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Cheese Sandwiches and Lunch Debt

Posted on Monday 25 June 2007 at 3:48 PM in A Little Bit Of Everything - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

I just heard this on the radio:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-cheese18jun18,0,7344584.story?coll=la-home-center

This is really sad to me...the parents not paying part.  Parents don't pay the bills for the lunches their kids accumilated (in 2004 the school lunch debt at the school was $300,000), so the children are turned away at the lunch line and forced to go hungry until the bill is paid.

Ok, they aren't doing that (they should) but instead of letting them starve they are giving them a cheese sandwich. Wheat bread with a slice of cheese.   But the parents are getting upset because their kids are getting teased for getting a cheese sandwich. Now, these aren't poor families either.

At least the kids are getting something to eat...even if they don't like it. If they choose not to eat it, it's not the schools fault. Maybe the alternative is to close down the school lunch program completely and tell the parents to make bagged lunches for the kids. I hear bagged lunches today have an even bigger stigma than cheese sandwiches.   Grrrrr.

Adventures With Frog and Toad

Posted on Monday 25 June 2007 at 11:21 AM in A Little Bit Of Everything - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

I'm catching up on pictures:

A while back I posted about Boo catching a frog and a toad in our backyard (here). Finally I got the pictures posted:

My Mother's Day

Posted on Monday 25 June 2007 at 11:01 AM in A Little Bit Of Everything - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

I'm catching up on pictures:

Mother's Day banquet at our church. We were served dinner by the men and boys. BBQ chicken was the featured dish.

They even used the "fine china"...or in this case Corelle.

My Mother's Day flowers, aren't they pretty?

Me and my Boo. It was a great day to be Mom. I'm thinking about using this one for my avitar. What do you think?

Clover All Over

Posted on Monday 25 June 2007 at 10:59 AM in A Little Bit Of Everything - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

I'm catching up on pictures:

The clover is abundant this year!

Wife of evangelist Billy Graham dies

Posted on Thursday 14 June 2007 at 6:34 PM in A Little Bit Of Everything - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/06/14/ruth.graham.ap/index.html

"Ruth was my life partner, and we were called by God as a team," Billy Graham said in a statement. "No one else could have borne the load that she carried. She was a vital and integral part of our ministry, and my work through the years would have been impossible without her encouragement and support.

"I am so grateful to the Lord that He gave me Ruth, and especially for these last few years we've had in the mountains together. We've rekindled the romance of our youth, and my love for her continued to grow deeper every day. I will miss her terribly, and look forward even more to the day I can join her in Heaven."

My thoughts and prayers are with the Graham family.

Ruth Graham in a Coma, Close to Death

Posted on Wednesday 13 June 2007 at 5:54 PM in A Little Bit Of Everything - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/13/AR2007061301447.html

"Ruth is my soul mate and best friend, and I cannot imagine living a single day without her by my side," Graham said. "I am more in love with her today than when we first met over 65 years ago as students at Wheaton College."

Even Christians Get TP'd....

Posted on Tuesday 12 June 2007 at 5:52 PM in A Little Bit Of Everything - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Even well know Christian musicians! ***SNICKER*** I was catching up on Steve Camps blog when I came across a post about his yard getting TP'd. There is even a couple pictures.

http://stevenjcamp.blogspot.com/2007/06/look-how-i-started-lords-day-summer.html

I really cracked up at the Sheryl Crow comment "I am certain it wasn't Sheryl Crow - she would have only used one square sheet neatly placed on one leaf." Ha!

The frugal side of me, however, is shaking her head thinking "all that TP wasted."

Quiverfull Heart, One Arrow

Posted on Wednesday 6 June 2007 at 10:14 AM in A Little Bit Of Everything - 3 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Forgive me while I have a little pitty party. What does one do when you have the heart for a large family and God only blesses you with one?

My heart is just really heavy...again. Actually...still. I keep trying to give this over to the Lord...but it seems I just keep taking it back from Him. There has been a lot of discussion lately on various groups I'm on about the blessings of large families. And even though they don't mean to, they talk as if having just one child is actually harmful. Even in church and our homeschool group I feel that we are sometimes alienated because we don't have more than one child...or childless. Recently we had a mom who had just moved to the area join a local on-line homeschool group I'm on. From her post I thought we might have a lot in common until she ended her introduction with "If you have 4 or more children, we'd like to meet and maybe get together to develop friendships." I rejoice with families like the Duggars as they announce they are having another to their large family, while I secretly morn not being able to have just one more in my little family. My own Aunt had 13. Then I feel guilty and selfish for not being thankful enough for the one blessing I do have. I do love and adore my little man Boo and I am thankful that God allows me to be his mother.

Sometimes I feel really alone in raising an only child. Homeschoolers with bigger families are usually busy enough with their own activities so it can be a challenge to get together with them. It's hard to talk to other moms about the unique challenges of raising an only child...though they often sympathize, very few of them really understand.

As I see 40 approching very quickly...in August...it seems my dream of a large family is fleeting just as quickly. I try to understand why back in February God had a reason to take the little blessing we though we were going to welcome. Hubby doesn't feel led to adopt. We also don't have any family living less than a 3 hour drive (we moved away a couple years ago because of Hubby's work). I feel like it's a cruel joke, yet in my head I know that God's plans and timing for my life and family is perfect and I know I have to trust in that.

In God We Trust License Plate Update

Posted on Friday 1 June 2007 at 7:47 PM in A Little Bit Of Everything - 1 Comments - Post Comment - Link

We are getting one...actually two, one for each vehicle.

Better hurry though, before the ACLU tries to get rid of them!

UPDATE: We got them today. Hubby didn't even have to ask for them, that is what they gave him...and they cost the same as the regular plate unlike the other specialty plates. Who knew someone could get all excited about a couple license plates?? lol

Hobo Cookout

Posted on Thursday 31 May 2007 at 3:31 PM in A Little Bit Of Everything - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

This is a cool idea...definately something that Boo will enjoy. I suppose maybe we'll take a hike at the state park and have a hobo cookout in the picnic area while we're out.

Make "hobo packs" by wrapping plastic plates, plastic cups, plastic forks, individually wrapped moist towelettes and fruit in bandanas and tying them to sticks of green wood. Use the sticks to roast hot dogs and marshmallows and the bandanas as napkins. Serve baked beans (remove the label and heat them in the opened can on the grill), and use newspapers as placemats.

COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS

Posted on Thursday 31 May 2007 at 11:53 AM in A Little Bit Of Everything - 2 Comments - Post Comment - Link

We use these. Not to be green...I'm not green but to be frugal...I like frugal. I will admit I do not like the light they produce at all. I get annoyed that they take a moment...or few...to light and warm up. But I'm used to it. With compact fluorescent light bulb in addition to other things, I was able to reduce my electric bill down to nearly $10 a month when we lived in Michigan. Sadly I haven't been able to duplicate that here in Indiana...not by a long shot. Anyway...we have purchased and use our fair share of compact fluorescent light bulbs.

I had no idea that we weren't supposed to throw these in the regular trash can.

PROPER HANDLING AND DISPOSAL
EPA recommends the following clean-up and disposal guidelines:
Due to the mercury content in CFLs, consumers must be sure to properly dispose of CFLs as they would paint, batteries, thermostats and other hazardous household items. DO NOT THROW CFLs AWAY IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD GARBAGE IF BETTER OPTIONS EXIST.

They don't...I checked. There is no place with in reasonable...and unreasonable...driving distance to recycle these where I live. So they end up in my trash can. I also had no idea that they contained mercury (feeling a little silly that I didn't know) and have broken a few in the past:

EPA recommends the following clean-up and disposal guidelines:

1. Open a window and leave the room (restrict access) for at least 15 minutes.
2. Remove all materials you can without using a vacuum cleaner.
     Wear disposable rubber gloves, if available (do not use your bare hands).
     Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard.
     Wipe the area clean with a damp paper towel or disposable wet wipe.
     Sticky tape (such as duct tape) can be used to pick up small pieces and powder.
3. Place all cleanup materials in a plastic bag and seal it.
     If your state permits you to put used or broken CFLs in the garbage, seal the CFL in two plastic bags and put into the outside trash (if no other disposal or recycling options are available).
     Wash your hands after disposing of the bag.
4. The first time you vacuum the area where the bulb was broken, remove the vacuum bag once done cleaning the area (or empty and wipe the canister) and put the bag and/or vacuum debris, as well as the cleaning materials, in two sealed plastic bags in the outdoor trash or protected outdoor location for normal disposal.

So...there is only a "little" mercury in these bulbs. But how many people are disposing of them properly? How many people like me have broken one in their homes and never really thought much about it? How many of these bulbs and how much mercury is ending up in landfils? Is that really a benefit for the environment? I've got two that have burned out...I'm not sure I'm willing to buy anymore.

Here is a PDF:
http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/promotions/change_light/downloads/Fact_Sheet_Mercury.pdf

An article about a broken CFL:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=55213

Modest Swim Suits

Posted on Wednesday 30 May 2007 at 2:02 PM in A Little Bit Of Everything - 1 Comments - Post Comment - Link

The Abundant Life Blog made a list of her top ten modest swim suits and has finally picked her winner...check out her blog to see what suit she chose. http://theabundantlife.wordpress.com/2007/05/29/and-the-winner-is/

I thought I would post a pic of my swim suit...that I hardly wear. I got mine last year on sale from Blair and although this isn't the same pattern...this is the same suit. http://www.blair.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&langId=-1&categoryId=87679&pcats=87616,87679&productId=27597

I picked this one because although I like the skirted ones, the short style bottoms don't float up around my waist when I swim. lol I also picked this one because I couldn't afford the one I really wanted: http://www.swimmodest.com/.

Did you have a good holiday weekend?

Posted on Tuesday 29 May 2007 at 8:48 AM in A Little Bit Of Everything - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

I hope so. :)

Ours was pretty busy here at home. We ended up replacing our back screen door. This turned out to be a huge project since we didn't just replace the screen door, but the entire jamb too. We didn't plan on it, but the jamb was in bad shape when we bought the house and it needed to be done. Not only do we have a new screen door, but our back door now closes properly. There are still a few things left to be done, but both doors work great...and I have a screen in the screen door. It's one of those screen doors where when you pull down the storm window, it pulls down the screen. Very cool.

It rained a lot over the weekend so we didn't get a lot of ourside work done, including mowing the lawn. No laundry because I couldn't hang it outside. But I did get a good chunk of the garage cleared out...tossing lots of unusable junk into the trash can. It made a big difference. I did find a box of pictures that got ruined...that was a bit depressing. But all in all I feel good that we are making progress on the garage.

Since hubby was finishing up the door yesterday evening I got the grill going and made chicken and potatoes. The chicken was marinated all day in Italian dressing before I grilled it and hubby said it was some of the best chicken he's had in a long time. Hubby sure knows what to say to make a girl feel good.

So that's our weekend. I'd love to hear about yours. If you blogged about it, let me know where to look. Hugs!

Rosie has left the view...

Posted on Friday 25 May 2007 at 4:33 PM in A Little Bit Of Everything - 4 Comments - Post Comment - Link

I don't watch much TV at all...but the one time I watched The View back when it started I never cared for it. Add Rosie...yikes. I could feel the venom and I didn't even have to turn the TV on. And now I heard on the radio she's not coming back. I'm not surprised. I'm glad she won't be returning to the View, but I honestly think it will be a matter of time before she is back on TV. And I don't think it will be as "sugary sweet" as her first show was. I get the feeling that it will be more political...and bitter...in nature. Double yikes. All we can do is keep the TV off and pray that these people find Jesus quickly.

Sorry I haven't been posting...

Posted on Friday 18 May 2007 at 12:40 PM in A Little Bit Of Everything - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

...It seems when it rains, it pours.

I was sick as well as Boo, had to catch up on homeschooling, we went out of town with hubby on a business trip...and now I'm suffering with an awful tooth ache. I know I need to go to the dentist to have it looked at...but I'm terrified of dentists. Silly huh? So I have to talk myself into going...actually the tooth might do the talking for me. Ouch. I'll gladly accept prayers.

We got back from hubby's business trip late last night and I haven't even unpacked anything yet. I'm moving slowly today.

So...Hopefully I'll be back to posting regularly Monday.

Nothing says clean like...

Posted on Thursday 3 May 2007 at 6:22 PM in A Little Bit Of Everything - 2 Comments - Post Comment - Link

...having someone over.

I'll tell ya, my house isn't too bad off...but when the man from the water department stopped by yesterday to see if he could install a new water meter (which is in my utility room) today...I went and super cleaned everything...even rooms I knew he wouldn't even see. Knowing he would need to pull the dryer out to get to the water meter, I pulled it out ahead of time to make sure everything was clean under and behind it when he pulled it out. When he got here it took a whole 15 minutes to do, but I was pleased that when he moved the dryer out he wasn't attacked by dust bunnies. lol And Friday is my day to deep clean the laundry/utility room...and it's done already! So tomorrow I can spend the extra free time I'll have out in the garden planting my tomatoes and peppers. Wohoo!

Yard Sale @ Home

Posted on Wednesday 2 May 2007 at 11:07 AM in A Little Bit Of Everything - 2 Comments - Post Comment - Link

We are having a yard sale Memorial Day weekend. I have lots and lots of stuff that I'd love to send off to a new home. I've been spending lots of time going through everything, making sure items are clean and in pretty good condition, marking them with prices and packing them back into boxes. This is just stuff that I've had in our garage and around our home...haven't even gotten to the storage unit yet...not sure if I will be able to do that!

While I'm pretty excited about having the yard sale, I'm a little sad also. In the hopes of having more children I have been reluctant to get rid of anything. We though we would be welcoming a new addition toward the end of this year, but it resulted in a miscarriage. So I figured that I might as well go ahead and get rid of most of the stuff keeping just a few things. Hubby says that we can always purchase what we need if God decides to bless us again and he's right. And getting rid of the storage unit will save us about $50 a month.

Right now I'm trying to figure out the best way to set out all of the clothes that I have. Most people will say that clothes sell better if they are hung, but I don't think I have that many hangers. I've less that a month to figure something out.

Baskin-Robbins 31 Cent Scoop Night

Posted on Wednesday 2 May 2007 at 10:52 AM in A Little Bit Of Everything - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

We don't have one close to us, but just in case you do...find your way to your local Baskin-Robbins tonight from 5-10 pm and enjoy your ice cream for 31 cents a scoop in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. http://www.baskinrobbins.com/Promotion/31cent.aspx

I'm So Tired...Scattered Thoughts...

Posted on Thursday 26 April 2007 at 9:54 AM in A Little Bit Of Everything - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

It's almost like I didn't sleep at all last night. I may actually take a nap this afternoon.

We've got quite a bit of homeschooling to get done today...Bible, Phonics, Language, Spelling, Math, History, Reading and Sign Language.

I also need to run out and pick up a few groceries today. I normally shop once a month...the beginning of the month, but toward the end of the month sometimes I need to pick up things like milk, eggs, fruit. Dinner tonight is going to be either omelets or frittata. A great frugal way to use up meat and veggie leftovers. You could add biscuits or potatoes on the side. Quick, easy, yummy.

It's been raining here the last couple days so laundry has been dried in the dryer. I have just a little ironing to do.

Detroit Tigers won last night....but they were tired in the end. Should have pulled Zumaya after he walked that first run in...if not earlier. Durbin was impressive though.

A quote..."I would rather be able to appreciate the things I cannot have than to have the things I am not able to appreciate." Elbert Hubbard

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

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