FREE Lamplighter Theatre Audio Drama

Cover via Amazon

I don't know how long this will be availible, but this is something you won't want to miss.

At our house, we just love audio drama. Paws and Tales, The Pond, Adventures in Odyssey, Down Gilead Lane, Jonathan Park are a few of the shows we like to listen to. (Many of these can be heard on HisKidsRadio.net.) We also love to listen to audio books, old radio drama, etc. This past year, we have been really enjoying Lamplighter Theatre.

Lamplighter Theatre has some amazing audio dramas, all based on old books, which they have reprinted and have available as well. These are not only entertaining stories, but very deep, challenging and character building. Go here to look at their player and check some out for yourself.

Right now, Lamplighter is offering the complete audio drama, "A Peep Behind the Scenes" for free. You can listen to the whole program or download it here. This is something for all ages, old and young, although, I will say the for the very young, it may be good for mom or dad to listen first and decide if their little one is ready.

Enjoy!

Good Message Today...

I really enjoyed this message today. Nancy talks about relationships and how healthy relationships can really be a help to us as believers, and how God has given us each other in our walk. Listen and be encouraged in how to be a good friend and what to look for in those you listen to.

http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/roh/today.php

Barn Raising

Here are a few recent pics of doings on the farm. Hopefully I will get more up later...

 Day 1 of the barn raising...

Up in the loft...

The crew... =)

Needs Camping Suggestions...

Image by Old Shoe Woman via Flickr

What is your vote? Where should we go camping? Where is your favorite place to camp? We need a place to camp before our goats start kidding. Better be soon!
 
Leave me a comment and tell me where you think we should go camping. =)

Thoughts....

I am having some big thoughts this afternoon, and thought I would jot them down here so I can read them later.

I have been fretting and worrying over things lately. Trying to get ahead, trying too hard to figure things out. Stressed when I can't see around the corner.

Why? Cause I am a silly human who can't see God's plans and I think it is all up to me. Sometimes I don't see that that is what I am doing, but it is nonetheless.

Today I am thinking about this. Praying about it. And I think I am getting somewhere with it.

God knows where I am. He knows everything I need. When I have a need, in any area of my life, including lack of faith, I need to talk to Him. Not beg like a four-year old who will fuss if they don't get what they want. Not fixated on the need that needs taken care of, but looking to Him to fully take care of ALL my needs.

And then, do my business. No fretting, dropping everything else til I figure out how I am going get my needs taken care of. God knows where I am at. He WILL take care of me. I just need to rest and trust in Him. That is not easy to do in the midst of my Need, whatever it is. But today as I am pondering this, I am seeing again that I must rest in the storm. I must continue on in my work that He has called me to while I wait for Him to take care of my needs.

My prayer is that I will really get this down deep inside of me. I want this to be such a part of the way I do things that my first thought is to trust God, not worry and fret.

Retracing Old Paths...

Have you ever had the experience of hearing a message, reading a book, etc, and having one of those life changing moments that you point back to that spot over the years and say, "That shaped me. I am here at this spot today because of that message, that book...."

Last night David and I re-listened to one of those messages. As I listened, my heart rejoiced. One of the hardest times of my life had been ahead of me as I had listened before, though I didn't know it. The Lord, in His mercy, provided me with what I needed to get through that time well ahead of time. I also heard things in that message that I don't remember hearing before. I have changed so much since then. I understood much more of what he was talking about this time around.

 If you would like to listen, click here.

If you listen, I would love to hear your thoughts.

"May the Lamb of God receive the reward of His suffering!"

Cool Cards At Snapily!

Shh! Don't Tell David....

I feel pretty safe posting this here since David doesn't usually read my blog or facebook. I wouldn't risk it, only I thought y'all might like to know about the deal I got so you can jump in before Valentine's.

Cheryl & Co has a $10 off coupon, NO minimum order! You can get cookies, chocolate, whatever. Some items qualify for free shipping.


But it gets better.

Go through the ShopAtHome.com website and you can get 5% back on your order. Plus, you get $5 credited to your account if you are a new member at ShopAtHome, just for signing up! (If you have never used ShopAtHome.com before, just signing up will save you time and money. I am about to get a $20 check from purchases I have made through their site over the last few months. I didn't have to buy anything special, I just shopped at sites I would normally shop at, but just went through the ShopAtHome.com site first to get a percent of my purchases back.)

Don't tell David, but I got him the Harry London Chocolate Collection. With the coupon, TENFORFREE, I got $10 off and free shipping, and 5% cash back at ShopAtHome.com. I also got to write a decent sized message to be included with the gift. (Space to write what you really want to say was a nice surprise...)

Check it out if you need a gift for your honey, or your best friend, or the blogger who told you about it...=D

Thanks to Money Saving Mom for letting me know about this!

Nichola
http://peachfarmerswife.blogspot.com

Guest Post By Yours Truly...

Just thought I would let my readers here know that I was invited to make a guest post on the Surviving the Stores blog on the subject of homemade laundry soap. If you are interested, you can check my post out here. Follow Rachel as she shows you how to save money and time as you survive the stores in style! (You can also follow her on Facebook!)

New Moms and Grandparents! Take Note...

I follow the Bragging Mommy, a great blog about great products. Today reading their feed, I just went, "Uh, yeah...!" when I read just a bit about this one.

The Itzbeen Baby Care Timer is something that would make a great new mom gift or would be great for a mom with a few kiddos and a new baby. As a mom, I can see that this little device would be awesome! One less thing on the brain for a new mom is always a plus. =) Designed by parents, everything is covered.

Right now you can hop over to the Bragging Mommy and enter to win an Itzbeen! They are actually giving away 2 of them Click Here to enter!

Jakin's Birthday Cake...

Yes, I am showing off. I made Jakin a cake for his birthday. When asked what he wanted, he was thoughtful for a minute, then said, "Dinosaurs, dinosaur tracks, and...snakes."

I wasn't sure how to proceed, but after a trip to the bedroom and mixing some ground cinnamon with the frosting and piping it on....I was pleased.

The effect was even better when we relit the candles at night for round 2 of the birthday cake... (and yes, we sang "Happy Birthday" again....

Just had to show y'all....

Time Leeches...

Image by Lars K. Jensen via Flickr

After reading this post over at Erin's Blog, I was elated to find that someone has made a free Firefox pluggin to help me mind myself.

I have often wished that there was a way to keep track of time while on the computer, a way to set some limits on where and how I spend my time online. An online timer, so to speak.

Thankfully, there is a help for fellow time-wasters who want to make a simple change. LeechBlock is a simple add-on for Firefox that is awesome for kids or adults to help manage time. I love this add-on. You simply tell Leech where you want to limit your time during the day. It can be as simple as limiting Facebook to 5 hrs a day instead of 10, or only allowing yourself, (or kids) to visit certain sites at certain times of the day.

So, a great tool to keep you accountable to yourself, or your kids accountable, install LeechBlock.

What will you DO with all that time you find?

DIY Toothpaste?

Image via Wikipedia

Ever wonder if there are better ways to brush your teeth? Or something cheaper, simpler to put on the brush?

Okay, maybe most people don't think about such boring things, but I have wondered about it. I mean, what it in toothpaste, anyway? And is the only option for DIY toothpaste to stick nasty baking soda on your brush and pucker while you brush?

So, last night, I tried it. I looked up some recipes online and then charged off to mix a batch for the nightly ritual. I was surprised at how easy it was, how much it made and the effectiveness of the end result.

If you are interested, here is the recipe I tried.

Even my kids liked it. I used some peppermint extract, about half as much as called for in the recipe. My kids don't really like "hot" toothpaste.... =) I personally would like a bit more "mint" to my paste, so I may make another batch for David and I.

Mixing your own toothpaste may not be something you think about as you move the brush back and forth in your mouth. Then again, maybe now you will be thinking about how you could change up the stuff in your tube.......

Smart Medicine For A Healthier Child

A friend recommended this book to me tonight. Thought I would let my blog friends know about it... I am looking forward to getting my hands on a copy!

If You Like To Shop Online, May I Suggest...

I shop online a lot more these days. Here is a way I have found to recoup some of my shipping costs and to actually earn money. Check it out! Signing up is totally free...

Awesome Sale At Vision Forum! *Ended*

Vision Forum is having an awesome sale on 40 of their DVD's!

What makes it awesome?

70% off makes a sale awesome in my book! =)

Go check it out!

http://peachfarmerswife.blogspot.com

A Sh-What?

I got a birthday present!

I really like it and just have to share it with the blog world....

First, a small rant.

I have been amazed at the effectiveness of marketing. Tell women that cleaning their floors is too hard unless they use______ product, and they hop out and buy the gadget mop. Never mind that the refill for the thing will cost them a fortune.

Here is an example.



The Swiffer Wet Jet. To buy this mop, it costs $24.99 at Drugstore.com

It comes with

• 1 Power Mop
• 2 Disposable Cleaning Pads
• 1 Bottle of Multi-Purpose Cleaning Solution (16.9 fl oz) Note: This is a smaller amount than the refill size.
• 1 Scrubbing Strip

The two AA batteries required are not included.

When you run out of cleaning pads, which will be pretty quick if you have a floor of any size, you will have to replace them. A box of 24 cleaning pads costs $12.79 from, again, drugstore.com

They claim that the cleaning pads cleans 2 large rooms or 323 sq ft. After using one, I would have to ask, how do they come up with this figure? The rooms I cleaned were not that dirty, and yet, to really get them clean, I used almost a whole box of cleaning pads. (It was a large living room and moderate sized kitchen...)

The other refill you have to purchase for this mop is the cleaning solution. It is $6.49 for 33.8 fl oz at drugstore.com

So, total cost for this mop system is

• $24.99 for starter kit
• $12.79 for cleaning pad refills, which go in a hurry
• $6.49 for cleaning solution
• $44.27
  

Now, just say you had to buy a box of pads, oh, every month or so. Just say you ended up buying 10 boxes over the course of the year.

10 X $12.79 = $127.90

And just say you only had to buy 10 cleaning solution refills in the year.

10 X $6.49 = $64.90

So, not including the AA batteries that you will have to furnish and replace, or the scrubbing pad if it needs replaced, your total cost for the year for the awesome Swiffer Wet Jet will be only

• $44.27 Start up
  
• $127.90 Cleaning Pads
  
• $64.90 Cleaning Solution
  
• $237.07 Total Cost for the year.

The next year your cost would go down since you wouldn't have to buy the mop again. So in the second year you owned your Wet Jet, you would only pay $192.80 to keep your floors clean.

Added together, the cost of operating the Swiffer Wet Jet for a mere 2 years would be an astronomical $429.87.

That, my friends, is some expensive mop water.

So, back to my birthday present.

After looking at several options, I asked David for a Sh-Mop for my birthday.

What is a Sh-Mop?

Here is the product info from the Clean Team website:

The Sh-Mop sh-cleans your sh-floors in record time.

Escape the tedium of mopping! The Sh-Mop isn't another TV wonder gadget. It's a professionally designed tool with terry cloth Sh-Wipes that cleans in a fraction of the time required for standard string or sponge mops. Our customers love it and our cleaning teams won't live without it. You'll be hooked too. The Sh Mop starts with a sturdy, extra-big, 8" x 15" plastic base called, what else, a Sh-Base. Unlike ordinary mops, the Sh-Base has a very low profile and pivots in any direction to allow you to quickly and easily clean into corners, along tough angles, and underneath tight spots. It's covered with a replaceable 8" x 15" white scrub pad. Then, a thick, 100% cotton terry cloth cover (called a Sh-Wipe, of course) slips over this frame. The scrubbing and absorbing properties of reusable cotton Sh-Wipes make short work of dirty floors. When one Sh-Wipe gets soiled, just pop it off and pop on a fresh one.

• New 22" of molded foam on handle provides unparalleled user comfort.
• Ideal for virtually any hard floor: vinyl, urethane-finished wood, tile, marble.
• Use it on walls, windows, ceilings, cabinets.
• Rugged design lasts and lasts.
• Large surface area quickly covers more territory than conventional mops.
• Cleans without streaking.
• Sh-Wipes can be machine washed and sanitized after every use. It's like having a new, sparkling clean mop every time you clean.
• No need for a bucket.

The cost of this:

The Sh-Mop
(Including base, extension Versapole, and 3 Sh-Wipes) $26.95

Or you can get the kit that includes cleaner:

The Sh-Mop Kit
(The above plus a bottle of our popular, gentle, neutral floor Cleaner- Sh-Clean. Regularly $36.90 Save $7.95.) $28.95

Replacement Sh-Wipes (3 pack)
$12.95

So, the total cost for this system is:

• $28.95 for Sh-Mop Kit
• $12.95 optional, replacement Sh-Wipes
• $41.90 Total Start up cost

This figure is assuming you buy extra Sh-Wipes. Most people wouldn't need more than the 3 that come with the Sh-Mop.

In the first year, there should really be no need to buy more Sh-Wipes, unless you need more on hand. So, your total cost for the year would be $41.90, not including the cost of ammonia, vinegar, or whatever you choose to mop with.

In your second year of ownership, you might choose to replace some wipes, and may need to replace the scrubber pad. Your cost could be:

• $12.95 Replacement wipes
• $5.95 Replacement Scrubber Pad and 4 clips
• $18.90 Total Estimated Cost for Second Year (This is assuming that you would even need to replace the wipes or the pad...)
  

The estimated cost for 2 years of ownership of the Sh-Mop would be a whopping $60.80.

Swiffer Wet Jet cost of operation for 2 years $429.87
Sh-Mop cost of operation for 2 years $60.80

Oh, and just in case it seems like my figures are off, just say you use half as much "stuff" for the Wet Jet.

That is still a little over $200 for 2 years.....

Yep, marketing has done a good job.

And, thank you, David and kids, for my birthday present. What do you think we could use that extra $350+ for?

First Post of 2010...

Here are a few links to sites that I have found helpful in prep for the new year.

This first link is for SimpleMom.net. This site is really good. I am really enjoying the articles over here as I prepare for the New Year.

Here are two of my favorite pages:

• The downloads page. This page has FREE forms for you to print out and use. As a SAHM, I am really enjoying the "Daily Docket" page. It is a simple layout, but packed with functionality. I am loving it! =)
• The Best Online Tools for Families. I found this page helpful, and picked up some really good tips. Scroll down and read the comments on this one, there are more good tips added by readers.

There are tons more, take some time and explore SimpleMom.net....

This may be a good system for someone who needs to fix their filing cabinet... Click here.

Here is something you may like for your closet. It is working great for us...
Wonder Hanger

Here is another organizing site that is great!
OrganizedHome.Com
There are tons of articles, downloads and help for getting your home organized for the new year. I love this author's book, Houseworks: How to Live Clean, Green and Organized at Home

Well, that is it for now.

If anything I post was helpful, let me know! And please leave a comment with your favorite site and/or tip for getting on track and organized for the New Year!

http://peachfarmerswife.blogspot.com

Good-Bye 2009

It is the final few hours before 2009 is history forever. I am sitting here with my family, typing these few words into cyberspace while David dances Sarah and Travis to the music of "Coal Miner's Daughter."

I am thinking about all that I have done and seen the past year this evening, (okay, not everything), and am just amazed at what the Lord has done in me and my family this past year. There are so many things we have come through this year. Hard times. Yet good times. Growing times. Lots of growing times..... =)

I have an expectancy about the coming year. As 2009 slips into the past, I am looking forward to new things that I can't see yet. I hope that as 2010 closes, I will see even more growth.

A few things I am looking forward to growing in....

• A softer heart, a heart more determined to follow and obey the voice of my Shepherd.
• A closer relationship with my family. That day by day we would be knit closer and closer to each other as we are with Christ.
• A house more in order, time more managed and redeemed.
  

Goodbye, 2009.

Thank you, Lord, for all that you brought us through in 2009. For Your provision and care of us. Thank you for the things you have begun in me. Thank you that you love me enough to work in me, even when it is hard for me. Thank you that we can trust You for all the unknowns in 2010. Amen.

FREE League Of Grateful Sons Movie!!!

Now until Oct 20, you can get a free copy of the awesome movie, "The League of Grateful Sons." I have not seen it yet but have heard some great things about it.

For the free download, go to http://bluebehemoth.com/album/51746/145298/, put the movie in your cart, register with the site, and checkout using coupon code, 1STBIRTHDAY.

Medela Nursing Camisole Giveaway....

The Bragging Mommy is giving away a Medela nursing cami! Hop over there and get your entry in.
http://www.thebraggingmommy.com/2009/10/medela-bamboo-nursing-camisole-review_09.html

Hmmm....

Another Giveaway....

Here is a giveaway for a $500 Wal-Mart gift card. I don't know about you, but this is one I can use....
http://www.ahappyhippymom.com/2009/09/woo-hoo-another-500-walmart-gc-giveaway.html?cp=6#comment-17737

Giveaway!

Coolest Travel bag ever!

http://www.thebraggingmommy.com/2009/09/zen-class-nirvana-seat-back-organizer.html

Check Out the Mom Party!

http://www.letspartymoms.blogspot.com

Needak Rebounder...

I haven't blogged about my new exercise program.

I bounce.

And twist.

I have loads of fun.

I am really enjoying my new Needak rebounder.

Actually, our whole family is enjoying it. We are able to get aerobic exercise every day, no matter what the weather, and it doesn't take a lot of time to accomplish. I am sure that we have used our rebounder more in the last 3 months than most people use any of their other expensive exercise equipment in a year.

Why is it easy to do?

We just bounce! =)

Check out Needak, but be careful. Needak is the ONLY USA made rebounder. Cheap rebounders can be dangerous in many ways. From falling apart and injuring the bouncer to causing permanent nerve damage, the cheaper models are just not worth it.

http://peachfarmerswife.blogspot.com

Giveaway!

In the mood for a giveaway?

Check this out!


(http://thedressupdrawer.blogspot.com/ for my facebook readers.... = D)

Walking!

Sunday was a big day.

At our house, our 8 month old baby took off walking to his daddy. It was so amazing! And Travis knew that it was a big deal. He was so excited as we cheered him on. =)

He is not proficient by any means, but he is stepping out, (pun intended), and trying new moves. =)

I was poking around in a forum and saw this in answer to a mom's question about meal planning. This is such a great idea, I just had to share it...

http://mrsbrooke.blogspot.com/2008/09/menu-planning.html

Organizing...

In the middle of getting ready for school, I have been ingesting info on organizing. Those who know me, know that I am not organized, but have an intense desire to be. I have been studying and implementing lots of little things and have plans to do a lot more. I feel very encouraged and hopeful that I am going to be able to get things more under control.

Here is a partial list of the things I have been reading:

The Messie's Manual by Sandra Felton

Clean It Fast, Clean It Right: The Ultimate Guide to Making Absolutely Everything You Own Sparkle & Shine

The Naturally Clean Home by

Karyn Siegel-Maier

Messies Anonymous (great free info for the chronically disorganized....)

Organized Home (lots of articles and free printables)

Organize This Life

The Organizing Pro

DonnaYoung.Org (lots of free printables)

The Well-Planned Day

This is a partial list, and there are many more books I want to read. I am having a lot of fun and am learning soo much.

Who knows, maybe someday I will be a pro organizer.....=)

House Labors....

Well, I have had a productive week. Last week, I got quite a list of projects accomplished. Still have more to do, but I am pleased with my progress.

I got our library set up, meaning I organized our books and labeled shelves. This was really fun.
I am looking forward to this coming week when I plan to do some focused training with my kids. Lots of new things have been set up and I want to give each one individualized training. I plan to take each kid by themselves for a day through the training course, =) and carefully communicate and train exactly what is needed and expected.

I am really looking forward to starting this year's school. I have had fun getting things found and bought for the year ahead. Still have a few little things here and there to pick up, but for the most part, I am ready. And since I have bought everything used, I have gotten a lot more mileage out of my money. =)

The Results From Yesterday

Yesterday went well!

Jakin's room is now a different place to be in. Very nice....

My desk is empty. 3 boxes sit quietly in the bedroom waiting to be taken care of.

The laundry is almost done. I do have to brag on my kids. They found out that putting away laundry was on my list, and they charged in without being told and did their parts. =)

The lemons are still quietly waiting for their turn. I decided not to stay up until 2 am juicing lemons.....

Charge!

This week I am planning a major cleanup/organizing adventure. All prayers will be appreciated! I have a lot to do, and hope to be fully done by Friday.

I am hoping that Travis will cooperate, which this morning doesn't seem to be happening.....But things change quickly around here! So, I anticipate being able to get a move on soon......

My to-do list today....
Bull-doze Jakin's room. (It has gotten cluttered up with the 'I'll get to that later' stuff.....)
Clear off my desk (Into the box, everybody!)
Juice Lemons (Yes, for lemonade, but I bought a case, meaning 235 lemons, meaning a bushel of lemons. I need to juice and freeze them, or at least part of them.)
Put away the laundry. (That job that never ends, but is so needed and a blessing to the family...)

Off I go, charging into the fray! =)

One Thing At A Time...

So my house needs attention.
My kids need attention.
Supper needs attention.
The garden definitely needs my attention.
EVERYTHING screams at me for attention.
How can I get through this? Well, I am partly writing this post to remind myself, ('cause, yeah, I do come back and read what I wrote from time to time.), that I get through it all one thing at a time.
One dish at a time.
One smile and cuddle at a time.
One chopped up tomato at a time.
One load of laundry at a time.

How is a house or city built?
One board, nail, blow of the hammer at a time.
One house at a time.

The same is true for how a family falls apart.
One cross, unkind word at a time.
One opportunity at a time, missed.
One breach in the relationship at a time.

The little things, like in the story of how chess got invented, matter. (http://arimaa.com/arimaa/links/chessStory.html)

Okay, my self-pep talk is recorded. Now, the hard part.

Doing the little things one thing at a time.

I Hate Goats....

For those who know me, you may be wondering if you are at the right blog.

Stop rubbing your eyes. This is Nichola's blog.

This morning the goats broke into our garden. They trashed it. As in ate nearly everything and stomped and tore what they couldn't. A lot of what they ate you couldn't have forced them to eat. They just went crazy.

So, we are all a bit perturbed this morning. If roastng a few would help anything I'd have one on the fire.

$25 Target Gift Card Giveaway!

Check out this cool site! Lotsa stuff, plus enter to win a Target gift card.

Sweepstakes...

Here is the link to click to enter. Looks pretty gimic free....
http://cheapflights.studentuniverse.com/lFKKzo6UOu7/
You can enter more than one time, too.

IF Ya Didn't Notice....

....I have made some edits to my layout. Plus, added more links and even a video on the left sidebar.

Did you see the video on the left?

Image by janusz l via Flickr

Oh, and the links to free videos on the Link list?

(For those reading this via Facebook, you will have to click to see my blog.
http://peachfarmerswife.blogspot.com)

I hope to start adding more as I find stuff that the kids and I like as well as David and I. I will probably need to do some organizing before long of the links, but for now, alphabetized will have to do. =)

Oh, and if you like the free layout, visit the leelou blog button on the right. Cool layouts WITH instructions on how to do this. (I like instructions....)

Totally Random...

Image via Wikipedia

Popcorn. Such wonderful stuff. I thought I would share one of the ways I like to use it.

Popped corn is a great bread substitute. Okay, I didn't think so when I first read it either, but after trying it, even David enjoyed it. Now, he is not ready to sign up for no bread at the table all the time, but for variation or in a pinch, popcorn is pretty tasty!

Here is what I have done:

Pop the corn and in a separate pan, melt a few Tablespoons of butter, add some seasonings, such as oregano, basil, parsley, thyme, cayenne, (just a pinch makes this not just an okay dish but a great one!), minced onion, garlic powder, etc. Toss the butter mixture into the popcorn, add Parmesan cheese if you like, and serve.

The only problem we have had is trying to stop eating it. =)

Chilling....

Image by Jonas Christian Hansen via Flickr

These are some awesome messages for any woman to listen to. I so enjoyed these this week and highly recommend them. If you can't listen, there is also a transcript of the program.

Day 1
http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/roh/today.php?pid=10256
Day 2
http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/roh/today.php?pid=10257
Day 3
http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/roh/today.php?pid=10259

Making Home: The Disciple-Making, World-Changing, Heart-Molding Role of Mother

Thanks, Jess, for posting this!

Making Home: The Disciple-Making, World-Changing, Heart-Molding Role of Mother

Parentalrights.org -- Obama Administration Pushes CRC Ratification

Call the White House and let your voice be heard!

Parentalrights.org -- Obama Administration Pushes CRC Ratification

Shared via AddThis

God's Story

Image by loswl via Flickr

This is a video about why we are where we are today as well as where we are headed. This was our bible lesson today.
Great for all ages!
Click here to watch God's Story

Busy? Who, Me?

I have tons of things to get done. Tons. And no time to waste.
So my computer has been having fun with me. Pretending to die....Did die.....Did a whole fresh install.... Fresh install seems to be working....
And in the middle of this, David says to get faster internet. Wow. I didn't realize how much faster things would go. The things I have gotten done since last Tues is amazing. Mind boggling.
Got a lot left on my to do list, but I am closer to the end. Amazing how little things can make a big difference....

Texas Call Needed!

There is a bill on Gov. Rick Perry's desk that Texans need
to be aware of and concerned about. Senate Bill 1440 is
dangerous and violates our constitutional rights.
Click here to read more and contact info for the Governor's
office.
http://www.hslda.org/Legislation/State/tx/2009/TXSB1440/default.asp

---------------------------------------------
This message was provided by TXOL Internet.
http://www.txol.net/

Baby Dumpling...

...is a little over 19 lbs as of yesterday.

He also is saying, "mamamamam" when he sees mommy or is hungry. :)

And yesterday he started crawling. Yep, the baby is catching up! :)

Mommy is happy....and nervous....and elated....and nervous.......................................................................................................:)

Interesting....

This is an interesting look at the Chinese language. It is not complicated and gives a look at how old the language really is.

Take a minute, and check it out. I would love to hear thoughts on this...

http://students.washington.edu/cbsf/cool/Chinese.swf

 

 

 

Laundry.

Anyone remember that song....

"It is the song that never ends,

it just goes on and on, my friend!

Some people started singing it, not knowing what it was,

and they'll continue singing it forever,

just because, it is the song that never ends,

it just goes on and on, my friends..."

This surely applies to laundry.

Wash, wash, wash.

Fold. Put away.

Wear.

Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.........Repeat.

Free Hannah Overton

Pleas follow this link, and read this sad story. This family has suffered much but has remained faithful. Please add them to your prayer list and ask what you can do to help.

http://freehannah.com

More Pics...

For Those Who Have Despaired Of Pictures....

An Update on The Littlest Man...

We weighed Travis again today.

18lbs.

That's why I think he is heavy...

 

Gotta Gush...

So, most everyone knows that we have been doing healthy and natural for the last few years...

We have totally changed the way we eat and in turn, I have changed how I shop for groceries.

The hardest part of all this has been the non-food items. Toothpaste, laundry soap, dishwashing detergent, shampoo, hand lotion, bathroom cleaner, makeup, etc. I know that many of these things have harmful things in them, but what do you do about it? I don't have oodles of dough laying around here...

But now I have finally been able to switch to something green that works, that doesn't cost 3X more to buy. So far, the things I have tried have worked great. And I am actually saving money.

Am I happy? Yes I am!

I like it.

Thanks for reading my gush...

 

 

FREE EVENT!!! Don't Miss It!

Did anyone catch the focus on the family broadcast this week?

The last 2 days have been really good. Dr. Dobson interviewed Dr. Laura about her new book, "In Praise of Stay-At-Home Moms." It sounds very good and I was very edified by the dicussions. This is great for moms, stay-at-home, want to stay at home or otherwise.

Click the links to listen or request the cds.

http://listen.family.org/daily/A000001882.cfm

http://listen.family.org/daily/A000001883.cfm

 

I DID IT!!!!!!!

Yesterday I took apart our dishwasher. Yep. I disassembled all of it's inards.

Why?

The thing was throwing food all over the place, in places it hadn't been and shouldn't be. After running 'Dishwasher Magic' in it 3 times and still having the problem, I decided to do some repairs. After cleaning out all the hiding places of undisolved detergent and food, I put all it's guts back in, turned a nasty load of dishes on and held my breath. When I opened the door......everything was sparkling clean!!!!!!!

Can anyone tell I am excited? No more re-washing, post-rinsing for me!

What will I ever do to fill in the time......

Ah, Spring!!!

I love spring! It is the time of year that the colors outside are just so vibrant and intense. The birds are showing up in a chorus of joyful sounds. Everything just pulls at you to come outside and enjoy the sunshine, the breeze, the sounds.

So, we run out and enjoy it all. For the kids, shoes come off, coats are abandoned and they play for all they are worth. The garden gets attention, the broom gets busy clearing out the house and porch. The fire in the stove is forgotten and, we all hope, not needed for a while. All the doors are left wide open and the fresh wind blows through the house.

There are new baby goats to play with, butterflies floating by and the first brave flowers poking their heads out and showing their faces.

Then, the wind turns cold, the sky changes color and we all head back in- with armloads of wood so we won't be so cold. Coats that were abandoned don't look so bad now, in fact, we don't want to do anything outside without one. The smell of smoke from our fire is once again welcome. And will you please shut the door?!

But, spring is coming. It can't be held back for long. And down here, we know that the cold doesn't stick around long anyway. Tonight may be in the 30's or lower and tomorrow we could have a high of 90.

Spring is great, and we'll enjoy it as it pushes it's way in.

I Did It!

Yay for me!

Last Monday, I started a painting project in our bathroom.

Tuesday we were gone.

Wednesday, I completed it. All the way. And got a few other things painted as well.

Now, to some, this may not seem like much of an accomplishment. But for me, this is pretty big.

After about a year and a half of marriage, I painted our kitchen. My husband agreed to this project willingly. Paint the kitchen. No big deal. I was going to handle it so he wouldn’t have to do anything. And it was a tiny kitchen, so there really wasn’t that much to paint. Sure, paint the kitchen, honey. J

2 weeks later………………………………..

I was almost done painting. J

I have since done a few other painting projects, and none have lasted nearly as long. But, after such a tramatic beginning to my painting adventures, I have a lot to live down. (At least in my mind…….)

I don’t have a pic to share yet, but I will get one up soon.

I am still not superwoman, but sometimes,…………yeah, I like that feeling that I have conquered the world. J

At least in my mind.

A Responsible Choice?

From someone whose been through it.

 

 

Just So You Know...

I have been doing a study by Nancy Campbell, “The Power of Motherhood.” I have been enjoying it very much. Much of it is not new to me, but it is very encouraging and uplifting. I would recommend this to any mother, young or old. Check it out!

So, do you know what a 'Wrapper' is?

Well, I am one.

 

I think I even have a bit up the fever that wrappers are prone to.

 

It seems to be a bit of a virus. Once exposed, it takes a varying amount of time to manifest, but in many cases, once it does, the resulting disease, wrapperitis, can be severe.

 

Symptoms of wrapperitis include dreaming of wraps, all conversations turning to wraps, all fabric examined for wrap worthiness. The most certain symptom is the strong desire to build one’s wrap stash, filling it with wraps of all fabric types and as many colors as possible. Those infected believe themselves to be happy wrapping their babies and will usually not hear any arguments against wrapping very well.

 

There is no known cure for wrapperitis. The only hope is to pacify victims with diversity in wraps. In some cases, sidetracking for a time may be possible, esp with other ethnic baby carriers. However, those truly infected, always return to their wrapping obsession.

 

For more info and details on this strange malady, you may be interested in the following websites.

 

www.wearyourbaby.com

www.thebabywearer.com