Neener Girl & Family

2012-02-03T19:40:00.000-08:00

Packing Progress.....
We have made a lot of progress in the last couple of weeks. We have gone through so much stuff and either donated it to Goodwill, donated it to the library, sold it on Ebay or sold it on Craigslist. We have also filled many containers that are now sitting in our garage ready to move.

I also went dumpster diving today to try and get more boxes for packing. I was able to find a bunch, which should hopefully get us though the weekend. I even lost our ice scrapper in one of the dumpsters.

2012-01-27T19:20:00.000-08:00

Moving.....
Well all week my husband and I have been going through containers of stuff. It's amazing the stuff people keep around and even more amazing the stuff one gets rid of when they are moving a couple of states away. We will be heading to Lincoln Nebraska in about 3 weeks to live in a house that Brandon's sister and husband own. It's a major move and it's been 8 years since our last move. How time flies by and life changes.

We will then be putting our duplex up for sale in hopes that it sells quickly. We are sad to leave this area since we have gotten so comfortable here. We are also going to miss all the wonderful friends that we have made in the past years. I have so many great memories.

We are looking forward to a new adventure of exploring a new city and seeing what the Lord has for our future. Please pray for us as we pack, say goodbyes and head to a new home.

2012-01-23T08:20:00.000-08:00

Happy 4th Birthday Noah....

He had a wonderful birthday. We had monkey bread as his cake this year and then went to Pizza Hut to enjoy some yummy cake. Anna knitted her brother a cowl for him to wear out in the cold and Gabe finger knitted him a chain. He also got a nice Thomas train set and a few other things. It was a nice day:)

2012-01-22T11:40:00.000-08:00

Knitting....
I've been knitting up a few dishcloths or coffee coasters. I am using this Basic Knitted Dishcloth Pattern and using the Sugar & Cream cotton yarn. If you keep an eye out at Michaels they have it on sale for $1 a roll.

Size 7 knitting needles (US)

Instructions:

Cast on 4 stitches

Row 1: Knit 4

Row 2: Knit 2, yarn over, knit across the row.

Repeat Row 2 until you have 30 stitches. ( you can do more stitches if you want a bigger wash cloth)

Row 3: Knit 1, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 2 together, knit to the end of the row.

Repeat Row 3 until you have 4 stitches left on the needle.

Bind off and weave in ends.

2012-01-20T14:38:00.000-08:00

Time of Waiting......
I have not been posting as much as I should. I've been staying busy with the everyday things that a mother has to do. The kids have been keeping themselves busy with playing and getting school work done each day. Anna and Gabe are both doing a wonderful job at learning to read and it's amazing to see their progress since the beginning of the school year. Noah also is growing so fast and will be turning 4 next week.

We have also been waiting to see what happens with a job possibility here in Madison. It's been tough just waiting and not knowing what the future holds. We have decided that if the job does not work out that we would move to the Omaha Nebraska area in hopes of finding a better job.

Other things I have been up to is knitting lots of Jayne Cobb hats. I sold 80 hats last year and 4 more hats so far this year. It's been fun and I have gotten wonderful feedback and the extra money has been great. I just had someone write me a message the other day and here is what they said,

"it looks awesome! I am the CO of "The 'Verse" a firefly/serenity costume club. right now I am searching for the most accurate Jayne hat to recommend to other members. So far I like yours the best. I find a lot of hats have "Red" for the ears.. I dont think that's right. Yours has that dark orange, I think that is correct. I am just starting my search so I still looking for input from other members."

I am really hoping that this sends me a bunch more business. I have to really thank my husband who asked me a year ago to make him A Jayne hat.

Well that is a little of what has been happening in our house hold. Please be praying for direction for us and peace of mind.

2012-01-11T17:51:00.000-08:00

Doughnut Birthday Party....
Last week Anna had a chance to have some friends over to help her celebrate her birthday. The kids had fun playing musical pillow, which was a big hit and they also played Charades. Anna had a chance to open presents and lastly the kids enjoyed some pizza and homemade doughnut that we made before all the guests arrived. It was a fun time and I believe everyone enjoyed themselves.

Anna played Happy Birthday on the piano for everyone to hear.

Yummy doughnuts with frosting and sprinkles..

2012-01-04T05:54:00.000-08:00

Knitted Hat and Cowl.....
This is my first cowl and it turned out great. Super easy to make and great for kids instead of a scarf. I like to use circular knitting needles and they are easy for Anna to use as well. This may be our new Christmas idea for next year.

2012-01-01T04:25:00.000-08:00

The Giver of Hope.....

God bless you this New Year -
With friends and acquaintances,
and love ones too...
Hearts full of laughter,
and hopes, brand new...

May the giver of every good and perfect gift bless you with heaven's blessings this Year!

Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17

2011-12-30T12:28:00.000-08:00

2011-12-29T12:47:00.000-08:00

Happy 7th Birthday Anna....

She is getting to be such a big girl. She likes to spend her day crocheting, knitting and playing songs on the piano. She also loves to color pictures and is doing a good job at learning to read. I love my girl and wish her the best birthday.

2011-12-25T05:06:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name
JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21

May the Lord richly bless your family

as you celebrate the wonder of God's love and His perfect gift to each of us:
***JESUS**

2011-12-24T15:37:00.000-08:00

The Gift.....

”He was poor, that he might make us rich.
He was born of a virgin that we might be born of God.
He took our flesh, that he might give us His Spirit.
He lay in the manger, that we may lie in paradise.
He came down from heaven, that he might bring us to heaven….

That the ancient of Days should be born.
that he who thunders in the heavens should cry in the cradle….
that he who rules the stars should suck the breast;
that a virgin should conceive;
that Christ should be made of a woman, and of that woman which himself made,
that the branch should bear the vine,
that the mother should be younger than the child she bare,
and the child in the womb bigger than the mother;
that the human nature should not be God, yet one with God

Christ taking flesh is a mystery we shall never fully understand till we come to heaven

If our hearts be not rocks, this love of Christ should affect us .

Behold love that passeth knowledge!”

~Thomas Watson

2011-12-21T08:41:00.000-08:00

2011-12-18T13:51:00.000-08:00

The Night When Love Was Born.....

Christ the babe comes in Christmas as Christ the Savior comes on the cross - seeking only our embrace.
The mystery so large becomes the babe so small and infinite God becomes infant.

And if there is no cross in my Christmas, then my Christmas has lost the Christ - What is the manger if not for the Messiah, the One who saves us with the scars?

Christmas isn't a product to wrap, but a person to unwrap.
Christmas cannot be bought.
Christmas cannot be created.
Christmas cannot be made by hand.
Christmas can only be found in the creche, in the cradling trough, in the mire and the stench and the unexpected and unlikely and only only in the person of Christ.

- Devotional Christmas words by Ann Voskamp

2011-12-08T19:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas Tree.....
The house is all decorated for Christmas. The kids were a big help and we enjoyed some Christmas music while we worked.

Tommarrow night the kids have their Christmas concert, which I am really excited to see and hope I can take a good video to share with you all.

2011-12-04T09:56:00.001-08:00

Jesus - God's Promises Fulfilled

The Promise of His Presence
The virgin will...give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel-which means, "God with us." Matthew 1:23

The Promise of A Saviour
Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

The Promise of Light
I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12

The Promise of Rest
Come to Me...and I will give you rest. My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28,30

The Promise of Friendship
I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you. John 15:15

The Promise of Joy
The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

Excerpts from Jesus - God's Promises Fulfilled Daily Advent Devotions for the Christmas Season. Each day highlights a promise from God, a Scripture, and conversation starter questions.

2011-11-27T11:26:00.000-08:00

THE TIMES IN WHICH WE LIVE

Jesus never told us to predict a day or hour when He would return, but He did tell us to be aware of the times in which we live and to always be ready for His coming.

What are we to do and how are we to live in the light of all that is taking place around us? Look up! God has a plan and He is working out His plan. The coming of the Lord is drawing near.

Here are four things God wants us to be doing as we await the sound of the trump of God and our gathering together unto Him:
- Guard your heart (Matthew 24: 12)
- Come together with other believers (Hebrews 10:25)
- Make Christ known (Matthew 24:14)
- Be full of hope (Titus 2:13)

Devotional excerpt by Roy Lessin,

2011-11-25T13:28:00.000-08:00

Special Visit.....

A couple of weeks ago the kids were able to spend time with their Grandpa & Grandma Kostman. We had a nice time, but the visit was way to short. I was able to get a few pictures.

2011-11-24T20:43:00.000-08:00

Turkey Pumpkins....
Happy Thanksgiving!!!

The kids made these in their homeschool art class.
They had so much fun making them.

2011-11-23T07:07:00.000-08:00

The distance doesn't really matter...
when the hearts are close.
Thanksgiving Blessings to all my friends and family!

Oh, give thanks to the Lord,
for He is good!
Psalm 118:29

Sorry for the lack of posting these past few weeks. I have been pretty busy and my camera takes awful pictures, so the pictures I do get are not that great. We have been staying busy with homeschooling, visits with friends and now decluttering the house to get ready for a big move sometime in January. There are going to be a lot of life changes here in the future, but I know God will be taking care of us. I guess the beginning of a new year is a great time to make changes. I'll be back soon to hopefully share some great recipes and pictures of the kids. Hope you all have a blessed time and don't forget to give thanks to the One who provides us with all that we need.

2011-11-18T05:38:00.000-08:00

Presentation Night.....
Tonight was presentation night for our home-school group. The kids got all dressed up and I was able to get this nice picture of them. The boys have been spiking there hair lately, which has been so cute. Anna & Gabriel recited the poem, "The Caterpillar". They also sang the turkey song and we were able to enjoy other piano and singing numbers.

Here is the group of kids that presented that night.

2011-11-06T07:09:00.001-08:00

Jesus, The Faithful One......

The confidence we have...
the trust we hold...
the hope we carry...
rest in His faithfulness.

Every promise He has made
He purposes to fulfill.
He has the authority to
accomplish all He has spoken.

His power is limitless...
His character changeless...
His love endless!

2011-11-05T05:50:00.000-07:00

Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup

1 lb. sweet Italian sausage
1 c. coarsely chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 c. water or however much you need for the size pot your using
1 pint canned tomatoes left whole or blended up
8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 c. celery chopped small
1 c. thinly sliced carrots
1 med. green pepper, cut into 1/2" pieces
1 1/2 c. zucchini, chopped small
8 oz. frozen meat or cheese filled tortellini or small ravioli
1/2 tsp. basil leaves
1/2 tsp. oregano leaves
3 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese

If sausage comes in casing, remove casing; cut into bite-size pieces. In a 5 quart Dutch oven brown sausage. Remove sausage from pan; drain reserving 1 tablespoon of drippings in pan. Saute onions and garlic in reserved drippings until onions are tender. Add water, tomatoes, carrots, basil, oregano, tomato sauce and sausage. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer uncovered 30 minutes. Stir in green pepper, simmer another 10 minutes. Add zucchini, tortellini and parsley. Simmer covered an additional 25 minutes or until tortellini are tender. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of each serving.

2011-10-30T08:37:00.001-07:00

Scripture Sunday.....

Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

-- HABAKKUK 3:17-18

2011-10-27T13:57:00.000-07:00

Free Stuff....

This past week the kids and I were driving around town and saw some free items sitting on the curb. When I saw this barn I knew we had to bring it home. Gabe was pretty excited about it and right away said, "I think we should paint it red." So the next day we headed to Ace Hardware to picked up some red spray paint.

Before:

After:

I love how it tuned out and the barn looks wonderful in the boy's room and matches the John Deere curtains, which has red barns all over them.

2011-10-26T18:24:00.000-07:00

Camp-out......
The other night the kids set up a pretend camp out with the neighbor girl. It was so cute to see them out there in their chairs all bundled up. It was cold out and a real fire would of really felt nice, but they settled for a pretend fire.

2011-10-24T17:07:00.000-07:00

Applesauce......
This past weekend the kids and I were busy making homemade applesauce. The kids just love the stuff and the awesome taste keep me from ever buying it in the store. The funnest part was peeling the apples, which was a snap with our apple peeler. The kids loved taking turns. I now have a bunch of containers in my freezer and 5 quarts and a 1 pint canned. I am hoping to have a chance at canning a few more jars.

2011-10-19T16:56:00.000-07:00

My Boys.....

I knitted both the boys a new winter hat and they both look so cute in them.

2011-10-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

There is Hope.....

You can turn back to God,
because He has not turned His back on you.

You can hold on to God,
because He has not released His hold on you.

You can love God again,
because He has never stopped loving you.

I have formed you, you are My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me! I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, And like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you. Isaiah 44:21-22

2011-10-03T05:39:00.000-07:00

Brussel Sprouts.....
This was the first time I have ever planted brussel sprouts. I watched a show on them earlier this spring and then saw the plants for sale. I decided to try them out and thought the kids would enjoy watching them grow. It is pretty neat how the brussel sprouts grow on the main stem.

2011-09-28T05:18:00.000-07:00

Lady Bugs....

This past weekend the kids and I decorated our dining room to get ready for a birthday party. We also made a lady bug cake and cupcakes, which the kids had a blast doing. Our friend turned 4 and we had a wonderful party.

2011-09-24T07:18:00.000-07:00

Field Trip......
Yesterday our home-school group took a field trip to the Cave of the Mounds. The kids had a wonderful time and saw some really amazing caves and learned some great new words like stalactite and stalagmites. If you are looking for some great activities to do with you kids you can go to this activity page.

Here is the group of 16 kids. I could not fit them all in my picture, but they were a great group.

The kids were identifying rocks, minerals & gems.

2011-09-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

Apple Juice...
The last few weeks the kids and I have been making homemade apple juice. It is so yummy and has taught my kids what good apple juice taste like. The only apple juice I buy at the store anyway is the "Simply Apple". Luckily right now I have a bout 4 gallons of frozen juice in my freezer and am looking to put a few more gallons in very soon.

2011-09-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

Fun at the Lake.....
We meet with a bunch of friends this past weekend and enjoyed some food by the lake. Anna especially had fun building a sand castle and mommy had a great time taking the Kayak out. I love to be outdoor and enjoying God's creation. I especially enjoy seeing my kids having fun with friends and in the beautiful outdoors.

2011-09-09T05:17:00.000-07:00

School has started.......

We started a few weeks back, but now that fall is officially here we are having to dig in even deeper. The kids are doing great and we are having a lot of fun. Just this past week Anna had her first ballet class and then Gabriel will be taking a fun Spanish class starting in just a few weeks. Next week all of the kids will be going to Awana's on Wednesday night and I know that Noah will be super excited to start his Cubbies class. Gabriel will be going into the Sparks class and is going to feel like such a big boy. Anna is excited to see all the friends that she made last year. There are also home-school meetings for me to go to and a couple of field trips planned. It's going to a busy year!

2011-09-06T05:04:00.000-07:00

At the Lake.....

Last week we had a couple of really hot days and so we decided to head to the lake. I figured it would be one of the last days of swimming for the year. The kids had a blast swimming and playing in the sand. I had a good couple of hours of knitting while the kids played.

2011-09-05T04:51:00.000-07:00

Painting pictures....

The kids love to paint pictures and it can keep them busy for a good hour or more. It's great to see how they improve each year. Anna loves to use the white paint to make more color's then the ones we have. They all do a great job of staying in the lines with their paint brushes.

2011-08-30T11:03:00.000-07:00

Go For It!

With God all things are possible.
Matthew 19:26

He's got you covered...
and then some!

2011-08-27T04:34:00.000-07:00

Caterpillar Cupcakes.....

One of the thing the kids enjoy doing is frosting cupcakes and decorating them. They are always wanting to have a party and making a cake is a great way to celebrate.

Yesterday afternoon they were having a camp out in the garage. I love how they use there imaginations.

2011-08-26T04:45:00.000-07:00

Homemade Slime.....

I found this link on how to make slime. I thought I would share it with you all just in case you would like to make some. I know my kids are going to love it. You can find the link here.

2011-08-21T06:29:00.000-07:00

"RE" Words

There are many "RE" words that are packed with hope and encouragement. The word REpurpose is often used today to remind us that many things once discarded, considered useless, and put aside for the trash heap, can be brought back, become useful once again, have value, and take on new meaning.

In the Scriptures we find some wonderful "RE" words that can keep hope and encouragement alive and thriving in our hearts.

REdeemed
I am the LORD...I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments. Exodus 6:6
REstored
'For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,' says the Lord. Jeremiah 30:17
REnewed
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles... Isaiah 40:31

- Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer

2011-08-20T03:36:00.000-07:00

Fun with Friends....

This past week on Thursday we meet some friends as the zoo. My kids just love playing and having fun with the Hutchensons. The kids all get a long really well and the mommies have fun talking and encouraging one another. They are also a homeschooling family and so we are going to be planning field trips this coming school year and inviting many other home school families that we know. I am starting to look forward to this coming year and all that we are going to learn together.

2011-08-15T05:52:00.000-07:00

Visit......

This past week Grandpa and Grandma were here to visit for a few days. The first day my mom and I spent the afternoon in my backyard pulling weeds and trimming bushes. After several hours there was a huge transformation from overrun by weeds to making my backyard look bigger.

We also took some time to have fun. We went garage sailing around town in the morning finding many treasures. In the afternoon we headed into Madison to check out the lakes and States Street. We are defiantly going to have to do that again and hopefully on a Saturday when they have the big farmers market.

The kids also had fun playing games with Grandma Joyce and watching some great movies.

2011-08-14T05:51:00.000-07:00

Wonderfully Made

Where something is made matters to us. Look at the tag on most any product and you'll likely see a line like these imprinted on it:
MADE IN CHINA
MADE IN MEXICO
MADE IN AMERICA
And if you could see the line imprinted on your heart,
it would read, MADE IN HEAVEN.

The word made usually conjures up visions of factories and impersonal production lines, but the way heaven creates is entirely different. Every part of you was carefully and intricately crafted by God. Of course, that creation was carried out physically in your mother's womb, but the idea of you started in the heart of heaven itself and He declared it was good....

God longs for His children to embrace the worth and value He's given them and then use it to bless others.
When we know who we are and whose we are, we're free to love, live with joy, and make a difference in the world.

-Holley Gerth

2011-07-31T13:03:00.000-07:00

There is.....

For every hectic work day there is a quiet rest...

For every painful experience there is a healing touch...

For every negative feeling there is an abiding joy...

For every disappointment there is a certain hope...

For every turbulent storm there is a sure foundation...

For every doubting thought there is a calm assurance...

For every hurtful action there is a forgiving love.

In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37

-Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer

2011-07-26T19:16:00.000-07:00

What a day.....

Today I was up in the boy's room and happened to glance out the window just in time to see a snake slithering on the road. It made it's way under the truck and then stayed there a bit. I really could not believe my eye's and on top of it I am terrified of them. It was not baby either but probably a good 45" long. The snake then made it's way up on our lawn and after an hour the boys spotted it by our garden. I am sure hoping it does not make a home there. I tried to get the hubby to go out and do a good check through the garden, but he wouldn't. He just laughed because he thinks it's funny that I am so scared of them. I believe it will be a few days before I can venture out into the garden and I may even have to put on a pair of boots, just in case.

The kids did end up having a great day playing with some friends who came over for a visit. I was a bit surprise that Anna ventured out, but hopefully the loud kids scared the snake a way. Later in the day the boys kept saying, "There's a snake in my boot." I wish I had taken a picture, the boys had put on the their boots, capes, and super hero masks. They then heading out in search of the snake. What a day!

P.S. To top it all off the truck battery is completely dead and there is no way to revive it. I took Noah with me to the grocery store and then after we got back and I was carrying the groceries in he turned the lights on. It's daytime, so I could not see them. Unfortunately they were on until the battery was dead. The worst part about this is Brandon just put a new battery in the truck a couple of months ago. We tried charging it, but it just will not work. Money wasted, which I really hate.

2011-07-22T04:26:00.000-07:00

Pomegranate Jelly Recipe

I had some organic pomegranate juice that my husband had bought and I decided to use a jar to make some jelly. It was really easy to do and turned out great. This is the recipe that I used.

The process of canning jelly is specific to what fruit you are canning, the type of pectin you are using - whether natural, liquid, powder - and the ratio of juice to sugar to pectin. If you plan to store your jelly on a shelf, and not in the refrigerator, you need special canning equipment to ensure against spoilage.

Ingredients

4 cups pomegranate juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 package powdered pectin
5 cups white sugar

You'll also need:

4 pint jars

Method

1 Make the Juice. There are two basic ways to make pomegranate juice from fresh pomegranates. The first is to cut open a pomegranate and submerge it in a large bowl filled with water. Remove the seeds underwater; they will sink to the bottom while the white membrane holding them together will float. Discard the peel and membranes. Strain the seeds and put them in a blender. Pulse the blender only a few times so that the seeds are broken up. Place a mesh strainer over a bowl and pour the seed mixture through the strainer. Use a rubber spatula to help press the pulp against the strainer as to extract as much juice as possible.

The second way to juice a pomegranate is to use a juice press. I have an old fashioned press that I use. I wash the pomegranate and cut it into quarters or halves, depending on how big the pomegranate is. I then crush the sections with a press and strain the juice through a mesh strainer. I have found that this method takes half the time or less of the first method, but the flavor can be a little more bitter because you are squeezing the peel as well.

2 Prepare canning jars. Seep the clean, empty canning jars in boiling water for several minutes. Boil a few cups of water in a separate kettle and pour over the lids in a small bowl to sterilize.

3 Measure pomegranate juice and lemon juice in a 6-quart pan. Add pectin, stir and place over high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Reach a full rolling boil, that cannot be stirred down, and add sugar. Boil hard for exactly 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Let stand for a minute and skim off foam.

4 Fill jars to 1/2" of the top. Wipe rims clean. Screw on 2-piece lids.

5 Finish canning. This step you need to take if you plan to keep the jelly unrefrigerated. Place the jelly jars, not touching, on a rack in a tall pot of boiling water. The water should cover the top of the jars by at least an inch. Boil for 10 minutes and then remove from the water. Let the jars cool. Check seals, the lids should be sucked down (you'll hear a popping noise as the jelly cools).

Yield - 4 pints

2011-07-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

Summer Squash.....
We have had a couple of suppers with some simple fried summer squash. Pretty soon I am going to have more squash then I am going to know what to do with. I am planning on trying this Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole recipe when I get enough to make up a dish. I will also be looking for other creative dishes. I'll be checking out some recipes from here and here. Does anyone have a favorite they would like to pass on to me??

2011-07-12T04:27:00.000-07:00

Swimming in the River......
My parents property is right by the Yellow River and this past weekend was the first time the kids got to enjoy walking up and down the rapids. They had a lot of fun and even Anna floated down the rapids for a bit. This brought back so many memories of when I was young. I told grandpa that we are going to have to get some inner-tubes.

2011-07-12T04:26:00.000-07:00

Fish for Supper...... .
This past weekend we went fishing in Grandpa Lanny's river and we caught 4 trout. The kids were really excited and I was pretty excited myself. This was the first time we actually caught fish. We all had a great time and are looking forward to doing it again.

2011-07-08T03:47:00.000-07:00

Pool Fun...
The last week has been so hot and humid that I decided to try and put the big pool up . It was a challenge because I kept finding holes. I managed to fix them all and even found the hole that we had in the top ring, which we have had since last summer. So not the kids have been having a lot of fun and we have been inviting friends and neighbors over to play.

We have also been having a lot of other water fun like going to the splash park and the Lodi swimming pool, because both of those are free. I even jumped in the pool one afternoon after I had was done mowing the lawn. The kids found it great fun spraying me with their water guns while I was mowing. If only they knew they were doing me a favor by keeping me cool.

2011-07-07T07:22:00.000-07:00

Homemade Pizza.....
One evening this past week I let the kids make there own pizza. They just like sauce, meat and cheese. Yummy.....

Can you tell it was hot, since all the kids had no shirts on:)

2011-06-28T04:02:00.000-07:00

God's Hands

Today is in God's hands and so are you.

His hands are strong and will uphold you;
His hands are great and will enfold you;
His hands are gentle and will embrace you;
His hands are protective and will cover you;
His hands are reassuring and will quiet you;
His hands are powerful and will defend you;
His hands are parental and will train you;
His hands are masterful and will conform you;
His hands are compassionate and will care for you;
His hands are healing and will renew you;
His hands are calming and will comfort you;
His hands are giving and will bless you.

The hands that hold you will never let you down.

-Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer

2011-06-27T05:51:00.000-07:00

Banana-Zucchini Bread Recipe

3 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups shredded unpeeled zucchini
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions

In a bowl, beat eggs. Blend in sugar, vanilla and oil. Add bananas and mix well. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; stir into egg mixture. Stir in zucchini and pecans just until combined.
Pour into two greased 9-in. x 5-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350° for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: 2 loaves.

2011-06-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

Hiding from the rain.....

2011-06-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

Bike Rodeo...
Today the kids had a blast at the Bike Rodeo put on my our Park and Recreation program. Both of the boys got free helmets and all the kids got their bikes looked at and adjusted. Also they had some fun bike activities to help the kids know how to be safe. It was a great way to spend Saturday morning.

Stay in the lines.....

2011-06-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

Zoo Fun......
Yesterday the kids and I had a great time at the zoo. The weather was great meaning it was not humid. They enjoyed riding the train and Merry Go Round. They also enjoyed walking around and seeing all the animals.

2011-06-11T12:42:00.000-07:00

Almond Biscotti....

2 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. oatmeal
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Mix these first six ingredients together and then set aside. In another bowl mix together:

2 eggs
3 Tb. oil
2 tsp orange zest
2 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp. almond extract
1/2 c. slivered almonds
1/4 c. water

Mix the wet ingredients together with a mixer and then add the dry ingredients and mix till everything is come together. If you need a little extra liquid then add a little. Then with floured hands transfer the dough to a baking sheet and form it into a rectangle shape that is about 1 1/2" thick. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Then take the biscotti out and little it cool for about 15 minutes. Turn oven down to 250 degrees. When the biscotti is cooled slice it into 1 inch stripes and lay the stripes on there side. Put them back in the oven for 15 minutes on one side and then turn them over and another 15 minutes on the other side or until they look browned. Then take them out and let them cool. Store in an air tight container.

If you want drizzled chocolate on top just melt down some chocolate chips and drizzle on the top after they have cooled.

Enjoy them with some coffee or tea:)

2011-06-09T04:57:00.000-07:00

Dragon Art Festival.....

There was an art fair and car show last weekend. It was a fun time for the kids. They got to do a little dancing, make some funny looking glasses, bounce in the big bounce house and just enjoying being outside. We also found some friends who ended up coming over for lunch and stayed to play for a while. It was a great way to spend a hot summer day.

2011-06-07T04:51:00.000-07:00

Dressing up a bit......It's so funny to see my boys getting all dolled up. I'm sure they are not going to like these photos when they get older, but many laughs will happen too.

2011-06-04T05:55:00.000-07:00

Garden Planted.......
I had been holding off on planting a garden because I just didn't know if we would be here at the end of the summer. After waiting a while I got $5 of free money from Ace Hardware and decided to use it on buying a few plants. I got 12 tomato plants, 4 brussel sprouts, 4 summer squashes, 4 peppers and 4 cucumbers. The kids and I then planted some seeds that I had like carrots, onions, lettuce, zucchini and broccoli. For just under $10 I planted all of this and the yield will be great.

Gabriel & Noah loved to help dig the holds for the plants and finding the worms was even more exciting. The other thing I love about planting a garden is letting the kids water it and picking the vegetables when they are ready. Anna has been a good helper with watering the plants during the heat. What a love about having a garden is giving the kids something to do and at the end of the season we get so much wonderful produce to eat.

2011-06-02T06:43:00.000-07:00

Let God Choose.....

As for God, His way is perfect! Psalm 18:30

Let God choose for you, it will be the right decision.
Let God guide you, it will be the right direction.
Let God plan for you, it will be in the right timing.
Let God measure for you, it will be the right portion.
Let God help you, it will be the right care.
Let God instruct you, it will be the right teaching.
Let God prepare you, it will be the right training.
Let God counsel you, it will be the right perspective.
Let God fight for you, it will be the right outcome.
Let God work in you, it will be the right result.

-Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer

2011-05-28T05:57:00.000-07:00

Quality Time......
This past week the kids spend time with grandpa and grandma. Grandpa worked on a few small projects that needed to be done. One project was fixing the drivers door of the truck, so we didn't have to climb in through the passenger door. It's awesome to have the truck fixed and now the kids can enjoy going for ride again.

Anna also enjoyed spending time with her Grandma Kara all by herself a couple of times. Grandpa and Grandma took us out to our favorite place to eat Noodle's & Company, which was a treat. What a great few days we had, but I should of taken more pictures.

2011-05-26T06:06:00.000-07:00

Music.....

I was reading Homeschool Creation and they had a post about Seeds Family Worship. I listened to a few songs like "Cast Your Cares" and "Young". They have some really great songs and thought I would pass the links a long for the music lovers out there. You can find many videos on You Tube. Enjoy!

2011-05-18T08:53:00.000-07:00

Anna Dancing......
She asked me to make a video for Grandpa & Grandma Kostman. So enjoy:)

2011-05-17T04:58:00.000-07:00

This is the Day.....

This is the day...
that you get to begin a new week.
This is the day...
that you're loved just as you are.
{1 John 4:18}
This is the day...
you have everything you need.
{2 Peter 1:3}
This is the day...
that victory is yours.
{Romans 8:37}
This is the day...
that God has made.
{Psalm 118:24}
There's never been one like it before and there will never be again. You're in this moment, time, place for a purpose and you've got what it takes to fulfill it.
So to say it like we do in the South...
Go get 'em, friend!

by Holley Gerth, DaySpring Writer

I had to post this for for my hubby who has been looking for a nursing job since last year. Just yesterday he had a job interview and so now we are waiting to hear back. They said we would know by Friday, so we are just praying and waiting.

2011-05-17T04:16:00.000-07:00

New Set of Wheels...
We were in Iowa this past weekend and the kids had a blast. Grandpa Lanny decided to get a new 4-wheel because he knew how much the kids would love it. It's just the right size for the kids and adults to drive. Grandpa & Grandma gave the kids a lot rides, but by the end of the day Anna & Gabe were giving each other rides and Noah. Thanks Grandpa for the cool set of wheels! We are looking forward to many visit this summer. Now the kids just wish they could have one at there house.

2011-05-16T04:19:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Birthday!!!!
Gabe had a great birthday. He asked me to make him rice pudding and I was happy to do that. He also got to go to a park down in Janesville and get a free birthday scoop at Culver's. He got a bike, fishing pole & electric toothbrush for his birthday, which made him a very happy boy.

2011-05-11T04:21:00.000-07:00

Spring Fun.....

The kids have been having so much fun outside. One day they pushed the picnic table over by the tree and was having a "lab" as they told me.

They have been playing so hard that many times they are falling asleep during storytime at night. Noah especially has been ready for bedtime very early and has fallen asleep as early as 5:30 one night. The key is getting them to stay still for a few minutes.

2011-05-08T17:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day........

The last few days the kids have been digging holes in the garden area looking for worms. Well today they decided to add a little water to the fun and ended up with a mud hole. Daddy ended up getting the water hose out to clean them up a bit, but it was not a big hit. The water was freezing, so we stripped them of there clothes and marched them up to the shower. How can a mother be made with a smile like that. It took all that I had to not laugh at what they had done.

Gabe is pointing at his brother and laughing. Noah was actually small enough to climb in the hole they had dug. Anna just stood by watching and I'm sure helping a bit. Later on Gabe tried to tell me that it was all Anna's idea. How do you ever get the truth from kids?

2011-05-07T17:48:00.000-07:00

Cyclops Eyes.......
We checked out this cookbook from the library called, "A Monster Cookbook" The kids and I decided we wanted to make the Cyclops Eyes.

Ingredients we used:

1/2 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. honey
1/2 c. powdered milk
1 1/2. crispy rice cereal

Mix all the ingredients together and use a scooper to form balls. Then you take M&M's and put one right on top. Refrigerate for about an hour to firm up and store in the refrigerator. This recipe makes about a 1 dozen. If you want to make more just double the recipe.

2011-05-04T19:25:00.000-07:00

The 21 Rules Of This House
by Gregg Harris

1. We obey God.
2. We love, honor and pray for one another.
3. We tell the truth.
4. We consider one another's interests ahead of our own.
5. We speak quietly and respectfully with one another.
6. We do not hurt one another with unkind words or deeds.
7. When someone needs correction, we correct him in love.
8. When someone is sorry, we forgive him.
9. When someone is sad, we comfort him.
10. When someone is happy, we rejoice with him.
11. When we have something nice to share, we share it.
12. When we have work to do, we do it without complaining.
13. We take good care of everything that God has given us.
14. We do not create unnecessary work for others.
15. When we open something, we close it.
16. When we take something out, we put it away.
17. When we turn something on, we turn it off.
18. When we make a mess, we clean it up.
19. When we do not know what to do, we ask.
20. When we go out, we act just as if we were in this house.
21. When we disobey or forget any of the 21 Rules of This House, we accept
the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Fortifying
The
Family

2011-05-01T06:22:00.000-07:00

I Believe God Will Guide Me

Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people [which] thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided [them] in thy strength unto thy holy habitation. Exodus 15:13 KJV

I believe my life is in God's hands and keeping. I believe He has a plan and purpose for my life and that He is leading me in a path that will fulfill that plan and purpose. I believe it is a good plan, a right plan, and the best plan. I believe there is not a better, higher, or wiser way for me to live or way for me to follow. I believe God knows exactly what He is doing and that He will bring things into my life at the exact time they are needed. I believe He wants me to follow Him with praise on my lips for who He is, with thanks in my heart for what He does, and with obedience in my steps for what He asks me to do.
-Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer

We need to be reminded that God is in control as we wait for the job that He has for us.

2011-04-30T05:14:00.000-07:00

New Recipe.....

This past week I printed off a recipe from Taste of Homes called, "Vegetable Beef Bow Tie The Skillet.". It looked easy and so I gave it a try. It was a huge hit with my husband and so it is now going into our favorites recipe book.

Now like most recipes I didn't follow it exactly because I didn't have all the items. I used ground turkey instead of hamburger. I also used my canned tomatoes that have peppers in them and added broccoli instead of zucchini. This is a great one pot Hamburger Helper kind of recipe. At the end I used some corn starch to thicken up the sauce a bit.

2011-04-24T06:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Resurrection

The love of God at Easter
is there for all to see-
He died for us and rose again
and won the victory!

God bless you with His peace & joy at Easter

From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16

His Name is Jesus

HIS BIRTH
Jesus...
He could hold the universe in His palm
but gave it up to float
in the womb of a maiden.
Christ became one of us.
and He did so to redeem all of us.

HIS MISSION
Jesus...
The man...
who spoke with such thunderous authority
and loved with such childlike humility.
The life of Jesus Christ
is a message of hope,
a message of mercy,
a message of life in a dark world.

HIS DEATH
Jesus...
The palm that held the universe
took the nail of a soldier.
On the eve of the cross,
Jesus made His decision.
He would rather
go to hell for you
than go to heaven without you.

HIS RESURRECTION
Jesus...
the moment He removed the stone,
He removed all reason for doubt.
Christ's resurrection
is an exploding flare
announcing to all sincere seekers
that it is safe to believe.

-Max Lucado

We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. I John 2:1

2011-04-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Mom.....
My moms birthday was this past week, so the kids and I made her a cake. I think it turned out lovely and it tasted even more lovely. I just love to make homemade butter cream frosting.

2011-04-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

Teeth Gone....
One day Anna told me that she had a couple of loose teeth. It only took a couple of weeks, from the time she told me, for them both to come out. I have to say I was really surprised how quickly it happened. It's a good thing, since we could see the two new teeth coming in already.

Also wanted to let those who may not know yet that Brandon did not get either of the jobs that he interviewed for. He will be continuing to look and apply for nursing jobs.

2011-04-12T16:07:00.000-07:00

Job Interviews......

Brandon had two interview this past Monday. The first interview was for a nursing job in Sioux Falls, SD. It was a phone interview and Brandon found out the positions hours were working two days during the day shift and two days working the night shift. We will have to wait to see if we hear back from them, but Brandon already knows he would have to say no.

The second interview was for a nursing job in Madison. He feels the interview went very well and has a good chance at the job. This facility is actually hiring 4 people to start in the beginning of May and 4 more people to start at the beginning of June. They are actually looking to hire people who are brand new nurses. This is encouraging and now we just have to wait and hope to hear back some good news. It may take till the end of next week to find out.

We would appreciate your prays!

2011-04-06T06:16:00.000-07:00

The Measure

Let the grace of the Lord be the measure of your sufficiency;
let the peace of the Lord be the measure of your quietness;
let the power of the Lord be the measure of your strength;
let the goodness of the Lord be the measure of your contentment;
let the love of the Lord be the measure of your service;
let the faithfulness of the Lord be the measure of your trust;
let the beauty of the Lord be the measure of your worship;
let the fullness of the Lord be the measure of your joy;
let the sovereignty of the Lord be the measure of your confidence;
let the promises of the Lord be the measure of your expectations;
let the coming of the Lord be the measure of hope.

Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words. Psalm 119:57 KJV

Read more encouraging messages by Roy Lessin

2011-03-28T04:34:00.000-07:00

My Boys......

I was just looking through my pictures this morning and thought I would share some. A few weeks back the kids and I made pirate hats. They had fun making them and have been using them for play.

Here the boys are snuggling in there blankets. Last week my parents were able to stay for a couple of days and the kids get to camp out on the living room floor. They have fun and especially enjoy the time of with Grandpa and Grandma.

2011-03-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

Madison Children's Museum....
Last week we went to the Children's Museum and the kids spent a few hours playing. There is so much there for the kids to do. There a good art area....

building area....

a pretend food area.

and so much more. I am planning on taking the kids about once a month.

2011-03-17T04:55:00.000-07:00

Anna's Spark Verse....

John 14:6
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

It is so awesome to listen you your little girl recite her Bible verse. She put great reflections into the verse. It's also been great for me because I get to review verses that I have memorized. I'm not sure what I am going to do next year with 3 kids in Awana's.

2011-03-15T06:13:00.000-07:00

I saw this written on Facebook and I had to post it. Have a blessed Tuesday:)

Happy Moments PRAISE GOD

Difficult moments SEEK GOD

Quiet moments WORSHIP GOD

Painful moments TRUST GOD

Every moment THANK GOD

2011-03-14T18:04:00.001-07:00

Boys' Room......
Today I went to Ace Hardware and found a gallon of paint in their clearance section. It was only $5. I thought it would look good in the boys room. I painted this room yellow before Anna was born because I didn't know if we were going to have a boy or a girl. It's been needing a change. When I saw a deal on this paint I couldn't pass it up. It only took me about two hours to paint the room this afternoon. What do you think??? About the paint color not the ugly green carpet. We really need to get new carpet in this room.

Before:

After:

2011-03-13T06:43:00.000-07:00

You Shall Not Want

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1

To the lost sheep, He is the seeking Shepherd;
To the needy sheep, He is the providing Shepherd;
To the hurting sheep, He is the comforting Shepherd;
To the bruised sheep, He is the healing Shepherd;
To the anxious sheep, He is the peaceful Shepherd;
To the wandering sheep, He is the guiding Shepherd;
To the fearful sheep, He is the protecting Shepherd;
To all His sheep, He is the Good Shepherd.

-Roy Lessin

2011-03-12T06:09:00.000-08:00

Menu Planning Sheets.....

I've been wanting to find something, so I could keep track of our meals. I found one that I really like and wanted to share it with you. Hope this is helpful for someone. To find it go here. Happy menu planning:)

2011-03-11T04:49:00.000-08:00

Flying Wings.....
Don't ask me how we ended up making wings out of cereal boxes and pipe cleaners, but we did. Each of the kids got a set and it was Gabriel's idea to make wings in the first place. Anna then thought of the idea of using pipe cleaners, so they could put them on there arms and have something to hold on too. There are so many great uses for cereal boxes and we also made a race track, which the kids have colored and decorated.

I have to say cardboard is wonderful and such a inexpensive way for kids to craft. We went to a friends house this past weekend and they had made a doll house out of cardboard. It was awesome and I guess the little girls loves to play with it. Kids tend to play more with things they make themselves:)

2011-03-10T04:41:00.000-08:00

Snow Fun....
Yesterday we got a good amount of snow, so I sent the kids out to play. Well to our great surprise the snow was the nice sticky stuff. The kids had a blast making this snow man and they made a fort. It's to bad the snow isn't always sticky because the kids have so much fun with it.

2011-03-08T09:04:00.000-08:00

Kids Websites....

I new website that a friend told me about is called Starfall. It teaches kids letters, the sounds and goes as far as teaching the child to sounds out words and read. It's wonderful and am so glad a friends of mine told me about it. I am finding it is a fun way for the kids to have fun and be learning at the same time. Does anyone else have some learning websites that they love to have there kids play at. I know the other websites that my kids love to go too is Nick Jr, PBS Kids and Playhouse Disney.

2011-02-25T08:53:00.001-08:00

Coloring pages.....

One thing I love about the internet is finding coloring pages. Today Gabe was asking me to draw a black knight well my drawing skills are very limited. I found this great link to Castle & Knight coloring pages. He was very happy to have some of these pages printed out.

Does anyone else have some favorite links to coloring pages????

2011-02-22T11:22:00.000-08:00

There a few blogs that I love to read and "I Have To Say" is one of them. She has a lot of sewing inspiration and recipes that are great. She has started to host this Recipe Box Swap again and I posted my Cinnamon Scone recipe. If you would like to find some other great recipes you can click on the link above. Also join in on the fun too and let me know about it. I'll be checking often to see the new recipes.

2011-02-20T16:34:00.000-08:00

Kid Fun & Other News.....

Today the kids and I went to the Kids Expo at the Alliant Energy Center in spite of the weather condition. The Lord was good and gave us safety there and back. We spent a good 4 hours there and didn't have a problem staying busy. The kids had fun collecting candy, playing games, bouncing for a bit and getting there hair sprayed fun colors.

The kids also got to enjoy an animal show were they saw animals like a tortoise, chinchilla, and one animal that sent Anna running far away..... a huge snake. I even kept my distance, since they are not my favorite animal. The boys on the other hand were up front and center. There was no fear in either of my boys with any of the animals and if Noah could of he would of climbed right up on stage.

Another fun place the kids and I went about a week ago was the Madison Children's Museum. It is an awesome place and the kids loved it. We were there for a good 3 hours and the kids came home exhausted. I love places were the kids can run and play hard because then they come home and sleep really well at night.

Lastly we will be traveling to Cedar Rapids Iowa on Tuesday because my husband has two interviews. The kids and I will be checking out the town and hopefully find some fun places to visit. We will also be praying for daddy that the interviews go well and that hopefully a nursing job will be the end result.

Sorry for the lack of pictures. I should of had my camera with me, but with trying to carry as little as possible I left it home.

2011-02-17T09:15:00.000-08:00

Cook Yourself Thin......

I have been watching some episodes called, "Cook Yourself Thin." They have been awesome and I have been learning so much. Some of the things I've learned I have already known and some things have been new. One thing I learned today was to use parchment paper when baking cookies because it's not only makes clean up easy, but saves you some calories with not using the spray stuff, which really is not good for us anyway. Another problem I have is the amount of butter I use in foods and baking. I have seen some really great recipes that don't use any butter or oil. I am going to have to try out this Oatmeal Raisin Cookie recipe, which sounds awesome. Lastly Olive oil is also the best oil to us when you want to use an oil.

To find some of their other recipes you can go here. I will be checking them out here over the next few months and when I find one I love I'll let you know.

I have been challenged by my husband to workout at least 30 minutes every day, no coffee in the morning, since I like to put to much cream and sugar in it and lastly no sweets or I am hoping to make some healthy cookies and deserts to curve my craving, which I know I will have. The kids make cooking a challenge because we know how much kids like sweets and treats. I do have one thing going for me is that I am not a snack person.

So this is my challenge and now I need a lot of accountability. I not only want to do this for myself, but for my kids. I want them to see the importance of exercise and eating foods that are good for the body. Another reason I need to do this is because in I Corinthians 6:19 the Lord tells us our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and also our body is not our own. We need to keep ourselves healthy because that is what the Lord would want us to do. I hope I have encouraged another and set up some accountability also for myself.

2011-02-15T06:07:00.000-08:00

Valentines Package.......
The kids had yummy heart pancakes yesterday for breakfast and then they all dressed in red. Mommy was even wearing red, which the kids loved. The kids then started asking if I had anything special for them. I had been keeping the package from Grandpa & Grandma a secret. They were really excited when they saw it and there were so many goodies in it. They especially love the marshmallow suckers, but one package of the Twizzlers is gone with a few of the Air Heads. Thanks grandma & Grandpa for all the goodies:)

2011-02-14T08:43:00.000-08:00

Your Divine Valentine.....

A Valentine may play a love song for you, but God sings you the sweetest love song in the universe.
The Lord your God... will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

A Valentine may give you flowers, but God sent you the most beautiful rose of all. Jesus.
I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.
Song of Solomon 2:1

A Valentine may bring you chocolate, but God provides you with something even sweeter, His Word.
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103

A Valentine may love you for a lifetime, but God loved you before you were born and will love you for all eternity.
Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love...with loving kindness I have drawn you. Jeremiah 31:3

Praying you're blessed by the wonderful love of God this Valentine's Day and always!

2011-02-13T15:34:00.000-08:00

Adoption......

Some good friends of ours are planning to adopt a little boy when the Lord provides. They are such a loving family and I'm excited for them. To learn more about this family you can visit, "Sharing our Joy". I know I enjoyed reading about there family and I know you will too.

2011-02-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

Onion Rings.....

There is nothing I like better then yummy onion rings and this is a great recipe. If you want to watch it you can go here. I just use regular milk, since I don't keep buttermilk on hand. Also use any spices you want and make it your own. Onion rings are so easy to make, so I hope you will try it out if you love them as much as I do.

2011-02-05T09:52:00.000-08:00

Old, but New Cabinet.......
A few weeks ago my parents brought me an old cabinet that was just sitting out in there garage. I love it and it has given me some great storage for the kids school stuff and craft supplies. I love having things organized and easy to find.

The top few shelves holds some binders, paint supplies, card game, and markers.

The bottom two shelves holds Anna and Gabe's school books. One shelf for Anna and one shelf for Gabriel. It works great and easy for them to get too.

2011-02-03T09:47:00.000-08:00

Blizzard Results.....
The kids have been having a blast playing in all the new snow, but not so much fun for daddy. It was drifted as high as our fence in the back yard that the dogs could play in the neighbors yard, which is luckily fenced.

It was packed up around the trucks back end and only took a good hour or more to get everything all shoveled.

2011-01-29T03:26:00.000-08:00

Eventful......
Or maybe not to much. The major happening this week was my washing machine stopped working on Monday. They always have to do this when they are full of water & clothes. Also this is the second washer that has broken down on us in the last few months. It must have some electric issue because it was tripping the breaker and the sparks were flying when I tried to plug it in. My dad gave us some help over the phone, but after we got the back off of it we could not see any blacked wires or anything else really wrong with it. We will keep it around for a while and maybe my dad can look at it and find the problem next time he is here to visit.

We decided it would cost just as much if not more to have someone come look at it, so I started looking on Craigslist by Wednesday. I ended up having to wash some of Brandon's work clothes in the sink this week and am really glad I don't have to do that all the time. By Friday I found a washer that had not been taken and Brandon went and picked it up. It's a Maytag, which is in very god conition and we payed $100 for it. What a great deal.

Lets see other happening around here was we had friends who came down with stripe throat and so we stayed home most of the week in anticipation of the kids getting it. So far the kids never did complain of a sore throat.

The kids have been doing a lot of indoor playing and have not been wanting to go out and play in the snow at all. Anna is ready for summer and I think the boys are too. I don't think I can really count the number of hours that I played Uno this week, but the kids are getting good. Yesterday I introduce them to some new games, which they loved. It's fun as the kids get older and they can play fun games with me and themselves. I even showed them the game Yahtzee. It will be a while before they can play it, but they had fun rolling the dice.

The projects that I got done around the house this week was repainting the wood work bench in the basement. It look much better and I hope it stays that way till we hopefully sell our duplex. I went thought my hubbies gun stuff and organized it all. He now doesn't have boxes of gun stuff with everything under the sun in them. I put his reloading supplies in one container, his gun slings & leather pouches in another, gun cleaning supplies in another and there are a few containers of bullets and gun parts. I need to do just a little more work, but it's much better then it was. I also went through my clothes closet and took out all the clothes that are to small to fit me this winter and put them away in a container in hopes that they will fit next winter. Now I can find what I need much easier.

Well that is my week. Hope you all had a wonderful week and have a great weekend.