Laundry

Just read a post about 20 steps to make laundry day easier. I was confused as to how you could come up with 20 ways to make it easier. That seemed like a lot. And laundry doesn't seem that difficult to me. I read it and they seemed practical. But I still don't understand why articles like this don't mention to just wash all your clothes on cold water. We do about two loads of laundry per day. I just get the clothes out of the hamper and put them in the washer. Add soap and turn it on a super load with cold water for a normal cycle for all clothes. Then if I have enough towels to wash that day, they get washed on a super load with hot water as an extra heavy load but still the normal cycle. Hope I don't offend anyone by suggesting it's ok to wash all clothes on cold. It is so much simpler for me to do a couple loads a day without all the sorting. I guess the fact that I don't iron may help too. Is there a good reason to separate your darks and lights and wash them at different temps? I have been doing it all on cold for so long I've forgotten.

Imagination Improved

Okay. My boys do have imagination. And lots of it! Last night they were making chalk roads with barriers in the way for their remote control cars. They had to get around the barriers to get their "driver's license" they said. Well, that was what the oldest said. He also said that he could make mistakes while driving now because he had his license. I guess we have some teaching to do on that one! Maybe that is the same concept many drivers out there have today.

The boys have also spent a lot of time making videos this week, making up stories together with their toys, and making race tracks that go all over their room for their cars. The greatest thing is they were mostly doing these things together. All three of them in the same room with minimal fighting. Thank you God for blessing my kids with imagination! May I remember these times when the constant imitation comes again.

No Imagination

I am wondering... Is it still called imagination if you are only imitating what you have seen and heard? It seems that my kids are constantly discussing or quoting or imitating something they have seen or read. I'm trying to sort out my thinking here but I don't want this to be me complaining. Anyway, I would really like for my kids to talk about more real life things. But even when they talk about real life things it is usually about which toys their friends have or what that friend has seen on some show. I think maybe I am expecting them to think more like adults. I am really confused. Sometimes I just want to chuck the TV, all videos, and all computer games so they will go play and make something up on their own instead of the constant imitating. Maybe I am not spending enough time watching their games. Maybe they aren't doing as much imitation as it seems. Just every time they are around me. Maybe I need to give them more real life things to build upon. But how do I do that? Any ideas?

Mother's Day

Well, today was the day. Mother's Day. I am so blessed to be one! Sometimes I am so overwhelmed with these blessing God has given me. The task seems to much for this one lady. In truth, it is too much. It is only by God's strength and guidance that I can care for and nurture my 3 young sons. Thank you for choosing me to be their mom, dear Father!

Here is a short synopsis of my day. My two oldest sons upon hearing from their dad that we didn't have enough money to take mom out for lunch decided they wanted to give the money they had to take us all out for lunch. So, they along with gift card Jeff received for a video he helped put together took us all to Red Lobster.

I said short didin't I. I was starting to get long. Back to short. Maybe I'll elaborate later.

Early morning Happy Mother's Day wishes from all my boys!

A reading of Proverbs 13 by my oldest son at breakfast! Followed by prayers of thanksgiving for me being their mom. (How humbling!)

Worshipping God with all five of us crowded on one end of the pew even though the whole pew was available!

Receiving a beautiful yellow long stemmed rose in Bible class as I was honored along with all the other moms!

Lunch at Red Lobster paid for in part by my oldest two sons!

Finding a lost dog, trying to figure out how to find it's owners, keeping it in the backyard, walking around the neighborhood trying to see if anyone recognized it or if he seemed to know where he was going. (Not my favorite part of the day but at least he is a nice tame dog. He seems healthy. No biting, no barking, and not much jumping. And NO! we are not keeping him!!!!)

Having yummy homemade jamocha ice cream together made by dad!

Watching a special mother's day puppet show put together and performed by my oldest!

Cuddling on the couch while watching a movie! All five of us on one couch for much of it!

Talking to my mom (Please pray for her knee. It keeps giving out on her and she doesn't know why.)

Spending a bit of time visiting with my neighbor who brought over some dog food for the dog! (Thanks T!)

Being invited to be someone's friend on facebook who I wasn't sure liked me!

Sitting on the swing outside with the fam!

Enjoying a smoothie and a mini game of connect four which I won!

Wow! I sure am blessed! Glad I went back to keeping it short!

My Toys!!

Charlie runs in the room a little out of breath, opens the front door, and says "Can someone unlock the door for me?" I'm thinking maybe someone has come to the front door and he is concerned I won't here them knocking. So, I look out the door. No one is there so I unlock it and he runs outside saying, "There it is! My monster trucks! I left them outside!" He was so excited to rescue his trucks! So pleased to have them back. He valued them greatly, for this morning at least. These small toys were of utmost importance. Not losing them was critical.

I began wondering, "How many things are like that for me?" What do I value? How many times do I see an opportunity to sit and cuddle with my loved ones as a most valued treasure to be seized and rescued? What about rescuing or seizing integrity, gentle words, kindness, patience, honor? When I have left these treasures out in the cold, will I run to them and bring them back inside or will I shun them and replace them with cheap imitations that will bring frustration to my house? What do you need to rescue and bring back inside your house?

Doing Whatever I Want 2

Well, I spent 3 hours or so at Walmart this morning. I know, not your ideal place to shop when you have the day to yourself. But for me it was good. I tried on and found some nice looking clothes that were on mostly all under 10.00 each. I got to stop and look at whatever I wanted to look at. I bought myself some lip stain (I've never tried it before!), lip liner, and mineral foundation without having to look around to see which boy was getting into what or who was poking who and singing some song to annoy the others. I even got sunglasses and some earrings! Woo Hoo! I feel like a woman again! Well, at least I feel like I got to buy some girlie things! Got a couple of nightgowns too! So, even though I wish so much time hadn't passed while I was there, I enjoyed myself and keep repeating I can do whatever I want!

I spent a little bit of time at Mardel's looking around and getting a couple of things. Then got me a burger and shake at Sonic. When I arrived home there was a phone message from Jeff saying to call him as soon as I was able. I called to learn that Charlie had cut his finger on their hike bad enough to need stitches. The doctor said he nearly cut the tendon in his pinky finger. Charlie is fine now and Jeff is headed back to the campground to get the other two boys. I don't know if they will come on home now or what. I want him to do what is best but I was looking forward to several more hours.

Funny thing, I have the mixed feeling of wanting them back here and yet wanting more time to myself. So, I'll do my best to enjoy the time I have left without worrying about Charlie. I know he is fine and God is taking care of him. So, what next? I'll keep you posted after I enjoy the rest of my day. Enjoy yours!


I am trying to enjoy whatever time I have left but it is hard knowing Charlie is hurt.

Doing Whatever I Want

Woo Hoo! I can do whatever I want today! With some hesitation I have opted out of the cub scout camping trip. They will be back tonight but I have the whole day to spend as I please. Wow! How long has that been? What will I do? I have plans but I can change them any time I please. I look forward to spending my day whatever way I want but I know I wouldn't want it this way everyday.