Day to Day Adventure

Not a minute too late . . or soon

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:09:00 +0000

Feeling weak & unable to move a muscle is a familiar feeling by the end of my days. I am giving everything I have to just keep my house running, support my parents in their struggles, keep my sibling informed and love on my kids & husband.

When I get out of bed, I don’t know exactly what my day is going to look like. I pray that God guides me to the most important things & that I can ignore all the rest that is clamoring my name.

The lesson that has hit me over and over recently is that God gives me exactly what I need when I need it.

-A friend emailed me with encouragement while she is going through a horrible time of her own but she took the time to speak words of wisdom to me.

-My husbands co-worker unexpectedly provided us with a meal on a day I wasn’t free to make food.

-Great children who keep working on their school work even when I am in the midst of caring for my mom.

-Another friend texted me a scripture one day & the next I looked it up. God used it to help me encourage my mom.

While I might be impatient for things to change or get frustrated that I can’t in my own strength make things here all better, I feel so loved and cared for as God guides me and provides what I need. There is so much to be grateful for in the midst of our struggles.

A sparrow’s life

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 03:01:00 +0000

This week I celebrated an anniversary. A year ago I was in pain. Walking was excruciating. Sitting was little better. Standing could be good if I held my weight on my right leg. My left hip was the problem. On January 11 I had surgery to repair a torn labrum.

Recovery took a while but now a year later I am so thankful that I can again keep up with my kidos. I still feel it complaining on some days but I will take that any day over what I had to deal with a year ago.

6 months ago I was happily moving through life not expecting any major changes to my life. Then my mom shared with me that life was not as I thought. Dad was having some problems and we needed to help her. Bam! Life changed overnight and I became familiar with the difference between psychologist & psychiatrists. I was going to my dad’s doctors visits with him. My dad who has always been a rock is now a different person who looks, acts & seems like my dad that I’ve always known. I have to filter his words & actions through this new lens I am seeing through.

3 months ago my mom wasn’t feeling well. She chalked it up to the stress she had been experiencing. She checked with her doctor who recommended some tests. Long story short is that my mom has pancreatic cancer. To say that we were reeling from all this is an understatement. Finally after 3 months of adjusting learning & adapting I am starting to be able to think clearly again. Sometimes.

I am hoping to share more on here. I just haven’t been able to since October. This is a new road I am walking. Maybe some of the things I am learning & living can help one of you. I wasn’t ready for this. I am still not ready for this but well . . . here we are.

God knew. That is today(and every day’s) lesson. He isn’t surprised at what happens to us. He knew before we were born what would happen today. Not one thing that comes our way is outside of his love. He loves us and knows everything about us. We are important to him and can go to him with our cares & burdens.

A dear friend shared this with me today and God used her to give me just what I needed but that is another lesson to share for another day.

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Matthew 10:28-31

May God prepare you for whatever is to come today and bless you through it all.

Test

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:12:00 +0000

Testing

What is important right now?

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 03:00:00 +0000

One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.

Psalm 27:4-5

What would you ask of God if you could just ask for one thing?

That is such a hard question.

Events in my life lately have been prodding me to look at my life. Really look hard.

We do not know the number of our days. We can only be thankful for this minute, this hour that He’s granted us.

Between the doctor visits, multiple phone calls & texts, rearranging of schedules, desperate laundry loads I have been seeking what is most important. I ask God to point me in that direction each morning as I start my day. Here is what I’ve gravitated towards.

1. Kiss my husband he might not be there tomorrow.

2. Squeeze my children in tight hugs so they know I love them each day. Even(especially) the big ones.

3. Pray often. Pray about everything. Pray until you can’t stay awake.

4. Forget the rest. Do maintenance as you walk through the day. Right now a to-do list is laughable. Interruptions, sadness, naps all take priority over the rest.

I don’t dwell in the house of the Lord. He dwells in me and allows me to gaze on His beauty and seek him each day.

My life is not beautiful right now. It is a mess. Fatigue and general inability to think has become my “normal.”

But I know He is beautiful and he is walking me through(okay carrying me) this season. I don’t know the answer to the question. More than half the time I don’t even know the question.

But I know he will keep me safe. I can rest in him as I know he is holding me, molding me, shaping me as my family does the hard things that must be done.

I wouldn’t have chosen this adventure(nightmare) that we are on but I can choose where I turn for strength and wisdom. I want to bring glory to him through my actions & words.

Thank you Lord for pointing me towards the most important things each day.

Inexpensive Getaway

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:14:00 +0000

Many years ago a group of girl friends would get together and scrapbook the pictures and memories of our families.

A couple of hours just wasn’t worth dragging everything out so our goal was to have an overnight crop.

We tried hotels—too expensive & no room to spread out

We tried homes—not far enough away & not enough room

Then 5 years ago we found the perfect solution.

We rented a church camp! We run away on Friday & come home on Sunday. We share the cost of the camp and everyone contributes to the food so the cost is kept to a minimum! This past weekend was the biggest number we’ve had—23!!!

I love this group and I am so grateful for their involvement in my life. There is so much history & friendship that tie us together.

We had a much needed time of laughter, teasing & talking. They really took care of me this weekend.

If you have a group of friends that you love & you like to get away. I recommend renting a nearby church camp.

The one we use has such a peace about it that it has become a sanctuary for several of us.

Loving when it hurts

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 02:39:00 +0000

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

So what do you do? Someone who you love dearly turns on you.

They do not even realize that they have changed. How do you handle it?

I am watching this play out in a family members life.

I am called to encourage, listen & build up in this situation.

It is easy to fear.

It is easy to be dismayed.

Weakness begins to feel like the normal

(Stress & no sleep will do that to you)

Thank goodness that God knew it would all happen from the beginning.

(source)

I’m so grateful that I can lay this burden in God’s hands.

His hands are so steady and strong. Unlike mine.

His help is daily and even minute by minute.

It comes in all forms.

Children who understand. Husband who supports.

Friends who pray constantly.

Even when I can’t.

Walking this road isn’t easy but I am not alone.

Time with Away

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:03:00 +0000

Once a year my sweet husband has to go somewhere to attend continuing education.

We figured out 8 years ago that this is a much better trip for him if I tag along. We’ve gone to lots of places.

Arizona

Hilton Head

but my favorite

is the Outer Banks, NC

One of the reasons that we do this every year is we were VERY young when we married and we didn’t take much of a honeymoon.

These trips are our on going honeymoon. I love being able to spend several days just hanging out together. We plan, dream, relax and just enjoy being together. This may not be possible every year but I am so thankful that God has blessed us with another trip this year.

When Life Falls Apart

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 01:52:00 +0000

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Some days I just wonder what I am supposed to be doing as I live this life of mine. Sometimes I think I have it figured out . I should never think that. If I think that then it seems the next instant things change and what I was just doing is no longer what I need to be doing.

10 days ago my world shifted and things are no longer as they were. If I am not posting on here as much it is because I have been handed a new situation to understand and work through.

I am praising God for the above verse today. Even NOT knowing or even having a small inkling of what wisdom I am going to need in the future, I can KNOW exactly what God’s will is for me.

REJOICE ALWAYS As if rejoicing wasn’t hard enough, but to do it always. I am not a rejoicer. I tend to be grumpy in the mornings, moody at noon & something different the rest of the day. There are so many things I am thankful for in this life I live. But rejoicing? Still working on that one. Always? Yep that is a work in progress. I find it very interesting that rejoicing comes even before praying. Maybe it is a challenge to do the hardest things first. I tell my kids that a lot.

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING Okay this one isn’t so hard. I do a lot of praying. As I do dishes, as I mow, as I look for the answer to some problem. I am so glad that I can take every single worry or care that I have to the ONE who can handle it. Even when life falls apart. He is there to hold me up. Even when the anchors that I have known all my life shift, He doesn’t. I find such peace and reassurance in that fact alone.

GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES I am thankful. I know that my whole life and everything in it belong to God. Jesus saved me and I know that he holds my past, present & future in his hand. The reality is that some circumstances are beyond difficult. How do I thank him for that? I try to find the lesson that is in it for me to learn. I pray that my eyes are open to the growing he wants me to do. I don’t have to like it but I am trying . . . attempting to be thankful that he loves me enough to mold me and shape me in to the woman he wants me to be.

This is straight from the heart. Many of our families adventures are fun. Many are silly. This one is not. I may be able to share more later but if not I will be here trying to walk this path that is in front of me.

At the beach

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:30:00 +0000

Things I am/am not doing this week

I am not . . . .

10. Wearing shoes. If you know me I pretty much wear my sandals or tennis shoes 24/7. I hate walking on grit & often on our hard wood there is grit. But this week my sandals are in a corner unless we run to the grocery store because it is the last time I will get to go barefoot comfortably this year.

9. Doing dishes. We are staying in a house where there are lots of dishes & pans to cook in. So well the dishes are sitting in the sink or by the sink for several meals before someone does them.

8. Watching my kids. I love them. They are with me 24/7 at home. We do everything together. School, meals, chores etc. But one time a year my hubby steals me away for a week alone. We leave them in good hands(Thank God for Grandma’s).

7. Coupon shopping. Nope didn’t even bring them with me.

I am . . . .

6. Reading. My sister loaned me her Kindle and I’ve been loading free books on my iphone for a few weeks.

5. Sitting. It feels like loafing but I prefer to think of it as recharging my batteries.

4. Watching. I love the ocean and I could just watch the waves for hours.

3. Walking. Steve & I enjoy walking the beach and looking at little crabs, shells, waves, people etc. Of course we are barefoot.

2. Scrapbooking. Sounds weird doesn’t it? Well Steve is in class for 3 days of our week away. So I get to work on a project that hardly ever gets touched at home. Love that Southwest lets you bring 2 bags for free.

1. Planning for the year. It isn’t all fun & relaxing. Steve & I have found if we relax a couple of days it allows us to then turn our eyes to the future and what God is perhaps asking us to do for the next year. This can be the most exciting part of the trip as we talk & dream.

Do you ever get to run away with your hubby? Where do you go and what do(or not do) you do there?

High School Science: Biology Daddy Style

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 03:58:00 +0000

Here at the Brush household school is back in full swing. We are tackling 10th, 8th & 4th grade. It keeps me hopping!

A lot of times when people find out that we are homeschooling they ask if we are going to “do high school” at home. My answer is always the same. Until God directs us otherwise we will be doing all the years of our children’s schooling at home.

Is it perfect? NO

Is it easy? Not hardly.

Would I change anything? Um yeah lots but they’d still be home.

(also if I could have a 30 hour day that would be great).

This year Elizabeth gets to tackle biology. She is enjoying the information. She likes to learn new concepts. However she says so far the vocabulary is not her favorite—there is too much of it. And well . . . experiments? If she could skip all that dissecting stuff she would be thrilled.

Oldest son, Michael, dissecting a frog

The sciences are one area that I don’t teach in high school. I also like to learn the concepts and don’t really enjoy the experiments(snicker if you need to). I am truly blessed to have a husband whose job revolves around animals and surgery. He is the one who takes care of biology and all those dissections! This division of labor seems to work for our family & I am truly glad!

We use Apologia Biology for our curriculum and yes we have a microscope. Any self respecting science loving daddy couldn’t teach without one.

He does a great job. Our oldest son decided after taking biology he did NOT want to follow in his fathers footsteps. Too funny but Steve is still holding out hope for our youngest, Joshua. He likes to watch surgery videos with Steve(eww) and he’s only 9.

Of course the material is more challenging than in jr high but he makes sure that they know it. It is fun to step back and watch how he gets it done. I just like to smile and remember when they were little and did fun things like learn about bones & make paper skeletons.

Actually I just found this cute picture and had to share it!

Swiss Steak

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 02:57:00 +0000

I am contemplating fall menus. As the weather cools I add in more soups & stews to replace some of the salads & grilled meat meals(although we continue to do this even when it is cooler).

Our schedule is busier—especially Tuesdays and Thursdays. When I plan my weekly meals I almost always do a crockpot meal or a freezer meal on those nights. Check out the recipe tab above to see other recipes that I use frequently!

I am physically exhausted those days and the last thing I need is to cook a meal when I return home after those days. So my slave works all day for me while I am gone!

As we now have a wonderful abundance of tomatoes in jars I can start to think about soup, chili and the like. Nothing is better than opening the garage & smelling dinner before I even open the door to the house. MMMmmmm

Tomorrow I will be fixing Swiss Steak—so I don’t have any pictures yet(might be able to update it tomorrow!) This is one of those recipes I don’t know it came from—maybe from my head! It has been around a LONG time, maybe even 20 years. I love it because it turns out perfect every single time and requires very little preparation & the ingredients are super simple.

Swiss Steak--6 servings

1 bag baby carrots or 5 regular carrots peeled & chunked up

1/2 cup onion chopped

8 oz mushrooms

2-3 lbs steak(whatever you have or like), cut in to serving size pieces

32 oz diced tomatoes

Place the ingredients in the crock in the order they are listed.

Turn the crock on low for 8 hours or high for 4. We eat this with brown rice & a salad. Just right!

Caterpillar years

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 02:25:00 +0000

“Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.”

This quote was on this great list of 50 Rules for Dads the other day(#43). When I read it well. . .it really struck me. I just sat there for a few minutes thinking of the children I have in my home. I am blessed to watch daily them unfold their wings.

It is a thousand little things they do.

Working hard and doing things without being reminded.

Setting goals and striving for them.

Praying and having the faith to expect results.

Becoming more independent in their school work.

Making meals without my help.

They aren’t flying alone yet, but they are emerging from their cocoons and becoming the men & women that God is shaping them in to becoming.

It is bittersweet.

When they were little I dreamt of this day.

But now I look around and see that I am to some extent working myself out of a job.

So as we work, play and live I am striving to enjoy these caterpillar years. Where change is still occurring but I can see the beauty in the butterfly that is maturing.

Sunshine in a jar

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 05:26:00 +0000

I think of the tomatoes I’ve canned, peaches in the freezer and they zucchini bread we’ve baked as stashing away a little bit of sunshine for a snowy cold day.

Last week I canned 18 quarts of tomatoes. It is probably the last of the season.

My garden is just about done.

I haven’t been out there taking pictures of the wonderful produce we’ve been harvesting because well it is pretty much all picked. I haven’t pulled the tomato plants because there are still a few tomatoes here and there and the zucchini is still producing a few.

But we are basically eating what comes in and not storing any up. Don’t get me wrong I would rather pick a tomato that go buy one at the store! They are still delicious but my mind isn’t focused on what needs to be done in the garden each day.

The seasons are shifting. School assignments not watering and weed pulling are dominating my days.

It is time to do more book work instead of yard work.

I miss summer already.

Maybe I will try to turn over some dirt and try a fall planting of lettuce.

I am not ready to let go of summer and sunshine just yet.

First day of School 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 17:01:00 +0000

One of the biggest parts of our lives is homeschooling.

Yesterday we talked at breakfast about the privilege from God that we have to be able to homeschool. I think I forget that sometimes amid the day-to-day grading, planning & keeping it all running.

Homeschooling is a job(one I do only by God’s grace). Being a student is a job. But ones that we are hugely grateful to be able to do everyday.

There are 3 students in the Brush Creek Academy this year. One in high school, one in jr high & one in elementary. Crazy huh? Keeps me on my toes.

After our discussion about the “privilege” of homeschooling, I reminded them that being thankful for something would mean not grumbling or groaning about it.(snicker snicker) There were some groans from all persons involved last week as we realized that our summer hours were going fast.

As our day went on, I was so blessed that they all had good attitudes & worked steadily on their assignments. Some of the lessons this year are academic and as always there are many that are life lessons. Chores, cooking, being organized, home repair etc.

We didn’t tackle a full load of school. I like to start at about 1/2 so we can work out the kinks(missing books, where to put assignments, etc)

So we were done by noon & headed to the library.

We normally do this on Tuesday once all our activities start back up but I also had some grocery shopping that HAD to be done.

We saw some friends at the library. The mom’s decided that a trip to the park was the perfect thing for the first day of school(theirs too!) Unfortunately we were so busy having fun that I forgot to snap any photos while we were there.

It was a great first day of school & I am ready to tackle the next . . . well week or so.

Black Bean & Tomato salad

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:50:00 +0000

We’ve had TONS of cherry tomatoes. Almost more than we can eat. No lie. Joshua goes out to pick for me and brings in 3-4 cups. Then the next day he does it again!

This salad is so yummy. We eat it with a little cheese & sour cream. You can also add taco meat.

Black Bean & Tomato Salad

1-2 cans beans(I’ve used black & pinto in the photo)

1-2 cups chopped tomatoes

1/4 cup cilantro

1 1/2 cup corn(or one can, drained)

Mix ingredients together. Chill if you have the time.

If not, it is still great!

Embracing Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:57:00 +0000

The sunset was amazing.

The water was like bath water.

We couldn’t resist getting in.

Love my family for posing for a very cool shot!

School is just around the corner, planning time needs to be found, responsibilities are looming, commitments are on the calendar

We didn’t go far, we didn’t do much, we just enjoyed every moment together.

Wish I could go back.

Pomme de Terre Lake

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 02:10:00 +0000

Oh I love doing nothing. Not all the time because just sitting around does get old. But if I have the opportunity to just grab my book, a glass of tea & sit in the sun for an hour by the water. Oh yeah I am all over that.

Especially at sunset

A lot of times we use our vacation to go & see this fabulous country that God has created or to see where history happened. We originally planned to find a beach to visit this year but that plan fell through so instead we searched out some water closer to home. Lake Pomme de Terre fit the bill & we found a great house on VRBO which is a great site by the way.

We were there 6 nights and I am pretty sure I didn’t do a lick of work while we were there. Well okay I did do a couple loads of laundry so we had clothes. But two load for 8 people for 6 days—well I am okay with that. Here are the highlights!

Playing games

On the water

Fishing

more fishing

Playing in the water

more fishing

Learning new games

Time alone

Time together

We live in such a fast paced world that I cherish every moment where we can just hang out together, be thankful for each person & enjoy the time. There is just nothing like it.

Tomato bliss!

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 01:47:00 +0000

There are some recipes that I can only eat & REALLY enjoy to the maximum in the summer time.

I guess that I am a bit of a tomato snob.

The tomatoes from the grocery store are just not the same as the ones from my garden. Their taste isn’t as delicious. I have a crowded garden this year with 30 some tomato plants & they are ripening for our enjoyment!

There isn’t the same desire on my part to run in from the garden and just slice up a tomato(or two) & sit down to just eat & eat & eat.

I am trying to avoid most sugar and processed carbs. Now that doesn’t mean I don’t cave to an occasional Pepsi or slice of bread but this seems to be helping me whittle away at those pounds I gained after hip surgery in January.

So when the kids have pizza or something else I am avoiding I will pull out some tuna. They don’t enjoy tuna salad so this works out perfectly. It is a very fast & filling lunch.

Tuna & Tomato Salad

1 small can or pouch of tuna

1-2 Tbsp Miracle Whip

1 tsp pickle relish

1-2 tomatoes

Lettuce(romaine, green leaf & spinach)

Prepare lettuce by washing & tearing. Mix the tuna, Miracle whip & pickle relish. Arrange lettuce & sliced tomatoes on plate & top with tuna mixture. EAT!

Harvest time Adventures

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:55:00 +0000

Some times life just moves too fast. For the past month I have been scrambling to keep up with all the “adventures” we’ve been having(hence the 3 weeks there haven’t been any posts!). We are cramming the most we can in to the last “free” days that are available before the regular routine is upon us at the end of August.

I love this time of year because we are taking all the great food available from our garden and others and freezing it or eating it up! The kids have been a wonderful help this year as we process these blessings to save for when it is cold and nasty outside.

A friend gifted us 60 ears of yummy sweet corn & the kids helped worked it up. I have such memories of my grandma’s sweet corn. . . mmmm

The end of July is when we get our yearly delivery of yummy blueberries. Elizabeth was a HUGE blessing when she sorted and bagged for the freezer the ones we didn’t ~~snarf~~ eat right away.

And of course we’ve been harvesting from our own garden, tomatoes & peppers. Joshua helps me to find the tomato worms & get rid of them.

Of course we are canning tomatoes to use in chili and soups this fall.

The refrigerator has been crammed so I had to get creative in how to store the tomatoes I had skinned but not canned. Hey it worked!

Make it Work! Athlete’s Foot

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:18:00 +0000

There has been a battle going on at our house. Michael has had blistery itchy toes on one foot for a while. He never could fine the time to head to the doctor & have it looked at during the school year.

“Athlete's foot is a very common infection that affects mostly men and young people. Athlete's foot attacks the area between toes, soles of feet fingernails and toenails. This infection is cause by a fungus called tinea pedis it lives off the dead skin cells, and thrives in moist, warm places, such as gyms, locker rooms, showers and swimming pools, Athlete's foot is also very contagious and is transmitted by coming in contact with wet floors, or by touching infected shoes or socks. “ source

Luckily it wasn’t so bad to make him miserable(probably why he couldn’t find the time—HA!)

But in the hot weather as he has been sweating more and it was getting worse & spreading. So Dr. Mom started searching on-line for any kind of home or natural remedies we might try. Let me tell you that there are a TON of pages to search through!

One recommendation I saw over and over was to soak the foot in apple cider vinegar!

I LOVE vinegar. It has so many uses!

Michael has been soaking his foot daily in the apple cider vinegar and I am happy to report that the blisters are healing and the swelling & redness have been greatly reduced. It isn’t cured but I have every confidence that if he can keep up the routine for another week or two that it will be GONE!

Home cures are so much less expensive than prescriptions & doctor visits. Just another great way to MAKE IT WORK around our home!

The beginning of the end

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 04:03:00 +0000

Well I changed my 2 month family calendar today. August is on the board with school start dates & all.

There were several groans & lamenting all around.

Me included. There are lots of projects to do & vacation time to take before Michael moves back on campus. We will miss College Boy when he moves out. There are always fun things happening with him around.

It is hot(REALLY HOT) here in mid-MO. I think the heat may be affecting my almost 20 year old’s brain power.

10 Things old teens do (that make me shake my head)

10. Call to see if I have time to bring him lunch

9. Thank me & his sister for the awesome lunch(it was leftovers)

8. Move computer to nearest flat surface so we can eat supper at the table—bathroom?

7. Play ninja at the park in the 95+ weather

6. Watch a zillion Dr. Who movies

5. Go film a movie with friends in the 95+ weather

4. Build a fire for movie & make it really big

(did I mention it is really hot here?)

3. Play Pass the Pigs with his younger brother & sister at WAY past their bed time—okay I guess I did encourage this one

2. Work on a speech for class at 6:30 in the morning out in the driveway

1. Sleep with the window open because he is cold—the air is on & the vent in the bedroom is open

As much as Michael baffles me at time, I am so thankful for my oldest son. His laugh, the random piano moments that happen, watching movies until late & feeling that all my chicks are under one roof again. It has been a growing, learning time in the last year so it has been good that he came home for the summer.

Organizing Time with Teens

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 02:20:00 +0000

Last week I posted about spending time with teens. The question was Can Teens be . . . .

Noisy—certainly

Encouraging—what?

Have love for all ages—are you kidding?

I wanted to address this because I had a friend on Facebook who was ~~horrified~~ amazed that Steve & I would willingly spend time with a group of 25 teens for a couple of hours! What do you think of when you imagine spending a couple of hours with teenagers?

Steve & I have been privileged & blessed to help guide an ever changing group of pre teens & teens in an activity called Bible Quizzing. I have said this many times but I will repeat. These kids are the best kids in the world. There are few thins I am more thankful for and I wouldn’t trade my time with them for anything.

However they are teens & it is a huge help to approach this activity & any activity with teens with a plan. If you let them they will get off track & follow whatever bunny trails they can find!

HOW to organize time with teens

1. Purpose/goal—This applies to adult activities too! If there is not a focus then the time will be fun but not necessarily productive.

Since chaos is not our idea of fun, we’ve discovered that it is absolutely necessary ~~helpful~~ to have a purpose. Here are some questions to ask.

What are we trying to do?

How long will this keep their attention?

What can we do to break up the time?

2. Time break down—2 parts are essential

Fellowship—build this in to your time because if you don’t then the teens will do it any way & you will be frustrated.

It seems best to give them some time at the beginning of the meeting to greet friends & chat for a bit. That way they can reconnect before we get to work. Often we will be setting up & greeting people also during this time! Let it be fun but be ready to guide them to the next part.

Goals & Projects—there needs to be a purpose for your meeting. Know what you want to do & how long it will take. Explaining the plan to the teens is a great idea because it lets them know what is expected. Rewards are good too. Time to be social again at the end if they work hard is always a good reward.

NECESSARY elements in time with teens

1. Leadership—This is SO important. It is work to organize time for teens to be together. Often by utilizing several families skills and talents the work of running an organization can be delegated. By working together the leadership can set long term & short term goals. Rules can be established & it creates a place of safety for kids to be involved.

2. Parental involvement & support—One of the reasons that Bible Quizzing is successful is that parents are directly involved. There are more parents that help than ones who drop off their kids. Everyone knows the purpose & goal. There is a lot of work that goes on at home prior to our meeting times so the parents often want to see the end results at the meetings.

3. Routine—We meet on certain days of the month. It is consistent and there is little change. Also each meeting has a routine. Fellowship time(5-10 minutes), Quiz 1, 2(1 hour), Team meetings or devotion(20 minutes), Quiz 3(15-20 minutes), Clean up time(10 minutes.

4. Communication—Reminders, updates, calendar changes are all vital for keeping everyone on track. An initial calendar and information sheet that is available on paper & then can be emailed.

After that most communication is done via email. It works to have each person reply & if a family doesn’t reply then a quick phone call can be done to verify they have the necessary in formation.

These ideas are geared toward any teen activity. However if you are interested here are 10 Reasons Bible Quizzing is WORTH it! Hope this helps you as you navigate the teen years & I encourage you to get involved in your teens lives and the activities they are enjoying.

My prayer for my children—Fear not. Stand firm and see the deliverance of the LORD. Exodus 14:13

10 Things that need doin’

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 03:15:00 +0000

Warning!!!

This is an attempt to not procrastinate. These are my marching orders for this week or maybe next week.

10. Clean the fish tank-it is bad, really bad. No the picture isn’t “dark” that is algae—blech!

9. Defrost the freezer in the garage.

8. Decide on a color of paint for my dining room. Brown or green?

7. Order school books for next year—why have I not done this?

6. Divide up 50 pounds of oatmeal in to 5 gallon buckets. Sounds like a kid job to me. Hmm maybe more than one kid.

5. Decide what we are doing this weekend. Camping or projects around the house again.

4. Mop the kitchen floor. Again a kid job. HA I love delegating!

3. Hem the curtains for my bedroom. It has been half done for a couple of weeks. ARG!

Before After(not ironed or hemmed)

2. Mow the grass. WHY does this need to be done when the heat index is 115?

1. Last but not least—sew on a project that I can’t share because it is a gift! This one I want to do before all the others but it is my reward at the end of the day. It is very cute, soft & cuddly.

Cook Turkey once, Eat twice!

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 03:01:00 +0000

I still have no idea what’s in the freezer.. I find good deals, buy them & they go in the freezer.

One of my goals this week is to defrost the freezer so I have been emptying it & using some of those good deals. Tonight I cooked the last Turkey Breast that I had bought when it was on sale(probably around Easter).

My family does love to eat a Turkey in a Pot. It is a wonderful smell to tempt their tummies all day.

We paired it with potatoes and salad with our first cherry tomatoes from the garden!

My goal right now is to not heat up my house. Every single recipe this week for supper on my meal plan is a crockpot one.

Turkey in a Pot

Mexican Chicken

Pirates Stew

Scalloped Potatoes & Ham

Spaghetti Casserole

It was double kitchen duty by cooking the turkey. Usually I use the leftover turkey to make Turkey Noodle Soup but it is too warm for soup right now.

We have sandwiches on the menu a couple of days this week. So we will have turkey sandwiches with real turkey instead of deli meat. MMMM a little mayo & a garden fresh tomato & lettuce.

Okay now I am getting hungry. Even better is the knowledge that we had two meals for 6 people for under $9. Yes!

How are you keeping your kitchen cool or saving money on meals this week?

Garden in a Trashcan?

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 02:44:00 +0000

Sounds crazy doesn’t it?

Well my whole garden isn’t in the trashcan. Just my potatoes & sweet potatoes. Here is the June update on my crowded garden!

My garden is small so I am always up for creative ideas to save space. After looking at several different bloggers garden ideas, I decided to try planting potatoes in a trashcan. When I saw potato plants at the green house when I bought the rest of my plants I was overjoyed!

The beginning of June was a bit late I knew to plant potatoes. I believe that they like the cooler weather to get started(reason I believe this later on in the post).

Planting Process

Take an old trashcan and drilled holes in the sides & bottom. This allows extra rain water to exit the trashcan! You don’t want to drown the plants!
Line the bottom of the can with some gravel so that the dirt wouldn’t clog the holes. I do this in my smaller pots too!
Add soil about 1/3 of the way up trashcan & plant your plants.

Up to this point I had great success! Unfortunately I had other responsibilities call me away. It rained non stop for several days and then was VERY hot right after. My potato plants were not happy with their move. I lost all but one!

I had ~~didn’t have time to plant~~ kept my sweet potato plants inside. So instead of putting them in their own trashcan I decided to put them with the lone potato plant. We will see how that works.

I planted them in a smaller pot & hardened them off by putting them out in the shade and then gradually in more sun for several days. This seemed to help acclimate them & they are thriving!

As the plants grow I will be adding more soil to cover the stems and leaves. You should leave 4-6 inches above the soil. Once the plants reach the top of the trashcan you can just let the plant grow. I am hoping for a bunch of sweet potatoes & a few regular potatoes too! I will update at harvest time in the fall!

***Update & confession time. I haven’t actually looked in in the trashcan for a ~~week or more~~ while. The sweet potatoes have reached the top & are climbing the fence. The potato plant looks dead so we will see what happens. Good thing I love sweet potatoes more than potatoes!