tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24723651416892995572009-12-18T13:46:12.888-06:00The daily, sometimes hourly, musings of a homeschooling mom of four surviving on prayer, friendship and lots of Starbucks. Some days my cup runs over and some days it all spills out the cracks...and I wouldn't have it any other way.happyhomenoreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-54009687228093309862009-11-25T11:09:00.004-06:002009-11-25T11:27:47.686-06:002009-11-25T11:27:47.686-06:00

The purpose of hospitality is to bless, not impress.Many of us will be hosting family and friends this week for Thanksgiving. Maybe we've spent hours already cooking and cleaning in anticipation of the big day. Have we stopped to think about WHY we're doing all we're doing? Do we want everyone to think we're great decorators? Immaculate housekeepers? The epitome of Martha Stewart and the

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-61608573052989503552009-11-16T13:47:00.004-06:002009-11-16T14:02:28.393-06:002009-11-16T14:02:28.393-06:00

Picture if you will...you're standing on a tennis court, racket in hand. Across the net from you stand four players, all of whom are hitting tennis balls at you as hard and fast as they can. You have no hope hitting them all as they zing past, narrowly missing your head. Forget hitting any winners, you will simply settle for surviving. Finally in frustration, you throw down your racket and

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-21050770117217652832009-11-10T19:45:00.004-06:002009-11-10T19:52:07.922-06:002009-11-10T19:52:07.922-06:00

Looking for an new recipe to get you out of that cooking rut? This one is easy, deliciouso and low-fat. Sausage Pasta3/4 pound of your favorite pasta (I use whole wheat angel hair)1 tablespoon olive oil1 pound spicy Italian sausage OR kielbasa1 onion, chopped4 cloves garlic, minced1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth1 teaspoon dried basil1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoesfresh spinach1/2 cup grated

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-8266990015935008552009-11-09T18:23:00.004-06:002009-11-09T18:43:50.577-06:002009-11-09T18:43:50.577-06:00

Just for the record, file this one under "completely random thoughts".It's been a busy fall, but I'm sure the two readers I have left can attest to that fact. A trip to Idaho to visit family and friends kicked things off in September. Though exhausting, it was good to see everyone again. We followed that up with a trip two weeks later to Colorado for Ash and Rajeev's amazing wedding. "For I know

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-45234414722251999852009-09-11T11:08:00.003-05:002009-09-11T11:15:39.527-05:002009-09-11T11:15:39.527-05:00

"Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature and we responded with the best of America." President George W. Bush, 9-11-01We all remember where we were the day the World Trade Centers fell. The day the Pentagon became a memorial. The day, over a field in Pennsylvania, ordinary people became heroes. In the days that followed, flags flew proudly and we stood together, united as no

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-30515384480609959722009-09-10T15:30:00.003-05:002009-09-10T15:48:58.229-05:002009-09-10T15:48:58.229-05:00

I've been musing quite a bit over the last few months about this whole "turning 40" thing. At first I was just down right bummed. 40? Seriously, how did that happen? As I've had time to think about it, I've come to the realization that 40 can be fabulous, depending on how I look at it. OK, I won't go so far as to agree with the Hollywood set who says, "40 is the new 20!" Yeah, whatever...they're

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-4634681993548274872009-09-08T09:14:00.004-05:002009-09-08T09:17:44.422-05:002009-09-08T09:17:44.422-05:00

God does not comfort us so that we'll be comfortable; we are comforted by God so that we might be comforters. Marvin Williams

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-1267738404820861962009-08-24T15:40:00.003-05:002009-08-24T15:53:10.154-05:002009-08-24T15:53:10.154-05:00

To everyone who has felt the pain of losing a baby, please take a minute to read my friend Cate's blog. It is an amazing portrait of a loving heavenly Father. One who is there in every moment, every ounce of pain, every second that forces us to question, "Where were you Lord?" If we are brave enough to ask the question about our most vulnerable moments, we will hear Him whisper "Right here".

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-74856515273194502002009-08-24T07:59:00.003-05:002009-08-24T08:33:07.003-05:002009-08-24T08:33:07.003-05:00

The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, "The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" ~ Lamentations 3:22-24Do I believe that? Can I look at the circumstances of my life and trace the loving hand of God? When I think of Him, does His

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-52104689850192238662009-08-22T12:22:00.004-05:002009-08-22T12:39:56.846-05:002009-08-22T12:39:56.846-05:00

It's the little things that make me happy...dark chocolate, iced coffee, hugs and kisses from my kiddos, dates with my sweetie and my new Swiffer Wetjet. Strange I know. I don't normally get excited over cleaning products. I could easily get excited over hiring a house keeper, but cleaning products I have to use myself? Not so much. I picked up one of these beauties on sale at Wally World

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-77708511950751580612009-08-20T06:30:00.005-05:002009-08-20T06:52:45.014-05:002009-08-20T06:52:45.014-05:00

I pulled a muscle working out on Monday and have been gimping around ever since. Not quite Quasimodo, but close. From the moment I came hopping in the door in tears my kids have been amazing. Once they got me settled, they were bringing me things I might find helpful - a whistle (in case I need one of them to help me), pillows, coffee, even E's favorite green blankey (she let me hold it for all

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-19341192729458347382009-08-19T08:26:00.003-05:002009-08-19T08:54:18.343-05:002009-08-19T08:54:18.343-05:00

The beloved story of Narnia is one that captures the hearts and imaginations of young and old. Who wouldn't love stepping through a magical wardrobe to find themselves in a different world? To meet a whole cast of characters different from ourselves? To fight an epic battle between good and evil, knowing you are on the winning side?Such is the tale of the Christian life. We become a Christian

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-28851129002208278802009-08-13T08:29:00.004-05:002009-08-13T08:41:28.885-05:002009-08-13T08:41:28.885-05:00

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8Today I am incredibly thankful for the Holy Spirit who reminds me of truth. It doesn't seem to take much for our minds to become filled with junk...things the enemy

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-58087731321800224502009-08-11T07:47:00.004-05:002009-08-11T08:23:57.800-05:002009-08-11T08:23:57.800-05:00

Even though Fred may be gone, he seems to have left quite a mess in his wake...sort of like the clean up following a hurricane. The storm itself can be devastating, but what's left as a result is certainly no picnic. I think it's how we choose to deal with the clean up that determines what things look like after the fact. Do I rebuild the same house and put up the same decor, going on with

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-65950639410220801852009-07-20T08:01:00.003-05:002009-07-20T08:29:57.027-05:002009-07-20T08:29:57.027-05:00

"Ministry"...what is it and why do we do it? Ministry is one thing - an outpouring of our passion and love for the Lord. It is the fruit of a life lived for Him. As a result of single minded devotion, we serve Him wherever He places us. Large or small, the job is irrelevant. What matters is that service is our way of saying "thank you" for His sacrifice in our lives.Unfortunately, all too

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-78782292099158991222009-07-17T07:21:00.005-05:002009-07-17T07:46:17.844-05:002009-07-17T07:46:17.844-05:00

1. Quickest way to ruin a perfectly good day? Swimsuit shopping. Yep. Does it ever time.2. Not being the most coordinated person in the world, I tend to shy away from step aerobics classes. Showed up this morning at 5:30 for a step class. Now, had I KNOWN it was a step class I would have kept my uncoordinated self tucked nicely in bed. No harm done and I did get a good workout...it just

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-53731317033611777122009-07-15T07:32:00.005-05:002009-07-15T08:26:01.355-05:002009-07-15T08:26:01.355-05:00

...that is certainly the question running through the minds of most homeschool moms this time of year. What sort of plan do I need for the coming year? How much detail? Yearly? Quarterly? Weekly? Little color coded boxes? What do they need to study and how will I ever get it all in?Honestly, the very idea of planning out the entire year gives me hives and sends me running for the iced coffee.

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-14552247812552965372009-07-13T07:13:00.005-05:002009-07-20T10:34:54.941-05:002009-07-20T10:34:54.941-05:00

18 years ago today I walked the aisle to become a Mrs. to my favorite Mister. Couple that with the five years we dated and it's been...awhile. In case you're trying to do the math before your coffee's had a chance to kick in, we started dating when I was in Kindergarten.It's been a wild ride at times. Life's funny that way. The twists, turns and stomach lurching drops combined with the slow, lazy

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-36920145198799921952009-07-08T08:54:00.007-05:002009-07-08T09:01:18.454-05:002009-07-08T09:01:18.454-05:00

Continue Onby Roy LessinA woman once fretted over the usefulness of her life.She feared she was wasting her potential being a devoted wife and mother.She wondered if the time and energy she invested in her husband and children would make a difference.At times she got discouraged because so much of what she did seemed to go unnoticed and unappreciated."Is it worth it?" she often wondered. "Is

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-44994459544776784892009-07-04T07:35:00.008-05:002009-07-04T08:29:57.101-05:002009-07-04T08:29:57.101-05:00

"The Bible is the rock on which our Republic rests." Andrew Jackson"Millions will be on their knees at once before their Great Creator, imploring his forgiveness and blessings; His smiles on American councils and arms." John Adams (speaking of the national day of fasting and prayer called at the beginning of each session of Congress)Did you know the first law beginning and governing our public

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-56939982219480523812009-06-27T19:22:00.003-05:002009-06-27T19:38:27.028-05:002009-06-27T19:38:27.028-05:00

1. It is too hot to actually live in Texas. You might want to visit, but I would suggest not staying long.2. I snagged two, yes two pieces of Pampered Chef stoneware at a yard sale today for $1 each. Yeah for me!3. New bed for dear son #1 - $50. Surprising the boys with their own space to hang out- $200. Watching hubby's face when I shared my brilliant plan and asked him to move three

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-80985350123463233362009-06-23T08:07:00.005-05:002009-06-23T08:42:03.083-05:002009-06-23T08:42:03.083-05:00

A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. Ecclesiastes 3:2I had one of those "aha" moments this morning. You know the kind. You've read a verse many times and suddenly it jumps off the page and hits you upside the head. God works that way with me sometimes...He knows I'm a bit hardheaded.In my "aha" moment, it struck me (pun intended) how planting and harvesting

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-67506248619975452372009-06-11T07:13:00.005-05:002009-06-11T07:32:59.835-05:002009-06-11T07:32:59.835-05:00

Parenting. Just when you think you have some things "sort of" figured out...boom...it all changes. With two of the four falling into the "pre-teen" category in our house, things are definitely changing. I thought the baby and toddler years were tough - sleep deprivation, potty training and constant redirecting of behavior. Now we're dealing with excessive testosterone, a desire for

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-79110503078274925732009-06-04T15:52:00.006-05:002009-06-04T16:04:54.181-05:002009-06-04T16:04:54.181-05:00

You think I'm joking. These are seriously the best cookies you will ever make. Unfortunately, I can't take credit for the recipe...stole it from a friend. Try them out. Your family will rise up and call you blessed.1 stick of butter3/4 cup of butter flavored Crisco1 cup brown sugar1 cup white sugar2 t vanilla2 eggs3 1/2 cups flour1 t salt, baking soda and baking powder1 bag chocolate chips (this

happyhomenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472365141689299557.post-85155493753724231492009-05-31T14:36:00.004-05:002009-05-31T14:51:08.176-05:002009-05-31T14:51:08.176-05:00

If you're like me, your first reaction to reading that headline was, "What's the catch?" Nothing is free right? This deal is as close to free as they come and will offer your family loads of fun this summer.Kidsbowlfree.com is offering two free games per kid, per day through the end of October. Click on your state to find participating lanes and see if there is one near you. You only pay for shoe

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