From the old country

A Birthday to Remember........

2012-01-02T00:10:00.001Z

My dear 9yr old, soon to be 10 yr old has a birthday right before Christmas. Only 3 days mind you, but around Christmas? What a busy time of the year to call your own. You have to squeeze your "special me time" between the most gluttonous days of the year and the celebration of the birth of Christ! How can a little girls birthday compete with that? The holidays are always stressful and I hate trying to get things in the mail in Dec-Jan. It is nearly impossible to get it on time if you haven't ordered it in October! And, if you know me I like to plan things a little bit near the almost possible last minute, got that? So we had the idea and the reason, but the clock was starting to tick. It was the beginning of the month and I was gearing up for a small birthday invasion, but alas, this wasn't meant to be. I was summoned home to see my father for what was to be the last time. It was a sobering journey that has it's place in another blog....
So we went to Texas and came home on Dec 20th, approximately 2 days before this poor child's birthday. Having just been mentally taxed, my first thought was to postpone the party till the weekend but it just didn't feel right to me. I have just about always had the children's birthday party on their actual "day of birth" and it has become a tradition to me to do so- no matter what day of the week. The outrageous variety of a Tuesday afternoon party versus the usual Saturday afternoon shindig just tickles my bones so being a bit off the beaten path I wanted to keep up the tradition. Apparently I am a traditionalist and fail to admonish that realization. (I have to insert this here-one of my favorites!!)

Now I call up her 5 friends to see if they can come to our house for an impromptu spa party and of course they all say "Yes!" Elise was a happy camper and we began the frantic preparations! The cake was an ice cream cake from the commissary-I just didn't have the stamina to bake one myself, but she loved it just as well. I picked up a few items while we were in the states and they covered most of what we needed so another mom added to the "beauty collection" with her equipment and knowledge and we were all set! Six young ladies were pampered and poshed for a few hours and dear Elise had the time of her life! I am so blessed that it all worked out for the best and you can see by the smile on her face that she was just a glowing with happiness!
Happy Birthday Elsie!!

A Letter To My Father

2011-12-09T08:31:00.001Z

Dear Daddy,
I flew home because they said you were dying. I didn't want to come because I couldn't bear to see you like this. The traveling part looked like such a burden to me because I feared the worst- 9 hours on a plane with an extremely active and sometimes Attila the Hun-like toddler. She has been such a healing blessing to us since Mom passed away 2 1/2 years ago. I knew I had to get over my fears so that you could see her, mom's namesake, so we packed up, prayed up and hopped on 2 planes and a long car ride to see you and say "Hello and goodbye". My fears were unmerited and this proved to be one of the best plane trips ever! We were so blessed and out of thousands of people, we ran into a dear friend, Barbara Yoder from Ireland, in the Chicago airport! Just her presence was a comfort to us and after we parted, we ran into each other again!
So Daddy, I came home and I knew you weren't going to be the same person that I knew when I last talked to you. They said you were unresponsive and that the final stages of dementia had set in. You had gone home from the hospital and were fine, eating and drinking and talking as usual, then all of a sudden you just fell ill and your sugar level wouldn't come down. Nothing worked and they took you back to the hospital. From there, I was told that your condition worsened and you slipped into a partially vegetative state, the condition that you are in now. It's been over 10 days since you last ate and a feeding tube would only prolong the inevitable and make you more uncomfortable. So Daddy, I made the big trip and came to see you and introduce the new generation to you.
It took 24 hours and a lot of coffee,(you know I don't like that stuff), to stay awake during the drive from Oklahoma City to you, but I did it. When I finally came to see you, my heart sank- you were just lying there, half asleep. I held your hand and spoke to you, then all of a sudden, you opened your eyes and started looking at me. You knew it was me and as I spoke to you, you squeezed my hand and a tear rolled down your face! Since mom died, every time I spoke to you on the phone, I cried. I knew you missed her and weren't being cared for as nearly as well as she cared for you. I'm sorry I couldn't be here Daddy, but was coming home in a few months to live anyway. Then you'd have us to help care for you.
I want to tell you about yourself-the things I thank you for the most. Daddy, you are such a strong man and your personality is a "take it or leave it" type. You weren't going to drag anyone to do something they didn't want to do. You'd willingly teach the person who wanted to learn- that's how I learned so many neat things from you. You took me everywhere with you. I can remember going with you to one of your friends store. They were a bunch of old crusty men, but they were kind and always had a soft spot for me. Whilst they were drinking, smoking and playing cards, someone would always produce some candy and teach me how to play what you were playing. Gin rummy, spades, bones- I learned to master them all. You taught me how to fish and clean those fish (yuck!), but you did most of the cleaning for me. I love eating fish and you did too. I learned a bit of patience from fishing, Daddy. Thanks. You taught me how to fix toilets because I thought it was interesting to see you digging in the tank.(And because my brother, Steve, didn't care to learn.) You made sure I could fix a leaky faucet because there would always be one that dripped and drive mom crazy! We worked on cars and got oily and grimy together Daddy. I remember looking under the hood and wondering what this and that were for- you told me and I couldn't remember it all, but I knew if the car got sick, we'd be together, getting parts and working on it.
I learned a lot of DIY from you. You fixed whatever you could and if you couldn't, one of your "Old Crusty" friends could and they'd have me helping out or observing, explaining the whole process along the way. You taught me how to cut the grass in a neat and orderly fashion. To this day, I actually like cutting grass and vacuuming because you can see results instantly and you can see if you were doing it wrong too! I was learning organization from that. You taught me how to love and treat animals. We always had a cat or dog and when I left home, you and my kitty, Deveraux became the best of friends. I remember you telling me that he was your alarm clock, waking you up every morning so the two of you could eat breakfast together. I knew he was in good hands with you, Daddy. When he disappeared, you kept looking for him, every day. Finally you gave up- he was old and you knew he went away to die. You called me and let me know. Compassion- you showed me some of that too, Daddy. When we drove to New Orleans because your mother had passed away suddenly, we drove through the night to get there and at one point, a rabbit hopped out on the road in front of the car. You hit him, but I heard you say, "Sorry, Mr Bunny". I'll never forget that. There was compassion in what you said.
Tall and slender, you always had a neat and cared for appearance. I remember you ironing your clothes every few days. Since you worked at Neiman Marcus for over 20 years, you introduced me to fine perfumes, quality clothes and exotic foods. You brought home what you could to show us children that there was more to life than meat loaf and mashed potatoes! You provided for us well, Daddy. Thank you. You showed me that the best things for lunch was a sandwich,(always on fresh bread),and a power nap. I heard old songs and watched you and mom dance to them. What a delight! You two were so happy to have each other. Such love! For years i begged you to stop smoking, but you didn't. Not until you nearly passed out after chasing the dog back into the fence did you realize how bad cigarettes were for your health. You quit cold turkey-I was so proud of you! You drove the nieces to and from school each day and helped my Grandmother when she needed anything. We played baseball and football together. I ran track and you were so proud of me when I went to the nationals in Hershey, Pennsylvania. You took me to school on the first day. I remember watching you leave. I cried and watched you walk away. I think you cried too- you did't turn around and wave to me. That's okay because you made it up to me with the biggest hug and kisses! Oh we missed each other!! You aren't an emotional person- except for getting angry at crazy stuff And wow, you have a temper there! I know because I picked that up from you too. That's alright since I've learned how to deal with it. When I was older, I diagnosed you with Peter Pan Syndrome. You were angry so I rediagnosed you with Last Child Syndrome. You thought that was more like you!
Oh Daddy, I'm sorry you have to go, but Jesus is calling you soon. He has an appointment with you and I think you are ready. You know him well. Mom is there and waiting to see you too as well as many of your loved ones who went before you. We will miss you and do our best to pick up the pieces when you are gone. Steve hasn't become fully responsible yet, and he most likely won't, so we will have to make sure Karlin is taken care of. It'll be alright and at least you were able to see the littlest children before you go. I love you and don't for you to have to spend the rest of your life in bed with machines helping you to live. You wouldn't want that so we won't put you through it. Just remember that I will be with you till the end and when I cannot be there you will be comforted by Jesus himself. Look ahead for glory, Daddy! You'll be there soon.

I love you forever,
Your Baby Girl

In My Closet Is My Own Worst Enemy......

2011-11-08T14:20:00.000Z

Disclaimer: There is one word that may be offensive in here and it is not a curse word!

Several days ago the weather changed towards the cold side. I pulled out the childrens coats and gave them a wash, making sure that they were clean from when I cleaned them before I put them in the closet. All was well until I decided it was cold enough for me to get my coat out. I avoided doing this until it was absolutely necessary because, facing the thought of freezing wind howling through my sweaters, I though it be best to avoid pneumonia. I headed to the back wall of my closet where I hadn't seen, nor heard, from my wool coat for at least 6 months. I dug deep, and coming up with the heavy, camel colored, wool coat, I saw there was a brown dot on the collar. I thumped it off, thinking it was a bit of lint from the brown sweater in front of it and laid it down on the recliner near my bed. My eyes scanned the wonderful warm and fuzzy coat that I anticipated wearing later that day when I spied a strange trail of naked fabric. The fuzz was gone and you could see where it was missing!

What? What? What was that? Was I seeing what I thought I was? Something had eaten the fuzz off my collar! On my coat. My ONLY GOOD COAT!

(I have to pause and tell you that I am getting upset as I write this because I STILL can't believe it happened to me!)

Was that creature I thumped off my coat responsible for this? No way! But what else could have done this but that thing! What am I going to do? Get it dry cleaned, yes, that's what I'll do. But wait! Look at the stain under the sleeve! That was there from the last dry cleaning so they really stink at dry cleaning here! I can't wash it. It'll turn to wrinkled fluff. I can't wear this anymore! This creature ate' drank, sleeped, peed and pooped in my coat! I can't wear this again! Oh no, I need a new coat and fast.

I ran downstairs to explain my dilemma to my daughter and husband and they started laughing at me! Mr said that I'd have to get some mothballs and smell like an old person forever! He also called me neurotic. That is NOT FUNNY!
So, I layered up and went on my merry way, vowing to go back in the closet and vacuum that creature to another dimension later.
That evening, I went back to the closet and found my beautiful Scottish wool scarf that was given to me by my daughter for Christmas last year. It just happened to be on the hanger next to where the offended coat was butchered. I took it out in anticipation of getting it cleaned so I could wear it later in the week. Inspection time!!! I held it up to the light and my eyes couldn't miss the holes that the light was streaming through!! I WAS INSANE WITH ANGER! That was it! This was the last straw and that little,(close your ears my friends, you've never heard this word from my mouth), bastard, had to die! I grabbed a hanger and started beating the clothes in my closet with it. If that thing was there then he was going down! After a few minutes, I gave up and landed on the closet floor to inspect if the offenders body was there. I took everything out and crawled through it from corner to corner. I FOUND NOTHING! You can only imagine how much angrier I was! I was unconsolable with anger! Trust me, I was beside myself when I figured out what state I was in!!
Today I am calm enough to write about it, but if you mention that coat and take my blood pressure, you will see Mt Vesuvius arise again!!

Has this ever happened to you?

Compassion- What in the world?

2011-11-04T19:14:00.001Z

It all began several months ago when my husband was diagnosed with cancer. He had gone to the Dr for a variety of ailments, but the most prominent one was the blood in his urine. I know I am telling his business, but if there is any man in your life that has this symptom, have them get this checked.
He had a biopsy which confirmed the disease and we have been on the fight against it ever since. On the day he found out, he was coming in the door and I was walking out of it. I asked him what the Dr said about his biopsy and he said to me in a whisper, "I have cancer". I said "Really? No?' and he said "That's what they said."

So that is how we roll at our house. No big announcement. No sitting down to talk about it, just a whispered statement and time to let it sink in. Later on we sat down to a Pow-Wow and had a deep discussion. It took us a few days to tell the children what was going on. We had to be ready for any questions they had at the time and we needed to be prepared ourselves for questioning. As it was, they barely had 10 questions to ask. I guess it all sank in thoroughly.

I had to look at him in a whole new light after that fateful day. Every ache and pain became thoroughly investigated. I tried not to ignore his "Oh,this pain and oh, that hurts." (I was getting REALLY good at that- This man has LOTS of aches and pains!) Each and every day was to be savored more than ever. My heart became softer.(But not too soft though, I don't want to seem "mushy".) We had this appointment and that appointment and finally the decision was made to have the surgery and get it over with. We had already been waiting since the biopsy for a surgery date and it seemed a long way off and our patience was wearing thin. He seems to have more patience than I in certain situations, and I didn't feel like this was a time for patience. Action, swift and decisive was what I wanted and in this country, I wasn't going to get it. Frankly, I haven't been getting many things that I have wanted lately and I guess I have had a sour attitude, but I wasn't showing it (or at least I thought I wasn't- another place where God is working on me!)
Some things you really want to just put in the closet and deal with on a rainy day and this has been one of those situations.
**************************************************
November 19, 2011
My dear husband has had his surgery almost 3 weeks ago and has had his share of complications. We have been back and forth to the hospital emergency room frequently enough for me to know many of the staff on a personal basis. I think that at some point,some of these obstacles to his recovery are mental barriers called pride and ego and those are two hard partners to dance with. I know those two- pride and ego. They make you obnoxious to others, just like the whiff of a skunk in the middle of a fresh breath of air. You almost choke while inhaling!
I don't ever recall asking for two little ones at the same time, Lord, and I think I have done fairly, sorta, okay with them so far. I know I was blessed with them because I had wondered about the sanity of anyone who would double their workload and stress level by choice, and that is what it is, a choice to be a parent. God chooses us and gives us options. Even if we don't get what we want, a child or children, then we have ignored the choices we had before they were conceived and now that they are here, we have the choice to be the best parent to that child that they could ever imagine or be a sorry and pitiful parent who mumbles that they are still angry about that child being here.
How did I get off subject so badly?
I know- MR being at home and under the weather with moments of all out crankiness and dejection combined with the daily care of two little ones has been taxing on me mentally and physically. It's easier to take care of the children then the one man! Most nights I only get around 5-6 hours of sleep and I am so tired and worn out for it all. I could choose to be a cranky and cantankerous wife and mother, spreading my misery throughout my daily travels but I don't want to be remembered that way. I want people to remember me as "That Happy American Woman! I don't hit the mark everyday because of my attitude, but people genuinely know that I care for them.
Off subject again!!
******************************************************
Now I have a bit of compassion. Not a lot, but a sprinkle. My dear Mr has used up most of my compassion these last 3 weeks. I have felt sorry for him and all, but truth be told, my compassion needs a refill. I am tired of examining and apologizing for each hurt pain and boo-boo. Men are very verbal in their pain. Mother Theresa was a saint if she had so much compassion for so many people. Jesus has compassion and grace for every man, woman and child on this earth. I have only a few to care for and I am overwhelmed some days. I see why a retreat is needed to rejuvenate ones soul. I need one soon.
Do you want me to send you a postcard?

The Happy Birthday Girl

2011-10-25T20:55:00.000+01:00

I had to show how happy Chloe was to have her Parisian party. Look at the smiles!!!

Chloe and her friend Kylee.

The theme for this party was Paris, Paris, Paris!

One of her lovely birthday gifts. She loves this dress!

Another gift for her. This one is now her constant companion.

Thank you all for your sweet birthday wishes!

Happy Birthday in Paris

2011-10-16T23:36:00.000+01:00

I have to say that when I asked my little 3yr old, soon to be 4 yr old, what she wanted for her birthday, I received a strange answer from her. She didn't mention Disneyland, Princess collection,cell phone, doll, a Hummer or a big honking box of candy. She said she wanted to go back to Paris.
Now any sane person would say "No" to this request, but if you were me and where I am and waiting for a chance to go back to that wonderful place, then you would jump at this chance to go back to the "City of Lights'.
Since our first trip there many months ago, she has recounted many times her steps across this grand and lovely city. She remembers the sights and the smells as if she were just there that morning. She can tell you where Madeline fell from the bridge and the sweet pastry shops which were mere footsteps from our door. When we went in April, we stayed in a gorgeous apartment in a superbly multi-ethnic neighborhood. there was so much to love about this city! The gentleman whose apartment we stayed in was an excellent host even though we never met, he was just a phone call away. My 9 yr old was hospitalized for 4 days and her stay in the hospital was great! Oh, and the hospital food was awesome!! How many people can say that about a hospital? So French and so wonderful!

Anywho, we went back to Paris again and guess what? That pesky 9 yr old became ill again! 102 degree temperature ill! I just about lost what parental composure I had, but decided to make the best of it and focus myself on having a good time. One of the greatest moments of my life was had there on the first night we arrived. Instead of sitting around looking at the sad scenery from our cramped hotel room window, my son, birthday girl and I decided to make a quick night time run to see the tower ourselves. We took the Metro (underground train) to the nearest station and had to walk a few blocks to our destination. as soon as I could see the Eiffel, I called out to Chloe, "Look Chloe! The tower is ahead!" She came to a complete stop, looked forward and said in her most overjoyed voice, "The Eiffel Tower, The Eiffel Tower, The Eiffel Tower!" Each time she said this, her voice became ecstatic, almost to the point of tears. She was so happy! I almost cried to see her so happy! We walked to the tower and snapped a few photos with my cell phone, (duh, I forgot to take the real camera!). Wandering around the base of the tower, there seemed to be a never ending stream of tourists. Personally I thought all of those people should have been stuffed in their cramped little hotel rooms and sleeping, but apparently they had the same idea. We popped into a grocery store on the way home for some sandwich making supplies and ate a late night meal. She had thoroughly enjoyed herself and was so-ooo happy about her late night soiree.

A good time was had by all and the best time for the children was on the last night when we hired a driver to do a night time tour of the city. The sick 9yr old's fever had broken and I didn't want her thinking that all the sights of the city were on postcards. She needed some fresh air and a chance to see what we had seen the night before. There were many places we hadn't visited so we combined them all into an exciting personal guided tour.

I'll stop talking and let the pictures show you the beauty of the city at night

This Diet Thing

2011-10-16T22:38:00.000+01:00

Okay, it has been 2-3 weeks now and I really can't tell if I have made a lot of progress. I can tell you that I thought I was going to faint when I went on the rowing machine earlier this week. I made it to the gym and actually worked out! I did take my little ones with me and had to get off the machines more than 3 times but I actually sweated!! Now there is something I haven't done on purpose for a long time-sweat on purpose. Sometimes I wonder about people who do that. They do have a purpose for it, but do we really have to sweat to show that we are making progress? Yech!

I can truly see why people take diet pills. They don't want to do the work, but they want the results. I feel that way sometimes. I'd like to eat that half dozen of piping hot, fresh baked, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, but I don't want to "pay for my sins". Do you know how many calories that would be? That's 1320 calories!! Hello! That is nearly my whole days worth of food! They look good to me but not that good. I just have to leave the room and come back tomorrow when the heavenly smell of baked goods and melting chocolate has dissipated from the air.

My opinions are changing and so is my appetite. Now if you know me at all, you know that I have an insane love for baked goods- not just any baked good, but fresh out of the oven, made within the hour of my seeing them baked goods! I can contribute this to OSD-Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I have to know it is fresh. Who knows how long things have been sitting on the bakery shelf before you purchase them? And how many hands have touched it? How clean are those shelves? On and on, the questions run through my head like a horse tethered to a rope, running around in circles. SO, now that you've seen how my mind works then you can see why I have an obsession for food freshness and why I tend to make things only a mere hour or two before they need to be served. (It also explains why I am late to things that I have to take food to.)

Next subject: My taste buds have changed since this challenge has begun. I have begun to really crave earthy tasting foods like fresh spinach and especially mushrooms, RAW ones. I eat mushrooms like a chain smoker. A few an hour and my appetite is satisfied. They are low cal and all that good stuff but I really like the fact that they satisfy my constant urge to chew something. (And snuff is out of the question!) I eat a package a day and seem to be fine with it.

My family feels strange about it. Maybe you eat too many of them, they say. They tease me and say things like, "Ehhh, eating those magic mushrooms again?? or Shouldn't you have those with a pizza?"

I'm okay with that. They can say what they like about me, but don't say anything bad about my mushrooms too close to the refrigerator. They might hear those negative thoughts and wont' share their magic with me anymore..............

A Challenge!

2011-10-03T17:00:00.002+01:00

It has been a week since I decided to do this. So to make myself accountable, I have to let the world know!!!!.

I, Misty Harris, challenge Malaka Grant to a "Weight Off".

I have seen through this last year (well, I can't remember how long I have read your blogs and known you), that the both of us have put on an unhealthy and unacceptable amount of weight.

We have both borne children in the last year and have suffered with the after effects of a cesarean section. We don't get enough rest, eat too much unhealthy food, and don't move enough to get rid of all that excess. The overhanging belly tells me that it is time to go.

No more fat and fluffy for me!

How about you?

We both lead extremely busy lifestyles, but we deserve better!

If you accept this challenge, you may proceed by any means necessary.

Your family should participate with you by being active with you for at least 1-2 hours a week. This can include such outdoor activities as playing, washing the car, gardening, chasing chilrens, walking, hiking Mt. Killahiker, basketball or some kind of sport.

Soda needs to leave our diets along with fast foods. You may have a free day but only one free day a week. (And you can't roll it over to the next week!) Beware that this day of "free food paradise" may satisfy the craving that only Snickers may fill but may set you back on the scale. You may want to purge your cabinets of any temptations.

Whatever devices you choose to use; becoming a vegetarian, diet supplements, at home liposuction, Dr. Pepper, Dr.Phil, cabbage soup or exercise (oh my gosh-that means sweat!).

Do whatever it takes!

* (I am not liable if you hurt yourself- please do this in a sensible, adult manner.)(Legalities, legalities!)

One of us has to lose at least 15 pounds by Christmas. If you break that down, that gives you 12 weeks to lose it.

We have to check in at least every 2 weeks with news of our progress.

Can you do this?

Will you accept my challenge and defeat me... or crawl away with your tail between your fat thighs???

Get your Spandex ready!

(The Grand Prize will be given to the winner by the loser no later than Dec 31st.)

Malaka replied with this weak message;I, Malaka Grant, hereby ACCEPT your challenge! My goal size is an 8. I am currently an 18. No more fat and fluffy for me either!What's the grand prize? A chocolate cake? Just kiddin', just kiddin'.

A pickin' we will go! Part 1

2011-10-02T23:00:00.000+01:00

Ahhh, fall is upon us and it is time for the traditional apple picking pilgrimage to Sandringham.
This year, we went on a Friday afternoon since the children were released from school early. A new group came with us and we had to caravan it since there are only 8 seats in my van. Needless to say, I hope I have introduced these "newbies" to the addiction.

We finally make it to Ireland......4 of 3 (I lost count somewhere)

2011-09-24T09:19:00.005+01:00

Never mind! There were a couple more photos that go along with the series. I misnumbered and was too lazy to fix it.

Look! My faster, little brother ship!

Should I defend him against Irish Ferries?

Can you read Welsh? It's kind of gibbldey gock to me.

A lovely Victorian hotel tucked in the tree laden hillside of Fishgard welcomes us back to mainland England.

We finally make it to Ireland...... 3 of 3

2011-09-24T09:02:00.004+01:00

On the way home again and into the belly of a different ship.

The competition.

A peek from the ramp before we go inside.

The beautiful, freezing cold waters of the Irish seaside.

A lighthouse salutes us goodbye!

We finally make it to Ireland...... 2 of 3

2011-09-24T08:55:00.004+01:00

We finally make it to Ireland...... 1 of 3

2011-09-24T08:23:00.004+01:00

Almost to Ireland

2011-08-31T23:14:00.003+01:00

A slow drive into the belly of a ship!

My son the photographer was enthralled with these cars. There was a rally in Dublin the day after we arrived. He was lucky enough to be on this ship and got to see lots of these Porsches.

There were other ships coming in port as we were leaving Fishguard that afternoon.

This is a view from the top deck. Somewhere down there are Porsches! (My son!)

These little people were enthralled with the view for about an hour, off and on.

Ahhh, only 2 1/2 more hours till we get to Dublin! What shall we do next?

Driving through Wales

2011-08-31T22:49:00.003+01:00

These are what they call "Row Houses".

Okay, now you want me to squeeze my van past that building with 10 inches of clearance and a car on the other side of me?"

Click on this picture and look at the brick wall going uphill. Is that crazy or what? They really wanted to keep their neighbors out!!"

Check out the view! Lake to your right, mountains to your left and volksmarchers in the middle.

Same lake, better view.
Snowdonia National Park

Night of the Nosebleed!

2011-08-27T11:34:00.005+01:00

It's late and you just climbed into your warm bed. Ahhhhhhhh. Snore, snore. Oh my. I was so tired and it feels great to finally get some rest after such a long day. In your sleep, you hear footsteps. Heavy footsteps and they are headed your way. The son is the only person heavy enough to make those footsteps. You hear his voice, "April got her foot stuck in the chair!" This is his voice of distress. Hubby crawls out of bed, stomps down the stairs, heads to Aprils room where her foot is twisted, stuck inside the recliner and she is half crying/laughing at the state she is in. Mr looks at her leg, assessing the situation, pulls at the chair, yanking her foot out at the same time. He says nothing.
Back to bed we go. No words are spoken but we faintly hear the voices of our two oldest children as they say "Goodnight" to each other. Peaceful dreamland, come to me once again.........
Footsteps AGAIN! This time they are fast and furious. Sounds like April this time. Before I can get my wits about me, she whispers,"How do you get blood out of the carpet?"
WHAT??????????????????????????????
"What happened? Who is bleeding? What is going on?" She whispers, "Wyndon has a nosebleed." Next thing you know, I'm headed down the stairs to find my son standing in front of his bathroom with every part of his face under his eyes covered with blood! Yep, he was covered in it and it was furiously dripping from his chin and nose.
Yuck. I can deal with blood, but after one of my children lost a tooth while eating chocolate covered cherries, my stomach hasn't been the same around it. I was not well and had to turn my back and shout out some instructions. Mr did all the footwork. April helped a bit so I vacated the area and went back to bed. Mr came up 10 minutes later after cleaning the carpet and "plugging up the leak", so to say.
"What a strange night!",I thought as I drifted back to sleep dreaming of what I thought had really happened.
And would you like to know what I thought really happened?
Here's how my mind works........

I think April did it!
Ha,Ha,ha!

A Little More Air......

2011-08-27T00:05:00.003+01:00

Do me a favor and click on the picture above. Try to read the word..It's Welsh and as one of my "adopted" neighborhood children said,"Reading it makes you feel dyslexic!!!"

We could't believe someone would name their shop this!

We walked this way to get our fish and chips that evening. It was such a pleasant night and so many people were out enjoying it also.

A yellow church! So bright and yet it just illuminated warmth. What a neat place! You could hear laughter of children inside the building and they were having Vacation Bible School that night too!

Another pleasant riverside view.........

A Breath of Fresh Air

2011-08-26T00:01:00.005+01:00

Even with the current goings on in our home, our family took a long awaited trip to Ireland this last week. We had plans to visit Dublin and go to a church family conference in Dunmore East, near Waterford. We stopped for the night on the way to the ferry in Llangollen, Wales at a hostel there. It was a lovely town and we had a good night sleep.

We walked along the riverfront and were rewarded with lovely views in either direction.

This sidewalk beckons you to, "come on down and take a look!"

Such a relaxing view, isn't it?

Look at the water pouring forth from the rocks. Ohhh, the sound of it. It lulls you to a deep resting sleep.

More pictures of Wales tomorrow..........

No more "NORMAL".

2011-08-09T10:17:00.005+01:00

I bet you are wondering what that word "normal" means. I wonder it too a lot. "Am I "normal", "Is this 'normal'?"
Normal means a lot of things to a lot of people, but if you stop to look at yourself and question yourself, then you find out that you aren't considered "normal".
I am not living the norm, neither is anyone I know, with the exception of some older folks.
God makes us in his own image and we are so like Him, but we are not perfect in any means. That means we aren't normal nor perfect.

Well that is enough sermonizing today, but think about it.
Just think about it.

Now for the shocking news.
My husband has prostate cancer.
We found out last Monday morning and had such a busy day that we didn't get a chance for an in depth discussion until last night and this morning it continued.

SO many things to consider, so many options and they all have side effects. We have done our best to use natural/homeopathic remedies for years and something like this makes you wonder if it was worth it at all? No, I can't say that it wasn't worth the effort, but I do wish I had been more vigilant, more stringent. I certainly will keep up harder with living a healthier life. It's alright to have a corn dog every once in a while, but processed and preserved foods(and the likes) are going to have to "Go the way of the dinosaur".

I will get off my soapbox and get back to business, but I want to post some pictures from our "Last day of normal."
We went to Thetford Forest Park with some friends from our church. It was a great day out of the house and kept me from "feeling the blues".

Celebration cake

2011-07-18T21:44:00.003+01:00

We like to party. Not the go out to a club and dance party, we mean the balloons and cake because it's the thirteenth time the gate was closed by the same person in a row. Sounds strange and you'd think we partied each week, but no. We haven't had a proper party with cake for a while so when my 3 yr old finished reading,(or having the Bible read) to her, then it felt time to have a cake. I asked her what kind she would like and she said,"A Joseph Cake". Hmmm,Joseph cake......Ughhh, Joseph cake. Ohhh, Joseph and the cake of many colors!! I had it! And better yet, I'd seen a cake of many colors and I could try to make one too! So I did and this is what it looked like on the outside.

FRANKENSTEIN'S School of CAKE DECORATING!!!!(Just Kidding)

Beware, this called for more frosting than I was ever prepared to make at 8pm at night. Did I say I was tired and should have done this in the morning?
Also, never try a new undertaking without checking for all of your ingredients first. My pantry usually stays well stocked but with summer and 2 cooking teenagers- well, things have disappeared at an astoundishing rate lately. They seem to eat all day. I had to go to the store twice today and I. wasn't. happy.

Even with all of that, she was so happy and the cake was delish! (Too much sugar for my tummy, but well worth the smiles. Pretty, pretty, pretty!
I will do it again and fix that icing!

Ciao!!

A letter to a friend in South Ameerica.

2011-07-17T10:13:00.007+01:00

Yes, I misspelled that.
I was in a hurry and finally looked up and saw it. And it looked cute. Something like what my 3 yr old would say with her British accent.
I wrote an email to a dear friend in South America whom I haven't written to since April. I thought it was clean enough and funny enough to share with you.
This is what I do on Sunday mornings after I do my Sunday school lesson, read my Bible, and figure out breakfast. I try to write a letter to a friend. It helps me reflect on the week and just pull my heart together before church. You should try it!
Here is an excerpt,

Dear Friend,
I beg your forgiveness on not writing you back immediately. The time just passed so quickly and I kept saying that I'd get to you. SO sorry!
You folks are enjoying that lush climate right now. It's not the rainy season, is it?

There has been so much going on and wow! my season of life is changing too! My oldest has graduated and the pressure seems to be on her to A.) get a job or B.) go to college. Frankly, I don't want her to go anywhere if she has to be far away from us, but she dosen't feel the need to go back to America without us anyway. She has had ongoing medical issues with her allergies, surgery to repair a hole in her heart that failed,(but we did see an aneurism in there-they say it shouldn't rupture), and chest pain when lying down which results in her sleeping in a recliner each night.
I don't think it's time for her to go anywhere, do you?

My son has sprung up into a giant! He is nearly 6 ft tall now at the ripe old age of 13! Sweet boy has a lazy streak and a computer addiction. I am praying and working on that.

My 9yr old- hmmm, dosen't need glasses anymore. Praise God!!! She has taken on the job of most excellent disruptor of anything and antagonizing all until someone wants to hit her. It must be a middle child thing-but she pushes my buttons too and dad seems to ignore it. I have lost my patience too much on this little girl and have asked for forgiveness and guidance on dealing with her. Do you have a child who likes to "start" things too?

My 3 yr old- ahhh she is like a breath of fresh air! She wakes up rejoicing in all of her surroundings and is so happy! "What's for breakfast, mom?" I love to hear her say that! She is 3 now and has moments of rebellion but I am SURE it is due to her sister. Need to squash that too.

Baby dear- oh boy!! She is an pint sized Amazonian powerhouse with a bit of fuzzy hair glued to the top of her head! She nearly weighs as much as 3yr old and can pin her down on the floor in a split second. Full of kisses and energy, her ability to lick shoes and eat paper,(including books with only 6 teeth!),all while limping in a circle, could impress any Olympic athlete! Her hobbies include, pulling books down from the shelves, climbing chairs and walking across tables, and eating sand. She is also a self-proclaimed, part-time, vegetarian!

Ciao!!!

The Last of France!

2011-07-15T22:58:00.005+01:00

April and I decided to go to this one man show entitled, "How To Become A Parisian In One Hour".
We were lured by the title and even more so by the subtitles, "So you think that Parisians are rude? You're right,they are! You are too nice and you want to become arrogant! Do not wait and come to my training!
He was so-oooo funny! I did have to cover my ears a couple of times, but he explained a lot and we learned so much more! Olivier Giraud is his name and here he is with April! Lok him up if you ever go to Paris, but better yet, he is going on a world tour next year!! Cheers for him!!

Another beautiful view of Notre Dame, this time from the water.....

A lovely sample of French architecture just down the river from Notre Dame.

Did I slip another Notre Dame photo in there? Ohh, I must like it!

Vivacious Parisian art is everywhere! Such attention to detail.
That is the beauty of Paris!
Oh la la!

Let's finish this Paris thing!

2011-07-05T08:39:00.004+01:00

Whew, the pc is fixed and I had a nice break. I was even able to get some school work done on my break.
Really, though I had better get this over with........

Fountain in the Place de la Concorde

The Arc de Triomphe

The statue of the Zouave marks the rise of the water in the river Seine. Wet feet mean high tide.

The 3,200 year old obelisk from Luxor.(Every country seemed to have plundered something from Egypt!)

Pont Alexandre Bridge Pylon (Near where Madeline~from the little girls storybooks~ fell from the bridge into the Seine river! We wanted to look down but didn't want to reenact the scene!!)

Our Friends who live in Scotland are headed to our house right now, so I had better get cleaning and cooking!

Ciao for today!

Paris has to wait!

2011-05-06T23:19:00.002+01:00

Sorry folks,
I have tried hard to finish the Paris series but a savage virus has taken over my laptop and I have no way to access the pictures. This problem has been plaguing us since the day after the last Paris post, so I am a bit frustrated with it.
I just wanted to let you know that we are still alive and kicking but without the use of my trusty laptop.

Bless you all,
Misty

P.S. Laptop is having surgery over the weekend and may be usable on Monday!

Paris in Pictures, Part 3 of 6

2011-04-23T08:23:00.003+01:00

Oh, what a beautiful morning to visit this loverly cathedral. Now why would there be men with automatic weapons here? It puts a damper on our visit.
(We found out later that this was the day which the Muslim burka law went into effect. The Muslim women could no longer wear face coverings. They protested here right after we left! What timing! Thank you Lord!)

Do you see that guy with the gun? My goodness!

Look at the beautiful statues!

The doors and carvings around them are so ornate!

Gargoyles. They are quite detailed also.

Notre Dame. Need I say more?

Paris in Pictures, Part 2 of 6

2011-04-23T07:43:00.005+01:00

Another day in the life of Paris.....

Embarrassed, I must say that I forgot what this building was. If you really want to know, then ask me and I will look it up.
This is what happens when you walk around aimlessly in a foreign city!
Isn't it beautiful! The architecture is magnificent here!

This is an elementary school in the neighborhood we stayed in. You can only get in through the front gate and it has a really beautiful courtyard for the children to play in. Not much grass though. The preschool is on the left side of the photo.

These men clean the streets everyday! I really do mean everyday. Back in the olden days, the city folks from here used to throw their trash into the streets. They also(umm, how can I say this nicely?), urinated wherever they needed to. Some people still do this today. Hmmm, some habits are hard to break. (And bad ones are easily established.) So the city is the one elected to clean this up. I hate to say this, but some parts of the city were quite trashy. There was stuff everywhere! Other parts were quite clean. This happens everywhere, but the smell of urine here and there could really upset ones tummy. You have to ignore it and watch where you step since there could be dog poo on the sidewalk also. Next subject.

These are bikes that you can rent by the hour or by the day. They are everywhere!

If you peer into the background, you can see a famous landmark that we are headed to next- Notre Dame!

Paris in Pictures, Part 1 of 6

2011-04-22T07:56:00.003+01:00

Since right now, I have an extremely busy toddler whom every crawl or step seems to be enshrined in near danger, I don't have much time to write. I shall let you see some what we saw.

The sitting room of our apartment. Oh, that's my little boy.
(Well, he used to be little!)

*************************************************************************************
The following photos were taken in the Jardin du Luxembourg, a beautiful garden in south central Paris.

The sculptures, uhh, they are so realistic!

Luxembourg Palace, home of the French Senate is the lovely building in the background.

Ahhh, springtime! So beautiful with it's fresh blooming flowers!

You can rent a sailboat and let it sail on the little lake.
What's that hidden in the background?

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggetty Jig!

2011-04-16T14:18:00.009+01:00

We survived!
Yes a whole week in Paris was had by us all. (Some more than others. Poor Elise.)
We rented an apartment through www.airbnb.com, purchased a Eurotunnel frequent traveller pass, researched places to see and budgeted accordingly. Months in advance, we checked out library books, rechecked library books, listened to French language cds and practiced. Nothing could have prepared us for the real thing, but at least we were partially prepared. We made the 6 hour drive at an unGodly hour of the morning so we could be there bright and early.

We arrived last Saturday afternoon and checked out the local area. We just happened to be staying near one of the largest antique flea markets in Europe, so that was one of the places to go on our checklist. Most dealers wouldn't permit us to take pictures of their wares, but I did manage to get a couple of approved pictures from one.
Look at these great toys! they were made back when, well, way back when!

This is the view from the French windows in the sitting room.

A lovely, sunny day awaited us for at least 4 mornings and we only took light jackets to stay warm.

We ate fancy and delicious pastries every day. Morning and night. Here are a couple! (Sorry about the blurriness. Even the camera couldn't wait to dig in!)

Sometimes while walking and looking around town on top of being lost, you just ran into spectacular views of this popular icon.

There were other things to look at.... Like the use of gold on some beautifully ornate buildings.(Les Invalides in Paris, France.
Napoleon Bonaparte is interred in a sarcaphagus under this dome.)

There was so much to see and do, but we only had a week in which to see Paris. I guess we just have to go back....

More pictures in the next post.....
Flickr coming up also........

ON VACATION, REALLY?

2011-04-12T01:43:00.004+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

My little family and I are on vacation. We planned for months qnd saved for a long time so that we could make this a debt free and enjoyable visit. I am proud to say that so far this has been a great experience for family. I, on the other hand, am tired as all get out. The "sleeper" is not sleeping and I am going to bed later than 1 am each night and getting up at 6am-ish; My litle older body is pooped and I still seem to be tour guiding, cleaning AND washing the dishes! Is there any justice?
Well, sort of. At least justicecan come in many forms and the form I am choosing is pastry shaped! Where are these pastries I am getting, you say? The are from little shops surrounding my pastry weak natured body. Patisseries and boulangeries surround me every day and each day, I say "YES" to them!
You know where I am, don`t you?

PARIS, France!!!!!!!!!!!

(Pictures are coming!)

Happy Birthday April!!

2011-04-03T17:58:00.006+01:00

We had a birthday girl this weekend! And yes, this is day 2 of the party which has to end tonight so we can get on with our week and our upcoming family vacation.
My baby turned 18!!!!!!!!!
She has been such a good and wonderful child to us. A blessing of the utmost sweetness. Her heart is gold and she is worth her weight in it!
God made her so I could have some peace and fun in my life. I do remember some years of teenage struggles but it was worth it all because I have the best daughter in the world!
Thank you Lord for April!

Her birthday menu consisted of Bacon and Swiss Panini, Cucumber & tomato salad, artichoke dip, a fresh veggie tray and a fresh fruit tray, pink lemonade and instead of cake, she wanted brownie sundaes!!
We had a "Sweet Shoppe" theme so we set up shop with an assortment of jars and bottles filled with candies. There were over 20 different kinds of candies in all!
It was a "sweet" party, (pun intended), for everyone.

But then, the after party began............ (Too much sugar, I think!)

Here is the final photo of the night.....

An answered prayer about "The child who dosen't sleep.............(much?)"

2011-04-03T17:39:00.004+01:00

You wouldn't believe this. The day after I posted about the dark circles and sleeplessness invading my home, God answered my prayer! Little Miss Baby Dear passed out in her highchair while eating lunch! She didn't fuss or anything. She just sputtered and passed out! It was as if someone cut her lights off! I had to make sure by doing the dead arm drop, but she was really asleep! So for proof, I took a picture.

Here it is........

I could say that it got worse or I could say that you get what you ask for, but we went for a walk Saturday afternoon. She was sitting up in her stroller and I thought she was leaning forward to see more in front of her but just then, we hit a bump. Her face hit the tray in front of her and I expected a painful howl and tears all around. What I got was silence and even more slumping forward! I thought I had knocked her out but apparently she was already in La-la land!
My goodness! We shall see what happens this week with all of the sudden napping.

Meanwhile,
Ciao!

The child who dosen't sleep.............(much?)

2011-03-31T07:56:00.002+01:00

I have a problem. You know, it's personal but now people look at me and say, You're looking tired today, eh!(Canadian slang, eh!)
It's baby dear and she is making me tired and making me feel over 40, all in the same light.

Let's start from the beginning..........
Little children should sleep late in the morning. At least stay asleep for an HOUR after mom gets up and starts her day.
Eh, no. Baby Dear used to.

I wake up when MR kisses me goodbye. I pray, take my thyroid medication, brush teeth, take out rollers,(another story), get dressed, check Baby Dear, slowly crumble down the first set of stairs. Then I attempt to wake up the older children, make sure they have their clothes for the day, go down another flight of stairs and head for the kitchen while trying to remember what I am making for breakfast and dinner, cut on the computer in a lame attempt to do schoolwork after the older children leave but before the little ones wake up and start making breakfast. Now, Baby Dear wakes up as soon as I stumble down 2 flights of stairs and put my finger on the controls of stove! I traverse up mount stair-a-lot in an fury with the hopes of pacifing her back to sleep. The monitor is on this whole time and I can hear that she is breathing heavily into into it. Probably an attempt from her to get me moving faster. "Move it slave! Faster I said!!!"

Alright, back to where I was. Oh. Hmmm dee dum.
Oh, yes. So now all of a sudden, her sleep habits change and she wakes up right after me. She really dosen't seem to take a morning nap unless we are driving somewhere and somewhere between 12:30 and 1:30, she is usually crying for me to put her to sleep. When she gets good and snory during this nap, someone manages to make a loud crashing noise or the phone rings, resulting in the shortest powernap on the planet. Seven minutes has been timed on this little girl and she was just so rejuvenated! If mommy had gone to bed late and woke up early, then 1pmish comes and I can hardly keep my eyes open either! The 3 yr old dosen't seem to take a nap unless you force her to and then it seems as if her eyes are still open. Waiting, watching, not sleeping....
You can see it, can't you? Sleepy mom, grumpy, sleepy, accompanied by wide awake Baby Dear and peppy 3 yr old. This is definitely a combination of troublesome proportions! One time I was so sleepy that I laid on the floor with the baby crawling all over me while I took a "Hot-second powernap."
Floating away in the land of endless nods, I was in my peaceful place. You know, a Zen moment when you are so happy where you are and are warm and comfortable. This is the place where all your best dreams happen. I call it the land of "So Wonderful". Well, seven minutes in "So Wonderful" is NOT ENOUGH! You wake up angry and feeling like you want to hurt someone and the last thing you want is for someone with sharp nails crawling across your face!
She also gets sleepy around 5pm. I am usually knee deep in making dinner when she becomes an inconsolable mass of tears and slobber. A sibling does his or her best to fend off the insanity, but eventually she gets handed to me and I have to hand dinner over resulting in some strange kitchen mistake that has us eating refried beans and tortilla chips instead of a real dinner. At bedtime, I start the nightly ritual at 7:30. Bath, pajamas, stories and prayers, followed by hugs and kisses. She falls asleep right after 8 and as soon as I head downstairs for a nerve soothing chocolate, she is crying again! I head back up mount stair-a-lot to feed her and lie down with her for a while. After a while, I pop back up to shower and go to bed. BabyDear wakes up at last 2-4 times in the night for another drink and then wakes up in the morning like nothing ever happened.
I , on the other hand, feel like a train has pushed me down the block on my face!. This has been going on night after night and when someone told me that I looked tired, then I figured out that BabyDear is sucking the sleep out of me by not
sleeping!
Now that I have shared my story, any suggestions?
I am too young for dark circles and I'm not getting much done around here!
Help!

A new and better challenge!!

2011-03-21T18:54:00.001Z

Ummm,
I just noticed that all I had written about this is gone! So here is the link to the challenge that I have undertaken. The last one didn't work for me so I found this one and am having a great time doing it. I am actually ahead of schedule and it's a good thing because of our upcoming spring break trip. Here is the link for you. We are halfway there, but you can always join now and get 20 bags of stuff out of your house.
So far last week I have sent out 8 bags of stuff. Big trash bags count as 2 in my opinion.
Join me and let's get cracking.
http://memoriesoncloverlane.blogspot.com/2010/02/40-bags-in-40-days-update.html

Or........
Do this one. This is a 30 day challeng that just started on April 1st. Five minute a day missions get you on the start to a more organized home.
http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/blog/2011/03/get-organized-for-spring-join-the-30-day-organize-athon/

Go on with it!!!

I'm in love!

2011-03-14T07:53:00.003Z

No. I am not leaving Mr!
I have found something that I didn't know I could be so interested in and I want you to know about it. I confess that I can't have this new friend much since he can be quite heavy on the heart after a while, but it is worth a try especially if you have the opportunity to try it.
As many of you know me personally, you already know that I love to eat! I like trying new foods and here is a great place to do it. In England, there are so many imported foods that you can stick your hand blindly in a grocery aisle and probably come up with something from somewhere else. Well, I did that as I rushed through Tesco after church and brought back to the car an amazing discovery- Double Gloucester with onion and chive. Yea, it sounds like you need an interpreter to pronounce it, but it is so-ooo good!! I popped a piece into my mouth and it just melted on my tongue like butter. It was rich and tangy and oh-so-flavorful! I was stricken with the creamy taste of it and immediately fell in love. Against my better judgement, I handed out tasters to the rest of the family. Sniff, sniff. They went happy on me and wanted another taste. I promptly said "No" and pulled out the custard doughnuts. Yes, I had a trick in my bag and I was willing to use it to hoard the cheese. They enjoyed their doughnuts (which we don't eat very often because, well, we'd all look like doughnuts if we did that!).
We made it home and the prized cheese was placed in the fridge, in an inconspicuous place.
I took it out to take this photo. When I touched it, it called my name and I had to taste it, Just.a.little.bite.
And as you can see by this photo, I had some self control.
Now I know how Winnie the Pooh felt. Let's just hope I don't start looking like him!

My Menu in a Minute- March 6-12, 2011

2011-03-07T14:07:00.002Z

Sunday-Chicken with artichokes and pasta(A family favorite!)
Monday- Mama's Avocado burgers, oven fries and Broccoli salad
Tuesday- PANCAKE DAY!!! Oh yea! Crepes, with cheddar, bacon and broccoli. Banana nut pancakes with sweetened whipped cream
Wednesday- Red Beans and rice, spinach and orange salad
Thursday-hmmmm, nothing sparks me mind yet!
Friday- Salmon croquettes, parsleyed rice, candied carrots and sliced tomatoes
Saturday- Chef's Delight (leftovers)

Well that's all I can think of in just one minute!
Uh, yes. There is a repeat of broccoli, but I want to eat it while it's fresh!

The Challenge to change

2011-03-07T12:57:00.002Z

I'm going to do it! Yep, the time for simplictiy is now! Join me and we can weep together over books, appliances, stuff and more stuff as I clear my home of time wasters. I will actively participate and take photos.

Ciao!
Misty

Hello Russia?

2011-03-01T08:44:00.004Z

Dearest Friends,
I have been doing,(writing), this blog for many months now and am thoroughly intrigued at the widget on the right hand corner. FEEDJIT lets me know where my readers are coming too my blog from.
So far there are readers from all over the world. This is great and tons of fun if you put it on a map and see that folks come from Spain, Canada, Ireland,Brazil, Southwest Asia, and even Africa! I know people in those places. But Russia? Wow! I'd love to know who you are! Are you a mommy too? We were talking about trying to visit there before we are forced to leave Europe under the guise of retirement. Send me an email, introduce yourself, lets be friends! (Unless you are a spy, hee, hee!)

Ciao!
Misty

P.S. Anyone else from an exotic place? (I'm from Texas and anywhere else is deemed exotic!) Come on, lets be friends too!

Mommy Justice

2011-02-25T15:19:00.005Z

Whoo-a-whoo-a-whooo. Errr-err-err.
Do you hear the western themed music in the background?

It's time for a dose of Mommy Justice!

Here's todays victim.
Short haired and 27 inches tall, the "Victim" was given a container of snacks that were JUST FOR HER. They are called "Toddler Snacks", for the pure reason that toddlers cannot choke on them unless they put 20 of them in their mouth at the same time and inhale deeply...... (Somehow ,somewhere, someone's child has probably done this.)So, these "snacks" are for her only. I handed them to the so called "Accused", so they could feed them to the "Victim".
We headed off on our road trip of 20 minutes and in faith, I left the two to their own devices- one to feed, the other to be fed. When we got to our destination, half the package had been eaten! The person to be fed was passed out cold and the "feeder" was still smacking. I confiscated the evidence and scolded the "Accused". "Do not eat these, they are for the "Victim"!
Book closed.
Or so I thought.

48 hrs later, vainlessly searching the cabinets for the "Toddler Snacks", they were nowhere to be found. I searched high and low asking anyone around for the missing foodstuffs. Multigrain Cheerios had to be used as a substitute. Disappointed, I picked up some items from the counter to put in the recycling bin and what did I see?? The EMPTY container of "Toddler Snacks" on the top of the bin! I asked the "Accused", the person who drops their coat on the floor when they walk into the front door, plays with toilet tissue, leaving a heaping pile of it unrolled on the floor, the same person who can't seem to find the dirty clothes hamper if they are standing right next to it, if they ate the "Snacks". With great enthusiasm, and in a very sweet voice, they said "Yes"! And they "hid", or "recycled" the evidence!

The Accused!
Dosen't this face look guilty?

What kind of crime is this??? I'll tell you, I will.
It's theft, aiding and abetting a criminal,(someone saw that child, I tell you!!),perjury (or forgetfulness), no guns or anything like that, and something else I can't think of! This was a crime of unknown proportions! Someone needed to be brought to justice!!! (Scream, will you!!!) Aaaarrrrrrrgggggghhhhh!
So what do you do in a situation like this?
No witnesses, no case, no justice!
(There was a bit of scolding to the accused who has done time before due to other food related crimes.)

Court is now adjourned............And everyone has been forgiven.

She's a survivor!

2011-02-22T09:23:00.004Z

Last post I wrote about a certain little person eating a watch battery. How she got it was highly disturbing, but that wasn't the point. There were several batteries in her reach and I thought she might have eaten more than one.
I took her to the ER and the sent us right over to get an xray. She was so happy, not uttering a word of disagreement when we laid her down on that cold table! I, on the other hand, was quite shaken by the fact that the other batteries I saw were corroded and I was sure that there was acid swimming around her little baby stomach getting ready to do some serious damage.
They quickly took the xray and I could hear them declaring, "There it is! Yep, I see it. She got that one down all right!" I was giggling since they sounded like they had just discovered Mars.
We went back down to the ER and after a few minutes the Dr came in to discuss the plan. Plan A-If she became ill then we were to bring her right in. Plan B-If she were to pass it then she should be okay. If not, then well, back to plan A.
Needless to say, we were sent home to wait and see what happens.
The next morning, it happened. The battery made its way out after breakfast and my life was made easier.

Love American Style, or how to spend too much money.. (:-)

2011-02-15T15:16:00.002Z

Yesterday was Valentines Day.
Do you remember that day? The day you spent too much money on things that you probably shouldn't have. I was and am becoming a bit wiser these days so most of my gifts were bought nearly a month ago when the items hit the stores. I was wandering through Sainsbury's (an American equivalent of that would be almost like Albertsons), when they had just began putting out the fine chocolates that I knew my family loved. I picked out one for each of them and a LARGE Toblerone for myself. Oh yes, I was selfish for only a moment, but if you know me and my chocolate, it will be shared and consumed by others more than myself.
Anywho, the night before V-Day I went to the BX and saw the array of overpriced items that people had preordered and had yet to pick up. There was also a wall of items to buy for those "last minute "suckers"". I priced a bunch of items a month ago and was shocked to see the price gouging that had taken place since then. A giant stuffed bear and a cheap box of no-name chocolates for $30.00 dollars!!! What????? I don't think so!
I shudder to think what the price of a dozen roses were. Why do people do this to themselves?? I know that I'm not queen of plan ahead, but I hate to throw money out the window for something I don't have to. What is the true meaning of V-Day? Hmmm? Is it a day to outspend the Joneses? DO you have to? That's coveting. You should do what you can to let your love one feel loved- everyday that you live. Not just on one day of the year. My family didn't ask for anything specific so I was intent on giving them something they would really love- Breakfast for dinner. When we were in America, a special treat for us would be to go to IHOP, (International House Of Pancakes). We were going to have Belgian waffle palooza along with enough bacon to stop the heart of a horse! Oh yes, we were gonna have a good time. Do you hear the disco music playing in the background? I do..
But the dream of swimming in bacon ended when Baby Dear ate a watch battery.........

Wednesday, Wednesday.

2011-02-02T08:36:00.002Z

Well, as usual I have taken too long of a break and now have writers clog or whatever the phrase is.
It's been quite busy as usual and I have wanted to write and let you know what was going on, but whenever I get to the computer, a short person who is as strong as an ox, overtakes my leg with her preciously sharp nails and sends me into a leg slapping frenzy! You see, I cut her nails EVERY WEDNESDAY and even though I buff those sharp edges down, they manage to resharpen themselves or something when i'm not looking. Maybe it's the squareness of them. Whatever it is, it's painful and I can't take it anymore! What to do? What to do? Hmmm,I reserved myself to not sitting at the desk when she is crawling around. And so hence, the lack of blogging.

February is here and it is the month of LUVV.
Yes, I spelled that right. And I am not talking about the diapers either.
I want to spend the next couple of weeks thinking and expressing my love for so many blessings that I have had.

1. God- Isn't HE great??????
2. My dear husband. He is usually behind the scenes and dosen't get the credit he deserves, but he has been able to provide for us more than I ever thought. He is quite encouraging when he's not busy working........
3. My children! They are such a bumper crop of personality! I don't know what to say about them except that they are sweet and well behaved and hmmmm, they are my arrows.
4. Living overseas!! It's a once in a lifetime experience that I have had TWICE! How neat is that???
5. My mother and grandmother- They are gone to be with the Lord now but have left me a rich legacy and so many memories..
6. Family that remembers and cares for us- Once in a while I get an email or card from an aunt or two,(or an uncle and my father in law), just to let me know that they are thinking about me. Even though I'm not there, they haven't forgotten me. Makes me feel good.
7. Friends!-Especially the ones whom you don't hear from for months but you know that when you see them again it will be like you never left! Judy, Grandpa & Grandma Hassel, Rhonda, The Pages, Sensenigs, Mummaus, Goods, Ainsworths, Yoders, and so many more. Please don't be upset if I didn't mention you by name- I didn't forget you!!
8. Church Family- need I say more? We love them all.

Now that's my list for today. I'm headed to storytime with the little ones.

Abundant Blessings to you all!
Misty

The Anti-Vacation-It keeps on going........

2011-01-19T08:29:00.003Z

My oldest child went out of town for about 5 days last week. She went to the beautiful city of Prague on a school trip. Yes, I said "school trip". She went for a Model UN debate and worked hard to get her resolution passed. She just happened to be representing China. Representing China on human rights. I know, everyone thinks that China is the bully of human rights and we can't all agree with what they do or don't do, but you have to walk in their shoes and do the best you can for your people.
Anywho, she went to Prague and had a good time except for someone stealing her phone at airport security. Yes, how ironic is that? I think they did it on purpose, but that's my theory.

So here was her daily schedule.
Breakfast
Touring- walking the city at a high rate of speed.
Lunch.
More touring.
Back to the room for a shower.
Dinner.
Model UN ceremonies.
Debating.
After debate party or get together.
Delegation meeting.
Bedtime.
Repeat for 4 days.
Come home exhausted!

So she came home 3 days ago and has been dragging ever since. her eyes are puffy and she has been getting ready for bed at 7 pm. This morning I asked her what was wrong with her? She laid in bed for an extra 20 minutes and when she finally arose and came down for breakfast, she said she was more tired from staying there versus just getting up and getting started with her day. Why was she so pooped since she just came back from a vacation-holiday???? She turned to me and with her bloodshot eyes said, "This wasn't a vacation! It was an anti-vacation!! They walked us to death and then we had to pull ourselves together after the 5 hours of nonstop walking to fight for our countries! Then we had to talk about it some more! I'm so tired!!"

She stumbled out the door 15 minutes later, late for school.

She's young and semi-resilient.
But hey, hmmm, anti-vacation. I think we have a new word!

A New Year and etc......

2011-01-12T20:28:00.004Z

Okay, I AM a few weeks late, but I had a good excuse(reason), for not blogging. I was actually trying to rest and recuperate from my last surgery. The second was a lot harder than the first and I feel like a sluggard some days, but people keep telling me that once you get up in age, your body dosen't recover as fast as it used to. I must have aged a bunch in between the first and second surgeries because I'm dragging a lot more now.
The offending mass was sitting in my chest right on my aorta. It was a biggie- the size of a small melon is what the Dr described it as.
I am alive and thank God for it all!
Meanwhile, I look forward to a new year of enjoying the challenges and riches that God has in front of me.

P.S. We started Baby Dear on solids and this look says how she truly feels about new foods.

Oh no, not again!

2010-12-14T09:18:00.003Z

Mr Thyroid is gone and his cousin Thymus is causing trouble.
Last Friday, before I went to get my stitches out, Old Doc wanted me to do a ct scan. I went early and did it then went home before my appt. I went back to the hospital for the appt and the Doc was downstairs in radiology discussing the findings of the ct scan.
RED FLAG!!!!! Hmmm, it took him a while to get upstairs to me and I could tell he had some news. He is such a sweetheart and I really get a kick out of his bubbly personality. He's the kind of person that you wouldn't mind being stuck in an elevator with because he's humorous and happy, no matter the circumstance.
Anywhoo, He told me that my thymus was enlarged. Mr Thyroid was big,but Cousin Thymus was gigantic and that's probably why they couldn't get the probe down my esophagus. My esophagus was being pushed aside by this gigantic mass and it was sitting on my aorta. It needed to come out and he wasn't the man to do it! Bless him. He knew when to call in reinforcements!!! He emailed another Dr in Cambridge and said that they would be contacting me so that I could be seen soon. We looked at the ct scan and he showed me all the exciting bits so I knew what he was talking about.
Hmmmmmm. Interesting.
The phone at home rang around 3pm and a loverly British accented lady named Beryle told me that I was to come to an appointment on Monday at Nuffield hospital. Now, I've been here many years and have seen that the British healthcare system does not work fast. Weeks and weeks pass and you are still waiting. This was a remarkable event! I was to be seen on Monday! And I was seen on Monday and guess what else? They are to do surgery on Friday! Miracles happen. Apparently this thing, Cousin Thymus, is really awful. As I was describing the new symptoms I have accumulated since the original surgery, the new Dr's eyebrows slowly creeped up his head. He looked quite concerned when I finished speaking to him. He declared that we needed to have surgery quite soon and the soonest he could do it would be Friday. So here we go again.

That's the latest update. Can you believe it?

Happy Trails, Mr Thyroid

2010-12-08T19:36:00.007Z

I didn't get to post for Thanksgiving since I was so busy cooking and eating. I didn't post afterwards because I was embarrassed about the lateness of it and also that we had NO guests since the weather made the roads slippery and our other guests had the flumonia that day. The week after began with me preparing for the upcoming thyroid surgery that I had come to grips that I was going to have to have in the next few years. This thyroid issue is something of a family curse just like the generational phrase I heard all of my lifetime in our small community in Texas.(Ohh, look over there. There's one of those Server women!!) Apparently the women in my family were quite the Cleopatra of the neighborhood.
So where was I? Oh yes, back on the thyroid again. So this problem dates three generations and dosen't seem to skip any woman in our family. About 75% have had surgery for this thyroid which enlarges and seems to make ones neck bulge. At least that's what happened to me. I went to the Dr for a new seasonal allergy medication and he felt my lymph nodes, stepped back and declared, "My goodness, we have to get a ct scan on that thyroid of yours!" As soon as he said thyroid, I knew I had a problem. You see, my mother passed away after having her thyroid removed just last year. She had many other complications that led to her death, but the word thyroid strikes fear in my heart. I did eventually see the ear, nose and throat Dr who said that if I began to have problems and I would know what problems they were, then we'd meet again and discuss what to do next.
Fast forward to October. I was having a few problems swallowing and couldn't seem to sleep on one side because of pressure on my throat so I made the call. Well, Old Doc said that we better get another ct scan and see what's going on. The ct scan revealed that it hadn't enlarged much, but was putting pressure on my throat. So what's next? Out he goes! Old Doc and I named this offender "Big Boy" and gave him an eviction date of Dec 2, 2010.
It had taken weeks to prepare for this and Mother Nature messed up my plans for childcare so "The Oldest" hesitantly stayed home from school to help out Mr.with the little ones. I was scheduled to show up at 06:30am for a suspected surgery time of 8:30am. I was running a bit late since we had no heat or hot water, and showed up about 06:50. I check in and waited until about 07:45. I thought they forgot about me and was talking myself into leaving and postponing the whole fiasco when they called my name. I nearly felt as if the executioner was waiting for me. I went back to the preop, dressed in the hospital garb of the day, in went the iv and minutes later, the multiple questionings began. In walks Old Doc with his happy self to mark up my neck with his initials and a diagram of the work to be done(just kidding). He at least had to mark the correct side he was to work on so that I wouldn't wake up with a lawsuit pending. Anywho, the nurse anesthetist and his colleague came and wanted my to suck on this lollipop made of a gauze, tongue depressor and a giant glob of numbing medication. When he asked me to do that, I looked at the colleague and rolled my eyes up heavenward relaying to him how i felt about the suggestion. He kindly spoke the words that I didn't say."I don't think so, buddy! You picked the WRONG person. I don't like lollipops!!!!"
Needless to say, the first fellow whipped out a syringe and pumped something into my IV and the last thing I remember is grabbing the colleagues hand and squeezing it for all it was worth!
Later that day............ I awakened with a really sore throat and could hardly speak. My neck was wrapped up and there seemed to be a constant stream of visitors to check on me. I sipped a bit of water and then some broth but it came back up. Oops! Nevermind, they'll feed me again later.
Old Doc came in and explained to me that there were a few twists during this surgery. They couldn't get this probe in my esophagus. It just wouldn't go down and that's when I grabbed the nurse's hand. He also sent a sample of the thyroid and thymus to the lab for a biopsy. Both samples came back negative for cancer.(Thank God!)
You can go home tomorrow......
I got home and Baby Dear boohooed on me for all she was worth! Oh did she cry! It's as if she was telling me what happened while I was gone, and scolding me for leaving and confessing that she wasn't treated right either! Then she nursed beautifully and has been ever since.
My scar isn't bad looking either. Nice and small and it will blend into the seam of my neck just beautifully!
Sorry I had to shorten this. More news to come later......

6 months old already?

2010-11-23T22:09:00.004Z

Here's a "Happy Cheer" for Baby Dear who is 6 months old today!!!
I caught her scooting backwards in our bed, heading for mattress' end!
She is also cutting her two top teeth right now which means we have been in a lot of drool lately. She chews everything and soon her precious gummy smile will be changed by the appearance of teeth. She has been and is a beautiful blessing and healing from God.

What's happening?

2010-11-23T21:29:00.002Z

It's been nearly 2 weeks since I "got busy". I have been living the insane life lately and frankly, I'm tired. I've been going to bed later and later and I'm feeling like an old bowl of oats. Pardon me, but I'm wrecked. This is the first time I can honestly say that I could really use a couple of naps each day. Preschooler isn't napping anymore and whilst Baby Dear is sleeping her way to beauty queen of the year, I am busy doing what most moms do while there is down time-cleaning.
I'm actually on the downside of household decluttering. There has been much improvement in the "I can't believe your drawer is full of clothes that are 2 sizes too small!" When all is said and done, my children might have a limited wardrobe, but their drawers and closets will be nice and neat!
Kitchen stuff is hard for me to get rid of. I just so love my kitcheny things. Who else can truly say, "I just LOVE my cookie sheets and my 5 quart stockpot-Oh it's the BOMB!" Is that sad or what? I have been blessed with many years of refining what works and what dosen't. About 3 weeks ago, our hard working can opener disappeared. No one knows any details about the kidnapping, but Mr has taken it really hard.e has searched every drawer and cabinet in the kitchen, to no avail. He's questioned everyone like we were criminals on "Law and Order". I eventually went out to buy a cheapie one to suffice until my new one comes in from the states. He took one look at cheapie and said, "When is the new one coming, this one stinks!!" That's the news from the kitchen front.
From the vehicular point of view, we found out that our yearly inspection expired on our van- in APRIL!! They don't mail reminders here and this inspection certificate is put away in a filing cabinet where it dosen't exist in my mind until he thinks of it, seven months later.......... Umm, that appointment is going to be made this week.
We have driven multiple runs each day for a variety of reasons. One day, I had to leave at 8 for an 8:15 appt, take Teenager to school, go to another appt for Preschooler, turn around and drive to pick up #3 child from Girl Scouts,go home, make dinner, grab #2 and 3 for karate and go to rehearsal for a play that #1 and I am in. At 9pm, I dragged myself home with 1,2 and 3 in tow, fed Baby Dear, made sure dinner was put up, showered and went to bed. Yes, I was tired and still am. Days like this used to be rare, but lately this has been the norm.
No more will this happen. I am just too tired. I used to deny how I felt, but I think this thyroid has gotten to me. It's probably mental, but I am dragging my bones around. Toting happy leaded Baby dosen't help either, but what's a mom to do?

I am slated to have half of the offending thyroid taken out on the 2nd of December. I'm not supposed to hold anything over 10 lbs for 2-3 weeks. I honestly don't know HOW I can't hold my baby for so long, but I'm thinking she is going to be a bit cranky till this time ends. Any thoughts? I'll take any opinions right now. Help!!!

Well, if I am to get to bed before the sun rises, I'd better get to sleep soon.

Blessings from England,
Misty

Baby wipes, Turtlenecks and the Banana of Doom?

2010-11-07T20:17:00.005Z

It's Sunday evening and we had a loverly British dinner. Roast Pork with sage stuffing and some garlicky green beans. No dessert since I had made a giant-sized fabulous coffee cake for breakfast this morning and I left it on the counter all afternoon only to find 3 SMALL pieces left when I went in the kitchen to start dinner.
This morning we made it to church late again. This has been an ongoing problem for my family and we have come so far lately but today we dragged our feet again. Pray for us. I really dislike being late and disruptive. The church family is so graceful about it and try to encourage us, but oh, we fail. Nevertheless, we shall pick ourselves up and start over again. Thank God for new beginnings!
So our Sunday afternoon moved along with a quick trip to the bazaar to look for Christmas gifts.
This evening was a bit of a ruckus with the oldest and youngest hosting a sing along for the other children while Mr decided to clean out a kitchen cabinet that was driving him crazy. Every time HE opened it, there was an avalanche of cereal, marshmallows and cake mixes. Every time WE opened it, there wasn't. Seeing this as a conspiracy which should go no further, Mr took it into his own hands to tame this beast. And tame it, he did.
After all this excitement died down, Baby Dear decided that it was bedtime and if it's HER bedtime then Chloe needed to go too. We moseyed upstairs and since it was "that" time of the night, Chloe wanted to take a bath. I didn't feel like bathing her so she decided to lose her mind a nd have a fit. She moaned and groaned, whining all the way until April came upstairs to see what was the deal. I gave her a quick splanation and she did what she does best- calm little people down. Well, this time, she grabbed a plastic toy banana and shoved it in the back of Chloes turtleneck which sent her into a fit of laughter! Baby dear is on the floor watching the proceedings with great joy since her sister is such a source of happiness to her.With Chloe wrestling this banana out of her shirt, all the while twirling and whirling in circles, she manages to get her hand on the banana. She sends it flying through the air at a rapid speed and aimed at an innocent victim, Baby Dear! And do you know what? It hit her right in her plump tummy looking like the stem off the top of a cherry!She had this look on her face as if she was saying, "What was that for?". After calming her down, Chloe decided to get her pajamas on. Her shirt was the first thing to come off of her and since it was a turtleneck there was a bit of wrestling involved. Most of it was nearly off except for her head and when that part snapped off, it went flying through the air. Who was the victim of this clothes whacking? Baby Dear, who was just starting to fall asleep in my lap on the floor! My, my, this was not her night, but she calmed down quickly and fell asleep on the floor where this insane picture was taken.
Baby wipes? Hmmm, now I've forgotten what they had to do with this!

Happy 100th Blogiversary?

2010-10-31T07:24:00.004Z

It's been a long time since I started this blog. Many things have happened and many things have changed. We have moved homes, traveled a bit, endured death in the most heart wrenching way, celebrated life, lost old friends, made new ones, cemented relationships and so much more. But one thing stays the same. I have persisted in my writing so that I could share my life and tell my story from MY point of view. Yep, sometimes it is serious (um, not one of my finer points), and most of the time it is told with the hilarity that I see it as.
Life is short and if you're angry, hateful, resentful, jealous, or any other way that makes you unhappy, then how can you enjoy the short time that we all have on this earth? All those things that keep you from happiness separate you from being TRULY HAPPY INSIDE. That unhappy stuff eats away your love and at your heart.
So what's it all about then? Life is what it is all about, people. If your house burned down, what would you be concerned most about saving? Your 100 inch flat screen tv? No buddy, those things go on sale all of the time. Your family, friends and other people! That's where it's at! People helped make those memories and events that made and shaped you into the person you were meant to be. God already has plans for us to be who we are and if you can't accept that then you are fighting a hurricane with an umbrella. If you are angry at someone for bossing you around or hurting your feelings, especially if they are a family member, let it go. Just ignore the comments and focus on enjoying anything else that you can at that moment. Move to another room if you have to. If you finally have to say something to them, then say this," Stop hurting my feelings. I really want to enjoy you while you are alive and not wish that you had been nicer to me while I am sitting at your funeral." That's a hard thing to say, but it's true! Some people you just can't stop from spreading their internal unhappiness around, sometimes especially on you, but you can sure walk from the situation. Diffuse, that's the word.
Now how did I get to this? A sermon instead of an uplifting speech? I don't think it's a bad sermon, per se, just something on my heart.
Two women stand out to me right now. My aunts mother-in-law and my mother.
The mother-in-law was such a wonderful woman. I NEVER heard her say a bad word about anyone and I mean anyone. She was a saint and I am not kidding. Woman of God, she really was. I loved her and she loved everyone. I so much want to have her attitude- she was like Jesus wants us to be.
My mother was a friend to so many. She had an opinion and wasn't afraid to share it. Most of the time she had such tact when she talked to folks that I wondered about her, but other times, she just let it all hang out. She loved everyone and overlooked flaws and opinions and whatever to help just about anybody. Most of all, she loved "Her Jesus". If you didn't know that, then you really weren't paying attention to what she was saying or doing. She was happy and bubbly-joyful in even the worst of circumstances. My grandmother named her correctly-Joyce (which means joyous one).

So what does all of this have to do with my blogiversary? Well, I can't remember since I had to stop writing to go to church and then when I came home and tried to write again, there was a party going on in the background that consisted of mooing cows, Dave Barry and his colonoscopy, and a barrier on the floor made of stuffed animals. And then the doorbell rang- and all of a sudden, we have unexpected guests. Then five minutes later, the phone rings and someone reminds me that we have a dinner date tonight.

Now I remember! What I am trying to share is that I had a choice in writing this blog. I had a choice to spend my time doing other things like catching up on housework,(an eternal job, if I can say so myself), or sewing or whatever. I choose if I want to whine or pout about circumstances in my life. I can choose if I want to let people know about my life or I can just keep it to myself. If I can make someone see the lighter side of life and how much it is worth living and struggling for and to enjoy even the littlest of things, then I have done well. If I can share with someone the simple truth that Jesus loves you and forgives you for whatever you have done if you just ask him to, then my life is worth living even moreso.

Life is full of choices, good and bad. It's up to you to decide.
I chose to be happy, to love and be loved.
What do you choose to do today?
(I hope you are't too confused by all of this. It's been a long day over here!)

Happy Blogiversary!

It's almost 8 am and we have an appointment........

2010-10-21T07:53:00.002+01:00

It's checkup day for the two youngest.
Right now at 7:54 am, I am contemplating the response I will receive from the baby.
I mosey up to the third floor humming a song and entering her domain,(which used to be my bedroom, uugh). She dosen't flinch an inch. I move closer and hum louder, to which she responds in such a way which look like she is rolling her eyes in her sleep. Her body dosen't move-just the closed eye rolling number that she does. So, Chloe climbs on the bed and calls her name and rubs her head.(Should be some more hair there now, but I don't know what happened!). Baby Dear starts to stretch and GRROOAANNN in an annoyed manner. Chloe rubs her tummy and gets up closer so she can whisper in her ear. (She really thinks she is whispering, but in actuality, or reality, whatever, she actually gets louder.)
By now, Baby Dear is highly annoyed and POPS here eyes open to reveal the reddest cherries you could ever see,(except for her fathers eyes the look like red beacons-that's another subject). She turns her head in my direction and gives me a look that sends chills to ones soul. She looks as if she is saying, "WHAT. ARE. YOU. DOING???? (Think of flames shooting from ones mouth.)You, slave mother, have interrupted MY SLEEP!!!!!! YOU KNOW I DON'T GET UP UNTIL AFTER 9:30!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well,it's 8:05 and our appointment is at 9:05. I guess I had better get moving, but meanwhile, where's my fire gear?

More pictures from the party....

2010-10-20T08:04:00.003+01:00

Okay, I promise you these are the last ones I will post. I'll have to find a way to put more into the blog or link up to them somewhere.
My time online seems limited lately, so I type furiously and run off to do something. Then I come back, type some more and run off again. Sheesh! The life of a mother! I hate rushing but that is where I am in my life right now with 2 little ones. Besides, this stage is only temporary.
Anywho, here are the photos.

Party Like A Preschooler!!! Part 3 more pictures

2010-10-19T09:07:00.001+01:00

PARTY FOOD!
We made a sign that read "Jack Sprat's Not So Fat Snacks"
The birthday cake was a Carrot-Zucchini cake with cream cheese icing. We made some into cupcakes for the little ones. Neopolitan ice cream was served with it also and we had punch with orange juice and sprite.
Veggie plate
Fruit plate
Breadsticks with BLT or artichoke dip
"The Cow Jumped Over The Moon" cheese and crackers
"Three Little Pigs" in blankets
Tortilla rolls (filled with cream cheese, garlic powder, green onions and bacon bits)

The bunting that you saw hanging up in some pictures, was made by me, and so were "Humpty Dumpty" and his gang.
It was a small party enjoyed by all!

Party Like A Preschooler!!! Part 2

2010-10-19T08:01:00.004+01:00

We passed the baby around....

Some children really enjoy stickers!(And others in the background just want to get their hands on some!)

We rallied up the friends for a group photo. (Wyn took this photo. NEXT TIME, BEND TO THEIR LEVEL, DEAR SON!!!)

I GOT LEGOS!!! OH! I. AM. SO. HAPPY!! (WYNNON, step away from the Legos. These are mine)

My friend Brennan helping me open gifts! (Bo Peeps lost sheep pit is in the background.This kept them happy for a loong time.)

More pictures on Part 3

Party Like A Preschooler!!! Part 1

2010-10-16T08:33:00.006+01:00

My little 2 yr old turned 3 this week and of course we HAD to party! I feel that it is my parental right to enjoy the process of planning this party as much as it is the childs right to ENJOY the party.
Seeing that little Miss is just 2, going on 3, we didn't want to take away from the experience with too much hoopla. When I say that, I mean that sometimes we as parents want ALL of our childrens friends and our friends at the party, but it takes away from the enjoyment factor and the "Invite everybody!" attitude of it makes it stressful and no fun. Not to say that a big party isn't all right, but look at a childs age and gage if you really want 12 three year olds running around your house?

We have a couple of traditions in our house.
The Birthday Person gets to pick the meals for the day.
No chores that day.
They pick the party theme (with a bit of creative coercion at times).
They get a new outfit for the occasion.
And they get to choose their own cake.
Everything else has to be approved by the parents.(Boo hoo)

Now for Little Miss' party the theme was Nursery Rhymes. I found this lovely fabric that had "Humpty Dumpty" on it and "The Cow Jumping Over The Moon". At first I wanted to do a "Goodnight Moon" theme, but it was too hard to find anything pertaining to that classic book. I did end up buying her a new one since the old one was in a sad state.

Our party activities were:

First and foremost,
Party Bags!!!- The little people got to use rubber stamps and had a blast using some stickers to decorate their own paper lunch sacks.

Old King Cole's Crowne Shoppe- Each child got to decorate their own crown with lots of foam stickers. (Nearly had to drag some of them away from this activity! It proves that the simple things are still fun.)

Gina makes her crown with mommy's help.

Help Little Bo Peep Find her sheep- We had a small swimming pool full of balls with stuffed animals mixed in.

Magical Nursery Rhyme Painting- Crayon paint resist. My older children used white crayons and copied some simple nursery rhyme pictures. The children would use watercolor paints and when they painted over the pictures, the crayon parts would show up. They always look so surprised to see this. It's lots of fun!

More pictures on Part 2!

A note to my children.

2010-10-12T23:25:00.005+01:00

Dear Child,
This is your mother speaking to you late at night. I have just came from my laundry room and am perturbed by the state it is in. I made great effort to organize this room into an easy to use and functional facility that even a blind person could use.

You have proven to me that you are lazily handicapped and losing your eyesight would probably be of benefit to you. Then maybe you would put your dirty clothes in the correct hamper. As of this day, (sorry, night, mind you), I WILL NOT SORT the clothes of anyone over the age of 4. I will not separate your socks from your inside out turned jeans that have been tossed into the whites basket. If they land there again they will be bleached and you WILL be wearing them as a fashion statement to school later that week. Depending on how social I feel, I might get angry enough to do a Madea move and BURN them on the grill in a blazing smoke cloud of glory, causing the fire department to be called to my house and after explaining to them why the clothes are on fire, join me and watch the pyrotechnics while eating some freshly baked cookies.
That is how angry I am at 11:37 tonight.

Also, there are these necessities of life called chores. EVERYONE needs to do theirs or my clock will be ticked off. Well, my clock is really off this week due to the laundry person not folding and putting away the CLEAN LAUNDRY! If I go into your room again because I can't find your baby sisters' clothes that were washed 3 days ago and disappeared from the dryer, only to be resurrected on your bed in a ginormous pile of folded clothes surrounded by a moat of pillows, underneath the missing towels and washcloths from LAST WEEK, I might have to make things disappear from your life. Important things, like your cell phone charger, then the cell phone, Identification card, and then, your mattress!! (Don't ask me where I'll put it! I WILL find a place!)
I will make your life miserable and the world will know it. They will see your embarrassment when you wear those bleached jeans to school, can't answer texts from your friends and look like you've had no sleep for a week.

And that smoke alarm that keeps going off while you're at home? That oven is a bit sensitive. Start counting your socks because aren't you missing a few?

Love,
Your Mother

P.S.
Whew!I just had to get that off of my mind! Now, please forgive me for losing it!

Apple picking- English style, Part 3

2010-10-02T21:48:00.004+01:00

The last pictures......

Your shoes are REALLY wet! Why aren't you wearing your wellies?

Alright already. Can we please just go?

I was a little pushy back there trying to get you to leave but......
Hey Mom,
Here's the only flower in that little field back there and I picked it just for you!

Left to the beach or right and go home?
Hmmm, let me think.
**************************

We had a nice trip to the orchard.
Here is the one we visited. http://www.royalfruitfarms.co.uk/

You should find one nearby and visit too!

Apple picking- English style, Part 2

2010-10-02T21:19:00.002+01:00

Okay, here's the exciting part.

We finally made it!

I can't wait to pick some apples!

C'mon lets go!

Apples schmapplez! What's the deal? ZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz

There's nothing like a tall friend for moments like this!

Apple picking- English style, Part 1

2010-10-02T20:49:00.004+01:00

On the road again.

I just can't wait to get on the road again....If there's enough room for TWO cars!

Oh look! A pheasant! It's a good thing he ISN'T on the road!

Are we still on the road, Mom????

We had a pretty eventful day today with school tennis matches and 2 football games dragging the teenagers away. Most of the day was spent trying to get out of the house. I had planned to be on the road by 10am and home by 2. HA! That was just a dream and reality was slapping me on the wrist.(I'm talking about my watch, I tell you!)
We finally left the house at 11:30 for a loverly ride up to Norfolk, to the farm and orchard of the Queen. Yep, I said it. THE QUEEN. Since the Royal Family isn't as large as it used to be and they can only eat so many apples, plus EVERYBODY needs some extra cash theses days, they make a little profit from their PYO,(pick your own) orchard. So here are some pictures from our afternoon.

Enjoy!

Random Thoughts

2010-10-02T07:38:00.004+01:00

As I was lying in bed this morning, I rolled over and saw the most beautiful face smiling back at me. She was asleep, but still smiling with the plumpest cheeks I've seen since my neice Erica was a little one. Gazing at the beautiful wonderfulness of this child, of whom is so large that she needs to move out of my bed SOONER than later, I was pulled into remembering about how she came to be and why did she have to come during the worst year of my life....
Last year we went to the states to visit our families and friends in California and Texas. Before that trip, I was ready to leave England behind without most of my family. I was so unhappy and had fallen into a rut of selfishness and blame. Mr had fallen into a rut of work, work, work. And when we saw him, which was briefly, he ate a quick meal with us, hardly had time to hang out or play with the children, and barely spoke to me.
We were drowning in unhappiness and sinking to the bottom fast. He didn't have time to take time off of work and even spent his weekends working. I was sick of being a single parent with a boarder. My plans were made and I was going to execute them as soon as I could. Then something happened. He finally was jolted from the "funk he was in". He caught wind of something about to happen and woke up to the fact that he was about to be a single parent also. Finally I would get my message across and he might actually understand what I was saying to him for months. He was furious and so was I. But most of all, I didn't see how much he truly loved me and also how much he was hurt by this all.
My dad had a heart attack in the middle of our woes. Mr went to Texas to help my mother during this time. While he was there, my dad had a stroke also. My poor mother was so overwhelmed and yet, there my right hand was, Mr, helping her as if she was HIS own mother. He cleaned her house, clearing out junk and clutter that was there for years and years. At least when my dad came home in a wheelchair,(which he didn't- praise the Lord!), there would be room for him to get around and mom wouldn't have to worry about cleaning the house.
Mr and my mom talked and talked about his and I marital woes and how his heart was pierced from my thoughts of jumping ship. He talked to my sister also about what was going on. They called me and talked. Boy was I sick of talking and hearing what my mom and sister had to say! I avoided talking to them some days and other days, I would listen to them drone on about how he felt about me and how hurt he was.
My plans changed and I decided to stay and work it out, cautiously. I knew how much of an OCD worker he is and that he is really INTO his work. He said he would try harder to leave his work at work and get home before the children go to bed. And he would try to be accessible at work, by phone, most of the time. (If you know about him and cell phones, then you know how I feel about him and cell phones!-nother story)
So he tried and I tried. Then we went to the US for a "vacation". We flew to California, stayed there for a week, picked up our old car and drove to Texas during a blood boiling, stifling heatwave with NO AIR CONDITIONING! I thought I was going to die. (Not joking either)
I spent time with my mother, talking and enjoying each others company. I loved her SO MUCH and did my best to let her know that. I didn't know that our visit there would be one of the last times I would see her.
We came home-back to England and began our week of time change adjusting, when we received a call that moms minor surgery had gone awry. She suffered a stroke and needed to come home. We went and had a few days with her before she went home to be with the Lord. Oh, such sadness. When I saw Mr crying at her funeral, it tore my heart. Then April began to cry when she saw him crying. I cried. Everybody cried and it was hard to regain our composure. He loved her so much. Almost as much as I did. Then I understood how much he loved me. And I cried.
So back to the baby in this story. The year 2009 was a hard year. I was in mourning and had just begun my YEAR of mourning when I found out that I was expecting. I was angry and of course wondering WHY? WHY NOW? God had to jolt me out of what could have been a serious bout of depression. Yep, the D-word. It happens and can happen to anyone. This jolt was like, for example, you are standing outside looking at the most beautiful sunset you have ever seen with it's gorgeous hues of radiant reds, oranges and whiffs of white, fluffy clouds surrounding it. You look around to admire the full panoramic beauty of it all when out of the corner of your eye you see something on your shoulder. It's white with swirly hues of gray in it. You crone your chin down and REALLY look at it and realize that it is the unthinkable. BIRD POOP! What? What? WHAT???????? You are inflammed and driven to anger in one quick second. See, now you are jolted back into reality and it really sucks sometimes. Anger, That's the word. I was angry for many months and when I finally got over it and told me family in Texas that I was expecting, it was March and I was due in May. But during those months of anger, I wasn't depressed! Wow, that sounds insane, but it's true. Sometimes when you're angry, you are moved to action. And that's what I did. I was a busy, angry woman, but I didn't take it out on my family. I started to blog more and come up with ideas and such. So God moved me and then made me sit down. For a long time. I had a c-section and was at the mercy of my family for nearly 2 months. When I got up again, I was still hurt, but driven to more action. For now, as I continue to recover, I can look back and see the grace that God covered me with for those months of "mourning". I was given new friends and a fabulous church family with whom we love and they love us. My marriage has recovered and my children are stronger from it all. But most of all, I still miss my mother, but we have a beautiful memory of her lying in our bed with the name of Joy.

Beef. It's what we had for dinner.........

2010-09-30T19:42:00.003+01:00

I was busy washing and washing the pile of dishes that had congregated on the counter by the sink. They were there because my son has a lazy streak and I couldn't stand seeing dirty muffin pans waiting to be cleaned before they rusted away. Besides, I paid good money for them and want them to last until the children move away and then I'll get a REALLY good set for myself. (Wait, did I just say that?) Anywho, I HAD to get my kitchen cleaned for my own sanity.
So tonight was Taco Night and we had the usual taco meat with homemade seasoning, refried beans, Spanish rice, tomatoes, chopped spinach,avocado, cheese and salsa.
Since I was a-cleaning, I had the teenagers making the taco seasoning mix. Well, they aren't the greatest of cabinet searchers and kept asking for the Chili powder. THREE of them looked for it and wait, can you hear the answer? Neither of them found it. From a dark corner of the kitchen I hear,"Hey! Can I use Cayenne pepper instead of Chili powder?
"Are you trying to HURT us?" I blurt out.
I stroll over to the cabinet, move a few jars around and ta-da, here comes the Chili powder.
A while later, dinner is done and we enjoy a lovely meal. Easy, peasy, tacos and all.
Dessert for tonight. Nothing. We were filled charm of a plump and lovely baby playing on the floor.

Here is a picture of the after party.

Monday, Monday. La, la, la, la, la, la.

2010-09-27T08:30:00.003+01:00

Ahhh, the end of a looong weekend and I am toast. Yep. Can you feel it? So much to do and so little of tired old me to do it. I thinketh that I am gonnaeth getteth a cupeth of teaeth. Okay, I must be talking like Winnie the Pooh (someone in my house calls him Winnie the Poop!), so confusing that there is no sanity.
Anyway, in my kitchen there is a floor heater. Why? Well, there is NO HEAT whatsoever in my kitchen so they lovingly installed a floor heater so our little toes wouldn't freeze off. On Saturday, we started to notice that there were wet spots on the grout between the tiles. We'd mop and it would soon appear again and we would blame Wyndon for spilling something and not cleaning it up. Well, it kept happening and we started to blame Elise for the wet socks that began to plague the laundry that day. Then it was wet again and we wondered if the dishwasher had gone leaky. So we mopped up the water one more time and went on with life.
SUNDAY- The floor was wet again. We got onto Wyndon and told him to QUIT IT with the spilling of water and not cleaning it up. He pleaded with us that it wasn't his fault and he was sick in bed- sick, throat hurting, feverishly ill, sick. I said SURE! You could have snuck down for a drink and spilled it, Dude. I have no compassion for fakers and stop eating that Tylenol like candy. You are not THAT sick!
Needless to say, he stayed home from church, still sick in bed. I stayed with him since the baby was congested and breathing like Darth Vader all night.
Sunday afternoon, Mr and the girls came home from church to a wet kitchen floor AGAIN.
We mopped and wiped and examined the dishwasher again for any signs of cracked pipes or something. Nope-it was clean and clear for the dishwasher. So Mr was lying on the floor looking around and under whatever he could see,(but you can't see anything because the floorboards are sealed at the bottom with silicone). I suggested that he dismantle the floor heater and see if it was coming out from there. So he did. I also suggested that he cut on the heater and maybe it would dry up the wet mess that kept oozing from underneath (Can you see the movie title??-"IT CAME FROM UNDERNEATH") He gently stated that someone could be electrocuted or I could possibly throw out the breaker and I'd be the one going out in the pouring rain to cut it back on. "UMMM, I guess not", I say and then go on to say, "Well it was a good idea." Mr cleared his throat as if he were saying "You really want to get rid of me, don't you?"
The dismantling begins and a yucky old water smell radiates from underneath and we were all wondering if the fridge had died and had spilled it's contents underneath the cabinets too.
Conclusion- For some reason, there is some kind of hose connected to the heater(??what in the world??)and it is leaking. PROFUSELY. The kitchen floor is really slick and wet. I have mopped till the cows have come home and slipped on that floor. Now it's time for THEM to fix it. I can see it now. "Ms Harris, could you empty all of those cabinets so we can tear them out and fix this pipe that is embedded underneath them???"
WHAT???????????????????????

I QUIT!

2010-09-21T04:16:00.005+01:00

No-not blogging, I mean. Trying to get some rest at night. You know that "S" word. Sleeping. It's approximately 4:17am and I am awake. I tried so hard to go back to sleep several times but there was no hope for me. Too much action in my room.(And no-not THAT kind! This is a clean blog if I can say so myself!)

It all started with a reeally sleepy baby who didn't want to stay asleep for long. I put her to bed in my bed, surrounded by a barrier of pillows for her "not rolling around yet" safety. She is a very "scentsitive" baby, meaning she really likes the smell of mommy right next to her. So my mistake was........ drum roll please.........that I put a DADDY pillow in front of her!! Well that was the unjust punishment for an innocent child. You know, to wake up and smell, gasp, A-MAN! And not just any man, I say. That MAN who lets me cry when I want my mommy, MAN. OH NO! So, after I made this grave mistake, I moseyed downstairs to partake of the bowl of spaghetti that was waiting for me which I was so looking forward to enjoying. Five bites into this perfectly wonderful bowl of pasta, I heard the call. "WAAAAAAHHHHHHH, WAHHHHHHH, WAHHHHHHHHHHH!" She was cranking up the Gatling gun of a cry because she was missing the love of he life and smelled, "The Man" instead of me. Okay then- give up the food mama and go save your child!
I hesitantly bounded up the stairs to a face full of tears and some red, juicy eyes looking around for her mama. At this point, I pat her bunny,(her bottom) and whisper "Hush, hush, shhhhhhhh, shhhhhhhhhhh, calm down sweetie", while going through what I call "The Mental Checklist for Mothers"(that's another subject all together).
It was about this time that I realized she wasn't going back to sleep without a sip, so I began to nurse her and "The Man" appears offering to bring up my dinner so I can finish it while it's warm. "Of course", I answer and he whisks away to bring up my beloved late dinner accompanied by a precious glass of Ginger Ale. I quickly finish my din, lay down the dinner offender and run to get in the shower while I still have a chance. I'm just a-showering away when I hear it. No- I'm not hearing this. Oh yes I AM! She is at it again. WHAAAAAAA! Alrighty then. Now I am losing patience and do you know what I did???? I kept on showering and finished my relaxing moment because I knew that she was safe in bed. I'm not sure what the neighbors thought, or if they even heard her, but I didn't care because I was having "A Zen Moment". (Alright, I did feel guilty, but I had to take a shower before I got in the bed.) By the time I got out and dressed, "HE" was there. She still wasn't Kosher with him, so I grabbed her up and lay down with her to see what her need was. Okay then- fresh diaper you need? You got it! She was freshly changed and lying on the bed with those big, red eyes that make you want to bawl with her. Mr was giggling and sitting on the recliner across the room when I decided to ask him, "What is so funny?" He says, "I gave her a new nickname-Baldylocks!" I give him a mean frown, all while laughing at the same time. Hey, shhhhhhh! She's falling asleep! Oh my goodness! Her eyes are closed! It's a miracle that I didn't even have to pray about!

Fast forward to an hour ago. I'm asleep and dreaming about my friend Charmaine owning an international grocery store where each aisle contains food from a different country and each day they have different bakery items from all over the world. I was just about to lay down on some "Senorita Bread" from this Filipino bakery called "Starbread", when I hear laughter. Then I hear laughter again and the bed starts to move in unison with this laughter. When I begin to open my eyes from my fantasy of Senorita bread, I feel the squirming of baby, indicating that her tummy was empty and needed to be filled again. So on my left is contender #1- "Mr. Laughing In My Sleep while shaking the bed." In corner #2- is the, "I Need A Drink Or I WILL Wake Up And Let The Whole House Know That YOU Didn't Feed Me!", person.

I quickly laid my hand down in the vicinity of his head to rub it and am prickled by his freshly barbered locks or scalp or whatever you want to call it.
Ouch! He mumbles something about being funny and "I'm sorry", then quickly dozes off again. I roll over to feed wiggly and she dozes off also. I begin to float again into La La land when I hear the roaring sound of a Harley engine in my bedroom. It's HIM again! Blah, blah, blah! Good grief! Well, I'll be! I get up and go to the bathroom where I step on something oily on the floor. HE must have dripped some muscle rub and didn't wipe it up! Grumpily, I lay a bathroom rug down over the spot because someone could possibly slip on it and fall and hit their head on the toilet bowl. (Safety first!) Wiping off my feet with a washcloth, and climbing back into bed for another try, I wiggle in between the two offenders. Ahhh, this isn't too bad and it's still warm right here. La La land, here I come! Three minutes later, that Harley was back again with a vengeance. It was coming after me with all of the glory of a man on a safari hunting for lions! I poked the offender and he mumbled something again. Oh silence, you are my friend! Ahhhhhhhhh. Sweet rest, come quickly.(Can you hear the harp playing in the background?) I did, but only for a split second and then that darn blasted Harley came back and I jumped out of bed and stared at them. The Wiggler and the Harley. Both sleeping peacefully and looking so comfortable together.
And then I said, "I QUIT!"

Bath pictures

2010-08-31T17:02:00.003+01:00

Here are a few more pictures to enjoy!

We drove up this road to find ourselves pulling over and looking at this next view....

The beautiful city of Bath!

An ice cream boat! Can you believe it? I want some!!!

A picture of the lovely countryside. Look at how they sectioned the fields!

Our last view of the outlying fields. Oh, what a gorgeous sky!

Bath,The Final Frontier!

2010-08-31T15:56:00.005+01:00

Okay, this mess about Bath is really dragging on.
Let me just tell you that we had a great time at camp. The food was regional,(hmmm, that's a new word for me- where else would you have mackerel for BREAKFAST?????), the people were all so diverse, the surroundings were spectacular and the children really had a good time in nature. Even though one of them is allergic to the outdoors!
I'll just post some pictures to end this all.

I have my blanket now mom, so let's ride!

One of many houseboats on the river nearby.

The gorgeous green tennis courts bordering the cricket field.

A tree lined road on the way to the river.

A beautiful view below!

Camp Bath- Part 2

2010-08-25T08:27:00.003+01:00

Okay, where were we?? Hmmm, I lost my train of thought.
Oh, okay. So we get to Bath and hit this horrendous stop and go traffic. So we text our pastor who encouraged us to come and tell him that we are in town. He texts back and says he will be waiting outside near the chapel and help us with our luggage and parking when we pull up. "See you in a few minutes-he texts!" 20 minutes later, we had only driven a mile farther than where we were in the first place, we receive a text from the pastor saying "How far now? I'm getting sunburn!" Oh, we had a good laugh at that and texted back telling him we were still 4 miles away and creeping at a turtles pace. We'd call him when we got closer. 20 minutes later, we finally break free of the holiday traffic and are cruising away on a beautiful road on the side of a mountain overlooking a winding tree lined river on the left and expensive cliff hanging houses on the right. The sun was out, cool wind blowing through the windows of the van and oomph!, I take the wrong turn and here we go, barrelling downhill, over the river and dow a narrow lane, looking for somewhere to turn around. I had to do one of my world famous U-turns, but we did it, drove back uphill in 3rd gear (that's for you-hubby), and took a left turn down a brick walled lane into a wider lane and there he was! Our red-glowing pastor and his beautiful, welcoming smile!
We made it, squeezed our big American van in a parking place and had a tour of this remarkable school campus. There were people here and there, enjoying the weather and each others company. And so here we were, finally at church camp.

http://www.monktoncombeschool.com/
Check out the pictures at the school website!

Now off to the dentist with my son!
I PROMISE to finish this today.

Off to camp Bath!

2010-08-13T07:24:00.002+01:00

Whew! It's been a while since I've sat down and had two hands to type. I kept thinking that I REALLY needed to blog and since my memory isn't as good as it used to be, I kept forgettin'. Hmm, so for the last day or two, I got smart and decided to jot down what I was supposed to blog about and now I'm finally getting to it.
So-oooo let me tell you about camp. (I only have 15 minutes to do this before I have to wake up the masses to get them to VBS on time.)

We have been attending a sweet little church in Ely for over a year now and they are just like family to us. I had heard of their family camp back then, but not knowing any of the other members from the other churches, I was hesitant to go. besides, we were going to California and Texas and the thought of paying out anymore money made me feel nauseas. Ha! So we decided to go this year since we couldn't make our yearly pilgrimage to Texas in the scorching summer to melt and burn. Mr couldn't come because he works for dictators. (I know that dosen't sound nice, but it's the truth! I pray for them because they have nothing but work to live for and use their rank to make others do the same. Did I tell you about when I had Joy? Mr had to go back to work after only 10 days! I had a c-section and couldn't even drive yet, but that's another story.............)
Ahem, cough, now back to camp. So, I made arrangements for us to go to camp sans Mr. I really wanted him to go because I had two little ones, but so be it. There was one problem with it all. I had to do all the driving-across country. As you might know, we live on the East side of England, just less than an hour away from the North Sea and to get to Bath, we had to go to the other side. Through and around London. LONDON, ENGLAND. Major city of nightmarish traffic.
Hmmm, is there any other way around? NO, MAAM, unless you want to add another hour to the trip. So, off we went! It should have taken us 4 hours to get there and I tried to feed everyone before we left and make make them go water to avoid any disgusting toilet stops. Praise God, we got there in 3 hours, only slowed down a little bit in traffic and made it there in 3 hours. Yes, you heard it right. 3 hours. The only traffic we hit was in Bath. We were
less than 5 miles from our destination and we hit jaw dropping, stop and go traffic.

To be continued- after VBS!

Tortilla recipe

2010-07-15T11:04:00.003+01:00

My son made these for breakfast yesterday morning. I can't post a personal picture of them because they were gobbled up in their Frankesteinian state, but they were so much better than store bought. Here in England, we get ours from Germany or frozen from the US. I usually have Masa Harina on hand, but have been extremely forgetful when writing my grocery list lately. Chalk that up to age, I guess.
The commissary ones make do in a pinch, but fresh ones, ahhhh!
Enjoy.
Homemade Tortillas

8 Servings Prep/Total Time: 30 min.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup water
3 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Stir in water and oil. Turn onto a floured surface; knead 10-12 times, adding a little flour or water if needed to achieve a smooth dough. Divide dough into eight portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 7-in. circle.
In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook tortillas over medium heat for 1 minute on each side or until lightly browned. Keep warm. Yield: 8 tortillas.

Recipe and picture from TasteofHome.com

Up too late?

2010-07-15T10:28:00.004+01:00

Lately Chloe has been going to bed late (around 10ish) and Joy has been getting up to nurse at 1. Shamefully, I've been staying up late, doing absolutely nothing productive. Well, I've been reading back issues of "Keepers at Home" and "Home Horizons". One, no three, of my dear children are challenging me in the listening department and I needed some Biblical parental inspiration in dealing with this problem. Frankly, I needed some backup! A couple of the articles that I read were written by people I have met, so I have seen what became of using these methods. I am reminded, "Line by line, precept by precept" is the right way of doing things. I want them to listen and do things the FIRST time I ask them, not the third time. This calls for me to get off my fanny and be on them if they do not obey. I have been inspired to pray for someone or some situation when I'm awake at night. I'm feeling closer to the Lord and my mind is at peace more. This is the beginning of a strength building habit and I usually sleep like a baby shortly thereafter. :-))

Lately I've been resting a lot because I'm in pain and moving hurts. Today I will see the midwife and get an opinion on my one-sided abdominal pain. Maybe after it is resolved, I can be back to my "Jump up mommy" self.

Do you find things to worry about when you stay up late? Are you wasting time or doing something productive?
Find something good to do and don't get tied up in it and not get your beauty sleep!

A Joy picture

2010-07-12T09:17:00.002+01:00

Here's Joy again!

First smile!!!

2010-07-09T07:08:00.003+01:00

Joy smiled at me three Mondays ago!
I'll have to catch a picture for you to see. Such a sweet baby!

What in the world???

2010-07-07T08:48:00.002+01:00

Forgive my inability to push buttons! I wrote "A weekend away" last week and forgot to publish it.
Whew, too many things going on here lately.

Poor Chloe choked on a fish bone last week after taking her FIRST bite! It was unbelievable and I am thanking God that it wasn't any worse. My Red Cross training only went so far and I knew that I had to take her in. She started choking and sticking her fingers in her mouth to get the bone out then after the initial commotion and I had swept a finger through her mouth to get it out, not feeling a thing. She was standing there with eyes as big as a skillet, her mouth wide open and drooling profusely. I grabbed her up, threw her in the front seat and raced to the emergency room. (Later, April tells me that she knew it was serious because of my putting her in the front seat. "NO CHILD SITS IN THE FRONT SEAT!!", has been etched in her mind-FOREVER!!!!)
Amazingly, the ER had us wait no more than 5 minutes and they let us bypass the other patients! It must have been the look on Chloe's face- she couldn't(errr-wouldn't talk), and her mouth was open as wide as the Grand Canyon. (I can joke about this now, but last week, no way!) The nurses were so sweet and we got to see my personal physician, Dr Latham who did what he could, but called for the ENT specialist who took a looong time a comin'. Meanwhile she was x-rayed and checked out by an anesthesiologist who explained that they were going to out her asleep so they could REALLY look in her throat and find this bone. (Now I KNOW why I gave up catfish years ago, other than the fact that it's a scavenger and we have moved on to cleaner tasting fish- oh, back to the subject, sorry.) ;-)) So by now I knew Joy needed to be fed and I had to call for backup. Can you hear it now? You know, the loudspeaker in Kmart-"Mr Chloe's dad! I need backup! Backup needed at the ER right now! Um, YES YOU HAVE TO GET HERE NOW AND MAKE QUICK!"
Mr Chloe's dad made it in a remarkably short amount of time and I ran back home to check on the big ones and feed the littlest one.
All that said and done, I go back to the hospital where they are preparing to transport Chloe to surgery for a look-see.(Two airmenladies let Chloe walk to where we needed to go- the surgical waiting area where we waited a few minutes and then a surgical technician and a dear friend of ours* who works in the ENT clinic and answered the phone when the ER called up to find the Dr.-she volunteered to be the other tech during the procedure.) Chloe went willingly with *Nikki into the OR.
I went home again.
When I came back, I brought April. This way, Chloe would have the female presence she needed and I could get back to Joy. I wasn't prepared for Chloe to come out of anesthesia in hysterics. She was thrashing about, screaming and crying. Mr was doing his best to keep her contained and from hurting herself. I have NEVER seen her that way. I didn't recognize her by her actions. Mr carried her to a hospital room that was ready for her in case she had to stay overnight. I stayed for a bit longer, requesting tissues for her and something to drink. She calmed down and a conversation about ice cream started, resulting in a reclamation of her former calm self. That was all I needed to see to be comfortable enough to leave. So I went home again, receiving a call that they'd be home after the nurse brings them some paperwork to sign. They made it home at 9:50 pm and she was starving.
What we all figure is that the bone was lodged vertically in her jaw area so when she went to close her mouth is when it stuck her and that's why she had to hold her mouth open. Sometime during this ordeal, when she fell asleep, is when the muscles relaxed enough for the bone to dislodge itself and be swallowed.
So that was my week, how was yours??

Hmmm, A weekend away

2010-06-30T06:43:00.009+01:00

Well, we finally went away for the weekend. I really didn't want to go with a new baby and a 2 yr old who dosen't like being in the car for long because she wants to stop on the side of the road and pick flowers, but we got out and away. My niece leaves next week and we are trying to give her a better look at England and its beauty. I would figure that she should get her money's worth while she was here and see all that she can see, but she has no money and we paid for her ticket! ;-)

Friday night we left quite late, around 9pm, since we are procrastinating packers and went west! To the Cotswolds with the rolling hills and sheep surrounded by rock fences. The ride there was quite eventful since the English decide to work on their roads at night and they tend to send you on a 20 mile goose chase to get back to the road you were on. We did end up heading south towards London, took the next exit (a U-turn), got back on the highway, passed the original exit that was closed for construction, drove another 5 miles north then ended up on some road towards Northampton,(remember-we were headed WEST), turned onto some dark and winding road with the Tom-Tom blaring, "Turn around when possible!!", at every intersection, and ended up at our destination around 1:30am.
Mind you this should have been a 2 1/2 hr trip, but a pit stop to McDonalds and the fact that the security bollards at the front gate had malfunctioned, leaving us to park the van nearly a quarter of a mile away from our hotel room and foot it there, made for a long evening.

Saturday morning, bright and earlyish (11:30) had us up and headed for Bath. Chloe was fussy and Joy was in agreement with her. I requested to stay at the hotel and take the little ones to the park for most of the day, but Mr would have nothing of it! If he was tortured to go, then we'd have to suffer with him! Okay then- Plan B. How about doing things in the local area? Hmmm, let's debate this.Take an ALL DAY trip to Bath or see several sites without all of the driving and crowds. I thought everybody said "Yes", but I later found out that April wasn't truly paying attention and wanted to go to Bath. The shame of not listening was upon her.

We managed to hit Chedworth Roman Villa, where Chloe got some flower picking in and I sat in the van with Joy until I figured out that this group of tourists were on a leisurely stroll through the site. Apparently, there were the remains of Roman bathouses, mosaics and even a latrine!(They had to go to the toilet SOMEWHERE and when they had time to build things, they went in STYLE.)
I stumbled out of the van, went to use their toilets and ended up with a membership to the National Trust, which owns hundreds of historical properties and nature preserves. I did get to see some of what I paid for before I dragged those slow folks out of there! We had to get moving and use our membership!

Our next destination was Lodge Park, a hunting lodge built in the 17th century.I stayed in the van since this time, Chloe and Joy were asleep! The touristy folk went in for a 30 minute visit which actually took an hour and a half. Chloe woke up towards the end and I called for someone to take her out and pick flowers. When they were done touring the place, they were all ranting and raving about the grandeur of it all. "That's great", I said- "Now let's get moving!"

Last destination- Uffington White Horse,one of England's oldest chalk hill figures. This historical figure is dated at least 3000 years old. You have to walk a good half mile to get there from the car park, but it is worth seeing. Naturally, I stayed in the van and toured the car park while the touristy explorers traversed uphill through fields of sheep to reach their destination. Chloe picked flowers, the niece stumbled downhill several times, and the whole group enjoyed themselves wholeheartedly again.

After the long day of sightseeing, I wasn't going to cook, so we stopped and had fish and chips at Sainsbury's cafeteria- an upscale grocery store. Grabbed some diapers, water and cookies then headed back to our room for a night in. We made it there around 9 pm and were sweaty, dusty and ready for bed.

Sunday morning was a scramble to get out of the door (Is there a pattern to this?) and get to Blenhein Palace, Winston Churchill's birthplace. I actually got out of the van, but sadly didn't tour the house since I had two feisty little girls with me. Chloe, Joy and I, toured the gardens, had a picnic lunch on the lawn by the lake (Sounds posh, dosen't it?)and strolled the property looking for flowers. A long walk awaited us to get to the children's area, but ice cream made it worth the trip.
The other party had a blast and took oodles of pictures. The palace and grounds couldn't be enjoyed on one trip so I bought a family membership there too. So much to see, so little time!

We hit the road and made it home around 8pm-ish.
Thank the Lord that Monday was a day off for Mr and we all slept in to recover.
What a great weekend! How was yours?????

3 weeks already?

2010-06-15T19:49:00.004+01:00

Time flies when you neglect your blog! (This statement can also be applied to relatives you keep forgetting to call, closets you meant to clean, and good friends who made you two awesome meals, including some really good chocolate chip cookies, trekked over to ones house with their children, happily helped her husband photographer take photos of a tiny and partially disagreeable little girl, and hasn't received her pie dish back nor a pitifully late "Thank You" either.)Shari and Janice, you're real friends! Bless you both!
Joy was 3 weeks old when I started this post, but now she is 4 weeks old so should I retitle it?
We were all getting into a standard routine when suddenly school ended and now we are reshuffling and adjusting. My niece was the morning person and got everyone up and fed and out the door each morning. Then I would kick in on slow turbo with lunch and a snack while she corralled the little people. Later in the afternoon April would come in and get dinner started while I rested and Erica got everything else done. Then Mr would come home at a consistantly unregular time and do whatever he had to do. Sometimes he would fully interact with us!(Just kidding, but it seems that when he is on a mission to get something done, get outta his way- he will talk to you later.)
So everything was getting done somehow, except the garage, but we were surviving.

Oh, back to the babies- Chloe likes her little sister and wants to hold her-A LOT! Joy isn't Kosher with that so she fusses within a minute or two and mom goes to save her from her sister and the wrestling match ensues. Chloe, not wanting to give her up, grips harder and me, trying to talk Chloe out of her grip and pry her hands from around Joys body, all the while trying to keep the both of them from crashing on the carpet! My first inclination is to swat a leg, but I don't want to alarm Chloe into a baby choke/sleeper hold, so I have to use the "Ninja Art of Take and Distract"- as thus named by my son. Here it goes; Quickly grasp said object from offender while focusing offenders attention towards something pleasurable in another area.

Hmmm, I have tried this and it works, but should I use it often? NO, especially when said offender should listen to me in the first place. That's the problem- sibling rivalry. Wow, am I Dr. Phil today or what?
Now to find a solution without losing my mind or sending my 2 yr old to live with the Gypsies!
*************************************************************************
On a serious note, we are headed to the funeral of a dear church friend of ours. Keziah Smit was born in Zimbabwe and moved here after her family lost everything they owned because of a dictator who wanted the "whites" out of the country. The family came here and struggled for a while before getting on their feet. Keziah asked the church to pray for them during each struggle and the Lord blessed them all. She got a great job working for "Youth For Christ" and helped spread the gospel all over England. She was the brightest star you could have seen in any sky and she never met someone she couldn't talk to. Always bubbly, her joy for Jesus was contagious. She is now with the angels.
We will all miss her.

Survival 101

2010-05-31T19:55:00.004+01:00

It has been a week and my life has not been at all the same. Everything about me has changed and frankly (yep, Frankly again), I don't like it! I'm an independent person and the fact that I have to depend on my family is really upsetting. I expected more from them. I really did. The fact is that I have made them so dependent on me that they are partially incapable of doing my job. I feed them 3 meals a day, snacks, and they get clean laundry and free transportation has made them well, LAZY. ALL of them.

After 20 years of servitude(marriage) and 5 children, I was home from the hospital after this MAJOR EMERGENCY SURGERY and I was hungry. Mind you, I'm supposed to REST and not walk the stairs! Most of the household was at school and someone who was to care for me was busy getting their checklist done. I asked for a sandwich since it was after lunchtime and my body was melting into one of those "Need food weakness spells". Someone said "Sure!" They commenced to gather their things and the 2 yr old, then walk right out of the door! OK then can you see where we are going with this? ( I do have to commend my Spring Chicken teenager. After she got wind of how I felt, she kicked in like Martha Stewart!)

There have been many other things like this happening which made me feel pretty unloved. On night 2 after arriving home I was so physically hurt and mentally neglected that I had a "God wrestling with Abram" session. I prayed, questioned, cried, shook my fists, prayed and cried some more. I know that the Lord has a reason and a season for this, but did I have to be the victim of this "hit and run"? My body, mind and spirit are breaking an it hurts something awful.
There is more to say, but I just can't say it all right now.

Pray for me.

A new beginning.......

2010-05-27T12:53:00.005+01:00

Nope I am not talking about Star Wars either!
Since Mothers Day was my last post, I thought it was waay past time to update you. Hmmm, my condition worsened and my arms from the shoulder down to the tips of my fingers were effected. My arms were heavy, joints stiffened and it was extremely painful on most days to prepare foo or even use the mouse on my laptop. Tylenol was the drug of choice and I was beginning to have appointments weekly. The Docs here on base made me another appt with the rheumatologist who couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. Bless her heart, I'm probably one of the last people she wanted to see and we have an appt on the 24 at high noon!
I didn't make it. A little person made their arrival Sunday evening at 5:37 pm. 6 lbs 1 oz and 19 inches
My family is not the quiet type and this little girl came in this world with a bang, er an emergency c-section. From what I was told by the distressed Dr (he was really good- we just stressed him out!), little Miss was firmly held in place by the cord which was wrapped around her neck and then back around under her arms. There was also a muscular band that was keeping her from descending out!
It was meant to be like that and THANK THE LORD that she didn't descend because tragedy could have ensued for the both of us.
Prayers of friends and church members and mercy from the Lord above gave us a healthy outcome.
Thank you all!

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-09T07:14:00.002+01:00

Well, it's that time of the year again and this year is possibly the hardest one for me. My mom is gone and I can feel it and it is lonely. I thank God for my Aunts and my sister, but no one could ever take the place of a mother. Tears are welling up in my eyes as I think of all the times since August 2nd that I have wanted to call her and just hear her voice. I want to know what she is doing, if she is actually going to cook today and what has Daddy been up to. Has she taken her medication or is she being the "Difficult Patient" she has always been. I want her to talk to Elise and make her feel better about herself (they just LOVED each other).
I want my mom back!
I know she is in heaven, suffering no more. Call me selfish, but I want her too.

"There is no heartache so deep as the loss of your mother."

Remember that and go and love your mother today.

My condition-An update

2010-05-09T06:33:00.003+01:00

Seeing that I've left you hanging on the edge of what is wrong with me, I'm sure it's time for an update.
I have been back and forth to Cambridge, Addenbrookes, Spire Lea, and Lakenheath seeing doctors and being tested for so many things. I probably need a tranfusion myself after the many draws they have taken. I have faith that whatever it is, God can deal with it or move back to the states and hole ourselves up on a ranch somewhere, acting suspiciously till the feds come and see that we are doing nothing more than growing herbs and becoming nudists.(okay-you KNOW I'd never do that. People have known me for years and have never seen my skin except from the elbow or midcalf down!)
Okay now back to reality, so after seeing all of these drs, waiting for weeks for test results, being called on my PERSONAL cellphone by drs (one called me 3 times in ONE day, mind you. April says they call that stalking, I think I'm popular, ha ha),living with horrible joint and muscle pain and having to crawl to get around this house to get things done, I saw the rheumatologist ONE LAST TIME on Thursday.
(Did I tell you I put 300 miles on the van this week alone? Darryl had a hole in his heart plugged up on Wed -an ASD, they call it, and I had 2 appointments on that same day which had me driving from Lakenheath to Papworth, to Cambridge, back to Papworth, back through Cambridge, and then home. He ended up staying the night and I had to go and pick him up at lunchtime the next morning at Papworth, past Cambridge, back to Cambridge to get him lunch at McD's and then home. So you see where I'm coming from? Going round in circles! Ha, ha, ha!) Yes, I feel like I am losing it. He seems to be doing alright except for overdoing it the first 2 days, but he only has a half inch cut on his groin instead of having his chest cracked open, so he got away easy, THANK the Lord! If he is so hurt now, I could only imagine..............
Now back to me.... So the new diagnosis is UNIDENTIFIABLE! Can you believe that? Dr. Speed kept telling me she was sorry, but she couldn't figure out what was wrong with me except that something was wrong and they couldn't pinpoint it. Maybe it is pregnancy related and will go away after the baby is born. She couldn't guarantee that, but she was sorry and if my symptoms got worse then she is a phone call away.
Are you as frustrated as I am? I bet not! I just know I need to know something and I want to not feel pain and achiness all the time. I want to be normal again and hop out of bed in the morning to get breakfast started. I want to sit down and not have to adjust the pillows so my legs won't hurt. I want to be able to go to bed and not have to move and shift to be comfortable for 30 minutes then have some lightening pain shoot through my joints facilitating me having to reposition 3 pillows and recomfort myself again. I want to walk to the bathroom in the middle of the night without fear of falling and having to use any solid piece of furniture to support my LONG 15 foot journey to a 2 hour relief.
I WANT TO BE ME AGAIN!!
I pray for something to help me be patient and have peace right now. I pray for my family who has half a me, and a grumpy half of me to deal with. Even Mr needs prayer for his speedy recovery so I can get him back to work and not be angry that he is sitting around playing video games and watching movies(resting, they call it) while I am trying to get things done.(Is that selfish?)
Pray for my niece to make it here safely on Thursday morning so I can hand over the reigns to her.
And most of all, I pray for Chloe who is about to be knocked out of her pole position by a new short person in town. She and I have so much fun together that I can't imagine someone else coming between us.
Lord help me!

Hmmm, they think I might have......

2010-04-22T23:01:00.002+01:00

Lupus.
So far I have a few things pointing to Lupus, but my symptoms are never withing the "guidelines". I have been to 6 Drs in 7 days and had my blood drawn at least 5 times within those 7 days, you can see that I ought to be too tired to type at 11pm. Well yes, I am pooped but thought that friends and family might want to know.(Also a touch of laziness and the thought of repeating so much information makes me feel nauseated.)

This means that I will be getting all of my services at Addenbrookes hospital in Cambridge since the American hospital has kicked me out.

Now enough said, I am off to a shower and bed.
Keep us in your prayers!

Misty

What's wrong with me- Part 2

2010-04-16T17:28:00.002+01:00

I was on my way out of town with my girls and my friends oldest two girls when the cell phone rang. She wanted to let me know that on Monday, she will most likely do a spinal tap. She didn't want me to be alarmed, but informed ahead of time. Also, she wanted to make sure that I knew if I felt funny or ill in any way, to go right in to the ER. Also, Addenbrookes, the BIG hospital in Cambridge would be in on the deal depending on the results.
Okay, I heard that only a few hours ago, so what's the deal? Should I be walking, or eating? Do I need to call my family? Should I move back to the states?
Lord, help me. I think I was fine until I was bombarded with all of these tests and questions. I feel strange because they are giving me things to think about that are strange. You know what I mean?
So I finished talking to her and we ladies had our afternoon tea at Harriotts in Bury St Edmunds, made our rounds at a couple of stores and headed home when the phone rang again. A nurse from family practice wants me to come in on Monday morning before the other appointment.They said after the spinal thing I won't be able to get around for a couple of hours so they had better see me first.
Talk about demand! Not enough me and too many of them! Anyone want to take my place.
The consistent thing about this is that my pregnancy makes this more complicated
than imaginable and they have to work around the poor little baby.
I feel sorry for us both. Let's pray for a good outcome for us all.

What's wrong with me???

2010-04-16T12:34:00.002+01:00

It has been a crazy week around here. Being spring break for the children and not being able to go anywhere because, A- Darryls leave was not approved even though he put in for it months ago, B-Darryls passport expired on Tuesday (UNBELIEVABLE!!!), B-Chloe has some strange illness and her eyes are red and watery with cold symptoms, and C- my face is numb and my taste buds are nonexistent.
Hmmm, as much as I love to eat, I have no desire since I can't taste a thing! Life is not fair( can you sniffle with me?)! Oh well, I'll lose a little weight and see if I can endure this. I have been at the neurologist twice this week, OB/GYN once this week and at the lab THREE times. Even the tech at the lab is wondering what is going on and can't they use any of the results from my other tests to figure out what is the problem??? Hey, I'm expecting and my iron is low enough, not to mention my thyroid function and low calcium.
Next week, I am fully booked for 2 appointments on 1 day!
UPDATE!! The neurologist just called and gave me a long list of things. Mainly that my SED rate has gone up extremely higher than it was on Tuesday and the family practice Dr will be calling me to see him on Monday and I have to see the Neurologist at 10 also. AND go get my blood drawn before I see them both. She mentioned going to Addenbrookes to see Neurologists, Infectious Disease and Inflammatory specialists. ALSO if I felt strange or ill in ANY way, go tothe ER immediately.
Well, now that I am on the edge, I am going to go out for tea. What else am I to do?
I have already prayed and given it to the Lord so I KNOW I am in good hands.
Bless you all!

Happy Birthday April!!

2010-04-12T08:02:00.003+01:00

Well, my first baby is now older! She turned 17 last weekend and after weeks of pondering,(I wanted to take her to Paris, but the plans fell through-that's another story), and many last minute changes, we came(uhem- I came) up with a great party theme. We had an "Iron Chef" party. Since she didn't want a whole lotta hoopla, there were 6 girls total and that broke it up into 3 groups of 2. Each group had a recipe to fix and had an hour and a half in which to prepare it. Group 1 had a lovely Strawberry Torte. Group 2 had Thai Chicken and Noodle Salad. Group 3 had Wontons to make. My goodness this place was rocking with laughter, conversation and the constant business of cabinet doors opening and closing. The young ladies had a great time and the best part was that I sorta got a tiny break from cooking. The cleanup was appauling, and it took 2 days to REALLY get the kitchen clean, but again, the party was a success and April enjoyed it.
Group 1 won!!!! That cake was the bomb, absolutely delicious!

Strawberry Torte (Found at MarthaStewart.com)

Ingredients

Serves 8 to 10
Unsalted butter, for pan
8 extra-large eggs, room temperature, separated
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup cake flour (not self-rising)
2 teaspoons sifted baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 pint heavy cream
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar, plus more for work towel
1 quart strawberries, washed, dried, and hulls removed
Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and line a rimmed 15-by-10-by-1-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper; set aside.
In a large bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar together until light in color, about 1 minute; stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Add cake flour and baking powder; stir until well combined.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into flour mixture.
Pour cake batter in prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Transfer baking sheet to oven and bake until cake springs back when touched, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, set 6 strawberries aside for garnish. Thinly slice remaining strawberries. Place heavy cream in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat on medium speed. Slowly add remaining teaspoon vanilla and 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar. Continue beating until soft peaks form. Set half of the whipped cream aside. Gently fold sliced strawberries into remaining half; set aside.
Lay a clean kitchen towel flat on a work surface with one of the short ends facing you. Generously sprinkle dish towel with confectioners' sugar. Flip cake onto towel, remove baking sheet, and peel off parchment paper. Using the dish towel, roll cake away from you; let cool.
Unroll cake. Evenly spread strawberry whipped-cream mixture over surface of the cake and re-roll. Transfer cake to a serving plate and evenly spread top and sides of cake with reserved whipped cream. Cut reserved whole strawberries in half lengthwise and place on top of cake for garnish.

Happy Anniversary?

2010-04-02T08:13:00.002+01:00

Okay folks, it has been a LOOONG 20 years and I have to tell you it has been a challenge at times. Like on Wednesday, I thought 20 would be significant enough to take the day off. NO. No cake, no gift, no flowers, NOTHING. Just a simple, "Happy Anniversary", whispered to me on his way to work. Then a phone call asking me what I wanted for dinner. Yep, I was highly perturbed and it was a hard day for me. I asked the Lord, why? WHY? For 20 years I have put up with his job being first in line for everything- holidays delayed, the majority of non-job related things forgotten, single parenting for 75% of the time. It's unnerving and most people would not put up with it.
So I have learned to be patient beyond patience. I am thankful for the sharp memory that I have (it goes to pieces during pregnancy), thankful for my good children,(except for their bad memory-it came from their father), thankful for being able to organize things on a whim, and thankful for his ability to work because without that, I wouldn't be where I am.
So for now, I will go out and buy my own flowers, make my own cake and buy myself a gift from him. And I will still feel anger, but God will deal with that- he's been working on it for 20 years!

Well, I have a little announcement........

2010-03-20T08:11:00.003Z

I guess I have been hidden in deep dark England for so long that I forgot that most of you haven't seen me lately. If you have seen me then you know whats going on and if you haven't, then you ought to know by now.

There's a new addition coming to our house and it's a BABY!!! Okay, I said it- now you know!

But really, since I've gotten over the shock and surprise of it all, I am seeing that the children are looking forward to seeing the little person who has made their momma nauseated, tired, grumpy and plump. They'll be happy to have the REAL me back, whoever that was!
We are in the process of dejunking and simplifying (is that humanly possible?), so we have more time to really enjoy the blessings that God has given us and not have to be distracted with STUFF!

What are you doing to make your life simpler?
Let me know, send me ideas, HELP ME!

Oh my goodness!

2010-03-08T07:57:00.002Z

Well, I thought I had blogged lately, but I guess my time is not the same as anyone elses.
We have been extremely busy here and I even had the chance to go back to the US for 5 days!!!! Wow! That place seems so strange after not being there for a while. I had an array of wonderful and gracious hosts while I was there. The reason I went was, A-My time is short before I HAVE to stay at home for several months. Can you guess why? And B-I really needed to get this certification done because I have been putting it off for over a year and the next class would be in July when I have guests and am stuck in the country for 2-3 months because of visa issues.

So there it is. I confess. I was gone, mentally and physically. My stamina is kaput and I am dragging again.

****UPDATE***** Phone just rang and it was a Dr telling me that my iron was horribly low. I refuse to take the sickness inducing iron pills they give me so I ordered some FLORADIX with Iron.

Well, I had better get some work done or I could get fired. Would it be so bad to lie around unemployed for a few days?

Talk to you sooner than the last time!

Look what I did, mommy!

2010-02-12T14:13:00.004Z

I had to resupply the house with Air Force Form #1,(toilet paper),and I was feeling lazy, sitting the 20 roll package on the landing instead of in the hall closet. One side was open and the little person discovered it and thought it was Christmas! She happily unwrapped 15 of them before being discovered.
How could I be angry? It looked like fun and she saved someone else from some hard work.

Can you make it to the couch?

2010-02-12T14:08:00.003Z

We came home from a trip to the store and this is what happened after Chloe stepped in the house.
Pitiful, ain't it?

A new discovery!

2010-02-12T13:52:00.004Z

While cleaning in the little girls room a couple of days ago, Chloe discovered the Viewmaster. First she didn't know how to look out of it and then she was so AMAZED! I was tickled as I pulled out the can that was filled with Viewmaster discs and saw her eyes enlarge as if she was saying "It comes with all of this? WOWEEE MAMA, THIS IS GREAT!" We took about 15 minutes looking and looking while all the time I was trying to show her how to use it. Now if only she would try to see more than one picture on the disc before she tosses them out.
Here's to learning!

Back in the saddle again....

2010-02-11T08:06:00.004Z

Well, it's been 2 looong weeks and I kept saying I needed to blog and I have pictures to prove it, but my gumption is well, pooped. You know how you mean to do something but as soon as you sit down to it, you get interrupted (cough, uhem, choke, uhem from the background. You ask, what is it? Then the perpertrators ask some loose minded question that could have been answered if they had actually THOUGHT about it!)
Oh yea, it's one of those weeks when you have to be 2 places at the same time and neither place is in the same county! Your poor husband is working 12+ hours and when you finally go to the checkup that you put off for weeks and weeks, the practitioner that you've never seen before tells you "Wow, you look tired!". My answer is, "Honey if you only knew half of what I've been going through!" Then she tells me my iron is horribly low and I need to take some iron pills that make me feel like, well, ILL and that she could prescribe something for my sleep issues, (did I tell you that I catnap at night, not SLEEP!) But for me to try and get some proper rest and all things I'm in charge of not fall apart is like IMPOSSIBLE!
So where was I going with this? I don't know, so I will silence myself and ramble on later when I can remember where I was going with this.

See You!

Monday morning thoughts......

2010-01-25T09:47:00.004Z

I have now survived more than a week with out a "real" glass of water and I am okay. Although I have been "sneaking" water, aka "watering down" my Gatorade to adjust myself back into the "best drink on earth". I miss being able to see through the glass and liquids in it. Strange, huh? Nope, this also helps me inspect the dishwashing skills of the kitchen assistant of the week. Gatorade is definitely murky. (At least the kind they carry here. I'm too cheap to get the more expensive stuff!)And if you'd like to know how water feels on my stomach feels after drinking water, just imagine being stabbed in the stomach from all directions. Horrible description, but worse being on the receiving end.

Today I have to bake bread and make granola for Elise's class. Walking into the kitchen and having a pile of dirty dishes in the sink is discouraging, but we will trudge on!! I also have to go grocery shopping. This weeks budget is $75.00! Hmmm, I think we aren't eating out- too expensive. We did it twice last week and well, it was a pocket buster!

The menu this week so far is:
Goulash, green beans and fresh bread.
Oven fried chicken, corn pudding and buttery garlic spinach
Beans and sausage, rice, fresh veggies
Make your own Pizza (spinach alfredo or bacon cheeseburger)
Chicken curry, rice and pickled veggies

The room I am focusing on this week is...........
The garage!! I am going through boxes of clothes and taking out the best things to go to Haiti.
There is a plane leaving next week and I feel that we all have more than enough to give to them. We are also donating to Christian Aid Ministries- they have been working there for many years with medical clinics. Also Midwives for Haiti is a group I have known for many years. Lord willing, when my children are older (and my French a bit more polished), I will be able to join them for a few weeks and get some additional hands on experience. So until then, I am happy to be at home and will pray and help as much as possible.

Have a blessed Monday.
Misty

When Mom gets sick....

2010-01-16T08:34:00.005Z

I know, this has been a year of "Good grief, not again!", but well, it has been exciting, you know!
I was doing my usual thing Thursday night, dinner, dessert, get the little ones ready for bed, when after dinner my stomach felt achy. I asked Mr if he felt it too and he said,"Just a little". No one else seemed to have the pains that I was having so I chalked it up to "I guess I shouldn't have eaten the too sweet chocolate cake for dessert-a 3X3 piece!!!".

Well as time went on, I felt worse and worse so I decided to expediate the bedtime process. I was in bed right before 9 and if it weren't for the shortest person in my life climbing in and jumping across the bed, then I would have been asleep in 15 minutes. Feeling a sort of sea sicknessey, I got a glass of water and had a good, long sip. Ahhh, that was good- OHHH, it feels like knives stabbing me from within. Better lie down and rest a little bit. Falling asleep in pain, I tossed and turned for what seemed like hours and hours until I woke up, sweating and still in pain. "Maybe it's my appendix?" Better drink some more water. OHHH, ARRGH, the pain! I can't take this anymore and slowly stumbled upstairs to ask Mr to take me to the hospital. ( I sleep in April's room because of my back, a bad mattress on my bed and a ship stuck at customs with my new mattress on it!-long story.)
It was only 11:30!!
We called before we went and they were ready for me when I got there. They took the usual bodily fluid samples and had me wait awhile until the first test results came back and then they promptly hooked me up to an IV. They only tried 3 times and on the last and most painful try, I lost it. Nausea overtook me and well, I had to use a bucket! I have only thrown up 5 times in nearly 20 years and well, it's always quite memorable, but at least this time it was contained. In trying to describe what happened to the children, I said, "Do you remember how ...Zilla blows fire from his mouth? That was it- best description!" My oldest said, "That was probably why he attacked and destroyed everything- his stomach was hurt and he didn't get relief until he let it all out too!" Oh, what a laugh!

So they pumped me with 3 bags of fluid and some anti nausea meds, causing me to fall asleep.They did wake me up and ask for a urine sample to which I replied," I have plenty to give, you sure you want just a sample? That cup is not BIG enough!" But they also had some interesting conversations with me while I was in a semi-drugged state. Something about my liver tests coming back fine except one which they were going to retest in a few hours. And how did I let myself get so dehydrated? "I'm telling you, I have been desperately thirsty for the last 3 weeks-I called and talked to one of YOUR nurses about it! I'm drinking more than a gallon of water a day an am having NO results! I AM TRYING!!!" Okay then, what next?
SO in the middle of the night/early morning, a Dr in jeans, leather jacket and icy hands comes to talk to me and guess what? I can't tell you what he said to me because I was SO DROWSY.

And all of this time, MR was asleep on a chair across the room! He wake up briefly when one of the nurses came in to check on me or change my IV bag.
Morning came and I automatically woke up at 6:30. I roused Mr and said he had better get home and get the children out of the door-call your office so they don't think you are AWOL! He calls the office and splains the situation, then calls the house and makes sure the children are awake and thank the Lord, our oldest has them all awake and dressed. The nurse comes in and tells me that I can leave as soon as I feel up to it- no rush. They have to take the IV out and obtain one more sample.
Mr goes to get the children out to school and I lay around for a few after they unhook me from the IV. On with my clothes and my coat! Shoes- thank God for slip-ons! I slowly mosey to the nurses station after calling MR and telling him I'd meet him by the ER entrance at 08:00. The nurse on the morning shift, a sweet and caring woman, helps me to get a Gatorade and ride down the elevator for the long walk to the ER door. We had a nice conversation, she has 4 children also and their ages are spread out like mine. Sh reminds me NOT to drink any water for a day or two(too hard on the stomach-trust me, I KNOW, to take Tylenol for the pain and to REST(which is near impossible with a toddler).

MR and Chloe come and we head to the store for Gatorade and crackers and whatever else he is in the mood to buy.

Now back at home, I get comfy and doze off and on for nearly 8 hours! Whew, I didn't think one could be tired from resting, but it can happen!
They ask me about dinner and I tell them it's Elise night and she was making tuna burgers. When I finally make it downstairs, (if you are feeling ill, try not to traverse the stairs more than 3 times daily), and I get a look at the place, I have to close my eyes and whisper a prayer at the utter destruction. They had Burger King for breakfast and dinner. Yuck! Dishes everywhere, stuff on the floor- the banana peel on the carpet is what got me, coats lying around and just a mess. I am going to take a picture(where is the camera?), to show them that this is not the way WE live and since mom is sick, they need to keep up the house. I'll tell them that when I get better but now, I will step over the mess and try not to think of how many hours it will take for this place to get cleaned up!

Oh, my diet since Friday morning- Gatorade and TWO saltine crackers. I brushed my teeth and swallowed some water after rinsing my mouth- I thought there were knives in my stomach again!
Back to the Gatorade.........

A crazy night!

2010-01-03T21:39:00.006Z

It's Sunday evening and school starts again tomorrow after a 2 week hiatus.
The first few days, they children were moaning about being bored. I gave them graham cracker houses to build, party bags to stuff, a puzzle to work on and various house projects to do. I also told them that they could not live on the computer or the television. Hmmm, "in one ear and out the other", was the phrase I first thought of. After 24hrs of vegetative screen watching, I had enough and had to pull the plug. Then they HEARD what I said," If you have any homework that needs to be turned in, get it done. I don't want you working on it on the last day. That's procrastination and I won't have it!" Wow! Suddenly there was action!

We did have a party scheduled for the 22nd and then Christmas was a couple of days later so we had to get in gear. We had a few travel plans, but were thrown off by the snow and ice for several days, but the children had fun and had the chance to experience COLD, BELOW FREEZING weather. This was the first experience Chloe had with snow. She tried to eat it-hey, it looked like ice cream, her favorite!

Hey, I was talking about something completely different. How did I get here?
Anywhoo, The littlest person requires a pacifier when she goes to bed and for some confounded reason, we couldn't find ANY of them tonight. I was holding her, consoling her and trying to distract her from the hysterical crying she was kicking out. Meanwhile the other folks were looking for one of them, ANY one of them.
Oh, the howling she gave and right then and there I decided she needed to come off of this addiction. So I proceed to rock her back and forth with the hopes of letting her drift to laa-laa land.(Giggles are okay now.)I prayed with her,and she calmed down a little bit. Occasionally a voice from another room would shout,"Chloe, CALM DOWN!". Then it happened. Dad appeared and with him came the distinguishing "Click" of the pacifier. Oh, too late, she heard it and started to sit up saying, patitoo, patitoo. It was coming and I didn't get to tell him that maybe it's time to give it up! Oh well, she got it and then it started. She sat up and moved around on the bed. Then it came out of her mouth so she could tell Daddy "Thank you". There was silence for a moment and she hopped out of the bed. "Click, click" and that was the last we heard of the patitoo. She climbed back in the bed and lied down. Then she asked for the patitoo again. Dad ran his hands through the covers, under the covers, under the pillows and on the sides of the mattress. By this time, she was hysterical again. "Where was that thing? She just had it?" Teen sister lifted her up, kicked out the 8 yr old sister from the bed and dad tore through the sheets looking for the object of her desires. He lifted the mattress and even looked behind the bed. He frisked 8 yr old sis and looked on the floor around the bed. The brother and I were really laughing. Dad was beginning to look angry and teen sis was starting to giggle while holding the crying toddler. "OKAY, WHERE IS IT???", Dad says. By now I could see the frustration on Dads face and was laughing like a maniac over this silly piece of silicon and plastic. Maybe now was not the right time to give up the addiction that was ruling over this family's bedtime. Uh, I had better not say anything or else I am next in the frisking department. WHAT? Someone says check around mom, she looks guilty and all that laughing is giving her away. I am scrambling to get off the floor when hands from all directions reach out to help me get up and WHOOSH!, I am standing up and being frisked by dad! By then my laughing would have put me in any insane asylum and I am knocking dads hands off me shouting, "If you don't let me go to the bathroom, they'll be more problems!" I run off holding my stomach from all of the laughing and made it where I needed to be.
When I came out, everyone had disappeared and only 8 yr old and I remained in the room. I asked her to move her back pack from in front of the bed and I heard a "click". She opened it and guess what was there? Patitoo!!
The parental torture device!

Have a wonderful night and try not to laugh so hard that you nearly use half a roll of tissue to wipe away the tears!!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T21:29:00.002Z

This is for you.....
I hope and pray that you and yours have a blessed and happy new year. I hope that you grow in Gods word and ways even more than you could imagine. I pray that you love more and criticize less, that you show your appreciation for little things as well as the big things that roll in your path, that you laugh more and cry more, and that your friends become like family.
There are so many things to pray for like safety, good health and world peace.
But a special thought I want to leave with you is the hope for peace in your heart.

Many Blessings,
Misty

Christmas revisited

2009-12-30T07:44:00.004Z

Here we are nearly a week after Christmas and I am just writing about it. This hesitancy should be easy to explain since this year we were missing a key person. I tried my best to "keep my chin up", but you could tell that my heart wasn't completely in it. We tried for a simple Christmas and I think we achieved it. Our focus wasn't on the worldly aspect of it, but the spiritual. Like it goes, "Jesus is the reason for the season". We had a simple meal, but it wasn't the same because I couldn't call my mom for advice. We are usually awakened it the morning by my mom who asks the children if they opened their gifts yet. She was and is a vital part of any celebration or activity in our life and I'm feeling her absence so deeply.

The children had gifts of meaning and I made them each a fabric cone and filled them with little things like chocolate coins, peppermints, gift certificate to a restaurant and one individual gift that they REALLY needed (April-a lovely key ring, Wyndon-a manly manicure set, Elise-some sweet hair clips and Chloe- $2.00 for some ice cream, her favorite!).
I received a large wooden chest filled with silverware! Quite a surprise!
Mr. Dad received several games to put some "fun" back into his life.
Everyone was happy but we sure missed those phone calls from Mom..

Many Blessings,
Misty

When birthday cake goes wrong.

2009-12-22T16:59:00.000Z

We survived what could have been a disaster today. April had made the cupcakes the night before and they tasted fine.(I am a fresh freak. I have been known to make cakes up to an hour before they are to be presented, but I thought I'd try to work in advance.) They had a bit of a sugary crunch to it. Hmmm, tasted fine, icing should mask the sugary crunch of it. Let's go to bed, it's late.
Next morning, 45 minutes before the party, April goes to assemble the cupcake mountain and it wasn't acting right- nope, it didn't need a spanking, it just wouldn't set up. She took a bite, made a face, I took a bit and by golly, the whole thing went crunch! Hmmm, no icing in the world would mask that texture. Lord, HELP US!!!!!
Okay, I already asked for a "Loaves and Fishes" miracle with the frosting since I only made 2 kinds instead of 3. I didn't think it would be enough for 10 children, but THANK YOU LORD, I came home with leftovers!
Back to the cake saga.......... We had to get out of the door, the clock was ticking, snow and ice on the ground, needed to set up. What's a mom to do??? Send Dad to the store. Well, I had to get cracking since folks were on the way. Wonderfully, everyone arrived late and gave us time to get it together.
When I walked into the door of the community center, the young man in charge said that I had cancelled the party, and since there was no heat in the building, they were going to close early anyway. I asked him if he could hold that closure for me to have the party and do something with all of that food. I probably could have pinched Elise, made her cry and gotten the same results, but I wasn't going to go that low to get results. He said that he would stay if the heat came on and low and behold, 20 minutes later, it did!!!! Wow! It was a Miracle Happening Birthday!! I can't be thankful enough!
The party went well, no one became sick from too much candy from the gingerbread houses they were making, and most of all, Elise was happy!
Success!

Uh, here I am......

2009-12-22T07:33:00.000Z

Today is Elise's birthday and I am feeling green. So much green that I had to change the sheets in the middle of the night. So far only 5 1/2 hours of sleep and I feel like I'm being held together by stitches. I wonder if it was the cupcake I ate before I went to bed?
I might feel ill, but I don't really get SICK! So now I am off to some ginger tea, ginger ale and a boiled egg(or two).

I will survive and get these chicken wings cut up, cooked, cook a pot of rice, make 3 types of icing (one for the cupcakes, one for decorating the graham cracker houses, and one for gluing those things together). Am I a glutton for punishment or am I a born party planner?

What's Cooking Dec 5-10?

2009-12-09T08:53:00.000Z

Here is my new addition to the blog because someone consistently asks "What's cooking at your house"?
Saturday 5 Dec
-Homemade Kolaches with cream cheese or cherry filling
-Pizza at Shari's house, snickerdoodles
Sunday 6 Dec
-Mini sausages surrounded by phyllo pastry.(It was supposed to be puff pastry but I picked up the wrong package.
- Philly cheese steak sandwiches with lots of red, yellow and green peppers, corn on the cob

Monday 7 Dec
-Fried egg with 1 slice of ham served on a cheese bap (a soft bun baked with cheese on the top)
-Ramen noodles with chopped cabbage and sesame oil
- Crockpot!! Smoked ribs with sauerkraut(I added some onions, chopped cabbage, carraway seed and cream of mushroom soup to mellow the flavors then cooked it for 8 hrs)Served over boiled potatoes

Tuesday 8 Dec
-French toast and Lincolnshire sausages ( I saved 2 for another breakfast)
-crockpot meal rehashed for me. Boiled potatoes with bacon and cheese for Chloe
-Tortilla soup! It was really good. Filling but not a overeat sort of filling

Wed 9 Dec
-Eggs scrambled with minced Lincolnshire sausages and parsley, crumpets with butter and strawberry preserves.
- sandwiches
-Filipinana- chicken adobo, beef bulgogi, garlic chicken, sesame chicken, lumpia(eggrolls), sliced fresh veggies and rice

Thursday 10 Dec
- Sausage balls, toast with jam
-I can't remember!
-Chef's Delight (fridge cleanout)

That's all folks!!

CONTAMINATED!!!!!

2009-12-03T15:55:00.000Z

Okay, we are on the border of an outbreak here. Sunday evening, Chloe had large blisters on the soles of her feet. Try as I might, I couldn't think of what could have caused it. New shoes-no, new stockings-no, running a mile or two in combat boots-impossible, she can't even lift a pair of boots! What happened?

Darryl thought that she got into bathroom cleaner, but even if she did that, she would have confessed shortly thereafter especially if there were any ill side effects. She knows what a burn feels like since she put her hands on a hot BBQ grill in the summer.

So what was it? This was one of those times when I even questioned my sanity. Lord what is it??? Monday morning came and I was mental toast. I almost had it figured out when I looked at her hands and they were blistered also! AAHHH, I know there is a simple answer but it didn't hit me until I called to get her an appointment at the pediatric clinic. When the lady asked me about all of her symptoms, she paused for a moment and it hit me-Hand Foot and Mouth! That's what I thought and that's what she said. Oh, what a weight lifted off of my shoulders! I wasn't crazy after all and my memory still worked, albeit 12 hrs later, but it still works! Now the diagnosis was made and the rules of good conduct were stated to me: Stay home and try not to contaminate anyone else-playgroup, visiting friends, etc, Wash hands frequently,Tylenol for any fever and keep her well hydrated. That hydration thing is easy, she is a major drinker, has an affinity for watered down orange juice and the occasional cup o'milk.

I notified all the other families that she has been around and no one else had it. The hospital told me that my other little people were probably too old to get it, but make sure they keep clean. Okay- we are in QUARANTINE!!!!

Now where did it come from? Hmm, Africa Sunday? Playgroup? I want to KNOW who gave it to us!!!!!!!!!! So, that question may never be answered but I won't lose sleep over it. And to all those parents who let their sick children out and contaminate others, SHAME ON YOU! I am going to pray hard for folks like that because they give others so many troubles that don't need to happen for the sakes of convenience or whatever.

Marimbe from church has it, but she had a fever before she got the spots. Shari and her crew have it, but they have it worse than us- the sores are in their mouths! Bless them, so much pain. I'm sorry folks- if I had only known beforehand that we had been exposed I would have kept her at home.

The High School nurse thought I was talking about "hoof and mouth disease, but wouldn't listen to an explanation of the correct condition, so i've marked her off my list of sane people.(She is forgiven but clearly a confused person).
Now April has the spots on her hands and Wyndon has some bumps in his mouth.
Elise has a few on her hands so another week in the house for us!!!

Send reinforcements!

Here is a picture of what it looks like. http://allaboutyourchild.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/hand_foot_mouth.jpg

Another little field trip

2009-11-28T09:40:00.000Z

This field trip was last week. We went to the fire station and had a great time. I was surprised that she went up to Sparky the fire dog and gave him a hug. She was with him for most of the trip. It was, may I quote this, "A love story I couldn't believe!" When it was time to take a group photo, Sparky wanted Chloe next to him. I don't know whether to be happy or afraid. Anywho here are a couple of photos from that trip.
I made the firemen a pound cake to thank them for being so kind to the children. Trust me, they deserved it!

Just a little field trip.

2009-11-28T09:28:00.000Z

Forgot to share that Chloe went to a "pumpkin patch" for the first time. She dosen't know that she is a little thing and tried her best to carry as many pumpkins to the car as she could. She eventually got the message and moved down towards pumpkins that were only 2 to 4 pounds, but she carried them nonetheless!

A trip to Ireland

2009-11-28T08:30:00.000Z

Now back to Ireland- We went at the end of October and had a cross country drive to get there.
We also fielded many boo-hoos from a couple of the children about missing Halloween. We don't dress up and go trick or treating. We make cupcakes and give them out at the door with little scripture stickers that we had made that have different Bible quotes and verses on them. The children LOVE doing this. We have an assembly line going with baking the cupcakes, packaging the cupcakes, labeling the cupcakes and then someone gets to give them out. Last year, we made over 100 cupcakes and ran out several times, which had me baking during the evening and April was handing out the "hot right out of the oven" cupcakes. The locals were crazy! They kept coming in droves and we were praying that we wouldn't run out so when we finally did-and we used every cake mix in the house i tell you-we gave away what little candy we had(with the scripture stickers taped to them also). We finally had to put a sign on the door and catch our breath when we ran out of everything. Whew! It was almost comedic!
So that is why they missed Halloween at our house.
Needless to say, we had a passenger with us from Ely who survived the long trip too! Asia came as our adopted child so she and April had each other for entertainment. The rest of us had ourselves.
It was a 3 hr drive to our first destination of RAF Fairfort in Gloustershire. We spent the night there to breakup the drive. This area is called the Cotswolds and has the rolling hills, sheep dotted fields, and lovely stone cottages. it is one of the most expensive areas to live in this country and looking at the homes and estates, you could see why!
So we got moving the next morning and had to make the ferry from Fishgard, Wales to Rosslaire, Ireland. We took a wrong turn when we got to Fishgard and had a great tour of the town. Thank the Lord we didn't miss our ferry and ended up having to wait near an hour to board. We got on, found a seating area and got prepared for the 3 1/2 hour journey. When we took off, all you could hear from my group was Chloe saying, "Look at that!". This phrase was repeated nearly 100 times as she saw sailboats, ships, lighthouses, piers and many, many birds. I was rolling in laughter at her until we had to go and retrieve a snack from the cafe and the ship started rocking and rolling. From there on I was green.
We made it to the church late that night and they were having a fabulous meal that I can't remember what it was but the dessert they had is emblazoned in my mind. Banoffee pie,(I don't know how to spell it!)was the name of it and it was SO GOOOOOD! I had one there and took another one for later. I ended up eating that one and some one elses, but it was good and that's all I remember!
So we got there and met so many people the first night. It's a good thing we had introductions on the second night or I would have had to find labels somewhere and write names on them! The speaker who came from central America, (forgive me- I can't remember from where and Darryl isn't around to remind me), he did a fine job in leading our thoughts towards God and our families. We had multiple discussions and many who didn't want to ask questions for fear of disclosing their personal problems to everyone came forward and just poured out their hearts. I was embarrasses when my husband spoke of our marital issues, but he did it out of love and wanted to hear if anyone else had been touched by those same problems. So, my pride was sadly beaten down by love but God did it in the right
place and with the right people. Our weekend was a wonderful refresher on how God want us to be and to treat others. It was well worth the trip and to top that off, the children had a great time and never mentioned Halloween during the whole trip!
Here are a few pictures from the trip.

This is Janek- we have known him for 10 years!!! So just look past him and see the beautiful greenery that is Ireland.. Ahhh, relaxed yet?

This is Wyndon and some of his friends. Janeks brother, Tomek is in the plaid shirt next to Wyn. These 2 boys came back muddy, wet and stinky nearly every evening from playing. They had a GOOD time!!

This smile says it all- We were blessed!