broken toe

It was a busy Wednesday. I pretty much ran from one thing to another. I did have a short reprieve with my bible study girl friends.

I came home to find Jacob sleeping on the couch and Michael under the covers in our bed. (Note: It was 7:45p) I notice there are books opened on the dining room table, meaning that Jacob is not done with his homework yet. I wake him up and he tells me that he was waiting for me to come home because he needed help with his writing assignment. Hannah, who was with me, immediately starts getting ready for bed. Her bus picks her up at 6:30a, so she starts her morning early.

Hannah goes to bed, Jacob finishes up his homework, Michael wakes up. We decide we are going to watch a movie. We don't start the movie until after 10p because Jacob takes foreeeever to get ready for bed.

Long story short (or is it too late for that?) I fall asleep during this movie. I wake up before the movie is over and decide I'm going to bed. I, half asleep, try to get up and walk to the bedroom. I successfully manage to take 2 steps, however, the 3rd step was the unfortunate advancement. My foot runs right into a stool. I scream and hobble to the bathroom. As I'm walking I yell, "I broke my toe, I broke my toe." Meanwhile, Michael watches watching the movie. (He did get me ice and pills...)

Fast forward...I did break my toe. Who would think that something so little could affect the whole body? I'm sure my back will be hurting soon, you should see how I hobble around. There's a spiritual analogy here, do you see it? Me too....plus, I feel it.

lazy susan

Okay....Here is a great tip!

When I was organizing my kitchen when we first moved in I quickly realized that my lazy susan, filled with spices, wouldn't fit in any of my cabinets.


While I was doing a little 'blog surfing' I found this website full of fabulous ideas, minus the LDS info! (oops, did I type that?) One of the ideas was to add a lazy susan to your refrigerator. I went straight to the garage, dusted off my old lazy susan and loaded it up with items from the shelves in my fridge.


Enjoy!

Weigh Wednesday

I'm down 1/2 a pound.
I'll take it, especially after overdoing it on banana bread yesterday. Oops!

Rewards

Tonight was the Open House for Jacob’s school. It has finally hit me; I have a 7th grader and a 5th grader! When did that happen? While I was listening to the 5th grade teachers talk about getting the students ready for middle school, it sunk in - this is Jacob’s last year in elementary school.

I look at Melissa’s photos of the girls playing and I try to remember that time; it’s hard. At least I have the pictures!

When Hannah and Jacob were little I distinctly recall older moms tell me to cherish every moment. Now, I’m one of those older moms! Time really does fly…..

Lord, thank you for blessing me with a husband who did everything in his power to make it so I could stay at home with our small children. Please forgive me for every sigh, groan, negative and ungrateful thought I’ve had about motherhood. You have rewarded me with a fun, loving, creative, smart and beautiful daughter and a thoughtful, caring, silly, bright and handsome son. Thank you for trusting me to be their mom. Please help me be the mother that they deserve. I love you Lord.

Creepy, Crawly....Flying

True story....

On Thursday, I dropped off my carpool kids. They left the back driver's side door open while they got their backpacks out of the trunk. They thanked me and closed the back door.

As I backed out and put it in drive, Jacob says with much authority, "Stop the car!" Of course, I ask, "Why?" To which, Jacob responds, "There is a HUGE roach in the car!"

That was all he needed to say. I immediately slammed on my brakes and put it in park. I looked behind me and sure enough, there was a HUGE roach on the inside of the back passenger door. I quickly exclaim, "Jacob hurry around and open the door." Looking back, I should have gotten out and opened the door myself, I was closer, but I was not thinking clearly.

Jacob obeys; he gets out and goes around the car. I'm turned around looking at him. I notice that he is sort of 'just standing there'. I see something fly by him and he backs up. Meanwhile, I'm screaming, "Open the door!"

Jacob finally, after what seems like 5 minutes, opens the door and the roach quickly scurries under my seat! Jacob tries to sleuth out the stow-a-way, but to no avail. I decide that it would be better to try to find it while parked in my driveway, so I drive home, the 8 houses, rather quickly.

I decide this would be a great time to clean out the car while trying to get the roach out of my car. I gather the papers and napkins and random other items in the car, but find no roach. I think to myself, Jacob did say that he thought the roach flew out of the car, even though I saw, with my own eyes, that it went under my seat.

Flash forward 2 hours.....

I'm on my way to meet Michael to look at dryers. While I'm driving I have my right arm resting on the arm rest. I'm singing along to something on the Christian radio station. I start feel something crawling up my arm. Keep in mind, I'm driving down the road at 50 mph. I immediately think of the roach and frantically wave my arm and see it fly across the car.

I decide that since I'm close to my destination, I'll look for the roach there. I get out and look for it, while parked in the parking lot. I catch a glimpse of something scurry across the front passenger side floor board. I grab some napkins and try to "capture" (aka squash) the thing. It is much too fast for me and flies up under the dash.

This story really is going on much longer than I expected.......hopefully, you are enjoying it.

Anyway, I go into the store, meet Michael, and look around. (Didn't find anything in my price range...so we left.) I had Michael look around in the car for the sly creature; no luck, it still is an expert at hiding. I'm back on the road, thinking that this thing is going to live in my dash forever. I start picturing me driving Hannah and Jacob around and it comes flying out at us.

I keep looking down at the floorboard. Finally, I see it. I again grab the napkins and try to get it. Meanwhile, I'm again traveling 50 mph down the raod and now I'm swerving to try and kill this thing. Apparently, it was skilled at escaping because it vanished.

I pull into the Publix parking lot and again look for it. I can't find it and go into Publix for a few quick items. On the way out, I decide that since I only have 2 small plastic bags I'll place them in the back seat, instead of the trunk. Turns out that this was Providence! I open the back door and out flies the roach. He quickly sprints under my car. With haste, I fling my groceries in the back seat and slam the door.

While driving home I get so tickled over the events of my afternoon that I laugh out loud. I decide the roach is probably telling his friends that he had the ride of his life and has lived to tell about it. That is, unless he hopped in someone else's car at Publix!

No Places to Go.....

Here is a video of Mary Janes Farm. While I'm not really a country girl, this video makes me want to live on a farm.

If you have time, watch the video. I loved the music!

Why do I even bother

to worry? Really, why do I?

I was up early this morning, around 4:30am and woke Michael up to tell him that there definitely was something wrong with the a/c. Well, if you know Michael at all, you know this probably wasn't the best time to be talking to him. Basically, he told me to go back to sleep because nothing could be done about it then, at 4:30am. Well, if you know me at all, you know that....

1. I was hot. Hot to me equals cranky.


2. I was worried; worried that our compressor went out and we were going to have to spend a whole lot of $$ that we didn't have.


3. I was hot. Hot + Me = Cranky!

Michael called the father of a boy that was on his soccer team, who owns a heating and a/c business. He was able to come out this morning and fix our problem. Here's a description of the bill:

Checked A/C unit. Found that capacitor was blown. Replaced capacitor. Cleaned outside condenser coil. Coil was full of grass and dirt. Checked freon pressure. Unit was 3 pounds low. Charged unit to right pressures. Unit running fine.

Total: $160.00

First of all, I'm again amazed by God's provision. Michael did 2 computer jobs last night, making almost that exact amount. Thank you God, for providing the means to pay this bill even before we knew we needed it. Please forgive me for my doubt. I know in my heart that you will provide, because you have proved this character trait over and over again. My logical thinking gets in the way and next thing I know I'm doubting you. Thank you for proving again to me that you are who you say you are - Jehovah Jirah, my provider.

Second of all, I'm thinking that maybe we shouldn't have wasted so many years and so much money on college. $160 for less than 1 hours work....not bad! (I'm just kidding, Michael, I know you love your job.)

Okay...this is totally not related, well, maybe it sort of is. You know, Weigh Wednesday? Well, I have been driving to Publix every Wednesday morning to weigh myself. I got to thinking that I really needed a scale. I had to go to Walmart yesterday and before I got there I thought about looking at the scales there. Well, once in Walmart I completely forgot....it wasn't on my list. Last night, when Michael came home, he announced that he had a gift for me. I love gifts...and was even more excited when he pulled out, from behind his back, a scale. Apparently, one of the clinics he was working at yesterday was getting rid of their old scales and Michael brought one home. Yeah....no more trekking to Publix.

Weigh Wednesday

Well, the scales don't lie, or do they?
I'm up 1/2 pound....
Come on girls, rally with me!
8 weeks and only 5 pounds lost.
There is seriously something wrong with that!
I'm switching to WW points this week.
I can do it, I know I can.
There is no reason I can't.
I'm getting out of the water;
I don't want to stay here anymore.

Free Chick-fil-a Sandwich

Register to receive a free Chick-fil-a sandwich and Coke. I love free stuff and love Chick-fil-a, so thought I'd pass this along!

http://www.freechickenandcoke.com/

1st day of school

Beach Day

Pause my music playlist on the sidebar.

A Blessed Home

I enjoyed Melissa's video of her home a few weeks ago and wanted to make one of our home, too.

The story of how God brought us to our home is truly a testimony of His grace. Although it was frustrating at times and at the time I didn't know the 'hows' or 'whys', God knew and had it all planned out, even though it seemed to be insignificant in the whole world's scheme of things.

While Michael and I were in school and even while Michael was just starting out his career, we lived in various apartments. I remember thinking, one day we'll have a home of our own. Of course, this didn't stop me from making our apartments home also. In the meantime I poured over decorating magazines, watched decorating shows on HGTV and planned out 'my' house in my mind.

When we were finally ready to start looking for our first home, reality and my dreams collided; reality won. What we could afford and what we wanted didn't match, according to the bank and our checking account.

Before and after our home search, I knew that God was in control. I even memorized

Matthew 7:9-11
Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him.

However, while we were in the midst of the house hunt, I conveniently forgot this verse.

Our house hunt lasted almost a full year. We put a bid on 3 different houses. Each time I would get excited and decorate the house in my mind. However, each time, for some reason or another, there was a glitch. I would get my hopes up, only to have them come crashing down. Each time I was upset, thinking that that was the perfect house for us. Fortunately for us, God knows best. I look back, and have even driven by each of the houses that I thought were perfect, and I am so very thankful that God had something better for us.

Through divine providence, we found a perfect, cute (which really means small) and full of character home. We live in a great neighborhood, each street is a cul-de-sac, which is perfect for the kids and their various means of transportation. There are also many children both Hannah and Jacob's ages.

At first glance, I thought this house would be a great 'starter home'....however, after living here for 1 1/2 years, I cannot imagine moving. I love my small kitchen, everything is just 1 step away. I love the yard and have grand plans for gardens, plants, trees.....

Enjoy a quick view of my home.......
Pause my music playlist on the sidebar before playing movie.

Beach Day

We spent the afternoon at the beach and the evening at the pool.

Tomorrow we are off to downtown St. Augustine and then to Emily and Josh's for a quick visit, then back home.

Bloggers Unite

Emily, Melissa and I relaxing in the pool
St. Augustine, FL

On Vacation

We left Friday for Michael's sister's. We stopped at the library before we left and while Hannah and Jacob were picking out a book I thought I'd look at the audio books. The kids were not at all into the idea of listening to a book during the drive. I think they wanted to watch movies the whole way down. I finally convinced them that it would be fun. We got a Nancy Drew mystery and another mystery...but I cannot remember the author or title at the moment.

As soon as we got on the interstate I slid the 1st CD in and after a few minutes the kids....and Michael were hooked. I knew that we all would enjoy it, and I was right. We'll listen to the other audio book on the way home on Thursday.

While visiting Michael's sister, we drove around and saw the different places Michael lived growing up. We saw his old schools, places he worked and played and where he went to church. We were able to go to his church on Sunday and he was able to see a few friends from youth group.

Don't you love going to visit and you know you were planned for? I do....makes me feel special. It makes a difference when you go to someones house and they have meals planned, beds ready, and such. Doug and Christy planned wonderful meals for us. Doug grilled huge burgers and hot dogs and Christy cooked a pot roast. Both meals were delicious. We had a great time visiting and swimming in their pool. We truly enjoyed Doug and Christy's hospitality.

Now we are visiting Michael's dad and brothers. We'll leave tomorrow to go to St. Augustine and play at the beach and pool....and see the St. Augustine sights and then dash back home in time for school orientation on Friday.

Weigh Wednesday

Okay....for the 2nd week in a row, I have not lost any weight. It it not like I've only eaten fruits and vegetables and now have no idea why I haven't lost. No, it's more like I've had seconds and didn't need to...

Fat Bloggers.....we need to be losing weight, not gaining or maintaining!

This is what I am going to do this week:

• Eat only when and until I'm full
• Exercise

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phillipians 4:13

Salmon Patties

I intended to post this yesterday...but fell asleep on the couch. Oops.

Yesterday I ran some errands with my mom and Hannah, while Jacob and PaPa went to play pool. I forgot to marinate the chicken before I left, so decided to make the next meal on my list. Okay, so I did that...Rotini & Tuna Salad. After I made it, at 6:30pm, I realized that if we waited for it to cool in the refrigerator and be the cold salad it was intended to be we wouldn't be eating until really, really late.

Michael asked if I would like for him to take us out....so nice, wasn't it? Actually, he had just push mowed the patches that the riding lawn mower couldn't reach and was starving. I almost gave in, mostly because I was kind of tired from running errands and making one meal already. But, I decided to just make the 3rd meal on my list....Salmon Patties, Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli.

Since I didn't photograph the Turkey Stroganoff, I made sure I took a photo of the Salmon Patties.

Recipe:

1 can of drained Pink Salmon (it is fairly cheap....about $1.50 for a large can @ Publix)

2 eggs

1 sleeve of crushed saltines (I use the multi-grain)

Diced onion

Lemon Juice

Salt, Pepper, Dill

I remove the gray skin and spine (my mom does not and her's taste exactly the same....) and add to 2 beaten eggs. Crush the saltines and add to salmon. Add onions, lemon juice (eyeball it), dill and salt & pepper. Mix together; form into patties. Pan fry in a small amount of oil (I like Canola) and flip when golden and crispy. Serve with sliced lemon wedges, ketchup or dill sauce (mayo, sour cream, dill). Since they are already pan fried I don't do the dill sauce anymore, although you could do fat free sour cream and non-fat plain yogurt.

This makes about 10 patties. Even my picky eater (aka - Hannah) loves salmon patties. Michael, who does not like seafood, likes them too!

Recipe

Last night I was going to make ground turkey stroganoff, but didn't have cream of mushroom soup. Johnna gave me a really great recipe for Hamburger Stroganoff and I was just going to substitute ground turkey for the ground beef but, not only didn't I have mushroom soup, I didn't have sour cream and a few other ingredients.

However, I did have.....
Ground Turkey
French Onion Soup
Evaporated Milk
Marjoram

Okay, so I cooked the french onion soup with 1/2 can of evaporated milk. After it started to bubble I added a tablespoon of flour to some cold water and mixed, then added to the soup mixture. I continued to heat on medium until it began to bubble and then added my cooked ground turkey and some dried marjoram. I served it over Barilla Plus spaghetti with cooked carrots on the side. Everyone, including my picky eater (aka - Hannah) went back for seconds. Sorry, didn't even think to take a picture.....

For something different: Add poppy seeds to the cooked and drained pasta. Adds a little extra 'pop'....pun intended. This tip is from Johnna's mom.

Really Random Ramblings

Okay, Emily, here's my alliteration....oops, it's Saturday. I guess my post should have read, Saturday Somethings...hey, I like it.

I started trying to organize my bedroom closet yesterday. Basically, all that I accomplished yesterday was pulling everything out to my bed. Today, with Michael's help, I went through boxes and baskets of random things that were stuck, shoved, thrown, and dropped in my closet. I'm still not done, mostly because opening one thing would lead me to another and so on. I really should have taken a photo of the mess in my room! Oh well....

I also made a meal plan for the week. We're cutting it close this month with Michael's paychecks because I didn't work for 2 weeks because I was sick....and when I went in on Thursday they didn't have any work for me. So I thought I'd actually plan this week's meals, like I used to.

Anyway....here is my list of meals:
Ground Turkey Stroganoff with Carrots
Grilled Burgers with Grilled Zucchini and Squash
Grilled Italian Chicken Thighs with Pasta and Salad
Grilled Oriental Chicken Thighs over Brown Rice, Peas & Carrots
Rotini & Tuna Salad
Salmon Patties, Roasted Potatoes & Green Beans

I also thought I would include some of the blogs that I read when I get a chance.....
http://www.yvestown.com/ Love the way she decorates...

http://www.stacysbigpicture.typepad.com/ She is very creative...
Check out this at her site...loving it! http://stacysbigpicture.typepad.com/altogether_too_happy/the_boys/index.html

http://soulemama.typepad.com/soulemama/ Some neat sewing ideas

http://todayscreativeblog.blogspot.com/ This blog is great...she features a new creative blog each day.

http://twiddletails.blogspot.com/ More great sewing ideas

Okay...I have a lot more, but that is enough for now.
What other blogs do you read, other than mine, of course? ºÜº

Red

My new favorite color is red. Some people have favorite colors and they are always their favorite....not me.

My favorite color used to be blue. For decorating I liked country blue. When Michael and I got married I decorated our small apartment with country blue and rose. Remember when that was the craze? Or was it just me? I had rose colored pillows on my couch, the couch that we got from Michael's parents. I covered it with a sheet, a floral sheet. I also covered the cushion to a papason chair, remember those, with a rose colored sheet.

Our first new couch was a futon, purchased with financial aid money...what were we thinking? We thought it would be perfect because our 2nd apartment was also small and we always had family coming to visit. We ended up having that futon for almost 10 years. The original cover was a blue and cream stripe. After about 7 years I sewed a new cover for it, I loved that cover....it was blue and khaki floral. We sold that futon in a garage sale last summer.

Last year we bought our first real sofa....we shopped and shopped and I finally found one I wanted....Actually the Rowe couch I wanted was a bit pricey and would take almost a year to arrive because they were so backlogged. We decided on a cheaper and quicker version. I chose a red denim, which looks great. It's has a slipcover look.

I was putting away dishes tonight and started thinking about all the red I have now and how little blue I have. Isn't it funny to look back at old pictures and see our clothing choices or better yet, our hairstyle choices. We thought it looked great at the time, but yet, looking back it looks so wrong.

Melissa was telling me about a speaker at the conference she just went to. He had the wonderful ability to see Jesus in everyday circumstances. I've tried to do that this week and haven't been as successful as I thought I should be. I don't even know what successful in this situation means....

Anyway, while I was typing this post I started thinking about how I never stay the same. You can ask me one week if I like something and I can give you a quick response, but then after more consideration, I may change my mind. Or, a better example of my inconsistency is letting the kids get away with something one day and then yelling at them the next. Yes, I have been known to yell, it's something I'm working on.

Aren't we so glad that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 God is truly amazing. I bet if I consistently pursued my relationship with Jesus I'd be more consistent. Yep, I love red. Red was the blood that Jesus shed for me.