Anyone know about Nikken?

Does anyone know about Nikken water filtration systems?

I'm just starting to think about them, but really am not very knowledgeable yet. Don't know if it's a lot of hype, what the health benefits are supposed to be, what they claim it filters out & adds back in, etc.

I'm on the front end of investigating, and thought maybe some of you could help me along?

Have you used it? Noticed any difference in health? Do you have to do any of the other "Nikken" type things as well -- or is the water enough? ;-)

Or is another type of filter just as good'?

I'd love to hear any of your experiences, if you've heard anything negative, and so on.

Thanks!!!

A Couple o' Limey's!

We just started using Homeschool In The Woods' Time Travelers history curriculum (THANKS, Angel, for pointing us in that direction!). Decided to start with the New World Explorers. We're just on the 2nd lesson, but WHAT FUN!!!

The little redhead is VERY excited about eating those limes in a few seconds:

Today we studied about the "Life of an Explorer" ..... the food they had to eat, hammocks & items for trade, disease, jobs of a sailor, free time & mutiny (a crime punishable by death).

We learned that scurvy was a common illness, due to lack of vitamin C. Fresh squeezed lime juice became the most efficient way to combat this dreaded disease, which gave way to the nick-name "limeys"!

I think if we'd have had a gallon of it, he'd have gulped it right down! Look at his shirt -- even Goofy looks perplexed by him!!!

This one HATED it! They are ALWAYS, ALWAYS the complete opposite of each other - an art I think they take great pleasure in perfecting! I wish I'd have had my camera ready for the reaction. I captured it a little too late:

That was fun! And just about the speed of an experiment that I can handle! :-D

Tonight, after dinner, we're going to work on tying knots (dad has the rope in his truck, or we could do it now) and drying fruit (needs to dry overnight for 12 hours).

They're looking forward to experiencing more of the sailor's life!

The Home He Had Always Dreamed Of

The boys are taking an Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) creative writing class. This week's assignment was to write a take-off on the story of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf". The requirements are to include:

* an -ly adverb

* who/which clause

* strong verb

* quality adjective

* because clause

........ in each of the 3 paragraphs

Travel Trailer struggles with creativity -- much like his good ole Pa! I can't relate -- because, have you noticed -- hello -- I LOVE to write!!?? After struggling all afternoon with him, I was ready to pull my hair out, so declared that I was done, and he would just have to work with Dad on it after dinner --- since they deserve each other! haha! My pet peeve with RV: he too often substitutes the word "whatever" in every-day conversation when he's too lazy to search for a proper and/or descriptive word ... but anyway ... back to the issue at hand:

I'm not quite sure who contributed more - I'm just glad it's done! Actually, I think it was a joint effort. I'm so proud of both of them -- because I know this stuff doesn't come easy for 'em. So, just thought I'd share:

The Home He Had Always Dreamed Of
by
Travel Trailer

The year was 2009 in the windy city of Chicago. It was a bitterly cold and snowy day. There was a pack of dogs which loved to play in the snow. One of the dogs, who was named Solo, stood guard while the other dogs scavenged for delicacies like hot dogs. The leader of this pack was Friday because he was the strongest. (if it was my story, the strongest would have been named "Atlantis" or "Hercules" or some other strong name ... but it's not my story and I'm resisting the urge to pipe up ... so Friday, it is!)

Sometimes Solo got lonely when he was on guard duty and he would cry out “Dog catcher!” Then all the other dogs would scurry to the meeting place. When they arrived, they found out that there really wasn’t a dog catcher and they told Solo not to shout “dog catcher” again. So Solo didn’t shout “dog catcher” for a couple of months, but then he got so lonely again, he decided to call “dog catcher” once more. The whole pack came running to the meeting place. Imagine what they must have thought when they found out that there was no dog catcher. They were very annoyed because one of the dogs who had just found a big juicy sausage, had to leave it in all the excitement. The other dogs told him to never shout “dog catcher” unless there really was one.

Solo was on his usual guard post when he spotted a real dog catcher and gave the alarm, but no one came because they thought he was playing another trick. He kept calling and calling even though no one paid any attention. When they finally came, they found that Solo wasn’t there any more, which caused them to be heartbroken. He had been captured by the unpleasant dog catcher and taken to the pound, where he stayed for a few days before a family came and gave him the home he had always dreamed of, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, just on the outskirts of town.

And the real shocker -- we're done several hours before having to run out the door to class. Unlike when I'm in charge! :-( I could get used to this!!!!

Cherry Blossom Festival

I'm very excited! About 20 of us (so far) from our old Singles Ministry ~ where RV and I met 24 years ago ~ are gathering together next month to go to the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

I know it will be a certified ZOO with all the tourists ... and I admit I wouldn't go within a 50 mile radius of the place ordinarily, with just the 4 of us, but somehow, going as a "group" makes it sounds much more memorable & enjoyable.

And besides ... has there EVER been ANYTHING more spectacular and breathtaking?!

Here's hoping I can learn to use my new camera between now and then ... cuz I sure haven't in the LAST 6 months!

80% off again at restaurant .com

Restaurant.com is having an 80% off sale again ..... code: MENU

Go get some of those $2 vouchers worth $25 ..... I am!!!!!

Restaurant .com ~ I triple heart you!

Restaurant.com is having an 80% off sale (thru midnight tonite). 80% off code: DINE

Run, do not walk !

I bought several $25 gift certificates there for $2 (at 80% off their reg. price of $10)

Tried a new pizzeria tonight in a neighboring town. I feel like I robbed 'em blind ;-)

We spent a total of $14 and got:

large 2-topping pizza
two (2) foot-long steak & cheese subs
HUGE spaghetti dinner with salad & bread
3 sodas
---------------------
$37 total before discount
- ($25) restaurant.com certificate
$2 cost of $25 certificate
no tip as it was a self-serve pizzeria
---------------------
$14 total cost to us ...... for 2 tables FULL of food. We brought home a whole large pizza (minus 1 slice) and half of the spaghetti for another meal!!

I think they have restaurants nationwide that participate. It's a great way to try a new place. Tonight we had some of the better pizza & spaghetti we've had at joints like that - and we'd have never have gone if not for the $25 off dealie-o!!!!

And now I'm off to buy some more $2 certificates that have a $25 value!!!!! They don't expire for a year!! Most require that you spend a minimum of $35 - but even then, you're only spending $12 out of pocket (plus tip) total!!!

Thank you, restaurant.com !!!!!

If you miss out on this particular deal, no worries -- I think they often have 70% off deals!!!

I have several friends who use this site quite frequently - and am glad I finally started checking into it myself!!!

He says the darndest things!

I love my little Pop Up! (age 10 ~ but always, always wise beyond his years!)

He just bounced in here and said:

"Poor Solomon (our dog) ... doesn't even know death exists!"

Then he turned around, carefree as ever and bounced out, saying "I'd hate to be like that!!"

LOL!

Yep, he's my deep thinker! I know some 60 year olds that don't even think like him!

Happy Valentine's Day to you!!

Thank you, Papa John's! Isn't their <3 shaped pizza the cutest? Someone is a marketing genius! While the guys enjoyed these CUTE pizzas (there was a pepperoni one, also) I had an Amy's gluten-free frozen pizza ... don't waste your money on that one - it was disgusting!

The boys had a basketball game this afternoon ... it ended in a tie ... 29-29. Really good game! Travel Trailer got a couple of baskets! Pop Up is still hoping he makes one before the season is over!

Then we headed to WalMart & Lowe's - where we got a Purple Martin birdhouse. The boys want one so that the birds will eat all of our mosquitoes this summer (and I'm on board with that!) ... Lowe's had the best deal on one that we've seen ($41). They say it can be difficult to lure Purple Martins to it - and keep other birds from claiming it first. We'll see how that goes. But since we are armed with several books on "how to lure Purple Martins" ... I'm sure it will be a sweet success. Haha!

Papa John's delivered 2 of the cutest heart-shaped pizzas! The boys are now wondering how they did that -- is there a heart shaped giant 'cookie cutter' that they use, or what? Cuz they were perfect!

Just finished watching "Nights in Rodanthe" - and while it didn't have the best message (since she was still married and all) ... it did have a surprise ending. I don't think Monica would like it.

Guess that brings you up to speed on Valentine's Day 2009 from our house.

I hope you & yours had a LOVEly (ha, that just came to me) day!!!

The Great Backyard Bird Count ~ 2009

Click here: The Great Backyard Bird Count ~ February 13-16, 2009

You can count for as little as 15 minutes for 1 day - or more, if you like.

Coloring handouts, tally sheets, submission info, and more at website.

Become a little scientist for a day!

Flying Creatures of the 5th Day ... I love you!!

Could this little birdie be my saving grace??

I'm hoping so, though I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch!!!

Reading has been a life-long struggle for one of my boys. He LOVES being read to and will listen to books on tape from here to Florida and back ... but when it comes time to read on his own - he's just not interested. He's a boy! He's active!

A few weeks ago, we started using Jeannie Fulbright's book: Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day.

What an awesome book! They're begging for more! Even RV and I have learned SO much. I only wish we'd have used it years ago (it's been sitting on our Science bookshelf with all of her other books)! This summer, Jeannie is coming out with a book on Anatomy and I think one other. I'm buying it hot off the press! Can't wait. www.jeanniefulbright.com

But back to this morning -- I woke up with a miserable headache, so was moving slower than usual. When I came downstairs, my boy with an aversion to books, was sitting on the couch - with a pile of bird books around him. He was even reading them - not just looking at the pictures! We have about 30 books from the library on birds ... and he wants to get more.

Since we're studying birds, last weekend we put up about 5 bird feeders - including suet, etc. in our yard. It's been loads of fun, watching the birds discover us! The non-reader wants a bluebird birdhouse soooo bad, he can taste it! I bribed him with "read X number of books and we'll get one". I wonder if he'll keep on going ... until we have a birdhouse "fence" around our house?!

I just hope he keeps it up - and I haven't just jinxed us. Once before we were on a roll that was short-lived!

Anybody have any books or series of books well-loved by boys that you can recommend? I need to fan the flames while there's still a spark present!

Swoosh! Swoosh!

We had a perfect day of skiing at Bryce today. The place was EMPTY! Look at this - not a single person on any of the trails!!!

Here we come with some of our friends ...... we went with 3 other families: Eagers, Kirkwoods and Heidorns ... I WISH I'd have gotten a picture of each family. Next time, I'll make them pose - before everyone gets all hot, sweaty & separated! There were about 20 of us - and I don't even think there were 20 other people on the entire mountain!

RV leading the pack:

Pop Up & RV:



Travel Trailer:

Pop Up:


The air temp was 50*! They skiied the whole day with no coats. I sat at an outside table (no coat) and soaked up the sun. It was almost like a day at the beach. Well - except, the opposite ;-) A completely GORGEOUS, sunny day!

The boys had only been skiing twice before (last year) - but they came down the (BIG trails on the) mountain like a couple of seasoned pros!

Swoosh! Swoosh!

I SO wish I'd have learned to ski when I was their age and fearless. I tried it at a Singles Ministry ski retreat about 20 years ago -- and it was not a pretty sight. Just makes me all the more determined for them to learn the things I didn't ...... swimming, skiing, sewing - eh, might as well throw in cooking & cleaning ......

Upward Basketball ~ 2009

The boys & their coach .... Dad!

This is the last year that Travel Trailer is eligible to play Upward Basketball (Christian sports league) since it only goes through 6th grade, so a year ago, Dad promised he'd be his coach for this final season.

When the league combied 5th-6th grade boys on the same team, Pop Up lucked out and wound up on the same team!

Although RV doesn't have ANY basketball experience and he was a little nervous with this undertaking, he's done a good job and all 3 of them are having a lot of fun!

Being 4-0 doesn't hurt! Go, team!

Hashimoto's ... and going gluten-free!

A week ago, I was diagnosed with "Hashimoto's Thyroiditis".

I've been on thyroid meds for several years now, but recently a blood test showed "thyroid antibodies" of 3,020. Zero (or very close to it) is normal.

Hashimoto's is an auto-immune disease, where your body attacks itself as if it were a foreign object. Some of the symptoms are: fatigue, sensitivity to cold, infertility, repeated miscarriages (we've had 3), mental fogginess, loss of concentration, weight gain and more. Got 'em all - and then some!

Auto-immune diseases manifest themselves in different ways throughout the same family. In my family there are cases of M.S., Lupus, severe osteoporosis, psoriasis, diabetes and more. All of which, they say, can be helped with a gluten-free diet. A friend said once you have one auto-immune disease, 9 times out of 10, you will develop another. So, I'm trying to go gluten-free!

This is what RV made for dinner. Gluten-free fried rice ~ made with GF soy sauce!

It's actually been kind of fun searching the grocery stores for gluten-free foods - which are popping up more and more every day. Fun, because that means a trip to the store by myself ~ 'cuz I've got research going on!! So far, I've found a ton of varied items at: Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Wegmans (my **favorite** since they make it SOOO easy and put a "G" on all their Wegmans brand gluten-free chips, salsas, soups, salad dressings, etc. - no more guesswork with reading the labels and trying to decipher "hidden gluten code words"!). Just find a "G" on the label, plop it in the cart and keep on moving! I'll make myself learn to like the taste ~ whatever it is ;-)

Although I love and adore bread and pasta more than almost anything - I haven't missed them tooooooo much ~ even with a trip to Texas Roadhouse last night for RV's birthday dinner. It's a little hard to hate a diet where you CAN have: potatoes, butter, sour cream, ice cream, chips, cheese, tapioca pudding, chocolate, and more. Lunch at 5 Guys after basketball today was easy - cheeseburger with no bun and yummy french fries (cooked in dedicated fryer with peanut oil) = diet food??! Yeah, I can live with that!

And being down -5 pounds in about a week helps! Only X (way too much!) more to go!!! I am hoping I can keep it up - my doctor says if I do it for 6 months, I'll feel so much better and have so much more energy that you couldn't pay me to go back. Let's hope he's right!!!

Got Snow? .... uhhh - just a little!

This has been our BIG snow of the season! Not even 2" ... but schools have been closed for 2 days! There was some ice that fell on top last night.

Pup Tent LOVES eating snow!!!


Here they are, hiking up our little hill:

Top of the "mountain":

And ... Pop Up's off ......

Every year I wonder why SO many people are out there buying new snow shovels (did they move? lose 'em? what?!) ... well, this little bit of snow/ice bent the handle into a 90* angle. I guess they just don't make 'em like they used to!


Now, they're completely and thoroughly exhausted ... Dad's headed to work - has some paperwork to get out by 1/31 ... and we're supposed to head to the schoolroom. Yeah, that was a bad plan! But how many days do you get to play in the snow with dad before he goes to work? Soooooo ... looks like maybe an afternoon of me reading to them ..... or a full day of P.E.! Hmmmm, which will it be? We don't get much P.E. in these days, now that we're taking a break from this session of swimming lessons. Although, there is Upward Basketball tomorrow night ... decisions, decisions! ;-)

Wow -- 9 days since my last post? Facebook really is getting the best of me ........ ;-)

1-19-91

(I liked the date!)

18 years ago today, I married my best friend! And we were best friends for 5 years before we even had our first date ;-) Yep, we go all the way back to the summer of 1985!

During that 5 years of being "just friends", I dated other guys, but he kept on waiting & waiting .... then just about the time I figured he might not be such a bad guy afterall, he decided he might want to check out some missionary girls in Venezuela ..... and so it went, back and forth. When Harry Met Sally ain't got nuthin' on us! Finally, we got our act together. Our pastor's wife told me during my decision-making process "he'll treat you like a queen!" ... and she was right!

I love this picture ... had a decent hair day, despite my hairdresser standing me up! ... can you believe it? who stands their client up on their wedding day? ... but every time I see it, I wish there was some color in my bouquet! What was I thinking?!?

And despite the fact that I'm on my 3rd set of wedding rings ... hey, my taste keeps changing! ... the man, he's a definite KEEPER!

How will we celebrate today? By joint doctor's appointments ... we've both been sick all weekend! But despite that ....

Happiness really IS being married to your best friend!

One teeny little problem after another = feeling overwhelmed

Sorry for the absence ...... been having too much fun/wasting too much time on Facebook these days :-) Reconnecting with friends from 20 years ago!

Pretty unproductive week here - as far as getting anyting done, goes.

One kid was diagnosed with "molluscum". Supposed to be fairly common and not contagious. Poor guy just looks bad. It's mainly contained on his stomach, but starting to spread a bit to his legs and arms. Pediatrician says its a virus - some say related to "pox" and/or warts and it just needs to run its course. Uhh, one teeny little problem -- they say that could be anywhere from months to YEARS!!! EDITED TO ADD: After getting a 2nd opinion, we're back to the drawing board with this issue ...

Called our dermatologist - and since he would be a new patient ... uhhh, one little problem. They're scheduling new patients for July!!!! I'll keep that appt. even if his skin is clear as a bell - just to establish him as a patient and get in within a week from now on (as an existing patient).

So I called our family doctor - who is an M.D. but also has a holistic bent to him. Love that about him. Uhh, one teeny little problem -- he doesn't take insurance anymore and a new patient consult is $250.

I figure it's a skin issue - it should be treatable from the inside-out .... I'm old enough to remember the motto "you are what you eat". So I do some googling & reading & investigating. Need to boost his immune system ........ olive leaf extract, colloidal silver, probiotics, cod liver oil. Hmmm, but in what quantities? Need to call our local health food store - she's always been a wealth of info before when faced with such issues.

So while I'm making an appointment for him, I mention to the doctor's office "uhh, I had some bloodwork done in June ... you called me with results, but I never called back (life's busy!!). Can I get the results now?" They dig for the paperwork.

Come to find out, my "thyroid antibodies" are 3,020 .... uhhh, one little problem ... normal is close to ZERO! I don't even know what "thyroid antibodies" are, but apparently they're different from TSH3 and TSH4 (or whatever I had checked before when they put me on thyroid meds). Nurse says I should go gluten-free - says its the "only" way to bring them back down close to 0. Think that's true? This doctor is notorious for pushing the gluten-free lifestyle. She also says I should put my son on gluten-free to help with skin issues until he gets in to see them. Uhhh, one little problem .... he loves bread and pasta almost more than life itself! Just like his mama!

Then at the suggestion of a friend, I call an endocrinologist. Supposed to be very well renowned in the area, and am told to expect quite a wait. They can see me the 30th! I ask "of January?". Haha - after having to wait half a year for a dermotologist, this seems like a piece of cake. Oh wait, I'm not supposed to have that anymore.

So, now I get to spend my time researching gluten-free diets & lifestyles. Facebook would be so much more fun!

Anybody out there an expert in all this??

Merry Christmas to me!

I mean US! No, really honey ... it's for us!!


money received as a Christmas gift from several people (thanks, Mom & Jimmy!!)
+
25% off coupon (even if it is still overpriced ;-) you can google Family Christian Store for a coupon
+
the beautiful simplicity of this nativity
+
no willpower
=
new Willow Tree Nativity residing at our home




.... now I just need a table to put it on before it gets broken (it better NOT!)!

Living Room Wars

This is a game I do not understand. Pssshww! Boom! Crash! Shhhhhhreeek! I'm illiterate in this language. If I tried to play, I'd be praying that an Imperal Star Destroyer (or whatever its called) would instantly vaporize me and put me out of my misery. But look how happy they look! What is it with the Y chromosome, anyway?

Pop Up with his secret arsenal of whochamanannies:

And here's the whole gang. The boys will talking about it for years to come. "Hey Dad, remember that day we stayed in our pj's all day and played with our Star Wars Legos contraptions?" Ok, they'll use the correct name of said contraptions. I just don't happen to know what it is.

I just went back in there and asked RV "do you even understand this game??" He said "No, but I just shot the dog!" ..... as the air destroyer in his hands made another loop around the room.

How come they never want to play Scrabble or some other word game that I could totally beat them at? I guess I'll just have to play in here and have my need for words fulfilled by my friends in the blogosphere.

And now I'm off to read YOUR blog ....

Hope you've had a fun day in your pj's, too!

Happy New Year!

Wishing you all a VERY blessed New Year's Eve and 2009!

And now I should hop off here and get some things done before the clock strikes midnight - things that need to be postmarked by 12/31, and a whole host of other "to do's" on my list today.

We're also trying to ease back into school a little at a time before Monday, as it's been hit or miss with the holidays and traveling. A day or two's worth of organizing in the schoolroom couldn't hurt, either.

I may hop on here later and try to write something more profound, but for now, just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you and hoping the New Year brings you nothing but the best.

What are your plans for the evening ????????

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Don't mind me. I'm just venting. Feel free to skip this one altogether.

I was just reading a friend's blog about family "stuff" during the holidays. We all have it, don't we? Lest anyone think life here is as picture perfect as my Christmas letter (bahaha - I didn't report any surgeries of the past year, business failures or the like in it) ...... here's a little Christmas Day soundbite:

Phone rings at 10:00 am -- DH answers, it's my mother calling to ask "are we still invited to dinner?". He relays message to me across the room. Me: "She keeps asking that. Why does she keep asking that?" (she asked no less than 6 times in the past 2 weeks) Him to her, said with humor in his voice: "5th Wheel says you keep asking that ... yes, you are. (then HE adds) But if you ask onnnne morrrrre time ... I don't think you will be. (wink, wink)" They both chuckle and hang up.

Fast forward 5 hours -- she shows up (sniffly/crying) but step-dad doesn't come. Says he has a headache.

The next day, an email. She says step-dad thought my comment was rude and disrespectful, so didn't want to come to dinner. And she agrees with him.

I reply -- telling her that I know her hearing isn't good, and that RV made that comment, NOT me! Also mentioned that his tone and timing was important to note - he is ALWAYS cracking jokes. Always. Anyone who knows him, knows that. I happen to love his sense of humor. It was a j-o-k-e.

Which in turn got a reply from her: "fyi, I did laugh at RV's comment!". And then there was stepdad's email reply "a sense of humor is certainly essential." Hunh? Mmmm, ok then, someone please tell me what I missed. Why all the drama? I didn't think it was anything to get all bent out of shape about, but maybe that's just me?

So ... here I am - in the very familiar doghouse. And that, my dear, is the way Christmas Day always ends up around here. Oh the joys!

Did I forget to mention that if either of my boys had said that - boy howdy, THAT would have been funny! I'm talkin' knee-slappin' funny. And there would have been NO repercussions. What-so-ever. Yep, they play by a different set of rules, that's for certain. The more brutally honest they are, the more she worships & adores them, because they say what's on their mind. However, I am fully expected to keep my mouth shut at all times. Especially if I don't happen to agree with her. Eggshells - they're not all they're cracked up to be. And stepdad doesn't call her "The Commander" for nuthin! You'd think I'd know that by now.

Now, as I look over this whole incident, I surely don't think it was worth all the broohaha that it created (and believe me, there's still more brewing). Then again, I didn't think so at the time, either. In fact, the word ridiculous comes to mind.

"It's the most wonderful time of the year ...... lalalala ...... BE OF GOOD CHEER!"

Mmmmm, I've been thinking - maybe Christmas in Maine might be a nice change of pace for next year. Hello, Dad??? ;-) The boys HAVE ALWAYS wanted a WHITE CHRISTMAS!!!!

Christmas Card Carousel

What an AWESOME idea Faith had by starting a

Christmas Card Carousel

Click on over and see a few ....

some of them truly are works of art!

There is NOTHING - no not one thing ... that I LOVE more at Christmas than Christmas cards!!! Well, ok, maybe stockings give it a run for the money. Whether it's sending or receiving them - I can never get enough!!! In fact, that's why I started blogging. I love writing our Christmas letter (and would love to receive more - hint, hint) ... so the thought of not getting to write one for 11 more months sent me straight to blogland last January!

This is our Christmas Card for 2008. And now I'm already thinking toward 2009 ... Faith, this will be an annual event, right??

We have a scanner but I haven't taken the time to learn how to use it yet, so my Dad scans stuff for me - all the way from Maine! (thanks, Dad!! xoxo)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Our Christmas card photo from 2007 is on my sidebar there at the TOP of my blog -- where the family is all decked out in red.

Christmas Morning

Merry Christmas!!

Decided to make mini blueberry muffins this morning:

Tradition alert! Every Christmas morning we have this breakfast casserole (made the night before and just pop in the over on Christmas morn). Last year after Christmas I got this beautiful Lenox baking dish ON SALE that I love having as a new part of the tradition:


The pile of loot. Every year we seem to go a little overboard. And every year I think that we really should limit it to 3 gifts - to represent the 3 gifts that were given to Jesus. I love the idea behind that. Will have to try again next year!


Travel Trailer's big gift this year was an electric scooter.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas Day! I better hop off here and dig up some sweet potato recipes to go with our ham dinner tonight!

It's Christmas Eve!

12 SHORT years ago, Christmas looked like this. Travel Trailer was 2 weeks old in this picture:



Now the one in Dad's arms has his arms around his dog. And in even less time than that, theoretically, he could be holding his own son (though I pray that's a little further down the road). Time does go by so fast, doesn't it?!

On to happier subjects. At least one tradition made it into this Christmas season! Since Spatini has been discontinued, my traditional spaghetti Christmas Eve dinner is no more. Waaaa! Tonight? Papa John's saved the day, since there was too much baking still going on in the kitchen. Next year maybe we'll plan better. But I kinda doubt it.

A tradition that lives on? New PJ's opened on Christmas Eve! I love them - on the shirt is a Christmas tree, made out of pool balls, and the bottoms are splattered with pool ball Christmas tree ornaments! Yes, my boys are growing up. Seems like just yesteryear when their new Christmas PJ's were dotted with bears & trains and other things that little boys love. Just one more way that the photos in my album show the swift passage of time.

Because tonight just wasn't busy enough, we decided to make a new cookie.

I LOVE how they look, but the taste is icky! Next time we'll substitute the peppermint flavor with almond flavor - that should be better!

Merry Christmas Eve ...

from our home to yours!

Peace on Earth

Yesterday was one of the worst days in recent memory around our household. As my friend, Emily (Parkes) Sutherland said in her blog: "This Ain't Prettyville"! Amen, sister ~ that'll preach!

One of my boys was in tears almost the entire day. Have mercy. Was it the culmination of a month's worth of sleep depravation, combined with an overload of sugar these past few weeks and the excitement of the coming days? Who knows. Could have been any number of things, as he has always been highly emotional. After a few hours yesterday, emotions were running sky high in me, too. I pulled over to the side of the road (I really thought ~ hoped! prayed! that those days were behind us!) and threatened not to move the car another single inch until the nonsense stopped. That worked like a charm, until we got home and there was no car to move!

My entire life, all I've wanted for Christmas was a little joy, laughter and cheer. Sadly, I have very few happy memories of Christmas as a child. Most of them were filled with tears, due to circumstances beyond my control. I thought things would be different when I grew up. But oh no, there they were again. Those ole familiar tears ... this time, for different circumstances beyond my control. LOL! Hey, at least I'm laughing about it now.

All I wanted yesterday was a little peace during this season of wonder. And then this morning, I got this in my email box. The kind of peace that endures .... ahhh, much better than any temporal holiday peace I might find ~ should I ever get that lucky.

taken from today's "Daily Focus" homeschooling email:

Peace on Earth
Wednesday / December 24, 2008

"He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me" (Psalm 55:18a).

The words on the Christmas card and the noise coming from our school room stood in stark contrast to one another. "Peace on Earth," the card read. "My, wouldn't that be nice?" I thought. I guess every homeschooling parent longs for a peaceful home, but hearing the crescendo in my children's voices, I knew that peace wasn't happening today at our house. But Christmas was coming, and I could hope, right?

As I thought more about peace on earth, I wondered what Christ meant in John 14:27 when He said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Then, the truth of this verse dawned on me-true peace is not the absence of arguments, violence, or wars. True peace is experiencing God's love instead of His wrath because we receive the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. That means fighting children, threats of war, and even interruptions to homeschooling days need not change to experience the presence of Christ's peace in my life.

Would you like to find peace this Christmas? Don't look for the absence of problems. Look instead to the peacemaker whose birth made the angels of heaven proclaim, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14). Let the power of the Holy Spirit fill you this Christmas and experience the peace of Christ within. Shalom! "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Jesus, I praise You for the love, forgiveness, and peace You give to all who trust in You. Please walk with me this Christmas and give me the peace of Your presence in my life. In Your holy name, Amen.

Isn't that just like God? To blow you out of the water, like that? And I pray that YOUR Christmas is also filled with peace .....

Season of Giving .... part 2

Well, we tried to make Travel Trailer's service project (see post dated 12.19.08) Toys for Tots, but we were too late and missed the deadline, so had to go with plan B.

He loves dogs and all animals ... so this seemed like a good fit. And, I never did make good on investigating the 4-H non-ownership ... that's an important little detail! Sheep Club for him after last summer's county fair.

Yesterday we shopped at Target for some dog treats and dog & cat toys, which we delivered this morning to our county's animal shelter.

Here is what he chose to donate:



The tree at the animal shelter, along with some other goodies people have donated:

We also discovered that they have a "junior volunteer program" where kids ages 10-16 can come volunteer as a dog walker, cat cuddler or a variety of other areas where help is needed. Sounds like some good lessons in responsibility - and a way to give year-round in a fun way for a kid.

Now ... where to carve out 2 hours/week ... as a parent is required to attend with the children. Who knows - it COULD prove to be a good motivator -- "no animal shelter for you, until you finish your math, science, reading, history, english, piano, fill-in-the-blank!" They do get twice as much done when there's a reward dangling in front of their nose!! I guess we all do.

Christmas Tour of Homes

Click on the button above to tour some holiday homes! There are almost 1,000 of them on Mr. Linky - but don't worry, you don't have to visit them ALL! Just peek at a few - it's so much fun! And - welcome to those who stumbled upon me from BooMama's site!

All the trees in our house are "themed".

Foyer "Snowman" Tree:

This "snowman" tree is in our foyer. It has white garland & ribbon, snowflake ornaments, snowmen and all the makings (carrots & mittens even!). The tree topper is a top hat. The picture of the top hat didn't turn out too well - maybe I'll try again tomorrow.

Blown glass, Winnie the Pooh snowman ornament:

A Boyds' Bear dressed as a snowman:

"Mouseketeer" snowman:

Family Room "Sentimental" Tree:

This is the 12' tree in our family room. It's covered with sentimental stuff. All the ornaments are either hand-made (bought over the years at craft shows and some that my kids made), antique ornaments - some from RV's grandmother, some from my childhood, photo ornaments, or ornaments from places we've traveled.

This is a tiny little ornament - hand cut scissor art (can't remember the name of the art form):

Stockings:

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE stockings!!! When I was a kid, they were my very favorite part of Christmas!!!! And I love THESE stockings - from Lands End!

Pop Up's "Nutcracker" Tree:

He does have a nutcracker ornament collection started - but we've yet to claim a tree for it. In the meantime, you can enjoy his nutcracker collection ;-)

Pop Up decided a few years ago that he wanted to be just like his paternal grandmother and collect nutcrackers. I'd say he has a pretty good start on things! Wonder how many he'll leave home with when he gets his own place one day? We already need more space to display them! Every Christmas I realize just how challenged we are with our lack of table tops & horizontal surfaces around here!



Guest Bedroom "Antique Toy" tree:

Wooden red, beaded garland, chenille ornaments, rocking horses, stick horses, wooden blocks, etc.



Kitchen Trees:

Themes of these trees are: Gingerbread Men, Hope ornaments and a menagerie of food/candy ornaments (going to re-vamp that one as soon as I determine a new theme).


I picked up these ornaments on 12/24 at Joanne Fabrics for 70% off - and added them above the little pub table in our kitchen. I love their quirkiness:

Nativities:

This was a gift from Pop Up this Christmas. It's sitting on our mantle now. The colors match our house beautifully:

We have several other nativities -- a ceramic one that my MIL and SIL made, one just purchased in Cozumel, a Boyds' Bear nativity and a handful of others.

Mr. Christmas:

RV loves Christmas! This is a GOOD man! He bakes! He wraps! He decorates! He does it all!!! I know you're wondering ... what do **I** do? I shop! I blog! We make a good team!


I hope each of you has a wonderful Christmas and a blessed 2009!