'Tis But A Season

The Way I See It

2009-10-25T13:55:00.005-05:00

We like to sit up front for mass. Today we got the second row.

The altar server was a young girl - probably 9th/10th grade - and was wearing frayed blue jeans and turquoise rubber flip-flops. Hmmmmm

On the row in front of us were 5 young men - maybe 18-20 yrs old. They zipped into the parking lot in their giant pickup and were laughing and cutting up as they walked down the sidewalk. All five looked as if they dressed from the same closet. Rugged boots, worn jeans and longsleeved button-ups, untucked and slightly wrinkled. They all knelt down and prayed before mass started and each participated fully. They chuckled when Fr. Duffy threw in his weekly joke (it's just not Sunday without one) and they stayed in their pew, singing the last hymn until the music stopped.

I'm constantly being taught lessons from above.

Thank you Jesus for your unconditional love.

Starting Over

2009-08-15T21:32:00.005-05:00

For the four readers that I have (thanks Mom & Annette!) :) I plan to begin posting again. I've spent the last 9 months trying to adjust to being a working mom. Trying to find my groove, get organized, learn how to accomplish everything in 24 hours (I just don't think it's possible) and still maintain my sanity hasn't been an easy task. I've spent many a day frustrated, tired, and in tears but I know that God has a plan for my life and for my family. I know this season is but a short chapter in the book He is writing for us.

The long and short of the last 9 months is that I work an hour away from the house so we have enrolled the kids in a Catholic school that is 4 miles from my office. We have just begun football season and The Coach is keeping 14-15 hour days!! He is very tired but loves his new head coach and loves his new school. It is such a huge change from being in the urban district he came from! We went to a scrimmage this morning and the stands were full! Last year, the kids and I would have been one of - maybe - a dozen people in attendance, so this is a big difference even for us! Everyone is just so exicted about cheering on this new team.

I look forward to sharing the craziness of our life with my family, irl friends & my stranger-friends through this silly little blog and would love to hear from you!

(by the way, I have made time to read a few blogs every day - it helps keep me sane :) - I know I haven't commented much (if at all) but it's been a blessing to me nonetheless. Thanks for your consistency! You never know who's reading and is feeling encouraged by your words.)

American Girl - Celebrate Your Inner Star!

2008-12-20T12:42:00.006-06:00

Heather wrote that she never thought she'd be this mom...I must admit, I am this mom. I love these dolls and wanted Caela to have one well beyond a reasonable age. Santa brought her "Zoe" (not to be confused with Zoey) for Christmas 2 years ago and she has been part of our family since.

Last November the Dallas location opened and we've been saying that we'd go but it seems we never made it. So, after I went back to work I decided to bribe her with a trip to the Bistro and Salon. You see, she has had the hardest time adjusting to the new family dynamic and many days she'd begin with tears. Today was our Mommy-Daughter date in celebration of making it throught the last 7 weeks! When we walked in I believe Caela heared the angels sing "hallelujah, amen" and then she took off. She bounced from one section to the next as quickly as a ping-pong. It was all quite overwhelming and yet exciting all at once. She asked me, "Mom, why are you smiling?" It was just so fun to see her be a child. I hope I always remember to slow down to catch the view from here more often.

Does it get cuter than this? My picture isn't too clear, but this little hook is on the bathroom stall just to the front left of the toilet. It says, "Hang your doll here"! Oh, my heavenly days!

After brunch, Zoe had an appointment at the salon. Caela chose the style and ribbon colors. Quite honestly I was amazed at how well it turned out. Since Zoe has curly hair - just like Caela - it can get a little crazy, but our stylist did a great job.

I love this little quote above the door!

Every Who down in Who-ville,

2008-12-20T12:30:00.005-06:00

the tall and the small,
Was singing! Without any presents at all!

He HADN'T stopped Christmas from coming!
IT CAME!
Somehow or other, it came just the same!

Friday was the last day of school before the holiday break and all the 1st graders dressed as Who's. I know she may not look like much in this photo, but her sweater had a little fringe on the cuffs and she wore fuzzy slippers. Her hair looked really cute - I had to convince her it wasn't too much!

Merry Christmas, Stranger-Friends!

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

2008-12-18T20:48:00.006-06:00

I've been meaning to post this picture to share our celebration of the Feast of The Immaculate Conception but life has thrown us a few curve balls. Last Monday both kids were sick so I scheduled an appointment with the pediatrician and turns out they both had strep throat. This is a new occurrence for Jaedon, but unfortunately this was the 5th time since October 3rd for Caela. Poor baby is miserable! We visited the ENT and he has scheduled surgery for the 29th. She is very nervous and so am I! She hates hospitals and I can't say that I blame her, but I know she will feel so much better when her tonsils come out. The ENT said that there is very little space between her tonsils and her uvula. Nighttime breathing has become a challenge and she is extra 'fussy' these days. Please remember her in your prayers.

Back to our 'celebration'...We (the Coach and I) had a white dinner and I made white cupcakes that I decorated with white icing and clear sprinkles. Caela colored the lovely portrait you see above just shortly before she fell out. :) As I'm sure you can imagine, our evening ended early...

Father, You prepared the Virgin Mary to be the worthy mother of your son. You let her share beforehand in the salvation Christ would bring by his death, and kept her sinless from the first moment of her conception. Help us by her prayers to live in your presence without sin.We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever.

St. Nicholas Likes Hot Cocoa?

2008-12-08T19:44:00.008-06:00

Saturday night we celebrated the feast of St. Nicholas. This was our first year to do this and it was a lot of fun. The kids were so excited to participate in all the activities I had planned. I did not accomplish all I had on my list, but next year I will be 'on my game' and better prepared.

Jessica, Catholic Mom Extraordinaire, is soooo gracious and always shares her fabulous plans. Now that I am working fulltime - outside the home - MOST days I feel completely overwhelmed and underprepared. I love that I have Jessica as a resource. So it is with that disclaimer that I share what our family did on Saturday night. :)

We made St. Nicholas Hot Cocoa (cocoa was said to be his favorite drink), and the kids turned chocolate santa's into chocolate St. Nicholas'...

I really wanted to read, St. Nicholas The Wonder Worker, but I had a hard time finding the book (when I had free time to look). Note to self: Next year order online in advance!

At bedtime, the kids set a shoe at their doorway and woke to a nice surprise...

Altogether, I'd say it was a good evening.

God of joy and cheer, we thank you for your servant, the good bishop Nicholas. In loving the poor, he showed us your kindness;in caring for your children,he revealed your love. Make us thoughtful without need of reward so that we, too, may be good followers of Jesus.

'Tis But A Season

2008-10-11T08:44:00.005-05:00

**** Disclaimer - This is a long post ****

Ecclesiates 3:1
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...
Almost 5 years ago to the day I quit my job! Only to take on the task of being a stay-at-home mom & wife on a FULL TIME basis. It has proven to be the very best decision we could have ever made for our marriage and our family. We are stronger for it.

Being a stay-at-home mom requires sacrifice (for most) in the budgetary area and it has been no different for us. I researched and learned how to make nearly everything from scratch to lower our grocery budget. During the first 2-1/2 years, I made a $300/mo grocery budget (this includes all food, toiletries, cleaning, etc) stretch as far as I could. I drove my poor car until the wheels fell off - btw, if you were in the school parking lot and I honked at you I'm sorry! On it's way to the auto-grave my car horn went crazy! Every time I turned the wheel the horn honked! :)

The Coach wasn't so sure about the idea of me becoming a sahm. I know he had his doubts, so it became my mission to make sure he never felt the pinch. I would have sacrificed just about anything to be sure he was happy during this season of our life. I also felt very strongly about the kids never realizing we didn't have the money for "fill-in-the-blank". The kids and I have built many memories making cookies in the kitchen or checking on our homemade popsicles. We'd have themed "restaurant night" dinners - at home. Olive Garden was a favorite of our son, mexican is a winner any day of the week and pizza has been a Friday standard!

We have received God's blessings in abundance during the last 5 years. The Coach got his dream job after 10 years of working towards it. Whereas it included a nice raise, we were excited to have some extra. We bought a house into his second year and finally got a new car.

Ecclesiates 3:3,4
...a time to tear down...a time to weep...
But, last March we had to deal with some job issues and we weren't sure what the future would hold. It seemed God worked it out and we sighed a collective breath of relief only to have the air knocked out of us in May. The same man who said he wanted to start fresh, "reassigned" my husband the day after his all-sport athletic banquet. This basically meant he fired The Coach, but because we have a contract (which right now doesn't seem to be worth the paper it's printed on) we are "safe" for one year. The Coach was devastated. He has never been reprimanded during this career, never received a 'below expectation' review, etc. This man just didn't like my husband. The principal was in the wrong on several aspects...he never gave him an evaluation for the year (still hasn't), wanted him to sign a Growth Plan in June that the principal dated in February, etc., etc. Even though it felt like the darkest time, I know God was with us. We have both grown spiritually in the last 9 mo's.

The school year has been the hardest of his career. The principal assigned him to In-School Suspension. So he sits behind a desk all day and babysits kids who can't behave. He was volunteer coaching for his best friend at another high school in the same district, but his gem-of-a-principal found out and told him it was a conflict of interest (even though he has NO athletic responsibilities at his school). So, my Coach, a man who is usually so busy this time of year that we rarely see him, has been home by 4:30p everyday (any coach's wives reading this will know that this is NOT fun for anyone involved)!! God continues to stretch him in ways he didn't know he could go.

Ecclesiates 3:12, 13
I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil-this is the gift of God.
Late in the summer, God showed us his grace again. A neighboring city (about 5 miles away) has grown exponentially in the last few years and will be opening a second high school next fall. They have already hired an Athletic Coordinator/Head Football coach and several other positions...but the have room for my Coach! The AC and my Coach had dinner and talked for a couple of hours. The Coach has gone to many of their freshman games this season (since he has nothing but time on his hands :)) and they are regularly emailing one another. The district isn't beginning the paperwork process for all the new hires until the spring semester but the AC has all but made it official. (trust me though, I know....until you sign the dotted line...keep praying) This new school will be 7.5 miles from the house!! The Coach has never worked that close to home. He is so excited about being part of a program from the ground up. The AC puts a high priority on character and integrity of the athletes and his staff. So refreshing!

The downside, you ask? Compensation. We will be taking a sizable cut for him to go into this district, but I know he wants it and deserves it (esp after the last year!). We just have to get through this year.

Knowing about this pay cut and loving my home (neighborhood, friends, church), it became clear that I was going to have to go back to work. I prayed about this and was even a little resentful (just being honest, friends) of the idea. Reluctantly I began applying for jobs in the kids school district and in the district The Coach will be in. Nothing. So I put my resume on monster.com and within 4 days I had an interview. Turns out it was NOT part of God's plan that I work for that company (I received many signs after asking God to show them to me....you see, I'm a little slow at hearing God's voice. I need the giant marquis that says "THIS IS IT" or "NO!") but the interview sparked a conversation with a man from church. This man is the same age as me, is married to the absolute sweetest woman you could ever know and they have two precious boys. He just bought a 30-yr old family business from his grandfather and wanted to talk to me about working for him. I start a week from Monday.

This will mean a little change for the kids...Daddy will take them to school and expedite the "morning routine" and one of our families dearest friends will pick them up in the afternoon. Daddy will be home by 4:30 and I will follow shortly thereafter. I guess the biggest change will come on school holidays - when I'm schlepping myself out the door to work while my family sleeps...but, to everything there is a season, right?

Stranger-Friends, I will end this by saying, God is Faithful. Even when you think it's the end of the road, He shows you another way.

What year is this anyway?

2008-09-19T10:40:00.004-05:00

I know I've been a little frazzled lately, but I'm not completely losing my mind! Today I stopped by the Intermediate school to check my box. When I got home I began sorting through the papers and found 2 "Volunteer Sign-Up" forms. I immediately noted that the form was different than the ones I put out.

hmmmm........

Then I noticed this...(read the last line)...

Friends, I googled that date and it is 2-0-0-6!! Wow. What parent or teacher has been hanging on to this? This kid isn't even at our school anymore!

This bloggin' thing....

2008-09-16T18:50:00.005-05:00

....takes a back seat to my life. Although, I began blogging for the opposite reason - to keep up with things on a daily basis - it seems I get sucked into living and forget about the rest of it. Not such a bad thing, though. Living is good.

So, in short...

...we went for a day visit to see the kids' favorite cousin

...the kids went back to school

...I've been subbing in our local school district,
...I was sick for a over a week,
...my in-laws came for a visit,
...Jaedon turned 10 (& went to the Fort Worth Stockyards with his grandparents),

...somehow this SUCKER is the PTA president for the district AND over the Intermediate school
...I had a garage sale with my sister
...Caela started dance
...Caela's school just finished their fundraiser
...Jaedon's school just started their fundraiser
...(have I told you that I hate fundraisers?)

Now you know that I wasn't lying when I said I've been living. I hope you are all enjoying your lives as well. Don't get me wrong, we all have our crosses to bear, but right now I'm trying to focus on the grace-filled life I've been blessed with!

Happy Tuesday, Stranger-Friends!!

Shaylee

2008-08-21T21:26:00.003-05:00

My neice, Shaylee, is 11. She is a beautful girl - inside and out! I had the honor and blessing of being in the delivery room when she took her first breath and watching her grow into a young lady has been equally exciting.

So, it is with pride that I tell you that this baby girl is bloggin'!! :) Go say hello, would you?

WoW - Week 1

2008-08-20T12:33:00.003-05:00

I've decided to join the Regina & the group by participating in Weight on Wednesday's. If you'd like to know more about it, check it out here.

The Coach and I both need to lose weight so began a 'low-carb lifestyle' last week. The first few days were AWFUL for me. I have such an addiction to sugar, caffeine & carbohydrates that I was in a definite detox for 2 or 3 days. I had headaches and cravings and felt a little sluggish. It was not fun! But I must say that I'm feeling great today (Day 6). The weight is coming off and I'm feeling good.

Goals for Week 2 -
:: stay away from sugar!
:: 2 cup/day of leafy greens
:: walk 1 mile 3x/week

Weight loss for Week 1 - 8 lbs !! :)

ps - I just took our Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake out of the oven. This will be dessert for Friday's celebration of The Queenship of The Blessed Virgin Mary. Here's the recipe for any of you who are just dying to have it! :)

3 egg whites
pinch of cream of tartar
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup splenda or other artificial sweetner
2 pkgs cream cheese
2 eggs
10 mini SUGAR-FREE Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Preheat oven to 400-degrees. Mix egg whites & cream of tartar on high until very thick (this is important)...usually takes me 3 minutes or so. Add heavy cream and mix - again until very thick. Blend in sweetner and then add cream cheese. Mix on low speed until completely smooth. Last, add the 2 whole eggs and blend. (this will be the binder and will help to thin out the thick batter you've created)

Chop the peanut butter cups until the size you'd like to have them. Fold into the batter.

Spoon batter into a 9" PAM sprayed pie pan (or spring form pan if you have it). Bake 20-25 minutes until brown around the edges.

Cool for about 1 hour on the countertop then cool overnight in refrigerator. Yummmm.

Friday Funny

2008-08-09T08:37:00.005-05:00

Yesterday the kids were arguing (about nothing, I'm sure) and Jaedon rattled off to Caela that because she said she couldn't taste the sugar in a VERY SWEET drink she "had no taste buds".

Caela was understandably devastated at such news and came to me in that whiny girl voice and said, "Mom, Jaedon said I don't have any taste buzz."

To which Jaedon responded, "It's taste buDs not buZZ."

In her defense Caela replied, "No, everyones taste buzz are different."

Happy Birthday LaLa!

2008-08-08T12:25:00.003-05:00

We celebrated my mom's 56th birthday with a Tex-Mex dinner & cupcakes at our house. My brother gave her this t-shirt...She LOVES the Cowboys!!

Part II of her gift was spending some time with her newest grandson...(my brother's son)...

My PawPaw was able to come to the party and he also got to spend some time with his namesake...and 10th great-grandchild...

I love family names. My grandmother, mom & sister shared the name Catherine; my brother shares his name with my dad and grandfather and my kids share middle names with The Coach and I. Do you have a family name? Did you pass one on to your child?

Mosaic Meme

2008-07-31T16:36:00.003-05:00

1. What is your first name? Christie 2. What is your favorite food? Mexican @ El Fenix 3. What high school did you go to? Duncanville 4. What is your favorite color? Blue 5. Who is your celebrity crush? Emmitt Smith 6. Favorite drink? Mojito 7. Dream vacation? Rome/Vatican 8. Favorite dessert? Homemade German Chocolate Cake 9. What you want to be when you grow up? A witness of God's love & amazing power 10. What do you love most in life? My Lord from whom all blessings flow 11. One Word to describe you? Thinker 12. One hobby of yours? Reading

So...now it's your turn. I hope, like me, you learn how to do new things and enjoy your creation. Here's how: a. Type your answer to each of the questions above into Flickr Search. b. Using only the first page, pick an image. c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker. d. Save image to hard drive and post to blogger. e. Copy HTML code for flickr photo credits and paste into blogger at the bottom of the post.

Thanks Jessica & +JMJ+ for taking the lead! It was fun!

1. http://www.flickr.com/photos/xgray/1162074890/">pink wall with railing, 2. http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewtreynolds/379462596/">El Fenix 12x Zoom, 3. http://www.flickr.com/photos/dallas_nikon/2308222778/">Duncanville H S, 4. http://www.flickr.com/photos/petervanallen/486476524/">The Chesil Beach at Portland - Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, 5. Untitled, 6. Mojito, 7. http://www.flickr.com/photos/bluejeans/351027670/">Statue of St. Peter, 8. http://www.flickr.com/photos/mav_port2port/2544207825/">a birthday cake, 9. Astonishing*, 10. http://www.flickr.com/photos/iko/106957481/">Plus haut, 11. http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotogrotto/64900293/">thinking up a storm, 12. http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikvanhannen/2143007559/">The Old Library

Monday Link Love

2008-07-21T15:11:00.004-05:00

BooMama is asking if you are a swimmer or a sideliner?
Whittaker Woman has confessed she doesn't do 'moving water' very well these days.
Big Mama has some fabulous skin care advice from her 90 yr old grandmother.

How's your summer going?

Frugal Friday Tip

2008-07-18T19:40:00.005-05:00

I am a member of our local Freecycle group and last summer a lady posted that she had a box of old gourmet cooking magazines. I love to be in the kitchen so I knew I could put those to good use. I was dreaming of all the fabulous recipes I'd be trying out in my new kitchen. I knew that I would tear out the 'good ones' and create a notebook of my new found favorites. What I didn't expect I'd receive was this...

Kitchen decor! The Cook's Country magazines have beautiful full-color photo's on the front. I cut out 6 of my favorites (trying to vary the colors utilized) and took myself to the nearest Dollar Tree. I found this burgundy wood frames and they happened to have 6! Bingo!

Now I have unique & colorful wall decor in my kitchen for a whoppin' $6!!

Check out more Frugal Friday tips at Biblical Womanhood.

The Walls Are Closing In On Me

2008-07-16T17:29:00.005-05:00

One year ago we made the decision to move from the city to the "country". We are 30 minutes away from the big city and 10 minutes from the closest grocery store in a small suburb near us. Because I do not work outside the home I occasionally feel a little claustrophobic...even in our nearly 2700 sq ft! Especially this summer. I go to church on Sundays and the rest of our activities are here in our little community. I venture out to pick up groceries or occasionally pick up fast food from our limited options. Last week while The Coach was gone to football camp I got it really bad. I needed to see traffic, some tall buildings, maybe a restaurant and possibly visit TCBY.

I love my man. He was tired when he came home on Thursday so I let him sleep for about 6 hours. (He had been gone 6 days and they were practicing 3x/day in 100-degree temps!) On Friday morning I let him sleep in. Friday afternoon we lounged around the house just enjoying the fact that he was back home with us. By 3 or 4pm I was getting a little antsy. The Coach loaded the children into the car and took us for a drive into the city. ahhhhhh, relaxation. I know it sounds sooo crazy, but seeing this made me so happy!

We drove around our old neighborhood, rolled through a carwash and stopped to get me a Coca-Cola from my favorite...Burger Street. Let me say that I have specific criteria for fountain sodas. They must be in a styrofoam cup (for the insulation) and they must have "good ice". The Coach cannot understand this ice issue, but...Sonic ice pellets - good ice; McDonald's chunk ice - not so much. Burger Street - FABULOUS ice...it's the flaky kind!! Ohhhh, he must love me.

Then we went to see this...

Could She be more beautiful?? The Cathedral Shrine of The Virgin of Guadalupe is the Mother Church of our Diocese and has been standing since 1902! Can you see me beam with pride...what a piece of architecture! ;-)

We attended the Chrism Mass here in 2004 and the Rite of Election during our RCIA process.

We ended our city-adventure by eating an early dinner at El Fenix...my absolute favorite restaurant!!

So that concludes my "day out". Do you ever feel the walls closing in on you?

Today's Post Is Brought To You By The Letter "F"...

2008-07-12T12:25:00.006-05:00

...Friends, Family, Fun...

My sister and a friend came over on Wednesday (I'm a little late in posting since The Coach has come home! :) !! ) and the kids - all 6 of them - had a ball. There was swimming, tons of food, a house full of laughter and silliness...well, judge for yourself!

My niece...Shaylee

Caela & her friend Mia

Lunch...Cheeseburger Rolls & Homemade Fries

My sis & her make-up (she HAD to fix her face after swimming) with Caela

The whole motley crew...Jaedon & Andrew (l-r), Genna (pink), Mia, Caela (w/bow) and Shaylee

Playing with the dogs

Shaylee playing with Aunt Christie's camera...look, it does black & white...

Aunt Shell's new do (in sepia no less) :)

Genna

I hope your Family is enjoying a Fabulous summer!!

My favorite word...GIVE-AWAY!

2008-07-09T19:40:00.004-05:00

Sew Gracious is hosting a give-away and boy, does she have some great stuff! Check out this beauty...
Really, you should RUN over to her place...contest ends at midnight tonight!!

Girls Night

2008-07-09T08:57:00.003-05:00

The Coach has been at football camp this week so the kids and I have taken the opportunity to do some deep cleaning! It has been a lot of hard work...sorting through clothes that no longer fit Caela, sorting through Jaedon's tiny pieces of lego's, transformers & imaginex, and even vacuuming the stairs! My reward for it all....Girls Night! I sent an email to a bunch of ladies from church and invited them over for a movie. I made popcorn & cookies and we all wore our pj's! So fun!

Do you ever have 'girls night'? What's on the schedule?

2008-07-06T21:25:00.003-05:00

A Mother's Prayer for her Children

Mary, Mother of Consolation, be with me now as I pray for my children. You, who bore the most perfect Child, know a mother’s concern for her children. You are the finest example of motherhood. Open your heart to my prayer.

There are times, Blessed Mary, when I feel so confused. My love for my children always directs me to do those things each day which will be good for them.

I always try to act in a way which will help them to be better Christians. It is often difficult for me to know what is right. Mary, please guide me through my doubts. Help me to know what is right. Help me to direct and raise my children, not for my own satisfaction, but for the glory of God.

Oh Queen of Heaven, my children are so frail in this world. Help me to guide them to know and love Our Heavenly Father. It is through His will that I have these children. They are truly His gift.

At this time, Blessed Mother of Consolation, I place my children under your care and protection. I know you will help them just as you have helped me. Keep us in your love, always.

Amen.

2008-07-02T22:31:00.002-05:00

Tonight I was changing the music on my playlist and Caela came in and started dancing. What ensued was an impromtu dance/photo session. We laughed and danced until bedtime! Enjoy!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Some New Jesus Music

2008-07-02T19:34:00.004-05:00

I like music. Had I actually finished college (that's another post) I probably would have a degree in some kind of music. I like lots of different genre's to the exclusion of most rap & country. I don't detest either one, just not my fav's.

So, today when I was surfing the web (because I have nothing better to do, right?) I came across Gretchen Harris. She is a contemporary Catholic musician and some of of her titles include, Prayer of St. Francis, You are Near and others. She has rosary CD and one titled "Sing of Mary".

Perhaps you've already been introduced but this was our first meeting. I like her! She has a very sweet voice...listening to her is peaceful. You might like her too. Seriously.

Pardon Our Mess

2008-06-30T17:30:00.004-05:00

Whittaker Woman put it out there today. She thinks we should all confess our dirty little hiding spots. *sigh* I think this could get ugly here in Texas!

Downstairs couch was my first spot to check...
...2 roll-up crayons, a small notepad, emory board, bracelet, snack size ziplock, coupon for dog treats (and it's NOT expired!), a popsicle stick, one piece of popcorn, 2 ponies (pony tail holder), 2 pink "x"'s (for tic-tack-toe), one pink monkey (apparently to some game), a cheez-it (or is it a cheese nip?), 2 dirty socks, and a pile of miscellaneous trash

wow. what can i say? (i'm typing in lowercase now since it's my way of shrinking back a little :))

Next I went upstairs to the "supply closet". When we first moved in a year ago I filled it with pens, pencils, misc office supplies, phone books, etc. I set up 2 wire baskets (one for each child) to collect school work throughout the year and utilized the upper shelfs for some of The Coach's keepsakes. Now it looks like this...

Heather said it best...

I am fine with the fact that I have areas in my house that are just dirty. H

Alright girls...let's see whatcha got! Check out everyone else's dirty little secrets at Whittaker Woman.

Seriously?

2008-06-30T16:31:00.004-05:00

The Coach sent the kids to the back yard this afternoon to clean up after the dogs. They had been out there for all of 3 minutes when the arguing began.

Seriously? They are arguing about who gets to pick up the dog poop (key word: poop).

Popcorn, Popcorn! Get Your Popcorn!

2008-06-29T16:47:00.006-05:00

About a year ago we were the blessed recipients of a really cool popcorn maker from a generous member of our local Freecycle. It has provided tons of popcorn and some essential entertainment on these (occasionally) boring summer nights.

Veggie is my creative child. He is known for pulling out anything and most everything I've thrown away. Pringles cans, milk jugs, cereal boxes...just about anything can become something important to him. Usually he is willing to part with his creations fairly quickly but they definitely keep him busy for a day or so.

The popcorn stand was a cardboard box in it's former life. It was rescued and resurrected into the piece that you see in a matter of an hour or so. It served it's purpose for one evening and we were sure to capture it on film.

This is a typical day in our house. Do you're kids pull things from the trash? Do you sneak the items into the garbage pail or do you set them aside for creative thinking?

NOTE: Sorry for the picture placement lately. I'm strugglin' with blogger! ugh.

2008-06-27T10:02:00.017-05:00

Last week we traveled to Oklahoma City for The Coach's first family reunion in about 12 years! It was fun to see everyone and the weekend seemed like a whirlwind!

We arrived Friday for the picnic at a local park. Tons of food, music & dancing, dominoes and even swimming for the kids. And, of course, no family reunion is complete without the t-shirt!

On Saturday the group split up...adults (who were interested) went to the casino and the rest of us took a group of kids to Incredible Pizza. It's Chuck E. Cheese x 10!! Both Veggie & Saucy ended up with over 400 tickets to be cashed in for the "prizes" that broke in the car! :)

We had a chance to rest for about an hour before we had to get ready for the evening's banquet. Dress for the evening was defined as "dress to impress yourself"...needless to say there were many interpretations of this. Saucy chose a white dress (former flower girl gown) and she looked radiant (if I say so myself).

Veggie wore his khaki's with a blue button-up and a navy jacket...he is getting so big & handsome!

The banquet was a seated meal (with 3 forks!) and when we were finished eating...

("DJ Jazzy J" aka The Coach) :-)

Dancing was enjoyed by all until 10pm or so. Shoes came off and hair went up. If I may be so bold to say, "a good time was had by all"!

Confident Hope

2008-05-28T08:19:00.003-05:00

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Rom 15:13

We've Adopted...

2008-04-17T08:18:00.009-05:00

...a couple of Boxers! :)

Meet 2yr old best friends Brutus & Precious
(Brutus has white on his muzzle)

These kiddo's are 2 weeks apart in age but have been together since birth. Already we are noticing the unique relationship they have with one another. Brutus is definitely the 'alpha male', and he is an attention hog! Precious seems content to sit back and let him do as he pleases. She is shy and laid back while Brutus is a little more energetic.

Veggie and Saucy were sleeping when The Coach brought the dogs home (they had no idea we were getting dogs) so it was a huge surprise Wednesday morning when they woke up! :) Now I have trouble separating the 4 of them.

Brutus and Precious are pretty attached to each other and still seem a little freaked out to be in a new place with new people. They are so well behaved - now if only my human kids would do the same, right? :)

I Am Blessed

2008-04-10T14:50:00.002-05:00

Once I posted the messy house pictures I got a little worried about letting everyone see them. A little 'photographer's remorse' set in. However, "Anonymous" wrote...

Our house is very clean now - and silent. Cleaner than its ever been. Our children are grown and we are stationed a continent from them.

I looked at your pictures with envy...

It put everything into perspective for me. It forced me to look at the pictures with a different set of eyes. Instead of the critical, self-examining vision that comes as such second nature to me, I had to see the mess through corrective lenses.

I have two healthy children who are active, smart, mess-makin' little people. They bring such joy and surprise to our lives. Veggie Boy is so smart, but we liken him to the little cloud of dust on the Peanuts cartoon. He is a bull in a china shop, Messy Marvin, etc. He dirties more clothes than any other person in our house and his heart is bigger than any other 9 yr old boy I know. He is very sensitive to the needs of others - bringing an extra jacket to school for the boy who doesn't have one, offering to be a partner to his classmate with whom no one would pair-up. These behaviors are normal to him. He is a natural born leader. All of this from the 3lb 15oz tiny baby we took home from the hospital 6 weeks before his due date. By all accounts he could be a special needs kiddo, instead God saw fit to bless us with his complete physical and intellectual health.

Saucy is such a princess and adores all things pink & sparkly. She meticulously selects her clothes and has such a distinct personality. She will "tell it like it is" to anyone who asks. (which is a clear reminder that to watch what we say around her :)) She is full of energy and seems to be a natural athlete. She is a good friend but is still definitely 5 when it comes to problem solving. She is our cuddle-bug and will brighten anyone's day with her beautiful smile.

The Coach loves football and is blessed enough to wake up each day and live his passion. Lots of people struggle just to find their passion and the reality of living may evade them forever, but not my man. He works 12 hour days in off-season and we don't even try to count the hours during football season. He misses a lot of life here at the house but we join him when we can. Fall Friday nights are the best. We're all decked out in orange and I have snacks and pom-poms shoved into my purse as we sit on the 50-yard line - about 6-8 rows up - and cheer our team on.

We are busy people. We are involved in our community, our church and the local schools. I may not always get to the laundry and the dishes may fill my sink, but Dear Stranger-Friends, I am blessed.

Full Disclosure - It's Ugly Folks!

2008-04-02T20:11:00.011-05:00

Last week I worked part-time for my aunt on Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday and then I subbed for 4th grade at Veggie's school on Friday. It was a really long week and things around the house got pretty out of control. I hate not being home to stay on top of things. I've come to realize that the older I get the more of a homebody I become.

Periodically I decide that I'd like to work a little to earn some extra money. Our 10th wedding anniversary is coming up (4/18) and I'd like to actually go somewhere. A wonderful family from church has offered to let the kids stay with them overnight so we are deciding what we'll do. :) God's provision is always there, isn't it? He knows our needs and meets them (in accordance with His will). How blessed we are.

I digress. I've decided to post the pictures of just how bad the house got last week for a couple of reasons. 1) In the spirit of full disclosure - it's all too easy for my blog to portray my life as something it's not and, 2) As a reminder - I need visual reminders of what happens when I work too much. I'm human. Sometimes I slip into the "I wanna go back to work 'cause the money would really help us out" mode...I lose sight of God's constant provision.

I planned to show pictures of the "after"; however, I'm working this week. (Seriously, did I just type that? I know I said "full disclosure", blah, blah, blah, but...)

I know. It's ugly.

St. Monica, Pray For Me! :)

laughin' so hard, i'm cryin'

2008-03-26T22:00:00.003-05:00

Y'all have GOT to click this link and watch Christian comedian, Tim Hawkins, talk about kids. (when you get to his page...scroll down and click on 'Tim on Parenting')

Let me tell you that when he talks about stupid games boys make-up...know that this is my son! The Coach and I couldn't quit laughin'. I watched it twice and cried both times.

Enjoy! :-)

2008-03-23T08:27:00.002-05:00

Isaiah 53:5 (New Living Translation)
5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.

Luke 24
The Resurrection

1 But very early on Sunday morning[a] the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 3 So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.

5 The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man[b] must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”

8 Then they remembered that he had said this. 9 So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. 11 But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it. 12 However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened.

He has Risen, Stranger-Friends! He has Risen Indeed!

Easter Fluff

2008-03-21T20:02:00.014-05:00

I can vividly remember the Easter dresses of my childhood. Mainly because each one is permanently documented in the traditional photo...

(let's not talk about the mullet hairstyles! :-))

I can also remember coloring eggs at my grandparent's house, hunting eggs in their yard on Sunday afternoon and the candy-trail left by the Easter Bunny from my bed to my basket. But...I can only recall one specific religious memory of Easter past. I can remember, in broken segments, the youth group at our church doing a passion play for the sunrise service. One particular young man, Todd, (whom I thought was quite cute - he was 16 or so...I was 7 or so!) played the part of Jesus and he hung on the cross they erected in the yard behind the church. It was quite realistic (at least to the 7 year old eye).

My point (and I do have one) is that the vast majority of what I remember was completely "fluff". I don't think my parents did anything wrong by spending a fortune buying us dresses, shoes, hose/tights, purses, hats, and pounds of candy, but I do think there's another way.

I'm striving to live a more simple life. A life with less fluff. I admit that it's not always easy. The girl with the most stuff wins, right? To voluntarily take yourself out of the game is contradictory to society as a whole. It frustrates me to think of myself as a pawn in the game of consumerism, but apparently that is what "they" intended all along.

from SortaCrunchy...

Annie Leonard quotes Victor LeBeau's statement that in order for the consumerist model to work, as we "make consumption a way of life," we must "convert the buying and selling of goods into rituals, that we seek our spiritual satisfaction, our ego satisfaction in consumption . . ."

ugh. It is sooo irritating! "make consumption of way of life"...well, they've succeeded. We associate stuff with nearly every holiday. Halloween (something like #2 holiday for retail sales), Thanksgiving (do we really need all that food?), Christmas (need I say more?), Valentines (created for consumers I believe), St. Patrick's Day (can you say public intoxication?), Easter, blah, blah, blah. If we're not comsuming large quantities of food, we're consuming even larger quantities of stuff. What do we do with all the stuff when we tire of it? when we outgrow it? when it breaks?

Exactly how does all this stuff at Easter remind us of Christ's resurrection? I know Saucy would love to go shopping and pick out a new something for Easter, but today it's not a priority in our house. She can look cute & frilly in a dress that's already in the closet. Trust me, I'm all about the girly thing - bows, sweet little patton shoes, precious bucket hats with flowers on it - but who says I NEED to go buy new stuff for this particular Sunday?

So, this year I will rummage through the giant bucket of hand-me-downs that have been given to Saucy and I'll let her choose a dress. She will look as beautiful as the others. I pray Christ's light shines through her precious smile.

The bucket o'stuff

Our casual options...

Our fancy options...

A Goodwill find...$2 & Brand
New!

Her choice...

Happy Easter, Stranger-Friends!

Resurrection Cookies

2008-03-20T19:36:00.006-05:00

Several years ago I found a recipe for "Resurrection Cookies" in an Easter issue of Faith & Family. I thought it was a fabulous idea and resolved to make them with the kids. Yea. Ok. So. Ummmm.... 2 years later, I'm REALLY making them on Saturday. I promise. Really. Even told the kids. (do you believe me??)

You will need:

1 cup whole nuts (pecans, walnuts, etc)
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch salt

1 cup sugar

a zipper baggy

1 wooden spoon

scotch tape

Bible

Instructions:

These are to be made the evening before Easter.

Preheat oven to 300F before you do anything else.

Place nuts in baggie and beat them with the wooden spoon until they are broken and in small pieces. Read JOHN 19:1-3 and talk about how Jesus was scourged (another word for beaten) by the soldiers.

Put one teaspoon of vinegar into the large mixing bowl. Read JOHN 19:28-30. Have children smell and taste the vinegar and explain that when Jesus was thirsty, the soldiers offered Him vinegar to drink.

Stir egg whites into the vinegar. Read JOHN 10:10-11. Discuss how eggs are a sign of life and explain how Jesus gave his life so that we could have brand new life.

Sprinkle a little salt into the bowl. Read LUKE 23:27. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers.

Now add 1 cup sugar. Read PSALM 34:8 and JOHN 3:16. Explain that Jesus' love for us sweetens the sorrow of His death. Mix on high speed until stiff peaks are formed (about 15 minutes). Read ISAIAH 1:18 and JOHN 3:1-3 and explain that the white peaks represent our souls when sins have been forgiven by Jesus.

Fold in the broken nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto waxed-paper covered cookie sheet. Read MATTHEW 27:57-60 and talk about how each cookie represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was placed after his death.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and TURN OFF THE OVEN (this is very important). Give each person a piece of tape and seal the door to the oven. Read MATTHEW 27:65-66 and talk about the sealed tomb.

Read JOHN 16:20-22 and talk about the sadness Jesus' followers felt when they left Him in the tomb. Leave the cookies in the oven overnight.

On Easter morning, break the tape seals, open the oven and look at the cookies. Read MATTHEW 28:1-9. See how the cookies are cracked like the empty tomb. Have everyone take a bite of a cookie. Notice that they are hollow. Explain that on the first Easter, the women were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.

Give thanks for the gift of Jesus and the Resurrection!

God Showed Up B-I-G!

2008-03-11T12:30:00.003-05:00

A principal who made no effort to establish communication and made quick judgements about the athletic program was trying to push my coach out the door. I wanted to defend my man. Instead, I listened to him talk while anxiety gripped my spirit. I had to take a serious time-out and re-focus. I prayed. I had to be positive so that my coach could see something good each day he dreaded going to school. I prayed some more. A conference with the principal resulted in my coach being completely honest, yet respectful, regarding his thoughts and feelings. (oh yea, I prayed some more) Friday the principal called, "I appreciated your honesty...tear up that growth plan...let's start fresh...I'm sorry". It was probably the roughest 6 weeks we've had, but together we got through it.

%&^$@^& W H A T ???? &^%$ @$

This is a man who went for my coach's jugular at every turn and now he just wants to start fresh? All I can say is that God saw fit to rain down a miracle on My Coach's life!!!

THANK YOU JESUS!

My First Meme!

2008-03-03T13:24:00.004-06:00

Fellow coaches wife, Megan, tagged me for my First Meme! I've been pretty busy this week so it's taken me a few days to get this posted but it was fun thinking of all the quirky things about me. (trust me, I didn't have to dig very deep!)

Here are the rules...

1. When tagged place the name and URL on your blog.
2. Post rules on your blog.
3. Write 7 non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
4. Name 7 of your favorite blogs.
5. Send an email/comment on their blog letting them know they have been tagged.

SEVEN THINGS MEME

1. I space the hangers in our closet. Each hanger has one fingers space between them. (neurotic, I know! I just can't help it.)

2. I own the Air Supply Greatest Hits CD (enough said)

3. I think too much. I am ready & willing to over-analyze absolutely anything. Case in point...I am white. The Coach is black. I met him one October and didn't start seeing him until the following February. During that time I read books on interracial relationships, bi-racial children and even asked my PawPaw what the Bible said about it. See what I mean? (again, cra-to the z - to the y!!)

4. I took piano lessons for 6 years, sang in a travelling youth choir for 6 years, was in choir at school for 6 years - even competed in UIL State Solo competitions and I do nothing with music now. What happened??

5. I just recently threw away all Veggie & Saucy's baby teeth...that the tooth fairy delivered to me. (wink wink) Why was I keeping them? Did I plan on making a necklace? Whatever.

6. The predominate color in my wardrobe is currently bright orange. There's a possibility it will change to purple sometime in April. Why? We're all about the team around here! We root for the home team and right now the home teams colors are orange & black. (Saucy even has hair ribbons, bows, pom-poms and earrings in orange!)

7. We've moved 8 times in 10 years...Hey, you know I'm a coaches wife. That's how it be's sometimes! :-)

I tag...

Rachel Anne at Home Sanctuary

Ami at Cup Runneth Over

Lisa at The Preacher's Wife

Joanne at The Simple Wife

Nutmeg at Life in A Nutshell

Jessica at Shower of Roses

Kelly at Love Well

When You're Over the Target...

2008-02-27T21:11:00.004-06:00

...you're catching flack.

Ever heard that saying? Our pastor has used it more than once in the last few months and it seems to resonate in our lives lately. The Coach has experienced some struggles in his school over the last month or so and the stress of it weighs on him heavily. As his helpmeet I really desire to help him. I hate seeing him wade through the waters of discontent and discouragement. Although I know God's plans for our lives may include a little refining fire it is still hard.

Beth Moore posted about this topic today and I love love love the way she broke it down. "We don't understand that the pressures we face getting to our places of full-throttle effectiveness in Christ are crucial for developing the muscle to sustain ministry there. He's developing the character the calling requires...Satan will never oppose us more than when he thinks we're onto our callings. Bet on that."

I need to release the anxiety, trust in God's plans and provisions for our family and press on because, when you're over the target...

Menu Planning

2008-02-25T09:43:00.007-06:00

Stranger-Friends: "Two weeks in a row? What? "

Me: "I know. It seems a bit out of character. I'm doing something - dare I say it? - consistently."

Monday - Chicken & Rice w/Green Beans
Tuesday - Spicy Beans & cornbread
Wednesday -Chicken Quesdadillas
Thursday - BBQ Baked Potatoes
Friday - Homemade Pizza

Be sure you check out the other great menus at Org Junkie!

2008-02-25T08:53:00.004-06:00

I would encourage you all to watch the premiere of "A Raisin In The Sun" tonight on ABC. We will be firmly planted on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn and our fuzzy blankies.

from the ABC website...

The title "Raisin in the Sun" comes from the opening lines of "Harlem", a poem by Langston Hughes: "What happens to a dream deferred? / Does it dry up / like a raisin in the sun?".

"A Raisin in the Sun" tells the story of a family living and struggling on Chicago's South Side in the 1950s. A fiercely moving portrait of people whose hopes and dreams are constantly deferred, Ms. Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun" was the first play written by an African American woman to be produced on Broadway. It premiered in 1959 with a cast that included Sidney Poitier, Claudia McNeil, Diana Sands, Ruby Dee and Louis Gossett Jr. The critically acclaimed work was honored with the 1959 New York Drama Critics Circle Award for best American play. A Columbia Pictures feature with the same cast followed in 1961. The classic, still-relevant story now will be showcased in this totally new television movie adaptation.

Sean Combs, who reprises the role of Walter Lee, Jr. which brought him acclaim, stars in the highly anticipated, special three-hour television movie adaptation from Sony Pictures Television of "A Raisin in the Sun," along with the cast of the award-winning Broadway revival who recreate their roles for the new film, including Emmy and Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad, four-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald, Tony Award nominee Sanaa Lathan, plus "ER" star John Stamos.

Phylicia Rashad won the Best Actress Tony Award for her role in "Raisin" -- becoming the first African American actress to ever win the Tony in this category. Audra McDonald won the Best Featured Actress Tony Award for her role in the play, and Sanaa Lathan was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress for her performance.

Stranger-Friends, don't miss this! Take this opportunity to soak in a great story. More than a civil rights story - it's a story about personal integrity, family, and love. It's a human story.

GERMS!

2008-02-24T08:55:00.002-06:00

Stranger-Friends,

What's going on with all the germs? Seems like everyone we know is sick, trying to get sick, or just got over being sick. Including me. I can't quite shake the congestion & coughing.

I subbed at the elementary school last Monday and I was one of about 5 or 6 subs in the building!! Then a good friend subbed Thursday and Friday and now, guess what?? Yep! She's sick. Taking "tami-germ" and trying to get as much rest as possible when you have 4 kids (ages 2-9) and a sick hubby! Ouch!!

Well, I pray this post finds you all feeling well. I hope no germies have come to live in your house or, worse yet, your body!

Love to you all,
Christie

No Child Left Behind??

2008-02-20T11:49:00.005-06:00

This football version of "No Child Left Behind" is hilarious.

Teaching with the belief that all children can learn is a necessity, but extending it to a required level of excellence for all results in mediocrity for most.

1. All teams must make the state playoffs and all MUST win the championship. If a team does not win the championship, they will be on probation until they are the champions, and coaches will be held accountable. If after two years they have not won the championship their footballs and equipment will be taken away UNTIL they do win the championship.

2. All kids will be expected to have the same football skills at the same time even if they do not have the same conditions or opportunities to practice on their own. NO exceptions will be made for lack of interest in football, a desire to perform athletically, or genetic abilities or disabilities of themselves or their parents. ALL KIDS WILL PLAY FOOTBALL AT A PROFICIENT LEVEL!

3. Talented players will be asked to workout on their own, without instruction.. This is because the coaches will be using all their instructional time with the athletes who aren't interested in football, have limited athletic ability or whose parents don't like football.

4. Games will be played year round, but statistics will only be kept in the 4th, 8th, and 11th game. This will create a New Age of Sports where every school is expected to have the same level of talent and all teams will reach the same minimum goals.

Kinda puts it in perspective, huh?

Makin' My Menu

2008-02-11T15:47:00.000-06:00

I've not participated in Menu Plan Monday in quite a while. I'd love to say that it had nothing to do with the fact that I wasn't actually menu planning, but.....Here's to gettin' back on track!

Here's what The Coach & kiddos will be munching on this week.

MONDAY

Breakfast...Blueberry Pancakes

Dinner...Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce, salad & garlic bread sticks

TUESDAY

Breakfast...Banana Bread

Dinner...Hamburger Pinwheels, green beans & steamed carrots

WEDNESDAY

Breakfast...Oatmeal Muffins

Dinner...Red Beans & Rice and corn muffins

THURSDAY

Breakfast...French Toast

Dinner...Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, edamame & corn

FRIDAY

Breakfast...Cereal

Dinner...Homemade Pizza

Be sure to stop by I'm An Organizing Junkie for other great menus.

Stuff

2008-02-06T15:21:00.001-06:00

I have not always been the minimalist that I am today. The Coach sorta forced me into that role when, shortly after we married, he inadvertantly threw away several boxes of keepsake things (old piano awards, an entire box of piano music, yearbooks, etc) and even broke my mom's childhood piggy bank. I know it sounds really bad, but I must admit that nearly 10 yrs later I really haven't missed that stuff at all. Mainly, because that is what it was...stuff.

I was quite pleased with the fact that we are minimalists (by my definition anyway) everytime we've had to move and again last night. We needed a new couch for the living room since our IKEA futon/couch thingy was showing it's age and, frankly, horribly uncomfortable. The Coach was to bring home a new 45-degree sectional and I had to empty the living room all. by. myself. I've never been so happy to only have one cabinet full of stuff. Ok, there's that word again! Stuff.

Inspired by Megan's conviction (I'm still in denial regarding my stuff...because did I tell you? I'm a minimalist!) and Meredith's cheerful frugality, I searched Craig's List for days and found several pieces I'd love to have in my home, but not for the low-low price of 2K! But look what a couple of coaches brought to my house last night!

I was so excited about this piece for many reasons...1) it cost us $150 + $30 for the coach's gas and 2) it was re-upholstered in the last year and steamed cleaned before we picked it up.

Alright, stranger-friends I must admit that I'm feeling pretty good about buying a secondhand sofa. :) I didn't contribute to the consumerism conspiracy and I've kept a very large item from a landfill near you!

From The Story of Stuff...

"Buying used items keeps them out of the trash and avoids the upstream waste created during extraction and production."

"The more we visibly engage in re-use over wasting, the more we cultivate a new cultural norm, or actually, reclaim an old one! "

In the name of The Father, and of the Son...

2008-01-25T15:55:00.000-06:00

Saucy Girl has a lil' bff at school this year, G. G is not Catholic. As a matter of fact, G's Daddy is a Protestant pastor. G & Saucy apparently were praying yesterday that I wouldn't be able to make it to the school in time for pick-up and they could go home together (note: twice I've been stuck in traffic trying to get to the school so G's momma took Saucy home with them). During their prayer, Saucy instructed G on The Sign of The Cross.

At bedtime Saucy described the scenario to me. Of course I just about died as I thought of G telling her Mommy & Daddy all about crossing herself! :) I told Saucy that G & her family are not Catholic so they do not cross themselves. Her puzzled little face looked at me while she asked, "Then what do they do when they pray?" I told her that usually they just bow their head and close their eyes. She asked if they make 'praying hands' also.

After thinking about it for a minute Saucy said, "Well, she got the hang of it".

Hard As Nails

2008-01-19T18:44:00.000-06:00

The Coach and I happened upon this HBO documentary during the Christmas break. Tonight we've run into it again, only this time we are allowing Saucy Girl and Veggie Boy to watch it with us. It is a moving, honest, compelling look as the Hard As Nails Ministry and it's founder, Justin Fatica.

I would encourage you to view it and I would be interested in what you think about it. Comments open.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-01-16T16:17:00.000-06:00

Success!!

2008-01-08T09:30:00.000-06:00

Wouldn't you agree that sanctuary is in the small things? Rachel Anne at Home Sanctuary has been encouraging us to take it one small thing at a time! In joining this adventure with the other Company Girls, I'm feeling great about the idea that we're doing it "together".

Last week we re-introduced fruit to our family. (10 points for everyone who ate a piece) I eagerly put out my bowl of fruit - 2 pears, 2 apples and 3 kiwi.

Veggie Boy nearly knocked me over to get a kiwi right then (which is why there are only 2 in the picture), but after that....nothing! Since we're on the honest system with the points I'm putting it out there - we earned 10. That's it.

But success was eventually realized...

(see only the remnants of the hairy little kiwi is left!)

It only took 4 days - guess I'll be heading back to the store! :-)

Making My Home A Haven

2008-01-08T08:25:00.000-06:00

I've decided to join Crystal in one of her new year challenges. Mondays will be "Making My Home A Haven" day! Crystal will post a challenge each Monday intended to help us make our homes the haven we desire. An accountability system of sorts!

My day started by making my to-do list. I'm trying to keep it do-able. Lots of times I have grand plans for the day and it doesn't allow for any interruptions or down time. So in the spirit of simplicity I'm keeping it short.

Here's the coat closet before... (don't make fun!)

After spending a few minutes cleaning and organizing, I'm pleased with the clean result!

Yea! Off to item 2! I've been using the tortilla recipe at Hillbilly Housewife and my family loves it. When I make the batch I usually get about 2 dz tortillas so it's more than enough. We had a neighborhood mexican-themed potluck and I tried them out there. I came home with a empty bag so I assume they were well received (in addition to the fact that there were 3 pkgs of store-bought tortillas which did NOT get finished off) :-)

During the fall semester I really struggled to get up early and get everything done before 8am that is necessary around here. My biggest problem was procrastinating at night. I really should pre-prepare (is that a word? lol) breakfast and iron the night before, BUT it seems I never get it done. So now that The Coach is back to school I'm trying to do better. Ironing today what he will wear tomorrow should help me tremendously!

Veggie Boy decided he wanted to do my pilates video with me. I pulled out an extra band for him to use and we got set up in the spare room upstairs - plenty of space. He lasted 5 minutes! What a weenie! Oh well, maybe he'll stick it out a little longer today.

Alright, stranger-friends quit looking all my messy spaces and get out there and Make Your Home A Haven!

Be sure to check out the others participating over at Biblical Womanhood.

The Story of Stuff

2008-01-07T13:40:00.000-06:00

Calling all Stranger-Friends! This is a must see video!

The Story of Stuff

Click on the "comments" link below and let me know what you think.

You Know You're A Coach's Wife When...

2008-01-03T21:35:00.001-06:00

...you & The Coach are in bed; snuggled up to each other. You smell his skin and feel safe and warm. The kids are sleeping soundly upstairs. Life is good.

The Coach: Anyway, like I was saying...
Me: (inside my head) Huh?
The Coach: I really need to pick up a couple of linemen. If I could just get 4 new kids I think I could make it work. We just need to focus on one game at a time. My goal right now is to win Game 1....blah, blah, blah....blah, blah.
Me: (again, inside my head) Huh? Dude. We weren't talking. I was hoping we wouldn't talk - especially not about football.
The Coach: ...blah, blah...I've really tried to set up a schedule that's conducive to winning. We have to get our momentum. I really think that if we'd have won that first game against the Jaguars the entire season would have been different...blah, blah, blah.
Me: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I Received My Saint(s) For 2008!

2008-01-03T21:14:00.000-06:00

I was quite intrigued by Melissa's post regarding her "patron saint for 2008". Being a "baby" Catholic this was a new idea to me. So, what's a babe to do? Of course. Run out and find the lovely blog that was doing the matching!

I was given St. Thomas the Apostle AND St. Lawrence! Apparently 2 saints wanted me this year. ;-)

I'm very excited and can't wait to really dig my heels into some research on these two guys!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T22:17:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year Stranger-Friends!

We made cupcakes

...toasted with the kids (Ginger Ale) ...

...and I even got a pedicure!

Good friends, good food, family - what more could we ask for?

Quick! Time's Running Out!

2007-12-30T20:52:00.001-06:00

If you're fast you can still make it! Laced With Grace is holding a great give-a-way that's sure to start the winners' new year off just right! Be sure to stop in and register.

Peace out, Stranger-Friends!

Did You Keep Track & Other Christmas Questions

2007-12-26T10:18:00.000-06:00

Well, now that it's all over (around here there are several stops before Christmas Day even arrives!) and I've had a chance to sit back and reflect on it, I have one word...Wow! Even when we try to pare it down it seems so overwhelming as I sit amongst so much stuff. Next year, I want to be more like Meredith at Like Merchant Ships or Milehimama at Mama Says!

So, my question to you. Did you keep track of your spending? Did you stay in budget? I'm a little afraid to actually sit down and tally it up at this point. As usual Meredith did a fabulous job and I'm truly in awe of her abilities to acquire such fabulously frugal finds.

Which brings me to my next questions. How do you organize your kids gifts? Does Santa bring everything? Are some wrapped and some not? Are some from Mommy & Daddy? I'm curious how others do it. We've tried to stick with one from Santa and three from us and it usually works.

One last question, do you and your spouse exchange gifts?

Ok stranger-friends, let's hear it! How was your Christmas?

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T10:14:00.000-06:00

I know I've been really quiet lately, but I wanted to take time out to wish you all the Peace of Christ during this holiday season. Regardless of what the year has brought to your life tomorrow brings new beginnings.

Aimee over at Historical Christian has a great post up about the struggle we all seem to go through trying to have the "perfect Christmas". It expresses my sentiments so eloquently.

Merry Christmas Stranger-Friends!

Refreshed, Rejuventated, Revived

2007-11-24T12:31:00.000-06:00

We are still in OKC, but, this morning, The Coach told me he felt refreshed! He even said he's ready to get back to football. Wow. Amazing what a few days away from everything will do for ya. We even turned off the cell phones!

As we gathered around my mother-in-law's dining table on Thursday, I was reminded that no matter what you do or how far you stray, a family is always there. We had 4 generations in the same room. From Big Mama (Grandma) to our 2 month old cousin - a sweet little girl who snuggled on my chest and slept (oh, it was pure yellow!); all walks of life were represented. I don't always agree with the way everyone lives their life as I'm sure they have thoughts about me ;-)...BUT, we're family and that's what will always bring us together. Love - a tie that binds!

We will head home this evening AFTER the OU vs. OSU game, of course! We will get back to our lives - schooling, dancing, cooking, cleaning, football & winter sports. I will start Christmas projects and continue traditions as the next few weeks pass by. Life is but a season and if we fail to refresh our spirit, breathe in the goodness and bask in the joy that is our family it will pass us by all too quickly. God has richly blessed us and, for that, I'm eternally grateful.

Blessings & Peace Stranger-Friends!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-21T21:26:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow morning we are heading to OKC to visit my in-laws for the holidays, but before we go I'd like to leave a little bloggy link-love!

You've seriously GOT to check out fellow Coach's Wife, Megan, over at Sorta Crunchy. Her post is so great. I know it will give you a little laugh!

Happy Thanksgiving Stranger-Friends!

God's Calling

2007-11-19T12:14:00.000-06:00

Ok, Stranger-Friends. I've got to share. Are you sitting down? OK, ahem...

God called me.
Sunday morning.
5am.
On my cell phone.

Oh, I know what you are thinking..."this crazy blogger woman has lost her ever-loving mind". But, I submit to you the following:

777-7777

That's the phone number (I deleted the area code for bloggy safety) that called me at 5 am. I answered and nothing. Then click. I immediately called the number back and it's a recording (not the usual recording lady either) saying that I've reached a number that is not in service! What? How could a phone that's not in service call me?

I've been in heavy prayer and contemplation about 2 particular subjects and I think He was responding.

I'm sure lots of you cynical sceptics will explain this away, but I choose to believe God called me.

Sunday morning.

5am.

Update: Family and Football. Or is it Football and Family?

2007-11-13T07:19:00.000-06:00

Saucy Girl is sick. Again. Second time in less than 2 months. Gosh, how I love the little germy kids at her school!

Today is Day 2 of her quarantine and she's not happy about it. At 5:30am she asked if she could go to school! She's convinced that "G", her little friend, is just missing her somethin' terrible. Saucy Girl is the social butterfly of the family so it's no doubt that she's worried about her lack of socializing during this week. Forget the academics. She's concerned about her popularity status.

*************************************************************

Please step away from the stadium. Football season is officially over. It was a looonnng one, stranger-friends. We finished the season 0-10. Yeah. Not so great. We know. (But a HUGE congratulations to my good friend Carolyn on an undefeated season! Go Scots! We'll be watching!)

Now it's time for the reflective season. The one where The Coach can, mid-conversation, start talking about the mistakes, the personnel decisions, the changes that need to be made, etc. He is feeling mentally drained and is craving a vacation. So, next week we are packing it up and heading to OK to visit his parents. Nothing like spending some time with your mama to make you feel better. However, a 4 hour car ride with the little people isn't my idea of fun. OK. Comment all you want. I love my little people like I love my next breath; however, being crammed into a vehicle for 4 hours? Ummm, I'd rather not. And my littles don't sleep on road trips, they just talk. And talk. And talk. (you get the idea?)

So, what are you planning for the Thanksgiving holidays? Anyone taking any road trips? How do you maintain your sanity on the long car rides?

Blessings, Stranger-Friends!

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2007-11-06T11:18:00.000-06:00

Sunday's are relatively quiet around here. We attend church together, we eat lunch together, and then we nap together! Yup. The Coach instituted "Family Nap Time " several years ago. 2 hours of quiet!!

After nap time this past Sunday I insisted that the kids clean their rooms. You know the drill..."we're not starting another week with a messy room...blah, blah, blah..." Anyway, after about 30 minutes of "cleaning time", I was presented with this":

Veggie Boy: "Mom, I've been writing a song [while I was supposed to be cleaning my room]. Hear this." (mom's note: I absolutely looooove that he says, "hear this"...he's done it since he was tiny)

When reading this just hum to any song as the more he sang the more it sounded like a song from one of our Seeds CD's...

I will not go
For He's the Lord.
I will never disobey
He's the leader of our people

He's the Holy One,
The greatest God you will ever know
That's how we get our miracles
Like having a little girl or a baby boy
And they're so beautiful words can't even explain it
They're like a miracle from above

And that's why you should believe in God
He's the greatest person you will ever know
I can't believe how great He is
You should never give up hope
Because God will be there for you.

Saucy Girl: "Mom, I wrote a song too!"
Veggie Boy: "No, you didn't."
Saucy Girl: "Yes, I did. Be quiet. Moooommm, listen to mine."
Mom: "Ok, go ahead I'm listening."

I can't quite describe the tune....ahem....it breaks my heart to admit this, but I can say that my baby was fulfilling her scriptural duties of making a joyful noise (noise being the operative word here, folks)

I got alived
Because my mom got me alived
That's how everyone gets alived
From God

What more can I say, stranger-friends? My children are soooo talented! :D

For more Tiny Talk Tuesday, head over to Not Before 7!

Monday Musings

2007-11-05T12:16:00.000-06:00

Okay, it's Monday; we've finished our schooling for the day and I was checking out some of my favorite blog reads when I found this one. I curiously input my url and was quite surprised to get this rating. Wow! A little bit of affirmation for this new bloggin' mom.

Have a great day, stranger-friends!

Hat Tip to Nutmeg!

2007-11-04T22:07:00.000-06:00

Last week was just crazy around here. We had plans every day and were even away from the house several days during school hours. We're are getting back on schedule tomorrow morning, though!

The Coach and I are enjoying the Cowboy game and Chocolate Shakes and I thought I'd post our menu for the week - be assured it will include another batch of these shakes!

Monday - Italian Chicken over Rice*

Tuesday - Cheeseburger Rolls

Wednesday - Fettuccine Alfredo

Thursday - Pizza

Friday - Baked Potatoes

Saturday - Burritos

Italian Chicken over Rice

2-3 celery stalks, chopped

2-3 carrots, chopped

2 TBS EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)

2 lg boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced (or sliced...your choice)

14.5 oz can of Italian style diced tomatoes w/basil & oregano

Parmesan cheese

Saute' first 2 ingredients in EVOO until soft; add chicken and cook until white on the outside. Add tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes on low; sprinkle cheese on top, cover and continue simmering another 5 minutes or so. Serve over rice and enjoy!

Stop by I'm An Organizing Junkie for more menu motivation!

Faith & Family

2007-10-23T15:56:00.000-05:00

I have to take this time to tell you just how beautiful this magazine is! I signed up to receive a free copy (it's published 6 x's a year) and just got the November/December issue yesterday.

Ladies, it's gorgeous!! Glossy pages, sturdy composition, fabulous color...Oh. My. Gosh. I just love it! Yea, Faith and Family!!

Of course, I crave good Catholic material. We went to the library yesterday to get a few books for my son and I picked up one of Mother Teresa's books, No Greater Love. It's like water to the thirsty soul.

Which brings me to the point of this post. Do you find yourself wading in the waters of your faith and experiencing a disconnect of sorts? Maybe it's just me, but society today seems to be either secular or mainstream Christian. Where does a good Catholic mom fit in? How can we live our faith and grow relationships with other moms? Can we be in the world, but not of the world?

Let me first say that I am absolutely, positively an amateur on this subject as I am a convert of 3-1/2 yrs. So, with that out of the way let's figure out a way to swim in the deep blue waters of our Catholic faith.

For me, committing myself to pray the Rosary on a daily basis has been an enormous help. I find that I always go to Our Lady when I am feeling the weakest. She knows. She's been there, done that, got the t-shirt! But...She was bathed in the Lord's graces. She can lead us to her Holy Son and we need her intercession. If at first you don't succeed, try Our Lady!

A bloggin' Catholic mom whose post I most enjoy also has a divine love for Our Lady. She has an email group you can join where she publishes, "Mary Vitamin, Your Daily Recommended Allowance of Marian Devotion".

I also try to devote at least 1/2 of my daily reading - blogs, books, magazines, etc. - to Catholic material. I enjoy so many Catholic Moms' blogs and have learned so much. Although I've never actually met any of these moms, you begin to feel a closeness and a faith connection. It's great to hear how they deal with life in their home and how they are cultivating our Faith in their families.

A few magazines I enjoy are: Catholic Parent, Our Sunday Visitor, Our Daily Visitor, Faith and Family, Texas Catholic, The Catholic Answer.

I also enjoy podcasts from www.sqpn.com . I can't even begin to list the available topics at this site, but suffice to say it's loaded with great Catholic stuff!

Well, stranger-friends, these are just a few things that have helped me to grow in our Faith, remain loyal to the Magesterium and maintain a Catholic culture in our home.

Blessings!

A Beth Moore GiveAway!!!

2007-10-21T22:28:00.001-05:00

I just love a GiveAway, don't you? Well, Lisa over at The Preacher's Wife is having a GiveAway that is gonna absolutely, positively bless someone's socks off!! Go check it out!

The drawing will be on Monday, October 29th, so enter now!

Frugal Olive Garden Dinner

2007-10-19T07:53:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you but I love going out to dinner. The prices, though, can be steep to feed the entire family. One of the kids favorite places is Olive Garden so I've come up with a few recipes to re-create the Olive Garden experience at a fraction of the price!

Pasta e Fagioli
1lb ground beef, browned and drained
1 sm (1cup) onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lg (1cup) carrot, julienned
3 stalks (1cup) celery, diced
15oz can of tomato sauce

12oz can of V-8

2-14 oz cans of diced tomatoes
15 oz can kidney beans
15 oz can great northern beans (or navy beans)
1 tsp white vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1 tsp thyme
1 pkg Datali pasta (or any other small tubular pasta), cooked and drained

Sweat onion, garlic, carrot and celery in large soup pot for 10 minutes. Add beef and simmer 3-5 minutes. Add rest of ingredients (EXCEPT PASTA) and simmer for 1 hour. During the last 10 minutes add cooked pasta.

Serve with garlic butter bread sticks (I buy a box of 6 or 8 at Wal-Mart for less than $2) and Caesar salad.

If that's not enough to satisfy you or if you're entertaining, try adding Spaghetti or Lasagna or Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo.

Quick Alfredo Sauce (from my favorite...The Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook)
1/2 cup butter (I wouldn't substitute margarine...hey, I didn't say this was the 'healthy' version)
1/2 cup whipping cream
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 TBS chopped fresh parsley
1/8 tsp nutmeg (optional)

Cook butter and whipping cream over low heat until butter has melted. Add cheese and next 3 ingredients; add nutmeg if desired. Pour over pasta and toss well.

(one note - this sauce will separate as it cools; it is best eaten the same day it is made as in my experience it does not reheat well)

For more Frugal Friday tips head over to Biblical Womanhood!

Works For Me: Color Coded Calendar!

2007-10-17T09:39:00.000-05:00

Well I've already admitted to being a freak of sorts when it comes to organization so I might as well let you in on one of my favorites.

I color code my calendar! Veggie Boy is blue, Saucy Girl is red, The Coach is orange (school colors) and I am green. By using colors I eliminate the need to write names with activities. My calendar has one week on two pages so each day is...well, not small but not huge either. By not writing names with everything I save space and can fit all the activities, appointments, reminders, etc. on each day! And, at a quick glance I can see who has something scheduled without trying to visually wade through the blue/black ink.

On Monday I asked for your input in creating a Home Management binder (by the way, I've not heard from you yet!) so my calendar will be a part of a larger notebook come January. I can't wait to get started on it.

So, I admit it's a little neurotic but hey...it Work's For Me!

Don't forget to visit Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer for more Works-For-Me Wednesday tips!

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2007-10-16T13:32:00.000-05:00

During a conversation regarding whether or not we'd attend a homeschool fieldtrip...

Me: Do you want to go see Slim Goodbody?
Veggie Boy (9) : Mom, he's been doing that for, like, a hundred years and I saw him last year. He's lost his luster.

(ok, Veggie Boy is not so tiny anymore, but he still says the funniest stuff sometimes.)

Check out other Tiny Talk Tuesday postings at Not Before 7.

Recipe Update

2007-10-15T14:49:00.000-05:00

Last week I tried out a new recipe for Spicy Beans and they were GOOD. I had to separate out a couple of servings into a small crock pot for Veggie Boy and the kids enjoyed their version.

Here's the recipe...roughly anyway...I'm not very good about measuring stuff out.

One pound of pinto beans into the crock pot (with plenty of water) on high

Add jalapenos (I used half a jar of the nacho-style with juice)

Add a chopped onion

Add chili powder (maybe a tablespoon?)

Add salt & pepper to taste

Add a splash or two (or three) of Worcestershire sauce

Brown one pound (more or less) of ground beef and drain. Add to beans.

Add any other meat you'd like :-)...you could add in ground sausage or smoked sausage...I added about 7 strips of raw center-cut bacon (I cut them into bite size pieces)

Cook on high for 6+ hours - the longer the better

Top with grated cheese and serve with cornbread (and sweet tea, of course!)

Happy Eating!

Home Management Journal

2007-10-15T14:21:00.000-05:00

Ok stranger-friends, I freely admit to being an organizational freak. So in that spirit I am requesting your wisdom and experience with home management journals, binders, notebooks, etc. I've read of some calling it their "control journal". Do you have one? What do you include in it?

I know that Crystal uses a Homekeeping Journal and I've seen a few posts regarding it. I might have to buy one of her ebooks to get the 4-1-1. I thought maybe a few of you are as crazy about organization as I am and would have some fab idea's for me!

Sit Down, This Is A Big One!

2007-10-13T21:09:00.000-05:00

I've decided to take the plunge and announce that .... drumroll, please ... We are homeschooling! (well, Veggie Boy anyway) Wow. That's wasn't as scary as I had been anticipating.

In "A Change in Perspective" I shared how God was working on me through my weekly bible study. The topic for the week that followed was 'control'. Ouch. Those first two weeks were really hot topics for me. Each day was difficult to open the study guide and delve into another day of soul searching and realizations. It wasn't easy, but I did it. I released the idea of homeschooling to God. I had to completely trust that He would let us know when/if it was to happen.

Because I had done a lot of reading about homeschool, we had begun to develop goals and expectations for our children's education. It was becoming increasingly apparent that they were not being met at Veggie Boy's school. I conferenced with the teacher, counselor and principal all on separate occasions to no avail. Without going into the details and reasoning for our position, I'll give one example...his teacher (whom I might add was a PE teacher for 15 years, a sub for the last 2 yrs in another district and now in the classroom - 3rd grade TAKS no less) told me that her teaching "style" was to do a lot of boardwork followed up with worksheets to reinforce the lessons...80+ worksheets in 3 weeks of school!! Again, 3rd. grade. Eight and nine yrs old. Enough said?

When I requested a syllabus/scope & sequence/curriculum outline from his teacher I told her that it was difficult to bridge the gap between home & school if I don't know what school is doing. Once I get a graded paper, I cannot help...it's graded. Anyway, she promptly printed out all 42 pages of TEA's TAKS guidelines for 3rd grade. When I told the coach about this situation, he said that we should homeschool.

I released the situation to God, quit carrying the homeschool card in my back pocket and trusted that He would show us when/if.

Blessings, stranger-friends!

2007-10-08T23:15:00.000-05:00

How 'bout them Cowboys?!

5-0!

2007-10-08T21:30:00.000-05:00

Okay. I know I've been away from the blogshere for a while, but keeping with up daily life and a blog can sometimes get a little hairy. I truly enjoy writing my thoughts and sharing the on-goings of our life, but sometimes I need to just direct my attention elsewhere. Thanks for sticking around!

This week's menu will be pretty normal. I am trying to add a new recipe each week, so I'll let you know how they turn out.

MONDAY - Spicy Beans (*New Recipe*), Rice (for the kids), Cornbread

TUESDAY - Ritzy Chicken & Fresh Spinach

WEDNESDAY - Pasta (this is a busy afternoon/evening full of dance so we eat a light dinner between classes)

THURSDAY - Southwest Chicken (Crock-Pot) over rice or in a tortilla

FRIDAY - Dinner at the Fieldhouse...The Coach's game is Saturday night, so he is hosting "Dinner & A Movie" for the players on Friday night (he likes to know where they are...you know, "It's 10pm...do you know where you're football team is?" He will.)

Be sure to check out the other menu's at I'm An Organizing Junkie!

Daddy & Daughter Donut Day (can you say that 5 times fast?)

2007-09-26T07:31:00.000-05:00

Monday morning was "Daddy & Daughter Donut Day" at Saucy Girl's school. And Mommy and Daddy forgot! Ouch! I even wrote it on my calendar.

As I pulled up the school and started into the drop-off line I noticed there were cars parked everywhere and there were very few in the line itself. "What's going on here?" I said outloud. Then just as quickly as I said it, I remembered. I gently explained to Saucy Girl that today was Daddy Donut Day and that the Daddy's who either didn't work or worked from home or worked closed to town could come. (She knows her Daddy works a good 30 miles from her school). She said "ok" and headed into the building.

As I left the school I cried for her and then I called The Coach. I told him how I felt awful for forgetting. I was having a "Sabbath" on Sunday...you know, a day of rest. :-) Unfortunately, I rested all day and didn't pull out my calendar to review the week on Sunday night. "I'll make it up to her" said The Coach and with that we hung up.

Cut to 7pm that evening...The Coach walks in the door and, as usual, the kids run to him. Saucy Girl notices he has a box of donuts in his hand. He looks at her and says, "Someone told me that today was Daddy & Daughter Donut Day". "Yes it was" said her little voice. So The Coach said, "Well, let's go have a donut".

My heart was full as I sat and watched The Coach have a donut with Saucy Girl (before he'd even had his dinner). I am so blessed.

2007-09-24T09:23:00.000-05:00

Here's what will be on the table this week at The Coach's House!

Monday - Cheesburger Rolls & Homemade French Fries

Tuesday - Chicken Italiano & Rice

Wednesday - Quick Picnic Pasta (we eat between dance classes)

Thursday - Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas & Spanish Rice

Friday - Homemade Pizza

Be sure to check out the other menu's at I'm An Organizing Junkie!

2007-09-22T17:14:00.000-05:00

POINT 1: We have an older model Whirlpool washing machine and this past Monday it quit agitating and spinning. I don't know about you, but we do lots of laundry here at The Coach's house. Each family member goes through approximately 2 sets of clothes per day! The Coach has dress clothes and practice clothes each day, Veggie Boy is a walking mess, Saucy Girl is apparently always doing a fashion show and needs to wear multiple outfits, and me, well, some days I have "cleaning clothes" and then a set of regular clothes for errands, bible study, etc. Needless to say the pile starts to stack up! Point being...I cannot go without a washing machine.

POINT 2: The Coach is a fabulous husband and father - but, a handyman he is not! Not to mention his time schedule. Let's just say he was a handyman. I guess he could get up at 4am to repair the washing machine before he left for work or he could repair it after he came home and ate dinner...you know, around 9pm. The Coach is in season and that makes our life a little bit crazy. (Fellow Coach's Wives...Can I get an Amen?) He works very long days and weekends too. Point being...The Coach is very busy and not handy.

So, what's a frugal coach's wife supposed to do with a broken washing machine and a no handyman within 30 miles? D.I.H. Yes, Do It Herself!

A quick phone call to the local, U-Fix-It and I, with the help of the sales associate, had diagnosed the problem and knew what part I needed. I paid the $18.65 for a new coupler and headed home to make the repairs. 1) Remove the washing machine casing 2) Remove the motor and pry off the old coupler lodged onto the motor and the other piece that was attached to the transmission 3)Install the new coupler and reattach the motor 4) Replace the washing machine casing and voila! Repair Complete.

Yeah. If only that easy. I started my repairs Tuesday afternoon and had a relatively easy time of it until I couldn't get the motor back into place. At which time I was flooded with emotion. My body ached from working in a very small, hot, cramped area. I felt defeated because I wasn't able to complete the job and I sat there moved to tears. (Disclaimer - I am normally this emotional :-)) What was I going to do? A new washing machine just isn't in the budget right now and I really wanted to repair this myself for The Coach and our family. I sat there...dirty, sweaty, crying...and cried out to the Lord. (He said we could take even the trivial stuff to Him, right?) I asked God to give me physical strength to hold the motor and reattach; I asked for His help in making this repair for my family. I dried my eyes and tried again. Nothing. I still couldn't get it.

Wednesday passes, Thursday passes, Friday passes...Saturday morning arrives and I know I've got to get back in there to finish my repair. I say a little prayer to start my work. Within 15 minutes...V-I-C-T-O-R-Y!!! I was so excited I shouted it out loud. The kids thought I was crazy for sure! I called The Coach and held the phone to the washing machine as it agitated and told him I had done it!

Frugal Friday Tip - Don't think you can't make a repair! Do It Yourself! Say a prayer and stick with it.

By the way - By my calculations this repair saved my family approximately $300!! (and that's doesn't account for delivery, taxes, extended warranties, etc)

Hat Tip to Debi Pearl's book, Created to Be His Help Meet for the idea of being my husband's helper.

God Loves You!

2007-09-20T12:54:00.000-05:00

A video that is as timely as the bible study! A visual reminder that God is always there for us. He wants to be with us and His love is amazing and never ending!

A Change in Perspective

2007-09-20T11:51:00.000-05:00

Do you ever think you have everything under control just to have God hit you between the eyes and remind you to check yourself?

I'm a part of a women's bible study here in our community and today was our 2nd meeting. We are studying Cindi Woods' Victoriously Frazzled and last weeks' topic was very timely for me. In our study we focused on the idea of keeping God and our relationship with him a top priority. Ok, seems like we should know that by now, right? I don't know about you, but it's easy for me to get so wrapped up in the daily business of our life that I don't consistently make time for God. We needlessly stress ourselves out because we fail to rely on Him. We fail to take everything, even the tiniest stuff, to Him in prayer. Exodus 14:14 says, "The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still" -- and some translations even say, "... you need only be silent". This is where God smacked me between the eyes. Everyday of the study seemed to reiterate this theme. It became more evident to me that there is a lack of balance in my life. I short-change myself and my relationship with God and put my husband, kids, family-life, home, etc above everything else. God was calling me home this week.

In my previous post I shared my homeschool desires and frustrations. Last week I was ready to homeschool in light of the "obvious concerns" I had with the kids schooling. But God has really been trying to speak to me this week.

Apparently I am the one who needs to be 'schooled'. I need to learn to find myself in Him. I need to trust that we are living in His will as he has blessed us immensely. I need to calm down, relax, rest in His arms and take it all to the cross. I need to release the idea of homeschooling (for now anyway) so that it doesn't become a weight dragging me down emotionally. I have to quit carrying it in my back pocket, bringing it up everyday with The Coach. He carries his own stresses this time of year. Our children are receiving a good education in a good district.

I need to teach my son to pray for his teacher. I need to be the example for Veggie Boy and Saucy Girl. God richly blessed us with our new home and a great school system. He has blessed me with the gift of time. I haven't had time alone in several years and I think the idea completely freaked me out. I truly believe God is teaching me the concept of 'sacred balance'.

So, in obedience to the promises in Exodus 14:14, Psalm 91:1 and Matthew 11:28 I am releasing my children's education to God. I am taking a deep breath, relaxing in Him, and "keeping silent". Sometimes I just need to shut-up (but, ask my husband and he'll tell you that I probably don't know how ! :-) and quit over-thinking things. I am taking one day at a time. I will be thankful for each day God gives to my family. The kids are in the middle of a semester and we will be actively involved in their education. Taking it step by step, holding God's hand the entire way. He will reveal to us what the next step is and when it should happen - BUT, in the time being, I will rest...in Him.

How about you? Has God smacked you between the eyes lately. I would love to hear how He has spoken to you.

Blessings, Stranger-Friends!

Putting It In Neutral

2007-09-15T21:25:00.000-05:00

I have so many thoughts running through my head that I'm not quite sure where to start. My "brain in overdrive" is not a new situation for me so it's a very familiar feeling; however, where I struggle is slowing it down and organizing the thoughts for others.

Thought 1:
A little over a week ago, our computer decided to die. I'm not very computer savvy, but it's broke. Yes, that's the technical term (in case you were wondering). Broke. Fortunately, I have a fabulous connection and we have a loaner!!! Even my husband admits that when I have the computer as an outlet I am a much happier person. It's very weird, I know. I really miss my stranger-friends when I don't check in with my daily blog reads. It was a long week without so much as checking my email, but I survived.

Thought 2:
The Coach is really struggling. The season is has started and it's been rough. The first game was so promising and exciting. We were all looking forward to the rest of the season and could really see the hard work paying off. But then Game 2 came and we recorded another mark in the "L" column. Thursday was Game 3 and much to my hearts dismay, we now sit at 0-3. The kids and I met The Coach at the edge of the field and they wrapped their little arms around him and offered their love. "I love you, Daddy". At 9 & 5 they understand how a loss feels.

As his wife I want to make everything okay for him. It breaks my heart to see my big, strong Coach welling up on the sideline. It is so hard to hear him question himself and his program. I stand with him and hold his hand and tell him that I believe in him. I believe in his goals and dreams for this group of kids. 'Tis but a moment. By the end of Friday he had renewed his spirit. He is there to change lives. For My Coach, it's not all about the win/loss column. It's about making a difference in the lives of young men. His heart is for these boys who come to him and need so much...a friend, a father, a role model and more.

Thought 3:
Back in March , The Coach and I began thinking about the possibility of homeschooling Veggie Boy and Saucy Girl. In the form truest to my nature, I jumped into the research with both feet. I delved into several books (Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum, Catholic Education Homeward Bound, etc.) and found online information regarding every aspect you could imagine. The Coach and I NEVER had entertained this idea before. As a matter of fact, when my sister began mentioning it for her family, I probably discouraged her..."you'll never get a break"..."you'll be completely responsible for their education"..."education is something you only get one shot at - if you mess it up you'll regret it"...(I know I was relentless). But God was now stirring something in me. So,I began a novena (9 day intensive prayer for a specific intention) and really sought God's will for our family. After a 2 month discernment process The Coach and I made the decision to homeschool our kiddo's. Which is why I know struggle with the fact that our children are attending the local public school. ugh! We made the homeschool decision prior to buying our new home in June. We felt compelled to reevaluate home education since we are now in a small community (still only one elementary school in town). We felt our kids might be cheated of relationships if all the neighborhood kids were attending school together and ours weren't.

All of that said, the last 3 weeks have been so hard...for me! I am very sensitive to everything happening at the school. When Veggie Boy speaks, daily, of how his teacher "yells" at them I cringe inside as I tell him that there just isn't anything I can do about it. I cannot sit in the classroom each day to ensure she isn't raising her voice. When Saucy Girl brought home a note from the school principal stating that parents could no longer accompany their children into the building, she feel apart and climbed into my lap while we sat in the carpool line to pick up Veggie Boy and it was all I could do to not loose my emotions too.

The parenting decisions we are called to make are sooooo hard! I really need the handbook! I could create a list of things The Coach and I are unhappy with - academic and administrative as well - but, that won't help matters. Talking last night in the dark of our room, The Coach shook his head and said, "let 'em finish the 6 weeks".

We need to talk again - just to be sure we are on the same page - but I think my kiddo's are coming home!! I feel a sense of relief and peace (even though the work is just beginning) :-)

I hope the kids are as excited!

Well stranger-friends, thanks for letting me talk it out. It's getting late, The Coach is out scouting and I don't think I'm gonna stay up waiting on him tonight. He's working tomorrow so the kids and I will attend Mass without him (2nd week in a row) and I hate that, but............ 'tis but a season.

Good Night!

2007-08-27T19:36:00.001-05:00

I cannot believe it's Monday! School started today and I'm officially depressed! Veggie Boy is starting 3rd grade at a new school and didn't have much good to say this afternoon. My heart breaks for him, but I know he'll be okay. Saucy Girl started Kindergarten!! Oh, my heart is breaking...My baby is in school now. There were some tears this morning (hers & mine) but after a few minutes she was ok and enjoying her day. She was full of stories this afternoon. I'm so glad she is happy...now if only Mommy can adjust to the quiet house!

This weeks menu will include a few things that never got made last week...things got a little crazy in preparation for school. The Coach has his first game of the season this Friday night, so dinner will probably be concession stand nacho's and hot dogs! Enjoy your week and check out the other menu's at I'm An Organizing Junkie.

Monday - Pasta takeout from local Italian Restaurant - YUM!

Tuesday - Skillet Steak w/Mashed Potatoes & Veggies

Wednesday - Sour Cream & Onion Chicken Strips w/Onion Straws

Thursday - Lasagne Rolls

Friday - First Game!! Concession Stand Dinner!! Go Team!!

I Trust You'll Treat Her Well

2007-08-26T23:17:00.000-05:00

Dear World,

I bequeath to you today one little girl...in a crispy dress...with two brown eyes...and a happy laugh that ripples all day long.. and a flash of light brown hair that bounces in the sun when she runs.I trust you'll treat her well.

She's slipping out of the backyard of my heart this morning...and skipping off down the street to her first day of school. And never again will she be completely mine.Prim and proud she'll wave her young and independent hand this morning and say "Goodbye" and walk with little lady steps to the schoolhouse.

Now she'll learn to stand in lines...and wait by the alphabet for her name to be called. She'll learn to tune her ears for the sounds of school-bells...and deadlines...and she'll learn to giggle...and gossip...and look at the ceiling in a disinterested way when the little boy 'cross the aisle sticks out his tongue at her. And now she'll learn to be jealous. And now she'll learn how it is to feel hurt inside. And now she'll learn how not to cry.

No longer will she have time to sit on the front porch on a summer day and watch an ant scurry across the crack in the sidewalk. Nor will she have time to pop out of bed with the dawn and kiss lilac blooms in the morning dew. No, now she'll worry about those important things...like grades and which dress to wear and whose best friends is whose. And the magic of books and learning will replace the magic of her blocks and dolls. And now she'll find new heroes.

For five full years now I've been her sage and Santa Claus and pal and playmate and mother and friend. Now she'll learn to share her worship with her teachers ...which is only right. But no longer will I be the smartest woman in the whole world. Today when that school bell rings for the first time...she'll learn what it means to be a member of the group...with all its privileges and its disadvantages too.

She'll learn in time that proper young ladies do not laugh out loud...or kiss dogs...or keep frogs in pickle jars in bedrooms...or even watch ants scurry across cracks in sidewalks in the summer.Today she'll learn for the first time that all who smile at her are not her friends. And I'll stand on the front porch and watch her start out on the long, lonely journey to becoming a woman.So, world, I bequeath to you today one little girl...in a crispy dress...with two brown eyes...and a flash of light brown hair that bounces in the sunlight when she runs.

And I trust you'll treat her well.

Author...Victor Buono

Who Made This List??

2007-08-25T10:14:00.000-05:00

We've been shopping all week for school supplies...Veggie Boy is entering 3rd grade and Saucy Girl is starting Kindergarten. Maybe I'm frugal (read...cheap) or maybe I'm getting older, but I don't know when teachers started adding their school supplies to my child's list. My husband has been a public educator for 10 yrs and we've always had to buy his chalk, dry erase markers, red pens, etc., etc. Now it seems the students provide this stuff for the teachers. On Veggie Boy's list we had to pick up 4 dry erase markers and Ziploc bags. I can't quite think of a time when he has brought home something in a Ziploc? (Oh, did I mention that they specified Ziploc brand??) Saucy Girls Kinder list actually specified, "2 Black Chisel Tip Dry Erase Markers" in addition to the, apparently standard, Ziploc brand bags.

I know elementary schools still have a clinic, right? Yet we are providing band-aids from our school "supply" list. Surely, the school can afford band-aids in the budget?

I must be getting old because I remember going to school with the little cardboard "pencil box" with the flap lid. You would bring your box full of pencils, crayons, scissors & a bottle of glue, some construction paper and kleenex. Geesh, times have changed! Saucy Girls list is sooo big that her stuff wouldn't fit in my little cardboard pencil box. What 5 yr old needs 4 boxes of crayons, 2 packs of 10-count markers, 8 glue sticks and 2 bottles of glue - oh yea, and 6, yes six, packages of manilla/construction paper. I know she's not coming home with 6 pkgs of art by the time the year is up. It all seems a bit much to me.

Am I off-track on this one? Please set me straight if I am, but this seems to get more excessive each year.

2007-08-24T08:49:00.000-05:00

I am soooo excited to contribute to my very first FRUGAL FRIDAY post! I have been reading Crystal's blog for a while now and have enjoyed it thoroughly. She has challenged my thinking, inspired a deeper spirituality, given great tips and recipes and more importantly she has served as an example of a Godly wife. I'm blessed since finding this blog! Check it out for more "Frugal Friday" posts.

My Frugal Friday tip? I love free stuff. How 'bout you? Did you know that you can get free samples from Wal-Mart.com? Click here for the latest offerings. Last time I requested Tampax Pearl tampons & I receieved a box of 4! You can request one of each sample they offer, but I'm not sure how many times you can do that. Check the website periodically to find the newest products! Enjoy.

2007-08-20T20:03:00.000-05:00

Ok. Confession time. I LOVE planning things...parties, vacations, menu's, and really just about anything. Plain & simple...organization makes me happy. I know it's very strange on a whole other level and I'm willing to accept that. So, in honor of my love of all things organizational, here's what on our plates this week at The Coachs' house.

Monday - BBQ Smoked Sausage, Over-The-Rainbow Mac & Cheese, & Mixed Veggies
Tuesday - Lasagne Rolls & Salad
Wednesday - Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Thursday - Skillet Steak, Mashed Potatoes & Green Beans
Friday - Pizza

Be sure to check out everyone else's menus over at I'm An Organizing Junkie.

And We're Off...

2007-08-19T14:38:00.000-05:00

5am is really. early. I roll from the bed and make my way to the bathroom. I try to stay as quiet as possible. I do not want to wake the kids. With a clean face I wake The Coach and he heads to the shower. After his clothes are laid out I groggily make my way to the kitchen to whip up some kind of breakfast for him. I make pancakes in the light of the hallway lamp (again, I do not want to wake the kids.) and serve him in our room. By 5:40am I'm standing in the garage kissing him goodbye.

This is our life. At least for the next two weeks while we finish Fall Ball (you may know it as 2-a-days). The kids and I will immerse ourselves into The Coachs' life - we will be at every scrimmage and game and we will pop-in at practice occasionally. This year we are doing Popsicle Thursday's - we'll deliver popsicles to the players at the end of practice each Thursday. This keeps us involved with The Coach and helps to keep the family bond strong.

When school starts The Coach will be home just in time for bedtime prayers. Veggie Boy & Saucy Girl have had their Daddy home and available for most of the summer and these first few weeks will be hard on them. I have to admit that it is hard on me too! After 10 years of having my life interrupted by football season you'd think I'd be used to it. I think the only thing that is different from the first year is that I now know what to expect - but it doesn't make it any easier. There is always an adjustment period.

'tis but a season, right?

Graphic from Art.com

I've Caught the Bug

2007-08-14T22:18:00.000-05:00

Well, I've officially caught the blogging bug, but I'm still working on setting it all up. Please give me some time and check back periodically. I so enjoy your blog and hope that mine will be a blessing of equal measure to you.

Pax Christi,
Christie