Mama Bear's Den

kids and pools....

2010-05-27T11:06:00.000-07:00

It's something we'll laugh about in years to come....If you want your kids to get out of the pool....let the little one get choked and puke in the pool! The others will decide rather QUICKLY that they really don't want to swim any more!! Yep....that happened to us today. Of course, Mom had to 'fish' out all of the puke....and then the kids decided, that 'naw' they had had enough swimming for today!! It will probably be DAYS before any of them want to swim again! (just to make sure that all the water has gone through the filter!!) The smallest one (the one who made all this possible!) probably would have gotten back in (she is a mermaid!!) but she has a brother and a sister who are germaphobes!! They decided for her that we'd all be done---that is, right after they sit and watch mom do the 'fishing'......

saving money

2010-05-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

O.K., I think that this whole 'saving' money thing might just have gone to my head! Seems that every time I log onto the computer now, I am checking my 'mom saves' sites!! Just found another one that I think will be a winner....
http://www.retailmenot.com/
It offers codes for popular stores such as Kohls, JCPenney, Lands End, Amazon. Codes that save a percentage off of your total order. Only problem is, the dress I want....at Land's End....is out of my size....phooey.
I think I'll spend the evening organizing my coupons in another holder....this one will fit right into the front of the shopping cart, and maybe, just maybe I won't drop it---and coupons go flying---like yesterday in Target.....ugh.
~Gina~

Couponing and saving money

2010-05-14T10:47:00.000-07:00

We all want to save money. We all like to save money....and if you are like me, you NEED to save money!! Being a stay-at-home-homeschooling-always-broke-looking-for-something-for-practically-nothing I am ALWAYS on the lookout for a deal!!
I have a friend who keeps telling me that we should really investigate this couponing thing...claims that she has a friend that actually MAKES money using coupons. Not that the friend is getting rich or anything-but her savings and coupons are actually getting her a few free items and a little money back (depending on store)....so, with newspaper in hand and scissors in the other, I started clipping. I find it very therapeutic actually! Well, unless you are angry and start cutting too hard and then hurt your hand!! or worse!
I've started stockpiling my coupons, got my coupon holder, organized them according to product (I am sounding really together aren't I????LOL! Don't be fooled!!)
I head out to the local grocery(the one that will double coupons) yesterday with my menu in hand, grocery list, coupons and the sales paper. This grocery trip took a little longer than usual...but it could be due to the fact that I had to keep turning around to call down some rowdy youngsters that kept wanting to dance and perform in front of the security cameras....yeah, pretty sure if someone watches those tapes, they'll be entertained!!
I was pleasantly surprised that I did manage to save $40 in groceries....I am still learning!! I'm looking forward to clipping coupons this Sunday!!
I review several blogs for savings also....through these blogs I have been able to score several shirts for $5 from a popular mall store, my son and daughter like the ever popular "Croc" shoes-and I was able to score 2 pairs of $40 crocs for $14.99 a piece with no shipping!!
Check out these sites....see what you might be able to save!!
www.dealseekingmom.com ( a great site)
www.mommyswishlist.com (sometimes she gives the coupon codes for % off savings at different stores for online ordering--very worth it!)
www.southernsavers.com (a site that will help you save on groceries locally)
www.afullcup.com (this site is good--but I can't seem to get it to work today--)
www.moneysavingmom.com

Happy Savings!!
~Gina~

sewing

2010-04-13T07:05:00.000-07:00

Just HAD to share this with you....isn't this skirt just the cutest??
I found it when I was looking for a basic wrap around (remember the 70's) skirt pattern. I had a pattern that I had used before....however, I wanted to update it some....that is when I found this!! It's called a 'Versatile skirt'...you can find it at: www.makeitperfect.com and go to the patterns.....on the package, it claims that it will become your favorite and you'll want to make many--which is so true!! I made my first on Saturday afternoon in a couple of hours (I am not a fast sewer!) and the 2nd I made on Sunday evening.........these two skirts were made with scrap fabric that I already had.....can't wait to go to the fabric store so I can start on my 3rd skirt!!
The good thing about this skirt is that you can make it your own---you can make it as long, short, plain or funky as you like!!
Even my 'tween' daughter wants one!!

2010-04-12T05:13:00.000-07:00

Prom time!! Our local homeschooling association hosted the annual prom on Friday night. Here's the pictures of my daughter's BEAUTIFUL dress!! Sad though, she only gets to wear it once....and I doubt that we could find another girl small enough to pass it on to!! She fell in love with the dress and we had to have a size 2 shipped to us from another store....size 2! Can you believe it?? ~and we have to have it taken in on top of that!! It turned out gorgeous....and I thought SHE was gorgeous....even if she is mine!!
On the down side....she said the music wasn't that good and the food was even worse!! She did say that it wasn't a total washout though, because she felt like a princess (this is me, smiling!!)

Organization!

2010-01-18T10:49:00.000-08:00

So, I am on week #2 of the great clean out...if you don't know what that is go to www.organizedhome.com and check it out. I am following this plan. Now....I really do LOVE organization.....but I am one of those people who is a perfectionist at it...if I can't have perfection--then I don't want it!! Right about now, I am thinking to myself, "why did I start this? It isn't fun any more!" ~but the payoff is! So far, I have managed to clean out my master closet--love it! Love walking in there...b/c I can actually SEE what is in there! I was RUTHLESS in that clean out!! I have done the foyer-which consisted of a cabinet and a closet (good thing is that the closet had already been cleaned out--it just needed re-organizing! whew!) Today starts the living room....I have only managed to clean out a drawer in an old china hutch (we use it for books) and a cabinet....and again, I was ruthless (I may regret this later when I think to myself, "if I had just saved ______, I could use it now) but the truth is, if it hasn't been touched, used, needed or looked for in the last year, I really don't need it. So.....I really need to go clean up my clean out now!! :-)

2010-01-02T09:08:00.000-08:00

11 Goals To Enhance Your Life This Year

I love the beginning of each new year, for me it’s always meant rejuvenation and an opportunity to look at new goals for personal growth and overall life skills that enhance daily life. By the end of the year it’s amazing and uplifting to reflect on all that you’ve accomplished, experienced and added to life and say: “This year I added this, this and that to my personal toolbox of experiences, skills and tools.” Fun stuff!

Here are a few ideas for helping define New Year’s Resolutions for yourself…

11 Goals To Enhance Your Life This Year

Choose One New Thing To Learn: Take a class for something you’ve always wanted to know how to do…learn how to knit, how to crochet, woodworking, embroidery, gourmet cooking, first aid, oil painting, wine making–whatever it is that sparks your interest, go for it this year!
Eliminate One Negative Distraction: Media gossip taking too much mental space? Spending too much time complaining with and about others? World news or politics haunting you hourly? Cut the negative noise, focus on weeding out one distracting habit at a time…you won’t believe how much more productive and content you’ll be!
Embrace One Positive Influence: Focus on making room for more time for something positive in your life. Nurturing friendships, seeking uplifting discussion or information, spiritual reflection.
Honor Your Family: With your time, laughter, forgiveness, respect, generous acts, support and encouragement…then enjoy what blossoms from that.
Nurture Your Home: Determine areas that need improvement–cleaning, baking & cooking, organize. Make pretty the best you can with the resources you have. Appreciate. Read 10 Secrets To Rewarding Homemaking for some inspiration.
Develop One Healthier Lifestyle Habit: Exercise, eat better, cut fatty foods and snacks, quit smoking, cut the soda pop, walk more.
Stretch Yourself–Do Something Terrifying: Public speaking, belly dance class, volunteer for your political party of choice, fundraise for a good cause.
Teach Something: Volunteer to teach a community class, start a blog and share your experience or knowledge, share family recipes, history and traditions with younger family members.
Reduce Something: Clutter, debt, overspending, household waste (recycle & repurpose).
Focus On One Area For Increased Independence: Make more instead of buying ready-made (food, gifts), learn how to fix more instead of hiring or purchasing replacement, grow more of your own food–even if it’s just kitchen herbs, work on debt reduction.
Stretch Your Generosity: Regularly do something a bit out of your way that helps someone else–give a co-worker a ride home, offer a helping hand to an elderly neighbor, donate clothing and household items to a struggling family–all with no strings attached.

Some goals you may let go of over time, but some will flourish. The fun is appreciating the journey–and where it leads you to next .

Happy New Year!

Originally Published January 1, 2008

Nuttin' new....

2009-11-08T16:42:00.000-08:00

So...I haven't blogged in quite awhile....
We had the computer worked on to get rid of those pesky viruses....yuck. The viruses probably started because of my love (and sometimes addiction) to Facebook games......
Once the computer came home...I could not log onto my blog....ugh....so, I just forgot about the blog for awhile....too many other things going on here!!

3 of my children came down with the dreaded H1N1 flu.....I think that the media has scared people witless about this flu....they even had me terrified....but, in reality, it wasn't as bad as the regular seasonal flu....only lasted a few days...the aftermath of it was worse for us...one child developed bronchitis and another developed a sinus infection....other than that, it wasn't bad....well, with the exception of a VERY worn out Mama Bear and us getting behind in school....ugh....but that's one of the joys of homechooling...right??? It still frustrates me to be behind.....guess I am what you call a 'type A' personality..... :)
So, maybe now that I have figured out how to get into my blog....and we are s...l...o...w...l....y catching up with school....I can devote more time to this blog.
I am trying to figure out what direction I would like this blog to go in......still figuring on that one!!

Mammograms....

2009-08-03T15:24:00.000-07:00

Have you had your yearly mammogram?? I went in today for mine....uh, and I was only 11 months late!! Why is it when your Dr tells you that you should do something, we, as moms and wives put EVERYTHING on the list but US?? This is what I did. At the time of my yearly appointment with my Ob/Gyn, I told him that I would make the appointment....and, at the time, I meant it......like Scarlett O'Hara said, "I can't think of that today, I will think of that tomorrow".
~but, tomorrow had on it's list- ball games or ball practice, school work, children's dr appts., errands to run, laundry to do, house to clean, food to buy, food to cook, dishes to wash......etc.
Last week, we had a house full of family visiting....after they left to go home, I jumped into the much needed shower to 'unwind'.....then....the unmentionable happened...I felt a lump, under my arm. The day before, I had noticed that I had a tender spot under that arm....I just figured that it was my under wire bra and couldn't wait for night to fall and I could take the bra off.......
Needless to say, the lump IMMEDIATELY got my attention and I thought of that little piece of paper that had been hanging on my fridge for 11 months telling me to call and schedule the mammogram.......I did....the next day.
So today I went in for that mammogram (lump had left days earlier)....and I was wondering as I walked out of the building exactly 16 minutes after my appointment time......(the mammogram was over)....WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG TO MAKE THIS IMPORTANT APPOINTMENT....AN APPOINTMENT THAT ONLY TOOK 16 MINUTES + DRIVING TIME???
I should get the results in a week.....and next time....I will not wait 11 months.....
I WILL think of that tomorrow and I WILL do something about it....tomorrow.

ARBY'S....er, I mean, MamaBear's Values....

2009-08-02T14:33:00.001-07:00

Saturday, the family was out enjoying lunch at a local resturant. As I sat there, I looked over the table an saw something very interesting....on the bag of food was a list of values. I found these values quite profound and decided to adopt them into our family values.

*If you can dream it, you can do it!!

*Do the best you can, in all that you do!

*Set high goals and make them happen!

*Always treat others with respect and fairness.

*Make the most of everyday. Life is mean to be enjoyed!

*Help make life better for those around you!

In a few weeks when our family starts school back....you can bet this will be part of our curriculum!!

Family

2009-07-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, we had the pleasure of having my brother and his family in for a stay. They live about 2 hours away from here. The kids were so excited....I actually had one son who got up early, got dressed (without me having to tell him too!) and then took a chair to the sidewalk to 'wait' on Uncle Joe!!...well, actually, he wasn't waiting on 'Uncle Joe'...more like waiting on 'cousin Zachary'!! The weekend was filled with lots of noise (well, there were 8 kids running around here), swimming (after all, we do have a pool---and it was HOT!) and of course, what we do best...EAT!
Saturday night my sweet husband did a 'low country boil'....yum....for those of you that do not know of this southern delight, it is corn on the cob, potatoes, chicken or sausage, shrimp all boiled in a pot with crab boil....it is a little zesty and simply scrumptious! There were no left overs!!
The girls (Miss Sara (my niece) and my daughter, Ridgley) made a dessert we call, 'cookies and cream'....simply dip chocolate chip cookies in milk and layer in casserole dish, then top with whip cream, make another layer of this and on top of the whip cream, crumple a cookie --for decoration! YUM.... The girls did a good job!!!
It was a great weekend...wish it could have lasted longer.....

Goulash....

2009-07-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

O.K.,....one usually doesn't receive recipes from one's brother...but, I have to admit...my brother "Joe" shared this one with me....now I will share with you....it is quite tasty. Probably could be in the category of a 'frugal' meal, probably could be added to or taken from...I personally like it as is.

GOULASH

sausage (whatever you like- we use hot breakfast sausage)
can of pinto beans
rice (however much your family usually eats)

brown sausage and drain- add pintos (I added without the juice from can) cover and let sit (not on heat) while rice cooks. Cook rice according to package directions.
Add sausage mixture to rice; mix well. Serve.
YUM!
** 'the Father bear' and I did add some salsa to ours-that made it a little more zesty...very yummy!!

~Thanks Joe for sharing with your dear old (no comment there!!) sister!!

Dogs

2009-06-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

Does this look like a sweet little dog to you?? He is not...He is a BAD DOG... very BAD DOG!!

We were leaving the other night to go to my son's baseball tournament...my oldest daughter had a friend going with us (a friend of the opposite gender--more on that later)...so I go out to the garage and start clearing some things out of the van to make way for an 'extra' person....

one of the things I clear out is our 'church bag'....what is a 'church bag' you ask...It is a tote bag (that I made) that holds our bibles, pens, small note book, and any papers the kids may have accumulated in Sunday school.... I put our 'church bag' on the golf cart and proceed to clear a few other things out of the van. I forget to put the church bag back into the van.....we go to the game (daughter and friend of the opposite gender do not ride with us, but ride in friend of the opposite gender's truck---Dad said they could---more on that later). Later that evening we arrive home and I had completely forgotten all about the church bag sitting on the golf cart....it stays there all night and all the next day--the dog doesn't bother it at all....

The following day, we have yet another baseball tournament to attend. Same friend of the opposite gender goes along too (more on that later)....when we arrive home, everyone is freezing cold and soaking wet--yep, played baseball in the rain....and we lost....BAD. Driving into the garage, I notice some paper all over the garage. I am thinking to myself, 'oh, daughter has a mess to clean up' (the dog belongs to my oldest daughter)....grateful to be home-so we can dry off and finally eat supper---I did say we were starving didn't I?? Yes, we are starving! I open my door of the van to inspect the papers that are littering the floor of the garage...and to my HORROR....I notice that the papers are MINE.....excuse me, but now I have to change ink colors because Mama Bear is FURIOUS at this point....those papers that belong to ME...also belong in my BIBLE!!!! GRRRRRRR....the dog has gone into the church bag that is on the golf cart and taken out my bible...completely left the dad's bible alone! ~and has proceeded to eat my bible!

For years I shared a bible with my husband. I have given him several over the years. Every year, several times a year I would 'hint' about how much I wanted a bible of my own....sweet dear husband never got the hint....so I just went and got myself a bible...it was so nice. Leather bound, name embossed on it, NIV version, complete with devotions for every day reading, a Woman's bible....and now, it was in the belly of the BEAST dog!! GRRRRR.

Guess he was hungry for 'the Word'...bad joke I know....sorry....but right now I have to find the funny or I will cry!! Needless to say, the dog is staying out of Mama Bear's way these days!

I will get another bible--don't know when....but in the mean time, I will go back to one of my husband's old bibles--that the dog didn't EAT!

Learning and letting go

2009-05-31T16:48:00.000-07:00

So...here we are...end of May...done with another school year...notice how I said 'done' and not finished. I don't think we will EVER be totally finished. This year has been a 'learning' year for all of us. We all have learned valuable lessons this year. Nothing that I can put my finger on, but just those 'life' lessons.
This time of year I am usually stressing over our end of the year tests...not so this year. I have been completely happy with where we are...not that my children are brilliant....but they are smart (to me) and I am happy with the people that they are growing into...that isn't to say that we don't have our off days---we do---but, I am overall happy with the lessons they are learning.
This past week the baby (she is 5--almost 6---but to us, she is still 'the baby') had strep throat....through her sickness, I watched the other 4 kids dote on her, worry about her, sit with her while she watched her 'baby shows' (as the bigger kids call it!) The showed her LOVE.
I have heard my kids one by one ask me, 'can I do anything to help you mom?'......wow.
Personally, I have learned some 'life lessons' myself. My lessons weren't easy...but, I guess had to happen. In a way, it was almost a relief...because I was finally able to let go of a huge struggle that I have carried for years. It was bittersweet...but I am glad it is over.
So, with school done--not finished....I have HUGE plans for the summer......
I plan to spend as much time as I can out by the pool with the kids,
I plan to race each child swimming as much as I can,
I plan to sing in the mornings--even though I can't carry a tune in a bucket...but I will sing! LOUD!
I plan to make thousands of cookies for my kids this summer,
I plan to hug each child 100 times a day!
I plan to tell my kids I love them even more!
I plan to sit and just admire my husband...for the man that he is.
I plan to tell my husband I love him...every chance I get.
I plan to have a few more picnics
I plan to let the kids invite friends over...whenever this summer
I plan to laugh, and laugh often
I plan to....just BE with my family

oh, and my oldest son starts his baseball tournaments this week...I plan to yell for him...as loud as I can!!!

Recipes and Ball fields

2009-04-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

We have been spending A LOT of time at the baseball field! My oldest daughter practices soft ball 4 times a week, my boys practice once a week with 2 games a week....You do the math....that comes to A LOT of time spent at the ball field!! My father-in-law gives me a hard time (picking of course) about all that I pack for these practices and games....something about my fanny sitting down appeals to my children! My children can be fine, but once my fanny touches my seat-someone wants to know, 'what did you bring to eat? did you bring me something to drink?'....one ball field only has those disgusting port-a-johns...so that means LOTS of hand sanitizers! Got to have the first aid kit (actually needed it twice this year---for someone else's child!) wet wipes--never know when you might need those! If it is really hot out, we have these towels called "Frogg Toggs" and they are completely awesome!! You wet them and re-roll them to put back into their container....they stay cold and damp for HOURS!!! Those really come in handy for very hot ball players to cool down! Being a mom of 5, I try to stay prepared!
Got a recipe to share with busy moms...my children love it.

Cake Mix Box Cookies
1/4 cup oil
1 cake mix (any cake mix will do)
2 eggs
Mix all together and either roll into balls or drop by teaspoon onto cookie sheet. Bake 325* for 10-12 minutes.
When cool, you can ice with cake icing if you like...we prefer plain cookies....
These do not LAST anytime at our house!!
These are good for ball games, park, lake, pool...whatever---they travel well!!!
Enjoy!

Mmmmmmm...pound cake....Mmmmmmmm

2009-04-23T06:47:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe in a magazine over the weekend. Tried it yesterday with strawberries that I got from our produce co-op.....YUM is all I can say!!!

Two Step Pound Cake
(this recipe rquires a heavy-duty electric stand mixer)

4 cups all purpose flour
3 cups sugar
1 lb butter-softened
3/4 cup milk
6 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 325*. Place all ingredients in order in the mixing bowl. Beat at low speed for 1 minute, stopping to scrape down the sides. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour into a greased and floured 10" tube pan.
Bake 325* for 1 hour 30 minutes -or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes, then remove from pan. Let cool.

I know this is ALOT of butter for a cake...but believe me....this cake is definitely something special....so, why not make it for a special occasion!

Busy, Busy, Busy.....

2009-04-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

I realize that it has been FOREVER since I blogged...guess I need to post pictures of what we have been up to.....BASEBALL.....3 out of my 5 children are playing....that means: 3 different teams, 3 different games and 6 different practices.....I am not complaining. Our family really loves going to the game and cheering for 'our' player....and I also realize that not too far in the future, these games will only be a memory...sigh....I am dreading the empty nest already!
Going to these different games, practices and so forth makes a mom of 5 NEED to be prepared....so, I am usually busy right after lunch---PACKING. Packing food and drinks, cups, ice (Ice packs are needed occasionally) first aid kits, jackets, blankets (never know when you might need those!). The kids made fun of me as I was putting my first aid kit together....they kidded me about being TOO prepared....Ha, turns out the first aid kit has been needed (not by us, but by other kids) and the ice pack was needed by another too. So...yes, I was a proud mom (not that someone was hurt) but that I was PREPARED!

I came across these recipes that work very well for us. Maybe they will you too. They will probably be a 'must have' around here this summer!

BASIC BROWNIE MIX:
6 cups sugar
4 cups flour
2 1/4 cups unsweetened cocoa
1 tsp salt
4 cups shortening

*mix together and store in airtight container

**BROWNIES**
1 1/2 cup brownie mix
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla ****For my crew I have to double the recipe****
mix together; put into greased baking dish and bake till done; about 30 minutes

THESE ARE YUMMY!

MONKEY MUNCH
9 cups Chex cereal (any variety)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar

*Put cereal into large bowl and set aside; In a microwavable bowl, place chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter; melt, stirring frequently. Add vanilla and stir well. Pour over cereal and mix till all cereal is coated with chocolate/peanut butter/butter mixture. Put powdered sugar into a ziploc bag (large) and then add coated cereal. Zip bag and shake to coat...open bag and taste....then taste again....and again....till all cereal is gone!
Seriously though, it is very yummy. Kids love it....and this lasts NO time around our house!

Learning

2009-02-17T10:34:00.000-08:00

So....I am trying to learn new things...You hear all the time, celebrity women talking about how things changed when they turned 40...how 40 is the new 30- or something like that..yeah, yeah, yeah....blah, blah, blah....oh, but wait a minute....is there some truth to that?? For me, YES....well, I *actually turned 40 3 years ago (hehe ;P) I am learning daily...something new about myself....or maybe it is just that I spent too much time in my younger days trying to be everything that everyone *wanted me to be....finally, I had enough and said, "enough" "I am not gonna do it anymore!"...
My sweet husband and I watched that movie, "Fireproof", Valentine's night...it was a very good movie...made me want to take a step up in my marriage...not that we are doing anything wrong...my beloved and I have always been considerate of the other, always shown and told each other love...but made me really want my beloved to know that my love for him is real and he IS my knight in shining armor. God is working in us, as a couple...in us, as parents...in us, as a family....in me, as a christian....I *want people to see that Christ lives in me....I *want to be that Proverbs 31 woman!
Slowly, but surely, I am making changes within my home and within myself...in my home I have decided to go all green with my cleaning products....my family deserves it. I am working to make our home a haven for my husband and children....you know, that safe, enjoyable, comfortable place to come to....
In our finances, I am working on remembering this saying- "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are" (Franklin Roosevelt). Doesn't that just speak to you?? It did me...with the economy being the way it is, I have found that I have made dumb choices in my spending and I really need to THINK before I buy!! This one will take some work!
Within myself...I finally made the decision to go back to Weight watchers....yuck...I didn't want to....fought it hard...but the reality is: I needed the help and the accountability...so, here I am....
I have a friend on Facebook who is amazing...she is 53 and runs marathons...not small ones either....I was talking to her and asking about her workouts....(she looks so good) she explained that you can't just go on a diet...for us, as women, we have so many roles within our homes...and we really should put forth more of an effort to take care of ourselves....and so many of us don't. If you stop to think about it...in our homes we are needed! If "Mama" goes overboard, the whole ship goes down! So, she encouraged me to make 'life style' changes....make sure that I exercise (even if only spurts at a time)...this will help with that pesky perimenopause! Eat right....sometimes that is the toughest for busy moms...with my Weight watcher program...it FORCES me to actually think about the meals I am going to eat and also the meals I am going to feed my family.
So...I guess we are in what you call a 'learning process' here....and it is O.K.

2009-02-14T06:36:00.000-08:00

I found this in my "Blissfully Domestic" email today....it really made me think. I feel that it is very good advice....something to think on....so I wanted to share:

There are 4 things that can never be recovered:
1. The stone…….after the throw.
2. The word……..after it's said.
3. The occasion……..after it's missed.
4. The time………after it's gone.
Today, right now, take a moment to say I love you and I appreciate you to the people who've made a difference in your life. You never know when you'll have the opportunity to do it again.

With GREAT sadness

2009-02-12T07:57:00.000-08:00

I lost a friend today...actually, I never met her in real life, but she was a real friend none-the-less. We became friends on a message board that I belong to. Through a series of events, we found out that we lived within 2 miles of each other! Now that she is gone, I am beating myself up for not going over and meeting her face to face. I think part of me wanted to respect her space...she was very sick. Then, there is the part of me that thinks, maybe there was something that I could have done or said....probably not.... She was a great lady. She gave hope and inspiration to those around her....always willing to lift up prayers for others...a great encourager. She did message me several times with tickets to the Shriner's circus that her family couldn't use, and a coupon for a free picture that her family couldn't use. Both times our family had other things going on and unfortunately, we couldn't use them either. ~but that showed her generosity...to share with others. Her faith was apparent to anyone who ever read one of her messages...so, when I opened the paper today and saw her obituary...I was shocked, saddened, heartbroken. Probably more for myself- my own selfishness....because this meant no more encouragement from her! At the same time, it meant she was with Jesus and had no pain anymore...which made me extremely happy. I am sad for her family...I am sure she will be missed greatly. Especially by me. So....Pam...even though I have no idea what your face looks like in real life, I am proud to say that I did know you. Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, and encouragement...you'll never know what your friendship has meant to me. Knowing you, Pam, has made me a better person. Rest in Peace dear Pam.

3 point prayer

2009-02-11T09:55:00.000-08:00

If you read my earlier post, then you will understand what I am talking about here...Yesterday in the midst of asking friends in real life and friends on line to keep my husband and this business venture in their prayers...I check my email. I have an email from James Dobson...random I am sure...none-the-less...it spoke so loud to me! It was the 3 points of prayers for families....it went something like this:

1) Pray boldly- God wants us to approach him with confidence. "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" Hebrews 4:16

2) Pray often- God desires a relationship with us. "Pray continually" 1 Thessalonians 5:17

3) Pray in faith- He is able and willing. "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins" Mark 11:24-26

Wow...isn't that powerful!?

Jobs, Money, Stress....

2009-02-10T15:53:00.001-08:00

My husband recently found out about a cracker/cookie distributorship route that has come available for sale. We have had many conversations about this. Today, he went for his interview...we found out that there are 4 guys in the running for this route. The process to see which guy is actually allowed to buy the business is not known to us.
My husband is such a good guy, the kind of guy that would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it...and probably would if you just wanted it. He is always available to lend a hand to whoever needs help. He never complains, is a great husband, fabulous father, wonderful son. He has never said that he wants anything...but this distributorship he has stated that he wants. I want it for him if he wants it. So bad so, that my heart hurts for him. Today, he finally told me that he was a little stressed by all of this (only because I asked him point blank)...I am praying, asked my friends to pray, asked my face book friends to pray, asked my friends on 2 different message boards that I go on to pray....I figure the more praying-the better!
The initial cost of this business is quite steep...but we have learned that once a person buys one, they usually don't let go of it...some even hand it down to family members...that is saying alot.
This could be an answer to some financial prayers of mine. Things are quite tight right now. What is hard for me...is to 'let go and let God'...I keep telling God that my husband really wants this and if it is God's will, then He will provide....oh, but it is hard....right now, I guess we are just in a waiting hold.....since the interview is over....we'll see what is next. So...I guess I will continue to trust and hope that it works out the way I have envisioned in my head...that is, *if it is God's will.

Cars and Teens....

2009-01-31T09:51:00.000-08:00

So....evidently...I am a bad mom. Our oldest daughter will be turning 16 this coming summer....GASP....where did the time go? How in the world is she driving already??? I mean, to me, she is only 3!! or so I wish!

Her dad and I have been discussing a vehicle for her to drive. Our idea of a car is NOT her idea of a car...go figure! Mom and Dad's idea of a car is one that has air bags, auto locks, good tires, good on gas mileage, 4 doors- big enough for safety.....on and on....oops, forgot the most important thing...under....UNDER $10,000. Daughter's idea of a car is the one you see in the picture....ACK! We have had numerous discussions about this....daughter swears she will be safe, pay attention, not go over the speed limit, not let anyone else drive it...especially any cute boys that thinks she has a 'cool car'! Uh....no.....

Friday, the family went out 'car shopping'...well, actually, 'car looking'....ended up at our local nissan dealer....Father Bear saw a car that automatically drew him over...a 2003 nissan altima...white, 4 doors...everything Father wanted....Daughter looked at it, looked at me and said, 'uh, it looks too 'grand-maw-ish''! To which I reply....you have to try it on! GET IN.... (do I sound like I am losing patience? yeah, pretty much!) so, she gets in...I ask the sales agent to let her crank it and position the seat as if she were going to drive it (which we couldn't do because of time) once she positioned the seat...a look came over her face that said, 'this is ALRIGHT'...I then tell her to sit in the back seat to see how her 'girls' (her friends) will feel riding back there (just trying to get her to think in reality and forget the mustang!!) she then decides that this car is cool! Oh...those teenagers! We haven't purchased a car yet....still shopping...and probably will be for awhile....but I am sure that our teen has this vision in her head: that she will wake up on the morning of her 16th birthday, look out into the driveway and see a shiny, black, convertible, mustang with unlimited gas in the tank! Ok...time to wake up! Uh, sorry oldest daughter of mine....I think Mom and Dad are gonna win this battle!!!! Sorry!!!

on the other hand...couldn't we just go to walmart and purchase that shiny blue 10 speed like we did when she was 10? ~And she thought it was the greatest thing??

French dip sandwich

2009-01-29T15:52:00.000-08:00

French Dip Sandwiches

or Rachel Ray would call it, "Samich"

1 (3 lb) beef chuch roast

1 can condensed french onion soup

1 can condensed beef consumme'

1 can condensed beef broth

1 tsp beef bouillon granules

*Half the roast and put into the slow cooker. Pour soups over roast. Cover and cook 6-8 hours on high. Remove meat from slow cooker and shred meat. Skim any fat from cooking juices and use juices as dipping sauce. Put meat on french or Italian rolls, top with Swiss cheese and melt under broiler in oven. **I added onion, salt, pepper, some red pepper flakes and a can of stewed tomatoes to slow cooker and cooked with roast.

This was delicious and got good reviews by my entire family!

What DO I need to wear??

2009-01-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

If you have a Khol's Department store credit card, they send you coupons all the time (well, not ALL the time, but at regular intervals) I usually only use these when I receive the 30% off coupons. The other day in the mail I received one...decided to do inventory and see what or if anyone needed anything. I desperately needed a new pair of tennis shoes for walking...mine were so old and worn. So...off we go to Khol's. Once there, I discovered that there was a temedous sale going on! Wow...somethings up to 70% off! On top of my 30 %...you can't get any better than that!!!! Found the tennis shoes that fit like a glove....then move on and start poking around the store....and I realize something...I have ABSOLUTELY no idea of what I am doing! I find a skirt that I remembered seeing a young lady wear to church on Sunday...on her, it was fabulous....of course, this young woman is gorgeous and could make a burlap sack look good...my teen daughter told me that the skirt would look good on me...I look at it and ponder...but then realize...I wouldn't know what to put with it!!!! YIKES....I look down at my arms and I have my usual-favorite....a cotton shirt......sigh......I have become boring! A cotton-wearing-boring-homeschool mom!!!! I have traded my denims in for cotton....another sigh. I really could have gotten a couple of cute outfits and been considered 'in style' or at least 'not boring' if I had only known what to do!!!! Maybe I should watch these two on TLC a little more often!!! or maybe they will show up one day and teach me 'what not to wear!' better yet....what to wear!!! In the mean time...I will just continue to be my old-boring-cotton-wearing-homeschool-mom!

So...we aren't so strange afterall....

2009-01-09T15:08:00.001-08:00

Not that I enjoy other people's sufferings...I do not...but lately, I have a few friends that are experiencing some circumstances similar to things that I have gone through. One friend had to take her daughter to the E.R., because her younger son hit the daughter in the neck with a golf club...one day they will laugh about it...but right now, it isn't funny. I just read on a message board that I am a member of that a friend on there had to make an E.R. visit because the 3 year old swallowed the 7 year old's diary key.....now that one WILL be funny in future years....however, now....NOT so funny! I had to make the emergency visit to the dr one evening (fortunately the pediatrician let me come to her office for stitches instead of the E.R.) my children were in our garage playing (it was cold and rainy outside-they needed SPACE to play and burn up some energy!) Things had gone well ALL afternoon....all of a sudden I heard a blood curdling scream....my son had swung the garage broom (those big push brooms) around and my smallest daughter just happened to put her face in the line of fire...BAM...right on the cheek...screaming, blood and VERY scared children is what I had on hand! Luckily, the pediatrician was able to 'glue' my daughter's cut....all that remains today is a small line...and the memory...which we now can laugh and remind my daughter that her brother gave her that battle wound! Then there was the case of a very small little girl...probably 2 years old at the time....swallowing a penny.....yeah, NOW we laugh about it...but at the time all Mom could do was panic and say "oh, NO...oh, NO".....yep, luckily the pediatrician said, "meet me at the office"...however, that trip was just a lay over for the hospital X-rays that would be needed....and as soon as they X-rayed her.....you could see that penny clear as day....just about to go into the stomach....so, Mom (that is me!) was given the instructions to 'fish' through the poop diapers...and if penny didn't appear in about a day or two-we would need more X-rays.....so, for the next while...mom (that is me) 'fished' through poop diapers....no penny appeared...so off we go again for more X-rays....now the penny is seen in the intestines....so, Mom (that is me again)

is told to keep fishing! So, a fishing I go...AGAIN....still no penny...off we go again to the doctor's office for more X-rays....now penny is gone....where did the penny go you ask....whoknows....mom never did 'fish' that penny out!!

This past summer, one of my sons actually put his hand in a MOVING tread mill...yes, let's talk about FREAKING out...yeah, that is what I did!!! TOTALLY freak out....then we head off to the E.R. ....we didn't know what for since there was only shreds of skin left on his hand. Now, that is a story within itself....and we aren't to the point to laugh about that one yet...it is STILL just too new... We spent the entire summer (this accident happened on Father's Day) going to the many doctor visits.....so many doctors....so many bandages...

This past December we finally had our last doctor visit for my son's hand. Luckily, he will not need surgery and he was released until he may have trouble with this hand. The doctor doesn't foresee any problems in the future.....but, like I said, this is still too new for us to laugh at right now....maybe one day...then again, maybe not!

I really don't enjoy other's sufferings...but it is nice to know that there are other moms out there who are/is going through some of the same issues as I.

New Year, New Me...

2009-01-08T17:43:00.000-08:00

So, the new year has started...resolutions made...most have already been scrapped or abandoned...or dare I say, failed.....I mean, after all...we are HUMAN.

For the last several weeks I have been meditating, praying, and counciling with my christian friends....and have come to this conclusion....in life, there are some things and/or people that you just have to let go. Anything that is going to hold you back or harm you in some way is only going to do damage to you....as an example: if you had a toxic item in your home and you found out that it was toxic and causing you potential harm...you would get it out of your home ASAP...right? So, that is what I have had to do...let things go....I have let certain people in my life go....I have been cleaning out the house (though it may be little by little) and getting rid of 'stuff'...because most of it is just taking up room anyway, so good-by junk....I am always removing the cobwebs from my head...and thanking God for showing me what is important. I have a wonderful, Godly husband-who supports me in everyway. 5 of the most beautiful, wonderful, energetic, lively, smart, brilliant kids in the world. ~and surprisingly, I have a circle of girlfriends that are probably some of the Godliest women I know....just spending time with them makes you automatically know that God is present in their lives and they live their life for God...they don't have to tell you-you just KNOW.

Lately, I have learned some really hard lessons....lessons that have really cut into me...but, I can honestly say now, "Thank you God for showing me....I needed that"....you know, some lessons just have to be learned the hard way. For me, the lesson was learned.

Resolutions and Passions....

2008-12-30T15:46:00.000-08:00

So...here we are...one year down and beginning a new one. Every year I make resolutions...you know the drill- be a better person, a better wife, a better mother, a better christian, read the bible more, cook more nutrious meals, keep the house better, lose some weight, exercise more, do more than be 'queen of good intentions', be a better friend, drive slower, learn calligraphy....on an on I could go...but, every year those resolutions are blown to smithereens (is that a word?) fact is, I should start TODAY on those resolutions instead of waiting till January 1. If I can't start today, then why try at all? If I really face the truth, it would be that I need to start those TODAY, then tomorrow start all over again, and the day after that, and the day after that...so, I guess I know what is on my agenda tomorrow...all those resolutions! Then on the next day, the same agenda- those same resolutions....maybe one day I will get it right!

Over Christmas, we were at my mother-in-law's house and my sister-in-law had a video of her work Christmas party. Whoever made this video is a genius! It was so funny! It started off with the owner and management looking like dancing elves! SO cute and funny! As the video went on, it interviewed all of the workers...they had to state their name, occupation at this company and then tell what their passion in life was. Very interesting...some were funny, others cute, lots were devoted to their families...made me think to myself, "Mmmmm, what are MY passions??" First and foremost is that I am passionate about God and am so glad that I have a personal relationship with him. My husband and my children are what I am most passionate about after God. Somehow, I managed to marry the most wonderful guy in the world....guess you could call us 'college' sweethearts (?) maybe(?)...we met and started dating while he was at one college and I was at beauty college....does that qualify for college sweethearts?? My children are definitely a passion of mine! Wow...it took many prayers, tears, money, and more prayers for this family to be...I am so fortunate and thankful to be these children's mother...what a privilege it is. These guys and my big guy are my life. I thank God everyday for this family of mine. That is what I would have to say my passion is....my family....uh, oh and shoes! Gotta love shoes! My daughter says I have a sickness...shoe-a-holic! Yep...that is me! Hello, my name is Gina....and I love me some shoes!

huff and puff....

2008-12-27T19:01:00.000-08:00

So...I am looking around and wondering...."why in the world did I put up so many Christmas decorations?" Actually, truth is, I LOVE putting the decorations up....it is the taking them down that I dislike. Usually I start with putting the trees up...there are two of them....and each time I go out into the garage for 'tree' things, I FIND more items to put out for Christmas, or I discover long lost Christmas ornaments and such....I tend to get carried away with the decor. So, from Thanksgiving to Christmas I add and add and add. We went to a marvelous Inn during these holidays and I fell in love with a light up candle....my sweet husband bought it for me....but, did I need it? NO...actually, while I was standing there admiring the candle in the store, I was thinking of where in the world would I put it....so, this was added to my Christmas decor (I found a place to put it!). My oldest daughter was fussing about how much Christmas stuff I had....and I do....but...in my own defense, I really, REALLY enjoy decorating for Christmas....but, I DO NOT like taking the decorations down.....
so, here I sit, thinking of the decorations that must/should come down tomorrow.....sigh.
I guess what I really don't like is that I build myself up for Christmas....all the baking (the house smells so good), the preparing, gift wrapping, blasting Christmas music....and singing to the top of my lungs-even though I can't carry a tune-even in a bucket! Once the ornaments and decorations come down, all that usually stops....why? why is it that we quit the Christmas spirit after the presents are opened, the paper thrown away, the cookies eaten?? I guess it is safe to say that it is a let down after Christmas....that is the part I don't like.....
Maybe tomorrow (if I get around to it) when I am taking the second tree down and packing away the decorations, I should blast some music on the radio and sing to the top of my lungs....I will let you know if we have any dogs that start howling!

So, this is Christmas

2008-12-24T05:49:00.000-08:00

Here I sit waiting so anxiously on Santa!! Actually, I sit here about to embark on my second cup of coffee and the house is very quiet...except for 'Good Morning America' that is on tv. The kids and the Papa Bear are all still asleep.
Times of the day like this is when I like to reflect on yesterday and look forward to today. On this day, I am so thankful for my wonderful family. There use to be a day that I couldn't even imagine my house filled with such business and noise...I wanted it to be, I desperately wanted children, LOTs of children...but it just didn't happen. Now, my home is very busy and always noisy!
Today I am so thankful as I look around. My home is beautiful (to me), decorated for Christmas, presents under the tree. My children are healthy, and snug right now in their bed...well, actually we have one in our bed, and one on the floor of our bedroom...the rest are snug in their bed. We have a fridge full of good food. I spent the weekend with my brother and his family. Yesterday was spent with good friends at the farm...doing what we do best: EATING!!
I look around and see just how blessed I am....I am thankful, too for the lessons that God is teaching me....some are hard, but are needed....others are sweet.
So, This Christmas I will be with the ones who love me and whom I love. I plan to pour all of my energies and love into those people. I want my husband and children to know that Mama Bear loves them with all her might!! Here's hoping that you and yours have a most Wonderful, Merry Christmas!!

kitchen tired-ness

2008-12-20T16:57:00.000-08:00

Whew...I am SO tired of being in the kitchen...this is about the 3rd day straight that I have been in the kitchen for pretty much the majority of the day....who was the rocket scientist that decided there must be fudge, chocolate peanut butter balls, cheese straws, sugar cookies, oreo balls, sausage balls as well as other confections for Christmas?? oh yeah, that could be me... Now, don't get me wrong...I love all this sugar laden food....I did say "I"...but my backside is another story. It does not love all this sugar as much as I do!!
My brother is coming in tomorrow for Christmas....along with my sister-in-law, two neices and my nephew...so, I have been cooking, and cooking and cooking....so, it is safe to say....I AM TIRED OF COOKING NOW!!!! Well, at least after I make that big pot of vegetable soup tomorrow and several different kinds of bread...I will be done...well, till...uh, Monday. Then it starts all over again! We have our annual what-ever-you-want-to-call-it-we-invite-all-our-friends-to-the-farm-to-eat event! The 'guys' (which is primarily my husband and his dad) start up the huge smoker before sunrise on Tuesday morning...us women folk (primarily me, and me, and uh, my sister-in-law) will cook the side dishes to go with the humongous amount of meat that will be on the smoker. I guess I really shouldn't complain...it could be worse...at least my cooking is good enough to get request for certain dishes instead of being told "please don't bring anything"!! Usually after this event, there isn't a lot of food left over...
I do enjoy cooking...I do enjoy people enjoying my food....but, right now, I am really tired of chocolate peanut butter balls! Of course, that might have something to do with the hundred-trillion that I have ingested.....
I remember going to my grandmother's house as a kid and spending the night. I remember eating and eating and eating (food was always better at grandmothers) till I was just so sick!
Yeah, been-there-done-that...again! Excuse me while I go and find the tums or pepto bismal!
Hello...my name is Gina....and I am a chocolate peanut butter ball addict!

Yummy Sugar Cookies

2008-12-18T07:19:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't like fresh baked cookies? So...I was telling friends yesterday that after the new year, I am going to clean up our diets....you know the drill...eat more healthy...blah, blah, blah....well, until then....I am going to eat SUGAR COOKIES! YUM.

Here is a good recipe that I follow...it comes from on old cookbook one of my grandmothers gave me years ago....

2 cups sugar 1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs 3 cups self-rising flour

3/4 cup margarine

*Mix all ingredients well. May add nuts or chocolate morsels. Drop by teaspoon on greased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes at 350*

You say you don't have self-rising flour??? Ok, I don't buy that either...just make it:

This came from the "Not Just Beans cookbook" <--which is one of my favorites!!

4 cups flour 2 TBSP double acting baking powder

2 tsp salt

*Mix well and store in airtight container.

I think that this is probably what my children and I will do today....BAKE. I love to bake. I love to cook. I find joy in it....I find joy in other people enjoying the food that I have prepared. I imagine that I have somehow learned this from one of my grandmothers...who could cook everything, bake scrumptious cakes, cookies and other confections....and could sew anything! Thank you Maw Maw Drake for my joy of baking/cooking!

Yummmy Sugar Cookies

2008-12-18T07:12:00.001-08:00

Sick....

2008-12-14T05:38:00.000-08:00

Don't you just hate being sick? Somebody should have told me that Mama can't be sick....I mean, there is still laundry to do, food to prepare, children that need baths, Christmas things galore that need to be done.
However, I am thankful for Mucinex! You know the kind you have to ask the pharmacist for, then you have to sign for it....it really works....I have been awake since midnight! WOW....no sleeping here....but, the mucinex is drying me right up...which is good, I have a super busy week coming. I am blessed too, to have such a wonderful husband....he did let me lie down yesterday evening (after running all over town getting Christmas things done) He did supper- steaks on the grill and baked potatoes...which were yummy.
Just as everyone went to bed....there I was, wide awake! Thoughts of what I could do ran through my mind....but most were noisy activities, such as vacuuming and sewing...couldn't wake the whole house, so I watched some t.v., did some computering, ate, meditated....
This next week is going to be crazy for us...isn't the week before Christmas ALWAYS busy for everyone?? We will be wrapping up school, having some homeschool friends over for lunch, the girls have been invited to a 'build a bear' workshop (my youngest is SO excited!), wrapping gifts, making a TON of cookies! ~and getting ready for cousins to come to town... I am expecting to have lots of fun with my children this week. I like to think that we are building memories.
When my children are grown, I hope that they will have stories to tell their children about their childhood and the things that we did, just as I am always telling my children stories of my childhood with my grandparents that raised me.
SO, I plan to be busy today....just took the mucinex....hopefully, I took it early enough in the day that it won't prevent me from sleeping tonight, like last night. Being sick around Christmas is the pits....

Christmas songs....

2008-12-10T09:21:00.000-08:00

Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little boy, you've kissed the face of God.
Mary, did you know?
The blind will see. The deaf will hear, and the dead will live again. The lame will leap. The dumb will speak the praises of the lamb.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Did you know that your baby boy will one day rules the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding
Is the great I am.

Ooh...Ahhhhh...wow....

2008-12-09T05:44:00.000-08:00

Look at this! It is a Gingerbread house!!! Yesterday the family took a field trip to Asheville, NC...a place called "The Grove Park Inn"...all I can say is WOW. First off, the Grove Park Inn is a fabulous Inn...the original was built in 1913 out of stone...I am kicking myself now for not taking pictures of it! It is beautiful!

Above is a scene outside one of the magnificent hallways...absolutely beautiful! We went to veiw the gingerbread houses that were in competition....how in the world the judges could pick a winner is beyond me! The were so beautiful and made us oohhh and ahhh over them. The victorian house one didn't even look real...looked like a girl's doll house. The craftmanship of them was extrodinary!

This inn was absolutely breathtaking!! I commented on how we should come back and spend the night there...my hubby was all for that...that was until we got info on the rates...uh, naw....think we will just make a day trip of it and leave it at that!! The many Christmas trees there were gorgeous...I did manage to get a few family pictures in front of them...after telling my sons to not give anyone bunny ears or make goofy faces....you know the drill.

It was a wonderful day...but I think we may end up paying for it...I feel like I am coming down with something and have one son who doesn't feel well today....

oh, well, this time of year...sickness isn't new to us!

Anyway, hope you enjoy the pictures of the beautiful gingerbread houses...these pictures really doesn't do them justice at all! If you are close to the NC mountains, you must take a trip to the Grove Park Inn...to view the gingerbread houses is free and worth the trip. They all are on display till Dec 19...then the winners and a few others will make their way to NYC to be featured on "Good Morning America"...others will be on display till Jan 5th (I think)...anyway, go see them! It was a great day!!

On this day....

2008-12-07T16:02:00.000-08:00

December 7, 1985....I married my prince charming. He was tall and handsome....I was just a girl....well, he was a young man....he was 23 and I was 19.
I wanted a Christmas wedding for many reasons....it didn't require a lot of decorating because the church was already decorated for Christmas....and, I loved how the church looked decorated for Christmas. The wedding was at 7 p.m. and very beautiful....the beginning of our life.....
and you know how you have everything planned out for your life...yeah, I had that plan....I am a planner. I need a plan A, plan B and then a back up plan C....someone should have told me that it didn't work that way. Actually, if I were to be honest, someone probably did tell me and being 19 and knowing everything, I probably didn't listen!
So, today is our 23rd wedding anniversary. Would I do it again? YES...in a heart beat!! My 'Papa Bear' is the kindest, smartest, sweetest guy I know. He is fantastic husband....he works so hard for our family and provides for us very well...and never complains about it. He is a great father...very hands on. He changed baby poopy diapers, helped feed the babies, rocked the babies...he did it all. I have to smile now when my kids jump on him to wrestle....when my boys want to know 'where is dad', or 'when is dad gonna be home'....our children adore him. I love to hear our teenager...she calls him 'daddy'...and that is what he is.
I had our life planned to a 'T'...and God must have laughed at me during my planning process....and some of the plans happened, some of them didn't...most did not.
My husband has taught me a lot. When we married, I was type A personality, and he was type B...he taught me that most things we worry about never come to pass anyway. To not worry about things we have no control over. Let God handle it.
Now, I say that I would marry him all over again, but was it all a bed of roses.....NO...but we made it...well, so far we have made it. There are times when I feel very, very old....and there are other times when I feel like we are both still teenagers....just without the mullet(him) and the big teased hair (me)!
They say that the best gift you can give your children is for them to know that their parents love each other....and I do...I love their father with all of my heart.
So....Happy Anniversary Papa Bear....I would marry you all over again! in a heart beat!

Gingerbread Men

2008-12-04T16:59:00.000-08:00

This is what we did today....home economics....we made Gingerbread men! YUM....Here is the recipe I pulled from Allrecipes....it makes A LOT! It is worth the time...they are really good!!

6 cups all purpose flour 1 cup molasses
1 TBSP baking powder 1 cup brown sugar
1 TBSP ginger 1/2 cup water
1 tsp nutmeg 1 egg
1 tsp cloves 1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup shortening, melted and cooled slightly
*Sift together flour, baking powder, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon; set aside.
In medium bowl, mix shortening, molasses, brown sugar, water, egg, and vanilla till smooth.
Gradually add dry ingredients till all is absorbed. Divide dough into 3 parts; pat down to 1 1/2 inch thickness, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 hours.
Preheat oven to 350*. On lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut with gingerbread man cookie cutter. Place cookies about an inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 10-12 minutes. When cookies are done, remove to wire rack and let cool; once cooled you can ice with icing of your choice....I used buttercream icing.
WARNING: COOKIES ARE DELICIOUS!!
#1 rule at our house: if a cookie breaks...you must eat it!! Needless to say...we broke a lot of cookies today...Mmmmm, wonder if that was on accident or purpose??? I'll never tell!!! ; )

So....what makes a person?

2008-12-03T14:18:00.002-08:00

what makes a person? Recently, my family went back to the church that my husband and I were married in to witness a baby baptisim. The minister said something in the message that I found odd....the minister was talking about hard economic times and how when a person loses their job, they lose their idenity.....hmmmmmm......got me to wondering........IS that what makes a person who they are? Their job defines who they are?
So, a waitress is 'just' a waitress? a cop, is just a cop....a banker is just a banker? What about us ladies who are stay at home moms? or stay at home wives? What about the people who are retired? What does that make them??
I must say that this has been the topic of my conversations lately with my beloved and my best friend....and we all agree....NO....a job should not define who you are...a job is just that...a job...something you DO....but it certainly isn't WHO you are.....or at least not me.....I am a proud to Stay-at-home mom, I am also a homeschooling mom, a wife, a sister, an aunt, a daughter, a daughter-in-law, a niece, a 'retired' hairdresser, a wanna be "Paula Deen" cooker, a crafter, now a blogger!, a Christmas lover!, a dog owner, a child of God, ...the list is endless....
Now my job...you know, that 'thing' I do....let me tell you:
My sweetie's Mama Bear, hugger to my children, cook for my family, wash clothes, dry clothes, fold clothes, put clothes away, shop for our food, pinch pennies, drive children to activities, fixer of 'boo-boos', thermostat controller, Christmas tree putter upper, pop corn popper, floor mopper, vacuumer, duster of the dust bunnies, algebra helper, english corrector, kindergarten sing-a-longer, good night kisser, help teenager with her hair, football mom, cheerleader mom, baseball mom, piano listener, gardener, canner of summer goodies, salsa maker, chocolate chip cookie maker....on and on the list goes of the 'things' I DO....so, who am I? What makes me? A job? Something I do? NO. I am a Child of Jesus Christ....simple. Just a woman, who loves God, loves her husband and children... just a Mama Bear......what makes you?

2008-12-03T14:18:00.001-08:00

A little of our Christmas

2008-12-02T16:36:00.000-08:00

So, here is some of our Christmas...tree above is my children's tree...it stands in our family room. When we added the family room onto our house, I really wanted the kids to have a tree of their own...one that had all homemade ornaments that would spark memories years from now....and with the exception of a few Christmas balls, all ornaments on this tree are handmade by the kids. Each year, the children make an ornament for this tree. When they were decorating it...yes, they did it all by themselves!, they would make remarks about remembering making this or that...and how young they looked in that picture!

Our living room is seeing a new Christmas tree this year...a white one. I really like it, and have never had a white tree before. It is very bright! I had to retire our old "monster" tree that use to stand in the living room. It was a huge pre-lit tree...and while it was new and ALL the lights were working, was very pretty....but, now half the lights are dead...I just could not wrestle that tree anymore...each year it left me battered and bruised! It was time for retirement!

See the pickle in the tree? It is an old German tradition for the pickle to be hidden among the Christmas tree branches....and the child that finds the pickle gets an extra goody for Christmas.

Our children have always done this tradition and yesterday was our official 'find the pickle day'. Everyone got a turn. Everyone got a goody. Everyone was happy! ;)

See my toy soldiers? I found those at a yard sale for $3!! My oldest daughter was given the job to repaint them...didn't she do a great job?!

The stocking by the mantle are my favorites....I love to just sit and look at them. At one time, that mantle was very lonely...only 2 stocking hung there...mine and my sweet husband. How my heart ached for a child, for that mantle to be full....and year after year, after year, after year...the mantle remained lonely....~but look at it now! Beautiful! ~with room for more!!

Ah....and way up there at the top...Mama Bear, with Papa Bear and all our baby bears!! If you are wondering where in the world I got that name "Mama Bear"...well, that is what my hubby calls me.....and I now wear it very proudly, MAMA Bear!

Yesterday, the family was out running errands...went to Target for a few things....and, when at Target, the kids like to get a drink and bag of popcorn for $1! I always manage to make my way over to Starbucks for my treat (that doesn't happen that often!) of a vanilla latte....anyway, when leaving, I told the ladies, "Merry Christmas"....at first they looked a little startled...then replied, "thank you, you don't hear that much anymore"....and I thought to myself..."no, you don't"...so, I have decided that when I go out now, I will always give a "Merry Christmas"....after all, isn't that what it is, a Merry Christmas?

Happy Birthday Jesus! You are the reason for this season!

2008-12-02T16:00:00.000-08:00

SO...here is some of our Christmas...top tree belongs to my children. I wanted the kids to have a tree of their own. This tree sits in our family room and was decorated entirely by my children. The ornaments (with the exception of some Christmas balls) are/were made by my children. Everyone makes an ornament each year. When I had this tree invisioned in my head...I wanted a tree that years from now, my children will remember making this ornament or that ornament with the 'do you remember when' conversations starting. LOL, this has already started!!! When decorating, I heard a lot of "OH! I remember this...we made this last year!" or the "Look at your picture!!" I guess you could say that our living room tree is kind of formal. We have a huge, mega, monster tree (I don't know what made me buy that big monster!) that I just couldn't deal with this year...I kill myself putting it up and taking it down each year....it is one of those pre-lit trees...and while it is new and ALL lights are working...is very pretty....our monster tree has half of the lights that have quit working...at first, I managed (with NO patience) to undo the burnt out lights and replace them with working ones....the next year, the other half of the lights quit working...I left them and put lights over them...call me lazy if you want....so this year, I 'thought' I wanted one of those aluminum trees..you know the kind that every grandma in America use to have in the 60's or 70's with the light that sat beside it that would glow green, blue, yellow and red onto the tree. Yeah, so cool...about the only place you can find those are on Ebay....we decided to get another pre-lit (yeah, but this one isn't a monster tree...it is only a 6 1/2 foot tall tree) but this one is white...I have never had a white tree before...it is very pretty and very bright! I like it!! Check out the pickle on the tree....the children have a tradition every year (I think the tradition comes from Germany). The pickle is to be hidden among the branches of the tree and the child that finds it get a extra goody for Christmas....I tend to fudge on this...I mean, I do have 5 children and if only one got the extra goody...well...let's just say that wouldn't work! Yesterday was our offical 'find the pickle day'....and yes, everyone found it! I found these little tins at Walmart for $1 that had a chocolate chip cookie inside...one daughter told me that was the best chocolate chip cookie she had ever eaten! Personally, I think her blood sugar was down! LOL! Check out the stockings on the mantle...I love looking at all those stockings! There was a time when that mantle was awful lonely....as was my heart....I had desired children for as long as I can remember....and it just didn't happen for us year after year after year...but, look at that mantle now!!! And there is room for more! Did you see the toy soldiers?? I found those at a yard sale for $3!! My oldest daughter was given the job to 'repaint' them...didn't she do a fabulous job?! Check us out up top...yep....all of us...minus the dog. This is our school picture...being a homeschool family, when the annuals come out each year, they have the families pictures in it too....which I think is really cool. It gives us an excuse each year to have our pictures taken. Don't my baby bears and Papa bear look good! If you are wondering how the name Mama Bear came about...that is what my dear husband calls me....Mama Bear. I wear that name proudly!

The Rope

2008-12-01T16:30:00.000-08:00

A dear friend sent this to me and I just had to share:
http://www.ticz.com/homes/users/bob/The-Rope/The-Rope.htm

Christmas Favorites....

2008-12-01T16:12:00.000-08:00

do you have any Christmas favorites? Mine would have to be the many Christmas t.v. programs....as I am typing this, I am doing so in a hurry...the Grinch comes on tonight!!! Not the movie (blech)...but, the good, old fashion, original cartoon. I love the Grinch (I always felt so sorry for that little dog), Scrooge (the original 1933 version), Rudolph, Frosty, Santa coming to town, A Christmas story (poor Ralphie)....but my all time favorite would have to be "It's a Wonderful Life"...wow, I just love that movie. I guess you could say that we have a family tradition during the holidays....we always end up on the couch and love seat...yep, all 7 of us, with our blankets...and our popcorn (you always have to have popcorn to watch a movie!) and watch these old classic shows and movies. The time has come that our teenager thinks it is a little silly...but, she still manages to come and watch with us....so maybe it isn't SO silly. After all, it IS a tradition!

Christmas memories....

2008-12-01T08:28:00.000-08:00

Tonight, we will be having a tradition here in Bogerville..."How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is on our local t.v. channel. The original cartoon...not the movie. I have loved this program since I was a girl....and if you ask my children how long that is..they would answer, "when dinosaurs roamed the earth"! No, I am not that old. I remember thinking (while watching the Grinch) how cute and sweet that little dog was. It reminded me of our own little dog. So, the tradition goes on....my sweet husband, children and I will curl up with blankets (and no doubt...popcorn) and watch the Grinch. Last night we viewed "Dennis the Menice Christmas"...first time we had ever watched this....it was a good program with a good story behind it. My all time favorite Christmas movie is, "It's a Wonderful Life"....I love it so much that my husband bought me the DVD.... last year, we added "A Christmas Story"- isn't that the one with Christmas ghosts past and future?? If so, that is the one! The original 1933 is the only version that will do!! Oh, and who can resist "Rudolf", "Frosty", and "Santa Claus is coming to Town"? Certainly not us!! I love them all...and we try to view them all...I guess it is a sort of tradition....

I think traditions are important to the family...especially at Christmas time. Often, I find myself wondering what my children will remember about their childhood when they are adults....

We do remember what this season is really about...and it isn't the pretty Christmas trees, deorations, or any of the gifts...it is truly about our Saviour...his birth.

Family and traditions are so important to me...not so much my own family traditions...I think they kind of disappeared with the deaths of my grandparents...that kind of happens when the family has been broken....

My family...my husband and children....those traditions are SO important to me. Years ago, I thought that we would never have the family that my husband and I so desperately wanted.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

2008-12-01T08:22:00.000-08:00

Wow...I am blogging!!!

2008-11-30T15:42:00.000-08:00

Wow... I am doing it....I am really doing it! Well, with the help of my teenage daughter! Why is it that when us adults (some of us adults) want to do something on the computer, we must holler (in the south, we holler) for our teenagers to help us out? I find myself 'hollering' for my daughter...a lot....like, 'help me get out of here' or 'how do I do whatever it is that I want to do' or 'how do I get this picture on here'....which I have none on here at the present (daughter must help me with that!) I guess I am what you call 'computer illiterate'......but, I do try. So....a blogging I will go...uh, er, tomorrow...after my dear daughter helps me!!