A sweet Morning gift from Michelle

She Who Writes Own Story can be purchased at link

Michelle sent this sweet lady to me today, She wrote...You once bought me one of these - she who believes in herself. I was browsing the artist's website and found this one - she made me think of you.

Thank you my friend, I remember the ones I found for you and Jewell's. This is so sweet. I love the poem of her.

My morning is one of worship today. This was a real treat and a treasure.

I love you.

Sunday Smiles

Lady Love has found her place.

I finished the fringe tonight.
I played around with the idea of a necklace art work but she found her place.
This is my Bible bag.
The perfect place for Lady Love.
I will make some hooked bobbles to dangle from the zipper pulls and gradually do more work on the bag.

She is on the back of the bag.
I did not want her to be on the flap because she would get a lot more abuse.
Besides love discreet is more beautiful :)

Meme about my kids

I have been tagged by Shawna over at Scamps place

1. Link your tagger and list the rules on the blog.
2. Share 7 facts about your kiddos on your blog…random, weird, funny…whatever you want!
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post
4. Don’t forget to let the tagged people know!

1. My Little Dove is a great orator. She recites every word , word for word of any show she loves and adds all plot and direction of movement and will engage other kids into her drama. She is an amazing savant (almost) in this.
2. Mr Dash Hawk and Miss Dove are the kindest little souls. Dash asked me today what my favorite thing was and why. I told him kindness. That it is power. He asked if he could write strong because it was easier to write. He asked for more detail and I told him living that way causes life to go well for me.
He is very attentive to lesson. He and I walk in the morning and he is learning all the plant names. He wanted to know where I learned the names of plants and I told him I used to garden. He wants to learn more of them. Always questioning always.
3.Dove has the most beautiful handwriting. She was taught home schooled by Handwriting Without Tears for two years. Her penmanship is so beautiful and she is very pleased with the skill. She still spells creatively by it looks so nice.
4. Dash is really infatuated with his mom right now. I am the best mother in the whole world and he likes me, loves me and "everything two times! It is the sweetest time with my son right now. He says "I love you so much and not just cause you cook me eggs, mom"...
5. Dove is gaining independence. She made her first pony tail in her dolls hair last week and felt so good about herself. Her fine motor skills are engaged (she is almost 11). She is so happy that I found another surgeon. She is very appreciative and calmed down dramatically. This little girl is thoughtful, kind and respectful. She is very socially orientated and loves to offer support to friends. She has an interpersonal intelligence that is intuitive and compassionate.One little boy who is having a hard time with some bully kids ...she told him to tell them to stop mumbling... To stand up to them. She is very well loved by her teachers and has the underdog for a friend most often.
6. Dash is Mr Popular. He is a social "Billy Gram" of the character arena. Living the Gospel and drawing the other kids like butterfly's to nectar. His teacher is so amazed to meet a child who has so many things going for him. She has told me that this is most unusual. She said he is dynamic, intelligent and popular. For his intervention assistance they did an IQ test and Dash was completely off the bell curve. We will be doing extra curricular no choice. In first grade he does some 3rd grade level work. He keeps me hoppin'.
7. My children are a gift from God I waited 16 years of month after month not conceiving for my sweet daughter. She was so ill that she was made a expedited trip home.

This baby (Dove) is 6 months old , very tiny. Russia.
I waited 20 years for my son after almost seeing the dream die after 911. I was one of the first Americans to get into and out of Russia that Decmber to get Dash Hawk home.

This sweet boy is under 10 pounds at 7 months of age. Russia.
Six weeks later I had to have a radical hip to hip hyterectomy for end stage endo. My son was in my arms before I lost my uterus. God is full of mercy.
My daughter and son were both longed for , prayed for for many years. They were a promise God gave me that came true in His time. I love being their mother.

Where have all the manners gone?

Hello!
Well I got 15 hours of sleep yesterday I passed out (well practically) at 5 p.m. and Mt U came in and gave me my medications and a bowl of cereal at 10 p.m. and I slept through until 5:30 a.m. where upon Dash woke me with..."Can we take the splint off now mom?" I removed it as per the ER doctor advice and put him in a warm bath , the sticky little soul. He has full range of motion and he is alright! Praise God and all of His merciful goodness.
My day started with the migraine that ended the day before , but I took a "big Guns" medication and slept 2 more hours on the sofa and felt able to take the kids to class. WOW what a ride.

My post title well...After a very full day (yes another one) of Basket ball , a play date at the mall (the new Lego store) waiting 30 minutes to just enter the store.I was driven (by my girlfriend) back to our community then I drove the kids home. I had the children clean up and after they built there little creations we tidied the house (thank God!)
So tonight I fixed a meal, washed up all the dishes as I went along (again thank God) at 8pm! Yes 8 PM
I get a phone call that they want to see the house at 9 AM Yes!
9 a.m!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh arg. rude RUDE rude!
So the house is now undergoing the final tidy so we can all go out and sit in the heat tomorrow morning while they come to see it.
They better buy it! :)
Their Realtor told mine, that they wanted to start early and avoid the heat. Ours is the first house they have on the list. I hope it gives a lasting positive impression.
Prayers please :)
So with a promise too my Beloved I will attempt to rest. I have only the floors tomorrow. I do not think it right to have my children here when the buyer come to view the house. Even though they say they do not mind... I do. I think it could be traumatic for the kids. So off to the neighbors. Well the house is pretty clean tonight except many loads of laundry due to the crazy week. Mr U said we can just put it in the back of the truck! Now why didn't I think of that? Works for me.
Ha!
I found a new surgeon for Dove
Dash's arm is alright
My head is better
Mr Uncommon is exhausted and so will help in the morning.
At least someone is looking at the house.
I really look forward to selling out and living more simply.

Aloha Friday

Whats your favorite summertime meal?

Thursday Thirteen

1. 4:30 now I slept of and on as the kids really were so very thoughtful and played some computer. Those darlings kept Willy in the office to slop the click on the floor. They got there own snacks and kept occupied. Then they played in the bedroom. They shut the door after them. They played together. Then after the play I gave them the TV and laid down on my bed for a half hour. It was then that they played quietly. Telling and reminding each to let Mom rest. How sweet is that. I have a migrain still but am feeling less sleep deprived after a couple of short naps.
I got hit in the face with a basket ball today and my nose hurts and my eyes feel off sorta. Maybe it meant my glasses. They flew off across a floor. You know the grandma of the kid did not even apologize. Folks are weird! Man I would of gotten ice and saw to it it was all even. I see that I have mercy to apply.
2. Dove is hush hush over the surgeon. she declared that she would go if she had a different surgeon.
I got a call from that neighbor I helped. She worked with a pediatric surgeon and gave me his number. I'll call tomorrow. I just had to take this afternoon off! I know that it is not diligent toward the problem but my heat is just so marginal that I am hardly functioning.
3. I love my kiddo's. They are so thoughtful and kind. How delighted I am to se who they are becoming.
4. Dove made her first poney tail in her Barbie's hair by herself. She was so proud.
5. Beloved is home soon. In an hour I face a meal to plate and I embrace. I wish I could have a holiday.
6. My Sister sold her house and needs to be out in 60 days. She is still recovering from knee surgery and is not able to walk because she has no cartilage or meniscus at all! worn out bone to bone! She needs knee replacement soon.
7. I am so tired of these hard times right now. Funny I have it easy if I compare to most of the world. Sorry the complaint. just fatigued.
8. Dove won't talk about it yet to me. I am just needing to follow through with a new surgeon to make it workable. I love her if I did not feel alright with a surgeon I sure would not want to face being under with them. yet she is a kid who may just be freaking out. So hard doing special needs kids some times. I love her so much and want to support her well. I do not want to make life too easy for her that she will be crippled by it.
9. I need to stop for now becoming light sensitive. God bless all of you .
10.
11.
12.
13.

Thankful Thursday

I'm falling on my knees...
How many nights in a row have been sleep deprived?/
Dove had an appointment yesterday just after Basket Ball camp with the surgeon. She has to have two teeth removed for her oral plan. The braces will be completed later.
She walked up to the entrance of the office and panicked! "Not this place!" SHE BOLTED AND WAS GENTLY PUSHED IN. tWO YEARS AGO SHE HAD A SURGERY THERE FOR THE MAVERICK TOOTH THAT FORMED ON THE ROOF OF HER MOUTH.
sHE "HATES THIS DOctoR"..."I'm NOT GONNA DO IT!" AND THEN ONCE IN THE ROOM A 4 YR OLD GOING ON 11 CURLED UP INTO FETAL AND PUT HER FINGERS IN HER EARS AND OBSTiNANTLY REFUSED any INTERACTION WITH THE MAN.
Sorry of the caps but I am so tired I am not going to go back and fix it.
Mr Uncommon wants me to find a different place he thinks we will have a terrific fight on our hands come surgery morning if we don't.
The work involved in doing that seems so huge rihgt now.
My ear hurts, my head hurts my dogs nails need trimming click clack is driving me bonkers.
I want to just curl up in fetal.

Real, thankful worts and all...Still loved by God, still under His wing...Still under His provision...
Real.
New surgeon
get dash xray from hospital
talk it out (better said Listen to Dove) so she can manage the panic.
comfort , guide. support.
Try to keep perspective. God is my provision
He owns the universe
His love is everlasting
set course to endure...let that endurance have its perfect work in me.
real.
wholly acceptable. perfect peace in the raging waves. I am blessed. I will prosper. The kids are His I am just the guardian.
real. inch by inch real.
courageous, vivacious and tenacious.
I feel shame that I am so flawed and faltering.
real.
I am week He is strong. I am tired and worn Dove was regressed on my lap all 75 pounds of "Oh that hurts on my bad knee. My back is pulled " My beauty is longing to be rescued and taken away. Must face this endurance.

Dash Hawk has his wing in a sling.

The scean of the accident.

Apparently this swing had been twisted several times before enough to bend this bolt.
Go check your play equipment girls :)
Wow always something!
He was on his tummy swinging and the chain came out of the bolt and he went down full force on his elbow! His whole body!
It is a miracle he did not break it. I think of the scriptures about broken bones :)
He is a good patient.
His eye is doing better and the swelling is down. the removal of the lash did the trick so far. Watching for pink eye now.

The truth...
He is hurting and has a head ache.

What he wants you to see.
He is so sweet and thoughtful of others yet he needs to be thought of right now. Sweet little man. Mommy scare big time!
I watched God give provision for my son. We went to go to an urgent care clinic and there was literally a 3 car pile up (accident) blocking the entry. So I just took him on to the Hospital ER
He got in fast and sweet.
I stayed up to watch him and blogs slept very little if any.
I made him two egg hearts and 1 1/2 sausage patties.
Then...
Look what I did just for me!
:)

A big cup of
"wake me up Lord"
and a loving tribute to motherhood in the trenches.
HA!
His elbow looks so far so good.
We have a few days wait and may need to go into a pediatric bone doc.

I have the appointment for Doves surgery right after the basket ball class.
Oh Man!
Hold me up I am on a roll.
God is just going to have to provide for Doves surgery.
I have not gotten the tax refund yet.
Her surgery for the removal of two teeth is next Tuesday.
Am I having fun or what!
Now this is a career! I do smile saying that. How fortunate am I to see the lives of my children in the palm of HIS hand and their care entrusted to me.
Sleepy me... :)

Works for Me Wedensday, cook once.

Buying in bulk and cooking once for several meals.
Recently I purchased a large 5 pound roll of Jimmy Dean sausage (sage).
Safeway had English muffins buy on get one free, and white eggs 18 count buy one get one free (I use the white for recipes to save money). I use cage free for scrabbled .

I sliced off several patties and fried them in the saute' pan.
I put the rest into the large cooker to cook down.

These are thick and can be sliced in half to make a breakfast sandwich. Just heat fast in micro wave oven. Several servings here. I lightly toast the muffin and do a over firm egg stack a little mao and who needs the golden arches! Remove the patties to drain on white toweling.

Now after the removal of the patties drain grease from pan into an empty can from your recycle trash and you do not need to wait for it to cool. Do NOT put the hot oil down your drain. De glaze the pan with( left over) corn water, stock or water and bring to a boil. I had 3c mix of water and corn water (don't waist the flavors of the water). Add 1 1/2 c rice and boil down for a few minutes.
Notice that you just used 1 pan 2 times no needed washing it ( you have just saved soap, water, and effort).
Meanwhile break up the bulk cooking in large pot. Add about a pound to the rice after you drain it with a slotted spoon.

Now add corn, sage, chicken glaze (mine was a gift from my brother n law. It came in a nice little box). The dark color is from de glazing the pan and this give intense flavors. I added a palm full of dried onion flakes ( a staple in a good pantry).

I use frozen corn not canned. I try not to use much canned foods due to the lining in the cans has been found to be a bit toxic in doses that exceed certain amounts. This was purchased in bulk at Costco.
Note here:
Corn in the U.S. will be climbing in costs due to flooding in our mid west so stock up girls.

A little sea salt, sage and time to boil YUM! This turned into a dinner for 4, a dinner for 2 then left overs for one.

Now remaining sausage into a bowl lined with white toweling and drain out the oil.

Using my rolling pen once cooled I put up two pounds of cooked sausage for another day.
I bag it flat to promote fast thawing and compact storage in the deep freezer less air in a freezer is better so when everything is flat your storage is expanded.
If you are to have a monsoon power outage your freezer stays solid longer.
Use the old can to toss your oiled towel.

This is a family favorite.
So savory!

5 pounds of sausage cooked once.
6-12 egg/sausage mc muffins.
7 servings of rice sausage corn dish.
Two pounds cooked frozen to make more meals with at a later time.
I think the meat was $5-$7 for 5 pounds. If you shop lead in sales they have it cheaper.
Heads UP!
Pork prices in us will be increasing soon do to loss of pork in the mid west several farms of pig were drowned. Although I do not use much pork it is a treat once in a while.
STOCK UP!

Two pans and lids to wash , one plate, one bowl, one slotted spoon.
Wipe down the stove.
Reheat left overs in a micro wave or stove top.
Time and energy are a homemakers treasures invest them wisely.

Wordless Wedensday

Dash took flight and landed in the Emergency room!

He was on the swing and the chain snapped!
He landed on his elbow full force full body right on the elbow.
My friend saw it! , As we stood there and I had my back to it and turned to run right to him!
I spent the afternoon evening at the E R
He will be alright.
His elbow is not broken. It is in a splint and will need care for a few days. As we were there we had a strange thing ...His eye began to turn red and swell! Fast it swelled right up and they had to put drops in it. They checked to make sure it was not cut by a stone or sand...You see all it was was an eyelash! An eye lash I have never heard of such a thing making it swell like that right in front of your face. The Nurse said he thought it had to do with his allergies. He is resting right now we have just been home a short time.
That was a shocker!

Tackle It Tuesday

I Got these baked yesterday.
This morning I tried to wake Dash who insisted his desire to walk with me for he "LOVES" our time together. That child would not wake. Due to basket ball lessons I think he was really needing his sleep.
At 5:15 I fed the dogs and could not slip out so I took the dogs in hopes that Hubby would be able to rest better without them crying for me at the door. I went for a three mile walk.
Then after Willy relieved himself on a side walk...arg! I had to drop them off at the house and grab a clean up bag. I walked back to the scean of the dump and picked it up and threw it away in a nearby dumpster. By that time I was "a talking to my maker"... with a bit of frustration.
I then walked and prayed and just exhaled and sweat... 80*+ at 5 a.m.!
I was returning down my street to see the Dash on his way full speed to me. He had been sitting at the house porch waiting for me. He was so upset so I told him to go get his shoes and we can take another spin round the block. He was delighted!
I came home and packed Beloved's lunch and had a bowl of cheerios.
Mr. Uncommon helped me to get onto a new blog I have joined by invitation for weight loss.
Called "Eating for life"
Then I fell asleep on the sofa until Dash had a pan on the stove and an egg next to it awaiting my skill set :)
So after a bit I fixed his egg.
I went back and rested a bit more and just fraught my way out of the fog to get up and shower.
I even thought of my heart and took time to shave my legs and clip my toe nails and tend my feet a little .
We were a few minutes late for ...
Basket Ball Camp!
Yes 10 am-noon every day this week.
Strange thing is I am the only mom or parent there.
I do so hope that I will not need to get employment out of the house.
I so enjoy supporting the kids.
The children noticed yesterday that I was the only parent there. Dove piped up " you care about us!"
It really warmed my heart that they see it that way
This day is a full one...
I got there 10 minutes late oops...
The coaches are terrific!

They are actually learning the skill sets of dribbling and passing and so many others.

The kids are pretty good actually I was surprised to see them both being pretty able.
They both pay good attention to the instructions and show the coaches deserved respect.

They feel so good about themselves and it really is great to see them make the shots.

At half time they took a break for a snack.
Here they also receive some scripture time. Proverbs yesterday about the importance of learning.

After break they divided into two teams and did drills.

It was a treat to watch all the kids work.

They switched sides and continued

At the end they were being set up for the group shot and the woman was attempting to do so. Then I told her I was behind her I would like to get a shot also.
Her camera had no battery and so me there, having a camera ...
Well, It saved the day!

I was able to take the shot for her.
I left home with two kids , and
I brought home three.
They are playing...

I have this to do...
I started to clean the refrigerator yesterday. I was so hot that an ipifany hit me ...
Time to clean the refer and enjoy the cold air in my face! Ha!
ingenious!
Well I have to finish these shelves.
Dishes and make the kids all a lunch.

The little sign on my crisper is a joke from Mr Uncommon...
"Genetically altered food" I love organics and this is just a joke.

While the kids were having a computer time I set this up for them.

Kid heaven! After lunch they set this up along with the scenario and full character set to follow plot. See the robots and soldiers standing guard on the chairs. The sprite box is a homemade robot.

After lunch the kitchen is in the dish washing stage.
I still need to sort and wash our laundry.
Children are outside. They take little 10 minute stints out there and then come in and cool off.
See my beading station in front of the window. I am really enjoying having it.
Gotta tell you a funny...
I had a fly in the house...
I said aloud under my breadth "i wish he would just die..."
I was doing the dishes just had washed off the grapes and looked over to move the colander and the fly...Well the fly just dropped dead!
I think I'll wash those grapes a few more times :D
The kids and I are all just cracking up!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Left over Sausage/corn and rice dish for folks. (see other post on wen. for recipe)
Left over bow ties and sauce for the kids.

Tuesday: Pot Roast with root veggies of carrot, parsnip and onion. Peas.

Wednesday: Sated Salmon steaks, grapes and apples. Divine :) eggs

Thursday: Chicken and Susi rice with herbs de' France. Pickled beets, corn or peas.

Friday: Taco's with home ground beef, lettuces, ?tomatoes (depending on the quality of a good find), cheese for Dad and Dove.
Home made pinto beans. Burritos as well.

Saturday: Hot Dogs, oranges, salad with home made croûtons.
Left overs

Sunday: Bacon and eggs with blueberry pancakes from millet flour.

Muffins, Egg and sausage sandwiches, grapes, oranges, apples pretzels, and other snacks.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window...The sun is HOT! There is a morning dove cooing and calling me to come and fill the empty feeder. The weeds in the garden plot show that it is hot summer here and things go there own way. The lawn is mowed and strains to stay green in the 115* heat wave we have had over the last few days.

I am thinking...I wonder if it is normal to get so sleepy. I am tired so often. Perhaps it is 100+ heat at 9a.m. I had to take a nap after I got back with the kids and fell asleep so hard that when the phone rang with a friend following up to come over for a play date I just had to decline it. I eat lunch and then fall asleep and can not wake up. I just couldn't even figure out were I was for a few moments.

I am thankful for...The kids playing favorably and being helpful to each other. I am glad that I have an activity outside of the house today. One that is indoors so as to keep them cooler.

From the kitchen...I baked cookies for my husband at 6 a.m. this morning and it smells of allspice and clove, cinnamon and home. I set up all the ingredients last night. When I got started this morning I just put it all into the mixer and began as I fixed lunches. The box of oranges on the counter call to me. The table filled with craft stuff from the kids. The dishes done except the cookie sheets and mixing bowl. The dishwasher was run earlier.

I am wearing...A light blue shirt that matches the workout carpi's that are navy with a stripe of the light blue and white down the outside legs. Lotion on my feet and black ankle socks and black running shoes. My hair is full and down.

I am reading...My screen. I had read a bit of bead instructions and hubby reads the "money makeover book" at night while I work on my beading

I am hoping...An end to our house sell.

One of my favorite things...are oranges on a hot summer day!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Meals, the kids have basket ball camp at church from 10-noon. Friday we go see the grand opening of the new Lego store. The kids help to build a giant 10 ft r2d2. It sounds like a fun time. We will pack a lunch and carpool with a friend.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

I am working on this at night as Beloved reads the total money makeover (by Dave Ramsey) out loud to me.


Go visit "The Simple Woman" to join in.
NOW! It is YOUR turn to share YOUR daybook. BUT IF YOU ARE TAKING PART FOR THE FIRST TIME... PLEASE GO here FIRST FOR THE GUIDELINES BEFORE SIGNING Mister Linky! Please remind anyone finding this idea from your personal blog, to make sure to give credit and come sign my Mister Linky first before taking part.

Please remember those who are flooded,and the effects that will becoming our way.

How great a hardship so many are suffering across the mid-section of our country. So many homes and crops are destroyed. Many are on pens and needles for today and on Wednesday the rivers will crest and more may be lost. They have lost homes and all the possessions of lives spent. Some lives have even been lost. Farms are swallowed up in this flooding. Many crops are totally lost.

It is our career that calls us to be aware of how these things will effect our budgets and families as well.
Educate yourself on the effects of social events.
Please also be aware that food prices will be effected so stock up on corn.
Many of the fields for ethinol and feed corn have also been hit.
These effects are not commonly felt for a few weeks so be ahead of the crowd.

I got this at Costco and put up two of them in the deep freeze.
It is much better to keep the freezer full. It uses less electricity.
In summer this is very important, even if you just make ice and bag it. The insulation of a full freezer will also protect you if a power outage hits. It keeps itself colder longer. I do freeze ice when I have extra it really is nice to have if guests arrive and the kids have used up the ice.

Oatmeal is also going to shoot up due to Quaker's being flooded.

These just came out of the oven.
Beloved eats three every morning.
I made these with millet,flax, soy flours and oats of course.

This is our favorite rice as you can see it comes from a region that has been effected by so much disaster and unease. It will soon become harder and harder to come by.

When you stock up in such large quantities be sure that your family can use it up by the date suggested. Now some things like grain stored in a freezer can keep longer.
India has also suffered flooding and loss.
It is said that due to the tsunami it will be a world wide rice shortage for crops are gone on some of the highest yeilding lands.

I love these bags for they are zippered and make a great recyclable. They will use us space well for they are secure for my pantry.

The rice prices have shot up already from $11. a bag for my basmati rice to $17+ in just a couple of weeks.

Soy crops have been hit hard as well, so if your family uses any of these as staples you may want to consider to put up a few weeks extra supply now. For later the costs on these items will be increasing. If you get a 5% on savings consider your savings if these things go up more than 5% which is very likely.
REMEMBER TO CHECK DATES
You save nothing if they expire before you use them.