It's All Good!

Chili Rellenos Quiche

2012-01-26T14:00:00.001-07:00

Several of you mentioned you’d like the recipe for Chili Rellenos Quiche (Green Chili Quiche is what I called it in my previous post.)

courtesy Taste of Home

Sounds crazy, but I had never had quiche before. I know…where have I been right? And forget the saying “Real men don’t eat quiche”, because I have a real man, and he scarves this down like there’s no tomorrow!

(This recipe came from Taste of Home. I was embarrassed to add the nutritional facts…let’s just say it wasn’t in there Light and Tasty edition—emphasis on light!)

Ingredients

Pastry for single-crust pie (9 inches)
2 tablespoons cornmeal
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
3 eggs
3/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
2 to 4 drops hot pepper sauce, optional

Directions

Line unpricked pastry shell with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Bake at 450° for 8 minutes. Remove foil; bake 5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack. Reduce heat to 350°.
Sprinkle cornmeal over bottom of pastry shell. In a small bowl, combine cheeses; set aside 1/2 cup for topping. Add chilies to remaining cheese mixture; sprinkle into crust.
In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, sour cream, cilantro and hot pepper sauce if desired. Pour into crust; sprinkle with reserved cheese mixture.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting. Yield: 6 servings.

That’s the exact recipe. Below are my tweaks.

1. Whole wheat pastry crust.

2. Monterey Jack cheese is what I usually have on hand, so I skip the cheddar. I don’t use as much cheese as called for either.

3. I don’t do the foil thing. I just pop it into the oven and let it bake at 450 degrees for about 5 minutes. Again, don’t forget to turn your oven back to 350 degrees.

4. Fresh roasted chilies taste best. It’s one more step, unless you have some in your freezer from your garden, but worth it. To roast, put some fresh green chilies on your grill or under the broiler turning several times. Let them get nice and blistered. When they’re cool enough to handle run them under cold water and the skins come right off.

5. My chilies were medium in heat, so I found that there was no need to add the cilantro, because we couldn’t taste it anyway.

Enjoy!

It’s All Quiche-y Good!

Brenda

Superbowl Hodgepodge

2012-01-24T22:00:00.001-07:00

1. The NFL playoffs were held this past weekend and this year's Superbowl lineup will feature The New York Giants versus The New England Patriots. How do you define 'patriot'?

Off the top of my head: One who is faithful, dependable and one who would die for what he believes in.

Having said that, I’m for the Giants!

2. What's something in your life right now that feels like a 'giant'?

I’m only on day 3 of a 9-day cleansing fast, so knowing I still have 6 days is a Goliath for me! I am determined to follow through with this, to be as healthy as possible, and to conquer the huge giant that food issues can become if I allow it. We’ve been doing good with our eating now for several years, but the holidays just scream baking which screams more sugar intake and all around unhealthy foods. But, I take full responsibility--I opened my mouth, I chewed and swallowed and now I’m reaping the consequences. So when this is over, I’ll be back on track and my ‘giant’ will be a thing of the past!

This cleansing fast I’m doing is not to be mistaken with the “Don’t Toot Your Horn” fast found in Matthew 6:16-18. Though I look forward to the spiritual benefits, this fast is primarily for health reasons.

{the fast: 3 days raw veggies/fruits, 3 days liquids (which includes veggie broth)and 3 days raw veggies/fruits, as well as continuing to take my multi-vitamin and green drink}

3. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think back to being 18?

Wow, that’s a long time ago! 18 hmmm…how immature I was, but thinking how mature I was!

4. Coconut-mashed potatoes-vanilla ice cream-mayonnaise...which white food would be the hardest to give up?

Never liked coconut, hardly ever eat ice cream or mayo, so my answer would have to be mashed potatoes, though a baked potato is my preference.

5. Describe an incident or a day you remember as the coldest you've ever experienced?

I’m a weenie when it come to cold weather, so there have been many cold days in my life. 9-11 would be the coldest day I have experienced psychologically speaking.

6. You're hosting a brunch...what's your favorite dish to prepare and serve?

Green Chili Quiche. Yummy!

7. How do you combat negative thinking?

two words: THE WORD!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I’m hungry!

It’s All see answer to #8 Good!

Brenda

Taking a walk

2012-01-21T21:28:00.001-07:00

After extremely cold weather and two feet of snow before Christmas, we enjoyed a really nice day last Thursday with temps reaching the high 50’s . Grace and I decided to take advantage of it. She rode her bike while I walked my 2.25 mile route around town.

Our little farming community is surrounded by beauty no matter what the season. That’s Pike’s Peak in the far distance.

Along our way there is a very rustic corral with several horses, a mule and a goat. Grace is getting ready to reach through the fence and pet one of the horses. I love this picture. {Notice the non-January top she’s wearing!}

This gal is the friendliest of the three horses.

Here she comes.

I was trying to get her as well as the other horses in the pic but as you can see…

it was all about her!

Every time I thought I had a good shot, she’d stick her face right up to sniff my pretty yellow camera.

She enjoys when we stop by and visit, and so does our animal-loving daughter Grace!

It’s All Blue Skies Good!

Brenda

Hodgepodge time!

2012-01-17T21:23:00.001-07:00

1. A new Miss America was crowned on Saturday night-did you watch? If you were a contestant what would your talent be?

We didn’t watch the pageant. Talent? Hmmm…since I am so talented it would be hard to choose. But it wouldn’t matter anyway, because I’d be so scared, I’d lose control of a particular bodily function.

2. Do you have houseplants? Real or fake?

No real ones and a couple of fake {though I prefer the term faux…sounds so sophisticated!} Which reminds me of a tag I recently read on a purse given to me: Made in China, Real Faux Leather--What a hoot! I know…off topic.

3. When you were in school did you speak up or were you more of the hide your face, avoid eye contact, and pray the teacher didn't call on you type of student?

Ditto numero uno—minus the talent part!

4. Next Monday marks the Chinese New Year...what do you order when someone suggests Chinese food?

My favorite is Beef Broccoli with Fried Rice…minus the MSG.

5. How would you define a miracle? What would it take for you to consider something a miracle?

Daughter #1 and Daughter #2! {sounds a little Dr. Seuss-ish!} I know all children are miracles, but we needed a little extra help with both of ours. Chels was conceived after 5 1/2 years. Ironically, we had made an appointment with an infertility clinic, but the appointment was 6 weeks out. Little did I know I was pregnant already! Grace came 13 years after Chels. I guess you could say we raise(d) ours one at a time! God is good!

6. What's your favorite Disney song? If you're stuck you'll find a list here.

Just a Spoon Full of Sugar – Mary Poppins. Brings back some fun childhood memories.

7. I should have _______________ yesterday. Can’t think of anything off the top of my head.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My husband was laid off last Thursday. He has already been doing side plumbing/heating jobs with the goal of officially beginning our own business within the next 6 months. But God had different plans! He had 3 big jobs come in, and just the night before, we were wondering how he was going to get them done along with his regular full-time job. We’re excited and know that God is our Provider and will meet the needs. In the meantime, he will be able to collect some unemployment. Prayers appreciated!

It’s All We’re in Business Good!

Brenda

Hodgepodge Vol 61

2012-01-10T21:17:00.001-07:00

1. Lake Superior University has once again published a list of words/phrases they think should be banished from the Queen's English in 2012-

amazing, baby bump, shared sacrifice, occupy, blowback, man cave, the new normal, pet parent, win the future, trickeration, ginormous, and thank you in advance.

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Go here to read more about how the words are chosen.

The new normal – coming from one who values Christ-likeness (which to many is not normal), the ‘new normal’ to me is an excuse to change what is into something that fits the majority, whether for bad or good, and then brush it off as “Oh well, it’s just the new normal”. Sometimes it’s not a big deal, for instance—thongs. I wore thongs as a child. They are called flip flops now because the word thong has been changed to mean something entirely different. Do I insist on still calling them thongs? No, I’ve succumbed to calling them flip-flops. No big deal. Now changing what God says in His Word to fit one’s belief system, lifestyle or what have you—that is where I draw the line. My favorite all-time quote says “Right is right even if no one is doing it, and wrong is wrong even if everyone’s doing it.”

2. Are you easily embarrassed?

Not as much as I used to be. I guess the older I get the more I realize it’s not all about me. With this revelation it’s easier to laugh embarrassing moments off. Plus it gives me good blog fodder!

3. What is your go-to snack?

I enjoy a good homemade cookie with milk. But I’m careful to not have them around much! About a tablespoon of Hershey’s dark chocolate chips seems to curb my sweet tooth.

4. Have you ever been to Washington D.C.? If not do you have any desire to go? What site/attraction would you most want to see in that city? If you have been, what's your favorite site/attraction?

I’ve never been further east than Texas! We have talked about someday wanting to take a trip to DC and visit all the historical sites.

5. sit ups-planks-lunges-squats...which do you hate the least?

I’m not sure what planks are, but since it apparently involves exercise I’m sure I don’t like it! I’d have to say sit-ups.

6. What's a small act of kindness you were shown that you've never forgotten?

This may or may not be a small act of kindness, but it’s the first thing that has come to me. About 8 years ago we were going through a severe financial crisis while my husband was trying to get his real estate business off the ground. Every month for about a year someone gave us $100. Whoever it was remained anonymous, and the money stopped when we didn’t need it anymore. I will be forever grateful!

7. Have you ever been a blood donor?

Me and the sight of blood ‘to go’ don’t mix, along with having a huge aversion to needles. However, my husband is a faithful donor and “the two shall be as one” right?!!!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Rather than ‘occupy’ ourselves by staying and cleaning the ‘man cave’, my daughter and I got out today and took a 2.25 mile walk/bike ride. It was a ‘ginormously’ ‘amazing’ day. Since we’re not ‘pet parents’ we didn’t have to worry about carrying a pooper scooper. Tomorrow the snow is supposed to ‘blowback’ in, which is a mean ‘trickeration’ in my book. ‘Thank you (all) in advance’ for the ‘shared sacrifice’ of humoring me and, together, let us ‘win the future’!

It’s All I’m A Dork Good!

Brenda

2011 Recap Countdown

2012-01-06T17:09:00.001-07:00

Go grab yourself a cup of coffee, some chocolate or any other form of stimulation of choice, because I guarantee this post won’t have you sitting on the edge of your seat in anticipation.

You’ll find that we didn’t win the lottery, didn’t go on any exotic (or any vacations for that matter, but see #3), didn’t make any headlines in the papers (no news is good news, right?).

What you will find is a family who is loving exactly where we are in every sense of the word. (I’m sure I’ve missed some things that my brain isn’t registering at the moment.)

#10 Having our first garden.

#9 A new upright freezer to be able to store our garden bounty and room for once-a-month-cooking freezer meals.

#8 Thrifting fun.

That will never end no matter what year!

#7 Experiencing community in our small town of 1200 people.

#5 Turning 50

Not a bad thing except for the “M” word, which isn’t as bad as I’ve been led to believe—for me anyhow.

#4 Walking in closer fellowship with the Lord

Always a good thing!

#3 WE’RE DEBT FREE!

Well, credit card and truck debt anyway. The feeling after paying off that last credit card was amazing!

#2 Chelsie’s home!

We’re happy to have Chels living back here in Colorado after being up near Seattle the past two years. (((Chels)))

#1 Celebrating 30 years of marriage.

In this day and age 30 years is a miracle. I’m blessed because I’m married to my best friend!

If you have made it to this line…you get a star for perseverance!

{And if you really paid attention, you’ll find that #6 is missing, which I didn’t notice myself until after posting. Oh well, my brain is tired. I’m just gonna leave it as is!}

It’s All a year in the life of the Eddys Good!

Brenda

New Year New Hodgepodge

2012-01-03T22:25:00.001-07:00

1. What are three words you would use to describe your 2011?

Homecoming (our daughter moved back to Colorado after living near Seattle for the past two years).

Debt-free

Peace (enjoying my closer walk with the Lord as well as enjoying small-town living).

2. Do you like shrimp? What's your favorite way to have it prepared?

I do occasionally like shrimp uncoated dipped in that red sauce (obviously I don’t eat it often!) or dipped in butter. What is that sauce called anyway?

3. Is your house de-Christmased? If so when did you tackle that job? If not, when will the decorations come down?

We de-Christmased Monday. And no matter how many passes I make around the house, I still manage to come up with a little pile of stuff I missed putting away…of course always after all the tubs are stored.

4. Do you like to watch scary movies?

If you’re talking creepy-demon possessed-scary, no. But if it’s a good who-done-it and doesn’t have a ton of blood and guts, I don’t mind.

5. ice skating~sledding~skiing~snowboarding~of the four listed which wintertime activity do you most enjoy?

I’d have to say ice skating though I haven’t in years.

6. Did you have a childhood hideout? Describe it.

We had a narrow space between our garage and the neighbor’s that made a pretty good hideout for us kiddos. (I grew up with five brothers, so me being a tomboy was a choice and a necessity!) We had lots of fun pretending to shoot each other and the hideout would be base.

A funny story: There was a dime-store on the corner from where we lived on a fairly busy street. We were shooting each other and had to lay where we were shot and count to 20 or so before we could get back up. One day I was ‘shot’ in front of the dime store and was doing my allotted time on the sidewalk when a car pulls up and a school chum’s dad jumps out to see if I was all right! I was mortified. Guess how old I was? 12!

7. What's a place or space that motivates you?

I have a space in our bedroom that I do my crafting in. I’m in the process of getting it set up exactly the way I want it so that I can get started creating some things I’ve had in my head for awhile. Yesterday, my husband hung two long, narrow vintage windows that now separate that area from our bedroom.

I also have a comfy spot on the couch that I enjoy beginning my day with my prayers and devotions.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

This is only my 2nd time doing the Wednesday Hodgepodge and I’m really enjoying it. Helps get the thinking juices flowing!

It’s All Good!

Brenda

Wednesday Hodgepodge

2011-12-28T07:00:00.007-07:00

From This Side of the Pond

1. Share something you loved about your Christmas Day.

I enjoyed having a relaxing morning spent with our little family of four plus our daughter’s sweet boyfriend now in the mix. My oldest daughter moved back in the fall, and that made our Christmas complete and probably the most special one in many years.

2. You get to put five items in a time capsule to be opened in 100 years, what items would you choose and why?

A Bible
A letter with a message of Salvation
some money--it would be interesting to see how it’s changed and what it’s worth, if anything!
Some margarine--see if it’s still ‘edible’! most likely.
A letter to my family letting them know how much I loved them.

3. What do you like on a cracker?

A little butter and then a spoon of chili, yum! If a pot of chili isn’t available, then a good homemade cheese ball spread.

4. Do you make resolutions at the start of a new year? How'd that work out for you this past year?

I don’t really do resolutions. More like goals I’d like to accomplish. Some of my goals from 2011 were accomplished and other will get booted to 2012--unless I can lose 20 lbs in the next few days! haha!

5. What's a song or song lyric you'll associate with 2011?

Though I love music I don’t listen to much (oxymoron I know!). I just enjoy peaceful quiet. So this will sound crazy, but that song from Veggie Tales called “Oh Where is My Hairbrush” only it was changed to “Oh Where is My Cell Phone”. I was trying to download it to my ringtone--which I couldn’t because I’m so techno-challenged—but it got stuck in my head, and now I’m thankful that I didn’t put it on my phone. Oh my, now I’m going to be hearing that all day!

6. How will you ring in the new year?

We never do much for New Year’s. We bought my husband the whole MASH dvd collection, so we’ll probably watch some of those. Doubt even if we’ll make it ‘til midnight. (Please folks, be safe.)

7. What is something you look forward to in 2012?

I look forward to getting my Etsy store stocked as well as getting my new blog up and running.
I look forward to a closer walk with the Lord and being obedient to His voice.
Since we paid off our truck and got completely out of credit card debt in 2011 (can I hear an OH YEAH!) We look forward to finishing off some personal debt and by 2013 have no debt WHATSOEVER! or EVER AGAIN!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

God is so good to us!

It’s All Good!

Brenda

From my blog to yours

2011-12-19T10:21:00.009-07:00

Wishing you all a Merry CHRISTmas
from our family to yours!

The Eddy Family Christmas Card

May you draw nearer to Christ every moment.
He's just a prayer away!

I would normally post these pics here, but I wanted give a shout-out about our personal photographer (and niece), Amber at Handprints Photography.
Our pics were more spontaneous--on Thanksgiving, after stuffing ourselves, and needing to round up Grace who was nowhere else but in Grandpa's old school bus playing with her cousins. We then had to find a not so oh-so-cold and windy spot, and the blocks we were sitting on were freeezzing, yet Amber managed to capture exactly who we are.
Everyone knows how hard it can be to get a new blog off the ground. I wish her the best! And if you live in the Colorado area and would like some photography work done, feel free to contact her.

It's All I am so Blessed Good!

Brenda

Shifty Santa

2011-12-09T22:17:00.001-07:00

I don’t know what it is about this Santa, but I think he’s an imposter. Scroll down kinda fast and see if you don’t think so too.

There’s just something about those eyes.

**************************************

I may be a little techno-challenged when it comes to electronic devices such as my new Nikon Coolpix S3100 yellow camera—did I say yellow? oh ya!—but I’m not stoopid, OK? (Check out chapter One of the following Quick Start Guide).

Hello.

It’s All Good!

Brenda

The day our lives changed forever

2011-11-30T15:51:00.001-07:00

Happy 24th Birthday, Chels. You will always be a joy to us.

We love you so much!

It’s All Chelsie Jo Good!

Brenda

It’s That time of Year!

2011-11-18T20:53:00.001-07:00

I love Thanksgiving!

Judging by my Christmas header, you might think I’m skipping Thanksgiving altogether. Nothing doing! I just wanted to get a head start on wishing you all a wonderful CHRISTmas season. Emphasis: Christ!

But back to Thanksgiving. In this house Thanksgiving is not overshadowed by Christmas. I enjoy having a day to express what I hope is in my heart continually—thankfulness.

I am especially thankful that our daughter, Chelsie, is home to spend the day with us. Our Thanksgiving gathering will include Sunny, myself, Grace, Chels and her boyfriend Brice, his mother Carol and my mother-in-law, Grace.

Later in the afternoon we’ll probably head into Pueblo to see The Muppets. {note to self: buy tickets online}

Funny story: Several year’s ago we went Thanksgiving morning and bought tickets for a party of 10 to see Bug’s Life. We knew it was going to sell out. After a delicious meal we headed over to the theater feeling so smug that we had purchased our tickets ahead of time. We were all standing around in the lobby yakking. All of the sudden we realized the movie was going to start in like 3 minutes. We ran in and the place was absolutely packed. We all had to sit scattered throughout the theater. Guess where Sunny and I sat? Yep. The very front row. If you’ve never sat in the front row, don’t bother—or plan on making an appointment with your local chiropractor afterward.

We have so much to be thankful for! So much.

It’s All Psalm 92 Good!

Brenda

An American Christmas

2011-11-16T13:41:00.001-07:00

I read this post over at Debbie’s and thought I’d share it here as well. It is jam-packed with gift-giving ideas supporting American small businesses in the process. {I’ve inserted my own thoughts throughout}

Keep your money in America this Christmas!

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different.

This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!
It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? {I’m thinking of doing newspaper with with fun embellishments}

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? {ooh, ooh pick me, pick me!} ;)

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. {Our friends already had gym memberships, so one year we went in to the gym and asked if we could make one of their payments}

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.

Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open. How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. {or two, or three!}

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. {repeat, leave your server a tip. A good, reasonable tip. Bless them!} And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
{Might save on your electricity bill as well!}

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

{I would love ~~stealing~~ hearing some of your gift-giving ideas you have or have done in the past. Will you share them in comments? I’ll compile the ideas and post the day after Thanksgiving.}

It’s All Support Small Businesses Good!

Brenda

lovin’ our town

2011-11-10T13:37:00.001-07:00

Here’s some pictures from our little town, USA. I love living here. This is where Sunny grew up. 1200 people. We, the town, work hard at community and it shows.

This is the Christian Church right across the street from our house. I look out my front window from where I am typing and this is the view—minus the rainbow today!

A couple of Saturdays ago they sponsored a harvest festival in the park for the town. It was a free event and they had the works—barbequed beef, hotdogs and hamburgers. Face painting, tons of games, horseshoes, drawings. Their worship team played in the band shell and when they weren’t playing they had praise and worship music playing thru the speakers. I believe around 400 people showed up, not bad for a town of our population. We all hung around all afternoon just visiting and having fun.

This is obviously our water tower right smack dab in the middle of our beautiful park.

pics by Reva

Many years ago Sunny helped his dad develop what they called Eddy Acres. It is about two blocks of land they plotted and sold. There are three lots left and we are buying them from Sunny’s mom. Three years ago, because of the debt we were in, I would’ve never dreamed we’d be buying land to be able to build a home on. Today, we are just a smidgen away from being completely out of debt including the lots. God amazes me!

This is the view from our land. Isn’t it wonderful?

pics by Reva

And I leave you with the following humorous pictures. The former mayor owns our typical small-town motel. There is a convenience store directly across the street, and he is fed up with travelers letting their dogs out to do their business on his property. This just struck me as funny! Bushy, as he’s known by, is a fun, loving nut-of-a-man who always wears overalls. I could just picture him out there in a momentary fit of rage with his spray paint doing ‘graffiti’ on his own property! What next, the pellet gun?! The pics show just three but there are 6 of these cement blocks. One of them just says “No pooping”—forget dogs only, man, I’m covering everything and everyone!

It’s All No Poopin’ Good!

Brenda

No cooking supper tonight

2011-10-26T15:59:00.001-06:00

Because it’s already cooked.

Ah, tonight we will have a steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup and watch a Christmas movie! since IT’S SNOWING!

google photos

I’ve spent the last several days putting together 20+ meals for our new upright freezer (lovin’ that baby already!) I’m taking a break today and will finish tomorrow with baking pizza crust and fococcia bread.

Then it’s pull something from the freezer in the morning and don’t worry about what’s for dinner tonight!

Of course there will be some nights I will go ahead and cook a meal just because I do enjoy being in the kitchen and some of my recipes don’t freeze well.

Some of the recipes I’ve made:

A huge pot of pinto beans for chili, tostadas, burritos…we like our Mexican food! and no Beano suggestions in the comments please!!! :)

Black beans/corn/onion/taco seasoning mixture x 4 for our Friday night nachos. Yes, evv-reee Friday night, for now. So I do try and switch up the toppings. I also bake the corn tortillas. I’ve been doing this for quite awhile and I’m amazed now at how salty store-bought tortilla chips are.

Stuffed pepper mixture, enchilada casserole filling, spaghetti sauce, green chili, chicken tortilla soup, beef broccoli stir-fry and honey nut chicken stir-fry, shredded beef for tacos and chipped beef gravy over mashed potatoes.

Sloppy Joes on Focaccia bread. Yummy! Since we’re not big on rosemary I leave it out of the bread. It' tastes more like a delicious garlic flat bread.

Preparing meals like this is really not as daunting as it sounds. Nor does it have to be done in a 3-day cooking frenzy. If time is a problem, why not do it in a month’s time? This can be done by just doubling each meal you make for a month and freezing one. Easy peasy!

If you’re interested in any recipes let me know.

It’s All Relaxing Now Good!

Brenda

I won!

2011-10-20T20:24:00.001-06:00

Yep, in all these years blogging I won something! Not that I’ve actually been a faithful blogger nor an avid giveaway searcher-outer (is that a word?).

Kim over at Raise Them Up hosted a giveaway for The Shunning dvd and I won!

My daughter has recently been intrigued by how the Amish live, so when I saw this giveaway I jumped on it and found a neat new blog in the process! Thank you, Kim!

We have watched the movie and it is good. I hadn’t read the book to compare until I hit the jackpot at a yard sale the other day. I bought a nice 3-in-1 book of The Shunning series as well as several other Amish related books. The book is a lot different than the movie (no surprise) but the gist is there. I’m glad I saw the movie first. I do enjoy Beverly Lewis books.

Though it’s interesting to read about the Amish and how they live in this fast-paced world, I’m so thankful that we receive our salvation through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are delivered from the law (old testament) and also free from the curse of the law.

This dvd is a great springboard in helping Grace understand grace vs. law.

It’s All Thanks Again Kim Good!

SO! Moment Dork’s Edition

2011-09-22T13:00:00.001-06:00

Have you ever had one of those moments when you do something that you just have to laugh at yourself and thank God no one else was looking?

For the past few weeks I have randomly been hearing a clicking noise in my house. I hear it in the bedroom when I get up. I hear as I’m walking through the living room and on into the bathroom. Sometimes I hear the clicking just in the morning and other times I’ll hear it throughout the day. Then there will be a day or two I won’t hear it at all. All of it so random.

I guessed it was just some kind of pesky bug or a grasshopper, though I don’t remember grasshopper’s making that kind of noise.

SO! Yesterday I heard it again and decided I was going to get to the bottom of this. I walked across the bedroom and heard it…click, click, click. Then I stopped. No noise. I walked back…click, click. Then I stopped. It stopped. I continued into the living room…click. The same thing. It would stop when I stopped. Then it dawned on me that the clicking was following me wherever I went. What on earth? As I walked into the kitchen I could hear the clicking louder.

Then I looked down…

And…

There is was…

{picture big “D” for Dork on my forehead here}

It was the metal tips on my drawstring shorts clicking against each other as I walked!!!

The funny thing is that I have two other pair of the same kind of shorts, but it’s just this pair that does that. Crazy!

It’s All Gotta Laugh At Yourself Good!

Brenda

(((Chels Always!)))

Within Inches

2011-09-16T18:51:00.001-06:00

The following is a picture of what I send back to the credit card companies that love us so much they want us back. Yep, they feel they’ve been jilted, sent the Dear John letter. They can’t li-i-ivvvve without us. (I’ve made this pic huge so you can read it clearly, and ‘Harold’ is my husband, Sunny)

I also stuff all the papers they send me as well as the outside envelope back into the NO POSTAGE NECESSARY envelope and support our local post office while I’m at it!

Many have heard of Dave Ramsey, but in case you haven’t you can click on his link. He is an awesome national financial advisor who does seminars all over, and while we didn’t follow his plan every jot and tittle (and, no, doing this isn’t his suggestion, I stole the idea from someone else!) we did learn enough to not be intimidated by creditors who treat you like the scum of the earth. I even had one creditor at wit’s end with me…yes I was polite…and she hung up on me, ON ME! She didn’t know how to handle someone who calls wanting to pay off debt they owe, but not willing to be talked down to and intimidated to tears. Her super called me the following Monday and accepted my payment arrangement.

And I am happy to say that we are within inches of being completely out of debt and will be able to call the Dave Ramsey show and shout WE’RE DEBT FREE!

Many thanks to God first off and the people (you know who you are) who have supported us without condemning us.

It’s All Cash Or Bust Good!

Pondering

2011-09-03T11:50:00.006-06:00

Please don’t read into this post as me being judgmental or thinking I have arrived. The following thoughts are just things I have been pondering. Things I have been working on to better my own life, things I am observing that sometimes interest me and sometimes really bother me. I guess this is what happens when one reaches mid-century or when one really begins to get into the Word ‘studying to show themselves approved’. (I’m going with the latter!). So, please do not become offended if I mention divorce or obesity or (gasp!) happiness!
Having said that…
#1. I am alarmed at how obese we have become. This has been something that has bothered me for a long time (even to the point of considering taking some online nutrition courses someday if that would help one person). But what I can do now is help myself and my family stay healthy and fit and try and be an example.

And speaking of food—I know, I wasn’t specifically talking about food, but isn’t overeating why one becomes obese? And yes, there are all the gajillion reasons why we do what we do, but doesn’t it still boil down to food? Open mouth plus insert excessive/bad quality food equals possible obesity. Which brings me to my next thought…

#2 Just because one isn’t obese doesn’t mean they are healthy on the inside. The sad thing is that there are many who are deceived into thinking because they aren’t overweight they can eat anything, anytime. Then when they turn 40, 50, 60+ and are running to (insert sarcasm) Dr. God because they have heart disease, or some type of cancer or just aches and pains they don’t put two and two together and ask themselves Could I have avoided this with good nutrition habits? or exercise? I know there is a small percentage out there who were very healthy, and still have had to deal with some sort of sickness and even death. But I believe they are the minority. And when I speak of Dr. God I am referring to believing everything the Dr. says and popping those pills without first informing yourself of alternatives such as learning to eat better, exercising etc. and having the boldness to say I’d like to try this alternative first. We have been dumbed down into believing whatever a Dr. says is gospel.

#3 Divorce stinks period. It stinks for everyone. Not just for the mom, dad and kiddos. It stinks for everyone involved. The sister who befriends her sisters-in-law only to lose them to divorce (that would be me). Wanting to ask if they’re comfortable still wanting to be friends, yet feeling uncomfortable yourself because it’s your brothers’ x-wife and it will appear that you are taking sides.

And this just dawned on me…

#4. Feeling the need to apologize for fear of offending people with this post. As I read back beginning with the first paragraph of this post, I find that it’s basically a disclaimer so that I won’t offend someone. I have found that I have ‘apologized’ in nearly every point I’ve made as to not offend. A problem I need to fix.

#5. It all boils down to our relationship with God. For that I will not apologize. If you are overweight, God can help you. Is what you’re eating healthy and nutrition? God can help you. I’d rather spend a little more on quality food now than thousands in medical expenses 20 years from now. Are you going thru or considering divorce? Again, God can help you. Jesus said, “Come to me all you that labor and are heavy-laden and I will give your rest”. Lay down all the excuses that qualify you to become a victim and come to Jesus. I guarantee if you are serious, He will help. If you’re looking for a quick fix—a pill—save it for the doctor. But if you seriously desire a change in whatever area you need help in then He’s there with you.

It’s All (Easier Than You Think) Good!

Brenda

(((Chels)))

Chia Garden at Sunset

2011-08-23T21:42:00.004-06:00

Our tire garden has turned out really nice for not knowing what we were doing! I’ve tagged it our ‘Chia’ garden ‘cause it reminds me of those funny Chia pets they sell that grows grass for hair. Especially our zucchini plant. We’ve gotten some yield and I’m hoping for a lot more so I can freeze some for zucchini bread this winter.

Our Anaheim chilis are doing really well. It’s so nice to pull them from the plant, rinse them, and pop them right on the grill to roast. I throw them in a baggie for about 30 minutes after roasting, run them under cold water and the skins come right off. Yum. (You can also freeze them in their skins. Again, running them under cold water, the skins come right off.) The other night we grilled chicken. When it was almost done, I put a slice of monterey jack cheese and the roasted peppers. Delicious. I also roasted some zucchini and onions. We topped it off with our yummy dessert of sweet corn on the cob. Healthy, satisfying and homegrown. Can’t beat that!

We also planted green beans. Funny things. The first starts shot up and leafed out from the top. They continued to grow but from the top down. I decided to see what would happen but also planted a new batch. These grew normal. I’m not getting too good of a yield from either plant but might be able to pick enough for one good meal.
I’ve been continually picking the baby spinach. I scramble eggs and add some spinach along with some diced onion and mushrooms. Yummy! Tonight I made homemade pizza with the fresh-picked spinach, onion and mushrooms. I also tossed in my secret ingredient along with the mozzarella cheese—feta cheese. It was delicious.

Aren’t they pretty?

I was out on my walk this evening and the sunset was just brilliant. I tried hurrying home for the camera, but missed the brightest part. However, I thought this pic turned out really neat anyhow especially since it wasn’t supposed to be blurry or unsteady. Just goes to show you that even a novice can put out some mean stuff, right?!

It’s All Garden Reaping Good!
Brenda
(((Chels)))

Alive & well

2011-08-17T14:53:00.004-06:00

We recently took a weekend trip up to Longmont to visit my brother, Jack. Longmont is NW of Denver close to the mountains. They have been getting a lot of rain up there, and it is so lush and green (completely opposite from our near-desert conditions here in Fowler with temps reaching in the low 100’s).
Longmont is real close to Boulder, CO where the Celestial Seasonings Factory is. Jack took us over there for a tour. It was awesome! If you are ever in that part of CO it would be worth your while to do this 30 minute tour if your time allows. While we were waiting for the tour to start there was unlimited hot and cold tea sampling (with a bathroom nearby!) On the tour you get to visit the famous Peppermint room. This is a completely separate, sealed room where they store the mint leaves. It can only be opened for a few minutes at a time, otherwise the mint will infiltrate the entire plant. When you go into the room you immediately feel a burning sensation in the back of your eyes and then down to your nose and chest—like suffocating in mentholatum(Vicks) is the only way I can describe it. The tour guide told us to feel free and step out if we couldn’t handle it. About half stepped right back out…weenies! I challenged myself to stay in so I could buy the t-shirt or coffee mug that says “I survived the peppermint room”, but then Grace wanted me to go out with her. So, we stepped out and not 2 seconds later she steps back in leaving me out there with the other weenies! The tour strategically drops you right into the gift shop where you can shop to your hearts content or go back and do some more sampling. (We were not able to take pics during the tour itself.)

My brother Jack and I

Brenda, Grace, Sunny

After the tour we drove over into Boulder to the famous Pearl Street, which is an outdoor downtown area with fun shops and outdoor ‘entertainers’ from a bassoon quartet to a funky double-jointed man. Kind of reminded me of Pier 39 in San Francisco minus the pier. We had a nice lunch at the Cheesecake Factory there, and because it just so happened to be National Cheesecake Day (they probably pull that sign out everyday for ~~suckers~~ cheesecake lovers such as ourselves!) we were able to get a piece for half price. My brother and I split the Hershey’s chocolate (of course) and Sunny and Grace had plain with strawberries on the side.

This was a couple playing long, funky horn-like thingies that played a monotone sound as they blew through them, sorta like blowing into pop bottles. I was more impressed with the cool shadow the sun cast of the streetlamp. I also thought it was funny when they took a break—-they each had a large red suction ring around their lips! Oh well, whatever ~~floats your boat~~ toots your horn!

Now this bassoon quartet was worth listening to!

This one cracks me up. The voodoo conga beater checking his messages on his break!

Grace and Uncle Jack

Did I hear someone say cheesecake?!!

Uncle Jack trying to get Grace wet!

We enjoyed God’s Country as we drove along the foothills heading back to Jack’s place where we ended the day in the pool.
Sunday we headed back into Denver where we attended church with Jack and his 3 grands. We had planned on hitting the new IKEA store before heading home. (The grand opening was the previous Wed.) We were going to have lunch in their cafe before shopping, but when we got there we found there was a one hour wait just to get into the huge 415,000 sq. ft store. Hungry kids, hungry adults, one hour wait in 95 degree weather. No can do. IKEA can wait!
The only people missing from our wonderful weekend were Mary, Jack’s wife--who is living temporarily in NY with her 87-year old mom who has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer :( and our daughter Chels who, by the way, is moving back in two weeks!
I have other posts I want to get up sharing our summer, but I see that this one is pretty long, so I’ll wrap it up now. And it won’t be long before we get another laptop so I can get back into posting the way I’d like.
It’s All I’m Still Around Good!
Brenda
(((Chels)))

Happy Summer!

2011-06-21T21:52:00.001-06:00

Today was the longest day of the year. I loved every second of it. I’ve ended this wonderful day by going on a nice family walk and watching Grace run through the automatic sprinklers on our elderly neighbor’s lawn. She’s freezing but keeps going back for more. I believe a nice warm shower is in order for her.

_______________________________________

Our tire garden is coming along nicely. We replanted some cucumbers and zucchini and after 3 days we’ve already seen some sprouts. My dad suggested I whitewash the tires so the plants don’t get so hot and the added bonus…they won’t be such an eye sore. Now barring any hailstorms we’ll have those veggies along with Anaheim and red chilis, spinich, bell peppers, some green onion and possibly one carrot!

We’ve lived here a year now. This property’s yard was very much neglected, so our project this year is pulling weeds—tons of weeds. I fill a garbage bag and it doesn’t even look like a dent was made. We’re planting grass where I made the ‘weed dents’. Slowly, say maybe by the year 2000-fill-in-the-blank we’ll have a half-way decent lawn. It is looking better already. In the meantime planting petunias in some pots will have to do. I’m really enjoying being out in the sunshine and dirt.

_______________________________________

I recently spent a relaxing day turning 50 years old. Half a century. What’s that supposed to feel like anyhow? Old? Because I don’t. Wiser? More than I was at 20 I suppose. All I know is that I do feel secure and happy with where I am in my life. I’m blessed with a great husband and best friend of 30 years. I’m blessed with a 23 year old daughter who is finding her way in life and have no doubt that she’ll arrive safely at the destination the Lord has planned for her. I’m blessed to have a 10 year old daughter who has her older sister’s sense of humor and makes us laugh every day. I’m blessed and secure in my walk with the Lord knowing that ‘His word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path’. So I guess turning 50 has made me feel reflective of my blessings.

It’s All I have so much Good

Brenda

(((Chels)))

SO! Moment Gardening Edition

2011-05-19T22:31:00.001-06:00

I have started a garden. It's a tire garden. UGLY tire garden. I have double-stacked 2 rows of 5 tires, filled them with dirt and old cow ucky-pucky, and they have been ready and waiting for my starter plants I have growing indoors--zucchini, cucumbers, carrots, green beans, green onions and 2 kinds of peppers.

I started them indoors a few weeks ago. The zucchini and cukes thrived and grew way faster than I anticipated. I had to replant them in little larger container. They still kept growing until they began to fall over. I didn't know what to do except to go ahead and plant them outside in a couple of the tires. By now you've probably already made a simple assessment--~~LOSER~~ she has no clue what she's doing!

SO!

Day before yesterday I did exactly that. I planted my Zucchini and Cukes. They looked good. Didn't seem to be experiencing replanting shock. Then the wind came up and it got really cloudy. So I covered the tires with plastic trash bags for protection (and yes, I did have sense enough to let them breath). I went out a little later when the sun came out and they were really looking sorry--sorry I was their mama! I took off the plastic bags and hoped for the best.

Yesterday, we had to go to Denver to pick up Chels from the airport. On the way we got our first Reverse 911 call saying that our area was under severe rain, wind and hail warning. Wouldn't you know it? We haven't had hardly a drop of spring rains yet. Later my MIL called and said we had quarter-sized hail.

I have three words: SMITH ER REENS

Did I mention I'm planting a garden this year? I have plants growing in my house and I'm going to plant them in my tires I have ready outdoors........

I leave you with a little ditty I wrote and when my garden does thrive in spite of the gardener I will post pictures.

Mary, Mary quite contrary

How does your garden grow?

With Firestone and Michelin...

Ugly tires all in a row!

It's All Hail is Not Good Good!

Brenda

Temple Maintenance Part 1

2011-05-16T22:23:00.001-06:00

What on earth is this child doing?

I hid a plastic Easter egg in my shirt. Of course she couldn’t find it, so I gave her a great big hug. She felt it and said uh-uh. She wasn’t going in! So she pushed it out with her foot! Cracked us up.

I know, that had nothing to do with the topic of this post. Just had to share it.

I am so enjoying the beautiful weather. I started walking nearly every nice day that I could since the first of the year. I’m up to 2 miles with a goal of 4 miles by the end of summer. 21 days really does form a habit.

I’ve finally gotten to the place in my life where my health is more important than losing that ever-elusive ‘last 10 pounds’. So I know that as I’m shifting my perspective, I’ll arrive at the exact weight I’m meant to be and stay there.

I’ve also began cleaning house in the food dept. We have already been eating pretty healthy for the most part, but I’m stepping it up. After researching and weighing the pros and cons, here is three things from my list of health enemies our family is saying adios to (obviously my opinion):

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Hydrogenated Oils

Each one of these are in nearly every processed food on the grocery shelf. They are disguised with different names as well. You can Google to find out other tags these go by.

My motto is: The more man alters it the less healthy it is for us.

What I’m realizing is that it’s not hard to change eating habits if you take baby steps. I’ll share the steps we’ve taken in Part 2.

Will we never, ever eat foods with these ingredients again? We can’t do the impossible! But we can do our best.

And I leave you with another off-topic picture. This was one of Grace’s Easter outfits we found on clearance at Sears. We were able to buy 2 of these cute outfits that come with a matching doll outfit for the price of a frue-frue Easter dress. Isn’t it adorable?

Oh, and Chels is coming this week for Grace’s 10th birthday. We.can’t.wait!!!

It’s All Taking Care of Our Temple Good!

Brenda

(((Chels)))

Meet me on Monday

2011-04-04T12:37:00.002-06:00

I found this at Linda's and thought I'd give it a go.

Java @ Never Growing Old hosts "Meet Me On Monday". Play along if you'd like. You can go over to her blog for details. She asked us to answer these 5 questions about ourselves...

1. If you had to eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Dark chocolate melted in my Malt' O Meal cereal. Weird I know.

2. Do you write your blog posts in advance or the day you post them?

Usually the day I post them.
3. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance?

No, and Lord willing, I hope I never have to.
4. What is your favorite candle scent?

Pumpkin Spice
5. Coffee or tea?

Definitely tea. Coffee tastes like I'd imagine poison tasting--in my humble opinion!

It's All Meet Me on Monday Good!

Brenda

(((Chels)))

LIfe in the fast lane

2011-03-28T21:17:00.001-06:00

Seriously, there are no fast lanes where I live. I am a chick from the sticks--which would account for the lack of blogging activity. I enjoy normalcy and routine--continued blogging about it would only serve as a sleep aid! But here’s some not-so-routine things that have happened the past month.

Spring is here. We live in a farming community. It's wonderful seeing some fields greening up, farmers plowing their fields and seeing huge clods of overturned dirt. The weather has finally turned, and I'm able to get out and walk.

During Spring break Sunny's sister and niece were at my MIL's for 10 days. We haven't been able to see them for a couple of years. Our niece is the same age as Grace. They played and played and played. They got along so well, until the 'Sorry' game was pulled out, then the real Grace and Cassidy came out and...ahem...the real Gramies! (Whoever invented that game is evil...in my opinion!) I've never experienced a vacation while staying at home before, which is what it was like while everyone was here. But, alas, it had, to end sometime and now we've got back into our routine.

Chels was able to come for 5 days while they were here. We appreciate all the time we can spend with her. She is doing well and began management training for Safeway/Starbucks when she got back. As hard as it is having her live so far away, I'm glad that she is doing good and is stable in her job especially with this economy. I love that girl!

Sunny and I celebrated our 30th anniversary March 22. 30 years! I can honestly say it's been a fun ride, and I love him more today than I ever have. He's a wonderful husband and the girls have an awesome relationship with him.

We have started our own plumbing/heating business. Word is getting out that Sunny's back in business and he is beginning to pick up some jobs. Not quitting his 'day' job by any means, but who knows?...when the time is right for sure.

We celebrated my mom's 75th birthday at Reva's. Five of our seven siblings were able to be there. Altogether, there were 30 or so. It was nice getting to finally see my brother, Jack, who moved back to CO in December. He and his wife moved to NY just a couple months before we moved back to CO. (I took it personal, but now that he's back I can stop my therapy!!)

It's All now back to routine Good!

Brenda

(((Chels)))

Kitchen pics…finally…No, really!

2011-02-20T20:52:00.003-07:00

Here you have it folks, the pictures everyones been waiting for. I’m sure you’ve all been sitting on the edge of your seats right?
These are the before/after of my kitchen.
From this…
To this.
The spice shelf was is an antique wooden tool box that belonged to Sunny’s dad. I found another one just like it that will go to the right of it and hung vertically.
On the top shelf is Sal and Pepe my s & p shakers. I’ve tried hooking them up with Jennifer’s traveling Geisha, しかし取引はなしです (but no deal)!
The long stick above the coffee mugs is a perfectly chippy chair rung my sis found down by the river—love it!
My aunt found the retro coffee mugs after hearing me gripe about the 70’s kitchen. They fit perfectly!

This candle holder houses my vintage copper measuring spoons. I like that the scoops are square.

From this…

To this.
I painted this dark paneling a butter yellow. the paint chip said Warmed Honey…can’t figure that one out.
Because of lack of cupboard space we brought in 2 white cupboards. I was thinking of putting glass knobs on them. And, conveniently, Hobby*Lobby has their knobs on sale 1/2 off this week!
The white pitchers on top of the cupboard I found at a yard sale for…drum roll…$1.00 a piece.

I like unique birdhouses. The church one is extra special because my daughter gave me that one for my birthday one year.
On the hooks below the shelf are my childhood aprons an aunt made for me.
When I was a young girl, my elderly neighbor asked me if I’d help her with a little dusting. As payment, she let me pick something from some stuff she was getting rid of. I picked the hand-painted little girl figurine. It’s from Crews-Beggs. Not valuable, but definitely sentimental.
The meat grinder is home to a little pie bird in it’s shredded-paper nest.

Love the old milk crate I got last summer for $1.00. Makes a nice home for odds and ends.
The toy train was Sunny’s.
Don’t you love the old teal-colored enamel coffee pot?
As you can see, I have a small collection of metal strainers. That’s probably not going to be their permanent home. I saw on another blog how you can put battery operated twinkle lights in them and hang them on the wall. Problem is I don’t have anymore wall space to put them. I’ll figure something out. This is a glass shelf above the sink. The old miniature cast iron stove on the left was a sample stove the salesman would use when selling his wares.

I love this old bank of windows. Fun story: The valance was one really long piece I found at Good*will for 75% off. I bought it before we ever moved here, but since I’m partial to yellow I figured I’d find a place for it someday. It couldn’t fit more perfectly. All I had to do was cut it in half.

I didn’t purposely match the paint colors with the ungodly 70’s floor, but hey, it works!
There you have it.
It’s All I can live with it now Good!
Brenda

R.I.P.

2011-01-29T22:53:00.008-07:00

My computer has died. Gone on into the vast cyber cosmos. It was a peaceful death--gigabyte here one minute, gone the next. It does not come as a shock, ~~after all it was a Dell~~ it was ready to go. Farewell you cranky thing you.

फ्रैंक, बॉब, जॉन, राल्फ, जो और पॉल: pallbearers भारत से आउटसोर्स सहायता टीम में शामिल हैं.

(Translation: Pallbearers include the outsourced De*ll Support Team from India—Frank, Bob, John, Ralph, Joe and Paul—whom I got to know quite well but didn’t understand one bit.)

It’s All Google Translator is Cool Good!

Brenda

(((Chels)))

Disclaimer: This post is in no way meant to offend. I'm sure outsourced jobs are very much appreciated in any country. India just happened to be the one I dealt with.

8 steps to the garbage disposal

2011-01-21T20:21:00.001-07:00

The following is the absolute fastest slow-cooker recipe I’ve ever made in 8 easy steps.

1. Brown stew meat, add to crock pot

2. Add 2 cans condensed cream soup

3. Add 1 cup sour cream

4. Add one package dried soup mix

5. 1/2 cup water

6. Stir all together and taste

7. Send gag-reflex through the roof

8. Empty everything into strainer to rescue the meat for another meal.

Disclaimer: For all of you who know me by now, I’m as frugal as they come. I am not a wasteful person. In our nearly 30 years of marriage, I have never made anything so bad that I knew we couldn’t at least eat it and move on. The meat and sour cream were fresh, so I know it wasn’t anything spoiled. Seriously, it was that bad! (Ok, I’ll admit to a little drama on #7.)

Oh well, on to another recipe! Ever have one of those meals?

Recently edited: I think I’ve figured out that the dried soup mix may have been rancid.

It’s All Leftovers Tonight Good!

Brenda

(((Chels)))

Perverts…sheesh!

2011-01-19T21:40:00.004-07:00

I was just reading my blogger search keyword stats and the following came up:

“step brother and sister bath sex” (apologize for that visual)

“come slap me pics”

“christmas pervy”

How on earth did someone find my blog with those keywords? Ok, the ‘slap me’ part I remember writing and I quote “Please slap me…if I ever decide to move again”—Hello!

But the others? I mean, it disgusts me that the words ‘christmas’ and ‘pervy’ were even used together, but it further disgusts me that my blog was one of the results of that search.

My prayer is that the next time someone uses their search engine for perversion that this post does come up and they do finally find what they're really looking for. The truth could quite possibly set them free!

step—The step(s) of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. Psalm 37:23,24

brother—A man that hath friends must show himself friendly, and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

sister—speaking of respect

Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father and the younger men as brethren. The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. I Tim. 5:1,2

bath—There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness. (KJV) In other words: Don't imagine yourself to be quite presentable when you haven't had a bath in weeks. (Proverb 30:12 The Message)

sex--Honor marriage, and guard the sacredness of sexual intimacy between wife and husband. God draws a firm line against casual and illicit sex. (Hebrews 13:4)

come--Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden , and I will give you rest. (Matt. 11:28).

slap—A synonym for slap is buffet. The bad news: Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him, and others smote him with the palms of their hands. (Matthew 26:67) Speaking of the horrendous acts done against my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ before his death at Calvary for the remission of my sins.

pics—The good news!

Christmas—Were it not for Christmas we would not have Easter!

pervy—short for pervert.

It’s All I’m redeemed Good!

Brenda

(((Chels)))

Life happenings

2011-01-14T22:11:00.001-07:00

Does anyone remember this movie? It was in 1968. I was 7. (I didn’t see it, but I remember my older siblings seeing it while me and my two younger brothers got to see the musical Song of the South.) And now, here we are in 2011 ten years later. We’d probably get a good laugh watching it now with all the technology that has far surpassed what the directors of this movie could ever have envisioned.

It reminds me of the movie The Birds by Alfred Hitchcock. I don’t remember exactly how old I was, maybe 8 or 9, when we saw this movie one evening. It scared the living bajeebies out of me. Our bedrooms were upstairs and the staircase was very similar to the one at the end of this movie when you think it’s all over and then SWOOSH! here comes another stinkin’ bird (actually I think this picture is from the bottom of that staircase!). I saw the movie many years later as an adult and it is so fake I laughed. But to a kiddo, sheesh!

So there you have my random thoughts for today. Now on to other important topics!

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We had a very nice, simple Christmas. The only thing that would've made it totally perfect is if Chels' were here, but I know that she enjoyed her day as well. And she opened up her presents from us while we were on the phone with her. (I had them mailed from Targetdotcom and asked her to get her roommates to wrap them for her.) As we're talking to her she gets to giggling. They had gotten too busy to wrap her presents, so as she's opening the box her roommate is crumpling a McDonald's bag in the background to make it sound like wrapping paper! Crazy girls!

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We removed the carpet from our bedroom. It was a hideous mottled orange shag from the 70’s. It was disgusting. Someone’s cat had access to the closet for doing its business and it stunk so bad. The landlords gave us the OK to put in new carpet that we had access to, but we got so busy in the summer and fall that it just didn’t get done. We decided to wait until warmer weather, but we just couldn’t stand it anymore. We’ve never been a sickly family, but Grace was battling a continuous morning stuffy nose and itchy throat. Sunny was even having some trouble as well. I kid you not, the next day after removing this ungodly carpet, both of them felt 100% better. And the bonus is the original early 1900's hard wood floor underneath in excellent condition. WE.LOVE.IT! (I do have pictures, but they’re uploaded on our laptop and I’m having trouble getting them transferred over to this computer. I don’t know what it is about me and uploading pictures, but it drives me nuts and I get so frustrated. Done ranting.)

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On Dec. 28, we went to my sister Reva's house to dog-sit Myrtle for a week. She is such a fun-loving and easygoing dog. And so ugly she's cute! We love Myrtle! She did good until the last day when she got really mopey. I realized she was thinking they were never coming back and got depressed. Grace and I were out when they got home, so I didn't get to see her happiness at seeing them again.
I did manage to hit a few thrift stores with my aunt and cousin. We always have a fun time!
I scored a whole set of 12 cloth Christmas napkins along with several other everyday sets.

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This past week we've gotten back in the saddle as far as homeschooling is concerned. My sister-in-love and niece from AZ are coming for 10 days at Spring Break, and since Grace had an extra week off at Christmas, we will be 'hitting the books' from now until then to stay caught up.

It’s been super cold here lately, but today it got up in the 50’s. I was able to get out for a nice walk. Definitely refreshing.

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I’m writing this post using Windows Live Writer. I just discovered it…I know I’m a little slow in the techie department! I think I’m going to like it.

It’s All 2011 Good!

Brenda

((Chels))

family pics

2010-12-23T23:30:00.006-07:00

Merry Christmas from The Eddy Family 4
Sunny, Brenda, Chelsie (23) & Grace (9)

The old building we're leaning on was the first livery stable built in the late 1800's. Perfectly chippy yellow. It's located just across the alley from our house.

My hope is that Christ will be remembered and celebrated all year in your hearts.

It's all Merry CHRISTmas Good!

Brenda

(((Chels)))

Life in the peaceful lane

2010-12-14T08:09:00.003-07:00

Life around here has been good these past few months. Just calm, normal everyday routine. Some might call this kind of life boring. I call it peace. All is well.

I put my altered clipboards in my first ever craft fair (our town has an annual Christmas craft fair the last weekend of Oct). I didn't do too hot (I think my stuff was too funky) but it was definitely fun. And on the bright side, I have good inventory for my online store. (speaking of which I have opened my Etsy store, but due to camera issues haven't been able to upload). My sister came down and helped me with the craft show. She had a pretty display of jewelry. We also enjoyed visiting with our aunt and cousins who came down and stayed for a couple of hours.

Then two days later Chelsie came home for a week! We picked her up in Denver. We headed over to one of our favorite spots, Chick-Fil-A for lunch. And conveniently in the same high-end mall was The American Girl store where Grace was beside herself with sheer joy.

And now this is where Redneck meets Class. The AG store has a revolving door. (Warning: never try and take a picture as you're going thru a revolving door.) As I was trying to capture the AG experience on digital, I decided to take a picture of Chels in the revolving-door section just ahead of me. With camera still in face I turned to enter the store, but my 'revolve' hadn't ended and I walked smack into the glass! Our little hicks-from-the-sticks family made our entrance by tripping into this elegant, first-class store. We managed to quickly regain our dignity just in time to quickly lose it again as we were exiting the same door, where my wonderful husband, who was behind me, pushed the door really hard which caused me to miss my 'exit'. Children.

We enjoyed a nice albeit too-fast week with Chelsie. But it is great knowing that our daughter is doing well and is safe, and that makes it so much easier to let go of her again. Our baby's all growed up! (for you, Chels).

Thanksgiving was spent with Sunny's mom. We went the easy route and ordered a turkey dinner from Safeway. So convenient. In fact, we decided to do it again for Christmas Eve only with the ham dinner instead.

Christmas shopping is done thanks to Cyber Monday. Tree & decorations are up and beautiful.

Life is calm. Life is peaceful. And thank God there are no revolving doors within miles of us.

It's All Life is Good Good!

Brenda

(((Chels)))

So! Moment Blinker Edition con't

2010-12-09T14:56:00.009-07:00

Yesterday I mentioned I would post about my lesson in humility. While I was still wallowing in my anger "This is ridiculous" and pity "but it's Christmas", I posted my feelings on Facebook. I received a lot of responses ranging from "you're right, that is crazy" to "take it to court" to "pay it in pennies" (I will have to admit I really liked that last one!)
Then I received a private message from my cousin, Sandy. With her permission I wanted to share her analogy:

Turn signals on cars are used to indicate which direction you are intending to travel. As Christians traveling on this "road of life", our "signals" are the way we believe, think, talk, react, and behave. For someone following us or watching us, our "signals" are clear indicators of the direction we are intending to go....Gloryland! If there are no other people on our "stretch of road" at the time, do we not display our Christian beliefs, thought processes, speech, attitudes, or our behavior simply because we see no one is watching or following? I am not being critical of you or your situation, nor am I judging you. This came to me as a way for ME to remember to use my turn signal on my vehicle, regardless of whether I am on the interstate, my little small town road, turning into my driveway etc. Now, every time I intend to change lanes or directions, I think about the importance of signals....they display our intentions to others on the road....and Someone is always watching!...

I love it! And though I still think the penalty was a tad harsh for the offense committed, we will pay and go on. And, like Sandy, every time I use my blinker I will be reminded of Who is depending on me at all times to uphold His good reputation in me. Of course in the natural, we all know what that means: Where'd you get your license, out of a Happy Meal? & My 5-year old drives better than you! & my personal favorite: You have got to be kidding me--a ticket? for not using my blinker??!

Lesson learned.

It's all Repeat After Me: Use.Your.Blinker Good!

Brenda

(((Chels)))

So! Moment. Blinker edition

2010-12-09T10:41:00.011-07:00

Since I haven't blogged in so long, rather than do some catching up, I thought I'd share a SO! moment today and as a result, the lesson I learned in humility tomorrow.

SO! Here goes.

It is 9:30 in the evening in Smalltown USA (pop. 1200).

We are heading over to the convenience store to get our drinking water.

Sunny fails to turn on his signal to warn the car(s) NOT behind, before or beside us that he is going to turn right. The officer who, donned in his night vision goggles, is finishing up writing a citation for the other poor soul who unfortunately spit his gum out the window at the wrong time is about a half block away with lights still on. And man is he good! No blinker! Another threat to the city of Smalltown USA! Two tickets in one night! DadadaDAH!

We are pulled over, cited with 'failure to use proper signal' and fined $75.00 with a $3.00 surcharge (what the heck the surcharge is for I've no clue). I ask, "Couldn't you let him off with a warning since this is the first time?" He replies a tad sarcastically, "How do I know it's his first time?" Now THAT cocky attitude just chapped my hide.

Now I know $75. (with a $3. surcharge) isn't a lot compared to what might be charged in a big city. But when you are on a budget and Christmas is in 19 days, well...

Sunny has an excellent driving record and, yes, he does use his turn signals, so we really felt this was just not right. Sunny got out and went over to talk to the officer again. He told him he's lived here nearly all of his life and seen officers come and go. If he was going to get along in this town, with all due respect, he might reconsider his approach...Sir.

Amazingly, about an hour later the officer knocks on our door. After thinking about what Sunny had told him, he realized he probably was a little too harsh for the offense. Although he couldn't revoke the citation, he suggested that we go down to the PD next day and ask Jan, our friend and local beautician, if she could extend the deadline until Feb. Oh, and Ma asked me to ask you if you'd please not do her perm too tight when she comes in tomorrow. Now where else but in a podunk little town like ours would that happen?

I am happy to say that although we do still have to pay the fine, we did get it extended until Feb. and I will accept donations! (KIDDING!)

Stay tuned tomorrow for my post on the lesson I learned in humility through this experience.

It's All BLINKIN' Good!

Brenda

(((Feel better Chels)))

Junk-rassic Park

2010-10-17T15:36:00.019-06:00

Last month, we took a nice drive on the country back roads about 40 miles from our little town. Sunny had to do an heating estimate, so we decided to combine the trip and have a nice afternoon together.

A few weeks earlier there had been a write-up in the paper about a retired farmer who is using his metal-working talents and his sarcastic wit to create fun and funky sculptures out of any and every kind of scrap he can get his hands on.

Thus Junk-rassic Park was born.

We found it even with the very poor directions given by the paper (dead-ends mean dead-ends not 4-way stops).
Junk-rassic Park is literally out in the middle of nowhere. There are around 50+ displays.

This young lady stood around 12 ft. tall.

(click on any pic to enlarge)

There were probably 20 of these different sculptures standing around a circular fence. Pictured here is John Wayne, "Ike" and John El'weigh' (the best quarterback of all time).

Here is the farmer's witty take on Saddam and Osama bin laden.

You can see how big these were with Grace standing below this giraffe.

I really got a kick out of this one. Check out her goggle bra!

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This pumpkin patch was on the way to Pueblo last Sat. It was so much more vibrant than my camera or this picture-taker could capture. Beautiful! That's Pike's Peak in the background.

After enhancing this pic, I like the way it really made the pumpkins pop and the dried 'feed' corn behind the pumpkin field is really neat.

It's All Goggle Bra Good!

Brenda

(((Chels - 15 days!)))

2010-10-10T22:32:00.004-06:00

I've been tagged by both Reva and Amber to answer eight questions about myself. Since they both tagged me, I'm going to pick four from each. I'm also supposed to tag 8 other people and have them answer 8 questions, but I think I'm going to be a party-pooper and pass. I know, that's not the rules. If any of you want to continue the meme, feel free to answer the same questions I picked. How's that?

Numero Uno: What is your favorite quote and why?

My favorite quote is the one I have under my header:

"Right is right even if no one's doing it, and wrong is wrong even if everyone's doing it."

It's so easy for me to be a go-with-the-flow kind of gal, don't rock the boat. But sometimes going with the flow takes me away from what I know in my heart is the right thing to do.

Ok, I already messed up and answered one of Amber's question to her. Sheesh!

Numero Dos:

If you had to choose one favorite sweet thing what would it be?

Easy-peasy! Dark Chocolate.

Numero Tres:

If you had a million dollars handed to you what is the first thing you would BUY?

Unfortunately I would have to say I would 'buy' myself completely out of debt.

Numero Quatro:

What is your favorite memory of a childhood game or activity you enjoyed?

My favorite game as a kiddo was summer nights playing "Ditch 'em" with my brothers and sister and neighborhood friends. Ditch 'em was basically hide and seek, why we called it that I don't know. But we played around our entire block in the dark. It wasn't scary running all over in the dark because it was familiar and safe territory. We did irritate the dog out of some of our elderly neighbors as we'd sneak thru their well-manicured yards. Others secretly wished they were a lot younger so they could join in the fun! Ah, back in the day!

Numero Cinco:

Jeans or sweats?

Jeans

Numero Six (how the heck do you spell six in Spanish? I'm having a brain fart).

If you could do one thing in life over what would it be?

Learn to use money more wisely. Where was Dave Ramsey when we needed him?
{Funny thing, the other day I was talking to my bank's customer service rep on the phone. When we were done she asked me if I'd like to apply for a interest-free credit card to which I replied very politely, "No thanks, Dave Ramsey won't let me!" That felt good!}

Numero Seven (can't spell this one either):

What book or movie could you watch over and over and why?

My all-time favorite movie is You've Got Mail. "I wanted it to be you...I wanted it to be you so badly!" Love that movie!

Numero Ocho:

Have you ever shot a gun and have you ever been hunting? (That's two questions, Reva):

Yes and yes. The BB gun I shot into the ground that ricocheted and hit my little brother in the knee. No damage done. A .22 that brought down a flea-infested rabbit. (Hey, don't laugh until you've brought down your own 'silly wabbit'!)
Hunting a few times growing up. Saved the big stuff for Dad and the uncles, didn't want to show them up! BWAAAAAH! It was fun skinning the deer my dad would get. And he makes the very best venizon steak and gravy on toast. Yum!

Ok, as Bugs would say (may he rest in peace):

That's All Folks!

It's All Right is Right Good!

Brenda

((Chels-21 days!))

Happy Autumn

2010-09-22T22:59:00.003-06:00

I love the fall season.

The crispness in the air, especially today after a cool, refreshing rain.
Leaves beginning to turn and fall on still-green lawns.
The wonderful aroma of chilis roasting as we drive past numerous farmer's markets selling their bounty.
Making soups and homemade bread.

And then there's the black spider that just crawled across my keyboard scaring the dog out of me and making me lose my entire train of thought...

Oh well, it's late.
All is well at our house.

It's Happy Fall Good!

Brenda

((Chels))

Life

2010-09-04T21:47:00.002-06:00

Wow, I didn't realize 'til just now that tomorrow will be...
a month since my last post.
Woo Hoo Happy Anniversary to Me!
Life, as usual, takes precedence over cyberspace.

Grace started 4th grade mid-August, then got a 'bug' that put her down for a week. She's fine now, just put us behind-er than we already were. Oh well, that's the beauty of homeschool. (I like new words!)

Sunny was moved from being a plumber into a heating/cooling sales position. Since he's been in real estate sales for the last 15 years, the owners thought he'd be better in their sales dept. rather than working in the field. We are so grateful and blessed to even have a job in this economy, and Sunny is a hard worker and in good shape, but he's also 55 years old and some nights he wasn't getting home until 11. Then needing to leave for work by 6:30--after awhile it takes its toll. So, this is much better physically for him, and we get to see him more.

I finished painting my studio (glorified name for craft room). Just need some small tweaks here and there but all in all it's done, and I've been able to work in there. I've never had my own little space to create other than the kitchen table and I'm loving it!

I know, I know you want pictures. They're coming. Honest!

We're all missing Chels. We haven't seen her since last January. Good news is that she has a week coming and will be visiting probably in November. YAY! I thought that at least Grace and I would've been able to fly up there (near Seattle) by now, but we just weren't able to swing it.

I'll be doing my first craft show here in town Halloween weekend. They've been having it for many years, and it's not very expensive to enter. A good place to get my feet wet and see if this is something I could do. Since I've been preparing for it, I decided to put my Etsy store on hold until hopefully the first of November. (I don't blame anyone for saying, I'll believe that when I see it.)

There you have it. Our life in a nice little comfortable nutshell--or could it be 'hiding under the shadow of the Almighty'? I like that better. His Love, His comfort, His grace and mercy, His sacrifice, His blessings. Who could ask for more?

It's All I'm Content Good!

(((Chels)))

That 70's Show

2010-08-05T19:54:00.011-06:00

These pictures are just for your enjoyment today. I know, I'm a nice person. What can I say?

#1. The wall paper in our tiny bathroom. Landlord won't let me paint over it. However, it does come with a box of Crayons so one can entertain oneself while doing one's business, whatever that might be. Oh, and don't use the toothbrush under the sink. Trust me!

#2. Formica countertop. I can live with that. Have to live with it for now.

#3. Lower kitchen cabinets. Hid-Dee-ous.

#4. Colonial wallpaper. Martha would be proud. Washington, that is.

#5. WHATEVER YOU DO--DON'T LOOK DOWN! That's the sign I'm going to put up as you enter my kitchen. I can't change the floor, but believe it or not after painting the walls, it has toned it down some.

#6. Dark paneling. Paint covers a multitude of 'sins' I say.

I'll post painted kitchen pics as soon as I take them. It turned out really nice if I do say so myself.

On to other news.

Sunny needs the internet adapter for work, so I am without internet service until evenings. Tonight has been the first evening I could get on to post due to severe thunderstorms we've had this past week. It's made me have tremors. Thank God for chocolate to console me.

Tomorrow we're off to Colo. Spgs to a neighborhood yardsale. There will be 60+ yardsales. WooHoo!

It's All Groovy Good!

(((Chels)))

Permission to slap me

2010-07-21T11:36:00.007-06:00

To all my Blogging Friends:

Slap me if I ever decide to move again (at least for a long time)! I'll even buy you a plane ticket to come and do some real slappin'*--forget the virtual stuff--I need to experience the pain!

Things that have not gone as planned:

1. My Etsy store. I thought by now I'd have my craft room/studio (sounds professional doesn't it?) put together so I could put some 'artsy fartsy' things up on Etsy. Hasn't happened. But looks like I can start painting the walls this weekend.

2. Homeschooling schedule. That darn intended schedule flew right out the window. Two weeks HA! Try seven! We've just this week got somewhat back on track. And speaking of windows, it's amazing how much learning flies out the brain's window during a summer break, and consequently much review is needed.

3. Unpacking. 'nuff said.

4. Before & after pics put up here. I'm close on my kitchen. Honest.

Things that have been accomplished:

1. Most my kitchen painted. Just have a couple of small walls and I'll be done. New curtains and painting cabinets will have to wait.

2. Grace's bedroom organized and decorated. Unintentional new color scheme: Pink and orange. That carpet just has to go.

3. Unpacking. 'nuff said!

4. Some decorating finished.

Things I'm grateful for:

1. My husband. No complaining when he hears "move it just a little to the left--no, no not that far, back to the right". All you women know exactly what I'm talking about! Maybe a little rolling of the eyes, but no complaining.

2. Grace's patience. She just goes with the flow.

3. Missing Chelsie up in Seattle. Thankful that I have a daughter to miss! (((Love you, girl)))

4. Not being bored (which I hope I haven't done to you :) I have so much stuff that needs done around here that if I get bored it's because I choose to be.

It's All Slap Me Good! real good

Brenda

*not kidding about the slappin'. no can do on the plane tickets, sorry ;)

SO! Moment Post-Camping Edition

2010-07-07T08:55:00.004-06:00

We got back late Monday night from our annual 4th of July family reunion/campout. We had a great time being together. There were around 35 this year.

Since it was so late Monday, Grace fell asleep on the way home and I didn't have the heart to throw her in the tub. But her feet were absolutely black because after all, camping, running around barefoot and firepits are all conducive to black feet dontcha know? I did wash the bottom of her feet, laid a clean sheet over her regular bedding and she crashed.

Yesterday, I got her in the bathtub which instantly turned into brown water. Should've done the shower I suppose, but then I wouldn't have a SO! moment now would I? She had yukky crud on, under and between her toes among other places.

SO!

My bright idea was to give her a used, soft-bristled toothbrush I had under the kitchen sink to gently scrub her toes with.

See where this is heading?

Fast forward an hour later when I went in to brush my teeth. I grab the toothbrush sitting on the bathroom sink, pop some toothpaste on it and proceed to clean my pearly whites when...

All in a matter of seconds I realize this toothbrush feels awfully soft, subconsciously wonder what 'my' toothbrush was doing sitting on the counter, look over and see my toothbrush in the cup holder where it's supposed to be...

then scream OH YUCK! in mouth-full-of-toothpaste-ese and proceed to gag, spit, sputter, and do WHATEVER it takes to get it out of my mouth!

Looking on the bright side, at least the toothbrush hadn't been used on the toilet...I don't think...OH NO!

It's All DOUBLE YUCK Good!

(((Chels)))

75% complete

2010-06-29T09:20:00.005-06:00

News from our little cottage one block west of Main St., Smalltown, USA:

We're three quarters of the way moved in now. {Yay!} My dad and brother helped us move in our couches last Friday. Funny, there's just something about having a couch to sit on that makes a place feel more like home. {Yathink?} We've been here 3 weeks and finally have most of our stuff at least in the house.
I've also been painting the kitchen, 'cause it was uuggly! I'll post pics of what was on the walls next time. In fact, one stipulation for us moving in was if we could paint the kitchen. While the landlord was showing us the house, I asked if I could paint it. He hemmed and hawed. Thank God his wife was with him. She jumps in and says, in her German accent, c'mon Dad, this is hideous (or something to that affect). I'm telling you, it was bad. I'm half way done painting it and already it's very bright and cheery.

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Sunny loves his new job. He really enjoys being out and about the city instead of behind a desk. {He did, however, tell me to slap him if he ever decides to start a new job and move all in the same weekend} He is also enjoying the brand new fleet truck with leather seats that arrived the week he was hired! {Far cry from the shockless Astro mini van with balder than bald tires he was driving previously}

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Grace is having fun being around the corner from her Gramies. {I hope the feelings are mutual} I'm trying to make sure she doesn't wear out her welcome.

Our homeschooling schedule has gotten way off track. My original plan was a 3-day week during the summer. I thought we'd only need two weeks for the move. {I thought wrong} Hopefully we can get up and running next week.

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Grace and I are off to our annual 4th of July family reunion/camping trip this Thursday. Fun! It'll be a nice break from all the crazy busy-ness. {Note to self: Don't forget iPod, Bible and a good book or two}

I'm off to paint another wall.

Happy 4th of July everyone.

God Bless America, still the greatest country in the world!

It's All I Love My Couch Good!

(((Chels)))

Buried in Boxes

2010-06-14T23:52:00.007-06:00

{flickr.com/photos/3tuxedocats}

Hello everyone! I am taking a break from my hectic real life to prove that I'm still alive and well even in the midst of extreme chaos!

We are in the throes of battling moving boxes as suggested by the above picture (not my feet by the way) and I believe we are winning. Wouldn't know it from the looks of our new digs at the moment, but progress is being made slooowwwly.

We have moved into our own place after living with my sister and her husband for a year. (Forever grateful to you, Reva and Rick!) We now live in a old house one block west of Main St., Small Town, USA. Population 1,200. The house, built in 1906, has been in neglect and is in need of some serious TLC. (I'd take pics for ya but I don't know which box my camera is in).

Anyhow, I'm a firm believer that there is nothing that a good coat of paint can't fix, so that's where I'm going to start. Of course there are other things that need tending to such as the yard, the 1970's orange carpet in the bedrooms, and the retro orange, gold & avacado green leno in the kitchen. {Can I hear a YIKES!?!}

Since we are renting there's only so much we can do, but we do have access to some brand-new carpet (circa 2008) from my brother, and it looks like there might be some nice hardwood floors under it all, so that might be an option. As for the leno in the kitchen I think throw rugs will have to do the trick.

I plan on taking progress pictures when the camera box shows up.

And for other news, Sunny started his new job last Monday and is really enjoying it. (Which would explain the slow progress on the moving-in front.)

Now, back to my regularly scheduled real-life program. And I hope I don't have to move again for a really long time!

It's All Alive & Well Good!

(((Chels)))

Intentional Blogging Break

2010-05-31T21:16:00.003-06:00

Here it is 3 weeks since my last post. IRL stuff has, once again, unintentionally taken precedence over blog visiting and posting.
This time I am needing to take an intentional break. I will be back and hopefully in the meantime be able to do a little visiting, but until then...
It's still All Good!
((Hugs to all of you))

Randomosity #2

2010-05-11T20:09:00.010-06:00

I'm back from my unintentional blog break.

Sunny and Grace had a special evening at the first Chick-fil-a Father-Daughter dinner. A section of the food court in the mall was sectioned off. The waiters wore tuxedos and escorted them to their table, after giving each girl a yellow rose. They ate a Chick-fil-a sandwich with choice of waffle fries or salad. (Grace's waiter was pleasantly surprised that she ordered salad.) For dessert they were each given a giant chocolate-covered strawberry. They dined to Disney music performed by a professional violinist. Then before the evening was over their picture was taken. Sunny and Grace both enjoyed their 'date'.
I ate alone
reading a book
in the truck
in the parking lot of the mall
because I wasn't invited
;)

I have been enjoying, as usual, my thrift shopping, finding some great bargains that I'll be using in my crafting projects.
Does anyone else love old, vintage patterns?

I had a goal of getting to my forever weight by mid-June. I don't think I'm going to make it, but I have lost a couple more pounds.
Only eight to go

Sunny passed his Mec4 test. Yay! Now he is studying for his plumbing license with the goal of taking the test in July.
One step at a time

Grace will be nine years old next Tuesday. Yesterday, I mentioned to her that "today was my due date, but you decided to come eight days late". She asked me how I knew when I was pregnant. I told her I took a pregnancy test. She says, "Oh ya, that's where you pee on a stick."
Moving right along...

Chelsie is doing well up in Seattle getting settled in her new home she's sharing with three other gals.
Learning to get along with others is a life long experience, isn't it?

I look forward to getting around again and visiting you all.
You've been missed

I'm still working on my Etsy store as well as a new blog with my artsy-fartsy ideas. Just trying out different avenues.
No, this blog isn't going to turn into a constant sales pitch

Myrtle loves to have her hiney scratched. When she's done on one side, she gets up and comes back around for the other side.
Crazy dog

The Brownie troop Grace is involved in had a field trip to a sports facility that includes foam pits, bungie cords, and trampolines. They also enjoyed a nice pizza dinner in one of the party rooms. This was one of the rewards for their cookie sales proceedings.

The sanitarious-ness (yes, I know that's not a word) of the foam made me a little nervous, but I didn't allow my imagination to get the best of me.
And Grace got a nice, hot bath when we got home

A three-eyed picture is what I get when I try and take the pic myself!

It's All Break Time is Over Good!

Oh, and HE went back to Oregon for good!

((Love you, Chels!))

Laurabo

2010-04-27T16:16:00.005-06:00

This post is for Laurabo.
Laura, I'm haven't been able to put up a comment on your posts. I would like to contact you. I just wanted you to know that after reading this post, we are praying for you guys. Please feel free to email me at the address on my profile.

It's All ((Hugs)) Good!

Brenda

Update: We connected!

SO! Moment MIL edition

2010-04-21T15:31:00.004-06:00

My mother-in-law (we'll call her SHE) is a dear, albeit feisty, 81-year old woman. She is very active in her church and is quite the socialite whether she is eating out nearly every day with her gal pals or running into the city (70 miles round trip) for groceries, Dr. appts. or her COPD monthly meeting.

In other words, her calendar is full. And SHE loves it.

About a year ago, a widower calls her. We'll call him HE. HE is an old classmate SHE grew up with. SHE hasn't been in contact with HE since waaaayyyy back when. HE is coming from Oregon to visit his son and would like to stop by and visit SHE. Well, why not? she says. HE comes over and they drive into the city for dinner. They enjoy their long visit catching up on each other's lives and such.
HE is lonely. SHE is not.

The next time HE knocks on her door unexpectedly, he comes in and in the course of their visit insinuates that they might pursue something more than a friendship.
SHE informs HE that she is not interested in anything other than a friendship.
HE goes back to Oregon.

Fast forward to a couple weeks ago. (SHE hasn't seen nor heard from him in 9 months.)
HE knocks on the door again, unexpectedly, and is invited in.
HE has only one thing on his mind (and it's not a nice little chat).
{the nerve}
SHE says NO (and it's not a nice little chat)!
{THE NERVE I TELL YOU!}
HE leaves.
A week later HE knocks on the door.
HE wants SEX!
SHE says NO!
{Sheesh, get a clue buddy}
SO!
Being a former realtor, SHE is meeting a man who is interested in buying the motel in town.
And, as fate would have it, here HE comes again. This time HE seems to have cooled off some, and they are having a nice little chat when HE again tells her that he'd like more than just a friendship.
SHE grabs him by the arm and drags him in to look at her calendar.
.
.
SHE: Look at my calendar.
HE: Why would I want to do that?
SHE: I want you to see that my life is full and I enjoy it. See? I even have an appointment in about 15 minutes. You're going to have to leave now.
HE: Where are you going?
SHE: (unwittingly) I am going to meet a man at the motel.
HE: (looking perplexed) How long are you going to be gone?
SHE: (again, unwittingly) As long as it takes.
.
HE hasn't come back.
.
It's All BWAAHHHH! Good!

The Knee Party

2010-04-18T17:30:00.004-06:00

Liberals, conservatives, democrats, republicans, independents etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. These protesters, those picketers, them rally-ers etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. MSN, NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX--say it with me--etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.
Given the political unrest our nation is experiencing, I wanted to remind everyone that this party has been going on for centuries.

You are cordially invited to:

The Knee Party
2 Chron. 7:14
(If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.)

Time: 24/7

Location: your closet--Matthew 6:6
(But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.)

Interactive forum
Your presence is needed and welcome anytime!

Love, God

It's All If/Then Good!

Randomosity

2010-04-11T22:45:00.004-06:00

After all my years, I have finally came to the conclusion that Spring is my favorite season.
not normally this indecisive--really
My husband's birthday was Friday. Enjoyed hanging out together!
he's the good-lookin', fella in my header
Reconnected with a old friend I grew up with.
it's been too long
Reconnected with our oldest cousin on my dad's side on Facebook.
beautiful lady
Chelsie and 3 other friends have moved into their own place.
sure wish we could be there to help her out
Trying to walk two miles at least five days a week.
or do the total gym--think chuck norris infomercial
Have a goal to lose my last 10 lbs. by my birthday in mid-June.
i can do it! and now i'm committed
Rick & Reva took us out to dinner and ice cream for Sunny's birthday. Thanks guys!
yes, i ate the ice cream. it was good!
Pacman is addictive.
seriously random
Sunny is studying hard for the Mec4 (heating & cooling installation) test he'll be taking on Wednesday.
prayers appreciated
Thrift stores make me happy. Really happy.
i know, get a life
Opened an Etsy store.
details later

It's All Random is good Good!

Little Boy Peep

2010-04-06T22:54:00.002-06:00

It's precise.

A phenomonim, phenonomin...
(how the heck do you spell that word anyhow?)
.
phe-nom-e-non (sheesh, finally)...
.
A pronounced phenomenon among the Peep population.
.
There really are girl Peeps and boy Peeps.
.
My sister and I were Easter shopping last week and we saw them with our very own peepers.
(not that I didn't believe you, Jenn.)
.
Please go take a Peep peek at Jenn's blog to get the whole story.
.(you can peruse the whole post--her's are always pleasant--or scroll down midway for just the Peep part.)
.
In the meantime Grace is still polishing off her own Peep populace procured Easter morning, so I propose to keep the particulars about the boy Peeps private as to not perturb her Peep-partaking pleasures.

It's All Proof is in the Peep Good!

Pearls and ghetto talk

2010-03-31T22:32:00.015-06:00

Ok folks.

I portrayed myself in my previous post as looking like I was really bad.

As in--

You talking to me?

YOU TALKIN' TO ME?

But I'm really not.

(bad that is, 'cause I am talkin' to you).

Pervy just hit the wrong nerve, that's all.

So you can rest assured that I'm not some big, bad, leather-clad biker mama sportin' a switchblade in her girdle.

It's All Just Little Ol' Me Good!

Picture by Google Images

Who's Your Mama? Not Me.

2010-03-29T21:18:00.006-06:00

Dear disgusting, filthy, wash-your-mouth-out-with-soap pervert who sent me a comment using the only language you know how to speak, Pornese:

If I were your mama your hiney would be so blistered you'd need skin grafts.
But I'm not your mama.

If I were your mama you'd be eating so much soap, bubbles would be coming out of the above mentioned blistered body part.
But I'm not your mama.

If I were your mama you'd be on your knees pleading for forgiveness and offering to do anything to make up for your crude, rude behavior.
But I'm not your mama.

If I were your mama I'd be spending more time teaching you better, more productive 4-letter words (since 4-letter words seem to be all your tiny IQ can handle).

But fortunately for you and thankfully for me...
I AM NOT YOUR MAMA.

It's All Got THAT Off My Chest Good!

For the time being I will be changing my comments to EXCLUDE anonymous commentors. Sorry if that's an inconvenience to anyone.

Sharing Randomness

2010-03-26T22:29:00.014-06:00

My aunt made these adorable outfits for Grace's dolls. There's a couple of colonial styles like the dress Grace is wearing, a cute embroidered pioneer dress, a beautiful Christmas/party dress, a flannel nightgown, pants with a pretty vest, and a faux blue velvet coat with red crocheted scarf and hat. A lot of work and detail went into these outfits. They will be cherished. What a special keepsake this is for Grace. She loves them! (Thank you Aunt Bobbie Nell!)

{click on any pic to enlarge}

I checked on Grace one night and had

to take this picture. So peaceful!

And then there's Reva's dog, Myrtle.

This dog is a nut!

She likes to get on her back like this

and make a crazy, growlly howl

trying to entice any of us to come 'attack' her.

This time, however, she laid there a long time (for her).

We realized she got herself so relaxed she dozed off.

Too cute...

or ugly. Take your pick. (Go ahead. We won't be offended if you say the latter.
We all say she's so ugly she's cute anyway!)

And, finally, the two doves up in the branches of the cottonwood tree. Two shy love birds on their first date.

It's All I Love My Life Good!

Oh, and by the way...I've lost 10 pounds! Only 8 to go and I'll be at my ideal weight for.ev.er!

2010-03-21T23:10:00.003-06:00

Still holding his hand

29 years later!

It's All You & Me Baby Good!

Picture from photo.net

Good Mail

2010-03-12T20:29:00.004-07:00

Look what I got in the mail! My friend, Linda (LindanJake) thought of me when she saw this. How cool is that?

The neat thing is that this little token of love couldn't have come on a better day. Sunny and I were having one of those days that you wish would just hurry up and end (which are few and far between thankfully). Then I get the mail and find this 'reminder' that It's (still) All Good!

Linda has a neat blog about life happenings. She has a fun "It's Friday and I'm Nosy" post she does every week. I'm sure Linda would love meeting new blogging friends.

It's All Thank You Linda Good!

Brain fart

2010-03-05T21:39:00.004-07:00

Ever have one of those dreams where you're dialing a phone and always missing it by one number and have to dial again and again and again?

Well, I'm having this living nightmare tonight where I keep having to type in the word verification thingy again and again and again because I keep missing it by one letter.

I think I'm experiencing a brain fart.

Just sayin'.

It's All macadyl Good!
It's All brccol Good!
GAH! It's All hufor Good!
Finally! Sheesh!

;)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Unhonesty, Dismodesty?

2010-02-28T22:41:00.011-07:00

Sometimes it's not in knowing how to say the word but in learning the lesson.

A Lesson in Modesty

My daughter Grace, who is eight, wasn't...
How do I say this?...feeling good 'down yonder'?
and was embarassed to come and tell me. She did tell me, however, and everything turned out ok. I used this as an opportunity to explain to her about modesty and commended her for it, yet still wanted her to realize that it was important to come to me with 'those' kind of problems no matter how 'embarassing'.

Fast forward to late afternoon.

A Lesson in Honesty

I had told her that she couldn't watch a movie after doing her schoolwork until her room was cleaned up. But then our day was sidetracked by some unexpected errands we had to attend to and schoolwork got shelved (yes, pun intended!). We didn't get home until later in the afternoon. Of course, I forgot about her needing to clean her room. She then comes in after getting ready to pop in a DVD and says, "Mom, didn't you say I had to clean my room before I could watch a movie?" I said she was right and thanked her for her honesty. She knew I had forgotten, and she could just say she had forgotten but chose to be honest about it.

Fast forward to bedtime (btw, earlier during our errands, she got some pretty, new undies).
I'm in the bathroom getting ready for bed when Grace comes in and says, "I'm not trying to be unhonest, but look", and proceeds to lift up her nightie just high enough for me to see her pretty new undies! (I'm thinking, what does honesty have to do with her new panties? Oh, I get it!)
Unhonesty, Dismodesty, who cares? Lessons learned? Priceless! (I guess we did school after all.)

It's All She Got It Good!

A SEW Moment!

2010-02-20T20:03:00.018-07:00

What do you get when you cross

this beautiful woman...my sis Reva

with this brand new shower curtain

I bought at Goodwill for $2.00?

{Ya, you heard me right!

TWO BUCKAROOS!}

You get a SEW Moment!

And I get this!

I've contained myself for the picture

but I'm really doing the Happy Dance!

Isn't it gorgeous? I absolutely Love it!

It's reversible too! (See all the pockets?)

She also made

a matching cosmetic bag and a

coin purse/wallet.

Reva, you already know
how much this purse means to me,
but I'll say it again
THANK YOU!

It's All

ain't nobody takin' my purse

and I'm talkin' bout you Amber

Good!

What Say You?

2010-02-07T21:24:00.006-07:00

Howdy everyone!

We had a great day today watching the Saints beat the Colts, hanging out with Reva, Rick and Mike and Lexi (Rick's son and girlfriend), watching the Saints beat the Colts, eating nachos, wings and a plethora of other delectable yumminess and watching the Saints beat the Colts.

I'm a Denver Bronco and Arizona Cardinal fan myself. But since neither of them made it to the Super Bowl, I had to pick which team to root for. And since the Saints were the underdogs that's who I chose. I like games that keep me on the edge of my seat with a loud SCREAM thrown in now and then. And I.can.SCREAM! (Just ask Chels, my oldest daughter. She's still recovering from the screams I let out last year when the Cardinals played in the Super Bowl.)

Now to the topic of this post. I wanted to just throw out some random questions for you all to answer in your comments if you'd like to. Anyone up for that? Ok, here goes.

1. What is your all-time, absolutely favorite color?
Mine has always been yellow. I don't decorate with it or anything. I do look good in yellow. It's just a fun, sunshiny color that brightens my day.

2. Do you like to go thrifting? You know...yard sales, thrift stores, flea markets?
Big fat YES for me! And now that we are in Colo. Spgs. the opportunities are endless. Lovin' it!

3. If so, what is the one thing that you enjoy looking for when you're thrifting? Something you collect? or clothes? things you can turn from trash to treasure?
I enjoy finding something I can transform. There's nothing that a can of spray paint can't fix, I say. I've also been collecting the American Girl books for Grace. Sometimes I find one or two and sometimes not. But yesterday I SCORED! There on top of the children's bookshelves was a stack of 10 that she didn't have. Plus they were half off. $60 value for $7.50!

4. Who were you rooting for in the Super Bowl?

5. Milk Chocolate? Dark Chocolate? White Chocolate? or all of the above?
Dark for me. And I'm out. :(

And on that sad note...Happy week to ya!

;)

It's All I Need Chocolate Good!

Whack-a-Phil

2010-01-31T22:07:00.012-07:00

Raise your hand if you're tired of winter.

I was all set to do a little 'complaining' today and see if you all would join me in petitioning Washington for a new national holiday.

National Whack-A-Mole Day.

You know, just so the groundhog wouldn't have a chance to come out and see it's shadow.

But then...

I realized we could still be living in Flagstaff, AZ (where we moved from last May)...

where we could still be shoveling snow...

until May...

since the town just experienced the third largest snowstorm in it's history last week.

A whopping 6 feet of snow.

6 FEET OF SNOW, FOLKS!

12 business roofs collapsed. (Miraculously they collapsed during the night so there were no injuries.) The town had to virtually shut down. The Fire Marshall wouldn't let people back into their businesses until the roofs were inspected for safety. Workers have removed hundreds of semi-truck loads of snow. As much as we are feeling bad for our fellow Flagstafonians, we are so grateful that we are here in Colorado and not there!

So bring it on, Punxsutawney Phil, do your thing.
.
It's All I Can Take It Good!

btw, the pictures in my header are of last year's 3-foot snowstorm in Flagstaff. That's the deepest it ever got the 15 years we lived there.

When you gotta go, you gotta go

2010-01-25T21:26:00.006-07:00

What does having a cell phone and needing to go to the bathroom at the movies have in common?

Apparently more than I realized.

and I quote...

"If your enthusiasm for cinema is bigger than your bladder, [this] helps you get relief without missing crucial movie moments. For current films, this font of golden advice lists scenes when it’s safe to leave your seat."

What is [this] you ask?

Why it's RunPee.com of course!

"Set the timer when the movie starts, and the app vibrates (iPhone only) to tell you when a slow—or at least easily recapped—scene is about to start."

I read about this in Woman's Day last night and decided [this] was something you all really needed to know about.

Ya right! Got a chuckle out of me anyhow.

It's All Who Thinks Up These Things Good!

Quotes from RunPee.com

Hi, My Name is Marie Squire

2010-01-21T23:23:00.007-07:00

Found this over at Midnight Musings and was amused by it. Thought I'd give it a go.
1. YOUR REAL NAME: Brenda Marie Eddy
2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME (first 3 letters of real name plus -izzle): Breizzle
3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME (favorite color and favorite animal): Yellow Giraffe
4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME (middle name, and current street): Marie Squire
5. STAR WARS NAME (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of
your first name, first 3 letters of Mom's maiden name): Eddbrtri
6. YOUR SUPERHERO NAME (2nd favorite color, favorite drink): Red Water, real exciting.
7. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME (Mother's middle name and fathers middle
name): Jo Franklin
8. YOUR GOTH NAME (black, and the name of one your pets): Black NoPet, or I can use my sister's dog Myrtle. Black Myrtle...ya real Gothic!

I think my Witness Protection name is cool, but now that you all know it, I'll be forced to change it. Darn.

It's All Yellow Giraffe Good!

added 1/22: if any of you want to do this in my comments, I'd like to poke a little fun at your names!

Our Week With Chels

2010-01-17T00:16:00.007-07:00

We had a really nice week with Chels here, even tho' she had a nasty head cold and spent a lot of time resting. On Wednesday she perked up enough for us to get out for awhile. The weather was perfect--in the upper 50's. We ate at Chick-Fil-A and then headed over to the Build-A-Bear store and let Grace spend her Christmas gift card she received from her cousins. (I'll post pics on that later.) Then we took Chels over to the DSW shoe store. I had received a $50. gift card, though I had never heard of the store. She picked out a really cute, chocolate brown handbag and purple wallet.
.
The following couple of pics are from our 'delayed' Christmas at Gramies house. This little picture frame I refurbished for Chels. I found it at a local thrift store. It was a beat up, reddish-brown wooden frame with a corkboard in the center (sorry, no before pic). I spray-painted it black. Then found the cute fabric and ribbon in some of Chels' favorite colors. It's padded with the criss-crossed ribbon to tuck pictures or momentos in. It even involved a needle and thread which I don't do!
.
Chels likes to lovingly pick on me because I'm always bringing something home from a thrift store (or the curb) with high and lofty goals for each item. However, until lately, I haven't finished a single one of them. So I have a lot of unstarted projects. I've always told her, hey, one of these days, you'll see. And wouldn't you know? This was the first one I've actually finished. She loved it. I decided to let her put the pics she wants in the four little frames.

On Grace's Christmas list was a silver locket to put her sissy's picture in. We didn't get one for her, because Chels wanted to be the one to give it to her. I love the look of surprise on her face.

A tradition that Chels and her Gramies share together is (*cringe*) chocolate donuts for dinner (*cringe* again)! Although this time we did have a normal dinner, I still wanted to get a pic of their little tradition.

Grandma Nana and her friend came up to Reva's on Thursday for lunch. My niece and her kiddo's came over, and we all had a nice visit before Chels started feeling a little wimpy again and had to lay down for awhile.

We got Chels off to the Denver airport and she arrived back in Seattle safely. We said we weren't going to cry, but who are we trying to kid? I'm a 'cryer' and Chels comes by it honestly. We were doing good until Grace started crying, then we lost it. Aw, the bittersweetness of saying goodbye.

It's All Missing Her Good!

Chels has arrived!

2010-01-12T15:21:00.011-07:00

She arrived in Denver on Sunday and she doesn't have to leave until Saturday. It has been 6 months since we saw her last. A hard 6 months I might add! She's living in Everett, WA (near Seattle) with family friends, has a good job she enjoys, and just loves it up there. I'm glad, 'tho we miss her, and knowing she's safe and enjoying herself helps us.

We celebrated our family Christmas with her at my MIL's Sunday evening. Unfortunately, she started getting the sniffles and now she's laid up in bed with a bad head cold. :( Bad timing for sure, but still glad she's here for her 'Mommy' to take care of her!

Grace has been beside herself since the day Chels said she was coming. We pulled Grace's mattress into our room and we're all having a week-long sleepover!

I'll give more details with pics later. Right now, I got a sick kiddo that needs attending to!

It's All Chelsie Good!

p.s. It has been in the low 50's today. MIRACLE!

So! Moment: Flu Edition

2009-12-31T21:56:00.021-07:00

Grace and I are at Goodwill having fun seeking out the bargains. All of the sudden I hear a
Disgusting,
Gross,
Hacking,
Cruddy,
Foul,
Phlemy,
Jump-Right-In-With-Your-Own-Synonyms Cough coming from up around the registers.

Now, I'm not one to be too paranoid about germs, but seriously, this woman should've been bedridden and stayed there, it was that bad. I was thankful that she was leaving, poor lady.

SO! We're going about our business finishing up our browsing when behind me about 5 feet away I hear it. WHAT? She's still here? I grab the basket, and as fast as I can, start bobbing in and out of the clothes racks trying to get away from the spewing germs. You'd think someone yelled "FIRE", I was moving that quick. The store was closing so I paid for my purchases and left.

On our way home I had to stop off at Walmart. We're back in the fabric department minding our own business.
Suddenly I hear...no, it can't be...MISSDisgustingGrossHackingCruddyFoulPhlemy

JumpRightInWithYourOwnSynonymCoughing Lady behind me. GAAAAHHHHH! OK This is GERM WARFARE.

I'm oughta there but fast. (Thankfully Walmart doesn't issue speeding-buggy tickets!)
Fortunately, I never got sick.

Could've been the bath I took filled with Purell Anti-Bacterial Soap. Or prayer. Probably the latter.

It's All STAY HOME Good!

;)

2009 Recap

2009-12-28T22:35:00.006-07:00

This has been an unsettling but fun and interesting year to say the least. Necessity definitely moved us out of our comfort zone.

There's a scripture that says, May the Lord establish the works of our hands (Psalm 90:17). This is exactly what He has done. He has gently guided us and directed our path.

After moving to Colorado Springs last May, our plans were to get our cleaning business to a self-supporting place while Sunny worked at getting his CO real estate license. But the Lord had other plans, by opening up another door. Sunny is now working towards management in our friend's heating and cooling business. He is so excited to be back in the 'trades' and is daily studying and working at getting up to speed with the business. As for the cleaning business, I have kept one client and will do one-time cleanings when needed.

We have had to adjust to our oldest daughter, Chels, moving up near Seattle. We miss her a lot...A LOT. But we're also aware that this is part of life--separation--and we're happy that she is doing well and enjoying herself. Especially happy that she has a job after several months of searching. She is coming home in 13 days for a week! YAY!

We are so grateful for my sister, Reva and her husband, Rick, opening up their home for us while getting established here. I've enjoyed spending time with Reva again after many years of living apart. We've also enjoyed 'getting to know' my niece's family. Grace and her daughter, Mariah, have became quite the little buddies.

There is one thing that has remained constant and helped me through this past year (besides my relationship with God) and that is all of you. I've gotten to know you better through your blogs and made new friends. I know I've been a sporadic poster, given our circumstances, but I have managed to go 'visitin' quite a bit. You all have succeeded in making me laugh, cry, pray, be challenged, and at times I've even come real close to wetting my britches! Thanks for helping make this year of transition easier for me.

Be blessed this new year of 2010. No matter what the economic or political climate we face, we can be sure the the Lord is Faithful and the 'Ever Present Help in time of need'.

It's All Happy New Year Good!

Christmas Cheer

2009-12-23T23:39:00.009-07:00

To all of my blog pals:

Merry Christmas!

You make my day!

It's All Merry CHRISTmas Good!

It's A Wonderful Life

2009-12-17T22:49:00.005-07:00

Just a list of 'stuff' going on in our lives in no particular order.

~~Our car broke down last Sunday evening. We were heading down to Fowler to spend the night with my MIL. About 2 miles out of town it just died. Thankfully my dad and his wife, Judy, were still at the house (they had come up to watch the Bronco's lose). Ends up being the timing belt which Dad has fixed for us.

~~But, then Dad is test-driving the car and the tire goes flat. Nail. Roofing nail to be exact. In our brand new tire. Good thing Discount Tire fixes them for free.

~~Reva is home from the hospital. She is adjusting to the new way she is having to administer her heart meds--into the stomach tissue rather than the internal line. She's still on IV antibiotics for another 5 days or so. It's so nice having her home and I KNOW she's loving it. She blogged about it here.

~~Reva had two Dr. appts yesterday. She was a little nervous because the visiting nurse heard a little rattling in her lung before we left. But the Doc didn't hear it and has expressed his amazement that she's still here! (We know who gets the credit for that, right?!)

~~Rick and Reva treated us to Outback tonight. It was DElicious. I had steak and lobster. I have never had lobster before--I know, what planet am I from anyhow? We had a great time. Thanks guys!

~~I just have a little more shopping to do and a little more crafting to finish up with Christmas presents. I can't tell you what I've made--some certain bloggers might see--but I'll post pics after Christmas.

~~We're really going to miss Chelsie not being with us for Christmas. But she's planning on coming for a week or so in Jan. or Feb. so we'll have our Christmas then. We talk or text often and she's doing well. Love ya girl!

~~Grace and I put up our little 'skinny' tree. ( Our neighbor back in AZ put in out on the curb for trash pickup. The only thing wrong with it was the lights didn't work. Saywhat? I was out there in a snap.) It was reachable in our storage, but all my other ornaments weren't. But Reva had an extra set of lights and I got some cute new and vintage ornaments at Goodwill. So she's all decked out.

~~Sunny's job is going really well with the heating and cooling company. He's really enjoying learning about the trade tho' he's had some previous experience. We went to the company Christmas party at P.F. Chang's Chinese Bistro (tagging 'bistro' after the word Chinese makes me laugh). It was very good and very salty. But the swelling will go down!

~~Lastly, and I'm sad to say this but...

~~well, this post is getting too long. I'll just have to wait and tell you on my next post.

hehe!

It's All Lovin' Life Good!

Baby It's Cold Outside

2009-12-09T22:21:00.007-07:00

You know it's GoshDarn cold when you step outside, inhale, and you feel your boogies crackling.

We woke up this morning to 13 degrees below zero.

THIRTEEN BELOW!

Wind chill--minus 20.

My niece's thermometer registered 20 below.

Now, I'm normally a cup-half-full kinda gal. But when my daughter asked if it was getting warmer when the temp got up to a whoppin' 10 below, I just replied--with a cup-half-empty attitude--NO it's not warmer, it's just not as stinkin' cold.

Seriously, my cup runneth (or should I say freezeth) over!

It's All~global warming? you've Got to be kidding me~Good!

I WON! & Operation Christmas Child

2009-11-29T19:05:00.010-07:00

I'm excited to tell you that I won this book entitled Touching Wonder, Recapturing the Awe of Christmas, by John Blase, and a lb. of coffee. (My husband broke into the coffee before I could take a pic!)

John's wife, Meredith, has a wonderful blog called Life at 7000 feet. John and Meredith and their 3 kids are also fellow Coloradoans.

This quote is from Meredith about his book: "John has taken several of the characters in the Nativity story--Mary, Joseph, Gabriel, Zachariah, and more-- and told the story of Jesus' birth from their perspective. You can read the first chapter here."

I've been waiting to begin reading this book until December 1st, because I'd like to do this with Grace as an advent devotional. And I only have two more days!

Thanks John and Meredith. My husband loved the coffee, and I know I'm going to love your book!

This is Grace and her Operation Christmas Child box ready to be dropped off. (If you're not familiar with OCC, it is a off-shoot of Samaritan's Purse. They distribute thousands of shoe boxes to many different countries in time for Christmas.) Grace was excited to be a part of this. She started saving some of her money back in September. For every dollar she contributed we matched it. It was so enjoyable watching her as she began buying items for a little girl (age 4-9) and putting together this box. She filled it with quite a variety of toys and necessities. She included her picture and address with the hope that she might possibly begin a pen-pal relationship.

I love it when our kiddo's begin looking beyond themselves and seeing those in need around them.

The church we've been attending was also the drop off point for the boxes. Last Sunday they announced that over 1200 boxes went out! Exciting!

It's All Love To Give Good!

Reva's Home & Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T21:26:00.010-07:00

Happy to let you know that Reva came home yesterday. So glad that she's home in time for Thanksgiving. YAY!
And speaking of...
I wish all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. We have so much to be grateful for.
Chels, if you're reading this WE LOVE YOU and MISS YOU!
God bless!

It's All Happy TG Good!

Christmas Gift Idea

2009-11-20T21:53:00.018-07:00

Since Christmas is no longer 'around the corner' but right at the door step, I thought I'd share a fun gift that's super easy and involves two of my favorite things--chocolate chips AND cookie dough. YUMMY! (You can use your favorite cookie dough of choice.)

Chocolate Chip Cookie Yule Log

Make up a batch and separate in half. Sprinkle flour on your surface and shape each half into a log approximately 10-12 inches long (you might have to add a little more flour).

Wrap each log in two layers of clear or colored plastic wrap and freeze.

When it's time to deliver, wrap each frozen log in festive tissue paper and tie ends with ribbon. (Since two logs equals one batch of cookies, I give two as one gift.)

Print out a label that says:

Chocolate Chip Cookie 'Yule' Log

Maybe 'yule' like them now,

Maybe 'yule' like them later!

{Don't forget adding the slice & bake instructions.}

Wouldn't it be nice to have some quick slice & bake cookies for when unexpected friends drop by?

And with such an abundance of delicious baked goods and sweets everywhere you turn during the holidays, it's also a nice treat just to save for later, say, when a cookie dough craving strikes the night of a blizzard! (Seriously! Been there done that!)

It's All Yummy Yule Logs Good!

Reva in Hospital

2009-11-18T07:58:00.008-07:00

Just a quick note to let you know that my sis, Reva, is back in the hospital with an infection that they haven't quite found the source of yet. She went in last Tuesday and got out Friday (which is Guiness World Book of Records worthy!). She came home with an antibiotic to treat a bladder infection but continued to have fever on and off, so the Doc had her come in last night again. We'll know more today. Prayers much appreciated!!!

In spite of all of this she still managed to kick my hiney at rummy while hanging out with her in ER!

It's All let's get her home for TG Good!

Prayers for Betty

2009-11-11T23:32:00.005-07:00

My blogging friend, Betty, lost her husband on Nov. 1.
My prayers and condolences go out to you Betty.
From what I've read about your husband on your blog, he was a truly wonderful man.
May the Lord give you strength as you go through your time of grief.
If you'd like to give her a visit you can go here.

Grace's Costume

2009-11-06T15:12:00.012-07:00

First of all, I want to thank the Lord and all of you who prayed for Chelsie's knee. She was in horrible pain, and Doc said she had a torn Miniscus. A couple days later she said it wasn't hurting anymore. She even worked two 8-hour days in a row with no pain!

______________________________

For this first semester of Grace's homeschool year (3rd grade), we are centering her work around the books "Felicity, An American Girl" which is set in colonial times. It has been a fun and very interesting historical study. So it came as no surprise that she wanted to dress in the colonial period for Halloween.

Since I don't wield a needle and thread very well beyond the basics--hems & buttons--I started looking for something at the thrift stores that maybe my sister could alter. Instead, while we were pet-sitting, Reva made this cute dress complete with reversible cap and reversible pouch purse! Thank you, Reva!

This was Grace's first year to go 'trick or treating'. She went with her cousins, Mariah, Ethan and Evan. And of course they all scored with big bags of candy.

Halloween afternoon my sister, Grace and I drove over to Sunny's hometown (pop. 1200) for their annual Christmas Bazaar. Grace wanted to show her Gramies her new dress.

Reva stayed home and handed out candy dressed as a clown!

Grace with Reva, Amber (my niece)

and her kiddos, Mariah, Ethan and Evan.

It's All Good!

Poodle-free

2009-10-30T21:33:00.008-06:00

Remember when I said the POODLE just may have wiggled her way into our hearts? (See last paragraph, previous post.)
Well, this same POODLE just as quickly poo-pooed and pee-peed her way right back out of our hearts.
I cleaned up so much after that dog in the last 10 days we were there that Resolve Spot Remover had become a permanent fixture in my back pocket.
Well, that experience is over, thank God.
Is there a dog for us in the future? I guess time will tell.
On to other news.
~Sunny has a new full-time job with a heating & cooling company here in Colorado Springs. Praise God! He is home every night. He had been working 4 nights a week in his hometown 1 1/2 hours away.
~And, if you all could keep Chelsie in your prayers. She has a torn miniscus (something to do with the ligaments around the knee). She has been in severe pain. This all happened, unfortunately, the day after she got a job at Safeway. She has kept working, but it is extremely painful for her. The doctor says it can take up to a month or more to heal while wearing a brace, keeping her leg up as much as she can, iceing it and taking ibuprofen for inflamation.
~My sister made a really cute Colonial dress for Grace for Halloween. She looks so cute in it. I'll post pics soon.
Be blessed!

It's All Done Scrubbing Yuckies Good!

A day in the Life of a Poodle

2009-10-15T18:52:00.010-06:00

For another week or so we will be pet-sitting a 16-year old poodle. We've been here two weeks. So far so good, I suppose. She's still alive!

Let me back up a little. We have never had pets as long as we've been married. Nothing against those who do and nothing against the pets themselves.

So, why did they choose us to watch their 16-year old oh did I fail to mention incontinent nearly deaf & blind poodle?

What they told us:
She sleeps all day.

What they failed to tell us:
She doesn't sleep all night.
{And if you don't take her out sometime in the middle of the night she'll pee some where, some place, some time while we're sleeping. 2nd night happened to be on our bed. A couple of other nights on the floor conveniently on my side of the bed.}

What they told us:
She likes to sleep with them, but she will use her carrier.

What they failed to tell us:
Forget the carrier.
{She likes to snuggle as close to one's face as possible licking herself into la-la land. Ever smell the breath of a 16-year old dog? Her yawn alone covers a 6-ft. radius of odor.}

What they told us:
She doesn't eat much in the morning, so leave it out for an hour then put it away for evening.

What they failed to tell us:
She does eat much in the morning.
{She also like to take her chunks of slimy, wet food and scatter them on the kitchen floor casually dining at her leisure. Only took one second to learn that cold, slimy dog food is squishy between the toes.}

What they told us:
(Motioning in a general direction to the red bag on the counter.) She likes one snack at 9:00 pm.

What I failed to notice (& I take full responsibility for this one):
That red bag on the counter with the delicious-smelling brown sticks that we've been feeding her promptly at 9 every night is beef jerky. BEEF JERKY, PEOPLE. Made from 100% premium beef. No wonder it smelled so good! I've been sacrificing yummy, teriyaki beef jerky meant for us humans and giving it to a dog.
{Hmmm...could that be why she's been gulping tons of water before bedtime? And could that be why she then needs to go in the middle of the night?}

I think I may have this dog stuff figured out.

All in all, it has been a fun time. She really is a good dog--bad breath and all--and we've become accustomed to her little rituals and routines. Grace loves animals and it's been fun watching her interact with the dog. This dog may even have managed to wiggle her way into our petless hearts. Who knows?

It's All Poodley Good!

Empty Stomach Necessary

2009-10-08T20:45:00.005-06:00

Check out her face after her dad gives it a whirl!

Thankfully no cookies lost, but it sure looks like she came close!

It's All No Barf Good!

A Wonderful Fall Day

2009-10-01T21:15:00.008-06:00

Here are some pictures of a beautiful afternoon spent together. We drove about 12 miles west of Co. Springs to a quaint little town called Green Mountain Falls.

Horsing around!

It was so serene and peaceful. Though it looks warm, it was actually very gusty and chilly. So of course we had to stop into the little cafe by the lake for coffee and hot cocoa. You can be sure we'll head up there again!

It's All Cozy Good!

Why I LOVE Colorado!

2009-09-20T11:32:00.013-06:00

Our day at the park.

Pikes Peak. Isn't she grand?

At the park. There were lots of geese. Lots.and.lots.of.geese. {and consequently lots and lots of do-do--not fun in flip-flops!}

Notice Sunny and Grace sitting up on the picnic table? Ever been goosed (literally)?

Our picnic was three weeks ago.
Today--the last day of summer--it snowed! Crazy. I didn't have my camera with me, but if I would have, I would not have taken a picture of the powdered sugar-coated mountains no matter how beautiful 'cause it just isn't right!!! Summer and snow in the same sentence. Go figure.

It's All Fall is Here Good!

I'm a Ditz SO! Moment

2009-09-08T21:25:00.009-06:00

SO!

It is Tuesday, 9:40 pm.

I don't know why, but I was just a little excited about today's date being 9/9/9.

If I'm not mistaken this all-9-digit occurrence won't happen again until 9/9/99, right?

WRONG!

It'll happen again...tomorrow. 9/9/9.

I thought it was so cool, that I didn't have my daughter spell out the date, but let her write 9/9/9 on all of her work instead.

I didn't even want to go to bed tonight without wishing everyone a happy 9/9/9 day just for the fun of it!

Then I started giggling.

I'm such a ditz.

And I homeschool, sheesh!

It's All HAPPY 9/9/9 DAY (tomorrow) Good!

Question Answered...I think

2009-08-31T09:22:00.003-06:00

Hello Friends!

I think I accidentally came upon the answer to my own question (previous post). Found it on Facebook sign-in page. At the bottom it had a list of the different languages and Lo and Behold there were those tiny little rectangles. It represents the different Chinese dialects.

I went back to Blogger Help and typed in Chinese.
Only one forum answer came up: Chinese Porn Spam

Pai an jiao jue' (literal meaning: slap the table and shout with praise, wonderful)

Yep. That's what I say. Won.der.ful.

For now, I've put up the 'word verification', and that's seemed to stop them. So you all are going to have to do the 'letter thing'.

Until I find out more, that's the sha'o zi (scoop)!

It's All e' chang Good! (Have a beautiful, bright day!...or something like that!)

Question

2009-08-28T20:57:00.005-06:00

I just thought I'd throw out this technical question and see if any of you have had the same problem and know how to fix it.

I moderate my comments. For the last week I've been getting a 'comment' that just shows little rectangles in place of words. Same for the 'commentor' name. I just delete it, but has anyone else had this happen?

It's All Computer Illiterate Good!

Is It Just Me?

2009-08-21T23:50:00.015-06:00

Ok, so we went to see the movie Julie & Julia the other night.

Have any of you seen it?

I thought it was a fun and interesting movie.

I only had a couple 'Beef Bourguignons' about it.

Number one:

They just had to do it. The F word, that is. I can't stand any movie with that word, or any other cussing for that matter, but for some reason the F word just sets me off. It is so unnecessary. Here I thought we were going to get through the whole movie with only a few milder expletives and then BAM!

I know. Call me a prude.

It was only one time.

But the point?

Number Two:

WARNING!

If you don't want a disturbing visual that will haunt you every time you whip up a souffle' then you may want to quit reading--or you can just cover your ears and say LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA real loud.

Julia Child DOIN' IT--well, pre-doin' it--but still.

EEWWWWWW!

With narry an apron in sight.

Double EEWWWWWW!

Scandalous, I say. SCANDALOUS!

C'MON PEOPLE, I didn't need that visual thankyouverymuch.

Done ranting. Go see the movie.

;)

It's All Bon Appetit Good!

10 Things Meme & Stuff

2009-08-16T14:43:00.004-06:00

1. How come I can never find: the time to sit down and start on some new craft ideas mulling around in my head.
2. I wish I'd never started: letting myself gain weight. Sure is hard getting it off.
3. I wonder why: people can't or refuse to see the direction our nation is headed. "There's a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is death" comes to mind.
4. Mama always told me: change your undies every day--you never know when you'll get in an accident. OKAYEEE...she never told me that, but it is a good idea!
5. There's this one thing in my closet that I just can't seem to get rid of: I can't think of anything since I did a pretty good closet cleaning before we moved. How boring is that answer!
6. My favorite guilty pleasure is: having some dark chocolate with my Malt* O Meal nearly every morning. Love it!
7. I always forget to: pick up my just-filled water bottle on my way out the door.
8. I have never: smoked a cigarette, and I have beautiful lungs to prove it!
9. I'm obsessed with: well, I wouldn't go right to obsessed, but I love Hers*hey's Special Dark Chocolate. I also love to go yardsaling, thrifting, thrill-of-the-hunt kinda stuff. Really, though, I'm not obsessed, right Reva?
10. One of my favorite memories is: I have to give two--the birth days of both of my beautiful, sweet daughters.

Diane made up this meme to help any of us get out of the blogging rut. Just copy and paste the "10 Things" list and let me know when you're finished, so I can take a look-see. Also, if you want you can go over and let Diane know too!

Besides our camping trip we haven't done a whole lot of heavy, deep or real stuff this summer. Just living life!

In June, Reva surprised me with a fun birthday party. She invited the local relatives which included her daughter, Amber, and kids as well as my Aunt Bobbi Nell and cousin Teri. I do have pics so I'll post on that later.

Reva and I have been able to go to quite a few yardsales. Fun! Fun!

We've picked up a few housecleaning jobs, so our B.E. Cleaning Services has been officially transported to CO. My husband is working 4 nights a week in his hometown while we're getting the cleaning business off the ground.

Reva, Amber and kiddos, our aunt and 2 cousins,and Grace & I went to the County Fair in Calhan, CO. A beautiful drive about 1 hour NE of Colorado Springs. Being the frugal bunch that we are, we went on dollar day and spent 3 or 4 hours petting animals, watching a snake handler (*shudder*), seeing trained bears doing tricks and stunts (I'll leave my opinion on that to myself), having a nice picnic lunch, and of course eating cotton candy.

Grace gets this week off from homeschool, so I can regroup and get 3rd grade plans underway. (We needed to plug away this summer since she had her 'summer' break in May/June because of the move.) We will be doing a unit study springboarding off the Felicity American Girl books (year 1774) and learning about Colonial times. That will probably take us thru the first semester.

This coming weekend we are having a huge multi-family yardsale. Tons of stuff to price and put out.

Rick and Reva's garden is bearing yummy yellow and spaghetti squash, green beans, and delicious tomatoes.

Chelsie has been in Seattle for a month now. We really miss her. She's doing well, though and enjoying herself. Hopefully she'll be able to find some work soon.

We are celebrating Reva's Birthday today! If you'd like to give her some birthday wishes you can go here. I'm sure she'd enjoy that!

It's All 10 Things Meme & Summertime Good!

Our Cherry of a Day

2009-08-06T22:10:00.011-06:00

Feel free to head over to our Hands & Hearts...for Him blog to get the full story on our fun cherry-pickin' day! (You can also click on my sidebar for the 3 most recent H & H posts at any given time.)

It's All Cherry Crisp Good!

A-Camping We Did Go

2009-07-11T22:00:00.009-06:00

These pics are of our annual 4th of July campout at Foose Creek near Salida, CO. Most of us get to spend at least 3 days, and depending on what day the 4th falls on each year, sometimes more. My immediate family this year included my dad and 3 brothers along with their kiddos. My dad's wife, Judy, has 2 grown daughters who come and, this year, Reva's husband's son and girlfriend were able to come. A cousin came up for a couple of days as well. Then there are others who come up just for the day. I believe we had 38 people in all. Fun, fun! (Feel free to click on any pics to enlarge.)

My youngest, Grace,

in the freezing water

A high mountain spring
a couple miles' walk
up the mountain

Foose Creek

Chelsie & Grace

My girls with their cousin

All but one of the cousins

My niece.

Isn't this the coolest picture?

Reva's husband, Rick--a man

not afraid to take on a pink chair!

Grace 'bellying up to the bar'

conveniently using

Bentley the Great Dane's back

The newlyweds

my brother and wife of a year

Rick's Dad and sisters up for the day

Chels being silly in the creek

Father and son sharing

a bonding moment--gutting fish!

Youngest brother and his

daughter heading for...

the creek!

My Dad--well I'll be darned,

he was there a minute ago!

Rick recovering from one of

many water cannon attacks!

Brother (& former Marine) attacking the kids...

"Ya, I thought so!"

Brother and wife of 29 years

A boy in his element

Blackberry Cobbler in the dutch oven

with coals on top

Big cousin taking little Birthday cousin

for a dunk while waiting on the Cobbler

Gotta focus on the Cobbler

and not the unappetizing view

surrounding it!

Bentley thinks he's a lap dog!

"Come & get it!"

Can you tell who's from Phoenix?!

The End!

For you, Keetha!

It's All Lovin' Being w/ Family Good!

Hidey Ho Neighbors!

2009-07-05T20:38:00.005-06:00

Hi friends! I just looked at the date on my last post and it was two weeks ago. Wow, where has the time gone?

I'll fill you in on what's been happening in my corner of the U.S.

We have finally finished ours and Grace's rooms. They turned out just like I saw it in my head--and believe me this brain of mine doesn't let that happen too often. (off topic: does anyone else have that kind of problem?...some kind of glitch in the connection from the brain to the hand? Just wondering.)

My sister and I went to an annual neighborhood yard sale. I believe it was a 10 or so block radius. It's called Old North End Yard Sales and located in the older, Victorian neighborhood. (We are kicking ourselves for forgetting our cameras.) It was a super gorgeous day and IT WAS A BLAST! Tons of yardsales, lots of people. I think I only spent $25 and brought home a lot of stuff. Grace spent the day at her cousins', so Reva and I had the day to ourselves. We were so giddy we couldn't stand it finding bargain after bargain! I will have to round up some of the stuff and take pictures for you. We also connected with our Aunt and cousins as they were enjoying the fun too! Thanks, Reva, for a fun day with ya!
As for our weekend, the girls and I (Sunny had to work) just got back today from our family 4th of July campout that is held every year about 20 miles from Salida, CO. There were 38 or so of our immediate as well as extended families. Reva and her husband, Rick, organize it. Although Reva isn't able to go because of her health concerns (it's about 9300 ft.)--and we surely miss having her there--Rick does a great job and works throughout the year planning and preparing for the next year, especially where the kids are concerned. This year was no exception with paintball wars and water gun fights (and we're not talking pistols!) The games he plans are the highlight for the kids and they look forward with much anticipation to the next year wondering what Uncle Rick will think up next.

Everyone usually gathers around the main campfire each night talking and cutting up and just having a great time reconnecting--not to mention enjoying the s'mores, hot chocolate, rootbeer floats, ice cream cones and blackberry cobbler made in the dutch oven over the fire. (btw, I've been ignoring the scale calling me from the other room!)
I'll be posting pictures when they get uploaded.

I hope everyone had a great celebration and took a moment to remember and thank God for the privilege of being able to live in this beautiful country, blemishes and all.

God bless America!

It's All Catching Up Good!