fun morning here.

Well you know the song "I put the Lime in the Coconut and shook it all up....Doctor is there nothing I can take ...Doctor to relieve this belly ache.

Well Dash was singing it this morning and got me singing it too. So I went into the bed room to get dressed and the song was running through my head . Well I have always thought that the words were.....Put the lion in the coconut.
I was trying to figure it out and had this profundity that the /"lion "/ must mean strong drink or alcohol.
So I, thinking a teaching moment at hand said...
" Hay Dash, you know what they mean about the Lion in the coconut...?" He said No mom...It's "Put the Lime IN the Coconut!" I laughed myself silly.
I always thought that it was lion. So much for hearing loss :)

Dash has his play today....
He is having a bit of stage fright so I spent a lot of one on one with him and tender time.
So he walks up to me and says...
" Mom, You know what I'll do if I get stage fright when I am performing?" "What's that?"... I ask?...
He said...

" I'll just pretend that everyone in the audience is you"

boo hoobie that is just so SWEET!


fun morning here.

Tackle It Tuesday

What's up?
Everything!:)

I just got home, I left at 8 it is now 2:30.
Took Dove her viola because she forgot it. As I was walking out the door got an intervention call from a mom who walked in on a young adult cutting.Then off to Bible study,
after that, a long drive to return a table.
Then a stop for a bite of lunch($5 for a cheep burger! Wow I can not believe how much it is now.) I know but I do not normally eat out
Then a longer drive to drop off the tree props I used.
Returning from the FAR>>> east I had to stop for the free produce the guy at Frys gives me. Then I got another call to manage and just now finished with a call on Dash's hearing testing being out of date (at least their record was) and I had then to call the children s clinic to get a current one faxed of course I still have to follow up because I had to leave a message.
Hows the garden?
I trellised up the snow peas, peas, and Green beans yesterday. While in the garden I munched on snap peas that I picked! It was so cool. My melon vine is suffering the aphids as is the squash. I washed them off and have yet to make the opportunity to go to the garden center for some organic spray


I had to go meet the bus . Dash has his first play "Johnny Apple seed" he plays the 70 year old johnny . Dove comes home on it but Dash had student council and I had to go get him with Dove just as she gets off the bus.
Got two more eggs today
We all cracked the eggs together last night it was so fun. Boy the eggs have a thick shell almost tough to break. We were amazed at how good they were they looked like I had put cheddar cheese in them they were so yellow

It is lovely here rather warn yet. A light jacket in the morning at 8 does fine.
I have been up to my ears! I have not found all the kids numbers from where I had noted them down and not transferred them to the master computer list. Now I have to go dig through my notes to find them. I may still do Thanksgiving for them it is up in the air yet.
The kids are doing home work with much tears for Dove can not accept that I do not know how to answer her question. She is very upset and I sit and await her ride. She is regrouping and moving on. Fractions how fun...:) So she gets it and now is off happily on her way to finishing her math page. Dash finished his work no issue and has been much easier to work with today. He began his day by asking me to join him in his room. Where he proceeded to say " now mom, I know you know I do not want to go to school. So I wont keep telling you. I know I have to go cause that is just the right thing to do. WOW what a difference a day can make.

Oh things only get more thrilling this week. I serve in the 4th grade class tomorrow. 10-noon then at noon Dash has his play. Chores in the afternoon all 1 1/2 hours of it that will be left. I got to try to get to the garden center. Kids have early release tomorrow.
Thursday... Well something NEW. I have been subpoenaed to testify for the state against a DUI by drug/or medically whatever ? I stumbled upon her last year crashed on the sidewalk near the other BUS STOP FOR THE KIDS just before they were all to gather. God watches over kids! Well I typed it all out that day as a blog post. Come to discover her car unsecured after my return from the school I took all of the valuables out of it and called the mesa pd. I could not get it to lock. She had been stealing id's.

Friday the kids have a movie night fund raiser at the school for the food banks. I will be watching an extra boy. The son of a good friend of mine. she is an adoptive mom too. Her three year old will stay home with its dad while she attends a class. My kids want to adopt her son as their bother (he is also adopted) . Well the kids are snacked and resting a bit before homework. Dash is on the phone to a friend. Being silly. Dove is watching PBS.
I , well I got to figure out a way to use up a LOT of cut veggies. Me thinks chicken soup via canned chicken. I am so tired today!
I really need to do my master bedroom yet, and once again the dishes are growing.
life is good.

Dash's Individual education program is up for review on 12-3 I got to get a current hearing test via a fax if one is available of by going into the city if I get and appointment for it. Last resort the school audiologist will do it for free.
She was real nice to me and very helpful. Just got to await the call from the clinic.
I have been longing for a pot of coffee from the 8 o clock hour that I had to run out the door , I brewed some at 2 and have yet to pour the cup. I am so sleepy me thinks I'll go pour a cup and get cooking supper.
Boring life isn't it ? NOT!
Loving you.

The Simple woman's daybook

November 17th 2008


Outside my window...My son is coming in for a piece of paper as the children have leave to do their homework out on the play structure. The feeders are empty calling me to fill them. The sun is tilting low on the horizon. Shadows ebb and flow over the porch. The golden retriever is getting a drink. My children run in and out for paper and pencil. The Lab is sniffing the ground where the chicken tractor last rested before we moved it this weekend. Baby Rye grass is emerging into an emerald patchy field of a promised lawn of sorts. I can hear my chickens cluck as night fall approaches.

I am thinking...How relaxing it is to write this afternoon. Wondering if my Son is going to behave or pitch a fit for he just bit his poor little tongue.

I am thankful for...The lives of my children. How they have been spared from child labor and a life as someones property. That I could give them knowledge of salvation and of Gods love for them. Also for the gift of America as their country. That they will have a hope and a promise.

From the learning rooms...(if this applies) I read a chapter on gardening in my area. It spoke in detail of soil and compose preparations. I learned that I need to not let anyone walk in the garden even if no plant is there. For it compacts the soil and makes it harder for the deep root formation. If the plants do not have deep root formation here in this desert they will be made vulnerable to the dry weather should it get hot.

From the kitchen...The smell of marigolds is strong. I harvested seed today and they smell very strong. The dishes from the event this weekend are piled up and they have drip dried. It is semi dark for the lights are off. I will make scrambled eggs of my chickens gifts to me over the last week. I have collected 13 of them that makes about 6 normal sized eggs. I am excited about it.

I am wearing...Jeans with a bit of mud on them from watering the tomatoes today. a t-shirt that has a saying on it that says "Behold I make all things new. God himself will be with them, and he himself will be their God." on it and a castle with dogs running along side horses mounted with a regal clothed man and woman. No shoes My glasses and no earrings only my wedding ring .

I am creating...Patience for a child who is testing mine to the limit. So far my example has maintained a level of character that I can be proud of. I just hope I can hang in there he is really a challenge right now.

I am going...To love my children for ever with all that I have. I am going to put away all of the serving dishes that are dried so my life can feel normal again. I am going to consider some earrings for the teacher who asked me to bring specific types. Maybe I'll regroup and bead tonight. I just might overcome this temptation to stop beading except just for myself.

I am reading..." A plan for eating, Energy savings guide, What every 2nd grader should know" and "What every fourth grader should know"

I am hoping...My sons behavior improves or he faces what ever it is that is troubling him so we can work through it. My other chickens start laying soon. My garden survives the aphids that are attacking it.

I am hearing...Concentrated breathing from Dove as she is doing her school work. Silence from Dash as he is giving it a rest. I had to speak my boundaries more firmly. His spoon is rubbing against a bowl as he is hungry and does not want to wait for supper. Sparrows are landing on the feeder and then moving onto the ground as the feeder is empty. A dove just flew close by the screen and it felt as if it could of touched me were there no screen there.

Around the house... My master bedroom is wanting attention. The garden is now in better standing because I made some trellis of string for the beans and peas. The kitchen is nice and all clean. The house in general is in nice shape. It is dim due to the evening hour and we have not turned on the lights yet.

One of my favorite things...is the thrill of moments before my Man walks through I get a racing in my heart. An anticipation of his arrival. Longing to be in his arms I await his presence.
It will be nice to have a happy home, however Dash just keeps it up. Fussing and fitting over every last thing! He does not want to do his homework Me thinks he is trying for the hunnymoon effect where mom loses her temper and says there there and he can get out of it. I am standing strong. Firm but hanging in there, getting flustered.
I really love it when the kids and I are happy when My Man comes home. It is looking more promising now. Home work is almost done.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Tomorrow I have Bible study and work on the master bed room, Wednesday I work in the class with the 4th graders from 10-noon and the Grandparents are coming to lunch with Dash, Thursday I have been subpoenaed to testify in court as a witness for the state, Beloved stays home to see the kids off to the bus and then will join Dove for her lunch visit. In the early evening my son has his first performance as Johnny apple seed in his 70's. Friday I have the master bed room, chicken coup and what not. I need to throw more rye seed.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...(add your picture here)

Our chickens now have laid 15 eggs In just over a weeks time. I think just two bird of the 6 are laying. We made dinner.

This is the first eggs Of my venture in Chicken rearing!
It is so exciting to me to grow our own food!

Come join us over here at "The simple womans day book"

These Dusty Boots.

Set aside there awaiting to be washed
Those dusty boots that tromped awhile
Through the laughter of the trail
The wonder and beauty of sunlight upon the palms
Dancing eucalyptus high upon the blue sky.
My lovers hand in mine.

Those dusty boots
beside the dog once a puppy beloved by all.
Souls of youth delighting in his age
yet now bemoaning,"duty " tasks now that he is home,charm is fleeting appreciation fades.
Moments remind me of days gone under that bridge

Those dusty boots muddied only by my tears.
knowing one day they shall be clean
as only the passing years.
Children grow and time is still for non
These days will be memory
A story retold

Blue boots with a blacken sole
laces lax as now I rest a while
as I reflect on the life of each child
The sullen face of this soon to be a teen.
The grumpy little man with feet in forbidden waters.
Will one day be grown and sorrow will take me

Oh these muddy boots have walked a mile.
They were laced in Russia and saw the toil.
Felt the lack of a people with out hope
They tramped in the desert and on the mountain side
with those that I loved around me
With those who God loves before me

Oh those muddy boots sitting there
wrap up for me all these cares
Dusty and dirty they sit in
utter beauty upon my floor.
They are calling to me to walk another mile.
They remind me to softly smile

Slip them on
Those dusty boots
Lace them up into a half hitch bow.
prepare my wherry soul for my next path.
To earn the mile, views there of.
So at that next days end I can pull them off once again.

Licked my Wounds...

Well, I gave myself and hour after the children left for school to go in lay down and just feel bummed. I thought of something my big sister told me once. She said "I give myself an hour to feel the misery then tell myself , get up now and go on..."
So at about an hour my sweet heart called to see if our Dear Son rallied.
He roused my this morning with a boo hoo about school and just really put it on thick. So finally I told him I heard him, I understood he did not want to go. We (hubby and I ) prayed over him and queried over the reason and there was non to be given . He just felt out of sorts and a bit panicked and afraid. So I had to let him overcome. I could not make it all go away for him.
At last I told the sweet child to stop, I told him I understood and that now he needed to stop whining and bemoaning to me that I had had enough. I was typing to a friend and I wrote that I felt "stressed out". He had read it over my shoulder went into his room and just seconds later came out a new kid! Ready for life and its challenges. I was impressed.
The garden needed some love so I took my soul and my bones out to tend it a while. Pain in my back is a real strain today. It really hurts! Well The pea's and beans are now better tied up. There was a handful of green beans for supper and I grazed the few sweet tender peas the sugar snap variety. No pictures the camera is in the car that Mr U. drives.
The hens gave me two eggs.
There was actually a phone call on the camp trailer out in the drive . The sign caught the eye of the sanitation driver. He may be interested , but Christmas may cramp his ability. We have yet to place an add for it yet. Still it encouraged me.
A call came in from Doves teacher, who much to my amazement was calling to apologize for not showing up to the sale. She asked me to bring in some earrings and she would be interested and wants to buy something. I told her of no obligation and how sweet the thoughtfulness of the call was. So I'll take in a sampling of earrings for her when I go to do the service work in her class on Wednesday.
This Parent at the buss stop offered me a tool to use to improve the images of the jewelry when I photograph it. I do not have the stand alone flash that goes with the tool. so he said "I'll have to come up with another idea then"...He made a project of it! The kindness just brought me to tears as I walked back to the house.
I am close to tears today just rather tender. Needing to clean up the rest of the serving dishes is a weight. So off I go I need to toss that anchor over board to be free of it.
Thanks you girls for the kind words.
Denise, Bren and Amrita. There are days when you blogging buddies just hold me up. Today feels a little like one of those days.
I invested in that show and social. I know that one woman , the one who came on Saturday was here for some spiritual awakening. Don't know if she "Knows" him yet but something I had said wisely really struck her. I mean she just stopped and said she never ever heard anyone say it that way before. It was about the wounds we all have and how much we need to see pass the scrap left behind and look into the hearts of one another. We all have that common need of compassion. There was more to it. It was one of those moments when I knew I made a difference in an others life. So if that was all it was about then her heart was well worth the work. I just got to go finish all the work and get it all put away.

I am week and my back hurts .
I know I am loved and supported in my life.
I just feel wherry of pursuing all my dreams to see them falter. What is life if I stop though. I have to follow my heart, do what I know to do no matter the apparent outcome. God sees the grand picture my view is limited. My "vista" foggy and cloudy today.
Oh Girls , I am sorry .
I would be so a miss not to thank all of you who joined me Friday. Who stopped and got off the wheel and came and played at my house. Supporting me and my dreams and talents. I really did enjoy you. Debbie, Lisa,Trish and the sweet ladies that came from Bible study and the neighbors. It was so kind of you all. It was so peaceful having you here and your presence was a real treat.
As awkward as it was to put my things up for sale you all made it feel so normal.
Thank you.

Catering a party

Lemon aide is a main stay around here at a party. It is an inexpensive way to provide beverages for a crowd.Not cheep by any means, but a lot of pleasure for the buck.
Melt your sugar in a glass cup to make your simple syrup ahead of time. Lemons were out of season so I used this.

When loading a platter look for color and shape like an artist would on a canvas. Washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly is VERY important. I can not stress the enough!

After washing thoroughly clip the grape section into little packages with a handle. This is a little thoughtfulness they may not say anything about , but it is nice that your guest only needs to touch the one they take, and take the only one they touch.

Even when your meat is sliced still separate it. By turning 5 degrees you make the slice easier to remove off the tray.

If you look closely you can see the separate pieces of meat, Your guest again can easily take what they touch.

I have an electric slicer. This is how I can save a bit. This is perchased summer sausage. Use the slicer to make time saved a gift to yourself.

By placing the slices in a different form (shape) it can easily be noted that they are a different meat. Abutting them up to the side of the other in a curve gives your tray movement and is pleasing to the eye. A simple package wrapped with care is a pleasure to open.

Walla! Same with the cheese. Smaller section give a dieter an opportunity to try a little of several different things.

A picture is worth a 1000 word here. I hope you see how I formed the try in a overlapping method.

Wash your veggies!

That is zucchini from my garden.

before I saved up and got the electric slicer I used the hand held. I love old tools. We may not always have electricity to depend on. When the power goes out on a holiday morning I have back up tools.

Preparing Celery. After it is washed and drained cut off the butts and save them for stew or for a base for soups, stuffing and the like. Fine chopped for tuna salad for example.

Everything washed and prepped and set to assemble.

By tipping the basket as it is loaded it will ease the task of keeping things separate.

The "Bunny Basket"!

cucumber and zucchini with the olives pickles both dill and sweets.

Open an extra can and jar them so you do not have to open it when your guest are here.

Chex mix using raw walnuts, pecans and sunflower seeds.
Real butter.

I laid out the earrings on the table for ease.

The big red enamel pot is the Lemon aide pot.

Last night 9 wonderful women came.
You know they timed it at 7 pm sharp as to not give my heart a moment of doubt. We all had a wonderful time and they were able to address some of their Christmas shopping.
Today we opened it up at 10 am. One person came at 1pm,by 3:30 the Grandparents arrived and 3:45 the next door neighbor came. Many folks who said they would show did not. This is life it happens differently sometimes than we had hoped .

I will do my best to be real with my children , yet walk into this with dignity.

This weekend was the big craft show weekend . In three major cities around me there were shows with many tents and major shows. I did not realize this prior to setting my date.

Lots of left over food, but as My Dear loving husband said...I did a great job.
I am a little crest fallen though.

Women

IF I HAD
MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma
Bombeck

(written after she found out she was dying from
cancer).


I would
have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending
the earth would go into
a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.


I would have burned the pink candle sculpted
like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the
carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would
have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and
worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted
to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have
taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble
about his youth.

I would have shared more of
the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up
on a summer day because
my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass
stains.


I would
have cried and laughed less while watching television
and more
while watching life.

I would never have bought
anything just because it was
practical, wouldn't
show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.


Instead of wishing away nine months of
pregnancy, I'd have
cherished every moment and realized that the
wonderment growing
inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in
a miracle.


When my
kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said,
'Later. Now go
get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more
'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.'


But
mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize
every minute.look at it and really see it . . live it and
never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!


Don't
worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or
who's doing what
Instead, let's cherish the
relationships we have with those who do love us.

Thankful Thursday

Our hostess Iris chose the theme of Physical /Spiritual.

Stamina!
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

Thursday Thirteen

1. dishes

I started my Thursday the 13th with the dishes. Once the children were off, I hurried into the kitchen and got a good start. By 9 a.m. it was time of use savings on the electricity and I began the dishwasher and clothes dryer.

I had to stop here to rest a bit.

2. Labeling price tags
I was able to to a assembly line pricing. I set up several cards with denominations per sheet. The earrings are finished and separated into category. Glass with glass and semi-precious stones together.

3. Going to Costco

for the big shop for the social, got home and unloaded half way ( the cold stuff)
When 10 am hit it was time for the store to open. I went there and after one and a half hours shopping, I was just finished at the register as Trisha called form her doctors office where I was to meet her. I hurried home and unloaded the cold stuffs and put it away, and took off.

4.Meeting Trisha halfway

s
I left with the table like this to return with what I needed to make the table look...

like this...
That was so kind of you Trisha, Thank you. They prepared the trees (dusted them) and let me use them for the show. This is the Christmas table display.

5. I was able to stop by my hair dresser
I was able to walk into the door, she was available at that moment. I got to get my hair washed and cut and out the door in 15 minutes! No one here even noticed (Kids gave the daddy man a hard evening. He was just over tired)

6. Dropped into the party store and got some balloons
and saw a nice plastic tub for the ice and waters for $.5 well it was in the wrong place it was really $ 9.99...The girl said I can still give it to you because a coupon that was good for $5.with a minimum amount (that I met) qualified me! COOL HA! Oh she gave me two extra balloons, she had made the latex ones neglecting to tell me of the Mylar. I choose Mylar and she extended an unexpected gift to the kids of the two anti pop filled latex ones.

7. Drove on home
to see the mail carrier and give her an invite.
Unloaded the Costco non-perishables and the trees and set up the trees .
Did more labeling of price tags.

8. It is now 1:30 Ye Ha!
The it became 3:15 With the kids home and a nice snack for them .Dash went right to the chores board.
The play date got here at 4:30, expecting the Mother, 9 yr old and a 1 month old when I opened the door ...here was a 14 year old big sister dropping off the 9 year old! The mother has never even met me! The kid stayed till 5:30. Dove will probobly never see her again fot tomorrow she is moving to a new school. The girl played well with my kids. Then my kids hit the homework.

9. Framing the botanicals

I found some frames of things from our former decor.
These I found .25 dents a print some 20 years ago. I fell in love with them then and now again I am just thrill to frame them. Job not done today but perhaps tomorrow.
They are for the guest bathroom they go so well with the curtins and the wall boarder.

10. The kids are now cooperating with a new program I instigated.
Each week they start out with $5. possible to maintain.
Each time they do not do a chore listed or asked of them I remind them once. Itf not done the loose a quarter .

Dash is pretty good and even eager to see what I have written. It is fun to leave little love notes.

His room after 4 days!

That's a seven year old boys closet!
Ye Ha!

11. Dove is easily distracted

she is focused by recourse. Unfortunately she has had a bit more penalty. Yesterday I was told she had done something ,however she had not. I docked her .25 for a lie. Later I recanted and told her truth is just something you should do. You should not be paid for it. It was between us. Please do not lie to me again. I gave her half of the docked 50 cents back.

She really is making good effort. Problem is under the bed she stuffed things/ Each day I will asign a box to sort out.

She sill get docked for not doing her Viola practice. That is a part of what is required of the homework.

12. Never got to the floor...
so tomorrow I will mop.

13. The lanyards...
were my afternoon project,

I had all of them strung, yet needed to finish the findings off.

I had a few ones that have been around. Now...

I have several finished.
Labeling them and pricing can be done tomorrow.