Friday -
Speech and Produce Co-op this a.m. Krista pulled out the tea and brewed a few pots of tea near the end of pick up. It was fun to sit around and chat and relax for a bit with the ladies that were still here. See...Dorothy...I listened.
Bre has no cavities! That's always good news.
Arielle spent most of the day with a friend - always fun for her.
Jamin, Jared, Krista and I searched out a post office and mailed a package to Mike and 7 missing Algebra tests to NARS. I was sad that the little station we'd discovered in NOV. is closing. I really don't like using the post office.....must look for another little station.
I called Greyhound and was told that the route from TX to Denver is "delayed" and that the Denver station is closed. The girls do NOT want to have to spend a night at the Denver bus station. They witnessed arrests, pick pockets and more at that station. They also do not want to spend a night at the Amarillo station. {g} It appears that it will be fairly simple for us to change their tickets if the storm continues. They are scheduled to leave Sunday but we may have them leave on Monday. I'll have to figure out a good source for tracking this. Master's is fine with them arriving home late...better to spend an extra day HERE than in a bus station. We'll see what develops.
I changed our dinner plan a bit and we had Kelly's Cream of Chicken Rice Soup for dinner. Kelly - it wasn't very WW friendly when I finished with it - I added lots of cheese. LOL I also added broccoli and cauliflower so I think that cancels out the cheese calories. ::snort:: Jodi, I made your garlic pull apart rolls to go with the soup. It's been a RAINY day here - perfect opportunity to use up some veggies.
Games (Imagine Iff, Dominoes) and movies (12 Dog Christmas and Poirot's Christmas) filled our evening. I can't get photos to load again tonight; those posts will have to wait.
Friday, December 29, 2006
*Out of the Frying Pan and into the Choir* by Sharon Kahn is the latest in "Ruby, the Rabbi's Wife mystery" series. Other titles in this series are: Fax Me a Bagel, Don't Cry for Me Hot Pastrami, Never Nosh a Matzo Ball, Hold the Cream Cheese, Kill the Lox, and Which Big Giver Stole the Chopped Liver?.
I began reading this series shortly after the first book was released in 1998. I was drawn to the series for the behind the scenes look into a Temple community, the use of email messages to develop the plot line was fairly new at the time, and Ruby was likable to me.
In *Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Choir*, trouble is brewing in Temple Rita. Temple Rita's star soprano, Serena Salit, collapses during a choir preformance. Ruby discovers surprising secrets about Serena and Temple Rita. Essie Sue insists the choir continue their planned trip to Lake Louise, Canada regardless of the murder. Everyone in the choir is considered a suspect. Mayhem and danger follow before the choir arrives back home in Eternal, TX.
I began reading this series shortly after the first book was released in 1998. I was drawn to the series for the behind the scenes look into a Temple community, the use of email messages to develop the plot line was fairly new at the time, and Ruby was likable to me.
In *Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Choir*, trouble is brewing in Temple Rita. Temple Rita's star soprano, Serena Salit, collapses during a choir preformance. Ruby discovers surprising secrets about Serena and Temple Rita. Essie Sue insists the choir continue their planned trip to Lake Louise, Canada regardless of the murder. Everyone in the choir is considered a suspect. Mayhem and danger follow before the choir arrives back home in Eternal, TX.
"David Danced Right Out of His Clothes" - and so did Zander.
During the clean-up, Cy always puts "his" music on. Tonight it was Toby Mac. I bathed Stacia. She broke free and ran into the living room. I caught her as she was dancing. I got her diapered. The rest of the littles were not to be outdone. They began dancing. I love this time of the day. They love to dance to Mike playing the piano too - but this is wilder. Stacia is a hoot - she gets feet, head, waist - everything into dancing. Cy bought her one of those play microphones you can get at the dollar store. She played with it and threw it....then Zander got it.
Imagine our shock when Zander threw the microphone down and began to rip his shirt off. We were laughing so hard we couldn't stand up...but then he pulled his shorts off too. The boys were dying and I said, "Hey, David danced in his underwear before God".....There really is a song that we learned during our time in the gospel service that talks about dancing like David did and says he "danced right outta his clothes". After watching Zander tonight - I have a very vivid picture of how David *may* have played wholeheartedly before the Lord and danced right out of those clothes and kept right on enjoying his dance.
Nothing big and theological here - though I COULD go there....I have been fascinated with that passage of Scripture since teaching in 2 or 3 years ago. LOL I do believe that God wants us to PLAY and ENJOY our times with Him more than we do. . . but I said I wasn't going to go there - and I won't. Anyway, I was having too much fun with the children to grab the camera. Krista got it on video on her camera. I'll have to figure out how to save that for Mike to see. ::snort::
During the clean-up, Cy always puts "his" music on. Tonight it was Toby Mac. I bathed Stacia. She broke free and ran into the living room. I caught her as she was dancing. I got her diapered. The rest of the littles were not to be outdone. They began dancing. I love this time of the day. They love to dance to Mike playing the piano too - but this is wilder. Stacia is a hoot - she gets feet, head, waist - everything into dancing. Cy bought her one of those play microphones you can get at the dollar store. She played with it and threw it....then Zander got it.
Imagine our shock when Zander threw the microphone down and began to rip his shirt off. We were laughing so hard we couldn't stand up...but then he pulled his shorts off too. The boys were dying and I said, "Hey, David danced in his underwear before God".....There really is a song that we learned during our time in the gospel service that talks about dancing like David did and says he "danced right outta his clothes". After watching Zander tonight - I have a very vivid picture of how David *may* have played wholeheartedly before the Lord and danced right out of those clothes and kept right on enjoying his dance.
Nothing big and theological here - though I COULD go there....I have been fascinated with that passage of Scripture since teaching in 2 or 3 years ago. LOL I do believe that God wants us to PLAY and ENJOY our times with Him more than we do. . . but I said I wasn't going to go there - and I won't. Anyway, I was having too much fun with the children to grab the camera. Krista got it on video on her camera. I'll have to figure out how to save that for Mike to see. ::snort::
Thursday, December 28, 2006
TEA TREE OILS ETC
Since several asked...and my friend Heather posted this on her blog today....here you go....
From Heather's blog: First of all I am really loving the essential oils. I never knew how many wonderful uses they had. Our favorite two oils are Tea Tree and Lemon. Tea tree oil is not only a disinfectant, but has anti-fungal properties as well. It can be used on Acne, sinus congestion, skin irritations, athletes foot, as well as a multi-purpose cleaner. Lemon oil also has disinfectant qualities and smells terrific when using it for cleaning. I recommend going to www.teatreeoiluses.com or www.naturesgift.com for more information. Also, by clicking on the TITLE to this post (Healthy Home), you will be directed to a website that has many natural recipes for cleaners and other non-toxic remedies for household problems and maintenance.Here are just 2 of my favorite homemade cleaning solutions.
Disinfectant spray:In a clean spray bottle, combine 4 oz distilled water; 15 drops lemon essential oil; 3 drops tea tree oil. Shake well. This is primarily what I use instead of Lysol.
Window Cleaner:Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and distilled water with 1/4 tsp natural dish soap (like Ecover) Shake well & use as you would windex.
Since several asked...and my friend Heather posted this on her blog today....here you go....
From Heather's blog: First of all I am really loving the essential oils. I never knew how many wonderful uses they had. Our favorite two oils are Tea Tree and Lemon. Tea tree oil is not only a disinfectant, but has anti-fungal properties as well. It can be used on Acne, sinus congestion, skin irritations, athletes foot, as well as a multi-purpose cleaner. Lemon oil also has disinfectant qualities and smells terrific when using it for cleaning. I recommend going to www.teatreeoiluses.com or www.naturesgift.com for more information. Also, by clicking on the TITLE to this post (Healthy Home), you will be directed to a website that has many natural recipes for cleaners and other non-toxic remedies for household problems and maintenance.Here are just 2 of my favorite homemade cleaning solutions.
Disinfectant spray:In a clean spray bottle, combine 4 oz distilled water; 15 drops lemon essential oil; 3 drops tea tree oil. Shake well. This is primarily what I use instead of Lysol.
Window Cleaner:Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and distilled water with 1/4 tsp natural dish soap (like Ecover) Shake well & use as you would windex.
We have a plan!!!
Do you remember the society matron mouse in "American Tale"? She stands up and announces, "We have a plan" in her NY accent and then life moves on (or at least the movie). This line has become my personal line. My family tease me with it and I make fun of myself with it. I MUST have planning sessions and I end them all by saying in my best imitation "We have a PLAN - e pluribus unum".
A very dear local friend has hinted that I'm "anal" about being on time. We've talked about it and this has stemmed from leadership roles. A leader can't be showing up late...and since I've been in leadership roles for the past 20+ years....I've learned to make myself be on time.
This goes along with what I'm about to confess. :::drum roll::: I cannot be on time without a WORKING PLAN. I live for plans. I drive my family crazy with my obsession with "the plan". It's sad. I've worked on this. I need to know what we are doing. I can't relax without a plan. I think being on time is hard for me and I've learned that a plan is essential for me to be on time....LOL Or maybe I've always been psychotic - Mom could comment on that.
Regardless, I'm always asking the family for "the plan". I woke up last night at 4 a.m. and realized that I had NO PLAN for what we were doing with the girls' visit. It makes no difference that we are 1/2 way through the visit...I need a plan. We may forget something important without a plan. Mike tends to be a late riser, he is content to take the day as it comes. I feel like the day is 1/2 - 2/3 gone by the time we DISCUSS what we're going to do with it. I've learned to be a bit more laid back...and my family has learned that they need to give me a plan. Which they do with much eye rolling and good natured teasing. Often Mike will tell me Friday night, "We're going to sleep in tomorrow until we wake up, we're going to laze around until lunch and then we'll go geocaching." AND I'm content with a plan. LOL
Mike called today when we were in the middle of our "planning session". He added his .02 to my plan mania. LOL One of the girls laughed at me when I said "we need a plan". They know me so well. Our plan can be as simple as "today we are going to stay home and do nothing"....I only need to know that we PLAN to relax...and then I can. Without that, I'll worry that we aren't doing something we should be doing. ::snort::
How does this gel with the persona of a person who "jumps into things?" Well - I am quickly able to switch plans...but I must have a plan. I can't move without a plan.
Our plan:
Today - Krista took the boys out for a treat - her Christmas gift to them. I called Don and got the computers working - the upgrade to IE7 had done BAD THINGS to my computer because they were clashing with Fire Fox. Bre will watch the littles and the rest of us will go see the Nativity. We'll play games and such tonight. I need to also check about cashing checks....I don't want to use my credit card again for a month. We pay it off monthly but I don't need the airline miles and I need to figure out what they are doing with limits and charges etc.
Tomorrow we have speech and produce co-op. We'll spend the afternoon playing games, visiting, maybe caching if it is nice.....and packing the girls up.
Saturday - we'll do any shopping I need to do for the girls before they leave, and get a package off to Mike.
Sunday - The girls have to be at the station by 11:00 and leave at noon.
"We have a plan.....and I can rest." ::snort::
Do you remember the society matron mouse in "American Tale"? She stands up and announces, "We have a plan" in her NY accent and then life moves on (or at least the movie). This line has become my personal line. My family tease me with it and I make fun of myself with it. I MUST have planning sessions and I end them all by saying in my best imitation "We have a PLAN - e pluribus unum".
A very dear local friend has hinted that I'm "anal" about being on time. We've talked about it and this has stemmed from leadership roles. A leader can't be showing up late...and since I've been in leadership roles for the past 20+ years....I've learned to make myself be on time.
This goes along with what I'm about to confess. :::drum roll::: I cannot be on time without a WORKING PLAN. I live for plans. I drive my family crazy with my obsession with "the plan". It's sad. I've worked on this. I need to know what we are doing. I can't relax without a plan. I think being on time is hard for me and I've learned that a plan is essential for me to be on time....LOL Or maybe I've always been psychotic - Mom could comment on that.
Regardless, I'm always asking the family for "the plan". I woke up last night at 4 a.m. and realized that I had NO PLAN for what we were doing with the girls' visit. It makes no difference that we are 1/2 way through the visit...I need a plan. We may forget something important without a plan. Mike tends to be a late riser, he is content to take the day as it comes. I feel like the day is 1/2 - 2/3 gone by the time we DISCUSS what we're going to do with it. I've learned to be a bit more laid back...and my family has learned that they need to give me a plan. Which they do with much eye rolling and good natured teasing. Often Mike will tell me Friday night, "We're going to sleep in tomorrow until we wake up, we're going to laze around until lunch and then we'll go geocaching." AND I'm content with a plan. LOL
Mike called today when we were in the middle of our "planning session". He added his .02 to my plan mania. LOL One of the girls laughed at me when I said "we need a plan". They know me so well. Our plan can be as simple as "today we are going to stay home and do nothing"....I only need to know that we PLAN to relax...and then I can. Without that, I'll worry that we aren't doing something we should be doing. ::snort::
How does this gel with the persona of a person who "jumps into things?" Well - I am quickly able to switch plans...but I must have a plan. I can't move without a plan.
Our plan:
Today - Krista took the boys out for a treat - her Christmas gift to them. I called Don and got the computers working - the upgrade to IE7 had done BAD THINGS to my computer because they were clashing with Fire Fox. Bre will watch the littles and the rest of us will go see the Nativity. We'll play games and such tonight. I need to also check about cashing checks....I don't want to use my credit card again for a month. We pay it off monthly but I don't need the airline miles and I need to figure out what they are doing with limits and charges etc.
Tomorrow we have speech and produce co-op. We'll spend the afternoon playing games, visiting, maybe caching if it is nice.....and packing the girls up.
Saturday - we'll do any shopping I need to do for the girls before they leave, and get a package off to Mike.
Sunday - The girls have to be at the station by 11:00 and leave at noon.
"We have a plan.....and I can rest." ::snort::
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
BLOGGER QUESTION
What has been the best way you have found to get answers from blogger. My edit page STILL doesn't have the "add element" button to click. I have to mess with the template to make changes. I AM signed in on blogger. I dont' even remember the old sign in info. ::snort:: I can GET to the add element page...but I don't have any buttons to easily do this any longer....I have surfed the "blogger buz" and I'm not finding an answer. Is it a sign that I should quit blogging? Begin a new blog...what....I even changed templates and it didn't help.
I'm basically computer illiterate...I'm open to ideas....step by step ideas. LOL
What has been the best way you have found to get answers from blogger. My edit page STILL doesn't have the "add element" button to click. I have to mess with the template to make changes. I AM signed in on blogger. I dont' even remember the old sign in info. ::snort:: I can GET to the add element page...but I don't have any buttons to easily do this any longer....I have surfed the "blogger buz" and I'm not finding an answer. Is it a sign that I should quit blogging? Begin a new blog...what....I even changed templates and it didn't help.
I'm basically computer illiterate...I'm open to ideas....step by step ideas. LOL
WEDNESDAY
Our day began bright and early with an eye appointment for Bre. She no longer is on our military insurance. Ouch. We got her a year's worth of contacts.
We came home for a bit. Krista had figured out how to load CD's to the ipod, but only one computer is now working well. She was busy with that job.
Josiah didn't feel well, but had to work. He worked a full day.
BreAnne and Krista went for new haircuts. I enjoy them visiting with my young (18yo) hair stylist. They talked with her about their life, vision, Master's Commission...totally new views of life for her....and I think she enjoys it as well because she hugged them goodbye.
We met Tricia and family and Adrienne and family at our city's newest park. Fun. Zander chased down an 11 year old who stole their light saber. Zander has bully tendencies...but it was nice to see him use that spunk to defend others today.
We came home to more visiting. The girls had stayed home to work on course work....Cy was home and asking about ways to clear his sinus'. I had just the thing...tea tree oil. I got it all out....managing to drop and break the bottle so the whole house now has clear sinus'....there was just enough left in the bottle to set Cy up....he reports that it worked well.....I'm going to be ordering some more oils from herbco....Heather, let me know if you want me to order anything else for you. I'll get you a bottle of tea tree oil as I know you gave me YOURS. Wow...does my whole tile floor smell like tea tree oil. I wonder how long it will last???? LOL
We are getting lots of phone calls from students, friends and Master's Staff...it's fun to see how well adjusted our little homeschooled unsocialized "misfits" are. ::snort::
I managed to make sweet potato fries, fries (LOVING that french fry slicer LOL), stroganoff, salad and fruit for dinner. . .between the phone calls and exploding tea tree oil bottles.
We are going to end the night by playing Lord of the Rings Trivia DVD game....Bre is taking pity on my sharing how I feel so outnumbered around here most days...there are lots of boys here...and I love them dearly but I miss the nicey nice things...she just came to tell me that she has a pot of tea ready...think I'll grab a cuppa and watch the children play.
Hope you all are having as wonderful breaks as we are. If only the photos would load!!!
Our day began bright and early with an eye appointment for Bre. She no longer is on our military insurance. Ouch. We got her a year's worth of contacts.
We came home for a bit. Krista had figured out how to load CD's to the ipod, but only one computer is now working well. She was busy with that job.
Josiah didn't feel well, but had to work. He worked a full day.
BreAnne and Krista went for new haircuts. I enjoy them visiting with my young (18yo) hair stylist. They talked with her about their life, vision, Master's Commission...totally new views of life for her....and I think she enjoys it as well because she hugged them goodbye.
We met Tricia and family and Adrienne and family at our city's newest park. Fun. Zander chased down an 11 year old who stole their light saber. Zander has bully tendencies...but it was nice to see him use that spunk to defend others today.
We came home to more visiting. The girls had stayed home to work on course work....Cy was home and asking about ways to clear his sinus'. I had just the thing...tea tree oil. I got it all out....managing to drop and break the bottle so the whole house now has clear sinus'....there was just enough left in the bottle to set Cy up....he reports that it worked well.....I'm going to be ordering some more oils from herbco....Heather, let me know if you want me to order anything else for you. I'll get you a bottle of tea tree oil as I know you gave me YOURS. Wow...does my whole tile floor smell like tea tree oil. I wonder how long it will last???? LOL
We are getting lots of phone calls from students, friends and Master's Staff...it's fun to see how well adjusted our little homeschooled unsocialized "misfits" are. ::snort::
I managed to make sweet potato fries, fries (LOVING that french fry slicer LOL), stroganoff, salad and fruit for dinner. . .between the phone calls and exploding tea tree oil bottles.
We are going to end the night by playing Lord of the Rings Trivia DVD game....Bre is taking pity on my sharing how I feel so outnumbered around here most days...there are lots of boys here...and I love them dearly but I miss the nicey nice things...she just came to tell me that she has a pot of tea ready...think I'll grab a cuppa and watch the children play.
Hope you all are having as wonderful breaks as we are. If only the photos would load!!!
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