Tuesday

The computer is dead! It is apparently NOT the hard drive but the CPU. I'm not sure what I do from here. I'm being told that any CPU over 3 years old that goes out should be replaced. THIS is one of our NEW computers. MY computer - the one that died is 3 - 4 times that age. I'll figure it out later.

We began our study on the book of Ruth tonight. I think this is going to be a fun study. I'm always amazed to hear the different ideas and impressions that we all bring to the table. For instance I thought Ruth was a loyal friend and someone else mentioned she was a follower....I thought Naomi was broken and someone else was struck with the idea that she was a schemer. It will be fun to see how ideas develop as the study progresses. As always it was difficult for me not to "spill the beans" about some of the fun discoveries in store for us - but that would rob the ladies of their own "a-ha" moments.

Oy vey! I've been training my girls wrong all these years. I've painstakingly taught them not to settle for anything less than a true gentlemen, like their Dad. I've told them to let the men pursue them. I was struck tonight with the fact that RUTH pursued Boaz. She proposed marriage to that man. I think I got this wrong. Maybe I should have been teaching them to "get a guy in your sites and MAKE IT HAPPEN!" ::snort:: OK - we had better applications than THAT one, but this is the one that has me chuckling. Giggling is good.

The van is still full of boxes. I really need to make it to the recycling center before we all have to go somewhere at the same time. ::snort::

I've been debating about joining Weight Watchers. Debbie, one of the dietitians on base, has emailed with me about this. I'm still not sure what I'll do. She is willing for me to continue on with her. I really "know it all" - don't we ALL????? ::snort:: I'm needing some sort of support system to continue eating because frankly....I'd rather quit counting calories and quit trying to eat 1200 a day. I'd rather eat what I want and who really cares if it is 600 or 800 calories? I was glad that Debbie said "for me" she thinks I should go ahead and count calories for all those "free veggies" they give everyone. That will add another 100 calories or so a day. ::snort::

That's about it for exciting news.

Monday

School - still attempting two weeks per week.

Josiah had a day off! Wow - this is rare.

I let Zander play his new play station game....strange how quiet the house was all day.

Steve is coming out tomorrow to see if he can fix the newly crashed computer. He will also remove the hard drive from the first one so I can send it out to Don - he's got the magic touch.

Made a run to recycle cardboard...my van was FULL of boxes.....but they were closed today. We'll try again tomorrow. At least I am sure of where it is located now.

Worked on Ruth.

Talked with BreAnne and Mom.

The older 3 loved the dinner. I'll have to post a recipe before I forget how I changed it. Yes...the blog is my mind these days. I can always access it somewhere, somehow...but I've learned anything saved on a hard drive is susceptible to loss. ::snort::

This Week's Menu

Getting back into the swing of normal family life.... I simply do much better if I write out the game plan. ::snort:: This will also be posted in the side bar so that I can easily find it during the week (unless this last standing computer crashes).

Dinners
Monday - Beef Cacciatore (has veggies), salad, fruit plate, mac & cheese, bread

Tuesday - Encore presentation (Bible Study night)

Wednesday - Lentil & Rice Casserole, roasted veggies (cauliflower, carrots, onions), tortillas, salad, fruit plate

Thursday - Manicotti (cheese, spinach, turkey), salad, fruit, garlic pull aparts or crusty french bread

Friday - Pizza Night (Cheese, BBQ veggie, "Hawaiian")

Saturday - Turkey Stroganoff

Sunday - Dine Out

Lunches
Salads and fruit
Sandwiches
Left Overs (the lentil & rice can be thrown in a tortilla with cheese and eaten like a burrito- popular around here)

Breakfasts - smoothies and fruit with each breakfast
MAKE GRANOLA
Oatmeal
Pancakes
Dutch Babies
Waffles
Biscuits and "sausage" gravy
Breakfast Burritos

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST!

It looks like another computer has bitten the dust. That leaves one in four in working condition. Of course, it's the one I've done all my work on since the other one crashed...and of course I've not backed up any pictures since Mike left 5 months ago. ARGH.

It won't come on at ALL. It simply shows a black screen with a flashing cursor at top....and the tower makes a clicking sound.....

I really, really don't want to call The Geek Squad.....

With the approach of Valentine's Day....

*NOW a blurb from BreAnne's blog.....

With the approach of Valentine's Day (or "Singles Awareness Day" as I've heard it termed lol), I have noticed a trend among my single (by single I mean not dating or courting: ) friends to hate Feb 14th. hhhhmmmm.... I understand that Valentine's day brings an acute awareness and pressure of having "romance" in one's life and that it can feel depressing when it just isn't. I've been there....I used to sigh every time I walked through the stores at this time of the year and say to myself "someday" and then when I was getting closer to marrying age I'd say "maybe next year."LOL But I haven't really felt that way this year. Maybe 'cause I've realized that I am in love (shock....don't worry I'm talking about Jesus here; )

I think the idea that Valentine's Day is only for those who are "paired up" with some one is not necessary. As Christian singles, we do not have to be depressed about not having "some one." In fact single hood is a very special season in our lives where it's just God and us. Last Sept, God sweetly told me that He wanted to spend at least one more year just Him and me...before we let anyone else in on my romance life. How precious it is to know that God wants to spend quality alone time with just Him and me for a while!"

You did not choose Me, but I chose you..." (John 15:16) This verse really jumped out at me a couple of years ago when I was caught up in being frustrated that I seemed to always be the one "crushing" and no one ever "liked" me....God showed me through this verse that He chose me! I didn't start this relationship...He had a "crush" (if you will:) on me first...He pursued me. What a revelation that was!"...

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." (Jeremiah 31:3) Honestly! Can ya get any more romantic than that?

"For your Maker is your husband- the Lord Almighty is His name- the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth." (Is 54:5)

"...as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you." (Is 62:5)

The book of Song of Songs is said to be an analogy of the relationship between us and God: "My lover spoke and said to me, "Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me." (Song of Songs 2:10)

Really- the Bible is full of romantic phrasings and analogies. Slight bunny trail: It is a misconception in our culture that God wrote the Bible focusing primarily on the men. God is the One who gave women romantic hearts. He did this not only so we could connect with our husbands, but first and foremost so that we'd have a special, intimate way of connecting with Him. So throughout the Bible you can find many passages where He is speaking to the woman's romantic heart. When I realized this I thought that maybe God had "ripped off" the guys...but then there are also a lot of battle stories in the Bible as well (probably to speak to their hearts and to keep things fair ya know; )

The way I see it... God is asking everyone (but esp. the singles): Will you be MY Valentine? Will you be MY sweetheart?

So perk up and take advantage of the time you have with just you and the Lord. One very special practice I was introduced to last year is that of going out on "dates" with Jesus. I've gone on several and they were all very meaningful times with just me and Jesus....sometimes we go to a coffee shop and sometimes we drive out of town a little to a safe spot where we can marvel at His creation....It's just one idea....

These are just some of my thoughts regarding Valentine's Day....I think that it is not just for the couples...it can be a very special time to remember how in love we are with Jesus and vice versa.

BreAnne - 21 yo

The Preplexing Nature of being a Mom to a Family of Raging Young Men when Dad is Gone for Months on End.....

I've felt overwhelmed the last few days. I'm not sure why....I think I feel like all the plates being juggled are sure to crash soon...and even that one week of extension on our separation feels like a long time. I've been thinking a lot about God's sovereignty and surrender the past few days. I know many of you think I'm "strong" and some sort of Super Mom but I tell you I am FAR from strong. Any strength you see is God's grace...and that's a fact. I need to carve out some extended time away with God...but I don't see that happening until Mike is home. I've been dreaming of that weekend that Mike sent me away to play.... So what has me perplexed and questioning my parenting on the fly ability?????

The boys are sure wedgies are kosher. God help me, I've thought about this and I can't find a verse to help me. I'm a MOM and I don't understand the young men raging around me. Wedgies???? Arielle and I are stunned. This wedgie thing is never directed at us...but it seems to have stemmed from Dilbert and to be hilariously funny to some of the male members of this household. This is not something girls did to each other in the dorm in high school! My brothers certainly never attempted such with me (who knows what they did to each other!). ::snort:: So...is this normal?

I'm wondering if this is sort of a "boys dorm" mentality....and that you reach a certain level of males in one spot and they combust....and wedgies happen.....What do I know? I'm stumped. I'm pretty sure they are great, well-adjusted young men....sweet and caring, gentlemanly and kind to a fault...but what's with the WEDGIES? Is this something I'm meant to understand?

Mike finally convinced me a bit of towel snapping was o.k. but this is a new one. I can't believe that I've been brought to the point of uttering such wise words as, "No ONE gives ANYONE a wedgie in this house until your FATHER says it is o.k. to give wedgies." It's got to be some sort of low in my wise mothering career. ::snort:: I saw them struggling not to laugh as the words came OUT OF MY MOUTH and I ended their struggle by laughing myself. There are five young men in my home planning how best to plead their case with Mike the next time he calls. All sides of the issue will be represented.

As if the children going nuts isn't enough, the DOG is also testing all boundaries. We love this dog. However, this dog has NEVER been allowed in MIKE'S ROOM (which is also my room LOL) or in the kitchen. She sits at the entry of the kitchen and edges her nose over...she's been doing this for a month or so. NOW she is actually walking into my room with her head turned the other way..."out", I say and she mournfully stares at me....

Hmmm.....as I conclude this I think I better explain that raging is a term we use that means "tearing around with great fun and jubilation" not anger type rage..... And I'm also thinking maybe some boys are missing wrestling matches with Mike....but I am NOT even going to attempt to fill THAT space....some of these boys of mine are a full foot taller than I....though I've got them all beat in sheer weight! ::snort::

Catching Up....

Observant blog readers have noticed that I've not really said anything since Thursday.....::snort:: But I can fill up space saying nothing with the best of them, can't I?

Friday - HECTIC is the only word to describe Friday a.m.'s. I'm enjoying my class at the Health and Wellness Center, but it does take away from the fun of having lots of folks in the house in the a.m. I miss putting the kettle on with the stragglers.....ah well....

After class Jared and all the rest down to Stacia and I went and picked up a balloon bouquet and took it to the mall. We delivered it to Chick Fil A. Yes, we agreed not to celebrate birthdays until Mike got home, but 18 is a big one and we simply couldn't let the day go without some sort of recognition.

Saturday - The older boys had a birthday party to attend. It involved paint ball, pizza, Risk and such....I had the little ones at home. We relaxed.

I spent the a.m. creating a new food/exercise log that reflects what I'm currently doing. I think I'm happy with it. Right across the top I wrote my new motto "1200 calories is NOT gluttony". I also filled out two more FAFSA forms.

Sunday - Church. Zander's birthday. We hadn't planned to do gifts...but he kept mentioning today was "his Christmas" and I thought it would be good to get him some sort of gift. I don't think he fully understood what he was agreeing to when he said he'd wait for Mike to be home for his birthday. I think he meant Dad would be HOME. He actually talked to both Mike and Krista today - that's a good day on the phone for him. I gave in to his sensory issues since it IS his birthday and let him wear sweat pants to church. I did ask him to turn his shirt the right way and promised he could turn it inside out again when we got home. ::snort::