Random thoughts

The sun is out and the temps are climbing. The last of the snow is finally melting and the driving wind has dried up most of the mud. After reading a passage in one of my books this is what I am thinking (and quoting).

"If the whole cosmos were suddenly to beomce articulate, then from north to south, and east to west, it would cry out in chorus, "We exist for the sake of Christ." The name of Christ would issue from the seas and the deserts. It would be tapped out by the patterning rain. It would be written in the skies by the lightning. The storms would roar the name "Jesus Christ," and the mountainis would echo it back."

We all exist for his sake and enjoyment. To go outside and 'soak up a bit' is to feel his presence and experience the glory of his creation. To just take the moment to acknowledge 'his creation' and the beauty therein.

Relax in the knowledge that you are here for his benefit and glory. "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him." Colossians 1:18

Now get yourself outside!

Guilty pleasure?

I know that all of you know that I am a scrapbooker/quilter/ex-art major so I have fortunately been able to carve out a spot in my house (much thanks to my hubby) that is mine and I can do what I want in there.

I wish I could spend more time but motherhood does call and so it makes it necessary that I have to cook or do a load of laundry or whatever, you know what I mean. If you are so blessed with a space like this you know what a haven it is and the peace it can bring to your life when you are there. To have a job where that is all I did would be heaven by the way. That said I thought I'd share what I have been doing lately.

Firstly I have to share one of my big weakness' (other than chocolate) -movies and tv series. Yes, I am behind the times, but in the past year I just discovered Friends. I have been slowly accumulating the seasons one by one and enjoying them all. I love to have something on in the background while I am creating.

So on to the latest project...I am taking an online class called LOM Library of Memories from Big Picture Scrapbooks in which you learn to put all your photos into an organized system so that you can later scrapbook them into meaningful ways other than chronologically. I have always wanted to do this but did not even know where to begin so this class (it is also a book) has really spear-headed it for me. So this is what my desk looks like at the moment.


Stacks and stacks of photos that I have had printed and then begun the process of sorting to then put them where they need to be. It is a bit daunting but I am up to the task and I take it one session at a time. The rewards will be priceless in the end so I will press on.



These are a few I have come across in the process and I couldn't get over how cute my kids are and how much the boys look alike. The top one is Izy and Caden and the bottom is Izy and Sage. I just love it.

Where is this post going? No where really...I'm not going to draw any great life lessons for you as I sometimes try to do, this is just me and one of the places my heart is.

Thought I'd give you and updated pic of the kiddos from Easter egg coloring fun. Rock and I were actually in Minneapolis that day so Katie B directed the tradition this year. I was kinda sad to miss it but couldn't be helped. I'm not ready to get into all the details but we are doing some 'house stuff' to our house here in the coming future. More later.

I have decided to adopt a new mantra and this is it, "Every journey is accomplished one step at a time" C. Swindoll. So there it is. I am not sure where I am going but I am going to take it one step at a time and try to enjoy every 'step'.

Last night we had some friends over for a simple supper and some good conversation. Both of which I love and we got on the topic of blogging and I talked about why I quit and then it occurred to me how much I missed it. The part about expressing feelings about life experiences and common everyday occurrences. It was a way to document my life with my family on a more regular basis. That was why I started doing it in the first place but it somehow got away from that for me.

Within the whole non-blogging time I actually stopped taking pictures and basically just lived day to day not really experiencing any of it, numbly at best. I don't want to live like that. Obviously this is all a bit more complex than I am conveying here but lets just say that I think I might blog a bit again and see how it goes. I believe there is some value in taking a 'little' time everyday to reflect on what goes on, even in the land of 'uneventful and normalcy'. So here's to new beginnings, again...

to be Back or not to be Back...

Well, I appreciate the support, but I am really in the mindset of not doing the whole blogging thing. I do miss my friends made on the blogging road (and I didn't forget you) but blogging became something to me that I didn't want or intend. So I haven't decided one way or another (thus the huge lack of blogs) but I will let you know what I decide. Who knew that you all checked so often? And about the pies, well, I am up to 35 pies so far...wildberry, apple and pumpkin.

Harvest

Here are some pics from our trip to Indy and the Japanese Hibachi grill we stopped at on the way home. Lots of fun.

Favorite Photo Friday

Happy 4th of July

We are in the middle of Iowa were we spent the night last night. Got a late start since the car was still not ready from the body shop. But all is well now since we are on the road and should arrive in Indy late this afternoon. I think I counted 186.4, "how many minutes until we're there". Yes, I was ready to scream or heavily drug the child but I resisted. I tend to be the driver so I can avoid all the request, referring for wrestling matches and just zone out at the wheel. Rock doesn't seem to mind so it works out well. I also have a hard time relaxing since Rock sleeps best behind the wheel. scary
Rock and the kids are at the pool while I catch a quick blog moment and then it is back to the open road and 'another tank of freedom.'
These are some freedoms I am thankful for...
the ability to worship how I choose, being able to have any job that suits me and choosing my own healthcare, the blessing of sending my kids to any school and educating them how we see fit. And if I want to be a crazy, wacked out live-in-the-hills all natural hippy ~I can (I think I will be saving that option for later). My granddaddy fought in one of the world wars and for that I am thankful. My list is longer but the troops are back and it's time to hit the road.
Many blessings to you and your family as we celebrate our priceless freedoms.

Do you have those days when you feel like this. You just want your mom to to give you a big kiss on the head letting you know that all is right with the world. I feel like this lately. Yes, it is 5 am and I am blogging. I woke up with heartburn and then began to think about all the stuff I need to do to get ready to leave. We head for Indy tomorrow evening.

Why do I struggle with the anxiety related to travel? I know it is really not that big of a deal but still I get all worked up about it. Oh...to be a kid again and just hop in the car ready to go. Find that spot in the back window (days before seat belts) and hunker down for the long haul. I never appreciated my parents enough, do any of us when we are kids. Not a question really.

I know I just need to make a list and then get the stuff done. It's not that hard. I'll do it and I'll get everything ready~forgetting something I am sure (that's why there's a walmart on every corner right!?) We are going to my former home for goodness sake~what's the big deal. The 16 hours on the road! Look for the mommy-van filled with kids, bags and parents and honk and wave if you pass us. We've got a "full tank of freedom" (Rock quote-not mine) and we're not stopping till we get there.

Have a great holiday everyone.

Is that not the cutest face? Remember Parker? This is him at his first birthday eating cake just a few days ago. I just want to kiss those cheeks and I can't get over those gorgeous green eyes like his moms. A few days ago we decided when we will make the Indiana trek to see my family and it is only a week and a half away. I can't wait to see this little guy. Almost everyday I hear all about everything he is doing and listen to him in the background and for the first time I miss a child that isn't mine. I wonder if this is something like what grandparents feel about their grandkids. Maybe. I think that it has been about 3 years since the whole fam has been back there so I suppose it's about time. I just dread the 16+ hour trip with my 'adorable and well behaved' children. It will be worth it.

In the midst of a pitty party I came across this video on another blog I read. You have all probably seen it (I don't watch these shows on TV) but it is worth posting. I got choked up as I watched. It is one of those clips that is so sweet and wonderful. You have to see it.

Almost Father's day

I know that it's almost father's day but this 'Photo Friday' is about mom and her kids...

Have a great weekend. Love to you all.

Summertime Favorites

It's finally raining and I am not acting as a lifeguard for a few hours. I know that about summertime with a pool-just roll with it. Anyway, I have a bit of time on the computer so I decided to post our summertime favorties. Enjoy...

1. Flowers, flowers and more flowers. They are the best in making things outside beautiful.




2. Puppies and kitties. I guess it is more like springtime but we get to enjoy them thru the summertime. There is nothing like sitting on the deck in the evening petting a nice contented kitty (except if you are allergic I guess).




3. Going to the lake. Be it swimming (which I don't do-see http://kimosd.blogspot.com/2006/07/fishing.html ), boating, fishing or whatever, it is always fun to go to a lake.



4. Baseball and softball games. A great way for the kids to let off some steam and have some fun as well as getting to know our neighbors while eating sunflower seeds. That shows true neighborly-ness when you can eat sunflower seeds in front of them.

5. Camping. Need I say more, we love it. Especially in the mountains or in the hills (Black Hills). Awesome family together time.

6. Worm hunts (for the kids-gross!). I think it is self explanatory.

7. Going to the park, any park it doesn't matter. Always lots of fun.

8. Swimming in the pool (suit is optional, I guess). Loads of fun to be had by all.

Well, that's it for me. The rain has stopped and I am back to my post as the lifeguard. Got to get them nice and tired before it is time to head to bed. What are some of your favs?

Caden Rain

Today (Wednesday) was Caden's 7th b-day. It is rather hard for me to believe that so much time has passed. I don't have any babies anymore and everyone is in school now. Woo Hoo!! There were so many days that I longed for this time, imagined what it would be like and now here it is. Everyday has a new experience in it and I am grateful for the family God has given me but I do love some freedom now and then.

I think that in the case for many 2nd borns, they are planned and eagerly awaited. I had a tubal pregnancy between Izy and Caden (the reason for the 4 years) which made his birth very anticipated. Izy was 4 and wanted a sibling and I had gotten over the initial shock of having kids (I got pregnant with Izy 1 month after the honeymoon-accidentally) and was ready to get going with more kids. I don't remember much of the pregnancy except the constant backache I had but I do remember what a happy guy he always was. I would tell people that he was my 'joy'-always smiling and teasing you with those big brown eyes. He loved being around people and was a big flirt!

He has had his ups and downs (I will spare you the details) but despite it all he is one great kid. There are so many things about him that are so unique and wonderful, I just love him. He does try my patience more than I would like to admit but it all comes with the package and I will keep this little guy. He is an amazing boy and despite everything but more importantly-mine.

Doesn't this look idyllic? This is the dream of mine for summertime with the addition of a raft floating in the perfectly temperatured water, a great book and a cool drink. Summertime perfection!

This is actually more like it...kids splashing & jumping, making a huge commotion. The pool is a little different too...bright blue with blue blow up ring. Yes, I do make the joke that we look like that sterotype low-income family with the pool, trampoline, swing set and old camper. Well, not this year! We had the 18" one described before but this past fall we decided to toss the 18" (the ring got a hole I could not find) and spring for a new one. That has been one of my jobs this spring-find a new pool.

After much debate and looking at our budget, I decided on the same type (easy set up) in a metal ring and at a whopping 24" we should be able to accommodate you and all your friends. I spent Saturday putting it together and it has been filling ever since (11,000 gallons takes awhile).

The pool is suppose to be 4 feet deep like our old one but I think that somewhere along the line that number got a bit skewed because this bad-boy is up to my neck and HUGE, for us anyway. It will be perfection next year but this year I think we'll only be able to fill it about 80% or 1/3 of the kids that come and swim won't be able to touch.

It is finished filling now but believe it or not it is 70 outside and no telling how cold the pool is but these crazy kids of mine got into it anyway, mutiple times. Shortly with the solar cover it will warm up and I will get my dream day.

Summer is Here!

Everyone at the farm is gone this week so I got the job of mowing the grass. Here at the farm there is ALOT of grass. We have been having lots of rainy days so I knew that as soon as the rain stopped I would need to mow or it will turn into a jungle. In the morning the rain had stopped and it seemed to dry up a bit so I got to it. It was overcast and the wind was blowing to I put on some grubby shorts and a jacket. It was cold, windy and overcast and I was getting covered in grass so I wasn't too concerned with the sun. Evidently I should have been.

These are my knees and when I say they are hot I am not referring to my sexiness. You can't even imagine how hot my skin is and I took this pic this morning not last night. My forhead looks the same. It is pretty bad next to my pasty white legs. I look like a tourist who didn't know any better except I do know better. I am big on sunscreen so this caught me off guard. The first sunburn of the season always signals summer is here.

Happy 12th Anniversary

Here we are-12 years and three kids later. Rock always says, "it just keeps getting better and better." For the most part I would have to agree. Things were rough when we first got married and I got pregnant one month after the wedding. Wasn't quite ready for that, neither of us were. But I must say that I wouldn't change it now. I'm glad that Izy came into our lives because at that time she was like my best friend-one that keeps you up all night, pulls your hair and spits up on your favorite shirt. Really, it was shortly after Rock's dad passed away and he spent alot of hours working and I had only been living here a few years so Izy and I were two peas in a pod.

Things have changed so much since then and I don't want to repeat any of it but I wouldn't change a thing. I have a tendency to be a realist and I know that hard times are mixed in with the good ones and so I am hoping for more and more good times together as a family. Each and everyone of our kids are such a blessing and I couldn't ask for more. That goes for Rock as well. He is a wonderful, honorable man, one that you can believe what he says. He is one of the rare ones that likes to talk and is a great listener (when he's not too tired). Always the first to apologize, I actually learned to apologize from him and his example. In my family that wasn't one of our strong points growing up. I know that I can trust him and he will be faithful to me and in taking care of our family. As for me, well, we all know that I am perfect and that anybody would be thrilled to have me for a wife and the mother of his kids. Truthfully, Rock is very patient and that is a big bonus for me since I am far from perfect.

We make a good combo and I am thankful for the last 12 years and looking forward to lots more. Thanks for being there babe-love you.

chicken

All of you with these 'chicken fears', do you know that I grew up right outside of town on the 12th hole of a golf course? My parents never let us have any pets and now I have 45 chickens and then some. I have to say that sometimes when they look right at you it is hard not to imagine them jumping on you to peck at you but hey, you press on and they are quite interesting little creatures. They are also quite interesting to watch, especially with 3 different age chickens interacting with each other.

This is one thing that I am not so sure about just yet but we will see. There are a few ornery ones that I wouldn't be so sad about losing so maybe later this summer I will invite you over for a homestyle BBQ

Later I will post some actual pics of my chickens. They are really cute and beautiful, not like the ones on the trucks.

Blanket town update

In case you were wondering what happened last night -they played outside, Pst Steve took Sage and his kids to get milk at a farm and Sage got to drink milk 'from a cow!', poor kid grows up on a farm and doesn't know that is where his milk comes from (where are his parents to teach him these things?!), checked the 42+ chickens, looked for barn cat kitties, hit some balls and played in the hose some more. By the time all this was finished and everyone had a snack and cleaned up they were all so tired they wanted to sleep in their own beds. Yeah for me!! About an hour ago I dismantled the town while everyone was outside playing and I haven't heard a word about it since. I did make them clean up all the little extras on the floor when they got back but all seemed to work out fine. What was I worried about?