Today is a junk mail day. I hate junk mail days--those days in which nothing interesting comes in the mail. Ordinarily, mail might not be "an event". But for a homeschooling Mom of (almost) 4, well, life gets s-l-o-w around here, and there are days that even internet buzz is slow. On such days, it is a delight to find something of interest in the mailbox. Y'know...a glossy new magazine; perhaps Martha Stewart...or...well, that's my only current subscription, and although I love the magazine, she sure needs to step into REAL LIFE someday. LOL. Even the jail stint didn't do it! Maybe I need to add something else! Anyway, maybe a personal letter or card might come, an unexpected check (yeah, that's a rarity, but we praise God when it happens!)...maybe a much-anticipated Netflix movie (even if it's for the kids, then, hey! Mom might get a break!). Something, anything...grocery ads with which to menu plan.... I digress.
But today, there was NOTHING. A pathetic flyer of non-ads and a single envelope hiding some ridiculous offer. Straight into the trash it went. Oh, what a lovely thing it would have been, if a new magazine had come! But it did not.
And to add to the day's misery, I have a nasty headache--which I've medicated, but to no avail. It is all sinus-related. Thanks to the lingering cold I have. And my toddler has caught it as well. The good thing about that is simply that I give myself permission to medicate her at night time--which means--she'll fall asleep early. Hopefully. But I'd still rather she were healthy. My head is throbbing. That kind of throbbing in which it makes my stomach nauseated. Yuck.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Another Thursday to be Thankful
This week it is quite easy to come up with a thankful list: it’s been a good week, all the way around! These are the weeks to really praise God for His grace in our current situations, for the life He’s given me, for my family that surrounds me, and the home we live in. And those definitely top my list!!
I am thankful for the time I had with my oldest daughter last night. We visited some fabric stores, searching for the perfect quilt backing material for the baby quilt I’m working on. While unsuccessful, I did choose the store I will return to and check again. We also enjoyed Starbucks together—one of her favorite things to do with Mom. What precious time together! Being the oldest is a tough job, and it is truly a blessing to have time out that we both enjoy.
I am thankful for some good, solid talks and eventual resolutions that my husband and I were able to work through this week. Nothing earth-shattering; just the kind of stuff that life brings once in awhile.
I am thankful for the fresh garden vegetables we’ve received this year; mostly from my Dad, but also from our neighbor. The girls and I love vegetables so we really enjoy it! My son and husband, well, not so much…but that’s okay.
I am thankful that the kids have had a wonderful week of Bible School! They leave, so excited every day…and come home tired, but full of words! What a blessing to have a nearby, small church they can attend at; a place where I feel comfortable letting them go, and where my neighbor herself goes along with them. It is a delightful week every single year. Even my toddler hasn’t noticed her siblings missing (partly due to PBS!) which has been an additional blessing, as she is typically very aware and very unhappy to be left out of anything!!
I am thankful for some rearranging we did in our home, to make our space suited to the way we are currently living and the stages our children are at. So far, these little changes are working so well for us!
I’m thankful that this summer cold I caught is almost over! I was just dead tired Tuesday—unusual as that is typically a good day in the week—and it turns out, I was working on a cold. YUCK. But it seems that perhaps I will be able to throw it off without too much trouble. Praise God! I hate being sick—and pregnant—and a Mommy, all at the same time!
I’m thankful that August is nearly here—I’m tired of summer—and this marks our last month. School starts around here, mid-month, so the city’s attractions, parks, libraries, will once again be quiet in the daytime. And I can enjoy the back-to-school sales, as our budget allows.
I’m thankful for the many homeschooling resources, websites, books, etc that enable uncreative folks like myself to homeschool with ease. Well, with relative ease. There is so much information out there, so many terrific blogs full of inspiration and ideas…so many books that are uplifting and encouraging…I am truly thankful for them all. AND, for the freedom to homeschool as I desire. There are many countries which still hold homeschooling illegal, and many places in which it is not so easily done. Here in America, it is legal, relatively simple in most districts, and we are blessed with much support from one another. How incredibly fortunate we are that others have worked hard, and sacrificed much to pave this road. And that legal teams (HSLDA specifically) continue the work, ensuring continued freedom for all of us.
On a lighter note, I am thankful for my “black currant” tea today—it is hot right now, but a 2nd cup is brewing, which will then be iced. Ahhhhhh!
Time to go switch laundry and get to some kitchen work awaiting me. Hope you all have a great week-ending, as you look into your own lives, and consider the blessings, both big and small. Even in the midst of trials, there is always something to thank Our God for—even if it is simply life itself.
I am thankful for the time I had with my oldest daughter last night. We visited some fabric stores, searching for the perfect quilt backing material for the baby quilt I’m working on. While unsuccessful, I did choose the store I will return to and check again. We also enjoyed Starbucks together—one of her favorite things to do with Mom. What precious time together! Being the oldest is a tough job, and it is truly a blessing to have time out that we both enjoy.
I am thankful for some good, solid talks and eventual resolutions that my husband and I were able to work through this week. Nothing earth-shattering; just the kind of stuff that life brings once in awhile.
I am thankful for the fresh garden vegetables we’ve received this year; mostly from my Dad, but also from our neighbor. The girls and I love vegetables so we really enjoy it! My son and husband, well, not so much…but that’s okay.
I am thankful that the kids have had a wonderful week of Bible School! They leave, so excited every day…and come home tired, but full of words! What a blessing to have a nearby, small church they can attend at; a place where I feel comfortable letting them go, and where my neighbor herself goes along with them. It is a delightful week every single year. Even my toddler hasn’t noticed her siblings missing (partly due to PBS!) which has been an additional blessing, as she is typically very aware and very unhappy to be left out of anything!!
I am thankful for some rearranging we did in our home, to make our space suited to the way we are currently living and the stages our children are at. So far, these little changes are working so well for us!
I’m thankful that this summer cold I caught is almost over! I was just dead tired Tuesday—unusual as that is typically a good day in the week—and it turns out, I was working on a cold. YUCK. But it seems that perhaps I will be able to throw it off without too much trouble. Praise God! I hate being sick—and pregnant—and a Mommy, all at the same time!
I’m thankful that August is nearly here—I’m tired of summer—and this marks our last month. School starts around here, mid-month, so the city’s attractions, parks, libraries, will once again be quiet in the daytime. And I can enjoy the back-to-school sales, as our budget allows.
I’m thankful for the many homeschooling resources, websites, books, etc that enable uncreative folks like myself to homeschool with ease. Well, with relative ease. There is so much information out there, so many terrific blogs full of inspiration and ideas…so many books that are uplifting and encouraging…I am truly thankful for them all. AND, for the freedom to homeschool as I desire. There are many countries which still hold homeschooling illegal, and many places in which it is not so easily done. Here in America, it is legal, relatively simple in most districts, and we are blessed with much support from one another. How incredibly fortunate we are that others have worked hard, and sacrificed much to pave this road. And that legal teams (HSLDA specifically) continue the work, ensuring continued freedom for all of us.
On a lighter note, I am thankful for my “black currant” tea today—it is hot right now, but a 2nd cup is brewing, which will then be iced. Ahhhhhh!
Time to go switch laundry and get to some kitchen work awaiting me. Hope you all have a great week-ending, as you look into your own lives, and consider the blessings, both big and small. Even in the midst of trials, there is always something to thank Our God for—even if it is simply life itself.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
A list to be thankful for
Ahhhh, another Thursday has arrived. And last week, I missed it. Life was busy—just—well—being lived! Oh, how I miss blogging, but, with 3.5 kids about…it seems that my time to “blog” is much limited. I know that many of you relate to this, and I see dear xanga pals leave, or be absent for weeks at a time. I miss them—but—I understand. Blogging cannot come before actually living the life we blog about!! And a blog must be for “our” convenience, even when we wish to minister or encourage others with our sites. We cannot become slaves to the blog. But for those of us who feel drawn to “writing”, the struggle for balance continues. J Despite the changes to my personal time, I am so thankful for my children. They are amazing (most days!). And I’m thankful for my husband too—their Daddy.
Today, I have already begun laundry—which—is behind, as usual. I have decided that I may never actually “catch up” with it. It will be rotating piles instead. Just when I catch up the clothing, there are endless sheets and towels. But the hardest part is “starting” each day…and since I’ve started it, I will soon have the reward of switching the load to the dryer—and—washing load #2 for the day. I hope to get a 3rd done as well. We shall see. But I’m thankful for energy to get started, at least.
School has been less “serious” this week, as we’ve spent some time with games (which typically have some educational value), with books (which we love!), and with imaginative play (which builds brother/sister relationship bonds). I am thankful for the delightful sounds of playing and laughter, and reading aloud, and squealing over games. We also had some time at the nearby park, with Daddy; our city park dept added a new piece of equipment, so of course, we HAD to go! Our neighborhood park is a great one, and worthy of being “thankful for”!
I am also thankful to have chicken marinating for dinner tonight. It isn’t every day that I’m on top of dinner, even before lunch time!! But this is one of those great days. J
Yesterday, I was FINALLY able to restock my black teas, at my favorite local store. Green teas are just not tasting right to me, during this pregnancy. Weird, and annoying, since I had already stocked up my favorite greens. BUT, I do love black tea as well—and—there are some wonderful flavors to be had. Today, I simply enjoyed a cup of “English Breakfast”; a nice, mild and plain-flavored tea. And good with milk, I might add! I particularly love the blends that my favorite shop puts together (I generally buy my spices here as well). Anyway, I also purchased Apricot Brandy, Earl Gray, and Black Currant to keep me caffeinated. I will be icing the Apricot Brandy, as well as enjoying it hot. I’ve been out of these teas for awhile, so I am incredibly thankful to have them in my tea cupboard again.
I’m thankful to have stocked the fridge—although it won’t last! I have a Sam's membership, thanks to my Dad, and the bonus is that it’s a “business membership”. This doesn’t mean much—but—it allows me to get in early (7am to 10am) and shop when the warehouse is less crowded than normal, as the general memberships are not allowed in until 10am. I’ve never taken advantage of this benefit—until yesterday! Wow! What a difference in time. I didn’t have a large list, but I sure glided right through the store, and strolled right up to an open register to check out. Yippeee! (Yes, it is easy to “make my day!”)
My husband brought me a Starbucks card! Many of you know that this is well worth a place on my thankful list. It is the season for iced mochas, after all! And without a prepaid card, Starbucks is a rare treat. The card, is an even rarer treat, I might add!
I’m thankful for shopping options; Dillons (Kroger) which puts on some good sales, Walmart (supposedly the lowest everyday prices), Sam’s, etc…as gasoline prices rise, and our local natural gas and water prices go up (ugh!), it seems that our pockets are squeezed tighter, and we have no increase in pay to help this. These companies can all pass on THEIR expenses, but, we are stuck paying them, with no way out. In addition, as I’ve mentioned, our groceries go up regularly. Are you all noticing this too? Frustrating! My Sam’s expenses were about $5 above what they were two weeks ago on dairy items alone! Anyway…I will have to work harder at cutting coupons again, and at price-shopping, even if it means hitting more than one store. My drive time isn’t much at all, as we live within 5 miles (or so) of all 3 grocery chains. I’m thankful to be close enough to shop around—and—to have the options here in our metro area.
I’m thankful, above all, to be able to take my concerns to God. To trust Him for our provisions. Sure, I must do my part, and try to be a wise steward—thus the additional grocery endeavors! But I can trust in His word, that He will provide for our needs. And He often blesses us with small luxuries too, which I cannot take for granted. As tightly as we live, we are rich by comparison. And richly blessed with children, too. Our society today is much more concerned with the “cost” of raising kids, than with the blessing that these little ones are. I am thankful to view them as gifts from God—however difficult some weeks may be—they are, indeed, gifts to cherish. I do not know how I would have any peace at all, if it weren’t for resting in His promises, and the knowledge that someday, this world shall pass away, with all its trials and struggles.
Congratulations to all of you who actually finished READING this thankful list!! I always appreciate hearing from you, and reading many of your blogs regularly. May you each have a wonderful day, as you consider the blessings in your life—both big and small.
Today, I have already begun laundry—which—is behind, as usual. I have decided that I may never actually “catch up” with it. It will be rotating piles instead. Just when I catch up the clothing, there are endless sheets and towels. But the hardest part is “starting” each day…and since I’ve started it, I will soon have the reward of switching the load to the dryer—and—washing load #2 for the day. I hope to get a 3rd done as well. We shall see. But I’m thankful for energy to get started, at least.
School has been less “serious” this week, as we’ve spent some time with games (which typically have some educational value), with books (which we love!), and with imaginative play (which builds brother/sister relationship bonds). I am thankful for the delightful sounds of playing and laughter, and reading aloud, and squealing over games. We also had some time at the nearby park, with Daddy; our city park dept added a new piece of equipment, so of course, we HAD to go! Our neighborhood park is a great one, and worthy of being “thankful for”!
I am also thankful to have chicken marinating for dinner tonight. It isn’t every day that I’m on top of dinner, even before lunch time!! But this is one of those great days. J
Yesterday, I was FINALLY able to restock my black teas, at my favorite local store. Green teas are just not tasting right to me, during this pregnancy. Weird, and annoying, since I had already stocked up my favorite greens. BUT, I do love black tea as well—and—there are some wonderful flavors to be had. Today, I simply enjoyed a cup of “English Breakfast”; a nice, mild and plain-flavored tea. And good with milk, I might add! I particularly love the blends that my favorite shop puts together (I generally buy my spices here as well). Anyway, I also purchased Apricot Brandy, Earl Gray, and Black Currant to keep me caffeinated. I will be icing the Apricot Brandy, as well as enjoying it hot. I’ve been out of these teas for awhile, so I am incredibly thankful to have them in my tea cupboard again.
I’m thankful to have stocked the fridge—although it won’t last! I have a Sam's membership, thanks to my Dad, and the bonus is that it’s a “business membership”. This doesn’t mean much—but—it allows me to get in early (7am to 10am) and shop when the warehouse is less crowded than normal, as the general memberships are not allowed in until 10am. I’ve never taken advantage of this benefit—until yesterday! Wow! What a difference in time. I didn’t have a large list, but I sure glided right through the store, and strolled right up to an open register to check out. Yippeee! (Yes, it is easy to “make my day!”)
My husband brought me a Starbucks card! Many of you know that this is well worth a place on my thankful list. It is the season for iced mochas, after all! And without a prepaid card, Starbucks is a rare treat. The card, is an even rarer treat, I might add!
I’m thankful for shopping options; Dillons (Kroger) which puts on some good sales, Walmart (supposedly the lowest everyday prices), Sam’s, etc…as gasoline prices rise, and our local natural gas and water prices go up (ugh!), it seems that our pockets are squeezed tighter, and we have no increase in pay to help this. These companies can all pass on THEIR expenses, but, we are stuck paying them, with no way out. In addition, as I’ve mentioned, our groceries go up regularly. Are you all noticing this too? Frustrating! My Sam’s expenses were about $5 above what they were two weeks ago on dairy items alone! Anyway…I will have to work harder at cutting coupons again, and at price-shopping, even if it means hitting more than one store. My drive time isn’t much at all, as we live within 5 miles (or so) of all 3 grocery chains. I’m thankful to be close enough to shop around—and—to have the options here in our metro area.
I’m thankful, above all, to be able to take my concerns to God. To trust Him for our provisions. Sure, I must do my part, and try to be a wise steward—thus the additional grocery endeavors! But I can trust in His word, that He will provide for our needs. And He often blesses us with small luxuries too, which I cannot take for granted. As tightly as we live, we are rich by comparison. And richly blessed with children, too. Our society today is much more concerned with the “cost” of raising kids, than with the blessing that these little ones are. I am thankful to view them as gifts from God—however difficult some weeks may be—they are, indeed, gifts to cherish. I do not know how I would have any peace at all, if it weren’t for resting in His promises, and the knowledge that someday, this world shall pass away, with all its trials and struggles.
Congratulations to all of you who actually finished READING this thankful list!! I always appreciate hearing from you, and reading many of your blogs regularly. May you each have a wonderful day, as you consider the blessings in your life—both big and small.
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