Good week!

• I got some good medicine to help me sleep…so I’m happy, Pete’s happy, the kids are happy…the whole world is happy for I am no longer grumpy! lol!!

• I had a wonderful visit with my nurse practitioner on Tuesday. She scheduled me a GTT for this coming Monday morning.

• I completed the backdrops for the Easter program at church. I didn’t do what the gal had in mind…but what she had in mind is NOT what she asked for! lol!! She did like what I did though. So, that will be my first and last painting project…waaaayyy too much stress! lol!!

• I started a “Ripple” and am officially part of the “No End In Sight Ripple-Along” Thank you Judi for planting the crochet idea in my mind…my family appreciates that they have no clean underwear because I’m too busy crocheting! lol!!

• Revka of RS Designs created a cool “circus-themed” header for my new projects blog “Three Ring Circus“. I’m going to be keeping a journal of my “creations” over there. I have tried to put all info into one blog but I just. can’t. do. it!!! Btw, did I mention that Revka did this for FREE?! She still has 14 more headers to give away…she is wonderful to work with…quick response to e-mails! Got to love that!!

• I am officially behind in my Pharmacy Tech course but don’t worry, I’ll be able to catch up this weekend. It was that darn backdrop that put me behind…humpf…

• Buster, the big honkin’ station wagon, didn’t make it to “co-op” this morning so I didn’t get my precious breads. ~sigh~

• And for those of you who have sent a “get well” …we are all better now! No more snot dripping out my nose!! Thanks for the prayers!!

Visit Judi to see other Reflections

Yarn recycled from a thrift sweater. (free)

Yarn turned into little sheep to remind us that we are the sheep and that Jesus is our Shepherd.

I had an appointment today and I returned to Jake…sick..on the couch. Belle felt so bad for him that she gave him a dandelion! I caught a quick picture and then we tossed it out because of his allergies…which is probably why he is sick! lol!! I thought it was so sweet of Belle…

because when we go to our “co-op” on Fridays, there are these wonderful Atlanta Bread Company breads and pastries waiting for us!!! There are usually 3 or 4 huge garbage bags full of breads. ABC gives the leftovers at closing to different charities…like moms!! lol!! This is my haul from two weeks ago…Cinnamon Bagels, Asiago Cheese Bagels, Sun-Dried Tomato Foccacia, some kind of loaf with seeds and things on top (sorry Judi…you can’t have it! No seeds for you!!) and then there is one of those loaves they use for soup bowls. This past Friday, we were not fortunate enough to get these goodies….they all went to St. Mary’s Fish Fry…as if that is more important…sheesh! lol!! So, now you know…that’s the real reason why I homeschool!!

Well….this week has been…well…full of the “ick”. First Pete was sick for several days and now I’m not feeling so hot. It’s allergy time…the older I get, the worse this time of year gets! This really stinks because I love the Spring. If I get too much worse, I’ll have to get some kind of prescription med. Right now, it’s bearable….

I scheduled our spring break for the same week as my nephew so he was able to come up and stay with us for the week. Not too much excitement went on because of the ickiness….I really wish we could have done some of the things I had planned. We were able to do the Pizza Cook-Off though!

A cool tree house was built in the huge tree in our backyard….and then it was torn down. That’s a bummer….

I made a 95 on my Pharmacy Tech mid-term. I have a few more days to catch up on…I’m a little behind right now but that’s not a huge problem. Since it is online, I can play catch-up easily!

I have almost completed my “Command Central” and my “Home Management Binder” has been organized! Watch out world! lol!!

I am so ready to get back to homeschooling…I always marvel at how much I thrive on a schedule!

Today, I am devoting my time to painting a backdrop for our Easter program at church. I need to find my Chris Rice cd and my hair clip and get to work….please say a prayer for me…really…my heart is not totally into this project. Maybe I’ll post progress pictures through out the day.

To visit other WR…point your mouse over to Judi’s!

“Tissue Box” by David Lat


I’ve got a runny nose!

By Denise O’Hara

I’ve got a runny nose!

It never seems to stop!

I wipe it with a tissue;

I’ve used three boxes up!

I’ve got a runny nose.

I blow and blow some more.

I need a box of tissue;

Oh! Now I’ve used up four!

I’ve got a runny nose.

I sniffle, snort, and sneeze.

Oh, dear! It’s running faster now!

Quick! Pass the tissue, please.

What?! There is no tissue left

For my runny nose?

But it’s running, running, running

Faster than a garden hose!

Oh, let me look all through the house

To see what I can find;

Oh, no, I can’t use that stuff!

That stuff’s for my behind!

I’ve got a runny nose.

I’ve rested like I should.

I’ve taken all my medicine.

I think I’m feeling good.

I had a runny nose.

It finally, finally stopped.

But instead of feeling better,

My runny nose is all plugged up!

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.James 5:15a

Monday evening we had a really competitive Pizza Cook-Off. Pete and I were the judges…one very hard job! lol!!

This first pizza was a BBQ Chicken Pizza with mushrooms and a bit of creole seasoning.

Here’s my nephew with his pizza entry!

Our second pizza was a Split Pizza with Meat Lovers on one side a Veggie Lovers with a little bit of pig on the other side. The crust was stuffed with cheese.

And here is Nik with his Split Pizza.

Finally, we have the Ham, Pineapple and Cheese Pizza with a huge pinch of creole seasoning. Jake also used cheese to stuff the crust then he made little indentions all the way around the pizza..very creative!

This is Jake acting goofy…with his pizza entry.

Pete and I decided to pick a category where all the boys could be a winner. My nephew won for most unique pizza. Jake won for the best-looking pizza…his kind of looked gourmet to me! Nik won for most traditional pizza. We announced the winners and all three boys stood there and gave us a “You’ve got to be kidding” look….we asked if they really wanted us to pick one winner and they said yes. So we did. Jake’s Pineapple Pizza was renamed “El Diablo” since the salty creole seasoning set our mouths on fire….his didn’t win. So now it was between my nephew and Nik. We asked each guy to tell us about their pizza and why they chose the ingredients they did…my nephew described his pizza and then Nik proceeded to describe his and, in doing so, bashed my nephew’s pizza! So all of a sudden, the winner was decided! Both pizzas (Jake’s was really good too…we requested he leave off the creole seasoning next time!) were really good but you just can’t win by bashing someone else’s pizza! lol!!

It’s been awhile since I’ve participated in TT. This past week I tackled my “Command Central”!! I have a few more things to do…some details to tend to, but it is basically ready for use. “Command Central” will be where I keep my Home Management Binder, my recipes and any other resources I use to manage my home. I wanted a sit-down desk area but then I realized that I usually do my “planning” standing up. So…I put to use a metal rack I already had and fabric from my stash. So far, my project as cost under $5 and I’m very pleased!!!

Before:

This is the skirt pinned on…I am going to use velcro to actually attach the skirt to the metal shelf. One of the fabric covered boards is on top.

I’m going to get something for the top…until then, it will just be a metal rack! My little Japanese folded leaves make me happy!!

And look here…ask me how many times I measured! This happens ALL the time!! Just a little short…that short end is along the wall so I’m not going to let it bother me! lol!!

And here’s the almost finished project. I need to iron the skirt, attach the velcro and find a board for the top.

Check out more TTs over at 5 Minutes for Mom!!

Ok Sonya! Here’s my menu plans….so don’t be bugging me anymore! lol!!

Monday: Pizza Cook-off My kids and my nephew are going to have a cook-off with Pete and I as the judges!!

Tuesday: BBQ Pork with Baked Fries

Wednesday: Slow Cooker Chicken Curry with rice and green beans

Thursday: Ham and cheese sandwiches w/veggies and dip

Friday: Crockpot Tuna Noodle Casserole w/salad

Saturday: BBQ Chicken PotPie for the potluck at church

Sunday: Hamburger patties w/ steamed veggies and salad

Lunch:

Egg Salad Sandwiches
PB & J Sandwiches
Mac & Cheese
Chicken Sandwiches
Quesadillas

Breakfast:

Oatmeal
Breakfast burrito
Smoothies
Cereal
Breakfast Crockpot
Muffins

Snacks:

PB on graham crackers w/banana
Granola bar
Yogurt
Trail mix
Cheese and crackers
Hummus and pita chips
Hard-boiled eggs
Popcorn
Stuffed shells
Pretzels
Homemade cornnuts
Yogurt grahams
Fig newtons
Chocolate mint tea cookies

Ahhh…another week closer to Heaven!!!

The Good:

Nik became a teenager and I am a little bit in shock!! Boy time flies!!

Judi made a wonderful button for Gus’ Gang that will debut really soon! Judi has been such a dear friend to me and a real support for me when things are tough. I just wish we lived closer to each other…but then again, we would probably not get anything done because we would be “playing” too much! lol!!

We went on a nice walk at a local state park. I can’t wait for all the “green” to start growing…it will be so pretty then. It was nice weather but a little brown!

We had a swap at homeschool co-op and I found a sweater to unravel and recycle. I am still keeping my eyes open for all the neat wool sweaters that some people are lucky enough to find out there. I want to do some felting.

The Bad:

I had a stinky rotten day on Thursday…and it went on..and on…and on….I’m better now though!!

The last of the plants from Gus’ funeral (this past May) have all died now…sigh…I tried. I really did! But then I realized that it was time to be ok with all of the plant deaths…I mean really, I have NEVER been able to keep a plant alive and besides, it really doesn’t reflect my feelings for Gus! So..this may be a “bad” that needs to be moved to the “good”…ah, grief work and healing!

The Ugly:

So, as I was digging through the swap items at co-op, there was a torrential downpour taking place. I got drenched and ended up looking like…I quote my husband now… “A wild cavewoman”! I have never in my life seen my hair do what it did yesterday….it frizzed up on top! Now what’s that about and how do I tame that if it happens again?? Later he mentioned to me that I looked like I had been “raised by a family of wolves”!! Can you believe him?? What a punk…but a truthful one!! lol!! I had four ladies tell me that my hair looked really good..hahahahahaha!!! BIG–FAT–LIARS….and we were in a church to boot..sheesh….

My hair is back to normal today. I’ll remember to take along my hair clip next time it’s raining….but, wait I can’t do that because the dog ate it!

Visit more Weekend Reflections over at Judi’s!!

Here’s is the wonderful button that Judi created for Gus’ Gang!! Gus’ Gang is a ministry that was started in memory of my son Gus. Judi is soooo supportive and is such a big part of Gus’ Gang…she is just a real blessing to me.

Thanks a million , Judi!!

Introducing more Party People from the Ultimate Blog Party!

Desperately Seeking Sanity: I really have enjoyed reading this blog. Heather writes well and she’s funny! I can’t seem to post a comment though…I’m going to try later. If anybody can help me with this I would appreciate it!!

God’s Grace in Practice: Heidi has a really great post about Purim and how we celebrate holidays. It made me stop and think.

Ozark’s Sew n’ Sews: Fun blog!! Michelle started her blog to showcase her and dh’s cross stitch projects. Yep…you heard me right, her dh’s projects!! I think it’s so neat when men sew, knit crochet etc. Jack, your cool!! Also, be sure to check out all the cute photos of their pooch in all the different sleeping positions…too funny!!

Creative Outlet Designs: Awesome photos, awesome finds and awesome clothing! Awesome!! Did I mention this blog is awesome??

Days Like These: How exciting!! Tanyetta’s sweetie is coming home from Iraq!!! She asks us to pray for the crew’s safe return. And while you are visiting, be sure to scroll down and see her “Rock On Dude”…soooo cute and funny!

Kids, Cakes, Dishes, and Laundry….In That Order: Visit here to gab about American Idol and get great recaps if you miss a night!! Be sure to check out the Cookie Exchange too!

Welcome to Granny’s House: This blog has so many neat things! Granny is a great writer and her photos are wonderful. Be sure to read about Jack!!

Let a Woman Learn: Lovely…sheer lovliness.

Fruitful Vines: I love this wonderful baby blog!!

ok…folks…that’s all for now!! My eyes are starting to cross! lol!!

I know, I know…it’s not really that bad but….sometimes these kind of days just roll around.

First, I got a call from someone wanting Gus’ leftover formula. I offered it to an organization because it’s so terrbily expensive and…well…Gus no longer needs it since he is no longer here. I’m assuming that there is better grub in Heaven than Portagen…anyway…I got a call from a man in Wisconsin who can use the Portagen so I’ll be shipping it tomorrow. Basically, this is a good thing but a bad thing too…good that we can share but bad that we no longer have Gus and that we now have the formula to share…sigh…you can read more about this over at Gus’ Gang.

Next, I gave up on trying to get anything in the house done so I sat down to watch King Kong with Jake. This is the latest KK movie with Jack Black. I actually was enjoying the movie…and then…they started hurting KK! Now, I knew this was going to happen but sheesh…it just hit me sooooo hard today and I bawled like a baby! Mascara running down my face, snot running out of my nose, I can’t even get a word out because I’m crying/snubbing, my head hurts from deep, deep crying! lol!! Now, you and I know it wasn’t about KK at all, it was about Gus and my missing him. As I am writing this I kind of have to laugh…I mean really, a King Kong movie?!! Sometimes grief is just so darn ridiculous!!

I am thankful for this stinky, rotten day because I fully believe if I tried to hold back all my tears I would EXPLODE!

And now I feel better…thanks for listening!

I know, I know…it’s not really that bad but….sometimes these kind of days just roll around.

First, I got a call from someone wanting Gus’ leftover formula. I offered it to an organization because it’s so terrbily expensive and…well…Gus no longer needs it since he is no longer here. I’m assuming that there is better grub in Heaven than Portagen…anyway…I got a call from a man in Wisconsin who can use the Portagen so I’ll be shipping it tomorrow. Basically, this is a good thing but a bad thing too…good that we can share but bad that we no longer have Gus and that we now have the formula to share…sigh…you can read more about this over at Gus’ Gang.

Next, I gave up on trying to get anything in the house done so I sat down to watch King Kong with Jake. This is the latest KK movie with Jack Black. I actually was enjoying the movie…and then…they started hurting KK! Now, I knew this was going to happen but sheesh…it just hit me sooooo hard today and I bawled like a baby! Mascara running down my face, snot running out of my nose, I can’t even get a word out because I’m crying/snubbing, my head hurts from deep, deep crying! lol!! Now, you and I know it wasn’t about KK at all, it was about Gus and my missing him. As I am writing this I kind of have to laugh…I mean really, a King Kong movie?!! Sometimes grief is just so darn ridiculous!!

I am thankful for this stinky, rotten day because I fully believe if I tried to hold back all my tears I would EXPLODE!

And now I feel better…thanks for listening!

Here’s three more Party People I’ve met during the Ultimate Blog Party!! I seems I can only write about three at a time because I’m getting sucked into all these great blogs!!

• PT-LawMom: OMG! Go right now and read her post about her “SanctiMommy Moment” I can’t even wrap my mind around this…sheesh!!

• So Many Scraps: Lots of wonderful scrapbook layouts. I found out that there is going to be a contest this weekend over at another blog…you’ll have to visit Susie to get the link!!

• Marine Corps Nomad: Check out her family’s St. Patrick’s Day lapbook and check here to find the link to the FREE St. Pats Day unit study. Neat…a carnival…Make it From Scratch. Neat blog!

Katrina from Callapider Days is hosting another reading challenge….Spring Reading Thing 2007! You can see all the who, what, when and where over at her blog. This challenge starts on March 21st so there’s still some time to get our reading goals lined up!!

Here are some neat posts I came across during the Ultimate Blog Party. Enjoy!!

Chrystal’s Daily Chronicles: Chrystal has posted her awesome idea for keeping socks sorted. Excellent idea!!

Kimberly’s Cup: Tons of ideas for tea parties and lots of recipes. Lovely!

Butterfly Kisses: Found out about the “Sewing Seeds” project at this very nice blog. I also found out about Visual DNA which I must go do here in a minute!!

ok…here’s my Visual DNA:

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

I’ll be telling about more Party People over the next days, weeks, months…it was a HUGE party! lol!!

The other day, we were driving to FuddRuckers for the big birthday feast. Jake leans up and asks us….”Why does it say ‘Jimmy crapped corn’ in that song??” What??! Well, we all lost it and when we finally calmed down we explained that it was actually “Jimmy Crack Corn“. It will always and forever now be “Jimmy crapped corn…and I don’t care!”…lol!!! I am such a bad mom…..

As I was doing some research for a post at Gus’ Gang, I found this author’s blog and wanted to share it! Lot’s of book reviews in a nice format! Fun!!

Rebecca Hogue Wojahn’s blog “Book Report“

The other day, we were driving to FuddRuckers for the big birthday feast. Jake leans up and asks us….”Why does it say ‘Jimmy crapped corn’ in that song??” What??! Well, we all lost it and when we finally calmed down we explained that it was actually “Jimmy Crack Corn“. It will always and forever now be “Jimmy crapped corn…and I don’t care!”…lol!!! I am such a bad mom…..

Here are some neat posts I came across during the Ultimate Blog Party. Enjoy!!

Chrystal’s Daily Chronicles: Chrystal has posted her awesome idea for keeping socks sorted. Excellent idea!!

Kimberly’s Cup: Tons of ideas for tea parties and lots of recipes. Lovely!

Butterfly Kisses: Found out about the “Sewing Seeds” project at this very nice blog. I also found out about Visual DNA which I must go do here in a minute!!

ok…here’s my Visual DNA:

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

I’ll be telling about more Party People over the next days, weeks, months…it was a HUGE party! lol!!

I am officially the mom of a TEENAGER! Yowsie…that sure did come quickly!!On March 10th, 1994, I became a mom for the very first time. Nik was a joy to be pregnant with…but…when it was time to be delivered…well, that’s another story! My labor was not hard but it was long…and the delivery was “sharp” and painful because he weighed 9 pounds-4 ounces! All of that completely forgotten when I got to hold him and see his sweet little face. He was taken to the nursery where he immediately sucked down an almost full bottle (1 oz)…FEED ME!!!

Nik enjoys mini-bananas. If you look closely, you can see his little monkey tongue!

He’s a good son…look at him being “ok” with having his photo taken with his mom…well, kinda! This was last spring…he now is taller than me.

Nik is always able to fix things…here he is fixing the blinds in Gus’ hospital room. When he wasn’t fixing the blinds, he was out in the hallway pulling Gus around in the “Gus Bus”.

Nik has no ability whatsoever to hang on to any money. See this new checking account? Drained within a short time!! We’re working on this…

Nik is so afraid of needles…that’s why this photo is so special! I guess it makes all the difference in the world who is in charge of the needle. I remember a time when he had to get a rocephin shot (ouch!) and he had to be peeled from the corner of the room at the doctor’s office…did I mention it was the corner above the bed? He was practically hanging from the ceiling. We were able to get him down but I’m not sure if the doc and nurses will ever forget that day! lol!!

Nik cooks…….and we run!! No, really, Nik cooks well and actually he’s a big help when I am trying to burn the kitchen down!!

Nik is a diligent student…he is what we call “scary smart”….he is very bright and at times a little intimidating to teach. He writes wonderful and creative stories but says he “hates” to write…I think he’s talented!

I have the hardest time keeping his hands out of pumpkins…..sheesh…

Nik is very “just-minded” and is always concerned about equality. You can count on him to defend you if you are being mistreated. He is a wonderful big brother…even if he shuts his sibs up into the hall closet ever now and then! Nik’s quick sense of humor leaves me snickering quite a bit….he’s a true joy and I’m so fortunate to be blessed to call him my son!! Smoochy…smoochy sweet baby boy!

I am so thrilled that I won a pendant from The Devil’s Cloth etsy shop!! This is one of the prizes that I listed on my wish list that I forgot to turn in over at the Ultimate Blog Party. There’s the glassy blue one that I like…but then again there is the green flowery one…and red square one is neat…how am I ever going to chose??? Etsy