Friends

 I must have been heard. Either God knew that I could not handle another week alone, or my sis sent out an alert. I have so many friends this week that are wanting to get together. I had a great friend come today and we solved many of life's problems, Tomorrow is pool day, possible friend meeting me there, Thursday- Play Date, Take Dad - in- law out on Saturday to  Marions. No Sis , you can not come. Any whoo, I have hardly seen a living soul the last two weeks, so this is big news. I intend to enjoy it because I see fine, little specimens growing on my bean plants. That will curtail the socializing.

My friend that visited today found out my little secret that I have been hiding from her for fear of scorn. I use cloth diapers. There I said it. Not always mind you, but if I am home or just running around, I use a puffy, white cloth. She saw the edge of  it poking out of my sons pants leg and said " What is that?" What could I say? The Secret was out. Now this will be added to my list of natural crimes. We still had fun with our boys. They got dirty and loud ,we sipped lattes  and talked.

This past week has been busy with swimming lessons. #3 is somewhat adverse to the idea, and #2 is trying. #1 is having the time of his life. I say, if 1 out of two learn, I am happy. #4 is pleased because he can run around the kiddie pool for half an hour.

I decided to  redo the #3&4 room. It is going nicely. My sister had to hear a small? break down on Saturday morning, I think do to painting and playing taking place in the same room, along with other things. I had one of those weeks were you finally conclude that you must be a terrible mom, because otherwise your offspring would "rise up and call you blessed". Ha, I am still praying about that blessing. I thought we all needed a little break from each other, so every one went to bed at 8:00 on Friday, never mind the actual time that the last eye blinked shut. Oh well there is all ways tomorrow.

Not sure what every one likes to read out there so I will share my reading list.

• personal devotions- studying Galatians, Learning about walking in the Spirit. I really am learning new thoughts by rereading sections daily.
• Just for fun- Maggie Now- I found an old copy at in a discount basement last week. This is fun because I know little about Brooklyn, accept I like that name,there by adding it to my ever growing , never reducing girls list. But back to the book , it is wrote by Betty Smith and set in the early 1900's.
• personal interest- Family Values- not really going so hot, but at least I am working that way

 Well until my Picasa gets its act together, no pics. Have a fun week!

Strawberries and more...

I marched defiantly into Kroger this week and bought 12 boxes of gorgeous ripe strawberries. I know that for some this is no big deal, even accepted. I however felt until last Tuesday that unless the strawberries for homemade jam came from the field, they were not okay. Then  I realized that I would be all alone in a big field with four royal helpers. And one that loves to sit on plants. And one that has a hard time remembering what "Don't eat that" means. And one of me. I told the boys we are going to Kroger, better luck next year.

Would you look at that, you would never suspect that they were contraband strawberries.

I am busy practicing still life. It is so hard to make an inanimate object appear alive and with feelings. I really would like to learn how to do that. I suspect that if I would have picked these myself, they would be lively.

Now this is something I can't wait to share. My neighbor came over this week and we mixed up this little number, then sat and munched on it. She took some home to her husband and then came back for the recipe

Other than a tiny embarrassing scene in Kroger, (does any one else know what jicama is  or how to say it?)

this is a winner for the summertime.

1 mango

1/3 of a small jicama

1/3 red pepper (I used green )

1/3 red onion

6 strawberries ( I added this)

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of chili powder ( don't be afraid to add this, it really taste good.)

Chop fruit and veggies really small or with a food processor, I used my Tupperware quick chef, no I don't sell Tupperware. Add seasonings and serve with tortilla chips, lime would be yummy.

I just want to say I am so glad it is hot! The high today is 90. We plan to be in the pond tonight! Celebrating birthdays with the family will be a hoppin' event I am sure!  I know my boys have been planning on swimming there the last few days. We bought a canoe a on a Saturday morning and have already taken it out for a maiden voyage, minus the champagne on the stern. The king, my dad and some friends took the boys out to test out the boat. We tried again the next week, but decided it was to high. Looking so forward to going down the river, any one is welcome to join us any time!

 Sharing some pictures from our last few weeks...


My cat has found a resting place

 I will praise you in  this storm, And I will lift my hands...

 Chasing Chickens, our newest pets

Um.. I think I did something....

                 Brand new play dough, providing hours of fun. Even I have to mess around with it!

I 'm back after month away. I had no time to blog over the last month. I no that the rain was some what exhausting to some and to me too, but it also kept me busy entertaining the royals in the house. Then once the sun came out, I got hoppin' outside in the gardens and such. So now I am getting back to my Queen-like life.


The king is so busy at work that I have a hard time remembering if I am married.
I know that I have a least a few friends  that are in the same the dilemma due to the time of year... farmer's wife, more construction wives, etc.  So I am sure that each of us are learning a lesson in thankfulness as we consider people that do not have jobs.


I feel I must share that the subjects are all ready for summer. We took our bon vouage'  to the creek for the season this week. Baby sat in the creek and splashed around looking adorable, while the rest looked for frogs. Subject 2 caught his first snake and it is living in a habitat on the porch; no need to be alarmed, it is very tiny and will be making a " escape" soon.  My oldest subject declared subject 2 the boss in finding snakes. They have found three toads, but are still waiting to find their coveted box turtle. 

The weather is gloomy, but that does not bother my subjects. They need to get out! Last night we went to McDonald's and ate inside. The subjects think that is such a novel idea. We did take our ice cream to the park to eat. The king is pulling Marathon hours and  I enjoyed the little treat to ourselves.

We are busy with our new chickens. We have ten new layers. No eggs yet, but if the kids leave them be, then maybe they will produce soon. It will be omelet city around here. I will turn into a master chef that creates fritattas and quiche with homegrown produce.  I have never been to fond of chickens, but I know the subject need the chores. And, so far I have not even had to touch one. Our dog is on the prowl. His killer instincts are coming out and he paces around and around the pen.

 Palm Sunday is tomorrow so I will leave you with a thought that is on my heart. During the week leading up to Passover, Jesus told His disciples that He would be betrayed, put to death and rise again. Yet as all this happened, the disciples were afraid, unbelieving and confused.  As I read the Gospels now, I think, Jesus told you what was going to happen, how could you doubt?  The lesson is this: When Jesus says something, He means it, Believe it! These are a few of my favorite truths that I lose focus of:

Peace I leave with you... John 14:27 This is big, God has given us His peace, we need to accept this.
Perfect love cast out fear....1 John 4:18  I often fear things that are not real. I know that God's love is perfect, and I can rest in this truth.
Low I  am with you always, even till the end of the world. Matthew 28:20


I hope that I can learn to focus on God's promises

and believe them! I just liked this picture so I thought I would share it!

rainy days

Story of my life!

This is a picture of how cute my kids are. Just imagine this on faces, hands, feet and other wise. 

Create in me a clean heart oh God. 

These boots are a representation of my Monday. This is how the porch, yard, kitchen, laundry sink.... looked. Just in case you don't believe me, take a look- They all had a great day!