Hunting for Treasure

Everyday Mommy is inviting us to hunt for hidden treasures. The treasure is well written blog posts, that are off the beaten path.

Search for well written posts in the following categories: Children & Family, Faith, Marriage, Motherhood, Homemaking, Humor, Current Events and Life.
These post can be from places you already read or from new blogs that you find.

You can nominate a post in each category. You may want to share with your readers posts you are considering. Only the three posts with the most nominations will go on to the voting round.

See all the details here. Happy Hunting!

Stuck in the woods

The snow and ice that everyone else has been dealing with has come to the 100 Acre Wood. Tim left for church this morning (he leaves before we do for worship team practice) and turned around and came home. He said it was bad on the ridge and worse off it. It has been alternately raining, snowing and sleeting all day long.

We've had a fairly lazy day playing games, eating pancakes for lunch and watching a movie. The fireplace going all the while. It is nice to have a day together doing nothing; a day to reconnect and enjoy.

It is starting to get foggy. Odd isn't it? There is snow on the ground and fog in the air, giving everything a washed out appearance. I've been waiting for a good day to take a winter view of our road to go along with the fall view and the summer view, I've posted before. I am waiting for that winter wonderland shot. The one where the tree branches are heavy with snow and all the dirt is covered white. We have had so little snow this year. I thought maybe today I would be able to get that shot, but it isn't going to happen. Instead, here is one from my back door,

and one from the front door.

A story in my life #3

In the last post, Scribbit left a comment comparing adoption to donating an organ. I understand her analogy, but it doesn't quite capture it. I've been thinking how I could explain it to you. The best way I can think of is that adoption is like a death.

I lost someone who I loved. She went to a better place.
Though I knew I wasn't ready to be a parent at the time of M.R.'s birth, the full truth of it did not hit me until Kellen was born, over nine years later. You don't realize how hard some things in life are, until you are in the situation. Marriage and parenting are two such examples. If it was hard when I was 27 and happily married, what would it have been like at 18 with no support from the birthfather and a strained relationship with my own parents?

I grieved.
The loss left a hole in my heart. It hurt. Anger, tears and numbness were all part of it. I craved the contact that came in the form of letters and pictures. I poured over every word and image over and over. At the same time, I dreaded the letters. Every new letter and picture seemed to pull the scab off the wounds.

With time and prayer, there is healing.
Eventually, I could think of M.R. without tears. There is still a pain of sorts, but it is more of an ache not real pain. It doesn't mean I've forgotten. I still think of her often. I wonder. I pray. I hope, but from a place of contentment, not pain.

There is hope we will meet again.

A story in my life #2

Why post about it and why now?

In my first post on this story, I mentioned a reason why I am posting about this now. M.R. will soon be 18. My adoption story takes place before "open adoptions." I am glad it did. I am not sure that would have been healthy for any of us, but I also do not think I would have been able to say no to that at the time. Well, maybe that is too much for right now. I will save that discussion for a later time. I guess our adoption would be called semi-open. I helped pick the family, but I don't know names and never saw pictures of them. We maintained contact with letters through the adoption agency for several years.

When she turns 18, she can legally access the records. I am a little unclear on how this all works and need to contact the agency for details. I am . . .well I can't find a word that fits, happy isn't right, settled, or at peace or content (?) with the decision I made, but her adulthood brings up. . . anxiety. I really want to meet her, but I feel that I should leave it to her to make the contact. (I am not sure I can really put reasons to this feeling at this point.) What if she doesn't initiate contact, but what if she does? Does she understand the decision I made? Did she have a happy childhood? Can I handle the guilt if she didn't? I just need a place to sort it all out and maybe get a little feedback.

Another reason, I wanted to share adoption from a birthmother's point of view. I have run across so many adoption stories from adoptive parents, but none from birthmothers.

I think maybe I was also hoping to find some other birthmothers for support. With that in mind, I went searching for birthmothers. I found a few blogs. I can't read them. The ones I tried to read were angry and raw. Reading them made me sad, and of course, shattered my illusion that all birthmothers were settled with their decision. Sometimes, I am so naive!

So, here I am to tell my story and sort out my feelings. Thank you all for your support. Your comments on the first post were very touching.

Can relaxation and embarrassement coexist?

Today, I redeemed one of my Christmas gifts from Tim; a one hour massage from Hands on Healing. I've never been for a massage before. I was so excited. An hour of peace, quiet and a relaxing massage, what mom wouldn't be excited?

I am lying on a heated bed. There are heated pillows on my feet and neck. The music and lights are soft, and there is the trickle of a water fountain in the background. I am relaxed before the massage even begins.

She starts with my hand and arm. "Oh, this is sooooo nice," I am thinking. Then she is gently pulling on my arm; down toward the corner of the room, out toward the wall and then up. This is where the embarrassment comes in.

The instant my arm went up, I remembered that I didn't shave. No, I'm not talking a little stubble. I haven't shaved in a l-o-n-g time. A long time, in like, since it was warm enough to wear shorts; in like a stranger, such as the massage therapist, would probably think I normally go au naturale. I do shave, I promise. I just don't very often in the winter and this has been a longer stretch than normal. I meant to shave before I went, but I forgot.

I thought about saying something. What could I say? I wondered what she must be thinking. I imagined her going home to her family, and talking around the dinner table about their days. "You would not believe the hair on this woman's legs today," I imagined her relating the story.

The therapist, of course, was very professional, I heard no gasps or snickers as my embarrassment was revealed. In the end, I decided that there was nothing to say or to do. I just took a few deep breaths and enjoyed the massage, which was fabulous by the way. If you are in the Huntington area I would highly recommend Hands on Healing and tell her the hairy lady, um I mean Stephanie sent you!

They love each other. . . . they really do!

Sometimes it feels like all the kids do is yell and bicker. The three oldest know just how to push each other's buttons and love to do it. Some days I feel like my head is going to explode and wonder what I will do when Vivian joins in the bickering. Then they show me that they love and even like each other. Last night was such an example.

I bribed. . . uh I mean motivated them to pick up their bedrooms and the living room. The reward; a movie. I expected to hear a lot of fighting about who made what mess, and who wasn't helping enough, but I didn't. Instead, they turned it into a game and soon the rooms were picked up.

I waited for, "We are done." but they just continued to play. Far be it for me to stop them from playing nicely together to remind them that they wanted to watch a movie. They played their game for another 1/2 hour before deciding it was time for the movie.

Just so you know this is the real world, not some perfect home, they did bicker a little about the movie. It was easily resolved and soon we were all enjoying the movie and each other's company.

For more stories about kids doing the right thing, check Pass the Torch Tuesday.

We Are Marshall

Last night Tim, Kellen and I went to see We Are Marshall. If you are not familiar with this movie, it is the true story of the 1970 Marshall University football team. The entire team, save three players and one coach, were killed in a plane crash. This is the story of the the team, University and town dealing with and recovering from the pain and loss.

Marshall University is in Huntington, West Virginia, the nearest city to us, about 20 minutes away. This story is very personal to the people of this area. People we have talked to say that the movie accurately portrays the events. Yes, it is a football movie, but I would say the story is more about the heart: the heart of a school, a town and a team. The setting just happens to be football. Ladies, you will need your tissues, and guys you might want to sneak a few in too!

We are relatively new to the area and outsiders to the story. If you want to see true fans, come to Huntington. Marshall is everywhere. You can hardly find a store that doesn't carry Marshall gear. It is very common to see cars painted in Marshall green and white, lawn flags proudly displayed and on game days the whole town turns green. I didn't understand it before, now I do.

On a personal note, it was so cool to see familiar landmarks on the big screen. There were also references to places we have lived and frequented; Ashland, Akron, and Wooster. One little annoyance from the movie, they mispronounced Wooster, but you wouldn't know that unless you are from Wayne County, Ohio.

The critics have not given this movie great reviews, but I really enjoyed it and other yahoo viewers have rated it a B. I would not say it is a must see, unless you live in the Huntington area, but it is a very good movie. If you don't make it to see it on the big screen, make sure that you rent it. It is a story that is well worth watching.

Go Herd!

A story in my life

There is a story in my life. One I don't talk much about. It isn't exactly a deep, dark secret, but it is very personal. I will talk about it, if the subject comes up. I am not likely to bring the subject up though.

It is a story whose main events happened about 18 years ago, but the story is with me daily. There may be more events in the future. As this story approaches its' anniversary, it has been on my mind a lot. I've felt like posting about it, yet I hesitate. I hesitate, mostly, because some of my readers know me personally, and I am not sure how many of them know this story in my life. If you know me, but do not know this story, I apologize for telling it to you in this format.

This is the story of a girl I know only as M.R. A girl I remember as a baby, but who is actually turning 18 in May. She is my daughter, biologically. I said my goodbyes in a hospital room that May of 1989. She went to live with a family I chose.

Though I received pictures those first few years, I still picture her as a newborn. I can not picture what she looks like now. I can barely believe that she is now the same age as I was when she was born. It seems like yesterday. It seems like another life time.

I'm not sure how much or what I will post here about this story. I just know that it is on my mind and writing about it helps me sort out the thoughts and feelings. So, I guess this post will serve as an introduction for those who don't know about this story in my life and M.R.

I am so hesitant to post this. I actually wrote this 12/29/06, but am just now posting it. Not like me to be shy!

Lydia is Five!

Happy Birthday Lydia!

Today my Lydia, Girly Girl, Little Mama, or Pokey, as she is known around here, turns five. She is such a sweet little girl. I love to watch her play with her babies. She colors pictures for the whole family on a daily basis. She dances in her own interpretive style and has a hard time talking with out jumping up and down. She loves to dress up and often reminds me to wear earrings and make-up to go places.

Her name means Womanly and the spiritual connotation is Beautiful Light. A name couldn't be more appropriate. She is all girl, not in a prissy sort of way, but in a confident, beautiful and capable way. Everywhere she goes she brings smiles to peoples faces. She keeps us laughing here too, as I have posted many times!

Here are a few pictures of her over the years.

It will always be an adventure

I am always posting you the funny stories about our kids. And yes, there are a lot of them. Sometimes I wonder what life will be like after the kids are gone? Will it be quiet? Will I find that nice or lonely? Will life be calm? Will it be boring? And then I remember who I am married to.

Life will always be an adventure with Tim! If you haven't already check his series on the reasons he is weird, do so, and then you will understand why I will always be entertained, even after the kids leave!

The Good, the Bad and the Snotty

Nolan and Vivian both have colds with low grade fevers. Nolan has been sleeping in our room (on the floor) for a few days now. Vivian just started with her cold.

The Good
They both are sleeping alot.

The Bad
They both are incredibly grumpy when awake.

The Snotty
Do you really need an explanation?

Cousins

For more visit Wordless Wednesday.

I guess that is part of homesteading

We have three rabbits: Scotty, Peter and Cha Cha. Scotty is a White New Zealand. Although they are large rabbits bred for meat, he started as Delilah's pet and we have had him now for about five years, I think. He is still a pet.

When we moved here, the plan was to get Scotty a mate and use the offspring for meat. We needed another hutch to do this. In the fall I called on an ad for rabbits. We ended up with Peter, a black rabbit (not sure about the breed), and Cha Cha, a Lion Head. Neither of these fit the plan, but they had a nice hutch and quite a few supplies at a price we couldn't pass on.

We never did find Scotty a mate and decided to wait until spring. In the meantime, Scotty had the old hutch and Peter and Cha Cha were in the hutch they came in. This hutch was split separating the two. It has a metal roof which was screwed on. We took out the screws because it made it easier to clean out the hutch.

This was all working well, until about a month ago. There was a huge windstorm. It blew down our canopy, moved our chicken coop and . . . the roof off the double rabbit hutch. When we found them, Cha Cha had hopped on her box and over to Peter's side. We weren't sure how long the had been together, and were hoping that hadn't done what rabbits do best. She is a very small rabbit and though he is not large, he is quite a bit larger than she is. We weren't planning for them to breed.

The kids mainly take care of the rabbits. With the holidays, I had kind of forgotten about the incident of possible indiscretion. Yesterday, the kids needed some help with the rabbits. When I went out I noticed Cha Cha was missing fur on her haunches. Then I saw that she had been lining her box. Oh no! This is what they do before giving birth. I didn't look closely, but didn't see any babies.

This afternoon I went out to check on her, and when I opened the door, I could see one baby, out of the nest, dead. I went to the back of the hutch where the boxes are and saw another out of the nest. I carefully looked into the nest and found two more, also dead. Our first (although unplanned) litter and all were dead.

Even though we did not want these rabbits to breed, I am disappointed that none survived. I am not sure what I could have done different for them, but I feel like I failed because I forgot that they were even a possibility. I want to know what went wrong so it doesn't happen again. Maybe Cha Cha isn't a good mother? Maybe it was just the mix of the two rabbits that was the problem? It hasn't been that cold, so I don't think that was the problem. I know that losing animals comes with the territory, but I find this case frustrating!

The only thing I can do now, I guess, is prevent them from mating again. Today I switched Scotty and Cha Cha. So now Cha Cha is in the single cage and Scotty and Peter are in the double (separated.) There are logs on the roof to hold it down and Tim and I talked about securing the metal to a piece of board. Our other hutch is like this only using shingles instead of metal roofing. This allows access through the roof, but is heavy enough to not blow off.

Of course, today while I was switching and cleaning, I got called away by one of the kids. When I came back I saw that, apparently, I had not secured them well enough and Peter and Cha Cha were again cohabiting. I was only gone for a few minutes and I am hoping that she would not be able to breed again yet, but I will be watching more closely this time. I wrote it on the calendar.

Oh, the learning, the ups and the downs of raising animals. This is homesteading, I guess.

Random Updates and What Not

Well we have finished Christmas. The Miller's got together this past weekend. Complete with Seafood Stew and all. Delilah posted some more of the details of the weekend if you want to know. It was one for the memory books!

We are trying to get back into the "normal" routine around here. (If there is such a thing around the 100 Acre Wood!) Tim has been at his new job about a month now. With the holidays and all, I don't think we have really posted too much about the new job. Basically, he is doing the same thing, but for different company. The base pay is about the same, but because most of the commissions for his job are generated in the fall, he took quite a pay cut. It should get made up in the fall. His Ebay sales are helping to make up the difference.

Some things are different about the new job. They do a lot more retail business so Tim spends a lot more time in the store, which he doesn't mind, but he lost a lot of the time flexibility he had before, including the month of June! :( On the flip side, they provide a company vehicle. That will save a lot of wear and tear on his car. It will also lower our insurance. We are considering selling his car and putting the money toward a different family vehicle.

Vivian of course, is the kid that is changing the most. It seems like she does something new everyday. She has gotten very vocal, especially in the high chair. She is starting to sign " more" and "all done. " Her mouth seems suddenly full of teeth; three on the bottom and four on top.

Nolan is still all boy and loves trucks and being outside. He amazes is me with how much he seems to just pick up. He has known his colors for some time and seems to be getting numbers and counting now too. The other day, he had watched two Dora episodes. He came in the kitchen and asked to watch more. I told him, "No, you have already watched two." Without hesitation, he responds, "I want watch three!" I didn't know he could count.

Lydia will be turning five on Friday. I will post more about what she is up to then.

Kellen still has his nose in a book most of the time. He loves to be Papaw's helper and according to Papaw he his actually very helpful on the various projects around here. He really seems to have grown up in the last few months. He is at a very enjoyable stage. You can have a good conversation with him and for the most part he is cooperative and respectful. He still wants to over load my brain with all the facts he learns, but I think that is just Kellen! :)

There are some random updates on the family. I need to get back to the laundry.

CRASH!

Yesterday morning, I was at the computer posting Wednesday memes. (WFMW & WW) I was enjoying a very rare moment of quiet. Tim had already left for work. The only kid up was Nolan and he was content playing Flexiblocks in the living room.

I was just putting my link on Mr. Linky when CRASH! I hesitated just a moment. It was not followed by any crying. Ok, so Nolan didn't get hurt, but what in the world did he do? I pulled myself away from the computer and went to the living room.

There Nolan sat, still playing, nothing amiss. "Nolan," I said, "what happened?" He sweetly looks at me, "I dunno." "Did you hear that?" I asked. "Uh huh." he answered and went back to playing. So, if Nolan didn't do it, and everyone else is still in bed, what in the world happened?

I could not see anything wrong in the living room. I went in our bedroom and this is what I saw:
It is not real clear from the picture, but I could tell that something had hit the window from the outside. Whatever it was hit the screen and broke the outside pane. The inside pane was still intact.

I looked out the window. I couldn't see anything. Returning back to the living room, I opened the sliding glass door and there lay a large bird on its back with its neck at a very strange angle. This bird was at least five feet from the aforementioned window. Instead of being straight back from the window, as I would expect, it was at about 45 degrees. Still haven't figured that out.

When I first saw it, it was still moving a little. I called Papaw. I wasn't sure what it was, but assumed it was some sort of bird of prey because of its size. I told Papaw it was a falcon. (Learning to id birds is on my to do list!) I thought maybe we should call the game warden or something. He said he would be over, after he finished breakfast.

I decided to go out for a closer look. This is the view of the window from the outside:

The bird was dead when I got there. I flipped it over with a stick. If you are a birder, I am sure that this picture will make it completely obvious that I know nothing about birds.

I picked it up by the feet and headed to Papaw's. He met me about half way. Mamaw came out too to see what we had. Papaw said he was pretty sure it was a grouse. Something in my mind connected grouse with a hunting season. Those of you have been reading for awhile, and know of our wild foods hobby will not be surprised by my question, "Can we eat it?"

A quick online check confirmed that it was indeed, a grouse and yes, you can eat it. I have never butchered foul before. Papaw agreed to cut off the head and Mamaw agreed to teach me the rest. She actually ended up doing almost all of it while I was cleaning up the broken glass. I helped with the very end of the plucking and she made me scoop out the insides.

Here come the pictures of cleaning the bird. I am warning you now, so stop reading if you don't want to see the butchered bird.

Here Mamaw is scalding it in boiling water.

The scalding makes it easier to pluck.

Here Nolan is trying to help. He is trying to cut off the foot with a spoon! *grin*

With this picture we were trying to show how much this bird was just feathers. Notice the wing on the top with all the feathers compared to the wing on the bottom that has been plucked.

What we ended up with was a bird larger than a Cornish hen, but smaller than a chicken. Since this was obviously not enough meat for everyone, we decided to stew it and make soup. Mamaw did the honors and we all enjoyed grouse noodle soup for dinner.

The taste was not gamey at all. The flavor was more like turkey than chicken. The meat was a little tough, but not terrible. Who would have guessed that the crash I heard would lead to a wild food dinner? Only in the 100 Acre Wood.

If you are new around these parts and would like to see more about the foraging and wild foods we have eaten please click here or here.

Vivian

She has pink on under all the boy looking outerwear, I promise! *grin*

For more Wordless Wednesday click here.

Translation Please!

It can be quite challenging sometimes to figure out what you toddler or preschooler is trying to tell you. They know what they are trying to say, but finding and pronouncing the correct word doesn't always happen. I remember Kellen and Lydia would (and sometimes still do) make up words when they weren't quite sure.

Nolan is doing something different. When he doesn't know the word for the object he wants he always says, something that sounds like, "comesom!" We have tried to figure out what "comesom!" means with no luck.

At first we thought maybe he was trying to say "something." Kellen thought maybe it was "handsome" because Nolan was learning that word around the same time "comesom!" started. If you suggest those words he simply replies, "No, comesom!"

So, what is "comesom?" I don't know if he is trying to say a real word, but I do know that it means, "What is that called?" If you tell him the name of the object he is pointing to, he will repeat the object's name and continue the conversation. If you try to figure out what "comesome?" is you will both end up frustrated.

We were so young. . .

Twelve years ago, tomorrow, Tim and I brought in the New Year and our new life as husband and wife. We joke around here about me robbing the cradle and what a kid he was. There is some truth in that, but at 23 and 18, we both had a lot to learn about life. Together we have learned about faith, love, dreams and reality. We've learned about being a husband, a wife, a couple and parents. We learned plans are good, they don't always work and that it is ok when they don't. Most of all we've learned that we still have a lot to learn.

Marriage isn't always easy. It isn't always fun, but it is always an adventure. The last twelve years have been a grand adventure. One that I am glad we have been on together. I can't wait to see what the next twelve hold and the twelve after that and the rest of our lives. I love you, Tim! Happy Anniversary!

I guess that gift was a hit

Back in October, we made a trip to Coalwood, WV, home of the rocket boys. I have always liked the movie, October Sky and used in school when I was teaching. Kellen first saw it a few years ago. He liked it, but it was really my niece and nephew who loved the movie. Mamaw and Papaw learned that there is a festival each year and that Homer and some of the other "boys" return to Coalwood for it.

We all made the trip. You can see the pictures and the story here. Since then, Homer Hickam has become Kellen's hero. He has decided he wants to be an engineer like Homer and the college of choice is, of course, Virginia Tech. This is Homer's Alma Mater and they were at the festival with activities for the kids. (Pretty smart marketing if you ask me.) I realize Kellen is only 8 and will probably change his mind a 100 times, but I think he'd be a great engineer.

While there, Tim & I purchased a copy of Rocket Boys, and had it signed by Homer Hickam. It took a little sneakiness, but we were able to get it signed without Kellen knowing. We wanted to save it for a Christmas gift.

We gave it to Kellen Christmas morning. He finished it this morning. This is not a juvenile fiction book. This is a full sized adult memoir. 368 pages! Kellen is an avid reader, but even this is quick for him. I guess he liked his Christmas present. Now maybe I can finish it! :)

Please note this is not a children's novel. There is some language and some violence. The movie was rated PG and from what I have read in the book it would have a similar rating. We decided it was ok for Kellen, but you may want to preview for your children!

A cool fundraiser for a good cause

Have you stopped by Pass the Torch today? She is raising money for St Jude Medical Research Hospital. It is simple. Stop by leave a comment and her sponsor gives a dollar to St Jude's. Go by and leave her a comment and tell her I sent you. That puts me in the drawing for a cool prize!

Lydia keeps us laughing

Lydia: Mommy, why is Christmas Day so short?

Me: It really isn't short honey. It is the same as every other day.

Lydia: No, it is short! We just played a little and it got nighter and nighter and nighter and nighter, and then it was bed time!

Why I like Christmas at home. . . .

Imagine the scene, Christmas day around noon on the 100 Acre Woods. . . .

Apple pancakes have been eaten. The Christmas story has been read. The presents are opened. New gifts are being enjoyed. It is time for the next meal. We are enjoying our appetizers; shrimp cocktail and brie with french bread. Tim and I are sipping Merlot in front the fireplace while the children drink their sparkling grape juice.

Before you think you must be reading the wrong blog, surely the 100 Acre Wood is not so refined, let me clarify. While that is part of the picture, you surely can not appreciate our day fully unless I tell you that we are all still in our pajamas and are watching Bob the Builder.

The rest of the meal came around 3:30. We had venison Fillet Mignon, baked potatoes and tossed salad with blackberry vinaigrette. Remember all the blackberries we picked last summer? The vinaigrette was the first use of the vinegar made from those berries. This meal was also eaten in our pajamas.

Dessert came around 5:30; pumpkin pie and ice cream. Again, eaten while still in our pajamas. We did finally get dressed then and went over to Mamaws because Jake and Delilah stopped for a surprise visit on their way to Tennessee.

An entire day with the family spent in pajamas, playing with new toys and eating our favorite foods. That is my kind of Christmas. Hope you had a good day too!

Thursday Thirteen - My First

Thirteen (of the 100) things to do before we go to Grandma and Grandpa's Thursday evening.

1. Final touches on two gifts.
2. Re wrap and decorate Grandma and Grandpa's gift. I wrapped the gift with the white side of the paper out. The idea was the kids could decorate it. I had in mind some hand traces, names written, maybe a few small nice pictures. The kids idea was to scribble over the whole thing, in blue; even where I already had the baby hands. I want it to be the kids work, but we need to do it again with more specific guidelines!
3. Finish folding and putting away the laundry I've been working on all week. Perhaps do 2 more loads: one of diapers, the other of jeans.
4. Fix the flat tire. Applehead's job! Yes, I discovered a flat tire this Wednesday afternoon. Luckily, I was already home and didn't need to go anywhere else.
5. Locate suitcases for six.
6. Pack clothing for six.
7. Another batch of peanut butter blossoms? Maybe.
8. Water tree.
9. Remind Mamaw to water tree while we are gone.
10. Be sure the rabbits', chicken (not a typo, we have one chicken) and dog's food and water are full.
11. Remind Ashley and Miles to feed animals while we are gone.
12. Take Christmas dinner food out of the freezer to defrost. We are coming home Christmas Eve. On the menu for Christmas day: bacon wrapped fillet Mignon, shrimp cocktail, french bread and brie, green beans, baked sweet potatoes, ice cream. I know, not your traditional, but all things we like that don't take much fuss.
13. Tell all my blogging friends Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

May you see His Glory and be Overjoyed this Christmas!

P.S. Grandma doesn't have Internet, so I won't be around for a few days!

For more Thursday Thirteen click here.

My smiling husband

For why I posted this picture click here.
For more Wordless Wednesday click here.

The Story Behind the Picture

Our family Christmas photo has been the subject of lots of conversation around here. The comments about "Why isn't Tim smiling?" were quite entertaining: ranging from funny to slightly bizarre. Thanks everyone who commented! So, as promised, here is the real story.

We have been saying for months, "We need to get our family picture taken for Christmas." The original plan was to go to a studio. I usually prefer done at home type pictures, but our digital camera isn't all that great, so I was opting for a studio. It didn't get done and it didn't get done. Then Mamaw got a new digital camera, the day after Thanksgiving. Yes! Now we could just do it ourselves when it was "convenient." Well, trying to get all six of us clean and ready to take a picture didn't just "conveniently" happen. (What was I thinking?)

I am sporadic about doing my Christmas cards, but this year I bought cards that required a picture to be put on them. I was bound and determined to get them out! It was December 9th and I was beginning to get a bit desperate. I decided, on the way to church, that this was the day! We would take our picture after church today!

Wouldn't you know church ran late and people wanted to chat. We also live a considerable distance from the church we attend, so by the time we got home it was around two. The little ones had only napped in the car and more relevant to this discussion; we had not eaten lunch. If there is anything that turns my normally happy husband into a grumpy, it is hunger. Why didn't we just wait until after lunch you might ask? We were having spaghetti. Imagine, Nolan, spaghetti and a family photo?!

Those of you who said Tim was probably thinking, "Could we just get it over with?" You are very close to the truth. Add in, "I'm starving," and you have the whole story behind the picture.

To answer Aunt Nancy's questions:
Mamaw took the picture.
The lighting just right?! No plan there, that is just how it was when we got home from church.
Nolan is sitting on the old tractor tire Papaw "planted," Kellen and Lydia are standing in front of the tire, Tim and I behind it. The ground is sloping there (and everywhere else on the 100 Acre Wood LOL) so that is probably why they look like they may be on a platform.

Why isn't Tim smiling?

I have gotten so many comments about Tim's expression on our family picture. We used this picture for our Christmas cards also, and I think everyone I've talked to, that has gotten the card, has asked me why Tim (aka Applehead) isn't smiling. As background, you must understand that Tim is the most laid back, happy-go-lucky, optimistic member of the 100 Acre Wood and is generally smiling. This stern look is not normal Some have suggested what they think he might be thinking;

Sister-in-law judeandelise suggested, "He looks like he was annoyed and wanted to get the photo over with"

Cousin Heather thought he was thinking, "I thought that camera would have snapped by now"

So, what do you think Tim might be thinking as this family photo was snapped? Leave your ideas in the comments (you may venture multiple guesses if you like) over the weekend and next week I (or perhaps Applehead himself) will tell you the real story.

Merry Christmas from the 100 Acre Wood

Welcome family, friends and visitors to the Christmas Tour of Homes. This photo was taken in our back yard December 9. As you can see, it has been unseasonably warm here. Not much hope for a white Christmas, but we still have Christmas spirit.

Our Christmas tree, like the rest of our home, is evidence that children live in this house . It isn't exactly matched or well organized, things are constantly moved and some places are down right cluttered, but it is homey and comfortable. Most of the ornaments are either made by or picked out by the kids. (They get a new ornament each year.) I plan to give the ornaments to the kids when they move out and then I will have an empty tree to decorate in matching ornaments. *grin*

The nativity finds a home on the mantle. They are ceramic and I actually painted them when I was in grade school. It was the craft for a local church's VBS. There were more in the set, but they have gotten broken over the years. In fact, these are not in the best of shape. I really should look for a new set after Christmas.

The stocking hangers were last year's after Christmas find. They are picture frames. This year I took a picture of each child in front of the tree for the stocking holder. I plan to take a new picture every year and leave old ones in too. (behind the new does that make sense?)

Every year Tim's grandma makes all the little kids and all the adult women a plush Christmas decoration. I can't even begin to count how many she must make. Heather or Mandy do you know? They are always so cute and lovingly made. We have accumulated quite the collection over the years. There have been snowmen, gingerbread, Santas, reindeer, dogs and even frogs. Here are some of the snow people she has made.


Thank you so much for stopping by for a visit. You are welcome anytime. May you have a blessed holiday full of love and joy. Merry Christmas!

For the next stop on the tour please click here.
To see our home on the last tour click here.

As heard around our dinner table

Tim: Who would like to pray?

Nolan (2) & Lydia (4): Me!

Tim: Nolan go ahead then Lydia.

Nolan: Jesus. . . . . . . . . Oh man! . . . . . . .

Me: Go ahead Nolan.

Nolan: Jesus . . . . . . . .You do it Lydia.

And Lydia did!

My little helpers

This time of year, when there is so much to do it is easy to feel like the kids are getting in the way. It is tempting to let them watch TV all day so that I can get things done. My kids really want to help and if they aren't helping they are either under foot or getting into trouble. So, what works for me is to let them help!

Yes, I know sometimes their "help" is really no help at all. Letting them "help" sometimes makes a project take twice as long. In those times, I try to remember that this is how they learn and we are making memories. When there is a lot to do though, I try to find jobs for them that they really can help with, that they can do with minimal instruction or supervision. Here are some Christmas jobs they have been able to help with;

Christmas Cards
We made photo cards. We had to stick the photo to the card and stamp the message inside. We did this in a few steps over a couple of days.

The first step was a family project Tim (DH) actually did most of the stamping. Kellen (8) and Lydia (almost 5) signed their own names and then I signed the rest of the names and put the return address on.

Next, I addressed the envelopes and Lydia put the postage on.

Then, I put the picture on the card, Lydia and Kellen put the cards in the envelopes and sealed them.

Wrapping
Kellen, Lydia, and Nolan (2 1/2) decorated white tissue paper . They stamped and colored it, and we used it for packing in the boxes we mailed. We will do a similar project for gift baskets I am making. For grandparents presents we are going to turn the paper inside out (this idea came from another Works For Me, thanks!) and let the kids decorate. They can also help me wrap by holding tape pieces, putting on name tags and moving gifts around for me.

Decorating
They are constantly "decorating" and "redecorating" the house whether I want them to or not! We let them put all the ornaments on the tree. It needed a little rearranging when it was done. After all, one branch does not need five ornaments! Nolan is still rearranging the tree and any other decorations he can reach.



Baking/Candy
This can be one of those tasks that "helpers" are not really any help, but it is also probably their favorite thing to help with. I try to do kitchen projects when I can get just one "helper" and the others are busy with something else. Besides licking bowls and beaters, they can help get out and put away ingredients, and measure and dump into the bowl. They like to help with chocolate covered pretzels and nuts and anything that involves frosting and sprinkles. Of course, if they help with the baking they also have to help with the clean up!

I try to look for things that they can do to help. They love to help and with the right projects they really are helpful.

For more helpful tips visit Works for Me Wednesday.

The Spotlight is on Me?!

Normally, I hate to be in the spotlight. I am much more a behind the scenes kind of gal, but in this case, I am honored. My post Seeing the Magic has been picked by Kelly at Pass the Torch for this week's spotlight. Thanks Kelly!

Treehead

For more Wordless Wednesday go to Five Minutes for Mom.

Get Ready to Tour

Do you remember Boo Mama's Tour of Homes back in July? Well, as promised she is hosting a Christmas Tour of Homes. So deck the halls, break out the cameras and get ready to tour on December 15th!

Laundry room closet

Yesterday, I tackled the closet in the laundry room. This also serves as our mud room, so all the coats and shoes are in there. Here is what it looked like before:




I went through the coats and washed those that needed it. I took all the shoes out and mopped the floor, put summer shoes in bedroom closets, sorted out the shoes that are too small and put back the shoes we need in there for winter. I didn't get any pictures, but I also washed and sorted our tub of hats and gloves. Here is the closet after:



How long will it last? Well, it made it through the night. I am sure it won't stay so neat much longer, but since there are less shoes in there now, hopefully it won't get too out of control.

Add your tackle or see others at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Seeing the Magic

The most beautiful adventures are not those we go to seek.

This was the fortune in my cookie at dinner Saturday night. Fortune cookies are not life changing, but they are entertaining. A friend of ours makes them more entertaining by always adding the phrase, "in bed" to the end of the fortune, but that is a subject for another time (or perhaps not.) This fortune though reminded me of something that happened last Tuesday where Nolan (2 1/2) reminded me to enjoy the journey.

I love the Christmas season, but even though I try to keep it simple and focused on what is important, the joy and magic of the season often seem lost in my to do list. This week Nolan brought me back to it.

We were going to Christmas in the Park at a nearby town. The town was lighting the big tree, providing snacks and musical entertainment, and Santa was there. There were lots of people and long lines. It was ok, and the kids enjoyed themselves, but the real highlight of the evening was found in the journey; the ride there and back home again.

Not far from us, there is a house with a large Christmas light display. On the way to the park, we drove slowly past the house to let the kids get a good look. There were plenty of ooohs and aaahs, as expected. What was not expected was Nolan's reaction to the lights.

He loved the lights at that house and at every other house too. Every time he saw lights he would point and excitedly say, "other one." I think he is trying to say another one, but it comes out other one. It didn't matter if the whole yard was lit up or if there was one small strand displayed, he loved them and was so excited. Soon, the other kids were joining in and all searching for the next house with lights. It was contagious and Tim and I couldn't help but smile and join right in.

We went home a different way and the reaction was the same. In fact, since then, every time Nolan sees Christmas lights he has the same reaction. Such simple and complete joy, it is enough to take this task oriented mom pull away from the to do list and enjoy the journey and the season. May we all take the time to look at Christmas through a child's eyes and remember the magic.

This is my Pass the Torch for the week. For more stories about kids doing something good check Pass the Torch.

Kellen's Christmas Teeth

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving (21st), Kellen got his teeth "decorated." In addition to the new "tinsel" he also had green and red bands put on them. Someone at Thanksgiving (was it Grandma?) joked that we didn't need a Christmas tree just put Kellen in the middle of the room with a few Christmas lights.

The first night they were hurting quite a bit, but since then he has done well with them. There are only brackets on the top, front teeth. He still has to wear the spreader for a few months yet and will get braces on the rest of his teeth later.

Hunting According to Lydia

Last night, while savoring our dinner of fresh bacon wrapped Fillet Mignon (deer), Lydia pipes up to say, "I know why hunters wear orange." Mamaw asks, "Why?" Lydia responds, "Because it is the deers' favorite color!"

I'm still here. . . and computer less

UGH!!! Our computer is STILL in the shop! How frustrating. It has been a very busy week. I can't believe it has been a week since I posted. There is so many stories to tell, but we have family here and I am shirking all my hostess duties right now to check my email and make a quick post! I just had to let you know that Tim

GOT A DEER!

It was his first ever, although he has helped butcher two others this season. (a story for another time!) He was so excited, as was I! (free meat in the freezer!)

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving, more later!

Quick Update

Still no computer. I posted a very quick update here. And this has to be the record for my shortest post ever!

Family Gatherings

This week is Works for Me Christmas Edition. Well, it seems I jumped the gun and posted my favorite Christmas tip, Four for Christmas, a few weeks ago. If you didn't see it, it is about what we buy our kids for Christmas.

This tip, though, is about how we handle family gatherings. When my husband and I first got married we tried to attend all the family Christmas gatherings. This included, one with my parents and siblings, one with my husbands parents and siblings and one his dad's family and one with his mom's family. A typical holiday went like this. Christmas Eve afternoon with my family including Christmas Eve service. After the service we went to his parents to have Christmas. Christmas morning, brunch at Grandma's with Tim's dad's family, Christmas afternoon dinner with Tim's mom's family.

I know some people thrive on the busyness and the people. I am not one of those people. By Christmas night, I was tired, grumpy and very annoyed. We said we would do it until we had kids.

Then Kellen was born. Somewhere along the line we started doing Christmas with his parents between brunch and dinner on Christmas day. My parents moved out of state so that also changed when we got together with them. We didn't cut anything out. We were still trying to do it all and trying to squeeze in Christmas morning with the kids before brunch. I don't think it changed until Nolan (our third) was born.

It is hard when you are newly married or new parents to figure out how you become your own family. When should you make new traditions and when should you stick with the old ones? We enjoy spending time with all the family, but felt like Christmas was getting out of control. It was becoming a blur. We would rush from house to house ripping off paper, giving hugs and loading the car. Something had to change.

It has been a gradual change. And we still don't have it all figured out yet. First, we decided that Christmas morning was all ours. We wanted to spend time with the kids. We want them to enjoy their gifts, to actually be able to play with them before we are jumping in the car. Sometime around Christmas or New Years we get together with our parents and siblings.

It is more complicated too because now we are four hours from Tim's family. We don't get to see everyone for Christmas anymore, but we do try to make sure we see them at other times. For example, we don't make it to brunch, we do stop into see Tim's grandma when we are in Ohio and we go to the family July 4th picnic too. We also get to spend more time with people when we do see them.

Planning Christmas is a little more complicated now. Every year about this time we break out calendars to start planning when we can all get together. This year my side will get together the first weekend in January. We will talk with Tim's family over Thanksgiving (they are coming down.) I am looking at the weekend before Christmas, since Christmas is on a Monday this year.
But we always know Christmas morning is for us and our kids.

I like spreading out the celebrations for a number of reasons. We get to spend more time with each part of the family. We get to enjoy and not feel rushed around. Celebrating some after the first of the year gives me more time to get it together, especially the homemade gifts! Also, we have gotten some great deals on Christmas presents by shopping after Christmas.

Family is important, but sanity is too! This is what works for us !

Tackling the socks

I am tackling today for the first time in awhile. I apologize for the lack of photos. My camera is not cooperating. Picture this - a basket of socks. No, not a little basket, like an Easter basket, I am talking about a full clothes basket. It is full of socks. None of them are matched. That is what I tackled today.

When I do laundry, I have a bad habit of throwing all the unmatched socks into a basket to match later. Later doesn't come often, especially in the summer months when we don't use as many socks. Or, maybe, we just have too many socks!

Last week I found myself constantly looking for socks in the basket so I figured it was about (way over due!) time to tackle the basket. I matched and matched and I don't know how many pairs I actually found, but a lot. There was a pile for everyone and I doubt that any had less than ten. There are six of us, ten pairs per pile equals sixty pairs of socks. There were probably a lot more. I threw out a bunch of socks and saved a few that I think might actually be found under a bed or behind a dresser. Now, we have an almost empty sock basket and nice full socks drawers. I am so glad I tackled that!

Want to share your tackle or see what other have tackled? Check 5 Minutes for Mom.

I'll be back. . .

Our computer is going in tomorrow for a little clean up and memory boost. We have been having computer issues. We are trying to get our old hand-me-down computer to last us for awhile yet. One of Tim's co-workers also owns a computer shop. He thought his guys could do a little tweaking to upgrade our system and install a second hard drive, that Tim got for free, for about $35. It is worth a try.

Anyhow, what that means is I will be computer-less for a few days. I have a few posts drafted that I am hoping to post from my mom's. Other than that I will probably not be around in the bloggy world much this week.

So, if you are really dying to read something, try checking out some of my favorite places as listed in the sidebar or read through the posts under your favorite label or you could browse through the archives. Plenty to do. I think I will use my new free time to clean since we are having Thanksgiving here. I will catch up with you later this week or early next week.

Oh, Vivian please slow down!

I remember when Kellen was a baby anticipating every milestone, even encouraging them. I actually got down on the floor with him to try to "show" him how to crawl. I don't think it made him crawl any sooner. I never felt that way with the rest of the kids. In fact, if anything I wanted them to stay babies as long as possible. I never tried to teach them the milestone events, and they happened in a natural progression. In fact #3 was the earliest to walk (so far) at 10 1/2 months. Believe me I would have been perfectly happy if he would have waited to walk for many months beyond that, but it was something I didn't get to decide.

Now with Vivian (8 months), it seems I don't even have time to think about what milestone she should be on. I turn around and she is doing something new. Viv, please slow down let me catch up, you are growing too quickly. On Friday, I went to get her from a nap and she was kneeling and holding onto the railing. "What? That must be a fluke. Certainly, she isn't ready to pull herself up yet," I thought. After her next nap, she was up on her feet!

How did this happen? She isn't even really crawling yet! Well, she gets around very well, but she does an army type crawl instead of being up on her hands and knees. Maybe, that is all she will do before she walks.

She isn't the only one growing up too quickly though. None of them are waiting for my ok to move on. They are growing up and it is ok . . . , really . . . . , I think . . . . , well, I don't have a choice I guess! It is a good reminder that they really are in the Lord's hands. I can't control them or change them. I can suggest. I can guide and prepare them for life the best I know how, but ultimately it is out of my hands. It is humbling and reassuring all at the same time.

Weddings

Time goes so fast. Tim and I have been married almost 12 years. Remember giving your friends addresses for bridal shower invitations? That was easy compared to compiling the wedding invitation list. Then addressing all those invitations. It was a good thing we knew someone who did calligraphy. She did all our invitations for us. Picking out food, dresses, tuxes, finding a church a reception hall, choosing music, and oh the list goes on and on. So much time invested, not to mention money.

This far past that big day, I wonder is it all worth it? Should all that time and money be invested for one day. It seems like materialism has snuck in and weddings are more a big business and show and less about beginning a new life with someone. Maybe we should focus more on the bride and groom's relationship for the year before the wedding instead of what flavor filling we want for the cake. Maybe the money should be used to wipe out any existing debt, or used toward a house, instead of flowers for a building. Life, newly married, is hard enough without financial burdens hanging over your head.

Don't get me wrong. I do love weddings, and this is not directed at anyone I know who is currently planning a wedding. You probably couldn't tell me any of this twelve years ago when I was planning my wedding. I am not suggesting we do away with weddings, I am just wondering if it all has gotten too big. Or maybe I have just become way to practical!

Fresh attitudes

This morning was very frustrating. Nothing big, just lots of little annoying things. You know how they can add up and you find yourself irritated and constantly yelling at the kids. After lunch we decided to put up the books and head to the woods. It was a needed change of pace.

We all benefited from the fresh air and sunshine. It was a beautiful day and we walked in place I hadn't before. There actually are many places on the property I have yet to walk. Access is difficult to some areas and the entire time we have lived here I have been pregnant or had a young baby.

Where we walked is near the house, but it is hard to get to in the summer because the path is very overgrown. (Our paths are old logging roads or deer trails) In the fall, much of the over growth dies away. We did encounter some brambles at the beginning. The leaves die off, but the prickers are still there. Have you ever tried negotiating a walking 2 year old and a baby in backpack through brambles? Lydia was a big help. (Kellen ditched us to go holler climbing again!) Once past that initial obstacle, there was a very nice trail (that appears to be well used by the deer) that I never knew was there.

When you are back here in the summer, it seems as if there are no people for miles and miles. In fact, if you are travelling by roads, you are miles and miles from other people. It is totally different in the fall. Leaves come down and suddenly there is a world there you couldn't see before. It is just across the hollow. The roads don't go that way.

You see the next ridge, and there are so many houses there. I found myself thinking today, "Were all those houses really there before?" You see the hay field the runs along the creek. We walk there in the summer, but you can't see it until you are there. In the fall you realize how close it really is.

I love to watch the seasons change here. There is always a new surprise. Just when you are tired of the heat and green of summer, autumn comes with a burst of color and a crisp breeze. It is kind of magical to be walking through a new part of the woods on a sunny fall day. Soon winter will come with it's own surprises, and just when I can no longer stand winter, we will start to notice the dogwoods and the red buds blooming. There is always something new to see here.

After our walk we picked up where we left off, and it wasn't quite so frustrating. Somehow fresh air and sunshine work miracles on attitudes. It is refreshing to the body and the soul.

A big brother sacrifice

Lately, Kellen and Lydia have been getting along well. It is refreshing. Now Lydia and Nolan, that is another story, but today for Pass the Torch, we are focusing on the good. This story is about a big brother taking care of his little sister.

Yesterday, Kellen and Lydia went for a big walk. Holler climbing for you that have been following our adventures. It is the first time they have gone in a long while. They walked a big circle down to the creek and back. Our creek is not exactly just in the back yard, it is about 1/2 a mile away. I happened to be outside when they returned. I saw them standing at the edge of the stone driveway and Kellen was trying to pick up Lydia. Lydia was barefoot. I went over to ask what was going on and this is the story.

While they were at the creek Lydia stepped in water too deep and got one boot full of water. Her boots are lined, so it was soaked. Kellen picked her up and carried her out of the water. He then helped her take off the boots and wet sock. He took off his own boots and let Lydia wear them. He went barefoot. . . all the way home, through the woods. When I saw them he had put his boots back on and was trying to carry Lydia across the stone driveway.

There are times he can be so mean to her. Times when he will have her hysterical in tears. Maybe those days are behind us, but probably not entirely. Yesterday, though he was kind to and protective of his little sister. I am so proud of him!

Would money change you?

Have you ever wondered if and how your life would change if suddenly you inherited a large sum of money, won the lottery or your family's income doubled? Experience tells me that when we have more money, we spend more money.

Yet, I'd like to think we have learned our lesson in that area. I'd like to think that if we had a sudden increase of cash, that we would spend it wisely; we would pay off debt, we would save, we not live paycheck to paycheck. Would we continue to be frugal?

If I were rolling in money, there is one thing that I would consider spending money on that might surprise you: a cleaning service. Yes, I hate cleaning that much. I could excuse the lack of cleanliness in my house by saying I don't have enough time or I have four kids, and while that may be partially true, the real reason is I really don't want to.

It would be a dream, if I could just keep up with the daily stuff, like I do now, and someone else would come in and do the things that I never (or rarely) get done, like walls, dusting, ceiling fans, and . . . ok I'll stop there now before I reveal how much I truly do not clean! *grin*

Oh and while I am dreaming, how about someone to do my laundry? That is a household chore that I dread. Not that doing laundry itself is all that bad, if I only had to do a few loads a week, but around here it is a two or three day project.

Oh well, I probably don't need to worry about rolling in money anytime soon. I will just dream about being able to pay someone to clean my house and do my laundry. . . .

Wait the dream is within my reach, and it gets even better, it is free. I have kids! They do help some now, but within a few years I will have four people to do some serious cleaning and laundry. YIPEE! I can get someone else to clean and still continue in my frugal ways.

P.S. If you need Carpet Cleaning in Camarillo check out the link!

Another blog in the family

Take a look at Kellen's blog, Eleven in the Woods. He actually has been blogging for a couple months, but we just made his blog public. We decided to let his blog be public so that he could interact with other homeschool students. He does some school work there and tells stories about the 100 acre wood from a 8 year old perspective. Go over and tell him, "hi."

Chocolate Cinnamon Snaps

Today I am participating in the GREAT COOKIE EXCHANGE 2006. Everything Under the Moon is hosting a blogging cookie exchange. It isn't quite as tasty as a real world cookie exchange, but I think it will still be fun!~ Check out the site for details. Here is my recipe.

Chocolate Cinnamon Snaps

2 C all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
dash salt
1/3 C unsweetened cocoa
2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp cloves
1/2 C softened butter
1/2 C sugar
1/4 C molasses
1 egg
Cinnamon-sugar

1. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, cinnamon and cloves.
2. In another bowl, cream the butter until soft. Gradually add sugar, beating until fluffy.
3. Beat in the molasses and egg. Add flour mixture. Blend until a stiff dough forms.
   
4. Roll dough (half or a quarter of the dough is easier to work with) on a lightly floured board to 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Cut into favorite shapes. Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.
6. Bake at 350 F for 10-12 minutes depending on thickness. Cool a minute on the sheet before removing to a rack to complete cool.
   
7. Repeat with remaining batches. Store in a tin when completely cooled.
   

These are a great holiday cookie. I hope you enjoy them and I look forward to trying your recipes!

Did you know?

A friend of mine sent me this tag via email a couple of weeks ago. I blog more than I email, so I thought I'd use it here. Hope you don't mind, Amy! So, here are a few things about me.

FOUR JOBS I'VE HAD IN MY LIFE:

1. Eighth Grade History Teacher
2. House Parent

3. Insurance Agent
4. Waitress

FOUR MOVIES I WATCH OVER AND OVER

1. Jay Jay the Jet Plane

2. Magic School Bus
3. Chronicles of Narnia

4. whatever the kids have gotten at the library

Hey, it asked what I do watch over and over, not what I want too!

FOUR PLACES I HAVE LIVED

1. 100 Acre Wood, West Virginia
2. Akron, Ohio
3. Fredericksburg, Ohio

4. Tiffin, Ohio

FOUR TV SHOWS I LOVE TO WATCH

1. Law and Order

2. The Amazing Race
3. CSI
4. Deal or no Deal (in moderation!)

FOUR PLACES I HAVE BEEN ON VACATION

1. Outer Banks, North Carolina

2. Alaska (sort of a vacation/mission trip)
3. Caribbean Cruise
4. Russia (again, mission trip)

FOUR WEBSITES I VISIT DAILY

See my side bar

FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS

1. Cheesecake

2. Lasagna
3. Ice Cream
4. Homemade Bread

FOUR PLACES I'D RATHER BE RIGHT NOW

1. In our new underground house

2. On a cruise ship
3. Somewhere warm
4. in bed sleeping!

I won't officially tag anyone, but if you'd like to play just copy and paste this post then delete my answers and add your own. If you play, please let us all know in the comments and we can learn a few things about you!

A new bloggin' family member. . .

Another family member joins us in the blogosphere. Welcome Heather! She is Tim (my husbands) cousin. Her blog is called It's all for the best. Stop by and say "Hi!"

Getting a Good Parking Space

First off let me say to me a good parking space is not always the closest space. When you have little kids in tow, there are other things to consider, like not letting the kids run in front of traffic. For a long time I would always look for a parking spot beside or very near the cart corral. I would take my cart from the corral. This way I could transport the two youngest through the parking lot in the cart. Then when we were finished I could take them back to the car and then put the cart away. Now I've found a new trick. (No old dog jokes please!)

Now I skip the out front parking lot and look for parking along the side of the building. Most mega-retailers (Wal-Mart, Target ect) and grocery stores have a row of parking along the side of the building. I can almost always find an empty spot there.The spot I find is not necessarily closer than the ones out front. Sometimes it is closer, but remember closer is not always better when you have kids with you.

The biggest advantage to parking here is that there is only a sidewalk between you and the building, not a traffic lane. As I am getting kids unloaded, they can wait next to the building, away from any traffic. I do not have to worry about Nolan wandering off into the next row of cars. (I am embarrassed to say it has happened, and if you know Nolan I am sure you can understand how.) I can load them into the cart in front of my van and not have to worry about cars backing out, or someone zooming through. It is so much easier. Simple, yes, but it works for me!