About Me

The last time I updated my “about” page was two years ago.  Where does the time go??  Anyway, those of you who know me can skip this.  But for those of you who might be new to the neighborhood, here’s a little bit about who I am.  :)

I'm a forty-something mom to three boys (13, 11 and 6) which are as different as could be. I'm the wife of a very patient guy who works as an engineer and happens to be a wonderful handyman and mechanical marvel. How he puts up with my type A personality is anyone’s guess.  He's definitely the better half.

We live in Central Indiana. But, I grew up in rural Pennsylvania. If you are curious about how we came to live in the land of corn fields, hogs, and tornadoes, you can read about it here.

I have a degree in Elementary Education and spent a number of years in the classroom before I had kids.  Sometimes I miss it, but being at home for my boys is an irreplaceable gift.

I also have a degree in Bible, which is, sadly, no match for the questions my boys generate!  This site is a wonderful go-to page when we’re hunting for answers.

A perfect evening for me might include having coffee with a friend, playing in my flower beds, working on a family project, taking a long walk, or playing soccer with my boys.

Other hobbies of mine include nagging (just kidding!), reading, shopping yard-sales, camping, wood working, and embarrassing my older sons. Oh, and did I mention blogging?

Although I thrive on organization, I am learning to live with a certain amount of chaos and confusion (which comes in buckets with boys).

My desk, however, is my space, and I guard it well!

I am a horrible speller.

I am a recovering Face Book addict.

I'm impatient, and a worrier, and really don’t enjoy cooking.

When I'm frazzled, I can pop a gasket like no body's business.

I am SO not perfect.

However, I’m a child of the King, who loves me anyway, and He's not finished with me yet.

Where Do You Go For Shelter?

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, our long awaited rain turned to ice.  Although it was beautiful and we needed the moisture badly, the rain stung, and the dampness went straight to my bones.

I had a few things to do in the woodshop which, thankfully, is insulated and tight.  However, it is unheated and you have to hike across the yard to get there.  The whole time I was working, I was thinking about getting back inside. 

The shelter of the shed was no comparison to a snuggly blanket by the warm fireplace.

That shed is like the shelter we often settle for in life when things get tough.  We seek out shelter in places that can’t sooth our souls or give peace to our hearts.

We hide out at work when things are tense at home, or busy ourselves with things when relationships get awkward.  Some of us find comfort in talking to friends, or eating large quantities of chocolate.  (What??? :) Ok, I confess.)  And some, unfortunately, turn to drugs, alcohol and other destructive things.

Everyone wants shelter from the tough stuff in life.

Lucky for us, God is right there waiting for us to seek His help.  He doesn’t care what a mess we’ve made of things in the past, or how ugly we feel on the inside.

He simply wants us to turn to Him and trust.  There is no peace like the peace of knowing He loves us and wants to bless us.

We used to sing a chorus in youth group that I still find myself singing when I’m feeling at my end.

I hope you enjoy the words as much as I.

The Shelter Of The Love Of God

(Adapted from Psalm 91)

The shelter of the love of God

is my refuge and my light.

I trust in Him to Guide my days

and protect me through the night.

 

Chorus: 

Because I come to Him in love

and trust him in all things:

He answers when I call His name,

He shelters me with His wings.

 

My faith is in the Lord alone,

His Word my help and shield.

When thousands stumble by my side,

His faithfulness is revealed.

 

Ever safe within His love I’ll be,

secure through all my days.

The wonder of His mighty love

always fills my heart with praise.

 

 

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;

My God, in Him I will trust.”

Psalm 91:2

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Lord is my shepherd…

I have everything I need.

Psalm 23:1

This year, my boys are making dinner! 

Well, my husband and I are making the turkey and sweet potatoes.  But I’ve asked each of the boys to pick something to make for our Thanksgiving dinner.

My amazingly-awesome-special and beastly elder boy (self-described, heh-hem) came up with these cute as a button turkey cup cakes. 

My middle boy is making the stuffing.

And my little guy is wielding the can opener.  Lol!

It should be lots of fun.  :)

I love my boys.  And I love shopping for the perfect gifts for them.

However, it’s easy at this time of year to get sucked into the commercialism of the season.  Like other years, November has been a month of searching for those perfect gifts.  I check each sale ad.  Compare it with the others.  Search Craig’s List often, and watch all kinds of things on Ebay…looking for the best deal I can find. 

I end up spending hefty chunks of time on the computer, and feeding my family cereal for dinner.  Lol! So we’re all looking forward to a wonderful dinner tomorrow!

Can anyone relate??

It is wonderful to be able to buy special gifts.  It is certainly rewarding to snag a great deal. 

But it is even greater to realize that no matter what we have or don’t have, no matter what we buy or don’t buy, we can be complete in our Savior.  And want for nothing. 

I’m thankful for the bounty of the Lord.

For my family who make life so much fun.

For a husband who loves the Lord.  And me.

And for friends who bring smiles to my face and encouragement to my days.

Thank you friends, for being a part of my life!

Have a wonderful and blessed

Thanksgiving! 

What are you thankful for?  Olivia has invited us to link up our thankful posts at Of Such Is The Kingdom.  If you have a thankful post, go link up!!

Friday Funnies! Thanksgiving Edition

What key has legs and can’t open doors? 

A Turkey!

Why did the Pilgrims want to sail to America in the spring?

Because April showers bring Mayflowers!

Why did Johnny get such low grades after Thanksgiving?

Because everything is always marked down after the holidays! 

What happened when the turkey got into a fight?

He got the stuffing knocked out of him!  Lol!

 

O.K.

I’m done.

But if you want to see more Thanksgiving jokes, visit Kaboose.com. 

Or hop over to Kim’s Friday Funnies!

And have a wonderful Weekend! 

And a Blessed Thanksgiving!

Memorable Lines Of The Week…

Today, since I’m scraping the bottom of the inspiration barrel, I’ll share a few lines that brought me chuckles (and a few grey hairs) this week.

“The cat wanted to play Star Wars, Mom.”

* * *

“Mom, I’m having a quiz over the parts of a sewing machine today.  Think you could quiz me?”

“Sure.  What does the presser foot do?”

“Uh, turn the volume up and down?”

* * *

“Mom, you’re beastly!”  (Thanks. I think.)

* * *

“Don’t look at me.  I didn’t do anything!  WHAT??  Why are you looking at me like that?”  Said the boy, glass in hand, with milk dripping off his chin, down his shirt, and onto the floor. 

And it wasn’t my little guy, either. 

***

“This stuff is pretty good.”  Thoughtfully chewing, “Well, maybe it’s just ‘cause I’m really really hungry…”

* * *

“Mom!  Sheriff!” 

This timely warning saved me from getting a speeding ticket.  :)

* * *

“My brakes are going out.  I don’t have much left,”  my husband said while he was on his way home.  Still 45 minutes away.

“Well, find a place to pull over and I’ll come get you.” 

“Naaaah.”

The offer seemed prudent to me.  But what do I know.  I’m just a mom, and a complete stick in the mud (apparently) when it comes to embracing the thrill.

* * *

“Myth Busters is gonna prove whether or not a penny dropped from the Empire State building will sink down in cement.  Did you know there was supposedly someone who got killed by a penny that was dropped off the Empire State building?  I wonder what would happen if you dropped off a hot dog.  Think it would kill somebody?”  :0

* * *

“Mom, will you trade me a candy bar for these little fun packs of peanut M&M’s since I can’t have them with my braces?”

“Why don’t you take them to school and trade them for something at lunch?”

“Mom,”  totally exasperated, “NO-body is going to trade me something for 6 peanut M&M’s.  They’d have to be CRAZY!” 

(Like…me???)

DVD Winner!

Congratulations Kristine!  You are the lucky winner of the Trusting in the Shepherd video and activity book.  I hope your family enjoys it!

Thank you to all who entered.  :)

Photo Story Friday

This week’s weather has been beyond beautiful.  Warm, sunny days, with temps in the seventies.  Perfect for taking pictures, or playing army.  :) 

Or taking a walk…

Or going for a bike ride…

Or playing basketball…

Or…

just closing your eyes and sitting in the sunshine.

Most trees have already cast off their leaves.  But as if she didn’t want to share the stage with anyone else, this Japanese Maple is just now showing off her splendor. 

Or maybe the Director was just saving the best for last.  :)

It’s also been the perfect weather for splitting and stacking wood.  Funny how you don’t mind the work so much when the weather is perfect.  The sore arms and back…now THAT I’m minding.

Today, my little guy, who has half days on Fridays, is going on a picnic with me.  If you’re in the neighborhood, you are welcome to join us! 

That is, if you don’t mind peanut butter and jelly.

And lots of giggles.

And jokes that make no sense.  :) 

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Remember…

It’s the 11th day of the eleventh month.  Veteran’s Day.

Thank a Veteran!  :) 

Pray for those serving away from home.

Pray for their families.

And pray as though they’re family.

Because, someday, it just might be one of your children laying his life on the line.

{Giveaway} Preschool DVD: Really Wooly Kids’ Trusting In The Shepherd

I haven’t had a tip to share at WFMW in ages.  But I’ve learned so much from all of you ladies, that sharing this video with one of you seems like a great way to say thanks!

DaySpring recently sent me two copies of Trusting In The Shepherd—one to review, and one to give away.  If you have a preschooler, or have one on your Christmas List, this would make a really cute gift! 

The DVD features TWO animated stories, “Gracie’s Ewe Campout” and “Jacob’s New Friend.”  Each centered around trusting the shepherd to help us not be afraid.

The animation isn’t state of the art.   But it isn’t bad, either.  :)  And the stories are captivating enough that my six-year-old actually left his video game to come watch it through to the end. :)

There is a catchy music video between the stories, designed to reinforce the memory verse (Psalm 23:4).   At one point in the song, a bright set of hoof prints appears walking across a dark screen, surrounded by scary pairs of eyes.  Then a man’s set of prints, with a nail print in the middle, joins the sheep’s. 

My son missed that the first time.  So I pointed it out the second time we watched it.  And it led to a great discussion about how Jesus is our shepherd, and he is always with us…especially when we feel afraid.

The DVD also features:

• Information about Online Family Adventures 
• Outtakes
• Really Woolly Kids Trivia (my son enjoyed taking the little quiz)
• Deleted scene

All in all, it’s cute!  And I’m giving a copy of the DVD, as well as the coordinating activity book, to one of my lucky readers!

Here’s how you can win!

1. Leave me a comment below.  Then…
2. If you’d like a second chance to win, subscribe in a reader, or add your lovely face to my Follower gadget, and leave me another comment telling me you’ve done so.  (If you already follow, simply leave a second comment telling me so.)

Good luck!

Entry is open to US residents only, through midnight Friday, November 12, 2010. A winner will be chosen from the comments below using random.org and will be contacted by email. If you don’t have a blog, or an email linked to your blog, it would be great if you could leave your email in the comment so I can contact you should your number be selected.  If you’re the winner, you’ll have 48 hours to respond or an alternate will be chosen.

I want to thank DaySpring for providing me and my lucky reader with these resources.  When I agree to do a review, I give my honest opinions, whether good or bad, no matter the offer.  Because I know you want the truth!  :) 

Free Veggi Tales Album!

Did you know you can download The Incredible Singing Christmas Tree, a Veggi Tales Christmas album, for FREE on Amazon.com right now?  I saw it this morning, and decided to give it a try.

I’m so glad I did!  It’s really cute!  I’ll probably be playing it for the next two months whether my kids like it or not.  Lol! 

So tell me, do you listen to Veggi Tales Tunes even when your kids are not at home?  (Or all grown up?)  Lol!

Friday Funnies: Two Hats

There were two hats hanging on a shelf in the hall.  So the first hat says to the second hat, “You wait here, I’m going on ahead…”

 

 

You can thank my dad for that one.  He always has a joke up his sleeves.  :)  For more Friday Funnies, stop by Kim’s place at Homesteader’s Heart.

And have a wonderful weekend! 

A Beautiful Magnificent Bow!

This may not look like much to you.  But it’s something we’re celebrating BIG time at our house. 

My little guy can now tie his shoes!!!

Look at that beautiful bow which I had absolutely nothing to do with!

• No more wearing boots to the grocery store because he doesn’t have to tie them!  (Yay!)
• No more searching for Velcro shoes without cheesy cartoon characters!  (Double YAY!)
• And no more needing the teacher’s help to tie his laces at school.  (Yippy Yay!)

He couldn’t be more tickled with himself.

I know he is six.  And lots of kids master this skill at a much earlier age.  But there is something to be said for simply waiting till he was ready.  I should know…

This summer, I tried and tried to help him learn.  And every time, he pulled away frustrated.

This morning, it took him only twenty minutes to master the skill.  What made the difference?

He WANTED to learn!  Of course seeing his best friend at school in the “can tie” line may have been a catalyst!  Lol! 

His best friend can read, too.  And now my boy is sounding out every word he sees.  Hee-Hee!

If his best friend gets a girlfriend, though, I’m gonna start to worry…

What Makes You Feel Old?

I know we all just graduated from College last week.  But does anyone else have those reality checks that make you feel your age?

Oh, boy, have I had some head-shakers lately.

My son asked me to run the mile with him last night and I about snorted my coffee up my nose.  Last time I did that was close to thirty years ago.  Running the mile that is.  I snort my coffee fairly often at some of the things you ladies write about.

Then, this morning, I had a sweet little girl I used to teach in first grade “friend” me on face book.  And invite me to her senior recital.  In college.  YIKES!

Can that really be??

I have only to look in the mirror for reassurance.  I’m no spring chicken anymore.  That, and my trial membership at CURVES is kicking my behind!  Lol! 

How did this happen?

Do you ever feel that way?  Like it hits you and you kind of have to stop and take stock of where you are in life?  Maybe set some new goals, and kick it up a notch?

I wouldn’t turn back the clock.  Well… 

…Nah.      

Surprisingly, I like the place in life where I’m at.  Wrinkles and sags and all. 

Sure, this staying at home life is a lot of thankless work.  And I miss the classroom at times.  But my kids are a lot of fun.  And now more than ever, it is fun to joke around with them on a whole new level.

And more than that, I’m beginning to catch glimpses of the young men God is helping them to become.

I guess that’s the key to contentment at any stage in life.  Looking for the work God is doing, appreciating the process, counting your blessings, and sharing the journey with friends.

Thanks for letting me share our journey with you, and for sharing yours with me!  It makes the process so much more fun!

If you’re feeling old today, what blessings can you count?   :)

Annual Hayride 2010

Seven years ago, my husband and I took our (then) two boys trick or treating in a small wagon pulled by our garden tractor.  We had a ball!

The next year, we joined up with another family.  And so the tradition began.  Each year, getting bigger and better!

With a number of new faces, this year’s annual Trick-Or-Treat-Hay-Ride had the biggest turnout yet!   There were seventeen kids, and 8 adults.  The overflow piled into the back of the pick-up truck which was pulling the trailer. 

At one point, we had to pile out of the trailer because the truck was having trouble pulling the load up a steep gravel drive!  Lol!

We have a small community (about 20 homes), and everyone pretty much knows everyone else and looks forward to the event. 

I know there are those who stay away from Halloween Parties and trick-or-treating, and I respect their choice.  However, although we don’t do the spooky stuff, my husband and I have always enjoyed taking the kids around.  We look at it as a great opportunity to catch up with friends and meet new neighbors.

As in years past, we met back at our place after the hayride for a bonfire and fellowship.  It is one of my favorite days of the year. 

While the adults sat around the fire talking and laughing, the boys organized a fun game of flashlight tag.

Sometimes I worry that this or that family won’t feel included, and the prep work sometimes has me frazzled.  But I’m always amazed at how smoothly it goes.  Not at all because of me.  But because of the many people who join in so enthusiastically. 

I’d love to do more community events throughout the year, but I need some ideas.  What do you do in your neck of the woods?