Lancelot

Dinner at my sisters

This afternoon we went to my sister Tracy's house to see it and have dinner.  Tracy and her husband Andy bought this house a coupleweeks ago, but have just finished painting and fixing it up.   The house is cute and big, I love it.  I love the color she painted it.  This is her 1st time owning a house.  There was only one problem . "How many men does it take to hang one picture"?

We girls were laughing so hard. We kept telling each other if we did it we would be done by now   !!

From left to right is my husband Shannon, my dad Mike, my b-i-l Andy.  Shhh, it took them about 15 + minutes !

Dinner was great.  It was Tracy and Andy , our parents, our aunt and 2 cousins and Michelle, Gill and the babies and of course us 4.   We thought that the babies would come with us because when they see us they always want to come back "home".   The grand-babies cam home with us .

We had a blast and can't wait to go again.

God Bless all, mj

Baby burp pad?

Was wondering if anybody has a pattern for a baby burp pad that goes over the shoulder? When my children were small I used to use a diaper but I see the younger folks use a burp pad. I would like to make some for the craft fair.. If someone could share a pattern or a link I would be grateful.. Thanks..

Brenda

Dad's home, first week of school, Lauren's tonsilectomy...

Ok, I've decided to stop saying I'm going to post more often, as every time I say that, I seem to go days without getting on the computer.

Here is an overdue update on us...

Dad is home from the hospital, and is doing 'ok'.  He found out Wednesday he has kidney failure and had it before the back surgery was done at the beginning of August.  None of his doctors ever mentioned this, so he / we had no idea.  They say his blood sugars being out of control probably attributed to it and they raised the dosage of his glucotrol.  He doesn't take insulin at home, but they do give it to him at the hospital, when he's there.  He has never been diagnosed with diabetes, but his sugars are all over the place.

He was discharged on Thursday and assigned a visiting nurse to have his vitals checked every other day.

My mom and dad will be moving again around September 20th.  The home they are renting now is in foreclosure and they don't know when it will be posted.  They've already put some of dad's things into storage, so they mostly just have the house things left to move. 

They will be moving into a very nice place located one block from Lake Michigan and less than a block from my brother Dustin's place.  The new place has 7 acres and yardwork/upkeep/plowing is all included in their rent.  It seems ideal.  Dad is happy about the room to roam and get into troubles with Lilli, and mom is happy that it's a nice area for walking.  I hope this place works out for them.  :)

Lilli started school with just a half day on Tuesday.  Wednesday through Friday were full days, and so far, she seems to enjoy it.  She did say that she doesn't like first grade because she doesn't like doing all that work.  I tried to warn her that it was probably going to get a bit worse before it got better.  LOL. 

She hasn't had any trouble going to bed at night (we have a 8ish bedtime), nor getting up in the morning.  She's been great on both of those, even falling asleep as soon as her head hits the pillow.

She started dance on Thursday.  She had signed up for ballet and jazz.  Then decided she really wanted to take tap as well.  She stayed and tried the class and loved it, so it looks like we'll have to buy tap shoes this week, and figure out what we owe now, since we already paid for two classes, not three. 

Ballet is from 6-6:45.  Jazz is from 6:45-7:30.  Tap is from 7:30-8. 

So we'll be at dance from 6-8PM every Thursday evening.

The only reason we ok'd the third class was because it is back-to-back with the other classes she is taking.  We can't make the drive more than once per week, so she had to find something that was all on one night.  I was glad when she DIDN"T want to take tap, as that class ends at 8PM (our bedtime).  I really don't mind her taking it if she likes it though, and it's only once per week, and it's on Thursday nights, so she only has one day of school left in the week after her late night.

There are also two little girls in all three classes with her that were in her Acro class last year.  She was very happy about that.

She starts her horse riding lessons tomorrow morning, if it isn't raining.

Lauren had her tonsils out on Thursday this last week.  At 22 months, she's very young, so they told us she'd have to spend the night in the hospital following the procedure.  We made all the preparations for me to stay at the hospital with her and Lance to come home and get Lilli from school and take her to dance, etc. 

In recovery, the Dr came in several times saying that she'd probably need to spend the night, but the nurses kept saying that she would rally and probably go home soon.  She was crying and incoherent, so we weren't sure what was going to happen.  She did finally snap out of the anesthesia and when the nurse asked about a popsicle, she said, 'sicle, sicle'.  LOL.  She ate 4 popsicles!  The Dr came in and said she would be fine to go home.  LOL

They told us that french fries were great to feed her as they were soft and salty (which would make her drink more), so we stopped by McDonald's on the way home.  She seemed to eat a lot, but then we figured out she was chewing them, but not swallowing them.  She would get a mouth full and then spit them out in the box.  Ah well, she was going through the motions anyway.  Ewww.

She went right back to drinking and eating normal within just a short time of being home.  She did sleep a lot, and has been sleeping a lot since then, as she's on Tylenol with Codeine every 4 hours around the clock.  It makes her tired, fussy, and a bit confused and wobbly.  She does sometimes seem to be in pain before the next dose is due, so we continue to give it to her as directed.  Hopefully we can slow down on it tomorrow sometime. 

They also put her on an antibiotic (Amoxicillan) as her tonsils were infected when they took them out.  I had pointed them out to Lance the night before the surgery, as I didn't know if they'd still do the surgery or not.  I'm glad they did though, she got sick with them so often :(  The doctor assured us we were going to see a new little girl.  He said he didn't know how she could breathe with them being so big, much less sleep (she snores) or eat/swallow. 

Lance is doing good, but working a lot.  Usually 6AM-4PM, Mon-Fri, but lately it's been Saturday and sometimes Sunday too.  He worked today and I think he's doing some work for his cousin tomorrow.

He fixed my vaccuum today.  I'm not sure what was wrong with it.  He found that I'd somehow vaccuumed up two bouncy balls ??  I honestly have no idea how that happened.  I really don't think I did it, but I can't think of any other way they'd have gotten in there.  I don't know if that's why it broke, but he did inform me that he didn't want me running over any more.  LOL. 

I hope to take Lauren to storytime at the library, and to playgroup this week.  Both are right here in our small town, so there aren't a lot of miles involved.  Playgroup is weekly, but I don't think storytime is.  We'll have to see.

I'm off to put Lauren down for a nap.  I hope to post again SOON.  LOL

Fall Time Preparations

I think for most the changing of the seasons also brings a sense of getting ready.  Especially for the winter months.  We have very mild winters normally here but there are still things I try to do to prepare for the cooler months.  I normally dont start till late September, but this year we have had an abnormally cool August.  In southern Arkansas, August you normally see temps well over 100, but this year its been low 80's - high 70's.  And since Gustav its been low 70's.  Very nice indeed.  Not knowing if this is going to be a sign of an early winter Ive decided to start my fall preparations early.  We dont live in the country ( although I would luuuvvvv to) , have a farm or animals (other than one cat and one dog ), but there is still plenty to do.

Here are my usual preparations:

1)  I start by reducing the summer clothing I keep out.  Normally we have about another month of being able to wear shorts and short sleeves, but I add a few pair of pants, long sleeve shirts and light jackets to the closet for just in case.

2)  Having four boys I always keep the clothes from the year before, so I start washing these and sorting through who can wear what and what is no longer good to wear.  Then I catch sales and visit our good will store for bargains.  We always buy each a new pair of shoes.  I hate wearing shoes that someone else has worn so this is the one thing I do buy new.

3)  I clean out my pantry of out of date items and rearrange making more room for fall and winter cooking items.  I think everyone cooks different according to the seasons.  I also make a pantry list of what I need for fall baking.  This is also a good time to replace spices you havent used in a while to assure fresh ness.  Alot of times stores start having sales on baking items.  Its also a good idea to check your baking pans to see if any need replacing.

4)  Of course there are yard preparations.  For me that includes mowing one more time, ( hopefully its only one more time  )  and cutting back shrubs.  I also wash down my kiddos toys that they play with outside. 

5) Once cooler weather is upon us prepare my dog's dog house.  I buy hay to line his dog house to help keep him warm.  I do replace it during the winter once or twice.  First I wash the dog house out.  Its usually yucky and smelling by the time summer is over.

6)  And of course who can forget Christmas preparations.  September is when I start to buy gifts.  I love to give gifts !   I have the kids to make a list of what they most want.  And I make a list of who I plan to give to and decide how much Im willing to spend for the year.  We never go in debt over Christmas.  We use what we have.  Some years we do more than others according to our finances.  This is also a great time to buy Christmas cards.   Most of the time company's such as Christian Book Distributor has sale this time of year on last years stock. 

7) And who can forget fall cleaning.  Washing those stored blankets, cleaning the things that summer fun has forgotten, and flipping the mattress.  This is a good time to weed out in your closet and take stock on your summer clothing.  I give away those things I never seemed to wear.  Check out the sales.  Most stores are reducing the prices dramatically on summer wear.  A great time to prepare for next summer.  I take stock on the winter clothing also.  What do we need? 

    Think about others that you know while going through the closet.  I dont usually do yard sales, I much perfer to find someone who might need the clothing.

So, this is what I will be working on the next few weeks.  Today I will be mowing our lawn... so much rain lately that I now have a jungle in my back yard.   Yesterday I started washing up the winter clothes and going through the summer clothing. 

On the subject of homeschooling, we love to have school outside this time of year.  I have a fold up table we use under the carport and its quiet soothing reading under the trees. This also helps with younger children.  They seem to stay occupied longer playing outside.

I would love to hear of how others prepare for the change in the seasons.  I think for most, this is everyone's favorite time of the year.  I know its mine.  Isnt amazing how much more energy fall brings.

Pondering Palin

I was visiting over at here this morning and I was shocked at the number of "Palin Post' over here...I had no idea many were questioning as I am...BUT what I noticed was division among people....It shouldn't be that way...It made my heart sad, that so many cannot ponder their own thoughts or feeling with other "Christians" because they will be made to feel like 'freaks' or somehow unchristian if they disagree with a woman in office...One post even referred to people to think that the woman needs to home is a "know it all"....how very sad...Also one said those who 'question' Palin are for Obama...People just don't get it....Did any of us ever stop to think that this division is not of God?? That quite possibly Satan has jumped on the "Palin" bandwagon and is totally using this situation to divert our attention from what the real issue is?? and that is "What is best for our Country" weather it be McCain/Palin or the other the true heart of the matter is 'Who will uphold "YOUR" values, "YOUR" morals, "YOUR" liberities!! Period! If you do not feel either party will uphold "YOUR" values then you have a right to decide to not vote...that will NOT make you a bad "Christian" or a horrible "person" it just means you are exercising your God given freedoms...there may come a time when you cannot do that, you will not be given a choice...enjoy it now...We should ALL(including myself) pray about what we are to do..and after praying in earnest you are led to vote for Obama who I am to stand in your way? If you led to vote for McCain, Awesome! If you are led to not vote, so be it...its not my place to judge anyone...but I do have a right, just as you and everyone else in america has the right to his or her own opinion...and none of us have the right to attack the other just because our opinions differ...maybe, just maybe if we listen to the other side we might learn something! I am personally not a  fan of a woman being in the White House in a that position...before you gasp and choke on your coffe let me say this...I love the woman, she is kind, she is pro-life, she is sharp, BUT she has a family and in that family is a special needs child. As a mother of a special  needs child I personally know the amount of time it takes to raise a child like that...as much as we want things to be 'normal' they are not. I am sure she will make a great VP if elected along with McCain, however with that said...she needs to be home with her children...Example: Her baby is seriously ill, but she has peace talks with Iran...which gets neglected? The child or Iran peace talks? Kapish? Think about if McCain died in office Palin would be in line for the President, how will she balance home and office...I mean really, she will be running the U.S....our country is in perilous times we need someone who can be focused on this country...I don't know...its just silly the way this has become so divided...For those that are pondering Palin in office not being a good thing..I commend you for stating your opinion...Thank You...for those that think its ok...I have also read and considered your opinions...thank you...Who will I vote for...Certainly not Obama, but not sure for McCain either...Not voting does  NOT mean a vote for Obama....it means simply not voting! If you have comments you can either private message me here on blogger or you can use my email hs_fmly@,msn.com I have chosen not to allow comments on this post.

My .02---

~Kris

The Start

My name is mj and I am Shannon's help meet.  Shannon is a Mr. Command Man, as described in Debi Pearl's book.   Some times it is hard to be a wife of a Command Man, if you are a strong dominant woman.   I am just about as hard headed as Shannon.  It took me years to give him the head of the household role and I do mean YEARS!   But it was all worth it!   To have him in charge of it all is such a weight off me. 

But some times there are problems.  An example is with our older daughter Shayna.  Shayna is a very good girl, but boy is she strong willed, I have no clue where she got that from .   The problem was Shayna spoke to me rude and then to her dad.  He and I talked to her about it but stopped when it was dinner time.  Shannon said he would talk to her again after dinner but did not.   That was hard for me because it was not resolved.  I wanted it done and over with.

It was hard for me to not say something about his not talking to her more.  He knew I wanted to say it, but did not.

This blog is a part of my journey of working everyday on being the help meet Shannon needs and God wants me to be.

God Bless, mj

Pictures

Here is a picture of my husband and  one of his fish he caught on one of his trips to Mexico, my hubby is the one in the red tank top:

Here is one from 2 weeks ago:

Have you ever seen a horse drink from a park fountain:

That is Kristi and Cody. It was taken last fall.

This next one is my father on his bike with his little dog George.  They ride around Vegas like this.  Aren't they cute!

Moose for sale.  As Shayna was listing some books for sale on E-bay her cat Moose was helping out.  Yup he wore some stickers that said 50% off and 75% off.  I think he thought he was worth more as you can tell he was not happy about his price .

God Bless, mj

Mom ,what one do you like ?

Kristi is a bad girl .  While we were out shopping she picked up on 3 guys, three!!!

Here is boy friend number 1, he's cute but kinda stiff:

Next we have boy friend number 2, but he is kind of two faced:

And last we have boy friend number 3, my favorite, he cost $74.36 just for 1 date, so he must be worth it :

Who says shopping at Sam's with a cell phone is not fun .  Kristi and I had a blast .  But really Kristi you need to stop picking up new boy friends when we shop.  LOL

Teenagers what can I do?!?!?!

God Bless, mj

Taco Soup

Believe it or not...IT'S SEPTEMBER!!  Those cooler temps are on the way!  I LOVE fall...it's my FAVORITE time of year!!  Along with those falling temperatures that invite us to pull on our favorite sweaters, collect pumkins, go on hayrides and build bonfires comes my desire to make wonderful, hearty soups and stews!  One of our family's favorite cold weather soups is Taco Soup!!  Oh...it is yummy, stustaining, it's even attractive to look at in your bowl.    I hope you enjoy it!!

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

TACO SOUP

1 lb. ground beef or chuck
1/2  med. onion - finely chopped
1 lg. bunch of fresh cilantro - finely chopped
4-6 jalapeno peppers (depending on your taste buds & stomach lining!) - finely chopped
2 15-16 oz. cans kidney beans (UNdrained)
2 14-15 oz. cans whole kernal corn (UNdrained)
1 15-16 oz. can black beans (optional)
2 15 oz. cans tomato sauce
1 pkg (1-1/2 TB) taco seasoning
1 c. water

~ Brown beef, drain; add onion, peppers, 1/2 of the cilantro and cook until onions and peppers start to get tender.
~ Mix everything together in a dutch oven OR crockpot.
~ Heat through in dutch oven for 45 min. - 1 hour OR in crockpot for 2-3 hours on low.
~ Top with shredded cheddar or colby-jack cheese, sour cream and corn tortilla chips crumbled like crackers.

Elderberry Jelly

I made Elderberry jelly today and its the first time I made jelly that didn't come out. Now I've been told you can re-batch it but does that mean I have to add pectin again or what? I could use some help here..Thanks..

Brenda