Sweetness

This is one of those busy weeks where there's something on the go each day/evening, and I can hardly catch my breath. I was trying to get the kids' bedrooms cleaned up today as fast as they tried to MESS them back up. I was about at my wit's end....one of those days where I made the kids take a nap/rest, so at least I could have some sanity! ;) I couldn't wait for Andy to walk in the door, and when he did, I was excited to see that he had brought home some pretty orange Gerbera daisies for me! Just what I needed! He got brownie points for sure for picking the roughest day to surprise me with flowers! ;)

Spring is Here!

I honestly don't think I've enjoyed a spring this much before. Maybe it's as the kids get older and love to be outside or just enjoying life. We are outside much more than we ever were, and I am loving it. I am realizing how quickly the house work can fall behind when I am constantly supervising the kids outside, but oh well.... :) I know I haven't blogged as regularly as I usually do lately, but really all I've been up to is this: I have been babysitting, eating healthy, exercising regularly & helping friends plan a June wedding. That while keeping up with church activities, working on debt-reduction plans and studying have kept me as busy as I allow myself to get. I am content to live as simply as possible right now so we can be in the place God wants to use us when He calls. Thanks for checking in, blogger-world! :)

Rag Wreath

I just finished this country rag wreath, and I LOVE how it turned out~! HERE is a tutorial link, or you can watch the clip below. Simple, inexpensive (wreath $2.50) and makes a great gift!

That Kind Of Week

You know when you have "one of those days?" Well, I had one of those WEEKS this past week. I was hormonal (I know you wanted to know that), I was craving all the wrong kinds of foods, I had little motivation to exercise, and I just wanted to sit and feel sorry for myself all week. I know I complained more than my share of stomach cramps, not enough sleep & whatever else came to mind.
I figured I would gain weight this week. I had even thought through what I was going to say at my weigh-in and what I would post on today's blog- that is just "was what it was."
I will say that I did not give IN to all those urges to overeat and lay around, I just FELT like doing that. My MIND was in fat mode, but my new eating/exercise habits that I've been developing over the last 8 weeks kept me from overindulging. I DID eat chocolate and my beloved cheese this week. I didn't deny myself, but I kept it in moderation. This is not credit to myself, but the things I have been learning and the discipline all those weeks of self-control paid off on the week that I wasn't in the MOOD for practicing those new habits.
It's like anything in life- spiritual, relational, fitness, finance...when the ground work is laid, and we continue to do what we know is right to do, when the tough temptations loom, it will be easier to say, "no, I cannot do what I know isn't right." I am thrilled to be learning these principles and seeing them play out in such practical areas of my life!

So today, I FELT bloated and slightly edgy, so I figured I had gained, but by remembering balance and moderation, I was overjoyed and surprise to see -3 more pounds had come off in my "off" week. Thank you Jesus, and Thank you, TrotFitness!!!

Is Your Bed Made?

I introduced a new word to the kids last week: "CHORE." And guess what? They LOVE it! :) "CHORE" doesn't have a negative meaning yet, since they are only 2 & 3 years old. It's a GAME, a RACE, an ACCOMPLISHMENT!!! These all words that have been used along with their new vocab word, "CHORE. "
Clayton loves doing his new chore each morning, and he even inspects Sadie's bed & even Mommy & Daddy's bed to see if we remembered to do our chore. Clayton loves things in order and done the "right way". Lucky us to get a type-A child when Andy & I are "fly by the seat of your pants." It's fun though. Clayton keeps us motivated to organize and keep things in order. He loves when the house is clean and even compliments me when the house looks especially nice. One morning he came downstairs, not knowing I had been cleaning after he went to bed the night before. Everything looked clean, and Clayton sounded amazed as he said, "It looks so wonderful in here!" Awwww, made my day.
I am hoping to add new chores for the kids as needed. They love to help with the dishes in the kitchen and hold the dust pan when I sweep but it's not a set thing they have to do. I know the best time to teach is now, while they are little and enjoy the work. They don't realize they could get a reward for chores yet...way cool! It's great to have passed the making of beds on to them now! Here is Clayton faithfully making his bed....Here's Clayton's bed with his pillow pets.
Sadie's is easy since she got a Princess sleeping bag for Christmas! She just has to pull it straight and put her pillow & dolls/animals in place.
Yes, Andy & I are in sad need of a new bedspread/comforter thingy. Our room is brown & orange with a bit of Safari highlights...any donations will be considered. :)

Christmas Projects

As a stay-at-home-mom of 2 toddlers, I can get overwhelmed with everything I'd "like" to have done, but projects that take my mind off the mundane are nice. I'm working on some crafted gifts for Christmas this year. I would've loved to have all the gifts homemade, but I didn't start in time this year, so maybe that can be a goal next year!!! :) Not everyone enjoys a handmade gift, I suppose. Email me with some ideas that you make/have made for gifts!!!

The Sweetest Bakers

My sweet little cookie-decorators! :) They had so much fun putting the sprinkles on the cookie dough. They of course went a bit overboard, but I didn't mind. When Clayton finished, he said, "I had fun making cookies together, Mommy!" Aww...warmed the crockeries of my heart! :)
Christmas cookies with LOTS of red & green sprinkles, compliments of Chef Clayton & Chef Sadie!

Just 2 Busy Book

GUEST POST for a Great Read (would make an awesome Christmas gift!!!)

Just too Busy

Taking Your Family on a Radical Sabbatical

Release Date June 2011 - Beacon Hill Publishers

Excerpt Below

We aren't much different you and I. Not long ago, I too was searching the bookshelves for anything, something, some bit of help for my chaotic, topsy-turvy life. Everywhere I turned I couldn't swing my purse without hitting books for Busy Moms, “The Busy Moms Recipe Book – You too Can Make a Fourteen Course Meal in Eight Minutes!” “The Busy Moms 4.2 second Devotional Book” “How to Change a Flat Tire – for Busy Moms” Sure, there were lots of books that spoke specifically to me, a busy mom. Unfortunately, they all seemed to accept the fact that I was busy, too busy.


I needed help. I needed answers. I needed to hear from someone who had walked a mile in my tired, worn out mommy-shoes. Could there be survivors in a head on collision with busyness? Had anyone been declared victor after jousting the insanity of over-activity?


Why was my life moving faster and becoming more difficult? Slow and easy, that's what I wanted. I looked everywhere for it. I found TV shows that explained simple ways to decorate my home for Christmas, simple ways to make a delicious pot roast, simple solutions for annoying pet odors, but where were the simple solutions for slowing down? How could I get back some of this stolen time? I even bought a magazine with the word simple on the title, thinking surely they would have the answer. Only to discover that anything I did, no matter how simple, really wasn't. Slowing down was easier said than done it seemed.

The captivity of our family's activities were the handcuffs that put us in bondage to busyness. I felt like a prisoner. Our busyness was slowly eroding the joy from our lives. I was being held against my will, while time was dragging our family along for one wild ride.

When I was a fresh-faced newlywed, I dreamed of the day my husband and I would have children. I imagined the life we would make together. As my family-fairy-tale came into focus, I would be cuddling on the couch to read a book with one of my toddlers. The next chapter in my fairy tale included relaxed family dinners around our kitchen table, smiles and snuggles and joy-filled conversations as my babies grew up before my eyes. The scene would then change, my clumsy toddler now a sure-footed teenager sitting on my kitchen counter, keeping me company as I made dinner, seeking a bit of wisdom and guidance. But sadly, the fairy-tale wasn't our reality.

Each day I was given another twenty-four hours and each night I couldn't have told you where all the time had gone. Stories read with my toddlers were in a frustrated rush. Dinner together was almost non-existent, and my teenager wasn't sitting on my kitchen counter. She was seeking advice from the front seat of my car. Her guidance counselor was a middle-aged me. Any wisdom given was in between cynical comments to traffic jams and slow drivers, in between a pick-up or a drop-off.

As a family, we were doing more than we ever had before, accomplishing much less - and growing farther apart in the process. It was depressing. What in the world was happening? A voice in my head reminded me, “This isn't the fairy tale life I'd imagined so many years ago.”

Busyness had become our new normal and I couldn't take it anymore. It was time to make a change. The answer I received surprised me. I had no idea the solution I'd been searching for would be considered radical.

Just too Busy

Taking Your Family on a Radical Sabbatical

by, Joanne Kraft

Real Men Do Dishes!

As a stay-at-home-mother/wife, WITHOUT a dishwasher, washing dishes can be a never-ending chore. I really do not mind doing dishes, or at least that's what I've convinced myself. :) But it seems I have my own Mr. Clean when I am away for a few hours getting groceries etc!!! I don't like stereotypes of men, so I'm not going to be the one who says men "can't clean, take care of the kids, etc". Andy is awesome proof that real men can DO those things cheerfully. I recently came home to all the dishes done, a candle burning- making the house smell yummy, and the kids fed & cleaned up. WooHoo!!! (Thank You, Honi!)

Part of being "one flesh" in a marriage covenant is serving each other and putting the others' preferences above your own; denying what you WANT to do, for what you know will please your spouse. For more practical ways to do this, (for solid couples as well as struggling ones), try The Love Dare book! It is part of the Fireproof study, and will make a radical difference in your marriage. Can I get another WooHoo!!!??? :D

Duggers...Adding to the Family!

"I was not thinking that God would give us another one, and we are just so grateful," Michelle said on "Today." The Duggar mom was surprised about her 20th baby. However, she expressed major enthusiasm about the new addition. "We are so excited," the unsuspecting mom said.

I have always enjoyed following the Dugger Family. Here is their official website.

The Mini-Mommy

Sadie is so sweet with her dollies. I recently heard her talking and found her on Clayton's bed, reading the "Babble" to her baby. Even as I took her picture and ask her what she was doing, she continued to take her "Babble reading" very seriously.... :)



The other day when I felt so very sick (fever, strep throat, ear infections...), I told the kids they had to watch a movie so Mommy could rest. Clayton was thrilled to do just that. Sadie went to find her dolly, the blanket she says is her baby's, and cuddled up to take a nap with me. She sure is a good mini-mommy to those baby dolls! :)

30 STRAYS IN OUR HOUSE! HELP!!!!!

HAHA. Did the title get your attention. When the 30 STRAY SOCKS got mine as I tried sorting through the stray-sock basket in the kids' room the other day!!!
I could not fathom how we had that many unmatched socks!!! I searched through the laundry still being done and did manage to find about 9 matches, but I still have approximately 20 socks still without a mate!!! I know a lot of people who are buying Miss Match socks and Crazy Socks, so I went ahead and made "pairs" of similar matches (pictured below). Anyone know or have proof if the washer or dryer really does EAT socks??? I do have a lingerie bag that I always washed the kids' socks in when they were infants, but after age one or two, the sock-size grew and I didn't think it would be a big deal anymore....maybe I should just go ahead and use that mesh bag until the kids have adult size socks. Whew!
Did you ever see the dryer's lint trap after just one load!? There's no way I have that much lint in MY worn clothing, right? I think the dryer is programmed to destruct 1-2 socks out of each load. Or maybe it's just that the strays are still stuck to the gathers of my fitted bed sheets....Whatever the theory, I suppose I know of two particular kids that are going to be rocking the mismatched sock trend for a long time!!! :)

Clayton & The Gospel Story

Before falling asleep last night, Clayton wanted me of course to say night-night prayers. When I started to pray (he was in my bed, since his Daddy is away), he started jumping on the bed. So I stopped praying and acted like I just went to sleep. He immediately laid down and begged me to pray again. I said that praying wasn't the time to be silly. This happened 2 more times. Finally I said he was disobeying Mommy and I was not going to finish his night-night prayers if he couldn't be serious. He laid down and cried and begged for me to keep praying. When I asked him why? he said, I really want you to pray, I like that."

I'm not quite sure why I even thought of it, but I asked him if he knew what the word sin meant or the word gospel. He said, "no, what is it?"

I said, "Well, 'gospel' is a story about Jesus. Want to hear it?" Yep. He sure did! My mind was racing trying to put everything in such simple terms. We talked a long time about how "sin" is when we do bad things. Of course he wanted to know, "like what?" HHmmmm...it was easy to point out his sins (and Sadie's)...when they disobey Mommy and Daddy, when they hurt each other on purpose, when they lie etc.

Then Clayton said materafactly, "and You and Daddy sin too." I had to admit I wanted to feel defensive and argue that I didn't, but like a lightning flash, my impatience, selfishness, pride, doubt, fears...all the thing I know to do and don't, it all came to mind, and I had to say, "Yes, Mommy sins too. We don't have to though, because of the gospel story I need to tell you about." Clayton again, "What is the story?" By this time, I was so emotional, but knew he wouldn't understand that, so I sucked it up with only one tear escaping, I started with,

"Well, you know the whole story about Jesus dying on the cross, right?" (We really worked on that around Easter and ever since) "And when we ask you "why did Jesus die on the cross?" you know to answer "Because He loves us SOOOOOO much, right?" He nodded yes. "Well, Jesus DOES love us, but it is also because every person in the whole world had sin in their hearts, and since Jesus is perfect and good and never sinned, He was the only one that die to take our sins away. When He died on the cross, He knew if we asked Him in our hearts, He could take away all the sins we had done and could live in us and help us be good like Him."

Clayton hopped off the place he was sitting from the bed, and returned with a heart-shaped pillow that I used for birthing Clayton (another story). I didn't know how much Clayton was understanding, and couldn't believe it when Clayton said, "here's a heart, Mommy. How can I get Jesus in there?" It about took my breath away. I had to smile at him holding that heart-shaped pillow! He was so sincere and adorable. I tried to explain, "Well, you know how when you say something mean to Mommy and I say you hurt Mommy's heart?" It was like a light came on. "Oh! yeah." He pointed to his belly-button and said, "My heart's in here." :) Then he repeated, "How does Jesus get in there?" Oh my word...I felt so inadequate to be on the spot, then I remembered, it didn't have to be perfect or a one-time conversation. So we talked a little bit about prayer and how Jesus and God (I didn't want to stretch his understanding by explaining the Holy Spirit quite yet), but that they can see us and hear us all the time even if we can't see them with our eyes. That was more of a refresher course, since we had talked about it a little bit before. And that when we should focus on Jesus and not just ask Him for stuff. (whew! this was turning into more lessons than just the simple gospel) He was sticking right with me though and asking questions here and there. Then I told him, "to 'get Jesus in there' we just pray like this, (I meant to just say a simple pray of accepting Jesus). I was caught off guard when he started repeating what I said!!! The prayer was simple, "Dear Jesus," (he started repeating me right there.) "I'm sorry for my sins. I don't want to be a bad boy. Please forgive me. I want Jesus to come live in my heart and help me be a good boy. Thank you for dieing on the cross for my sins. In Jesus' name, Amen."

I thought there'd be a huge smile on his face or something, but he was just calm and snuggled into his pillow. I forget that we adults, put a lot of "process and expectations" on experience when we can just rest instead.

I always dreamed this day would come, and I'm not pretending to think he won't have struggles or that he even truly comprehends all that we talked about, but I am resolved to do my best to keep talking about the gospel to him, in fact, I told him we are going to talk about it more tomorrow, and he cheerfully agreed.

I thank God for awakening something in Clayton, but it is such a responsibility to teach and guide him, and make sure he sees us walk this out before him. Perfectly? NO! but increasing? YES!

"To God alone be the glory, to God alone be the praise. Everything I say and do, let it be all for you, the glory is Yours alone, Yours alone..." ~Aaron Shust

Homemade Play-dough

Loving the homemade play-dough!!!
I couldn't believe how many different varieties of homemade play-dough could be made at home! To see what I mean, click HERE. I made some today for my kids. Easy, free FUN! :)
Homemade Playdough:
1 1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup flour
1 cup salt
2 cups water
1 TBS. oil
2 tsp. cream of tarter
food coloring (optional)

Mix all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. What the mixtures makes a dough all around your mixing spoon, dump onto wax paper. Wait until it is cool enough to knead into a pliable dough.
Makes about 2 lbs.
Store in a Ziploc bag or air-tight plastic container.

The Scent of Him

With Andy away at a school, I don't have his laundry to do this week etc, but the other day, I was sure I "smelled" Andy, and couldn't figure out why my brain was telling me that...UNTIL, I went downstairs. As I walked, the strong "aftershave" scent got stronger and stronger until I discovered a slimy little girl cheerfully slathering her Daddy's shower gel all over her bedding...yeah. That girls finds every possible way to make a huge mess. The dirtier the better for her. Some other examples this week of her smears have been pudding, poop & potpourri. (See it's even alliterated!) :)

The Kids & Their Foods

This is week is quite mixed up versus our usual routines. The kids' food choices are no exception! Clayton thought it was funny to put his dino-nuggets into a face and this morning, the kids insisted on having SHRIMP for breakfast. Who knows, maybe we will go ahead and have their usual breakfast foods for supper tonight. :) Does it really matter what order we eat our foods?
Ok, I know this was boring...I will try to think of something interesting to blog. :P

Today's Activites

They say there's nothing more American than apple pie...well, I just got done canning my apple pie filling for this year. It made the whole house smell so yummy!!!

I LOVE the stores with rides outside, because it makes the perfect motivation for these two kiddos to be good in the store with hopes of a ride when we come out. (Pardon Sadie's expression. It was hard to get a good picture with my phone while they were moving.) They each rode by themselves, then climbed on together. :)

Welcome Fall Y'all

Whew! With the cold air we had night this weekend, I brought my fern and other porch plants inside overnight. (I'm NOT complaining though. I LOVE the cold, and I love not needing the air conditioning on) I have never "babied" any plants through the winter before. Andy's grandmother has had the most beautiful geraniums for years, because she brings them in and takes good care of them until late spring the following year. I am going to try that with a couple of my favorite plants this year. Email me with any tips or what your success rate has been in this area. I tend to have a black thumb, although I hate to admit it.
arng.wife@yahoo.com

Canning (part #2)

The kids and I went to the local farmer's market last week and again today, and got lots of locally grown veggies for canning & freezing. (We also got Amish-made woopie-pies, homemade pretzel & hot sausage!!!) :) I absolutely love using this Roma food juicer for tomatoes and apples. I did all my pasta sauce last week & did pizza sauce today.
Sadie kept eating tomatoes as I processed them.
Simmering pasta sauce...
Clayton helping with corn.
I also did salsa, green beans & zucchini & pears, & some corn.
All I have to do is apple pie filling yet for the season.

Let the Canning Begin Again!

My feet are aching and house smells like dill and vinegar, but there's a smile on my face every time I here that little "pop" from the kitchen!!! I just got my cannery supplies out tonight for the first time this season, and I couldn't be happier. :) Call me weird, but I can't figure out why I didn't start canning when we first got married.
A friend gave Andy a big box of peppers yesterday, so I whipped up some hot pepper jelly (pictured above), as well as some dilled peppers and green beans. YUM!!!!