Quick Update

We are moved and not settled and will be moving again in the next 2 months. Or at least that is our personal goal. Allen's new job has relocated us out of state and back to my hometown. The house we are planning to move into is a HUD home so it is taking a little longer to close than what anyone thought. For the time being we are staying with my parents. Thankfully they are very hospitable. After closing there is some work to do before we can move in, or at least before I want to move in. Everything is in storage at this point other than the box of clothes that each person has to live out of. There is still much to be done...new driver's licences....tags...storage building and business back in Arkansas. The kids are enjoying swimming lessons, volleyball camp, and most of all grandma and grandpa.

You Don't Know What You Got till It's Gone."

I am tired. This has been a long and rewarding day that started 23 1/2 hours ago. I got up at 4am to feed Wesley and could not go back to sleep. I did get some much needed quiet time though. I don't sleep well with Allen gone. I saw a sign that made me laugh and thought I might need to write this and put by our door. It said, "Prayer gets you in touch with God, trespassing will get you there quicker." :)

Got some smiles from Mr. Serious.

Gabby gave me a good laugh today when she was playing with Wesley and trying to teach him to say, "Hi!" and then tells me, "I sure hope that when Wesley starts talking he doesn't speak Spanish and does speak English." As if it's already in there we're just waiting to see what comes out. lol.

Got to briefly see a precious friend who is so amazingly giving much time and love to those affected by the tornado in West Siloam and Joplin. She has such a huge heart.

Today was Day 1 of the challenge to pray daily for my husband during the month of June, following the Power of the Praying Wife book. I didn't start on Chapter 1 because I decided to start where I left off in Chapter 28 - His Self Esteem. This was timely with Allen starting a new job and letting his business go I know he's had some self doubts and yet he knows well what he is doing. I prayed this morning for encouragement for him and confidence not to be shaken. And at noon he called and received a good 2 week report along with the company sending him out to California as a field representative. I am so proud of him. I am so thankful that the Lord gave him a boost in a tangible way and that the new company is seeing so much in him.

A dear friend who didn't mind me dropping off the boys half dressed with a bag of clothes in hand and dirty from head to toe, kept them for me to play Lego's and do boy stuff, while the girls and I went to my post baby 6 week follow up appointment now that we are at the 10 week mark. I thought about foregoing it completely since I missed it by a month, however despite the always humbling appointment, I was glad I went. I have so enjoyed the Dr and his staff over the last 11 years.

On the way home the kids and I stopped off at Barnett's Dairyette for ice cream and hamburgers....for one last time. Was an added bonus to run into a friend and her kiddos there. I found myself even wanting to buy a t-shirt with their name on the front. As if I am a tourist. The old saying, "You don't know what you got until it's gone." is so true for me right now.

Everywhere I look I see things in a different perspective now.

There is so much I want to do and then there is the list of things I need to do. I want to get together and have a pot luck with everyone, (all 4 of our friends:), before we leave town. I have been asked by 5 people for info on coupons and shopping in the last 2 weeks and I would like to actually teach a couponing class (I have decided I want a shirt that says I couponed before couponing was cool!) I want to go to the park and let the kids play and go again to the library and and and...

Allen's Grandma is coming over to spend the day with us tomorrow to hold baby and to help me. I have to say I'm feeling a little uncomfortable with her coming over to do anything but just hang out. Who hands their husband's grandmother a broom and mop and tells her to get busy? Allen told me that MY mom is spoiling him by doing his laundry and cooking for him each night. I thought it was funny that when she does it he considers it spoiling and when I do those things, he calls them, "woman's work". Not to mention that MY mom rubbed RUBBED Allen's feet down with icy hot last night so that after it was on he would not have to get up to wash his hands. Nice. My mom is serving my husband and I'm working Allen's grandma. Talk about feeling like the bad guy.

Gabby and I just finished up the craft project I am taking to a swap tomorrow night. And yes, I realize it is 2:30am and yes, I know that most parents do not let their kids stay up this late, and yes, that is why no one calls me for parenting advise:) It was however perfect and much needed one on one time for both of us doing something we love. The hostess, and my dear friend, Trish almost crossed me off attending, but I wanted to get to participate with these ladies...just one more time. I did not make cards this time however, instead I made these cute little things.

There are 10 sets of 6.

Small Claims Court

I don't have a picture to post of this one. Although I thought about taking one with the judge. Allen and I had to appear in small claims court last night. I have been so nervous about it since this ordeal 1st began back in April. Neither of us have ever had to do something like this before and really didn't know what to expect. We pray we never have to go thru it again.

While the judge was very nice, it was very difficult for justice to prevail. For 2 reasons, 1 being that while I was extremely detailed and prepared for the evening, my nerves got the best of me and I forgot to mention about 90% of what I wanted to. 2ndly the reason my nerves were so crazy was because the plaintiff stood there and lied repeatedly. Straight faced, absolute lies. I was shocked. We had just taken an oath. This was a woman that claims to be a Christian yet the fruits of her life have yet to show that, a woman that lied in front of 2 witnesses that I had there that can testify otherwise. The judge tried his best, but I could barely speak without getting shaky and here was the other woman who seems to be a pro at this. Not even a quiver in her voice knowing she is stealing from God's people. Not even a concern.

I thought of the prayers of David that God right the wrongs that the unrighteous attack us with. I am anxious to see how what satan obviously meant for harm, what good the Lord will bring of this. God knows our hearts, he knows our desire to only please him. That money that was unrightly gained thru wrong will not to going to help feed other families in need this month, it won't be going to bless others in need. I pray that while the Lord does bring about his justice, that he will also allow us to see His favor and return the money to those who love him.

I didn't sleep well last night. I kept thinking of what I should have said. Even her evidence in pictures were tampered with and not truthful. Did I mention that I'm just shocked that someone would do that? I am thankful that even though things didn't go the way we hoped that at least when I'm out in public if we run into her I won't have to live with the shame that we did something wrong and that same day when we all stand in front of the final judge she will have to answer for herself.

A Month In Our House

What happened to the rest of the Parmesan Cheese (or Farmer John Cheese as my kids call it):

Nature Study assignment: Gather something outside to study.....

They gathered a bird. This is actually the 3rd one they caught.

Our new little kitten, Friday.

Gabby's early birthday present of Project Runway Design Gallery, which she is loving. Right up her alley....but hopefully she chooses not to wear the clothes she is designing.

17 pairs of underwear on the boy, 17 pairs of underwear.....

Graduation Cakes

Ballet Performance

Honey I shrunk the kids:

Our new tenement on wheels:

Beautiful! And as you can see under the cabinets right above Wyatt's head is the 8 track player that still works and we even acquired an entire collection of 8 track tapes.

"Now don't go gettin attached, cuz we'll be takin it with us when we leave here next month."

- Cousin Eddy

Cookies for a soldier coming home:

Catch of the Day:

Summertime with friends:

My precious niece on the Merry Go Round....I didn't know if it was ever going to stop:)

Early Impromptu Birthday Party at Grandma's:

Brian's 1st plane ride:

Safely on the Ground again in his cowboy boots, with Grandpa John and Aunt Gina:

Just Life

Ballet Beauties after performance at JBU for morning worship.

Katelyn and Wyatt sittin' in a tractor....

Building a house out of kid size Lincoln Logs (Allen's dad made these for us)The skirt that Grandma Connie made. You can take the boy off the tractor, but you can't take the tractor seat away from the boy.Wild Horse Ministries. It was fabulous.Keys: It's what's always in his pocket. Two baby kittens and one tired momma.Airing up the tires.Night out with girlfriends.Afternoon of fishing. 5 little monkeys, jumpingLast time with our JBU gals for this semester. We all love Steph and Tori.We don't do a lot of art, but this was the Spotted Leopard Frog and Gabby had to add a full background to the printout. :)Studied Neutrals in art today and viewed some of Escher's work. (One of my favorites.)This is Gabby's. She cut out all the pieces, even the dog's legs are individually cut and glued.

Rock Your World

I was concerned about the day yesterday as it started with Gabby greeting me with with a groaning "How much longer til coffee is ready?".

But it turned out to be absolutely beautiful. Maybe a tad windy for my liking heightened by the fact that I forgot to put down paperweights in the office before opening the windows, but beautiful all the same.

The kids played outside every chance they got. Riding bikes, swinging all together, pushing Wyatt around in his little truck and playing on the trampoline. Brian asked me yesterday afternoon, "How hot is it out here? Like 100' degree's??!!!" I let him know that it was 81'. And while I thought that was the end of our conversation he in his oh-so-boy-style continued, "I'm sweating! My butt is sweating. It's so wet it feels like diarrhea in my underwear. I'm..." I had to cut him off. "OK! I get the picture! That's enough!"

Yesterday we also had a small earthquake that lasted 10 seconds. I had no idea. Truly with 4 kids running around, who feels a small shake? I have this intense fear of items collapsing, although I've never been in a building as it collapsed. I still have visions of the news reports of the newly opened hotel in KC on New Years Eve that collasped when I was in my teens and realized that all buildings are not weight proof. This has proved to be an annoying fear as I don't like bridges, tall buildings, heavy items in our house, lots of people in any one place. I am uncomfortable with just having a piano in the house. I realize though that it is not a fear of falling, but a fear of falling and getting hurt. I'm working thru it and holding onto the fact that God is in control of all things. Both the good and ones that appear as not so good. Back on track. I'm however not terrified of earthquakes. I have this interest and desire to actually feel one. Not a huge one, but just a small tremor. To feel the earth...move....under my feet.

I started a new diet plan this morning, it's called the stomach flu. It works great and is so easy to stick with. But life as a mom continues.

Message in a Bottle

As we were standing on the bridge overlooking Sager Creek bubbling along, there was a dark glass bottle floating on the surface that contained a paper. The girls and I were both excited just to spot it. Wishing we had a way to grab it up, but without a net or some daring soul to jump in the frigid spring water we had to just stand and watch and wonder the thousands of possibilities that were contained within. Even now, 4 days later I catch myself wondering about the message in the bottle. Was it something that would have changed out lives? Or just a fun experiment? Was it intended for us to find and we just didn't grasp the opportunity with determination that we were going to get it? Were we just lazy? Or did God not intend for us to find it at all?

I pray that as each message in life that passes our way, that we will capture it and learn from it.

Birthday Boys

Yesterday my baby turned 3.

3!

I just want to keep him little forever.

We didn't have a party as this is the last year I'll have with him not having a clue what the cake is even for. Plus, I am on a 3 day migraine so the cake I made for him, well, left much to be desired. In fact, since 1/2 of it stuck in the pan, rendering it next to impossible to ice, I served everyone a slab of cake with a side of a spoonful of icing along with their 1/2 price Sonic hamburgers.

I don't know if the migraine continues from all the crying (good tears) lately, which I'll share more soon, or from the terrible smell of smoke which awoke us in the middle of the night coming from the furnace, which seems to be fine now, but I find myself a little antsy to fall sleep. Which also gives me the option to blame the lack of sleep the last couple of nights.

Brian's birthday is tomorrow night and we are having supper with some friends so I'll have a chance to redeem myself with cakes this week. My friend Mary had called to see what Brian would like to eat for his birthday supper and he replied. Cow...heart! Yuck! Don't ask. But his 2nd choice was spaghetti. Wonderful!

Where O Where

is that camera cord at? I refuse to post all these funny, but not hilarious without the photos, life events!

How to Live a Life That's Not Boring

There truly is a book about this very subject. And probably there are many that would view our lives as boring and suggest I purchase the book straight away. And I understand and, but I'm ok with that. Just like I was ok with the fact that I heard that teenage girl comment today that she thought my shirt was ugly.

I wish I was better at documenting our lives with photos. I carry my camera with me, but rarely think "Oh, I'll take a picture!"

I joked recently that I have no social life at all any more. But this week I did, just not the social life I used to have and one that I doubt will impress anyone.


Monday was the 3rd night of our cake class and our final project is due this next week. I'm so nervous! There really isn't a pass or fail, or even a certificate...although I might print one up for myself. :) Just complete the class and hopefully not stink as badly as when you started.


Tuesday night I hit the town with my girlz. Or at least we went and got a cookie, (I had coffee) and sat in the fancy coffee place and chatted before covering every square inch of Wal-mart twice and the bathrooms three times.


Wednesday night a couple of us ladies got together for coffee, dessert and a mini makeover birthday party for a friend.


Thursday night I had late coffee with a friend. Wonderful, deep conversation.


(I'm seeing a normal addiction, um, I mean trend of coffee, but all the social dates are abnormal, honestly. Me even leaving the house, much less alone for something for me is quite an event. And if you are concerned about me leaving Allen out so much...the man just went hog hunting last weekend and left tonight to go fishing, so trust me, he's good.)


Friday night, we were invited to supper at a friend's house. I was honored and excited to go as I really have enjoyed each time I've gotten to spend with this gal, but life has got in the way and I admit, I am terrible at thinking I'm too busy to just stop to make fun plans versus sticking to the "to do" list.


I knew that her husband had to eat gluten free and was sure that we would get to try something new to us, but I was also confident in her cooking skills. However, I was not confident in my children's etiquette skills. So we went through the formalities of reminders.


"What do you do if you don't like the food?" I asked.


In bored unity they answered, "Eat it and say 'Thank you' ".


Then Gabby pipes up, "Just eat it and if it's really gross you can just vomit when you get home."


I'm glad to inform you that there was no need for vomiting to top off the evening. We had delicious corn bread muffins chicken enchiladas, peach chutney salsa and a spicy salsa. And not only is she a talented cook, this gal might just be the next HGTV star. This woman can decorate. And on a shoe string budget! Everywhere you looked in her house it reminded me of Pottery Barn, which she said is the secret to her success...their ideas in placement. Still...it takes talent.


Allen then went and finished an emergency after hours job, (which I was informed that I'm still booking him too much and to which I informed him that he is salaried and needs to make up for the winter hours.) Next dad loaded the older kids up at 9:30pm and took them to the Rodeo. Brian was so excited to sport his new UltraSuede Stetson Black Cowboy hat that I snatched up at a yard sale for a quarter earlier that day. And if you don't know how incredible of a deal that is, check this out.

Friday all day, had been a rather long, extremely hot day. The kids and I had hit the yard sales. A lot of them. We got some rather great deals. We had prayed before we left that we'd find some of the items on our "would like" list as well as our regular purchases list. I just recently read a good rule of thumb when looking at yard sales/thrift shops: Shoot for 90% less than the original price of the object.


My list of exciting finds (at least to me)

$1 a bag clothes - that had 1 pair of corduroy pants, 1 pair of camo pants, 2 pair of jeans, 1 of which were a brand new pair of wranglers (normally $14.95 new) all for Brian and a swimsuit for Gabby, 2 shirts for the girls to wear to the one room school house or dress up.

.50cent-new kids sprinkler that they have been playing in all afternoon. Can that replace bath time?

$1 - for a box of home interior jar candles some new and others only slightly used, to put back for winter

$5 - sofa cover in red, new. (this has been on our list for a long time, cushion covers are hard to wash!)

$2.50 JCPenny home collection drapes for the front room also in red and beige

$3.00 for an ottoman/coffee table/extra seating in the front room (in browns and red) and all of my red decorations were from different places and they all coordinate.

.75cents - 3 American Girl Books

$5.00 - working Singer Sewing Machine (this was a prayer request-Wendy has inspired me lately to at least attempt sewing again.)

$1.00 - 1 pair of boots for winter for Gabby and 2 pair of sandals for the girls

$4.00 - 1 wooden tee ball bat and 1 aluminum softball weapon, um I mean, bat

.25cents for the rooster rug that I've been eyeing at WalMart for 2 months.

$3.00 For a microscope to check out bugs and I'm sure blood at some point.

$3.00 for 3 pair of jeans for Makensie for next year. (They were even slims and still had the tags on them)

.50cents for a pair of winter boots for me, couldn't tell they've ever been worn.

$3 for 2, yes 2 bikes for Brian. We got the 2nd one for the tires to replace the ones on the 1st one. So Allen and him can have a little build-a-bike session.

$5.00 for over the toilet shelf and cabinet unit (also has been on our prayer list as there is little storage in the bathrooms) These were $78.00 at WalMart.

$2.00 for 2 Princess/Tinkerbell costumes for Halloween, um, Fall festival, for the girls

.25cents for a Tinkerbell tulip bucket for candy collection

$1.00 for Double H cowgirl boots THIS exact new pair for my budding horse enthusiast

$1.00 for new gymnastics's suit. It's ok to use this as a swimsuit, right?

$1.00 for Horse flannel blanket for Gabby.

.50cents for black dress shoes for Makensie. The crocks just weren't cutting it with the dresses any longer.

$10.00 for a small side table that matches my Bombay bedside tables and jewelry box.

$40.00 for an antique buffet for the kitchen (which I had only planned on spending $20, but my husband didn't follow the "say no thanks and walk away slowly to give them time to counter offer" plan.

$2.00 for a bookshelf, since Mr. "I can build that" hasn't

$1.00 on misc toys to keep the peace. People are so generous to actually give kids stuff, especially when kids say things like, "Can I have this?" or if something is marked 25 cents and a cute little person hands over a penny and walks on.

.25 cents on a gallon jug with the push tab for kids to help themselves.

$1.50 on 6, yes, 6! amazing square dance dresses that I plan to follow Wendy's instructions with the new sewing machine and make up some really cute aprons for self and Christmas gifts.

$2.00 for a giant electric roasting oven, in case I ever actually get to have Thanksgiving. I'm already thinking this item needs to find a new home and was not a sound thought out purchase.

$7.00 total for some wall and home decorations plus a shelf for the other bathroom and some gifts that I cannot disclose in case its for one of the three readers that visit this site. :)

$5.00 for 31 books, most are Scholastics, some came with tapes, some are read alouds, 1 is a complete curriculum for 1st grade, several chapter books and several devotional books. The book "Captivating" which was on my wish list. And is a picture book of Claude Monet (one of the girls' favorite artists)

.25cents for a multiplication toy/workboard

$1.00 for a life jacket for Wyatt - or Kathryn whenever she needs

$2.00 for a sheet set and 2 pillow cases, they look brand new. Don't even ask why we need a spare set of sheets...you'll get an earfull of frustration.



All in total: $117.25. All for less than the cost of a mediocre sewing machine. I admit that's a lot of money for yard sales. But I'm still very pleased. Allen called it my little bonus for helping him so much lately.

Total estimated value if it were all bought new: $4069.01 and I didn't have to pay tax which would have been another $366.21, or shipping costs ...

I used to go to sales all the time and then got addicted, and now remember why. So for the past 2 summers I only went one day each summer. I'll be starting my 12 step program for yard saleaholics next Friday.