Well I just got notification that my side of the family is having a big BBQ at my brother's house on the evening of the Fourth.  I am thrilled since hubby's family is all busy and doing their own thing.  His mother and father will be at their church's 3 day meeting, his oldest sister is in Washington and unable to come home but will be home in a few weeks for Grandma's 90th bday, and his youngest sister and her hubby and daughter are in California at Disney!

Of course I asked what I could bring and my SIL told me maybe a salad or a dessert.  So I plan on taking both. LOL  Not sure what kind of salad to take, and I have a simple dessert recipe I will make (it is red white and blue).  Hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill sound so good right now.  And I know several of the other dishes will be potato salad and baked beans, etc.  One gal there doesn't cook, so she usually brings the pop, or ice and sometimes a large tub of icecream depending on what we are all having. 

We aren't shooting off any fireworks there though.  One of the twins is scared of fireworks, 2 of the other kids are with their dad for the weekend and won't be there either.  So it is the one if the twin who likes fireworks, and Noah, who is only 3 but loved them last year, so I unless he decides to change his mind, LOL, I think he will be ok with them again this year.  After the BBQ, several of us will drive back to town and watch the citywide fireworks display at the lake.  We won't buy much this year....maybe some snappers, some smoke bombs, and some other smaller items for Noah.   I just can't see spending alot of money on big bangs this year when we have so many things we could spend the money instead.

Matthew got called today for a small electrical job.  The guy wants an electrical hookup for a camper put in behid his barn by this weekend.  So Matthew is running a little late tonight getting that done.  He was hoping it was a 10 minute job, but knows things happen and it might take longer.  Oh well, we need the money to take care of part 2 of fixing my car's air conditioning.  (Part one was putting in a new fan, which he did last night.  Part 2 is???  LOL  I have no idea.  I know the fan works now but no cold air.  Maybe it needs freon?? Who knows.  That is hubby's job)

I have discussed having a yard/garage sale and then canceled it thinking I would just have an auction (a HS friend has an auction business and is going to hold a consignment auction), but now I am thinking I should just open up a Ebay shop, and possibly put some stuff on Etsy as well.I think in the long run I will end up getting more money for the items.  I will just advertise that I go to the post office once or twice a week, etc. so I don't have to go every single day.  That would be crazy. On days I have many packages, I will ask a girlfriend to watch Noah, or drop him off for an hour at grandma's shop.

Speaking of grandma's shop.....she has offered me one of her large display windows to put items in if wanted.  I told her I would speak to Matthew, pray about it and get back to her.  I know I won't make alot of money from it, because her shop is kind of out of the way, and not many people walk around there either.  However, the customers that come into her shop for Speech (She is a Speech Pathologist) might see something and buy it, or order one in a different color, tell their friends, etc.  I was thinking of putting some vintage items in the window, and making up some aprons and shaggy blankets to display and sell there.  I am getting excited about the opportunity to make some money to help with household items and Christmas, etc.  When I get the shops up and running, I will post the addresses here for all of you!!!

Matthew (who is the king of putting things off, starting projects and then not finishing them, etc.) has turned a new leaf.  I am not sure what happened, but I am not about to ask and screw this up.  LOL  Projects like Noah's bedroom upstairs that have sat for over 3 years without being finished are now being worked on!  He comes home from work and instead of colasping in his chair with the laptop, he asks if there is anything I need him to do!  Mostly it is small stuff like, take out the trash, take this box upstairs, etc.  But recently he has fixed part of the air conditioning on the car, fixed the leaky roof, replaces a filter on the furnace/air conditioner, and my favorite, bought and hung a ceiling fan in Noah's new bedroom!!!  The later was all his idea and he was so pleased to be able to buy the fan with his extra money coming in from electrical jobs.  :)  Makes me smile to see this part of Matthew blossoming. 

Noah has been talking up a storm!!!  I can't believe in the last couple of months since his birthday screening in April, how much he has developed.  He is definately not the same little boy.  He is doing better every day.  Last night I told Matthew that he had been talking up a storm all day long and learning new words every day.  Later on Matthew said, how do you turn HIM off??  LOL  We both had a great laugh over that one.  The little boy that wouldn't talk earlier except for mom, dad, cookie, candy, etc. little words, is now talking 4 word sentences, answering questions with words instead of sign language, and asking for items instead of pointing and grunting.  God is so good to us.  I love this little guy.  And yes, there are times you want to turn him off still.  LOL  But most of the time, I love hearing him talk (now not only in English but a little Spanish and Chinese due to a few tv shows he watches)

Well, that's all for now.  I should go. 

I will make a handmade gift for the first 3 interested people who comment on this post. I have 365 days to do it in…What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise!The catch is that you must participate as well: you must have a blog and before you leave your comment here, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going.(just cut and paste this one if you like!, which I did.

Pay it Forwards are fun, go on, comment, you know you want too. :)

There are several rooms in the house I have been decluttering lately and our bedroom was next on the list.  Oh how I dreaded it.  Our bedroom is medium sized and has a bed, 2 dressers, 2 night stands, a computer desk, and my sewing table and crafty items in it.  It makes for a crowded bedroom for sure!! So when Matthew offered to help me declutter and reorganize, I jumped at the offer.  LOL  I hate doing big jobs like that by myself, and being able to do it with someone else to talk to makes things go faster, easier and it is more pleasant.

Our closet was crammed full and the bedroom was cluttered (I like to store items under the dressers, and the bed also, but not anymore!  There were all types of things under there I had stored and forgotten about!) so that was a huge job in itself!!  But the bedroom is mostly decluttered and after cleaning out my closet and storing some winter clothing items elsewhere, I was able to put all my crafting supplies, fabric, etc. in my closet on the shelves above the hanging clothes, and a large rubbermaid tote on the floor of the closet.  I feel like I have claimed by bedroom back from the crafty nightmare!  LOL

Matthew helped out by taking items upstairs for the sale, and donations to the Thrift shop to my car, etc.  He was in and out at times empyting the trash can for me, gathering cleaning supplies for me, as well as blowing up Noah's pool, filling it with water, and burning trash. 

I am proud to say most of it is done!!!  I had some items last night I wasn't sure what to do with, so they are on the dresser to put away today, as well as a few items such as my sewing box, and a few other miscellaneous crafty items on the sewing desk that need to be put away today.

Today's chores are to clean the living room and dining room, as well as finishing up the bedroom as I have mentioned and then dust, windex, and vacuum all three.  I also have one load of laundry to get done that I didn't have time to get caught up this weekend, and some dishes.  UGH!!!  DISHES!!!!!  Hubby is going to look at Lowe's today for a piece to fix my dishwasher.  I miss it terribly!!  I absolutely hate doing dishes by hand.  LMSO 

All in all, we had a good weekend and a wonderful Father's Day with dad at home!!!  In betweeen cleaning and decluttering, we still had time to eat pizza as a family, play outside in Noah's little pool, and have some cuddle and movie time watching Noah's favoritie movies this Sunday.  It was one of those times when you hate to see the weekend come to and end!!! 

Monday:  WHO KNOWS!!  LMSO

Tuesday:  Ham, Cheesy Potatoes, Peas

Wednesday:  Meatball Subs, Green Beans, Fruit

Thursday:  Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie

Friday:  Pork Chops, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Corn

Saturday:  Hamburgers, Baked Potatoes, Glazed Carrots

Sunday: Planned Leftovers

I have no idea what is for supper tonight.  LOL  Matthew wants me to make a pot of chilli.  IT IS BLAZING HOT HERE!!  What is he thinking???? He wants to take the leftovers in his lunch this week.   So I might just make some baked potatoes tonight and everyone can top them however they way.  Which means we will have some fresh chilli to top them with if anyone wants.  YUM!

Noah and I went to get our hair cuts on Friday.  We were both getting rather shaggy I must say.  LOL   My friend Angie who cuts our hair was suprised at how fast Noah's hair grows and how shaggy he was.  We haven't seen her in over a month! LOL  I feel so much better now with my hair shaped up and Noah looks so handsome with his hair short.  When we arrived home, his daddy was pleasantly suprised to see him looking like a little man with no curls at the ends again.  LOL 

Friday night, Matthew came home and took over child duties for the evening, so a friend and I could go out to eat!!  I haven't been out without one or both of the boys (hubby and Noah), for a very long time, and of course it was much appreciated.  We went to eat Chinese, then to Wal-Mart (where I had to pick up a few things like denim sewing needles and some new scissors for an upcoming sewing project), and then went to Payless as well.  We were both hoping Wal-Mart of Payless in our area would have some cute sandals, but we were very disappointed in the selection at each store!  But we enjoyed getting out of town, telling stories and giggling together.  We spoke over dinner how nice it was to hang up the wife and mother hat for a few hours and just me "me".  Of course we love the men in our lives, and our children....but sometimes you have to get away and be yourself!  It was so nice.

Today Matthew is working on an electrical job.  His client first told him he had till the end of the month to finish.  Now he changed it and told Matthew he needs it done by this Sunday.  So Matthew will be working late today and possibly into the evening working on it I am sure.  Tomorrow he is planning on going to church (separate cars) and then taking off to finish up while we come back home for Noah's afternoon nap.  I hate to see him working so hard, and yes we miss him when he is gone so much, but he is enjoying the work, bringing in some extra money and I am proud of him for building up this second job so that one day he can eventually quite his job and be self employeed.  We have been blessed this week to have him home several days during the week before supper though, and he and Noah had a blast playing together last night while I was gone.

Today while Matthew is working, I will be at home working.  Noah is really getting into a movie while I am typing this blog, and hopefully he can entertain himself for a while today either watching it, or playing, etc. because I have so much to do.  I havevn't already determinded I won't get it all done today, but I must make a huge effort to get a dint in it all.  I have laundry to get caught up this weekend, and of course.....the dreaded dishes (the dishwasher is broke...UGH!), lots of cooking to do,and I have been decluttering and boxing up items for our sale too.  That is a job all in itself honestly.  I am not looking forward to all the chores and I find myself dragging my feet a little this morning just thinking about it all.  But I am trudging forward and praying God will help me get it all done with a positive attitude and in a timely manner so I can enjoy my finally this evening.  I always have part of tomorrow to finish up.

Noah came to me today looking for his sippy cup.  He couldn't find it anywhere!  Matthew came home from work about the time we were looking for us and helped us find it. 

We found it.....in the potty chair!!!  We have been keeping the potty chair in the front room so Noah can potty in it during the day, and yes it was perfetly clean.  But when Matthew lifted the lid, there it was.  I instantly started laughing.  Matthew handed Noah his cup and they had to have a talk about how we ned to put our cup on the table and no where near the potty seat.  LOL  It was such a funny conversation between the boys, that I had to keep my head turned and my hand over my mouth so that Matthew and Noah couldn't see me giggling.  LOL

Ahhh the life of a 3 year old.  I wouldn't give it up for anything!!!

A friend of mine just posted this tutorial about how to make your own water color paints, and I just had to share it with you!!!!  She is trying to teach her children to make do, do without, or make things instead of just going out and buying new items.  Well aren't we all??  LOL

I thought this was a great project for anyone would is looking for a cute project to do with the kids for the summer, or even for homeschooling.   Here are her pics and tutorial:

My kids love to paint and we burn quickly through a lot of craft supplies.  I found a recipe to make you own water color paint and thought it would be fun to try.  I'm trying to teach them to make stuff instead of rushing out to buy it.

You will need:
1 T. white vinegar
2 T. baking soda
1 T. cornstarch
1/4 tsp. glycerin (this can be found in a drug store, with the laxatives(see pic.), make sure to get the liquid and not capsules)
1 T. water
liquid food coloring
Plastic bottle caps, empty paint box, or styrofoam egg carton

Mix the vinegar and baking soda in a small bowl, I used the measuring cup.  Be prepared for the chemical reaction, it's going to foam up a bit.  I stirred mine together and then once it stopped bubbling I added the cornstarch, glycerin, and 1 T. of water.
Pour into the bottle caps (or whatever sort of container you're using).  One batch filled six bottle caps.  I think that the egg carton would be perfect for younger children, but my eggs come in a cardboard container! 

Now for the fun part, add the food coloring.  I used two drops of each color for the paints in the top row.  For the bottom row I got creative and started mixing.  From left to right: a dusty lavender, teal green, navy blue, reddish brown, and black.  I used toothpicks to mix the colors in.

Let dry overnight and start painting.  If they are still a little wet that's fine, the colors will be more vibrant.  These paints are meant for kids or fun, not fine art, they are easy to work with and when applied thickly they have a suede like texture from the baking soda.

I thought everyone knew how to fold a fitted sheet, but for those of you like my hubby who don't know how.....here is a video to show you how (just like dear old mom used to! LOL)

http://www.bhg.com/videos/m/21882603/fold-a-fitted-sheet-in-a-flash.htm

If anything ever happens to me, please someone teach my hubby how to do this.  He won't listen to me when I tell him, and thinks wadding them up in a ball is just fine.  LMSO

I have been decluttering and gathering things around the home for a garage/yard sale this month but I have been dreading the stickering, sale, etc.  UGH  I have only had one garage sale, and it was with 3 other girlfriends.  I ended up clearing about $185.oo and was pleased with the money, but oh my did we have alot left over.  It jsut so happened Matthew was able to be off work that Saturday and he took care of setting up for me, took care of Noah during the sale and then packed up the left overs immediately and took them to the Thrift Shop.   He was such a blessing that day.

He is busy this year though, and the extra money he brings in from working is needed.  He can't take off a Saturday morning just to help me with a little garage sale, and although I have sent out emails and such to friends, I have only have two write me back saying they had a "few small things" they would love to put in, but no offers to help me for 4 hours run it.  I had one friend want me to sell her baby kittens for her but she can't even come to work for one hour.  FORGET IT!  Sometimes it just isn't worth it!

So I had almost decided to just donate some junk to the Thrift Shop and the higher priced items sell on Ebay.....when a friend from highschool suggested to me that I join in with him and some others in a Consignment Auction sale!!!  The details I have thus far is $10 fee to be able to put stuff in (I would have spent that much in advertising for a garage sale anway.  The auctioneer, who is my friend, will pay all advertising), and out of the proceeds of my items, the auctioneer will make between 10-15% depending on how much is made.  I am thinking this is the perfect opportunity to get rid of a car we have sitting in our driveway that we have a clear title to.  A friend offered to buy it and then changed their mind. 

I am so glad I haven't gone to the extra trouble of pricing anything, or putting in the advertisement to the newspaper.  I emailed my friend and told her I was going with the auction idea and she thought that was great and said she would just donate her few small things to the Thrift shop.  My other friend with the kittens will have to get rid of them some other way. 

I am still int he process of decluttering and gathering items, and then I will make a list of all items and get it to the auctioneer.  I am still not sure as to whether I need to be present at the auction or set up for it, but I am praying I don't. LOL  I am also not sure of the date, but hopefully it isn't too far away.  I am ready to get rid of some stuff!!!

Then we will focus on the upgrades and makeovers for the house.  LOL  Grandma's 90's birthday celebration is July 18-19th at my house.  Why my house you say???  Because I am the only one in the family with a decent house and air conditioning.  If you knew my inlaws you would understand.  UGH!  Glad we don't have to sit in filth and sweat for this.  My MIL said she would bring over her large grill and we could do a outside barbeque if the weather is nice though.  She is paying for everything and since I am the only one in the family who can cook worth a darn, I will make up the potato salad, baked beans, and desserts.  Not a bad arrangment!  Nevevr the less, we are hoping to have the house decluttered, the sale out of the way, and the house cleaned heavily by then.  I am actually excited about that.  How weird huh??? Ok, I didn't say I was excited about all the hours of hard work!!  NO!!  I am excited with the outcome! LOL

There are three people in this marriage of mine.  A wedge be tween a husband and wife?? NO!!!  He is truly the glue that holds us together.  Of course some of you know I am speaking of God.   Hubby and I met at church, grew closer dating as we studied the Bible and attended church and Bible study together and here we are 4 years later, stronger in our marriage than we ever have and closer in our relationship that most friends and family that have been married for 4 times that long. 

I spoke to the MIL just now.  She wanted to "steal" my hubby again for some moving work at her new business office.  Of course, these were her words and not mine.  I told her I wasn't sure exactly what Matthew's plans were all weekend, but I knew he was going to be working some long hours trying to get 3 different electrical jobs done (these are in addition to his 40 hour a week job with the city as Internet ld her Techie).  I told her I would relay the message and request and see what we could do to help, but told her again, I could visit but not lift.  I don't want to risk throwing out a rib or my back when my ribs and lower back have been so tender lately anyway.

Matthew called about 10 minutes later to check in and said he could make time to help on Sunday, but would be gone all day Saturday.  I called his mother back and plans are for Noah and I to go play and visit while Matthew moves a few large tables, boxes and filing cabinets for her to the new office.

She must have said 5 times while we were talking that she was fearful (fear comes from the devil don't you know) that Matthew is working so many hours and that it might cause problems in our marriage and with the family.  I smiled and know she means well, but told her we are keeping an eye on things, praying about it (She doesn't believe in praying over things before you do them.  She only thinks prayer is for sick people and then God only heals you if he "wants' to.), etc.  I assured her, the reason Matthew has taken on Electrical work is to start building his own business so that eventually he can quit his 40 hour a week job and be his own boss.  She was pleased to hear this but again said she was fearful for our relationship.  I told her we don't get to see each other as much as we would like, but we still had a very strong marriage and that we make sure the time we do spend together is quality time.

I can understand her fear to some extent.  She is in a long time loveless marriage, and everyone in the family knows it.  My MIL and FIL have separate bedrooms, and show no affection what so ever towards  each other.  They live their separate lives for the most part except for family get togethers and of course in front of family members at their church.  She has told Matthew and I on several occassions that she is very lonely and no one is there for her to talk to, etc.  I am sure in their own way they care for each other, maybe even love each other, but haven't been in love for too many years to count.  She confides in me often about how she wishes he was a better husband, and how the children never had a male role model since he wasn't ever available for them while growing up, etc.

This made me think of another friend who is in a live in relationship with her boyfriend and how she confides in me her problems with him on a day to day basis.  She stays because she has no where to go, she thinks if she leaves him she won't find someone else, etc.  But the reality is, he is stressing her out, calling her names, threatening to kick her out, cusses at her child, drinks, and drugs, and can't pay the bills.

Wow.  I have alot to be thankful for!  I pray for my family (Matthew's parents), and my friends and their relationships, but at the same time, I think what do you expect??? Life is not just wonderful because you have someone to share it with now!!!  Life is still hard!  We don't live in a fairy tale, and happily ever after happens sometimes in stories, in books, etc.....but you don't see what happens in other's marriages behind closed doors.  Do they communicate and love each other??? Do they worship God??? Do they share their hopes and dreams with their partner??? Do they have family meetings???

Marriage isn't something you just fall into and life is great.  It is definately some of the hardest work I have ever done!!!  Some days are harder than others when life's stressors affect us.  When Matthew has an extremely busy, hectic day at work, he tries his best to leave the stress at work.  But sometimes it sneaks in and follows him in the door.  And this used to start BIG fights.  He would snap and bicker, and be harsh on our son, complain about dinner, and finally slam doors on his way to bed.  Now that we know this, we work to make it better.  He has to bite his tongue to not say things he will regret later, and I try to help when I can and stay out of the way other times.  LOL  I also know not to take it personally if he accidentially snaps and acts gruff that evening, and I step up in mommy mode so Noah doesn't irritate daddy.  It isn't easy......it's just part of our marriage.

It isn't just me though.....Matthew does the same for me when I am having an icky day.   When he walks in the door and looks at my face and says, "whoa, you have a headache huh?" , and I nod, he knows to step into super daddy mode.  LOL  He does it well too.  He makes sure I have meds if I haven't already taken them, and a drink and sets me in the living room chair.  Then he takes Noah to the kitchen with him to make dinner....sometimes something as simple as a grilled cheese sandwich, but he makes it with lots of understanding and love.  And those nights, Noah gets extra bath time upstairs to play and make noise while mommy is downstairs quietly resting with all the mini blinds pulled closed.  I am so blessed to have a hubby who tries his very best to make things in our house peaceful and joyful!!!

Now, please don't think I married a saint.  LOL  We have our own problems, but they have mostly minimized in the last 4 years of marriage.  God's pure love chokes out fear, doubt, negativity, etc.  And with God in our marriage, we have been through alot!!  We have endured more I think sometimes in our few years of marriage than some have in 25 years.  We lost 5 family members in the first 2 years of our marriage, as well as bought a house, and had a baby!!!  Alot was going on during that time!

Matthew doesn't always automatically know what to do.  He wishes he could read me better than he does (he does a decent job though!!), and he wishes he had the nuturing spirit that women sometimes have to take care of things without having to ask what to do.  But he is also man enough to say, ok,  what can I do to help??? What is wrong??? Can we talk??? Do you need some time alone, or would you rather me stay and hold you????  You say you want me to leave, but do you really want me to stay??? What can I do for YOU?  Yes ladies, I am blessed!  He is open to hints and his heart is always wanting to show love.

This month, our menu was built on what items we have on hand, in the large stand up freezer, two refrigerators with top freezers, and our largely stocked pantry.  The last two years when we started buying and stocking this pantry, we knew it would save us money in the long run (sometimes buying in bulk saves money, plus not having to go to the store as often saves us gas money as well), and time (not having to run to the store,etc.), but now we are seeing a bigger benefit!  When things are a little tight (as they are when a $400 bill, as well as a $700 bill pops up all at once demanding to be paid immediately)  be it is so nice to know the grocery money for the month (except for fresh milk and eggs, etc.) can be put towards these bills for a month or so.

We bought several things last month at the store to make do and supplement what was in our pantry, but we have such a well stocked pantry and freezer, that I can't imagine having to buy much this month except milk.  We have dry milk solids and I could make the family drink it I suppose, but not sure even I am ready for that just yet. LMSO   If it comes down to it, I can make some loaves of bread in the bread baker, if time allows.

So, this months menu planner may be alot of chicken and not so much hamburger, because that is what we have on hand, but other than that it looks rather balanced.  We have tons of fruits and veggies in the freezer, and yes even some splurge items like icecream.  (I have learned long ago that icecream in the freezer makes hubby happy, so I keep it on hand for him.  I rarely eat it though)  I will be making muffins and cupcakes for dessert items once in a while as well.  YUM!

It will be interesting to see what is left over at the end of this month and see if we can go another month without having to make it to the store, or if we have to break down and go for a grocery run for more than just milk and eggs.  We have a pretty big stock of other essentials such as shampoo (bought on sale a while ago, about 10 bottles), toliet paper, medicines, etc.

Can you believe it is almost 2 am I am am still up??? We had a huge thunderstorm with heavy rain, wind and hail.  This lead to a small leak in the ceiling in the bedroom and then hubby scampering through the house for some kind of a container to catch the drip in.  We have never had a leak in the house before!  UGH!  It only leaked for about 10 minutes.....just dripped slowly....but what a problem! 

So what do you do when you are up at 2 am because you can't sleep (bad pain, headache, leaking roof, etc.)??? You blog! LMSO  And you type up your menu for the following week.

Meatless Monday:  Potato Soup, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Tuesday:  Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Corn, Green Beans

Wednesday:  Pork Loin and Veggies in the Crockpot, Hot Rolls

Thursday:  Lasagna, Green Beans, Cheese-Garlic Bread

Friday:  Pizza, Brownies and Icecream

Saturday:  Ham, Cheesy Potatoes, Peas, Crescent Rolls

Sunday:  Leftovers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In my area of Missouri, we are sooooooo tired of all the rain.  Yes, I know it is calming to many, makes the plants and flowers grow, etc, but when it rains at least once and sometimes twice a day, you get tired of it easily. LOL

It rained all night last night, and made a ruckus!  Then this evening, before Noah's bedtime, it started raining again.  Matthew took Noah outside in the rain to show him the rain, etc.  Noah had on a tshirt, overalls and socks!!!  So by the time I walk outside, Noah is walking in the wet grass giggling and Matthew is sitting on the covered porch smiling at me innocently.  LOL  I saw the look on Noah's face and couldn't say a word.....he was having a blast of course....and he was already wet.

We didn't stay out long.  We came inside and immediately changed Noah's into his jammies and some nice warm socks.  He wanted to go back outside but the lightning made us come inside and Noah is still not so sure about the thunder.  He stood at the window afterwards and watched the lightning outisde and you could see how he longed to be out in it again.

I wasn't always so easy going.  But now I enjoy letting spontaneous things like walking in the wet grass, getting drenched in the cool summer rain happen and I enjoy the simple moments like this.  I know we will have many more to come.  After all, the boy takes after his momma!  I used to take long walks in the rain when I was younger and still lived at home.  One time, after I had moved out, I was at my parents for a visit, and there was a downpour of rain!  I went outside and danced in the cold rain.  Mom and dad came outside to see what I was doing and had a good belly laugh over it.  They settled on the back deck (covered of course) and had a blast simply watching me.  Afterwards I stole a pair of dad's sweats and a tshirt to warm up.  They never forgot that and talked about it every time it rained.  It did their heart good to see me cut loose and have fun in the rain, just as it did mine this evening to see Noah doing almost the same thing.

Matthew came home today from doing an electrical job, went straight upstairs to take a nap (he had an awful headache).  But when he came back downstairs, he played with Noah and I watched a movie and then decided if I would help him and Noah with picking up toys he would help me tidy the house a little.  What a blessed help that was.  My hubby is awesome!

He decided he would do the vacuuming since my shoulders have been hurting lately.  Immediately he realized it wasn't sucking very well.  OH NO!!!  We have had this vacuum for about 3 years now, and I was fearing we were going to have to break down and buy a new one.  UGH!  LIke we can afford that right now!  After taking the thing apart, cleaning it well, he found there was some lint and junk stuck in it and after cleaning it.....it worked like it did when it was brand new.

So, after vacuuming, I said I feel like we got new carpet in the house!  LOL  Iknew it wasn't sucking as well as it should, but we also knew the money is not there for another vacuum purchase, and we really need to make this one last a while longer.  My doesn't my carpeting look good now.  I am just so tickled he worked on it and isn't one of those hubby's that complains about fixing items around the house that break. 

I decluttered some today.  Noah helped.  LOL  He has always wanted to see what was behind the wood doors of my china cabinet, so today I let him see.  I went through both of my dining room china cabinets and there were a few items I did clean out and decide could go to into our garage/yard sale pile.  Not alot, but a few.  I also started going through my baking cabinet and found a few antique cups in there that can go in the garage sale as well.  Next on my list was the upper shelves in the kitchen cabinets.  I will wait until Matthew can help me with that.  The cabinets in the kitchen go all the way to the ceiling and even standing on the kitchen counter I can barely reach the items in front.  I can't reach the items in back at all!!  LOL

It seems like this is where my mind is lately.........decluttering the years of "STUFF" we have accumulated in the 4 short years of marriage (I have a house full ,stuff before we married though), painting several rooms of the house and redecorating the kitchen (big changes coming....I am going from country and roosters to retro 50's!  YEAH!), and as I am decluttering, I am putting things into boxes to take to the garage for an upcoming garage/yard sale this month.

I have to get the clutter monster under control!  LOL  When mom and dad died, and we had their sale about 2 years ago, I swore I would never let that many things accumulate in my house that I had no use or need for, or I had simply forgotten and hidden away.  They had lived in the house for about 20 years I would say, and so many things were just stored and not used and simply forgotten.  My dad never threw anything away that was his, and he would take mom's unused items to the basement, a closet, to the attic, etc.  He hated garage and yard sales and didn't want her having one.  My oh my, wouldn't he have been suprised to look down from heaven on the day of the sale (we had to rent a huge building to house it all and there was an ALL DAY auction.  The auctioneer later said it should have been at least a 2 day and possibly 3 day auction) to see all the things we sold.

Of course, sentimental things were kept, quilts, family heirlooms, antiques were divided up, but all three of us kids had our own households and didn't need most of their items.  I am blessed and thrilled to have mom's china cabinet and china, the piano she played and her quilts, recipes, dad's pocket knife, his neckties and his Railroad memorabilia.  But who needs a second set of dishes, silverware, bedding, furniture, etc.

Last night I simply couldn't sit still!  LOL  So I asked Matthew to keep an eye on the little guy and I headed to the large bathroom to declutter.  My goodness we still have a gorgeous towel set from when we got married that we have and never will use.  It is beautiful, but not my taste.  I will let someone else buy it and use it and love it.  And a beautiful crocheted table cover for an old table I owned years ago.  It was a oval table,so the table cover is oval as well.  Our current dining room table is rectangluar and since it matches our china cabinet and hutch and was mom's.....I don't see us changing it for a long time.  So someone else needs that table cover!!!  LOL  (I keep alot of linenns and things in that bathroom since there are tons of shelves along one wall behind the shower and we don't have a linen closet to speak of in this house)  Or how about the cute little black train case I used to keep my makeup,etc. in.  Cute as can be, but I haven't used it in over 5 years.  Some gal, or maybe even little gal, will adore it!

Today I will go through the two china cabinets in the dining room.  I don't think there is much to get rid of in there since most of it is mom's china and other pieces from family members through the years that mean alot to me.  But I need to go through them just in case and pair down on some of my items that are not heirloom in case it snuck in there somehow. LOL  Next comes the living room.......book shelves upon bookshelves of BOOKS and knick knacks.  It should be fairly easy though since I rearranged everything on them recently and know where everything is.  Then I still have 3 bedrooms (each with HUGE closets, and some with 2 walk in huge closets about the size of a medium sized bathroom or bedroom), 1 full and a 1.2 bath, the kitchen, pantry, laundry room, basement and garage.  LOL  Oh my I am not looking forward to the basement (the icky dungeon.....almost 100 year old house.....unfinished....need I say more???) but there are some old things left down there from the previous owners and they might bring a buck or two.  The garage will mostly be Matthew's job......UGH!  The previous owners left lots of old tools, ladders, etc.  Some of it he uses, but some old radios out there look like a collector might want to dust them off and display or love them.   

My goal at the garage/yard sale is to make enough money to help supplement the decoration of my kitchen!!!  We live in an old house as I descrie bed earlier...and the cabinets are 1950's style wooden with those black hinges.  The stove is a 1950's style Frigidare stove.  I have a rooster/country theme in it now, but it has never really pleased me.  So after seeing some pics of a kitchen makeover online I have decided to go for it!  the 50's stove and cabinets will be a great backdrop for the new paint scheme, new old fashioned formica countertops and sink (which were in very bad repair when we moved in but we were putting off gutting the kitchen and starting over)!!  I plan on later putting in new flooring....black and white checkerboard of course!   Oh I just can't wait to show you all pics of the project and see what you think!!!  I actually laid awake last night and imagined what it would look like and envisioned the cuteness.  LOL

Ok, enough chitter chatter.  I am back to laundry, dishes and decluttering the house today.  Have a blessed weekend!

Our Noah was a suprise to all of us (Matthew and I had only been married a little over a month when we found out I was pregnant.  SUPRISE!), but he has been a blessed suprise and blessing ever since.  It's amazing how God knows your wants and needs when you don't.  We were not planning on having children so soon, but God knew better! LOL

I have to laugh sometimes at this little man and his antics, and words, etc. 

Today as I was sitting here writing the other blog I posted today, he comes to me with his little matchbox style Lightning McQueen car.  It is his all time favorite and he takes it everywhere.  He calls it the baby car since he can't say Lightning yet, and since we do have another one which is larger and is actually a bottle of bubble bath in the shape of the same car (which he calls the Bubble car. LOL)  He brought me a frying pan from his play kitchen and it had car in it.  He was so pleased with himself!  LOL  He regularly brings me a frying pan full of match box cars.  LOL  I said oh baby car....are we going to eat him??? He looked at me in shock and horror and said, "NO!  MY baby car, no eat bites!!  MY CAR!"  It was so funny.  Maybe it isn't to the rest of you, but it was to me. LOL

Ahhh the blesssings of having a little boy in the house.  He is "all boy" and we love it.  He entertains us regularly and brings joy and laughter into our house.   Yes, we are certainly blessed with this little man!

The last two days I have suffered from a stomache ache and cramps that I can only describe as feeling like I was in labor.  No no....I am not pregnant.  But the pains felt like I was in labor, possibly a 6-7 on Tuesday and then a 8 on Tuesday.  I was barely able to stand long enough to pour me and Noah our drinks, and make a simple PB sandwich for us at lunch.  UGH!   Matthew thankfully came home and because I had cooked hamburger in the fridge I had thawed from the freezer, he made us hamburger helper (nice to keep on hand for evenings like this when we are all hungry, I don't feel good and Matthew is stuck cooking) and some veggies.  I am so glad he is willing to chip in on things like this, and I enjoyed someone else cooking.  Why does it always taste better when someone else cooks it?? LMSO

Finally today, I wake up and feel "normal" again.  No stomache ache and cramps.  YEAH!!!  So I look around me this morning as I am doing my morning duties of getting myself a drink, Noah a sippy cup of milk, gathering items for breakfast, etc. and think oh my......two days in the lazy boy and the house has completely gone to pot!  LOL  TWO DAYS I TELL YOU!!!

So, on my list of things to do today (some are already done), is:

1. Make the bed and tidy bedroom

2.  Gather and start laundry

3.  Tidy living room and dining room (we practically live in these two rooms all day and toys are strung everywhere instead of being picked up before bedtime last night. UGH!)

4.  Dust, Windex, and Vacuum DR, LR, and BR

5.  Clean and Scrub 1/2 bath, full bath, and kitchen

6.  Do dishes and put away (our dishwasher is broke and I am going through withdrawals. LOL)

7.  Sweep and mop bathrooms and kitchen (depending on how my back is doing today this may be my job or Matthew's...not sure yet)

8.  Finish laundry, hang, fold, and put away

9.  Pay bills online and get others ready to mail out tomorrow morning

10.  Tidy house before daddy comes home and make dinner

Last night, I sat down and made a list of the items I need to declutter in the house.  I am ready to gather items for a garage sale and simply the items we have in the home.  We have way too much stuff in storage in closets and upstairs unused bedrooms that need a new home.  Matthew said he is too busy to help with a garage/yard sale, so I am either on my own doing it, or I will just break down and donate it to the Thrift Shop. LOL  The main thing is not the money  a sale will bring in but the fact that we are simplifying, and cleaning out the clutter.  It's going to be a big job though, and I can't guarantee it will happen ASAP.  It might be an all summer type job! LOL  But I would like to have it done and over with before Grandma's 90th birthday party at our house in July!  It's not like anyone else would see the clutter, because it is hidden away, but it gives me a timeline to work towards. lol

I recently wrote a blog about affection, with my three year old and how my MIL thinks it is weird.  LOL  Anyway, if you want to read it, you can do so now.

A friend wrote an answer to my blog, which included the following:

Quite frankly, I don't see any positives to spending time with the inlaws, and am confused as to why you do?
I would NEVER put up with that kind of behavior out of a stranger...........why put up with it simply because they are blood related?? Maybe *I* am the weird one?? HA HA

We didn't always spend time with  them.  Due to their hurtful comments and action around the time of the death of my father, and then 5 months later the death of my mother, we spend almost 1.5 of the 3 years of Noah's life without them in our lives.  It was easier to shove them to the curb evidentially than for them to understand that life didn't revolve around them, and how idiotic it was to try to explain to them for the 14th time why we spent so much time at the hospital and at home with both mom and dad while they were in failing health.  Common sense eludes most of my inlaws family, and the girls in the family (my mil, and two sil's) only think of themselves and no one else.  (I spent time in the hospital as well with stress tests, high blood pressure, throwing up, etc. mostly due to stress from the illnesses of my parents and the stress the inlaws were putting on me when I was in the last two months of pregnancy with Noah)

But in the past several months, Matthew's family has come a long way into understanding what I was dealing with and have been compassionate to what I was going through.  (If nothing else, perhaps out of fear of not seeing their grandchild.)  Previously, when we asked Matthew's sister in law to take pictures of our son off the internet, we were caught up in a bitter fight about camera and visiting our child and grandpa disinheriting his son.  (Geesh)  We called a lawyer and he suggested we cut them off for a while to "teach them a lesson".  It worked.

Now, I can't say life is perfect with the inlaws, but they are now the only grandparents Noah has, and they do obviously love him very much.  Yes, they have different views on things, but I am not so arrogant to think I am the only one who is right and that my way is the only way.  (OK, I do think my way in Christ is the only way.)  They have cleaned up a little (it isn't going to all change to roses overnight....I understand that.  This is a family who is very set in their ways and doesn't like to chage.  For them to change even slightly is a large accomplishment), and they take our feelings into consideration now.

Mostly the reason we still put up with them??? They are non-believers, and we may be the only witness they will ever see.  My MIL grew up in a family of Primitive Baptists. ( I call them the prehistoric baptists. LOL  They believe you should live a moral life but you don't have to.  They believe that you are "predestined" to go to heaven by God before you were ever born.  He smiles upon you and decides whether you go or not basically.  They don't believe in music in the church or Sunday school and their "elders" as they call them instead of Pastors, are just people who preach.  They do not carry Bibles to church and simply believe whatever he elder says it the truth. The Elder's are volunteers and are not paid but might be reimbursed for travel expenses if the church chooses to do so.  The Elder from my inlaws church drives 4 hours every 2 weeks to preach at their tiny church.  They do not tithe.  They collect an offering every so often, but it is the responsibility of the members to write checks to cover the remodel, electrical bills, etc. if something should come up.  The Elder's have had no Bible College of Theological Seminary.  In this type of church, the deacons are big cheeses and it is a big deal to be "indoctrined" into the church as a deacon. For some reason all of the husband's to the sisters my MIL has are deacons of the church expect her own husband.  I don't know what that says about him that they didn't pick him because even the uncle who is a child molestor to his own children is a deacon but not my FIL.  They don't think that you have to "tell someone" or witness to them about Christ, and they certainly do not believe in missionaries.  They believe if God wanted you to know something, then he would fall upon you and you would instantly know.  They believe if you are a chosen few, you should live your life a good and morale life, but those who do not, obviously are not going to heaven.  I chould go on and on....it is an interesting religion....not faith....religion.  And not all "sects" believe the same.  We live in Missouri, so some other churches in different states might believe the same things with a little tweeking to the specifics.)  So as you can see, they are not going to heaven.  They think we are crazy to say we "know" we are children of God and we have His blessings.  So when Matthew's grandfather died, and we went to his funeral, they gushed and went on and on about what a good name he had in the community, what a loving father he was, and a father, how he was ordained as a deacon on such and such date (and even pulled in the minutes of the meeting in the 1800's something book of the church to put on a table so everyone could see it.  Like we didn't believe them or something??? ) and how we "had the hope of believing that Grandpa was in heaven with his Lord."  Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but you can hope all you want, and I know he ain't there.  It's sad.  It's shameful.  I hate it.  But I know he isn't there.

So, this is the type people we are dealing with.  Matthew's mother's side of the family anyway.  His father's side consists of his mother who is a good old lady but doesn't go to church and believe in all the hoopla, and his old spinster brother who never married because no woman would want such a grumpy old man with such anger and destruction in him.  He is a simple old man now, mellowed and I love him.  But I have heard his stories and others from the past.  He now grows old alone, and takes after his mom sometimes who is in better shape than he is, and has nothing to really show for life.

So, why do we deal with them??? Because blood is thicker than water.  Because deep down, somewhere in the midst of all the crud, we know they mean well and aren't vindictive people on purpose.  People make mistakes, and no one is perfect and evevryone deserves a second chance.  Because Noah needs a loving family and although some of my family is around here, they are busy busy people and aren't available.  Because God loves them, and wants us to show them His love as well.  Because we may be the only real witness they ever see.  Because they are "startitng" to get it.  To hear my FIL not a week ago make a comment that he was beginning to think there was no such thing as good luck, but instead it was God's blessings, is BIG!!!   

We don't trust them with everything.  If we are sick, we try not to tell them until it is over, because they exaggerate everything and end up being so negative about things it makes you feel worse.  Instead we tell our church family who does believe in God, in healing, and in miracles.   There are certain people in everyone's lives I suppose that you never tell things too, because you know they are full of negativity, and they are one of those people.

I pray every day for my husband's family, because they deserve to be saved.  They deserve the same 2nd chance, and even more than that, as us.  They don't deserve hell's fury beciause of their upbringing, mistakes, etc.  I want to see their mansions in heaven down the road from mine.

This is why, I put up with them......and all the stuff I have listed here.  This isn't even a tip of the iceberg of all the junk they have put us through in the last 4 years we have been married.  Matthew is the only son, and since my MIL sleeps in a separate bedroom and has such a poor relationship with her own hubby, she relied on Matthew for many things.  That all came to a halt when we got married and I am the wicked daughter in law from hell because of it I suppose.  He is my husband, and I am sorry your's isn't taking care of you, but he isn't coming to do things for you when he has a wife and son at home.  We are his family now.  As the bible says, you leave your parents home and hold to your new bride.  (paraphrasing of course), and that is what he did.  She is just now getting over that, and it has been 4 years. 

I love my MIL, and FIL.  They aren't perfect, and still make mistakes (don't we all), but I am not giving u now.  God is doing miracles in this family whether they believe in them or even see them or not.  Perhaps one day......one day........I can call them my sister and brother in Christ as well.  Oh I can't wait for that day.

I have the best of intentions each week!!!  I make out a menu planner for the week, mostly because I want to use up certain item in the pantry or freezer, and each week I think I will follow it to a "t".  And each week, I fail. LOL  I don't worry about it much any more though.  If we have next week's Monday meal on this Thursday is it really that big of a deal??? (I make a monthly menu planner at the beginning of each month and then tweek it each Sunday evening for the following week as needed to use up leftovers, etc.)

We were supposed to have tater tot casserole last night and we ended up having a "fend for yourself" night instead.  I am not sure what is going on with me but I have had the worst stomache ache for the last day and into today.  So I didn't make supper, and with Matthew working later than usual last night, it wasn't a big deal anyway not to have supper on the table at 6.  He came home and grabbed a sandwich and was happy.  LOL

So, tonight I plan on making tater tot casserole from last night's menu.  I already have the hamburger cooked, and in a baggie in the fridge thawing.  I love cooking off several pounds at a time (5 at a time) with onion and then dividing it into more managable packages, usually 1 pound ziploc baggies. It makes dinners quick and easy later and even hubby can go to the freezer, grab some hamburger and some other ingredients for a meal on his nights to cook, when I am not feeling well, or on a girl's night out evening.

Well, my stomache ache isn't getting any better.....I think I will rest for a while before trying to get anything else done around here today.  But the laundry is definately calling my name.  I was up last night late because my stomache ache wouldn't let me sleep.  I tossed and turned after finally making it to bed.  It feels like that ache when you are in labor....ugh......I told Matthew last night I feel like I am at about a 6.  For me that is when the tummy still aches, but hasn't started the deep contractions where you can tell the tummy is tightening just yet.  Geesh.....I am miserable, but praying God will take all this away and let me rest and sleep well tonight.