necks of Ci Ci or Lydia Cate. But I am SO abundantly blessed. I serve a RISEN SAVIOR who loves me despite the fact that their is NOTHING good in me. He puts up with my crazy, my drama, my failure and gives me His righteousness! How thankful I am to be a child of the One True God. How about you? Do you know Him? I pray that you would find the peace that comes form knowing the Giver of Peace and the author of LIfe and would love to share Him with you.

Dont' forget to check out more Coffee Talk at Home Sanctuary and have an amazing, drama free, perhaps cupcake filled weekend! One picture (taken by Tigerteen) of the springy lovliness earlier this week! Blessings!

Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth."

Hosea 6:3

Coffee Talk 3.12.11

2011-03-11T05:22:00.000-08:00

Good Morning from the Tiger Den! It has been another whirlwind week around here!

We had such a fun weekend with the 10th grade boys...they even slept, a little. We will totally be open to doing it again! Tiger cub really had a good time...especially waking them up by kicking the tarnation out of them. As a matter of fact, they may beg NOT to come back again!

This week was catch up and get ready to slow down week. Catch up on sleep, get ready for Spring Break! Ordinarily on Spring Break, I still make my kids do work, we just have a lighter schedule. Not next week friends...we will be doing NOTHING, cause Momma needs a break! YIPEE!

Yesterday was an exciting day because we had Regional Science Fair. I had four students participating, including my own B.B. The student portion was yesterday morning and we went back last night for the awards ceremony. Our tutorial took home 31 awards! How amazing is that? One boy alone took probably half of those! B.B. took second place in his age division (which he was ecstatic about) and came home $66 richer. Yes, I did say $66...can you tell an engineer came up with the award amounts? They were $44, $66, $99, $153...we were cracking up! Anyway...every single one of my students that went yesterday won something so it was a great night!

In other exciting news, the great state of Louisiana has decided to share some of its convicts with us. Yes, earlier this week, some convicts from LA escaped, they stole a car in Mississippi and were pulled over here. They fled on foot and have been in hiding since. It is quite an unsettling feeling...especially since we live in a wooded area away from the main part of town. I admit...I am not usually the easily scared type, but when I heard, yesterday, that schools near us were on lock down...I was afraid to go home. We just stayed in town until Tigerfan got off work and could go with us! Yesterday afternoon, they found the body of the man they stole the car from so we know they are quite desperate. Needless to say, we had two out of our four kiddos sleeping on our bedroom floor last night. We are praying for our law enforcement folks around here and hoping they are caught soon. For now...no playing outside alone!!!

We are also sending up prayers for everyone in Japan, so sad. I haven't heard from my brother yet but am hoping none of his family was affected.

Looking forward to a girls' lunch tomorrow and a peaceful, quiet, laid back next week! Did I tell you I am excited! Don't forget to check out more Home Sanctuary and have an AWESOME weekend! Blessings! I WILL be around this weekend...eventually!

Coffee Talk 3.4.11

2011-03-03T18:21:00.000-08:00

Oy, what a week! They tell me that at some point life will slow down and we will miss weeks like this one. They tell me to savor these moments and enjoy them because they are too short. They say that one day I will look back and wonder where all the time went. Right now...I'm just wondering where and when does sleep fit into the picture. Can I get an Amen?

To be honest, I'm so tired...I don't even want to think about what to type in this post but I'm afraid that if I keep skipping the only day I blog, that even this little part of my world will drift away and it is my one little connection to my far away family. So here things are in a nutshell.

This week has been full of storms (weekend and beginning of week), school, church, apartment ministry, tutorial, dance, Wednesday night church activities including being in charge of snacks for Bible Study...because I also have a 10 year old turning eleven this week and 8 10th graders/young men staying at my house this weekend so I needed something else to prepare...BIRTHDAY for my 10 (now 11) year old...which I totally MEANT to blog about. Here is the best I have got. A year old picture, but isn't he just precious!
He has been so completely beside himself about turning 11. I'm not sure if it is 11 or the fact that he was hoping beyond all hopes for an iTouch. Thankfully, my in laws went in with us and were able to find a refurbished one that was within our budget and his techno dreams came true...not sure how long the joy will last since there is NO WAY he is getting internet access on that thing!

This morning we are headed off to a school play (one that I would have not committed to if I had really thought things through), then guitar at 2, library and somewhere in there I need to grocery shop for the weekend, fix and eat supper and have FB to the church at 7 for the weekend hoopla. We are hosting 10th grade boys and are responsible for feeding them breakfast and supper on Saturday. The words of advice I have received are: have LOTS of food.

Did I mention I haven't cleaned house? At the beginning of the week, that seemed like a good strategy...I mean when you have four kids, what is the point of cleaning house a week before it is needed, now with not one spare minute on the horizon, I am just praying that the bathroom chores fell to a responsible child last time...and deciding that clean underwear is really overrated!

It is humbling, as I read back on this post...because I am tired, I'm afraid I will miss visiting with many of you over the weekend (please don't be offended, I'll do the best I can), I'm craving sleeping in...and yet every single one of these things is such a privilege and such a blessing. If all I have to worry about is a too busy schedule and healthy children that are involved in too many activities...WOW! I deserve none of this. I deserve death and Hell. I am sinner. I am selfish. I am proud. And yet, I have four beautiful children and a home that I can host youth in. I live in a country where blessings abound and where I am rich compared to most of the world's standards. I have been taught the name of Jesus and I KNOW what He has done for me. I have the assurance of salvation...not because of anything I have done...but because of His marvelous grace...undeserved, unearned, unmerited grace, offered freely to me. I am so grateful for that amazing grace.

How I hope each of you has that same peace. I hope you can each say...I am tired, I am over worked, I am under appreciated...but I am so blessed, because I know the name of my redeemer. I know my redeemer lives. Thank you, Jesus!

And if you don't know...I am praying for you. Because there is a hope and a peace that passes all understanding that comes from a savior who would (and did) go to the depths of Hell for you. Please let me share Him with you if you do not know Him, let me pray for you, and allow yourself to be blessed by Him.

Praying you all have a blessed weekend, for more Coffee Talk, go to Home Sanctuary.

Coffee Talk 2.25.11

2011-02-25T05:04:00.000-08:00

Good morning, Company Girls!

Last week was one of "those" weeks and I never got around to posting. I tried to visit a few of you but didn't get far. I look forward to visiting this week! Grab a bottle of water and try to ignore the stink. I just finished shredding and I wanted to get this up quick before the kiddos wake up...they will be so thrilled when they see I let them sleep in a bit!

Last week was purely awful around here and by Thursday, I was in a bit of break down mode. In fact, I may or may not have hidden myself in the laundry room for a good cry. The fact was, that there were lots of little circumstances that were TOTALLY out of my control. I couldn't fix anything and that is a very frustrating feeling. In the midst of my breakdown (okay, temper tantrum) I remembered the words of my verse I am working on. It is really simple, but oh, so freeing.

"The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still" Exodus 14:14 Isn't that beautiful. I don't HAVE to control everything, I just need to be still. And that is just what I did. By Saturday, most of the little things had either worked out or I had a peace about them. Y'all, ONLY God can do that!

Anyway, this week has been better. It has only involved a couple of minor breakdowns over the fact that my 13 year old will be in high school next year (gasp!) and he is still struggling mightily with math. After a lot of prayer and deliberation, we decided to continue home schooling him through high school and I would be lying if I didn't say I am TERRIFIED! From now on, all my mistakes will be on HIS permanent record! As home schoolers, we tend to take a lot of blame and responsibility on ourselves and I have to keep reminding myself, "be still".

Our biggest issue is math...and the fact that we have to get FB through four year of H.S. math that even I don't understand. We are struggling and I am stressing about curriculum and meeting his needs and not putting him into therapy when he is older. "Be still."

In other happenings, we are in our final week of Upward. It has been a fun season as Dancer has been cheering with one of her dearest friends:

And BB has been showing out with some mean defense. On the whole...their team is AWFUL, although, two weeks ago, they didn't have to erase the score at half time and last week we WON!!!

Next Thursday, that little guy will turn 11 years old. ELEVEN...I can hardly believe how fast the time has gone. He has convinced Tigerfan to take off work so he can skip tutorial on his birthday and we will celebrate at the Chinese Buffet. He is SO excited about this birthday...and I better treasure these moments, because all too soon they will be gone. Last night, he decided his career ambitions are to be an animal photographer and travel around the world taking pictures of exotic animals. You know, he just might do it.

Next weekend, we will be the host home for 10th grade boys for a youth event at our church. Any advice is welcome!

Not much else to say around here...I need to go wake the troops and feed the dog (unless someone would like to volunteer to take her...I am accepting most offers). I'll leave you with a little laugh. Last week for Bible, we made a laugh medicine jar. The children were looking for jokes to put in it and these were a couple of their favorites. (Yes, I realize they are a bit on the tacky level, but if you could have heard the giggles of BB the rest of the day as he thought of them, you could overlook that ).

Where does a bee use the restroom?

Answer: The BP station

What is green and has wheels?

Answer: Grass...I lied about the wheels

Have a great weekend and don't forget to check out Home Sanctuary.

Coffee Talk 2.11.11

2011-02-11T04:59:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! I hope you all are warm and toasty because we are FREEZING here in West Tennessee. Several years ago, Tigerfan and I started saving to purchase new windows for our house. Each time we seem to have a little built up, something more pressing comes along...usually in the form of water leaks. This winter, we are feeling the lack of good windows. The thermometer says the house is a toasty 72 but my body's shaking and shivering says that 72 is leaking out and being replaced by the 4 degrees outside...and I don't like it!

As a result...I have found myself to be a bit of a slug this week. What is it about cold that makes you crave carbs? And if I am freezing and I know exercise will warm me up, why would I rather just sit under a blanket and freeze to death? It doesn't make sense...and yet, that is where I am!

So, grab a cup of hot chocolate, or I can even offer some powdered cappuccino for you coffee (and sugar) lovers! As for treats...I am trying to keep only healthy options around here...but hubby snuck in some chocolate last night and the grocery store had some DELICIOUS strawberries on sale yesterday, oh the joy!

Now, onto what is happening in the Tiger den...Last Tuesday at tutorial, Tigerteen got an assignment for Science. He had one week to build a balloon powered vehicle that will travel 5 meters (about 15 feet). Usually this would not be a big deal, but we were leaving Thursday afternoon to go to Louisiana and would not be returning until Monday. That gave us Wednesday to plan, buy supplies and build the car, which also could not have real wheels (it had to be non traditional, milk caps, cd's, etc.). By 10:00 Wednesday night we had the third model that would travel approximately 1 inch. I might have had some unkind things to say.

We left Thursday and drove out of the clear but cold weather in TN, straight into an ice storm in Louisiana...because who doesn't do that. We spent Friday iced in. However, the house we were staying at was blessed to have power all day, most of the town was not so lucky. By Saturday, the weather cleared and we were able to go visit Tigerfan's grandmother at the nursing home and get in a bit of shopping. Sunday, I was blessed, after church, to be able to visit with Mrs. Lea from CiCi's Corner. I had such an amazing time! In the true southern way...she had a "happy" for me that I totally have a picture of, unfortunately, it is locked in my camera and I still have not learned how to put them on here! One of these days, ladies, one of these days. Dancer went with me and while we visited, she was treated to rides around the neighborhood on the golf cart. She is already begging to go back! I was really blessed by the sweet fellowship. One of the "hazards" of home schooling is a tendency to become a bit isolated and when you are an introverted home body, it is even worse. The chance to just visit with another ADULT lady was AMAZING!!! Unfortunately, I didn't even bring my camera...but of course Mrs. Lea had one so go check her out, I am sure she has posted a picture or two.

We drove home Monday. Before we even got out of town, we began getting calls form home warning us about the weather. Jackson had been hit with another snow storm. Schools were being let out and the roads were awful. We began to wonder a) would we be able to GET home and b) why do we keep driving INTO the bad weather? We made it safely home and got to work on improving the car that was due the next day (the lady we stayed with had helped us a little and we came home with a new model that had potential) we got it to move a whopping 6 feet. I must admit to wishing tutorial would be cancelled giving us an extra week to work on it...and lo and behold, about 9:00 we got an email saying that due to the icy conditions, we would NOT have tutorial. I might have done the happy dance! Wednesday, it began snowing again. Thursday, tutorial was cancelled again. It has been a glorious week for a home body. However, this morning, I am COLD and ready for spring again!

This weekend will be packed with guitar lessons, basketball games (4 of them) and a party for a friend. Dance and an overnighter have been postponed so at least we can check a couple of activities off the list. So how about you...any exciting weekend plans? Oh, and if you happen to be a physicist and can give us a pointer on how to make this dadgum vehicle move farther than 6 feet...feel free to give us advice! Everyone else, have a great weekend and I look forward to visiting with y'all! Don't forget to check out Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk.

On a Roll

2011-01-30T13:03:00.000-08:00

Years ago, I recall my parents calling my sisters and I in for a family meeting. While I am sure there were other items on the agenda that day, I remember only one. Toilet Paper. Yes, you read that right.

You see, like many other families...our budget was tight. Money needed to be saved and one way was through toilet paper. If you have many girls around, you know that where there are girls...toilet paper can be used in abundance. My parents had noticed that we were, apparently, "rolling" through toilet paper at alarming speeds. At the time, I'm sure it was a very serious topic, but I cannot help but laugh as I remember my mom explaining that they had figured out that...for most jobs, 5 squares was sufficient. I'm not sure where that number came from. I chuckle as I imagine the research involved (no, I am not going there). However they came to that decision, we were told to try to keep our TP usage to 5 squares a shot. They must have really ingrained it within me because, to this day I still remember sitting on the throne and counting squares.

I now live in a house with mostly boys. Dancer and I are the only regular "wipers". Somehow, we still manage to go through a 12 pack of double rolls with alarming "regularity" (sorry, I just couldn't help it). However, last weekend, we had a house full of girls. Dancer had an overnight party with four of her closest friends. Only 3 of them spent the night. About 10:30 or 11:00 p.m., one of the precious ladies informed me that we were out of paper in the downstairs bathroom. That bathroom is just a half bath and we tend to use the supplies slowly. I headed up to the closet to get a roll and a spare. (Someday, I hope that the males in the house will learn that the spare is there for the purpose of replacing the empty tube in the event they are the one who empties it...so as not to leave the women folk stranded on the throne, but I digress). Remember...it was 11:00 p.m. The girls went straight to bed after one last potty break and slept soundly until about 7:30 the next morning. We left the house about 9:00 a.m. for basketball games, and spent the rest of the day away from home with parties, birthday shopping, etc. Sunday, we went to church and lunch and spent the day napping and playing with the birthday girl.

Monday morning, I got up and did my morning routine (Bible and breakfast, exercise, etc.), got up the kids and began school. My morning routine involves drinking 2 1/2-3 cups of water, so by about 8:30...nature is calling. I went into the downstairs bath...and found myself trapped. Nothing on the roll. No spare. Really? I thought there was a spare. And then, it came to me. Three extra girls...all using one bathroom. We had managed to burn through two doubled sized rolls in a matter of hours, people. I am sure, through the years, we will find many other areas where we save money because the bulk of our family is male, however none may ever be quite as well illustrated as the truth of the tissue.

Rest assured, next time we have a girl's sleepover...they could very well be met with a sign on the bathroom door:

For most jobs: 5 squares is sufficient!!!

Coffee Talk 1.28.11

2011-01-28T04:54:00.000-08:00

Good Morning, Ladies!

Hope everyone finds themselves well this morning! I just finished doing "The Shred" so I am all warmed up and ready to go. I have had to resort to indoor exercising of late because Tigercub has decided to begin waking up with the sun. By the time it is light enough for me to run...I hear the pitter patter of little feet that are ready for their momma. Hopefully, as spring approaches, some of our cloudiness will go away and it will begin getting light earlier. I have a feeling I am gonna have to start back with square one on the running, UGH!

We have had a pretty good week around here. MORE snow on Tuesday night which meant all the schools were cancelled again. They were expecting several inches, we might have got one. I opted out of taking a snow day and made my kids do school. That did not go over well. They knew all their friends were out and they wanted to be, too. They didn't even want to go out and play in the snow...just wanted to skip school. I tried, for a short time to reason with them about how we would have to tack the day on to the end of the year, blah, blah, blah...they did not want to hear it. So, in the end, I was the bad guy...but we got school done! Someday they will thank me...or will go to therapy...or both.

We also celebrated Tigerfan's birthday yesterday. However, I discovered that I certainly need improvement. I BOUGHT a birthday card for him...I just forgot to write in it. I figure I have until this weekend when we take him and probably his momma out to eat for a group celebration (her birthday is the 30th).

As for the weekend, just the same ole thing. Basketball tonight and all morning tomorrow and birthday celebrations tomorrow night. As someone who loves things to stay the same, I should love that...but I am craving something different. Isn't that just like us! My sisters are going through some BIG changes right now, and perhaps that is where my longing comes from. I wish so much that I could be there with and for them. I long to bring them a meal, or watch their kids, or just commiserate with them when necessary. But I am 2,000 miles away, so I watch from a distance...and that is hard. I definitely need to learn a lesson in contentment...because while I sit in Tennessee and whine about the snow, I yearn for Idaho...which will have snow and cold long after we have pulled out the short sleeves. I guess it is not so much the place as a yearning for family, but the outcome is the same. A little twinge of discontent despite the fact that I live in constant blessing. God has SO much work to do on me!

Anyway, I look forward to visiting this weekend, it will probably have to tide me over for a couple of weeks, because next week, we are scheduled for a long overdue trip to Louisiana. I am so ready to do some visiting and am HOPING to even catch a little bit of time with CiCi! Fingers crossed.

For now, I will leave you with my Siesta Scripture Memory verse for the second part of this month. It is a little longer than recommended but a really essential verse to know. I am going to attempt to type it from memory. I have realized, these couple of weeks how my memory is failing me as I get older...there was a time that I could have just read this through a couple of times and had it...especially because it was already familiar to me...but I have struggled to keep the wording just right. Anyway, here goes:

"For it is by grace you have been saved through faith--and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God has prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:8-10

Okay, I did pretty good, had to fix a couple of words, but maybe in the 3 days I have left, I can get them. The important thing is really the message. And may I just encourage you...that if, by any chance there is one reading this that does not know that saving grace of our loving God, to please seek Him out. He longs for you to come to Him. He longs for you to know the peace that only He can bring. This world will always bring trouble and stress and sadness and frustration. But our Creator, God, longs for you to have more. He loved everyone of you enough to send His son to die for your sins. His desire is that no one should perish...but you MUST believe! Please take some time this weekend to seek Him out, ask questions, read His Word, the Bible or even contact one of the many ladies in this community that would love to share what a difference He has made for them.

I hope you all have a blessed weekend, be sure to check out Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk. By the way, I have a hard hitting blog post in me about toilet paper...if I can find time this week, I am totally posting it...and you DO NOT want to miss it! :)

Snow!!! More Snow!

2011-01-21T05:05:00.000-08:00

Good morning ladies! We are welcoming you, once again, from a land of snow and ice...normal for many of you but very unusual for us to experience more that once a year. Our house looks a little like this right now (although this was actually the last snow...finally got the pics to work)!

Last time we played a little and schooled a little. This time...I am wavering. Last time all the schools were out, we schooled. On Monday, all the schools were out and we schooled. Today, I am considering a free day...mostly because I want one and have a TON to do! We will see.

One of my big jobs is to decide whether or not to have a party tonight. You see, 8 years ago on January 22, a pregnant me was talking to a friend on Wednesday night. We were discussing the fact that I was 5 weeks away from my due date and laughing because we had not assembled the baby bed, we had no baby book and the stroller we had purchased wouldn't fit in the back of our vehicle. I said that I guessed we had better get things done that weekend. We had weather much like this and the big excitement of the evening was to predict whether or not we would have school the next day. I got up the next morning, about 4 a.m. to, well to take care of business, so to speak, and my water broke. Stunned, I said something like, "Oh my word!" My husband, thinking I had run into the bed...like I frequently did, asked what was wrong and was equally shocked when I told him. We jumped up and started getting ready to go to the hospital, calling our folks, packing a bag, etc. The weather had, indeed gotten bad during the night and we drove to the hospital in the snow and ice (by the way...schools WERE cancelled that day). I didn't really realize the gravity of the situation until they did an ultrasound and predicted the baby to be about 4 pounds. I suddenly realized just how early this baby was coming. On January 23, 2003 at around 10:00 in the morning, our little princess was born. She weighed in at a whopping 5 pounds 9 ounces. She was healthy as a little horse, even if she was little! We got to take her home in only 48 hours and, other than a bout with jaundice and a bili-bed, we never had a single problem. I was so excited to have a little girl after two boys. And she has been an absolute joy. My sweet little princess who loves fashion and baby dolls and crafts but can take any boy who tries to annoy her!

So, this weekend (weather permitting) we will have a few of her closest friends spending the night and celebrating eight years with the sweetest girl in my life!
In other news, I have decided to try to get my family eating healthier. I have been eating vegetarian (mostly) for almost a year and have seen a lot of benefits. I didn't really want to force that on everyone else...but I am starting to really crave an overall healthier lifestyle. I just don't want my kids eating all that food that is killing us as a nation...fat and sugar and chemicals, blah! SO this week, I decided to try out a couple of vegetarian meals on the whole family. Experiment one was Quinoa stuffed bell peppers. I thought they were great. Tigerfan ate his. Everyone else whined and told me they were disgusting! My next experiment was Taco Soup...I held out on telling them it was vegetarian. They did eat...but they were not astounded. I am not giving up. Next week, I have a chili recipe that looks promising...anyone else have some good vegetarian (or better vegan) meals that your family actually appreciates?

Well, I would love to chat forever, but there is breakfast and snow that needs attending to. Hope everyone has a great weekend. Be sure to check out Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk.

Don't Fall Out of your Chair...but I am Posting on a Monday

2011-01-17T06:41:00.000-08:00

It is amazing that I am coming out of my typical routine and posting on a day other than Friday! For the two readers (I am being optimistic) that I have left on days other than Fridays, I appreciate you hanging with me. There are two BIG reasons for this post:

1. I am participating in the Siesta Scripture Memory Team and it is time for my second verse. I LOVED my first verse and actually feel a little sad that it is time to move on...however, what a blessing to know that those beautiful words are forever a part of my heart! This time, I chose to memorize some verses on the recommendation of my Bible Study facilitator. They are verses I have always been familiar with but never memorized and put into my heart. She talked about the importance of KNOWING these verses for the purpose of evangelism and so, my new verses for the second half of January are:

Ephesians 2:8-10 "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith--and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

2. The second reason for this post is to tell you about an AWESOME giveaway. Now, I really hope that, if you are a homeschooler, you totally choose to ignore this entirely...however, if you know me well, you will pay close attention because the fact that I am entering this contest boosts your chances tremendously because I DO NOT WIN. I just keep entering hoping that at some point, I can become lucky enough to win something I actually want rather than, oh, I don't know...a dog I did not sign up for nor did I want that I later have to go out and hunt down a home for because no one else will take care of it...but I digress. So, here it is...if you click here, it will take you to a blog where you can win a family pass to one of four homeschool conventions that are coming to an area near you. I don't know about yours, but I know the one close to us, in Memphis is going to be amazing...even with Tim Hawkins as the entertainment. I SO would like to go...so, hop over there and read all about it...and then choose to sign up and if you win...you can donate the tickets to me! :) Great idea, right! Hurry, the contest ends on the 23rd!

Coffee Talk 1.14.11

2011-01-14T05:58:00.000-08:00

Curses! Sorry...I have been fighting my computer FOREVER this morning to put pictures on here. I am finally throwing in the towel. Even my IT man (aka my 13 year old) cannot figure it out. The pictures show up in the picture file but won't show up on here...erg! It is now 8:00 and I have got to start school so this is going to be a pictureless post.

Very frustrating because we have had SNOW this week. Now, I know lots of people have had snow this week, but here in the south, it is a bit of a novelty. We usually get maybe one snowstorm and it is usually just a small covering on the ground. This year, we got at least 2 or three inches so that is exciting for us. Monday, we did a partial school day and partial snow day. All the local schools were out for snow and my kids knew it. Gone are the days when I can just sneak in days without them knowing they are the only kids doing school...I'm gonna have to change my methods. Anyway, they had a BALL playing. Even Tigercub who did not enjoy his first few encounters with the white stuff. We had snow sculptures, snowball fights and ate some delicious snow cream. We did NOT, however get to partake in our usual tradition of redneck sledding...hooking the aluminum boat up to the four wheeler and riding around the yard, because the owner of the boat came back and claimed it a couple of months ago. Because the temps have stayed so cold, we still have a little covering here and there but, frankly, the fun has worn off and I am ready for some spring weather...that's how it is here. We like our one snow and then that is enough!

I started a new Bible Study this week on Romans. I have actually done part 1 of this study several years ago, but I think I need it again. I LOVE my Wednesday night Bible Study group and would probably do just about any study just to stay in it but I think it is going to be really good. I have also joined up with Beth Moore's Siesta Scripture Memory Team. I am hoping to memorize...I mean REALLY memorize and put into my heart, two verses a month for this year. My first verse is Psalm 94:19. It was given to me recently by a precious friend who knew that I have just been struggling a lot with holding things together. I love, love, love it and am so grateful that it has become so much a part of me that when I start to come unglued, it is usually the first place my mind goes. The NIV translation says, "In the multitude of my thoughts within me, Your comfort delights my soul." One translation uses the word anxieties instead of thoughts. Isn't that BEAUTIFUL! Ladies, His comfort can delight your soul. When you feel tired and overwhelmed, worn down, at your wits end...HIS comfort delights your soul. Oh, I just get so excited each time I say that! Anyway, yesterday I downloaded a new app on my phone. It is the Siesta Scripture App and it allows you to write in the memory verse you are working on and save it on your phone, kind of like the notes app. Now I have my verses with me ALL THE TIME. Tomorrow is the day I need to choose a new verse. I am struggling to decide what verse to do because I really want it to be relevant to where I am right now. It has to be a verse I have never memorized before but this first one has been so amazing...I want more of that. Any ideas?

In other news, I colored my hair last Saturday for the first time ever! The grey had just taken over so I bit the bullet and spent some time with a box of Nice 'N Easy. I tried to stay close to my natural color and just cover the grey but even then, I am having trouble getting used to it. I guess I had more grey than I realized and it really darkened up. Of course, this is just all in my mind...no one else has even noticed! I am also getting a desperately needed hair cut today, YAY.

Okay...I could stay and chat forever with you ladies...I have so much I would love to talk about... but school and chores and haircuts and guitar lessons are awaiting. Can't wait to visit with y'all this weekend, hope you all have a blessed one! And be sure to check out Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk.

Coffee Talk 1.7.11

2011-01-07T04:55:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I still cannot believe we are already in 2011, time goes so fast when you start getting old!

I seems like forever since I have been on here and I have missed getting news on my Company Girl friends!

I'm sure you all can relate when I say the holidays were crazy! I really had big ideas of a very serene, calm time...but that didn't happen. It was a great time, however. We had a great Christmas weekend that I would totally show you, except Tigerfan hasn't put the pictures on the computer yet and I haven't a clue how to do it! Tigerfan's sister came Christmas evening and so we got to spend several days with her and her family. My nephew spent most of the time at our house with the boys and Dancer spent most of the time at Nana's with my niece. She LOVED some much desired girl time! We also had our newly "adopted oldest son" visiting. He is actually my SIL's nephew and went to DisneyWorld with us a few weeks ago. He is a 22 year old college student and, you can imagine, my boys LOVED him. Since he was on our meal cards, etc. we told him we were adopting him which totally works out for us since he will graduate from college in a year and the majority of financial responsibility and raising has been done! :) Really, he is a great guy and a great example for our boys and we love having him around!

My SIL and her family left Wednesday morning...and my brother and his family came Wednesday afternoon. They stayed until Saturday afternoon and we had a blast with them. They have two boys (10 and 7) who are rambunctious, crazy, and totally adorable. We mostly just stayed around the house while they visited because the weather was AWFUL! But the visit was fun. We got to celebrate Tigercub's third birthday. Wow, three years old, the time has gone so fast! I would love to show you pictures...they are on the camera (sigh!). Between Christmas and birthday...we now have pretty much every Toy Story item known to man! Including, but not limited to, the cutest pair of light up cowboy boots complete with Andy's name carved into the bottom!

Anyway, between Christmas, birthdays, new years, family visits, and starting back to school there just hasn't been a lot of blogging time...maybe soon. I have done great, so far, on my small things and hope to keep that up. I have also spent an embarrassing amount of time playing with one of Dancer's Christmas presents. Yes, this is confession time. She got a DS game called Style Savvy. I don't care much about most video games, but on this one, you open a boutique, choose clothes for your customers, buy new inventory, etc. She gets bored on it after about 5 minutes...but I love it. How pathetic is that? Every time I have 5 minutes of down time...I offer to "run" her boutique for her...and people, I am good! Really good! I think it is my way of releasing my inner fashionista!

Anyway, I look forward to this week's visit! For now...I have a troop of hungry children awaiting breakfast so I must rush off! Have a blessed weekend and be sure to check out Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk.

2010-12-17T04:50:00.000-08:00

Good morning, ladies! Pull up a chair and grab some hot chocolate (no coffee here, you know!) We have the beginnings of some holiday baking for you. Some fudge or a sugar cookie, or if you REALLY want to indulge, how about a coconut, chocolate chip macaroon? YUM!

We are fully in the throws of the holiday season...and I am exhausted! We have listened to our adult choir's music, the children's choir music, had parties at the tutorial shopped and shopped and shopped some more. And we are almost done! My hopes is that, other than a tiny bit of last minute shopping and baking, after this weekend, we will be able to slow down and enjoy Christmas week. We still have a busy weekend ahead. Starting with tonight when my sweet Tigerfan will take me to our local theater's rendition of my all time favorite Christmas movie:

I'm a little giddy just thinking about it! Of course, no one can replace Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, but it is still White Christmas and I CANNOT WAIT!!! We may even hit Olive Garden for a little date night before hand because one of my precious tutorial students gave me one of the most generous gifts I have ever received as a teacher...a gift card for $30.00!

Tomorrow, we will go to Bethlehem Breakfast at our church and then do a little more shopping...the kids have yet to get one another something and we are running out of time! Sunday, Tigerfan gets the opportunity to head to Nashville to watch the Titans play so I will be a single mom at church and then Sunday Night we are going to his parent's church to hear their Christmas music. My plan is by Monday to be mostly done with all the running around and enjoy the week. Do some baking, let the kids have friends over, maybe visit with one of my friends, go see Christmas lights...aaaaaah, sounds great, doesn't it?

As for other happenings. I am pleased to announce that B.B. took first place in the Elementary Biological division of the science fair, so it is off to regionals in March. F.B.'s project did not fair as well. BUT--his partner and he came up with the topic and all the experimentation totally by themselves. They did a FANTASTIC job and the main problem with their project was lack of data because a lot of their subjects dropped out before it was complete. They learned a TON and had fun doing it, so it was TOTALLY worth it. And because I am a complete glutton for punishment...we have already began looking into what we want to do next year...even emailed trying to get a scientist on board as a mentor...Ugh, I'll never learn!

So what about you...how are Christmas preparations going on your end? Of course, I know Mrs. Lea (CiCi's Corner) is finished and enjoying every moment...anyone else out there scrambling to just keep your head above water like me?

OH! And I almost forgot! Tigercub is potty trained (insert wild happy dance here)! Waiting until he was almost three was a very wise decision. Training was really a breeze and we are happily DIAPER free in the Tigerden...well, almost diaper free...although he wakes up dry every morning, paranoid mommy makes him sleep in one. Just think, no more diapers until I'm a grandma...and that is a long time off!

Have a great weekend and I look forward to visiting with all my sweet Company Girl friends. Be sure to check out Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk.

Coffee Talk 12.10.10

2010-12-10T06:23:00.000-08:00

Good morning Ladies,

I would love to chat about my week, but I have a ten year old boy that needs some cuddle time with mom this morning! Hope to visit with you this weekend. Blessings!

For Coffee Talk go to Home Sanctuary

Coffee Talk 12.3.10

2010-12-03T05:22:00.000-08:00

Good Morning, Merry Christmas, and hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving!

I was hoping to post a little bit throughout the week of our Disney adventure...that didn't happen. These days, I find that I just cannot carve out time for blogging except on Fridays, so this morning, you will just get the very brief summary because not only is it the holiday season and the end of a semester but it is also Science Fair time and if you have been around here for any length of time, you know that I have a love-hate relationship with Science Fair. I am its BIGGEST advocate...until a week or so before it is due...then I am cursing myself for putting us through the torture and wondering why I EVER THOUGHT THIS WAS A GOOD IDEA. This week...I am wondering why I ever thought this was a good idea! Because Tuesday is the day we bring them to tutorial and this year...I have two Science Fair participants. That means two projects, two papers, two boards and two nervous breakdowns! :) On a happy note, hopefully by the end of today, both projects will be complete and for the first time since Science Fair began, it won't be hanging over our heads over the Christmas holidays! HURRAY!

Do I have a gift for making a short post long or what?

Anyway...here is a little slice of our week at Disney:

Driving into the Magic Kingdom. Can I just say that, while it is fun, the true magic is probably that the children actually come out alive! Because, despite the claim of being the "happiest place on earth" there was much screaming and gnashing of teeth...by both children and parents.

One day as I was "lovingly" directing my precious angels to stop whining, stop touching each other and watch the parade because WE ARE HAVING FUN, another mother leaned over to tell me she was so glad to be beside us...it made her feel like a normal parent!

Our clan at Epcot...there is actually a sweet little Christmas vignette behind us...we are just too big (in more ways than one) and we cover it up. This is about the most decent family shot we got. We look happy...I think because everyone knows we are headed to go eat...food brings out the best in all of us!

And here we have all the kids and a couple of extras with the Monsters Inc. crew. We have about forty thousand similar shots to this with Pooh, Mickey, Goofy, etc. But my favorite picture is probably this one:

I think I may frame it to remind myself during the fits, accidents, screaming, etc. of the toddler years that he really is a prince. Notice the lipstick stain on his other cheek...that would be from one of the stepsisters.

We also did the American Idol experience for the first time. This was really neat. During the day, people audition and then they have shows similar to the TV show where the best perform, are judged and then voted on by the audience. The last show of the day is the finale and the winners from each of the day's shows compete against one another. The winner gets a ticket to go to the front of the line of the auditions for the real show in the city closest to them. Last year, apparently, one of the guys that made it pretty far on the show got on this way! It was fun!

And, of course, you can't mention a holiday trip to Disney without the lights. We got to see them light up the streets of Hollywood Studios, which was amazing and even included "snow" which thrilled the children to no end. But my favorite had to be Cinderella's castle all decked out for the holidays!

It was a fun experience, and a long experience and while it was fun...there really is nothing better than just getting back home...nothing like being away to make you appreciate the ordinary! Can't wait to visit all of you this weekend! Make sure to stop by Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk.

Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sweet baby sister! I wish I lived closer and I could pamper you today. I am so blessed to have been given two AWESOME sisters and friends! Love you!

Coffee Talk 11.19.10

2010-11-19T05:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to another edition of Coffee Talk! The only post I ever manage to do all week. And yes, I just kicked my 10 year old (who, incidentally, should still be in bed) off the computer so I could have MY computer time! It is sacred ladies....SACRED! So grab a cup of something and stay a minute.

I have a million random thoughts flying through my mind right now so we will do this in the ever so efficient list format today.

1. In approximately 5 hours, we will be heading out on the two day journey to DISNEY!!! My incredible in-laws are treating their children and families to a Thanksgiving trip to the "Happiest Celebration on Earth". I'm still a little on the fence about that. Don't get me wrong. I am totally appreciative and who can't have fun at Disney...but there is a strong willed two year old and a thirteen year old involved so the jury is still out on whether or not this is really a sane venture!

2. Which leads me to the next thought. I actually forgot to eat breakfast this morning. Now, for some of you non breakfast types that was a very unremarkable statement. But for those who know me well...you know how truly amazing that is. I eat IMMEDIATELY upon getting up. I just wake up starving. I ALWAYS eat and, although, in recent months I have learned restraint, I have traditionally eaten a lot. I might not eat much the rest of the day...but do NOT mess with my breakfast. So, this morning, I got up, made my oatmeal and began my Bible reading while I waited for it to cool a bit. I then got up, dressed, went for my run (3.56 miles) and came home. I did notice a feeling of hunger mid way through the run and I actually thought I had better eat a little protein when I got back. I got in, walked to the computer...and there sat my un-eaten bowl of oatmeal...no wonder I was hungry! On the upside...I ran my route without eating and LIVED! I know this is probably not the healthiest thing to do and I totally realize it shows how crazy my mind is right now, but somehow, I find a little victory in it!

3. Tigerteen had his Rock School performance last night. It was in a different location than normal (read that hot, crowded, cramped and uncomfortable). I must admit that Tigercub was more entertaining than the vast majority of the music. The highlight of the evening was after the last band performed one of their songs. The crowd cheered and got quiet and than Tigercub screamed, "Good job, guys!" The best part of all was that we had a completely drama free evening! Amen!

4. It is Science Fair time. I love Science Fair. And I hate Science Fair. I realize the amazing benefits and huge amount of learning that is a result and it is totally worth it. But I am TIRED! I am tired of recruiting help for Tigerteen's project, tired of taking him to research times, tired of getting all the data and writing it up. I am tired of B.B.'s project and would just like to thank my mother so much for giving us the fabulous idea of dissecting owl pellets (yes, you read that correctly). I am tired of owl puke...to put it bluntly. I am tired of having rodent bones sitting on my counters. I am tired of telling him that yes, he must dissect ANOTHER one...but we are almost through! Hallelujah! It won't be hanging over our heads this Christmas! I choose to find victory in this as well.

5. Okay, when I began this post...I had ever so much more to say...I have now forgotten it. I am thinking about feeding the dog and running to Walmart before we leave because I totally forgot to buy dog food to leave here. I am thinking about what else needs to be packed last minute and remembering that I totally forgot to get my little date snack bars to help keep me from totally blowing the diet at Disney. I am wondering if I should have packed my running clothes, just in case, and knowing that I know I won't actually use them. I am getting excited about 10 days away! No schedule, no teenage drama (I hope), no work, no technology to fight with! At the same time, I am wishing I was going to be with my sisters and parents for the holidays. We haven't spent Thanksgiving with my family in 8 or 9 years. I miss the thought of laughing with my sisters and hanging with my parents. I'm feeling a bit nostalgic wishing I lived closer and could share holiday times together with them.

6. **UPDATED**I totally forgot about this contest I wanted to tell you about. Okay, so this lovely lady, Erica, has written a children's book called "Two Silly Sisters". I heard about this on the Baby Bangs blog and had to check it out because I LOVE my precious sisters and miss like crazy getting to be silly with them. And believe me...we can be VERY silly. Anyway, Erica is doing a give away for one of her books, which is amazing and I highly suggest you enter. BUT, even if you don't enter for the giveaway, if you are a sister or have daughters with sisters, I totally think you should check out this book. It looks adorable...I haven't actually got to see it yet, but I love what I have read from her so far. She and her husband used most of their savings to help get this book published because they are so passionate about it. I love that. How many times have I wanted to do something big and wimped out because I thought it was impossible! She didn't wimp out! She followed her dream and accomplished it! She would like to write another book in the series, but they really need to make a profit or at least break even to cover what they took from their savings. So, I am telling you. Go check out her site and consider the book for a Christmas gift or something...I'm thinking about sending it to my sisters even though we are all grown! Check it out! NOW! :)

Okay...I must stop sharing random thoughts because Tigercub has joined the scene. He has begun his morning routine of emptying cabinets and has already thrown away two Poptarts and is now trying to get the Halloween candy. Life is just never dull, is it. I hope you all have a great weekend and for those in the U.S.A. a great Thanksgiving. I'll try to get around while traveling for a visit and will miss all you gals next week. Don't forget to check out Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk.

HELP!!!

2010-11-12T04:59:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Ladies,

Hope all is going well. I missed being here last week and, frankly, am not sure that I will make it around this week...we have a crazy busy weekend ahead as we plan on heading out next Friday for the Land of the Mouse. We will be spending Thanksgiving with Mickey and Friends and I am not prepared. I will do my best to make it by, however.

I'm really just popping in for a little help. I am going through a bit of a struggle right now. School is...UGH! and raising a teenager is about to get me...and there are three more behind him! I would be lying if I didn't say I was praying fervently that Christ returns in the next three years before B.B. enters the teen years! Anyway, I am struggling, REALLY struggling. I know I need to just surround myself with scripture and pray through this time...but honestly, I don't have the energy to seek out that scripture (just being real, here). So, this is how you can help me. What are the verses you turn to when you need strength or comfort? My plan is to write them down and post them all over my house and maybe make a set to keep with my Bible. If you have some that have just given you a lot of strength at some point, would you just leave a comment and share it or them with me? Thank you my precious Coffee Talk friends. Have a blessed weekend!

For more Coffee Talk, go to Home Sanctuary.

Coffee Talk 10.29.10

2010-10-29T05:05:00.000-07:00

Another week gone? Really? Where is the time going? It is C-O-L-D, COLD here this morning...so grab something warm and let's chat a minute. Tiger teen has promised to whip me up a cup of hot chocolate this morning after my really cold run but I can' t let myself drink it until I drink my first round of water, ugh!

I took almost a week off from running due to rainy weather and Tigerfan being out of town. I know it sounds ridiculous because he is always at work when I run anyway, but it was so dark this week and all I could think was IF a car didn't see me and IF the unthinkable happened, Tigerfan was out of town and the kids would be home alone...maybe I was just needing an excuse. Anyway, I went this morning which felt good...but it was cold! I mean cold! I find myself dreading the next run because I know how cold it is going to be. Runners, any advice for staying motivated when you just want to crawl back into bed and pull the nice, warm covers over your cold little body would be appreciated.

Anyway...last week, I shared, okay vented, about Tigerteen. When I first started blogging, mostly to keep my family up to date, I took a blog and told about each kiddo. Tigertot wasn't even in the world yet and so much has changed. So, I thought I would dedicate this post to Baseball Boy, who desperately needs a new nickname but I can't come up with one I like, so for now, it remains.

B.B. has always been my strong willed one. He is precious and loving and stubborn as a mule! When I first began blogging, he loved to watch television and would immediately memorize half of the lines in whatever he was watching (including the commercials) and pretty much every conversation with him went something like, "On ______(insert show name here)____, this happened." followed by a complete retelling of the entire show or commercial. It was both endearing and completely irritating. At ten, he doesn't care as much about television...now we get sports recaps. Over and over and over. They usually involve a lot of sound effects, a lot of jumping around in the retelling and a lot of spit. They are usually accompanied by speech that is so incredibly fast and slurred that, at least three times a day he hears, "B.B., I have absolutely no idea what you just said." And that is from his momma. I can only imagine what strangers think, I wonder if they ever question what language he is speaking.

When young, he had the most kissable cheeks. So plump and soft and begging to have lips just sink into them. At ten, he is still cuddly and loving...although he doesn't appreciate the kisses nearly as much as he used to. Now, I like to rub his little Velcro head (he has the coarsest, curliest head of hair I have ever seen) and hug him close...and he will let me. For a moment. Then he decides to wrestle. He thinks he will be able to take me down. And someday soon, he probably will...but for now, I can still take him!

He is full of joy and fun and laughter. He loves to joke, loves to play with his friends, loves to play practical jokes. He is also the most maddening child I have yet endured. He loves to aggravate and gets complete joy out of making his sister and little brother scream, cry, or tattle. I have yet to figure out why it is so much fun to know you have made everyone in the house mad at you...but that seems to be a daily goal. He then cries because everyone is getting on to him and hurting HIS feelings!

He still loves to eat. A lot. I dread the teenage years just a little because I am not sure how we will afford to feed him. However, he will totally be ready for his college years because he thinks Ramen noodles are a food group (and yes, I am totally aware that they have absolutely not one ounce of nutritional value but sometimes, friends, you just have to pick your battles).

I cannot believe that in just the blink of an eye, he will be a teenager...and I will have two in the house (shudder). I cannot believe how quickly the time has passed. In just a few moments, we will begin the school day cuddling...and in a few more, we will be fighting over the fact that he is once again distracted and not doing his school work. At lunch, we will have the daily discussion that he cannot eat until he has completed AT LEAST workbox six and then accompany it with the daily list of all the people whose fault it is that he is only on workbox 2. We will have the daily fight, um...discussion, over the fact that no, he cannot drink a soda at lunch, just like he couldn't yesterday, or the day before, or the day before. Before lunch is over...I will probably be discussing (okay screaming) the fact that he is aggravating someone else at the table. And by the time school is over...we will be laughing hysterically over the "treasures" he finds as he dissects owl pellets for his Science Fair project.

I think this "self portrait" of him this summer says it all. Isn't he cute! And can't you just see the mischief waiting to come out. That smile is just a preview of antics to come! Those eyes...trouble is lurking, friends, trouble is lurking!

Thanks for letting me capture this moment in time!

For more Coffee Talk go to Home Sanctuary.

Coffee Talk 10.22.10

2010-10-22T05:11:00.000-07:00

I thought I would hate it. I looked upon it with dread. I expected weeping and gnashing of teeth. And then, I became the mother of a teenager.

Ya know...it really isn't that bad! I thought little ones would be easier, I mean the worst that happens is you forget to tie the refrigerator up and you find a two year old scaling the shelves. Don't get me wrong, mothering toddlers and early elementary ages can be tough and totally exhausting...but they are little and cute and they say the greatest stuff!

Teenagers on the other hand...ugh. I thought of hormone changes and "the talk". I pictured the fights and power struggles. I prayed and hoped and researched military school (okay...maybe I didn't research military school...but the thought crossed my mind). Anyway. I now have a teenager. We have been traversing this path for about 6 months now...and I have enjoyed it! All of the sudden, the little boy who stayed little just a bit longer than most of his friends has blossomed into a young man. We can have talks that don't involve super heroes, shows from Nickelodeon, or weapons. He will sit and watch House Hunters with me and is genuinely interested in what that house will look like in the end.

I love that he came home from youth the other night and told me how amazing their speaker was and I love that he realizes FINALLY that if he gets done with school a little early, he can do an extra assignment or two and then Friday, he has an easy day! I have a little adult on my hands...and I LIKE it! Oh, we are still early in the game. I know there will be battles ahead, but I find myself really enjoying this stage of parenting and I didn't expect that.

Except for one thing. GIRLS! Don't get me wrong...I am fond of them. I am one, after all! Up until a month ago, they weren't even much of a consideration. Life has been hunting and school and hanging out with buddies. And then, a sweet girl entered the picture. Tigerteen (I am renaming F.B to something more appropriate) has been a little later developing an interest in girls and that has been fine by me. I have always known all his friends and had a few picked out for good first interests. I was FLOORED one day when a different girl came on the scene. They ran Cross Country together and became buddies. They like some of the same teams. She loves sports...all of a sudden, Sports Center is on constantly. She plays basketball, all of the sudden, he considers restarting his basketball career. She is a sweet girl from a sweet family...but I am NOT ready for this.

I am blessed, Tigerteen still talks to me. So far. And I feel I am balancing on this tiny rope between wanting to keep the lines of communication open and wanting to stick my fingers in my ears, sing, "La,la,la" and hand him an action figure! I don't want to start boy/girl stuff. I don't! I REALLY don't.

And yet, here we are. We have explained that they can be friends...but at thirteen, that is all they are...friends. We have explained that they can hang out with one another...with other friends or parents. We have met her parents and really like them...but thirteen? This is too young. It is too soon. I want to enjoy enjoying my teen a little longer.

We recently added texting to our cell plan. In 20 days, Tigerteen had almost 10,000 texts. No, that is NOT a misprint. We told him he had no privacy...as his parents, we had the right to all his passwords and to look at anything he does online or on his phone. So, the other night, we got out the phone and started going through. Just silly, teenage stuff. Kidding with buddies, kidding with his dad. And then...we got to the texts with "her". They had all been deleted. Every. single. one. What happened to talking to mom? I am sure the messages were innocent. I am sure he knew we would look and was afraid of Daddy giving him a hard time...but they were deleted. It was tricky, sneaky...and my trust has faltered just a bit.

So yesterday...we had to have a new kind of talk. One that involved rules about deleting messages, being friends and appropriate things to discuss with your thirteen year old FRIEND! I know there are heartbreaks on the horizon. I know that at thirteen, this will probably be only the first of many interests (although how amazing would it be if it was just a friendship that stood the test of time). I know that we have many other rites of passage before my young man becomes a young adult. But somehow, this one seems the hardest, at least so far. I foresee many hours on my knees and many tears yet to be shed...mostly mine.

Whatever happened to arranged marriages? Just asking?

Anyway, my sweet Coffee Talk friends, thank you for letting me vent...every week! I totally meant to rant about this earlier this week and just have a "normal" post...but I can't seem to get myself on this blog any other day. Also thank you to my precious friend from CiCi's corner. Do you know that she sent me the book, "Good Girls Don't Have to Dress Bad"? I have DEVOURED it and discovered that I have pretty much never done anything right. I have A LOT of work to do...someday I'll post before and after pictures and let y'all decide if it was worth it! For now, I have little ones who are expecting breakfast this morning so I must go. Hope everyone has an amazing weekend, look forward to visiting all the Company Girls. Don't forget to check out Home Sanctuary to visit everyone!

Coffee Talk...Fashion Challenge Edition

2010-10-14T18:37:00.000-07:00

AAAAAGH! Why is this thing typing like this? I do NOT know...I cannot make it stop! Anyway, last week I mentioned popcorn cake. We made it and it turned out really cute so I am including a picture. It was really sweet and fun for this time of year. I wish I could offer you a piece but I was forced to get it OUT OF THIS HOUSE! This post has the potential of becoming scary long, not to mention being typed entirely in blue and underlined...so grab a drink and visit a minute!

Okay, now down to business. As some of you know...I am fashion challenged and had a bit of a rant about it last week. I decided to do what I could (from Shari's advice) that didn't cost money. That meant cleaning my closet. I am a little embarrassed, but in the interest of full disclosure...this is what I encountered:

Hubby's side:

My side: I have no idea why this is typing this way but I am also computer challenged, so we are going with it!

After purging all things that were worn out, the wrong size or totally out of style, I began to attempt to purge based on color. I had, at one time, taken the color test on Shari's site and was a "clear" which totally excited me because it meant I could wear black and bright colors...Yay! So, I went back to check out the colors I should be using, decided to take the test again...and it said soft! Ugh, no black? I took it again...still soft! At that point, I threw in the towel in frustration because I can't even figure out what colors I should own much less what I need to buy.

Okay, so fast forward to Wednesday when Shari did her new post. She sent us to a new site by Amy Bayliss for a little challenge. So the challenge was put together three new outfits without spending any money. You could trade with a friend, shop in your closet, remake old pieces, etc. I decided to take on the challenge. I learned that a)I have pretty much no fashion sense whatsoever b) I am probably the most uncreative person on the face of the earth and c)that if I am determined enough...I can do it. Did I mention how fashion challenged I am?

So here are my "new" outfits and a little dialogue...because I cannot post without nonstop dialogue.

Outfit number one is casual. Not much dialogue except I would totally like for you to notice the BROWN, not black you will probably be seeing in all other outfits. The pitiful little earrings are my attempt at accessorizing. And yes...I am photographically challenged as well so you may have to turn your head into unnatural positions and squint your eyes to get past the blur...at least I can make popcorn cake!

I feel the need to add that the t-shirt has some cute little bling, my picture totally doesn't do it justice. I wore this to church Wednesday night...no one told me how cute I was...on the other hand, no one told me I looked sick, pale or washed out so I guess it isn't too awful.
Outfit two is work wear for tutorial days. I am totally aware that this is totally black which breaks the breaking up with black rule. But the challenge was no money...these were in my closet...I'll have to break up with black at a later juncture. My niece "passed down" the printed shirt and I was trying to make it wearable into fall.

Outfit three is church wear. I must admit...it took a LONG time to come up with this one. I'm not totally in love with it...but it met the challenge. And, while the jewelry is black...there are also non black elements as well which is a total bonus in my book.

Okay, so I am totally open to constructive criticism, computer advice or photography tips. Let me know how I could improve or accessorize or just get rid of all together. I must admit that Dancer and I did have fun even if I am not runway ready. Maybe we will shop in her closet next!

I look forward to visiting with all my Coffee Talk friends this weekend. Be sure to stop by Home Sanctuary for more fellowship. And, by the way, I got NO small things accomplished this week. I was too busy redesigning my wardrobe! :)

Oh--I forgot! Tigerfan started a blog, if you get a chance go visit him and leave him a comment, he would really appreciate it! Thanks!

Coffee Talk 10.8.10

2010-10-08T04:33:00.000-07:00

Another week has flown by...how can it be? Grab some water or bring your own coffee and we can chat a minute! My two year old has decided to join us this morning. Instead of getting up for my morning run...I am bribing him with a donut (AKA Honeybun) so I can at least get a quick post in. We have already played a game and read three books and it is only 6:30 a.m....it could be a long day!

It has been COLD here this week. At least in the mornings. I must admit...it was hard to get out and run Monday in 34 degree weather...but I did it and it was actually a really pleasant run, you know, once the icicles fell off my nose!

We had a nice week. Schools were on fall break around here so lots of activities were cancelled which meant a low stress, stay at home kind of week. I LOVE stay at home weeks! We had friends over, got school done, went easy on homework...it was divine. Tonight will be a wonderful end because my Bible Study group is having a movie night. Tigerfan will take the kiddos to eat and I get to go hang out with some lovely ladies. I am going to try a new recipe and bring popcorn cake...I'll let ya know how it turns out.

Okay...so it is advice time at the Tigerden. I love to read a blog called A Beautiful Place. It is written by a beautiful lady named Shari Braendel who is a christian image consultant. Every week she writes an article giving tips or advice on women's beauty, etc. I love to read it and I love seeing all the trends, etc. 'Cause I really wanna be a put together momma...ya know. However, I have a hard time spending the money on fashion, accessories, etc. I know, in my mind, that we present a better image when we look nice. However, I also know that we have a bathroom in shambles, windows that need replacing and four children to put through activities, clothe and feed.

I struggle with this. I want to look nice and be put together, but I cannot seem to wrap my mind around that being more than just a want. I'm a mess, really. Our society says take care of yourself...you deserve it. But I remember once doing a Bible Study by Beth Moore where she said what we deserve is death and Hell...everything else we have is just a blessing by God. I really think I have probably taken that a little too literally...but every time I get the "wants", that comes back to mind and I think, I have so much more than most of the people in the world. Yes, my shoes may be wearing out...but I have many pairs of shoes. Yes, my clothes may be outdated and they might not even fit really well...but I have more than one outfit. My makeup may not be quite perfect...but what a luxury to be able to wear makeup!

This was really bothering me, so I sent an email to Shari Braendel and she addressed it in her blog this week. Her advice made a lot of sense. But I still struggle with this. Especially since reading "Radical", which has rocked my world. I just wonder, is my desire to look put together a product of "the American Dream", or is it a desire put in us by God? Would the Proverbs 31 woman spend a little hard to come by money to look put together or would she minister to her family and then give what excess there was to the widows and orphans? I know this might seem like a very shallow struggle...but it is where I am at and I would love to know what my sweet Company Girls have to say on this.

To that end, I have decided to do what I can that doesn't cost anything. So, if you went to the blog and read the post...I am going to start by cleaning my closet and getting rid of the stuff that doesn't look good, doesn't fit good or that I no longer wear and I am going to download the wardrobe planner to see what I "need". After that, I guess I will decide if I am going to go any further...but along the way, I am going to take pictures and maybe next week, I can show you the before and after.

So, what do think? I need some guidance! HELP!

I look forward to visiting with you all this weekend! Don't forget to check out more Coffee Talk at Home Sanctuary.

Coffee Talk~September Recap

2010-10-01T04:58:00.000-07:00

Wow...I cannot believe it is October! How did that happen? That means another month of starting strong on Small Things and fizzling out as life got in the way. However, I can't really complain...'cause overall, September was a pretty good month!

We had homemade Poptarts, which by the way, I appreciated far more than my children!
I am not giving up though, we will be trying new flavors soon...I'll keep ya' posted on the response.

We had a great Cross Country season. F.B. runs with a local private school and they took first place in the championship last night. One of his best friends took the individual first place with a time last night for two miles of 12 min. 12 seconds...I was impressed.
F.B. had a great time, met lots of good friends and wants to keep running. He had his personal best time last night...not sure he cares, but I'm a proud momma. He also ran with me in last weekend's 5k.

We ran in the Bluebird Dash which raises money for Camp Bluebird. If you have been around here long, you have probably heard me mention it. It is a camp for adult cancer patients and Tigerfan serves as a counselor there twice a year and LOVES it! I was kidding with F.B before the race started and told him to get ready to go without stopping 'cause I wasn't gonna wait for him! Let me tell ya...he wasn't gonna be beat by his momma! He took off when that race started and never looked back. He came in at about 27 minutes which isn't bad for his first race! I came in about 3 minutes behind him at 30 minutes and some seconds (I forgot to actually look at the clock when I passed the finish line). My husband would like me to tell you that I came in first place in my division...brought home a trophy and everything! However, I feel compelled to confess that that is only because I was the only one running in my division. Tigerfan says I should keep that part a secret, but I just can't do it! We have no pictures of this illustrious event...Tigerfan forgot to take any, but I must admit that that is totally fine with me. I cannot really imagine a flattering picture of me as I try to lug this ole body of mine down that road. But I did it and I am proud of myself. This week, I am trying to figure out where to go from here. I still don't run because I like it...so it is hard to motivate myself without a goal. However, as I was reading this weekend, I found an article saying that you really shouldn't sign up for a race until you have been running for at least 6 months....oops! Now I feel I should be just developing that strength and endurance but am having trouble really pushing myself, especially since it is COLD in the mornings now and I dread going out there. So how do you all motivate yourselves?

Okay, we have a busy weekend ahead. F.B. has a kick off bonfire tonight for the Student Leadership Association and we are sending B.B. off on a choir trip...but next week, NO apartment ministry, NO Cross Country, NO dance because of Fall Break. I am practically giddy with excitement over the prospect of being home and low stress. So, what about you? Any big plans for the weekend ahead? I look forward to visiting each one of you. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Go to Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk.

Coffee Talk 9.24.10

2010-09-24T05:18:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Ladies,

I know I ALWAYS say this and never come through, but this should be short and sweet today because I am running really late and have lots to do!

It has been a good week, with a few fun accomplishments. As you know, I have started running and have been doing my training. Tigerfan convinced me to sign up for a 5k that is sponsored, in part, by the telephone Pioneers. So, tomorrow I am running my first ever 5k. And I use the term running VERY lightly. My goal is to not die. This morning I did a short run...and it was TOUGH! Now I am a little worried about tomorrow...but I am determined. I will do hard things and I will survive! (sorry, needed to give myself that little pep talk).

I actually had a good run Wednesday. 3.56 miles with 5 minutes of it walking for warm up. So I have run the proper distance...just hope I can do it again!

We also made our home made Pop Tarts this week. I posted the recipe here, but originally got it from a fellow Company Girl, Sticky Cook. Dancer and I had so much fun! She was able to do almost everything and LOVED it. We made brown sugar and cinnamon but have decided that now we will play around with other fillings. They were really good, a slightly different texture that a store bought Pop Tart, but worth the no preservatives. Next time, I think we will use 1/2 whole wheat flour and see how that turns out.

I totally have pictures, but my IT man (AKA, Tigerfan) has not put them on the computer for me yet and I haven't a clue. Maybe someday you will see pictures. Because, really, who doesn't want to see blurry pictures of homemade Pop Tarts!

I also have pictures of F.B.'s last Cross Country meet. Because I am a great mom like that and finally remembered the camera on the last day. His team came in first place for the season and he is so excited...he doesn't even care that he never medalled...he is just happy to be a part of the team, I love that!

Okay, today we have friend coming over to work on Science Fair, yes, it is that time of year again...stay tuned for the mental break down, and I haven't even filled the children's workboxes yet, so I need to get moving. Hope you all have an incredible weekend...and feel free to virtually cheer me on tomorrow morning. If I survive, I'll be back next week!

For more Coffee Talk, go to Home Sanctuary.

Recipes

2010-09-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, for those of you who requested recipes, here they are:

Pop Tarts (this is for Brown Sugar Cinnamon but with extra pastry dough, we added plum jelly to some and Tigerfan and Dancer loved it...we are going to play around with fillings next time).

This recipe is from Sticky Cook. She has a lot of great preservative free recipes so you should check her out if interested.

For the pastry:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, cubed

2 Tablespoons white sugar

1 teaspoon salt

½ cup really cold water

1 egg, beaten, for brushing on the dough

For the filling:

½ cup brown sugar

1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

4 teaspoons all-purpose flour

For the icing:

¾ cup powdered sugar

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 Tablespoon milk

In a large mixing bowl, cut the flour and butter together with a pastry cutter or two knives. Add the sugar and salt and mix well. Add the cold water and mix until just combined (if needed, add extra water, 1 teaspoon at a time). Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least half an hour.

In a small mixing bowl, combine the filling ingredients. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Roll out the pastry dough, as thin as possible, then cut with a sharp knife into rectangles (you will probably have to do this in batches). Brush half of the rectangle with the beaten egg, then top the center of the brushed rectangles with a generous amount of the filling mixture (don’t spread all the way to the edges). Top with the un-brushed rectangles. Using a fork, press all the sides of the tarts, sealing the edges. Prick the top of the tarts a few times with a fork, to allow venting. Brush with the egg. Bake on a greased baking sheet (I use cooking spray) for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Combine the icing ingredients, adding a little more milk if necessary. Spread on cooled tarts.

Okay, now for the Green Smoothie:

For a single portion size, I use:

1/2 cup cold water

1 large handful (about half of a bag) of spinach

Blend these together until well blended and smooth.

Add 1 frozen banana. My sister sometimes uses an avocado but I haven't tried this yet (I think I am going to today). This is for the creaminess. The banana will give it a banana flavor which I don't mind. My sister says that the avocado gives it the texture without adding any flavor so if you don't like banana, give this a try.

Then I just throw in whatever fruit I happen to have on hand. My favorites are apples, strawberries, blueberries and kiwi. I usually add a couple of different kinds and a little flax seed.

When I first started making these, I added a little sugar or honey for sweetness, but I don't do that anymore...I think they are perfect without it, but a lot of people do add a little sweetener.

Blend all together and enjoy!

I know for you non spinach people, this sounds disgusting but the fruit masks the spinach...I promise. If you add blueberries, it will take on kind of a brownish color rather than the bright green. If you can get past the look, it is really good and a nice healthy snack!

Coffee Talk 9.17.10

2010-09-17T04:52:00.001-07:00

Good Morning! I've got my bottle of water and am ready to visit! It has been a week of mild weather, a grumpy momma, and little accomplishments around here. I look forward to seeing how the week has been for the Company Girls.

Okay...I'm sorry, I am going to revisit a subject I said I would stop talking about, but~I DID IT!!! This morning, I ran about 2 1/2 miles without stopping. Yahoo! I know, for you real runners out there, that is child's play but believe me, for this non runner, that is HUGE! I don't know the exact distance, I just know I ran for 25 minutes and the website says that is about 2 1/2 miles.

I knew when I got up this morning that today was the day. And to be honest, I was dreading it! In fact, Wednesday was actually the day, but I had been fighting a cold for a few days and when I got up Wednesday, my sinuses were congested and my head was ready to explode and after about 30 minutes of trying to talk myself into going...I realized I just couldn't do it. Afterwards, I was really mad at myself because that is the first training day I have missed since I started this program. I think I decided that I would have to just start over from the beginning because I missed that day. Anyway, this morning I did it. It was tough. There were moments that were great and I was feeling really confident...and then I would have to run up a hill, so much for confidence. So here is my spiritual connection today...because you knew there had to be one. Toward the end of the run, it was getting tough...the road was inclining and I was getting tired and my Ipod died so I was just listening to my brain telling me I was surely going to die! I had been praying for my husband who is in a tough job situation. It isn't that he hates his job, it is just SUPER stressful and he is held accountable to do far more than one person can possibly do in a month. He works ridiculous hours and is constantly told to do more, get it done, take it home, etc. He would love to do some kind of ministry, but also feels the burden of supporting our family. He is frustrated and tired. He is running out of breath and the road is going uphill! We have been praying about it for awhile now. And to be honest, there are days my faith wavers. It is hard to understand why, when your heart desires to do ministry...you are tied to a job that leaves you dissatisfied, frustrated and with very little time.

I thought of some other friends of ours that are in a very similar situation. He hates his job and they have been praying for YEARS for other opportunities. He is still in the job he hates. I admit, I don't understand. Perhaps both he and my husband are making more of an impact where they are than we think. Sometimes, it is hard to remember that we are not really on this earth for our own pleasure...but for the pleasure of God...someday, we will be with Him in paradise, but for now we are in a fallen world that brings trouble and frustration. Anyway~ that is what I was thinking about as I was trying not to die! And I realized that I was making it just one step at a time. In that moment, I was just leaning on God to take me that one next step...if I had looked to the finish, I probably wouldn't have made it...it would have seemed too hard. And so, I just asked Him for the next step...one at a time. Before long, I caught that second wind and was able to finish...maybe not strong, but at least without passing out! :)

This week has been a little rough. School has not gone well and I will probably not be receiving mother or teacher of the year. By Wednesday, I was ready to pull hair out. The thought of continuing like we have been for the rest of the year is unimaginable. I am tired. I don't really want to keep going. And yet...I know that my Father in Heaven, my Sustainer, my Redeemer will help me take that next step. I cannot look to next week or next month or next year. I just have to trust Him right now, this minute, this step. He WILL be faithful. He will pull us through. He will give us hope because He is hope and at the finish line...we will be there, in His presence...so glad that we ran! He is worth it!

I hope and pray that all of my Company Girl friends know Him today. My prayer is that you know the name of Jesus and can call upon Him when your strength is gone. He is the way, the Truth and the Life, the Hope of our Salvation, the Good Shepherd, my Friend! I cannot imagine life without that truth! He is calling out to you today. He wants to help you with each step...will you let Him? Do you know Him?

Hoping you do today, and if you do not...please let me share Him with you today!

For more Coffee Talk, go to Home Sanctuary.

Coffee Talk 9.10.10

2010-09-10T04:55:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Ladies! Come on in a sit a spell! I will be enjoying some nice cold water this morning, what about you? I am hoping to maybe replace my blender this weekend so I can again enjoy my green smoothies...it has been too long.

I missed visiting last week because we were on our way to Louisiana for some much needed R&R. It was a great trip...especially for Tigerfan who needed to get away after several greuling weeks at work. We went to the camp I have told you about a few times before. The kids got to swim, ride golf carts through the woods and we spent a good bit of time watching this little guy.
My very first "in the wild" alligator. He was searching for supper here, I think but the next day we caught him sunning out on a log. During this trip we also had a couple of break throughs with Tigercub. We forgot the pack and play and so we decided to just let him sleep in a big bed and hope for the best. He was so excited to get to be in a big boy bed that I think he just plumb forgot to ask for his pacifiers...I know, he is almost three and he still slept with not one, but three pacifiers...sometimes you just have to pick your battles, people! Anyway, he didn't ask and I didn't offer and other than one little incident since, he has never asked for them again. It is the easiest break from pacifiers we have ever had...just another one of God's little blessings. Now, if he would just decide to potty train himself, I think we would have this whole parenting thing all wrapped up!

The only thing I really hated about the trip is that we missed getting to visit with dear friends. One family there "adopted" me when we first moved to LA 13 years ago. I was 6 months pregnant with our first child, moving to hubby's hometown where the only people I knew were my husband and his sister and her husband. This family became my adopted parents. They cooked for us, took me to the doctor, babysat my sickly little one...such blessings. I miss them terribly and am still a little heartbroken that we didn't even get to see them. The other person I would have loved to visit was our very own Mrs. Lea, also known as CiCi. This is the second or third time we have gone to visit and I have missed out on a "live meeting" and it makes me sad...however, Tigerfan really needed the relaxing so I guess I'm not allowed to whine too much!

As for the rest of the week...Monday night we got home in time to watch MY team, Boise State. I really am not a huge football fan, but there are two teams that get cheered on around here. LSU and BSU. If you watched the game, you will know that Monday night...I almost had a heart attack! But my boys pulled it out...how bout those Bronco's! The rest of the week has been crazy busy. I am trying to look at our schedule and see what we can cut or tweak to make it more manageable. I'm pretty sure we shouldn't be this worn out this early in the school year. But it is so hard to cut...ya know, the things we do are good things, it is just hard to know if they are the best things.

Anyway, this weekend I have a brunch with my Bible Study ladies and we will be closing the pool and hopefully doing some major reorganizing as we have now moved Tigercub into B.B.'s bed, B.B. into F.B.'s bed, and F.B. into the guest room downstairs. There are closets to change up, a baby bed to dismantle, and dressers to change up. Oh, and I almost forgot that I totally want to attempt making homemade Poptarts from another Company Girl, The Sticky Cook. Ya know...in my free time.

Hope everyone has a great weekend, I look forward to visiting with all the Company Girls who join in to Coffee Talk! Blessings!

P.S. Please overlook any spelling errors my !@#$ spell check WILL NOT WORK!!!

Coffee Talk 8.27.10

2010-08-27T04:54:00.000-07:00

Just wondering...how did it become the end of August already? Didn't summer just begin? Anyway~Hope everyone is doing well this morning. It is BEAUTIFUL outside this morning, maybe just on the nippy side which is wonderful considering the oppressive heat we have been experiencing!

Grab a cup of something and join me for a minute or two! I'll be grabbing my nice cold water because when I drink coffee, I want to gag and stuff! :) Today, I will attempt to put to rest two issues I know everyone is absolutely sick of hearing about.

1. Running, yes, I have been a good girl this week and even increased my distance a little bit. Now don't be getting all impressed, we aren't breaking any records or anything. I would guess maybe close to 2 1/2 miles and I'm not running the whole thing. I am using a program called couch potato to 5K to train myself, so I am doing a 5 minute brisk walk, run 3 minutes, walk 1 1/2, run 5 minutes, walk 2 1/2 and then repeat the run/walk cycle one time. See, not that impressive when you know all the details! BUT, I am doing it so I am proud of myself. Last week I said I had learned something and then couldn't remember what it was. Today I remember. Fridays are always my worst run. I couldn't figure out why but I was always feeling a little slow and sluggish. I think I figured it out and am pretty sure it correlates to the overindulgence in popcorn and M&M's the night before. Just sayin'. I will probably not stop eating the said popcorn and M&M's, but at least I know why it is harder to run on Friday. I like this running program because it is slowly training my body to run longer distances. It is pitiful how hard it was just to run two minutes in the beginning...but as I have consistently trained, the running, breathing, etc. is getting easier. Okay, back to that in a minute.

2. The other issue I am going to attempt to stop discussing is the opportunity that we were hoping for. The door was shut, locked and the key thrown away this week. I am disappointed but not surprised. The truth is...I want to be mad at God. I want to say how unfair it is and how good we would have been. But I just can't seem to be. God is God. He said no. His way is right, even if it isn't what I want. He can't be wrong, He is perfect so it is me who was on the wrong track.

Our verse we are memorizing this week just hit me right where I needed it right now. It says:

" Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the herd and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:17-18

Okay, here is the Star translation for her current situation:

"Though you have an opportunity that looks great and it falls through, though your husband is completely stressed out and dissatisfied with his job, though the children you are trying to educate will probably flunk out of second grade and could possibly be incarcerated for killing one another in a fight over who has to clean the dog pen or vacuum the floor, though you aren't smart enough to teach an eight grader math and there isn't a single good school option out there to have...Yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will take joy in the God of my Salvation."

He is still God...and this earth is temporary. It is not my home. Nothing we struggle through here can even compare to the glory that awaits His children. So, I want to be mad...but I can't. I have to just rejoice and know that His way really is best. He has something better, although I may never know or understand what that is. A few weeks ago, I couldn't have said that. At least not and mean it. A few weeks ago I would have pouted and cried and shook my fist at heaven and declared that it wasn't fair. If things weren't going to happen...why even be tempted by the opportunity...but, you see, He is training me. As I have spent more and more time in His Word and more and more time in prayer, He has been preparing me for a harder challenge. Make no mistake, I don't like it. Just like I don't like running while I am doing it. But when I am through, and I look back~I am glad I did it. I am glad I went through the struggle because I come out stronger and better than I was before.

So, let me encourage you today. Whatever trial you are going through today. No matter how big or small. You can rejoice...because we serve a God who is not taken by surprise. He is not scared, He can't be outdone. He loves you dearly. And while He may allow you to experience the pain of training...the reward WILL be worth it.

Hope everyone has a blessed weekend! Be sure to check out more Coffee Talk at Home Sanctuary.

Coffee Talk 8.20.10

2010-08-20T04:56:00.000-07:00

Good morning Ladies,

It SHOULD be short and sweet this morning because we have started full speed ahead with school and I am late getting the kids up this morning. Not good since I haven't had a shower yet and, frankly...I smell. Even at 6 a.m., running with about 1000% humidity does not make for a pleasant odor!

On the topic of running. Dancer went with me Monday. She HATED it but is considering going with me again. I actually enjoyed having a partner, although it did slow me down considerably. B.B. said he wanted to start going but he keeps getting up in the middle of the night and coming to sleep on my floor. I told him that as long as he isn't sleeping well at night, I am NOT getting him up before 6 to run! I am so crazy that when I think of them coming...I kind of dread it. I won't get my "alone" time, I will be slowed down, but then afterwards I think, "Man, it would have been fun to run with a partner" and then there is F.B. who is on the cross country team for one of our private schools who BEGS me not to make him get up and run...he is the one who needs it! Do you know he actually WALKED during the mile of his meet last night! I groaned inwardly...we are gonna have to do some training at home!

I have learned a couple of things about running this week:

1. Although I still HATE it while I am doing it...I am so proud of myself afterwards and actually look forward to it...maybe there is hope for me!

2. I completely forgot number 2 while I was typing number one...maybe it'll come to me!

Anywhoo, as for the rest of t he week...crazy busy. Monday night we started volunteering at a local apartment doing Bible Study and meals for the residents. If it is a good fit, we will continue this throughout the school year as a local ministry. Tuesday we did a full school day and dance. Dance, ugh! Dancer has a class from 4:00-4:45 and another from 5:30-6:15. The dance studio is way out, so there isn't time to go home or do much. As a result, we are there, with Tigercub, for over 2 hours...Good times. This week it was INSANE. Hoping that calms a bit or I may have to start bringing Valium with me on dance days. Wednesday we did school, took F.B. to a physical and to have a recheck on his ear and had church, choir, etc. Thursday we took F.B. for a hearing test (due to his high number of infections and perforated ear drums) which he passed with flying colors, did school, picked up uniform for C.C. meet, went to meet, came home and had a class party for my tutorial class this year, which, incidentally, B.B. will be in. Today we have school, guitar, Dancer has a friend spending the night, and hopefully a little down time. And to think...Tutorial hasn't even started yet!

Oh! I did have a "Deep thought" I blogged about on Monday, feel free to go check it out...they don't happen often. AND, I was given a blog award by one of my sweet blogging friends, Four Little Penguins. She is my home schooling idol! She like actually has ideas and DOES them and takes pictures and blogs about them, Amazing! Anyway, the award was called the Sunshine Award and is super sweet, unfortunately, after far too much time trying to figure out this @#$% Mac computer, I have given up trying to copy the award. She also came up with a million or like 12 bloggers to give it to. I don't even read that many blogs anymore, so, I figure. If you have hung on here this long today...you totally deserve the award. Hop over to her blog, search around until you find it and give it to yourself!

I know, this is typically not short. But reading the above paragraph made me think, in Bible Study the last couple of weeks, our leader has been having us think about everyday objects that describe us. Some of the ladies said Swiss army knife (able to do a lot of things, organized), dark chocolate (either you love me or you hate me), etc. I said a pin ball. I am just being whacked around all over the place and I am about as scattered as can be! Ugh...it is too soon in the school year to be like this!!! So, what about you? What everyday object describes you?

For more Coffee Talk, go to Home Sanctuary!

Opened Doors

2010-08-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

Yet another day of deep thoughts...don't get used to it, school has started and even with just a partial schedule, things are already getting crazy!

Teaching Sunday School yesterday, I had some new thoughts (for me) about an old story and what better place to share. This may just be my new favorite Bible Story for awhile. The story, Paul and Silas in jail. You know the one. Paul and Silas are imprisoned for sharing Jesus. Because they are such "bad dudes", they are put in shackles and placed in the middle of the prison. The part saved for the really bad criminals. They are put under guard. They don't whine or complain, instead, they sing. They praise God in the midst of imprisonment. And then, the floor starts shaking, the shackles fall off, the doors of the prison are opened. The perfect chance for escape! The guard, realizing he must have lost all his prisoners prepares to kill himself. And then...before he does anything crazy...Paul and Silas announce that all the prisoners are still there.

Okay, so I've heard the story a million times. I have heard lessons, and even taught them, about how they worshipped in the jail, yada, yada, yada. But yesterday, something else struck me. I know it is because of our recent circumstances, but I like it anyway. You see, in our culture, in our church, we always talk about open doors. If God is leading you somewhere, the doors will open. If you are headed in the wrong direction, He will close them. It is a lovely, comforting thought. The path seems so clear. And yet, in this story, the door opens...but Paul and Silas...they stay. They didn't walk through that open door. I'm sure they wanted to. I'm sure as they sat in that prison, they longed to be free. Maybe they talked about what they might have been doing. Maybe they had a strategy session for what they would do when they got out of there. I wonder if they felt frustrated that their ministry was being slowed down because of this little bump in the road. They may have wept for those they wouldn't get to talk to because they were "locked up".

I can only imagine what was going through the minds of the prisoners as the shaking began and the shackles fell off. And most of all, I wonder...why did they stay? Of course, Paul and Silas, despite that opened door must have felt the Spirit of God telling them to stay. But what about the others. There may have been some rough characters in there. Surely they longed to be free themselves...and what an opportunity. What held them there? Was it the darkness? The guard called for lights, but that was only after the prisoners told him not to kill himself. Was it amazement, did they think they had more time? Why did they stay? If I had been there...would I have stayed? Didn't that open door mean go? I am really fascinated by this right now. They stayed.

And I think about where we are right now. There was a door I thought was open, and I was ready to go through. Now, in our situation, the door seems to have closed and we are staying because, well, we have no choice. But sometimes, it seems, God calls us to stay. Even when we want to go. Even when it seems we have so much to offer on the other side. Even when we are frustrated because staying seems so fruitless. God called them to stay. God seems, for now, to be calling us to say. I can pout, I can fuss, I can cry and complain. Or I can sing. I can praise and maybe, just maybe I can have an impact right here.

Do you know the end of the story? The guard invites Paul and Silas to his home where they share the good news and the guard, along with his whole family believed and were baptized. I wonder, how many more believed after? How many people did the guard share with? How many ladies heard the story as they drew water from the well? All because they stayed. And so, while my heart longs to go...I will stay. I will try to have an impact, I will try to share the story, I will try to do it with a good attitude and maybe some one's life will be changed just because we stayed.

Coffee Talk 8.13.10

2010-08-13T05:04:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Ladies! I hope today finds everyone doing well. Grab a drink...I prefer something nice and cold since temperatures around here are something akin the the gates of, well, a very unpleasant place. On the bright side, I heard a report yesterday that next week things will be cooling off and we will get to enjoy a week of nice, cool 90 degree weather, UGH!

I am going to just list my rambling thoughts today because otherwise, no one will be able to follow the jumble that is in my head.

1. I started running...okay walking with an occasional run to make me feel better...again this week. I had started training for a 5K last winter and was stopped dead in my tracks by planter's fascitis. If you haven't had the joy of that little foot condition, thank God today! Anyway, I woke up this week and realized that while I still have some pain and soreness, the stretching, etc. has worked and I can actually walk around and wear cute shoes without wanting to scream! So, I decided to get back into training. I think one word can wrap up how I feel...OW!

2. We started school this week. Not because I wanted to but all the schools in town have started and we like to take breaks, etc. when they do so the kids can hang out with their friends. I am really beginning to think this whole school thing is overrated. If we were Amish, this would be my oldest son's last year. Hmmmm, something to think about!

3. I am making my oldest son read a book called "Do Hard Things" written by teenage boys to encourage teenagers to rise above low expectations. I have been reading along with him...ya know, so I can give him assignments, lord it over him and throw in the occasional, "son, you can do better than that...do hard things." Anywhoo, the book is kicking ME in the tail! In fact, it is reading that book that kept me going on my run this morning when I really just wanted to throw in the towel.

4. I HATE running. Runners always say how much they love it. I wonder how long you have to do it before you stop saying, "I would rather have a tooth pulled with no anesthesia than go out there and run again this morning." Cause, I really want to like it. I really want to get that great feeling of refreshment and satisfaction. Instead, I kind of feel like I want to throw up. And my legs hurt. I really don't enjoy running.

5. My baby is growing up too fast. He is so cute! I just love to hang out with him. He loves to play, and talk, and sing, and laugh. He is really a joy. But he is growing so fast. I want to cherish the moments I have with him being little. Although, if he wanted to just volunteer to start pottying in the toilet with no effort on my part...I would be totally cool with that.

6. If you read earlier this week, I had a minor breakdown. I am doing better. I am trying to accept God's will for us...but sometimes MY will just seems so good, ya know? Anyway, a lot of my frustration has come because of a ministry opportunity I thought we might have. Since reading "Radical" I have really been impressed that I need to search for opportunities to minister and share Christ with people. I need to be deliberate about it. So, I began praying and this opportunity presented itself. The timing seemed good and I was excited about it but it hasn't come through...at least not yet. As I pondered, okay pouted, about the situation, I realized that I have been so focused on this ministry that MIGHT happen but I am missing opportunities all around me that I can do RIGHT NOW. These words from Jeremiah really spoke to me this morning as I was doing my Bible reading,

"I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own;

it is not for man to direct his steps."

Jeremiah 10:23

I may have been having a bit of a pity party because my plan seemed so good and right and had such good timing. But it is not for me to decide. And the fact of the matter is...God is good all the time, so if He says no to this, it is because He has something better in mind. I may not ever know what it is. I may never see it. But I know it to be true because of the nature of God. Don't get me wrong. I am still stubbornly praying that option one still happens. But in the meantime, I am seeking ways to minister and share Jesus right here where I am.

Well, I could go on with these rambling thoughts, I've got a million of them in me today...but, frankly, I need a shower and I need to start school and clean house, and do my Bible Study lesson...so, I look forward to visiting with you all over the weekend. Hope you have a great one and be sure to check out Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk.

Change

2010-08-09T18:26:00.001-07:00

I HATE change! I HATE it! I go into it kicking and screaming. I hate it so much that once you walk into my house...you have seen it. The furniture will never change. The "stuff" lying around as decorations will still be there years from now. I cook the same meals, go to the same restaurants and wear the same clothes all the time. When I find something in a restaurant that I like, I will order that item forever. No matter how they change the menu. No matter how delicious something else looks, I won't change. I HATE going to new stores, new restaurants or new places. I just really hate change.

And so...you would think that a few weeks ago, when a potential change presented itself, I would have dreaded it. I normally wouldn't have even thought twice. And yet, something about it called to me. It seemed right. I began looking forward and thinking, with excitement all that this change could mean. I had fun daydreaming and making plans...just in case. I pictured how things "could be" and I actually looked forward to it, embracing change, desiring change.

And now...well now, it seems that change may not be happening after all. It seems that things may just stay the same. Maybe the change will happen, eventually, but not in my timing, and I find myself staring sameness in the face. I don't like it. Now, the thought of another year of the same thing is KILLING me!

I could cry at the thought of another year home schooling a jr. high student. I dread the thought of entertaining a two year old while I try to do Spelling with a second grader. A year with TWO children doing Science Fair sends shutters down my spine. Another season of Bible Study and Sunday School and Dance and Guitar. I'm adding a thing or two, a ministry at a local apartment, FB is running cross country...but I am so depressed by what usually brings me comfort...as evidenced by the MOUNTAINS of processed food I have eaten in the last week.

Why is it I have so much trouble being content? I'm not sure why I cannot just trust God's hand and His plan. I'm not sure why I so often question when He is so faithful...but that is what I am doing right now. I'm not sure why I am even sharing this in such a public way except that I need to get it out, I need to express my heart. I have poured this out to God...He says wait. Pitifully, I have no 3 a.m. friends to whine to right now, so the world wide web gets it instead. On the upside, when you don't post for weeks at a time, people stop reading and there is a very good chance I will just get this off my chest and no one else will ever read it...that is okay. I just need to vent.

So, I'm off. We have begun school and math is calling...as is Tigercub who does not appreciate Momma, his summer playmate, putting him off for unimportant things like reading and phonics. Maybe we will finish early and go out to the pool. Tigercub can nap, the big kids can swim, and I can dream about what might have been! Maybe I'll write a country music song! I can feel one coming on!

Note to Self:

2010-08-02T07:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Self,

You are no longer 18. You are getting old. Therefore, you can no longer do some of the fun, carefree things you used to do.

Just because that diet soda looks so cool and refreshing, if you drink it at eight o' clock p.m. you WILL be up...all night. It is not worth it. Drink the water. You will sleep and it is free.

If you stay out in the sun...you MUST use sunscreen. Although you do tan easily, the sun will dry out your skin and you will be up...all night scratching at an endless itch. It is not worth it.

Finally, for several months now, you have eaten almost totally vegetarian. Although you have had a few forays into the meat eating world, they are few and far between. Why you thought it was a good idea to eat TWO meals containing meat in one day, I am not sure. However, the results are in. The heartburn and general blahs that it causes are quite awful. You WILL be up...all night. It is not worth it.

While being up all night was typical way back when. It is no longer fun and your children will suffer for it in the morning. Please remember this next time your are tempted to, again, take leave of all your senses in one weekend.

Yours truly,

Star

Coffee Talk 7.30.10

2010-07-30T05:09:00.000-07:00

Wow, I cannot believe another week has come and gone! I can remember growing up thinking that the days would never end and the summers lasting forever! Now I am old and I am desperate for things to slow down!

It has been a good week. I have finally decided that starting back to school is inevitable and I should really just accept that and properly prepare. So...I actually ordered curriculum, cleaned out the "book room", and have begun planning for centers, activities to keep Tigercub occupied, and even the dreaded Science Fair.

Most schools around here start next week! UGH! We are NOT starting next week! Tutorial doesn't begin until the end of August but I will not wait that long, so I decided to give the kids one more week and then the following week, we will start easing into things again. I would be lying if I said I wasn't dreading it a little bit.

What I am not dreading is the fact that they will HOPEFULLY be too busy getting back into the routine of school that they will not have time to fight, argue with me, annoy one another or whine because this momma is tired of strife in the home! I may have threatened once or twice this week to go ahead and start school just to stop all the fussing. Of course, they all know I am just blowing smoke because I don't actually have any curriculum with which to start and they know it...maybe we could just go back to the old days and do write offs!

Anyway, today, FB is going to start preparing to run cross country. One of the small private schools here lets home schoolers participate in their sports. FB is not exactly excited about this but has given up all his other sports and so I told him this is his P.E. I actually think he might enjoy it and he will probably be pretty good at it. Even if he doesn't, the season only lasts till the end of September so it isn't a huge investment.

So, how are all of you celebrating the end of summer?

Don't forget to check out Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk.

Book Review: Resurrection in May

2010-07-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

I finally finished reading my second Booksneeze book. I really chose it just because it was one of the only few available and I drug my feet a little getting started. I won't be so slow next time. This book was amazing. It was provided for me free, by Thomas Nelson, in exchange for a review.

Wow! That is the first thing that comes to mind after reading Resurrection in May by Lisa Samson. I am not sure what I expected. Maybe a light love story, easy to read while sitting by the pool. What I didn’t expect was to be so emotionally drawn into the lives of Claudius and May and Eli. This book is POWERFUL. I laughed and I cried, and I might have sobbed once or twice!

I love that this book, set on a little farm in Kentucky, was totally unpredictable. The characters were real. The emotions intense. The faith story profound. It is story of struggle and friendship and the love of a savior that never gives up on us, never forgets us, never leaves us even in our darkest times. It is a book I will not soon forget.

Coffee Talk 7.23.10

2010-07-23T05:44:00.000-07:00

Good Morning, Ladies! Come on in and grab a bottle of water or perhaps a can of V8. I broke my blender so I can't offer you a green smoothie...but my MIL gave me some money for my birthday, so I hope to have a replacement soon.

Although it has only been a couple of weeks, I feel totally out of touch...I am so excited to make the rounds and see what everyone is up to. This week has been a week of resting and catching up.

We had an AMAZING trip to Idaho. I was finally able to see my family, some of whom I haven't seen in 5 years...that is just too long! We were lucky enough to hear my mom and dad and a team from their church talk about their mission trip to Belize. Probably what touched my heart the most was hearing about a little state run orphanage. The conditions there were AWFUL and my heart just breaks for those little children. I do not know the name of the orphanage or anything about it, but it is in my prayers every day, I wish that I could go and take over and just love on those sweet babies and tell them about Jesus.

We then got to go to Jerome and see my grandmother and several aunts, uncles and cousins...it was so great and I will absolutely NEVER let it be so long between visits again. Then we went to Boise where my kids got to hang with their cousins for 2 1/2 days. They had so much fun. If you have read long, you will know that it was after my sister's visit here last year that I had a hormonal pre-teen boy who moped around the house for a week in depression because we couldn't pack up and move to his cousins...he even got online and found his daddy a job as a bi- lingual translator for AT&T...unfortunately, Tigerfan is NOT bi-lingual. The kids were pretty sad about leaving again and we have heard the words, "If we were in Boise..." countless times since we left. FB has even informed us that he is praying daily for that to happen!

The drive home was a little tough because we chose not to reserve hotels beforehand. The reasoning was that we could just drive as far as we felt comfortable with and then stop. That worked really well for us...for awhile. Unfortunately, after day 1 of the return trip, we spent the night in Laramie, WY. We got up and headed out, drove to Independence, MO, ate supper and decided we could drive a little further. So, we did...our goal was Columbia, MO. We began calling for Hotels and there were none. In fact we called, and called, and called and finally were told that there were no hotels ANYWHERE until you got on the other side of St. Louis! By the time we had gone that far, it was about 3:00 a.m. and we were only a few hours from home so we decided to go the whole way. In 21 hours, we drove 1,179 miles...I don't recommend it!

The trip was TOTALLY worth it. We had such a good time and in the next few weeks I hope to share with you some of the things that God has been teaching me. He is alive and working and has great things for us. For now...I have to get out of denial because, despite the fact that we normally start school the beginning of August, I have not only not ordered curriculum, I haven't even decided what we are going to use. I think I am waiting for a flashing sign from above and a few thousand dollars to fall from the clouds to make my decisions clear and affordable! I don't think that its going to happen..because I have totally been watching!

Well, I must go feed breakfast to the masses...I look forward to visiting this weekend...don't forget to check out Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk!

Git 'Er Done

2010-07-21T06:06:00.000-07:00

Playing this morning with Tigercub, I began to count his toes. When finished he declared it was my turn. He began counting MY toes, not an easy task because happened to be wearing tennis shoes at the time.

"One, two, three, orange...okay all done, let's play!"

I'm not sure whether to be alarmed or really excited that due to his ability to get things done he has a good chance at a career as a corporate executive or a politician!

Coffee Talk 7.2.10

2010-07-02T06:06:00.000-07:00

Good Morning ladies! Hope your morning is as beautiful as it is here in West Tn today! Pull up a chair and visit for awhile. Are you enjoying your summer? How is your weather? This week started out as a scorcher but as the week has progressed it has become milder and quite lovely!

The weather has really been a blessing because this week some people from our church ran a Sports Camp for area underprivileged children. We had almost 120 children participate. Each day from 3-5, the children would come, learn a sport (we had seven to choose from) and be served a small meal. I worked registration since I have no actual skill in sports. Yesterday we had a representative from FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) come and give a short message. He was AMAZING! I don't know if any decisions were made but I do know that 120 children were exposed to the name of Jesus and that seeds were planted...and the week was totally worth the complete and total exhaustion I am feeling today.

I mentioned last week a book I had just read, called Radical by David Platt. It has really been a life changing book and so I just wanted to mention it again. The subtitle of the book is something like, Taking back your Christianity from the American dream. As Americans, we live in a really materialistic society and we have sort of a watered down Christianity. I really have always been content just to live my faith here in America, pray for a missionary or two, hope people know I'm a christian without my having to really put myself out there, and maybe give a little money to foreign missions when the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering comes around. This book has just absolutely rocked those attitudes. Perhaps the most convicting thing I have learned or acknowledged is that the Bible says JESUS is the way, the truth, and the life...John 14:6. American Christians like to sit back in our luxurious houses (and if you have a floor and a ceiling...it IS luxurious) and think that all those indigenous tribes out there that have never heard the name of Jesus but are doing the best they can are going to be okay. They aren't! Jesus is the ONLY way. We cannot be passive! A person must hear the name of Jesus if they are going to accept Him and if they don't, they will receive the punishment we all deserve. That is so humbling to me. If I do nothing, if I say nothing, if I do not go or do not tell...someone WILL die without knowing the saving grace of Jesus. It will involve sacrifice, people will be offended, we may be uncomfortable...but it will be worth it! How can we not go and how can we not tell?

To be perfectly honest...if my husband would go along with me, I would probably sell my house today and go run an orphanage somewhere in a third world country after reading this book and studying more in the scriptures. My heart has changed and my passion has changed. I ache for the millions of unreached people who are dying without Jesus because they have never had a chance to hear His name. They have never had a chance to choose because they don't know there is a choice to be made. How many are hungry for the truth but do not even know it? Is there someone today that would accept Jesus if I gave the money to send a missionary, or an orphan that would be given a christian family if I would be obedient? My heart breaks for the wasted time and I hope and pray that I will never be passive again. I pray that I would be willing to alienate family, friends and blog readers in order to be obedient to Christ. If you get a chance, read this book. Go online and listen to the sermons of David Platt and pray that God would show you His heart.

Sorry, I am on a bit of a soapbox this morning but God is so good. He is so faithful and so loving...I cannot imagine never hearing His truth. He blessed me just this week with an amazing talk with a special friend. How has he blessed you? Can you keep others from that same blessing?

For more Coffee Talk got to Home Sanctuary.

Coffee Talk 6.25.10

2010-06-25T05:51:00.000-07:00

Good Morning, Ladies! Once again, it seems that it has been a long time. I hope everyone is doing well this week. Come on in and make yourself comfy. I am just having a little water this morning but you grab your drink of choice and let's visit!

This week has been a blessed reprieve in a crazy summer. We have had NOTHING planned. NOTHING! It has been heavenly. Monday...I was forced, by lack of toilet paper, to stop procrastinating and go to the grocery store. I don't enjoy the grocery store. I used to think it was crazy to have a grocery delivery service but now I can't think of anything more wonderful (and totally off the subject...I just managed to type the entire line above without a single i...how do you do that?). If we had such a service and I could afford it...oh the joy that would bring into this momma's heart! No whining and gnashing of teeth when we walked by the in-store McDonalds without purchasing a Happy Meal. No melt downs when I said no to the tenth box of sugar in a box (translate sweetened cereal). No begging for the new yogurt, cereal, poptarts, noodles, deodorant, or medicine that they saw advertised on TV and just HAVE to try! No two year olds trying to climb out of the buggy, press the buttons on the card machine or screaming like a limb is being removed as you try to check out. No going home to find that in the chaos of shopping, you came home with two bags of groceries not on your list and are missing 3 to 4 key ingredients for that night's supper! In fact, last night...I returned to the store (with only one child in tow) to pick up all the forgotten or restocked items I didn't get on Monday. Sadly, in a house of six, this scenario will have to be repeated next week...ugh!

The rest of the week has been delightful. We have cleaned house, purged some "stuff" to send to Goodwill, enjoyed fellowship of friends coming to swim, played the Wii with Daddy, and really just enjoyed the lazy days of summer (inside mostly or in the pool...cause it is HOT in TN right now!)

I finished an amazing book by David Platt called Radical. Super convicting. I am ready to sell all my possessions and move to a remote country and care for orphans...now I just need to get Tigerfan on board. Seriously, if you need some not so light summer reading, I really recommend the book, it will change how you see your Christianity!

Okay, I need to go be a mommy. One of the things I have loved about this slow week is just having time to play with and enjoy my children. We went to see Toy Story 3 yesterday, so cute! We did a little "photo shoot" of Dancer in her recital costumes and of course Tigercub had to get in on the fun and last weekend we hung out at City Museum in St. Louis so I am leaving you with a few pictures of the crew! Have a delightful weekend and be sure to check out Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk.

What You Should NEVER Tell Your Mother

2010-06-24T05:46:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, the crew was sitting around the table at lunch. F.B. started kidding his Daddy about being fat. Because he does not have the best eating habits and has a strong dislike for anything in the fruit or vegetable group, I gave him this warning: "You better watch what you say, your day is coming!"

Tigerfan responded that indeed, he gained weight after he got older. In the cocky 13 year old way, F.B. said, yeah, but you said you were always husky. So, I got in on the action. I responded that I had been skinny as a rail growing up and into my early adulthood and look at me now. His response..."Mom, your not THAT fat!"

Love On a Dime by Cara Lynn James

2010-06-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

Being a lover of reading, especially during the summer, I was thrilled to discover Booksneeze. It is a book review website that will send you FREE books in exchange for honest reviews about them. I couldn't resist the lure of free books and so, I got onboard. I recently received my first book and read it in two days while we were on a little weekend trip. If you need a little summer reading suggestion, read below:

Love On a Dime is a novel about a young, society lady in 1899 who hides her writing to avoid the judgement of the wealthy crowd she is a part of. Set in Newport, Rhode Island, the story sends you back to an era of propriety, balls, and social luncheons. Cara Lynn James has done a wonderful job of describing the plight of Lillian Westbrook as she deals with the repercussions of her decisions.

Being a lover of historical fiction, I found myself drawn into the descriptions of times past. I loved the contrasts between the social elite and the “working class” that were so prevalent during this time. The characters fit well and I found myself drawn into their stories. I tend to stay away from these christian romances because I often find the heroes of these stories too perfect, however, Jack was a great hero in his humanness. He was imperfect, and I like that.

This book was a great, light, summer read. Not only was it a fun, entertaining story, but the spiritual lessons that were woven throughout have really challenged me in some areas of my own life. If you enjoy a historical romance, I would recommend this novel.

This book was provided to me by Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for a review.

Coffee Talk 6.4.10

2010-06-04T05:45:00.000-07:00

Good Morning ladies!

I hope everyone is doing well. I would like to offer you a delicious treat...but in all that has been going on lately, I have found myself being a little too generous in allowing myself to "cheat" on my new eating plan. So I have gotten rid of most of the "goods" and you will have to be happy with some water or almond milk or a chocolate chip cookie dough Poptart...cause that holds NO temptation for me!

We have enjoyed what has actually felt like the first week of summer this week! Tigerfan stayed home Monday for Memorial day and we enjoyed a nice traditional meal of Mexican food at a local restaurant. Okay, maybe not traditional...but no one had to cook and that was lovely!

We finally got our pool opened and the chemicals regulated so the kids had a great time swimming yesterday. We had a total of nine children over here swimming yesterday and it was great...that is summer! Today, Tigerfan's sister is coming for a visit and we have dress rehearsal for Dancer's recital which is tomorrow. It promises to be a busy week!

I have actually done two days of small things (amazing) although I searched high and low for something that required fixing with a power tool and couldn't find a thing. Then I woke up at 5:00 a.m. this morning and thought about the drain in our bathtub. Shoot, too little too late.

I have just begun reading a book called Organic God. I have only just begun but it is SO good. I am learning so much, already, about the God I have worshipped, but maybe not really known intimately for many years. I have had a lot of "inspiration" that I hope to share eventually, but my thoughts aren't quite there yet. I was hit with a lovely gift from God yesterday that I would like to share. I have been struggling lately trying to really understand or embrace how God really loves me. Ya know. I haven't "arrived", I still struggle, and I wonder how God can really love that. I don't pray like I should. I don't trust like I should. I don't have the unshakeable faith that I should. So yesterday, I was praying about that. Praying that I would be ture and faithful and really KNOW Him. Two different times, in two totally different circumstances, the words of these verses smacked me in the face. I have read them probably a hundred times with out really letting them sink in, but yesterday...they began to sink!

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:16-19

I'm not sure I will ever truly grasp how wide and long and high and deep God's love for me is until I dwell with Him in Heaven. But these words are so beautiful and so encouraging. I don't know that any of you ever struggle with this like I have, but if you do, ladies...be encouraged. Don't just gloss over those words you have read over and over again. Read them and savor them and chew on them for awhile. He loves YOU. Deeply and passionately and perfectly and He wants you to know that!

Okay, I have restless children that need a Momma. I have been convicted lately that I haven't taken the time to enjoy life. I have run around from one event to another and the last year has passed by in a blur with few memories or joys. I have forgotten to just take time to be still and find the funny in the chaos. When I first began posting, I could find a funny story every single day to post about the life and times in the Tigerden and I have lost the ability to find the funny. So I am trying to be more intentional about it. So (drumroll please) this is mostly for my distant family that may be reading, but for the rest of you, enjoy a few moments of entertainment from BB, he is enjoying playing with the video features of the new Mac computer, I am not enjoying it, I do not know how to use it...these moments are endless around here!

Have a great weekend! For more Coffee Talk, go to Home Sanctuary.

Coffee Talk 5.28.10

2010-05-28T05:36:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Strangers...

It has been too long. Science Fairs and the end of school and dance recitals and guitar lessons have taken precedence over this blog for several weeks. I haven't posted a thing and haven't read much either. I thought, with school ending last week, I would get on more, but so far it hasn't happened. I have missed "chatting" with ya'll and hope that I can get back here a little more regularly now that school is out and the kids are sleeping in!

I hope everyone has been doing well. I keep thinking I will do a "catch up" post to fill you in on all that has been happening around here but today that isn't going to happen. Today, we are a little sad around here because Wednesday night, we lost my grandfather. I am so glad for him that he is no longer trapped in a body that just wouldn't cooperate with him. But I am sad for us. I am mad at myself because I didn't get back home to visit him just one more time. And I am sad that my children won't grow up to know the treasure they are missing.

My grandfather was a cowboy. The REAL thing. But in recent years, his body would no longer let him ride...and it frustrated him to no end. Now he is free! And I am glad for him. But I wish I had just one more moment. The last time I got to visit him, he wanted me to listen to his favorite CD. It was Alan Jackson singing old hymns. I remember sitting on his living room floor listening to those old songs I grew up with and looking over at grandpa. He smiled and listened and during one song, tears were rolling down his face as he remembered that song from his childhood. He couldn't believe I knew the words to every song! My grandfather was not a religious man...but he loved to listen to those old hymns and I find a lot of comfort in that.

I didn't know this post would be so hard to write. I am so thankful for the memories I have. Memories of hymns and of sitting out in his yard just chatting with family. Memories of him "dressing up" with the kids and hiding from Grandma so he could smoke without getting in trouble. And I am thankful he is free and no longer bound by his body. I am grateful for the hope of salvation that we have in Christ and feel compelled to share Him once again. It is in Christ alone that we have peace and hope and comfort. I do not know how people cope without knowing Him as their savior but I am reminded of the words of another old hymn:

I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I'd rather be his than have riches untold;
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land;
I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Than to be the king of a vast domain,
Or be held in sin's dread sway.
I'd rather have Jesus than anything

This world affords today.

Praying you know my savior today and leaving you with a couple of my favorite pictures of Grandpa.

For more Coffee Talk, go to Home Sanctuary.

Coffee Talk 5.7.10

2010-05-07T04:29:00.000-07:00

C'mon in and have a seat! You might want to grab a large drink. I have so much in my head, I'll try to keep it as brief as possible, but I have intended to get on here all week and I just can't seem to do it anymore!

All I can say is, "What a week!" It began this weekend when Tigerfan and F.B. went out of town to go hunting. On Friday, B.B. spent the day with a friend at his grandparent's farm. I was supposed to keep them while his momma went to a dinner but they stayed at the farm instead. I took Dancer to dance and when we got home, they were there waiting on us. The momma's car was parked in the driveway and in my guilt at not being home and trying to avoid her car, I turned mine really sharp and absolutely crushed the side of my car going into the garage! It didn't do wonders for the side of the garage either. I'm not exactly sure why someone thought it was a good idea to give me a driver's license, but they might want to revisit that!

The momma invited B.B. to spend the night with them and we arranged for me to come get them Saturday morning for breakfast and then they were going to play at our house while she went to meetings. However, things did not go as planned. Because at about 3:00 a.m., we were awakened to tornado sirens. I got the two remaining children and we spent the next hour and a half to two hours in our tiny, under the stairway bathroom. On the upside...I entered the world of the tech savvy (I'm totally kidding) by learning to text as I communicated with the other momma about the safety of our children. We finally got to go back to bed...with the children in bed with me. A couple of hours later, I got up to walk the dog and survey the damage. It was still raining and the yard was SOAKED and more storms were coming. So I put the dog in the outdoor pen and spent the morning watching it rain and rain and rain and rain. Most of the morning, the sirens went off and we finally figured out that there would be no meetings. We decided to leave the boys where they were until the weather calmed down.

By noon, we had had about 11 1/2 inches of rain and it was still coming down! Then they started reporting flooding and sink holes and road closings. The bridge on the road going to our house was flooded and it wasn't long before I discovered that they had closed the road leading back into town...in both directions. I was trapped in our neighborhood and B.B. was still at his friend's house. I forgot to add that our ceiling had started leaking during the night and then the fan and light over the stove began leaking. I lost power in my oven and microwave. We decided that B.B. would just have to stay with the friend until the roads cleared up and I resigned myself to the fact that Tigerfan and F.B. may not be able to make it home on Sunday. It stormed all through the night Saturday night and we spent some more quality time in that tiny bathroom. It finally stopped raining Sunday afternoon. We got over 12 inches of rain and our city was rampaged. However, we are very blessed because Nashville, just two hours from us is still reeling. You have probably seen those images on T.V. By Sunday evening, I was able to get B.B. back and Tigerfan was able to get through. Here are a few images of our city this weekend.

In other news, I am a quitter! I am ashamed to admit it, but it is true. Today, we have someone coming that is HOPEFULLY going to take the puppy. It is just too much for me. In the beginning, the boys were helping and Tigerfan was going to come home every night and work with him. In reality...the new wore off and Tigerfan doesn't have time. The boys have lost interest and I have to constantly fuss to get them to help. The result...I am spending close to two hours a day tending to that dog and I just don't have time. I need that two hours to work with four children! And the dog is not getting the attention he needs. So...we are sending him on. I must admit, I am a little sad. He is a beautiful little puppy and super sweet. He will make a great pet...for someone else. Personally, I may do the happy dance this afternoon.

And in case things aren't exciting enough, I leave EARLY Sunday morning to go to San Jose, California for a week. The H.S. Science teacher from the tutorial and I are going to attend the national Science Fair with a couple of our students. It is a great opportunity. But I have never been away from my children this long. I am sad to leave them and am completely overwhelmed at all that has to be done. We are trying to finish projects that are due next week so Daddy and Nana don't have to deal with them. I need to grocery shop, plan lessons for next week and pack. We have people coming about the dog and someone coming to change our satellite today and we still have guitar and dance. So, why am I on this computer?

I can't promise I'll get around to visit today...but I will totally try to find time during the next week...I mean seven childless days ought to leave me a little time, right! Hope everyone has a great weekend and a wonderful Mother's Day! And just in case she happens to look this way: I have the most amazing Momma in the entire world and I love you to pieces. Wish I could spend this weekend with you!

For more Coffee Talk, visit Home Sanctuary.

Coffee Talk 4.30.10

2010-04-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! Hope everyone is doing well this morning! All is well in the Tigerden. I have been experimenting in the kitchen this week and made some vegan chocolate chip cookies. They were pretty good! I will probably continue to seek out the perfect recipe...because the times I will allow myself to indulge in such a treat will be few so I want it to be REALLY worth it!

As far as the diet goes, I have kind of plateaued at about 10 pounds...a little frustrating, but I feel really good and eventually I really hope to get back into some regular exercise and kick start it back up again. I have to admit that I was a little skeptical when I began this diet. While I know several people who have done it, they all had health issues. I really just wanted to lose weight, which is why it took me so long to jump on board. I mean give up cheese and milk and EVERYTHING! Well, it hasn't been that hard and I have lost weight. But I also realized this week that I have not had a single headache since I began this diet. Not one. Not even my monthly hormonal headache. NOTHING! I have done nothing else other than change my eating habits and for the first time in forever I didn't even have a twinge of discomfort! That speaks volumes to me and I definitely plan to just make this a lifestyle...with a little grace, of course!

As for this week, I haven't done a single small thing. To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure I have even read a small thing. I really must get back on track next month. Hopefully school will be winding down soon and our schedule will calm down a bit and I can get my life organized. Hey, it's possible!

Yesterday, I sent Tigerfan and F.B. off to Texas for one final hunt before their licenses expire. Hopefully this time it won't rain the whole time! B.B. is spending the day with one of his buddies so I am hanging out with Dancer and Tigercub, doing as little school as possible and trying to convince myself I really don't want those peanut M&M's that I know are hiding in the cabinet over the fridge.

Last night I indulged myself in watching the train wreck that is the Real Housewives of New York. This season is just painful. You will really feel so much better about where you are if you watch it just one time! I really actually feel for those poor women. They need Jesus! Really, earlier this week I had a little miniature pity party about not having friends and not having family close by. Then I watch that show and I just think, thank God I have Jesus! I am so thankful for that. Really. I am so grateful to have a savior that forgives me for the times I am too quick to speak and too quick to anger. I am so glad that He doesn't hold grudges against me even when I deserve it and forgives me even when I don't. I am so glad I have a hope that this world and its trials are temporary and that I have an eternity to just sing praises to an Almighty God. I hope so much that all of you have that hope today. He loves you and desires to have a relationship with you. If you don't know Him, I hope you will seek Him out...He will meet you where you are!

Hope everyone has a great weekend and I look forward to visiting around. Don't forget to go to Home Sanctuary to check out more Coffee Talk.

Coffee Talk 4.23.10

2010-04-23T05:07:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! C'mon in and sit a minute! This should be short and sweet this morning for a variety of reasons. It is 7:10 and I have yet to get my children out of bed. Not good when my plan for school is to be done by lunch. I am also, frankly, just completely exhausted. Puppies and allergies and life have run me ragged and I am not sure I can string together many sensible sentences...I know, your questioning my ability to do that even on a good day, but today is worse. REALLY!

It has actually been a relatively calm week around here. Tigerfan got home from his hunting trip (where it rained EVERYDAY and he only got to hunt 1 day) on Sunday night. He took off on Monday so we had a light school day and enjoyed his return. The rest of the week was just the usual. I am sure there were some great stories in there. I am sure Tigercub had some antics I should share with you and journal for all posterity. But I don't remember them. Mostly, I remember blowing my nose, chasing after a two year old with a paddle, and yelling...I mean declaring that "I DON'T WANT A PUPPY"!

Today, we have a wonderful weather advisory out. I am not sure whether to dread how my oldest will hang out in the bathroom under the stairs as soon as the clouds roll in or rejoice that we will get rain that will, hopefully, wash some of this blasted pollen away. I am also waiting for a call at any minute from Tigerfan. Last night, he (who is just as scared of storms as F.B.), declared we should just leave town until Saturday evening when the storms pass. Unfortunately, he couldn't find anywhere within a decent driving distance that wasn't also going to be under severe weather advisories. He informed me this morning we may go anyway...good times. If the men had to pack the clothes, prepare the kids and figure out what to do with the animals, they wouldn't be so willing to plan last minute ventures!

Okay, time to wrap up this whine fest. B.B. just came downstairs and is hanging over the toilet. Looks like we can add either a stomach bug, or more likely, sinus crud to our list of maladies today. Good times in the Tigerden! Hope you ladies have a lovely weekend. And if we aren't blown away, I look forward to visiting you!

For more Coffee Talk, go to Home Sanctuary.

Coffee Talk 4.14.10

2010-04-16T05:24:00.000-07:00

Good morning ladies!

I think I have just about forgotten how to post...it has been that long. I don't have a lot to offer you right now, although there is still plenty of Easter candy left since I am not eating it...much! Things have gotten a little out of hand around here and I have been feeling a little overwhelmed. As a result, blogging has been put on the back burner. I can't even say I have missed it much because I really haven't even had time to think about it.

So what has been going on around here? Just the usual craziness. I just got inside from having my appendages stretched by an ever growing black lab puppy. I have decided this morning that I still don't really want a puppy. In fact, I would gladly share him with any of you lovely ladies that would like a very sweet but very active lab. Pair him with our other little dog and the neighbor's four dogs that run over to our yard to hang out every time any door is opened and I have pretty much had it with the canine group. I would happily send along any and all of his little friends for company if you would like!

I also spent a long time lamenting the fact that winter was hanging on and spring seemed to be hiding its face. Now, spring has sprung. And so has the pollen. And I am whiny again. This has been the hardest allergy season we have had in a long while. In fact, if we don't get some pollen relief soon, I am pretty sure I am going to have to invest in some Depends. 'Cause after having four babies...well let's just say the bladder just ain't what she used to be and these sneezing fits are causing...distress. I think you mommies understand.

On the marriage front, Tigerfan has had his first experience with kidney stones (good times!) and is now on a hunting trip in Texas leaving me home alone to deal with dogs, pollen and F.B.'s first formal dinner. I don't even know how to tie a tie. Really, he needed a break from his job that is just about to wear him out but I am still slightly bitter!

My diet is going well. I have lost almost ten pounds (ALMOST). It has really been very easy. When all you eat is fruit, veggies, and whole grains, there is really not a lot of questions about what to fix or eat. I do not really miss meat or dairy at all. So far, I feel very confident that I can maintain this forever...as long as I give myself a little grace in the chocolate and Diet Coke area. Any time I do feel a craving for something, I ask myself whether I am eating out of hunger or a need for nourishment or whether I am "self medicating" which is usually the answer. I have found that if I stop and think about it and pray for self control, I can easily resist the temptation...most of the time. I must admit that yesterday there was a little more self medicating than usual, but give me a break, we all have those days! :) And for those that asked a couple of weeks ago, yes, I am drinking plenty of water. And yes, it does help!

Okay, cranky, hungry children have now emerged and need to be separated and fed (not sure in which order yet). I guess I need to get geared up for a busy day: school, taking dishes to be used at the formal, guitar, getting F.B. ready for formal, dance and then just the usual. So to answer Rachel Anne's question: I am making it through with prayer and chocolate. What about you?

For more Coffee Talk go to Home Sanctuary.

Simple Woman's Daybook 4.6.10

2010-04-05T21:10:00.001-07:00

FOR TODAY 4.5.10

Outside my window... BEAUTIFUL spring weather! Finally. We have been spending LOADS of time outside the past few days just soaking up that vitamin D!

I am thinking... about food. I started a drastic diet last week. Only I would start such a thing the week of Easter. I am now surrounded by delicious, pastel goodies that I cannot partake of. However, I am really trying to change my attitude about food and think of it less about something to indulge or reward myself with and more just about giving myself nutrients. It is really more about honoring my body as God's temple. Eventually I will probably add back in some of the goodies but for now they are VERY off limits.

I am thankful for... Spring weather. It does us all good!

From the learning rooms...Same ole, same ole. I am as filled with spring fever as the children. I think if we could all concentrate, we would do all our lessons outside right now. Instead we are just settling for outside breaks and trying to finish up as quickly as possible. It is probably a good thing we don't have this weather year round. My kids wouldn't learn anything!

From the kitchen... For the rest of the family it was left over hamburgers, hot dogs and sausage. For me, lots of mixed veggies and some salsa. I probably should have upped the carbs a little. I am starving right now but I am going to choose to go to bed and remedy that in the morning. I WILL NOT eat at 11:00 p.m.!

I am wearing...shorts and a t-shirt but I hope to be wearing my P.J.'s very soon.

I am creating... a list of good (sounding) vegetarian recipes. Time to start experimenting!

I am going... to bed ASAP!

I am reading... The book of James and Beth Moore's "So Long Insecurity"--It is taking me forever!!!

I am hoping... To see some positive results of this diet. I really hope it is worth it!

I am hearing... the sound of the T.V. I am listening to the news channel report on the mine explosion today. Praying for those families and the rescue teams.

Around the house... Sheets washed, bathrooms scrubbed, ironing and laundry done. DESPERATELY need to dust and vacuum!

One of my favorite things... Spring weather. and chocolate. I know, that is two, but I really couldn't decide!

A few plans for the rest of the week: No dance this week! Yay! Tutorial, church and choir, guitar. Hopefully a slightly less busy week.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...

B.B.'s second turkey. Went hunting with his daddy and grandpa Saturday morning and brought home this prize! He was one proud hunter!

For more daybooks go to The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Coffee Talk 4.2.10

2010-04-02T04:30:00.001-07:00

Hello Ladies! Welcome to the Tigerden! I am FINALLY going to sit down and write a real, honest to goodness post. I should warn you. I haven't blogged in a while and I have got a LOT to say. I will try to edit my thoughts, but you may need a snack and an extra cup of whatever you are drinking.

I would like to offer you a lovely snack. How about a little Easter Candy. PLEASE take the candy! Because in one of my typical moments of not really thinking things through, I decided to take the plunge. I am attempting the Hallelujah diet...which is vegetarian, well, vegan, really. No meat, no dairy, no egg, no sugar, no white flour...no fun! Only I would decide I had to do this on Holy Week when my children are daily bringing home "goodies" that they have little to no interest in and yet are driving me crazy. If anyone knows a good sugar free, dairy free substitute that tastes like a Reese's Egg, please let me know!

Really, it hasn't been too bad, yet. I am drinking a lot of my green smoothies and eating a lot of salad. This weekend I hope to start finding some good recipes for the evening meal and get in a little variety. I am hoping I will stick to this and just make it my lifestyle...with a little wiggle room because I am just not willing to give up popcorn and M&M night with Tigerfan!

In other news, this little guy:

Finally has a name! The dog, not the boy...he has had a name for about 10 years now! We decided to go with Tex. He went through many names for a couple of weeks. Among them were Roman, Gumbo, and Beignet (pronounced Ben-yay for all you non-Louisianans out there). We finally settled on one that represents where he was born (Texas) and our family, my grandpa's nickname was Tex. He really is a sweet little guy, but he is a LOT of work and I am still not entirely sure I am happy about our little addition.

As for what has been going on around here, a couple of weeks ago, we made a quick trip to hubby's hometown. His sister's boss has a "camp" that he goes to hunt, etc. The house is nicer than our regular house! We spent the weekend with no cell service, no internet service and lots of together time. The weather was GORGEOUS and the kids could just run and play to their hearts' content! They could fish, ride golf carts around the property, play games, hang out! It was GREAT!

Tigerfan enjoyed the fishing...he will probably kill me for putting this on here. It seemed like a pretty big fish till we took a picture of it. However, just look at that scenery and tell me there is no God. That is what we woke up to every morning!

F.B. hung out with his cousin (in the back) and her friend. He had a great time just "hanging out" with the girls!

Dancer learned to ride a bike with no training wheels. She now rides as if she has been doing it for years!

Last weekend, we were home and had a lovely weekend enjoying the finally emerging spring weather. Friday night, we took the puppy up to the playground at our church. The kids played on the equipment and the puppy ran all over the place. The boys went hunting (youth hunt) Saturday morning and Saturday night Tigerfan and I had a date with Dancer at the Cinderella ballet. I have a couple of pictures, but F.B. left yesterday on choir tour and he hasn't loaded them for me yet...maybe you'll see them eventually.

Today, we will have a light, fun school day. We will die a few eggs and try to have a little fun. Dancer has dance and an Easter egg hunt tonight and tomorrow we have another Easter egg hunt. B.B. will be going to his buddy's farm tomorrow and Tigerfan will be hunting. I will be a hunting widow for the next few weeks until turkey season ends, which is perfectly fine with me...maybe I'll get a little blogging time!

Tigercub has hit the terrible twos in full force. He can be the sweetest, cuddliest, funniest guy one minute and a holy terror the next. I am seriously considering holing up with him until this season of life is over or until one of us just doesn't make it. I figure a two year old on a rampage and a stressed out momma with no chocolate therapy will make a pretty even match. If you stop hearing from me...you can assume he won.

Well, I guess this post has gotten long enough. I really plan on trying to get all the way around this weekend, we'll see how that goes. However, my focus will be on Easter. Celebrating the HUGE sacrifice my savior made for me through His death on the cross and the victory He achieved through the resurrection. I would be remiss in blogging about egg hunts and parties if I didn't also stress the real reason for this holiday. I am so grateful to be a part of God's kingdom and have the assurance of my salvation. I pray that all of you also have that assurance and will be celebrating the Resurrection with me this weekend.

Don't forget to got to Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk.

Okay, Leaving you with one of my favorite Easter songs. May we never forget what Easter is really about.

Coffee Talk 3.26.10

2010-03-26T06:04:00.000-07:00

Good Morning, Ladies. I actually can't stay and chat this morning. I had a whole wonderful post about all our goings on the past couple of weeks...I missed ya'll like crazy last week! However, life seems to be getting in the way of blogging right now. Don't you just hate that! Anyway, rather than sharing coffee, I have a puppy to train, a school to run, guitar lessons, library and a quick trip to the grocery store that just cannot be avoided any longer!

I'm gonna do my best though, to get around and visit all of you so don't forget me in the meantime! Grab a Girl Scout Cookie and some chocolate milk and enjoy visiting with everyone!

Blessings and have a great weekend and don't forget to go to Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk!

Daybook 3.23.10

2010-03-22T21:17:00.001-07:00

FOR TODAY
3.23.10

Outside my window...Dark and cold. I think someone forgot to tell Mother Nature that Spring began on Saturday. We even drove in a little snow in Louisiana this weekend. That just isn't right.

I am thinking...how much I enjoyed the weekend. We were out on a camp with pretty much no cell service or Internet access. VERY relaxing!

I am thankful for... My mother in law. She really goes the extra mile to help out with the kids and it isn't easy. Especially when you factor Tigercub into the equation. God bless that woman...she has some serious jewels awaiting her crown!

From the learning rooms...Just trying to get through. I must confess that Spring Fever has hit, not the children but ME. I really need to get motivated!

From the kitchen... tacos tonight, some kind of chicken tomorrow night...again, just trying to get through right now.

I am wearing...blue jeans and a turtle neck...a TURTLE NECK, in March. There is just something so wrong about that!

I am creating...a to do list in my mind...I really should probably transfer it to actual paper. Just found out I am going on a little trip in May for the tutorial...I have a lot to do before then!

I am going...to go to bed in just a few minutes. How can a relaxing weekend wear you out so much?

I am reading... My bible and Beth Moore's So Long Insecurity. Read two Sisterchick books this weekend. They were really cute. Just light, easy reading. Very enjoyable and I totally want to take a sisterchick trip to Venice now. Anyone want to join me?

I am hoping...To get more organized and get a "chore" system set up. F.B. needs a little direction and motivation to be more "responsible". Also hoping to order and read "Do Hard Things" with him.

I am hearing...The sound of Forensic Files on T.V. Tigerfan worries about my fascination with true crime stories. I am NOT trying to plan the perfect murder, I just find the stories extremely interesting...really!

Around the house... Oh, do not even ask! New puppy, weekend away and dentist appointment today...the house is really just embarrassing!

One of my favorite things... Weekends with no technology and good books, aaaaaah!

A few plans for the rest of the week: tutorial, dance, church, guitar, Rock School Thursday night and the weekend is just ridiculous!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
Tigercub at the camp. I told him it was time to go in and he ran here...I guess this was his idea of camouflage! Can you find the baby?

For more daybooks go to the Simple Woman's Daybook.

Daybook 3.15.10

2010-03-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY 3.15.10

Outside my window...It is dark and has been overcast all day. I am ready for some sunshine!!!

I am thinking... about how I need to stop THINKING about running and losing weight and actually do it! I guess I shouldn't have just eaten that Snickers bar Tigerfan brought me!

I am thankful for...Spring Break, if only it could have lasted a little longer!

From the learning rooms...Getting back to our normal routine, but I a NOT happy about it! This week will be a little off, next week we should be back into full swing. How many weeks till summer?

From the kitchen...Lemon pepper chicken, green peas, Caesar salad and garlic bread. Tomorrow???

I am wearing... Red warm up pants and a turtle neck. They are FILTHY from being jumped on by every dog in the neighborhood...we need a fence!

I am creating...absolutely nothing...not one thing!

I am going...to tutorial tomorrow, ugh! Did I say I wasn't ready to get back into the swing of things?

I am reading... My Bible and Beth Moore's "So Long Insecurity"

I am hoping...to maintain self control this week. That is what we are studying in Bible and I realize it is one of my weaker points. I am not sure whether it is the puppy or the two year old that pushes me over the line more frequently. However, the third time Tigercub decided to dump and entire box of packing peanuts out in the kitchen floor today pretty much brought me to the limit! He is still living so I guess I maintained a LITTLE control! :)

I am hearing... Good Eats on the Food Network and Tigerfan working in the next room.

Around the house... Most of the laundry is done and the downstairs vacuumed. Actually, we even got the bathrooms cleaned and a plant potted, so I guess it has been a pretty productive day!

One of my favorite things...Watching Tigercub dance. His new favorite thing to watch is the Chimney Sweep scene from Mary Poppins. Then he dances like that "guy". His cuteness saves him!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Pretty busy! Tutorial and dance tomorrow. Wednesday, F.B. will serve as a ball boy for the opening games of the women's NAIA tournament and we have church, choir, handbells, etc. Thursday we have Tutorial and will go out of town for the weekend. Somewhere in there we need to get the oil changed in my vehicle and get the boys' haircut and do school, hmmmm.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Tigercub feels the need to get into costume before dancing!

For more daybooks, go to The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Coffee Talk 3.12.10

2010-03-11T18:09:00.000-08:00

Greetings Company Girls! It's my favorite blogging day. Unfortunately, despite the fact that it has been Spring Break, this week has been crazy busy and today is no different!

I am actually typing this Thursday night because I have to have my little ones at my wonderful MIL's at 7:00 a.m. so F.B. and I can be at the Regional Science Fair by 7:45...ugh!

It will be a busy day with Science Fair, guitar, dance and the awards ceremony so I will not be around to visit till Saturday or Sunday...but I am coming!

I only have a moment, but let me just say that almost no Small Things have been done this week! That is because we had a very BIG thing happen Saturday night when my husband won a black lab puppy that I wouldn't allow my children to sign up for. After making B.B. cry himself to sleep Sat. night because he couldn't keep the dog, Sunday a friend talked us into keeping it on a trial basis. So, the week has been consumed with early potty trips and daily training and bonding sessions.

I got tickled about winning the dog because we NEVER win anything! So, I decided to try a challenge and enter as many contests as I could to prove I never win. I won the first contest: an LSU serving tray. So, pretty much everything I have said in the past couple of weeks have been proven wrong. I just need to stop talking!

In a whirl, spring break is over and the real world starts again next week, but that little puppy really is cute as can be and totally worth it!

Oh! I also got an award that I totally need to write about. And I totally will. But right now, I have to go bond with a nameless puppy!

For more Coffee Talk, go to Home Sanctuary.

The Simple Woman's Daybook 3.9.10

2010-03-08T21:29:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY 3.9.10...

Outside my window...dark and quiet

I am thinking...how I NEVER imagined this time last week that I would be thinking about whether or not I should wake the puppy up and take him outside one last time before bed. Nope...that never even entered my mind last week!

I am thankful for... BEAUTIFUL weather today, a little taste of spring! Rainy weather is going to be tough to handle tomorrow!

From the learning rooms...SPRING BREAK, YEAH! We are doing nothing educational, except dog training...that is educational for all of us!

From the kitchen...Tonight spaghetti, tomorrow isn't here yet, it has yet to be seen!

I am wearing...short sleeve, light pajamas...Yeah, pretty weather!

I am creating...a sanctuary for my family to come into, I hope. Working on my Small Things and on self control this week!

I am going...to take my car in tomorrow to have the water pump fixed AND to take Tigercub to MDO, had to pay even though I won't be working this week so I thought I would take him anyway and get some things done around the house!

I am reading...My Bible, Bible Study and Beth Moore's "So Long Insecurity"

I am hoping...For a wonderful, relaxing, stress free spring break. And that the dog training fairy comes and magically trains this puppy for us.

I am hearing...Cake Showdown or something on TLC, hopefully a snoring husband soon!

Around the house...Got all my grading done today, hopefully a little spring cleaning the rest of the week.

One of my favorite things...70 degree weather!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Dance, final Basketball game for F.B., church, Regional Science Fair, and dog training (In case you hadn't noticed the dog thing is dominating my life at the moment).

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

For more daybooks, go to The Simple Woman's Daybook.

You'll Never Believe What the Cat Drug In

2010-03-07T16:18:00.000-08:00

And by the cat, I refer to Tigerfan!

If you have been around this ole blog long, you will know we do not have a real good history with family pets. Dogs and ducks seem to be recipients of most of our poor fortune. Really...there are stories, long, sad, depressing stories. But I won't bore you.

Another thing about our family is our unluckiness. I mean really unlucky! In thirty seven years, I can only think of one thing I have ever won. My husband has the same glorious luck and my children are already proclaiming it is hereditary. As a friend of mine said yesterday, I couldn't win a bucket of dirt if I was the only one who entered the contest.

I can't even begin to think of the countless contests I have entered. How many give aways. It is pitiful. And I have never won. NEVER! In fact, I got to a point where I just stopped entering...because what is the point, really? So a couple of weeks ago, I saw a bunch of really good give aways on blogs and thought, "what the hay, I'll enter!" I did. I didn't win. And it got me to thinking about how unlucky I am. And I began to think about writing this post.

But it gets better. Oh, yes it does. Because this weekend at our church was celebration weekend. It was a weekend filled with activities for all ages. A women's event, a men's event, a family day, etc. And the giveaways....oh, the giveaways! It started being publicized months ago with the "grand prize" being a registered lab puppy. I commented then that that was crazy. I would KILL my kids if they came home with a puppy.

And so the weekend began. My son spent the night, Friday night, with the children's minister. Guess who was babysitting the dogs? Yes, I said dogs. It seems they decided to give away TWO puppies. So, B.B. spent all night Friday and all day Saturday playing with the pups. At the children's event Saturday you could register to win one of the puppies. The parents had to sign, however, to give the children permission. I explained to my children that we would NOT be entering the contest. My logic was that I am so unlucky that the only thing I possibly could win would be one of those dogs!

Saturday night, my husband and boys went to the men's event. There were TONS of give aways. A deer stand, hand guns, a game camera, and on and on. As the night progressed, B.B. was drawn and won some walkie talkies. By evening's end, Tigerfan nor F.B. had won anything. And then...they drew for the "grand prize". I'm sure you know where this is going. My husband, the man who doesn't win anything, who is married to the woman who doesn't win anything, was drawn for that puppy. A registered black lab puppy that B.B had spent the night with and had already bonded with. I don't need a puppy. I don't want a puppy. A puppy, incidentally, that was born on Tigercub's birthday. How in the world could any two people be so UNLUCKY. You see, the puppy we didn't sign up to win, was given away at church this morning, this other one caught us by surprise.

And so, we are now the proud owners of a little nameless pup as we try to figure out if we keep it or not. Half of the church and people from other churches have kindly offered to take it off our hands, but the boys...they are smitten! They now have big dreams of learning to train the dog to be a hunting dog and then hiring themselves out to train other people's dogs. A part of me wants to give them a chance and a part of me wants to run crying to a psychiatric hospital!

Anyway, all this unluckiness has made me decide to do a fun little challenge! I am going to see just how many blog contests and giveaways I can enter without ever winning anything! I am going to attempt to keep track and keep ya'll posted. Not because this is good blogging...but because that is the state of mind I am in right now! What else does the unluckiest person alive do to bide the time between not being drawn in give aways. I will do my best to give myself as many chances as possible! So, the first giveaway I discovered was here. She participated this week in Coffee Talk and encouraged us to enter. So, I did. AND you get extra points for blogging about it. So feel free to head over and win. The prize is a super cute "Game Day Platter" that features your favorite school's team. She was lamenting the lack of participants. I figure few entries, plus me as one of them gives you a pretty good job of winning! So head over there and enter, you have nothing to lose and I GUARANTEE you will not win a dog. However, stick around here, we may have a REALLY CUTE giveaway sometime in the very near future!

Coffee Talk 3.5.10

2010-03-05T04:15:00.000-08:00

Good Morning,

I hope everyone is doing well today! We have yet another super busy weekend. I am hoping to actually make it around to everyone this weekend. I have not done too well the past couple of weekends.

I really thought this week was going to settle down a bit, now that we are finished with basketball but it hasn't seemed to end up that way! Wednesday was Baseball Boy's birthday. Tigerfan always takes off on the children's birthdays and we try to celebrate most of the day. We took him to his favorite Chinese buffet...where he ate french fries, onion rings and the meat for sweet and sour chicken (in other words, chicken nuggets). If we had known he wanted a Happy Meal, we could have saved A LOT of money by going to McDonalds! He really got a bit shafted on his B-day because it was on Wed. By 4:00, all the festivities had to stop so our long night of church activities could begin. However, he got a new air soft gun with $ from his grandparents so he was happy. And I was happy because he got the gun in lieux of the hamster he had been threatening to get since Sunday! NO MORE PETS around here!

Today, we are off to see "The Music Man" put on by one of the local schools so I really must go soon. Then we have guitar and tonight, I have a Women's Event at church. It is "Celebration Weekend" so tomorrow, we have kids day at church followed by a men's event tomorrow night, a special service Sunday Morning and then a "Youth Extravaganza" Sunday night. BUT if we get through all of that, next week is SPRING BREAK!!! It is much earlier than everyone else's and in a couple of weeks, I'll wish we were out with friends but this week, I am super excited!

As for small things, I started off with a bang! I was DETERMINED to do them all this month. I have a snappy dresser, I was nice and positive with my family, and then I just plumb forgot to clean out under my sink. That was an easy one, too, cause we did it last year and I have kept it pretty neat. All I had to do was straighten a couple of vases and throw a few sacks away and I would have had it done and I FORGOT! Of course, I also went to change Tigercub's diaper the other day and forgot the diaper, so I am not entirely sure why I am so surprised, but that is beside the point.

I hope all of you have had a good week. My heart goes out to several friends who have had difficult weeks. I have two friends that have lost a parent this week and several more that are having health issues. It makes me very grateful for my healthy family and appreciative of what I have...no whining today!!! Hope to visit with many of you at some point this weekend!

To enjoy more Coffee Talk, go to Home Sanctuary!

Double Digits!

2010-03-03T06:26:00.001-08:00

It only seems a heartbeat ago that Baseball Boy was graduating from kindergarten. See his diploma? It is bent in half! That is so him. Carefree, silly, full of life. Often in his own little world but almost always with that adorable smile on his face!

And those cheeks! Oy, those cheeks. Don't you just want to reach out and pinch them right now!

And then, his "little twin" was born. Tigercub looked so much like B.B. when he was born, I had to go label all the old pictures to make sure I could tell them apart. From that day, B.B. has been Tigercub's biggest fan, biggest protector, biggest buddy.

There personalities are very similar...wild!

Among his other great loves, Gracie. He is the only child that really adores this dog. In fact he adores ALL animals. We really had to do a lot of fancy talking to talk him out of a hamster this year!

I have nothing to say, I just like this picture!

And here...here is my "big boy"! He enters into double digits today! How did the time move so quickly?

Today we will do a little school (test tomorrow). Go to eat at his favorite Chinese place with one of his best friends, and just hang out until church activities tonight!

All he wants for his birthday is drum lessons! Because we really don't have enough noise in this house.

We'll party with a little cookie cake.

I'll cuddle and hug, and kiss. I'll rub that fuzzy head and pinch those precious cheeks...because time is running out! If the first 10 years went this fast, college is just around the corner.

Have a great day, I'm going to snuggle up with my ten year old!

The Simple Woman's Daybook 3.1.10

2010-03-01T21:29:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY
3-1-2010...

Outside my window... It is dark, I can see one light shining from the neighbor's property. I really need to go to bed!

I am thinking... about my sister. Her family is going through a really hard time right now and I wish I could make it better. Sometimes it is hard to trust and not do.

I am thankful for... my prayer partner. For a long time, I did not have one. I really didn't want one because it would be embarrassing to share intimate problems or details with someone else. It isn't. It is so freeing. It is so comforting to know that someone else has your back and is lifting you and your "stuff" up in prayer and can utter words of hope and encouragement when you can't utter a word. AND, you get to do the same for them! Isn't that cool! If you don't have a prayer partner, you should really get one! (That is my public service announcement for the day! :) You are welcome!)

From the learning rooms...easy week, Wednesday is B.B.'s 10th birthday. It will be low on learning and high on fun. I hope! Tues. and Thurs. are tutorial and Fri. we will go see "The Music Man" put on by one of the schools here in town. I think it will be fun.

From the kitchen...Tonight was big, juicy pork chops, salad, garlic bread and baked potatoes. Sounds good, huh! And it totally would have been if I hadn't cut into the first pork chop to find it totally raw on the inside! I really need to invest in a meat thermometer! Tigerfan thinks I have lost my touch since it has been so long since I actually cooked!

Tomorrow is Poppyseed chicken, green beans, bread and I just finished a batch of coconut, chocolate chip macaroons. MMMMMMM!

I am wearing... P.J.'s, really, did anyone really need to ask?

I am creating... a sanctuary in my home thanks to this website. I am committed to doing every possible challenge this month. I have not done well the first two months of the year. But every little small thing helps!

I am going...to bed very soon!

I am reading...My Bible, my Bible Study and Beth Moore's "So Long Insecurity"

I am hoping...for happy news for my sister soon.

I am hearing... The "white noise" of the T.V.

Around the house...Laundry and ironing are done!!! Downstairs vacuumed and bathrooms scrubbed, not a bad day!

One of my favorite things...Spring!!! Come soon, old friend!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Pretty much the same ole "stuff" the beginning of the week. Wed. is B.B.'s birthday and Bible Study (which I love more every week) and Friday is the play. Then the weekend is PACKED with activities for celebration weekend at our church.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...We like to refer to this as redneck sledding (year 2). For those not privy to it last year, all the kids pile into the boat and Tigerfan pulls them with the four wheeler. Good times, my friends, good times!

Hope everyone has a blessed week and above all is drawn closer to your Heavenly Father this week!

Don't forget to check out The Simple Woman's Daybook for more Daybooks.

Coffee Talk 2.26.10

2010-02-26T04:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! Coffee Talk is my favorite time of the week so come on in and sit a minute.

Brevity is not really my gift, but I really think it should just be short and sweet this morning.

We have had a busy week and will continue to have a busy weekend. F.B. had a basketball game Monday night. I think his team has only lost one game and he is so excited to be in first place. Next week, the tournament starts and he is so excited! Tuesday night we had dance and then met Tigerfan and F.B. at our local Jason's Deli. It was a fundraising night for our church and it was so fun...tons of folks there! Tigerfan and F.B. then had to cut out for a class they are taking. It is a "Just For Boys" kind of class. VERY informative, if you know what I mean. But very worth it because he is getting good, accurate information with an abstinence approach. It has also been good for his daddy and him to have some bonding time. Wed. night was church and all those related activities and Thursday night was cheer leading practice, basketball practice and F.B.'s last class. Tonight is guitar, dance and a basketball game.

Tomorrow, we will watch our last two Upward games and have the awards ceremony. Dancer is super excited because she gets to lead the half-time cheer! So, it has been busy BUT, for the first time since F.B. was 4, none of our kids are playing baseball! Usually we go straight from Upward into baseball season, but not this year! At first, it was a little sad but now I am just thinking of all those free nights and weekends and I am a bit excited!

Yesterday, Dancer brought a friend home from tutorial. I was looking forward to a nice, quiet afternoon. I was even gonna work on those book shelves and get them all straightened up for this post! And, indeed, they played quite well together. Unfortunately, about an hour before it was time to go, I began to assess the mess. It seems they had decided to pretend that they were teachers that were going to Africa to teach children about Jesus. And, as you know, you must pack A LOT of stuff when you are going to Africa to teach people about Jesus. A LOT. Like ALMOST EVERY SINGLE ITEM OF CLOTHING FROM HER CLOSET!!! They literally had every bag they could find packed with clothes. Sunday clothes, dress up clothes, play clothes. I am pretty sure they could have outfitted several of the children they were planning on teaching. The mess extended to almost every room of the house. And then they got bored and decided to move onto an art project where they felt the need to open a bottle of Elmer's glue, pour it out on a plate and stick their whole hands in it...lovely!

On the upside. I was totally nice! I didn't scream OR throw a tantrum and I even helped clean up the messes. Okay, maybe I didn't help clean until I realized that they were "cleaning" by throwing all the clothes in the dirty clothes hamper and then I felt the need to monitor the process, but I DID help! After the friend left, I started discussing how next time they needed to play with the dress up clothes but leave her good clothes in the closet. She looked at me with those precious brown eyes and said, "but Momma, we were doing it to tell people about Jesus!" How can I argue with that? Next time, I am just gonna lock the closet!

Hope everyone has a blessed weekend! For more Coffee Talk, go to Home Sanctuary.

The Simple Woman's Daybook 2.22.10

2010-02-22T20:34:00.001-08:00

FOR TODAY
2/22/10...

Outside my window...Dark and cold. It is way too late to be blogging but I won't have time in the morning!

I am thinking... about going to bed. Too many nights of little sleep make for a grumpy mommy!

I am thankful for...a great school day! Even got in a run with B.B. Those workboxes really are helping out!

From the learning rooms...tomorrow is tutorial for the middle kids and for me. F.B. will do the usual at a friends'

From the kitchen...Tonight, Nana and Papaw took us to eat Pizza. Tomorrow night is a church fundraiser at Jason's Deli. Wednesday night we will eat at church. Thursday night is find what you can do to too many activities and date night. Maybe we will use the kitchen Friday!

I am wearing...P.J.'s, hopefully I will be crawling into bed soon!

I am creating... ???

I am going...to BED! Do you see a theme here?

I am reading...Bible, my Bible Study and Beth Moore's "So Long Insecurity"

I am hoping...to run at least three days this week. I really don't enjoy it but people keep telling me I will if I keep it up. I'm skeptical.

I am hearing... the T.V., probably Tigerfan's snoring soon!

Around the house...Very productive day! Laundry got done, ironing got done and I even vacuumed the house! Along with an uncanny number of dead ladybugs. It makes one wonder why my house seems to have become a ladybug graveyard???

One of my favorite things...Low stress school days! AHHHHHH!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Same ole thing. Although this is the last week for Upward basketball and for the first time in about 8 or 9 years, neither of the boys has decided to play baseball!!! That means we will actually have some free weekends this spring!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... This is what happens when you send a two year old into the bathroom to get tissue for his nose and he decides to "help" by cleaning for you. Let me just say that my floors haven't been this clean in a LONG time!

Coffee Talk 2.19.10

2010-02-19T04:04:00.000-08:00

Good Morning fellow Company Girls! Hope everyone is doing well this morning! I have nothing delicious to offer you today but you are more than welcome to come in for some sweet fellowship!

I am hungry for some good "girl time" today. I have gotten hopelessly behind on blogs this week and even missed getting around to all of you last weekend. I missed you and hope to do better this time around!

We had a great weekend with family! My husband's sister and her family came for a visit and our nephew spent most of his time with us. He was highly entertaining. He kept us laughing most of the time but my favorite thing he said was after watching one of the boys play basketball Friday night and then getting ready to watch the other play on Saturday. He declared, "I know someone who can play basketball. They are called the Saints. And they are better than you, cause they won the Superbowl!" I think we are gonna have to get him this summer and give him a little tutorial on sports!

We had more snow the beginning of the week, but it has ceased to have much of an effect around here. Schools went on as usual, although many were already out for President's day. This year, my children discovered that other schools get out and were a little distressed that our home school was still "in session". I guess the days of them cluelessly working through holidays are over! They will be glad, though, when we have a day in the spring. They will. THEY WILL BE GLAD!

That is about all that is exciting around here. The rest of the week has just been more of the same busy. This weekend, Dancer has a FULL social calendar with a play date, dance, overnight dance party, cheer leading and a birthday party all by 5:30 tomorrow night. The boys have basketball and Tigerfan's new to him truck died yesterday so it will all have to be accomplished with one vehicle! Good times!

How thankful I am for my Bible Study and the perfectly timed encouragement it brings. This week, we have been discussing God's mercy and grace. I would like to encourage anyone who has not experienced that amazing grace of God to just seek Him! I love that, though I have been a christian for thirty years, His grace is still at work on me. I am just a sinner. I am SO unworthy. I mess up every day in a hundred ways. Usually in the ways I KNOW I am going to mess up and should be prepared.

Tigercub is in a trying stage right now. He is into everything! And I mean EVERYTHING! And when he hears no, a fit is coming. A BIG one. Look out because toys are gonna fly! Everyday is filled with screaming and tantrums and flying books and Noah's ark animals. Everyday, I wake up preparing myself for the onslaught and trying to figure out a more effective way to calm the attacks. I don't really enjoy being around him right now. But I love that little guy like crazy. He is so cute! And when he wraps his little arms around me and kisses my cheek or looks at me and says, "dank-do" (thank you), it melts my heart a little bit and all those fits and rages just melt away. I know he will throw the fit again. I know we will have to defend ourselves from flying giraffes at any given moment but I have a greater hope that he will outgrow the tantrums and grow into the little guy that God created him to be. That is what I think about right now with God's grace for me.

He knew I was going to mess up. But He sent His son to die for me anyway. He knew, as a christian, I would struggle every day, but His grace covers me...not just once, but over and over, continually forgiving and nudging me in the direction of holiness. How amazing is that grace! How undeserving I am! Nothing I can do can ever earn it, and yet God freely gives it day by day, sometimes moment by moment!

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--NOT BY WORKS, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

I know many of you are going through stuggles and trials right now, just know His grace is sufficient and many of us would LOVE to pray and lift you up! Just let us know. Let me know. Leave me a note in the comments and let me come beside you in prayer! And most importantly, if you have never experienced the grace of God in salvation. I pray you would seek Him. Ask me or Rachel Anne or many of the other Company Girls, find a pastor, or just start studying the Word of God. You will be so glad to rest in His loving, forgiving arms.

Finally, I wanted to leave you with our latest family photo. We had these made for my mother in law at Christmas and I think they turned out mighty cute!

Ya'll have a blessed weekend and I will do my best to visit with everyone! For more Coffee Talk, go to Home Sanctuary!

Another Milestone

2010-02-17T05:16:00.000-08:00

It was inevitable. We knew it would have to happen eventually. I just didn't think it would be this soon.

Tigercub...has learned to open the refrigerator! People, this just cannot be considered good! I foresee many ugly messes in my future and I don't think I am prepared.

Do they make child proof locks for refrigerator doors?

The Simple Woman's Daybook 2.15.10

2010-02-15T04:56:00.001-08:00

FOR TODAY February 15, 2010...

Outside my window...another layer of fresh snow from last night. This time just about an inch so it is pretty but, hopefully, won't shut everything down again. I am so thankful not to be buried in it, but to be honest, I am READY FOR SPRING!

I am thinking... about how to "get it all done" today. I really need a clone!

I am thankful for... a wonderful weekend with my husband's sister and her family. My nephew stayed with us most of the weekend and provided lots of comic relief.

From the learning rooms...much to my children's frustration, this does apply. For the first time ever, my children realize that all the other schools are out today for President's Day but we are going strong. They are NOT happy with me but we are in a good routine and pattern and I don't want to rock the boat...they will be glad when we have the freedom to take a day off in the spring when it is pretty!

From the kitchen... leftovers, cleaning out the fridge! Tomorrow, chicken and dumplings, mmmmm!

I am wearing... P.J.'s but that will be changing very soon!

I am creating... I hope a clean house today...keep your fingers crossed!

I am going... to stay inside where it is warm today. And if all goes well, the house will get cleaner as a result!

I am reading... My Bible and Bible Study and Beth Moore's "So Long Insecurity"

I am hoping...For a smooth school day and for time to clean this house (yes, I am a little obsessed... I cannot stand it!)

I am hearing...The hum of the heater, what a beautiful sound!

Around the house... Declutter, vacuum, dust, scrub bathrooms and hopefully clean countertops.

One of my favorite things... a weekend spent with family

A few plans for the rest of the week:tutorial, dance, basketball, cheerleading, guitar, church, choir...just another week in Paradise! :)

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...Snow days! We have enjoyed you...now, please go away and bring on Spring!!!

Coffee Talk 2.12.10

2010-02-12T05:22:00.000-08:00

Good Morning ladies! I only have a minute this morning so this will be brief. I know, you are saying I say that every week and it is never brief. That is true, but I am going to try!

We have had another cold week around here. A couple more days snowed in and more snow predicted the beginning of next week. Nothing compared to Washington D.C. but enough to shut things down around here (which actually doesn't take much!). I have been the mean mommy that has made my children do school despite the fact that every other school in three counties has been closed. I have been trying to convince them that that is preferable to be doing school in June...they are not convinced. But, hah! I have the final say!

I must admit that, despite the fact that I am a homebody and the fact that we would be home doing school anyway...I have begun to experience cabin fever. I was SO glad to get out of the house yesterday. Ya know, you can only make so many bead necklaces and block towers before it really starts to get to you.

Last night while the big kids were at there selected activities, I decided to run into Target to get Valentines goodies since the weather and business had kind of kept me from that. People, I know it is close but really...the aisles were CLEANED OUT!!! There was nothing but cherry flavored Snickers or something! What is the deal. Someone forgot to tell Target to order extra so the day after Valentines I can go stock up on lovely goodies at 50% off. Not only that, but there was already Easter candy and supplies EVERYWHERE!!! Seriously, one holiday at a time, people!

We had another great week of Bible Study. I am loving this study. My challenge this week is to be so filled up with Jesus that I just "slosh Him out all over the place" which is how Angela Thomas describes it. I am not there yet. But I think I have been more aware this week of what I am doing and saying and HOW I am doing and saying, especially to my children.

As for small things...I don't want to talk about it! I started off so well. Anyway, we have company coming today and I promised my nephew some sugar cookies so I must go bake and do school and get ready for haircuts, dance, guitar.... you understand. I hope you all have a blessed week! And no matter what is going on, remember, your saviour is ENTHRALLED by you so be encouraged!

For more Coffee Talk, go to HomeSanctuary.