Drinkin' From My Saucer 'Cause My Cup Has Overflowed

2012-01-14T12:25:00.000-05:00

Today James emptied the water heater because he thought it wasn't heating properly. He was not surprised to find it full of scale. He is going to buy a new heating element.

Thankful

2011-11-15T19:12:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful that James did not get hurt any worse than he did last night at work. He had to work late and when he finally made it home his left hand was covered in a bandage. His first words to me were, "Don't freak out, I just cut an artery in the back of my hand." Somehow the words "don't freak out" and "cut artery" don't go in the same sentence. He's fine but he did have to have 3 or 4 stitches. He cut his hand on copper pipe.

Dinner for the Samaritan's Purse workers

2011-11-14T19:50:00.000-05:00

Today our church provided lunch for the workers of Samaritan's Purse. We provided Spaghetti (provided by Wanda, Joyce, Me, and Charlotte), Salad (provided by Gene and Kay, Caroline and Dave and Tammy), garlic bread (provided by Kathy F.), a delicious B-B-Q chicken, potato salad and baked beans (provided by Ida and Bill), lemon lush (Bonnie), Apple Crumb Cake (Charlotte), Brownies (Betty),
Pumpkin Roll (Me), Pound Cake (Lavon), and Chocolate Chip cookies (Georgette).

This is my note to myself for next year.

Another great catch

2011-11-11T19:26:00.000-05:00

The temperature this morning was in the 30s. I don't want to be in a boat in this cold, but the cold doesn't keep James off the water.

Great day fishing

2011-11-05T19:18:00.001-04:00

James and Isaac went fishing today and caught this great catch!

Can't Think of a Title - How About, "Behold all things will become new."

2011-09-19T17:45:00.023-04:00

My heart doesn't feel like singing today, but I know that God inhabits the praises of His people, so I will sing, if not out loud at least in my mind.

The "fall" weather is both exhilerating and depressing. The breeze feels good on my face. Today Caleb and I sat on the back deck while he read his book to me. Did I mention that he hates to read, but read he did and we got a treat. As we sat there, hovering over his book, a humming bird lit on the feeder behind us. Caleb was so excited and so was I. Caleb stopped reading for a moment and we watched the tiny bird until he flew away.

But back to the weather, it is exhilerating because the heat isn't present, but depressing for lots of reasons, one of them being that everything will start to look dead and barren. The way my life looked 3 years ago at this time of the year. It's easy to believe that God has abandoned us when everything looks this way, but I know better. Out of what was almost the end of my marriage, came a loving, vibrant relationship, that is better than I could have dreamed or wished for. A relationship that is only possible because of our relationship with our loving Creator. Out of the ashes, so to speak, our marriage has risen stronger than ever.

Isaiah 43:2-3a says:
2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior;

I can tell you from experience, that this is true. God will never leave you nor forsake you. He is just a prayer away.

First Day of the 2011-2012 School Year

2011-08-15T09:18:00.000-04:00

The kids are listening to Vivaldi while they "Color the Classics: Godly Composers".

Homeschool

2011-05-08T22:18:00.000-04:00

Every time I listen to a seminar on homeschooling or read a blog about it, I think hey, that's exactly what I need to be doing. As I was telling my good friend J., I feel like the person the book of James warns us NOT to be like. "Tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine."

We are to look to God to find out what is best for each of our kids, since He has a plan for each of them. Our job is to lead them to find out what that plan is and guide them and educate them so that they can fulfill this plan.

This is where I run into problems. I'm not very good at finding out what God's plan is. Is there something wrong with me?.....

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T22:07:00.000-04:00

Had a great Mother's Day. James made breakfast and cooked fish and shrimp for lunch. Yesterday I made potato salad with our new potatoes and cole slaw to go with our fish today. YUM!

He also bought a book for me about Mr. Darcy's Daughters for all you out there that love Pride and Prejudice. Can't wait to read it. And chocolate. Like I said a great day!!!

A good Day

2011-04-18T20:43:00.000-04:00

I walked and ran around the "block" this evening. I'm proud of myself. We had a good homeschool day. All went smoothly. Hoping for another great day tomorrow.

My first herbal sucess!

2011-04-06T17:16:00.002-04:00

Saturday Caleb went hunting and got poison ivy on his face! Poor baby! I made a salve from dried plantain. It helped, but not as much as the plantain poultice I made. I poured hot water over the dried plantain and let it steep for 5 minutes, then I scooped up the platain with a fork and put it in cheesecloth and put it on Caleb's face for 5-10 minutes about four times yesterday. I looks much better today.

Wheat Day

2011-03-18T22:03:00.002-04:00

I picked up my wheat today in Valdosta, came home a made two loaves of French bread. Very good, if I do say so myself.

I walked again for 30 minutes and then exercised for 10 minutes after I got back from my walk.

Lord, please help me continue to purpose to DO something healthy every day.

Exercise

2011-03-16T22:00:00.002-04:00

Once again I am trying to start exercising. I walked for 30 minutes today. Have you ever thought, "Tomorrow, I will do.....fill in the blank." But, as they say, tomorrow never comes. So I am purposing in my heart to DO not say.

My plants came up!

2011-02-25T14:33:00.000-05:00

I can see the beginnings of little green leaves and some sprouts shooting out of the ground already. I'm so thrilled.

Planted my herbs and seeds

2011-02-19T19:28:00.002-05:00

Today I planted my herb seeds: chives, flax, oregano, echinacea, thyme and some plants: rosemary, lemon balm, and chamomile. I hope the seeds come up, I'm not very good with plants.

2011 VBS - Big Apple Adventure

2011-02-17T23:16:00.000-05:00

I received the Sampler Pack for our church's 2011 VBS program yesterday. I am trying to start the planning and praying for it. So many things to think about. So many workers and supplies and decorations needed. Where to begin?

Lord, You know my heart. You know what YOU want to accomplish through our VBS. Please help me to align my heart with YOUR plan. Please work in the hearts of the people You want to help teach, minister, decorate, etc. Father, I pray that as the meetings take place and the teachers are lined up and the event is advertised, that we will not get so busy with the planning that we forget to put You first. Father, help us to reach more children/families than we've ever reached before. Prepare the hearts of the children and the parents in our community to be receptive to the Gospel. Make a hedge around the would-be workers, I pray, and protect them from distractions and anything that would hinder them from being able to help in VBS.

All this I ask and pray in the precious name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen

Waitin' on a Man :)

2011-02-15T18:28:00.000-05:00

While waiting for James to come home from work, I thought I'd write a note. Does anyone besides me ever think that their kids are never going to "get" this Christianity "thing"?! I mean I read the Bible with my kids in the morning and in the evening and if the situation warrants it, in the middle of the day.

We don't just read it, we talk about what it means and how to apply the truths we are learning to our everyday lives and my kids act and talk to each other like street kids. (rather what I imagine street kids would act and talk like):
Absolutely without love or compassion or any kind of Christ-like attitude. I am doing my best to model Christ-like behavior, I am not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, and when I completely mess up, my kids see me and hear me ask for forgiveness.

What am I doing wrong?!!! Lord, please take my efforts and let them work out to bring glory and honor to You. Please fill in the missing pieces, so that the "picture" I am working on comes out right.

Amen

Exercise?

2011-02-03T20:32:00.002-05:00

I actually walked today about, half a mile and did 40 stomach crunches. But I ate w-a-a-a-y too many calories. Lord, please help me stop drinking so much sweet tea!!!!!

2011-01-25T12:20:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was Isaac's 12th birthday. We had his party Sunday,the 23rd. Vanessa, Wiley, Eli, Mary, Chris, Dillon, Tina, Dan, Katrina, Carl, Foster, Hunter, and Aunt Francis came out. We had stuffed crust pizza and Monkey Bread for his cake. He got a baseball glove and 3 baseballs from us, art supplies from Aunt Vanessa, a book about Indians from Aunt Francis and the movie Planet 51 from Aunt Tina.

Prayers for my children

2011-01-17T19:55:00.000-05:00

Lord,

As we begin this new year, please help me to pray more for my children. Help me to keep them lifted up in prayer and with encouraging words.

For Isaac, I pray self-control. Father, give him a desire to think before he speaks, to be mindful of his attitude and to strive to be Christ-like.

For Caleb, I pray that he will think of the needs of others more. Help him to be conscious of his attitude and to be respectful, to honor James and I, and to be more diligent in his studies.

For Jamie, I pray that you will instill in her a meek and quiet spirit. I pray that she will not be boastful about her grades or anything she does, but that she will have the right attitude toward her accomplishments.

For me, I pray that you will help me be in constant, faithful prayer for my children and husband. Please help me keep the main thing "the main thing", to stay on track with our homeschool, to stay on top of the laundry and other household chores, to look at my children through Your eyes and remember that they are a precious gift from You. I forget that sometimes. Please forgive me for my shortcomings and help me remember that I can obey You and that the consequences are in Your hands.

I know that You have a plan for me and that right now that plan is homeschooling our 3 children. Help me do the best job I can do.

All these things I ask and pray in the name of Your Precious Son, Jesus.

Amen

Beautiful Lights

2010-12-22T06:28:00.002-05:00

We went to see the lights at Stephen Foster Memorial Park last night. The $2 per person charge was well worth it. Very well done display. They gave out hot chocolate and popcorn too. Very nice evening and the kids enjoyed it.

Christmas play

2010-12-20T09:04:00.002-05:00

Well we finally got through the Christmas Play, Star of Wonder. The kids did great, all of them. I was so proud of them. Glad that it is over, though. That is one more thing we can cross off our "to do" list. Now we have Jamie's birthday on Thursday and Christmas and at some point, I want to go see the Christmas lights at Steven Foster Memorial Park.

Anniversary date

2010-12-18T22:56:00.000-05:00

We had a great anniversary dinner! We went to Carraba's in Gainesville and got our usual dinner of Calamari as an appetizer, I had Steak Marsala and James had Spineida de Mare, which is shrimp and scollops and we both had broccoli. The meal comes with delicious bread with olive oil mixed with spices for a dip.

Then we did our usual "finish up" shopping for Christmas and birthday.

Jena and Tebeau (don't know how to spell that) watched the kids for us. I gave Jena money to get them pizza. Her and Tibeau took them to Pizza Hut, weren't they brave?! They said the kids were great, glad to hear it.

Day 82 of 88

2010-12-13T07:24:00.002-05:00

Well, I haven't exercised or dieted like I wanted to. Yuk! Six more days until my anniversary and I haven't lost a single pound. The good news is, I haven't gained any either.

We are busy getting ready for the Christmas dress rehearsal and play at church, our Anniversary Dinner, Jamie's Birthday and Christmas.

Posing for the camera

2010-12-04T09:36:00.000-05:00

Took this picture to take to Aunt Francis at the hospital.

Thanksgiving Feast

2010-11-25T13:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you God for the good food and the fellowship of family.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T14:56:00.001-05:00

Cleaning house and baking for Thanksgiving. I even got the kids to help a little. Hopefully we'll get everything baked and cleaned that I wanted.

Praises

2010-11-19T09:04:00.000-05:00

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits:
who forgives all your iniquities,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from destruction,
who crowns you with loving kindness
and tender mercies." (Psalm 103:1-4).

That is how I feel this morning. I am hoping the day goes as well as the morning has.

Day 55 of 88

2010-11-15T16:00:00.000-05:00

We are trying to do school today with Jade. Always an adventure! We actually got more done than I thought we would.

Day 54 of 88

2010-11-14T11:48:00.000-05:00

We are finally able to go to church, well everybody but James, he is hurting all over! I hope he is feeling better soon. It sounds like the flu to me, but what do I know. He won't try any of my home "remedies". :)

Day 53 of 88

2010-11-13T20:00:00.002-05:00

James worked til 3:30 today. He still feels terrible. I went to church to get my makeup bag that I left there last night and on my way there, Mrs. Caroline called to tell me about a garage sale that a retiring teacher was having. I am so glad I went to it. I bought a Walmart bag and a box full of books. Most of them were brand new! What a find.

Day 52 of 88

2010-11-12T11:45:00.001-05:00

Now James is feeling buggy, but he went to work anyway. He has to work tomorrow, poor thing.

Tonight is the Ladies' Bible study and pampering time at church. I am bringing salad.

Day 51 of 88

2010-11-11T11:44:00.000-05:00

James is off today. Him and Mike went fishing. We did a little bit of school.

Day 50 of 88

2010-11-10T11:43:00.001-05:00

We are all feeling worse. We are going to be missing church tonight.

Day 49 of 88

2010-11-09T11:41:00.000-05:00

We are all sick with a bad cough and lots of mucus.

Day 48 of 88

2010-11-08T11:35:00.002-05:00

Monday, school again

Day 47 of 88

2010-11-07T17:25:00.003-05:00

James and the boys went to church this morning. Jamie and I stayed home and coughed. I made a "cough syrup" from my herb book for us, but, of course, Jamie wouldn't take it. It made my chest and throat feel a lot better. I will probably make another batch of it before I go to bed.

Day 46 of 88

2010-11-06T18:54:00.002-04:00

Went shopping with Betty today. First we went to the yard sale at the High School and I got the buy of the century! :) Betty found a Scrabble board like the one she has that has a board that rotates and the board is made to keep the tiles from sliding around. Yeah! I love it, can't wait to play it. I bought several good books too, some cute Christmas vases all for $5.

Then we went to Valdosta. We shopped at Penneys, Kohls and Target. Got a lot of great buys. Betty got a beautiful coat and a pant suit. I got several shirts and Betty found what she wanted for the boys and Jamie. Now I just have to wrap them.

Day 45 of 88

2010-11-05T08:12:00.003-04:00

Looking forward to the day. Maybe we'll all have a great day. I feel good, maybe the kids will too.

Day 44 of 88

2010-11-04T19:37:00.003-04:00

Had a fairly decent day homeschooling. Praying that God will continue to strengthen me as I try to lead my children by example. I know that more is "caught" than "taught", which is what I'm afraid of.

Day 43 of 88

2010-11-03T08:15:00.002-04:00

Gotta get goin'. The kids are still asleep. I am going to get up, make breakfast and start school and laundry. I will try to write more later.

Day 42 of 88

2010-11-02T20:13:00.002-04:00

No exercise today! Unless you count going to the Post Office, Bank, two grocery stores and to vote.

Day 41

2010-11-01T20:04:00.001-04:00

Back to school

Can you believe it is already November?! Time is flying by. My babies aren't babies anymore. We got most of our school work done today. I am trying to "train up" my children in the way they should go.

I want them to be godly adults and I find myself setting bad examples more often than not.

God, today, help me keep my focus on You. "Make me to go in the paths of Thy commandments, for therein do I delight."

Day 40 of 88

2010-10-31T21:00:00.002-04:00

There were not very many people at church today. I came home and fell asleep after lunch. Woke up just in time to help James pick some peppers to take to Margaret T. and meet Joyce at the church library. We are trying to get it organized again and cleaned up and the books put on computer.

Day 39 of 88

2010-10-30T21:00:00.000-04:00

We spent the day getting ready for and going to our church's Fall Festival. My theme was 'How Christians are like pumpkins'. I made a pot of chili and sweet potato bread pudding. And can you believe, took no pictures of my trunk?! What was I thinking? Oh well, maybe next year if the good Lords' willing.

On a better note

2010-10-29T22:37:00.005-04:00

I had "leftover surprise" for supper. I had some pieces of chicken that I had rolled in bread crumbs and baked, some sausage, green beans, carrots, onions, potatoes and mushrooms. I sauteed the onions, sausage, and chicken in a little butter. Then I took that out of the pan and added a little more butter and cooked the mushrooms. I cut up the potatoes, they had already been cooked, so I just browned them a little. Then I put all the ingredients in and added a can of cream of celery soup and simmered it until the carrots were tender and served it over rice.

A great way to get rid of leftovers. We ate all of it except the rice. Very good.

NOTE TO SELF: Even days that start out terrible don't have to end that way. The kids have played together all afternoon with some sponges that Isaac made into "people" with some scotch tape and an inkpen drawing for a face.

Day 38 of 88

2010-10-29T22:22:00.002-04:00

Today started out much like Wednesday, BAD. The kids act as though they have never heard "be ye kind one to another." Why do they fight constantly?! Especially when we are getting ready to read the Bible?! I know the devil is like a roaring lion roaming about seeking whom he may devour. I feel as if I caught in his jaws most of the time.

I know all the helpful verses like: "And let us not grow weary of well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not," and "they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint," etc, etc. I know God is greater than "he that is in the world". Why can't I be joyful?! My children act like sore-tailed cats in a roomful of rockers, constantly at each other's throats.

When they act this way, I counter it with spankings and harsh words which, beget more harsh words from them, more bad attitude, more disobedience, more spankings. It's a vicious cycle that I can't seem to stop. I feel like I'm on a runaway train on a broken track that is headed for the abyss.

Day 37 of 88

2010-10-28T22:20:00.000-04:00

We didn't do much school today. Betty's, my mil, sister died and her funeral was today at 10:30. Afterwards we came home and James and Caleb left to go dig sweet potatoes and I fell asleep.

Day 36 of 88

2010-10-27T22:07:00.004-04:00

Not a good day. Why can't I be the mother I want to be? I felt like Paul today, what I want to do, I don't do and what I don't want to do, I do. I spent the day screaming at the kids like a crazy person. If I believed in reincarnation I would think I used to be a bull terrier. I bite something and don't know when to let go. I have a "list" of things I want to accomplish and when the kids aren't cooperating, I just get louder, like that's the solution. When what I should do is calmly paddle their bottoms to get their attention and move on.

I was not in the mood to teach my class at church tonight. I should not have taken it on. I am not a teacher, just asked my children. I was glad Anita was there. She is much better than I am and always has a way to make the craft that my plan book says to make.

Day 35 of 88

2010-10-26T20:31:00.000-04:00

Today I feel bigger than I felt when I was pregnant with Jamie! and my lower abdomen hurts. But, enough whining--I accomplished some of the things I needed to get done today: bought and sewed the buttons on James's suit jacket, took the boys to get haircuts, and bought a few groceries.

No exercise because I felt rotten, but maybe tomorrow, eh? After all, tomorrow is anther day, to quote Scarlett O'Hara.

Day 34 of 88

2010-10-25T20:29:00.004-04:00

We kept Jade today, she is so much fun! She is talking so good. She still says things I can't understand, but for the most part it's pretty plain.

I cleaned out the linen closet and the shelf above the washer and dryer. I can't believe how much trash was on that shelf. Jade "helped". She threw away the trash as I handed it to her. She wanted to use the tooth brush in the bin that I keep my cleaning supplies in, but I convinced her not to put it in her mouth. :)

Day 33 of 88

2010-10-24T16:34:00.002-04:00

Missed church this a.m. James and I didn't feel well. I am getting the kids ready to go to the evening service. James still has a bad headache.

Mrs. Tampling fell last night when she went outside to turn off the sprinklers and broke her pelvic bone. Denitra found her outside this morning. Lord, please comfort her and ease her pain. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Day 32 of 88

2010-10-23T18:53:00.004-04:00

Today, James went fishing and the kids and I went to my nephew, Ryan's, house warming. Love his house. So happy for him.

James had "equipment failure" and came home early from fishing. He threw the fish he caught into the pond, much to our kid's disgust. They love to eat fish. Oh well, there'll be other fish dinners.

Day 31 of 88

2010-10-22T07:43:00.002-04:00

We finished school early and cleaned house so we could go to the Homecoming Parade.
Sad to see a group of Hari Krishnas in the parade. Where are the Christian witnesses.

Day 30

2010-10-21T07:42:00.000-04:00

Back to school. We are getting school done. Yay!

Day 29

2010-10-20T18:07:00.003-04:00

Surprised the kids today with a trip to the Ag-Expo with Daddy.

Day 28

2010-10-19T18:05:00.001-04:00

Pretty good school day. When will I learn to choose my words more wisely? I want so much to be a godly woman. Where does this desire go when I completely lose it?

Well, we finally finished school. When James got home from work we planted onion sets. Hope they do better than they did last year. And I also hope that the ginnies will stop eating our collards. They've about picked them clean.

Day 27

2010-10-18T18:03:00.000-04:00

Mondays are always terrible. Why do the kids have such a hard time getting back into the "school mode" after the weekend?

Day 26

2010-10-17T18:00:00.002-04:00

No exercise. Was in the nusery during church, so I didn't get to hear the sermon.

We had a great lunch with Betty. The fish were delicious.

I helped Kathy with the music tonight.

Day 25

2010-10-16T17:53:00.001-04:00

James is fishing today. We are planning on having fish for lunch tomorrow and having Betty over.

James came home and while he was cleaning fish, I walked for 30 minutes.

Day 24

2010-10-15T06:59:00.003-04:00

I am not any closer to my "goal" of losing some weight, but at least I haven't gained any. I am holding steady at 116 lbs. Not as skinny as I want to be, but not too bad.

Goals for the day: School, meals, laundry, cleaning the kitchen, mopping, vacuuming LR and MR and Boys Room, cleaning out the car.

We planted collards and mustard today. Can't wait! Yum!

Day 23

2010-10-14T06:58:00.000-04:00

Thursday. School, laundry, meals. Same old, same old. Not complaining. Glad to be able to homeschool, have clothes to wash and food to prepare.

Day 22

2010-10-13T06:56:00.001-04:00

Didn't exercise today. Worked around the house and in the church library.

Day 21

2010-10-12T06:55:00.000-04:00

I did 40 crunches and 10 leg exercises.

Day 20

2010-10-11T08:30:00.001-04:00

Today I did 20 leg exercises and 40 stomach crunches and some stretching. Did I mention that I hate exercising? I know, bad attitude. I want to be healthy and feel good.

Day 19

2010-10-10T08:27:00.003-04:00

Today was our 159th Homecoming at church. Lots of good singing, preaching and good eating. Brent, Danielle, and Jade came to church today, the first time ever. I wish they would start coming regularly.

Hugh Dampier preached the service and it was very good.

Day 18

2010-10-09T19:40:00.001-04:00

Does running around like a chicken with its head cut off count as exercise. If so, I'm good to go today.

Day 17

2010-10-08T19:38:00.002-04:00

No exercise, again. Justin's birthday. Don't know where he is. Lord, please protect him from mortal harm wherever he is. Please keep drawing him to you, please continue to have mercy on him. Please cause him to surrender his life to you.

Day 16

2010-10-07T19:37:00.000-04:00

Apparently not.

Day 15

2010-10-06T19:35:00.001-04:00

Am I ever going to exercise again?

Day 14

2010-10-05T21:45:00.000-04:00

Side is hurting again this p.m. I have taken some Tylenol PM. I am feeling it start to kick in, so I am going to gather up the children and make them go to bed. I can't go to sleep knowing they are roaming around. Hopefully, I will be better tomorrow. I want to work in the Library.

Day 13

2010-10-04T21:43:00.001-04:00

Monday. Back to school. Side hurt very bad this morning. I laid in bed until 8:00 after I got James off to work. Felt better after that and Joyce and I worked in the Church Library from 3 p.m. until about 7:00 p.m.

Day 12

2010-10-03T21:42:00.000-04:00

Sunday. We worked in the Library and I even got there early Sunday morning to open it. Joyce beat me there though and already had it open. Yay!

Day 11

2010-10-02T21:38:00.001-04:00

I'm gettin' nowhere fast. I haven't walked or exercised. Yuk. I am not doing so well.

Day 10

2010-10-01T21:37:00.000-04:00

First Day of October. I can't believe it is here already. Gotta come up with a theme for my "trunk" for our Fall Festival.

Day 9

2010-09-30T21:33:00.002-04:00

Thursday, I think I walked today.

Day 8

2010-09-29T21:33:00.001-04:00

Worked in the Church Library.

Day 7

2010-09-28T21:30:00.002-04:00

I can't remember if I exercised today. Pretty bad, huh?

Day 6

2010-09-27T06:25:00.000-04:00

40 crunches today.

Day 5

2010-09-25T22:23:00.002-04:00

I did 40 crunches and 10 leg exercises. Neck and shoulders still hurt. I have had the "mullygrubs" all day or as Aunt Jessie used to say, the "can't help its". I have moped around until James is ready to slap me.

I have tried to complete some lesson plans today. I did a days' worth, almost. Not very good progress, eh?

Day 4

2010-09-24T22:21:00.000-04:00

My neck feels better, but still not great. I did 40 crunches today.

Day 3

2010-09-23T22:09:00.000-04:00

I did 40 crunches today, does that count?

Day 2

2010-09-22T22:00:00.000-04:00

No exercise today. I woke up with a "crink" in my neck, very painful. Could hardly stand at the end of the day.

Day 1

2010-09-21T19:59:00.002-04:00

I walked for 30 minutes today. Yay! Only 88 days more to go to "get in shape" for my Dec. 19th anniversary. Ha Ha.

Isaac helped

2010-09-18T19:48:00.003-04:00

Isaac wanted in on the action

My Husband says, "Finally, I've done something country."

2010-09-18T19:43:00.005-04:00

Like making jelly and homemade biscuits isn't country? Okay, I have strung some red peppers to dry them. They are beautiful aren't they?

Skunkie Acres

2010-09-17T16:00:00.001-04:00

2010-09-13T20:05:00.000-04:00

School went okay today, but I've got to get back to doing lesson plans!

Caleb's 11th Birthday

2010-09-12T15:00:00.000-04:00

Getting ready for a birthday

2010-09-11T18:17:00.002-04:00

I made Caleb's cake today, yellow cake with chocolate icing. He will turn 11 tomorrow. It doesn't seem possible. Then I made cole slaw and chili for the hot dogs. We are going to have his party after church.

I am tired. Now, after cleaning up the kitchen for what seems like the hundredth time, I am going to cut okra. Yay!

Visit with a Friend

2010-09-07T21:56:00.002-04:00

Had a great visit today with a friend that I have known since first grade. We had 30 + years of talking to do in a short amount of time, but I think we made pretty good headway. Ha Ha. My throat feels the strain.

I met her daughters for the first time. They seem to be great kids. At least one of us knows what she is doing in the parenting department. :)

We have exchanged email addresses and hope to keep in touch more often. I miss her already. She lives on the west coast, so we won't get to visit very often.

2010-09-05T21:41:00.002-04:00

Had a terrible headache this evening at church. Took a tylenol p.m. and I'm ready for bed.

Hope I feel better tomorrow.

Busy Week!

2010-09-02T21:53:00.005-04:00

Sunday, the husband of one of the ladies from our church passed away unexpectedly.

Monday, I got to keep Jade and Kisha and the kids came over to play. We had a fun day, just sitting around talking.

Tuesday, after we "did" school, I took the kids to Bonnie's to swim with Kisha's kids. Joyce and JaBen came over and Caroline came over and we talked for a while. We should get together more often. I really enjoy the company.

The funeral for Mr. S. was this Wednesday. I took food and stayed to help.

On the way back to church Wednesday, I got a call from Bonnie to tell me that Chris, one of my nephews, fell from a tree in his backyard and was taken by helicopter to Gainesville. He has a broken sacrum and his pelvic bone is broken so he will have to be in a wheel chair until it heals.

I picked his two brothers up from school today (Thursday) and kept them until Celia came and got them. It was nice. I made spaghetti and fed them and then Celia ate with me and I sent Lanier a plate. It isn't very often I get to do that for one of my sisters. I like it when I can help one of them. Celia was so tired and now she didn't have to fix supper when she got home. Yay.

Tina and Sally had a scary episode on the way to town today.

Chris is supposed to come home tomorrow. I hope all goes well. I will have to get the boys again and I will be keeping the Jadester again. We love her so much. I will hate it when she starts daycare. Why can't they just give her to me!!! :)

Well, I'm off to read the Bible with the kids and hopefully get to sleep before eleven.

Played Hooky Today

2010-08-30T20:00:00.002-04:00

Kisha came up from Ockochobee on Friday. She came over today and the kids play good most of the day.

Migraine

2010-08-26T19:45:00.002-04:00

Tried to school today. My head hurt so bad that I had even less patience than normal which is zilch anyway, so decided to give up. Tomorrow will be better, good Lord willing.

Remodeling/Repairing

2010-08-21T22:11:00.002-04:00

James took Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday off this week to repair a hole by our back door. While he was into it, he installed a new back door and refloored the back entryway. He is almost finished and he is completely give out. I helped him a little with the floor and if his back hurts worse than mine he won't be able to walk tomorrow.

Funerals

2010-08-12T17:56:00.001-04:00

Went to Justin Starling's funeral today. He was 20. So sad.

Cleaning

2010-08-10T17:40:00.003-04:00

Isaac, Jamie and I cleaned and wiped down the frig, rearranged and wiped down the shelves of my two pantries, and 3 small cabinets by my back door, swept and straightened the shoe rack, also by the back door, and homeschooled. I hope the pantry stays neat for more than 2 seconds. That is usually how long such endeavors last.

I made bread: a cinnamon loaf, a plain loaf and six rolls. I also made homemade biscuits for breakfast. After I rest for a few minutes, I am going to make grape jelly. Of course, there's always laundry to do and supper to get ready. I am cooking Ezekiel Stew, I hope it tastes as good as it smells. When we cleaned out the frig we started the stew with some left overs and it kind of snowballed. Now it is a gigantic pot full of chicken and veggies, and whole grains.

Blah

2010-08-07T19:03:00.003-04:00

Haven't felt very well today. And the weather has drizzled rain and been gloomy-looking all day, so that doesn't help.

James put the turkeys in the addition to the chicken pen so they would be separate from the other birds and built a shelter in there to cover their food.

He's plowing now in the drizzle. I think he is getting ready to plant the butterpeas.

I cut okra this morning and filled a 5-gallon bucket about two-thirds of the way.

My even more beautiful children

2010-08-05T19:20:00.003-04:00

These photos were taken August 3rd.

They were hot and sweaty, but it IS summer after all.