A Work in Progress
Organic Potting Soil
Where I live the ground is all clay, rock, and sand, and to grow anything you have to do something to the dirt to help it along. So I ventured out into the world of Wal-Mart today to invest in some potting soil for my container garden. (I have some nice tomato, stevia, eggplant, and lemon balm sprouts to report so far.) As I gawked at all the different dirts out there, I stumbled on something that I didn't even know existed; organic potting soil. Being the dork I am, I assumed all dirt was organic. But evidently, I was wrong. So, if you are in the market, Wal-Mart carries Miracle Gro Organic potting soil for $3.79, only $0.30 more per bag than the regular kind. ;0)I am so small, and You are in control
02:37, Tuesday, April 22, 2008
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Over and over this past month God has been reminding me of how I am so small. In a matter of two weeks, I lost two members of my small extended family. My cousin lost her battle with cancer, and five days later my grandmother passed from complications due to cancer. (Grrrr... cancer) It is horribly sad in a selfish "I really miss them" kind of way. But we do have the peace of knowing where they both are, and that they will be waiting for us in when we get there. The other thing is that I am 29 years old, and have been living on this same homestead my entire life. My dh and I built a house next to my parents, who built a house next to their parents, who built a house next to their parents. Confused? I think that makes us the 4th generation on this land. But anyway, I have never felt an earthquake until this week. And this week I have felt two. It is weird and humbling. It is just another way God has been telling us that He is in control. I get it. I really do.
After this month, I can say I truly get it. I have to make choices now to live each moment to the fullest because you never know what is around the corner. God's timing has nothing to do with me. I need to always speak the truth no matter what so that the people around me will know that I will never lie to them. I need to get out of my comfort zone and be a better hands-on friend. I need to spend quality time with the ones I love as soon as possible and as often as possible. (Yeah, we're busy, but nobody's THAT busy.) I need to invest more time and energy serving others. I need to let some relationships go that require more effort than what they are worth. I need to make time to be a better wife to my dh. I need to stop talking about what I should do and just DO IT! :)
Join me in the fight. . .
As you can guess, I have had a lot of sad/angry energy that needed a positive focus lately. This is my project. Visit my site at http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeMid-SouthDivision?px=5762325&pg=personal&fr_id=8702 to join me.Dear Family and Friends,
I’ve decided to take action against cancer by participating in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life® event right here in my community. Relay For Life® is about celebration, remembrance, and hope. By participating, I am honoring cancer survivors, paying tribute to the lives we've lost to the disease, and raising money to help fight it.
Please help support me in this important cause by making a donation. It is faster and easier than ever to support me by making a secure, tax-deductible donation online using the link below. If you would prefer, you can send your contribution to the mailing address listed below.
Whatever you can give will help - it all adds up! I greatly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress.
Sincerely,
Daryn
To make a donation online, visit my personal page. (http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeMid-SouthDivision?px=5762325&pg=personal&fr_id=8702)
To send a donation, make all checks payable to: American Cancer Society
701 West Muhammad Ali Blvd.
Louisville, KY 40203
Double Your Money
Many employers offer matching funds programs. For example, if you gave a $50 donation it could turn into $100. Please inquire with your personnel/HR department to complete the paperwork required to get your gift matched. Visit our Matching Gifts page.
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
You have the opportunity to fight back against cancer year round by joining the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. For a donation of $10, you will become a part of a growing organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major public health problem. Through issue campaigns and voter education, ACS CAN works to encourage lawmakers and candidates to support laws and policies that will help people fight cancer. You CAN take action. We CAN save lives. Join CAN today, at acscan.org.
Mosaic Of Hope
You can also memorialize your loved one by creating a Mosaic Of Hope. Visit the American Cancer Society Mosaic Of Hope web site to build your own memorial site dedicated to your loved one.
In loving memory. . .
God taught me a lesson today. He called home my sweet cousin Ellen. She left behind her 3 children ages of 4, 13, & 17. My heart is aching for them right now. She was the one who as a kid I always wanted to be like. The one who was just older than me to be so cool that she was untouchable. She took me to my first concert. She drove me to my first date. But I know that God will use this somehow. I don't have any idea what it could possibly be, but I do know this. I have been hanging on to things that are insignificant. I have let important things slide by the wayside because they require more effort that "I think they should." Life is too short and fragile to hold on to yucky feelings that should be dealt with and moved on. Things change too fast, and we never know what tomorrow will bring. Just this past Christmas Ellen was enjoying holding and loving on her babies. She had no idea He was preparing a special place prepared for her by His side.Earth Hour 2008
THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT! YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Hey, I just signed up to the new Earth Hour website for 2008, and I thought you might like to take a look and possibly sign up too. Earth Hour is on 29 March 2008 at 8pm, and it looks like it's going to be really big. So far, as well as Sydney, there ll also be Adelaide, Atlanta, Bangkok, Brisbane, Canberra, Chicago, Christchurch, Copenhagen, Dublin, Manila, Melbourne, Montreal, Odense, Ottawa, Perth, Phoenix, San Francisco, Suva, Tel Aviv, Toronto, and Vancouver all turning off their lights for an hour in the name of fighting global warming. And I'm sure there ll be more cities by March. Sign up for Earth Hour with me by visiting http://www.earthhour.org/user/7fIa and join the movement.Container Gardening
My mom got us a really neat portable greenhouse for my birthday. So we decided to have a container garden this year. I just made some seed purchases that I am so excited about! I got several herbs 9 different herbs for tea, culinary herbs like basil and thyme, eggplant, strawberries, and blueberries. I can't wait to get them going!Timing
Well, it's over before it started. The goats are a thing of the future, not the present. There were too many signs out there telling us to go another direction with our money for now. Our funds are limited and something else needs the attention right now. (No, I am not pregnant. :) ) More details later.Anger. Frustration. Bitterness.
07:54, Sunday, March 9, 2008
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"What are the enemies to the Fruits of the Spirit, Alex?"(WARNING: If you are a friend of mine who happens to also know about this blog, I am not talking about you. Don't get paranoid, but there is a rant coming on.)
Yep, and I woke up at 4AM this morning with them burning (anger, frustration, bitterness.) I couldn't get back to sleep I was so angry. I spent a lot of time reflecting on my relationships with other people yesterday. I have quite a few relationships where I feel like I'm the only one invested in the relationship. We don't get invites to go out for dinner. For the most part, we don't get called just to see how it's going.(I do, however, have one friend in particular who is good at that.) In most of my friend relationships we are the one taking the initiative. We are spending time nursing along relationships with people who are "along for the ride." You see it is like this. . .
I love to canoe. I love the time in the water with nature. I love the smell of fresh air and the breeze in my hair. I love being able to cool off in the warm water when I get too hot. But there is one thing I don't like too much about canoeing. Paddling. If I had my way when canoeing, I wouldn't even take a paddle. I would just let the other person do the rowing. But that is not fair. It is an essential thing that must be done to move the boat along. If you do not paddle, you'll just stay in same place. That is how I feel about some of our relationships. I feel like we are all in the boat together, and I am the only one paddling. The riders love the atmosphere, breeze, and fresh air like I do and are always quick to say so, but they are not helping to paddle the boat. It is very frustrating and exhausing. I am spending so much time paddling so many boats alone that I do not have time for taking "canoe trips" with people who I need to spend time with too (favorite cousins for example.) And the stinky thing is that she and I may never have the chance to canoe again. Her life is forever changed and because I did not make her a priority because I was to "busy," all I feel like I can do is cheer her on from the shore as she continues to paddle away.
Ok, enough of the canoeing. I tossed and turned and wrestled with this for quite a while. I had made up my mind (,what mind there is at 4AM,) that I was just going to cut my losses and let these people go. They obviously don't need my friendship and I am sure that they are not up at 4 in the morning wrestling with this. My efforts and time could better be spent elsewhere.
Then out of "nowhere" I started thinking about the Parable of the Lost Sheep from Matthew 18. 12"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost."
Even my little bitty bit of Bible knowledge knows that this is talking about repentance and sinners being chased after and brought back to the herd, and that is a huge thing compared to my itty bitty insanities. But in my (somewhat twisted) mind I could make it apply here to my anger, frustration, and bitterness. Not that I have 100 friends. Not that my friends are sheepish. I need to continue to seek out the friends who I know deep in their hearts want an authentic relationship with a fellow believer and bring them back into the the fold. I need them. There isn't one who I wouldn't be sad to see loose touch. They are counting on me. At least for right now.
And then it came. Peace. Peace like a river in my soul (with all of the canoeing visuals, I just couldn't resist.) :) And then I was able to go right to sleep.
What a glorious day! (AKA - container gardening)
Finally! A nice enough day where we had time to get out and clear out our lungs of the house. It was so nice to see the sun ALL DAY! I can not wait until spring! By the looks of my pear trees and tulips, they can not either. We got some more of the underground fencing in for the dogs, got the electric to the barn up and going, played on the jungle gym, and had time for the all important Sunday afternoon nap. It was fabulous! I didn't realize how yucky I was feeling until I started to feel a little better this afternoon. I checked out a book from the library on container gardening yesterday. We think that this type of gardening better suits our house because we are sitting on total clay. Any dirt with any nutrients would have to be hauled in. Maybe someday, but that is down the line. Right now, I am excited about strawberries in a pot. Does anyone have any container gardening tips to share? What types of things do you grow? There is a great swing set on sale a X-Mart that we are going to go look at tomorrow. That is going to be sooo much fun! I am looking forward to more days like this soon!!March Menu
Mar. 1 = steaks & red potatoesMar. 2 = (small group) Pesto Tomato Toast & fruit salad
Mar. 3 = DATE NIGHT
Mar. 4 = Chicken Cordon Bleu ala Crockpot
Mar. 5 = Turkey Club Super Mashers
Mar. 6 = Quesidillas
Mar. 7 = Chicken Nuggets & Mac & Cheese
Mar. 8 = ham & Cheddar Loaves
Mar. 9 = Chicken Salad Sammies
Mar. 10 = DATE NIGHT
Mar. 11 = Jambalaya
Mar. 12 = Chicken w/ Mustard Sauce
Mar. 13 = Meatball Soup
Mar. 14 = Sesame Pork w/ Garlic Creme Sauce
Mar. 15 = visiting relatives in Indy Mar. 16 = (small group) Blueberry Oat Bars & ???
Mar. 17 = DATE NIGHT Mar. 18 = Enchaladas
Mar. 19 = Spaghetti Pie
Mar. 20 = Ranchburgers & sw. potato fries
Mar. 21 = White Chili
Mar. 22 = Barley Soup
Mar. 23 = Chicken Angelo
Mar. 24 = DATE NIGHT
Mar. 25 = Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Mar. 26 = Sloppy Josies
Mar. 27 = Nachos
Mar. 28 = Roast, Potatoes, & Carrots
Mar. 29 = Pita Pizzas
Mar. 30 = Dinner for my baby's 2nd birthday at my parents'!!! Mar. 31 = DATE NIGHT
Setbacks, timing, pets, towels, & priorities
If there is one thing that I learned about life from going through the adoption process is that our timing and God's are not always in sync. I also learned that if you just "ride the waves" and leave in in God's hands, it all works out even better in the end than you thought. With that said, the goats are on hold. We own them. They are being fostered by a most wonderful family. But for reasons beyond anyone's control, she is not bred yet, and our fence is not built yet. The short term plan is for Lilly to be bred in the next month or so. The second part of that plan is that the fence will have to go in so that they can come home. I don't know about the weather where you are, but here in So. Indiana it has gone from ice storm to tornadoes in just one week. The ground is either sopping wet or frozen solid - neither of which make good fence building. We are hoping that the weather break is just around the corner.We have completed our menagerie of animals by adding Bear the Aussie/Great Pyr. Bear has been great for Parker. They are turning out to be good dogs. I am looking forward to seeing them work the farm.
In a freak accident, we have had to say good-bye to Crowntail Beta Fish #2 (otherwise known as "Goldfish.") Autopsy confirms that he died of internal injuries after his pirate ship fell over onto him. (I'll leave out the part where my son pulled the tank off of the table.) We are done with the fishes for a while. That sound you just heard was fish all over the world breathing a sigh of relief.
My next project is starting to materialize. I am getting ready to learn how to embroider. My mom is really, really good at it, but never showed me how. It seems that all these years she has been waiting for me to ask her before teaching me. What a silly!!!
Lastly, we are disgustingly busy around here. We have 6 commitments that are weekly. Therapy with my son is twice a week, 2 different classes to work on his weak areas, a parenting class, and church. Trying to keep up with relationships, visit the people who need visiting, and even get a tiny bit of housework done has become very challenging. I like having things to do, but geez. I'm really lucky to have the opportunity to do these things to grow my family though. Our calendar is just a little packed.
We are not prepared.
03:48, Thursday, February 7, 2008
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(Faithfarm - this is right up your alley. Any tips?) Last Tuesday night our area of the planet was threatened with some severe storms. Now, I grew up right here in Indiana. So I know that tornadoes are quite likely. But the number of storms that we have had since I moved out on my own has been quite limited. And this past storm might be the first threat since my son came home about 2 years ago. Having a child changes everything. Before when it was just us, we'd sit on the porch watching the storm go by. We didn't worry. And I really wasn't worried this time until they said, "Tornado Warning... **** County; especially be aware if you live between ****ville and *****burg" (which is right exactly where I live) that I panicked. We woke up DS, and went downstairs. As I sat there cradling the baby who is relying on me to care for him no matter what the circumstances, I thought of all of the things that I should have prepared for us in case disaster did strike. And I felt horrible guilt that I had not taken the initiative to do it. All (I say "all" knowing that "all" is quite a lot) I could do was pray and ask my God for protection of my family. It is so overwhelming. Scary even. I have no clue where to even start. Actually, that is not true. I have an empty plastic storage bin - ready to go. But what goes in it? How much goes in it? We lucked out this time. It went right over us. But I want to be ready next time so that the guilt is replaced with security that we have thought ahead, and are ready for whatever comes our way.
Ta-da!! - My first crochet project!
03:40, Thursday, February 7, 2008
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Well, here it is. My very first crochet project. (It is a washcloth in case you can't tell.) It started out to be a dishtowel, but morphed itself into what it is. By doing this project I learned how to do a basic crochet stitch, a running stitch, how to turn a corner on a border, how to start a new project, that the second row of the project is a booger, how to do a border, how to tie off my project, and that I really enjoy spending time with great friends. (I already knew the spending time part. It is just nice now to have an excuse to do it. :) )
I just started scanning the book "The Happy Hooker." (Yes, that is really the title.) There is a whole lot more to learn. . .
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Add 3/4 c. chopped onion to 2 T. oil. Cook. Stirring often until onion is soft (4-5 min.) Increase heat to med-high. Brown 1 lb ground beef in onions. (about 3 min) Add seasoning.TACO SEASONING
1-3 minced garlic cloves
1 T. chili powder
2 t. cumin
2 t. coriander
salt to taste
After stirring the above into your browned ground beef/chicken add
1 c. tomato sauce
hot pepper sauce to taste
Cook stirring occasionally on low for 10 min.
I'll never buy packaged taco seasoning again. :)
Pets Abundant: Need Advice!
08:43, Saturday, February 2, 2008
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Our family expanded its members by 2 this weekend. First off, we are now the proud owners of Fishie Crowntail Beta Fish. Fishie #2 is doing well, and after discussion with the most knowledgeable Beta Fish Guy at PetSmart, we determined that Fishie #1 died from hypothermia. We never have the temp in our home over 65, and they need a constant 70 to survive. We are trying a light on Fishie #2 to try to keep him warmer, but he is still migrating to the bottom of the tank, which indicates he is still cold. Does anybody have any other ideas? Our other new addition to the family is Parker, the Golden Labeneese. He is part Golden Retriever, part Yellow Lab, part Great Pyrenees. He is estimated to be about 1 year old. He is a rescue from a shelter south of Lexington. So we had a very nice drive to get him. He was a super passenger on the way home! We are really pleased with his friendly demeanor as well as how well he listens. DH taught him how to sit just today. He's a pretty smart guy. He is very malnourished as well as has some sort of fungal infection that they sent meds for, so we'll get him taken care of. Anybody have any tips on how to beef up a REALLY skinny dog?
February Menu
03:03, Friday, February 1, 2008
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Feb. 1 = Dinner w/the in-laws Feb. 2 = Ham & Cheddar Loaves
Feb. 3 = Greek Meatballs & Rice
Feb. 4 = DATE NIGHT
Feb. 5 = BBQ Chicken Pizza
Feb. 6 = WW Spaghetti w/ ham & peas
Feb. 7 = Lasagna
Feb. 8 = Chicken Nuggets
Feb. 9 = Rosemary Corn Cakes & Chicken Sausage
Feb. 10 = (small group) Hummus & Chocolate, Cranberry, Oatmeal Bars
Feb. 11 = DATE NIGHT
Feb. 12 = Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese
Feb. 13 = Sloppy Joes
Feb. 14 = Aloha Chicken
Feb. 15 = Buffalo Chicken Burritos
Feb. 16 = Cheeseburger Pie
Feb. 17 = (small group) Chocolate Chip Cookie Surprise & Polynesian Meatballs
Feb. 18 = DATE NIGHT
Feb. 19 = Creamy Chicken Italiano
Feb. 20 = Mini Chicken Sausage Meatballs
Feb. 21 = Chili
Feb. 22 = Cuban Pie
Feb. 23 = White Beans Pancetta & Pasta
Feb. 24 = Chili Con Queso Mac
Feb. 25 = DATE NGIHT Feb. 26 = Chicken Cordon Bleu ala Crockpot Feb. 27 = Chicken Quesadillas
Feb. 28 = Turkey Cutlet Parmasean
Feb. 29 = Jambalaya
RIP Fishie
Rest in peace, Fishie Beta Fish. Even though we only knew you for a very short while, you were a very good pet. Thanks to you, our family had hours of entertainment.The cause of death is undetermined, but Fishie was reported to be rather lethargic the past several days. I have no clue what we did to him. They were supposed to be pretty hardy. :(
Christian ways to reduce stress
10:27, Monday, January 28, 2008
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I got this on my email, and think it is really cute. CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS ... An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19 Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus "
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33 Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
Emma's miracle and the very nice man
This is Emma. She is our Yorkie/Silky terrier. She came home to be with us about 2 years ago. She had been badly abused, and took several months to warm up to us and others, but has morphed herself into the ultimate family dog. I have never been "one of those" pet lovers. You know the ones. They love their pets like their children. I didn't realize important that Emma had become to me. Until today. . .
All I could do was watch from the front door. Baxter, the evil neighbor dog who runs wild terrorizing everyone and everything he comes across, was standing in our yard when I opened the door to let Emma our to pee. (Why didn't I look outside before I let her out?!) She took off after him like a shot. Baxter made it across the road before the car came, but Emma did not. The car hit her square on, sending her rolling about 5 times into the middle of the road. I thought that I was going to be sick as I heard our sweet dog yelp and thump as the car hit her. I thought for sure she was dead. She was lying so still.
I ran out to the road to at least move her off of the road. The man who hit her pulled into our driveway and came to my assistance. (I was needing a little assistance.) I was afraid to touch her, but could see that she was breathing. The man kept apologizing (totally not his fault), telling me how horrible he felt, and making sure I knew that he couldn't have done anything. I know that he couldn't have done anything. I was watching it all happen.
The nice man scooped her stiff body up for me, put her in his car, and drove her up to the house for me. I was able to get a hold of my mom to come watch DS while I took her to the vet. When I went to his car to move her to mine (which he offered to take her for me if I wanted), he asked me if he could pray over her. I never pass up a prayer! Then he left me his number because he wanted to know how she was after she was seen by our vet. What a nice man!
When I got about 3 miles from home, she lifted her head and whimpered at me. By the time that we got to the vet's she was sitting up. My mom called ahead so they were waiting for me. They took her right in and looked her over. About 10 minutes later, Emma came trotting out on her own accord!!! The vet said that there was absolutely nothing wrong with her other than a couple of cuts. Thank you, Jesus! I called the nice man, who, like me, was amazed that she was up and doing just fine. He pointed out to me that we have seen a miracle because she should be dead.
All I can say is that obviously God is not to busy to stop and take care of the small things. I am so grateful to that nice man for thinking of taking the time to offer a prayer on Emma's behalf. I am repeatedly amazed by His power, and am so thankful to be His child! Imagine all the blessings that I missed because I thought that they were too insignificant. Whoa.
The find of the week
This is my find of the week. . . maybe even the month. It is an indoor drying station. By using it with my outdoor lines, I have effectively cut our electric bill by $55 last month alone. That is exciting!! The only thing that my dryer is used for now is just to fluff the clothes after they are dry. I just don't like the stiffness of indoor dried clothes. When it isn't in use, it folds up to about 4 inches thick, and can be stored in our closet. Drying the clothes inside not only saves money, but also adds some of that much needed humidity to the inside air of the house during these winter months. I give this product a big ol' 2 thumbs up!
EDITED TO ADD: I got it from http://www.clothes-drying-rack.com/
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