A Penny For Your Thoughts

  I have mentioned over and over and over about how I hate snow.  However, it is snowing right now, a rain/snow mix actually, and I am happy.  The past eight years I have been extremely unhappy with one of my life situations but since correcting that problem, I still have my kids and husband if you were wondering, I am looking forward to Christmas and even to snow.  I am seeing the beautiful in the everyday again.   Lucy was so excited to see the snow.  Our preschoolers at work spent yesterday excited about the prospect of a weekend snow.  The excitement has been contagious.  Now mind you, I still really dislike being cold and I HATE driving on ice.  But I also HATE driving in fog but  I don't hate the other seasons because of it.    I am working on my issues right now. I have joined an amazing group of women and we are doing life together .  We are dealing with all our inner yuck and the reasons why w...

  Hello Friday!!   I absolutely LOVE my new job as  a Preschool Aide, but let me tell you.  Dealing with almost 80 3,4, and 5 year olds five days a week makes a lady tired!! I don't think my age has a darn thing to do with it.  I could literally fall asleep the second I get home and sit down, but I try to hold off until at least 9. Just to be sociable with the hubs and 4 children I created.    Anywho... what are my favorites this week? 1. Playdough....We make fresh homemade playdough each week that concides with the theme.  We have had pumpkin pie, cinnamon, cranberry, chocolate, sparkly,, and a rainbow of beautiful colors.  I think playdough is a very relaxing sensory activity and enjoy sitting down with the children and listening to what they are creating (lots of pretend birthday cakes and snowmen). Yeah, My job is the best...I even practiced my name writing skills 2.  Dollar General... it reminds me of the littl...

      Because it is already mid November, I have decided to do my winter to do list and include some November activities. If you have read through my past posts, I stated I would not be doing a winter to do list.  However, I am a flake and have changed my mind.  Or just a woman and can do that...wink wink.  Any way, her is what I have planned to accomplish...   Christmas picture and cards completed and made by November 30th   The tree WILL be put up the Wednesday before Thanksgiving so that it is DONE   I am hoping to have all Christmas presents bought and wrapped by November 30th.  I know there will always be last minute things to pick up.   I am making all my Christmas cookies (and I cheat and use the pull apart and bake kind) the first Monday that School is out for break.   I want to make some red hots popcorn this year (yummy).   Christmas is going to be low key, family centered, and f...

For Today...October 24,2015 Outside My Window... A beautiful fall day.  Lots of fallen leaves from our hundred year Maple trees. I am not a fan of raking them up because I think they make the ground so beautiful and I love the crunch and swish sound when you walk through. I am thinking...how much I love fall.  The coziness of it all.  Pumpkin spice, chili, high school football, Halloween, back to school, Honey Crisp apples, sweaters and boots. I am thankful...for a great family, good friends, a job I love, and  all the blessings God gives me everyday. I am wearing...It is 9:30 on Saturday morning, so my pajama pants and a Titans football tee shirt.  Styling. I am creating...nothing lately but I have been  pintresting like crazy :) I am going...to the high school's first murder mystery dinner this evening.  Cassie is in it, Madi is serving, and all the proceeds go to support the Spring Musical.  It is going to be fun! ...

    Today I am using Farley's currently from Oh Boy Fourth Grade for my writing prompt.    I am listening to...the sound of my phone going off every two minutes. I usually don't have the sound on because repetitive sounds tend to drive me a little crazy.   Loving...that the air has cooled off just enough to make sitting outside not a sweat fest but still warm enough to be "summer".   Thinking that... I only have two more days left at my current job.  I really love it there but am so looking forward to my new job as a Preschool paraprofessional.  It truly is bittersweet to leave.   Wanting... a few more days off to get things in real order, but I guess that will have to wait for Christmas Break (Yeah!! I get an official Christmas Break!!)   Needing..to quit thinking I "need" anything.  I am learning to really trust God for my needs and it is really refreshing.  He knows what I need and is providing it ...

  No linking or anything like that, I just thought I would share what is Currently Going On Around here....   Listening to...not a darn thing.  Lucy is at Girl Scouts, Cassie is hanging with her man, Madison is with a friend, Doug is playing pool, and my oldest Katie has flown the coop. The dogs are barking at the neighbors which is getting on my nerves to be quite honest.  I am sure it is getting on the neighbor's nerves as well....muzzle?? Just kidding.   Reading...not much of anything right now.  I am just not into it at the time.    Thinking about...what color to paint Lucy's furniture now that she has here own room.  I am thinking about a turquoise color.  Her furniture is antique.  Madison (the junior higher) wants her room repainted navy blue.  I am sure this will look black, but there is no convincing her otherwise.  Help!!   Cooking...tonight is Hamburger Helper and cottage cheese.  ...

  You may not take or use my personal family photos without asking first. (Copyright).  Unless you are in my family, I probably will not give you permission, don't be mad :) I try to link back, but sometimes I forget, please excuse me, and will not be offended if you remind me.  I will get it corrected ASAP. That goes with Copyright, so I do really try to remember to link. I am a Christian with Christian values.  I will try not to offend with my beliefs but this is my space on the Internet.  If you don't agree with me, don't be hateful, just quit reading my stuff.  Free speech is my right too.     Now that stuff is out of the way, I hope you enjoy reading and connecting with me.  I love to connect with people and try to be a peaceful spot in your day.  However, I can vent and complain with the best of them on occasion :)  I do not use this blog to be mean, slander, or portray us as the "perfect family".  I don't l...

    Time: 10:21 am (whoops I know, should at church)   Scene: The kitchen table.  It is rainy and a little cooler today, but still humid.  I wouldn't mind a good thunder storm sometime today.   Today's Plan:  The last day of the Community Theater's musical, The Sound of Music.  To say it hasn't been amazing every evening and that I am not a proud mama would be a lie.  I have LOVED this production!! However, the hubs and daughter are exhausted and are ready for some lazy days of  summer finally :) This cast worked hard and put their all in it and it shows.   Listening to:  Doug and little Lucy banter back and forth.  Everyone else is quiet, kind of watching television and kind of dozing.  Sunday is a day to rest, correct?   Drinking: My 3rd (gasp) cup of Kahlua coffee with Bailey's Irish Creme Creamer (nonalcoholic).  I might be shaking here in a few minutes :) But I have been up for aw...

  Good Morning!!    I am trying to get back to my blog after a couple months hiatis.... I know, you have all been distraught at my absence...lol   Anyway, what better way than with a couple of link ups.  Today I am linking up with The Simple Woman .    Outside my window.... It is another hot and humid day.  There is a heat advisory on as well as some severe thunder storm watches.  hmmm   Thinking... That I am tired of rain for awhile.  It is too buggy right now.    Thankful for... Coffee to help me start my day since I have to drive 2-3 mornings a week to a neighboring town to drop cheerleaders off for practice, before going to work the other direction.   Wearing... A skirt and sleeveless blouse because of the above stated heat advisory.    Creating...  a calmer life.  My friend from college who lives in Ireland now was talking about how simple life is t...

    Today I am linking up with My Cup Runneth Over to let you know how the day is going.   Time: 7:08 pm   Scene: Hot and Humid!!   Today's Plan:   This morning the hubby and I went to church without kids.  I know, I know....we should probably "make them go" but some times we just let them sleep instead of the craziness of everyone getting ready at the same time.  Church and Sunday School were good, I then watched Doug do chores on the farm (yep, I watched), and then went to see an old college friend who was at our alma mater visiting.  I had not seen her in 16 years and Doug had never met her.  She now lives in Ireland (isn't that cool!), and then home so Doug and Cassie can start their tech week practices for the community theater musical they are in and Lucy had a Vacation Bible School kick off pool party.     I am listening to:   Madi complain about mowing....it has been an all day chore ...

For week of June 1... Outside My Window... A little cool for the start of summer, only in the 60's today...brrr I Am Thinking... about kittens.  Clementine is the proud mommy of 4 little fur balls who are starting to get pretty spunky. I Am Thinking...   how much more relaxed I feel now that I switched jobs and am spending more time at home. I am a Curriculum Coordinator at a Christian Preschool/Daycare now and have also started selling Thirty One Gifts.   I Am Wearing... khaki's, a blue Under Armor tee shirt, and a black cardigan. I Am Going...  To Boston in June! Visiting with my Brother in law and Sister in law.  It has been almost a year since I have seen their precious faces! I can't wait! I Am Reading... a book about a lady with Bipolar Disorder.  It is a true story and just makes my heart hurt for her :( Around The House... All the stuff that has been on the back burner because of my old job. In The Kit...

I am not sure I like this topic, I am not sure I like having to rise above.  Why? Because I don't like the messy situation you have to be in to make the choice to take the High Road.  Do you?   Let's face it.  Life is MESSY!  Everyday creates some situation, big or little, in which we have to forgive, forget, overcome, or just muddle through.  We are all in situations that require us to Rise Above.   Recently I decided to quit my job.  I based this on many factors: what was best for my family, my home, and myself.  I had to pray for God's clarity and guidance.  I also had to have faith that what I heard him telling me was correct.  I searched the scriptures to find God's vision for family, on obedience to him and to my husband, and for peace.  I felt confident when I made my decision to put in my resignation and peaceful since then. Rising Above requires the same diligence.  Sometimes just praying for the cour...

Today is March 30, 2015 Outside my window is....   sunny and will be in the 60's later today.  Yeah Spring! I am thinking.... that this week is such an amazing week.  Holy Week.   I am thankful.... that Jesus died on the cross for me and my sins.  He did this for all of us, Every single one of us. I am wearing...  black pants, a grey sweater, and a scarf.  Not very Spring like, but it is still chilly in the mornings and at my office. I am going... to one of my favorite family child care homes to read today. I am wondering.... how the weekends go so quickly.  We were crazy busy Saturday and crazy lazy on Sunday after church.  I wish I had one more day to do some chores. I am learning...   that I have so much peace when I listen to God and his plans.  I had been really trying to do life on my own and not listen.  Even as a bible reading Christian, we can still get out of focus on him. Around t...

Free to be me !!!! Wow, if it only felt that easy.  I am a hot mess people.  I struggle with body image, fashion image, being good enough, being nice enough, being helpful enough, and on and on and on.... God says I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  He knit me in my mother's womb.  He is honored by letting his light shine through me.  He knows I am beautiful and lovely and  a sinner. Yep, I am a sinner.  I mess up a lot!  I do not end my day feeling like it was the bomb, but I do end my day praying to God to forgive my sins and to help me do better the next day.  I do this every single night....  and he forgives me.....every single night.   I am so thankful for God who loves me like that.  Who besides God could?  I know my family loves me but they are human.  Wiping the slate clean every single day is not something that comes easily to us.  I wish God had given us the ability to completely er...

    I said I was giving up on the seasonal to do/goal list.  Well, I lied. I have decided I am giving up on the Winter list only.  Winter is a hard time for me emotionally and just getting through the weeks with no sun and lots of sad memories is more than I can handle sometimes.  Spring is always a welcome site with sun and flowers and rain (I love rain) and all the rebirth of nature.  So, here is what I plan to accomplish this Spring....         Spring To Do List:     Dye Easter eggs before Easter this year .  This should be easy but hasn't happened in years....   Get back on a money saving/frugality plan .  I used to be pretty awesome at this, but somehow we started living like we were the Kardashians (well,not really).  I will probably not coupon simply because of the time requirement, but will start ad matching and eliminating the fluff that we don't need. I have fallen into...

A few times on the blog, I have referenced to that fact I am reviewing a book.  I am pleased to announce that it is being released today, March 5th ! Run, don't walk to get this book! Honestly, whether your children are teenagers or newborns, this book is a must.  What I found out is that even as an adult, my views of how connected I am, want to be, or should be were called into question.  The technology age has taken us by storm, is moving at the speed of light, and is most importantly here to stay. Our children are the technology natives .  They have never been without it and probably never will be.  So, how as parents are we going to address it? Dr. Koch gives us practical advice and asks important questions to get us thinking about what are views are, our current practices, how technology fits into our value system,family dynamics, and family goals.  She does not try to convince us that technology is bad, but to make sure we are...

Time for some grumbling, snarkiness, and maybe a little bad attitude... So who came up with flowered scented dish soap?  Someone who drinks perfume?  This is just so gross. Really. Why must the good foods be fattening?  Why is Coca Cola bad for your weight, health, teeth,etc. but so good for your mood?  I would say that it is just me but the fact it is a billion dollar industry would contradict that, just sayin. Why did God not give me the love of cooking to match my love of eating home cooked foods?   Where do all my socks go? Really, my house is not that big. Is it really necessary to get hot sweats at night?  Wouldn't society be better if the menopausal women at least were well rested?  I think I need a snickers, I am definitely in Diva mode today!! 

Today I am joining it with a new link up for me.  It is hosted by  Living to Tell the Story .   My Friday Fav Five list goes something like this... 1. My three older girls were still up watching television together when I went to bed last night.  My room is right next to the living room so I could hear their conversations.  Although I wasn't ease dropping, I did start to listen.  They were talking about casual and personal things.  I realized that they are all growing up and their conversations with each other are growing as well.  It was like listening to a group of 3 women talking over coffee.  My heart wanted to burst and I may have teared up or actually cried..... maybe. I am so thankful for this wonderful bond they will have with each other for the rest of their lives. 2.  I am just thankful it is Friday.... we have had snow and strep throat at our house this week.  I am ready to shut the books on this we...

It is time for the 3rd Thursday Blog Hop with Jill Savage from Hearts at Home.... I found this quote and used it on another post about a month ago, but it is fitting for this one as well... Every individual has a place to fill in the world, and is important in some respect, whether he chooses to be so or not. ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne Respect truly is a super power some days.  Especially on those days when you have to deal with individuals who you don't feel are deserving of your respect.  I know as an adult I struggle with showing respect when other people are being less than respectful of me, but can you imagine how our children feel most days? More so than when I was younger, adults are becoming more and more disrespectful to our children.  Mostly because they themselves are acting more and more like children.  Why is this?  Why are adult men and women resorting to childlike behavior?  As a parent, I witness teachers, friends and the...

Linking up The Simple Woman's Blog  with my week's plan  Week of February 16th.... Outside my window... Snow.  I am thinking... that I can handle the above mentioned snow since we are on the tail end of winter.  Yes!! I am thankful... that I have a warm home, a loving family, and enough of everything I need. I am wearing... the same thing I wore for Valentines Day with my hubby.  My black sweater and red scarf.  I did wear something different yesterday :) I am creating... nothing.  I am pinning like crazy, that is my hobby as of the past few weeks.  I guess I could call it "planning", but really it is mindless entertainment. I am going...to get that laundry caught up.  Someday.  Like when the kids are all grown and out of the house.  Like in 10 plus years.  Like in time for them to start doing mine.  Hahahaha.  I am wondering...if Lucy will ever truly forgive me for slamming her ca...

Good Morning, I am linking up with  The Simple Woman's Blog  for the weekly Daybook For today... February 9, 2015 Outside my window .... Chilly (in the 30's for a high) but no snow.  Most of the snow has melted from the warm temps this weekend. I am thinking ... that I had a great, great weekend with my family. I am thankful. .. that my children view each other as important.  We had to plan Lucy's birthday celebration around Katie's work hours because she just started her new job and can't request time off.  Lucy would have never considered celebrating her birthday without her big sis present. I am wearing. .. my sparkly sweater again.  I must need the sparkles to handle a Monday morning. I am creating ... nothing at the moment, but do have some unfinished projects.  My mind has been exhausted lately and I am just chilling and puttering around. I am praying ... for a family decision that could make a huge difference in our live...

So today I am linking up and sharing some more Friday Favorites.... I decided to do a Pintrest Edition.  Hopefully all  the links work.  I am a little addicted to Pintrest to be quite honest.  I have said before, it is like getting to form and edit my own magazine :)  I love to look back through my pins and see if I feel if it actually represents me, and it does.  Feel free to check out my Pintrest link on the sidebar if your interested in learning more about the things I love! This quote!  It is taken a number of years to get here, but I feel I am making outstanding progress! pintrest Everything about this outfit from the bun to the shoes (I have a similar pair from the clearance at Payless).  I will probably never grow my hair long enough for the top knot but I do like to wear my hair up a lot (usually ever 3rd day to get one more wear before washing, #dirtyhairidontcare) pintrest I love the colors and the retro...

Happy Thursday... So what has been on my mind this week?  Child Care.  Not for my family, at least not on a daily basis.  I am now in the blessed season of all my children either in school or old enough and out of school to fill in the gaps.  In fact, a few weeks ago, Katie was able to take the three younger ones to their dental check ups and I didn't even have to take a sick day from work.  Do you think I may start building sick days? Who knows.  I do know I have learned to work while wishing I was home in bed resting because taking a sick day for me being sick is usually just not feasible because you know one of the four gals will come down with something.  The life of a working mom... In my profession there is a huge push for Quality Child Care.  I whole heartily agree with this.  However, I feel that sometimes our moms and dads get lost in the shuffle and no longer feel like the "expert" on their own children.  This is ver...

(I am already looking forward to some green grass and farming season to resume) Do you ever have those people in your life that seem to be there just to drive you crazy?  Not saying I ever do... but remember.... Every individual has a place to fill in the world, and is important in some respect, whether he chooses to be so or not. ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne

  I am joining up with The Simple Woman's Blog to bring you my weekly day book.  Link up and share yours and read the other links....          For today...February 2nd (Groundhog's Day) 6 more weeks of Winter was the prediction.   Outside my window....Snow.  We got enough to cover everything, but not the storm that was predicted.  I can handle this.  I will admit, snow is beautiful the first day before it gets slushy and dirty.       I am thinking...how nice to have the day off.  Sometimes using a vacation day to hang out around the house is worth it.   I am thankful and in gratitude for... an older daughter who is responsible and can run the house and the family well when left in charge for a few days.   I am wearing...my pajama pants and an Oklahoma Sooners hoodie, this may be what I stay in all day long :)   I am wondering....if raising teenagers will tur...

As I have mentioned before, I am reviewing a book that is centered on Teens and technology.  As I read, I realize how much my own world has changed and come to depend on technology as well.  I was late to the game on email, social media, surfing the web, online shopping, etc but since going back to work 7 years ago, all that has changed.  I never texted and to be quite honest, I didn't even know how to cut and paste when I first went back to work.  I was so embarrassed to ask anyone, that I went home and asked my then 6th grader to show me the basics.   As my children grew, I realized that I had to get on board or get left behind.  I got a cell phone with a keyboard because that whole scrolling through the number keys was too much for me (patience is not my gift).  I had to rely more on email for work correspondence, and then Facebook came into my world.  I was not even going to check it out but a friend of mine begged me to get online so we ...