Thankful... Days 7 and 8

Yesterday and today I am thankful for RAIN.  While it hasn't been enough to even begin to remedy the severe drought we're experiencing here in Central Texas, just the cloudy, dark days and the occasional rain drops splashing against my windows was enough to refresh these parched Texans and renew our hope for more.

More... please, Lord!

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I am linking up with Dawn (another Dawn!) at the Goodlife for 30 Thankful Days.  What are you thankful for?  Feel free to link up and join us or leave your answer here in a comment!

Thankful - Days Four and Five

Well.

Three days into a 30-day commitment and I've already failed. So, to make up for it, I'll tell two things I'm thankful for.

First, I'm thankful for quiet days at home.  Yesterday was one of those days. Now, by quiet I don't mean that I sat around and listened to the hum of the appliances. It was still a busy day.  But, it was a busy day in the quiet solitude of my home. After a hectic few days away from the house, I'm always reminded that this social gal still craves the solitude of my own home to relax and recharge. 

Second, I am thankful for our community's school district.  Each year, Bud and I prayerfully reconsider schooling options for our children.  So far, we believe that we are in God's will in sending Kat to our local public school.  Is it perfect? Not by any means - no school is.  But it's a great district filled with administrators, faculty and parents who care about education and work hard to provide the best possible for our students.  Beyond the classroom, we are blessed to be in a district that is able to provide exceptional opportunities for the students to participate in sports and the arts.  I was especially reminded of my thankfulness as I watched Kat dance in our district-wide dance recital today.

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I am linking up with Dawn (another Dawn!) at the Goodlife for 30 Thankful Days.  What are you thankful for?  Feel free to link up and join us or leave your answer here in a comment!

Thankful... Day Two

I went to Sam's Club this morning.  It was one of those "big" trips as it seemed like we were out of everything from necessities to the extras.  Since I had no other commitments this morning, it was an enjoyable trip and I took my time wandering up and down every single aisle as I filled my cart with all the items on my list. (And then some.)

The cart was so full that it was difficult to steer as I approached the check out lanes.  Even more so as I pushed it uphill toward my vehicle at the back of the parking lot. (Can someone please tell me why parking lots are always uphill when you're pushing a heavy cart?)  Loading the items into my vehicle and then into the kitchen at home took an extra long time due to the "haul" and the fact that I had forgotten to take my bags with me. Finally, all was in the house and I closed up the garage and headed back into the kitchen. 

It was at that moment that it hit me.

The almost overwhelming amount of food and... well, stuff.

I don't say that to brag.  It was a humbling moment that turned into gratitude and thankfulness. 

Thankfulness that I live in a country where the bounty is plentiful. Thankfulness that in a tough economy Bud has a job and salary that allows me to purchase all our needs. (And then some.) Thankfulness that I am able to bring them home to a lovely home. Thankfulness that I am able to prepare tasty, healthy meals for Bud, Burrito and Kat.

Indeed, I am blessed... and thankful!

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I am linking up with Dawn (another Dawn!) at the Goodlife for 30 Thankful Days.  What are you thankful for? Feel free to link up and join us or leave your answer here in a comment!

Pineapple Ranch Dip

With the Texas heat (76 days over 100 degrees, y'all!!!), it's hard to get motivated to cook - any recipe that involves heat automatically sounds repulsive. So, I've been trying to be creative about using recipes that involve little to no cooking. (Take out, anyone??)  Salsas and dips become the logical choice for sides.

I don't remember where I found this dip recipe, but it's a favorite.  It seems "summerish" since it has pineapple, but I make it year 'round!

Pineapple Ranch Dip

Ingredients: 

• 16 ounces cream cheese
• 2 green onions chopped up (may be eliminated if you don't like onions)
• 14 ounces of crushed pineapple undrained (100% juice, not in heavy syrup!)
• 1 package Hidden Valley Ranch Dip
• 2 cups of chopped pecans, reserve 1/4 cup for topping

Directions:
Mix all ingredients together and top with remaining 1/4 cup pecans.  Refrigerate for at least a few hours or overnight. Serve with hearty crackers or pita chips.

For more dip ideas, join BooMama for her DipTacular '11 post today!

Cleaning Day

I should be cleaning the house. But it's much more fun to be cleaning up the photos on my hard drive. I mean, who wouldn't rather look at this:

(Fall 2000)

Or this:

(Winter 2000)

Or this:

Or this:

Instead of this:

Or this:

So, what are you doing this fine Monday?

A Follow-Up To My Backyard Friends

Remember this little guy?

Since this is a family blog, I declined to show you the photographic proof of his "maleness" in my previous post.

But, then some of you looked for the proof.

I do have the proof... in case you were wondering.

The End.

My Backyard Friends

This little guy visits my backyard every day.


He's a cute little guy - and yes, it's obvious he is a guy! He gets into everything in the yard including my bird feeder. So, despite the fact that I keep the squirrel feeder well-stocked, I've discovered that he'll leave his feathered friends' food alone if I scatter a little seed on the ground.

Look at those little paws. No wonder he can get into mischief!

The birds aren't afraid of him and sometimes they flutter down from their feeder to help gobble up the seeds on the ground. (See the Cardinal behind the rock?)

Here's a better look...

This bad boy is quite mean to the other birds - he'll even run off my doves that are twice his size. But, he's fun to watch in the birdbath!

And then there's this wild critter...

Max is none too happy to share the yard with the rest of them.

Works For Me Wednesday - Household Chore System

I've mentioned before that I don't mind housekeeping. (Except for laundry.) And, I love lists. I love lists! I think it's the checking things off the lists that thrills me the most.

So, I've been on the lookout for a housekeeping routine that had a calendar or list to keep me motivated and on some type of a schedule. I've tried quite a few including the Fly Lady. That is a good system for some people - it just didn't work for me. The emails did me in by about the third day. I have enough trouble keeping my email read and cleaned out without the nine million she sent me each day, thank you very much!

Last week I found IT. The system that will work for me. I wish I could tell you how I stumbled across the Motivated Moms website... but I don't remember. The system was created by two moms, for moms. Well, that certainly is me!

These motivated ladies have developed a daily calendar that lists daily chores down one side - tasks that are routinely completed every day. Each day's page also has an additional list of tasks to complete - these tasks change each day and are organized so that these chores are completed in a reoccurring manner. For instance, the kitchen floor gets mopped every Thursday. It even includes tasks like changing the filters in the HVAC system. One of the things I like about this system is that there is no guilt (other than my own!) when items aren't completed. If you don't get to something, well.. it comes back around again another day/week/month. No playing catch up. These calendars also include space for your own appointments and notes.

They have several versions available to purchase for the very minimal fee of $8. Once you pay, they email you the file to download to your computer. I purchased the half-size (two days to a page) version. They even have a version that includes daily Scripture readings intended to guide you in reading through the Bible in one year. I've printed the calendar and placed it in a three-ring binder but you could just as easily check it on your computer each day. However, that would eliminate that satisfying feeling of checking the items off the list as you complete them!

And that, ladies, works for me! For more great Works For Me Wednesday ideas, head over to We Are THAT Family.

The Chair: Time to get out of yours!

That's the theme for our weekend. We don't normally select themes for our family weekends but this is a special one! This weekend is Disciple Now for the youth of our church.

What is Disciple Now? It is a weekend where the youth are hosted by families within our church - to get them out of their usual environment. Technology is removed - no cell phones, no iPods, no television, no video games. Beginning Friday evening, they are immersed in worship and Bible study. Saturday afternoon is the heart of the weekend as the students are led in a service project within our community. Some projects are for people within our church family. About half of the projects are performed at homes or organizations not connected to our church. They'll return to the church after dinner for another group worship session, followed by a more personal study time in our home. Sunday, we'll all attend church together.

This year, Bud and I have the privilege to host nine ninth grade boys. Shayne, a returning college student, is also here as their study leader. This afternoon, they are at the home of a single mom to help restore order to her yard as well as to complete some home maintenance projects for her. I'm back at my house getting dinner ready for these man-boys (and, yes, that is an accurate description of them!) who are sure to be starving when they return!

And we do sneak a little "play" into our time. The boys sat around a late-night fire to roast marshmallows and played football in our backyard until almost midnight last night. (I probably owe our neighbors an apology for that!) Tonight, we'll have a build-your-own ice cream sundae party. (Shhh! They don't know about it yet!)

Do you know what I've enjoyed most so far this weekend? Listening to the prayers of ninth grade man-boys who love Jesus!

And from a "mom's" perspective...

I stand in awe as I watch the food I've prepared be devoured in no time flat! Where do they put it?!

And with that, I'm heading back to the kitchen.

It has begun. (And a Give Away!)

Time's up! The winner will be announced later this evening.

I like to get the holidays started as early as possible. And I like to keep them going as long as possible - sometimes 'til the middle of January.

I start listening to the occasional Christmas song sometime around mid-October. It's my inspiration. My all time favorite holiday music is this CD:

And, once I hear the song "Christmas Canon" by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, it's "game on" for me.

Immediately, I get the itch to start filling my freezers with holiday baking. After all, there's nothing worse than standing in the kitchen at midnight, waiting for that last batch of cookies to finish baking in preparation for a holiday event the next day. It's much easier to grab a package out of the freezer, arrange them neatly on a tray and go to bed!

I have to admit, I am a little behind on my baking this year. I still have about half of my planned baking to complete. (Don't even try to make me feel guilty about being behind... I'm good enough at punishing myself with guilt and pressure!)

Did I mention that my Christmas shopping happens year 'round? I like to buy the "perfect gift" as I find it. Usually at a much better price than what last minute shopping produces.

And then there's the decorating. It's starting today in our home. I'll wrap up the inside decorating tomorrow. Bud and I will be scaling ladders and climbing through bushes on Saturday morning to get all the outdoor lights in place. (Well, okay... only Bud will be scaling ladders. I like to keep my feet on the ground.) Don't worry, we don't turn on any lights until Thanksgiving evening.

We also hold off decorating the Christmas tree until the day after Thanksgiving. Not because I have anything against decorating it sooner. But, Bud's mom spends Thanksgiving with us and we like to include her in the festivities. She's the official Master Fluffer of the tree boughs. And she's good at it!

Once the tree is fully fluffed and festooned, we turn on all the lights. Inside and out.

In honor of the beginning of my holiday season, I'm giving away one copy of Martina McBride's "White Christmas" CD***. To win, leave a comment and tell me about your family's favorite Christmas tradition. One entry per person, please. Entries will be accepted through midnight Saturday. The winner will be announced Sunday evening.

(***Martina McBride is not sponsoring this contest. She is not a personal friend of mine. I wish. She doesn't even know I exist.)

"The Project" is FINISHED!

Finally! (No drapes yet in the family room... another project for another time.)

P.S. - Very important company arrives tomorrow at our Bed & Breakfast! Details later...

To our helpful friends...

May I tell you what fabulous friends we have? Yes, we had friends who actually did show up for the dusting party… and then some!

A huge thank you to my dear friend Anita for arriving early yesterday morning, armed and ready to help fight the dust storm that had overtaken our home. She worked tirelessly for hours to clean each and every slat on the numerous sets of plantation blinds we have. From there she moved on to dusting the bathroom, laundry room, shaking out and rehanging drapes. The words “What do you want me to do now?” flowed from her lips more times than I can count. Then, she helped me compile my shopping list of all the felt pads I needed to buy for the furniture that would now be sitting on the new hardwood floors. Ah, it’s so nice to have a companion in list-making!

Then there’s Brenda. Thank you! This sweet friend showed up with coffee both mornings during the demo phase of The Project. She even brought breakfast tacos one morning. I’d like to think it’s because she cares for me and knows how much I love a morning cup of coffee. But, deep down I know she visited those days because she truly loves the demolition. (She needs help!) But, she didn’t stop there! Knowing that our family had survived almost a week with no kitchen, eating cereal bars and fast food for meals, she and her family arrived last night with a home-cooked dinner and insisted on helping us move the heavy furniture back into their proper places. Thank you, too, Barry – I know you didn’t ask to be a part of this remodel!

Ed, you sure picked the right/wrong time to return Bud's lawn edger! We appreciate the fact that you walked in during the moving of the really big pieces and didn't turn around and walk right back out on us. Your extra muscle was a huge help with the wall unit pieces and the china cabinet!

And, last but not least, is my friend and the best next-door neighbor ever, Tammi. She was available, at the expense of her own family and schedule, to come over and babysit the workers when I needed to run out to pick up/drop off/transport the kiddos. Thank you for your willingness to always say "yes" when I need something!

“I always thank my God when I pray for you, (friend), because I (know) about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. Your love has given (us) much joy and comfort, my (friend), for your kindness has often refreshed (our) hearts.” (Philemon 1:4-7 New Living Translation... Dawn's version!)

P.S. – The Completed Project pictures will be posted tomorrow! (Update: Pictures will be posted Sunday... maybe Monday... or Tuesday... we're still cleaning...)

Under Construction!

The demolition was in full swing around here yesterday. This is NOT my favorite part of a project. Ideally, I'd like to make the plans and then not be involved again until the “make it pretty” stage. The in between, messy stage is hard on my orderly/list-making/can-you-turn-that-noise-down personality.

And the dust. Oh, my. You just can’t imagine! It ranges from a light, fine coating in the upstairs rooms (even after keeping doors closed and completely turning off the HVAC system) to actual “piles” of dust on the downstairs door frames, mouldings, and on everything in the kitchen and hall bathroom. As excited as I am about what’s happening here, I must confess that I went to bed last night with that little voice in the back of my head saying, “Have you lost your mind?!” (I hear that a lot.) Well, actually... that’s the gist of what Dad said when he called from Ohio after seeing the pictures I posted yesterday. Apparently, he really liked my old carpet and tile.

Then I woke up this morning, still slightly tired from the work of the last several days but with a renewed vision and the drive to get this project finished! The major work will be finished today (hallelujah!) with just some touch up work and a little paint left for tomorrow. We should be able to move the furniture back in on Thursday.

Progress. Love it!

P.S. - I'm still taking RSVP's for the dusting party. Please? Anyone??

It really was a lovely house...

This is what the house looked like the day we moved in. The landscaping is much more mature now, of course. We’ve enjoyed living here for five years. The house was exactly what we were looking for when we moved to Texas.

I especially love it decorated for the holidays.

But I truly love everything about my home even when it's not decked out for a special occasion.

Well, almost.

We began to notice a few things that could be changed. Just a few, minor things.

So, that's how we got started with "The Project."

Curious? The finished project pictures will be posted in two days. Or, maybe three. You know how projects go.

P.S. - Anyone available for a dusting party on Thursday? Don't know what that is? Stop by and I'll show you!

We might have to move!

Bud and I decided we needed some exercise last night and went for a long walk. After 9:00 PM. In the dark. Scary things come out in the dark.

Okay, so I've bragged about living in Texas and only having seen one live snake. I was in my van at the time. And I ran over it. Three times. Yes, I drove around the block to accomplish that. Hey, you can never be too sure with those slithery things. (I do realize this admission is going to cause me to be a target for all the animal rights activists, despite my deep love for all of God's other creatures.) Apparently, I've bragged about my record one too many times.

So, we're walking along enjoying our time alone together. Suddenly, a "stick" on the sidewalk began to wiggle. Writhe. Slither. Did I mention this was within feet of my feet?? As it made its way into the grass of a nearby lawn and disappeared, it occurred to me how many times I've walked barefoot on my lawn. Oh, sure. I was careful. I'm always on the lookout for these sneaky snakes. But if this one could be unseen in this lawn, how many were camouflaged in my lawn? I can't even begin to describe the shiver that exploded at the base of my spine and ran like an electrical current to the top of my skull. My scalp still tingles when I think about it.

By the way, if my Prince Charming tries to tell you this snake was less than a foot in length - he's lying.