Random Thoughts: The New Year/Life Updates Version

I'm BAAACCK!

It's been a few days since I've posted anything on the ole blog here. A couple of reasons. I'm sure I'll get into them in what is sure to be a widely entertaining and often rambling post.

I'm sure you can't wait. Instead of boring you with my life's novel, I have decided to do all updating in an orderly fashion.

I love a good list.

1. The Big Black Dog

I have sad news. Solomon (the Big Black Dog aka the Rottweiler) died just after Thanksgiving. We knew he probably wasn't going to make it through the winter. He had lived an awfully long time for a Rottweiler.  His deep black coat had turned red and gray and he was painfully thin. He was still faithful to try and crawl into the car and sit on my lap when we first arrived for our Thanksgiving holiday. That was 169 pounds of Big Black Dog, by the way. I always had special feelings for Solomon. We were living with my parents when they brought him home as a puppy. It was a particularly painful and tough season in our lives. I was in active heart failure. We had resigned from our church and were basically homeless. Solomon would crawl into my lap and put his great puppy head on my shoulder. He was a welcomed playmate to a busy little Josiah. As he grew into that great massive dog, my little nieces would ride him around like a pony.  He was really the best dog. We're going to miss him.

2. 17! 

This baby turned 17! I can't even stand it. My mom took his usual birthday pictures. He spent most of his time trying to be cool about flinging his hair out of his eyes. That is a lot of hair to manage. I've mentioned his fascination with 80's rockers. He has dreams of glorious hair.

Me too, buddy.

The car belongs to my nephew. It used to belong to my brother and before that, it belonged to our great uncle. At least, I think that is the chain of ownership. At present, the car doesn't have an engine. But it is really great to lean up against when one is trying to look cool.

3. Surgery

When last we spoke, I had just had my surgery. I have really done well, but it has taken me a bit longer to recover than the average Joe (or Josephine).  This is one of the reasons I have tried to lay lower than usual. Let's be honest. 2018 wasn't a banner year for me as far as my health goes. I seemed to have hung on by the hairs of my chinny chin chin. By the time I had the surgery, I had about 3 functioning brain cells and even those were dodgy.  I wasn't even able to read a book....which left lots of time for Netflix binging watching. Which, I'm pleased to tell you, I am really good at.

Overall, the winter months are really tough on me. I am hoping that I can prevent some of the nastier effects by focusing on good habits.

4. 'Tis the Season

I always approach the end of the holiday season in two different minds. I am always a little sad it's all over. On the other hand, I am THRILLED it's all over. Thankfully, we had a great holiday season. Unfortunately, I have no photographic evidence.  You'll just have to take my word for it. We got to spend time with family. And I was able to rest when I needed to rest. And I got some really great stuff. One of my favorite things was a porch swing! I have been talking about wanting one for quite some time now. The Muffin and some of our sweet friends from church went in on one. It's red and hangs from the rafters of our porch.

I'm in love.

I do have one final confession about Christmas. I still have a small pile of Christmas cards that need to be mailed on my coffee table. And, yes,  you bet your bippee I'm going to mail them.

5. New Year's

I am always a big maker of resolutions. This year is no exception. I always think it's a good time to reflect on the direction of one's life and how one could live more beautifully and fully. For one, I need to focus on developing my routines and rituals. I have a tendency to fly by the seat of my stretchy pants. I have come to realize, however, that flying by the seat of my stretchy pants isn't necessarily the best plan for me or my "issues."

Plus, I want to do so much...I need a few routines in my life to accomplish what I want to accomplish. Our yearly Downton Abby "binge-a-thon" is quickly approaching. I need to be on my game!  One of our traditions for the past several years has been to binge-watch Downton Abby during the winter months.

It's the little things, my friends. 

I think I've said all I want to say for now. I've got a list of things I want to do today and time seems to be passing. I've got all of our sheets in the washer and a pot of coffee brewing on the counter.

Have a GREAT New Year!

Saturday Random Thoughts

Happy Saturday, my friends! 

I'm presently encamped in the corner of my comfy couch. I've got a long "to-do" list for the day and I'm trying to muster up some motivation to get 'er going. 

I've not even had a hot beverage yet. 

It's been a while since I've treated you to one of my "Random Thoughts" posts, but I figure I'm long overdue. 

You're welcome.

1. Josiah has taken to wearing the same pair of 80's sunglasses 24/7. I've had to threaten him within an inch of natural life not to wear them in church. He even wears them at night. And I'm pretty sure there is a song about that somewhere. Here is the deal. I'm trying to pick my battles. Battling over a pair of tacky sunglasses with a 16-year-old boy is probably the least of my worries. Plus, I'm hoping he'll move on to a new obsession. Let's hope it doesn't involve a mullet. 


2. The Muffin and I are once again wrapped up in our annual viewing of Downton Abbey. It's our tradition. We start at the very beginning (a very good place to start) and go from there. We figure that we'll be done just in time to start the new When Calls the Heart season. Sappy...I tell ya! Though we are woefully unaware of most popular television programming. With the exception of the aforementioned When Calls the Heart the only other show we keep up with is Fixer Upper. 

3. I'm sure I've mentioned this a time or two, but since the beginning of October I have been going to cardiac rehab several times a week. Now I am not having major issues...so don't worry that my heart is being all funky again. There are just a few nagging things to worry about and cardiac rehab provides a safe way to keep on top of things. I absolutely love my therapist, Maggie. She is one of the few people who know my actual weight. I'm the kind of person who would rather not admit something is wrong or try and ignore potentially gnarly health issues. Going to rehab several times a week has forced me to pay attention to what's going on. I think I need a Maggie in every area of my life. Laundry, for example. I need a Maggie for laundry.

4. Have I mentioned that it has been COLD this winter? I might have. Cold doesn't like me. It teases all these pins and screws I have holding me together. It's always a little tempting to fall into a big ole pity party. AND then I feel sorry for myself for feeling sorry for myself. I continually have to remind myself that I have been on this journal a LONG time. It can't be all sunshine and roses every single minute. That would just be exhausting. Sometimes it's good just to take my mind off of myself and spend a little time with a little mindless entertainment. Which leads me to my confession. I LOVE DR. PIMPLE POPPER on youtube! There. I said it. I enjoy watching a dermatologist excising cysts, removing blackheads and scrapping a Seborrheic Keratosis. I can't even begin to tell you why this is. I was the girl who took Anatomy and Physiology 1 in college and spent the entire semester with a scowl on my face. However, Dr. Pimple Popper has been my guilty pleasure on youtube. Who can feel sorry for themselves when somebody else has a lipoma the size of Nebraska hanging out the middle of their back? 

You got to take it where you can get it, my friends. 

5. Josiah has just started a couple of classes with a homeschool co-op. He is taking Graphic Design and Theater. He told me that this past week he had to read both Paris and Mercutio from Romeo and Juliet.  He also told me that he had an easy feeling that someone was going to ask him to perform on stage at some point. Which, we all know, is generally the idea of a theater class. I did have to threaten him with bodily harm if he wore those crazy sunglasses in class. That's all we need. I have also decided that I am going to increase his anxiety level by making him watch the Romeo and Juliet ballet on youtube.  I know what he will be thinking. "Are they going to make me wear those tights?" I figure any boy who insists on wearing those 80's shades will just have to be okay with some spandex. 

So that's it for now. I have a list of stuff I need to do and my Saturday will be gone  before I know it. Plus, I've got a strict pimple popping viewing schedule to keep up. 😁

Friday Randomness

In honor of Fridays everywhere...Some Randomness. 

1. The Muffin and I feel like quite the gardeners this year. We spent Monday looking for 2 inexpensive planters to put some tomato plants in. This is the deal. We got the plants on sale at Aldis for .49. We didn't want to spend that much more for planters. We wound up finding 2 good-sized buckets at The Dollar Tree. The Muffin drilled some holes in the bottom and now we're living the dream. 

You have to know that for a good number of years during our married life we had a good-sized garden in or backyard. Since living in The Apartment on the Second Floor we've had to make do with wishing. and hoping. and dreaming. 

2. I think it's a possibility that my son is trying to break a "no shower" record. Or at least see how many days he can wear the same clothes. Your talk about funky. There isn't a stink quite as stinky as a Teenage Boy in Summer stink. 

3. So Cousin Camp is quickly approaching. I have been busy planning and ordering things like "miniature fairy garden mushrooms." I just found out my brother got us a bunch of Starbucks coffee. And being that I put Fudge Making on the list as one of our activities, I can say that it is looking to be a pretty good time. 

4. Anybody else have a problem with binge-watching a show? My 2 shows lately have been Larkrise to Candleford on Amazon and Call the Midwife on Netflix. The Muffin things I have an obsession with Great Britain. He's probably right. You know you have a problem when you start throwing around phrases like "top notch and tickety boo." 

5. My Muffin got me a Fit Bit for Mother's Day. It is amazing! And somewhat quite disheartening. For one, I don't move around as nearly as I thought I did. We can safely say that I am not in the least bit hyperactive. Couch Potato is my super power. 

6. Weekend plans? The Muffin's birthday is on Monday. My parent's celebrate their anniversary on Sunday. At some point I will make a cake and wrap the secret birthday gifts I have been hoarding underneath my bedside table. The one thing about both of my guys...they aren't nosy. I have literally hid Josiah's Christmas gifts in plain view and he's never even batted an eye. Now me? I have always been eternally nosy. I used to go out of my way to peek when I was a kid. Now I like being surprised. Which is always a struggle. Do I read the back of the book or wait until the story ends naturally? It's a problem. 

Have a great weekend! 

Breakfast Ramblings (and Okra Pickles)

At some point I am fairly certain I am going to receive an award for being the best wife, EVAH!

Yesterday morning I was up early with The Muffin (try 5:00am) helping him search for a variety of objects he needed to pack in his work bucket.

While he was stuffing his bucket with apples and MiO he told me that he had been forced to eat okra pickles every morning this week for breakfast.

What?

Who does that?

Apparently men who can't find anything to eat for breakfast. Except for maybe okra pickles.

Don't judge me, please.

I was fairly certain that he'd at least reach for the bread and peanut butter. That's exactly what happens when our 13-year-old son can't find anything to eat.

Last week, I made The Muffin beautiful breakfast sandwiches and lovely wrapped each one up in red cling wrap left over from Christmas. I rocked it.

Last night I made up for the disgraceful way I have treated breakfast in this house.

I made pancakes.

I even made homemade syrup (mostly because we were almost out of syrup).

This morning he was up bright and early for a bike ride. He and his buddy plan on going 80 miles today. The Muffin has been sniffling with miserable seasonal allergies so I worry about him.

Can you blow your nose and ride a bike at the same time?

I'm pretty sure he did not take a box of Kleenex with him.

In any event, I was up again making sure he had what he needed.

And (drum roll, please) I made him a blueberry smoothie.

See? Wife of the year.

It's about time for Josiah to get up. Boys of 13 are always hungry.

I wonder if we have any okra pickles left?

Random Thoughts: A Winter Update

Okay.  I've been missing in action on the blog this week.

So I've decided to dedicate this post to a Random Thoughts...to update you on the comings and goings and other nonsense in my life at present.

This will probably be more nonsense than you need for a random Thursday.

Pour yourself a cup of tea. This might take a while.

1.  For the past few months I have been doing some genealogical research for my Aunt Susie. This is a picture of a quilt that was used by a young man in the family who hiding from Bushwackers during the Civil War.  He hid in a cave deep in McDonald County (Southwest Missouri). His mother and aunt brought him food and helped him stay alive. Fascinating stuff! The quilt hung in a museum for a time. It is at home at my parents' farm. Right now I'm in the process of scanning a pile of old  yearbooks. I think this stuff is so interesting. It is much more interesting than, say, laundry.

2. A few weeks ago it was sunny and 75.  The Northeast was battling a blizzard. We were wandering around in our shirt sleeves. On this particular fine Sunday afternoon my Mom chased Josiah and cousin Chris away from the video games and out of the house. You can see what happened next.

Boys.

My mom's Australian Shepard (Amy) tried so hard to get up there with them.

This is Solomon (The BBD...Big Black Dog). That, my friends, is the look of love.

He wuvs me.

Solomon and Amy played a game of...I'm not sure exactly what game they played.

But involved a little of this.

And some of that.

She got him!

Then they played again.

I guess it was his turn to win.

Solomon is one BBD. I'm just glad he decided not to play the game with Mom and me.

3. About a month ago, The Muffin fell coming home from work. We live across the street and his commute is pretty easy going. Only this time he fought the curb...and the curb won. It has been a long and drawn out process, but we found out that actually fractured his arm. He won't have to have surgery or a cast. I can tell you that he has been such a trooper. He has worked and just kept on going.

Valentine's Weekend found us at the VA clinic (Veteran's clinic). All the Vets who came in got to eat their fill from a huge table of cookies and kool-aid. And they all received a lovely Valentine's letter. The Muffin's came from Grace. So sweet. I am currently on a sugar fast so I abstained from cookies and Kool-aid. Josiah was thrilled. You can imagine. We don't feed the child. At all.

4. This week we've had our SNOW of the year. At least I hope this is about it. Don't complain to me about your 10,000 inches of snow. We are hillbillies. We don't do this snow thing with much grace or ease.  The Muffin has been THRILLED. He is from the frozen tundra of Indiana. The beauty of living in the Ozarks is that the weather is as temperamental as our chickens. Next week we could have summer.Fo Shizzle.

5. We don't take many 'snow days' as homeschoolers. We take off when it's sunny and 75.  Josiah didn't get much of a break this week. Though the boy doesn't have too bad. He is doing science on the computer in his room...surrounded by his football guys and wearing one of his many football hats. Not to mention he's not bothered to put on a shirt. What a life. We sure have it rough!

6. Today Josiah made sesame noodles. He did such a good job. He's decided, however, that he doesn't like the sesame seeds in the 'sesame noodles." Josiah did eat 2 plates of his noodles. The most challenging part about teaching my busy boy to cook is teaching my busy boy to cook. I think his brain goes a million miles an hour in a hundred different directions. He is just plain fun.

7. I don't have a picture to accompany this last thought. I thought about googling "cute and fit girl working out" and then pretend that it's me. The truth is I haven't exercised in weeks! My usual routine happens during Josiah's swim team practices. I've had a hard time getting things together. I feel so much better when I exercise, but I think I'm dealing with some anemia (not to mention our cold weather). I am eating really well, taking my supplements and drinking plenty of water. I just need to get moving again. Ugh. I wish there was some sort of magic switch for motivation.

That's about it!


Have a wonderful (and warm) weekend!

Random Thoughts (The Expired Tags Edition)

So I've been a bit of a turkey coma. And I've been stuck at home 'cause my car is illegal. At least it's illegal for me to drive...my tags are expired. More on that in a minute.

In honor of my Expired Tags I am going to provide you with a few Random Thoughts.

You've been warned.

1. So The Muffin took my car last week to get it inspected. Yes. I know that we were pushing it to the limit; That's how we roll. It was the end of November and my tags expired in November. We should of known better. But again...That's how we roll.

2. 9 times out of 10 my car will not pass inspection. The realities of driving an older car are grim. But cheap. Bertha the Buick is paid off. This time she needs an inner tie rod and some sort of back light. I called our family mechanic (who is my brother...who by the way is not really a mechanic at all, but just a whiz at fixing things). He was working double shifts and told me he couldn't get to it until this weekend. Being that it is now December....

3. You know how you have wonderful plans and then...BAM! Well. My experience hasn't been that dramatic. I was actually excited to have a week at home. I had a really good excuse for staying home. No Wheels! I was going to do laundry. Clean off my table. Wrap Christmas presents. Do crafty stuff. And make my family yummy meals. Sigh.

4. I am really one of those kinds of people who need to eat holiday meals at other people's houses and then just go home. Otherwise I eat leftovers. You know what I mean. Leftover turkey. Leftover mashed potatoes. Leftover gravy. Leftover pie. And more pie. We had 9 pies! And a birthday cake.

5. I have spent this week in a fog and with achy bones. My corner of the couch has been well-used. I need to clarify something, I suppose. We actually went to my Mom and Dad's for Thanksgiving. We all cooked (when I mean "we" I mean the girls). Then we stayed put. Mom and Dad went to OHHH-Klahoma to watch Baby Sister's Middle cutie in The Nutcracker. She was performing with the Moscow Ballet. Very special stuff. Meanwhile, The Muffin, Josiah and Cousin Maddy had the run of the farm...and the leftovers.

6. I'm simple. Nothing I like better than a good book, some quiet and a piece of pie.

7. Sadly, Pie doesn't like me.

8. And then there was my Birthday Boy. 13 on Thanksgiving!!!! We celebrated with Grandma Teague's Redcake Recipe (only I made it green). I could say I made it green because I wanted it to match his "Football themed" birthday, but I made it green because I found .49 green food coloring at the Discount Grocery. Which is just about as good as The Thrift Store.

9. Unfortunately, I don't have pictures. At least not right now. We took pictures on my Mom's camera. I was digging frantically in my purse for my camera. Never found it until we got home Sunday night. I'll share ASAP. Josiah is a bit obsessed with Football. Just a bit.

10. Do you have your tree up? We don't. So sad. Our Christmas stuff is in a storage building in another town. We were going to go out tomorrow morning to get it, but The Muffin is working overtime. The plan is to go Saturday some time. After, of course, my brother takes a look at Bertha the Buick. Such drama! I've told myself I at least need to get my table cleaned off before bringing home the Christmas buckets. Instead I've been doing a little bit of this and that(while sitting on my corner of the couch).

11. So Thanksgiving evening the Girls (my Sis-in-law, my nieces, my mom and me) all sat around the table and colored. We were some coloring machines. My mom has started designing some beautiful Zentangle coloring pages. Part of her job is teaching Art to Seniors at the Nursing Home.There are some therapeutic benefits to Zentangles.

Isn't he just as cute as he could be?

This is one of my favorites. She can't keep enough copied for her sweet old folks. Anyhoo. We spent Thanksgiving night just coloring and laughing. It was a precious time.

12. As part of my devotions and quiet time, I doodle. I have been doing it a while. It helps me focus and meditate. Right now I am doodling Scripture for Advent. I think this is Day 3.

This is Day 1.

This is Day 4 (which was today). I'm still not quite done. It has been a wonderful way for me to really get the Scripture in my heart.

13. They don't take me too long....but can you imagine the laundry I could have been doing? It is hard to look around and see things undone when you have made a commitment to spend time in the Word and Prayer. But it is so important to make that time the priority.



14. We had a sad loss on Tuesday.

My sweet Great-Aunt Nadine passed away. She and Josiah adored each other. They were great friends. We actually got to see her on Sunday. Josiah got to hug her neck and even wheel her back to her room. I can't tell you what a blessing it has been to be able to share this precious lady with Josiah. Every time she saw him she said, "You know I love you, don't you?" Those who knew her loved her. She was kind and funny. Josiah has been sad. He's asked a few more questions about death. He is worried what would happen to him if something happened to his Dad and me. This morning he came in and told me, "At least, I will be able to see her in heaven."

Isn't that a wonderful thought?

Have a beautiful and blessed evening, my friends.

Random Thoughts on a Tuesday Night

I think it's time for a few random thoughts. I haven't expressed any in quite some time.

Run. Run while you can. There is still time.

I'm feeling especially random this evening.

1. I found the picture that is posted above on my camera. I was downloading pictures I had taken on a field trip we went on to the George Washington Carver National Monument. I'm not sure, but I think Josiah is making a movie. I hate to even ask who this guy is playing.

2. So the whole family has upped our workout game. The Muffin has been escorting me to the Y 3 days a week early in the morning. He isn't able to get on his bike as often and he wants to keep his cycling mojo. I gained like 10-15 pounds living it up this summer and need to get the weight loss train moving again. Josiah just likes to go to flirt with the ladies. This week he met an 84-year-old doll who is originally from France. Oo-La-La!

3. The Muffin and I also celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary on Sunday. We haven't exactly celebrated yet. I did make a cake for our fellowship after church on Sunday evening. You can't get more harty party than me and the Muffin. Next year I might even spring for some ice cream.

I do have to brag on the man a bit. He cleaned our bedroom for me as a surprise for our anniversary.  You don't understand. Our bedroom looked like the backroom of one my favorite thrift stores. It was completely stressing me out. I was so touched I cried. He even found my favorite pair of stretchy pants. This is a good man. Some girls might like flowers. I fall to pieces when somebody else changes the sheets on my bed.

4. Josiah is deep into swim team practices. Yesterday I took a whole bunch of review materials I had just received to swim team practice with me. Most parents just bring a book. I'm seriously trying to multi-task. I'm also considering taking all my bath taking stuff and hitting the showers tomorrow night. I only wish there was someway I could get a few dishes done during swim team practice. Somebody needs a chill pill.

5. My Car. I have affectionately named her Bertha the Buick. She is obviously a Buick. I could have named her O Wretched Vehicle Who Doesn't Have Heating or Air. But that's a mouthful. For the past month, The Studly Muffin and I have had car drama. His Ford stopped working. Then Bertha broke down at the Pizza Hut. Strangely, both cards needed new fuel pumps. 'Cause we have to do things in a big way around here. Both cars are fixed now. At least for the time being. You can't drive old cars for too long without something going wrong. I'm just happy to have wheels again.

This week Bertha started making squeaky noises. I tried to describe them to my brother and my husband. You can imagine how that worked out.Then The Muffin took Bertha for a drive. Wouldn't you know she didn't squeak once?

6. I broke my computer. Literally. Nuff said.

7. We had to purchase a new one.

8. That's the way I roll.

9. Is it strange that my son likes to watch Newshour on PBS? His favorite is Judy Woodruff. I should mention that he will be 13 next month. He has talked about Judy for a few years now. I just had to wrestle the remote away. I am deep into a "Chuck" marathon on Netflix. News. Who needs it.

10. I have started writing a book of reflections and thoughts. I promise not to mention Dr. Who, Downton Abby or Chuck. Maybe. I can't guarantee any of that. I am sure the world is waiting for my thoughts on Pride and Prejudice, Colin Firth and the rest. This book will be less random. I never wanted to write the great novel. I'm not that deep.

11. That's all I've got. Actually, what I do have is a sink full of dishes. These people in my house think that they need to eat on them. Can you even imagine?

Random Thoughts: While the cake is cooling....

Shew!

My week has flown by. Between a homeschool convention last weekend and sick boy for most of this week...Not to mention I'm at least a month behind schedule.

Enough complaining. I've got some Random Thoughts to share tonight. So while I'm waiting for a cake to cool so I can frost it (because I can't possibly be bothered with cleaning off that stack of odds and ends on my table), I'll do some rambling. Lucky you.

1. I love our local Homeschool Convention. Popular to contrary belief, I don't know everything.
Attending every year gives me a much needed boost of inspiration and is a healing balm for my weary mind. This parenting/homeschooling gig is tough stuff. Our Homeschool Convention is reasonably priced and just down the road a bit from me. Which makes it doable on many fronts. This year I was smart and wore comfy shoes. One of my best buddies also brought me a fanny cushion. I love her. My fanny was nicely cushioned all weekend. I think I need to start carrying one with me...for all those random fanny sitting moments.

2. This year the convention just so happened to coincide with the Color Run. 1000's of runners/walkers gathered in the grassy patch right next door the convention center. You could see the Tutus from a mile away. We did get a glimpse of the participants after they had been blasted. They kind of looked how I feel most of the time. A bit dazed and confused.

3. Wednesday morning Josiah woke up with snot. This wasn't ordinary snot. It was the never ending fountain of snot. He finally took to stuffing Kleenex up his nose. He also insisted that he was perfectly fine to go to swim team practice. He had a change of heart when I (graphically) explained the meeting of snot and pool water. His nose is still running. Though it is now more of a trickle and less like a gusher.

4. So I'm in charge of Easter desserts. I did volunteer. Mostly because I could make something I could eat. But here's the thing. I am not a baker. I have a few standbys I can manage without total disaster. However, Holidays are usually when I have the worst luck. I started my baking this afternoon. Along with supper. I had a coconut cake, chocolate cake with white chocolate cream cheese frosting, chocolate chip cookies, twice baked cauliflower salad, pan fried fish and roasted brussel sprouts....all going at the same time. The real food was for supper. I need to maybe work on time management. Ya think?

5. Today's disaster involved the coconut cake. My go-to recipe is extremely rich and definitely not sugar free. I attempted to recreate it using more healthy ingredients. I was envisioning a tall, beautiful and luscious coconut cake. It didn't happen. About 7pm I was on my way back to the store. This time I got ingredients to make one of those old-fashioned poke cakes. They are hard to mess up. The jury is still out. It's the cake cooling on the counter. At least my other desserts turned out. .

6. Josiah insisted that he go with me. He made the chocolate chip cookies and has been my sous chef all evening. He told me that he needed to inspect the ingredients. I have a feeling it had more to do with snagging a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup at the checkout. He was disappointed. Mama don't play.

7. On our way to the store I pulled up to an old car. The whole engine was exposed. The car was as rusted as could be and loud. Very, very loud. There was a beautiful girl sitting in the passenger seat who, when we stopped at the stop light, looked over at me apologetically. I smiled at her as we silently commiserated over the clunkty-clunk of the old car. The driver was a young man who was probably her boyfriend. He had this "aw shucks" persona and practically beamed with satisfaction. Josiah couldn't stop staring. I could see stars in his eyes. "That car is cool," he said. As they drove away the girl put her hands over her ears. We could see a variety of wires and pipes hanging from the bottom of the car. It looked like one of those "do-it-yourself" battery kits. Josiah's already making plans for his cool, rusty car. I'm thinking I need to invest in ear plugs.

8. The Studly Muffin took Josiah on a bike ride today. They road 10 miles. I thought for sure that Josiah would be ready for a nice, long nap this afternoon. No such luck. That boy has more energy than the energizer bunny himself. I don't get it. He wears me out just looking at him. He will come home from swim team practice after doing consecutive 200s in the pool. And bounce of the walls. Remind me to tell you of the call we got last week one night about midnight. It seems someone was bouncing around in his room. And possibly reenacting the Revolutionary War. Or at least a Jedi battle.

9. Easter plans? We are heading to the farm tomorrow (Easter desserts in hand). The Muffin has some fishing on his mind and Josiah is anxious to meet up with the cousins. I would like to paint my toenails. Is that too much to ask? I wore flip flops today to the grocery store. I'm sure the state of my pedicure was enough to frighten small children. I'm such a girl.

10. Well. My cake is cool and it is time for phase 2. Frost the thing. I want to leave you with one of my favorite songs. It is one I can listen to not just for Easter, but all year long.  It is absolutely fantastic.

Have a blessed Easter weekend...

My Weekend in Pictures

It's been a little quiet on the blog. I had computer trouble. My laptop decided that it didn't like being connected up to  internet anymore via WiFi.  What's with that? I like to be able to wander around with my laptop. Being tethered to a desk cramps my style. Thankfully, my mom is some sort of computer whisperer. I am now propped up in the corner of my couch with my laptop. All is right with the world again.

So. This girl turned 42 on Friday. I had a wonderful day and a beautiful weekend. I wanted to share a few (relatively) pictures. With limited commentary. Maybe.

I can't believe I am posting this. This was the morning of my birthday. I intended to take a picture of my cute headband. I must have gotten distracted and possibly startled (hence the strange expression).  I don't do selfies. And this, my friends, is why. Plus, it looks like the maid forgot to clean the mirror.  Not to mention you can see my double chin in all its glory.Anybody got some duct tape?

The Studly Muffin and Josiah first took me shopping. Yay! And then we went and had Sushi for my birthday lunch. Do you know how many years I've chosen Sushi as my birthday lunch? Neither do I, but it's been a bunch. I didn't get any pictures. I was too busy eating.

We headed to Joplin (about an hour away) after lunch to pick up a bike The Muffin had ordered. Yes...I know it was my birthday, but he had ordered it 2 weeks ago. Plus, it was a gift to me to see how excited he was. I love this man!

After shopping The Goodwill in Joplin (which is a great Goodwill), we headed to my parents' farm. My mom made fish tacos and This.

It is a Gluten Free, Sugar Free Carrot Cake. Oh, yes! It was delish. Recipe coming later. I promise. I wrote it down.

There was also this. Homemade Mango Sorbet. Yummy. Sugar Free.

Saturday morning was cloudy, but perfectly lovely.

Josiah attacked a trash pile. We burn our trash out in the country. Trash service doesn't get out everywhere. Josiah stood over it like a sheep herder of old. Nothing was getting by him. He loves burning trash. It must be a boy thing.

My Dad did gardeny things. This little patch is quite vibrant during gardening seasoning. Now it's plot of nothingness. Wow! I'm getting kind of philosophical in my old age. I am not sure what he's planting. Old age has done nothing to help me there.

The afternoon was spent at my Great-Aunt Ruby's 95th Birthday party. We all got in the car and headed 30 miles south to Anderson.

This is my Dad, Aunt Phyllis and Aunt Ruby. My Aunt Phyllis is one of my Dad's older sisters. He has 6 sisters. Yes, sir! He is 3rd to the youngest. 

Aunt Phyllis made cake. And punch. And this was not Sugar Free or Gluten Free. But who can turn down such yummy treats at her Great-Aunt Ruby's 95th birthday party? Not this girl!

After Aunt Ruby's party we headed south just a bit more so we could show Josiah the cliffs that hang over the road. At least I think it was south. I do know we used to go this way when we visited Aunt Nancy and Uncle Gerald and they live in Arkansas. Which is most certainly South of Missouri. Didn't think you would get a geography lesson today, did ya?

There were canoe rentals, etc. everywhere along this stretch. Which sounds like fun if I were into canoes and such. Which I'm not.

Ooo. Cliff's and stuff. And a sign for a windy road. And my Mom's little hedgehog/bear/dog thingie. Aren't you glad you stopped by the blog today?

There is one part of this road in which the cliffs almost completely hang over the whole road. Pretty nifty. As long as there aren't any falling rocks.

This is a little restaurant outside of Anderson in a cave. I really wanted to stop, but nobody else in the car acted like they were so inclined. There was also a great dollar store...Another day!
 

Sunday (after enjoying temps in the upper 60's) we enjoyed some of this.

I'm still cold. And it reached 66 today. We better have a great Spring. That's all I'm saying.

Meanwhile, this old woman needs to go do something productive. I think that mirror in the bathroom needs some attention.

Random Thoughts: It's Me Again

It's me again (Margaret).

If you haven't heard that song by Ray Stevens you need to catch up. Really.

I decided that in honor of my late night wanderings (I'm having trouble settling in)...I would post some late night Random Thoughts.

You've been warned.

1. So Josiah and I ran an errand this afternoon to Wal-mart. "Attention Wal-mart Shoppers! Please be advised that a pink cropped tube top is not proper shopping attire." True Story. I heard a little boy exclaim loudly to him mom, "Hey, Mom! I just saw a lady who wasn't wearing her top!" At least it wasn't my little boy. Though those little ones call it like they see it. He only said what the rest of us were thinking.

2. So it was almost 80 degrees here in the Ozarks today. And later tonight we have a chance of snow. I know other states complain about their changeable weather. Did you know that it's a proven and scientific fact that the weather (out of everywhere in the country) is the most changeable right here in Springfield, MO? No wonder we are all a little 'techy.'

3. I am tethered to my modem. I have a laptap. My laptop, however, is having a bit of an issue with the wifi adapter. Don't ask. I don't know what that means. It probably needs I need to get myself and my laptop to Best Buy ASAP. It's always something.

4. Speaking of something. My birthday is Friday. I will be 40 something yet again. I plan on being 40 something for the next 20 years. I think I need shoes for my birthday. I got the cutest pair at a resale shop last week. They are so cute I didn't even wonder if I would be able to walk in them. Let's just say I will only be able to wear them on quick trips...say through the drive thru. I need cute! But I also need comfort. That's what happens when you turn 40 something.

5. So I am leaving you (Thank Goodness!) with a little Ray Stevens. This is not "It's Me Again, Margaret." Which might be disturbing for some of you who are reading this post late at night. Instead, I am sharing with you The Mississippi Squirrel Revival.Classic.

Night all!

Random Thoughts: I Thought We All Had Bangs

I know! It's been a while since I've posted anything "Random." I know you've missed my ramblings about nothing in particular. It's the best part of your week, right? 

Before I start (rambling), I want to take just a minute and address a very sad occurrence that has happened in my community. A young girl was taken from the street and murdered by a local coach. I can't even believe I am typing this and that I'm including it in my "Random" post. I tried to write a post about what had happened and my feelings, but I didn't think it was appropriate right now. Not that I don't have my opinion...but it's not my story. It is about a beautiful young girl and her family. I think it's going to be a long time before my community comes to terms with this. Things like this just don't happen here. We are all hugging our babies a little closer today.  Would you please extend your prayers and thoughts to all of those involved? 

Now that I've shared just a little of my heart...here we go!

1. Okay. So maybe I'm not done. I really think that we have to be careful not to make other peoples tragedies about us. Here me out. How many times do you see something happening around the world and out of the blue a certain "group" shows up seeking publicity for their cause. Are you kidding me? I'm worried that it's going to happen here. I would discourage such actions. You don't want to get a bunch of hillbillies riled. Just sayin'...

2. Speaking of hillbillies....My mom and I took a bit of a detour a few weeks ago in search of a Mennonite grocery store. It's a long story, but here is just a little taste of where the GPS lady led us. 

Oh yes, she did! This picture is just one of many views we saw our on our journey. My mom made an adorable little video chronicling our trek, but I still need to upload it. I will share...I promise! I will say this. I was driving.

3. Next time, I'm thinking we should take my car. Not that Mom's little Geo Tracker didn't get the job done. But my car has a whole back seat full of stuff I need to get to the Goodwill. It has been this way since before Christmas. Don't judge me. It's been cold. It's not easy to be generous and industrious when you're cold. However. I was thinking that next time we get lost at least we would have supplies. No telling what I have back there in my donation bags.

4. I seldom get huffy. It's just not in my nature. I might have a "beef" with you, but you probably won't know it. There was an instance this past week, however, that almost "done me in." Okay. Here is the deal. When I go to the YMCA there are only certain machines I can use because of all the pins and screws in the lower half of my body. My favorite machine is called the "nu step." One day this week I went up during Josiah's Swim Team practice and a lady was using the "nu step." That's alright. I can share. I popped myself up on the treadmill and started walking. This is where it got hairy. The lady hardly used the machine at all! She was using it as a sofa to watch Dr. Oz on the big screen in front of her! Of the 30 minutes I was on the treadmill, she probably used the machine a total of 3 minutes. So. Do I say something? Do I politely recommend that she move over to the recumbent bike next door? Not me. After all, the world isn't going to end. Maybe she gets poor television reception at home? Maybe she can't do two things at once...like watch TV and exercise?  It's no skin off my nose.

5. The Studly Muffin has jury duty this morning. He was originally scheduled for Tuesday morning. Then Wednesday morning. Now it's Friday morning (his day off) and he is sitting up at the courthouse with 186 other conscientious citizens. We had planned a day out. Instead I am forced to do housework and Josiah has to finish his homework for the week. Never fear. Our justice system is in good hands with The Muffin. He is wise. I'm all like "You people better just be nice! Don't try and tell me you were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Next time do what your mama told you to do!" Can you tell I have just a few issues?

6. Apparently, I have StarKiller living at my house. One of Josiah's favorite Christmas presents has been a Star Wars video game he got from his Grandma and Papa Teague. The main character's name is StarKiller. Josiah has decided that StarKiller is an absolute fantastic name and therefore wishes to be called such. Whenever I have hollered at him (for various reasons), "Josiah," I hear this voice in the back...."It's StarKiller, Mom!"  One of these days I am going to use this memory as a tool to my advantage. I'm thinking it will be a fun story to tell his college buddies..or future wife.

7. I have to share a funny story. This is not my story. It is Baby Sister's. She has a Random child. Baby Sister, herself, is not Random.  Payge is Baby Sister's youngest child. She is a delightful nearly 5-year-old who among her other amazing qualifications can speak "dog." True Story. Just ask Payge. This past week the family was at supper. Paula (Baby Sister) and her dashing husband Greg were discussing something (I'm sure it was grand) and Payge pipes up in the middle of nowhere. "I thought we all had bangs?" The rest of the family just stops and turns in her direction. What? Where did that come from? There had been no discussion of bangs or any other hair issues.  This is just further proof that no matter who you are and how well your head is placed on your shoulders...your children might just inherit your older sister's Fruityness. Just go with it.

That's all I have for today! My son has been making strange comments about apparently starving. Silly boy. He knows where we keep the peanut butter.

Randon Thoughts: Beke And the Messy Room

So. Like most of you I have been up to my glittery eyeshadow in Christmas preparations. I'll let you know how it all turns out, but for now...I'm a bit streesssed. I have only myself to blame.

It's been a while since I've shared a few Random Thoughts with you. In honor of my busy, crazy existence I am going to do just that.

1. I am currently failing miserably with my healthy eating plan. It's not that I'm completely piggin' out. Let's just say that I am not being as careful as I need to be. The pound of candy I've ingested isn't helping the waist line (or my blood sugar). I'm almost ready for the New Year...just so I won't be inundated with all the unhealthy goodies. I just can't handle it at this point. Boo.

 2. Instead of cutting up my veggies and making smoothies I am spending time on things like this.

Yes. That is a flower made from my trash. In particular a Peanut Butter Captain Crunch Cereal Box. In my defense, I normally don't fill the house with sugary cereals (for one, they are too tempting for my afternoon snack)...Some days, Mama just has to do what Mama has to do.

I can't remember where I got the tutorial from, but I also created this one.

This one is made from my Mom's discarded watercolor projects. You know what they say...."Another man's trash (or mama's)...." I am putting them on packages. I apologize right now to all those family members who received their packages unadorned. I was inspired by this project after I delivered your presents. You know who you are. I owe you a trash flower. Maybe next year.

3. I have been known to stitch up an apron or 40. This year my apron business wasn't quite as busy. I made 40 million satin flowers instead. However, there were a few of my repeat customers who wanted to bless someone with one of my Scrappy Aprons this year.

  

 I can't begin to tell you the unpleasantness that went on with my sewing machine this year. At one point I had both my sewing machine and my mother's sewing machine out on my table The Study Muffin is a patient, patient man. I have fabric bits and pieces strung all over the house...not to mention the stray straight pin. Next year I'm investing in some fabric glue. 

4. Below is a picture of the puzzle that will never end.

 

The pic in the middle is actually just the illustration for the puzzlers to follow. We just have the outside edges done and The Muffin did most of it himself. This puzzle has 1000 pieces. Why did I think this would be a good idea? You can see that we are just using it as an extension of our coffee table. Josiah's feet, a couple of remotes and a stray pattern piece all have found their way to the puzzle board. I'm just not bright enough for this.

5. Holiday shoppers are craaazzy! The first weekend in December we were blessed. The Ozarks had a snowstorm. My Indiana boy was unfazed. We loaded into the car and went to the mall with the other 20  people who thought it sounded like fun. The mall was great. We ate at the food court (yuck), shopped (or did our best impression of it) and had a little bit of ice cream (which could be why my diet isn't doing so great). There were no massive crowds of people to herd me around. To be honest I get a bit twitchy is crowds. Today I went to Walmart and I had to take a minute in the car just to decompress before I left. All I needed to do was pick up a prescription. It was like the entirety of Southwest Missouri came to my Walmart to stock up for the winter. At 10:00 this morning. You know what I'm talking about. I've still got this tic in my left eye.

6. So we've had some change of plans for our Christmas holiday. This change of plans involve family coming to my house. Don't get me wrong. I love company. I miss having people in and out of my house. Looking around, however, I noticed that I really need to clean my room. I'm about to reveal one of my deepest, darkest secrets. I have always had a messy room. Well. I can't say always. But, for the most part my bedroom is always the last room in my house to get clean. It was messy when I was 2. It will be messy when I'm 42. Now that I think about it....I think I should make having a peaceful, clean room one of my New Year's Resolutions. I told you. The Muffin is a patient, patient man.

Night All!