Getting Ready for Staycation, and The Last Day of the Month

Hi Friends!  Today is the last day of the month.  I know for most of the world, this is just another day.  But to me, as a landlord, it is a busy day.  At least I HOPE so!  I get off work at 12:00 noon.  As soon as I am off, I go to our two Post Office Boxes to see if we have any mail.  Mail is a code word for "rent".  I always try to get as much money as possible in the bank on the last day of the month.  It is an allusion to me, I guess.  If we have money in the bank the last day of the month, all is well.

I first stop at a post office on the parkway in a small town we used to live in.  If there is rent in that box, I immediately take it to the bank branch in that town.  If there are any tenants that haven't paid for the month yet, I try to call them.  I leave them nasty messages, or try to set up appointments to meet them if they answer.

Then I go to the town we live in.  They are about 12 miles apart.  If there is rent there, I go to the bank branch in that area also.  I used to save the rent in the first town, and wait till I had been both places, but this way if there is no rent at the second box, I don't have to drive to a bank.  I was trying out the box in the second town, but we are in the process of moving all our mail back to the box in the town we do not live in.  There is a reason for that.  The town we live in is very small, and it only has two post men.  So even though we are not listed anywhere, and have a PO box, one day a tenant showed up at my home.  I don't like when that happens!  So I'm moving all my mail back to the larger town, to the box I've had about 15 years.  That way if tenants decide they need to find me, they will look there.

Some days I have a lot of appointments to meet people to pay.  Today I was finished relatively early.  Some days I have to check houses to see if they are empty.  People just move out like that, and don't tell you.  Today I know I have two coming available the first of the month.  Two people are giving back their homes.  Another is getting evicted.  So that is three we have that we need to rent.  I hope they go fast, but since school just started here, I don't know if they will or not.

Tomorrow I will get off at 12 as usual, and that starts our "staycation".  I believe I already told you that we usually go away to a river town an hour from here.  We do this every Labor Day.  We leave on Thursday before, and come home Tuesday morning, in time for me to go to work.  Because we have the farm, and cattle every where, we have to stay close to home.  If someone calls at 2 in the morning as says the cows are out, one of us (usually Pappy) has to go see about them.  Well this year because of the tornado and its damage to the park, we were unable to have our reservations.  We always rent a chalet at the state park.  We love this house idea, because I take all our food, it has a full kitchen, our kids have their friends along.  It is great for us.  We junk shop, and go to the beach.  Just do nothing and relax.  The first year, I would come back and forth to collect rent and make bank deposits.  Then Pappy started telling me I had to stay over in the other town.  I was "vacating".  When we didn't get our reservations, I decided we would sleep at home, and just drive to do the things we want to do.  I think this will save a lot of money.  Pappy doesn't know if he can sit home and do "nothing".  We'll see how this goes.  I'm starting to get excited.

See you tomorrow!  Honey

Cow Sale, and other events in Farm Life

Today Pappy went to the cow sale.  GrandBoy was unable to go because his Mama wanted him to go to day care.  (throws up my hands and shrugging my shoulders)  So Pappy went with a friend.  Pappy bid on a lot of cows, and  came with a Charolais cow, five months bred.  She is thin and skittish, but will settle into the herd.  I think Pappy is planning to go back again Thursday.  He took 3 cows last week and one this week to sell.  We also listed a young bull on the Internet for sale.  We have had good luck in the past doing this with some of the cattle before taking it to the sale.

Tonight I put some tomatoes from our garden, into the freezer.  I have a lot of peppers to do something with this week.  I also need to make granola.  And my daughter #1 got me some cabbage and I will freeze that too!  That was on my list of things we needed to put up this year.

Speaking of food.  Last weekend Pappy brought home three cardboard boxes of food from one of our empty rental houses.  There were 8 cans of corn!  Many other kinds of vegetables including spinach, turnip greens, and asparagus.  Fruit including blue berries.  I love to get free food!

I included a cute picture of GrandBoy from last winter.  He is so cute.  He is helping Pappy move the baby goats.  Paci and all!  See you tomorrow!  Honey

Bible 90 Days, and other Future Plans

Today is Monday, and during B90 Days, we have twitter parties on Monday!  Tonight was a small group.  I guess maybe a few were on vacation, and a whole lot may have been affected by the Hurricane.  But I pray all of them are safe, and will be back our out next twitter gathering. 

Tonight we were asked how the Bible in 90 Days program had affected our life (or something to that affect).  This is the fourth time I have been involved in Bible in 90 Days.  It is also the fourth time that I have read the Bible through.  This event has affected me by helping me develop a habit of meeting daily with our Lord.  I crave time with the Lord, and wonder about his opinion.  I used to read so many books each week.  During Bible in 90 Days, I read very little, except the Bible.  And I don't miss it!

I have been enjoying the program so much, I will be sorry to see it end.

September 6 through 26, MOB will be having  21 Days of Prayer for Sons.  I plan to be involved in this to pray for my grandson. 

October 1 MOD (mothers of daughters) is have a prayer event in October.  Each day in October, we will
pray for our daughters.  I think this is wonderful!  I have three daughters, and I know that a person can't have too much prayer.  If you would like more information about either of these prayer events, please let me know, and I will get it for you.

Well, I guess that is all the information for today.  Check back with you tomorrow!  Honey

Proverbs 22:6

Proverbs 22:6   Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. 

 

This is a hard verse to deal with when you are the mother of adult children.  I tried very hard to raise my children in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord".  I carried them, and all their friends to church, vacation bible school, Halloween parties, egg hunts, prayer nights and devotionals at church for years.  I have three daughters, ages 22, 22, and 21.  One of our daughters has left home, and is not living the type of life that we would choose for her, the life God would have for her. 

What is a mother to do?  I feel at a loss.  Everyone wants their child to live the good life.  To have all the promises God has made for them.  The verse above says that when the child is old he will return to his teachings.  What if she doesn't live to be old? 

When is a mother to give up the guilt associated with having a prodigal child?  We rarely see her, unless she needs something.  She comes on holidays to collect her gifts.  She calls if she or the baby needs clothes, if they don't have any food, if they need money for gas.  She uses the baby to blackmail us into giving her what she wants.  She is in a relationship with a bad man.  He has taught her a lot of bad habits, and scams we wish she had never learned.  She doesn't like it that we will not allow him at our home.  We will not accept him.  He is abusive to her, and is involved in many bad things.  He is a convicted felon, not long out of prison.  This situation is making me pray for things I never thought I would pray for concerning my children.  I wonder if that makes me a bad mother?

How do parents turn away from their children?  I really feel that this is what I need to do, but I just don't know how.  Any thoughts or feelings from anyone out there?  My husband says he cannot continue to live like this.  I just don't know. 

Saturday Happenings. Had a Thrift Store Close Down Sale

A wall in Daughter #2's room

Today is Saturday and it was a busy day.  The company I work for owns a building that was used by a thrift store.  The store owner left, and left her merchandise in the building.  We had a close out sale today, to try to empty the building.  Daughter #2 went with me to help out.  We had a slow day for the most part.  But we did have several people come through, and many sales.

I've been trying to keep up with what is going on with the hurricane.  I'm glad it downsized to a level one storm.  I'm praying that everyone will remain safe.

GrandBoy is not here tonight, and won't be here this weekend.  His Mom didn't let him come.  I'm sure he is complaining about not going to Honey's and missing church.  He loves to go to church.

Pappy harvested the sweet potatoes today.  He mostly worked around the farm.  He brought home about $100 worth of  canned goods from one of our empty rentals.  Free food always makes me happy. 

This will be a busy week, planning for our "staycation"  starting next weekend.

Thanks for stopping by!  Honey

Lunch with Pappy

GrandBoy chasing Canadian geese at the park

Today was Friday.  It was really nice.  Daughter #1 went on a vacation for the weekend.  When I got off work, I really didn't have anything pressing, like I normally do.  So I called Pappy and asked if he'd like me to bring him lunch!  He was at our pasture that is farthest from where we live.  He's been working there all week.  So I stopped and picked up bar-b-que sandwiches and tea.  Pappy and I sat on a trailer and ate together.  When I got there, he asked me, "Do you have some REALLY good news for me?"  I said, "No, I just came for lunch!".  That is how rare it is for us to have lunch together!  After we ate, Pappy went back to work, and I left to run errands. I went to Wal-mart to price window air conditioners, to the post offices and banks, to get gas, and to the grocery store.  Now it is 10:00 at night.  Everyone is asleep but me.  I wanted to do a few things before turning in.  Pappy left the german shepherd loose because something is still killing the rabbits.  Hopefully in the morning we will know what it was!

The above photo is of GrandBoy at the park last Sunday.  He and daughter #2 go to the part every Sunday after church.  The geese decided to land at the park, and GrandBoy took off after them.  It was so cute!  He is afraid of the peacocks at the farm.  Pappy has tried to show him to act like he is in the photo, to scare the peacocks.  So I guess he was practicing on the geese, who are more his size!

Large Family Logistics - Appendixes

Hi!  Today I am linking to 4 Moms, 35 Kids (Raising Olives, Life in a Shoe, Smockity Frocks, and The Common Room) to discuss the book "Large Family Logistics  The Art of Science of Managing the Large Family" by Kim Brenneman.  Today's post will cover the appendixes.

Appendix A covers Coping while Exhausted and Overwhelmed.  Appendix B is about Moving Beyond Survival Mode.  Using these appendixes is a great incentive to get started.  This book is so large (318 oversized pages!).  So I can imagine how it might not seem doable to decide where to start.  That is why these appendixes are so valuable.  Great design of this book! 

I am having some health problems of my own.  I have large fibroid tumors in my abdomen.  The doctors say the only cure for this is surgery, which I am trying very hard to avoid.  So some days I don't feel like doing a lot.  Appendix A, I think, will be a big help to me.  Baby steps when I need them!  I also have  some family stress going on lately involving a prodigal daughter.  This causes me to be distracted more often than I should be.  I am going to study this book and get my home back on track!  I'm sure my husband will be grateful for my effort!

I believe this is the last link up discussion of "Large Family Logistics".  I have really enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of this.  Thank you for stopping by!  Honey

I am linking to http://raisingolives.com/

Open Heart Open Home, Chapters 17 and 18

Welcome!  I'm so glad you stopped by!  Today I am linking up to The Common Room where The Head Mistress is sharing the book "Open Heart Open Home", by Karen Mains.  We are reading chapters 17 and 18 this week. 

Chapter 17 is entitled "Creativity and Simplicity".  One thing that stood out to me in this chapter was a passage that stated, "Once God's kingdom has become our priority, we will not always need to ask "What shall we eat, or drink, or put on?"  He will provide.  Our hospitality can't help but reflect this."  I think this is so true, and I really want to work on this attitude.  I do tend to plan every detail of an event, instead of doing the inviting and sharing, and giving God the opportunity to provide.  I'm going to make a conscious effort to let God be in charge of our hospitality. 

In another paragraph Karen talks of God always honoring us when we step out in faith in front of him.  He will provide for us when we give him the opportunity instead of trying to take care of everything ourselves.  If we give God the opportunity and pray about it, God will provide us what we need every time.  Recently I was wishing for a couch.  I had used the one we had for many years.  It had been my Mother's "good" couch during the time I was growing up.  I had covered it with fabric and throws, but I was really wishing for a new one. I didn't want to pay for a new one, though.  I'd look at the thrift store on half price day, but I never found one that we could use.  Then one day I was at a thrift store in Tennessee that I don't go to often.  There, just as I went in the door, was a suede leather couch for $450.  Pretty good price, but not what I wanted to pay.  Then I noticed a second piece, a matching love seat.  Two pieces for $450.  Pretty good price, but still not what I wanted to pay.  When I was exiting the store, I saw the sign.  "4 piece living room set.  Only sat on about three times.  $450".  There was also a chair and over-sized foot stool.  Four pieces for $450.  That sounded really good.  More than I wanted to spend, but for brand new furniture!  The owner of the store had bought it for his house, put it in a room upstairs for his kids to use, and they never used it.  So he and his wife decided to sell it.  The furniture was only three months old!  I took pictures on my cell phone, and decided to talk to my husband.  If it was meant for us, it would happen.  My husband was all for the new furniture, on the condition that I agreed to get rid of what we were replacing.  No Problem!  We had some insurance money from the tornado, to replace some furniture.  So I called the store the next day.  Someone else was suppose to pay that morning.  I told the store owner that if it didn't work out to let me know, and we would take it.  So the people did not show up with their money.  The owner let me know, and Pappy and I went and paid for the furniture.  So I know first hand, God will provide in His time! 

Chapter 18 is entitled "At Ease".  This is a very short chapter and basically is about making your guests feel at ease.  This is something we should all remember.  One other thing I wanted to mention.  While cleaning out a thrift store that is going out of business, this week, I found a little book that I thought went along with this topic.  The book is titled, "The Pleasure of Your Company - Simple Ideas for Enjoyable Entertaining" by Ann Platz and Susan Wales.  This book has beautiful illustrations, and has ideas for different entertaining situations, along with menus.  Ideas like Grandmother Baby Shower, Harvest Supper, Get Well and Feel Better Dinner, and a Singles Valentine Party.  Cute ideas that I would like to try one day, and the food looks delicious.

I have really enjoyed linking up for this book discussion.  I want to thank The Head Mistress for this opportunity! I hope you have enjoyed it too!  Honey

Varmints

We are having a problem with varmints on the farm.   About a week ago, something started getting in the rabbit house at night.  We have about 40 does and about 3 bucks.  Many of the rabbits have babies now.  So something is getting on top of the cages, and reaches inside. It got the mama rabbit's foot out of the cage and chewed it off.  Pappy nursed her as best he could, and lifted her in and out of the nursing box so she could care for the babies.  She lasted three days, and now he is feeding the babies with a medicine dropper.  Pappy thinks it may be a cat, because it is so flexible and agile.  But I don't know.

Last night, Our German Shepherd, Lupan, started barking like crazy.  Pappy got his gun and went outside.  He was gone awhile.  When he came back he said something had scared all the goats.  They "overnight" over on this side of the pond, near the house.  They were still on the other side of the pond, where it is very dark.  They were too frightened to come back.  Pappy thinks it was a coyote, and it got between them and their house.  The coyote wanted the goats to stay out in the open so he could get one.  Pappy couldn't get them to come back here, so he finally came inside.  But he and the dog tramped all over, and left their sent.  So we are hoping the coyote doesn't come back tonight.

We have had coyote problems for the last several years.  There are also rumored to be mountain lions in the community we live in.  Two years ago we lost a whole crop of baby goats in one week.  At one of our pastures, we had a problem with neighborhood dogs chasing the calves.

We have tried many different remedies for varmints in the years past.  One thing we tried, that seemed to help I think, was to put hair around the fence.  A beautician friend of mine kept all the hair from her salon for a week.  We strowed it around the pasture fences.  I think the scent helped.  We leave a radio on outside in the pasture 24 hours a day, as well as a few lights, in the barns.  This lends the idea people are around and keeps varmints away from the house.  We also let our big dog (the Shepherd) out once or twice a day to "mark his territory".  If anyone knows any better ideas, we are always open to suggestion!

Thanks for stopping by!  Honey

Finding Sisters in Unexpected Places

Lord, I don't know about all the other ladies out there, but I have trouble finding "like minded" ladies in real life.  Women who wake up each day, waiting to see what you have planned!  I have acquaintences at work.  I have friends at church.  I have even advertised for prayer partnes.  But people are so busy, too busy to pray or study the Word with me.  For a while now, I have had such a longing for this type of friendship.  Just one woman, Lord, who I can trust my heart with, and bare my soul.  And she will go with me in prayer, to bring my concerns before you, Lord.  She won't gossip about the things I share with her.  Prayers about my kids, my  marriage, the future of our Country.  A sister to share Bible study and accountability with.  Lately I feel so seperate and apart from others I know.  Why am I the only one who feels this way?  I know my children think I'm different from other moms they know.  I don't try to be different, Lord.  I just ended up that way, I guess.  I know that you said that "Straight is the gate and narrow the way that leads to heaven".  So maybe my lonliness is a good sign! 

Lord, I believe that I have found a few friends like the sort I have been looking for.  I found them on the internet!  My sister said, "I heard you have a twitter account".  She has been after me for years to get a facebook account.  I said, "yes, I do.  But really just for Bible study type things".  A few women (three in fact) have volunteered to pray with me.  And I have ladies (and gents)  that I am reading the Bible in 90 Days with, and have #B90Days twitter parties with.  I have a Maximize Your Morning Group for waking up early to study your word.  Yes, I would still like to sit over coffee in person and read, study and pray with friends.  But sitting by my computer is almost as good!  I can still bring my coffee!  Thank you, Lord, for this unexpected blessing.  Let me see where you are leading me, Lord.  Amen.  Honey

How is Media Affecting Me?

How is Media Affecting Me?  That is the million dollar question, isn't it?  It is amazing how much of my life is affected by media.  We are led to believe that all these items such as the Internet, IPhones, etc., save us so much time.  We can literally do anything from our phones now.  We can check directions to where we need to be.  We can look at the Internet, check our email, get an address, look at the sale ads, load our coupons onto our phones, you get the picture. 

But these items also use up a lot of our time as well.  We find it easy to read about what all our Christian friends are doing in their lives to minister to others, when we could be ministering to others.  We look at our friends' vacations, home makeovers, etc, instead of spending time with our families.

We really spend less time using these media items than most people.  Yet it is still more than my husband would like, and more than we probably should.

I think we can do a lot of good things using the Internet and all our media tools.  But maybe we should remember that charity begins at home.  It is fine to support a child in Mexico, but maybe there is a family in my child's school that could use some help with clothing or groceries.  Lots of people are out of work you know.  I think we all need to remember that we should reach out and touch those around us first.  If I seek God first, and ask him to show me the opportunities He places before me, I will be able to use these media options to seek God's glory.

Thank you, Courtney, for allowing me the opportunity to link up to your blog.  I have enjoyed this series.
Thanks for stopping by!  Honey

Saturday Happenings

Today I had to work a little while.  The company I work for, owns a commercial building that held a thrift store.  The thrift store went out of business and left a building full of items.  So we are going to have an indoor yard sale next Saturday to sell all the items.  I have a charity group I use lined up to be present when the sale is over to pick up the items left over.  There is a room full of black trash bags full of clothing and items that were donated.  Those bags are stacked to the ceiling!  This will be interesting, to say the least.  I think Daughter #2 is going to help me with the sale.  I hope most of the items are taken before the sale is over.  There is furniture, appliances, clothing, toys, shoes, books, you name it.  All kinds of items you'd see at a sale, and a lot of them.  It is very hot in there.  Maybe it will be cool next Saturday.  One of my tenants came in over there.  She was the postal carrier.  What a coincidence!

I called all our tenants yesterday that owe us money.  I had 10 evictions in my car to post, but decided I'd try calling one time before posting.  I collected from 4 families, and received a promise from one more for tomorrow.  That made a big dent in what we needed to get this month.  Tomorrow after church I'll have to go out and post the ones that didn't pay!

Daughter #3 still does not have a phone.  She did borrow one to call me and ask me to pick up GrandBoy today.  So he is here with us.  I met her at the grocery store to pick him up.  He was tired so I don't think he had a nap today.  He ate, and laid down on his pallet. 

We'll that is about all today.  I look forward to talking again tomorrow.  Honey

Fabulous Friday

Our farm sign

I'm always glad to see Friday come!  It is a busy day, but always enjoyable because it leads us to the weekend.  The weather was really nice today.  Which is always good when you are out in it! 

I had about 10 evictions to post today.  Pappy wants me to get them hung up on the residences, so maybe people will start paying.  I called all of them, and many will pay tomorrow.  We'll see.  One of the trailers is empty today.  The tenants slipped out before the deputy came to move them out.  That's always better than the alternative. 

Daughter #3 has no phone.  Something happened to hers (that part of the story is hazy).  So we can't get in touch with her or GrandBoy.  Today, she called me and her sister from the consignment shop she was visiting!  I can just hear her, "Can I use your phone to call my Mama?"  It makes me nervous that she has no phone.  Hopefully she will bring GrandBoy over tomorrow to say for church Sunday. 

I think I found some ladies who are willing to pray with me about some personal matters.  I will be so happy to see where this leads!

Today I started drinking "pregnancy tea".  No, I'm not pregnant.  I am drinking it to cure other health problems I am experiencing.  I am suppose to drink four glasses a day.  Well, to me it smells like flowers.  I smell Everything before I put it in my  mouth!  So I decided to mix it with my regular iced tea.  I drink about a half gallon a day by myself, so I don't think this will be a problem to get down.  I can still taste the flowers, but it is much better this way.  I hope I can tell that I am receiving the healing powers of the herbs in the tea.

Well, I guess that is about all today.  I hope you have a wonderful and relaxing weekend.  Honey

Large Family Logistics - Part Two B

Hi!  Today I am linking to 4 Moms, 35 Kids (Raising Olives, Life in a Shoe, Smockity Frocks, and The Common Room) to discuss the book "Large Family Logistics  The Art of Science of Managing the Large Family" by Kim Brenneman.  Today's post will cover chapters 28 through 47.

Chapters 28 through 38 cover your family's daily routines.  During 28 years of marriage, we have tried many routines.  Today, there are less of us living here, and for the most part we are all adults.  So our routines are different these days.  I wish our daughters would help out more and take an active part in our family management.  Pappy really wishes I would make this happen.  But so far, I have not been successful with this.  Morning routines are pretty much the same every day.  I get up, make coffee, let the dog out.  I check in with my Maximize Your Morning Group on Twitter.  I read my Bible in 90 Days reading.  I get dressed and wake whoever needs to get up.  I lay out or plan what we will have for dinner.  Then I leave for work.  In the car, I plan my day, and pray for my family. 

At this time of my life, this morning routine is probably the best, most consistant routine I have.  I know this comes from being at a different stage in life than the other ladies reading this book.  They have small children at home, and I no longer do.  When our girls were small, we always had read aloud time before bed.  We read many chapter books during those times.  Books that were my favorites as a child.  We had family devotionals during dinner.  My husband is not a believer.  So while my husband and children ate dinner, I would read from the Bible.  When I was through with the reading, or they had finished dinner, then I would eat.  I wish we had started that earlier, when they were small. 

We didn't really have a buddy system.  Our girls were all the same age.  We had three babies in 13 months.  The twins were 13 months old when our baby was born.  So they were really more like a gang!  But our youngest was always slower to pick up new tasks, so her sisters would watch after her and make sure everything was all right.  They were good sisters.  If only they could stay little like that forever. 

A routine I NEED to institute now is a Health and Wellness one.  I really need to start exercising, for many reasons.  One is to stay active.  I have scoliosis, and get very stiff.  So remaining active is a must.  I believe I will try that soon. 

This seems to be a year for growth and change, as far as routines in my life goes.  I have started trying to streamline my life in many areas.  I am hoping to minimize these routines as much as possible.  I am in the process of downsizing our household belongings.  My goal is to average 10 items a day for the year.  I am doing pretty good, I think.  But we didn't get this stuff in a year, so it will take to thin it out.

Well, I guess that's all for me.  I have enjoyed this book and the opportunity to link up with such great women.  Thanks for stopping by.  Honey

I am linking to http://raisingolives.com/

Open Heart Open Home, Chapters 15 and 16

Welcome!  I'm so glad you stopped by!  Today I am linking up to The Common Room where The Head Mistress is sharing the book Open Heart Open Home, by Karen Mains.  We are reading chapters 15 and 16 this week.  The title of these chapters are "Stewards of Time" and "Shortcuts".

In Chapter 15, Karen starts out talking about her husband, and how he has always been in charge of time.  She said that time had control of her.  I feel very similarly.  I usually do things last minute, but I am not usually late.  I just usually don't see a need to do things before they have to be done, if you understand what I mean.  I have a sign hanging over my stove that reads:  If it weren't for last minutes, nothing would ever get done!  That is so true, and it drives my husband nuts!  I am trying to become more orderly and in control of a schedule.  This has really become more apparent in the last year because my husband retired.  He used to work third shift and sleep all day.  Now he is home.  So he likes a routine, and I have to try to find one!  Actually, we have had schedules and routines in the past.  But at each change of our lives, those things have to be adjusted.  So this time is one of those changes.

On page 172 Karen mentions that "Since Abraham put Sarah away privately when she was with child, I felt we in decency should do no less, and for those last few months I remained home from church, grateful for the few morning hours of silence."  I thought this was interesting.  I wonder if she would feel that way if she was expecting today?  I say that because the original text was written in 1976.  Although I'm sure I would enjoy the silence now! But I believe she had a difficult pregnancy, so that may have been a reason also.

Karen talks in this chapter, also, of realizing "our time is really His time".  I think I am at that time of my life.  I find myself thinking of God and His plans for me and my family, more and more.  I don't know if that comes from age, or maturity.  I always want to feel that the Lord would know He is welcome any time in our home.

At the end of chapter 15, Karen writes about going on an over-simplifying kick.  She realized that people like to feel that you fussed over them.  I'm sort of the opposite.  I like to see how sometimes simple things that others do, are very satisfying and can be elegant.  I remind myself at those times that I don't have to spend a lot of money, or all day getting ready, to entertain and offer hospitality. 

Chapter 16 talks of Shortcuts.  Karen feels that if she has a good housekeeping schedule in place, it is not necessary to clean before company.  I don't know if I will ever be at that point.  I will at least have to run around and pick up the piles of mail, books, etc., and swish the brush around the toilet! 

On page 182, she talks of being unique in your decor.  She mentions using an old patchwork quilt as a table cloth.  I am actually doing this.  I got a quilt out of one of our empty rental houses.  It is covered in large daisies, about the size of plates, in different colors.  I love it, and it makes me happy to look at it.  Well, that must be a matter of taste, because we were expecting company, and my daughter asked me if she could remove the "bedspread" from the table!  I said, "NO!".  Oh, you know.  One man's treasure.....

I love "dishes".  Really this includes any kind of kitchen item.  We come across lots of "treasures"  in our empty rental houses, and at thrift stores and flea markets, etc.  Recently a young girl at church was married.  I loaned her all my china plates and several serving pieces to use at the wedding.  Antique china is a weakness of mine.  So Kate used my "mismatched plates" at her reception.  I was somewhat embarrassed when a lady said, "all these plates are yours?"  Yes, all 80 plates.  So I really don't need to collect any thing.  If you ladies need to borrow anything, you just let me know!  I've got it covered!

Please come back to see me tomorrow.  Got to the last line, and GrandBoy said, " Honey, cut it off" and pushed a button!  I thought this was gone for good!  Thank goodness for auto save and drafts! Honey

My quilt "tablecloth"

Just Some Thoughts

I'm sorry I missed you yesterday.  We were having technical difficulties on the farm.  The air was not working (HOT), and the breaker in the office kept flipping if the window unit air and computer was on at the same time.  Today the repairman came and fixed the central unit.  And Pappy discovered that the reason the breaker kept flipping was because Grandboy cut on the heater.  We can't run anything else if the heater is on in there.  So it was MORE hot than it needed to be!  Well, all's well that ends well.  Just glad to be cool.

I think being the Mother of adult children is the hardest job in the world.  I have listened to my girls bicker and carry on all afternoon.  I was wishing that it was a church day so I could go and focus on our Saviour.  I remember at another congregation we attended years ago, they would say "Some days you need the congregation, and the other days the congregation needs you!".  This was a day I needed them! 

I have wanted to start a ladies prayer group for several years.  Unfortunately, the ladies I know have not felt the same need.  I have thought about maybe advertising for ladies who would be interested in this type of activity.  But I don't know if there would be a response.  Maybe I should think about it again.  My preacher feels that we don't need others to pray for us.  That our faith should be strong enough to pray for ourselves and get what ever we want that way.  But I would definitely like a lady or two to share prayer needs with.  Maybe some day I will find a way to make that happen. 

How is a Mom suppose to feel when her daughter disinvites her to her grandchild's birthday party?  I'll let you know when I figure it out.

That's all for today I guess.  A lot about nothing much, it seems.  Thanks so much for stopping by.  And thanks for all the comments.  It is very encouraging to see them!  Honey

Grandboy's first birthday.  This year he will be 3!

Media and my Health

Today I am joining Women Living Well for Media Monday.  This week's topic is "Media and My Health".  I use the Internet in several different ways to help me stay healthy.

If someone in my family is ill they might go to the doctor.  After the doctor gives us a diagnosis and prescription, I will usually read up on both at home on the Internet.  Sometimes a person may not be really sick enough to go to the doctor.  We are not a family that runs to the doctor with every cough or sniffle.  If I'm not sure, I will look up the symptoms and make sure they don't need to see a doctor.

Sometimes we have used an over the counter product in the past, or a health & beauty aide.  We no longer can find the product where we live, or maybe the scent we like is being discontinued.  Several times I have been able to locate these items by looking for them on the internet.  Then I am able to purchase them, and I usually buy a few, in case I can't find them next time.

Another area that I utilize on the Internet for my health is places like Sparkpeople.  There, I can enter my calories for the day.  I can log my exercise to see how many calories I have burned.  I can get suggestions for new recipes, and maybe join an exercise group.  All these things will encourage me to be more active and make better choices about my health.

I also can locate gyms, exercise clubs, physicians, drug stores, health food stores, etc., all from my home on the Internet.

While I am walking, and I should do this more often, I can read my email on my Blackberry.  Or I could tweet about all the exercise I am getting. 

Well, I guess that is all I know about this subject.  Can't wait to see what everyone else has to share.

Thanks for stopping by!  Honey

Sunday - A Day of Rest?

Today is Sunday.  I always like Sunday, because usually it goes at a slower pace than the rest of the week.  This one, not so much.

The day started out without Grandboy.  If he doesn't spend Saturday night, he usually comes Sunday morning before church.  This week that didn't happen.  I got a call in the middle of church that he was at McDonald's and needed to be picked up.  So I had to leave church to go get him.  We got back for the last ten minutes or so of church.  He helped me pass out school supplies to some of the children at church.  School starts in our county tomorrow.  Since Grandboy loves church so much and missed most of it, we went back for the "evening" service at 1:30. 

Between services we went home and had lunch.  I washed the dishes, and made iced tea.  After the late service, I started canning.  Today I canned lima beans, corn, and apple pear sauce.  I also did about 5 loads of laundry, cooked dinner, planned the weekly menu, and washed dishes.  Now for some quiet time.  I need to send a few "get well" cards to people at church, and catch up on my Bible in 90 Days reading.

It is going to be in the 60's tonight.  That will be great.  Maybe our utility bill will go down! 

One other thing I have been working on this evening is the grocery list.  I will do our monthly grocery trip this Friday night.  We don't shop like most people.  We grow most of our own food.  We raise our own beef, some chicken, rabbit, lamb, goat, and some years pork.  We also have our own catfish.  We have a garden, and grow most of our vegetables.  We have our own eggs, and make some of our cheese from goat's milk.  So mostly, I buy a lot of dairy.  Cheese, milk, butter, sour cream, yogurt.  I buy staples like sea salt, sugar, nuts, mustard.  I buy fruit and produce for salads.  I buy crackers, animal crackers, vanilla wafers, graham crackers, bread, coffee, and tea.  I buy tuna.  I also buy those big huge bottles of water.  This is because we are on a well, and if the utilities are off we won't have water.  So at least we will have something to drink.  I buy non-food products, like dish soap, dryer sheets, paper plates, toilet tissue, Kleenex, and cat food.  I am going to buy glue mouse traps this time, because it is getting cooler and we saw a mouse this week.  That happens when you live in the middle of a 100 acres of cotton!  And I buy as much as I can on the scratch and dent shelf, and the marked down bins.  I go at least once between for perishables, and more bread and milk.  The last time I did this everything in my cart was marked down.  The cashier said, "How are we suppose to make any money if everything you bought is marked down?"  I said, "I guess you'll have to make it on someone else!". 

Well, that's all for today.  Thanks for stopping by!  Honey

Saturday News

Hi!  Thanks so much for stopping by to visit!  Today is Saturday.  Pappy and his friend worked around the farm today,  cutting up trees that were taken down by the tornado.  His friend worked in exchange for the wood his family will use this winter.  A second friend came by also.  I went and got sandwiches for lunch, and I think they all had a nice visit while getting things done around here. 

I have worked on my email most of the day.  I cleaned out my inbox.  As I was doing so, I moved things I wanted to cancel into a separate file.  I finished canceling all those items a few minutes ago.  So hopefully I will get less email now to deal with each day.  I still received a lot of home school emails and blogs, and I have not had a child in school in three years.  Grandboy is only almost three, so still a few years before he starts school.  I also answered some emails and sent some emails.  Now maybe Pappy will be happier that I won't be on the computer so much.  We'll see.

When I went out to get lunch, I stopped by Lowe's for some John Deere green and yellow paint.  Pappy is working on Grandboy's birthday present!  And I went by our community thrift store.  They have two openings and Daughter #3 applied Thursday, so maybe she will get the job and be closer to home.

This evening I had to go meet with a tenant.  I had received complaints about the family, but when I got there, the yard was neat and well kept, the inside was clean, neat, and "non-odorous".  The people were clean, dressed appropriately, and acted fine.  So I told them about the complaints, and asked them to keep in mind that someone had reason to contact the "watch group" about them.  I asked them to try to have less company, and keep their dog under control.  I don't think I will have any more complaints.

Well, that's about it for here.  I tried to plan our "staycation" that we are planning for the first of the month.  Pappy doesn't seem to get the concept.  He said he doesn't think he can stay on the farm and do "nothing".  We always go an hour away to a river town and stay in a chalet for a week for Labor Day.  This year the tornado damaged several units and we don't have reservations.  So we'll see how this works out.  But I'm not going to have ANY trouble doing nothing!

Come back to see us tomorrow!  Honey

Friday Night

I'm always so glad by the time Friday night gets here.  I'm usually so tired, and just ready to have life move at a slower pace.  Today I ran errands like I do most every day.  I go to two post office boxes, and at least one bank just about every day, Monday through Saturday.  Today I went to three banks.  One was where we have our deposits, one we have our farm account at and they give free certified checks, and one to cash a large rent check.  That rent check does not always clear, so I go to that bank at least once a month to try to cash the check. 

I went to our Kroger.  While there, they marked the clear storage boxes down.  The shoebox size was $1 and the sweater boxes was $2.  I got ten of the shoebox size.  I thought I could use them for food storage, for small packages of food.  I would like to make some of those Christmas boxes for charity, too.  I also had to stop to buy car oil. 

I went to the trailer park to see if one of our tenants had moved out.  We are pending a "sheriff put out" (eviction), the man I work with is pending two, and another investor I know of is pending one.  I don't think I remember a time when I knew that many evictions.  Kinda makes me nervous.  But otherwise, things in the rental business are good.  At least for us.  We have nothing empty.  The only things we have available are two undeveloped half acre lots.  And we will have this home when the eviction occurs.  Maybe she will beat the sheriff and be gone by Monday!

This weekend I have a lot of catching up to do!  I have about 10 loads of laundry.  I have to can some Lima beans, pear sauce, and corn.  And I have to catch up on my Bible in 90 Days!  Oh, yeah.  Pappy wants me to walk down and check the cantaloupe patch and see if they are ready to be picked yet.  Pappy worked on fencing and seeding pastures today. 

Well, that is about it today.  I hope you all will come back tomorrow.  Thanks for stopping by!  Honey

Large Family Logistics - Part Two

Today I am linking to 4 Moms, 35 Kids (Raising Olives, Life in a Shoe, Smockity Frocks, and The Common Room) to discuss the book "Large Family Logistics  The Art of Science of Managing the Large Family" by Kim Brenneman.  This book covers everything anyone would need to know about running a household. 

In this section of the book Kim talks about how she schedules her days to take care of her family and home.  This is a chore that I should take on and work out a schedule for my family.  I do not have any type of home management book or system at this time.  When my children were small I did use a few different systems at different times of our life.  I know once I used a file box and card system.  Now the kids are grown and we pretty much take care of ourselves.  I have started in recent months grocery shopping once a month.  This is working well, and I feel saves us money.  I should now spend time working on menus.  Another chore I have adopted for the last year is doing laundry once a month.  This is my personal clothes, not any thing else.  This is also working well.  I feel the need to minimize my wardrobe, but if I do, I will have to wash clothes more often.  I'm not brave enough to minimize my clothes yet!

One part of the book that stood out to me was the part that talked about planning vacations and parties.  I have that down pat!  Fun things I can plan!  No problem.  Now bathroom cleaning and other chores, not so fun.  But I'm sure when I no longer work outside our home, I will be more organized.  I know.  Famous last words. 

I am looking forward to the next section in this amazing book!  Thanks for stopping by!  Honey

Open Heart Open Home, Chapters 13 and 14

Today I am linking this post to The Common Room and the Headmistress's post about the book "Open Heart Open Home.  This week we are reading chapters 13 and 14. 

Chapter 13 is entitled Open Hearts and Chapter 14 is entitled The Hospice.  The chapters are about extreme acts of hospitality.  I have admired for years, the women I have known who make this look so easy.  I would like to do more of this, and hope one day to be able to do so.  We try to share our home with others as their needs are made know to us and as we feel the Lord would want us to.

Twice during our life at the farm, our grandmothers have come to live for extended periods of time.  My husband's grandmother came to live with us when my father-in-law (her son) died.  She was here for about 6 months.  It was an interesting experience for me having another woman in the house, and I feel a great benefit to our children. 

When my own grandfather passed on, my grandmother came to live with us until a month before her death, when hospice took over her care.  These times required a lot of putting the other person first, while still trying to provide the routine my own children were used to in their lives.  My grandmother resisted being here so much, but she was unable to live alone.  I think this was a great learning experience for my children.  These are still difficult times to think about and remember, even years later.  I remember going to a Ladies Day Meeting at our church during the time my grandmother was staying with us.  The lesson was about juggling our responsibilities and wearing many hats.  I sat there all day with tears running down my face.  At the end of the day the lady leading the meeting asked who had enjoyed the day and learned something.  I remember saying, "I don't ever want to study this again"!  But I'm so glad we were able to keep our grandmothers in our home.  And I most certainly would do it again.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Please come back again tomorrow.  Honey

Canning Mushrooms

Today I'm going to talk about canning mushrooms.  We use these a lot in everything.  I like to make these myself so I know that what we are eating is healthy, and doesn't have any chemicals in it.  Only mushrooms, water and salt!  I also can cream of mushroom soup, but I don't need any of that this year. 

I buy all the marked down mushrooms they have in the produce department.  It doesn't matter what kind.  If one pack is large slices, and the other is small, I try to cut them about the same size. 

These are portobello mushroom tops.  There were two packs of these out of the ten packs I got.  We'll eat these for dinner, but I'm showing them because I forgot to photograph the others before cooking.  I empty the packs in the sink, and rinse off.  Place the mushrooms in a pot, cover with water, and heat to a boil.  I used the directions in the Ball canning guide. 

While the mushrooms were heating I washed all the jars and set aside.  I filled the jars with mushrooms to shoulder high on the jars.  Cover with boiling water and add a quarter teaspoon salt to each jar.  I used half pint jars, because I wanted  them to be close to the size of the small mushroom cans at the grocer.  Heat the lids and rings.  Place on the jars, and process in a pressure canner for 45 minutes I believe.  I ended up with 10 jars of sliced mushrooms, and 4 jars of half mushrooms. 

My pictures are awful, and I'm going to work on this this month.

So now I have mushrooms for the winter.  I also have Lima beans, corn and pear sauce to can.  But I didn't get to it all before church. 

Thanks for stopping by!  Honey

I am linking this post to

Domestically Divine Tuesdays at Far Above Rubies

Cutting Hay and Shelling Beans

As I told you all a few days ago, Pappy has been busy with the hay cutting this week.  We try to have all our own hay, to keep from buying any.  Usually if we buy, we buy square bales for the goats and sheep. 

We just wrote a check to Pappy's friend who cuts the hay.  (Pappy's title is the hay hauler!)  It was a larger check than I'd have liked, but it was for all the fields, and about 110 rolls.  We hope we get a second cut, but if not we should be OK.

This afternoon, I got a call from Daughter #3.  She asked if GrandBoy could come stay because they are looking for jobs.  I went to McDonalds and picked him up.  He will be here till at least till Thursday morning.  He gets confused when he comes on days that aren't "church" days.  So I had to explain to him we go to church tomorrow. 

Pappy picked all the lima beans yesterday.  So tonight, GrandBoy and I shelled them.  He was so happy that he learned a new "job".  We texted pictures to his Mom. 

GrandBoy shelling lima beans at age almost 3!

We teach our children at an early age to help out in the family.  We've always had rental properties and if we went to work the properties, our girls came, too.  If we were painting, they painted.  One of our daughters always said "But Daddy, I want to hammer!".  So GrandBoy is following in their footsteps.  He loves to learn new chores and thinks he can run the farm single handed! 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  More farm news tomorrow.  Honey

Media and my Friendships

Hi!  This week I am linking up with Women Living Well for Media Mondays.  This week the topic is Media and Friendships.  This post will be short!  My husband is not a computer person.  Or, let me rephrase that.  He is not an Internet person.  He hardly ever goes on the Internet, and has no email account.  He feels strongly that Facebook and MySpace are place where you meet people that ruin your marriage.  Sort of like a dating club I suppose.  We do not have Facebook or MySpace accounts.  One day that may change, if there were a good reason to have one, such as business, etc.  But for now this is how we do it.

My sister, who is on Facebook, tells me I should have an account.  That everyone we used to know has an account and would like to hear from me.  That they ask about me.  I guess that is another reason I don't have an account.  I'm a very busy person.  I really don't want to know what everyone had for dinner or what movie they saw.  Especially not people I knew 20 to 30 years ago.  If someone wants to meet for coffee, call me, or send me a note, I'm all for it.  But Facebook seems to me to be an ongoing daily time commitment.  One I don't want to get obligated to.  So currently I'm not really media friendly.

Another reason I don't have Facebook is because my husband and I are landlords.  We have had rental property for 20 years.  Another landlord I know, who doesn't even live in the city he owns property, told me about a women posting on his page, asking did he own the house on XXXXX street, that the toilet was broken and hadn't worked in a week.  Seems the property management company was not responding as she felt they should.  I know that would happen to me.  I would probably get death threats posted on line when I evicted someone.  So I think it is better I keep a low media profile. 

One thing I do need to do is match all my Internet personalities.  The email address I use the most, doesn't match my twitter account or my blog address.  So I need to work on all that soon.  And maybe I need to get over this fear I have of people knowing who I am.  I am also mortified by some of the things my adult children post on their pages.  So I keep my life compartmentalized.

I do have a twitter account, but that I use mostly for "group" activities like B90 Days and Hello Mornings.  I have this blog, but most people who know me in real life, don't know I have a blog.

There are people that I do associate with on the Internet, other Bloggers and Twitter friends.  I have some people that I am close to and admire.  They just live in a different place than I do, and some of them look like cartoon characters! 

I know this is not what I was suppose to write, but this is me.  I'll see you next week!  Thanks for stopping by.  Honey

Saturday Happenings. Church Rummage sales, etc.

Hi!  We've been busy here today.  I'm sure every one's weekends are like this.  It is tax-free weekend here, to get ready for school starting.  Any item that can be used for school or college, is suppose to be tax free.  So I had to buy computer ink and a few other supplies like that.  I met Daughter #1, her male friend, and the Grandboy at the Methodist Church for the yearly indoor rummage sale.  It is our favorite yard sale of the year, and we always try to attend.  Some years my sister has come, too.  The last hour is $1 a bag.  As much as you can put in a grocery bag is $1.00.  People pack a lot into those bags!  Even Grandboy had a bag and was putting items in for his Aunt YaYa to pay for.  That is what he calls Daughter #1.  He found some sand toys, a train set, a mirror, and I don't know what else.  He had fun.  As did we all.

Then we went to a thrift shop that is owned by the company I work for.  It has gone out of business.  I had permission to go by and see if there were any items I'd like to purchase before everything is sold.  So we went to do that while out. 

Pappy is still working with hay.  Picking it up out of the fields, moving it to the different pastures, moving around the tractors, etc.  Lots of details in maintaining cattle.  Grandboy loves to do hay.  If we drive down the road and see hay rolls in a field, he says "we have to tell Papa to get that hay".  I believe he thinks hay is like hunting Easter eggs!  So cute.

We had pizza for dinner, and I silked and cleaned the corn Pappy had husked from our garden.  I put it in the crock pot overnight.  We will probably eat some for dinner tomorrow after church and freeze the rest.  Grandboy is suppose to go home tomorrow.  We'll see.

Tomorrow I have to check the beans in the garden to see if they are ready to pick.  Then I need to pick up some rent. 

Thanks for stopping by!  Honey 

Phillipians 4:13

Last week Daughter #3 was having a rough day.  To try and show encouragement to her, I texted her the verse Philippians 4:13.

The next day when I saw her, she had that verse tattooed on her leg!  Not what I expected.  So parents, be careful what you text to your children.  You don't know where it may end up or who will see it!  Our preacher said that it was OK, she must have needed a visual.  I said, "Couldn't she write it on an index card and carry it in her purse? "  Honey

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"  Philippians 4:13 NKJV

Open Heart Open Home, Chapters 11 and 12

Hi!  Today I am linking this post to The Common Room where the Headmistress is reviewing the book Open Heart, Open Home by Karen Mains.  Today we are at chapters 11 and 12. 

Chapter 11 is entitled "The Finest House in Town".  To me this chapter was about sharing what we are gifted with.  Our talents are a gift from God.  We are to invest our talents and grow them to serve our Lord.  Those who have been given much, much will be expected from them.  The book told of a family who had the nicest house in town.  But they didn't share it with others.  Those not as fortunate stood outside the fence and watched, but were never invited inside.  There have been several instances in my life where I did not feel included.  What is the saddest is when I knew we weren't included, but my children didn't understand.  We visited a church when my girls were little.  The baby was 18 months and the twins were 31 months old.  I went to church with the children alone because my husband is not a believer.  This was a really large church, and I thought they would have a lot to offer my children in the way of classes, curriculum, etc.  I took the girls to the nursery because they became fussy.  There were two ladies sitting in rocking chairs, in a huge room full of toys, with no babies to watch.  They said "We don't allow children in the nursery over 18 months".  I looked around the room, and said "You mean you have no children in here, but they can't come in because they are too old?"  They let the girls come in, and I went back to finish the worship service alone, and ponder over what had just happened.  When I picked the girls up after the service, they were still the only children in there.  The ladies asked the girls' ages.  When I told them, they said they had guessed they were stair-step children, but not the twin part.  No one offered to help us to the car, no one introduced themselves.  They were all busy hurrying to their cars.  Eventually we visited a small country church full of older people who were crazy about my babies!  They would meet us at the car, offer to help get the girls in the building, etc.  We stayed at that congregation for about 17 years.  Sometimes what you think you need, doesn't look like you expect.

One of my daughters is not like other people.  We were told when she was small that we needed to keep a close eye on her because she "doesn't see bad in people".  She thinks everyone she meets is just like her.  One day we were at a fast food restaurant and a beggar was outside.  My daughter walked over and gave him money for lunch out of her own wallet.  I didn't think it was wise, but I didn't say anything.  I wondered if she does this kind of thing when she is out alone. When we came outside, the beggar was still there, this time getting money from a new lady.  When he asked that lady for money for food, my daughter said, "Oh, no.  I just gave you money, remember?  Did you lose it?"  The new lady grabbed her kids and left, and I was afraid the beggar was going to kill us.  But my daughter really believed  the beggar had misplaced his money.  I need to be more like my daughter.  She gives with an open fist.  She doesn't worry or wonder what they are going to do with the money.  She fills a need as she sees it.  It is not my problem if I give and they buy alcohol or something else.  It is just my job to give.  My husband will not give money to people, but he will buy them a meal.  No one will ever go hungry if he is around. 

I guess the main lesson from these chapters is it all belongs to God.  Just like the talents in the Bible.  It is just our job to take care of them and grow them.  I'm going to try to remember that as I go through my days in the future.

Thanks for stopping by!  Honey

Large Family Logistics - Part One

Today I am linking to 4 Moms, 35 Kids (Raising Olives, Life in a Shoe, Smockity Frocks, and The Common Room) to discuss the book "Large Family Logistics  The Art of Science of Managing the Large Family" by Kim Brenneman. This is a beautiful book to look at, and the contents are amazing.  I am really enjoying this book in my leisure. 

The chapters are arranged as follows:
Chapter 1 - The Wise Woman
Chapter 2 - Goals
Chapter 3 - Systems
Chapter 4 - Self-Discipline - It Starts with You
Chapter 5 - Attitude is Critical
Chapter 6 - Where Does Time Go?
Chapter 7 - The Interrupted Day
Chapter 8 - The Psalms - Your Spiritual Multi-Vitamin
Chapter 9 - Give Your Children A Work Ethic
Chapter 10 - Repeating Yourself
Chapter 11 - Teaching A New Chore
Chapter 12 - Rejecting Me-Centerdness, Redeeming Time Alone
Chapter 13 - Life with Littles
Chapter 14 - Baby Balance
Chapter 15 - The Family Dynamic
Chapter 16 - Your Own personal Spa
Chapter 17 - Dress for Success

This layout makes it easy to find, in a hurry, any information you need.  I'm sure this is a book that will be used for years to come. 

My husband and I have been married for 28 years.  Our daughters are basically grown now, although some still live at home. My husband recently retired.  We are now grandparents of a beautiful, bright little boy.  We have had grandparents live with us in the last few years.  We've closed a business.  So our life is going through lots of changes.  I'm trying to develop routines for our new life, and see how having four adults in our home will work.  What I know so far, is that it is MUCH easier when the children are small! 

Some things that stood out to me while I thumbed through the book. 

In Chapter 2, we are told to make goals with our husband.  This always makes for a happy husband and and a happy home.  Also, we should write these goals down so we can see them.  I post mine throughout the house.  On my kitchen cabinets, on the bathroom mirror, beside my bed.  I know most people don't do things like this, and I know my house doesn't look like a magazine layout.  But it works for me, and that is what counts.

Chapter 3 talks about having a system in place.  This always works well.  I'm having to learn that our systems look different at different stages of our life.  When my children were little, I washed loads of clothes all day long on Saturday.  Out laundry room was outside, and it was COLD in the winter!  But that system never changed then, unless there was an emergency and we had to wash something during the week.  When the girls were older, we opened a child care center at a location away from our home.  Suddenly  I was gone from home for extended hours a day.  The girls were 11, 11, and 10.  They took over the laundry.  They were very good at it.  We had rotating chore charts, and they would keep a chore about a quarter of the year.  Usually I did my own laundry, because some of my clothing needed special care.  Now everyone does their own laundry.  I have enough clothing now that I only wash clothes about once a month.  I am struggling currently with telling myself I should down-size my wardrobe.  But that would mean washing my laundry more often than once a month, and I'm afraid that I will not have time or forget.  So I'm still working on this.  I think the first step is the down-sizing.  Then I won't have a choice!

Chapter 5 says that attitude is critical.  That is so true.  The mother's attitude sets the attitude of the whole home.  So put a smile on your face, and watch your children smile too.  I liked the part on page 58 that talks about the mothers getting in line with Jesus, and their daughters will follow.  That is so true.  Consistency is the key!  I wish I had been more consistent.  Live that life that says "follow me, girls" as Kim suggests.  No one can be that example to your daughters like you can.  I think the reason I didn't do as good a job with this area as I would have liked is because I didn't grow up in a Christian home.  It is hard to model something you have not seen.  I hope my girls do a better job, and I will gladly help them from the sidelines.

Chapter 7.  "An interrupted day is God's plan for the life of a mother."  I like this a lot.  So many times in my life I have felt guilty when things didn't get done as I had planned.  I do believe in the Lord's will for my life.  I'm going to remember this the next time the Lord has a different path for my day. 

Chapter 16.  I'm definitely going to try out the bathroom cleaning routine.  I can use a cleaner bathroom as well as the workout!

Well, that is a quick review of my quick review of Part 1 of this wonderful book.  I hope you decide to give it a look.  To view the other posts, go to http://raisingolives.com/. 

Thanks for stopping by! Honey

I Missed You Yesterday

Did you miss me?  Probably not.  I don't think I have much presence yet.  But I missed all you, none the less.  I wasn't feeling well last night, so I went to bed early, after the B90 Days Twitter Party.

This week Pappy has been working to get the hay in for the winter.  His friend cuts and rolls it, then Pappy picks the hay up with the tractor, loads it, and moves it from field to field.  He also checked the fences at the pasture he was working.  We farm about 100 acres in cattle and hay.  Most of the pasture is rented.  So we have cows all over the county!  Pappy came home with a suntan today!  Tomorrow is suppose to be the hottest day of the year.  About 98 degrees, with a heat index of 110.  I hope Pappy is careful and stays cool.  Tonight we discussed which cows we are going to take to the sale for the rest of the year.

The Grandboy came home today!  We didn't get to see him yet, but he called.  He made his mother call each of us to be sure we knew he was back!  When I answered the phone he said, "Honey, I need you!"  Oh, sweet boy, I need you, too!

Grandboy on the long trip home from the beach.  He was away about 5 days.  I think he was ready to be home!

Daughter #1 worked on cleaning the house for me today.  We may have company some time this week from out of town.  Pappy's brother and family are about two hours away at a ball tournament, and they may get to stop by.  Well, being in real estate, the first of the month is a busy time for me.  I didn't get home tonight till about 7:00.  So cleaning the house was a big help! I really appreciate her hard work.

Well, that about covers it here for the day.  Talk to you tomorrow!  Honey