I am Giddy With Excitement

It doesn't happen often, but I am BESIDE myself! Why, you may ask.

Yesterday morning one of my good friends called with some amazing news. She had won tickets to the Extraordinary Women conference in Tupelo, MS. THIS WEEKEND! Guess who she invited? Little ole me! I just about fell out of my chair, cause ladies...I LOVE the Extraordinary Women's conferences. This one features Angela Thomas (love her), Chonda Pierce (love her), Stormie Omartian (love her) AND Karen Kingsbury (love her)! AND Charles Billingsley AND Mandisa will be there. Do I hear an AMEN????

There are just really no words to describe how incredible this is! There is no way I could have gone to this conference. I mean, you may not know this...but we are in the middle of a sunk economy, and we just do not have a penny to spend on anything other than groceries, bills, and plumbing!

My friend is giving me a ticket AND she got a discounted hotel (at the last minute) for only $65. So, for a little over $30 plus meals ( which is almost exactly how much cash I have left over from Birthday money), I get 24 hours of child free time, I get to be fed by some amazing women (and Charles Billingsley) and I get to hang out with a friend.

My God is good...and I am giddy!

Simple Woman's Daybook 10/19/09

FOR TODAY10/19/09



Outside my window... The sun is just starting to rise and the pink glow is shining through the trees. It is so calm and peaceful and the reflection of the trees and light in the pond is beautiful!


I am thinking...about my weaknesses. All my life, I have been ashamed of my weaknesses (and there are many). I try constantly to minimize them...or maybe the appearance of having them. I am not really naturally organized or talented in many areas. But I strive so hard to have a perfect house and perfect kids and give the appearance of having it all together. Why? So people will see me and not see my weaknesses. And yet...it is in my weakness that God is glorified. It is in my weakness, that God is able to show His strength. I really want to become content in my weakness and allow any success I have be totally and completely to glorify Him and not me.


I am thankful for...a great weekend, a special family/friend for Baseball Boy, and the salvation of my Princess.



From the learning rooms...I am going to TRY to be "laid back" this week and take a break from all except Bible and tutorial work. I want to get my house cleaned up and organized and really try to get the workbox system ready to implement and try to begin training my children in some new rules, work policies. We MUST make a change if we are going to survive this year.


From the kitchen...kind of up in the air. The cupboards are very, very bare. The checkbook is very, very empty. Maybe breakfast food and playing clean the cupboards until payday.

I am wearing... my pajamas, I know, shameful. Part of my organization week is to try to settle things and organize things so I can get back to exercise and showering before 9 p.m.

I am creating...hopefully some home organization...something that definitely does not come naturally to me!

I am going... hopefully nowhere today although by week's end I should have a big to do list including the post office and Goodwill. Today, I will once again be meeting the plumber because neither our brand new water heater nor our upstairs heating units are working properly and under our house is submerged in water again...UGH!

I am reading...The Bible, I know you are getting tired of that answer, but it is all I have time for these days!

I am hoping...to make things run more smoothly around here and be happy with good enough.

I am hearing...The hum of the computer and the barking of our dog and the other two hundred dogs in the neighborhood. I am sure they are on the hunt for a newspaper to destroy or a flower bed to dig up!

Around the house...Closets being cleaned, children's rooms and closets will get a work over and hopefully a menu for the next couple of months will get planned along with a grocery list.

One of my favorite things...Having my 12 year old boy hug me and smile at me instead of roll his eyes at me in irritation. It doesn't happen often, but it is glorious when it does!

A few plans for the rest of the week:The usual--dance, baseball, guitar, library, church. Hopefully a little football with friends for FB and a tailgate party Saturday night before the LSU game. GEAUX Tigers (and Boise State!)

Here is picture for thought I am sharing:

Things we hope NOT to be seeing a lot of this week! Hope all of you have a great one!

For more Daybooks go to Simple Woman's Daybook

Coffee Talk 10/16/09

Good Morning, my sweet friends. I hope this morning finds you doing well. As soon as I type this post, I will be running upstairs to grab a HOT shower before my kiddos wake up, so I am doing fabulously well!

Unfortunately, I don't have a lot to offer you this morning. Chocolate milk or a soda is about it...and how about a store bought chocolate chip cookie (oh, the shame)! Come back next week and I will try to do better!

It has been quite a week around the Tigerden. If you visited last week, you will know that our hot water heater went out...in a very wet way. After doing a lot of research, we decided to go with a tankless heater. A little bit more expensive (okay, a lot more expensive) but there is a tax credit AND, if it were to go out...no water damage. And I think that in the past six months, we have established that anything we can do around here to prevent water damage is a must do!

We bought the heater Monday, but we couldn't get it installed until Wednesday. That meant one entire week with no hot water....UGH! I will say that it was a humbling experience because as the week went on and I got more and more whiny, I began to realize that millions of people in the world today have NEVER taken a hot bath or washed their clothes in hot water...or had a dishwasher to wash their dishes for them. What, to me was a huge inconvenience is, to them, a lifestyle. I didn't stop whining...but I was humbled! :)

We also decided to switch gas sources this week. We have always had our own propane tank, so when it is empty, we have to pay to have it filled in bulk. It has been teetering on emptiness for a few months now, so we decided to go with a utility company and have them meter our gas. That way, the maintenance and liability is with them and we pay for only what we use. So, Wednesday, after days of rain, was the big day...new water heater, new gas tank, big backhoe rolling through a drenched yard...lovely! However, I will not complain, because Wednesday night I got the first hot shower in my own home in a week. I also did lots of laundry and ran the dishwasher...all at the SAME TIME...cause you can do that with a tankless! WOO HOO!

But, the highlight of the week was not a hot shower or clean clothes or dishes that washed themselves. The highlight came Wednesday night as I was kissing Dancer goodnight and she said, "Momma, before you pray, I want to pray first. Do you know why I want to pray? Because I want to ask Jesus into my heart." Oh, my...tearing up, even now! The most precious, beautiful words a parent can ever hear. So Wednesday night, after a horrible week that I haven't even scratched the surface of describing here, Tigerfan and I got to pray with our daughter and welcome her into the kingdom of Christ! It has been the BEST WEEK EVER!!!

And now, to make an already long post even longer, I am doing a really great Bible Study right now. It is called Ever Loving Truth by Voddie Bauchum. It is probably one of the most convicting, challenging, motivating Bible studies I have ever done. It has really challenged me to boldly stand up for my faith. So, in today's lesson, we talked about the supremacy of Christ and how He differs from other prophets and religious teachers. The last assignment was to answer this question, "How would you respond if an unsaved person asked you, 'How can you say that Jesus is superior to other prophets and teachers?'"

I answered like this (very, unprofound, by the way...no deep thinkers around here): "Jesus was in the beginning, he created all things. Unlike other prophets, He lived a perfect life, died sacrificially for us AND rose again. You can visit the graves of other prophets and teachers but not Jesus, because He is not there. Only He conquered death, only He has the power to cleanse us from sin."

Part two of the challenge was to discuss with others how they would answer the question. So, how would you answer? I would really love to know.

For more Coffee Talk, visit Home Sanctuary.

The Simple Woman's Daybook 10.12.09

FOR TODAY October 12, 2009

Outside my window...The sun is not up yet. a couple of streetlights shining and a small light glowing through the woods from the next house over.

I am thinking...hot water! I don't appreciate what I have until I don't have it. We are now on day 4 of no water heater and I continue to be amazed at how much we rely on that thing. Laundry, dishes, showers, washing our face. I am beginning to think the life of the Amish isn't all it is cracked up to be! :)

I am thankful for...In-laws who live close. After one experience trying to "spit bath" in freezing well water, I sure do appreciate going to my in-law's house and showering in warm water. Saturday, I decided to bathe the kids at home rather than bugging Papaw again. After boiling 7 pots of water only to go return to the tub and find they had all drained out, we decided on bugging Papaw again. He was SO gracious...imagine our not so quiet family of six intruding on his peaceful, football watching Saturday evening!

From the learning rooms...One child down, he is hanging out with a buddy who is on Fall Break. Hopefully today will be an easy school day and then they can get a "life lesson" as they help, okay watch, as a new hot water heater is installed. (Please let it be today, please let it be today, please let it be today)!

From the kitchen...Well, that is a good question. We have eaten out far too much this weekend, definitely don't need to spend the money. But clean up is a pain...again with the hot water! It involves boiling water, washing by hand...okay, I am spoiled! Anyway...I am not sure. But I promise to feed my family. Something!

I am wearing...pajamas...hey, I can't take a shower yet!

I am creating...Christmas lists...only two and half months till the big day, yikes!

I am going...well, probably to the grocery store and to Nana and Papaw's to wash underclothes. I have been washing most stuff in cold, but I just can't bring myself to wash underclothes in cold! Since we are about to run out, I'm heading over there, maybe we can sneak in some showers, too.

I am reading...my Bible, that is it, no time for more.

I am hoping...to have a lovely new water heater installed by day's end. We have decided (probably) to go with a tankless heater. It is more expensive in the beginning, but there is a pretty good tax incentive and it is supposed to save quite a lot on your energy bill. AND, you never run out of hot water...I may take a two hour shower before the evening is through!

I am hearing...the hum of the computer. Okay, it is really more like a groan. I have a sneaky suspicion this little guy may be the next thing to kick the bucket around here.

Around the house...Laundry and dishes. They have been piling up...hopefully today will be the day we get back under control!

One of my favorite things...C'mon, you know what is coming! HOT WATER!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week:Post office, tutorial, gymnastics, guitar, baseball and Saturday we have to choose between a Hayride party and an engagement party. Why is it you have no social life and then everything is planned at the same time?

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Tigercub "helping" with pledges. He LOVES to hold the "Bibo"!

Have a great week and check out The Simple Woman's Daybook for more Daybooks!

Coffee Talk 10/09/09

Good Morning Ladies, I missed our "talks" last week. Hope everyone had a great weekend and has had a nice week this week!

Grab yourself a Diet Soda and a doughnut and have a seat. I hope this post finds you doing well.

We have had a good week here in the Tigerden. Last week was plagued with sickness, although a trip to the Dr. said it wasn't the flu. By week's end, everyone in the house except Football Boy and me had fallen prey to the bug. However, based on what I have heard from others, we did get lucky because each person only felt awful about 3 days and were then able to get back into the swing of things. Most folks around here have been down for close to a week, so I guess we can't complain!

This week has been a catch up week. Monday we got the privilege of hosting a long lost friend for a few hours. Back in "the day" he, my sister, another buddy and I were tight! We called ourselves the "couch quartet" and spent many hours together watching senseless movies and just having a great time together. I don't think I have seen him since my younger sister got married...twelve years ago! We reconnected on Facebook about a year ago, how fun is that? Anyway, he and his family have purchased a motor home and have been on the "Freedom and Liberty" tour travelling the United States and visiting landmarks, historical places, and Disney (of course). We caught them on their way home and had a lovely visit. Baseball boy is now asking for a motor home for Christmas. I really think he wants one to travel around town in. Bunk beds with DVD players, a refrigerator stalked with food and a bathroom...that is the life!

The rest of the week has been pretty quiet and normal. Until last night. If you know the Tigerden very well, you will know that Thursdays are "date night" for Tigerfan and I. The kids are swept off to bed by 8:00, all our doings get done and at 9:00, we turn on House Hunters, pop popcorn and hang out with a soda and peanut M&M's. I don't even know when this tradition started, but it is SACRED! I don't even cook supper on Thursdays, I fix the kids a "quickie" meal and we don't eat...because that would ruin the popcorn, of course!

However, last night, Tigerfan came in and mowed the yard. When he got close to the house, he noticed water standing around the foundation. He wondered about it, but was anxious to come in. He showered up, we got the kids in bed and turned on the tube. We popped the corn and began indulging. But he kept thinking about that water. So, when the first episode ended and before we got started on the REAL bounty...M&M's, he decided to go check under the house.

Now, if you have read for any length of time, you know that we have had some plumbing issues this year. 7 or 8 to be exact. We have spent a lot of time and money replacing pipes, cleaning up water damage and we still have a hole in the ceiling while we wait to replace our leaky bathtub (which, on a side note, has become a wonderful storage facility for blankets and sleeping bags that I want to hide from Baseball Boy so he will sleep in his bed and not on my bedroom floor!).

Anywhoo, I think you can see where this is going. When he got under the house, he found himself standing in at least 2 inch deep water that covered the entire bottom of the house and the water heater was just pouring water out steadily. We are not sure how long this has been going on...obviously a while judging by the amount of standing water. To make it worse, we have a water source heat pump, which means that the water heater is literally under the house to prevent freezing in the winter. At some point, some owner poured a deck, covering up part of the access hole. So, in order to replace the heater, we will have to totally re-plumb and move the heater to the garage OR cut a new hole in the side of the house that is big enough to get the water heater out and a new one in. Good times! I must say, I am proud of Tigerfan because he didn't have a heart attack right there on the spot. However, if any one sees Ty Pennington or any other member of the Extreme Home Makeover team, we could really use them over here. I have never really been a camping girl, but right now a nice tent and porta potty would at least not be a money pit!

Hope everyone has a great weekend, and if you see a plumber, feel free to send him our way! Be sure to check out Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk!

I Have Failed

I admit it. I am ashamed.

You see, we had house guests yesterday. I had a ball getting reacquainted with a friend from the past. Someone I hadn't seen in at least 12 years.

I met his wife. Dancer had a ball with his FOUR, yes four, girls.

The boys offered up great entertainment as punching bags.

We ate supper, reminisced, laughed.

We toured the Motor Home they have been traveling the country in.

AND I DID NOT TAKE ONE SINGLE PICTURE. NOT ONE. NONE. NADA!

Bloggers everywhere are hanging their heads. What kind of blogger doesn't take pictures of that? I am kicking myself!

But we did have a great time, you will just have to picture it for yourself! As we put the children in bed, Baseball boy informed me that he knew what he was asking for for Christmas... a motor home! Santa better get a better job!

The Simple Woman's Daybook 10.05.09

FOR TODAY October 5, 2009...

Outside my window...It is still dark outside, the sun is just starting to peek through the tree line!

I am thinking...of everything that must be done today. We have visitors coming that I haven't seen in ages (they were supposed to come last week but were a little delayed). I also have a wedding shower for a girl at tutorial tomorrow and do not yet have a gift...long story and need to prepare a breakfast dish for it. Add school and normal home maintenance and a trip to the grocery store for some much needed toilet paper, and I have NO BUSINESS on this computer this morning!

I am thankful for...an incredible weekend this weekend. We had a great time with our family and a great day of worship yesterday!

From the learning rooms...a little bit of catch up as we only worked about half a day on Friday, I am trying to channel my more laid back self. I guess that means I can't freak out Monday morning and double the workload!

From the kitchen...Chicken and Dumplings, salad, bread and bacon wrapped green beans...yum!

I am wearing...pajamas and a fleece jacket. I love it when fall weather hits and there is a little chill in the house in the morning!!!

I am creating...again, nothing. I NEED to be creating Christmas lists but I am going with procrastination this year!

I am going...shopping for toilet paper, toothpaste and a wedding gift...now that is an interesting combination!

I am reading...my Bible, that is all I have time for these days.

I am hoping...to not be too stressed out today and lose it with my kiddos. I will be laid back, I will be laid back, I will be laid back...

I am hearing...The hum of the computer and the clicking of the keys...beautiful!

Around the house...Ha! Guest room bed needs sheets, vacuuming needs to be done desperately, dusting, laundry...oh, House Cleaning Fairy, where are you?

One of my favorite things...a visit from long lost friends, worth all the stress!

A few plans for the rest of the week:visit with friends, wedding shower, dance, guitar, baseball

Here is picture (or three) for thought I am sharing...

Welcome to Golf Cart Games at the Tiger Den! Tiger fan is getting golf carts ready to take to Camp Bluebird in a couple of weeks so the kids had fun "testing them out" this weekend.

Football Boy felt the need for a helmet after riding around the yard the first time with Dancer. A feeling I could relate to after screaming "the house, the house, the tree, the pond!" a few times!

Dancer's reaction to me testing out my close up picture taking skills while driving the golf cart...so little faith!















Hope everyone has a great week! For more Daybooks, go to the Simple Woman's Daybook!