garden and bread with a loud scream added in.

Look at that Water!
At 5 a.m. it began to thunder and lightening striking hard
by 7 a.m. .55 or 1/2 inch of hard rain in my area
gotta get that tank hooked up!
It may rain again tonight

Little man got a rain by plucking the clothes lines over his head

Yes that is water!
eureka!

Filled the bird bath
this was the first good rain in some time.

Well after studying the layout I am just fickle but I am not liking that height
Even single height it is too hard to reach back to the wall.So I tried a couple of methods.

Dash was so happy with the soft straw underfoot.
He is having a hard time understanding why I am dismantling the garden.
Time is come to begin again. We still have one large watermelon and a small one, one large musk melon too. They will need to be harvested soon.
I have to remove all that straw to prep the right side bed.

My though here was to set the grape plants into these like a planter to keep the nitrogen levels at the appropriate levels.

I am in the market for a short handled spade.
It is to set this bed up for the squash summer/winter, cucumber pickling and slicing and tomato to the far right.

The trellis will need to be shifted to the east side wall for the next crop of beans.

This is not going to work for me I am going back to my original plan.
So often this happens and I prove an idea out and then often go back to it.
So where the grass is killed in the center lawn is where the bed is going.
That gives access to both sides and the lawn cut with a weed eater.
Steve pointed out in agreement and mentioned that the heat off the wall might prove harsh anyway.

Now watch out panda bear is on his way to Mars to hunt the polar end caps for water...:)

Look at that wasted space even if I did this It would be hard on my back to bend and reach to the wall.
I have decided one layer high will be much easier.

Even with this configuration I am just not happy.
I think I will go back to my center bed with access on both sides.
It was thought the mowing of the grass would be an issue yet either way we will need to pull the weed eater in there so It is back to the beginning plan.

Later an hour of that this morning spent me.

Missing the morning deadline I began the breads a bit late.

Dash came in the room and I pointed the dough out to him and said" look that dough is sure happy"
He said..."a little too happy if you ask me"

I got a kick out of him.

half whole wheat
three loaf and some sweet rolls

Hamburgers for the late lunch set for happy children.
The other loaf is the daily bread for the kids...it is a white loaf.

So I sit and relax a bit...
the kids watching a movie make for a moment of me time.

I tried a sweet roll with orange juice soaked raisins and walnuts with brown sugar and butter. So with all this tucked in I will be baking in a higher price time of use. With all my good efforts ...perfection will not be a demand upon me.

Dove you are a wonderful child.
She was so hoping to have her friend sleep over (not something I offer normally) but the sweet child with a loss of security had to go home with her tummy in knots.
We were dropping her off in an apartment complex and a huge pickup came barreling into the driveway...I screamed! I thought he was going to hit the car head on with the kids and I in it and the mother and other child just to the passenger side. I really startled myself I had been talking to the mother and then just looked over at that moment. I really frightening me.
I said to the mother...
"that scared the bee jee bee's out of me!"
She replied
"I know I just saw those little bee jee bees fly right out of you and twitter off in a hurry"
It really was sweet and well humored. Saved face. I really screamed loudly.

Me thinks a bit of the PTSD was lit up. I have had a headache all day and rather lethargic. It showed me I am still scared inside. That and that truck really just caught out of the corner of my eye with a headlight right in my face...was going WAY too fast.

It may rain again tonight.

My Sweet Husband

He has been feeling poorly with extreme fatigue for some time so off to the Doctors at last . Last week he went to have blood Lab work to test his levels and see if there were any indications of illness. The lab work came back abnormal. I was able to get him in this morning and the call just came in from him of the findings.
His thyroid is very low. This is good news for him. Ironic in some respects this is the same condition that Dash had when we got him from Russia. He had to have blood work every month or so until the levels were right. Now Dash is recovered and no longer has it.
Hypothyroidism is treatable and we are so happy that he is alright. You see we received a letter Sunday evening telling us of his abnormal results being thyroid. His elder brother had thyroid cancer a few years ago. We had several hours of concern over this. This morning has given us good news.

Thank you my friends I could not speak of it until after His folks were brought into it. We did not want to cause them worry so until we had more news I needed to be silent of it here. Your prayers bathed us even as the rains came and lasted all night long. So did the good rest we received. We were well able and set with peace. His appointment was at 8:30 this morning. He even got to sleep in and go in late to work afterward. Of course he will have to stay late this evening...

So thank you. He will have to get the medications regulated over time here is hoping that the medications are very easily regulated.

Tackle it Tuesday

This is my big tackle
You can find it over here at
Bee Bliss Gardens

A work in progress...

building blocks
:)
well Dash plays with Lego's...

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...

Outside my window... Bright intense heat, quiet chickens and dogs in the shade. A lonely yard awaits the evening hours when those humans dare to visit.

I am thinking... How nice to have a play date the kids are so happy and interested in their day.

From the learning rooms... Study to get the rain water harvesting tank hooked up, fall gardening preparations, fang shua (sp)?, Esteem Builders, menu study of recipe ideas

I am thankful for... The health of my family, the provisions met and the friendships around me.

From the kitchen... hamburger buns and hot dog buns along with bread loaf to make, melon harvested this morning.

I am wearing... A white knit cotton dress with turquoise and blue shells all over it. Dolphin earrings that I made with clear weather glass beads on silver bare foot. A dark blue head band and my glasses

I am reading... Eldala by Michele Gregory see my side bar...beautiful Ciaos to order a copy. Good read.

I am hoping... that my husbands medical visit brings possitive results.

I am creating... a blouse for myself

I am praying... many folks who are in trials great and difficult

Around the house...kitchen clean, kids bathroom mopped, children playing and the calm of the day.

One of my favorite things... peace

A few plans for the rest of the week... a live performance of a play tomorrow, results of my husbands test tomorrow, esteem builder exercises with the kids (play date child wants to join in)finishing decorated and cleaning



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

This Mornings Harvest

Run to win!

life has been a rush...
quiet of the late evening and little worthy to say or be heard. Just contemplative.
Some things weighing on us will take time to resolve. Just knowing that it will but being sorta still with it.
I love my husband so we were able to have an hour and a half date today. It is so good to know that he hears my heart. Perhaps we do not agree or understand but love is triumphant.

I have some very deep revelations to share and need to pull up the focus strength and energy to do so.

You you might chance to read this you who know how very much I focus and effort to gain understanding and implement the knowledge gained. Well so very often in my life simple perhaps only seemingly so...well all things wise fall on this the simplicity of humanity.
We are such a creation so woven and spun into these vessels emptied and filled.
Perhaps I babble. It is late.
I see a change within me coming that is one of great liberty and freedoms wholeness in perspective. I will effort my choice to articulate.

This blog was a record of the mother of two children... for in her absence they might come to know her heart in their adulthood.

It is at times a gift to you as well even though often it is in an attempt to only re-affirm to my own soul those things that I have witnessed experienced and heard. It is my hope to build up any and all of us who who might ever read this stuff.

Having met so many of your beautiful hearts and souls is an added benifet.
It would have been the day before that I might have told you that my heart is wherry.
This day I tell you of a new thing.
When a friend of mine heard me say regarding an effort she made... how difficult it must of been ...spoken sympathetically

To my edification her reply was one of....
"if I let myself think of the things I had to do..how hard it would be... then I would be overwhelmed before I began."

Let me tell you what is happening to me...I see that the things i have accomplished must be viewed by my own eyes as the missions set to competency and celebrated and rejoiced over...it is my hope that it is restored within me that no longer I bemoan at the end of hard won triumphs the woe is me...or the "man it is so hard"....no no no'
It must be that it become the
Wow it is finished, I did it! cool , I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me...not the
Christ I am tired and how can I continue... give me a break God boo hoo

That is the former way and it is that I put off the former ways of my self and become renewed into the current view that YES I am competent and that is just the way it is going to be...it is worth all that effort to be so. It is the price of success to effort more than you'd ever think you might.

By focus we magnify the outcome. I will strengten my muscel to focus on the mission what ever it might be and then just fix that gaze in expectation of the outcome being one I am glad

of what ever the view of another could/would/might be.

All right so I'm/your tired...so...whoever wins a race is dog tired at the end of it ! so... If that runner continues to run thinking about and focusing on how tired they are in the middle of the race they are just sabbatoging myself/themself.

Silly really...when I think of it I really will need all the bennefits I can find to be able to finish this race. Just hand me another cup of water gals...I have work to do.

Happy 12th Birthday my gentle Dove

Dove was celebrated today
Not her actual birthday but as close as we could accomplish it and keep up with all the weekend events...
We four went to a morning movie (gotta love those matinee prices)
It was so fun!
Ice Age 3

Afterward we went for an errand to Target we had a half an hour to use up and napkins to get. She noticed the fourth of July napkins and I wanted to get her napkins that were special. They had run out of them so I got some blue napkins

Mc Donald's was next stop where we met up with Her Aunt (my sister) and the Grand Parents for a lunch. We were also thrilled to have my BILove join us after he had helped a friend fix a head light on a motorcycle. It was nice to all be together.

Steve and I dashed back to the house and the kids were in tow of the Elders.
So we made a few mad dash last efforts and wrapped the gifts.

She really enjoyed herself as well as all of us I believe.

gentle and thrilled with her cake

She was so happy with Dash's present and that just made him so happy.

We got a DVD of a Jonas Brother Concert and after the party we all sat together and watched it.
It was pretty good. The music was alright of course I grew on on rock and roll.

Dove received a purse from the Folks

A framed photo print of "Nick"

Auntie gave her a pillow that she was so very thrilled to have.
Auntie even concidered the Dash Man and gave him a Lego building toy to make. He had it finished and about 15 minutes he just sucks that sort of thing up like a sponge.
I thought that was so sweet of her to do.

Now the folks awaited the last moment and last gift and gave her a comforter.
This a VERY generous gift.
She was in Jonas heaven!
Oh these pre-teen years are so cute!

We all were still full of our lunch so cake and well wishes
She wanted the face of Nick

I let her light the candles as a right of passage
Now look at the agony!
Oh mom don't cut him...
It was then that it was pointed out that I forgot the 'e' on you're opps...

She did not eat her cake!
It was just too upsetting for her...
:)

After all was done and the guest departed we all sat together to watch the concert.

Half way through I fell asleep on the sofa only to awake as it was ending.
The fun had caught up with me...
Hahaha

So now I will rest this evening out.

I posted a tutorial photo post on a
Place To Create.

Home made fondant, it will get words another day...

The Jonas Brothers Cake for Doves 12 th birthday

Stuffed animals Bear and Mckutoo are in the back seat having a conversation today.
Speaking of meeting a new friend...
Mckutto (Dash) said to Bear (Dove)...

"did you sniff their butts?"
all but correction came as I was going to tell Mcktuuo not to talk that way (yes parenting does involve teaching stuffed animals the character traits...after all they are my "grand kids") and then bear replied

" no were not those kind of folks we just shook hands"

I laughed so hard so hard for some sick reason that tickled me funny bone! Hope it gives you a smile too.

Long day today...all full of good news

We left home at 9:30
Attended a 10 :a.m. apointment at the dermotoligst for my skin check...it had been 6 years and so I had three things of concern to discuss.., all binign!

He removed a mole on my back and froze what is a benign fibroid scare (from a cast 20 yrs ago)
Do not scratch! :) It is blisterd and sore.

We went to the post office and set to post several items. Denise OK the fabric is in route.

We then went to a huge for us splurge at IHOP (international house of pancakes resteraunt. This a place the children always say "I hop" then I say "I skip" then the other kid "I jump!" So we play that and never except one time aover a year ogo do we actually go to one. Today well It was just the right thing to do and I had to walk into that.
It was a real intamate light hearted conversation we had. Best in a long time!
Many neat things but girls I am just to tired and it is so late...

Then we went to the pet store for the dog food that I got half off!!!!!!
wahoo
We stayed a long time for we were killing time and had several adventures ...later time I'll tell

So then we went to a Target and had a few more generous (God is so amazing!) adventures. Today I had to go down to my skivies and they were a bit worn. Told God of how embarassed I was ...a new br* and 6 sivies (my step dad was in the murchant marines) For $8! It was just two days ago I told him I felt that way about my br*. It was my size and a beautifyl green 3 of the unders were the matching set $1 a pair! lace too. It felt like I was pretty to think of having them...

On then to the Pediatrician...and the shots X 3 for Dove who was rather worked up over it.
Another adventure and one mom who DID IT and Dove DID IT! We are done YA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then home to the new shoes $5.45 !!!!!!!!!.............$22.! shoes for Dash HIS SIZE!!!!!!!!!!!

This means learning to tie then
He has a special needs when it comes to fine motor. For him to be ready and want to learn to tie! Oh kids this is big time!

YOu know sissy is gettting older
Maybe I should learn to tie?

Sweet baby he tried real hard and was very proud of his good attitude.
He did not give up.

One day HE WILL TIE THOSE SHOES!
he is determined!

Well Kids here is what I started at 7:30 p.m. and just finished at 10 p.m.

Acomplished!
with a good attitude

Meet Nick Jonas of the
JONAS BROTHERS!
It is a band that the pre teens like.
Good Character portrail
she has a crush

Yellow cake with light chocolate butter cream under white home made fondent

A day!
I'll do a tutorial later.

Mom and Daughter time

Dear Mrs Annette
thank you so much for the gift card I spent it on a big book all about the jonas brothers and I bot some candy and I got a bakugan and I got a lip on Dr. Peper so thank you for the gift card and I had fun time with my mom.

Dove.

Morning Baking and Parenting

Good Morning!
Wow it is now 10:30 time to rest a moment and catch my breadth before the next big round of a board game and an oven switch.

As you may well be aware of my self restricted electric use before 1: P.M.
Today was the big bake day for the week.
Many things to prepare...
All the meat was grilled last night now for the carbs.

Morning loaf and Steve's breakfast cookies.
That is the flax on the top of the green measuring cup

Well I creamed the butter and sugar well while I was kneading the dough for the daily loaf
This loaf would have served me well to have prepared last night alas my darling had Corn chips and salsa in his lunch for the day...He and I agreed that the idea of baking was just out of the question. Grilling last night just took all the energy and spent it fast. Think a grill...115*?+ two large London broils, 6 chicken thighs and two big dogs wanting back outside...imagine the dogs wanting OUTSIDE for a change:)

Dough on the rise and cookies on the tray.
This cookie method will set you ahead at the oven.
Prep first then at the oven it will be a quick job of get that oven off asap!

Lesson here
At this point the little guy needed my time and so ....
Monopoly again :) it was a lot of good eye contact.
Fun little soul...he had a "slow motion pass the dice to mom" it was sweet...
However I won and he had a real issue over it...
lets say a fit!
After "thank God" a bit of patient (see the thankful Thursday post) understanding
and correction...the fit was over the fact that the game was over too soon.
He had chosen the Monopoly game so that the time with me would not end!
WOW what a little smart guy...

So alas while the fit commenced I got the cooling racks out for the cookies and got them in the oven. Punched down the loaf and set it to second rise.

So Dash said...
"Mom don't you want to give it a blanket"?

So well the cookies bake the bread was tucked into the vent of the stove heat.
Make use of what you have.
My eye aways sees life this way.
Even as a kid my eye would make the pleasure of waisting nothing and taking full all of what everything had to offer.

So too is my heart in parenting. The greatest regret for me is the failure to do so due to stress and exhaustion. These first few years of parenting have been very demanding ones for me and I wish I were better equipped, I know I have done the best I was able to do for the most part I just wish I would have been calmer and less frustrated and gotten angry less.

All I can do is effort to improve and rest at night as to be better equipped with patience.
So as he calmed and a peace was gifted to us as understanding was gained I suggested another game. Asked him to set it up because "I enjoy being with you, especially when your a good sport. Thank you for sharing your feelings with me that did not want to stop being together".

So happily he stomped around in his daddy's boots
Now Dove was yet asleep
that darling she is growing SO FAST!
I think it wise to let her rest well...she feels so much better too.
It is a good thing to give her body time to grow and time to renew her strength.
Think of it those bones and flesh knitting and forming mass...inches up and arms out.

keeping Dash quiet means constant attention while she sleeps or she won't get to sleep for he will do everything he is able to have one of us attending him constantly.
I am doing my best to address the security phase I think it is the root of it.
He feels safe with attention.
It also helps him feel affiliated so I am using a lot of you belong language and statements to affirm him. Takes so focus to understanding as not to re-act to it in frustration.

He is growing into his Daddy's shoes in so many ways.

So deep breadth and game number two...
Now by this time Dove is with us wanting to rest and watch qubo kids TV that is really pretty quality better than channel 8 (public) and it is MUCH better than the paid TV of the Disney channel. So I allow it so she can be alone a few moments....oh oh oh how I do understand her needing a few alone moments in the morning...:)

these are mine.

Nick Jonas Birthday Cake
Heart shape chosen by dove and the sugar/flower dusted the olive oiled pan.
Used my hands to oil then rub the olive oil right into your hands...Good stuff.
Hands soft and nothing waisted :)

So Dove supplied me with the image lets see me pull this one off for Saturday.
Dove 12 years old!

Cake out of the oven Daily Loaf of Bread right in...
also the butternut squash in...
baked in the little water in the bottom

Steaming oven for the soft rise of the bread.
Makes a nice slicing loaf..

Nothing w......that's right!

I needed to set boundary with Dash for some me time...

A few moments ago he came up to me and embraced me...I stood there and could just feel the flow of healing into him. I could just feel it.
He did not pull away he stood there a few moments and then without pulling away he said
"you can let go now"...
I let go of him , not the other way around.
He let me let go...
I hope somebody else can see it.

tip

when your baking day uses eggs
fill a bowl with water and rub the inside of the shell clean
dry and grind in a food grinder or roll with a rolling pin once bagged into a plastic bag.

Now add this to the soil of your tomato plants or give to your chickens for strong egg shells.

Well It is 11:30
Time to draw the heart of a little boy into a game of
YES YOU MATTER
:)

OH! that boy is a challenge!
He will not stop getting into my face and interrupting me every 5 minutes it is very hard. Deep breadth.
I was almost done and he just kept interjecting and I got frustrated.
I set boundary calmly repeated several times...

Now he is so jealous of Doves birthday
I was proud of him coming to me with words to say so...
The fact that neither one of us is giving him our full attention right now and here I go almost losing it with him again.
Please pray for me I am trying to meet his needs and to teach him how to not have to have constant attention and to deal with those hard feelings of character growth.
Character is a very hard thing to grow into.
ARG!

deep breadth!
God is making and will make me able to be patient and TEACH not re-act!
The best career so challenging with the greatest of benefits
:)
I love this job!
Just really want to do well at it.
Thinking I was making progress when Dash suggested with kindness
"mom why don't you go rest It's ok"
This after Dove came to my defence and said mom you need to rest if we are going swimming at 1p.m.....
Father help me
I will go nap a few minutes and then suit up.
Shut the house off and go play with the children an hour or so in the sun
:)
:(
I at least the water is wet...
the pools have become like a warm bath here.