Tackle It Tuesday

Carolyn Does this answer your Question :)
That and really good tunes. My husband did a wonderful collection of sound tracks from
Last of the Mohegans, Legends of the Fall and Brave heart. Great Music!

Good Morning!
Well today is another motivated Tackle it Tuesday.
I think that this is one of the best meme's .
It has helped me so much to be motivated that I have now really looked at my weeks more carefully
It is my hope and intent to live more purposefully.
With the sight of a reward at the end of the goal. Next year to have saved enough to go back east with the family and do a history trek of the D.C. area.

After the kids were dropped of at school I went to the grocery to get the things I need to finish off this weeks menu. I had several really good buys, produce and such.

When I arrived home these two needed loving. Willy needed his ear cleaned and treated with the medication. Rena was so funny she was ,I think , under the impression that I may be hurting Willy and tried to place herself in the middle with lots of very forceful kisses and in my face "see Me". They both actually climbed into the bath tub, as if to ask for a bath. I think they need a lot of attention too.

After baking the cookies and cup cake and dinner this was a challenge that remains for today. Beloved said last night as he awaited his guy to show up for mens group "I'm sorry I couldn't help you get these dishes done" it tickled me so I said..."Me too!" and laughed.


After

Tomorrow!
Yikes! I need to go get the garden rake. I can not bend under to get all the stuff from under the bed. Dash was not amused with the idea of clearing under his bed for me this morning"can I get it after school Mom?" was his plea.

So many little things to separate Again. He needs the help at 6. I have allowed a mess in their rooms to a limit , but I need to sort out his clothes and pass on stuff so I can get a better idea of what I need to make for him. I know I need to make him pants. He is so skinny and tall I can hardly buy them if I wanted too. He does not ware jeans for the texture is a problem with his Sensory issues.

I almost got the clothing and towels and some of the blankets done. Beauty threw all of the pile on the couch, across the room last night while looking for a toy. My word she just was so surprised she did anything wrong. "I was going to pick them up"... Well now They have the dust and dog hair on them...Arg...
I need to redo the decorations on the dining table Dash left a cup of water on the Oak table it was spilled and the table cloth soaked remained on it until I returned from dropping them off at school. I found it and the wood is now a little blistered! I had to wash and reset it, This time I will put the plastic pad under the the cloth like I should have done in the first place. I knew I should have before. I was just short stepping to get it done.



After

Maybe tonight?

The night before camping Sweet beauty spilled over a rack on the bead table. I need to fix this for I have a Special order I get to work on. Hay! Lisa B. I found some wonderful Pink I think you are going to love.

Autumn Harvest Joy!

Hay! "Ohio Farm Girl" I love how your rubbing off onto me!
It really is a wonderful time of year!

I am taking a big tray of these to the therapists office for the staff. They have served me so lovingly for so may days over the last many years. I was able to do the leg press (very little weight 2x12 reps then 8x1rep). Then I even was able to do an extension at 2 pounds 10 x 2 sets Wow! I feel alive. I'm not hurting to much either tonight.

The kids gagged The cup cakes down :)
It was so nice to offer the men's meeting a snack too.
It felt so good to get out my tips again. I also made Beloved his
I made "Breakfast Cookies" (link) today.
I had the oven warm most of the late morning then the late afternoon.
I took the dog to the vet for his ear, the Vet began to open up about difficulty with answering her daughters spiritual questions. "Be ready to give answer for what you believe"...
She said "I'm not ready" ...I told her about the difference between Relationship and religion. Religion being mans understand and relationship being a primary function. What do you believe? Could you answer earnestly? I believe in the true religion as in the text... Take care of the widow and the orphan in their hour of distress. Keep oneself unspotted from the world. This is true Religion in the sight of God. That is what I read in my Bible. Of course John 3:16 yet that is my relationship. It was a really cool moment in time worth ($) the Vet Visit. Again I'm reminded that nothing is what you think it is about. It is all about God being Glorified. So, I recant my griping about the Vet Costs. God's got me covered there, He owns the planet.
The meal plan was followed today and it really helped my focus to know what I was going to fix. I had some romaine to clean for my lunch so I just broke it up for the supper salad, it was ready for me. Beloved even got to finish his supper .
Kids are asleep and I got up at 5:30 am so the day is winding down early.
We had a power outage yesterday.
Boy the fires in California are really bad!
We also had an event in community, A wheel chair was wrecked and a helicopter in our park aired evacuated someone. Hubby saw it on his way home. We have n man who must of had a bad stroke who is always in his chair up and down the sidewalks, I just saw him the other day. We are concerned about what may have happened . I'm sure the buzz will be about the school tomorrow. Many of the kids were doing a practice in the park at the time.
The mens group was nice and the kids are bathed and read too and in bed now.
My Sweet beauty was such a bug tonight. Sometimes I wonder how much she understands? She was looking for a little dog on the couch where I had my last two loads ,clean, awaiting being folded she took the clothing and just threw it over head and under hand across the living room floor trying to find her toy. "I was going to pick it up" Arg!!!!!!!! The floor is full of dog hair!
That child leaves me to wonder how able she is?
Totally surprised and so tunnel vision she does not even understand what she was doing is wrong. Crazy Making Kid.:)
tomorrow is Tackle it Tuesday. Oh man you'll all have to come and get me if I get lost. It is Dash Hawks room...d d d d d d theme from jaws....
I will use the garden rake. Sound familiar? Anyone?

Days of the week Schedule

Monday: Wash Day
Tuesday: Ironing Day (gardening)
Wednesday: Sewing Day
Thursday: Market Day
Friday: Cleaning Day
Saturday: Baking Day
Sunday: Day of Rest (Bible time)

This is something I have been trying to find. In the 1960's this was a common "Workday" Schedule. Homemaking was a type of employment respected by many.

Inspirational Blogger Award

"Shorty Bear" Dear Denise, has reached out once again in a loving embrace to life up my heart. We are more than survivors. We are overcomer's in Christ Jesus. For without Him we can do...Thank you for acknowledging me along the road walked together.

She wrote:
This lady has been to hell, and back. She is such a lovely example of a faithful survivor, and she inspires me to be more than I am. Bless you always.

Make it from Scratch Carnaval

Go visit "Miles to go Before I Sleep"
Make it from scratch carnival.
This was Originally posted 9/10/07

Taco Seasoning Mix in bulk homemade.

If there is one thing that I don't like to do it is to purchase over priced seasoning mixes that are full of ingredients that just might make hair grow on your chest and your eyes cross.
So I make my own in bulk to last for 2-3 months at a time. The packets are ? what $1. -1.50 each now? Let me show you a trick. No artificial preservatives here.

Taco Seasoning mix
1/4 cup dried chopped onion
1/8 cup sea salt
1/8 cup cayenne pepper (can use chili powder)
1/2 cup potato starch (can use corn starch or any other thickening agent)
1 tablespoon garlic power
1 1/4 cup dried oregano leaves
2 table spoons cumin
stir in bowl and then grind in pistil and mortar or food processor.
Seal it in a canister and use it up in 2-3 months
alter it to your preference.

You only need 2-3 tablespoons per 1 pound of ground beef
3, 8oz cans tomato sauce
taco shells
and fillings.

Last night Daddy Man and I were sharing concerns over snack time after school filling little tummies with junk and no room for nutrition. So the kids had a taco or two after school instead. Snacks after good food. Hubby encouraged feeding them while the appetite was there.
Strike when the iron is hot!

Clearence Rack Electric Meat slicer

Last night I went to Wal-Mart to get the Tooth Fairy gift and while searching the clearance shelves, I found this for$23.
My thought is that at $5. and over a pound for lunch meat I can do better than that. All the preservatives are so so good for us either. Beloved gets migraines from some nitrites
If I do roast and turkey I can "cut" that cost substantially.
My wrist does not last as well as it used too. (I pulled it all the way back when my daughter was an infant,I caught it in a door handle. Then when Dash was just home from Russia I fell with him in my arms just after I had a hysterectomy surgery and caught us with the same hand bending it almost completely back again) I did both babies single handed. My right hand was in a brace almost two years on and off. That was a trial:)
Anyway this will be a good tool. Beloved was very concerned of my safety with one of htes tools however.


It folds up nicely

I can buy several whole turkey's soon sometimes almost free during this season. Now is the time to use us pantry fodder. In a few weeks we can get real cheep lead in adds at the grocery stores.
I know to let the meat chill well before slicing.
Does any one have any good lunch meat recipes?

I gave it a maiden voyage on a large brick of cheese for sandwiches and cracker/cheese lunches for Daddy and Beauty.

The Deli's and stores have wax paper between their slices for good reasons.
This worked fast for me. Clean up was pretty easy. I can buy large 3 pound blocks at Costco and Slice it now. I have grated our own cheeses for the most part. Now slicing is very easy to do.

Over Salt River and threw the city to Grandmothers house we go...

This is my Mother through marriage. She is a sweet woman who has played so many roles in my life over the last 25+ years but the best has been, My Friend.

Sweet beauty had asked me if I could teach her how to knit. I do not have this skill, so I suggested her Grandmother. Beauty has it in mind to fulfill a gift that Laura Ingals (Little House on the P.) gave one Christmas. She wants to give something very special that she did herself.

So Grand Mother took the time to get the yarn for her. We hoping she can come for a lessen here on Thursday. They live some distance and it is very challenging for them to be able to get with the kids. Remember we started out very late in this parenting thing. That made it hard on them age and strength wise.

Sweets did a great job. She caught on quickly. I was taught how once by her but without a mentor at hand I did not know how to fix a problem when it occurred.

Look at her concentration

She was able to get about an inch done.

Menu Plan Monday

While the Salmon in the freezer rolled over to this week We saved considerably last week. I feel so good about it. I am so grateful to the host of this meme for promoting the good disipline that helps us set our goals.

Sunday Smiles

While enjoying her crunchy dry cheerios (sorry the dirty teeth:) this morning ...
GLEE exclaims!!!
"Its out!"...
From every corner we all come to her to celebrate her freedom from the "tooth"...
This Molar has been loose for several days of annoying, painful anticipation.
Beauty said"I think this one deserves a toy, not just money."
That is her third tooth this month. Braces are due to start in January.
Such good news, she had a little friend that had to have some pulled.

She is very Happy and enthralled with her new litter of pups.

Autumn Swap

Christine over at "Are we there yet Mom" held an Autumn Swap
My good fortune was to receive from Kailani at "Island life" a wonderful assortment of All Natural Dry roasted Macadamias Nuts with Sea Salt, and Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts too. Yummy!!!!!
The Prettiest Stationary note cards with Plumeria flowers on them and Plumeria bath crystals. Time for a little luxury :)
The sweetest thing is a Calender of Beautiful Native flowers. I need a new calender (just yesterday I was contemplating ordering one) and this one is soooo...beautiful. Every month has the most amazing photographs of flowers that look like they grow in paradise.
Thank you Kailani for a taste of your home Land.
The kids loved the chocolate covered nuts (me too), they are a treat. Yummy

and thank you Christine for the Wonderful Autumn Swap.

A must Read!

Over at "The Dust will Wait" is a wonderfully, skillfully written post
You MUST go read it. Octobers Dance.

Bang trimming time.

Help me she cried... "I can't see"

yepee! I can see. If you look closely she is about to loose a molar on the bottom. It is being pushed up and out. This is perfect timing for braces are set for January. She just lost the two flanking on top. Wow her face is really elongating.

But, ...I don't want my hair trimmed! Fussy.

A moving target. This poor kid can't stand to have water even on his head. He is so very tactilely sensitive is is just torture for the both of us! :)

He pouted the rest of the night because I took away his choice and just trimmed them! I was set to task one time for all three of us. One vacuum job and all is finished and I can see those wonderful eyes. May not be perfect by it is free. (of course I had invested in the hair cutting scissors a long time ago) Often when we pay for it in the past it turned out a lot worse.
$17. x 3 plus tips. $60. saved.

Sewing with my bangs in my eyes was very annoying! So It pushed the job up to the top of the priorities tonight. I can see! Now to do my hair color again. The last time was the first time. It is growing out so I might do a touch up and lighten the roots. I suppose I could be a little more vane but why. Being real and open it more my way.

Man I hope when I loose the weight I'll get rid of the chin too. Age, it does a body bad tricks:) Of course I did earned it.

We can all see now.
Beloved has not needed his bangs trimmed for many years now :) he he

It's been a "Dogie Day"

Good evening, I have had a full day.
Those thoughtful kids of ours let us sleep in till 8 am this morning. I over heard a "Oooo ...throw up... And I dashed to the kitchen upon awakening,to find it was only burnt egg on the burner. Sweets made eggs for Dash, very thoughtful of her and the left over mess was not too bad:)
I sat down with a bowl of cereal and the "dog day began" :)

It began with the dogie greeting, that caused me to become aware that Willy has a another fungal ear infection. He must have gotten into some water, this one was a surprise. This has happened more than once in the past when I bathe them and they get water in their ears. I cleaned them with solution but will need a Rx to get rid of it.
I took Dash to the store to get a gift for the party.
Dash had a party to attend and for the first time the "daddy Man" did the party thing with his son. It was a single Mom at a park with a lot of boys.
After the boys left Sweet Beauty stayed home with me.

Dogie morning greeting. Notice Willy point out that Rena's eye is bothering her again. Willy slaps her with his tail when the are going in and out of the door.

Miss Beauty was a little ugly about not getting to go to a "bear factory in the mall" she had watched a commercial this morning (reason I don't usually let them see Saturday T.V.) and she wanted to go. Fixed on it she had a fit. So I offered to help her make a bear here and told her I had a lot of different types of patterns to choose from. Eventually she saw no fit was going to change the budget and a $100 trip to the mall for a stuffed bear was NOT going to happen.. Not today and not likely ever.

I went to the Vets with Sweet Beauty to ask for a Rx for Willy's ears (he has the fungus in them). Now I have gone through the fungus with dogs for the umpteenth time ,yet they insist on a $40. visit to give me a lousy $12 jar of drops!Arg!!!!!!! Then they inform me that Willy needs $175. visit,shot,heart worm test,6months heart worm pills, a shot that he does not need(we never board the dogs) and the ear drops.OH OH OH then!! Rena needs it too!!!!!!!!! another $175.I don't think so. Then she whispers that the chance of heart worm is very low in our state. So I think not!!!!!!!! Oh if I come in for a shot and visit the $40. visit will only be 30. and the shot $18. so really I am only paying $8. for the shot :((((( come on did I just fall of the boat!
So of course after the Mc D. lunch date was canceled we with grace and courage went home and had a wonderful (no really it was yummy ) tuna and cracker lunch. It really was nice just Sweets and I. She was very disappointed at first but then she admitted it really was a better lunch. SCORE!

She then wanted a dog. So after some search I indeed had a pattern. You see I have been sewing and collecting from yard sales and clearance shelves for over 25 years of craft shows and home made gifts. I knew I must have one. Indeed. I had one.

When we returned form the vet the budget had shifted. I thought of going to a thrift store for a garment to recycle for the fabric, and then it hit me. I had one Sweets had a little vest that she once wore every day. So we cut it apart and shazam!

Fine motor makes for a hard time cutting so she pose for this. She tried so hard to do it.

That little dog head was very hard to do! I had the eyes and nose in my craft stuff.

Second try attaching the head was a success. The first try left it with a "tail" on its tummy ...OOPs I had to unpick the head and re attach it.

Just needs to have the back hand stitched and we are off.


Spot was meeting the "store bought" crowd.
He was very well accepted.
Beauty was off with out even a thank you...
So the Daddy Man later told her (during an altercation/correction over picking up the phone and shouting into it during a phone call he was on) how he felt about her not even thanking me. She did come in and say thank you. It gave me a chance to tell her how much I enjoyed making it "with Her".
Supper is over and we skirted another store trip. I said I would make our meal and that it was better than going out to Costco and risk the temptations of advertising and materialism (though I chose my words well with beloved). He wanted to save me the trouble of fixing a meal (sweet guy).
Monday meal plans saved me a $ I knew what to fix and I had set up an easy meal!!!!

When we spend time with each child we call it tying strings with them.
When we error we call it breaking strings. We try to keep a balance and strong ties.
That little dog was a lot of work but it was a real good (how be it very frustrating at times :) project.
Hubby did the dishes (that dear heart!) and I sit and rest a spell and wind down. I had my wheels a spinning a little to fast. These new bearings you know, I have to break them in:) Some hamsters just learn slower:)

I so wish Beauty was a kid who could do those things with me without the problems. That darling is so hard to teach and work with. She is so scattered and just all over the place. She is also funny, imaginative and playful.

Well Dash just asked nicely if I would come watch him play outside. Gotta go.
Be Embraced!

Well, we played catch and I did the poop scoop too. Dog day all done :)

Aloha Friday~~~Why do you blog?

Why do you blog?

The question asked by Kalani over at a Island review.

I blog first because I was told by so many I really aught to . Then I began. I often find it cathartic. Sharing my knowledge helped me to feel like I was not a dieing bread of homemaker. I was having memory problems and found it getting worse. Since I have blogged now this almost 6 months my concentration and memory functions have greatly improved. I also find a wonderful incentive to tasks. I don’t feel so alone in doing them. I love to learn from others and understand humanity and cultures. Living vicariously from the many wonderful members of community. It has helped me in a sense of self, and affiliation with others. Also mission and competency as well.
By sharing my experience strength and hope I have actually made a positive difference in others lives.
I matter in the world at large.

The Carnaval of Beauty on Peace

The Carnival of Beauty

What is the Carnival of Beauty?
Each week women from around the world write on a specially selected topic allowing them to reflect on the beauty of Christ in the world around us.

The Carnival of Beauty was started by Sallie near the end of 2005. For over a year she sponsored the Carnival of Beauty which is hosted by a different Christian woman each week. In the spring of 2007, Sallie passed on the sponsorship of the Carnival of Beauty to me here at following an unknown path.
Please join us as we seek to glorify Christ in our writing.

On Peace

In the absence of strife,
Peace.
With clean hands and a pure heart
Peace.
In repentance
Peace.
Through forgiveness, there is found,
Restoration,
Unity,and
Peace.
To abide, dwell and rest in the presence of A Holy God,
Peace.
In the midst of battle,
the raging storm,
the trail of suffering
is Peace.
In knowing that all is not about us,
but rather about how He might be glorified.
He being made apparent in our lives,
Peace.
In loss,comfort
Peace.
In joy and good times
peace.
from the fear of loss.
For His eyes searching to and fro across the earth searing for anyone willing to stand in the gap and intercede,
Peace.
Though asked to stand in harms way,
Peace.
His Will.
Peace.

Oh family life.

The Carnival of family life.
Hosted by "Raising a Healthy Family"

Oh Family Life

Oh goodness family life... You would just not believe it! Tonight as we prepared the couch and the living room for our weekly movie night. After we each placed the name of a movie we wanted to watch on a pop cycle stick, Dash made a bar graph, we each drew 4 times. Taught the difference between a vote and a draw. It happened!
I had my arms loaded with kitchen towels on the way to the kitchen. Oh yes just a easy as you please. Rena was in my blind spot under foot. Laying just behind the couch (she never normally lays there) I stepped right on her leg and she head hit me right in the good knee with the fang imprint and broken skin to boot. I hurt both knees trying not to fall! I also wrenched my back! Light headed from the pain Hubby grabbed me a chair!
Then a few moments later pulling the meal out of the oven I burned my hand!
Talk about the battle!
I had just had it!!!!!!!!!!
With my head on the counter nearing tears, Dash approached...
Mommy every one gets hurt every so often. It is O.K. Mom. Your alright. I got hurt today too. I feel better so will you Mom.
Reality at the moment of desperation and utter frustration from the knee pain of the drive into the city with a parking lot of a so called freeway!
The sweet children saw me begin to just cry.
"You think someones out to get me down?"
You think?
Kids and Daddy man set the meal and I took a yucky pain pill that has left me nauseous.
Family Life.
Everyone gets hurt sometimes.
We take turns comforting each other
and...