True Confessions of a Knitaholic

Mom's Basket - JACKPOT!

2013-08-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

My family, as I am sure most families do, think I am their servant. I pick up everything for them, from shoes to toys to dirty laundry...everything! I make my kids clean their rooms, but they have always done such a shoddy job that I wind up going in there every few months to get it clean myself and reorganize. If I had a dollar for every I had to tell them to pick their things up out of the living room, I'd probably never need to work again!

Then I saw an idea on Pinterest....God bless Pinterest.

Unfortunately, I never could find an original link for this picture. But allow me to give credit where credit is due: if this is your idea, I bow down to you. You are my hero.

I had a basket that I used to gather the kids' toys up to take into their rooms. I emptied it, then called a meeting. I explained that to my Flower (10) and Little Man (4) that anytime I found something of theirs laying around the house I was going to pick it up and put it in the basket. If they finished playing with a toy and do not put it up, it goes in the basket.

On day one, I had 10 hot wheels, a pair of ear buds, and several super heroes. Flower wasn't too concerned about the ear buds, but Little Man was just devastated at the loss of his super heroes. He asked for a chore, so I told him to sweep the kitchen. He was actually excited, and swept with a happy heart and earned his toys back. It was the worst sweep-job that kitchen has ever seen, but I don't care. He learned a lesson, and did it with a great attitude.

Last night, I picked up several superheroes, two pair of shoes, some jewelry, and a few odd toys. This morning, at breakfast, I walked into the dining room with my basket. I reminded them that they couldn't even go outside to play until they had done chores, because their shoes were in the basket! They gave each other a glance, not sure what to think.

About 30 minutes later, Little Man came up to me and said "Mama, I am going to go get dressed, then I am going to do a chore, ok?" A few minutes later he came in dressed and said "Mommy, I decided I will clean my room and put all my toys where they belong. I will even pick my toys up in the closet!" Not too long afterwards, he came out and asked me to go look at his room - sure enough, the toys were all where they belonged and his room was spotless!! Because he actually had quite a bit of picking up to do in his room, and because he had such a great attitude about it, I let him take all of his things out of the basket. He was so proud of himself!

Flower still isn't too concerned about getting her items back. She really would rather lose them than to do chores to get them back (except I am holding her favorite pair of Converse, so it won't be long!). But, she is paying closer attention to not leaving her things out.

I figure this is a win/win situation for me. They are both doing a great job picking up their things once they are finished using them, which saves me from having to pick them up constantly. When I do have to put things in the basket, I have less chores to do myself! Their attitudes have been great, and they are learning that we have to work for the things we want.

How do you get your kids to pick their toys up after they get finished playing with them? Have you tried the chore box?! It works!!

Be blessed today!!

Confession Time

2013-07-31T05:00:00.000-05:00

Confession time, I did it. Again. I wrecked my husband's pick-up.

And no, it couldn't be his old pick-up, either. It was his new one. The one we had for a whole three months. Three months.

And the last thing he said to me before I drove off was "Do not wreck my pickup. Do not."

Here's the worst part: I once backed one of my cars up into a bright yellow air pump at the gas station. I then backed another of my cars up into my husband's other pickup, in our own driveway. This is now the third time I have backed one of my vehicles into something.

I officially hate driving now. I tried to tell Barb Wire Man that I was never driving again, and I meant it. He forces me to drive myself places now, so I wait until I absolutely HAVE to go.

He just called me to let me know he took his pickup to the body shop to have it looked at, and listed all the things they said would have to be fixed, then added that the bumper was expensive. Very expensive...thank God for State Farm.

The conclusion we came to was if I do something, I do it right. I don't half-way do anything, be it a good thing or a bad thing. If I am going to do something, I go all out. I make sure I do a bang up job...literally.

I am never driving again. Never. At least not my husband's vehicle!

Be blessed today!

Something Priceless

2013-07-29T05:00:00.000-05:00

I could probably write a million blog posts on marriage. I'm so thankful that my parents set an amazing precedence for me, but I've never met anyone who has had as wonderful a relationship as they do.

From Pinterest

They've been married now for 32 years. According to the world, their marriage should never have lasted! They barely dated before they got engaged and married, and only 15 short months later, I was born. But they are in love. Disgustingly in love. Always have been! I've never seen Dad raise his voice at me. I've never seen Mom contradict Dad's authority in the family. The doesn't mean it never happened, but I never saw it. They've had their fair share of hard times, but they both kept smiling, and kept loving each other. They valued their relationship. Mom always said they had children young (my parents are both still in their 50's) so they could still be young enough to enjoy each other and have fun together. But, the key word is valued. Dad knew that mom was a jewel among pebbles. Mom knew that Dad was a musician among karaoke singers. (See what I did there, Mom and Dad!?)

I like to think of it in terms that I am more familiar with, though. I collect tea pots. Most of my teapots are antiques, and most are china. Each teapot comes with a story about how and where I acquired it. Each one is carefully placed on a shelf, out of the reach of little hands. Each one gets dusted and cleaned. Each one is special to me in some way. But the most special is one I don't have yet. It belongs to my granny, and I have loved it since I was a child. It is beautiful - cream with a beautiful light green design around the top. She's already written my name on it and promised it to me after she is gone, and it will be the most prized teapot in my collection when I have it. Why? Many reasons! It is a gift from someone I love dearly. It will remind me of her every time I look at it, and how she always thought of me when she looked at it. It is irreplaceable. It is beautiful and special. It is time tested.

From Pinterest

In other words, I will guard that teapot more than I will any other teapot. I'd rather lose all the other teapots I have in my collection than to lose that one.

My marriage to my husband is like that teapot. It is a gift - a gift from God. Every time I look my my husband, I am reminded of how much God loves me. I'm reminded of how much He thinks of me, that he would put someone as special as Barb Wire Man in my life. He planned for us to be together! My marriage to Barb Wire Man is irreplaceable. Sure, he or I could marry someone else, but there are memories, dreams, goals, and a friendship that would never be the same with anyone else. What we have is special, and I rather lose friendships with everyone else in the world than to lose the love and friendship of my husband.

From Pinterst

I want to guard my marriage to Barb Wire Man even more than I would that tea pot. Marriage isn't something to be put up on a shelf, then forgotten. It also isn't something to be taken off the shelf and passed around haphazardly with everyone we see, to be broken, chipped or dirtied. It is something to be valued, cherished, and lovingly care for.

My goal is to value every moment of my marriage. In 15 years, I want my kids to look back and say they were disgusted at how much Mom and Daddy love each other. I want them to model their marriage after ours.

Be blessed today!

Trust

2013-07-26T05:00:00.000-05:00

Trust. It is such a small word, but one of the greatest.

Without trust, a marriage is nothing.

This may be one of the hardest posts for me to write, because I know I'll be admitting to something that I've never wanted to!

I've mentioned in previous posts that I had been married before I married Barb Wire Man. I married young...I was 18 and he was a Marine. I was crazy in love with the boy at the time. I hadn't ever lived on my own. I grew up around incredibly Godly parents, and their Godly friends. I only knew one person who had ever been divorced, and all my friends were wonderful, trustworthy people. The truth was, I lived an incredibly sheltered life. I'd never been betrayed or seriously emotionally hurt by anyone, because everyone I knew was raised that it was not okay to do that to a person! I truly believed that everyone lived life like that!

To make a very long story short, I married very young, at 18, to a Marine whom I was madly in love with at the time. He had plans of going to seminary one he was out of the military. About 10 months after we were married, I found out I was pregnant with out first child. I also found out he had been having an ongoing affair with an woman he worked with, and it was not his first affair.

I was shocked. I was hurt. I was ashamed. I was embarrassed. I was angry...no, furious. I was devastated. I was forever changed.

It was at that moment I chose to trust no one. There is, after all, only one man a girl can trust, and that is her daddy! (Well, in my case 3, daddy, pa, and pawpaw!)

Then, I met my husband, Barb Wire Man. Aside from the three aforementioned men, I've never met a man more honest. Because he always shot straight with me, I tried to make sure I was a trusting, un-jealous wife. When he went out with the boys, I shoved any un-trusting feelings down so deep, even I didn't realize I felt them. For 9 years, it worked great! Now, the trust I have in my husband was not ruined, far from it, but it did take a little jolt.

There are two things, though that I noticed about myself recently.

First, I realized that while at one time I trusted no one, I was beginning to trust people again. Not just saying that I trusted people, but actually trusted them. And I also realized that I really do not want to trust people. I hate that I feel that way! After 30 years of being on this planet, I've learned to not trust people, and those who I do are met with a very guarded, cautious trust.

Secondly, I realized I am a very, very jealous person. I really don't like that, either. I've always tried to shove any form of jealousy down very deep, because I never wanted to be a jealous person, Jealous women annoy me! But I was forced to admit that when it comes to a few things, like my husband, I am very jealous!

For our marriage to be healthy, I have to learn to work past these things. So far, the only thing I can do is pray about it! I don't want to be a guarded person, and I do not want to be a jealous person. Do you struggle with trust issues?

Be blessed today!

Taking Each Other for Granted

2013-07-24T05:00:00.000-05:00

We take just about everything for granted these days. We don't think twice about flipping on a switch and having lights until the power goes out. We get in our car, turn it on and drive off without thinking about it, until the car won't start. We load the dishwasher and hit start, never even thinking about the convenience.

When two people are first married, they notice all the little things the other does for them. The longer a couple is married, the less those little things are noticed. Before I go much further, I do want to say this isn't a matter of the other needing things from the other. Barb Wire Man and I neither on need each other. He has and is perfectly able to take care of himself in every way. I do not need Barb Wire Man - I have, and can take care of myself in every way. But, I suppose this is a little rant.

I'm talking about the little things we do each day to make the other feel special, or to help make their life a little easier.

I work each day. Yes, I stay at home to work, but I do work. During the school year, I babysit. Contrary to what some believe, I do not sit on the couch while they watch TV. I hardly sit down throughout the day! We play, and sing all day. I change diapers constantly (literally about 18 a day!), cook breakfast and lunch for them, make them snacks, and even help potty train. Essentially, I am their mommy from 7:30 in the morning until 5:00 or later in the evening. And I love it! Financially, I could take care of myself and my kids, and I intend to keep it that way. On top of my job, I still have everyday household chores. Barb Wire Man is old fashioned in the sense that he believes it is the woman's job to care for the home, and he got lucky enough to marry a woman who believes the same! I do all the laundry. I do all the cooking. I do all the cleaning. I go to the grocery store alone. I wash his favorite coffee cup every day, and if I don't for some reason, he'd rather skip coffee than wash it himself! I make sure he has plenty of snacks in his semi. I do all the banking and bill paying. I take the trash out when he..."forgets". I take care of the garden. I rub his back. I bathe and take care of the kids. I do these things because I feel like it is my job, but also because I know Barb Wire Man is tired.

Barb Wire Man goes to work everyday, and sometimes, has some pretty funky hours. In fact, today, he left our house at 1:30 in the morning. When he gets home from work, Barb Wire Man's "duties" include taking out the trash (if I haven't already), mowing the lawn (once a week at most), and......and......and....yeah, I have nothing else to add.

I do not mind doing all the things I do around the house. I know my husband is tired after a long day at work, but sometimes, he fails to realize that I am tired from work, too. He sometimes fails to see that we both have jobs, but that on top of my job, I have work! Occasionally, it would be nice to hear a thank you from Barb Wire Man. It would be nice to hear "Let me help you with supper tonight!" Or even "I know you've been working all day, too, let me help you fold the laundry."

He takes for granted all the little things I do for him, like, washing that stupid coffee cup for him. I do it to be nice to him. To do a "little something" to make his day better.

We have to remember to never take the little things for granted.

Tell your spouse thank you for all the little things they do to make your life easier.

Better yet, help your spouse with those things. We are supposed to be a team, right?!

Be blessed today!

Marriage: Attacked By Busy-ness

2013-07-22T05:00:00.000-05:00

I always complain that "life" gets in the way of, well, living. I mean it rather tongue in cheek, though. None of us can avoid things like work, caring for the children, laundry, cooking, etc. We have to do those things in order to survive, pay our bills, and be decent members of society. We can, however, allow those things to take over our lives.

Barb Wire Man and I have definitely allowed that to happen recently. I am incredibly blessed that I am able to work at home, but that certainly doesn't mean I don't work hard. I am able to stay at home with my two precious children, like I feel God has called me to do, but I also care for other's children. I've always taken that incredibly seriously. Essentially, I am filling in for their mommy. I truly act as though they are my children when they are with me. If my job is to teach my own child about his numbers, letters, manners, and God, then it is also my duty to teach the other children. I still have to change diapers (literally, about 18 a day!), fix breakfast and lunch for 5-8 kids, get them all down for nap, plan activities, and play. On top of this, I still have my household duties. I cook all our meals; breakfast, lunch and supper. I have mountains of laundry that I have to wash and hang out to dry, then fold. I have toilets to scrub, floors to vacuum and mop, and I try to make sure my house is spotless before Barb Wire Man gets home from work. By 5:00 in the evening, the last thing in the world I want to do is, well, anything basically. I certainly don't try to make sure I look pretty for him, because I'm around kids all day. I darn sure don't feel sexy by the end of the day! He understands this, but I know he would love to come home to a wife who at least looks like she took a shower.

Barb Wire Man drives a semi truck, so his hours are hardly 8-5. Some days, he is out the door by 4:30 in the morning, while other days, he doesn't leave til 7:00. Some days he is home by 5:00, but often it is 7:00 or later. Sometimes, he doesn't get to come home at all, and "gets" to sleep in a little bed in the back of his truck. His job duties include far more than just sitting and driving a truck. I ride with him every chance I get, and I know that his job duties are physically taxing on him. Once he gets home, there are always things I need for him to do. I know how tired he is, so I try to do everything at home by myself (which makes me even more tired!), but there are some things I cannot physically do. When you are short, sometimes, you just need a tall man to help! He trudges through, and does the things I need help with. Because the kids haven't seen him all day, all they want to do is play. I'm pretty sure he uses up the last few ounces of energy he has on our children. I've asked him many times how he has the energy to play with those two the way he does. Once the kids are in bed, all he wants to do is sit on the couch, watch TV and get on his computer. I don't blame him for this at all ,but he knows that I'd give anything for conversation, a little attention, and to simply be acknowledged.

So, what is a couple to do? We could eliminate our jobs and daily chores from our lives. Then, we'd be homeless, hungry, and most likely childless! Of course we can't do that. People make time for the things that are important to them. Outside of work, we do have an abundance of free time. I don't know about you and your spouse, but Barb Wire Man and I could make time for each other. We have chosen not to do so. I have always poured my efforts into caring for my children first. Keeping my house in what I deem "perfect" condition was second. Those two things alone consumed me. I had no energy left to be sexy for him. Barb Wire Man's spare energy went to the our kids, sitting at the computer, and watching TV. Noticing me was last on his list.

To put it bluntly, we acknowledged each other when we had to. We have wonderful, amazing conversations during the day on the phone. He sits in a truck, and has time to talk! But at night, we are alone while sitting on the couch together. After the kids are in bed, I busy myself with cleaning the house...even if it is already clean. I sit on the couch with my computer in my lap. Barb Wire Man sits on the couch watching his TV programs and is on his computer at the same time. We know what all our friends are doing, what their kids are doing, and even what their grandkids are doing, and we know what they are all thinking thanks to things like Facebook and Twitter! But we don't know what each other is thinking. We don't know what the other is feeling. Basically, we know more about people we are merely acquainted with than we know about the person we claim to love the most. And we have allowed ourselves to become okay with that fact that the most we say to each other is "Are you ready for bed?".

We both know this is something that must change. We must stop busying ourselves. We don't have to leave our house once a week to go on a date, though that would be awesome! We don't even have to swear off TV and Facebook. But we do have to set aside time every night to really talk with each other.

We don't need to talk about the kids. We don't need to talk about how our days went. We don't need to talk about what we are going to have for supper the next day. We do need to get to know each other better and continually. "Where do you see our family heading in the next five years?" "Am I meeting your needs?"

I know surely we aren't the only ones who go through this type of thing in our marriage. Hopefully sharing part of our story will help you, as well as keep us accountable. What type of questions do you and your spouse ask each other?

Yicarechech Adonai L'Olam Ve'ed
(May God bless you and keep you)

Have a Perfect Marriage?

2013-07-19T05:00:00.000-05:00

I'm really making an attempt to write on a regular basis here! Hey, an "a" for effort, right? Kids, work, and life seem to always get in the way of doing the things I like to do for fun. (Yes, knitting has been taking a backseat, too!)

So, I briefly mentioned the other day that Barb Wire Man and I will celebrate our 10 year anniversary in two years, and that we are planning a vow renewal ceremony to mark the occasion.

Recently, he and I have noticed that we absolutely must take time to focus on each other, and our marriage. Our marriage, like anyone else's, is not picture perfect. We have our ups and downs, just like anyone else, but recently, it seems like we have had more downs than ups.

Don't get me wrong...we love each other incredibly, and are truly the other's best friend. We love passionately, and we fight passionately. We live in a world that makes marriage hard. I think in some ways, it is harder to keep a marriage whole now than it ever has been...there are more outside attacks we have to shield our marriage from.

In the next few posts, I'm going to write a little about the things I think attack our marriages. I'm in no way a counselor, but, personal experience is something of which I have an abundance. God has really laid a few things on my heart lately, so I'm praying that in writing these coming posts, I will be able to help someone else who may be struggling with some of the same things I have. At the same time, I think it will help me sort through some of my own thoughts and feelings.

Be blessed today!

2013-07-17T05:00:00.000-05:00

I am so excited today!

My sweet little girl, Flower, is almost home!!

Barb Wire Man, Little Man and I drove her down to Dallas the first part of June to fly out to South Carolina with her step-mom to visit her Dad. While we were there, we were able to visit with Barb Wire Man's brother and his family! I finally got to hold my adorable new nephew!

Anyhow, today, my mom and I are driving back down to Dallas to pick her up from the airport! I'm beyond excited to get to put my arms around my baby again! I'm also looking forward to the trip down there. My mom and I are very close, and I could talk with her for hours. We will be spending 6 hours in the car together, so we will have ample opportunity to chat. It doesn't matter how old I am, how "ok" my life is, or how hard and tough I act, I still need my Mama.

Flower is so much like my mom and I. She is incredibly close to my mom. Flower and I also have a deep relationship. The three of us know that when we can't talk to anyone else, we can go to each other. The drive home is going to be full of some interesting conversation, I expect!

Back to Flower. I know that when she is with her Dad and his family, she has a great time. I know that she is cared for just as wonderfully as she would be at home. Flower is blessed with a step-mom who truly loves her. I'm very thankful that I can rest knowing that her step-mom loves and cares for her just as she does for her own daughters, and, really, considers Flower as her own.

That doesn't make me miss her any less, though! I never feel quite right when all members of my family aren't home! If Barb Wire Man has to spend the night in his semi, I lay awake and worry about him. When Flower is gone, I worry about her. I cannot wait to wrap my arms around her and get her home!

And I cannot wait to see the look on her face when she sees her newly redecorated bedroom!! She is going to be so excited!

Having a split family like this is hard, in so many ways, on both the parents and the kids. But, like always, we all do the best we can. Do you send your kids to visit family for the summer?

Be blessed today!

Bananas, Bananas Everywhere!

2013-07-15T05:00:00.001-05:00

By now, you know I am a cheapskate. I really dislike spending money, even on things we need! So the other day I ran to the store and found bananas on sale for super cheap (30 cents per pound!), so I bought about 7 pounds. I really should have gotten more -I don't know why I didn't! I knew there was no way my family would eat that many bananas before they went bad, but I bought them with the intention of dehydrating them.

Flower loves banana chips. I have to make her stop eating them, but, at least they are healthy! Little Man likes them occasionally. Barb Wire Man doesn't love them, but I still like to keep them around. When I make him trail mix to take in the semi, I can toss a few in there. I can at least try to get him to eat healthy!

Early Saturday morning, Little Man and I started getting them ready. He really doesn't care for fresh bananas as a snack, he just loves to peel them, so that was his job. Who would have thought that giving a little boy 7 pounds of bananas to peel would keep him entertain for an hour?! I sliced them up and put them on the dehydrator racks, sprinkled them with cinnamon, then turned on the machine.

I figured they would be finished by bedtime.

Here is is, nearly 9:00 in the morning on Sunday, and they are still not finished. Good grief...what's the deal with these bananas!? I still have 4 pounds of apples to turn into apple chips!

At least the house smells delicious! What is your favorite thing to do make with bananas?

Be blessed today

Just Another Day in Summer

2013-07-13T14:24:00.000-05:00

I haven't written in forever, because I typically steer clear of political posts. But, I also generally write about the things I see and hear going on around me. As a result, I have just kept my mouth shut lately! That's quite a feat for me, indeed.

Flower has spent most of the summer at her dad's house out in South Carolina, but thankfully she will be home in less than a week! I know she is having fun, but, I prefer having all my little chicks in my coop. It has given me the opportunity to completely redo her room the way she has been begging for it to be done. Hot pink, black, white, and music. Barb Wire Man isn't too keen on the hot pink, but such is the life when you have a 10 year old daughter!

I've been putting a ton of energy into my garden this year, too. If you've read much of this blog, you know that I'm cheap. I'm cheap, and I like to make sure I have lots of food in my home all the time. And it looks like I may be canning a ton of food soon. This year, I have squash (which is putting out faster than a rabbit), jalapenos, radishes, carrots, beets, okra, cherry tomatoes, large tomatoes, onions, strawberries, green beans, rhubarb, and okra. Closer to the end of summer I will also put some lettuce in. Hopefully I'm going to be able to make lots of spaghetti sauce, salsa, some pickles, and some strawberry jam!

I know it is still a ways off, but Barb Wire Man and I are also planning our 10th anniversary! We have about 2 years, but are planning a vow renewal ceremony. I'm sure I will write a post on it later, but the long and short of it is, we came to the conclusion that we must spend more time focusing on us.

That's it for today. I'm sitting outside in 100 degree weather, watching Little Man play in the kiddie pool, and Barb Wire Man will be home soon. I'm keeping cool with a delicious beer. Maybe several delicious beers, but that is beside the point!

Be blessed today!

Summertime activities!

2013-06-10T10:41:00.001-05:00

We are working on our second week of school being out for summer, and so far I haven't heard the words "I'm bored!!" Around this house, my kids know not to say that...I can always find something for them to do, and it usually isn't anything they would consider fun. They've learned to figure something out on their own!

But, I do have a whole list of things ready for them to tackle as soon as I hear those words. In fact, if they don't get bored soon, I may have to go pull weeds myself!

I found a few deals I thought I'd share with everyone today, that might help your little one busy this summer!

If your kids love to read, you can get 4 Disney Wreck It Ralph books for 99 cents! After that, you will get 3 new books each month. These are a little young for Flower, but are perfect for my Little Man and the daycare kids!

If Dr. Seuss is more your style, you can get 5 books for $5.95! After that, you get 3 new books a month.

I did the Dr. Suess book club way back when Flower was a little thing, and we still have all the books! The look a little sad these days, but my goodness! They are about 7 years old, and have gone through both of my kids and countless daycare kids! I'd say it was totally worth it!

What activities do you do with your kids to keep the busy and having fun during the summer?

Summer is Getting Closer!

2013-05-24T15:26:00.001-05:00

Oh boy, have I been slacking on the blog front. Big time. Anytime I get busy, or overwhelmed, the blog is the first thing to get neglected.

I've also cut back a lot of expressing any type of opinion...mainly because I've just gotten tired of dealing with all the BS that comes along with it, and, because I just don't trust anyone much these days.

But, to get back on track, I thought I would post a few pictures of some of the neat things that have happened recently!

My little sister got married in May! It was held in a beautiful garden on a gorgeous day! My beautiful mom is on the left, my gorgeous sister and her new husband are next, and I'm standing next to my dashing daddy!

I'm quite proud of this little family here! My handsome husband got dressed up nice just for the wedding! Flower was the flower girl, and Little Man was quite the attention grabber as the ring bearer! (And he knew just how cool he looked!)

As the Maid of Honor, I threw a lingerie shower for my sister. Here is one of my new favorite pictures of my mom, sister and I.

Flower got to go on a trip to South Texas with Nana and Papa for her birthday! They visited the state capitol, the Alamo, and lots of other historical places. She had a blast!

Flower in a field of bluebonnets they found on the trip...I'll never get over how gorgeous she is!

I know it takes an eternity for me to get blog posts up, but hopefully over the summer I will be able to devote a little more time to writing! I have been knitting some, and have quite a few things that I need to show off!

The Winds of March Burn

2013-03-12T09:37:00.002-05:00

I wrote this in memory of my grandma, who was killed by the horrible wildfires in Texas in 2006. You can read the whole story here.

The Winds of March Burn

The winds of March in Texas burn. The cold air stings your cheeks and whips your hair around your face. The dirt from the barren fields blows across the sky, reminding all that the cold of winter hasn't loosened its grip.

The winds of March in Texas burn. All the plants are dead, and all hope of moisture is blown away. The leaves scatter. The trees fall. The plants are blown up from their weakened roots.

The winds of March in Texas burn. They blow in mightily, fiercely. When once they blew in the blessed rain, they now blow in the fire. They blow the fire with vengeance, stripping the land of everything. The winds care not for what is in the path.

The winds of March in Texas burn. They blow! They sting! They kill. They hurt.

The winds of March in Texas burn. They burn into our memory. They burn into the heart of who we are. They burn, but we blow along with them. We blow, and continue on our path the same. But the winds of March in Texas continue to burn.

Friday is Close!

2013-02-28T10:16:00.000-06:00

For a short work week, thanks to the blizzard, it sure has been long! I don't know about you, but I'm pretty happy tomorrow is Friday!

I made a new Etsy Treasury today! Won't you check it out?! Every view, every click on one of the pictures, and every comment we get on the treasuries we make helps move the treasury up on pages. The closer to page one we get, the better! So please, if you can spare just a few minutes of time, check it out! It helps my Etsy business, and the business of those included in the treasury!

Here are a few more pictures of our winter storm! Enjoy!

Neither of them actually touched the ground! There was still snow under their feet, and Flower was afraid to stand up all the way!

Mattie wanted to take a picture of Mama in the snow!

Sitting inside with Mama, drinking hot chocolate, was far more enjoyable to my Little Man!

Look at the snowman we built!!

"HELP! I can't get off the mountain!!!"

"OH NO! I AM FALLING!!!"

The Great Texas Blizzard

2013-02-26T10:47:00.001-06:00

We are covered in snow!! Woohoo!!

Texas weather is so strange. Normally, we don't get crazy, horrible blizzards, just a few inch-or-two snows a year. But when we do get blizzards, they are off the charts horrible. This storm was just that type. They even named it: Rocky!

We got weather alert warnings 14 hours in advance, that we needed to prepare. Everyone went to the store to stock up on essentials, but on Sunday afternoon it was nearly 70 degrees! Flower and Little Man were out riding their bikes in t-shirts, but, around 6:00 p.m. the wind hit, and the temperatures dropped 30 degrees within 5 minutes.

It had just started snowing when Barb Wire Man and I went to bed, and the snowflakes were huge. It wasn't a pretty snowfall, either...it was snowing horizontally thanks to the 50 mph winds! I woke up to texts alerting me that school was cancelled! It was still snowing horizontally Monday morning,and it looked absolutely disgusting outside. But, Barb Wire Man got dressed and headed out to work anyhow. Shortly after he left, I learned that the storm was so bad that even the Department of Transportation had stopped operations, and were no longer clearing roads. "Until further notice, assume all major roads are closed" was their report. Since Mike drives a semi truck, he obviously was unable to work, so he came home!

It snowed until noon, and the winds didn't die down until evening. We spent the whole day cooped up in the house...Barb Wire Man, Flower, Little Man, our huge rottweiler, our schnauzer, and me. It was crowded and a bit chaotic, but so enjoyable! Barb Wire Man built a fire, we played cards, smoked cigars up the chimney, played games, made chili and just enjoyed each other's company!

By noon, school had already been cancelled for Tuesday. Thanks to the winds, which ranged from 50 to 75 miles per hour, there were 5 foot plus snow drifts all over the place. Mail didn't even run, it was so yucky!

My kids are itching to go outside and play in the snow today, but it is still so cold! I'm making them wait until we at least hit 32 degrees...so far, its only 16. And honestly, I am as ready for them to go outside and play as they are. Barb Wire Man made it to work, but operations are still pretty limited because of the road conditions. I worry about him while he is on the road, so I spend a lot of time in prayer when conditions are like this. I'm thankful he is an amazing driver....it is all the other idiots I have to worry about!

Enjoy the pictures of our crazy, Texas Panhandle Blizzard!

This was looking to the south...even though we had over 11 inches of snow, there were still bare spots on the grass, because the wind had blown it away into drifts!

This was looking east, across the street, and one of the rare moments when I could actually see the houses. For most of the day, the wind blew the snow so hard, I could hardly make out the houses! On the left, you can see where the snow drift is actually taller than the fence!

This was looking south in my back yard! My poor little schnauzer couldn't even walk out into the yard or she would disappear! In fact, it was almost too much for the Rott!

Be blessed, and stay warm! I will post more pictures later!

Freebies! Everyone loves FREE!

2013-02-22T14:43:00.000-06:00

Some of my favorite free offers for YOU!

Swagbucks is my FAVORITE thing ever! I save up my points all year long, trade them in for cash, then use it for Christmas gifts! Fridays are always Mega Swag bucks day, too!

* I do get paid for each click...thank you for helping me pass these on to you!**

GIVEAWAYS!

2013-02-22T12:55:00.000-06:00

Awesome giveaways and contests!!

Enter for your chance to win $25,000 from Auntie Anne's!

*I do get paid when my readers click on the above links. This is how I am able to provide them to you!*

COUPONS!!!

2013-02-22T10:59:00.000-06:00

Since Fridays are the day I pay bills, I am reminded that I need to clip coupons and save in anyway I can! In full disclosure, I do get paid for these links, however, they are companies and links I use myself to save money! I do hope some of these coupons help save you money! I will try to post a few more as the day goes along, including some freebie sites and some giveaways!

AWESOME COUPONS

Busy Weeks...Rest Ahead?!

2013-02-19T20:46:00.001-06:00

What a long few weeks it has been!

Barb Wire Man and I were able to go to a banquet a couple of weekends ago to benefit a wonderful organization called the Outdoor Adventure Foundation. It is a wonderful organization! We just found out about it a few weeks ago, but quickly realized that it was something we loved, and want to be apart of in a larger way. We went with several of our friends, and had an amazing time...though the events of later in the evening do get a bit fuzzy for me. That's another story that may or may not be told later.

Flower had been feeling a little under the weather with tummy problems. She is queen of getting mysterious stomach aches anytime she must go to school/clean her room/unload the dishwasher, etc., so I had just brushed it off. Even her teachers, knowing she tends to get "tummy aches" weren't terribly concerned about it. However, on Sunday morning, we found ourselves taking her to the emergency room. Boy, did I feel like mom of the year! After blood tests, sonograms, and other tests, we finally found that she had a virus...H Pylori. And boy did it kick her in the butt. Three medications, a bland diet, and a week later, she was finally feeling back to herself. We both learned a lesson: sometimes she really is sick, and, don't lie to mommy about being sick, because then she doesn't believe it when you really are sick!

I also started painting Flower's room this weekend! I will post more on that later, along with pictures once it is finished, but it is a drastic change! She is so excited to finally have a room that is hers. It is beginning to look exactly how she envisioned it, and I couldn't be happier than to see her this happy!

Barb Wire Man has been working a lot, and I forgot how different our schedule is when Daddy is gone on the truck a lot. We miss him, but I am thankful. I'm thankful he has such a wonderful job, working for such great people, and I am thankful that he works so hard for our family.

I'm excited that I am going to have someone helping me out with some of my online stuff for my business! Between the family and household stuff, the daycare, the knitting, the online business, the promotions, and the blog, I am just swamped. I can't do it all, and for me to admit that means that I couldn't do it all a long time ago, and just wouldn't admit it! Hopefully, with her helping me out, I will be able to get much more accomplished all around!

On the same note, I have a new Twitter account! I was mixing my personal account with my business account, and it was starting to get a little confusing for me. So, do me a favor?! To keep up with the blog, and 13 Plum Knitting, please be sure to follow @13PlumCreations on Twitter! It would mean a TON to me!

Be blessed today, and have a wonderful week!

It is GIVEAWAY TIME!

2013-02-07T08:09:00.000-06:00

I'm running a little behind on announcing this on my blog (hey, kids have to come first, right?!), but that is OK...you still have a couple of day!!

I have been knitting my fingers to death on these awesome boot toppers that everyone is wearing....

YOU COULD WIN THESE!

AND YOU CAN WIN THEM!!!

I don't even have them up for sale yet on my Etsy shop, but you could WIN this pair! Once they go up for sale, this style will be $30, so get your name in the drawing soon!

What all do you have to do? Not much, really!

First, you will need to head over to my Facebook page: 13 Plum Knitting

There, you will see a big "SHARE IT TO WIN IT!" picture! Once you "like" my Facebook page, share the picture, and write "shared" in the comments!

THAT IS ALL! I will draw a winner on Friday (February 8), so head over NOW to get your name in the drawing!

National Tea Month

2013-01-28T05:00:00.000-06:00

January. January has many contenders for National *insert your favorite cause here* . Celebration of Life Month. International Brain Teaser Month. National Be on Purpose Month. January is even California Dried Plum Digestive Month. (Say what?!)

But, best of all, January is National Hot Tea Month!

I've purchased loose teas from Teaman on Etsy a few times, and have never been disappointed!

My mom and I have a love affair with hot tea. We drink it from morning til night. We are picky about what types of tea we drink. And tea pots... ooooh how I love tea pots!

LOVE this lamp from Thistle and Jug on Etsy!

"Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company." - author unknown

Did you know that tea was discovered purely by accident? In 2737 BC, in China, Emperor Shen Nung smelled the aroma from a pot of water, into which some tea leaves had fallen, and there it was! The first pot of tea! Then again.....some people say early Buddhist monks discovered tea.

"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me." - C.S. Lewis

Tea helps bolster your bodies immune system. It is packed full of antioxidants!

The prettiest thread catchers I have seen, from Beadinhandy on Etsy.

It is time for another cup of tea! Be blessed today!

Day of the Beer

2013-01-24T05:00:00.000-06:00

Remember I told you I found a list of some pretty crazy holidays? Well, here is one that will raise your eyebrows.

Today is National Beer Can Day! To celebrate, you will need to grab a can of beer, drink it down, and BOOM! You have a beer can!

Seriously, though who comes up with these holidays? And do they get paid for it? (Because that sounds like not so bad a job. I could come up with some good ones.)

Personally, when we finish a beer, it better go straight into the trash can. I hate picking up dead beer cans the next morning! If you are feeling crafty, you could make a few things out of those beer cans. Because, the only thing better than beer is recycling. Seriously! If you aren't the crafty type, just head over to Etsy!

From Redneck Traysures on Etsy

I got one of these motorcycles for Barb Wire Man last year! LOVE IT! And be sure to read the descriptions and such....true southern!

From Rehabulous on Etsy

Candles! Why didn't I think of this?!

From Pop Can Aviation on Etsy

Model airplanes!

While you are over at Etsy, please stop by my shop, 13 Plum Knitting! I'd love if you "liked" my facebook page, too, and I am even on Twitter!

Be blessed today! Now, if you will excuse me, I think I need a beer!

Why Yes, I am Pro-Life!

2013-01-18T05:00:00.000-06:00

It is no uncommon fact that I am very much pro-life, and today is National Right to Life Day.

From DJammar Maternity on Etsy

Now, I don't believe that government should dictate to us what we can and cannot do with our lives, bodies, etc., but I am, personally, very much against abortion.

I know people who have had abortions, and it isn't my place to judge another person's decision. But, as for myself, abortion is not an option.

From The Painted Monkeys on Etsy

There are alternatives to abortion! Just because the birth mother, or father, doesn't want the child, doesn't mean it isn't wanted!

So many women in our country want children so desperately. Adoption, to me, seems to be one of the greatest gifts a mother who is contemplating abortion could give to her child.

From CCWD on Etsy

Did you know that the heart begins to beat at 6 weeks?
At 11 weeks, the eyes begin to form.
They can also begin to feel at 11 weeks. That means that surgical abortions at 15 weeks can be felt by the baby!
At 26 weeks, the baby can hear.

But what about in cases of rape, or incest? Well, only about 1% of abortions are performed for that reason. 25.5% are performed simply because the mother just doesn't want to have a baby yet. (Facts according to http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_percentage_of_abortions_are_performed_due_to_the_mother%27s_life_being_at_risk)

From Words of Truth Designs on Etsy

Allan F. Guttmacher, known as the Father of Planned Parenthood, said himself that "Today, it is possible for almost any patient to be brought through pregnancy alive; unless she suffers from a fatal illness such as cancer or Leukemia, and, if so, abortion would be unlikely to prolong, much less save life." (http://www.nrlc.org/abortion/pba/HowOftenAbortionNecessarySaveMother.pdf)

From Helen's Corner or Etsy

Babies are blessings. If you feel a baby isn't going to bless your life at the moment, then bless another mama who desperately wants a baby.

Be sure to swing by 13 Plum Knitting today! Tweet? Check me out on Twitter! Facebook more your thing? I'm there too!

Deals of the Day!

2013-01-15T11:12:00.000-06:00

EVERYTHING in my shop is 40% off! The coupon code is listed in my "shop announcements!! Check it out...the sale is today only!!

13 Plum Knitting on Etsy!

20% OFF STARLIGHT ROOMS ENTIRE INVENTORY! Use coupon code OMGSWEET when checking out!!

Starlight Rooms on Etsy!

SADIES THE LADY is offering buy 5 bars of soap, get one FREE....PLUS $5 shipping!

Sadies the Lady on Etsy!

Rubber Ducky, You're the One!

2013-01-14T05:00:00.000-06:00

I found the greatest list of holidays: common holidays, strange holidays, little known holidays, and holidays that make you raise your eyebrows and say "WTF?!?!?!"

I thought I'd use that as the basis for a few posts, and use it as a way to showcase some really great Etsy sites!

Yesterday, January 13, was National Rubber Ducky Day. Or, as Little Man calls it, rucker ducker.

From With Love Boutique on Etsy

I'm left wondering who in the heck came up with Rubber Ducky Day. Bert and Ernie? But really, where would be without the rubber ducky?

From Mad Monkey Knits on Etsy!

Sitting in a bath tub, all sad because we had no rubber ducky to play with.

No rubber ducky races for fundraisers.

From We Bring The Party on Etsy!

No more...yeah....I can't.. I just can't come up with anymore.

From Ashito of Etsy!

Doesn't matter. Rubber Duckies are cool, obviously. Check out these awesome Etsy shops, and go give your rubber ducky some love!! (And check out 13 Plum Knitting, too!)

Be Blessed!