Pinterest Time

I don't often have large blocks of free time. (That's why my nails look like junk!)

Throughout the day I get short lived visits to my computer. (No smart phone.) I usually check FB or email. Sometimes it's a check of the headlines at Fox News.

And then there is Pinterest.

When I learned about Pinterest I was definitely intrigued. I had to(and still have to) limit my time/exposure. The images brought out some feelings of discontentment and the desire to shop. Not good when the Lord has helped me so much in these areas. Not trying to go backwards. Have to keep a heart and attitude check.

I don't have an account to help curb my enthusiam. That being said, I like so many things about the site!

If you are the last person on earth that hasn't been there, you may want to check it out. Kind of like a world of sharing everything. Recipes, fashion, makeup, photography, decor, jokes, etc. You can spend a lot or a little time. Get an idea for dinner or what to wear the next time you go out. See how to repurpose an item or find some art that inspires you to break out your paint. Something there for everyone and it's free (except for your time).

*Warning that there are some inappropriate pictures and profanity from time to time. Not kid friendly.

Share your thoughts on Pinterest

Close to the Devil

Surprising as it may be, my cubs can't seem to get along regularly. The most recent spat took place downstairs(out of my sight, but within earshot) and resulted in E-Dog coming upstairs.

He comes into my room and proceeds to tell me his thoughts on his older sibling.

Then I ask him,"Is she a heathen?"(kind of joking and kind of not)

He said, "No. Maybe worse."

I asked him what was worse than a heathen and quickly wished I hadn't. We went to see Cars 2 and I just wasn't sure if he'd picked up a name or two from it(like jerk). But the question was out of my mouth. It was too late.




"Close to the Devil," E replied matter-of-fact.

Time Teacher Watch

Found these watches @ Disney's online store. This is a cute option for kids who are well on their way to telling time(but need a little helping hand). Love velcro straps on kid watches. They can put them on and take them off, and that means less for me to do.:)

Collections

Tole trays are one of my great loves. A few years ago after going to some antiques shows, I realized that I was drawn to them over and over again.

Initally, I was hoping to hang a grouping of them in my breakfast room once I had aquired a decent amount. That didn't happen.

For one thing, I have a hard time finding trays that I like enough to buy. Either the tray is in poor condition or I don't like the painting. Secondly, they aren't cheap. I didn't know anything about them when I started buying them. Typically I find the ones I like are in the $75-$100+ range.

Currently, I have two metal trays and one wooden tray. Both metal trays have a black background and the wooden one is burgundy. My love of tole isn't limited to trays. During trips to the Scott Antique Market in Georgia, my Mom and I found a round table and a small chest with tole paintings on the lids. Both of those pieces were more affordable and we scooped them up.

For me, one of the great aspects of collecting is that it takes years to accumulate. It's like a treasure hunt. Some days you dig for nothing and other days you hit the jackpot. Over time you get to thoughtfully put together a group of items that have meaning to you. I used to try to hurry up a fill a wall or shelf with whatever I could cheaply accumulate at places like Hobby Lobby or discount stores.(I still like to go there, but I don't feel a compulsion to buy an item just because I like it and it's a good deal.)

With each passing year, I find that I'd rather wait and seek out a piece that really speaks to me than try to just fill my house with meaningless beautiful stuff. Even if it is months between finding a treasure, it is worth the wait.

What do you collect or hope to some day?

Must Develop Pictures!

Dubs 2010

Want this one in their bedroom.

Don't see this much now that they are older. :(


Want this forever.

E-Dog

The one down side for me with everything being digital: I no longer develop pictures and haven't really since switching over. I have so many pictures that are on a disc or whatever. Most are just left on the camera forever. Grr. Must get motivated to get some of these jokers printed.

(This is how most sessions end up...one is uncooperative.)

I Heart Texting

I was possibly one of the last people to learn how to text....seriously. I started texting right before your parents learned how---and you thought that would never happen! For a while, I thought it was something that only the "young" people did. I prided myself in phone calls, you know actually talking to people. Texting seemed so impersonal and thoughtless. And for a while, I only did it when I really couldn't talk like in a Dr.'s office or something.
At some point I got off my high horse and down into the real world. Of course, I don't want to get to a place where I never have actual conversations or write cards. Those things are precious and can't be replaced. Currently, it is much easier and efficient for me to communicate with my family and friends by texting. Like today, I wanted to ask my Mom a question and didn't have time at that particular moment to have a full fledged chat. I simply texted her and she quickly replied with an answer. Not impersonal. Not thoughtless.
Most of the time when we are doing school, I don't have my phone right beside me. Neither the kids nor I need the distraction. I will occasionally check it throughout the day to see if I've missed one. So if you ever wonder why I haven't responded, that is why.
In addition, I love being able to send several people the same message. It's like 3-way calling in elementary school except I'm not trying to see who they like or whatever. Event planning is made much easier with fast responses. Oh, I forgot to mention that I can't access the Internet from my phone, so that also makes texting more appealing. I don't have to turn on the computer, check my email, and then reply.
I love an hour marathon call as much as the next chatty-Cathy, but my life allows for few and far between of those. My girlfriends always knew that they could call me on a road trip and I'd almost get them to their destination. Don't know if that was good or bad. Anyway, I do miss catching up in great detail and feeling more intimately connected. Thankfully, God has given me wonderful friends who don't feel insecure when we don't talk every day or every week. It took me a while to be ok with less, but I've had to accept it and not feel bad or disappointed.
Texting, I heart you. My life is easier with you. My time management has improved. you've enabled me to talk to people when I otherwise couldn't. Sorry I looked down my big bratty nose at you. U r gr8t!

Jackpot

Our home computer is being finicky, so I can't get online. That's annoying. Shane plugged his up so I could edit a grammatical error on my blog. Before he let me get to blogging, he scrolled through his endless stash of pics. I couldn't believe all the pics of our family that he has been hoarding (storing, whatever) on here. So I decided that this is my chance to put some up. I don't have these on mine. I'm not very computer savvy, so they may never be. Some of these may be old, but you'll get over it.

Wednesday

So it's Wednesday again...sometimes I feel like my weeks go: Sunday, Monday(boo), already Wednesday, Friday(yay!), and then Saturday. Then they replay.



I don't have anything against Wednesdays. I actually like them. Our children attend Awanas and I work in the nursery on Wed pm. It has been really nice to get to know the ladies that I work with every week. Those friendships have been an added blessing for sure.



The only down side to Wednesday is dinner. I don't want to cook. We have to be there so early. (Most nights I usually don't even start cooking until 6, depending on Shane's schedule)
And I've tried before to cook something in the 4's and then shove it down their throats(not really). Of course it's inevitable that the times we need to hurry, the kids are slower, so then the scolding commences. Not fun. For them or for me. Isn't Wednesday supposed to be a blessing and not a curse?
And we've done the have a snack and then eat dinner late. Don't like that. Who wants to eat at 8:45-9pm? Not me. Especially now that I'm in my "slow metabolism" thirties.

I know many of you are saying, "Stop and get fast food!" I actually don't pass any fast or slow food on my way to church. This happens to be a great money saving device every other day of the week, but on Humpday it bites.

So we are gonna try eating soup on Wednesday nights. It's cheap. It can be customized for picky palettes. It's quick. Few dishes dirtied and hopefully less scolding!

Giving Shane a Chuckle

My man seems to think that these two dudes look alike. Can you see a resemblance?

Good Weekend, but No Pics

Last Saturday our fam went to the zoo, Marble Slab, and the Bass Pro Shop. That place brings out my inner redneck (if there is one). I packed the camera, but never took it out of the backpack!! Grrr. Maybe it was because it was so hot that day. Wait for it. Here it comes. It was hot as blue blazes. As far as the camera goes, I didn't really think about it when we were out and about. While we were @ Bass Pro, we saw some Amish peeps. That was interesting.
I'm definitely outta the habit of taking pics. Never thought I'd be that girl. In the last few years, I've taken less and less. Hope to break that bad habit soon. After all, my munchkins and man are as dear to me as ever...most days.
It has been so hot here. We simply cannot spend much time outdoors. Early morning and late evenings are the only times we can tolerate the heat. Due to the enormous time spent inside, I've once again got on a painting kick. Well, the idea of painting kick. Most of our house has not been painted and it needs it. BAD. Oh and this isn't a pic of our bathroom, but I love, love it.


When we first moved here, I totally made my house an idol. I spent far too much time thinking about it. How it was decorated meant too much to me. (I'm sure many people who are new to an area and haven't developed friendships could struggle with this. I believe that where we moved from and the culture there deeply influenced me...my Mom never had custom anything, so it wasn't how I was raised. As an adult, living in an affluent area for a long time did some damage that I didn't see until we moved. Currently we aren't insulated with wealth.) After God showed me my idolatry, I had to consciously take our home off the pedestal and change.
But then I went too far the other direction. I haven't finished projects or even hung things that I already own in an effort to get over the way my house looks.
Now it is time to bring the pendulum to the middle, and do what needs to be done without it meaning more than it should. Maybe I'll paint soon and if I do, I'll try to remember my camera...
Oh yeah, and we had a fun Fourth of July! We hung out with our friends Trey and Joanna (who have baby Hannah--the pink diaper cake post from earlier this year). They had their BF's from Johnson City over and we all hung out. The men and kids went swimming while we ladies ran our mouths and stayed dry. Then we went back to the house and watched fireworks. Many of their neighbors had gathered in the cul-de-sac and the guys took turns lighting them. It was a good time! And somehow, I didn't take pics there either. Whatta dope!

Love ya'll,
Comma Queen

Udderly Hilarious

The other night cow udders came up.

I don't remember how or why.

My precious little E had made a rather interesting observation.

He said that cow udders looked like a lot of...and then he pointed south...

The house erupted in laughter. Mostly mine.

Once I recovered, I proceeded to explain to him that udders were not part of a cow's excretory system---I'm sure he understood that! Ha! I just wasn't sure how exactly to explain it to him. So thanks to the trusty ole' Internet, the kids and I looked up info on that area.

But, that exploration added more fuel to E-dog's fire and he began shooting off questions about where baby cows come out. Then he and Tater teamed up on me wanting to see a birth or dissection, whichever I'd let them see (they were reading all the things listed in the Google search).

We didn't watch any videos.

A mom must know her daily limit.

Seeing a human birth when I was 21 horrified me, and so I concluded that we'd avoid the birthing footage.

Maybe another day.

Far away.

All this talk made me realize that living on a farm provides so many experiences and answers. Don't misunderstand the previous statement. I have no desire to have a farm. It just seems that when kids are exposed to animals and their life cycles daily, they learn so much!

And I know, you can always go visit a dairy or farm and see what goes on.

But not so long ago people had farms or at least a cow, had chickens, grew big gardens...it was a different world.

A world without computers, cable TV, ipods, cell phones, malls, etc.

It was a simple life.

When I say simple it is in no way degrading. Simple meaning less complicated. Maybe their time was spent do more meaningful things and less time was wasted.

Just some thoughts.

Oh, and by the way E, thanks for the mammaries.

I couldn't resist.:)

Oops, I Did It Again

Yes. I've done it once again. I have been awarded "Worst Blog Ever" for the second month straight. Blogging has fallen off my list. I apologize.

Hubs has been working out of town and I have been Mom-Solo. (possible relation to Hans)Thus, leaving me with little relief or the mindset to blog.

This week, I tried Tony Horton. Again. Did something with 'plyo' in the name (part of the P90X series, I don't wanna go downstairs to find it). It was so good! Lots of jumping. I laid in the floor for the last 20 mins, like I do every time I try to do one of those workouts.

This blog post will be random due to my undiagnosed A.D.D.

In other unrelated news, my Mom came for a visit this weekend. She and the "Pea" came up and stayed for a few days. My kids went crazy over the dog (they want one soooo bad). I decided last year that it would be 2011 before we try again. The big two fought over 'Sweet Pea' and W couldn't relax around him. There was a lot of scolding and redirecting.

Mom was here to see Tater's recital. Grammy, Nana, Aunt Shell, and Damon came to watch her. Although T was a tad nervous, she pulled herself together and danced beautifully. No sign of nerves or fear. She was excellent. We were all so proud! After the show, I asked her what she did to calm down. She said she asked God to help her. That a girl, Bisc~

I have somehow (even though I live here) forgotten all the projects I have left to do. The lower half of my dining room needs to be painted. The banquette is still a dream. My seed packets for my herb garden are in my junk drawer. The bird feeder needs to be refilled. I will get to them.

We school through the summer, so that and W's sensory diet take up a good bit of time.

OH.The laundry. It's like the movie 'Gremlins.' Maybe it ate after midnight and multiplied. I don't know what's up with it. I do laundry everyday and don't see the bottoms of the hampers.

I'm considering implementing some classical methods into our homeschool. Buying "The Well Trained Mind" is on my to-do list. W wants to start Kindergarten now, so I'm planning to start with him in June after VBS.

This weekend, we are going to picnic at the park with friends. Thoughts of fried chicken and all things high carb are on my brain. Maybe I'll replace the potato salad with coleslaw so that I'll have less guilt and bloating. Wink, wink.

One of my friends got her first bikini wax this week. Been there, done that. That story is for women only. And apparently she's not going back either...

I consider having my nose pierced quite regularly. I have an inner punk. Maybe it will happen. My friends opinions are mixed. Can't really say why I haven't done it yet. Except when I'm preggers, I don't want anything sparkly in my widened nose. If I do it, I'll show you.

Speaking of preggers, I found out in March that I was expecting. I was about five weeks, but just didn't feel peace about sharing it. I didn't tell my dearest friends for a week or so, and we didn't tell our families. After my first blood test, the dr's office asked me to come back because my progesterone level was high. They wanted to check it again to see if there was more than one baby. So, I had the second test. The results showed that my HCG level wasn't doubling. It should have been if it was a healthy pregnancy.

They told me that it probably wasn't viable. Instead of finding out how many, we found out that we'd likely miscarry. That was difficult. I cried a lot that first day. And then the next day, I didn't feel like I was pregnant anymore. I began to really doubt that the baby would survive. My symptoms faded. It was depressing. I prayed a lot and knew that it was in His control. That didn't diminish the pain and disappointment.

After a couple of blah days, I decided to have hope until the dr told me that there wasn't any. Even though I didn't feel pregnant anymore, I knew that God could do anything. Blood work that week and a sonogram confirmed that we would miscarry. So then I had to wait.

It was consuming. They told me all the signs and symptoms. I just had to wait. Waited for a week. Then it finally started and that was another week. Those days were long, but they really aided in my healing. As I look back, we only had that first week to dream. Think about how we'd tell our children. How we'd tell our family. Changes that we'd need to make to have a nursery. It was only a week. But in that week I had a million thoughts. I even bought maternity spanx...not knowing that I wouldn't need them.

Thank you to all our friends that prayed for us. It was such a blessing to have the support and encouragement.

Shane and I have learned so much through all of this and are grateful for the lessons. Our hearts were broken, but they are better now. I wouldn't say healed, but definitely healing. It has made heaven a little sweeter to me. Some have mentioned the "why?" and to me it doesn't matter. I'm not looking for that answer. God is in control and His plan is perfect. Even when it hurts. When we are open and surrendered to Him, then we are open to loss. And He is with us through everything.

Talk to you soon~

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, and to those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;

Psalm 37:7

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Matthew 5:4

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

My flesh and my heart fail;

But God is the strength of my heart and my portion.

Psalm 73:26

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

And God will wipe every tear away from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.

Revelation 21:4

Most Boring Blog Ever

I apologize to anyone who comes across this blog, and to my Mom who checks it everyday. I'm unofficially the Most Boring Blog...at least for April. I will give my list of reasons that I haven't blogged much lately, but this is what I say about excuses:

EXCUSES ONLY SATISFY THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE THEM.

There are few exceptions. Between being a wife, mom, homeschooler, friend, poorly skilled seamstress, therapist, referee, occasional maid, lawn girl, and barber--- I am a rather junky blogger. Yes, I know.

The only way I can see that this area will improve is to schedule a time for this...er..hobby? I guess I'll call it a hobby. Anyway, so many other things are vying for my time and it is a challenge right now for me to post something interesting, amazing, or lack luster.

I have had some great adventures and countless sweet moments.

[I also had IBS at Target which was neither great or sweet, but rather hilarious and horrible. Yes, I know, TMI.]

My youngest honey pie, Dubs, celebrated a birthday in April. No party this year, he wanted to be home. The cookie cake that we had was so yummy. It was devoured in three days (could've been two). We went to Rock City and Ruby Falls with my Mom and sister Jen. Such a special time and a great gift for my little honey. Those pics will be up soon. April was a great! Sorry if it looked and read to be extremely boring!! Will try harder!

Maybe Soon?

I still have banquette dreams.

Although we are currently enjoying a break from sports(other than ballet/dance), our weekends have not provided the opportunity to take on this project.

[BTW, has anyone else noticed that home ownership is quite demanding? I am grateful to still even be in our house, especially considering all the financial difficultly in the last couple of years. That being said, maintaining a home is very time consuming and expensive.]

Of course I contemplate paying someone else to help us, but then I am snapped back to the reality that we are trying to reduce our expenses. Hiring anything to be done, mowed, painted, built, whatever, is not in the monthly budget.

Plus, Shane and I both struggle to pay someone else for things that we can do ourselves (within reason). Zoiks! This post was not intended to be a published complaint! My apologies.

I'm just hoping that if I write about our breakfast room project, maybe it will be catapulted to the top of the list. The tabletop itself is a big task because it will be a mosaic.

The construction and painting of the benches and table will take many weeks from start to finish, but I'm really looking forward to it.

Hooked on Salad instead of Suga

Many months ago, we hung out with some friends and ate dinner together. They served a Caesar salad and chicken casserole. Well, I don't know if I had the beginning stages of scurvy, but I was crazy about that salad. It was so good. (She used Ken's dressing, so you know it was off the chain.) It began what I'll fondly refer to as my salad obsession.

Caesar, Greek, pasta, whatever--salads everywhere have been enticing me ever since that night. Even coleslaw(we'll consider it salad) from Calhoun's has been a near errand running diversion! But, I didn't cave. Aren't you proud?! Even a little side salad can catch my eyes...silly, I know.

An added mental benefit is I don't feel guilty eating them the way I do about so many other foods. The more I am conscious with my diet the less I have to exercise. YIPPEE!

Little side note: I decided a while back to start paying attention to what I was eating. Let's just say my clothes were letting me know that something needed to change, either my eating habits or their sizes. Not cool with the latter. My life long sidekick 'suga' had to be taken down quite a few notches. Surprisingly(to me), I've felt so much better since I've reduced my sugar intake. It's been really hard to say no to myself so much. Still have coffee everyday, but not three or four cups. Don't gasp, it's true. And I switched to half and half(not my fave) instead of using my delicious hazelnut creamer. Every little bit helps.

Suga, I can have you in small doses, but you can't be the center of my food interest and affections anymore. Still love you...and miss the junk outta you some days, Me

(Disclaimer: I can always make exceptions for mint chocolate chip ice cream. :)

Hannah's Cake

This is my first diaper cake. (I still like the name baby cake better, but don't think many people would know what I was talking about if I started calling them that.)

The base is a cake board and the center is a bottle of Burt's Bees shampoo. I chose it for the shape of the bottle--it's nice and round compared to most baby shampoos. The top is one of the little blankets with an animal head. I picked the daises for their color and cheerfulness.

From start to finish, it may take about 2 hrs. if you already have all of your supplies and baby goodies. Make sure to have clothes pins and straight pins to help attach things if you decide to make one. I already have my next cake in the works...

Cutie Diaper Cake

One of my FB friends posted these pics. It is one of the cutest "diaper" cakes I've seen. (I think I'd rather call them 'baby' cakes. Sounds a little cute and fresh. Whenever I've mentioned a diaper cake to W, he tells me that it is "disgusting!" Oh, the silliness in this home.)

I think what I love about this cake is the bright colors and the use of Gerber daisies...

It has such a playful and happy feeling to it. Seeing these pictures totally inspired me to make one. (And I have an abundance of expectant friends, so the opportunity is here.)

For some reason until now, I haven't really cared for diaper cakes...always perferring real cake instead. Wink. Wink. But I'm very happy to tell you I began construction on my first 'baby' cake this morning and it's almost done. Haven't picked my ribbon or flowers yet, it depends on what I find. I'll share it soon.