We got a dishwasher! Since I've moved out on my own, I have not had a dishwasher. That's been 11 years! So, the boys have been sleeping in the box for the second night now. I love that they are able to do that. We have nowhere to be tomorrow, except baseball practice in the evening. I love those days.
I have some documentation of our life that I'd like to share. While Heather over at Moving Castle is talking about the birds and the bees, my youngest is having discussions about death. We've had a lot of death in our family. I'm sure that weighs on a little brain.
Youngest: So you (me) will die first, then daddy, then [oldest], then me. So, how old will I be?"
Me: Well, we don't know when we will die.
Youngest: So, how old will I be?
Me: I don't know how old you will be.
Youngest: Will I go to heaven?
Me: If you know Jesus, you will go to heaven. Do you believe in Him?
Youngest: Yes.
So that has been our conversation a few times. What a great kid.
On another note, it's been raining forever. And ever. I'm behind on the laundry...but not the dishes! My house is a mess. Obedience training for Cutie starts in a week. There are my rambling thoughts.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Just Say No to the Deo
Huge rash on armpits. Aloe will hopefully work. Cease using homemade deo for me! Warning: will be without deoderant for unknown amount of time!
So far today: Church was great--hubby rocked it in worship, met a new homeschooler that came, then went out eat with our best friends, relaxing in the stormy weather. Life is good.
So far today: Church was great--hubby rocked it in worship, met a new homeschooler that came, then went out eat with our best friends, relaxing in the stormy weather. Life is good.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Starbucks roobios sucks
So, now that I got that out of the way, this post is not really about Starbucks. I am a Caribou fan, myself, btw. Today was be-u-ti-ful. How wonderful to feel a little sweaty. My van temp said 88 degrees outside--heaven. But, we still had wind, which made it nice.
Well, I wouldn't be honest if I didn't cover our Thursday park day experience. It's been very hard to find friends for oldest son. He finds friends everywhere he goes, but I gravitate to moms with children with youngest son's age. Oldest found some boy(s) that are cool buds. Then girls came and messed it up. Can I say that, being a girl myself? It's nuts that it starts so early. Nothing that I can control, but I can control us being there. Still praying on that one. So here is the story, in a nutshell: Oldest was tired of playing magic and harry potter. He stated that he did not believe in that stuff. He was then made fun of. I think that's freakin' awesome. He is strong enough in his beliefs that he stood up for them. Yay. Now, I don't want him subjected to this on a weekly basis, but I'm glad that the beliefs we instilled are manifesting in his life.
Insert comment about harry potter: when oldest asked me "what a harry potter" was, I kind of laughed and said, it's a book. He then asked what it was about. What I know of the book is that it is about a boy who goes to witch/warlock school, and learns the ways of spells and such. Now, that's a dumbed down version. I didn't shed any negative light on it at all. I wanted him to make a determination on it. He then asked if it was OK. I told him to pray about it and to see what God would think about it. A very short time later, he said that God wouldn't like it. End of story.
Anyway, he apparently has a girlfriend at said park day. She's cute, and I think her family are Christians. Interesting that we would go to a secular home school event, yet end up with Christians around us. It's inevitable! God is good. Oldest told hubby about it, and told him not to tell me. Yikes! He thought I'd be mad. Man, I don't want to be a hard a$$, but I am a little overprotective. We all ended up talking about it tonight.
Anyway, sleep will hopefully call to me soon, so we'll talk soon, K?
Well, I wouldn't be honest if I didn't cover our Thursday park day experience. It's been very hard to find friends for oldest son. He finds friends everywhere he goes, but I gravitate to moms with children with youngest son's age. Oldest found some boy(s) that are cool buds. Then girls came and messed it up. Can I say that, being a girl myself? It's nuts that it starts so early. Nothing that I can control, but I can control us being there. Still praying on that one. So here is the story, in a nutshell: Oldest was tired of playing magic and harry potter. He stated that he did not believe in that stuff. He was then made fun of. I think that's freakin' awesome. He is strong enough in his beliefs that he stood up for them. Yay. Now, I don't want him subjected to this on a weekly basis, but I'm glad that the beliefs we instilled are manifesting in his life.
Insert comment about harry potter: when oldest asked me "what a harry potter" was, I kind of laughed and said, it's a book. He then asked what it was about. What I know of the book is that it is about a boy who goes to witch/warlock school, and learns the ways of spells and such. Now, that's a dumbed down version. I didn't shed any negative light on it at all. I wanted him to make a determination on it. He then asked if it was OK. I told him to pray about it and to see what God would think about it. A very short time later, he said that God wouldn't like it. End of story.
Anyway, he apparently has a girlfriend at said park day. She's cute, and I think her family are Christians. Interesting that we would go to a secular home school event, yet end up with Christians around us. It's inevitable! God is good. Oldest told hubby about it, and told him not to tell me. Yikes! He thought I'd be mad. Man, I don't want to be a hard a$$, but I am a little overprotective. We all ended up talking about it tonight.
Anyway, sleep will hopefully call to me soon, so we'll talk soon, K?
Thursday, April 23, 2009
A very earthy day
What a full day! Art class for the boys, then to the Botanical Center for the free admission. I admit, with my boys (ok, and me), we can't make it past an hour there. I love botany, but if I can't eat it, it's not as fun. We then went to the free organic food tastings at our local Hyvee. Oh how we love you, Fleur Hyvee. We visit you often, and you bless us with 10 percent off every Wednesday.
Then it was off for some more free stuff at a local (vegetarian) coffee shop. Oldest was with me for that one, as youngest got tired of not being home (my little home body). So, I dropped him off to hubby, as he finished deliveries with youngest in tow. I met with a blogger friend at the coffee shop. How lovely she is. Pictures will be following shortly. (But have that baby first, Sar!) Funny note: there was a big sign that said Vegetarian, as we walked in the door. Oldest stated that he eats meat and likes it. I wonder if he realizes that I don't cook meat. LOL. I buy a chunk of ham for sandwiches on occasion--maybe that's what he means?
We were then off to church, where there is--count it--2 more classes this spring. I love my 3-5 yr olds, but after 8-9 mo., I need a break.
Learned of a dear friend who is moving. While I am sad, I know this has been her desire for a long time. Good for you, girl. I will visit--you can't stop me. We are a traveling family. Oh, the camping trip this weekend was cancelled due to cub scout sign up being low. We will camp as a family, soon, though. I'll keep you updated on that.
Looking forward to 80 degrees and park day tomorrow. Iowa is not looking so bad, when it's warm. Another not fun to do on my list: go to DHS. No, I'm not in trouble ;) It was suggested by my multi-faceted muscular dystrophy clinic that I try to get some help to fix my van. If you know me well, you know that my boys (all three) have been muscling (is that a word?) my ramp door open for some time now. Slowly parts fall off of this wonderful van, but it will serve us well for many more years. Another one would be $30,000+. Gulp.
Well, I'm up way late, but I've had wheat grass juice, so I'm very chipper. Pray I can get SOME sleep tonight!
Then it was off for some more free stuff at a local (vegetarian) coffee shop. Oldest was with me for that one, as youngest got tired of not being home (my little home body). So, I dropped him off to hubby, as he finished deliveries with youngest in tow. I met with a blogger friend at the coffee shop. How lovely she is. Pictures will be following shortly. (But have that baby first, Sar!) Funny note: there was a big sign that said Vegetarian, as we walked in the door. Oldest stated that he eats meat and likes it. I wonder if he realizes that I don't cook meat. LOL. I buy a chunk of ham for sandwiches on occasion--maybe that's what he means?
We were then off to church, where there is--count it--2 more classes this spring. I love my 3-5 yr olds, but after 8-9 mo., I need a break.
Learned of a dear friend who is moving. While I am sad, I know this has been her desire for a long time. Good for you, girl. I will visit--you can't stop me. We are a traveling family. Oh, the camping trip this weekend was cancelled due to cub scout sign up being low. We will camp as a family, soon, though. I'll keep you updated on that.
Looking forward to 80 degrees and park day tomorrow. Iowa is not looking so bad, when it's warm. Another not fun to do on my list: go to DHS. No, I'm not in trouble ;) It was suggested by my multi-faceted muscular dystrophy clinic that I try to get some help to fix my van. If you know me well, you know that my boys (all three) have been muscling (is that a word?) my ramp door open for some time now. Slowly parts fall off of this wonderful van, but it will serve us well for many more years. Another one would be $30,000+. Gulp.
Well, I'm up way late, but I've had wheat grass juice, so I'm very chipper. Pray I can get SOME sleep tonight!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Sassy Seven
I've come to find out that my oldest is not the sassy one. It's me. Why to kids get sassy? They mirror their parents. It's a hard truth. Found out, also, that oldest was lying about brushing his teeth. It was only 2 times. You can't get anything past the youngest. Youngest told me that oldest was not brushing his teeth because he had felt his toothbrush and it was dry! How did he know to do that? LOL. He will be a good dad someday. As for the lie, I just calmly asked oldest why he wasn't brushing his teeth. He just said that he didn't want to. I kind of laughed and told him that the dentist wasn't too fun when you have to go due to rotten teeth. He just said OK. I knew he had felt bad for lying. He has an almost immediate repented heart, that boy.
The oldest boy just told us tonight that he wanted his own room. I wondered when this was coming. I'm going to give it a few days to see if it's mentioned again. If it is a repeat request, we will be doing some rearranging. Since the computer would stay in his room, does anyone know any good parental controls/blocks from unwanted nasties on the computer? Right now, they know what sites they can use, but sometimes there is an ad that pops up, and it's accidentally clicked, then they are off to God knows what.
We are going to start the transition to summerish clothing. That will be interesting. What do ya'll do? It bein' Iowa and all, I still want to keep jeans and sweatshirts for the evenings and camping. Where on earth do you store it all? We have 2 four drawer dressers, and they share a closet for hang-ups and blankets. Looking for ideas on space management!
God grant me patience for tomorrow. Last cub scout meeting of the month, one baseball practice, clothes rearranging, and maybe a trip to the toy store for youngest to spend some of his money. Also need more dog bones. And that's my Tuesday list.
Ciao!
The oldest boy just told us tonight that he wanted his own room. I wondered when this was coming. I'm going to give it a few days to see if it's mentioned again. If it is a repeat request, we will be doing some rearranging. Since the computer would stay in his room, does anyone know any good parental controls/blocks from unwanted nasties on the computer? Right now, they know what sites they can use, but sometimes there is an ad that pops up, and it's accidentally clicked, then they are off to God knows what.
We are going to start the transition to summerish clothing. That will be interesting. What do ya'll do? It bein' Iowa and all, I still want to keep jeans and sweatshirts for the evenings and camping. Where on earth do you store it all? We have 2 four drawer dressers, and they share a closet for hang-ups and blankets. Looking for ideas on space management!
God grant me patience for tomorrow. Last cub scout meeting of the month, one baseball practice, clothes rearranging, and maybe a trip to the toy store for youngest to spend some of his money. Also need more dog bones. And that's my Tuesday list.
Ciao!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Deo
So today was the first full day for the homemade deodorant. My wonderful bff had some left over from her makings, so we were the recipients of the coco oil/cornstarch/baking soda masterpiece. I love it. I smell like coconut; I also don't sweat with it. It is good piece of mind that I'm not clogging my pores with cancerous chemicals.
The boys and I ran some errands in this (finally) glorious weather. Oil change, in which they gave us the most expensive car wash for free (we are blessed). Also, I think we have found our Easter tradition. You may think we're cheap, but here it is. We bought Easter baskets after Easter. The boys were so excited. They got to pick whatever one they wanted since they were half price, after all! They get so much stuff at the in laws and from family, that we don't do much at home with baskets/candy. We also went thrifting, where I found sandals for the oldest boy, for $1.99. Yippee!
At the end of our day, hubby was still not off work. I ended up carting the boys around to practice on opposite ends of town. Boy 1 had ball practice, then boy 2 had practice 1/2 hour later. We rounded off our day with all of us going to cub scouts. They made spaghetti towers with spaghetti, gum drops, and marshmallows. Very fun. There's an update on our day...April is looking very busy. I am trying my best to be excited about the things that the boys are excited about. Maybe I'm just grumpy. Oldest boy would like to learn to make soap. So, we will make soap tomorrow, after art class. I'm off to look up ingredients.
The boys and I ran some errands in this (finally) glorious weather. Oil change, in which they gave us the most expensive car wash for free (we are blessed). Also, I think we have found our Easter tradition. You may think we're cheap, but here it is. We bought Easter baskets after Easter. The boys were so excited. They got to pick whatever one they wanted since they were half price, after all! They get so much stuff at the in laws and from family, that we don't do much at home with baskets/candy. We also went thrifting, where I found sandals for the oldest boy, for $1.99. Yippee!
At the end of our day, hubby was still not off work. I ended up carting the boys around to practice on opposite ends of town. Boy 1 had ball practice, then boy 2 had practice 1/2 hour later. We rounded off our day with all of us going to cub scouts. They made spaghetti towers with spaghetti, gum drops, and marshmallows. Very fun. There's an update on our day...April is looking very busy. I am trying my best to be excited about the things that the boys are excited about. Maybe I'm just grumpy. Oldest boy would like to learn to make soap. So, we will make soap tomorrow, after art class. I'm off to look up ingredients.
Monday, April 13, 2009
A Relaxing Day
It was a cold and rainy...oh wait, that was today! We stayed in today, and found a new funbrain.com game on the computer. The kids now know who Thomas Edison, so my work here is done, Amen. We skipped our scheduled music lesson, made tortillas from scratch, and mudballs. It was a good day. I am more and more praying and thinking of Texas. Oh, I didn't mention this yet? Well alrighty. Ever since my hubby came home and shared a story he'd heard about TX, we have been thinking of moving there. Now don't freak out--we're thinking 5 years down the road. I've also had these thoughts about Virginia, shortly after my mom died. I have family in both of these states.
The Iowa weather is very hard on me. While others are excited about 50 to 60 degrees coming, I long for 80's and 90's--it's like anything lower than that makes me physically tense. I'm tired of being a prisoner of the indoors. I love being outside, and it feels like I only get a good 2-3 months a year that I can do that. I sense my kids becoming the dreaded indoors kids that I don't want them to be.
I'm excited to report that we will be debt free when we get our federal refund this year. Yahoo! Well, let me note, except for the commercial van payment and our house payment. Does anyone ever imagine being without a mortgage payment in their lifetime? It seems people our age don't even envision themselves without it, so why try? I tell you, 20-30 year olds out there. IT IS POSSIBLE. You can do it. With a little self restraint, and some extra payments toward your home...can you imagine freeing up that money?! I only think, with our van and house payment gone, that frees up $1000 for us a month. $1000! There is so much we could do with that money.
Speaking of money, I have to get something out there. We don't save for our childrens' college education. What? You horrible parents, you say. No, we save for them--they each have savings accounts. We just do not designate what they are to be used for. I figure they will need that money someday, when they are all grown up. At that point, they can decide what they need. A car, start a business, go to college. They will know--God will direct their path. That said, I'm glad they are not going to be forced into college like I was. While it was a good experience, I still felt like I really didn't know what I was getting into, and how many 18 year olds know what they want to do with their life? I'm guessing not too many. With this economy, we'll see what the future holds for my boys. I feel for this upcoming generation. It will be interesting to see how America changes, and their part in it all.
The Iowa weather is very hard on me. While others are excited about 50 to 60 degrees coming, I long for 80's and 90's--it's like anything lower than that makes me physically tense. I'm tired of being a prisoner of the indoors. I love being outside, and it feels like I only get a good 2-3 months a year that I can do that. I sense my kids becoming the dreaded indoors kids that I don't want them to be.
I'm excited to report that we will be debt free when we get our federal refund this year. Yahoo! Well, let me note, except for the commercial van payment and our house payment. Does anyone ever imagine being without a mortgage payment in their lifetime? It seems people our age don't even envision themselves without it, so why try? I tell you, 20-30 year olds out there. IT IS POSSIBLE. You can do it. With a little self restraint, and some extra payments toward your home...can you imagine freeing up that money?! I only think, with our van and house payment gone, that frees up $1000 for us a month. $1000! There is so much we could do with that money.
Speaking of money, I have to get something out there. We don't save for our childrens' college education. What? You horrible parents, you say. No, we save for them--they each have savings accounts. We just do not designate what they are to be used for. I figure they will need that money someday, when they are all grown up. At that point, they can decide what they need. A car, start a business, go to college. They will know--God will direct their path. That said, I'm glad they are not going to be forced into college like I was. While it was a good experience, I still felt like I really didn't know what I was getting into, and how many 18 year olds know what they want to do with their life? I'm guessing not too many. With this economy, we'll see what the future holds for my boys. I feel for this upcoming generation. It will be interesting to see how America changes, and their part in it all.
Monday, April 6, 2009
A blizzard and the DOT
So we experienced the forcasted blizzard yesterday. Yay. April 5th--only in Iowa would we get a blizzard in the spring. Thankfully, little pup was not entirely confused about going potty outside. The boys cleared a little snow to make way for grass. Boys played outside. They've been playing Indiana Jones by unhooking the chain of their swings, on one side, and swinging on it. It's a nice break from Star Wars. I guess it's a natural thing for boys to be hooked on something for a long time. At least it's Star Wars and not Strawberry Shortcake (darn).
Interesting experience at the DOT aka Dept. of Transportation. I have to submit a medical report every 2 years. So, Saturday hubby and I travel to the suburbs to (quickly) renew my dl. Good friends did manly stuff at Home Depot with the boys while we went on this errand. After reviewing my medical report, the DOT found that my doctor filled something out unsatisfactorily. Long story short, I have a temporary license until April 10th, after which it will be suspended. I have to bug my doctor, yet again, so re-fill out my report so I can fax it there asap. It is also time for heath insurance renewal for the kids, as well as the first week of baseball practices. I WILL NOT BE STRESSED.
I tend to get caught up in the details, and not enjoy life. This is why I surround myself with friends that are not this way.
On another note, here's an update on some medical things. My annual doc appt with Iowa City folks was on April 2nd. Good news, my breathing is stable--even a bit better. Some bad news: my kind of muscular dystrophy has a heart component with it. Cardio myopathy. Haven't looked anything up on that yet, but I am going to get an ultrasound of my heart soon. I really am not worried about this. If I cured my kidney infections by changing my diet, surely I can keep my heart beating a bit longer?! :)
Thanks for listening...now back to your regularly scheduled day!
Interesting experience at the DOT aka Dept. of Transportation. I have to submit a medical report every 2 years. So, Saturday hubby and I travel to the suburbs to (quickly) renew my dl. Good friends did manly stuff at Home Depot with the boys while we went on this errand. After reviewing my medical report, the DOT found that my doctor filled something out unsatisfactorily. Long story short, I have a temporary license until April 10th, after which it will be suspended. I have to bug my doctor, yet again, so re-fill out my report so I can fax it there asap. It is also time for heath insurance renewal for the kids, as well as the first week of baseball practices. I WILL NOT BE STRESSED.
I tend to get caught up in the details, and not enjoy life. This is why I surround myself with friends that are not this way.
On another note, here's an update on some medical things. My annual doc appt with Iowa City folks was on April 2nd. Good news, my breathing is stable--even a bit better. Some bad news: my kind of muscular dystrophy has a heart component with it. Cardio myopathy. Haven't looked anything up on that yet, but I am going to get an ultrasound of my heart soon. I really am not worried about this. If I cured my kidney infections by changing my diet, surely I can keep my heart beating a bit longer?! :)
Thanks for listening...now back to your regularly scheduled day!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Peekin' in
I forgot to mention a friggin' hilarious comment that my hubby made the other day. Here goes...
A lawn care co. knocked on our door. Hubby answers. He does that, you know. He likes confrontation aka sales people. Me, not so much. The sales guy, I will lovingly call him Dude.
Dude: Hi, sir. We're doing lawn care plans for people in the neighborhood, and I was wondering if we could start one for you.
Hubby: We don't use chemicals.
Dude: Oh, but they're EPA approved...
Hubby: I don't care if they're NASA approved, we don't use chemicals on our lawn.
Dude: (stares at Hubby)
Hubby: All righty, have a good day.
Dude: Oh, oh, OK sir, have a good day.
I almost pee my pants just typing this. I don't think that guy will ever try to sell us again! I think my hubby has finally been converted to my natural ways. Waaaahhaaahaaa.
A lawn care co. knocked on our door. Hubby answers. He does that, you know. He likes confrontation aka sales people. Me, not so much. The sales guy, I will lovingly call him Dude.
Dude: Hi, sir. We're doing lawn care plans for people in the neighborhood, and I was wondering if we could start one for you.
Hubby: We don't use chemicals.
Dude: Oh, but they're EPA approved...
Hubby: I don't care if they're NASA approved, we don't use chemicals on our lawn.
Dude: (stares at Hubby)
Hubby: All righty, have a good day.
Dude: Oh, oh, OK sir, have a good day.
I almost pee my pants just typing this. I don't think that guy will ever try to sell us again! I think my hubby has finally been converted to my natural ways. Waaaahhaaahaaa.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
We're Still Alive!
So we're right in the middle of tests for my oldest homeschooler. I actually cried when I dropped him off today (but just a little). You know how you just get caught up in the blog world, and it concurs with your thoughts? Well, I feel--why blog for myself--they've said what I wanted to say. It's laziness. I'm currently listening on Pandora, Karen Carpenter doing 3 part harmony with herself. Don't ask, she's the best singer there ever was. I try to model her, as I've spent many nights in my life with headphones on, just soaking in her voice. Such a tragic life, but what an emotion evoking voice.
So we got a pup! What? Yep that's right. I'm not a dog person, but d*** is she cute. Her name? Well it's Cutie, of course. Now if I can figure out why my camera keeps dying. Or how to download pics. Laziness again. While son #2 sometimes feels like a prisoner in his own home, with her jumping and chewing (on us), he is starting to take responsibility. Son #1 has pee puddle duty, while son #2 has poop duty (outside). Poop is always outside, but pee is not there yet. Thankfully, we only have carpet in our bedroom, which she is not allowed in. And yes, I said she! Woo-hoo...more females in the house. Give me a whoop! Now we only need a female kitty...it will happen, and soon!
I've been a terrible mom, so I must blog that, to be transparent. I bark orders like a drill sergeant. I'm starting to see that in my sons. Crap. I am reading a book on how to raise kids like Jesus would. I actually made my son #2 cry when he spilled all over my lap today. I love smelling like sour milk. Yippee. And just before I am to teach his Cubbie class. What an example. I guess we are all sinners. Can I be more honest? Did you know I never intended on having kids? I knew I was too selfish, I have no patience, it would wreck my body, and on and on. Boy, there are only 2 distinct times that I've heard God's audible voice. '"Get married to this man."' and '"Have children."' That was a great thing for a feminist to do--I'll get right on that. Well, I'm no longer a feminist, and I serve Jesus. What a 180 life change. So, I still have no patience; I'm selfish; and it wrecked my body. But, I wouldn't trade it for anything.
So now it's your turn--what audible things have YOU heard from God?
So we got a pup! What? Yep that's right. I'm not a dog person, but d*** is she cute. Her name? Well it's Cutie, of course. Now if I can figure out why my camera keeps dying. Or how to download pics. Laziness again. While son #2 sometimes feels like a prisoner in his own home, with her jumping and chewing (on us), he is starting to take responsibility. Son #1 has pee puddle duty, while son #2 has poop duty (outside). Poop is always outside, but pee is not there yet. Thankfully, we only have carpet in our bedroom, which she is not allowed in. And yes, I said she! Woo-hoo...more females in the house. Give me a whoop! Now we only need a female kitty...it will happen, and soon!
I've been a terrible mom, so I must blog that, to be transparent. I bark orders like a drill sergeant. I'm starting to see that in my sons. Crap. I am reading a book on how to raise kids like Jesus would. I actually made my son #2 cry when he spilled all over my lap today. I love smelling like sour milk. Yippee. And just before I am to teach his Cubbie class. What an example. I guess we are all sinners. Can I be more honest? Did you know I never intended on having kids? I knew I was too selfish, I have no patience, it would wreck my body, and on and on. Boy, there are only 2 distinct times that I've heard God's audible voice. '"Get married to this man."' and '"Have children."' That was a great thing for a feminist to do--I'll get right on that. Well, I'm no longer a feminist, and I serve Jesus. What a 180 life change. So, I still have no patience; I'm selfish; and it wrecked my body. But, I wouldn't trade it for anything.
So now it's your turn--what audible things have YOU heard from God?
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