Today... Happy 4th!

Posted on July 4, 2008 at 7:04 PM by ~Melissa - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

I took the girls to the parade.  They decided at the last minute to help with the church's float, so I took them.  It's about 30-35 miles from our house, so we got up early and got some chores done then left.  The Parade theme this year was REMEMBER WHEN... and our church's float was small (just a pick-up truck with several walkers walking by it).  They had signs that said "Wise Men still seek Him"  and 3 wise men in the back of the truck with a wooden camel.  They got lots of cheers, I guess, through out the parade, so they knew people appreciated the thought.  My kids handed out flyers with the rest of the walkers... they has small children's booklets and magazines to hand out and a few adult flyers as well.  I just watched from a friend's house which is the very corner the parade starts and while we saw all the floats, many weren't in sync until after the first block. 

After the parade, I quickly ran into town with a friend's keys to her store and picked up as many empty boxes as I could fill in our mini van for the BIG FIRE CLEAN UP!  I so appreciated the boxes, that means I can start right away (and we did this afternoon), just removing dirty items from the immediate house and have them out of the way for the cleaners.  I packed up my cookbooks and then boxed up all the food they told me to throw and I also inventoried it all.  My girls packed a few boxes of items they did not want to have messed with when they are away at camp.  

We are to record our time cleaning and boxing items and we can work off our deductible.  The insurance adjuster told us to keep track of times.  He does not have the exact rate we will be paid at, but it will be between $8-10.  I figured if we got the rate of $8, we need to work off 132.5 hours.  So far, we've logged 16.25 hours.  Not much, but it's hard to do much when they say you can't clean until the cleaners come.  But some things like laundry and boxing up items we can do (now that we have approval).  I have four pages of inventoried items from my spice cupboards.  The adjuster said I'd likely have to take a price shop and get some prices on the items and then figure the cost... by how much was left in the packages.  Full, half, 1/4, etc.  I am really hoping that turning in sheet with prices will be adequate.  Rebuying everything right now seems just over my head.  First, there is no where to put it, and second, I just want the house clean before I think about restocking the cupboards.   I will say however that fried potates with no seasonings aren't as grand as one might think... LOL.  I really should buy a little salt and some garlic or a couple seasonings... but then again... maybe I just shouldn't fry anything!!!  That's bad for my health anyways!  

I am feeling a bit better today.  I was thinking about how overwhelming this process is really turning out to be.  And yet... I recall that recently I was stunned by the doctor's diagnosis of depression.  As I was thinking of the garden... if you are gone 1 week, it takes nearly 3 weeks to catch up with weeding... things just don't stop growing!    As I looked at the house and noted my past couple years worth of keeping house (little was done when I was dealing with my daughters illnesses, our hard sheep year, and my depression)... I realized I kept the family areas clean... as clean as say... there wasn't food stuck to the furniture, but dusting was done every couple of months rather than once a week... I had lots to catch up on... and if it worked out like the garden... even though I am getting my energy back, trying to keep up and catch up at the same time was still going to be a lengthy process.   Now I am offered help.  I was at first mortified that they are cleaning EVERY little piece of my home, but I am beginning to be grateful for this opportunity... I mean how often does one get a full cleaning and professional cleaning help when one does spring cleaning?   I simply have to humble myself and just admit that I need help to get back on my feet... and Wow, God already provided that help!  Even before I asked.  How great is that?  God is sooooo good to me sometimes that I know I hardly deserve any of this (I don't deserve any of it!), but oh how grateful I am to be His child!    

Warmly, ~Melissa

I am still here

Posted on Friday, July 4, 2008 at 05:47 by sheryl - 0 Comments - Link

A day spent in the past

Posted on Friday, July 4, 2008 at 04:13 by Schatzi - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Took the kids this morning to an Old'n Day Village...the weather held out for us and the kids and I had lots of fun....we walked through all the buildings, had lunch at the  Ice cream Parlor...... Spent time in school at a One room school house...watched a blacksmith make hooks...sat in an old theatre and watched a movie with Charlie Chaplin ( he was hilarious) And to end day the kids rode the Old Fashioned Carousel.    I opted to stand on the side and watch as I knew, that throwing up was not an option for me their ride back home.

It was great to see how the Society for Heritage preservation had restored some of the old buildings and machinery. 

When we arrived home, this is what I found on the kids computer....Esther the cat taking a day off also. Even when the kids went on the computer, she stayed there...nice and warm I guess

Anika picked flowers for me from my garden.....aren't they beautiful?  Thanks my girl.

Patriotic on the Fourth

Posted on Friday, July 4, 2008 at 11:52 by The Daughter - 3 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Memories and new chapters

Posted on Thursday, July 3, 2008 at 05:23 by Schatzi - 2 Comments - Post Comment - Link

With the storm last night, came the rain...so it was a perfect day to stay indoors.  The kids had fun playing and Ethan who loves the computer needed to get his fix.  We are only allowing a certain amount of time each day for the computer as one of my sons would be there the entire day if we let him....

Tianna, Anika and I watched the original version of Fiddler on the Roof....have never seen it before...very interesting to say the least...  The history behind the movie was fascinating also.

Time does not usually permit me to be lazy and watch movies but today was the perfect backdrop for such a day.  As my daughter is now married, this past week has been difficult for me as I reflected on the past twenty years of her life.  I realized some important truths about myself and my life as I know it now....it's not about things or situations but about the here and now and family and friends.  I have had a hard time this past week, letting my daughter go...but the tears are less and I need to focus on "the right now" and  what is around me today.  And so thus warranted my day spent with Tianna and Anika watching movies and sipping Cranberry tea together....this day will never come again and I want to sigh and say..."we made memories", no matter how small. The boys and I played Webkinz and we laughed alot....we did manage to do five loads of laundry and make Thai stir-fry for dinner.... 

It's amazing how things in our lives make us stop and take stock of what is important...and our wedding did that for me.  My mind seems to be coming out of the fog, and hopefully the peace that comes with it will enter my heart once again.  And since there is no better time than NOW, God gave me this rainy day to begin a new chapter of my life...and one of the first chapters is as a mother-in-law and a daughter who will no longer be coming home, but going home to her new house and making a home with her husband. 

Dh and I spent the evening outside tying our blueberry bushes up as they were falling over from the heaviness of all the berries....our bushes are loaded this year.   This time working together also allowed us to talk about our feelings and "what now"...we have to move on and enjoy every moment...dh is also having a hard time letting his daughter go and trust that her new husband will now be taking care of her and protecting her (something dh use to do)....that part of our job is done...and we now quietly continue to pray for God's leading in their lives and that they will continue to serve Him with their whole hearts

As the day comes to a close I am grateful for many things....my dh, children, health, friends extended family, clothes, food, place to lay my head and the opportunity to be home with my children instead of having to work outside the home....and ultimately, my Lord and Saviour who loves me no matter what.

Blessings to each of you this evening,  

Small Fire Update: Adjuster news...

Posted on July 3, 2008 at 2:20 PM by ~Melissa - 3 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Yesterday morning the 2nd cleaning place was here and the adjuster stopped by as well.  The cleaning place said they would put their bid in, but we haven't heard what it is as of yet. 

The adjuster went on to say basically after looking things over, this is going to take some time.  It is going to be like we all are invading your entire life.  We however will help you through it and it will be over in a short time, but it will likely seem like an eternity going through it.  Having said that, he also says that we need patience.  NO CLEANING is to be done until the cleaners come... so much damage can be done by cleaning soot that is irrepairable.  I told him that DH had already started because he was embarrassed by the sight of all these cobwebs (which are soot webs, not cobwebs... we learned so much these past couple days!)  We notice a couple places where dh had the vacuum stick and hit the tile or something and it actually made skid marks that Dh then tried to get out and couldn't... he likely made it worse.  The insurance adjuster just raised his eyebrows, but understood since no one told us what to do... they try to get out the day of or the next morning, but our insurance companies fax wasn't working and once back online... they forgot to call over the weekend and they took a holiday off on Monday... so nothing was told to us until Tuesday.  We have been eating food in the cupboards they deemed unsafe and have basically told me to inventory and throw out.  We have been living in a house that they are making to sound unliveable until it is cleaned.  That has been changed to be you can live there, but you should really be careful what you touch, what you track back and forth and washing dishes before you eat.. .regardless of whether they look dirty or not.  I'm like Uh-huh... he knows we have a 3yo and that this goes beyond her comprehension. 

The adjuster also said this takes steps.  We can replace the stove and hood as soon as we want... that will totally be replaced so we can go ahead and go shopping and turn in the bill.   But otherwise, the cleaning needs to be done first.  After the cleaning is done, then they will assess the damage.  Then we will have to get bids, then approval for work to be done, then the last of the repair work should get completed.  The cleaning will take approximately one week... maybe a little longer.  They asked what we were willing to clean and we said the microcleaning, which he is happy for.  They will clean the big areas, the ceilings, walls, and floors... and the entire kitchen area (washing cupboards, dishes, etc.).  That leaves me to pack everything up in the house in boxes and get it out of the way so they can do that... I then will have to wash everything before putting it away again.  Steve will help, but he has a full day at work next week and I will likely be alone doing much of the cleaning and trying to entertain Paige in the process. 

I am beginning to see the reason of why this happened... and I smile and grimace all at the same time... In one big swoop my house will be cleaned and decluttered all at once.  Likely in two weeks... Everything will have been cleaned and sorted and replaced into it's home or taken away to the dump or given away as donations.  DONE!  For those who have been keeping up on my blog you know my decluttering journey is very slow.  I take it one box at a time... and slowly go through items.  I recall taking things to the basement last fall and this spring the prized items went upstairs to be sold online... which in all honesty... things are selling.  I am going to the post office 1-2 times a week to mail off items.  Anyways, I will no longer need to bore you on my decluttering process because... it will be done!  (if I stick to it and work with the process... which Dh says he will stick me to it!  LOL). 

You know... in my last fire post I was trying to figure this out and praying about it because it made no sense to me at all.  NONE... so I went to bed with a heavy heart.  But in the morning I awoke dreaming about something I only recall the meaning of now... and yet I know it was of giving things away... And I recall sleepily replying to this thought, but LORD, I thought you wanted us to sell it and then give to the poor... and to which I felt a deep need to read my proverbs chapter of the day.  I wake up more fully, opening my eyes and I sense the words... The Lord will supply all your needs... and then remembering my dream of giving things away... I then eagerly rushed for my Proverbs book (It is just the book of Proverbs in one little paperback that I use for my daily devotions)... and I read the following...

Proverbs 22:1  ¶A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

Yes, I know that Lord.

Quilting Challenge Update...please let me know if you want to participate!!!

Posted on Thursday, July 3, 2008 at 08:27 by Teresa - 2 Comments - Post Comment - Link

DETAILS FOR FIRST QUILTING CHALLENGE: (This is going to be so much fun!!!!)  You might want to print these instructions for your convenience.

So far, 5 people have expressed interest in participating in the first Quilt Challenge.  I have spoke w/Chas, Senior Editor and she is going to participate and assist me with the challenge.  If you want to participate, please let me know ASAP by leaving a comment or by pm me. 

Deadline for SIGNING UP: one week from today (which will be Thursday, July 10).  To sign up, just leave me a comment on this post, or pm me.

Quilting Challenge:  I received a suggestion of exchanging blocks for our first quilt challenge and I LOVE this idea!  To assure safety and security of each involved, all blocks will be mailed to Chas, Senior Editor.  I know we are like a family here, but since it is the internet, I felt this was the best and most secure way to address this issue.

NOW, for the actual details of the challenge:

Theme:  WINTER!  Be as creative and original as you can.  Your inspiration can be whatever this word means to you (snow, Christmas, sledding, cold, stark, just whatever!

Block dimensions:  12 1/2 inches x 12 1/2 inches...this INCLUDES 1/4 inch seam allowance, so please do not extend designs beyond 12 inches x 12 inches (else it will be hidden in the seam allowance when pieced)

# of BLOCKS:  Make as many blocks as there are participants in the challenge (example, if 12 sign up, you will need to make 12 blocks total, 1 for yourself and 11 for the 11 other participants).  On Friday, July 11, I will send a message to all participants of the total # of blocks needed from each participant.  Each of your blocks can be all exactly alike, or each one can be different...your choice since you have to make more than one block. 

SIGNATURE:  If you would like to sign each of your blocks with your blog name, you may do so...examples:  sign in stitches, embroidery, or with permanent pen...just make sure your signature is permanent.  ALSO, make sure your signature is not in the seam allowance.  This signature will make our finished projects more special!

Type of Design:  You can choose whatever method you prefer to make your blocks.  examples:  can be a pieced block, applique, embroidery, pictorial, just whatever you choose.  Since you will have to make several blocks, you can make each of your blocks exactly alike, or all different, just whatever you prefer! 

Note:  If you are not comfortable creating the blocks yourself, feel free to pm me for ideas/patterns/individual help.

Time Limit:  Beginning on July 11, you will have up to one week for each block, I will announce on Friday, July 11 the total number of blocks needed and number of weeks before deadline to turn in blocks. 

Block Distribution:  You will need to include a self addressed, stamped large envelope with your blocks (just use same amount of postage on this envelope that was needed for you to mail all your blocks to Chas).  Mail all blocks to Chas, Senior Editor.  She will soon send you the address to mail the blocks.  Once Chas receives all block entries, she and I will have up to a week to sort the blocks.  Chas will then mail your exchanged blocks to you in the self-addressed stamped large envelope you provided.  (I will keep you posted on my blog and PMs)

Note:  You will keep 1 block for yourself and mail all other blocks to Chas, Senior Editor.

Finished Project Guidelines:  For this first challenge, I will not specify guidelines. You can use your received blocks in any way you prefer.  Examples:  wall hanging, bed quilt, table runner...just whatever you choose.  You can add whatever fabrics you choose to finish your project, no specifications.  Use whatever batting and backing you prefer for this project.  (AGAIN, if you prefer to be given a pattern or idea, just PM me and I will be glad to assist on an individual basis)

Finished Project Picture Guidelines:  Once you finish the project, please send a digital picture of completed project to Chas, Senior Editor ASAP.  DO NOT BLOG ANY PICTURES OF YOUR PROJECT UNTIL AFTER HOMESTEAD BLOGGER HAS POSTED ALL COMPLETED PROJECT PICS ON THE WEBSITE FIRST!  After homestead blogger has posted the pictures of all completed projects, then you may blog to your heart's content regarding the first quilting challenge.

NOTE:  So far, there are 5 participants, so if you would like to go ahead and begin making blocks now, you know you will need to make a minimum of 5 blocks.  Please feel free to get a head-start on the blocks. 

Cute kids, storms and the good life

Posted on Thursday, July 3, 2008 at 08:50 by Schatzi - 2 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Daniel and his Indiana Jones hat...actually dh's hat which he purchased on a holiday to Barkerville...but fits Daniel now.  Isn't he just the cutest kid....wearing his Thailand shirt...afterall he is from Thailand and proud of it.

Last night we had the worst storm I think ever....the lightening started around 9:30 and went until 3:45am this morning....it was unbelievable.  The lightening lit up the whole bedroom and sometimes the thunder would come ten or fifteen seconds after the lightening and other times it came within a second of the lightening....just when we thought it was over....and then another flash and crash.  So thankfully I finally fell asleep around 4;00 and woke up to my son blowing his nose ( he has a cold).  Dh  had coffee ready....ahhh, the good life.

I'm Happy!

Posted on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at 11:20 by momof4boys2004 - 7 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Not much excitement

Posted on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at 08:28 by Schatzi - 1 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Made eggs on toast with sausages and fresh blueberries for breakfast...great way to start the day.  Stephanie had an ortho appointment...drove 25 minutes each way and were in the office a total of 5 minutes....just continuing to monitor the braces.

Came home and did nothing else.  The repair man came and fixed the dryer.   Audrey came over for coffee with her son.  He and Daniel swam in the pool while we visited.  Made lasagne, garlic bread and salad for dinner.... not a smart idea considering the house was already stifling hot...then watered my plants.