Super Saturday Sweetness

I hope you are not disappointed when I tell you that the title had everything to do with cleaning our house today! This morning the girls and I made a list of things that needed done around the house. Our Saturdays have been busy, so this sort of 'big work day' hasn't happened in a while and the house was showing signs of it. Clutter, clutter everywhere it seemed. And dust bunnies that had built a nest and had offspring!

At the top of the rather long list, I put the title "Super Saturday Sweetness", in attempt to not only be alliterative but also cheerful and encouraging. We all worked (even Trenton had his chores). I found that I needed extra incentive and visited "I'm an Organizing Junkie" for inspiration and motivation. I really liked the advice from this post...Throw out Fifty Things (be sure to scroll down to read "Gail's Rules of Disengagement"). I went through our bedroom armed with the knowledge: "if the 'thing' weighs you down, clogs you up, or just plain makes you feel bad about yourself, throw it out, give it away, sell it, let it go, move on. If it just sits there, taking up room and contributing nothing positive to your life, throw it out, give it away, sell it, let it go, move on. If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward. Throwing out what’s negative helps you rediscover what’s positive."

Just a disclaimer: I don't know anything more about "Gail" except for what I read in this post. It just struck a cord with me today as I was paralyzed by the task(s) ahead of me. This got me moving. I'm not sure I threw away fifty things, however there is always tomorrow. :)

At some point during the day, Marissa said, "Mom, where does the sweetness come in?" Of course she was referring to my clever title...I told her I think it comes tonight when we get to sit down and enjoy our home clean and decluttered. :)

Moussing Foam Wax

If you've been reading my blog (which I hope you have :) you know that I like to mix it up. You know, post about different aspects of my life. Well, today's aspect is my hair. I finally found a product that I LOVE for my difficult hair. Pantene Texture Moussing Foam Wax yes, I realize that it sounds like I'm buffing a car, however this stuff works wonders on my hair. I have short to medium length hair that is thick but lays very flat and straight. This product gives me volume, style and a shiny finish. And without a lot of fuss--I slather it on, blow-dry my hair and I'm good to go.

Now my problem is that I can't find the product...oh, the woes of hair.

Walmart no longer carries it and from the comments on the Pantene link I provided above other Moussing Foam Wax lovers are having the same problem. Eeegads! When I do find it...I'm stocking up! It lasts a long time because a little dab'll do ya (does anyone else remember that commercial?)

Okay, the hair-ommercial is over for today...hop on over to We are THAT Family for more Works for Me Wednesday ideas. And if you are here visiting, I sure hope you'll come back and see me real soon!

Memorial Day Tribute

Just popping in to thank all the service men and women who have fought to protect our freedoms and the freedoms of others.

Thank you doesn't seem to convey the depth of my gratitude however know that it is heart felt and sincere.

Sunday Sharing

The days have seemed long lately. Just a few nights ago I picked up a book that I started last summer (and never finished). It's called Satisfy My Thirsty Soul by Linda Dillow. Wonderful book, requires deep thinking and I'm praying for sweet rewards. I've had that ache of grief, pain and the wretched downcast cloud of sadness gnawing at me for months now. No doubt we have gone through rough times, but I know that God is bigger than my circumstances and my feelings. So my prayer is that He will restore the joy of my salvation and that I will know in my heart that He is walking with me and talking with me and the many whom I love and who love Him. Of course there are those who are hurting much worse than we are and their burdens are heavier than the biggest load of bricks. So I pray for them as well.

Several songs have been meaningful to me lately:
Natalie Grant's Held (visit this site to watch the video) The lyrics to the chorus:

This is what it means to be held.

How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.

Meredith Andrews' You're Not Alone (visit this site to watch the video) The lyrics to the chorus:

You're not alone, For I am here,
let Me wipe away your every fear,
My love I've never left your side,
I have seen you through the darkest nights,
And I'm the One who's loved you all your life

If you feel led to pray for Kristin and her family, I know they would appreciate it. Kristin and I were in college together when I went back to finish my degree. I am now friends with her mom too (neat story behind that!).

Clinging to the promises, knowing I'm not alone, He holds me.

A Pink Balloon for Kayleigh

Sunday we let a pink balloon go in honor of Kayleigh Freeman who came into this world weighing 1 pound 1 ounce. This sweet girl won her way into our hearts through her parents' blog, www.kayleighannefreeman.blogspot.com. We followed her story for the last two months or so. We prayed for her and her family.


She is now with our Savior--healed, painfree and dancing at the feet of Jesus.

And its all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
From the stars in the sky
To the depths of the ocean floor
And its all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
You're the Maker and Keeper, Father and Ruler of everything
It's all Yours

We are Yours God

From "Yours" by Steven Curtis Chapman

Bits and Pieces on Saturday

Today I am striving to complete a little of this and a little of that. I've had several undone projects just waiting for me to get it in gear...well company is coming...just the motivation I needed. I've washed windows in the living room and Marissa did the sliding glass door in the kitchen. I've caught up with laundry (folding and putting away too!) Last night I finished up a unit study on WWI and today I'm finishing up one on dogs and cats.

Last night I watched an incredible video--you must go and watch it--Death is not dying. Incredibly powerful. I was reminded that I am here to serve joyfully. That came to my mind this morning while I was cleaning the bathrooms :). She also reminds us to know God and who He is and to know who we are...you've got to go watch it. It's 55 minutes and worth every minute.

Well, I've got some more to accomplish and company gets here in 30 minutes! Yahoo!

Thankful Thursday

Something I know about myself--if I'm not careful (very careful) I can easily become discouraged and disgruntled with...well, just about anything and everything. The remedy for me is to recount the things I'm thankful for...so here they are for your almost Thursday reading pleasure:
God protected me while driving--a car was obliviously backing up and nearly backed into me.
I have two wonderful friends visiting this weekend--and even though my house is no more ready for company than I am ready to blast off into space--it's okay, because my friends are so wonderful they will wait until the ride home before they talk about how cluttered my house is.
My hunny said he wants to take me on a date--soon. Oh, happy day!
My Marissa declared that she treasures me--and respectfully asked that I not embarrass her in public. (Me? I wouldn't do that, but her Daddy just might!)
Trenton loves to wear his cowboy boots with shorts (reminder to self, I must get a picture!) Will he eventually be one of those men who wears long dress socks with shorts while mowing the lawn??
Every night there is food on my table--even though I have not written out a menu plan in a very long time--weeks, maybe months (reminder to self, must get back to that, made life much easier).
Bethany has a fantastically creative mind.
My friends pray for me.

Surely can't be crabby with ALL that I have to be thankful for! Please share what you are thankful for.

Recipe Swap: Chicken Casserole Supreme

I was chuckling earlier as I was trying to decide which recipe to share today. One of my favorite aunts submitted a recipe to a local church recipe book. She submitted directions to the nearest food market and told folks what to buy at the deli. :) Some days I definitely feel like that. I get tired of cooking and planning meals. That's why I'm thankful for things like the Recipe Swap--I can get new ideas and jump start my meal planning. Thanks Randi!

This recipe is a wonderful comfort meal. It's great to take to someone else who is sick or recently had a baby, etc.

Chicken Casserole Supreme
2 pounds of chicken cooked/cubed
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/4 c. butter, melted
8 oz. package herb seasoned stuffing mix
16 oz. sour cream (I use less)
1 c. chicken broth (I use broth from when I cooked the chicken)

Mix cubed chicken with sour cream and soup. Put mixture in a 2 qt. casserole dish that has been lightly greased. Mix stuffing, butter and broth together, put on top of chicken. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Ideas for School Next Year

Looking toward next year school plans, I thought I'd jot down some things that I want to do with the kids. I'm not sure if these exact plans will come to fruition, but we'll see.

• Flat Stanley--I really want to do this with Bethany (and Trenton). I'd like to send Flat Stanley all over the US and other countries as well. If you would like to have Flat Stanley come visit you, or you have friends/family in other states that would be gracious hostesses, let me know in the comments. Having Flat Stanley visit your home is fun and easy. We actually had Flat Stanley come to our home a couple years ago. We took him with us when we went on field trips, took pictures of him at our local court house and other city buildings, unique restaurants and shops. Our area Chamber of Commerce even had a "Flat Stanley packet" that included a lot of history about our city and other tid-bits of information. We had fun with him. I've also heard of making it a "Flat _______ (insert your child's name)". You make the cut out yourself and put a picture of your child's face on it. So, lots of ideas there.
  
• Galloping the Globe--I've had this book and have pulled bits out, but this coming year, I'd like to delve into it more consistently with B and T. The book is comprehensive, giving ideas for books, activities, maps, etc. There is also a Yahoo group for Galloping the Globe which is a great resource.
  
• Five In a Row--I've used this book in the past and would like to continue it more thoroughly this year. With T, I'm going to use Before Five in a Row as well as letting him sit in on B's reading and instruction. Homeschoolshare has many of these books in lapbooks for free.
  
• Institute for Excellence in Writing--Marissa is going to do this writing program. Another friend and I are going to do it together. Funny thing about my girl, she enjoys writing when she wants to write. When I give her a writing assignment, she has serious writer's block (ie writer's rebellion??). Anyway, I've heard great things about this writing program and am looking forward to having her go through it.
  

Okay, that's all my ideas for now. Share your ideas for school next year, won't you?

P.S. After I got done writing this post, I realized that I have nearly mastered the art of procrastination. (It's only taken 30ish years.) I have SO much to do to finish up this year, why is my mind thinking about next year?? Goodness! I can't stand it that I do that. I've got to buckle down and finish this year out strong. Well, anyway maybe with these ideas out of my head, I'll have more room in there (my head) for working on this year.