Fruit Smoothie

As I mentioned in a post about a week ago, I was frustrated with my health and feeling so fatigued.  I want to thank those of you who commented or e-mailed me to let me know you were thinking of me or praying for me.  Your kind words were much appreciated!

Thankfully, I am back on track and feeling much better as of this week.  I am incorporating some rest time into each of my days whenever possible, even if it is just 20 minutes, so I can re-focus on the tasks for the day and to give my mind and body some down time.  So far, it is working out well.

I drank a few smoothies during the time I was feeling so fatigued and wanted to share the recipe with you.  I love smoothies because you can use almost any fruit or vegetable, they're packed with vitamins and nutrients, and taste delicious.

Fruit Smoothie Recipe

I raided the refrigerator and found cherries, blueberries, yogurt, and milk.  I tossed about 1 cup of blueberries, 2/3 cup cherries, two individual size containers of yogurt, and enough milk to make it smooth into a blender.  Just blend the ingredients until they're blended well. 

It tasted great and it's pretty too!

I've also used frozen yogurt, strawberries, blueberries, and milk together with good results.  You can add flaxseed, protein powder, or vegetables to your smoothie too.  Just raid the refrigerator and pantry and see what's in there!

All my best to you!

Refurbished Metal Shelf

I'm not ashamed to pick up perfectly good items from the curb on my street.  At this point in time, my children are not embarrassed when I do this (that will come later I'm sure!), so I take every opportunity to turn my neighbor's trash into something useful.

For example, last week I left the house before my family awakened so I could pick up a few groceries.  On the way home, I spot this ugly metal shelf sitting on the curb beside the trash cans about a block down from my house.

 I have been thinking about getting a shelf for the back patio area so that various things that are lying around could be more organized.  So, I was a bit excited to see this shelf on the curb that day!  My first thought:  spray paint!  I must admit to having a love affair with spray paint this summer.  It's so versatile and can turn just about anything drab into something beautiful!

I tossed the shelf into the back of my van, rust and all, and brought it home.  When my husband went outside and saw it, he wanted to know why I picked up such an ugly looking thing.  I explained the method to my madness and then he understood perfectly.  He knows I just can't resist something for free!

I used sandpaper to remove the rust around the edges and then washed and dried the entire shelf to remove cobwebs and dirt.  

Here is the shelf with one coat of spray paint.  I used Krylon spray paint in the color "Nickel".

The transformation took the entire can of paint, but for $2.97, that's not a lot of money for a refurbished shelf!  I think it was roughly two and a half coats of paint over the entire shelf.

I love how it organizes my empty flower pots, candle holders, gardening gloves, and other odds and ends.  I purchased a few S-hooks for the side - they hold my trowels and tablecloth clips (well, at least most of them).

I'm tickled with my "new to me" shelf!  It's just what that back area of the patio needed for organization.

Have you found interesting things on the curb? 

I'm linking up with Amy at New Nostalgia for Anti-Procrastination Tuesdays.


All my best to you today,

Patience is a Virtue...or So I've Heard

 
I wish I could just accept that my body needs rest.  I am not a patient person!  I've been struggling with flu-like symptoms since Friday and after three solid days of rest - yes, me, I rested for 3 whole days - I thought I felt good enough and was past it, so I was pretty busy on Monday.  Well, today I am paying for that decision and I am frustrated on so many levels.  I want to be patient.  I have always wanted that character quality, but alas, I don't seem to be able to wait around until the Lord can allow it in me (wink).

So, given this turn of events, I have been trying to pray more often and to spend more time with my girls.  We have accomplished school the last two mornings, even if it was with me holding my head up with one hand and helping with school work with the other.  The Lord has allowed me to get that much done and I am so glad.  Perhaps He is trying right now to teach me patience.  To try and show me that I must slow down now and then in order to focus on the things that are most important in my life.  I want that, I really do!  My challenge is not to look around and see all the things that need to be done and not get completely frustrated.  Well, perhaps that's something else He is trying to show me, 'eh?

I have always been the person who pushes, pushes, and pushes some more.  My Momma has told me for years I need to learn how to relax.  Now there are other loved ones in my life, both family and friends, who tell me the same.  Hmmm...is there a pattern here?   

Then there is the guilt.  The guilt about all that I'm not accomplishing...all that I'm not doing each and every day.  The worst adjective someone could use to describe me would be "lazy".  I have always disliked (intensely) the phrase "Lazy Susan"!  Ugh!  Call me normal, call me frumpy, call me almost anything else, but lazy would be the ultimate insult for me.  Is this pride?  Is it?

Is this normal?  Am I the only mom who home educates and works from home who feels this way?  I think I just heard a resounding "no!" in blog land...at least I hope so...

Would you be willing to pray for me this week?  Please pray that I would learn what it is the Lord wants me to learn and that I could try and focus my energies on those things that He would have me focus on each day.  Please pray that I would learn patience and that I would truly learn how to rest.  That I would somehow understand and know in my heart and mind that it's ok to rest and relax and put my feet up now and then (and not drown in guilt while doing it!).

I appreciate your prayers, if you're willing to join me on this prayer journey.  And, just for reading my rambles, I thank you.  Going to lie down again for a bit and rest (still not sure that isn't a 4-letter word of sorts...)

All my best to you and yours,

Things I've Learned This Summer

The leaves aren't crunching beneath our feet nor is the air cool and crisp, and yet the school year has begun seemingly without notice.  Has your summer gone terribly quickly? 

I feel as though we have once again blinked and it's time again for getting the girls up on time, school work, field trips, co-op, soccer, and much more.  Before I know it, the holidays will be upon us!  I am so not ready to think about that yet.

 
I've been reflecting on the things I've learned this summer and thought I'd share them with you. 

• Hospitality isn't about my home being perfect - it's about the door being open, friends and family being greeted with a smile and perhaps a hug, and making each and every person who comes through feel welcome.  I've had such fun with friends and family this summer!  My girls love spending time with their friends and I think this summer has created some great memories for them.  At least I hope so.
• Inexpensive potting soil is just that - cheap.  Miracle Gro is my brand from now on! 
• My girls don't care what I look like in a swim suit - they just want to spend time with me in the pool!  I've gotten past my own insecurities and been in the pool with my family and plan to do so a few more times before the summer ends.  This may not sound like much, but considering I have not been in a pool or swimming with my girls for probably 8-9 years, this is huge for me.  My girls were hugging and kissing on me and it was great!  Ok, so much for vanity - in I go!  
• Sitting still and doing "nothing" is okay now and then.  I confess this is a frustrating concept for me.  For some reason, I feel guilty about relaxing.  I am working on it...and I must say that I've put my feet up a few times this summer and tried to relax.  It's not easy for this Type A personality!  
• Badminton is so much fun!  Love playing with my hubby and girls!  We played too with my sis-in-law and husband and it was hilarious.  I think we have started a new tradition! 

It may not seem like much and none of it is mind-blowing, but they are lessons for which I am thankful for this summer. 

Have you reflected on your summer at all yet?  Lessons learned?  Great memories?  I'd love to hear about them! 

All my best to you today,

Popsicle Stick Puzzles

It's that time of year again - school has once again begun for many students or is going to start very soon.  When my girls were younger, they made popsicle stick puzzles. They had a blast making them and then putting them together.  This is an easy craft and one that could be used for both preschoolers and younger children.

How to Make Popsicle Stick Puzzles

You can collect popsicle sticks throughout the summer and wash them or you can purchase sticks brand new at your local craft store.  I bought ours at JoAnn's and used a coupon, so they were very affordable.

Each puzzle we made used 10 sticks, but you can use as many as you like.  Just make sure you have enough room to draw a picture on one side.  Tape the sticks together in a row and number the backs 1-10 (or to the number of sticks you use).  You can see the little "H" next to the numbers here - that was so my girls knew whose puzzle was whose and the pieces didn't get mixed up.

Once you have the sticks taped securely together, turn over the whole thing and draw a picture on the front with markers.

 

 It doesn't have to be a complex picture, just something simple.  Some ideas for pictures:  fish, dolphins, flowers, shapes, numbers, bears, cats, dogs, trucks, etc.

Remove the tape when you're done with the picture and mix them up.

Now watch the fun while your children put the sticks back together in the right order.  Encourage them not to look at the back where the numbers are!

We found these simple popsicle stick puzzles were a hit not only with our girls, but with our Junior Church students as well, so if you teach a Sunday school class or work with children in any way, this could be a fun and inexpensive craft for you.

Enjoy!

Multitude Monday...Blessings!

Good Monday morning to you!  I must confess I have the song, "Monday, Monday..." going through my mind.  My body wanted to stay in bed this morning, but my mind was telling me, "get up and get busy!".  My body won until about 6 a.m. which is sleeping in for me.  Now I'm trying to launch my week by writing a few articles and posting here on my blog.  I hope your Monday is a blessed and productive day!

My blessings...in the spirit of Multitude Monday...



53.   Decaf coffee I actually enjoy drinking
54.  A visit with my dear Friend Cathy - we've been friends since 7th grade!  She is more precious to me than I can express.
55.  Visiting with Cathy's family too - her children are wonderful testimonies to the love of Christ
56.  Watching our girls play in the pool and giggling
57.  Playing badminton with my hubby while chatting about this and that
58.  Warm summer breezes
59.  A day of rest...now and then...
60.  The jobs the Lord has allowed my husband and me to have, especially during this time of economic uncertainty
61.  True friends
62.  The blessing of home educating our two girls
63.  Fresh cucumbers from the garden
64.  Blueberries
65.  The quiet of early morning
66.  Scrap quilts
67.  A comfortable bed
68.  Scripture that makes me feel loved
69.  Breakfast cooked for me by loved ones
70.  My Momma's laugh
71.  My Daddy's jokes and cartoons
72.  Homemade jam on toast and waffles
73.  Dangling my feet in the water while listening to the waves (need to do this again soon!)

All my very best to you this morning,

What Happened to the Simple Life?

I don't know about you, but I long for the simple life sometimes.  I still get a taste of it when I go home to visit my parents and brother, but I can't seem to instill the simpler life into our children.  It's weighing heavily on my heart and I'm not sure what to do about it.  I mean, how many kids do you see now without a cell phone, i-pod, or other electronic gadget in hand most hours of the day?  Not many...although I will say that our two at ages 8 and almost 11 do not have any of them and we don't believe they need them at this point because they're pretty much home with us most of the time (we home educate).  If they are not with us, they are only with friends or family we know and trust to take care of them and know we would be contacted if there was a problem.  Otherwise, it's like the "old days" when people didn't have cell phones and it was normal for people to go an entire day (gasp!) without chatting with everyone they knew unless it was for a real purpose - like to arrange a time to spend time together. 

About a year ago, my husband and I were walking through the mall with our oldest daughter (10 years old at the time).  We spotted three girls maybe 12 or 13 years old walking toward us.  All three of them were texting while walking.  They weren't interacting with each other, but just walking with dead-pan expressions on their faces while the fingers flew.  My heart dropped when I looked on this scene...all I could think about was our girls doing the same thing in a few years!   (If we have anything to say about it, they won't!)  My husband remarked, "you know what's sad, they are probably texting each other".  You know, he could have been right!  What has happened to the art of conversation?  We have replaced it with texting and e-mail.  We've replaced face-to-face conversation with modern technology.  That scene of those three girls still plays over and over in my mind (and of course, we see it all the time now).  Ugh, I don't want to see our girls substitute the emptiness of texting and e-mailing for the true art and joy of face-to-face or telephone conversations.  

My parents still have the corded phone on the wall in the kitchen.  Yes, they are "with the times" with their cordless phone, but they have adamantly refused to get cell phones and I for one don't blame them.  They live the life!  They have several acres on which they cultivate a large garden and a small orchard.  They have two horses, three dogs, and of course lots of wild critters who wander about in the yard now and then (until the dogs see them of course!)  When they travel, I don't know where they are or how they are...which can be nerve-wracking for me (the one who does carry a cell phone wherever I go), but they are determined to truly go on vacation.  That means leaving behind home, house, and all that goes with it for a period of time when they can relax and enjoy sights they wouldn't normally see otherwise.  Ahhh...to have that freedom.  Yes!  I gotta say, they are doing something right.  When we go visit, I feel at peace.  I feel like things are right with my small world.  There is something to their way of living! 

What happened to simpler times?  For example:

• Girls playing with dolls and dollhouses
• Crafting/sewing
• Boys catching bugs and playing (harmless) pranks on their sisters
• Girls dressing up and imagining they are the mom, bride, or princess
• Hopscotch
• Reading aloud to your children
• Card games and board games
• Music played on the radio or (dare I say it?) a record player (instead of in the ears)
• Devotional time
• Running through the sprinkler
• Playing games in the car to test our brains
• Going to church as a family on Sunday
• Washing the car by hand
• Jump rope
• Taking a well-deserved nap in the afternoon because you've worked all morning
• Gardening
• Just sitting down and chatting with a friend 
• Holding hands with your spouse
• Hand-written thank you notes

I will say that we see some of the simple pleasures of life enjoyed by our girls.  They love catching lightning bugs, playing board games together as a family, making S'mores over the fire, camping, and washing the car.  But, we also have our share of computer time, television time, and time listening to music too.  Sometimes those things bother me.  They don't "sit right" with me.  I feel the family being torn apart by technology and electronics sometimes.  Yes, they're great for so many reasons, but they can also be the catalyst that brings families down...at least that's my humble opinion.  Striking the balance is the tough part for me...


It's as if I feel the "real" things in life slipping away and being replaced by empty technology.  I'm scared to death that we will lose our grip on what has meaning in this world.  Yes, I know that the prince of darkness roams this world, but God is still in control.  I know that He has our best at heart!  I know that He wants the best for our girls.  I want our girls to be different than the world.  They are just as drawn to the world as I am at times...convenience, immediate gratification, etc.  But, if we can keep them young and innocent for just a little longer, what's the harm in that?  I am terrified of losing my girls' hearts to the world.  Lord, help me to not allow that to happen!

This post has rambled a bit, I realize...my heart is heavy today and I'm not sure how to express everything I'm feeling in a way that "nails" it.  Even writers have a difficult time expressing themselves at times. 

Does anyone else feel this way?  Are you struggling with how much technology to allow in your childrens' lives?  Do you feel this generation is losing its grip on the meaningful things in life?  I'd be curious to hear your thoughts.

Well, must go get ready for my day.  We're meeting my parents today for lunch.  We do this sometimes - just drive halfway and meet in the middle to spend a few hours together.  I love these times and wish they could be more often.  I must be on time!  See, they don't have cell phones...so there is no way to reach them if I am running late.  Hey, there's a great way to stay accountable and be on time!  (smile)  I always pray for their safe travel there and back and today will be no different.  I trust in the Lord to take care of them. 

Thank you for bearing with me today!

All my best to you,