Monday, September 17, 2007
September thoughts
The weather has finally started to cool off. We had 3 weeks of 100 or nearly 100 degree temps. Plus no rain. We have had a little rain, but could use buckets more full. Thankfully we are down to the mid to upper 80's for a high and nights in the 60's and upper 50's. I love cooler weather. Its such a relief to see fall after a long hot summer.
The kids are enjoying school. Ds2 has started Mothers Day Out at a local church. He goes 2 days a week (Mondays and Wednesdays). He seems to enjoy it. I went to a craft fair this past weekend. I enjoyed myself and got a little plaque for the house that says "Home Is Where The ARMY Sends Us". Its pretty cute. There were many neat crafts and some unusual things there too. I am thinking about Christmas gifts now. I have a few things for people, but need to get more. Hoping for unusual and fun gifts this year, I think the relatives will enjoy them.... hint hint. ;) If they don't , its the thought that counts.
Blessings to you this harvest season,
The kids are enjoying school. Ds2 has started Mothers Day Out at a local church. He goes 2 days a week (Mondays and Wednesdays). He seems to enjoy it. I went to a craft fair this past weekend. I enjoyed myself and got a little plaque for the house that says "Home Is Where The ARMY Sends Us". Its pretty cute. There were many neat crafts and some unusual things there too. I am thinking about Christmas gifts now. I have a few things for people, but need to get more. Hoping for unusual and fun gifts this year, I think the relatives will enjoy them.... hint hint. ;) If they don't , its the thought that counts.
Blessings to you this harvest season,
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Monday, July 23, 2007
Summer winding down
Yes, I know that officially summer is in full swing, but since my kids are public schooled, their summer break is about to end. The school year here starts very early (to me). My children's first day is Aug 2nd. Yes I said 2nd. I can remember when I was young, I didn't start until almost Labor day. Times sure change.
Things on our agenda now are getting school supplies ready, using what we can from the previous year, and planning to purchase what we don't have already. The kids are getting excited. These are the times that I wish I could homeschool, but its not to be.
The garden is finally producing for me. Not a bumper crop, but I am pleased to get what I can from it. I am looking forward to visiting the local Farmers' Markets on Saturday. I love Farmers' Markets. :)
Have a blessed week,
Things on our agenda now are getting school supplies ready, using what we can from the previous year, and planning to purchase what we don't have already. The kids are getting excited. These are the times that I wish I could homeschool, but its not to be.
The garden is finally producing for me. Not a bumper crop, but I am pleased to get what I can from it. I am looking forward to visiting the local Farmers' Markets on Saturday. I love Farmers' Markets. :)
Have a blessed week,
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Thursday, June 21, 2007
Busy painting
I have been busy lately doing some painting. A friend had some paint mixed that just wasn't the color she wanted. She gave me the unwanted color for free. Gotta love FREE. :) I really like the color. Its a soft, buttery yellow. Not one I would have picked on my own, but its turned out really well. The laundry closet, back hallway and front entry are all done now. The only rooms left are the bedrooms.
How do you eat an elephant? (or paint a house lol)
One bite at a time :D
Here is a picture of the hallway in progress.
How do you eat an elephant? (or paint a house lol)
One bite at a time :D
Here is a picture of the hallway in progress.
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Monday, June 4, 2007
I'm not lost!
Wow. I was not able to remember my password to get in for quite some time. I have a Xanga blog that I keep up with pretty regularly, but I wasn't able to get on here to update.
So far this year we have had....
Oldest ds is now 10yrs old. Youngest ds is 2yrs old. We have painted most of the inside of the house, and I am currently working on curtains for the living room, new chair pads for the dining room and possibly roman shades for the dining room as well. Tomorrow I will finish painting the laundry hallway and laundry closet. Eventually I will make/buy some curtains for the closet where the washer and dryer sit, as the bi-fold doors interfere with the door to the garage. Those will be stored in the garage until we move, where they can be re-attached in a minute. (Moving time is probably a year from now, but you never know with the military)
We have built a raised-bed garden in the back yard and I have some plants (mostly flowers) in pots on the patio. Its been very dry lately and I am having to water the garden like crazy. I am hoping that I can keep everything alive. I have green beans, tomatoes, peppers, and a lone dill plant. I planted carrot seeds, but I waited to late and they didn't make it. Oh, well, there's always fall!
Blessings to you and yours
So far this year we have had....
Oldest ds is now 10yrs old. Youngest ds is 2yrs old. We have painted most of the inside of the house, and I am currently working on curtains for the living room, new chair pads for the dining room and possibly roman shades for the dining room as well. Tomorrow I will finish painting the laundry hallway and laundry closet. Eventually I will make/buy some curtains for the closet where the washer and dryer sit, as the bi-fold doors interfere with the door to the garage. Those will be stored in the garage until we move, where they can be re-attached in a minute. (Moving time is probably a year from now, but you never know with the military)
We have built a raised-bed garden in the back yard and I have some plants (mostly flowers) in pots on the patio. Its been very dry lately and I am having to water the garden like crazy. I am hoping that I can keep everything alive. I have green beans, tomatoes, peppers, and a lone dill plant. I planted carrot seeds, but I waited to late and they didn't make it. Oh, well, there's always fall!
Blessings to you and yours
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Sunday, January 21, 2007
A new year
Its hard to believe that its 2007 already. I think I am finally used to writing that now. Its been a year since dh has been home from Iraq. Time has flown and there have been alot of changes since then. I have started to learn the shortcuts and the really great places that locals know here. That always helps it feel more like home. We miss our old town and the friends there, but time marches on. I hope to be able to update this more often in the coming months.
I look forward to spring and starting my garden. I have lots of work to do. :)
I look forward to spring and starting my garden. I have lots of work to do. :)
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Sunday, November 26, 2006
Thankful thoughts
How was your Thanksgiving? We had a visit from MIL, FIL and one cousin. It was short but sweet. :) Turkey, gravy, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy and of course pumpkin pie (and apple and pecan) for desert! YUMMY.
I was thinking about how blessed I am. I have a family, friends, a home, food to eat, and a Savior. Yes, bad things happen, but I have a Savior that loves me enough to die for me. For the sins I have committed, and those I will commit in the future. That doesn't mean I can do what I want and live sinfully, but being human in nature, I am guaranteed to mess up. I am truly a fortunate woman.
I want to make sure I keep my focus on Christ during this holiday season.
Blessings
I was thinking about how blessed I am. I have a family, friends, a home, food to eat, and a Savior. Yes, bad things happen, but I have a Savior that loves me enough to die for me. For the sins I have committed, and those I will commit in the future. That doesn't mean I can do what I want and live sinfully, but being human in nature, I am guaranteed to mess up. I am truly a fortunate woman.
I want to make sure I keep my focus on Christ during this holiday season.
Blessings
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Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Daily blog
Well, its an almost daily blog. I seem to be posting more at my Xanga blog than I do here. Not sure how that happened, but if you want to pop by you are more than welcome :)
www.xanga.com/frugalmel
www.xanga.com/frugalmel
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Monday, August 14, 2006
Paint, insulation.....
Yes, we have been busy here. The living room is now pea green. The paint chip says Herb Tea but I know pea soup when I see it. It doesn't look bad. Now for some new curtains....
Yesterday we enjoyed adding insulation to the attic. It had some, but we wanted to add more to improve the heating/cooling efficiency. That is a dusty job. This was our second house to do. We did our home in TN the first year we were there. That house had no insulation over the bedrooms. Boy, would I like to get a hold of that builder..... Anyway, we are getting pretty good at this insulation blower technique.
Hope things are going well for all of you. Be blessed
Yesterday we enjoyed adding insulation to the attic. It had some, but we wanted to add more to improve the heating/cooling efficiency. That is a dusty job. This was our second house to do. We did our home in TN the first year we were there. That house had no insulation over the bedrooms. Boy, would I like to get a hold of that builder..... Anyway, we are getting pretty good at this insulation blower technique.
Hope things are going well for all of you. Be blessed
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Sunday, July 30, 2006
Restful Sunday
Today has been an easy day here. First church, then I sewed a pillow for the dog. He's 12yrs old now, and gets stiff sleeping on the floor. Dd also helped me sew it. She and her big brother love to use the sewing machine. With my help of course. We are having Chinese food for dinner tonight. Yum. :) Later tonight Ds1 will help with sewing a curtain for his room. I have had the fabric for quite a while, but never got around to working on it. Today/tonight sounds like a good time to me..
I have been reading a book called Homeschooling the Easy Way by Cindy Rushton.
As usual I have messed up the link on here. anyway, here is her site. www.cindyrushton.com
The more I learn about homeschooling the more I like it. I know, everyone says "what about socialization?"..... Well my answer to that is: 1. We have friends in the neighborhood and at church, and we don't live in a bubble. 2. I thought public school was for education, not social groups.
But anyway, since dd misses the public school cut-off date for Kindergarten, I get to teach her the basics at home. I know her better than any teacher does, so hopefully I can use what I know about her to help her learn. Its worth the try.
Be blessed
Melody
I have been reading a book called Homeschooling the Easy Way by Cindy Rushton.
As usual I have messed up the link on here. anyway, here is her site. www.cindyrushton.com
The more I learn about homeschooling the more I like it. I know, everyone says "what about socialization?"..... Well my answer to that is: 1. We have friends in the neighborhood and at church, and we don't live in a bubble. 2. I thought public school was for education, not social groups.
But anyway, since dd misses the public school cut-off date for Kindergarten, I get to teach her the basics at home. I know her better than any teacher does, so hopefully I can use what I know about her to help her learn. Its worth the try.
Be blessed
Melody
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Thursday, July 27, 2006
Keeping busy and prepping for school
Its that time of year again. Back to school shopping and preparations have begun. We get the official list on Friday I believe. School starts here on Aug 3 for my ds. Dd misses the cut-off, so I will be teaching her at home. Hopefully she will be more than ready for Kindergarten next year. We have learned that Ds1 will be picked up around ten minutes to seven in the morning. That seems awfully early to this mom. I do envy homeschoolers in their freedom to schedule school to their preferences. My kids are night owls, so getting them up and going in the morning has never been a fun task. Ds2 has been working on walking. He is a little slow on it, but every child learns in their own time I suppose. His doctor wasn't to concerned at his last checkup. He even got "school shoes" yesterday just like the older kids. I think that might help him want to walk on the grass when we are outside. He doesn't like the way it tickles.
More later....
More later....
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Thursday, July 20, 2006
Thursday, thursday thursday
Lets see, since last I updated, we have begun taking the wall border down from the living room. I say "we" but I should say me. Dh requested it be done now instead of in the fall like I had planned.
I am going to a conference/curriculum fair in August. I am hoping to learn alot that I can use to teach dd. I am nervous and excited. We haven't gotten much done as far as reviewing with the oldest and workign with dd. Everyone has the summer "i don't wanna's". Ds1 starts school on Aug 3. We meet the teachers on Aug 1. In some ways I wish I could keep him home to teach, but dh wants public school for him. So I submit to his wishes. We are having fun learning new things about our new area in the meantime.
Speaking of learning. We found a large beetle outside the school when we went to drop off the registration papers. What do you think my science crazy son did? You guessed it, brought it home. We did some research and instead of it being a Rhinoceros beetle like we first thought, it was an Eastern Hercules beetle. Its either a female or a male with a broken "nose". Either way, it was a neat discovery. I tried to use that as a jump off for journaling and report writing. Of course, that didn't go as well as I hoped. There's always next time.
We have had a mocking bird that has a nest in a tree in the front yard. I think it may have moved on now, but for a while we were avoiding the side of the house to keep from being dive-bombed. The dog would even get bombarded when he went out to do his "business". Poor dog.
Have a blessed day
P.S. Our friend has had surgery and is on her way to a full recovery. She has healed faster than usual which I think is wonderful. Thanks for your prayers.
I am going to a conference/curriculum fair in August. I am hoping to learn alot that I can use to teach dd. I am nervous and excited. We haven't gotten much done as far as reviewing with the oldest and workign with dd. Everyone has the summer "i don't wanna's". Ds1 starts school on Aug 3. We meet the teachers on Aug 1. In some ways I wish I could keep him home to teach, but dh wants public school for him. So I submit to his wishes. We are having fun learning new things about our new area in the meantime.
Speaking of learning. We found a large beetle outside the school when we went to drop off the registration papers. What do you think my science crazy son did? You guessed it, brought it home. We did some research and instead of it being a Rhinoceros beetle like we first thought, it was an Eastern Hercules beetle. Its either a female or a male with a broken "nose". Either way, it was a neat discovery. I tried to use that as a jump off for journaling and report writing. Of course, that didn't go as well as I hoped. There's always next time.
We have had a mocking bird that has a nest in a tree in the front yard. I think it may have moved on now, but for a while we were avoiding the side of the house to keep from being dive-bombed. The dog would even get bombarded when he went out to do his "business". Poor dog.
Have a blessed day
P.S. Our friend has had surgery and is on her way to a full recovery. She has healed faster than usual which I think is wonderful. Thanks for your prayers.
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Tuesday, July 11, 2006
that's what friends are for
I am babysitting for some friends of ours who moved here at the same time. The wife has had to go into the hospital and may be having surgery today. She has been non-stop vomiting. The hospital has done scans and will probably have to do surgery. The husband called and we are watching the kids for them this afternoon and possibly longer. I am praying hard for her. Its a very scary time for this family.
If you have time, would you add her to your prayers? Her name is Olive.
Thank you
If you have time, would you add her to your prayers? Her name is Olive.
Thank you
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Saturday, July 8, 2006
A bird, a plane, no a shed
Its nearly done. The hard work is almost over. We ran out of shingles or it would have been completed today. I am so proud of dh. He has worked so hard and so tirelessly on this project. He planned it, built it, painted it, and is now roofing it himself. I have been his assistant. Not sure how much help I have been, but I have been there.
Got Ds1's school papers turned in. He starts school August 3rd. That seems awfully early to me, but I guess things have changed since I was in school. We will be teaching dd Kindergarten skills at home this year, because she misses the cut-off date for this state. I have always wanted to try homeschooling. I have several friends who do it. Now I guess I can. Whatever she learns, will help her the next year when she does start Kindergarten.
That's about it for us for now. Ds2 is starting to pull up to his knees regularly. Hope walking is not far behind.
Be blessed
Got Ds1's school papers turned in. He starts school August 3rd. That seems awfully early to me, but I guess things have changed since I was in school. We will be teaching dd Kindergarten skills at home this year, because she misses the cut-off date for this state. I have always wanted to try homeschooling. I have several friends who do it. Now I guess I can. Whatever she learns, will help her the next year when she does start Kindergarten.
That's about it for us for now. Ds2 is starting to pull up to his knees regularly. Hope walking is not far behind.
Be blessed
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Sunday, July 2, 2006
Happy Forth of July
I am wishing everyone a happy 4th a couple of days early. We are going up to IL to get the kids from their grandparen'ts house and visit for a couple days. I hope everyone enjoys their holiday, and remember to be thankful for the freedoms we have here. Also, a special wish for all the veterans and active/reservists out there. Thank you for your service and God bless you.
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Saturday, June 24, 2006
Rain, blessed, wonderful rain
I am sooo happy to report that we are finally getting rain! We needed it badly. The grass just crunched under our feet in the yard. There's something peaceful about rain. :)
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Saturday, June 24, 2006
To Grandmothers house we go....
Well Grandma and Grandpa's anyway. lol The kids are staying with their grandparents this week. We will go up and get them later. They were so excited to go. The littlest is still here with us. At 13mo he is a bit young yet. Its very quiet here without them. I know they are having fun, and grandpa was happy to come get them yesterday since he misses them alot. I guess a 5hr drive is not such a bad thing when you get to see your grandkids for a while. I know the kids couldn't wait to go. Dd got her suitcase and said "I'm ready, Grandpa" as soon as grandpa walked through the door. lol
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Saturday, June 17, 2006
We are home :)
Well our new home anyway. We are almost all settled in. AL is nice. Its hotter here than in our old area, but we are adjusting. We have been very blessed to find a wonderful Church already. They are so family friendly and supportive.There are quite a few large families. Some drive for 30 min to an hour to get to this chruch. Many homeschool. I really feel blessed to find it. Plus its close to our house. :) We are finding our way around town better and better each day. Not bad for just a week or so :)
We didn't have too many problems with the moving. The movers packed a few things (like my stamp pads) sideways, but so far they have been the best company we have ever used. No breakages or anything.
We have been trying to arrange our things, and getting furniture for the sunroom/playroom. We went to a "ding and dent" tent sale yesterday and got a new couch (sleeper sofa) and reclining loveseat for a really good price. The old set went into the sun room for the kids to watch movies/ play games on. Today I went yard sale shopping and found some solid wood bookshelves. One is in S's room and one in playroom/sunroom. The man who made them is no longer able to because of Emphysema. Its a shame, because they are just beautiful. They are all birch. He wouldn't use any other wood. They are just pretty. I would love to have more, but I can't afford them.At least not this month lol.
Hope you have a blessed day
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Saturday, June 3, 2006
Whew! What a whirlwind!
Ok, Wednesday, May 31st the packers came. They got the entire house and garage packed up. (That was a big job!) Thursday, June 1 they came and put all the boxes on the truck (and the furniture). Friday we cleaned the house and started painting it. We finished the painting today and will be finishing the final touches tomorrow (Sunday). The carpet cleaners come Monday at 9am, then we head for our new home.When we get there, we will be meeting the carpet cleaners for that house (by 4pm) and I will do a little cleaning before our stuff is delivered the next morning (Tuesday).
I am not sure if I am coming or going at this point. Last night it was a very late night/early morning for us. We didn't get in to the hotel room until 3am. I think I will have paint on me for weeks. Today we didn't have hot water (or even warm) in the hotel room. Talk about an "invigorating" shower. Tonight the baby decided to "paint" his foot. That was fun to keep off the carpet. One of my friends came and helped us paint so we were able to get it done in 2 days. She was a wonderful help to us. We are borrowing a trailer to tow behind the van to bring dh's motorcycle and a few things that didn't get used up/packed. Dh will be driving it. Then we will come back up in a few days and return the trailer and pick up our other vehicle that our friends are "car watching" for us. (car-sitting) :)
Hard to believe that this is it. We will no longer be living in TN. We have lived here for 4 years. That's the longest we have been stationed anywhere. Its been a good place and one we are considering when retirement time comes. But that's a story for another time.....
Be blessed!
I am not sure if I am coming or going at this point. Last night it was a very late night/early morning for us. We didn't get in to the hotel room until 3am. I think I will have paint on me for weeks. Today we didn't have hot water (or even warm) in the hotel room. Talk about an "invigorating" shower. Tonight the baby decided to "paint" his foot. That was fun to keep off the carpet. One of my friends came and helped us paint so we were able to get it done in 2 days. She was a wonderful help to us. We are borrowing a trailer to tow behind the van to bring dh's motorcycle and a few things that didn't get used up/packed. Dh will be driving it. Then we will come back up in a few days and return the trailer and pick up our other vehicle that our friends are "car watching" for us. (car-sitting) :)
Hard to believe that this is it. We will no longer be living in TN. We have lived here for 4 years. That's the longest we have been stationed anywhere. Its been a good place and one we are considering when retirement time comes. But that's a story for another time.....
Be blessed!
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Monday, May 29, 2006
Getting close to moving day.
Wow! Time sure is zipping by. We have gotten the deck and the fence stained at our old house, and will be painting the walls after the movers pack up and leave with our things. That will happen Wednesday!! We went to Sunday School for the last time here. Hard to believe we are leaving so many friends behind. Hope we make good friends in our new home as well, otherwise we will be some lonely people. Already planning to have a get together for the friends here to come to our new home (3 hrs away). Hope they will!
Hugs and Blessings to all,
Hugs and Blessings to all,
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Monday, May 22, 2006
Time flies....
Wow. Can it be that we only have a week and a half before our things go on the big moving truck? My how time flies! We have been busy getting things ready for the new owner of our old house. We have taken care of staining the deck and fence as we promised. We will be painting as soon as our stuff is out. Then it can be cleaned (including carpets) and ready for the new owner.
I will be cleaning the new house just as soon as we can get down there. (carpets there too). I would love to paint, but I am not sure I will get time. Thinking about colors and furniture placement and etc. It is a little exciting, but alot of work as well.
Oldest son has finished school for the year. We made the rounds and said goodbye to our friends at the school. That was hard to do. We have made lots of friends in the 4 years we have been here. Dd has her "graduation" program on Friday. They get to sing songs. She has been very good about practicing them at home. Very good. I think I know most of them as well. lol.
Hugs and many blessings to you and yours
I will be cleaning the new house just as soon as we can get down there. (carpets there too). I would love to paint, but I am not sure I will get time. Thinking about colors and furniture placement and etc. It is a little exciting, but alot of work as well.
Oldest son has finished school for the year. We made the rounds and said goodbye to our friends at the school. That was hard to do. We have made lots of friends in the 4 years we have been here. Dd has her "graduation" program on Friday. They get to sing songs. She has been very good about practicing them at home. Very good. I think I know most of them as well. lol.
Hugs and many blessings to you and yours