Love Country Living

Me and my Sis

2012-01-24T19:18:00.002-05:00

Sissy told me about Just Energy Texas Electricity Provider when I moved here which was good because I was just totally overwhelmed trying to get this house in order. I love a clean home but since this place was brand new it was already clean – but it was too white! I had to paint some stuff to make it pop and I had to go out and buy a lot of fabric to make curtains and fix everything up. I don’t know why but this place just has no character which drives me crazy – I feel like I need to work really hard to get it colorful and cheery like I’m used to. There’s something to be said for making a space your own and that’s what I’m slowly working on doing. I think it’s only fair that I’m allowed to do to the house what I want.

What people say about me

2011-12-21T12:32:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure about all this but...here it is...In my "Rural Lite" class, this is what they say about me.

There is no way

2011-12-08T11:59:00.000-05:00

that I can do it all!

Felt and a little elf costume got me to thinking. Thinking about some adorable little things to make and maybe even sell. But there is no time. No time at all. What to do?! Start now! If I start now, I will (maybe) ready for next year. Would that just be awesome if I were actually ready for next year?! Yeah!

Ok - here is what I'm thinking...
My youngest son loves crafts. He wants to learn everything that I know how to do. Knit, crochet, sew, stitch, glue or whatever else there is to do with crafts. By the way - I don't glue very much at all.
So...I found these links and I am gathering my things and getting ready for next year and here they are...
Felt -o-rama
Felt Mitten and Ice Skate Ornament
Peppermint Swirl Ornament
Felt Christmas Ornaments
Christmas Owl Ornament
Felt Christmas Ornament
Wintertime Felt Ornaments
Embroidered Felt Ornament
Peppermint Candy Stars
Cute Elf Shoes
Partridge Ornament
15 Felt Ornaments to make
Ginger Bread family and a Guinea Pig
Felt Birdcage Ornament
Felt Ice Skates
Jingle Mouse Ornament
Peppermint Bark
Candy Cane Mice
Make a Snow Globe

I think you may have an idea now as to why I can't do it all.

Lazy me

2011-12-07T14:59:00.001-05:00

I know somebody somewhere thinks I sit around watching soap operas all day and that I never get anything done. Well you know what? They are wrong. Some days I never get anything done but it isn't because I sit around watching soap operas. So...here is a little bit of what I do...
These things are not in order of how they were done. Sometimes in a world of chaos, we just take things as they come, order or no order.

We moved a chicken house.

I crocheted a few (at least 75) flowers for a wonderful person.

We found a corn snake and put him in a safer place.

I finally learned how to make a "tooth brush" rug.

I found a sunbeam in my yard.

We hiked 3.2 miles and swung on a vine.

We saw a Fox Squirrel on a post.

The dog even helped roll the kids around in the barrel.

We rolled our kids around in a barrel.

We stuffed a kid in a barrel.

Almost 50 pounds of sweet potatoes.

Me and the boys dug some sweet potatoes.

The SWAT bus I drove in the memorial day parade.


I bought the piece to fix the toilet. I was going to fix it but	my husband beat me to it.

The tiny screen from the cold water for the washing machine.

This is what came out of the screen.

This is what it should look like. No sediments clogging it up.

I fixed the washing machine while Superman was out of town. This was to fix the agitator.

Elf Yourself

2011-12-01T19:25:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is our Christmas party at church and...they want us in costume "if possible".
"If possible"? Well of course it's possible. I just had to think and think and think some more...Until, I finally found this website

and here is what I did...How to make an elf or Peter Pan costume

and here is a picture of me wearing it. Ok - I look like the elf that ate one too many cookies.

Sometimes I am a Dingbat

2011-11-19T14:49:00.000-05:00

According to Urban Dictionary a Dingbat is...
A weird thing, person or situation, a person considered stupid or foolish.
A set of fonts showing pictures instead of letters.
Someone who attempts to provide a definition of the word "Dingbat" and misspells the word "retarded" in his or her definition.
A term used to describe a person (often a woman) who does not think before acting and most times acts on pure impulse.
Yes there are a few others there too, but...we need to recognize other websites.

According to Wikipedia a Dingbat is...
An ornament, character or spacer used in typesetting, sometimes more formally known as a "printer's ornament" or "printer's character".

And, last but not least...
Merriam Webster says that a Dingbat is...
a typographical symbol or ornament (as *, ¶, or X) nitwit or kook

I drove all the way to Gainesville today to buy Almond milk. Not just any Almond milk. It had to be Silk Almond Milk (unsweetened). I choose Gainesville because I needed some Whey Protein too. So...I gather up my money and my coupons. Get it - coupons. I bet you have guessed it by now. LOL I stopped at the first Publix along the way and discovered that they did NOT have what I needed or wanted. Grrr....now I have to drive more into the city. Did I say Grrr....! So through traffic. Ok, not just traffic, it was Gator game day traffic. Yeah! I check out happily with my Unsweetened Silk Almond milk and head home. Secretly there is a half gallon of Publix Pumpkin Pie ice cream in the cooler too. Shhh.... I finally get home and empty my pockets and find....Yes, Dingbat me, finds the coupons for the milk in my pocket. Have I said Grrrr....yet?!

I think my "best friend", Webster, figured me out again!

Simpler

2011-10-31T10:37:00.000-05:00

Odd looking word. Simpler - just came to me today when I was trying to explain what my blog is about. I tried to sum up the blog in, well, should I say one word. I guess I did it. Anyway...

simplercomparative of sim·ple (Adjective)

Adjective:

Easily understood or done; presenting no difficulty.
Plain, basic, or uncomplicated in form, nature, or design; without much decoration or ornamentation

I think I did it.

Halloween

2011-10-28T11:23:00.001-05:00

Do you celebrate Halloween? As a kid growing up, we dressed up and went door to door and called it "Trick or Treating". We never, ever did any tricking. Hmmm....must not of been allowed. As I grew older, I "Trick or Treated" a lot less. Now that I have kids, I certainly have mixed emotions about "Trick or Treating".

How about this...

Do you celebrate Fall Harvest? Our church does have a Fall Harvest and it is just that. We celebrate, Jesus and fellowship and the harvesting for preparation of the approaching winter.

Regardless of what you call it, there is a history behind it all.

Here is something taken from History.com...

"Halloween has long been a favorite holiday, a day for trick-or-treating, parties, costumes and candy. Where did these Halloween traditions come from, and what was their original purpose? The one-hour documentary The Real Story of Halloween uncovers the true history of the holiday, from its sacred roots to today's secular celebrations of hidden identity and marvelous masquerade. The special explores Halloween's origins, tracing it back to the Samhain festivals of the ancient Celts, when communities would gather around November 1 to mark the end of summer. This was also the time of year when the spirits of those who had died were thought to return to visit their homes. As a result, ghosts and fairies became associated with these observances, including the Roman festivals of Feralia."

Whatever you call it or however you celebrate it, remember to keep it safe for everyone!

Monday is over

2011-10-18T17:38:00.003-05:00

I am so extremely GLAD that Monday is over. So today...I'm having a Tuesday. Kinda makes ya wonder what having a Wednesday is like. Guess I'll find out tomorrow.

Yesterday was "Meatless Monday" and today I tried something really out there. I gotta ask...Am I turning into a hippy? A few of my friends are starting to call me that.

Today I tried "cauliflower rice". Yes, you silly thing, you read it right. One (1) cup of rice is 170 calories and one (1) cup of cauliflower is only......drum roll.....30 calories. Can you grasp that?! So... that means that I can enjoy other things too.

Here is a video that I found on how to make it ("cauliflower rice"). Oh it was so YUMMY!

I saw a video for "cauliflower pizza dough". Yeppers, that's next.

I'm having a Monday

2011-10-17T13:44:00.003-05:00

It has been a long, long time since I have had a Monday. Well...after today, I cannot say that anymore. So...today, I'm having a Monday!
That's how my day started out anyway. The barn was a WRECK and I mean a genuine WRECK. My youngest child is responsible for feeding the horses right now and gosh, I guess that's all he does out there. What ever happened to cleaning up behind oneself? What ever happened to having a "safe" work place? What ever happened to learning from older siblings? Blah...Blah...Blah!!!

I had to call Superman and ask him if he could come home and help me "un-hang" a roll of hay. My youngest had somehow, someway, managed to roll a HUGE roll (not bale) of hay and get it hung on a shelf that is in the barn. So...my wonderful husband aka Superman came home from work, changed clothes, wrestled a roll of hay, changed back into his uniform and returned to work as if nothing happened.

Now my Monday is much better!

Fall is in the air

2011-10-01T16:15:00.002-05:00

Oh the beautiful scent of fall in the air! The cooler air as you open the door, the smell of of fall. Today was our local peanut festival and as usual, it was very crowded. Lots to see, friends to reminisce with, people smiling and taking in the "grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches". I walked, reminisced but I did not eat the "grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches". It was nice to just walk around and not have to make any decisions on which vendors to buy something from. Ha ha....I left my money at home.

And with that, I will close with this...
Heavy on my heart is a sister in Christ who recently suffered a horrific loss in her life.

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. ~Kahlil Gibran

My eldest child

2011-09-26T19:04:00.003-05:00

I'm gonna try to catch you up to date on my eldest child. Hmmm...rolling eyes around while brain searches for 411.

William is my eldest child and (if you've been keeping up) you know that all three of our boys are adopted. And if you haven't been keeping up, now you know. William is now in Brunswick, GA at Job Corps. And I gotta tell ya, my dear husband has been catching it from his mom. Oh yeah! She has been giving him an ear full. Back to William. He was going to age out of school and he's at that age where mom and dad just aren't hip (cool) (down with it) (or whatever it's called nowadays) anymore. Hey you remember when you were 17 going on 40! William was and still is very excited about the Job Corps program. This is a good thing. He will either get his diploma or a GED and he will get job training for a career path that he chooses. And...get this...they pay him. For real! I think it is a great program. It wasn't easy to send him out into the world, so we figured an environment that is still controlled and monitored not only eases our minds but helps him to ease into the world.
Our calls to him have been uplifting and we can hear his excitement over the phone.
His one request is for us to please send him some toilet paper, striking paper, toilet tissue or what ever you wanna call it. It's the stuff you clean your bottom with. He says that people still it from the bathrooms.
I know...I'm as clueless as you are.

I Love Yarn Day

2011-09-25T15:08:00.006-05:00

Simply amazing! Yes, you read it right...I Love Yarn Day. Who woulda thunkit!
And before I get side tracked and forget what I was talking about...October 14th is the official "I Love Yarn Day". How utterly cool is that!

Science

2011-09-24T19:52:00.006-05:00

I think science is really cool but do I teach it...I try not to. Well, maybe that's not correct. We do birds and plants and critters and gardens and butterflies and insulin shots to cats and shots to horses and on and on. Do I teach science? Nope, not really! I just live it.
Now getting to my point.
I am in the process of checking our "Science in Motion" or "The Science Bus". And dig this...the buses name is Galileo. How cool is that! Well I am really excited about checking this bus and this science program out. I personally think it is going to be just awesome! But I promise to let you know as soon as I discover it for myself.
If you happen to beat me to it, please let me know.

Dolphin Tale

2011-09-24T16:08:00.006-05:00

We L-O-V-E-D it! No joke! It was an awesome movie. Now...as with most things, there are pros and cons or good and bad things that are involved.

Pros: excellent movie, excellent people, excellent friends.
Cons: not enough people, I wore blue (as instructed) and no special matinee price.

Honestly - I don't mind the cons because the pros surely out weigh them.

If you get a chance to watch the movie, please do.

AND...

We are talking about a Road Trip to go see Winter!

Slackin on postin

2011-09-07T18:18:00.003-05:00

I went a long time without posting. I actually thought about (ssshhhhh) not blogging anymore. I know, can you believe it? Not blog?! Who am I kidding?! Any way - I did do some "slackin on postin". I think I'm over that for a little bit. Once again my mind races with things to blog about. I want to tell you everything in our daily lives but I'm sure you would get as dizzy as me or then again, you may just get bored silly. Regardless, I'll do my very, very bestest to not make you dizzy or bore you.

I have ~~several~~ a whole bunch of pictures that I want to share. So...in the next couple of days, keep a look out for whats been happenin in my world.

What every happened to family movies?

2011-09-03T10:18:00.006-05:00

Have you ever wondered what ever happened to family movies? I have wondered it many times. It always seems like there are plenty of movies with lots of skin or kissing or fighting or shooting or such. But never any really good movies that touch the heart and leave you feeling like God is present. A movie with true values and morals.
Don't forget to visit
Giveaway! Calling All Moms, Families, and Homeschooling Leaders to Help with Dolphin Tale! to read how this came about. Truly inspiring! With that said, check this out!

Homeschool Day Press Release

Homeschool Movie Club announces Homeschool Day
A designated event where homeschooling families and groups from around the country will gather at their local movie theater to support the release of a worthwhile, positive movie. Homeschool Movie Club founder, Sydney Taylor, says, “This is the opportunity for the homeschool community to unite and show Hollywood that homeschoolers are valuable customers that can impact ticket sales and the entertainment industry.”

The first Homeschool Day event will support the film Dolphin Tale and will take place on Friday, September 23 and will take place during the matinee screenings of the film. Taylor says, “We had the opportunity to see Dolphin Tale early and we found it to be an extraordinary clean family film. We’re very proud to designate Dolphin Tale as the first film to represent Homeschool Day.”

Starring Morgan Freeman, Harry Connick Jr., and Ashley Judd, Dolphin Tale is the inspiring true story of a dolphin named Winter and the people who banded together to save her life. Those interested in joining/attending Homeschool Day should register with the Homeschool Movie Club at http://www.homeschoolmovieclub.com

Homeschool Movie Club is a fun online community created to help homeschooling families discover new and old movies, media & curriculum to help augment their home education. Homeschool Movie Club offers discounts, givewaways, curriculum and special screenings for homeschoolers and their families. The mission of homeschool movie club is to create a community and resource that will help families find the right movies to use for their home education and enjoyment. To learn more, visit http://www.homeschoolmovieclub.com

Dole Bananas - Goin' Bananas Videos

2011-08-14T09:49:00.003-05:00

You have got to go see this video! Really! There are actually several videos but one of them is about harvesting and packing Dole bananas. I was amazed. Go...Check it out!

Dole Bananas - Goin' Bananas Videos

Geocaching

2011-08-08T19:47:00.004-05:00

Look at what we have started. We really enjoy Geocaching!

I have been wanting to do this like....F-O-R-E-V-E-R!

The boys and I use my "smart phone". Ha ha - All of my phones before must have been dumb.
Now I would like to get the boys a GPS but of course we all know about $$$ - yeah - money. I'll have to see what I can find. Now...I want to get some of my friends involved too. But first things first. I gotta get better at Geocaching!

Solar Shower

2011-06-01T09:21:00.008-05:00

I think I mentioned that we were putting in a solar shower. Well here it is! We just finished it Monday, so it is still in it's testing faze. I am just so excited about it and I can't wait until a hot day of working outside to run over and jump in. I have kinda thrown around the idea of putting a water trough with it so that I could actually have a combo shower and bath. That idea is still in the planning stage. LOL

Toenail Fungus Day #1

2011-05-14T22:40:00.005-05:00

I tried to tell you this was coming. If you have a weak stomach, you might want to turn back now. Just remember...I warned you.

I have had a toenail fungus for a while. Yes, even a couple of years. I have tried several things to get rid of it. And I still have it. Needless to say, the things I tried in the past didn't get rid of it. I have tried Vicks Vapor Rub, Vinegar and some prescription med. I kept reading about Tea Tree Oil and I thought to myself, I have tried everything else, why not that. I went into our local Holistic shop and I started talking to the lady and she recommended Lemongrass Oil. I bought some. She had both of the oils and they were both the same price, that leads me to believe that she wasn't just trying to push something on me.

Last night and today I tried to take a few pictures. I think my toe should now sign autographs because of all the photo shoots it had to be in. Finally, I think I have a couple of decent pictures. I have to use the term "decent" lightly when I am talking about this fungus. Why? Because it really is ugly! I mean gross, ugly! I will do my very, very best to get the pictures put on here tomorrow.

So...For day #1, I have taken pictures of my toe and toenail and I have put Lemongrass Oil on and under the toenail.

Stay tuned for updates.

A Giveaway!

2011-05-14T22:25:00.003-05:00

I have a beautiful friend. Ok - a couple of them. But...This one in particular is having a giveaway on her blog. Really, I promise, I am not kiddin! Here...Go check it out!

I'm a JESUS CHICK

Yes, I'm gonna enter in the giveaway! Aren't you?!

Here is what I gotta do...

(1) First become a follower of my blog if you haven't already. Already done that!

(2) On your blog, promote this Giveaway in a post and on the same post (doing that now), give 3 random things about yourself.

(3) Give me the link to that post so I can see that you did post it and as soon as I see that you did, you will be entered in the Giveaway. I'm gettin to it!

3 random things about me...

1. I own property in 2 different states.
2. I am defiantly a country girl.
3. I love to play in the rain.

A little greener

2011-05-13T13:56:00.005-05:00

Is it really possible for someone to "go green"? Well...if it is possible. Then that is what I am doing. I get so tired of gas prices. I get so tired of the excuses to raise the price of oil so the price of gas will go up (again). If a gnat farts over the gulf and creates the winds to change direction then the price of oil jumps. And...the price of gas is a reason for the price of everything else to skyrocket.
So...
I am a little greener!
A few months back a friend was showing me her homemade laundry soap. It smelled really nice! And I said to her, "I want the recipe". Yes, I have the recipe and guess what. You can have it too!
The recipe is from "The Family Homestead" and here is the direct link for the laundry soap.

Before the laundry soap, we were a little green. We ~~saved~~ recycled aluminum cans, grew a garden, traveled as little as possible, had home cooking, opened windows from time to time, pushed the thermostat up, had energy saving bulbs, compost some things and a few other things that I just can't remember right now. Hmm...must be ~~old age~~, I mean ~~kids~~. Ok - just forgetful.
Now...
We make our own laundry soap. Yes it is much, much cheaper (less expensive) than buying it in the stores. I cannot even imagine the amount of money that I have spent on laundry soap. I could have been saving that money all along. Rats!
Yes, we recycle, reduce and reuse.
I'm getting to it!
Yesterday I had a few errands to do in a little town not far from us. So...I drove to the town (7 miles) and I filled up the car with gas, then I drove to the library. Then me youngest son and I walked a few blocks to the Dollar General store and then to the post office. We took care of our business and then we walked back to the library. Usually we drive to all of the places. Not yesterday.
Today we did the same thing. It's really neat to me.
So I am a little greener and I like it.
ps...A solar shower is in the planning stage. And...How to treat a toenail fungus.

A phone call from a friend

2011-05-07T10:11:00.003-05:00

Some things just seem to open our eyes when other things don't. I think it is because we try to put things and feelings into words and we just can't seem to find the right words. I think that is where a metaphor would come into play. Metaphors can certainly help us to understand things a little better. Therefore, opening our eyes. Kinda like this..."Life is like a box of chocolates". Yes most of us can remember and relate to that.

Yesterday, I was on the phone with a friend and she began telling me about her day. Kinda funny how I thought she was commentating one of my days. Yes, it sounded all too familiar. She went on to tell me about a little story that she read the other day. I just had to find it and share it with you. And here it is...

There's a Hole in my Sidewalk
by Portia Nelson

Chapter 1
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost…
I am helpless.
It is not my fault.
It takes forever to find my way out.

Chapter 2
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don’t see it.
I fall in.
I can’t believe I am in the same place.
But it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter 3
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it there.
I still fall in…It’s a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

Chapter 4
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

Chapter 5
I walk down another street.

Yeah! A break!

2011-05-03T20:20:00.003-05:00

Nope it isn't my leg or anything like that. We actually took a break today. I met some of the home school group at the springs for a day of sun and fun. I had to leave and go to a meeting and some of the moms kept an eye out for the boys. Once my meeting was over, I picked up the other boys and took them to the springs. I love it when we can take a break like that. Just leave all the studies and responsibilities behind.
I love hanging out with the other moms!

Everyday

2011-05-02T19:05:00.003-05:00

Some days I want to sit and tell you everything. Other days...well, mind your own business.
Do you ever have days like that? Com'on now, tell it like it is. You know you do too.
Ok...Here we go.

Today I sat in a "canning class". I actually learned a few things.
One very important thing that I learned is that the way my parents and grandparents used to can would kill us these day. Ok, maybe not would, but certainly could.
I learned that the USDA doesn't have a way to can yellow squash. Homemade canning I mean. Not store bought canning.
I learned that you need soft water to pickle the best pickles. Now get this. Hard water has lime in it and you gotta get it out of the water to pickle ~~pickles~~ cucumbers. And...you have to buy lime to use it in the pickle recipe. Hmmm....I think I'll be thinking on this one for a little while.
Speaking of canning.
I'm growing a garden again this year. I grow a small garden just about every year. Now that the boys are older and I seem to have a few more minutes during the day, I think I want a little bit bigger garden. My horses supply me with all the compost I can use with plenty left over for anyone interested in hauling some away. I will pick the first yellow squash tomorrow. There are tomatoes about the size of marbles. This year I planted running beans. It is so neat to watch the runners grow.
And speaking of runners, I'm gonna run right outta here for now. See you soon!

Something I'm doing

2011-05-02T07:55:00.004-05:00

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Weight Loss Tools

Today, I've been

2011-04-29T21:52:00.003-05:00

Busy.
Yeah, that's a good word for today.
I did a little school with my youngest. I did a little sewing. I started making some tarn (t-shirt yarn). It's kinda my first. It isn't difficult at all. Just time consuming and it makes my thumb hurt. Guess I'm gonna need a rotary cutter. A little laundry, cooked supper, let the dog in, let the dog out, let the dog in again, let the dog out again. Yes, we do that - a lot.
Now that it's close to midnight, I think I'll call it a day.

Have you ever?

2011-04-28T08:58:00.003-05:00

Wanted something but you just couldn't figure it out. "It" today is...Well, shoot. We haven't figured "it" out. Hahahahahahaha
I sometimes wonder where I go with my thoughts. It kinda seems like I run in place with them. But for some reason, I feel like I have ran around the circumference of the planet earth. That would make me think that running in place gets me nowhere fast.
Ok, these are my rambling thoughts for the day. Hey, are you asking me where are they? You just read them silly!
Now I gotta get outta here and get a few things done.
See ya!

Who woulda guessed?

2011-04-27T11:38:00.004-05:00

I have been thinking about blogging again. I came here today and started playing around with the design and thought...I think I will start blogging again. I enjoyed it then and I will enjoy it again. Of course "it" is blogging in this case. Just wanted to make sure you understand. Remember, I live in a house with a bunch of teenagers.

And, besides that...I have a couple of friends that blog and I really want to stay in tune with their blogs.

Came to my Senses

2010-02-15T21:00:00.003-05:00

Did I get burned out? I'm not really sure. I really just wanted to put the kids in public school, saddle my horse and ride off into the sunset. I'm not kidding!

Then I came to my senses and cried. I cried because I didn't no way, no how, not happening - I refuse to ever send them to public school.

Maybe the kids came to their senses and I cried because they did. HaHaHa
I like that better!

Time Flies

2010-02-13T15:18:00.002-05:00

I'm sure that you all know all about how Time Flies! It really can just run away with you. Pick you up and whisk you off. I think that's what happened to me. Regardless of where, what or even when...
I'm back again.
I will have lots of post to do to get caught up. Shoot, I might not get caught up. LOL But I sure will post again.

I'm heading outta here right now to start another blog. I'm gonna do a blog about our home school group! Yeah!!!

Field Trips and more

2009-11-15T19:11:00.002-05:00

I just noticed the last date that I posted. My gosh! Where has the time gone. I know that being busy can make the time fly by but I really feel like it has been a light year. We have been on a couple of field trips with our homeschool group and WOW...we really enjoyed them.

Instead of me being one with the camera, I decided to just be a kid and enjoy everything.

Alliance Dairy was great and now the kids know that there is not a cow standing in the fridge ready to hand out glasses of milk.

Ocali Days was really cool. I'm not that old but I can remember living in a time when we didn't have so much. Children really have no idea how fortunate they are these days. I think back though and I'm not so sure they are fortunate. Along with gadgets and "the future", come times that I'm not sure I want to be a part of. I really liked it when things were much simpler.

Blah and busy

2009-10-29T21:14:00.006-05:00

I'm not sure how one can be blah and busy. But that is how I have been the past couple of days. I am so very, very sleepy during the day but at night it's a different story. It's like it gets dark and I'm ready to paint and sew and clean and cook and so much more. I take my vitamin in the am but I think it isn't in my blood stream until the sun goes down. Weird, I know.

A lovely lady, Ms. Angie, from church has given me lots and lots of material. She had a stroke and just isn't able to sew like she used to. The material is just beautiful and I have lots and lots of ideas about what I want to make. Yesterday, I worked on a project that Ms. Angie put in the bag of material. She had mentioned a vest that she had started but couldn't finish. I suggested that I take a look at it and see if I could finish it. Today I did just that. I finished the vest for her. I can hardly wait to see her and give her the vest. So I did get a little sewing done.

Speaking of a little sewing. When I went to the Parelli Ranch, I showed my butt. Literally! I am so thankful that my jeans didn't split until we were on the way home. I'm talking they split on the side of the back pocket so it all hung out! LOL I washed the jeans and was thinking of what to do with them. Patch them, throw them away or make something out of them. I came to the conclusion that I wanted to make an apron. I set my hands in motion and wa la...Yesterday I finished it. I used the bottom of one of the boys shirts that they are ruined to make the ruffle and the ties.

Pictures are coming so don't rush me. So what if it takes me a couple of months to post them here. You gotta have a good reason to come back.

And He Ask Me...

2009-10-28T22:28:00.004-05:00

If I was a witch...

I'm not kiddin. The other night, my friend Linda and I were doing our coupon shopping at Publix and ~~me and my big mouth~~ my friendly self started a conversation with a total stranger. Yeah, I know...Don't talk to strangers!

Anyway...we were talking about being domestic and our rights and so on. This stranger said something about some employer in Texas asking his employees to give themselves a name that is easier to understand and learn English and blah, blah, blah...and wanting to know if I had saw it on CNN. I gave him my reply and then elaborated to let him know that I haven't watched tv since 1994. He cocked his head and said..."What are you, a witch? I thought I was gonna fall out! I'm not kiddin bout this. Of course me in my quick witted self came back to tell him, "No, I'm not a witch. I'm worshiping God and enjoying my family."

I guess I am really the weirdest weed in the garden.

Missed Church

2009-10-24T20:58:00.003-05:00

Yeppers, last Sunday. I missed church! I actually had a wonderful time too. I was outside in the awesome sunshine enjoying beautiful oak trees that 5 of us couldn't all put our arms around. I was outside enjoying the beauty of what God has created and given us all to enjoy. I was outside with horses. Yes, horses! I actually spoke with Pat Parelli and was blessed to enjoy his teachings and some of students, both human and equine. I was blessed with an all day, relaxed atmosphere, tour of the Parelli Ranch.

See you all in church tomorrow.

The Bible

2009-10-19T21:14:00.002-05:00

Today an odd question was ask by a dear friend. That question went kinda like this...
"How do you get away with teaching the bible?"
This question came about because today me and the boys were discussing our bible lesson and getting caught up. Kinda refreshing our minds from last week. Once we were all caught up and refreshed, I released the boys and sent them to lunch.
When the question was ask, I almost ask what exactly did my friend mean. Really now, what do you mean how do I get away with it. I get away with it because I live in the United States of America. I get away with it because this is a free country. I get away with it because God teaches us all of our core subjects. Language Arts, Math, History and Science.
Our conversation went on for a few minutes to discuss passing the GED and such. But I am still a little umm...how do I say it, confused.

And now I just have to ask you.

How do you get away with teaching the bible or from the bible?

I am...

2009-10-12T22:26:00.002-05:00

Have you ever been so busy that you think you just passed yourself? I think I just did that but I'm not sure if I was coming or going.

I am...
reading, typing, teaching, learning, adding, subtracting, sewing, riding, driving, playing, signing, cooking, chatting, listening, grooming, laughing and so much more...

That is exactly why I am...
praying!

Burning the midnight oil

2009-10-02T21:58:00.003-05:00

Once again I find myself sitting here in the wee hours. Ok, so they really aren't wee hours right now but it won't be long. I used to stay up til 2 and 3 am. In the past ummm...month, I have been really trying very hard to get into bed a little earlier. I just get more work done when everyone else is in bed. Yeah, the house is really quiet.

A couple of days ago, I ordered my much needed, very expensive printer cartridge. It arrived today! Needless to say, I am trying to run it empty. LOL

I gonna say goodnight to you now because if I stay up much longer, I really will be burning the midnight oil.
Night, night!

Couponing 101 - a tutorial - part 2

2009-10-01T14:08:00.005-05:00

Ok, I told ya I was gonna get to it. Now I'm gettin to it. I sure hope that you have been learning the lingo.
Now on with Couponing 101 - a tutorial - part 2...

Since you are now savvy and can talk the talk, let's see if you can walk the walk.

I visit a couple of websites that I get info from. I visit them from ~~time to time~~ almost every day to get helpful hints. I'll be sharing the links to them here with you.

On Sunday our local newspaper has what is called "inserts" in them. These "inserts" can be anything from sale papers to advertisement to COUPONS. Yeah - you read it right - COUPONS.

You need to buy at least 4 newspapers on Sunday that have COUPONS in them. It's gonna cost you less than $10 but you will save so much more than that.

This is going to allow you to stock pile your coupons. I love to use coupons at Publix because you can stack the coupons. Here is an example...now you gotta remember this...

Every week Publix has BOGO
Use 2 coupons on both items

If you have a competitor coupon for the same item then you can also use 2 competitor coupons. That would give you 2 coupons per item.

Before you run off, let me see if I can break it down a little better.

Publix BOGO
Smithfield Bacon, 16oz @ $3.99
let's say that you have this...
-$2 off Smithfield Bacon printable

You would print 2 of those coupons (or more if you could), because you can use 2 coupons on them. You use a coupon for the one you buy and a coupon for the one you get free. You 2 coupons together is for $4 and the bacon cost $3.99 for 2 packs. Now you just got 2 packs of bacon free with 1 cent overage. Did you see FREE for 2 packs of bacon?!

It really is so much better explained over at this website...

Couponing 101 - a tutorial

2009-09-19T09:53:00.008-05:00

Sometime back I mentioned something about a tutorial on couponing. I have been following several blogs and/or websites and I have been trained by the "One and only - Coupon Fairy".

I really have to forewarn you that I am not the best nor do I claim to be.

With that said: I have saved lots and lots of money on our grocery bill and you can too!

Step #1 - Learn the lingo. In order to know what couponers are talking about, you are going to need to know how to speak couponese. This should be enough to get you started.

$1/1 = One dollar off one item
$1/3 = One dollar off 3 items
B1G1 or BOGO or B1G1F = Buy 1 Get 1 Free
Blinkies = Coupon found near a product in the store usually from a “blinking” red box
IP = Internet Printable - a coupon you print off the internet
MFR = Manufacturer
MQ = Manufacturer coupon
OOP = Out Of Pocket
Peelie = Coupon that you peel off a package
Tear Pad = Pad of coupons found hanging from a store shelf or display
WYB = When You Buy

Extras you will see...
PG = Proctor & Gamble Sunday insert coupons
RP = Red Plum Sunday insert coupons
SS = Smart Source Sunday insert coupons
FLIP or FLIPS = Food Lion Internet Printable

Stay tuned...

Pssst

2009-09-17T19:41:00.002-05:00

Pssst....Nut Clusters I love them!

Because I'm a Pssst...(secret agent), I was sent a free package of them. I was also sent 10 coupons to save $1.60 per bag. You can bet that I will be buying them to tote around in the car or to the barn. They really are yummy!

I almost cried

2009-09-16T20:19:00.002-05:00

I get this way sometimes. I guess we all do. I was reading along on some of the blogs that I enjoy reading and I came across this...Evenings
Jenna says "I never want to take an evening for granted again."

Neither do I

Been gone way to long

2009-09-16T16:06:00.003-05:00

I have been gone way to long! I blogged and blogged and thought that I'd be posting forever. It's kinda like I see the girls writing or saying "friends4ever". We all forget how life happens.

Yes, life has happened to me. I got busy, forgot about blogging and moved on. Now I'm slowing down and wanting to blog again.

Speaking of friends...I saw a friend at church the other day. I haven't seen her in - ok, a long time. I have been reading her blog and I (think) hope she has been reading mine. I had no idea that we both knew the same person. Yeah - blah, blah, blah.

Really good to see you and yours!

My Savings Today

2009-07-11T19:48:00.004-05:00

I have a few grocery shopping trips that I need to post but I wanted to tell you about the trip I made today. I'll post pictures a little later. My savings was a little more than 50%. I feel really good when the total I pay is 50% or less of what I buy.

The total of my order before coupons was $217.50

Savings = $111.51

Grand Total = $105.99 = this is what I paid

One of the neatest things to me was the fact that I bought 3 Bottom Round Roast. Ok - actually I bought 1 and got 2 free. Albertsons had a coupon for buy 1 get 2 free and yes, Publix takes their competitors coupons. Awesome deal!

Tutorial

2009-06-27T21:51:00.005-05:00

Note to self... post a coupon shopping tutorial with links.
Not only do I need it but so do you!

Thank you Lisa for all that you do!

ps - this is a few links for myself, so just ignore them for now...

http://www.publix.com/
http://www.organicgrocerydeals.com/forums/view.php?pg=coupon_generator
http://www.iheartpublix.com/?page_id=260
http://albertsonsmarket.com/contact/

www.coupons.com
www.redplum.com
www.couponwinner.com
www.couponmom.com
www.couponbug.com
www.hotcouponworld.com
www.couponclipper.com
www.smartsource.com
www.retailmenot.com
www.moneysavingmom.com

So Little Time

2009-06-26T22:30:00.004-05:00

or The Count Down. I have a few more days before my surgery and I'm starting the countdown thing. Really, it's the kids that are doing the countdown. I'm just ready for the recovery. The docs office called today to let me know that there will be 2 surgeries done on my hand at the same time. Yeah - 2 (two). I had some test done to see if I have Carpal Tunnel and guess what...I have it. It isn't a bad case but shoot, why wait.

I'm a little worried now about the healing time and such. Why? Well I am teaching VBS the first week of August. I know that teaching isn't a big deal but...Crafts - me and the boys have lots of crafts to do that will be props. We want the kids to get a feel of what we are teaching not just listen to it. I really want the kids to get something out of the class. Today we started making some paper mache coconuts and some wood planks out cardboard and contact paper. The wood planks will be used to make cardboard boxes look like wood crates. Oh it looks awesome! Check out the Amazon Expedition

And just to remind you there is ... So Little Time.

Now...when was it

2009-06-21T18:28:00.003-05:00

I get so darn busy sometimes that I just can't think straight. It seems like sometime back, I said I was going to get all of my coupon stuff put on here. I need it all here so I don't have to run all over the internet looking for it. Now I'm studying from my Teachers Guide, no, not coupons but Vacation Bible School. Yes, I'm teaching! I am so excited. Today I found my helper in church. This lady loves to laugh and so do I. Oh it's gonna be a blast.

Now...when was it. Oh yeah, almost a week ago I ask you all to stay tuned because links were coming to help you save some money. Well, maybe not really save but spend less and get more. Yeah! I like that.

Ok - check out the side bar for links that will help you get more and spend less. I'm updating them as I go to them and remember them. Eventually they will all be there.

The next level

2009-06-10T11:43:00.003-05:00

As you may have noticed, I am becoming one of those people. Yeah - those really weirdo's that take coupon usage to the extreme. I have read and read and read some more about how people do that. How they walk out of the grocery store with some large dollar amount of groceries and only pay a few bucks. Well I'm gonna share it with you all. It will make it much easier for me to put things in some form of organization here and that way I can just keep coming here and read my own blog. Ha ha...
I gotta search all over the place to find the info and the links but you can come here and read it all. WOW - I finally got that out of my mouth. LOL

So - follow along and let's take coupons to the next level. The extreme level!

Frankenstein follow up

2009-06-10T11:40:00.004-05:00

As of Monday of this week, my surgery is set for the 29th of this month. Now I have one more doctor appointment and that is to test for Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. Doc says that if surgery is needed for that then he will do them both the same day. I sure hope something can be done. I have almost quit crocheting and knitting because my fingers fall asleep. Bummer!

Now that you have your Frankenstein follow up - I'm off to tell you more.

Frankenstein test

2009-06-01T21:35:00.003-05:00

Ok - not really...Frankenstein. Here's the low down...
The Finkelstein test can be quite painful for the person with De Quervain's tendinitis. Tenderness directly over the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist is a common finding with this test.

I have this...De Quervain's Tendinitis (De Quervain's Tendinosis)

Over the past, hmmm...maybe 4 months, I have been getting the corticosteroids injection. Those injections HURT. I am not joking! But, within 5 minutes the pain is gone and the thumb is as good as new. I was supposed to wear a splint but I haven't been doing that. A special fitted splint cost over $300 and that price is with insurance. Yeah, go figure! I bought a little cheapo and wore it a little while. It really looks like I may be wearing it all this month. My surgery is scheduled for June 30th. It's gonna be a long month for me. I guess that is better than being a Frankenstein. LOL

I have a pre-surgery appointment on the 8th. Not much more to tell about it.

I know, I know

2009-06-01T21:24:00.003-05:00

I still have to post pictures. I haven't forgot! Today I had some errands to run. Yes, again! Last week I had to go here and go there and blah, blah, blah. This week is turning out the same way. Tomorrow...I'm taking it easy! Bible study in the am and a picnic with the boys at the springs and then swimming! Yeah!!!

I know, I know! I will get to it. I have a few extra pictures to share because today I stopped by Wal-Mart and I used over $40 worth of coupons. Thank you Lisa!

My second trip to Publix

2009-05-31T15:34:00.004-05:00

When I first really started figuring out this coupon thing, I was able to buy Campbell's soup for 9 cents a can. I was just all wooohooo about it and had to post about it and brag about it and so on. I am to the point right now that I just want to clip coupons, print coupons and buy all this BOGO (buy one get one free) stuff and show off all the coupons that I printed and the minus sign on my register receipts. Yes, I am fully aware that was a run on sentence. LOL

My second trip to Publix...today. Yes, I went with Lisa. She helps me so much! I need to get all the info I can from her. I'm gonna jump out of the nest one day and do something better than 9 cent soup. LOL

I promise to show the proof later. I have the pictures to prove it and I intend to do just that.

Oh yeah! Today we had dinner on the grounds at church. We do that every 5th Sunday of the month. One of our friends said that they saved lots of money on the coupons too. They went on their own but they did a great job.

My first shopping trip was the best all around. Maybe because I saved the most money. Ha ha ha... But then again - maybe because me and the boys were so excited!

Yes, I'm planning another one!

The Proof

2009-05-27T08:42:00.006-05:00

I promised to show you pictures from my shopping trip with Lisa yesterday. Well here they are!

My first coupon trip

2009-05-26T20:57:00.004-05:00

My first coupon trip was today. Right now I am so amazed that this can be done. I am so amazed that you can actually buy $300 in products and only pay $1. It is not a joke! Oh sure...I've used coupons before. I've even saved $20 or a little more by using coupons on my purchases. That part was easy!

My wonderful, wonderful friend Lisa has shown me the light. Friends and neighbors - I'm here to tell ya...Shoppin at my house will never be the same again. Right now I'm really just in AWE. I have the receipt to show you all and I promise that I will take care of that tomorrow. Let me rest a bit and get rid of this 2 day headache and I'll get back with you. Just to give you a heads up, here is what I saved and what I spent...taken from the actual receipt...

Your Savings at Publix $230.94

Payment $1.07

I can now say OOP (out of pocket)!

Rain and thoughts

2009-05-21T20:08:00.004-05:00

Rain

Rain and more rain! We have had rain since Monday. In other words - today (Thursday) is our 4th day of rain. And it's supposed to rain tomorrow.

I love it!

We all went back to the springs on the 14th. My sister was down and we all got together and made a picnic of it. It was lots of fun! I don't have a clue why I didn't take my camera but I didn't. The boys swam until they were water logged. Kids just like to do that! LOL

Ok - I've talked about the rain. Now I need to talk about some thoughts.

I was thinking today about blogging. I used to love to work on this blog. I still want to sit and times and tinker around with it. But really, I don't want to be tied to the computer again. I'm gardening and reading and teaching and laughing and playing and praying and on and on....

Don't worry, I'll be here from time to time.

What a life

2009-05-16T20:45:00.004-05:00

I sure have to admit that I have an easy life. I go to bed latter than the rest of the gang because it's the only time the house is quiet. I'm not kiddin! LOL It seems like my kids just never ~~shut up~~ be quiet. I sleep late everyday.
You would think that living on a little teeny tiny farm that I would have to get up early and milk the cows and feed the chickens and on and on. To start with, we don't have a cow or any chickens. We do have 3 horses, 3 cats and 2 dogs. Of course the cats will scratch your eyes out if you don't feed them at the right time. And the dogs will bark until you can't hear yourself think if you don't turn them out of their kennels that they sleep in every night. Not to mention the damage that 3 huge horses can do in just a few minutes if they don't have their hay at the crack of dawn. Ok - I'm joking about the critters!

I really do sleep late every day. My boys are woke up by Superman. Once Superman wakes them up, he heads off to work. The boys do their chores and eat breakfast and then they sneak in and wake me up. Since the boys missed so many things that we all take for granted, I will let them crawl in bed with me in the mornings. After about 15 minutes of the covers being pulled this way and that way I have to say enough and run them out of the room. Now I take about 10 minutes to brush my teeth, make my bed and get dressed. I walk into the "classroom" and our day begins.

There are days when I just have to reward the boys with being done with school at lunch time. Summer is here now and I intend to keep their feet wrinkled from swimming. Yes we are still doing school but we are swimming too. We spend a few hours at the springs and then we head home to get dinner ready for Superman (and us).

I intend to take more pictures of the springs and our activities. I have lots to share now, I just gotta get em here.

What a life!

A Perfect Day

2009-05-05T21:37:00.004-05:00

Today was just a perfect day. ~~Warm~~ Hot weather has struck us here in Florida. Oh, it's nothing like it's gonna get! Anyway...This is where we spent our day!

Blue Springs
Levy County

Fun Monday

2009-05-03T18:23:00.009-05:00

Karisma over at Karismas Kids has talked me into it again. Ok - not really! ssshh don't tell her
What? I just knew you were going to ask. Well - Karisma is hosting "Fun Monday" this week.

She has even gotten more participants to join in.

Get a load of what she is asking of us...
Your task.........We all know our kids and pets are often a great source of amusement to us at the best of times. I want to hear a funny, silly or just downright cute story about your pets or your children. Have they ever done anything to totally embarrass you in public? Have they done something you thought was outrageous at the time, only to laugh at it later? Have they outwitted you in some devious way, only the way a kid can? Come on, out with it! Lets hear the juicy gossip! For those of you who are too lazy to write, how about posting some funny pictures instead! (Must be of your pets or offspring though!) Have fun with it!

The funny part is that my kids or pets have never embarrassed me. I know - imagine that! But I have come up with some ways that I just may have embarrassed them. When they were doing their silly little things, they had no idea that the pictures and the video that I would take could ever come back to haunt them. But you know what? None of them really read this, so - who cares!

Hold on and be prepared to giggle just a little.

So you have to understand that it just isn't possible for me to get embarrassed. Not living with this crazy gang. I mean look at this. I actually met him at the alter and married him. LOL

But gosh - our kids turned out normal. It's not like they look like the milk man or worse yet, the Easter Bunny!

The one time that I am glad that our preacher wasn't here was the one time that a teeny tiny spring decided to spring to the darkest corner under my husbands desk. I sent the youngest son in armed with a flashlight that is bright enough to land aircraft. He is wadded up under the desk and I ask him if he sees anything. He responds with an extreme serious voice. "Mom, the only thing I see under here is perverts."

He now knows that those are not perverts, they are just dust bunnies.

You are...

2009-05-03T11:51:00.004-05:00

You are...

so not going to believe this! I won! I won! I won!

Giveaway of The Week !!!

I so love to follow Lisa's advice about getting products for next to nothing. Now that I can afford.

CVS for Newbies

2009-05-01T18:54:00.008-05:00

We all know that I am really new to this whole shopping and getting things for almost free. Well I found out a little info about CVS that may help you. I was just browsing around and found it. Over at "i heart cvs" you can read more about it. Here is the link
i heart cvs
I think you will find some pretty neat info there if you are new to all this stuff like me.

I did it

2009-04-30T10:31:00.004-05:00

I'm not joking! I did it! I am so excited. Oh, the boys - they are so ready to save, save, save...

Yesterday I had a few little things to do. I had to get the boys to the library because they have read everything in the house. No joke. My boys, yes, the same ones that HATE to read. Sssshhhh...don't tell anyone but I actually caught them all reading in the car yesterday.

After our little meeting on Saturday about saving and coupons and such, I have been thinking and discussing it with the boys and Superman. So...I thought that I would try it out while I was in the city. Here is what I did...

Campbell's soup regular price $1.39 a can.
I had a Walgreen's coupon for Campbell's soup $.59 a can.
I had a $1 off of 2 cans.

I paid 9 cents a can. Yes, $.09 a can.

Isn't that just AWESOME!

That is what the Coupon Queens call stacking. Stacking because I used 2 coupons on the same product.
Now get this. Some stores take their competitors coupons. Check with your local stores and see if they take other stores coupons.

I know it isn't like you have seen where some Coupon Queen goes in and buys $500 worth of stuff and pays only $.19 - but I'm getting there. Just one little step at a time!

Frugal and More

2009-04-26T20:34:00.005-05:00

Frugal saves money. It really does. But there's more...

Saturday we had a little meeting at the church with one of our friends / sisters. I like the term sister better. Lisa over at her blog gave us some great info and advice. I have heard about people doing the coupon thing and coming out of the store with $500 worth of items and only paying $.19. I thought - Yeah, Right. Well I sure gotta say that Lisa has shown me the way!

Run on over there and do a little reading for yourself and see what you think. I'll try to let you know how I do from time to time.

Did you notice?

2009-04-20T22:27:00.003-05:00

Did you notice? I mean - really...did you? I have made a few changes. Some time back the changes were ~~kinda~~ forced on me. I have to laugh about that part. The forced part. I was doing a little editing of the ole blog and I guess I edited way too much. Yeah - like things were just gone. Oh I was mad. I'm talking MAD! Not a cigarette anywhere (cause I was quittin) and I was MAD. Now that I'm over all that, I think I will work on this thing again. I won't post everyday but I sure will try to post more than what I have in the last year.

I have lots of pictures to show that I have been doing things. For example, today I helped one of the neighbor girls with an Earth Day project. (oh yeah - no pic of that) Anyway, I told them to save me all of their juice packs because I am addicted to that.

Gotta run for now. I have a few things to take care of. I have bible study in the morning and I don't wanna miss it like I did last week.

A Long Time

2009-04-16T22:33:00.005-05:00

It has been so long since I have even checked on my blog. I look back over some of the post and think about where I have been and what I have been doing. It seems like I haven't been doing very much. But I have. You ever feel that way?

There have been days that I had to make myself get out of bed. There have been so many days that I have just lost track of them. I suppose I had no idea how my life would change when I made a few decisions. Yes - you all know by now about our adoption. That really was one of the largest life changing experiences that I have ever had. Until...

I quit smoking! I cannot believe how much I depended on those nasty cigarettes. A few diet cokes and a pack of cigarettes and I was set for the day. Oh yeah - I would snack here and snack there but sit down to a meal. I didn't have time! A smoke and a coke.

Not anymore. Now I have to eat. LOL
Anyway...Since I quit smoking, I gained weight. I have never been that big in my entire life! 150 pounds by the docs scale! I never, ever imagined that I would weigh that much. Not me! I knew I had to do something. And something I did...

I got mean! I'm not joking! Oh yeah - that was hormones. Yeah - the menopausal hormones. Horrible little things! But I am all fixed up now. I got me some hormones in a bottle! Yeppers, all fixed up now. LMBO

Lethargic? No, not at all. Just plain darn lazy! You couldn't melt and pour me out of the house. I think my dear husband must have thought that the aliens had taken the real me one night while he slept and replaced me with some, some, something... Something horrible! And then...

I remembered the doc had requested that I also take a multi-vitamin. Oh yeah, I was thinking...Pump me up with hormones and vitamins. I'll eat more than the boys and never see my size 5 jeans ever again. But...Spring is here and the aliens have returned me.

I'm walking at least 1 mile almost ever day, I'm eating better, I'm active again, I'm laughing again and I'm loosing weight. Size 5 jeans - look out cause I'm on the way!

Eco-Friendly Gift Giving

2008-11-05T20:38:00.000-05:00

Lately I have been very conscientious about how much waste goes out into the environment. Although supermarkets and other stores are finally getting the message and not supplying so many plastic bags, people are still not getting the whole fact that they are the ones causing the problem, not the stores who are just going on the whole supply and demand thing.

There are so many little things we do in everyday life that contribute to the downfall of this planet. While going through the supermarket check out about a week ago, I had a conversation with the girl behind the counter. I was purchasing an extra carry bag with a cute picture on the outside. She asked if I would like to use it along with the rest. "No, I am going to use it as a gift bag", I said. "Oh, its cute" she replied. "But, I prefer to wrap things nicely. I always keep the paper when I receive a gift and recycle it in my craft work. It really irks me when people just tear open the wrapping".

Now while I sympathised with the poor girl, I could not help myself and had to ask " So how many trees do you think have to die for people to wrap presents?" The poor kid looked mortified! But she thought about it all right to the extent that she looked a little ashamed. "Why don't they teach us that in school?" she said. Hmmm, well, Im sure they do teach kids where paper comes from, surely? Around here, all it took was me walking past a big row of boxes and boxes of xmas wrap and casually saying "I wonder how many trees had to die to make this paper?" Dinoboy immediately frowned and replied "A lot mum". We then went on as a group discussion and it was decided that we would not be buying any this year!

It only takes a comment here and there for kids to work out things for themselves. And of course leading by example. If they see you doing the right things by the environment, they will follow. There are so many "little" things that you can do, that in the long run make a VERY BIG difference. So what can you do to help?

Firstly ask yourself before placing things in the garbage, "Can this be re-used?" A lot of what we throw out can. eg. glass jars, plastic jars or containers, pieces of string or ties (those ones that they seem to think all toys need a million of, these are great for use in the garden). Try to buy products that have the least amount of packaging or even better, none!

In the gift department, here are just a few.........

* Don't wrap gifts at all.
* If you must, how about a gift bag? If you do not write in the tags they can be re-used
* Or buy an eco bag and put the gift in it. (If its a childs gift there are heaps of cute ones available now and the kids can use the bags for outings, sleepovers etc.
* For adults....wrap in teatowels or fabric for crafty people.

Any ideas?????

Remember, every little thing we do helps! Make our planet a better place for our children!

Hey Alta

2008-10-30T21:56:00.003-05:00

I am bestowing upon you, an award and since I can get in here thought I'd deliver it myself! LOL! Enjoy!

"This blog invests and believes in ‘proximity’ [meaning that blogging makes us 'close' - being close through proxy].”

Friends are Forever!

Love, hugs and smoochies Karisma xxxx

Snake in the Napkins

2008-10-13T20:08:00.007-05:00

Ok - not really. There really isn't a snake in the napkins. I used that to get you interested and so that I wouldn't forget what I wanted to talk about. Pretty smart of me! LOL

Snake - It was AWESOME! Camera? Oh yeah - it was in the house. I have heard a lot about teachable moments. Well today was a teachable moment. I don't even remember what I was doing outside. I walked by our garden and I just happened to see a snake. Of course I called the boys over and we admired it's beauty. I was amazed at myself for remembering the name of it. Oh yes - it was my time to shine! Once we oohhed and aawwed until the snake was tired of us entertaining him, he decided to crawl out of the garden and into the flower bed. I immediately came inside and googled our snake. You are gonna love what I found...

Masticophis flagellum better known as the Eastern Coachwhip and here is another awesome website Coachwhip

I read that the coachwhip snake is very slender bodied and extremely fast. I saw it first hand today. What was the most unique to me was half of it was black and the other half was a light brown color. Interesting indeed!

What a teachable moment!

Oh yeah!!! I almost forgot! Napkins
With times the way they are and money kinda tight, we have been cutting back on lots of things. One of those things that I ranted about the other day was the ~~use~~ waste of paper napkins. Use it once and throw it away. Not anymore at our house. I announced to everyone at supper that there would not be anymore paper napkins bought. We will now make our own napkins and not waste another penny on something we are only going to throw away.
In my mind I had this idea about how to make our cloth napkins. I thought hmmm...if I can google a snake, why not google a napkin. So I did and this is what I found.

Molly's Handmade Napkins and Rebecca Writes Cloth Napkins
I really think that you will love the handmade clothe napkins on both of those sites. I know I sure will be doing some sewing in the next couple of days. I have some scrap material stowed away just for such projects.

Peace Within

2008-10-05T20:02:00.002-05:00

What has happened to me? Where is this coming from? I don't know the answer to the questions and I don't want to know the answer. All I know is that I have a peace within. It's awesome. After just about driving myself nuts, I have finally figured out that the best thing for me to do is to lighten up. Yeah!

I'm really just updated and catching you all up to let you all know that I'm still around and we are still home schooling and we love it.

Money and more

2008-09-23T22:01:00.004-05:00

$700 Billion - How in the world can someone or something get that far in debt? How can it possibly cost that much to clear up a mess? Shoot, when we spill a glass of milk it only cost a few cents. Ok - maybe a whole dollar now that the price of milk has gone up. I just really have a problem with this whole economy thing. Isn't it all just ridiculous!

Me and the boys save some money today. We turned off the air condition and opened up all the windows. Oh it was a beautiful day today. We are starting to feel fall in the air and it is a joy to have it. I'm either getting older or wiser...LOL...maybe both. I am noticing things that I knew about before but I didn't really notice them. Now not only do I know about them but I notice them. It's pretty awesome.

The boys have grown so much! Not only have they grown taller but they have really matured mentally. Some of the problems that we had before are a thing of the past.

School is going really well this year. I am so proud of all of our accomplishments. I'm gonna scoot outta here for now. Everyone is asleep but me and I want to do a little reading.

Home School Videos

2008-09-18T21:21:00.004-05:00

I just discovered a great place to see some other homeschoolers doing what they do best. Yeppers - homeschooling! I am glad that other homeschoolers are showing off. With these home school videos, now I know our family is normal. LOL Go check it out!
Home School View Tube

Should I Quit

2008-09-17T22:03:00.003-05:00

All of you know that I haven't been posting here like I should. I am just doing other things and don't want to spend so much time talking about what I want to do or what I've been doing or even what I'm gonna do...
I just want to go and do it. That's what has me thinking that maybe I should just quit. I mean quit blogging. No - not forever - just for a little while. Haha...that's pretty much what I've done. Well to some extent anyway.

Here lately I've been...
outside more
enjoying home school
raising a baby squirrel
doing more with freecycle
planning and planting a winter garden
enjoying our 3 boys

Working Outside

2008-08-31T19:02:00.003-05:00

For the past 2 days I have found myself working outside. I love it! I have somehow changed in so many ways but all the same I haven't changed at all. One of the many ways that I have changed is that I have quit smoking. I'm not kiddin! In March of this year I gave up the nicotine. I am so thankful that I quit smoking.

Today we had lunch at church. We call it "Dinner on the grounds". We have dinner on the grounds every 5th Sunday. There sure are some delicious pots of food there! I am looking for 2 recipes this week, so if anyone has these delicious recipes tucked away somewhere, please share. The recipes are Buttermilk Salad and Pea Pickin Cake.

4 Rules of Fractions

2008-08-30T21:34:00.001-05:00

4 Rules of Fractions

From: sbishop2, 10 months ago

4 Rules of Fractions

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: fractions mathematics)

The four rules - adding, subtracting, division and multiplication - with fractions

SlideShare Link

Catching up with Karisma

2008-08-30T04:39:00.002-05:00

Needless to say, as you have probably noticed, things have been far too busy down under. And while she may not have been dodging tornadoes, Karisma has been trying very hard to keep up with everything but seems to be lacking in decent blogging time! She has been busy for the most part in the real world (you know the one outside the computer!), setting up a new group for homeschoolers in her region of the world. To date the homeschool group closest was a good 40 minute drive away, which may not seem so bad to most people but Karisma does not drive so therefore was feeling a bit isolated up here!

Finally she had the nerve to break away from the main group and lo and behold, all those silent people who never responded from the old group (Karisma has only been trying for two whole years) , came out of the woodwork. Along with a few new people who are very much like Karisma herself (you know, the weird ones) we have a lovely new group of families who are very enthusiastic and motivated. (Karisma loves them very much, for once , she does NOT have to do all the work!) We are still part of the main group but have our own seperate activities as well.

Already in the making are two excursions, one to a local lighthouse and one to Sydney to attend an archeological dig! (Very into what Dinoboy wants to learn at the moment). We have music and gymnastics coming up which will alternate on a weekly basis, tennis lessons, swimming, drumming (one of her favourites), craft days (her other favourite) and library days. There is also talk of clowning classes coming up too! We have been having much fun playing in the real world.

This week our group met at a brand new playground, the kids had a wonderful day playing, riding bikes, climbing and meeting new friends! (We had three new families join us). Gameboy even played with a GIRL, Karisma was most amazed and pretended not to notice. When she mentioned it to Dinoboy later that night, he pointed out to her that this new girl was not really a girl? Excuse me? Well Mum, she acts like a boy, even though she looks like a girl! "OH" Yeah Mum, she offered Gameboy a knuckle sandwhich if he did not play with her! Nuff Said! She's in alright! Just what Karisma likes to see, a girl who knows how to put the boys in their place! I think it must have been the shock that got him! He is normally entirely shy around people he does not know and it takes him a little while to feel comfortable and come out of his shell. So this little girl was really amazing, and believe it or not, she was a normal sweet little girl in front of the rest of us! She kept her boylike behaviour for the boys! LOL! Karisma really cannot wait to get to know this little girl better!

Now Karisma has not been totally offline, she has indeed discovered a new place to play online. She totally thinks Alta should come along and join her! The new place is called Liberated Learning and is a forum for people who are homeschooling, unschooling, living a conscious lifestyle and basically those who love and care about our planet! Everybody is so nice there that Karisma has found herself hanging out there instead of blogging (Shhhhhh, don't tell anyone!)

Click here to check it out!

And please don't tell her blog friends who have all run off to Plurk land. But it is far more entertaining than plurking! I just don't get it!

Anyway, its bedtime for the kidlets down here, so Karisma bids you all a sweet night of dreaming! Peace and Happiness to all! And to all , a good night! xxxxx

We Survived

2008-08-29T23:24:00.002-05:00

My goodness...It sure does seem like I get started here and something happens and I end up a good ways behind. Who knows why?! Yes, we survived the storm. Oh gosh, schools were closed, businesses were closed and on and on. Rain! That's what we got. I am so thankful that we got lots and lots of rain from the hurricane.

Now I'm off to never-never land to loose myself again. I'll surface again soon and tell you something exciting.

Squirrel - he is doing wonderful! His eyes are open and he is eating (lots) and he is just wonderful. We decided not to call him Freedom II. He is officially Houdini.

Storms a comin

2008-08-17T17:36:00.004-05:00

It's that time of year. It's been that time of year for a couple of months. Hurricane season! We live inland so we don't run around boarding up the windows and hunting higher ground. Our biggest concern is tornado's that spawn from hurricanes. We generally loose power for a couple of days and get lots of rain. I will say that we sometimes get some pretty high winds. Hmmm...that sounds like we get the hurricane. I guess we do. We generally keep our yard and barn area tidy but when a storms a comin we make sure that things are tied down. Anything that can fly around in high winds gets tied down. So much damage is caused from things that get thrown around in the wind of a storm.

This morning the boys woke me up for church with a surprise. The surprise...another baby squirrel. He was so cold when the boys first gave him to me. I was concerned that he wouldn't warm up, but he did. His eyes are closed, but if you look real close you can see a little bit of his right eye trying to open. By Wednesday or Thursday his eyes should be open. I'm having a difficult time getting him to eat (not really eat but drink his milk). Superman reminded me that it took a couple of tries on Freedom (our first baby squirrel) before he was really active at meal time. You can look back to a year ago and see our first little squirrel. I think we'll name this one Freedom II.

Getting Outside

2008-08-16T20:20:00.003-05:00

Yesterday and today I found myself outside. I did - Really!

There have been a lot of changes in my life. We have met our first anniversary with the boys. Can you believe it has already been a year. From no kids to 3 kids all at once was certainly a different world than what we were used to. Our world turned upside down! We wouldn't change it for the world. We love the boys as if they were our own. Ha - they are our own and they have been for over a year now.

Since I quit smoking (almost 5 months now) I haven't been at the computer as much. And for some reason, I don't even know what I've been doing. LOL It's ok though because life is good and getting better. Yes, you are gonna get to hear all about it. I know, I have catching up to do and lots of pictures to show. I'll get to it!

Is This Too Much

2008-08-15T20:35:00.002-05:00

I was just wonderin if this template is too much. I really kinda like it but I think I need to play around with it a little and get it just the way I like it. I know I have to be careful and not zap it all. LOL

Today was a wonderful day! I just love the water and the sun!

Messed Up

2008-08-12T22:12:00.002-05:00

I have cleaned way too much house and messed up! I am almost sick about it. Somehow I feel like I have thrown the baby out with the dish water. I'll fix it - I know I will. Yeah - just look at the page. It's horrible and dull and ugly and...messed up.

Cleaning House

2008-08-07T11:51:00.002-05:00

Over the next few days or weeks or however long it takes me, I am cleaning house. I don't mean here at home (even though I need to). I mean I will be cleaning my blog. Karisma has pointed something out to me that I should have realized a long time ago. Thank you Karisma for stepping on my toes...LOL!

You Want Me to Pay What?

2008-08-06T19:03:00.003-05:00

Yeah - you read it right...You want me to pay what - as in how much? Do you feel sometimes like you are just paying for nothing? I feel that way lots of times. If you do the math and figure things out, you will come to realize that yesterday was my birthday. I know...I really am old as dirt. But it's ok - I feel better. Ha Ha!!!

I had no plans on celebrating my birthday in any certain way. As a matter of fact...I just wanted it to be quiet and peaceful. Now that I look back on it, I guess it wasn't as bad as it could have been.

I had a doctor appointment for my wrist. I dropped the boys off at one of our church members houses for a little project they had planned. Hugs and kisses bye and I'll see you in about 2 hours. 2 hours - yeah right. It was more like 4 hours.

My doctor appointment was pretty much like I thought - just a small co-pay and a very painful shot. Then off to some other place to get a brace made. I am not kidding when I tell you that when they told me the price that I would have to pay, that I got very sick to my stomach. The bad part - I couldn't even go outside and smoke! The good part - I don't smoke! Over 4 months now! The brace, $280 with my insurance. I called Superman and told him and he talked me into not throwing up. I didn't have the brace made because that price is ridiculous. I was thinking that I had some Popsicle sticks at home that I could mix with a little bit of tape and come up with a brace.

So if you can imagine me sitting here telling you this with Popsicle sticks and tape covering my right wrist. When someone sees it they just ask what happened and I smile when I tell them that one of our science projects failed.

Looking Back

2008-08-03T11:19:00.002-05:00

Yesterday as I was enjoying the company of Granny Karen, she very casually pointed out to me that maybe just maybe I need to look back. Looking back is what I have been doing since she mentioned that to me. We have certainly come a long, long way. It seems as though every day brings a new challenge for me. I think that is because of what I have started doing. I'm not gonna break all out and start bible thumping on ya (not today anyway) but I am seeking God.

Are ya freaked out?! LOL I really am seeking God. Some people think omyshehaslosthermind.

Ok - so I have lost my mind. Not really, I am just walking a different path in my life.

I do have lots and lots of thoughts going on in my head and lots of things that I need to sort out. Don't give up on me, I'm here behind the monitor just sortin things out til the time is right for me to just bust on outta here.

So Far Behind

2008-07-06T12:12:00.003-05:00

Have you ever? No, really! Have you ever been so far behind? I mean to the point that you just thought - hmmm....I think I'll just put everything in the garbage can and start over. I think at some point in our lives we have all been there. We have all thought that we are so far behind that there is no way that we could ever get caught up. But yet there are times when you can catch me sitting and reading something.

Reading something? Sitting and not doing anything? Ha - you can't be that far behind if you have time for that. Yeah, right! Think again. When you catch me reading or sitting and doing nothing - I am planning. I am catching my breath so that I can go on, so I can catch up.

One of my last post was stress. I told you then to look out (stay tuned) that I'm coming back. And I am! It's just gonna take me a little bit to continue getting things in order. I say things, it's really me. But you'll see, once I'm back full swing.

Oh yeah - I am going to try my very, very best to tell some of the silly stories that Superman tells.

Dealing With It

2008-06-30T22:19:00.003-05:00

As I mentioned my stress level has peaked. It peaked to the point that I got shingles. Oh my goodness - shingles are painful. Did I mention that shingles are PAINFUL?! I believe that I have been given a warning. Shingles are brought on by stress. I have never experienced anything like it! I have stepped back and looked at several things. I have found that my outlook has got to change. I'm not even sure what happened to my outlook. Really!

I used to be this happy go lucky free thinking person. But I'm getting back on that track and laughing more and more every day.

Oh yeah - an 8 year old little boy has taught me how to play chess!

Stress

2008-06-28T18:29:00.003-05:00

I haven't been here because my life has been consumed with stress. I'm not kiddin! I have been so extremely stressed out that I am just now getting back on my feet. It's time for me to take control of my life and let all of the negative outside influences go. I will talk more about this in my post that I will be putting here soon. Stay tuned! I'm comin back!

Today is the day that I promise myself that I will not let stress consume me anymore!

I Know...

2008-06-16T18:02:00.003-05:00

I know just what you are thinking. I should update my blog and stop talking about updating it and keeping it up to date and so on and so on. Blah - Blah - Blah! We've all heard it before.

Ok, I'll do better.

Now, where have I been...

I've been to a couple of funerals. Dealt with those and moved on. I've rented an RV. YES, AN RV! Did we look like Robin Williams in the movie RV? I doubt it but I do have to say that we all rented the movie a few days before we rented the RV and went on vacation.

Our garden has done so well and provided us with so many veggies. I love home grown food. Home school is going well. Yes, we are still in school. There won't be very much of a summer break. Right now we are only looking at the month of August. We'll see what happens between now and then.

I Got Em

2008-05-14T20:27:00.003-05:00

I got em! I got pictures to share and stories to tell. I have a whole darn camera full of pictures. It's so funny with this new camera I have...I just keep snapping pictures and never get them developed. Ha ha...I don't have to. I just plug in the cable that hooks my camera to my computer and wa la, I have pictures. But now I'm too darn ~~lazy~~ busy to hook up the cable. I'll get it hooked up and before you know it you'll have more pictures than you can shake a stick at.

Gotta run...

Movie Stars

2008-05-13T18:17:00.003-05:00

It could be that we might become movie stars. Yes, you did read that right. Yes, it means just what you think it means.

This morning as Superman and I were starting to fix a wonderful evening lunch for our moms, the phone rang.

It was a television producer calling us to see if we would possibly be interested in doing a 30 minute television show about adoption. WOW - for us to be such a quiet little family and not want to be seen or heard very much of, things sure have changed. LOL

I will post more when I know more...

In the Newspaper

2008-05-13T17:55:00.003-05:00

We are in the newspaper! Really, we are! But that's not the half of it. We are also on the governor's website too. Here - I can show you better than I can tell you.

Letter of the Week

Success Stories

To help you find us - look for Superman.

Catching Up With Alta

2008-05-11T23:53:00.006-05:00

I sure hope that no one is upset with me. I know that it has been some time since I have been posting anything here. Things have changed so very much for me. I mean really - they have changed in ways that I never thought about.

Friday, March 28th 2007 was the first day that I had not smoked a cigarette in over 26 years. That is my official quit date. It hasn't been easy to get to where I am now. I had to pretty much give up my computer because I used to sit in front of the darn computer and smoke like a chimney. All I needed was a picture of a fire on the computer screen and we could have hung our stockings by it. Not any more - I am done with that. Been there - Done that!
Oh yeah! I still crave that smoke from time to time. I still want to run down to the corner store and buy me a pack and start smoking again. And there are days that I could run down to the corner convience store and buy a whole carton, sit on the curb and just light the carton on fire and smoke it like a musician playing a harmonica. But I just go on and get past that moment or those moments.

Since I don't know when, things have been changing for me. I think it may be because I'm growing older. Maybe it's because I'm growing wiser. Hmm...I might need to ponder on that a little bit.

The first part of this year I was drawn to read the Bible. I couldn't tell you why if you ask me. It was just something that I wanted to do, something I thought I needed to do. Get this - the plot thickens. I'll get to it before I'm done, hang on...

I talked with Superman about it and I told him that I had no idea why I wanted to start going to church or why I wanted to read the Bible, it's just that I had a craving for it all. My cravings got stronger and stronger. I am pulled by something. I'm being led toward or to this little church. Brother Andy is the pastor, he preaches words that I understand, words that I am thirsty to hear. I'll get more into this also, so hang on again...

May 2008 has brought me to a point in my life that I thought would never happen. This is my official and legal Mothers Day. What a feeling it truly is. I have my wonderful husband, my 3 boys and God to thank.

I'm gonna change the subject a little bit (sorry bout that). Our cat Dusty is now diabetic and has to take insulin shots. Yes he has cataracts like Jack. Dusty hasn't become completely blind yet but I do think that it will eventually happen. We are going to make Dusty as happy and comfortable as we can until he goes over the rainbow bridge. And just to let you know, if I talk about it anymore I'll be crying and snottin all over the place.

In the past 3 weeks we've had 2 deaths in the family. Both on my dad's side of the family - one of his sisters and one of his brothers.

Now that we are catching up with Alta (yep, that's me), I'll tell you about some power surges. I mean some real doozies too. Hot flashes! I personally call them Power Surges. There is no way in this world that what I am feeling is hot flashes. I'm way too young for that. Guess again! I have to schedule myself a doctor appointment. Somethings gotta be done!

I'll try to let you all know where we stand on home school in one of my next post. In the meantime hang in there...

Farewell Jack!

2008-05-06T17:12:00.003-05:00

It is with great sadness that on Monday, May 5th, we said goodbye to our family pet and little brother, Jack! Jack was 9 and a half years old and my mothers faithful companion. He had developed diabetes and suddenly went blind despite all avenues tried to help him! He was in great distress not being able to see and had started to hurt himself. Sadly the vet said it was his time to go.

May his soul enjoy the freedom that it has earned.

And may he keep on "ridin' along on his pushbike honey! (Jack loved nothing better than to dance and sing along with his mama! His favourite song being "riding along on my pushbike honey!" he would start growling and lay on his back while peddling his legs! He was such a character and will be sorely missed! Sweet journey Jack!

Deer Dear

2008-05-05T22:43:00.004-05:00

It seems that some days my boys walk around with their heads in the clouds. I keep thinking that one day they will finally pay attention. But as my dear loving husband keeps telling me "They are kids and kids will be kids." I guess that one day I will realize what he is telling me.

Tonight we are all sitting at the supper table, talking about our day and just being silly (as usual). I sit in a place where I can look out at the horses. Tonight I see CoCo just perk his head up and blow all up like the herd leader - he sure is beautiful when he does that. I mention to everyone that CoCo sure is interested in something. They all look out the window at him. By this time Shadow and Redman have spotted whatever CoCo sees. I am curious myself so I step out the back door.

I'm amazed! Not 1, not 2 - but 3 deer. Years back when I first moved to this area, I would see deer signs. More people moved in and the wildlife moved out. It was such a pretty sight to see the deer just easing along and grazing. I am so glad that they could possibly be coming back into the area.

We all ended up outside to watch the deer and the horses. The boys ask a few questions about the deer and why the horses were acting so silly. I just love answering those types of questions.

Catching Up With Karisma

2008-04-28T22:03:00.004-05:00

We have had a lot of rain down here this last couple of weeks. I was starting to go a little cuckoo! It chose the school holiday period to literally drown out the sunshine all together. We had actually opted to take a three week break. The first few days TC was still at school so I took the opportunity to catch up on some much needed house cleaning. Unfortunately for the kids, our plans of spending a lot of time outdoors in the sunshine, went a little awry!

Instead the boys spent most of their time indoors playing video games or surfing the internet! They did however get a couple of outings in. One to an indoor playground and one to an indoor swim adventure centre. I had really wanted to go on a few bush trails and climb down the waterfall at Somersby, no such luck. The waterfall will now be a nogo until it dries out a little (you see we like to go off the trail and follow the actual flow of the water! Its much more fun!

The sun has finally graced us with its presence, just in time as we are back at school work this week. We had a bad start yesterday, which just proves my theory that three weeks is too long a break. Today we had a lovely morning though, the boys worked well and finished their work by lunch time. They are having a little free time now until TC arrives early from school as she has a dentist appointment. We intend to do a little science experiment when we get home, a fun one with baked icecream! That way we can eat the evidence afterwards.

Tomorrow I hope to take them for a bike ride along the lake with some other homeschool families. Lets hope the sun stays out! We are heading into winter now and starting to feel the chill.

On Friday, I am off for the weekend with my mum, aunt, sister, sister in law and my oldest daughter. They all surprised me with a trip away for my birthday, which is not until June, but they figured it would be fun to go before mothers day! We are off to Nelsons Bay a little further North from here, to laze around on the beach, beside the pool and in the spa. Perhaps take a day cruise and of course go out for dinner. No cooking! yay! I am looking forward to the break but also a little apprehensive about leaving the rest of the kids and SB. I am always a little reluctant so have pretty much been away once or twice in my life! LOL! I am planning to enjoy myself though! Will tell you all about it when I get back!

4 Weeks Yesterday

2008-04-26T16:49:00.002-05:00

I made it to my 4 week mark! 4 weeks yesterday I quit smoking. After smoking for more than 26 years I finally kicked the habit.

Anyone that smokes and wants to quit - It isn't easy to quit.
Anyone that thinks it's cool to smoke - It isn't.
Anyone who is thinking about starting to smoke - Stop thinking about starting something that is almost impossible to stop.

I sure wish I knew then what I know now!

Hey Alta!

2008-04-23T13:35:00.001-05:00

LLove from Karisma xxx

I Lost Count

2008-04-07T22:29:00.004-05:00

I lost count of the days now. Not just the days, but the days! The days that I have been nicotine free.

Let me think out loud just a minute and then I'll let you know. Ok - my last one was on the - hmm...let me get to the calendar...April 4th was 7 days...so...March something...got it...March 27th was the last time that I smoked. So my first day of no nicotine was March 28th, 2008.

I tell ya, it has been a struggle. I have avoided all the things that I used to do. Sit at the computer - light one up. After every meal - light one up. I had more reasons to light one up than stars in the sky. PIT i FULL

Today has been kinda rough but I've made it this far.

We have a few things going on that is taking up lots of our thoughts.

1. We have got to buy another vehicle. This is pretty funny because we are vehicle poor. I mean it. If we put all of our vehicles in our yard, it would look like a used car lot. Gotta think again, so that I can tell you exactly how many we have. Our green hunting truck, there's the Dodge, then there's the truck that my mom has at her house (it was my dad's), then there is our SUV that is falling apart little by little. Ok, there's only 4 of them but isn't that enough. LOL Oh yeah, there is also the patrol car when Superman isn't working. Yep - like I said, a used car lot.

2. A graduation is in the very near future. My sister's baby is graduating from high school. We want to go to the graduation and spend a little bit of time with my sister and then we want to use the rest of the week as our vacation. So we have to plan for someone to feed the horses while we are gone, someone to feed the cats and clean the litter boxes. We have to board the dogs. Oh yeah, and now that we have a special needs cat, we have to find someone that can give Dusty his insulin shots twice a day.

3. I have a huge list of things that need to be caught up on. I think it may be easier to just throw the list away and start over.

I think that's all for now. I am gradually getting back to the computer so please be patient with me. Thank you very much for your support!

Home School Funnies

2008-04-02T16:07:00.002-05:00

Home Schoolers you are sure to enjoy these Home School Funnies!
I found this What About Socialization that I thought was down right amusing.

How about this one Top 20 Advantages to Homeschooling.

How does a homeschooler change a light bulb?

14 Days of Homeschooling

I hope you enjoy them!

This is one of my favorites because someone always get caught in the act.
"If you get caught talking to yourself, you can claim you're having a PTA meeting."

Day Number 5

2008-04-02T15:43:00.003-05:00

Wooo Hoooo

I have finally made it to day number 5 and right now I want to eat my keyboard. No kidding! And if this darn cat keeps putting her foot and then her nose in my pretzel bag, I might just have to eat her. Yeah - go ahead and laugh. You think it's funny now. It won't be so darn funny when I send you the picture of her fuzzy tail hanging out of my mouth. The same fuzzy tail that just sent my pumpkin seeds flying across the room.

Day number 3 wasn't too bad, I only broke down once. I had just finished eating and was still sitting at the table with Superman and the boys. It just hit me - that urge to smoke. I mean just like that too. I put my head in my hands and said - I want a cigarette. MJ jumped up from the table and grabbed me a peppermint. What a trooper! I actually broke down and cried. I popped the peppermint in my mouth and within about 3 minutes the urge was gone. I survived it!

Day number 4 was better than day number 3. April Fools day is a big day at our house. No, not because we stay up late thinking of tricks to pull on each other. It's a big day because it's Superman's birthday. He is a jokester enough that we don't need to think of any more ways to trick each other. His personality really fits his birthday. Amazing isn't it!

And you know about day number 5 cause I already told you. Ok, that little panic attack is gone and I have survived a total of 4 days right now and tomorrow I can say that I survived 5 days. Because today isn't over.

Day Number 2

2008-03-30T22:27:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone!

Karisma, Thank You!

Today is Day Number 2 without smoking!