The Spotted Hen

A Happy Day

2012-01-19T17:11:00.001-05:00

There's a fresh blanket of snow on the ground, the sun is shining brightly and my computer is acting like nothing is wrong. I'm not sure what's going on, but I am going to just play along and say today is an especially happy day.

Granted the chicklets are fighting and the laundry pile is expanding exponentially, but I ain't going to let it kill my buzz today. I need to get my happy on and ain't nobody gonna stop me!

Speaking of happy, check this out.

Does it make you smile? I know it does for me.

I managed to eek out a few moments to myself during the holidays to finally get my creative juices flowing. I have been wanting to try out a little mixed media on canvas for quite a while. I've seen so many inspiring ideas out there in blogland and was itching to give it my own spin.

I can't seem to find my bookmark for the original artwork that inspired this piece ... sorry if it's yours... let me know and I'll give credit where credit is due:)

Gotta tell ya, it was as fun as I hoped for and more! I made this little number for the Munchkin. One of her many passions at the moment is owls and this was definitely right up her alley.

In case you can't read it it says "Owl Always Love You"

I made different pieces for the Geek and Boy Wonder too, but don't have pictures of them yet. I like how they turned out, but this is the one that brings a smile to my face every time I look at it. I think I can be fairly certain this is an art form I will be trying again sometime soon.

Forced Hiatus

2012-01-14T19:19:00.001-05:00

Sometimes things will fall apart in order for other things to fall into place.

Author Unknown

Just a little explanation for the readers of this blog (all two of you) ... I am still here. I did not take off, change my name and start a new life someplace warm ... although the thought has crossed my mind from time to time :) Something much less major, but none the less life changing has occurred. My computer bit the dust. You never know how much you miss something until its gone and let me tell you ... I MISS MY COMPUTER!!!!

I have so many thoughts bouncing around inside my head just begging to come out. Heaven forbid I be forced to go "old school" and resort to pen and paper. Actually, I have done just that because quite frankly writing has become a very crucial part of how I maintain some semblance of sanity on this crazy ride called my life. I never thought I would say this about myself, but I cannot imagine myself not writing.

I have put in a purchase request with the Big Cheese (aka the Geek) and have been told, "it is duly noted." I am not entirely sure what that means exactly, but I'm going with it's coming soon 'cuz this gal's gotta believe it's true or I may have to do something drastic ... like take off, change my name and start a new life someplace warm:)

So you may not be hearing from me quite as often for a bit, but I promise I am still here, living the life fantastic with my brood. Check back again soon ... I'll be back before you know it with tales from here on the funny farm and beyond.

Oh, almost forgot ...

I mentioned in my last post I was going to make a conscious effort to look on the brighter side each and every day. I had thought a written journal was a good place to keep record of the "slices of sunshine" I spot along the way, however I have decided to go another route. I started a new blog called called happy minutia. It's a place where I hope (once I overcome the little issue of being sans computer) to document in pictures the little things that make me smile. I've challenged myself to take a picture every day for a year. So far -- so good. Granted I've only been at this for fourteen days, but I feel pretty confident I can do this. It's still a bit under construction (ie. I'm not sure I am entirely happy with the design) and I haven't gotten all my pictures up there yet, but feel free to take a peek if you want.

Be back soon!

Look on the Bright Side

2012-01-08T16:47:00.000-05:00

It has been a very unusal winter so far with mild tempuratures and very little of the white stuff. We have a had a few chilly days here and there, but for the most part things have not been too icy. We haven't been without moisture, however. In fact I am afraid we may soon need an ark if the raindrops keep falling on my head! The weatherman reported that 2011 was the wettest on record ... ever. It's just not that I'm complaining ... oh, okay I guess maybe I am a little. I mean it is winter and Christmas wasn't the same without the snowflakes, you know? Mud the consistency of chocolate pudding isn't mentioned once in any Christmas carols that I know of.

Look on the brignt side.

I've been hearing that a lot lately. Just this morning the devotion I read had a similar message ... try to look for the good in everything and you will be blessed with hope and joy no matter the situation you are in. I don't know about you, but that sounds pretty good to me.

Look on the bright side.

There are days when this is easy to do. Days when the sun is out and all is hunky-dory in my little corner of the world. But there are days that to be quite honest, I have trouble spotting the goodness. To be really honest, I have a lot of those days folks! I think that might be why the Big Guy upstairs has been trying to get me to hear this message. He's telling me that even in the midst of what seems like a joy-less situation, I need look to find even the teeniest bit of joy. Because it's there. It is. Sometimes it's really hard to see, but finding it will give me the strength and hope (and joy) to make it through another day. And who couldn't use that?

I am challenging myself this year to find that slice of goodness in each and everyday. Not only noticing it, but finding a way to remember it. I have decided to use a journal to keep track of my joys. I may not get to it every day, but I hope to make a determined effort to spot the bright spots along my trip around the sun this year. I am sure I will be sharing some of joy sightings here on my blog from time to time.

Look on the bright side.

On that note, let me get back to the beginning of this post. Despite missing Jack Frost's handiwork this winter so far, I can see that it really has been a blessing. We heat our home entirely with wood and each warm day means less wood burned. Less wood burned means the wood pile stays around a lot longer. The Geek works hard to gather, chop and stock up the wood, but it's a tough job. There's certainly no denying warm days are "bright side" when it comes to gathering wood.

Putting My Dancing Shoes On

2012-01-02T19:10:00.000-05:00

I gave up making New Year's resolutions years ago. They just didn't do much for me. They were like empty words and that were easily forgotten (or if I'm being honest, ignored) within no time. Last year I decided to do something different. I cannot take credit for the idea ... it's all over the blogoshere ... but I have embraced it as my own. I chose one word to sort of set the tone for my year. One word that resonated with me and that I could see myself applying to all aspects of my life.

The word I chose last year was ruminate. I had gone through alot of craziness in 2010 and knew I needed to allow myself the time to just sit back and think about things for a while. I needed to take the pressure off myself to do, and give myslf permission to just think about the possibilities. I needed to ruminate.

I can honestly say that ruminate was the perfect word for me in 2011, but now I feel like I am ready to do. I thought long and hard about the w0rd I could choose for 2012, but in the end one kinda sorta chose me. Are you familiar with the song by Lee Ann Womack called, "I Hope You Dance"?

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder

You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger

May you never take one single breath for granted

God forbid love ever leave you empty handed

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean

Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens

Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance

Never settle for the path of least resistance

Livin' might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin'

Lovin' might be a mistake, but it's worth makin'

Don't let some Hellbent heart leave you bitter

When you come close to sellin' out, reconsider

Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance

lyrics from Lee Ann Womack's, "I Hope You Dance"

writers: Tia Sillers & Mark D. Sanders

This song has been a favorite of mine ever since I first heard it, but I always thought of it as a type of wish/prayer for my chicklets. The other day, however, I was walking on the treadmill (a wonderful place to ruminate, by the way) and my thoughts began to wander from here to there and everywhere in between. At one point I found myself thinking about my sister, as I often do, and about the things I wish I could talk to her about. I thought a bit about what she might have shared with me if we had had more time. What words of wisdom would she have given me. It was right then that this song came on the radio. A meaningful coincidence -- or as I like to call it a God-instance? I don't know, but for the first time I didn't think about the song's lyrics being for my littles. Instead I thought of them as a charge for me to stop wasting my precious time sitting it out on the sidelines. It felt like a divine nudge aimed directly at me to make the choice to, well for lack of a better word, to dance.

I often think about what I will do "when". When I lose weight. When I have more time. When I grow up. You get the picture. The truth is some of those things may take a while ... a very looooooooooong while :) In the meantime, I have passed up so many chances to "dance" -- chances that I may never have again. Well, for 2012 (and beyond God-willing) I am going to change that. I'm not going to sit this one out ... I'm gonna dance!

Happy 2012!

2012-01-01T01:01:00.002-05:00

source

Wishing You a Blessed Christimas!

2011-12-25T01:33:00.001-05:00

May your holiday be JOY FILLED and may you have the PEACE that only GOD can give.

Have a BLESSED CHRISTMAS!

A Case of Reindeer Flu

2011-12-23T17:13:00.000-05:00

Meet Shelvin, our shelf elf.

Shelvin hails from the North Pole where he spends most of his time working for Santa in his toy shop. Every year around Christmas time, however, he takes a break from his toy making duties and comes to stay with us. During the day, Shelvin is Santa's eyes and ears ... watching the littles to make sure their "nice" far outweighs their "naughty". Each night he returns to the North Pole to fill Santa in on all the shenanigans happening on the farm. Shelvin prefers to do his monitoring inconspicuously, but somehow the chicklets always manage to find him. This forces him to choose a new location each morning from which to observe. Mostly he just watches from his varying vantage points, but every once in a while, he likes to shake things up a bit and that's just what he did last night.

First a little back story. A while ago, the Munchkin heard the well-loved Christmas song, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" and she became concerned. She asked me if I had ever kissed the jolly ol' elf and I guess I hesitated for a little too long. Her eyes widened and she admonished, "Your silence tells me everything. You have kissed him! How could you? You don't know where he's been and he hangs around with reindeer! You could end up with reindeer flu, you know!"

Last night the song came on the radio and she chastised me once again for kissing on the guy in the red suit. She informed me that there was no way she was ever kissing me again. She went on and on about how you can never be too careful and that Reindeer flu was not something she cared to ever get thankyouverymuch! Just to freak her out a bit because that's the kind of great mother I am, I grabbed her and gave her a big ol' smooch. Let's just say she was not too happy.

Fast forward to bedtime last evening. Once the Munchkin was tucked in bed and fast asleep, Shelvin got the mischievous idea to paint her nose red (ala Rudolph). He then tucked himself in amongst her stuffed animals so he would have a front row seat when she awoke.

This morning, she somehow missed seeing Shelvin and came straight to me to say, "Good Morning". When I saw her, I took one look at her and said with great alarm, "Oh no! I think you have reindeer flu! You better go take a look in the mirror!" She took off for the bathroom and within seconds I heard her shrieking. She came running to me in tears and telling me this was all my fault. Can you say, Drama Queen? She said because I had been kissing Santa, she was ruined for life. She really laid into me, let me tell ya! I didn't let it go on too long before I told her to go take a look at Shelvin. One look at the elf and the evidence (i.e. his paint stained sponge brush) and she turned to me and said with alittle too much sassiness for her own good, "You're lucky, but I still ain't kissin' ya!"

Too funny! I am sure this will become part of our family lore. It is one of those stories we'll be still telling and laughing about years from now. The poor girl will probably have a terrible flashback every time she hears, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," but it was worth it!

They're in the Mail!

2011-12-21T18:22:00.000-05:00

Take ~~perfect~~ Christmas card photo. Check.

Get 70 copies of Christmas card printed. Check.

Stuff, lick, seal, stamp and hand address all 70 copies (because you can't find address labels anywhere and you've gone to three stores and the Little Prince just cannot take another second in the car). Check, check, check, and check.

Truck all those bad boys off to the post office and send them on their merry way. Check.

Sit back and relax. No check here lady ... you've got four days 'til Christmas and those presents ain't wrapping themselves, Mama Hen :)

Besides the ~~not so~~ great time that is getting our annual Christmas cards out, we've had a fun week.

Monday night we went Christmas carolling with my brood's 4-H club. While carrying lanterns the kids had handcrafted in previous years, we strolled around a senior citizen housing complex singing our hearts out. The residents seemed to really enjoy our slightly off key ensemble. Even though the weather cooperated and it was seasonably warm, the hot cocoa still was a welcome, warm treat at the end of the night.

It really was a lot of fun and I'd love to do this on our own next year. I am sure the chicklets could recruit a friend or a family member or two to join us in song. There are plenty of senior apartments and nursing homes around and what a awesome way to spread God's love at Christmas.

Yesterday, the Geek loaded all of us in the family truckster for a surprise looooooong road trip (almost 4 hours each way) to see a truly amazing Christmas light display. Yes we are a little crazy, but we all think it was well worth the drive! It was one of those things you have to see in person to fully appreciate, but you can check out this link to read about it. Boy Wonder can hardly wait to recreate some of the spectacular splendor here on the farm. We got a chance to talk to the creator of the display and he invited the Geek and Boy Wonder back next fall for a workshop to find out all the how-to's and what-nots, so who knows? Maybe someday you'll be able to see our little homestead from space.

I keep hoping the elves will drop by and wrap the presents for me, but I am beginning to think I'm on my own. Do ya' think the kids would care if I just slapped some bows on everything and called it a day? Truthfully, they probably wouldn't, but it just wouldn't be the same on Christmas morning without the joyful mess. I guess I better go channel my "inner elf" and do some serious "wrap-itation". What I really need to help my holiday spirit is a snowflake or two. Seriously, it's hard to appreciate Christmas is only four days away when there's nary a speck of the white stuff in sight. The weather man is saying it's probably not going to be a white Christmas this year, but I can still dream right?

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas,

Just like the ones I used to know,

Where the tree tops glisten

And children listen

To hear sleigh bells in the snow...

Irving Berlin

A Year Ago

2011-12-18T23:15:00.000-05:00

A year ago my, world was shattered.

A year ago, my heart broke in two.

A year ago, a piece of me disappeared.

A year ago, my sister passed away.

Today I still miss her more than ever.

Today I just want to see her smile one more time.

Today I have so much I want to tell her.

Today I want my sister back.

A year from now, I'll still miss her.

A year from now, I'll still want her back.

A year from now, tho' I may be stronger.

A year from now, she'll still be gone

and my world will never be the same.

I miss you Barbara ... and I always will.

In Search of the Perfect Christmas Card Photo

2011-12-17T01:09:00.000-05:00

Trying to get all three of my chicklets smiling and looking at the camera at the same time is not an easy task. Every year I set the bar high in an effort to take the "perfect" Christmas card photo. And every year it takes several attempts ~~and threats of bodily harm~~ before I just relax and realize perfection is overrated. Chicklets are chicklets and I'd rather remember them as they are rather than as some Stepford version of themselves.

I haven't made my final decision yet, (yes, am am aware Christmas is just over a week away) but here's a few pics that won't be gracing anyone's mailbox this year :)

I'm hoping to take a couple more tomorrow, but if they don't turn out ... this is the best I've got.

Speaking of Christmas cards, I received this beautiful card from my good friend, Jill.

This picture doesn't do it justice. It is a handcrafted work of art made especially just for little ol' me. She totally captured my "style" with this beauty and I plan to put it in a picture frame and bring it out every Christmas season. I wish I had half the talent this lady has. She is an artist and you can see more of her handiwork here.

This Recipe is Definitely a Keeper!

2011-12-14T16:44:00.000-05:00

I had hoped to post some pictures from the adventure we went on last Friday night, but my computer and internet connections are still giving me fits. I promise to do it soon ... I hope. I am sure the anticipation is just killing you :)

In the meantime, how about a recipe that's simple to make and pretty tasty to boot?

I pinned this recipe on Pinterest a while ago and finally got around to making it for lunch today. I've been striking out with new recipes lately, but this was a home run with my brood! My chicklets aren't picky eaters, but I think even littles who are would like this.

I made a few changes based on the ingredients I had on hand. I didn't have pepperoni like the recipe (which was apparently an adaption of a Rachel Ray recipe to begin with) called for, so I used salami instead and I didn't hear one complaint. In fact, we started brainstorming all the other possible combinations of meat/cheese we could try in the future ... like ham & swiss, or bacon & cheddar. These were made in a mini muffin pan, but the Geek suggested trying to make them in full-size muffin pan next time. I suppose it might be worth a try. Not 100% sure what the cooking time adjustment would be, but I'd say not more than 5 to 7 minutes more depending on your oven.

The original recipe said to use pizza sauce for dipping and we did. A few of my chicklets decided ranch dressing would work too. I even thought a cream cheese sauce (something like this one) might be tasty next time.

Easy Peasy Pizza Puffs

Here's what you need:

3/4 cup of flour

3/4 teaspoon of baking powder

that's powder NOT soda :)

3/4 tablespoon garlic powder

The original recipe called for 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning but I didn't have any. This gives it a pretty hefty garlicky taste, so if you aren't a fan like us, you may want to lighten it up a little.

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon of pepper

The original recipe said a dash of red pepper flakes, but my peeps don't like stuff too spicy so I went with regular ol' black pepper instead:)

3/4 cup of whole milk

1 egg , lightly beaten

Not sure why it needs to be "pre-beaten" but who am I to quibble?

1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese

Remember ... if you're feeling daring you can always try some other cheese/meat combo ... let me know how it goes.

1/3 cup grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese

My brood are cheese lovers so I upped this from the original 1/4 cup. The Asiago has a bit stronger flavor which is nice too.

1 cup cubed meat

Technically, since these are pizza puffs I guess this should be pepperoni, but I used salami and it was just fine and dandy.

1/2 cup pizza sauce for dipping

We used our local grocery store's brand and it was perfect. Remember, you can get creative here too and use whatever dipping sauce floats your boat.

Here's what you do....

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and grease a mini-muffin pan (mine had 24 cups).

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper with a fork. Whisk in the milk and the slightly beaten egg.

Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan and pepperoni (or whatever cheese/meat combo your going with) and let it stand at room temperature for about 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, give the batter a stir and divide it evenly among the mini-muffin cups.

Pop them into the oven and bake until puffed and golden (about 20 to 25 minutes)

Serve the puffs with the pizza sauce (or whatever sauce you have a hankering for) for dipping.

Enjoy!

One More Chance

2011-12-13T22:34:00.001-05:00

Lousy internet connections today caused me to lose the my post... grrrr! Hopefully, I'll get it reposted tomorrow. Actually, I think it might be my computer. I guess it's time for the Geek to earn his keep:) Only kidding ... sort of. Between him and Boy Wonder, I should be all set in no time, I hope. Unless it's all due to less than stellar internet connections and then I'm out of luck. I wonder if Santa could talk the cable company into bringing cable to the ol' farmstead. I won't hold my breath.

Oops! I was wrong about Friday being your last chance to win prizes in Courtney Walsh's Handmade Holiday Giveaway. You've got through this Thursday (12/15/2011) so don't forget to head over there. She's got some really great stuff just waiting to be given away

It's Getting Closer

2011-12-09T17:33:00.001-05:00

When the Munchkin took today's link off the paper "Advent" chain, I realized Christmas is only 16 days away. Yikes! I had visions of making alot of presents this year. In fact, there's a pile of fleece fabric in the corner waiting to be cut and turned into Christmas PJs for my brood. I am beginning to get a feeling that it might not be happening this yuletide season. I suppose I could get my behind in gear and get my "elf" on and whip up some dandy jammies, but who am I kidding? I have turned procrastination into an art form. Maybe I'll just wrap the fabric up and tell 'em it's a blanket. Think it'll work? Me neither.

What about you? Are you ready for the holiday or are you like me and just "pacing yourself"? so much better than saying I'm lazy:) We managed to get the tree up, but have yet to decorate it. Hopefully we'll make some serious progress this weekend.

But not tonite ... tonite we are off to enjoy a "Heritage Holiday Celebration" at a local historical park. They have vintage Christmas decorations fr0m the 1800s through the 1950s on display in several buildings throughout the park. There are crafts for the kiddies to make and marshmallows for everyone to roast over a bonfire. It sounds like fun, don't you think? It snowed today, so I am hoping for some picture perfect moments while we are there. It'd be nice to check Christmas card photo off my list :)

Don't forget to visit the Courtney Walsh's "Telling Stories" blog today. It's your last chance to enter her Handmade Holiday Giveaway. Courtney has outdone herself with lots of goodies just waiting to be won by you. Check it out and good luck!

Somebody Needs a Lesson in Manners

2011-12-08T16:16:00.001-05:00

Whoever one is, and wherever one is, one is always in the wrong if one is rude.

Maurice Baring

Is it just me, or are people as a whole a bit ruder than they use to be. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt, especially those involved in customer service and especially at this time of year. I know it's crazy and customers can be demanding, but I don't think there is ever an excuse good enough to warrant something like what I went through yesterday afternoon.

My brood and I like to frequent the local taco fast food establishment. I won't name names, but I am sure it would ring a bell if I told you :) Anyhoo... this place is always messing up my order. I've put up with it because it's fast and cheap, but last week it finally got to me. I went to town and picked up lunch. When I got back to the farm, I discovered that once again I did not receive the order I had paid for. I decided enough was enough and made a quick call to the restaurant directly to voice my complaint. The manager on duty that day apologized and offered me a free item in addition to my missing food upon my next visit. I wasn’t happy to have to make that call in the first place, but I was satisfied with the resolution.

Yesterday, I packed up the chicklets in the car to run errands and decided to swing by the taco place to grab a quick lunch and get my free food.  I place my order ( I ordered a few more things in addition to my free food) in the drive-thru and everything seemed to go smoothly. The sweet lady at the drive-thru window gave me my order and I pulled away.  Just to be sure they didn't forget something, I pulled into a parking spot to double check my order. Wouldn't you know it, they messed up again!

I went inside the restaurant and asked to speak to a manager. I told him my problem and he went and retrieved my missing food. At that point I felt I had to express my disappointment and exasperation that this had occurred on a visit where I was receiving items free because of an inaccurately filled previous order. To put it mildly, the manager showed no sympathy. In fact, he turned his back on me and walked away while I was talking.

I was appalled, to say the least, but it got worse. I told him I was very disappointed in the restaurant’s service and he mumbled over his shoulder, “Then go somewhere else.” Obviously, I was shocked. I didn’t know what else to say to him, but I knew I had to report this somehow. I asked for his name, but he refused to give it to me. I continued to ask and finally, still not coming to the counter, he said it was Steve and starting laughing with co-workers in the kitchen. It didn't take a genius to figure out he was lying to me. The sweet drive-thru lady, came forward and nervously told me what his name really was.  I wanted to believe her, but I wasn't sure either.

At that point I decided that I was wasting my time there and turned to leave. As I left the restaurant someone said in a snarky voice, “Have a nice day Ma’am” and someone else added, “Somewhere else.”

Can you believe that? I was dumbfounded. I could not believe that someone in a so-called management position would ever treat a customer that way. I was not belligerent in any way, I just wanted to vent a little and only raised my voice once the manager turned his back and walked away. It has always been my experience, in dealing with customers that the “customer is always right” and even if for some reason they are not, they should always be treated with respect.   Don 't you agree?

Well, as soon as I got home I called the corporate offices and filed a formal complaint. I wasn't confident anything would be done, but at least I didn't just drop it. Imagine my surprise a few hours later when I received a phone call from the restaurant chain's district manager. He profusely apologized for the store manager's abhorrent behavior and assured me that this was not the image the chain wished to portray to the public. Didn't think so. He told me that disciplinary action would be taken and said he would be sending me coupons for free food.  Free is good.

How about you? Do you have any stories of poor customer service? I really do feel for people who work in these positions.   I have ~~done my time~~ worked there and I know it's not always the easiest job, but treating customers respectfully? That should be a given.

The Munchkin's First Hair Cut

2011-12-07T15:57:00.005-05:00

This just in...

The Munchkin, a two time county fair winner for longest ponytail, has finally had her first haircut. The spunky six-year old's tresses had reached an amazing length of over thirty inches.

Fearing she might soon be freakishly strangled by her own hair, the young lady had recently begun placing increasing demands on her ol' Mama Hen insisting that the locks to be lopped off. Despite her sadness at seeing her sweet pea's baby hair go, not to mention fearing she might do more harm than good since beautician she is not, Mama Hen put on her big girl pants and snipped away while fighting off tears. The chopped off strands were carefully tied with a satin bow and are expected to be placed in a box along with the rest of the Munchkin's baby keepsakes.

When asked how she felt to be rid of all the excess fluff the Munchkin replied,"It was no big deal." Mama Hen respectfully disagrees.

Note: The Munchkin plans to grow her hair long once again so she can make a contribution to an organization that makes wigs for children suffering from hair loss. She said this first cut was for her memory box, but the next one is all for them :)

Be sure to check out Courtney Walsh's blog -- "Telling Stories" this week. She is having a Handmade Holiday Giveaway to encourage her readers to support artists, designers and authors this holiday season. You have a chance to win everyday just by visiting and leaving a comment. Additional chances are available too ... just check out her blog to find out how :) Don't miss out ... there's lots of awesome handmade goodness to be given away!

Am I Getting it Right?

2011-12-06T18:28:00.000-05:00

Do not ask that your kids live up to your expectations. Let your kids be who they are, and your expectations will be in breathless pursuit.

Robert Brault

I am not a bragger. I "blame" my mother. Seriously, she made it very clear (in her opinion anyway) that to be proud or boastful in any way is a sin. Unfortunately, she took this "belief" to mean that she should rarely (if ever) give out compliments, lest any one of my siblings or I become prideful. I honestly don't think she withheld praise to be mean. I just think she was a bit ... misguided.

Don't brag about yourself, let others praise you.

Proverbs 27:2 (CEV)

True, we should be cautious when blowing our own horn, but what about praising others? No harm there. In fact, it's a good thing (for the most part anyway which I will go into in a bit). It instills confidence and promotes self-esteem. Lack of praise from others, especially a parent, can cause self-doubt and low self-esteem ... something my siblings and I all experienced first hand.

With this in mind, I determined that once I became a mother (God-willing) I would not make the same mistake my mother did. I didn't plan to go overboard with the whole praise thing because I knew empty praise would be damaging in it's own way. Instead I hoped to give sincere compliments to my kiddos and let them know I love and am proud of them. So far I think I have done a pretty decent job of that. All three of my chicklets are pretty confident and have good self-esteem. Boy Wonder has had many occasions in his life that would have been very hurtful if he lacked the confidence he has in himself and his abilities. It's a little early to tell with the Little Prince, but I sense in him a quiet confidence as well. He knows what he wants and he goes for it. I think he too will fare well in this crazy world.

That leaves the Munchkin...

She has a personality and air of confidence that I envy. I can't take credit for much, if any, of it. She came out of the womb ready to take on the world and I can only imagine the life she will lead.

Ok, here's my problem ... not only has the Munchkin been blessed with a strong self-esteem, she is beautiful. I know, all parents think their children are beautiful ... and they are, but there's something about the Munchkin that makes other people, complete strangers often, stop and comment. I cannot tell you the number of times people have come up to us and commented on her beauty. I am not exaggerating, people will interrupt us while we are eating at a restaurant to compliment her. I hate to say this, but it's happened so often we kind of take it in stride now and almost are tempted to be rude and say, "Yeah, right ... whatever... go away and let us eat in peace."

But her beauty is more than just skin deep, it seems. People are always telling us how special she is. I kid you not, it happens all.the.time. Just last night I got a text from a woman we met when Boy Wonder was in the local children's choir. We would see her while we waited for choir practice to be dismissed. Last night we were exchanging texts and kind of catching up on the last six months since we last saw one another. Here's one of her texts:

(The Munchkin) is one of those rare souls you might be lucky enough to cross paths with in life ... but get this -- God granted me the grace of actually more than just a one time meeting -- we got to bond and take advantage of the time we were given...you and your hubby created an angel ... thanks for being generous enough to share.

Let me digress for a minute here. I think she's a cutie too. But like I said earlier, all parents think their children are cute. I think she is special too, but, I also know she can be a real stinker sometimes. I am not being mean when I say this, but I don't understand what all the fuss is about. I, myself, have always felt pretty invisible when in a crowd, but this isn't true for her. What do these people see that would make them approach a complete stranger (often going out of their way to do so) to give a compliment? That said, it must be something I don't see, maybe because I am so close. Something about her that draws others out. Again, a reason I am sure God has great plan's for her in this world.

So back to the "problem." How do I handle the excessive praise (and we are talking E-X-C-E-S-S-I-V-E here folks!) she receives from others? I don't want to deny her it, but I also don't want her self worth to be tied up in her looks. What should I, as her mother do?

I'll tell you what I have done. I have told her that God has blessed her with beauty and charm. I have also told her that because of that, much will be expected from her. I have told her that some people will be jealous and when she slips they will be quick to point it out. I have said that even when she's nice, some people will still find things to criticize about her. I've told her that no matter what, she needs to focus on the right things.

I think what sums it up best what I have done is the blessing the Geek and I spoke over her recently at church...

"You are a precious gift from God. May you remember that charm can mislead and beauty may fade, but the woman to be admired and praised is the woman who honors the Lord. And may your light always shine from within so that through you others may see God's love."

What a Week!

2011-12-02T18:03:00.002-05:00

Whew, TGIF! This has been one crazy week for this ol' Mama Hen.  I don't know about you, but I am desperately in need of a nice and quiet, relaxing weekend. That ain't happening anytime soon, but I can dream, right? Hey, I would settle for just slightly less chaotic even.

We were on the road every night this week traveling here and there and everywhere in between. Monday evening found us driving 90 miles going to and from the chicklet's monthly 4H club meeting. Boy Wonder was the Club Historian for the second year in a row. Basically this translates to club photographer, a job he totally enjoys since it gives him the chance to get his hands on Mama Hen's Nikon. He put together a slide show with music and photographs from last year's club events and presented copies of the presentation on DVD to everyone at the meeting. That was before the election and let's just say I think it had everything to do with his re-election. The other 4H-ers were so geeked to see themselves and so thankful for their own copies of the pictures. Before we headed for home, the Munchkin got to do a little "show and brag" when she showed off her poultry showmanship trophy from Nationals.

Boy Wonder has been asked been told his project work in 4H has earned him the opportunity to compete at a state level. Tuesday night we went to an informational meeting about the state award program and found out he we have a lot of work ahead of us. This is just the first step in what could ultimately result in a 4 year college scholarship, so it is definitely worth the time and effort.

Tuesday was also the day the Little Prince decided to take a tumble and bumped his head. Thankfully it doesn't seem to have given him much more than a tiny scratch on his forehead. He will be the death of me yet, I tell ya!

Wednesday night we put another 40+ miles on the car going to and from church. The weather was lousy, but Boy Wonder is in his second and final year of confirmation classes and it would take more than a few snowflakes to make him miss class. The youth program at our church is very active and very much in sync with what's going on with today's kids. In churches we have been a part of in the past, most teens can't wait to be done with confirmation and basically done with church.  I would have to say it's pretty much the exact opposite at our church.

While I was off at my knitting class Thursday evening (another 20+ miles on the family truckster), the Munchkin was home getting sicker by the minute. She woke up earlier in the day complaining about a headache.  By the time I got home from class, she was running a fever of over 102 degrees and complaining that it hurt to move her neck.  One quick call to the pediatrician and we were on our way to the hospital ER (25 miles away) at 11 o'clock at night to rule out meningitis. Yikes! The ER doctor said even though it appears to just be a bad viral infection, we did the right thing by bringing her in. We finally tumbled into bed around 2:30 in the morning. Can you say pooped?

One bright spot in my week was winning a give-away for a copy of the current issue of Amy Power's Inspired Ideas on the Dandelion Farm Girl blog.  Be sure to check out both links. The magazine is chock full of fun holiday craft ideas and Marci (a.k.a. Dandelion Farm Girl) is one very creatively inspiring lady. Her blog has plenty of awesome ideas sure to help you get your creative juices flowing. I never dreamed I'd be a winner, but it was just what I needed to bring a bit of "happy" into my otherwise hectic week. Thanks again Marci!

Well, as I said, it has been quite a week. I think I will go grab a blanket and curl up on the couch, watch a Christmas movie and try not to worry about what mayhem is looming in my future.

Don't forget to check out the Dandelion Farm Girl

Happy Schmatterday!

2011-12-01T17:18:00.003-05:00

I have heard it said that family traditions are important in a child's life. They provide a sense of continuity, security and a sense of belonging that make little ones feel loved.  From personal experience, I would have to agree.

Our family has lots of traditions, some normal ... some bordering on nutty --- which is pretty much how this brood rolls. Some were things the Geek and I did as children and introduced to one another and some are ones we have started ourselves.  Some have withstood the test of time.  Others have changed over time and continue to be tweeked and some are brand-spanking new.

Of course there's been a few that we have had to let go of. Sometimes it has been easy to do and other times it has been more painful, but necessary as they no longer work for us.  I use to joke that I had to be really careful with Boy Wonder when we tried something new. If he liked the way it was done, I knew I better be prepared to do it from that way on or face his wrath. He's a bit more flexible now, but it's still true to some extent.

We've got so many traditions and quirky things we do that I'd like to share, I think I might spread this out over a few blog posts. I'll start here with one of our favorite Christmas season traditions, but before I start --- what about you? Do you and yours have any interesting family traditions? I bet you do and I'd love to hear about them!

A few years ago I saw a couple dozen adorable boot-shaped glass mugs for sale at a garage sale. The Geek was on a major clean and purge cycle and had decreed no more glasses unless I had a really, REALLY good reason.  Truth be told, we had acquired an excessive amount of glassware.  We had wine glasses and water goblets. There were margarita glasses and beer mugs (odd since we don't drink either, but you never know...) We had shelves of juice glasses and my complete collection of vintage 1980 Holly Hobbie glasses from Arby's. Well, apparently he didn't share my affinity for glassware ... the ol' party pooper!   Deep down I knew he was probably right, but when I saw the boot glasses, I just couldn't resist. I showed them to the Geek and he rolled his eyes and said something like, "I thought we agreed no new glasss." Quickly I came up with a plan, "These are Schmatterday glasses, you know the day you put up the Christmas tree. It's called Schmatterday, because it schmatters and these glasses are perfect for the Scmatterday toast." Knowing it was best not to question me (he's such a good man) he let me get five of them and the idea for Schmatterday was born.

Remember I said some of traditions were a little quirky? Here's proof.

That first year after we put up the tree with the chicklets, we decided to make strawberry shakes as a treat. I'd actually forgotten about the glasses, but the Geek hadn't and served the shakes in them. When it came time to toast, the Munchkin (having just gone through a viewing marathon of Toy Story and making an obvious take-off of Woody the Cowboy's line, "There's a snake in my boot!") held her glass up and said with a cowboy twang, "There's a shake in my boot!" to which someone responded, "Shake your bootie!" and a tradition was set.

Truthfully, it's still a work in progress. The chicklets say we have to settle on an official Schmatterday feast to round out the celebration. Over the years we've noshed on assorted hors d'oeuvres, Mexican and Chinese take-out. This year we gave turkey and all the fixins' a try.  Our brood isn't sure we have found "the one" yet, but we're leaning towards Chinese take-out as the "keeper".

Last year we shared the "holiday" with my parents. We were going through some rough times with the death of my sister, but the kids asked if we could still "do" Schmatterday. They needed the comfort of routine in their little world right then, so we went ahead with it. It still brings a smile to my face when I picture my eighty-six year old daddy raising his glass and shaking it as he said the "Official Schmatterday Toast" with just the right touch of country twang. It was just what we needed to bring a bit of joy back in our lives.

Now that it's become a tradition, we treat those silly boot glasses with tender loving care. It would be a tragedy if one broke! I have managed to find a few more at thrift stores, but I could kick myself in the bootie for not getting all of them that I saw at that first sale. I mean, what are the grandkids going to drink out of someday???

Am I getting carried away? Maybe just a little, but one thing is for sure, this is a tradition my littles look forward to each year.

"There's a shake in my boot!

Shake your bootie!"

The Official Schmatterday Toast

Don't forget ... ya gotta shake it and say it like a cowboy. Yee haw!

Keeping Watch

2011-11-29T17:04:00.002-05:00

Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn't know you had, and dealing with fears you didn't know existed.

Linda Wooten

I'm sitting here keeping a close watch over the Little Prince as he naps. Per doctor's orders, I am to rouse him in about a half an hour to make sure he wakes. Why you ask? My little guy decided to take a swan dive off of a kitchen chair this afternoon and landed smack dab on his noggin. Within what seemed like seconds, he had a large, bruising goose egg right in the middle of his beautiful forehead. I tried not to panic, but it was hard not to recall last Christmas Eve. The little man did the exact same thing and we ended up in an emergency room at 10 o'clock praying the results of my baby's CAT scan would come back normal. Thank God there was no permanent damage then, but I couldn't help but wonder if we would be so lucky a second time.

Ever since his rough start in this world (ie. spending his first two weeks in intensive care) I have always had a fear that something might happen to my baby boy. It's not always front and center in my thoughts, but it is always there, lingering in the back of my mind. A little nagging feeling that maybe I should just wrap this kid up in bubble wrap and play it safe. Irrational? Ok, I'll admit maybe a little, but I can't seem to help it.

I am sure this is going to work out fine. God's in control and my worrying will be for naught, but could you please keep us in your prayers? I'm not sure which one of us needs it more :)

UPDATE: The Little Prince appears to have no lasting effects from his tumble. Mama Hen has a few more gray hairs, but he is as good as new. Thank you for your prayers.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T23:36:00.000-05:00

My blogging has been somewhat intermittent lately. Poor internet connections and keeping chicklets with cabin fever from going postal (it's hunting season in our neck of the woods and I'm a bit hesitant about letting the littles out of doors to freely roam when gunshots are sounding all around) are mostly to blame. Add to the mix the fact that the Little Prince has decided that sleep ... specifically naps ... are entirely optional as of late. You see, his nap time was when I got to go online. I've tried explaining to him that Mama Hen needs her computer time, but so far he's being uncooperative... the little poop! I am sure he will return to his regular schedule soon (God help me if he's done with naps already!) and I'll be back to prolific blogging in no time. Until then, I guess sporadic posts will have to do:(

Last year I blogged every day in the month of November about the things I was grateful for in my life at the time. I dubbed the series of blog posts Attitude of Gratitude. It was a life-changing endeavor and even though I didn't commit to daily gratitude blog posts this November, I can honestly say I have been more cognizant of all that I have been blessed with throught this entire past year. Almost every night as I put my chicklets to bed, we make a list of the things we are grateful for that day. In doing this, I hope to pass onto them the same gift from God last year's "experiment" was to me ... the ability to find joy in everyday things.

It is a true blessing to be able to have a thankful heart, even in the midst of chaos. A blessing for which I am eternally grateful for ... not just at Thanksgiving, but the whole year through.

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.

Melody Beattie

The Cheesy Smile

2011-11-22T22:32:00.001-05:00

I've never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful.

Author Unknown

It just about inevitable. At some point all chicklets go from having those cute baby grins to giving you that "cheesy smile" every time you try to take their picture. The Little Prince is there right now. And even though it makes for less than perfect pictures, I wouldn't trade it for a second ... he's still beautiful in my book!

Christmas State of Mind

2011-11-18T18:21:00.003-05:00

“Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind. ”

Mary Ellen Chase

Maybe it's because I've been listening to Christmas music so much lately, but I am in a serious "Christmas State of Mind." Actually, it's more likely because I just love all things Christmas. Okay, well maybe not all things, but enough that I might even go as far to say I have a ~~slight~~ serious addiction and that Pinterest has become my enabler. Take a look at some of the stuff I am "crushing on" right now...

source: Pinterest

I seriously must find some time to "get my craft on" and recreate some of these beauties. Snow ... glitter ... bright shiny objects? My heart is all a twitter!!!

Bickering Brood

2011-11-16T16:41:00.000-05:00

Motherhood at the moment is, in a word ... challenging. My chicklets are constantly bickering. The older ones are at it almost every waking moment, and the Little Prince is not being all that charming either. Of course, it doesn't help that the Geek is out of town on an extended business trip. Solo parenting is never an easy endeavor with this brood.

Boy Wonder is hyper vigilant and quick to point out the Munchkin's errors (real or perceived). Truthfully, he has done this her entire life ... it's a long story maybe for another day ... but suffice it to say, it's part of who he is. Sometimes it's worse than others ... this is one of those times. Sometimes it's easier to ignore than others ... this is not one of those times.

To make matters worse, the Munchkin is in full on Drama Queen mode. According to her, everyone hates her ... nobody loves her ... wah! wah! wah! I suggested she go eat some worms, but the humor was lost on her and my words were met with more abhorrently annoying whining. In her angst, she is pushing all of Boy Wonders "buttons" and is just peeved with anything and everything the Little Prince does. Yay!

I guess my biggest problem right now is learning how to deal with sibling rivalry. I was the youngest of five children and most of my siblings had flown (or were just about to) the coop by the time I made my appearance. I grew up essentially like an only child and never really experienced sibling rivalry. For that reason, my brood's incessant squabbling is foreign to me. I have no idea if this is normal or not.

Pardon my disillusionment, but I always dreamed my kids would get along better than this. The first two were spaced out far enough (seven years) that I thought there would not be all that much fighting. Sure, I thought maybe the occasional grumpy confrontation, but not all day, everyday. To say this is killing me, might not be all that much of an exaggeration. I am sure it has got to be affecting my blood pressure, because it's certainly causing my stress level to skyrocket.

I've tried talking with them, pleading with them, grounding them, and taking away their prized possessions. Oh, and while I am not proud to say this, I have yelled ... oh how I have yelled. Yelling, sadly, seems to have the greatest impact. It's the one thing that makes them stop, unfortunately it doesn't last for too long. I just don't understand why they just can't get along ... even for a day. Any suggestions? Anything at all?

I know this too shall pass, at least I'm praying it does (are you listening up there, God?) but I gotta be honest... this is so not what I planned. It's not what I thought motherhood would be like at all ... it's sooooo much tougher than I ever imagined in my wildest dreams! There are days where I just don't feel up to the challenge. I think to myself, "I am not strong enough to handle this!" That's often when I remember this quote...

"I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much."

Mother Teresa

Ain't that the truth! I know God has brought me to this point in life and He will surely bring me through it, I just honestly wish it was a little less painful. I wish I had three angelic chicklets that got along famously, but I don't. I just need to accept that, I guess and plunder on with this mommy gig. If I'm lucky, they'll turn out decent and if I'm not ... well, I guess they'll get their money's worth on the therapist's couch someday :)

for reals, God? cuz' i'm not so sure sometimes :)

Too Soon?

2011-11-14T19:07:00.001-05:00

I'm one of "those people" ... you know the kind that listen to Christmas music all year round. I make no apologies ... I love it. Maybe I have elf blood in my family tree??? I do, however, live with someone who doesn't necessarily share my affinity for "holiday cheer". The Geek has always felt Christmas music should only be played between Thanksgiving and December 31st. After twenty-two years of marriage we have come to a compromise (of sorts). This involved many long heated discussions and promises of baked goods of the Geeks choosing, but I can gleefully say Christmas music may now make an appearance here on the farm at any time throughout the year, albeit only in very small doses outside of the "official" holiday season. From November 1st until the end of the holidays, it may be played 24/7 if the mood strikes. I love that man, as I said before ... he "gets" me!

I prefer to listen to my own "private" collection of yuletide tunes (I won't even tell you how many holiday CDs I own ... it is a little bit embarrassingly excessive, I'll admit) I am not a big fan of all the commercial "hoopla" that comes with public radio stations at this time of year. They also tend to play the same songs/versions over and over and even I have to draw the line at "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" after the 1000th time :)

So what about you? Are you a year-round caroler or do you limit your holiday cheer to December? As a special treat for my like-minded music lovers ... I've added my Christmas playlist on this blog. It's got some of my favorites and I'll try to add more if internet connections allow. And remember ...

"The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear."

Buddy the Elf

Poultry Palooza

2011-11-07T17:48:00.000-05:00

palooza (noun): An exaggerated event.

source

Palooza ... I can't think of a more fitting word/definition for the Crossroads of America Poultry Club National Convention we just attended in Indianapolis.

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine, if you will, two exhibition halls the size of four Super Wally Worlds filled to the brim with cages containing just shy of 11,000 chickens, ducks and a few turkeys. You read that right, eleven and three zeros ... 11,000 birds!!! It was definitely an exaggerated event! And L-O-U-D!!! And something I never imagined myself saying ... fun!

My brood had a great time. Their birds didn't win any trophies, but the littles did. Both the Munchkin and Boy Wonder competed in the Showmanship Nationals along with about 200 other poultry-fact spewing kids. This competition was not for the weak of heart or mind. It really was a marathon-like event running from 9 in the morning until close to 6 at night. By the time they handed out awards, my kiddos and their birds were pooped out and wanted to just find a nice comfy spot and take a nap.

yes, that chicken is sitting in a stroller ... hey, she was tired and needed a place to rest:)

They were divided into age groups and the Munchkin took home Third Place Pee Wee Division honors "in the whole United States of America, got to shake a TV star's hand and got $30 cash!" as she likes to tell people whenever she gets a chance. P Allen Smith (of PBS fame) handed out all the trophies and prizes to the Junior Show competitors. But of course the camera batteries died right then and I have no photos of the award presentations :(

Check out the trophy ... it's a Spotted Hen ... is that too cute or what?????

Boy Wonder's competition was really fierce and despite a great job and a nail biting tie-breaker, he didn't make it into the top five trophy winners. His score of 97 out of 100 earned him Sixth Place Intermediate Division honors in the nation. The judges couldn't offer him really any pointers for improvement and just told him to keep up the good work. Needless to say he was disappointed, but his loss was cushioned just a bit by his Second Place honors for the Photography Competition and his "major award" (quick ... what movie is that from???) ... a $3 coupon for chicken feed. He did get a nice plaque, a baseball cap and a handshake from P Allen Smith too.

Purina was a major sponsor for the Junior portion of the entire show. They provided prizes for the Junior exhibitors and feed for all of the birds at the show. The Geek read somewhere it came to about 3 tons of feed over the course of four days ... wowza!

Boy Wonder was able to purchase two new chickens for his flock. His birds' bloodline is getting kinda murky so he used some connections he's made over the years and was able to purchase a prize-winning pair from a major breeder. Who woulda thunk "connections" were needed in the poultry world! I'm pretty sure this isn't one of the new birds, but they look something like this and I had to include at least one photo of my smallest chicklet in this post.

Just had to share one of the breeder's sense of humor. He does this to draw attention to his sales area. The birds are really good show birds he dyes somehow. Asked ... he won't reveal his method :)

Some people got really bent out of shape, but he is a very humane person (and a veterinarian) and ensures this is not harmful to the birds at all. Once they molt, they'll return to all white Silkies well worth their $50 price tag to a poultry connoisseur I'm told.

All in all, it was a true "poultry palooza" and we can't wait until next time. The Nationals only happen once every four years, but there are smaller venues going on almost monthly across the country. I don't know how far we might be willing to travel ... but there may be a road trip in our near future. I hear there's a big show in Columbus, Ohio next weekend :)

Feeling Fall-ish

2011-11-05T15:32:00.000-04:00

I am sitting here in a hotel room in beautiful western Pennsylvania with three less than pleasant chicklets. It appears that they are in need of some serious playtime. Being cooped up in a car and hotel rooms for the past week is starting to lose just a tad bit of its charm. Thankfully, there is a park nearby where I can "run 'em" before we pack up for the long ride home this afternoon.

I am enjoying a little high speed internet before we return to the farm and it's far less than stellar internet. I've said it before, but I cannot fathom how we can put a man on the moon and yet I cannot get high speed internet on my ol' farmstead.

As you can see, I took the opportunity to "decorate" my blog for fall. I am not all that pleased with the look, but I don't have time mess with it anymore right now and I'll be changing it soon again for the holidays anyway. My blog look just seemed too "summery" for me and I wanted to celebrate fall alittle.

Fall is by far my favorite season of the year. It's partly because my birthday and anniversary are in the fall, but it's more than that. I love the colors of the season ... the reds, golds and oranges that only God's paintbrush can master. I love the smells of fall ... the apples and the pumpkin spice .... oh, the pumpkin spice! The cooler temps are right up my alley too! I am a sweater and jeans girl all the way.

I think one of the things that makes fall so special is it's shortness. Before I know it, it's time for boots and mittens and all I'm left with is sweet memories 'til next year.

Hope you are enjoying fall wherever you are ... I know I am :)

Am I Coming or Going?

2011-11-03T21:25:00.000-04:00

This is one of those weeks where even though I'm having fun, I'll be glad when it's all over. Seriously, I don't know whether I am going or coming ... and the truth is ... it's both.

Last weekend we were in Indianapolis for the Crossroads of America National Poultry Show. I've got lots to share about that and I will, I promise. It's just that we made a quick stop home for a few days and I have a pile of laundry to get through before we are off again to tag along with the Geek on a business trip. I'll post more about our jaunts when we get home.

Here's a peek at the chicklets all decked out in their Halloween outfits. Just in case you can't tell, the Munchkin was a Glamorous Witch, Boy Wonder channeled his inner Cowboy and the Little Prince did his best impersonation of a cow. We had fun, but we missed our "tradition" of sharing the holiday with my sister and brother-in-law. We know change is inevitable, but it just wasn't all that fun for any of us. We loved the little town where they use to live and decided that next year we're going back there to trick or treat. It won't be the same without them, but at least we can keep up part of the tradition.

A Little Confession

2011-10-26T17:00:00.000-04:00

I read alot. I am not picky, books, magazines, pamphlets, the back of cereal boxes ... I love the written word. I don't limit myself to printed media only, either. In fact, reading blogs is one of my favorite things to do. I have several that I try to read daily. They are written by women who, like me, write about their faith, family and lives.  These ladies put their daily ups and downs into words with a flair that has garnered them a large number of loyal readers who regularly comment on their blogs, myself included.

I have a little confession to make. At risk of sounding like a baby ... I had begun to wonder why they get all the glory and I am lucky if I have even one or two regular readers. What do they have that I don't?  Why can't I open up my blog and see several comments waiting for me?   Why can't people tell me I had put into words just what they had been thinking? Why can't I get me some of that bloggy-love? How come they get it and not me???

Yeah,  you could say I was a teensy weensy bit jealous.  Pretty sad, eh? I know I needed to put on my big girl pants and just get over it, but it was hard not to be a little envious.  Thank goodness, God is bigger than my petty jealousy. He saw where I was headed and put these words from Galatians on my heart.

Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.

Galatians 6:5

The Message

Is that spot on to what I was feeling or what? (He never ceases to amaze me how He does that!) I am not an published author or a prolific artist like some of the bloggers whose work I read. I am a stay at home mom from the Midwest whose circle of influence is quite frankly not all that big. While it's true I may not possess the power to impress the world, God has blessed me with the opportunity to share my stories here on this little ol' blog. Maybe what I have to say will resonate with my small audience --- maybe it won't --- but God's Word assures me that's not something I need to worry about. I just have to do my "creative best" with what I have and God will take care of the rest.

What about you, o' faithful reader or two? Do you ever suffer from a bout of "blog envy" or am I the only one who caves to the green-eyed monster of jealousy every now and then? Please share. It gets lonely talking to myself sometimes.

Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings instead of your own.

Harold Coffin

Smitten with Knittin'

2011-10-21T17:24:00.002-04:00

"Really, all you need to become a good knitter are wool, needles, hands, and slightly below-average intelligence. Of course, superior intelligence, such as yours and mine, is an advantage."

Elizabeth Zimmerman

My niece and I are taking knitting lessons at a local yarn shop. I didn't want to at first. I could think of a hundred excuses why now was not a good time to learn how to knit. Money's tight, we only have one car, the house is a mess, my butt's too big ... you get the drift. But then I remembered my birthday challenge to myself, specifically pushing myself to try new things and finding more time for me. I said yes and I am so glad I did.

Do you knit or crochet? I taught myself to crochet several years ago, but never really got into it until now. This time around, I have discovered that knitting is more than just a piece of string and a couple of pointy sticks. I have found that when I sit down and knit, the load of stress upon my shoulders starts to lighten. There's something magic about the steady repetion of stiches that soothes me. ***

"In the rhythm of the needles, there is music for the soul."

Unknown

I've also found that the lessons are so much more than just a few woman gathered around a table armed with patterns, needles and bunch of yarn. These sessions are a safe haven where women can share their ups and downs of life with one another. A place where someone will really listen to your stories and laugh (or cry) with you. There is a camaraderie there that forms so quickly and so naturally, I've never experienced anything like it before in my life.

"Properly practiced, knitting soothes the troubled spirit, and it doesn't hurt the untroubled spirit, either."

Elizabeth Zimmerman

*** I should note, that at this point when I drop a stitch or knit when I shoulda purled, (as I have far too many times ... grrrr!) the whole relaxation thingy sorta flies out the window. I am trying hard to learn to just let go and enjoy the act of knitting and accept that sometimes things don't go as you plan. Sometimes you can fix things, but sometimes you just have to make a new beginning ... wow, another one of those metaphors for life :)

Hanging on 'til Naptime

2011-10-18T15:43:00.001-04:00

It has been one of "those" weeks. Every mother has 'em and if you don't... well you must be either in serious denial or just plain freakin' June Cleaver.

I love my chicklets. I really do, but this has been one of those weeks where I sometimes question my decision to become a mother.

“Mothers of teenagers know why animals eat their young”

Unknown

Oh, I always come back to the "yes, my life is fuller because of them" and "yes, they are a blessing" and all that jazz, but a teensy weensy part of me daydreams about what life would be like with a little less mess, a little less noise and in the case of this week ... a lot less sassy-ness.

I swear that Boy Wonder has (as one friend described her own son) been taken over by an alien life form. He is at times, nearly impossible to live with.

"I'm right behind teenagers who are tired of being harassed by their dumb parents! Take a stand now! Move out of home, find work and pay your own way - while you're still clever enough and know everything."

Unknown

He has always been a handful, but puberty has really ignited a monster within. Actually, he kind of vacillates between decent human being and raging beast, sometimes within seconds. It catches me so off guard, despite my best efforts I lose my cool. I hear myself and I think, "This Mama Hen needs to take a little time out."

The problem with disciplining a teenager is that in no time at all you begin to sound like one yourself.

Unknown

Anyone else going through this? Any suggestions on how to handle the not so glorious teenage years? I once read that this phase of child rearing is like riding the rapids on a river. You're in a raft and you're all gonna make it out alive (hopefully) but you've got a lot of rough water to get through. You gotta just hold on and paddle and pray it's all over soon.

I like that analogy, but at the same time I don't. I've always tried to "enjoy" each stage of my kiddos' lives. I tried to not just look ahead, but be in the moment. Yes, even with the "terrible twos" ... which I am going through with the Little Prince right now too (Lucky me!) I don't want to miss Boy Wonder's teenage years and I certainly don't want to be "at war" with him the entire time either.

Most days I can clearly see the light at the end of the tunnel, but somedays I don't. There are days when I just barely have the strength to hang on until nap time. Today is one of those days. I won't beat myself up about it, I just wish there was a better way sometimes, you know?

"I'd like to be the ideal mother, but I'm too busy raising my kids."

Unknown

Wordless Wednesday: Neatness Counts

2011-10-12T16:28:00.004-04:00

Wordless Wednesday posts are something many bloggers do on Wednesdays (duh!). The idea behind it is to post a photograph with no words to explain (hence the "wordless" in the title...double duh!). Occasionally when I am feeling a little less verbose than normal, I play along. Here's my latest attempt.

I know the title says wordless, but if you know me (which you most likely do if you are reading my blog) ... "wordless" is not exactly in my repertoire. Perhaps "A Little Less Wordy Wednesday" would be more apropos, but it doesn't have the same catchy ring to it, ya know? Anyway...

As a home school parent, I am sometimes lax on requiring neatness when it comes to assignments from my chicklets. I expect their work to be legible, but I am pretty lenient. However, every once in a while I "demand" that their work ... especially their handwriting assignments ... be especially neat. I mean heaven forbid that someday they have a job at let's say, the local ~~caffiene dealer~~ coffee shop and someone orders a French Vanilla cappucino. Perhaps they would write the order (which in this case should be FV) on the cup lid, fill it and hand it over to the customer. Now if they haven't taken the time to write neatly (as their dear Mama Hen has so patiently taught them), the customer just might get the wrong "message" like I did this morning.

I'm just sayin' ... neatness count sometimes, dontcha agree??

Bragging Rights

2011-10-11T16:32:00.002-04:00

I don't know how your weekend was, but mine was for the birds. Literally. Boy Wonder and the Munchkin were in a showmanship competition at a poultry show. Boy Wonder has been doing this for several years now, but this was the Munchkin's first "real" competition. And let me tell you, these things are fierce.

As I you may know, the chicklets are a part of 4H. Like many 4H-ers, they are involved in several projects besides just poultry. In 4H poultry competitions there are kids who know chickens, in fact some who know a whole lot about chickens, but Boy Wonder's ability to retain and "regurgitate" (what seems like) a mind-numbing amount of poultry knowledge usually gives him an edge. "Official" poultry shows are a different story. Alot of the competitors are the children of "hard core" poultry breeders (something the Geek and I are not) and as such have been "marinated" in all things poultry most of their little lives. To even place in the top ten is really an accomplishment for "regular" folks like us.

The Munckin had a bit of "stage jitters" and was feeling like a failure even before the contest began. We gave her the old "it's not whether you win or lose" pep talk and hoped for the best. She was competing in the 5 - 9 year old division, so some of the kids she was up against had been doing this for almost 5 years. She gave it her best shot, but we were sure she didn't place too high and again told her how proud we were of her for trying.

Boy Wonder's competition was even fiercer. Some of his competition had been doing this for almost ten years (twice as long as he's been at it). The kid is a wealth of poultry facts, but he has his weak areas. He knows alot about chickens, but not so much about other types of poultry (i.e. turkeys, ducks, pheasants, etc.) and that's what we felt could cost him in the end at this contest.

When it came time for the awards to be presented, we all thought the kids would get their "participant" ribbons and we'd call it a day. We never expected the Munchkin to claim "First Place Novice Division"!!! Boy Wonders "Third Place Intermediate Division" was the icing on the cake :)

We are planning to attend the "nationals" in Indianapolis at the end of the month. I am sure the competition will be even stiffer, but I think my chicklets are going to be up for the challenge. We've got three weeks to cram their little noggins full of everything poultry. It may be a longshot, but who knows? Like I told the Munchkin last Saturday... even if they do not come home with a trophy, as long as they do their best, they have done something they can definitely be proud of.

Where I Belong

2011-10-07T11:03:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I wonder ...

... what would have happened if I hadn't gone to college.

... what would have happened if I hadn't taken that job at the beach that summer to help pay for college.

... what would have happened if I had decided not to go to that party with people from the beach.

... what would have happened if I'd never had the nerve to ask him out.

... what would have happened if he hadn't said, "Yes."

... what would have happened if I had not decided to switch colleges (and majors for the bazillionth time)

... what would have happened if we hadn't said,, "I do."

... what would have happened if we had decided to wait just a while longer to have kids.

... what it would have happened if we hadn't had any.

... what it would have happened if we had stopped at one ... or at two.

... what it would have happened if I was still working outside the home.

... what it would have happened if the kids weren't home schooled.

No matter what I wonder about, I know I am one of the luckiest people in the world. When it all comes right down to it, I realize all my choices have led me to where I am today. And although sometimes I wonder if I am going to lose my sanity, there's really no need to wonder ... I'm right where I should be.

Sometimes a song says it best...

Don't really know how I got here

But I'm so glad that I did

And it's crazy to think that one little thing

Could have changed all of it

Maybe it didn't turn out like I planned

Maybe that's why I'm such a lucky woman

For every stoplight I didn't make

Every chance I did or I didn't take

All the nights I went too far

All the boys that broke my heart

All the doors that I had to close

All the things I knew but I didn't know

Thank God for all I missed

Cause it led me here to this.

lyrics from Darrius Rucker's "This"

slightly paraphrased by yours truly :)

Twenty-two years ago today, I was blessed to be able to marry my best friend. I went to a wedding this past summer and the maid of honor gave a toast to the bride and groom. She said life is like a roller coaster and it's important to have someone right next to you on the wild and crazy ride to laugh with at the peaks, cry with in the valleys and hold on tight to in the twists and turns. I've got that and that's something I never want to take for granted.

Happy Anniversary Geek!
You're my best!

He Gets Me

2011-10-06T16:48:00.000-04:00

I had a nice birthday. Despite one of our roosters deciding to kick the bucket on my special day, it turned out to be a pretty one. The weather was picture perfect and my brood actually got along ... which is always pleasant.

I got phone calls from my siblings all wishing me a happy day. I always love it when my oldest brother calls. He always identifies himself by saying, "Hello, this is your brother XXXXX." Like after 46 years I wouldn't know who he is. In fact my oldest sister does the same thing. It cracks me up every time.

My parents called me too. They were enroute to their home back in Florida. Let me just say, I am so glad they are back safe and sound. I worry about them driving that far at their age, but heaven forbid I suggest Daddy might be too old to drive it himself! That's coming soon, I fear, but I'll think about that another day.

I did miss one phone call this year. This was the first birthday that I can remember that I didn't hear my "birth story" from my big sister. Before she passed away, every year she would make up a story about the day I was born. Sometimes the stories were outlandish and sometimes they were closer to the truth. I don't know why she ever started doing it, but it was definitely something I looked forward to and it is something I will always miss on my birthday now that she is gone.

Of course there was cake and presents on my special day too. My brood baked my favorite kind of cake since I was a little girl ... cherry chip with pink frosting ... yum! As for presents ... Boy Wonder gave me a framed antique birthday card which I have the perfect spot for in my bedroom. The Munchkin made me an adorable handmade card and the Geek gave me a couple of good magazines, some Swedish chocolate, a beautiful bottle of perfume and a way cool shiny lime green pocket knife. Talk about being prepared in the case of any emergency ... with chocolate, a sweet looking sharp knife and a dab of perfume -- I am ready for anything that comes my way!

Yep, he gets me all right

Another Year Older

2011-10-04T17:11:00.000-04:00

Birthdays to me are a lot like New Year's ... they are a chance to start anew. What's done is done and God has granted me another year to make the best of my time on this ol' ball of dirt. With that in mind, I decided to do a little "soul-searching" and come up with a few things that I could challenge myself to do over the course of the next year.

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.

Les Brown

Assuming Mr. Brown is right on the money, my goals for myself for the next year in no particular order are...

Spend more deliberate time with God. I go to church. I pray before meals. I pray with the kids at bedtime. I pray myself at bedtime. I have been known to crack open the Bible and read every now and then. I rely my faith in God to get me through this craziness that is my life, but I know in my heart my faith could be soooooo much more. I want to make time everyday for God. A quiet time where I can just be still and connect with The One who gives me strength.

Hug more and yell less. Being home with my chicklets 24/7 is a blessing and I am grateful beyond words that I can do it but... I am only human. There are ~~days,~~ ~~weeks,~~  moments when I am amazed that the human race has continued to survive. I jest (a bit), but I must admit I sometimes (all too often) find myself raising my voice in anger when maybe I should just cork it, grab my offspring and wrap 'em up in a big ol' hug instead.

Make more time for me. It's easy to put myself at the bottom of the list. Being a wife and mother (more specifically, a stay at home, homeschooling mother of three ... including at least two with special needs)  were done by choice and I respect that with those choices comes a lot of self-sacrifice. It's easy to get so caught up in the mayhem and not take time to "recharge" myself. Not only do I end up hurting myself, but those who depend upon me suffer too. Time out for me needs to be a top priority and not just something I do every once in a blue moon.

Take a step (or two or three) outside my comfort zone. This one can apply to so many aspects of my life. Next weekend our family has signed up to go door to door collecting can goods for the local food bank. It's one thing for me to make a donation, but to go out and encourage others to do the same is a real stretch for me. On a much less altruistic bent, I am planning to take a stand-up comedy class at a community college next month. I don't fancy myself a comic, but I can't think of a much bigger step out of my comfort zone than "exposing" myself onstage. Basically, I just want to take more chances and push myself to do things I might normally shy away from.

Become an author. I blog with some regularity, but I would like to challenge myself to write something even more substantial ... like a novel. It is something I have tossed around inside my head for a while now. I've done a lot of the groundwork. I've read a lot --- not only books on the craft of writing, but books in the genre I am most interested in. I've contacted authors and picked their brains for advice. I think it's time to stop over thinking it, and just do it. Someone told me recently (that'd be you Courtney) that "if it's in your heart to do it, go for it...and you may never know what may come of it, but I've heard many teachers say that even if you're never published, God can use your writing to speak to your soul..."  and goodness knows my soul could use a little speakin' to :)

Well, that turned out to be quite a list. The bottom line ... I am going to not only make time for God in my life, I am going to make time for me. I am going push myself to do more, be more, live more and love more.

Sounds like a plan :)

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.

T.S. Eliot

Remember When You Were A Kid ....

2011-10-03T17:38:00.001-04:00

Remember when you were a kid?

Well, part of you still is

And that's why we make Faygo

"The Faygo Boat Song"

circa 1970s

If you are singing the rest of that song right now in your head, you may have been a kid in the early 1970s like yours truly ... specifically in an area where Faygo brand pop was sold. I can still remember most of the words and occasionally entertain my chicklets with a slightly off key rendition. They sell it pretty much everywhere now and I like to treat myself to a nice cold Faygo "pop" every once in a while ... with "Rock and Rye" being my favorite, all-time, number one pick.

source: pinterest

Speaking of things from my youth ... the Munchkin and I went to the thrift store today to take a gander at some dress up clothes for her highness. The actress has grown out of much of her costume wardrobe and that will never do! Anyway on the way out I spotted this little guy. I don't think he's vintage (although his tag does say "1969"), but he looks just like one I use to have as a kid and I couldn't resist his 49 cent price tag. He looks perfect up on the shelf in my "creative space" smiling down on me with his ~~somewhat creepy~~ clown smile.

Is it just me, or could anyone else go for an order of fries and a Coke right about now?

When Will I Learn?

2011-09-28T16:22:00.001-04:00

My life has been full of terrible misfortunes most of which never happened.

Michel de Montaigne

I have a confession to make. I am a worrier. I come from a long line of worriers ... I am sure it's genetic.   My mother is a worrier of epic proportions and (unfortunately) I blossomed under her tutelage. On the plus side, I am not nearly as bad as my mother, but sadly I still succumb to it much more than I should.

I know it's wrong. I know I shouldn't do it, but I'm only human and it gets the best of me. The worst part, I know nearly all of what I worry about will never come to pass and all I'll have done is wasted precious time for naught.   When will I learn?

The Geek made it home safely from his business trip despite driving six hours in the dark through pouring rain. My worry had absolutely no bearing on his safety.   "Single Parenting" for the duration of his trip turned out to be a rather easy task. Once again, my worrying had no impact on that. And jury duty that I had been called to... the same one I fretted about how I was going to manage to do it and take care of the kids if the Geek was unable to work from home ... well, it was a bust as I was dismissed and sent home before lunch. Worrying about it didn't change a thing, except to give me a big ol' headache beforehand.   When will I learn?

They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but I sure hope they are wrong. Like the Munchkin's favorite Sunday School song says, "Jesus loves me this I know!" I may be weak, but He is strong. I pray that with His strength, this ol' hen might finally learn to "Let Go and Let God"

Miracles can happen, right?

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.

Corrie Ten Boom

Seeing the Good

2011-09-27T18:15:00.001-04:00

Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day.

Author Unknown

I love that quote. It really makes a difference when I follow it's directive and look for the good. It reminds me of one of my favorite Bible verses.

Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.

Philippians 4:6-7 (CEV)

Again, great advice that I sometimes forget to heed. It never ceases to amaze me how an attitude of gratitude can change everything. The bad stuff doesn't just disappear, but it no longer has the "power" to cloud my day.

I still have a lot of "yuck" going on this week, but my change in focus is doing wonders. I am truly excited for my brother-in-law and this next chapter in his life. The Geek's absence hasn't been that bad and in fact the chicklets are actually not fighting for once. Boy Wonder said it's because I already had enough to deal with ... it's a miracle folks! I have a couple other things going on I'll tell you about later, but rather than dreading the time they are taking away from all I have to do at home ... I have started to actually look forward to the chance to break away from my "obligations" for a day or so.

Because it's a fine line between comfort and overdoing it, and since I am the "Queen of Lack of Self Control When It Comes to All Things Sweet," I figured it was best to share my latest stash of comfort food with others. (Sorry if you weren't on the receiving end and wanted to be. I guess that means you'll just have to drop by for a visit and I'll whip you up your very own sweet treat to take home ... I promise.) I think giving away my "goodies" helped to cheer me up too. I often find it's uplifting to put a smile on a person's face by showing you love them. And for me, nothing says "I Love You" like cooking and sharing food with someone. The pumpkin fudge, by the way, was described by one recipient as 'little bites of heaven" ... yes, it really is that good!

Down in the Dumps

2011-09-26T16:53:00.002-04:00

Food is the most primitive form of comfort.

Sheila Graham

I am feeling a bit down in the dumps. My parents have left and begun their trek back home. My sweet brother-in-law is moving away by the end of the month. The Geek has gone out of town for business. The chicklets are cranky (most likely because of all the change) and to top it off I have a bad cold. At times like these I find the best medicine is either a nice bike ride or a good ol' dose of comfort food. Since it is raining cats and dogs right now (which I am sure is contributing to my stellar attitude) ... I'm going to opt for comfort food. I seem to also be suffering from a serious case of "pumpkin fever" at the moment, so this recipe looks like a perfect remedy for my "dumps". Here's my slightly edited version of the recipe complete with my ~~witty~~ commentary. Hope you like it.

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Here's what you need:

1 15 oz can of Pumpkin Puree

Someday I may go all "Martha" and make my own pumpkin puree from scratch ... today, however, is so not that day.

1 10 oz can Evaporated Milk

I almost made the mistake of using condensed milk ... I can't help but wonder what this would have tasted like if I had.

1 cup light brown sugar

Can I just say I am a huge fan of brown sugar? I am. I often use it instead of white while cooking. I know ... I'm such a rebel!

3 eggs

Farm fresh if you got 'em ... store bought if you don't. My chickens are being a little stingy with the egg delivery right now so I had to resort to using store bought large ones.

3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

Like I said in a previous post, you can buy this or you can make it yourself using a recipe like this one I just discovered.

1 box of yellow cake mix

I used my favorite brand, but since they don't pay me to advertise I'll say just use whatever brand you want.

1 cup (you read that right ... 2 sticks) of melted butter

This is comfort food, pure and simple. By definition it must be sweet, gooey, buttery, an/or crunchy and most definitely not fat free. Hey, I don't make the rules folks :)

1/2 cup coarsely crushed graham crackers

I'd go with the honey ones here ... but that's just my personal opinion. Experiment if you want ... I dare ya ;)

1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans

I had some walnuts so I used them and nobody complained.

1/2 cup toffee bits or white chocolate chips

The original recipe said that toffee chips were optional and I beg to disagree ... they are a must. This is comfort food, remember? Toffee chips are a two-fer ... sweet AND crunchy. I threw the suggestion of white chocolate chips up there because they sounded good too, but to be honest I didn't use them, but I would have if I'd had any in the house. Maybe next time.

Here's what you do:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Or if you have a octogenarian oven like mine, set it to whatever you need to to make it 350 degrees. My oven tends to be about 50 degrees off, but she's a sweet ol' gal so I cut her some slack. One of these days I'll get around to posting a picture of her ... she's a 1930 (give or take a year or two) six-burner Magic Chef gas stove and a dream to cook with.

Next you'll want to spray a 9×13 baking pan with some cooking spray. I didn't have any so I used some solid shortening and it worked just fine. Don't go overboard, just give it a light coating of the stuff. I just want to say here that I prefer to use glass pans when baking. They just always seem to give me better results. What about you? Are you a glass or a non-stick gal (or guy)?

Once you have your pan prepared. Grab a big ol' bowl and throw in the pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs and pumpkin pie spice. Make sure you stir it all up nice and good until it's all mixed together.

Now pour the pumpkin "stuff" into your pan and spread it all out real even.

Sprinkle your entire box of cake mix on top, followed by your nuts, graham crackers and toffee (or white chocolate chips if you are going that route)

Pour your two sticks (just try not to think about it, okay?) melted butter all over the top of your masterpiece.

Pop the baby in the oven and bake it for a good 45 to 50 minutes. You'll know it's done when the center is set and edges are all lightly browned.

Now I heavily suggest you cut yourself a slice while it's still warm. Top it off with a big scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream (or whipped cream if that's your poison) and a sprinkle of cinnamon and sit back and...

Enjoy!

Tastes Like Fall: Pumpkin Fudge

2011-09-23T16:56:00.003-04:00

Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread and pumpkin fudge.

a paraphrased and edited (by the spotted hen) quote

by Jim Davis

One of the sweetest words to my ears is "fudge". Pair that with the word "pumpkin" and I am yours. About two years ago the Geek and I discovered this yummy confection and I have had making a batch on my to do list. Well, I can finally check it off and say with gusto, "This one's a keeper!"

You can find this recipe in it's original entirety here on the blog "Every Creative Endeavor". I am sure it would be super duper as is, but I made a few changes to the original recipe so I'm gonna just go ahead and tell you how I did it. No matter how you do it, it's pretty quick and the perfect way to celebrate the first day of fall.

Pumpkin Fudge

Here's what you need:

1 1/2 cups sugar

I'm just talking the regular old run of the mill white stuff.

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

If you are a real "Martha-type" you could cook and puree up the stuff from scratch, but that's just too much work for me!

1/2 tsp salt

I like to use as little added salt as possible so I just used a pinch (closer to 1/4 tsp.) and it turned out just fine and dandy.

2/3 cup milk

Go with whole milk here folks. It's fudge for goodness sakes! If you are a real rebel, you could even use evaporated milk and make it even creamier. I had planned to do this, but forgot ... now I'll just have to make it again.

2 Tablespoon butter

I prefer to use the unsalted stuff, especially since the recipe calls for additional salt.

1 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

I had a jar of this in my cupboard, but you can make this up yourself using a recipe like this one using a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice.

1 12 oz package vanilla baking chips

I used Toll House brand and I was not disappointed.

2 cups mini marshmallows

Any brand will do ... I used my local grocery stores brand and they worked perfectly. You could substitute a 7 oz. jar marshmallow fluff if you're feeling so moved. I plan to try making it with fluff the next time I do this just to make it a bit easier on myself.

1 1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Use the best stuff you can afford and PUH-LEASE only the REAL stuff. If there is one thing I have learned as I become a better cook is that what you make is only as good as the ingredients you use :) Incidently, I misread the original recipe and used 1 1/2 tsp. of vanilla. I'm a big vanilla fan anyway ... so no harm, no foul.

optional:

3/4 cup of chopped toasted pecans

I wasn't feeling particularly nutty enough to do this today, but I think I am gonna give it a try the next time I make it.

Families are like fudge... mostly sweet with a few nuts.

Anonymous

Here's what you do:

Line an 9 x 9 inch pan with foil making sure that the foil hangs over the edges of the pan. The original recipe said 8 x 8 inch pan, but I didn't have one and it worked out just hunky-dory. You'll want to spray the foil with non stick spray to make getting it out and eating it later easy peasy.

Dump the sugar, milk, pumpkin, butter, salt and pumpkin pie spice in a medium saucepan --- you'll be happy when you go to wash it if it's nonstick -- and give it a good stir. I didn't melt the butter first 'cuz I figured it'd do that pretty quick once I started cooking and I was right.

Here's the part that you might balk at a bit, I know I did. You are going to need to put the pan on medium heat and stir constantly until it boils and then keep stirring the boiling goop for 12 more minutes. I tend to avoid recipes that require constant stirring, especially ones that take a while, but do what I did. Put on some tunes and mindlessly stir and it'll all be over before you know it.

The original recipe did not call for a candy thermometer, but I had one so I decided to go ahead and use it. 12 minutes is about the time it takes to reach "soft ball stage" or 240°F. I don't know how crucial this is, but I do know one of the biggest complaints I saw on the web while looking for a pumpkin fudge recipe, was that sometimes the fudge didn't set up right for people. Knowing this I decided to err on the side of caution and use my handy dandy candy thermometer and the fudge turned out perfect. Bottom line, use a candy thermometer if you have one, or go all rogue and sans one if you don't and just take your chances.

Once it's at 240°F (or boiled for about 12 minutes), take the pan off the stove and stir in the vanilla, marshmallows, and vanilla chips. Keep stirring until it's all nice and smooth or do like me... stop when your arms starts to fall off and you figure what's a few unmelted marshmallows and vanilla chips gonna hurt.

Pour the sweet smelling mess into your the foil lined pan. Cover it with some plastic wrap or foil and put it in your refrigerator for an hour or so until it is set.

Once it's all set, pop it out of the pan onto a cutting board and cut yourself a piece. Pop it in your mouth and say "Mmmmmm!" Warning, this stuff is kinda rich, so start with a small piece or you'll end up with a belly ache like someone I know :)

Enjoy and Happy First Day of Fall!

Detours

2011-09-21T16:41:00.002-04:00

“Life is just like an old time rail journey … delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”

Gordon B. Hinckley

Detours. Love 'em or hate 'em, they are a fact of life. By definition, they are not anticipated and can cause a change of plans. I don't know about you, but my life is full of detours. Some welcome, some not so much, but all unexpected.

detour : a deviation from a direct course or the usual procedure;

source

Sometimes the detour is nice ... like a friend calling on the phone to chat when I had nothing to look forward to except doing laundry all afternoon ... anything to get out of house work :)

Sometimes the detour is a pain in the "you know what" ... like when I am running late to an appointment and an a traffic jam causes me to run even later.

Sometimes the detour is truly painful ... like an illness or a broken bone.

Sometimes the detour is just downright sad ... like a death or loss.

Last Sunday, our pastor at church challenged us to look really look at the detours in our lives. To see if some of these unexpected twists in the road might actually be opportunities for good. Specifically, he was talking about opportunities to share our faith with others outside of our "normal" circles, but I think his message applies to day to day living too.

My brood is notorious for creating detours for me. The day I have planned rarely ends up that way. Sometimes (more often than I care to admit) I become frustrated and may ... ahem ... become a bit short-tempered with my chicklets. I am trying to become more open to life's interruptions, but it's hard.

Another "detour" in my life right now is the fact that my brother-in-law is moving out of state. I am happy for him and the reasons he has chosen to go, but it's certainly not welcome. Not only am I going to miss him, it has caused me to re-visit my sister's death and the grief I thought was passed. I don't know why, but at times it has felt like losing her all over again and it's hard.

My parent's are getting ready to head back home to Florida. In fact, they had planned to leave tomorrow but my mother is experiencing some leg and back pain that has made them postpone their trip for a few days. It hasn't been easy watching them become frailer this past summer. It is only a matter of time until they move here permanently and rely on me even more. I will do it out of love for them, but it's not exactly what I had anticipated doing at this point in my life and it's hard.

The detours in my life have one thing in common ... they are hard. They throw me off course and if I'm not careful, I'll take it out on those I love. I am so thankful I don't have to do this all by myself.

“Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28 (CEB)

It's a fact that detours are a given in my life. They are going to happen no matter what I do or don't do. I will do myself and those that depend on me a great disservice if I don't learn to sit back and do my best to enjoy the ride. I may not like them, but as the popular saying goes ... "It is what it is"

A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery while on a detour.

Author Unknown

Pardon my Indolence

2011-09-15T16:08:00.001-04:00

I like the word "indolence." It makes my laziness seem classy.

Bern Williams

I am having a hard time finding the motivation to do the things I need to. Laundry and dishes are multiplying and begging to be done. Home school lessons need planning. Dust bunnies need slaying. I think you get the picture.

I had hoped that my time off would be rejuvenating. I thought I would come back refreshed and ready to tackle my to-do list with the gusto of a superwoman, but instead here I stand with a droopy cape and a run in my tights and not an ounce of super hero-ness in my aging body. What's up with that?

Apparently the Geek is suffering from the same affliction. Our time away did nothing more than leave him wanting even more time away from it all. Since that is not a possibility, he too is feeling deflated and totally lacking any of the oomph required to address the responsibilities piling up around us.

Any suggestions, friends? What do you do when your "get up and go" has got up and went? Inquiring minds want to know.

Now if you'll excuse me I think I'll join the Little Prince for his afternoon siesta. I know the smart thing would be to use the time to get a few things done. I'm just too exhausted just thinking about all the work I need to do and taking a nap sounds so much more inviting :)

My Reluctant Return

2011-09-12T16:11:00.000-04:00

Heaven on earth.

That's where I spent the last week. Ok, maybe not heaven since I had to share it with a little man who decided now was the time to try out screaming at the top of his lungs as his communication mode du jour. But besides that, my trip away with my brood was everything I could have hoped for and more ... great weather, awesome scenery and hardly a care in the world.

taken with my otherwise useless cell phone:)

I have to admit, it was unsettling the first time I looked down at my cell phone and saw "Leaving Service Area," but my uneasiness was soon replaced by a sense of peacefulness I find hard to put into words. Cell phones and the internet are such a part of my everyday life. I take for granted the fact that anything/anyone I need is merely a click or a few numbers punched away. If you had asked me if technology caused me stress before my trip I would have most likely said no, but now I know better. There is something so freeing about truly being away from it all. Although I was hesitant at first, now I look forward to the next time. Because believe me, there will be a next time ... there simply must.

In wilderness I sense the miracle of life, and behind it our scientific accomplishments fade to trivia.

Charles A. Lindbergh

Time Off for Good Behavior

2011-09-02T16:30:00.002-04:00

A Miracle?

2011-09-01T16:32:00.001-04:00

They say if you fall off a horse --- or in this ol' Mama Hen's case, a bicycle --- you need to get right back on. Well that's easy for "them" to say isn't it? They probably never were riding down a quiet country road when said bicycle decided to veer off to the left sending one unsuspecting Mama Hen flying into the air (much to the horror of her chicklets riding their bikes behind her) and then landing with a painful thud in the bottom of a eight-foot deep ditch, flat on her back with her bicycle on top of her .. now did they?

don't let this tranquil scene fool ya' folks ... that gravel puts the "d" in dangerous!!!!

If you have ever doubted whether the Big Guy Upstairs still performs miracles, I can emphatically tell you without any hesitation, "Yes, my friend He does!" I am no spring chicken and should be at the very least missing a feather or two, but with the exception of a bruised ego, I (and my trusty bicycle) came out unscathed. That is a modern day miracle if you ask me.

His huge outstretched arms protect you—

under them you're perfectly safe;

from Psalm 91

The Message

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-31T11:25:00.000-04:00

A lot of bloggers have chosen to make their Wednesday's posts wordless and just post a picture. Since my head is foggy and my thoughts are all discombobulated today thanks to allergies, I thought I might give it a try. I realize this post is not actually wordless now that I've written this ... oh well blame it on the fog :)

To the Point

2011-08-29T16:35:00.000-04:00

My eyes are itchy, my nose is runny and my head is throbbing ... yup, it's hay fever season. I can handle a day or two of the sniffles, but that ain't how hay fever rolls. Even though I am lamenting the passing of summer and all its wonderfulness...

I am looking forward to fall. Ya see folks, fall means frost and frost means no more hay fever and that's a VERY good thing in my book. So until Mr. Jack Frost stops by for a visit in my neck of the woods, they say that a picture's worth a thousand words ...

When He Smiles

2011-08-25T17:07:00.000-04:00

The Little Prince must be about to have some major developmental milestone. It seems like just before a major growth spurt or the like, he gets extremely out of sorts. This is usually coupled with a rough night or two, which is never fun. For the past couple of days, he has been in full-on stinker mode and last night was just about sleepless for both of us. I don't know about you, but I tend to be pretty ornery too when something (or someone) cuts in on my precious slumber time, so this is not boding well for the rest of my brood either.

The rugrat isn't sick, just throwing hellacious temper tantrums and getting into anything and everything. When he hears "No!" "Stop!" or "Don't Touch!" the little poop does just the opposite. Today he started drawing on things he shouldn't (like the furniture) and when Grandma tried to take the crayons away, he threw a handful of them right at her. Such a delightful child ... not!

Just when I am ready to pack him up and ship him off to anywhere but here, he goes and does something like this ...

... and my heart melts.

My little man is fully embracing the whole "Terrible Two" moniker right now. I keep reminding myself that this too shall pass in the blink of an eye. I won't go so far as to say I'll miss this stage, but I will miss the way his sweet little baby face shines when he turns on the charm.

"So quickly you grow with bounds and leaps but the sweetest memories are mine for keeps!"

Author Unknown

Finding the Good in Dirty Dishes

2011-08-24T17:50:00.007-04:00

source: Pinterest

Today is like most other days on the ol' farmstead. Clothes need to be laundered and put away. Mouths need feeding and meals need to be made. Dishes need washing and floors need sweeping. Just another day like the one before and the one tomorrow.

No matter how much I get done today, tomorrow morning I will have to get up and do it all over again. That is something that has often depressed me. Some days I have felt like "What's the point?" ... "Why even bother?" As a mother of children living at home it's pretty much a given that I will never truly be finished with all of my household tasks. Many times I have let that fact overwhelm me and cause me to look at all I have to do around the house with dread and self-pity.

But today, I have begun to feel a little differently about things. Today God has spoken to me through the writings of others (yes, I confess I did a little web-surfing in an attempt to procrastinate and put off housework) and He has made me see that there is a point. I should bother.

Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

Colossians 3:17

The Message

It's not about the dirty socks. It's not about the pile of pans in the sink or my chicklets asking when's dinner going to be ready for the hundredth time. It's about God. It's about doing it because He calls me to. It's about giving it my best not just to earn earthly thanks ... because let's face it, motherhood can be one of the most thankless jobs ... but as a way of showing God just how thankful I am for Him.

Wow.

Don't just do it for my ~~sometimes thankless~~ family ... do it for God.

It's amazing that one little change in focus could make such a major change in my attitude towards my never ending to-do list. Doing all things for the Glory of God makes even something like scrubbing toilets take on a greater purpose. It's an opportunity for me to show God how truly thankful I am that I am His.

At least for today (hey I'm only human and may need a reminder or two or three again in the future) I have shifted my focus heaven-ward. In doing so, my load has been lightened and I can see my chores as not only ways to show God my thankfulness to Him, but reminders of the blessings He has given me.

Thank God for dirty dishes;

They have a tale to tell.

While others may go hungry,

We're eating very well

With home, health, and happiness,

I shouldn't want to fuss;

By the stack of evidence,

God's been very good to us.

Author Unknown

Six

2011-08-22T17:24:00.000-04:00

Dear Munchkin,

Happy Birthday baby girl! Six years old today ... wowee! You are growing up so fast, do you think you could slow down just little bit? Pretty soon i won't be able to call you Munchkin any more :)

It seems like only yesterday i was holding my little princess in my arms, now you never sit still long enough for me to barely get a hug in. You have such a zest for living and I pray you never lose it. Where you get your larger-than-life personality, I will never know. I love how you break into song at the drop of a hat ... singing about whatever is rocking your world at the moment. You are my little drama queen. The world is your stage and you LOVE your audience. I don't know what God has planned for you Boo-bird, but I'm sure it's something B-I-G and I am so glad I am blessed to have a front row seat for it all!

Love ya!

Mama

xoxox

Sanctuary

2011-08-21T21:39:00.000-04:00

The Geek is usually what I would call a subtle romantic. He rarely writes me love notes. He does not regularly sing me love songs or buy me a bouquet of beautiful flowers. Although he has done all of those things, he normally shows his love in sublte, less "romantic" ways. He does the grocery shopping and most of the cooking. He changes poopy diapers without complaining. He washes his fair share of dishes and takes out the trash. He lets me know I am loved by doing all those "everyday things" that need doing all without being asked. But every once in a while he does something BIG. Something over the top. Something unexpected that takes my breath away and makes me feel so very loved. Something like this:

The Geek gave it to me with the promise to try and make sure I have the opportunity to ride it as often as possible. I am blessed beyond measure to be able to be a stay-at-home mama, but there are times when I just need a little break from the craziness. Not only do I need to exercise my body, I need to stretch my mind. I need time alone to lose myself in thought (and prayer) or I may just lose what little sanity I have left. I love my chicklets to the moon and back, but every mama hen needs to take care of her heart and soul or she won't have anything left to take care of her brood, and I am no exception. I am hoping that riding this bike will be able to provide some of that much needed "self-care" to me.

I love that this bike is called "Sanctuary" ... another "God-instance" (as opposed to coincidence) if you ask me. It couldn't be more perfect for me... and neither could the Geek :)

“Sanctuary, on a personal level, is where we perform the job of taking care of our soul.”

Christopher Forrest McDowell

Birthday Wishes for the One I Love

2011-08-20T08:52:00.000-04:00

happy birthday to the man who makes my heart sing!

may God bless you today and always!

love,

xoxox

Keeping it Simple

2011-08-19T16:03:00.000-04:00

I am in the midst of getting ready for a birthday party this evening and I am wondering why is it that the amount of time I have to prepare my home for guests is inversely proportional to the amount of preparation necessary? In other words my house is a wreck and I don't have enough time to clean it before my guests arrive ... Ack!

I am trying to convince the Little Prince that it is indeed nap time so that this Mama Hen can shake a tail feather and get the ol' farmstead in ship shape before the birthday festivities commence this evening, but he is so not cooperating. We are throwing a three-for-one party tonight ... the Geek's birthday is tomorrow, the Munchkin's is Monday and we never officially celebrated Boy Wonder's big #13 with the extended family ... oops!

I don't know when birthday parties started to require a theme, but I'm doing a little revolting and going "old school" this time. I am bucking the trend and keeping simple this year. The menu includes an easy fettuccine alfredo, garlic bread and antipasto salad for dinner. For dessert I've baked a birthday cake from mix and used frosting from the can. As for decorations, well the cake serves double duty and if Grandpa wakes up in time and heads to town, there will even be a few balloons. I want my chicklets to remember the love and laughter of family that surrounds them on their special day. I'd also like the chance to enjoy the party myself. Too often I'm racing around like a chicken with her head cut off, I don't even get to visit with any of the guests, but not this year.

I may do a theme again in the future, but then again maybe not. We'll see how it goes. Maybe it's just the funk I've been in lately, but sometimes simple is best don't you think?

The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.

Hans Hofmann

In a Funk

2011-08-18T16:04:00.000-04:00

Even if happiness forgets you a little bit, never completely forget about it

Jacques Prévert

Not sure why, but I've been in a bit of a funk for the last few days. Maybe it's because summer's winding down and I didn't get to do everything I had hoped to this year. Maybe it's because no matter how much laundry I do, I can never seem to get ahead of it. Maybe it's because Boy Wonder and the Munchkin are constantly bickering. Maybe it's because the Little Prince is getting frustrated that he doesn't yet have the words to get his point across so he resorts to the "oh so unpleasant" temper tantrum. Maybe it's because I've got a birthday party to plan (for the Munchkin) and the house is an absolute mess.

Maybe it's all of those things combined. It just might be the whole pile of "little things" that has this Mama Hen out of sorts. I don't know for sure. Whatever it is, I do know it will pass. It always does. There ain't nothing a little time (and copious amounts of chocolate) can't fix!

Junk in the Trunk

2011-08-15T17:29:00.000-04:00

I need more "stuff" for the ol' farmstead as much as I need a hole in my head, but I just can't resist a good estate/garage sale and this past weekend there was a doozy of a sale. It was similar to the World's Longest Garage Sale but not nearly as long. However, at almost 200 miles it was pretty impressive. We didn't manage to "do" the whole thing, but I'd say we got in over 100 miles of it.

This was probably the most unusual item we saw while out and about:

Did we get some junk? Some might think so, but you know what they say,"One man's junk is another man's treasure" (Incidentally, I looked up the meaning of "junk in the trunk" just to make sure it didn't have some obscene meaning I wasn't aware of ... you never know with slang ... and one of the definitions was "one man's junk is another man's treasure" ... too funny!)

Here's a some of the "treasures" we collected along the way ...

2 toy horses
a Barbie doll ... free
4 children's Christmas books ... for my ever growing collection
1 pretty pinkalicious princess dress (actually a circa 1980' prom dress)
several car emblems/hood ornaments including a prized Mustang ... for Boy Wonder's bedroom walls
a baby doll
a sundress
a Little Mermaid DVD ... only 25 cents!!!
a cabinet for the bathroom (blog post and before/after pics coming soon)
a dresser top hutch (for another project I'll blog about later)
2 free toy trucks
1 free "Lurkey the Turkey" Beanie Baby ... people use to pay top dollar for those, now they're giving them away!
a Pyrex pie plate (the brood says it's time to bring back Friday Pie Day)
several Matchbox cars
a beautiful sterling silver & ruby ring ... free because the shop owner thought the Munchkin had a pretty smile
several vintage pillowcases at a price I couldn't refuse ... $1.00 for the lot
a Phil Collins CD ... needed some tunes for the ride:)

and this sweet milk glass butter dish ... I have become a firm believer that if you can't use it there's really no point in having it. That said, I already own one of these, but unfortunately it is showing some serious wear and tear. I couldn't refuse this replacement at a whopping $2.00! By the way, it's sitting on a vintage apron the gentleman threw in when I purchased the vintage pillowcases. How could I refuse?

We treated the older chicklets to a few runs down a big slide we passed along the way. I remember going to the one at our local mall when I was a wee one. It's gone now except for the memories. This stop was a definite highlight of the trip for the chicklets.

I am sure we spent more on gas then we did on our loot, but it was worth it. It was such a lovely drive. The chance to score some "treasure", forget about our "to-do lists" for a while and just enjoy the adventure made it an ideal way to spend a day.

Forever is composed of nows.

Emily Dickinson

paper + scissors + me = happy

2011-08-10T16:39:00.000-04:00

I am often accused of being childish. I prefer to interpret that as child-like. I still get wildly enthusiastic about little things. I tend to exaggerate and fantasize and embellish. I still listen to instinctual urges. I play with leaves. I skip down the street and run against the wind. I never water my garden without soaking myself. It has been after such times of joy that I have achieved my greatest creativity and produced my best work.

Leo F. Buscaglia

Ever since I got my first pair of scissors way back in kindergarten I have always loved to cut paper. I don't know what it is, but I have always enjoyed folding up a piece of paper and making a few snips here and there and then opening it up to admire my creation. I never made anything I would really call "art", in fact I never got much further than some intricate snowflakes ... until today.

The Munchkin was looking through this book that I recently checked out of the library. I haven't read it all, but what I'd seen so far had really got me itching to do something crafty. When my little chickie saw an example of Scherenschnitte (ie. the German word for the art of paper cutting) and said "Mama, how did they do that?" I jumped at the chance to play with scissors. I mean, I figured what better way to explain something than by doing a little demonstration, right? Roughly following a pattern in the book (I free handed the pattern rather than tracing it), I took scissors to paper and came up with this:

So how did I do? Personally, I was surprised it came out so good for a first try. Just imagine what I could have done had I not been using some extremely sub par scissors and a piece of cheap construction paper. One thing is for sure, this will not be this Mama Hen's last attempt at the fine art of Scherenschnitte ... I am smitten!

Veggie Tales

2011-08-09T12:41:00.015-04:00

One of the things I love most about August is the abundance of locally grown fresh vegetables. Nothing compares to eating corn on the cob for dinner that was still on the stalk in the morning. I've never eaten a store bought cucumber that tastes as good as one from my local farmer's market. Don't even get me started on the virtues of farm fresh vs. hot house tomatoes!

We have tried to grow our own, but we've been "blessed" with the clay soil that refuses to grow anything but weeds. Every spring we plot out and prepare our garden. We head to the local garden center and eagerly pick out a bevy of vegetable plants. We plant our little plants and envision the harvest we will reap in late summer ... and every year we are disappointed. What rabbits and deer don't eat, doesn't grow despite our best efforts.

Well to be honest, there's a bit more preparation we could do. We could get a load of compost and amend the soil ... but we always seem to never be able to find the time. One of these years maybe we'll give up on the whole idea of a garden, but I doubt it. It's that hope of things to come that keeps us in the game.

Kind of a metaphor for life, don't cha think?

This is God's Word on the subject: ... I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

Jeremiah 29:11

The Message (MSG)

Sweet Sunday

2011-08-07T17:29:00.001-04:00

Of all the days that's in the week

I dearly love but one day

And that's the day that comes betwixt

A Saturday and Monday.

Henry Carey

Of all the days of the week, I think Sundays are the sweetest. With the exception of beginning our day by going to church ... it's a day we make very little plans for. It seems that our lives are filled from dawn to dusk with to-do lists a mile long, but on Sundays we get the chance to tuck those lists away for awhile.

Sunday clears away the rust of the whole week.

Joseph Addison

Sunday is a day for sitting on a chair under a shade tree and just listening to the sounds on the farm.

It's a day for sipping ice cold lemonade out of a frosty glass.

It's a day for watching the clouds roll by.

Sunday is a day for curling up with a good book (or the Good Book if I'm so inclined) and losing myself for a few hours in the words on the pages.

It's a time for slow walks around the yard or a leisurely drive around the country side ... making sure to take time to notice God's handiwork along the way.

Sundays are the sweet spot in the craziness of this season of my life. Without them, I'd be a goner.

The feeling of Sunday is the same everywhere, heavy, melancholy, standing still.

Jean Rhys

Lunch Date

2011-08-04T00:20:00.001-04:00

I know I'm on a sort of self imposed "vacation" from blogging this week, but I couldn't let this go without mentioning. I had lunch with a very dear friend of mine today. She has been a part of my life for so long now ... about 25 years. Wowza, that's more than half my lifetime! She is truly one of the nicest people I have ever been blessed to be able to call "friend".

Whenever we get together, she always comes with lots of "goodies" and today was no exception. Today's booty included scrapbooking supplies for me and my chicklets, clothes for the Munchkin and the Little Prince and lots of books for my brood. There were even several fresh cucumbers from her garden .... nothing like garden fresh cukes! It was almost like Christmas morning. I felt so bad I had nothing to give her in return and swear the next time I see her I will not come empty handed.

Dear Sweet Friend,

I just want to tell you Thank You. Thank you for the gifts you have given me, especially for the gift of your friendship all these years. I thank God for you and I can't imagine my life without you in it!

May God Bless You Always!

"I'd like to be the sort of friend that you have been to me.

I'd like to be the help that you've been always glad to be;

I'd like to mean as much to you each minute of the day,

as you have meant, old friend of mine, to me along the way."

Edgar A. Guest

Back to ???

2011-08-01T18:28:00.000-04:00

I was going to call this post "Back to Normal", but things are never really all that normal around here. Thanks to the mayhem that is fair week, the ol' farmstead is a ~~little~~ lot on the sloppy side right now. It's so much easier to just let housework slide when you're away from home for 14 hours a day. I have to keep reminding myself it was worth it because boy, I sure have my work cut out for me now! Of course I'll get plenty of ~~willing~~ help from the chicklets, but it's hard to inspire the troops when you yourself would rather just sit and sip lemonade.

If it's all the same to you, I'm going take a few days off from blogging and just chill (if that's even possible in this 90 degree heat). I might do a little catching up on my to do list. Topping the list? Giving my brood a few extra hugs --- there's a lot of long faces now that the excitement of fair is behind us and their cousins have gone home. But then again I just might follow Pooh's advice and do a little nothing.

Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering.

Pooh's Little Instruction Book, inspired by A.A. Milne

Have a good week and I'll be back next week or sooner if I feel so moved :)

Fair Week 2011 - Saturday

2011-07-30T23:36:00.001-04:00

Another fair has come to a close. I can't believe it's already over, it seems like it just started. I always have mixed emotions as we drive away from the fairgrounds on the final night of fair week.

On one hand I am glad it's over. Fair week is an exhausting six days of non-stop activity. Even the chicklets start to drag a little on the last day or two. As for myself, I could use a very looooooooong nap or two or three!

On the other hand, it is all so much fun it's sad that we have to wait a whole 'nother year for it to come around again. The competition, the entertainment and the sheer excitement of it all make each day of fair week something to look forward to. Having my niece and nephew here made this year's fair even more fun for all of us.

I am pretty sure the carnival is going to be high on what my chicklets miss most. We had bought the older kids (Boy Wonder, The Joker and Super Girl) armbands that allowed them to go on rides as often and whenever they wanted. We sure got our money's worth there. Those three loved the "freedom" of being able to come and go on the rides. I liked not having to worry about whether they we having fun or not. The Munchkin loved the rides too, but we didn't think she really needed unlimited rides as we needed to be with her whenever she went anyway.

All in all Fair Week 2011 was another fun-filled adventure that has left us anxiously anticipating next year. Highlights of our last day included:

Boy Wonder competed in the Showmanship Sweepstakes along with 17 other 4H-ers representing 9 different animal projects at the fair. He did really well for his first time and even though he didn't bring home the big trophy, we are still so proud of him. There were approximately 1000 youth participating in the fair this year ... that puts Boy Wonder in the top 2 percent ... not too shabby!

The kids took advantage of their carnival armbands and managed to squeeze in a few more rides. It was a scorcher today (well over 90 with humidity) so they waited until after dark to really hit the rides. The Geek and I found a nice bench to sit on and people watch with the Munchkin and the Little Prince. Ain't nothin' like people watchin' at the fair. There are some real curious folks out there people!

We snuck away from the fairgrounds just for a bit to take the Joker and Super Girl on a little sightseeing tour of our neck of the woods. They were anxious to see a little bit of the area and it was a nice air conditioned break from the heat and humidity.

We ended the night by watching motocross racing at "The Pit". I didn't think I was going to enjoy it very much but I was wrong. Unfortunately we neglected to put up lawn chairs earlier in the day, so we had to watch from the standing room only section. The heat kinda limited how long we could watch, but we saw enough high flying dirt bikes and jolting crashes to last us a while. Boy Wonder had a friend from church racing in one of the heats, so once we saw him (complete with a minor crash into a wall) we headed back to the poultry barn for a quick check on the chickens. Before we knew it, it was time to gather everyone up and head home for the night.

The boys have to go back in the morning to collect the chickens and all of our other projects and ribbons. Once that's done we can officially say good bye to Fair Week 2011. It was a good one and we can't wait for next year!

Fair Week 2011 - Friday

2011-07-30T00:34:00.001-04:00

My niece and nephew were disappointed to find out I had not given them nicknames on the blog. I would hate to lose my current favorite auntie status so they shall now be known as The Joker and Super Girl. Very appropriate names since my nephew is a real hoot and there isn't a whole lot my niece isn't good at.

I had every intention of posting pictures today, but since it is now after midnight and we have to get up at the crack of dawn tomorrow I have reconsidered.

So without further ado today's highlights include:

All the kids tried their had ant "Minute to Win It" games this afternoon. There weren't any ribbons given out, but it was a fun diversion for an hour.

The Munchkin and Super Girl took part in the pedal tractor pull again. The Munchkin left empty handed once again, but Super Girl managed to improve her game and came home with a "Second Place" ribbon to go along with yesterday's "Third Place". She was disappointed she didn't get the trophy, but this has made her all the more determined to come back again next year.

Boy Wonder made some more contacts in preparation for tomorrow's Showmanship Sweepstakes. He learned how to show a steer and I wish I had captured his face afterwords. His eyes were as big as saucers and he just kept repeating, "I just walked a 1300 pound steer!". He has now practiced showing every type of animal he will show tomorrow so he should be in good shape for the competition. He really is blessed to have this opportunity at this age. Most 4H-ers don't do this until they are at least 15.

We enjoyed a treat we only get during fair week today. Ginormous, warm "elephant ears" sprinkled with powdered sugar were just the thing to top off another fun day at the fair. They were definitely a hit with our out of town guests as well.

The picture is of The Munchkin at the Princess Tea yesterday. I didn't take this photo ... someone posted several pictures to the fair's Facebook page (that's actually my hand and camera on the right) This is not the best photo, but it'll have to do for now until I finally get around to downloading my own. It does a pretty good job of capturing her pure joy of being in the presence of "royalty" though, don't you think?

Fair Week 2011 - Thursday

2011-07-29T00:59:00.001-04:00

First of all, I want to apologize for the lack of pictures this week. By the time we get home from fair I am barely able to drag my sorry self into the house, let alone think about uploading pictures. The Geek has been posting to Facebook almost daily so if you have access to that you've seen some of what's been going on. I am hoping that tomorrow will be a shorter day and maybe I can treat you to a few pictures of FAIR WEEK 2011 right here. As for my poem that I entered, you may have read it before here, if not ... here's your chance now.

I don't know if I mentioned it or not, but we have had out of town guests this week. My niece and nephew from Boston are staying with us. They came especially for fair week. I couldn't help but think it was a bit like the city mice coming to visit the country mice. They have never experienced a country fair in their lives and were so excited to come and be a part of it all. I am pretty sure they have not been disappointed since they are already contemplating what their entries in the fair will be next year.

It has been great for my chicklets to spend so much time with their cousins. We don't get to see them very often, maybe once a year if we are lucky. Boy Wonder has really enjoyed being able to go "exploring" the fair with them sans parents. They have accompanied him as he has made his rounds prepping for the Showmanship Sweepstakes and both actually look forward to doing "barn duty" with Boy Wonder --- sweeping out the entire poultry barn and making sure all birds have adequate food and water. I had worried that they might be too "jaded" to find our little fair any fun, but I think I my worries were for naught. I am pretty sure I can safely say they will be going home with enough good memories to last a lifetime.

Today's fair highlights include:

The Munchkin donned her favorite princess outfit and attended a "Princess Tea" hosted by the Fair Queen and her court. She was in awe of the Queen's crown and vowed to one day be Fair Queen herself. Incidentally, the Queen contest is as far from a beauty pageant as can be. Although the girls were all cute in their own way, they are chosen based on the participation and leadership skills rather than on their good looks. That's something this Mama Hen doesn't mind encouraging her little chickie to aspire to.

The Geek earned the title "Grand Champion of the Men's Over 40 Hula Hoop Competition" --- Whoo! Truthfully he was the only competitor, but he got up on stage and gave it his best, so if you ask me that man deserves a ribbon just for bravery alone :) The emcee of the event even managed to convince my 87 year old father to give the hula hoop a try and he wore his "Participant" ribbon with pride all day.

All the kiddies participated in the frog jumping contest, with Boy Wonder clinching first place honors for his age group. The boys all headed out early this morning to a local park to catch frogs. That alone is a memory my nephew will probably not soon forget. They had a full bucket o' frogs when one large one manage to dislodge the bucket's lid and made it's escape ... along with all the other frogs that had been caught. They had to start all over again, but I understand nobody complained. Apparently boys and frog catching go together like chips and dip.

The Munchkin and my niece competed in the tractor pedal pull competition. The Munchkin was hoping to repeat last year's success and take home a trophy, but sadly that didn't happen. She didn't care and seemed just as tickled to take home her "I'm a Pedal Puller" ribbon. My niece took home a lovely "Third Place" ribbon for her efforts. After the race she immediately informed me she would very much like to try to better her score at tomorrow evening's competition. The Munchkin can't wait to get back in the driver's seat again either, so I know what's on my docket for a few hours tomorrow night.

Today was my parent's 67th wedding anniversary. My mother mentioned this fact to the emcee at the children's contests earlier in the day and was awarded a ribbon for "Staying Married So Long to the Same Man" --- a feat my mother says was accomplished by the fact that neither of them killed one another. Too funny! She wore her ribbon with pride all day too. We celebrated by dining on fine fair food from a vendor selling broasted chicken and potatoes. It wasn't fancy, but it was pretty tasty and I am just glad we were able to share their special day with them at the fair.

Fair Week 2011 - Wednesday

2011-07-28T10:30:00.002-04:00

One of the best parts of Fair Week is the entertainment. Our little country fair doesn't pull in any big names, but the local talent ain't too shabby! There really is something for everyone. Contests and games for the kiddies (ex. most freckles, hula hoop and bike give-aways) and the adults too. Local bands perform throughout the fair. There's even karaoke for the brave.

If it's live action you want, it's there too. The fairgrounds has a large outdoor arena called "The Pit". This area is a favorite for most of the fair-goers and host a different event every evening at 7 o'clock. There's tractor and truck pulls, mud drags, two kinds of demolition derbies and motocross. Because it's such a big draw, you have to be sure to set up your lawn chairs by ten in the morning or you might be in the very crowded standing room only section.

I tend to steer clear of "The Pit" because it's just a bit too crowded and L-O-U-D for my tastes. The Geek and the chicklets love it though, so I find something else to do for a few hours. I did make an exception on Monday for the rodeo. I've always wanted to see one live and I wasn't disappointed.

Today's fair highlights:

The Munchkin won the longest hair contest at a whopping 30-inches!! In the past, they divided the kids by age groups. This year they did them all together and the competition was "fierce". She managed to hold on to her first place title by a mere 2 inches.

My pictures did very well in the Adult Open competition. Both photographs received blue ribbons for quality. My portrait of the Little Prince was chosen "Best of Class" ... whoo hoo!!!

My entry into the creative writing competition got top honors as well. I'll be bringing home a second "Best of Class" ribbon. Not too bad for my first year, eh?

Boy Wonder continued his quest for Showmanship knowledge. One of the girls in our 4H club won the showmanship competition for goats so Boy Wonder picked her brain for a while. Then it was on to the llama tent to learn the finer points of llama showmanship. Top tip? How to avoid being spit on.

Fair Week 2011 - Tuesday

2011-07-27T00:00:00.001-04:00

Another busy day at the fair. We headed out to the fairgrounds bright and early so that Boy Wonder could take care of his chickens before he had his interview with the photography judge. The Munchkin and I made our way to where she would be showing her photos, but once there found out we were almost an hour early. There were a few people starting to line up so we got in line and it was a good thing. As it turns out there were well over 100 little ones participating in the Clover Sprouts projects!

By the way, I apologize if yesterday's blog post was a little "discombobulated" for lack of a better term. I kept falling asleep while I typed it and occasionally awoke to find pure gibberish on my screen, like "Boy Wonder brought home 2nd Place in Poultry and sheets." Wha??? I even hit "Publish Post" in my sleep and just didn't have the energy to go back and double check it. It isn't too bad, but now that you know you can kinda tell I was off my game. Too funny!

Well, I know you are on the edge of your seats for today's fair report so here goes...

The Munchkin's photos were given high praise and each received a lovely neon green Clover Sprouts ribbon. It's really not much of a real competition, but more of a just getting experience so that when they move on to "real" 4H they have an idea of how the whole fair/interview process works

Boy Wonder's photographs also received high praise from his judge. He was told that his portrait (of the Munchkin) was the best the judge had seen so far. His landscape (a lighthouse), animal (a baby chick) and collages were also given very high marks. With such strong compliments, it was disappointing to find out that none of his photos received any trophies. It's hard to encourage your child to accept defeat graciously when you feel they've been "robbed", but we gave it our best. My biggest fear was that he might be discouraged from trying again in the future, but despite his disappointment, he says he'd try again.

Boy Wonder has begun his "crash course" in Showmanship Sweepstakes preparation. Today he work with a couple of boys who shared their knowledge of Sheep Showmanship. It's so cool to see these kids work together and freely share information with one another.

Tram rides--the fair has a tractor-pulled tram that takes people all over the fairgrounds. Riding on it is one of our favorite parts of fair. Especially after 4, when the horse-drawn trams come into operation. There's not alot for the Little Prince to do quite yet at fair, but the horse-drawn trams definitely top his list right now.

We also had our share of fair food ... love those elephant ears... and looked at lots of animals today. The Munchkin has a soft spot for horses so she and I took a trip through the horse barns. Several 4H-ers let her pet their horses and she was in h-e-a-v-e-n. She has begun her campaign to convince her daddy she must have one in earnest, but so far he isn't budging :)

Fair Week 2011 - Monday

2011-07-26T01:26:00.000-04:00

Boy Wonder (as I have mentioned before) raises chickens. Once a year these chickens get a chance to redeem themselves by bringing home a ribbon or trophy from the local county 4H fair. Boy Wonder, in addition to showing chickens, also participates in the photography competition and has done very well in past years.

This year marks the first year the Munchkin can compete as a Clover Sprout. She has chosen to show photographs as well. It's also the first year I decided to throw my hat in the ring too. I have entered two photographs and a poem in the adult division.

Fair Week is a very ~~tiring~~ fun week with very little down time. I may not be able to do a lot of blog writing, but I will try to provide updates on our fair activities for the week. If this is of no interest to you, rest assured I will return to my regular, ~~overwhelmingly fascinating~~ blog posts next week :)

Monday - July 25th

Boy Wonder brought home 2nd place in Poultry Showmanship for his class (Junior Division, ages 12-15)
One of Boy Wonder's chickens received best in it's class -- kinda a big deal.
Boy Wonder's Showmanship score earned him a place in Showmanship Sweepstakes, a competition on Saturday where he will have to show each of the animal types at fair (ex. poultry, diary cattle, swine, etc)

What's ahead this week:

Just some of what's ahead this Fair Week 2011

Mama Hen's pictures and Poem get judged by Wednesday 6.
Boy Wonder and the Munchkin compete in Photography (not against each other)
And lots of other fun times brought to you by fair.

Keep posted or if you'd rather not ... I'll see you back here net week.

Have a good week!

The Problem With Cute Kids

2011-07-22T19:49:00.001-04:00

I've never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful.

Author Unknown

I have been blessed with cute chicklets. My brood -- especially the younger ones -- love hamming it up for the camera. And because they are so gosh darn cute, I am usually happy to oblige. While this might not seem like a bad thing, it does pose some problems for this Mama Hen.

Like the fact that my new camera can hold nearly 2000 pictures at a time and I have filled up the card more than once. No big deal if I could force myself to delete some, but how can I hit the delete button and banish even one of these beauties to the "trash pile"?

It's also a big distraction. I often find myself avoiding things that need to be done around the house (especially laundry!) just so I can capture the fleeting moments of childhood. I mean dirty socks don't stand a chance against this guy!

We do not remember days; we remember moments.

Cesare Pavese

Eating Crow

2011-07-21T16:34:00.001-04:00

When you realize you've made a mistake, make amends immediately. It's easier to eat crow while it's still warm.

Dan Heist

The warm weather has taken it's toll all around me. My flower garden is a sad tangle of dirt and shriveling plants. My lawn is turning brown and the barn cats are hiding in some cool dark corner of the barn. But the worst casualty of the heat and humidity has been the tempers of the human residents here on the farm.

Everyone seems to be on edge. Seemingly innocuous statements are getting taken the wrong way. Snide remarks are commonplace and simple comments are getting blown all out of proportion. I'd like to say I haven't been a part of it, but sadly I have not been at my best. I've heard the words coming out of my mouth and I cringed. I know I shouldn't have said them, but somehow I justified them by thinking I was just responding to the harsh words that had been spoken to me. I knew I should be the "bigger person" and stop the nonsense, but I just couldn't seem to let it go. I was weak.

To be honest, I didn't like who I was becoming. I asked God to help me change, but I wasn't really making a real attempt to do anything on my own. I knew I'd have to start with saying I'm sorry, and I just couldn't make myself do that. As you may have guessed, however, God wasn't going to let me off that easy.

Yesterday I received a daily devotion/inspirational email in my inbox. It was about letting go of past hurts. It said that God calls us to release our need to control things ... to love unconditionally (and here was the kicker) and to forgive freely. As I read those words, I could almost feel something start to change within me. It was as if the chains on my heart that had been preventing me from "eating crow" began to be released.

I can't lie, it wasn't easy but eventually I told the one I'd hurt that I was sorry. I swallowed my pride and humbled myself. I did it without expecting an apology in return (even though I was blessed to get one). I did it freely and most importantly I did it without excuses.

Never ruin an apology with an excuse.

Kimberly Johnson

Thank you, God for not letting me off easy. Once again I am humbled by Your blessing.

I Blinked

2011-07-20T17:55:00.000-04:00

How did it happen?

How did this..

become this?

Today I became the mama of a teenager Yikes! I guess that's what happens when you blink ;) When I had Boy Wonder I had fantasies about what being a mother was going to be like. It didn't take long to realize that the life I dreamed of and the life I got were not one in the same. Thank You God! Parenting a child like my boy may not have been exactly the path I envisioned, but it's the one I have been blessed with. I am so thankful God has given me this handsome, complex, intelligent, and absolutely awesome child to love.

Boy Wonder,

I am proud of you and the man you are becoming. Your faith in God is a light to others. Your unique view on the world refreshes me. You are gifted in so many ways, I can only imagine what God has in store for you. I pray that He will bless you today and always. You're my best!

Love,

Mama

I'm Melting!

2011-07-19T10:31:00.001-04:00

It is so hot here on the farm...I am starting to fear Boy Wonder's chickens are going to be fried if this heat wave doesn't end soon! According to the weatherman (who is no longer one of my favorite people) high temps are going to be around at least another week. Yikes! I am a delicate flower and cannot take this kind of serious heat and humidity. Okay, okay .. so delicate may be stretching it a bit ... I'm more of a hardy mum ... but still this hot weather is kickin' me in the patootie nonetheless!
With no break in sight, we decided to load up the chickies in the family truckster this past weekend and go for a ride in air conditioned comfort. We ended up in a small harbor town that was having a soap box derby race.

What a hoot! It was open to all ages with the oldest competitor being in his seventies. We had a blast cheering on our favorites. No surprise here ... The Geek and Boy Wonder are already planning their entries for next year. The Munchkin has even requested her own vehicle with the following specs: it must be pink or red and it must sparkle. A girl's gotta have sparkle don'cha know!
After a few hours at the races, we continued on our trek. The weather was picture perfect beach weather so we found a local beach and staked our claim for a few hours.

If I ever strike it rich I am soooooo buying a secluded place on some beach. The crowds I can do without, but there's something about my toes in the sand and the sound of the waves that soothes my inner beast.
It was with much whining and protesting --- I just couldn't help myself :) --- that we headed for home. It was one of those perfectly perfect summer days you just want to bottle up and save for the dead of winter.

But all good things must come to an end so we headed home ... sun kissed and sleepy with a bucketful of memories to last us until our next big adventure.

"Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it."

Russel Baker

I've Been Thinking

2011-07-15T16:43:00.002-04:00

ruminate: to go over in the mind repeatedly and often casually or slowly

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruminate

Way back around the first of the year I came across several blogs where people had posted about their "one word" --- a word they had selected as sort of focus for the year ahead. Words like "grow" or "hope" or "embrace" showed up often. I thought the whole concept sounded like a neat idea, but I just couldn't settle on a word. Having just recently lost my sister and experiencing somewhat of a health crisis myself, I wanted nothing more than to pick the word "hibernate". The thought of growing, hoping or embracing seemed like far more than I was capable of. I thought I'd try doing it sometime, but maybe not at this point in my life. Eventually, however, the word "ruminate" revealed itself to me and it has unofficially become my touchstone for 2011.

Now halfway through the year, I can say I have done my far share of ruminating these past six and a half months. I have thought and thought until my thinker was sore. What have I thought about you might ask? Well, let me enlighten you ...

I've thought about life and death.

The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.

Mark Twain

Losing someone close to me has had a significant impact on how I think about the uncertainty of life. It has driven home how fragile life really is and the inevitability of death in a way I never experienced prior to this. We only have so many trips around the sun and it's never a given that tomorrow will be ours to explore.

I've thought long and hard about my faith.

Faith enables persons to be persons because it lets God be God.

Carter Lindberg

I've given more thought about what I believe and why my faith is important to me. I've thought about what I can do to strengthen my faith and make it even more of a priority in my life. And I've thought about the importance of sharing my faith with others so that they too may be drawn closer to God.

And most recently I've been thinking about change.

Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights.

Pauline R. Kezer

My sister's death caused me to reevaluate where I am in my life and where I'm going versus where I'd like to be. It has really pushed me to seriously think about making significant changes in my day to day living in order to move ahead. Essentially revisiting that age old question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" or at the very least "What do you want to try next?"

It is generally accepted that one should not make any major life changes while one is going through the acute stages of grief. There's a lot of sense to that. Your mind is muddled, you're adrift and you really are incapable of making a sane decision. But now over a half of a year out from my loss, the fog is lifting and my head is starting to clear. I can begin to seriously think ... ruminate if you will ... about what my next chapter will be.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.

Mark Twain

I know life never goes according to plan. I have become a master at "winging it", but I am becoming acutely aware of the fact that I am not getting any younger and a "game plan' of sorts might not be such a bad idea. A sort of road map to help me get from here to where I want to be. If there's one thing all this ruminating has taught me, it's that it's time for this Mama Hen to do something. I haven't quite figured it out what "it" is yet, but that's okay ... I'm on my way :)

Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Some Days

2011-07-14T16:20:00.001-04:00

"The story of a mother's life: Trapped between a scream and a hug."

Cathy Guisewite

Some days I really love being a stay at home mom.

Some days I don't.

Some days I manage to get through the day without ever having to raise my voice.

Some days I don't.

Some days I do the things a Godly mother should do.

Some days I don't.

Some days I feel like I am blessed beyond measure.

Some days I don't.

This was one of the "I don't" days.

My older chicklets are bickering with each other nonstop, the Little Prince is really embracing the whole "Terrible Twos" thing right now and the Geek is away on a business trip so I am completely on my own.

I woke up this morning and Boy Wonder greeted me with a snarl. Apparently I am somehow responsible for that fact that the bike he left out in the rain now has brakes that have seized up. In no time, he and the Munchkin were at each other's throats. Not to be outdone in the screaming department, the Little Prince decided it was the ideal time for a tantrum. Perfect, just perfect.

It wasn't long before this Mama Hen lost her cool. I raised my voice and I raised it loud. Feeling anything but blessed, I counted the hours until nap time. It couldn't get here soon enough.

I know tomorrow probably will be a better day. My kiddos will probably quibble, but I just might be able to keep my own frustration in check. Maybe God will give me the strength to be the kind of mother I wish I could always be. I'm sure I'll count my blessings as I often do and I'll feel blessed beyond measure.

But today, I don't.

Geeks Rule!

2011-07-13T09:35:00.003-04:00

Got a crazy day ahead of me, but I just wanted to take the time and wish y'all a Happy "Embrace Your Inner Geekiness" Day! It's the day to celebrate your inner (or in my case ... most of the time... outer) dorkiness. It's a fact, nerdiness reigns here on the farm. The Geek and Boy Wonder contribute the most, but I do alright ... I mean I do have an engineering degree afterall :)

"There are 10 types of people in the world: Those who understand binary and those who don’t."

Author Unknown

If you read that first quote and the words "African or European?" come to mind you are most definitely on the geek squad! If you don't get those quotes, then you aren't a geek, but that's okay I love ya' anyway :) Let me explain it for you non-geeks ... the first is from the movie "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" -- a movie geeks all over the world can quote verbatim. Don't try too hard to understand it ...it's a geek thing. As for the second quote, "10" is binary for "2".. get it now?

I guess if you aren't a geek (or even if you are), you could embrace the ones that are in your life today. Give 'em a big ol' hug and let 'em know you think they're awesome. I mean seriously, where would this world be if it weren't for the geeks? Probably sitting in a cave somewhere still waiting for someone to invent the wheel :)

So join me in standing tall and proudly letting the world know it's okay to be a nerd. In fact it's more than okay ... it's downright cool!

"The drummer must march to his own beat in order for the crowd to follow any music at all."

Author Unknown

Geeks Rule!

Pie Heaven

2011-07-12T15:56:00.001-04:00

Fall is my favorite season, but Summer ain't too shabby either. Ninety-plus degree temperatures with nasty humidity like we've had lately, I could do without thank you very much. She redeems herself nicely though, with a plethora of fresh veggies and fruits --- the taste of which you just can't get any other time of the year.

Tomatoes fresh out of the garden ... to die for!

Fresh cool cucumber salad ... the best!

But by far my favorite summer time treat (and my brood's too if the rate at which they are consuming them is any indication) are fresh strawberries. Sadly the season is winding down, but we are still finding enough to enjoy the occasional homemade shortcake and our favorite .. Simply Scrumptious Strawberry Pie.

“When you die, if you get a choice between going to regular heaven or pie heaven, choose pie heaven. It might be a trick, but if it's not, mmmmmmmm, boy.”

Jack Handy

I don't know if there'll be pie in heaven ... seems like there ought to be if you ask me. I do know that eating a slice of this sweet creation, however, is pretty darn close to heaven on earth! Make one today, you won't be sorry you did :)

A Little Vintage Goodness

2011-07-09T16:39:00.003-04:00

I was driving through town yesterday when I saw something that made my heart race and my palms sweat. It was a handwritten sign with my favorite two words (next to "ice" + "cream") scrawled on it with black magic marker ...

I know I need more stuff like I need a hole in my head, but I had to stop ... I just had to! I mean what's a card carrying, old stuff-loving, Mama Hen suppose to do? Pass up an opportunity for the chance to procure some vintage-y goodness? I think not.

I'm so glad I stopped, 'cuz look what had my name written all over it...

That reminds me, I forgot to mention the intruder we had in the farmhouse last week. One of Boy Wonder's chickens somehow got in the backdoor while we were heading out for the day. How we didn't see it remains a mystery, but several hours later we came home to a house that had had a crazed chicken locked inside all day ... not good folks, not good at all! There was chicken ...ahem...doo doo all over my kitchen floor, but even worse ... the bugger made it's way into the dining room and broke one of my favorite pieces of milk glass and a bunch of antique Christmas ornaments... grrr! I was one very unhappy Mama Hen, let me tell ya!

The Geek insisted our "new" trailer needed this bad boy.

Gosh, I love that man ... he loves old things as much I do. Good thing too, 'cuz neither one of us is getting any younger :)

"An archeologist is the best husband any woman can have: the older she gets, the more interested he is in her."

Agatha Christie

You Can Quote Me On This

2011-07-07T18:02:00.007-04:00

"Words matter always ... in all ways."

Joseph Heywood

I love reading quotes. I don't know why exactly, but there is something about them that draws me to them like a moth to a flame. I love their ability to shrink down into a sentence or two, a book's worth of wisdom.

"Knowledge is a process of piling up facts; wisdom lies in their simplification."

Martin H. Fischer

Quotes have the power to change me.

"Remember, if you’re headed in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns!"

Allison Gappa Bottke

To make me stop and see that my so-so day is really a great one.

"Plenty of people miss their share of happiness, not because they never found it, but because they didn't stop to enjoy it."

William Feather

To make me smile or laugh just when I need it most.

"A great name for a new country song: If I'd Shot You Sooner, I'd Be Out of Jail by Now."

Author Unknown

They give me confidence to meet the challenges life hands me.

"If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint," then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced."

Vincent Van Gogh

They bring me comfort and solace in knowing I am not the only one who thinks/feels/sees life the way I do.

"It's annoying to be disapproved of by people who know only half the story - especially when you're not sure which half they know."

Robert Brault

I am not a quote snob by any means. I like serious, thought provoking and enlightening quotes just as much as the off-the-wall and funny ones.

"Never take life too seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway."

Author Unknown

Where I satisfy my addiction for quotes is as varied as the quotes themselves ...

books,

"The world breaks us all. Afterward, some are stronger at the broken places."

Ernest Hemingway- Farewell To Arms

television,

"Sometimes you have to step outside of the person you've been, and remember the person you were meant to be, the person you wanted to be, the person you are."

One Tree Hill

movies

"There's no place like home."

Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) in The Wizard of Oz

and song lyrics are some of my favorite sources.

"Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers."

Garth Brooks

But the internet is by far my biggest enabler.

"The thing about quotes on the internet is that you cannot confirm their validity."

Abraham Lincoln ( source: Modern Hepburn )

As of late, I have been able to feed my need for words on "Pinterest" --- a very dangerous place for a word junkie like myself.

source

I can (and have) get lost on there for hours! Just this morning the Munchkin said, "Oh no, you are on your computer again, now I'll never get breakfast!" Hmmm! Maybe there's a twelve step program for word-a-holics. I don't know, but I sure love the Serenity Prayer...

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world

as it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right

if I surrender to His Will;

That I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with Him

Forever in the next.

Amen.

Reinhold Niebuhr

A Grandparent's Love

2011-07-06T11:35:00.001-04:00

I didn't have a grandparent in my life growing up. Two of them had died long before I was born and one died shortly after. My mother's father lived far away and wasn't really ever a part of my life either. I was always jealous of the other kids talking about their grandmas and grandpas. I know this is why I want my brood to know their grandparents. I am always looking for ways to make their relationship stronger, but I never force things. With my folks living right with us, opportunities are always presenting themselves...it really is a blessing beyond measure if you ask me.

My father has never been an overly affectionate man. He's one of those quiet people that just sits back and takes in all that's going on around him. In his younger days, he would show his love by doing ... fixing, repairing and building things for those he loved. Now that he's older he can no longer do those things and I am sure that hurts him.

I love watching him with my chicklets. He is much more affectionate with them than he ever was with me, but he's still hesitant.

It was so sweet watching him chatting with the Little Prince yesterday. Several times I watched him as he reached out and stroked the little guy's hair or cheek.

The love of a grandfather for his grandson was so evident.

I will treasure these photos always.

Grandparents and grandchildren,

Together they create a chain of love

Linking the past,

With the future.

The chain may lengthen,

But it will never part.

Author Unknown

Fear Less

2011-07-05T15:57:00.002-04:00

Last night as I lay in bed, I starting thinking about things going on in my life and my mind started to wander. This is nothing new for me. I often lose myself in thought. It's like my secret escape. I go down "What if" Street ... I linger a bit at "Would Coulda Shoulda" Road and I peek inside the houses along "I Wonder" Way. It's all pretty harmless and I don't allow myself to get too caught up in it all.

But last night was different.

It got a bit darker on the "streets" I was wandering down. I began to think about how fast time seems to be going lately and how much I wish I could slow it all down sometimes. I thought about the Munchkin being five and thought how quickly five to forty five really is and then I thought about how fast my forty-five will be eighty-five and then I started to panic.

"What If" Street was no longer a happy place filled with possibilities. It became a scary place filled with unfulfilled dreams. "What if" I never get to do all the things I dream of doing, just like my sister didn't. "What if" I never get the chance to create all the things I dream of creating. "What if " I don't have what I need to get through tomorrow ... and the day after that ... and the day after that ... and so on. "What if" my tomorrow never comes?

Yeah, it got really frightening and I began to feel like I couldn't catch my breath. I felt so lost and alone. To say I was scared would be an understatement. I sent up a weak little prayer for help and wondered if anyone heard me.

He did.

God heard my cry and swooped in and took me out of that dark and ominous place and brought me back to the light. I recently read (so sorry I don't remember where so I can't give proper credit where it's due) that God gives us grace for today. Tomorrow He'll give us grace for tomorrow and so on. In other words, we don't have to worry about our tomorrows ... rest assured God will take care of those too... instead, we can just focus on today and be confident that His grace will be sufficient.

That is such a freeing thought to me and it's what got me off the dark streets of panic last evening and back on "Living in the Moment" Lane ... a much better place to be.

"Do not be afraid of tomorrow; for God is already there."

Author Unknown

God Bless America!

2011-07-02T12:07:00.001-04:00

My brood and I wish you and yours a safe and
Happy 4th of July!

"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism."
Erma Bombeck

Pomp and Circumtance

2011-07-01T11:43:00.004-04:00

When the Geek and I started out on this home school gig, one of the things I "worried" about was my chicklets missing things like dances, award nights and graduation. I see now that opportunities for those things all still exist, I just needed to know where to look. Sometimes, as it turns out, I have to look to myself to provide those things. Yesterday was one of those times.

The Munchkin just finished up her first "official" year of school and a celebration was in order. I had no choice but to channel my inner Martha and get my creative mojo on. I think it's safe to say I pulled off one awesome Kindergarten Graduation.

The guest list was small, but the joy was HUGE.

There was some pomp...

there was some laughter...

Especially when my little chickie surprised me by thanking me with the song M-O-T-H-E-R. She and Grandma had secretly been working on it for a few weeks and let me tell ya' it was precious! Just in case you don't know it, here's the lyrics so y'all can see why I was such a crybaby...

"M" is for the million things she taught me
"O" means only that she's growing old
"T" is for the tears she shed to save me
"H" is for her heart of purest gold
"E" is for her eyes with love-light shining
"R" means right and right she'll always be
Put them all together they spell MOTHER,
a word that means the world to me!

Yep, the shindig had all the hallmarks of a true celebration. Wish you coulda been here ... dinner was delish

To top it all off, Boy Wonder put together a special rocket launch for his baby sis to celebrate "blasting off to first grade" ... seriously, is that rocket too cute or what? The pencil shape was perfect for the occasion.

I am so proud of you Munchkin! I pray you remember some of the things we told you like always let God be your compass and try and be the ONE thing that makes a difference in someone's life everyday. God has great plans for you Baby Girl, I know it. I am so blessed to be your Mama and have a front row seat and see it all come to life. I Love You forever to the moon and back!

"I hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known."

Author Unknown

And without further ado, I present you the Graduating Class of 2023...

It's in the Details...

2011-06-25T14:52:00.001-04:00

This was one of those weeks that at first glance looks like nothing was accomplished, but when I think about the details ... the little things ... I get a totally different picture. Some might see the way we spent our days as a waste of time, but I would have to disagree.

Pretty important stuff if you ask me.

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."

Robert Brault

BTW ... if you are in need of some crafty inspiration, be sure to check out Courtney's blog for a chance to win a copy of the new book "The Big Book of Scrapbook Pages". The giveway ends Tuesday, June 28th so hurry before it's too late! And while your are there, take time to read her blog. You'll be glad you did ... trust me!

Make 'em Laugh!

2011-06-23T15:33:00.000-04:00

Can you see the family resemblance?

It's been raining here on the farm and the natives were getting a little restless so Grandma pulled out a bunch of old wigs. It's great seeing my folks play and have fun with my chicklets. When I was a kid, I don't recall my mama really playing with me too often. In my mind, it just seemed like she took life a lot more seriously. She wasn't a mean mama, she just didn't spend a lot of time being silly. But now as she gets older, it is like she has finally given herself permission to let go and just have fun. It is awesome! My daddy's right on board with the goofiness too. I am so glad we have been blessed with this time together. This is the good stuff!

Wheee!

2011-06-22T14:52:00.002-04:00

The Little Prince just loves his rocking horse.

I wish they made one in my size.

"Isn't it cool when the days that are supposed to feel good, actually do?"

Jim Carrey