sarah over the rainbow

What I Wore Sunday Vol. 1 for me

2013-08-25T21:38:00.001-05:00

What I Wore Sunday.

I have been secretly just dying to join this link-up since it started. I have been hindered until now.

I realize this could turn into the most boring type of posting ever, since I have four outfits which are designated Sunday. But I have a plethora of accessories with which to make those outfits into a multitude. Just like the loaves and fishes.

Also, I was so happy about having a full length mirror to take a photo of myself ... but then realized I hadn't yet hung it on the wall, and not only that, someone was still asleep in bed and it would have been awkward to take a photo in the mirror with Someone Still Asleep in the bed as viewed in the mirror soooooo:

I was reduced to showcasing my bathroom mirror.

Half

and the other Half.

I even tried standing on the tub to get a full length. It. Did. Not. Work.

Dress: Le Goodstuff Indiana
Shoes and necklace: Cato (part of the Easter outfit)
Bracelet: Paris (just had to throw that in there, So froufrou!) Actually a department store in Paris, my Mom sent me money so I could buy something while there for my birthday present from her. Irony: I bought a Guess (American designer) bracelet while in Paris.
Hot Pink Watch: Walmart. Yes. You really needed to know that, right?

Remember the full length mirror? I hung it later that afternoon, then realized it wasn't high enough and part of the top of my head would be chopped off in viewing unless I moved it higher...but we're in an apartment and I don't want to make more holes in the wall.

Le Sigh.

It will be good for my vanity: I'll leave it where it is and offer up the head chop.

Aslan's Church

2013-08-25T09:35:00.002-05:00

It seemed appropriate, on Sunday, to post a photo I took of our new church last Tuesday when I was there for a morning service. The interior is the best of contemporary: a worshipful blend of modern and traditional.

To the farther left, which is barely pictured, the Stations of the Cross are depicted in the glass. I'll get a better picture for you at some point. You can see Stations 12, 13 and 14. And of course, 15: the Resurrection.

"Behold the cross of the Lord! Flee ye adversaries! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David has conquered, Alleluia!"

"On this day, the first of days, God the Father's name we praise, who, creations Lord and spring, did the world from darkness bring."

Unloading Kitteh Style

2013-08-22T08:20:00.003-05:00

Linking with Like Mother, Like Daughter: Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real

I should title this post, "how to unload with a cat constantly underfoot."

And the pool. Oh, the pool in the apartments! It is also constantly calling my name. I am feeling so sore from all the pool time, but it is so good!

Up and down, up and down the stairs we trudged. Remind me again why I picked an apartment on the second floor? Probably because the only yard it has is a concrete one. And it is on the second story. Second stories rule, especially when there are no third stories. Except our cooling bill will be astronomical. That's okay, I locked in a good rate.

The cat "helping" me sort through the walk-in pantry, formerly known as the office. Hey, it's the coolest (temperature-wise) room in the house! I've always wanted a walk-in pantry. As the children would say "mission: accomplished."

The cat continues his "help." There are so many boxes! Although I do have to give a plug to Dell boxes. They are the best boxes if you can lay your hands on them. This is the third cross country move these boxes have been through, and they are still in good shape. We found them at a box store. Yes, I have carefully folded them up and will put them away in a corner for another day.

The cat will disappear for hours, and then we'll find him in some random, warm hiding place. Like right next to a video game console. Oh, the chaos! We're slowly coming into order. I still haven't hung pictures yet.

Yay! We're finished!

Okay, not quite, but that seemed like a fitting picture. We're finished transporting things from one place of residence to another. Now I will continue with the 'nesting' phase: deciding where picture hang, which cabinets to put things in and what else I will need but didn't bring.

I feel a grocery shopping trip coming on.

Easter 2013

2013-08-15T00:12:00.002-05:00

A very happy late Easter to you!

Read more »

Moving on down the road

2013-08-14T23:37:00.005-05:00

Linking up with Like Mother, Like Daughter for Pretty~Happy~Funny~Real.

These flowers are so pretty! We've been here two years, and this is the first time they have bloomed! I'm not sure what this means, but I take it as a good sign. What type lily are they? I have no idea.

Read more »

Epcot

2013-08-14T22:46:00.000-05:00

We went on a tour-de-force of Epcot at Disneyworld with one of Shawn and Charles' Godmothers. We started touring at 4 and ended when the park closed shortly after 9:15.

Read more »

Goodbye, Chickens

2013-08-14T16:37:00.001-05:00

The time has come to say goodbye, and go on to a new home.

Read more »

Christmas Decorating!

2012-12-09T11:20:00.000-06:00

♥love and joy♫
Sarah

Edible Cell

2012-05-13T18:29:00.001-05:00

a cute Easter craft

2012-04-16T16:55:00.002-05:00

from Sunday School

♥love and joy♫
Sarah

Easter photo with the Chickens

2012-04-09T20:17:00.002-05:00

"Yes, we should have an Easter picture with the chickens.......because they might not have another (Easter)," said the Eldest Son.

♥love and joy♫
Sarah

Happy Easter!

2012-04-08T20:19:00.001-05:00

with joy♫,
Sarah

New cat old church

2012-02-02T08:09:00.001-06:00

I just love a little stained glass in the morning! This the prettiest church! Technically, painted glass, I suppose, but I'm not one to quibble too much. They celebrated their 100th year anniversary in 2010.

Walking down to the mail box: I remember when I did this, once upon a country-time

I got my piano!!!! It's been in storage / transit / somewhere else for over a year.

The wild kitteh ~ also known as the back-door kitteh, outside cat, Hercules, Shadow and Evil Cat. He has a bad habit of pawing at you when you're trying to feed him, resulting in scratches.

♥love and joy♫

Home Comforts

2012-02-01T06:50:00.000-06:00

This is the everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-how-to-dust type book. I call it the cerebral woman's guide to homekeeping, Why, how, when etc. She's a lawyer, and the book is very thorough, even to including your liability as a home owner.

I've started to dust more often, so that's a plus. I'm maybe a quarter of the way through the book.

Crocheting along with some red heart glittery thread in my own simple pattern for prayer beads.

♥love and joy♫

Forgettable Days

2012-01-31T21:31:00.001-06:00

Started out today with a hot cup. Many times I forget my cup in the microwave, and it grows cold 'til lunch. This is why there are screaming teapots. One can't ignore those!

The cat had his as well. Nice cuppa of tuna juice. Ick!

It's not been a happy time this month for many people. We had a friend's mother die, and then the first 'miracle' grandchild of another dear couple died 2 weeks before delivery.

Heartbreaking.

The pain of grief makes some days forgettable although you can never forget what happened.

At the end, there's prayer and Kleenex. These arrived in the mail today, along with a couple of 'certificates of life' for people in need.

On the certificates were beautiful words: "We affirm our faith, that, conceived in the Love of God, this child now lives in that love with Him forever."

For, after all, "a person's a person no matter how small."

Please remember those who have lost a child in your prayers.

♥love and joy♫, and sometimes tears......

Happy Plate and Kitteh

2012-01-30T17:32:00.002-06:00

I did something new today: I mandated PE time with Mommy and her exercise video.

Poor guys. I almost felt sorry for them until I remembered what they did at church Sunday. It involved fists and we were seated in the front row.

Just imagine what they'll tell their kids. "When I was growing up my mommy home schooled us, and she made us do her FIRM exercise videos with her for PE! It Was So Lame!"

Firm and burn, boys. Firm and burn.

Maybe I should get a Kinect and have them do Zoomba with me. Cue maniacal I'm-succeeding-at-being-an-annoying-parent laughter.

Maybe they'll stop whining when I tell them to go outside and play by themselves for exercise after a few days with the FIRM.

Ah, the arts and artifices of parenting.

We caught this pic of the Kitteh, all relaxed on 'his' chair, which is supposed to be the kid's chair. Unbeknownst to me, Chi took a picture of him with my cell phone and proceeded to text it to my side of the family with the caption "dead kitty."

I did warn him about what might be mailed back, since my side is notoriously intolerant of cats. I think he received nothing more uncomplimentary than "nice."

My favorite Corelle plate. I only have one. I'm sure it's practically vintage.

This stuff never breaks (maybe we should test this hypothesis?). It's like Red Heart yarn. And roaches. I'm counting on all three surviving a nuclear holocaust.

♥love and joy♫

Chores: Vol. 1

2012-01-27T18:41:00.001-06:00

"Serve the Lord with gladness"

I was especially impressed this week when they unloaded the dishwasher as Chi insisted on putting a new paper towel between my 'special' dishes which didn't have one.

"Because," he said, "Mommy doesn't want them chipped."

Chores for the kiddos this upcoming week as follows:

Super

daily:
make bed
brush teeth (morning)
Giz hay (night)
unload dishwasher (1 time)*
bird feeders as needed
15 minute pick up
put their dish in dishwasher after every meal
help clean up after dinner
put dirty clothes in basket
put away his folded clothes

weekly:
make Fri. lunch*
help with Wed. baking*
mop*
Giz food; water; change bedding
carry out clothes to laundry

Chi

daily:
make bed
brush teeth (morning)
feed/water outside cat
feed/water Ern
help with breakfast*
15 minute pick up
put their dish in dishwasher after every meal
help with dishes after dinner
put dirty clothes in basket
put away his folded clothes

weekly:
vacuum*
Tues. lunch*
Saturday baking*
wipe down switchplates throughout house
clean mirrors
sort clothes on laundry day

*variable according to week

♥love and joy♫

Menu Plan Saturday: Volume 2

2012-01-27T15:39:00.001-06:00

This week's centerpiece

Gathering round the table this week with:

Sunday:

Oatmeal, special fruit, cinnamon toast
Ravioli, Sandwiches, soup
Crock pot roast with potatoes + carrots, coconut pie, green salad, WW rolls

Monday:

*brown beef in the morning

Bacon, Blueberry Muffins
Crispy tacos, taquitos

Green Chili, fritos, Crackers, fruit salad,

Tuesday:

Quick oatmeal + toast, jelly
Macaroni + cheese, tuna salad sandwich, cordon bleu chicken
Cheesy egg 'quiche', tapioca pudding, oatmeal bread, peaches + cottage cheese, spinach salad

Wednesday:

Bacon, pancakes, fruit
Brown Rice + chicken breast, crudites
Mushroom Spaghetti sauce + WW noodles, green salad, black olives

Baking: 'fake' rice crispy treats, Black Raspberry jello, 2 loaves WW bread

Thursday:

Bacon, grits, fruit
corn dogs, crudites, bread and jam
Broccoli Beef, brown rice, Jello

Friday:

French toast, scrambled eggs, toast + jelly, sliced oranges
Mac + cheese, tuna salad sandwich, fish sticks
Shrimp, scalloped potatoes, green salad, lima beans, corn
ice cream, Apple Dumplings

Saturday:

Pancakes, bacon
hamburgers / freezer food

Pizza, spinach + pepperoni, or freezer pizza, green salad

Baking:

2 pizza crusts, snickerdoodles, cornbread

Sunday:

7 grain cereal, yogurt + fruit, cinnamon toast
ravioli, sandwich, soup
Ham Roast, green beans, black eyed peas, beets, carrot cornbread, snickerdoodles

♥love and joy♫

It's here! Vol. 1

2012-01-27T00:06:00.003-06:00

1. "It" being my piano! We've been separated for over a year, my piano and I. For the past three months it has been in cold storage, well, actually climate-controlled storage, until we found a house.

This was my first collegiate teacher's piano. She bought a new one, and I jumped upon the chance to own this one several years ago after we bought our first house. Now, three houses and two cross country moves later (whew, it makes me tired just to say the words) the piano is here.

2.

The home was blessed this week. The next day I found the two boxes I've been hunting for the past three months. Yay! Downsizing and cross country moving are brutal for finding things. Especially when one doesn't label boxes particularly well.

3.

I have to give a shout out to Modern Piano Moving for the great job they did moving, storing and returning the piano to me. By the way, the truck they use to move the pianos is climate controlled. I would recommend them.

4.

I'm finally moving ahead on my vow to create a scripture memory program for home educators. After 7 years in AWANA, which is a great program, I'm going to branch out on my own for the boys (since all the AWANA programs are far from us). I designed a program for girls last year, when one of my AWANA students finished her book before Christmas.

I'd like to make one that is a bit more universal in scope to begin with, then add the 'boy' or 'girl' thematic layer.

My ideas included beads, an award banner and charms. I will reveal soon. After a little trip to Hobby Lobby. Their beads and charms are half-off this week. Yesssss.

5.

The husband traveled to France and back this week. I don't like him being gone, but welcoming him back is fun! Tonight we had his favorite dinner and dessert.

6.

I put the last of the Christmas decor in the garage. I'm finally gettin'round'tu'it for sorting out and discarding old decorations.

7.

One of the legs on my dining room table is loose and annoying! Hopefully I will remember which tools I need to fix it (a hex wrench) the next time I'm over at the storage place. It would also be nice to remember that I *want* to fix the leg at times other than when I'm sitting at the table typing on the computer.

♥love and joy♫

new home decorations

2012-01-25T23:21:00.002-06:00

The dining room has come together at last! Mostly. I have a fake 'sideboard' to import from storage, but that will have to wait for a truck. Did I mention I'm not in an apartment anymore? Yeah, new house.

I have a real, honest-to-goodness fireplace I would be willing to light up, since it came with one of those dandy insert thingies. I'm still a little scared to light it. Where's my daddy? :-)

ps. Did you know darkish grainy photos hide things you'd rather not show? Not that I would know that, or anything, of course. My house is always immaculately clean and organized.

Kitteh thinks clean clothes are the best. Not just any clean clothes: clean bed clothes. *groan* It looks like I got what I deserved, this time, for procrastinating the clothes onto the floor (no, no, I'll teach the boys how to fold their own.....tomorrow). Now I'll go put these in the wash again.

Annnnd, Christmas. Still up. Yep.

My motivation to get-it-down will arrive tomorrow, so tonight is the last night with Christmas Tree. *sniff*

I just hope my motivation arrives in a timely fashion. I'm really looking forward to having it again!

Of course I'll post what it is! After it gets here. 'Til then....

♥love and joy♫

Crocheted beanie

2012-01-25T15:41:00.003-06:00

I love my one crocheted hat. I found the pattern on the internet when I made one for my aunt who was going through chemo, and ended up liking the hat so much I made another for myself.

I wanted a lighter version (translation: more holes), so I found a pattern on the internet that looked promising.

Unfortunately, I did not like it on.

It seemed to give off too much of a yarmulke vibe. With the right yarn and the right adaptation of the pattern, it might work. I had neither the right yarn nor the right amount of patient creativity necessary to adapt the pattern.

Considering the fact it was around 2 in the morning, half-way through my Downton Abbey binge (I may or may not have watched the whole first season in one night), you can see why my creativity and patience deserted me.

I will adapt the pattern at some point, perhaps.

Until then:

These hats make great dishrags.

I like the way they hang perfectly off my faucet and drip down into my sink while drying.

I'm probably going to make more to use as dishrags.

Pattern is here.

♥love and joy♫

Menu Plan Saturday: Volume 1

2012-01-21T09:37:00.017-06:00

Gathering 'round the table this week with:

Sunday:

Oatmeal, special fruit, cinnamon toast
leftover pizza
Lasagna, green salad

Monday:

Ham + Eggs, Blueberry Muffins
Chicken Taquitos
Whole Wheat spaghetti with ground beef + red sauce, broccoli, green salad, black olives

Tuesday:

Quick oatmeal + toast, jelly
Macaroni + cheese, tuna salad sandwich
Black Bean Casserole, green salad

Wednesday:

Waffles + ham n' eggs
Brown Rice + ground beef, "fake" rice krispy treats
Soup Dinner @ church and

Thursday:

Bacon + biscuits
Burger King
Steak Dinner, green beans, beets, green salad, corn, tapioca pudding,

Friday:

French toast
Mac + cheese, tuna salad sandwich
Red Beans, Shrimp, okra, ice cream sandwiches

Saturday:

Pancakes, bacon
hot dogs
Pizza, spinach + pepperoni, green salad

Sunday:

Oatmeal, special fruit, cinnamon toast
Ravioli, Sandwiches
Crock pot roast with potatoes + carrots, coconut pie, green salad, WW rolls

Plus, here's a couple of free e-books for Kindle that may be useful for you.

Happy Cooking and Reading!

Food and Birds

2012-01-18T23:16:00.000-06:00

It is time for the gingerbread trains to meet their maker. As in, they are no longer suitable decorations for the dining room table. I think we'll 'recycle' them.

Super has been bird-watching avidly. He goes for long walks and takes pictures of them.

Here we have the cook mixing up something tasty: raw foods tray.

A little finch. We're going to use this website to help us in our studies: All About Birds with Cornell labs.

My husband also found the Anna Botsford Comstock Handbook of Nature Study tucked away in a box. This book has some great questions about various creatures to aid observation of them and to provide teachers with fodder for writing assignments.

Another gingerbread train, photographed for posterity and ready for 'recycling.' I wonder if the birds would eat it?

One of our three bird feeders, with the man who fills them.

Winter Walk

2012-01-17T10:38:00.002-06:00

Crafting my Christmas presents

2012-01-13T22:48:00.000-06:00

I received a bit of yarn from various sources for Christmas presents. I was thrilled.

I needed some houseshoes, so I made these with yarn the husband gave me. They are soooo comfy and make me feel little again, as I glide across the faux-hardwood floors fantastically.

My grandmother sent me this lovely thread, which I turned into a much needed crochet/craft bag. My other bag decided to die (the handles fell off) over Christmas break.

Finally, a picture of the wallpaper on my walls and its replacement: the cute little birdies. Love!