Rambling Road

We've been working on plans for the Memorial Day service today. I'm so excited about it. My brother is in on vacation leave and, now, having a family member who's served in the middle East...the whole patriotic thing hits me a whole lot closer to home.

He's going to sing in our service, "You Raise Me Up". Don't spoil the surprise! I get to introduce him. Man, I could do some work. He really creamed my tail playing tennis today. But, he cardioverted me when my heart got out of rhythm playing. Normal, abnormal rhythm, but something I've not dealt with in a year and a half. I'm going to have to get my lazy tail in shape and conditioned for the heat again. Bike...you are in for an oiling this weekend. Get ready to see me huffing it out. I need to get myself going. I keep having ambitions of my treadmill to keep from having to brave the elements, but the basement is a mess, the treadmill's on the blink, and I love being outside on my bike.

Well, this is one rambling one.

I'm so thankful I serve a God I can trust. I read a scripture this week that said, "those who trust the Lord find love everywhere they look." I'm sure that was from The Message, but it spoke to me. When I don't feel loved, it's not because of my circumstances or other people, it's simply because I'm not resting in Him, and because I don't trust His word that the situation will work for my good, no matter how painful or awkward it seems.

I can trust him!

Me

Food War

This is a cruel joke. See, this is what happens to me. I defrosted the sausage for my aforementioned husband's breakfast. Went to bed early. Got up, cooked the sausage, scrambled the eggs, toasted the bagel, added the cheese, poured the milk. Okay, so I cooked breakfast...but that sounds way to easy.

I ate breakfast also. It was good. I love fresh Tropicana no pulp calcium added orange juice. This is one of life's greater luxeries I did not have while growing up.

I went back to bed. Because my sheets were nice and cool...and, I have a house with five children in it today--and I know I'll need all the R & R possible to handle the boy-girl wars inevitable to the agenda today.

Boy 1 comes, wants strawberry milk in a sippie cup. There are no sippie cups clean. I improvise. Win.

Girl two wants pancakes with chocolate chips. I'm tired. I'm not sure others want it. I don't cook it yet. Lose.

Girl three wants plain muffins with chocolate chips...no compromomises. I only have honey bran, or cinnamon. Lose.

Boy two wants the pancakes. His friend isn't up yet. No go. Lose.

Breakfast is a very complicated proposition.

I'm get tired, not from cooking: but from managing, negotiating, and timing the inevitable effort to not please everyone. The whining, griping, complaining, squeeling, and stomping over the food! Lunch seems to be my only "win-win" situation at present! I spend my meal prep time demanding everyone just get out of the kitchen and not ask questions...I know it will lead to fits and whining. I can't deal.

How do you do food?

Uh, this is the milk I have available for the day. Lose.

Just Do It; Just Be Happy

Well, I'd better blog while Red is proccupied with Nick Jr. for a moment. He'll soon want computer time. My main goal for the next month is to weed through his 510 photos from the last year and have his scrapbook ready to lay out for his birthday party celebrating his last year. My family who haven't been able to be around for all the "events" can catch up when they come visit. If I need to cook or clean while they are here...it's entertainment. I forget everything that happened. But, I can log it that way. They can get as much or as little as they want. They can scan or read it deeply. Most enjoy really reading it. It's an investment I'm glad I made. I usually wish I'd done it better, but I also value the best resources and skills I had at the time and seeing my passion for it grow. It demonstrates a valuable principle our pastor reminded us of yesterday...not an original word phrase, or a new one, but one worth saving, "JUST DO IT."

It takes all my spare time for at least a month, but if I never push hard and have a goal, I never get anything done. So, if you ask what I'm doing this month...now you know! If you want to come scrap with me...come on over.

In the meantime...I have a hankering to be a better mom and remember balance in it. I was up too late, then cranky on Sunday for hubbie, then sleep in late Monday to catch up and missed cooking his breakfast, appreciated the sleep, but missed ministering to him before he leaves for the day. This is something I've had to grow into. My attitude is still marginal most mornings...I'm not a morning person and really see nothing wrong with a rice crispy treat or bowl of cereal to hold me over til mid morning when it's a decent time for food in the tummy. But, I need to do better and better. Someday, we'll talk and pray together. Ironically, I'm not much of a talker either. I get bored with talking about the weather and the mundane. He never does. Life is always interesting and worth talking about to him. While I can write about anything, he can talk about anything and make it fun. I want to be a better wife to my dear one. I want to be there when he needs me; not just when I think he should need me. I want to be there for my kids more...to make moments, and work them into my hard pressed goals.

I read a quote I liked this week: Every now and then, stop in our pursuing of happiness and just be happy.

For a goal driven gal, a good reminder.

Off to work.

News Question

The US led a Taliban air strike killing 80 headlines today say. Did I miss something? What are we doing leading air attacks at this point?

Day of Bling

Today is Sunday. I had no obligations. I decided last night I'd stay up superlate and work on Red's scrapbook. Much to my dismay, morning came. I was fine....I had a nap scheduled from 11:01- until whenever.

Well, forgot about that "special" by invitation only baby shower I REALLY needed to get to. And the gift...which meant a trip to the store...and I was DEAD. I got four hours sleep last night...4. Quatro.

So, an hour or so later, I'm home, with gift, and need a nap...laid down twenty minutes.

A friend asked me to play keys tonight with her group. I didn't commit for sure. Came home from the baby shower at 4. Let my hubby get nap...he'd had the kids all day for me. I dozed 10 minutes sprawled out on the sofa, Disney show blaring. Woke up, had no idea what I looked like, brushed teeth, cleaned kitchen, cleaned laundry room (sort of), and back to the church at 5. I've tried to get people there for Sunday nights the last few weeks...not the easiest feat. You never know who will drop. So, sweet friend that I am. I went.

The one saving grace in this energy crisis? A new hot pink "bling" shirt. $78.00 at Goodies, I got it for $7.88. Yes. Serious blink and sparkle, baby! Now, see...I'm not much of a bling girl: nice t-shirt and khakies with brown sandals and belt sort of chick. However, if short on sleep and needing a push, I highly recommend a bling shirt. Creates lots of energy and fun from other people. They laugh. Keep you awake...very fun. I am so dead tonight.

I wanted to change before stage time tonight, under the lights, I'm sure it was a riot. But, hubbie with still asleep and I didn' t want to leave him crankie. When I got there, my brother in law told me I must have thought I was a Solid Gold dancer. That's confidence inspiring. Farm boy...what does he know anyway?

A girl's just gotta have son fun somewhere.

Why can't I get a decent pic of myself without my eyes almost shutting?

My friend is the Queen of Bling...one fun set of chicks...got my pic made with her this AM. You really can't tell the bling element from that pic. Wait, hang on....

There you go: Bling.


The day of Bling.

My Farmer--I love seeing him in the fields...always so relaxing for him

Searching...The Strawberry Patch, A BIG patch

My Strawberry Pickers

I now have a beautiful appreciation for my previously distained mop bucket

Finding strawberries in a weed patch. Mmmmm...these are the sweetest, reddest strawberries I've ever eaten in my life...even the little ones are scrumptuous

Final view of Cranium sculpture: Complete artistry...Can you guess?

Cranium "Strainium"

Thursday MaRVeL

Today is best blogged by pictures...there are many. My goal today was to get some order back, and find some simplicity to the schedule. It felt simple, but it was a very full, fun day. Very cool. Boy Wonder went to work with Mr. Wonderful today and they were home early with a new tire for Red's bike.

Surprises all day today!

Picnic food...Chicken Nuggets on Santa Plates with Baked Potatoes and Fruit, Yogurt, Oat Bowl...Mmmm. (I know, it looks a little gross). My bare feet close by make it seem more appetizing somehow...not!

Red had an inordinately good time with the basket

I asked Goldilocks to help me with the whites...I used to do the same thing as a girl...they SMELL so good and feel so soft.

Picnic at noon

My Day Started off better than expected...I found leftover Easter Chocolate bunny in the cabinet. Tasted like a horrible excuse for chocolate, but I endured it to the end.

Whoa There Nelly!