You just don't know...

Sunday morning my husband and I decided to take the kids out for breakfast to our favorite hometown restaurant. We hadn't done that in awhile and thought it would be nice. The place was very busy with hunters coming in from the woods (it's white tail deer season in our area), and church-goers coming from and going to services. With our family of five, there were only two choices to sit, both being in the middle of the room. Now I don't mind sitting in the middle of the room, it's just not my usual choice. Makes me feel like I'm in a fishbowl. But when it's the only choice, I'm honestly ok with it. Let me stop right there for a second and explain something. We have a very strict rule in our home...no electronics at the table. No IPods, cell phones, ear phones, or games. It's dinner time. We talk! My husband and I follow the same rule. For that short amount of time the rest of the world can wait. So back to my story. On the way to the restaurant, my husband was explaining that he had read online about a new bug that was discovered in the ocean somewhere. He was describing it to us and thought we'd like to see a picture. So when we arrived, we all took a seat, and he pulled his phone out while still discussing this bug he had read about. It's about this time I noticed a gentleman and his wife leaving a table to my left. He was a larger in stature figure, and went behind our table (out of his way) to get to the door. As he crossed behind our table he grabbed my husband by the shoulders and half whispered to him, "Man, put your phone away and enjoy your family" and continued on to the door. Neither of us had seen this person before nor know who he was. Now, I have two problems with this scenario. One, how did he know that my husband wouldn't just start swinging and knock him in the nose? He didn't know us...we didn't know him. Two, he was communicating with his family. We were waiting for him to pull up this picture of this bug he thought was cool. I guess my point is this. Don't judge people you see in public. Don't assume you know what's going on at the table next to you. And certainly don't approach someone you don't know just to give your opinion. We were having a nice conversation with our family and were a little freaked out by this. So please, keep you opinions and comments to yourself. Because you just don't know...

Thoughts and Prayers...

Sunday November 17th, 2013 will be forever etched in the minds of all those who live in Central Illinois. At approximately 11:05am a tornado touched down in Washington, IL. This is about an hour from my home. The devistation this tornado caused is unlike anything I have ever witnessed. It looks like a war zone. One week and 4 days before Thanksgiving. Every interview I've heard, everyone has said the same thing..."We had very little time to prepare." "We didn't even have time to get to the basement." On Sundays, my husband and I don't get up early. We like to lay in bed as long as possible. Our children are old enough to care for themselves, and working opposite shifts we don't get a lot of time together. So we use that time to catch up on each others weekly happenings. Well this particular Sunday, we were awaken by someone at our door saying, "There's a tornado headed our way! Get up!" My heart goes out to all of those who will now have to rebuild their homes instead of buying Christmas presents. To those who will have to depend on a shelter to feed them, instead of buying the Thanksgiving turkey. And to those who lost everything, and have no where to turn. Please, if you do nothing else today, say a little prayer for these folks. They need it. You can read about the devistation here.

Lots of catching up to do!

This past Friday marked six weeks since my foot surgery. It was a long six weeks! The doctor was impressed with my progress and I'm able to walk without crutches now! Although...I've been walking for a few days longer then I was suppose to, it sure feels good to know that everything is healing well. Still no running, jumping, or "crazy stuff" but at least I can walk. I've noticed that if my foot gets cold, it starts to hurt sooner then before. I'll definately have to watch that this winter. Now that I'm mobile again I have lots to catch up on! All the tomatoes and cucumbers have been canned and pickled. I do NOT want to see another bucket of tomatoes or bag of cucumbers until next summer! I've had my fill! I think we canned 30 gallon of tomatoes and probably 40 quarts of pickles. I know there are people out there who can way more then that...but this is the first year I've done anything like this. And I'm over it for the year! I'm ready for my house not to smell like vinegar and cooked tomatoes! I have so much other stuff to catch up on. My house is a little messy from not really cleaning for the past six weeks. Of course we did the everyday things like dishes, taking the trash out, and cleaning up spills. But beyond that, not much else has been done! So I see myself spending some much needed cleaning time on my days off in the very near future. School is in full swing and the kids are busier then ever. Malorie has color guard performances coming up and Abbi has her first parade with the marching band. Shes very excited. If only we could find plain black shoes that tie! I refuse to spend $25 on a pair of shoes shes only going to wear about 5 times. Katie and Justin just started school this week so no real reports from them yet. Sutton is just in the first grade and we haven't gotten to see him since school started so no reports there either. There has been no rain here for quite some time. Our grass is all brown and dry and we have big cracks in our yard. We desperately need some. I hear the Farmers Almanac is predicting a bad winter for our area. Below average temperatures and above average snow fall. We really haven't seen that for a couple of years so I guess we're due. There is so much more that I can post, but it'll take me days! So I guess instead of talking about it, I need to get busy!

Another year older...and wiser I suppose

Well it's official. I'm one step closer to 40. I started year number 37 on August 9th. 37! Wow! It's really only just a number to me. It doesn't really prove anything...only that you've accomplished 37 years of trials and tribulations. So in honor of my 37 years, I figured I'd list 37 tid bits of wisdom. So...Here it goes: 1) Just because someone tells you to your face they like you, doesn't mean they do when you walk away. 2) Listen to your gut instinct...and know when to follow it. 3) Be someone's best friend and mean it. 4) There's always someone who has it worse off then you. 5) Love your job. If you don't then its time to move on. 6) Your dog is the only "person" that will never tell your secrets. 7) Crying is good for the body, mind and soul. There's nothing better then a good cry to work something out. 8) Know when to just let something go. You don't have to win every argument. 9) Someone, somewhere, at some point in your life, will hate you. And that's ok. 10) Quitting isn't always for quitters. Sometimes it's the best option for you. 11) Just because someone is family, doesn't mean they have your best interests in mind. It's ok to let them go 12) Live your life for you...but be willing to bend. 13) Always do the dishes before bed. There is no greater feeling then getting up in the morning and the kitchen being clean. 14) You don't always have to do it today just because you have time. Whatever it is can be done tomorrow just as easily. 15) Enjoy every day you have with your children. Before you know it they will be grown, moved away, or just teenagers who don't want to hang out with their parents anymore. 16) Love and respect yourself first. 17) People will never forget how you made them feel, so be kind and genuine. 18) Take time out of your day for you. 19) Don't sweat the small stuff. In the end...it's all small stuff. 20) If you think there's no hope, sleep on it. When you wake up whatever it was, won't seem so bad. 21) It's ok to say no. 22) When you say no, don't change your mind. 23) Don't jump on the bandwagon for every new fad that comes around. Just because Mrs. Smith next door dyed her hair green does not mean you have to. Think things out before you act. 24) Take calculated risks. Don't live your life in a bubble. 25) Fight for what you know is right. KNOWING what is right is the key. Do your homework and research and back up your findings with data. 26) Don't present a problem without having a solution. 27) We've all heard the saying "keep your friends close and your enemies closer". I say bull! When we need someone, whose going to come running? Your friends or your enemies? 28)You don't have to give your opinion about everything. Sometimes people just want you to listen. 29) Every day doesn't have to be productive. Sometimes the best way to recharge is to do nothing at all. 30) Take a family vacation once a year. A true family vacation! Leave the area, stay in a hotel, eat out at least once, do something you've never done. Your kids will treasure those moments and never forget them. 31) Try something new. Whether it be a new sport, a new food, or a new perfume. Just try it. Nothing says you have to like it, or even stick with it. But at least try it. 32) Help a stranger. Simple things like holding a door, carrying a bag of groceries, or giving directions can mean the world to someone. 33) Know your neighbors. 34) Be good at your job. Know all there is to know about it. The more you know, the more valuable you will be. 35) Always strive to do your best. 36) Having a great frien is better then having a lot of friends 37) Above all else...HAVE FUN! No one makes it out alive, so lets all have fun while we are here!!

Two weeks post-op and other stuff

Well here we are...two weeks post-op. The hard cast is gone (thank goodness), the stitches are out, and a walking boot has been fitted. It has definetly been a very long two weeks. I've never had to walk on crutches before, so thats been a learning experience in itself! Though I haven't fallen, I have had some close calls and definetly some "ouch" moments. Kicking the step on my way down to the sunken living room was not a smart move on my part. And its a good think our entertainment center in the living room is just the right height that I can lean on it and not topple over. All in all it's really gone pretty well. I talked to the doctor on Friday and am now the proud owner of two compression staples and a pin, one staple right below the nail on my big toe and one staple and a pin about two inches below the base of my toe in my foot. I'm very surprised but it doesn't hurt at all! The only pain I have is not being able to do what I want! I'm a pretty active person and sitting still is really not my cup of tea. Having to have someone else do things for me is also not something I enjoy. I'm a pretty independent person and when I can't do something it makes me very angry. So, I guess I'll ride it out until I can get around on my own again...which can't come soon enough! As for the last couple of weeks on the home front, we've gotten to enjoy fresh veggies from the garden quite a bit. There is nothing better then a fresh tomato still warm from the sun! The eldest son will be turning 14 at the end of the month, but has to return to Minnesota next weekend so we bought his birthday present early. Somehow he talked us into a hamster. It is a cute little thing. I just hope he doesn't escape. The weenie dog doesn't take to kindly to furry creatures off any sort. She seems to think it is her duty to save us all from anything that has fur. Thank goodness the greatest Dad ever lives in our house so he can take care of the little creature until the son returns for a visit. School will be starting soon, so school supplies were bought. Wow!! I was not prepaired to spend $250 on just supplies!! That doesn't include book fees, band fees, chorus fees, PE clothes, tennis shoes, or school clothes! And that was only for 3 of the 5 children! I understand it's all items they will be using all year long, and yes I probably should have saved a little before so I would have extra money to spend but I didn't. This is not something new to me, I have a junior this year. But every year it floors me how much we are required to spend. And book rental fees!! I do understand the need for the schools to be compensated for my child using their materials. But if I pay $75 just for a book rental fee, then please give my child books! That's not including a $30 school activity fee (required of all students whether you attend any sporting events or not), or any band or chorus fees (which were apparently waved this year). Last year fees for two students was well over $300. I guess I shouldn't complain. They are getting an education, the teachers are WELL under paid, and I know there are people who don't get the opportunities that other children get. It just frustrates me that I pay book fees for books they either don't receive or don't get to bring home! I'll stop complaining and be very thankful for my wonderful, intelligent, caring, goofy children!

Surgery is complete

I talked earlier in my blog about having surgery on my foot. Well today was the big day! Surgery is complete and I'm home recovering. So far it hasn't been to bad othe then being tired. I've slept most of the afternoon. Sure hope I can sleep tonight! The foot is still numb from medication the doctor injected into it. He told my husband it should stay that way until tomorrow...then look out!  That does not make me feel good! So for now I'm on the couch with an ice pack behind my knee. It's a beautiful sight!

First Time Canner

My sister, who happens to be my neighbor, planted raspberry bushes about two years ago.  This summer the kids and I have been watching them grow, bloom and finally get berries! Yesterday we noticed some of the berries were ready to be picked, so we grabbed a bowl and headed to the bushes. Between samples, we picked about two cups of berries. It wasn't quite enough for a cobbler but I figured it was just the right amount for making jam!

Keep in mind, I've never made jam before. I've eaten my fair share but never actually attempted to make it. I knew I didn't have the usual canning "stuff" so I hit the world wide web to see what I could find. There were so many great recipes and tips for making your own jam! The one I used is from Food.com. It was simple and I liked that it only contained fruit and sugar. I was apprehensive at first. There's no way I could get good jam out of this simple recipe that only took 30 minutes to cook!  I remember my grandmother, my mother, and my aunts standing over a stove for hours canning!

So...I just dove right in. What have I got to lose? Two cups of berries? I figure the way these bushes are producing, I'll probably have two more cups ready in the next couple of days! So I pulled out the bag of sugar, mashed the berries with a fork, and set them to boiling on the stove. It didn't take long at all and I was well on my way to making my first ever jar of jam.

As I said before I don't have the necessary tools for canning. I had three small jars with lids and rings...and that's about it! I don't have one of those jar puller things, I don't own a big pot to boil jars in, and I don't own a pressure cooker. The one thing I do have is an oven. My sister, who frequently cans tomatoes from the summer garden, has had great luck with what I call "oven canning". There's no jar boiling, no burning yourself with steam, and not much watching involved!   You simply pour your "goods" into the warm jars, put the lid and ring in place, and pop the jars in the oven pre-heated to 250, making sure they don't touch.  Let them bake about 2 hours then shut the oven off. Leave the jars in place until the oven cools and they seal! She's never had a jar not seal using this method.

Being so simple, I figured even I could figure this method out! So after the boiling, adding sugar, boiling again, and beating I poured the jam into a jar, placed the lid and ring and stuck it in the oven.  It was late...I was tired...I left it for my daughter to attend.  She must have done a good job because the jar was on the kitchen counter this morning and sealed!  The only problem I see so far is it looks like all the berries floated to the top of the jar. Not sure why this happened or how I prevent it.  Any suggestions?

In the mean time, I think maybe I'll do some more research online. I'm thinking I need strawberry beds next spring!

One great vacation!

With our children growing up, we know that family vacations are going to be hard to come by. Our Northern daughter will be 18 in March and headed off to college somewhere, I'm sure, and making a life for herself. So we wanted this vacation to be great. It was one to remember thats for sure!

We knew we had a long drive ahead of us and wanted to get to our cabin long before dark. We left home around 4am for the 12 hour drive...boys in the truck, girls in the van.  With 10 of us going there was no other choice but to take two vehicles. It really works out well this way! The hubby drives one vehicle and I drive the other. He has the directions and I follow. I love it!

The first night we knew we wouldnt feel like doing much but sleep. After the long drive everyone is tired, and cranky, and ready to be out of the vehicles. That night was pretty much just rest and relax. Our true adventures started on Monday!

We decided Monday we would visit Clingmans Dome.  This would be our second time here and we were not disappointed!

There is nothing better then watching the cloads roll in...while your standing in them!  Absolutely amazing!
Although the "hike" is only half a mile, and its all paved, it is VERY steep! There are several very nicely placed benches and rocks for resting along the path. And believe me...they were well used!!

After our walk on Monday, we decided Tuesday would be a lazy day. Since our kids are older, we can leave them alone for a few hours and not worry to much. So we took a road trip to nearby Maryville TN to check out Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson. We love our harley and will return there some day on it!

  After stopping at a log furniture store along the road, we returned to the cabin for dinner with the family.

We made plans ahead of time to take the kids zip lining on Wednesday.  The little guy couldn't go because he wasn't old enough. So we had to promise to go back in two years when he's 8 so he could zip through the trees too! With views like this how could I say no.

After gearing up and a crash course on how to use the equipment we were off to the trees! The company we used is CLIMB Works Canopy. I highly reccomend them if you are looking for great family fun with professionals who constantly give back to their community. Please take the time to check out their website. You will not be sorry!

My beautiful family. Minus the little guy.

On Thursday we hiked to Rainbow Falls. This was the one thing our kids asked to do again from our trip two years ago. It is amazing and absolutely with the all day hike! I would suggest to take a cooler with sandwiches for lunch when your done...you're going to be hungry. And don't forget water!! You will want to take a water bottle with you! But the end is well worth the trip!

Friday there was no walking in anyones plans! We decided a nice drive would be better then walking anywhere. So we took a drive through Cades Cove. It was very scenic and we saw quite a few deer! We were disappointed there were no bear to be seen, but enjoyed the drive anyway.

Saturday was our driving home day. No one was ready for it. All the kids asked if we could just stay, but the hubby thought we should get back. Something about jobs and silly adult responsibilites. *hmph*

Although we were very busy, we all enjoyed our vacation very much and are already planning for the next one in two years.



A great weekend in the books

Well out second cookout of the summer grilling season is in the books. The hubby's best friend from Texas came for a visit this weekend. And what a great visit it was! Lots of laughs, a few adult beverages, some sentimental conversations, and maybe even a couple of tears shed. We don't see him often enough so when it came time for him to head home no one was ready for it. We did get to grill out on Thursday while he was here though! Well...I did the grilling while the three buddies got tattoos. They had a great time so I don't really mind. And the food turned out awesome!
    I read somewhere that all you really need to season a good steak is salt and pepper. So I decided to try it. Just sea salt and pepper. Coated both sides with course sea salt and ground up peppercorns and let them warm up on the counter for about 45 minutes while the coals burned down on the grill. Threw them on indirect heat and let them simmer. While those were cooking on the bottom rack, I put baby portabellas on the top rack stuffed with mozzarella and leek cheese. Just run a spoon around the stem a couple of times and it will pop right off.  Wash them well and cut small chunks of cheese, about an inch cube, and put in the middle of the mushroom. You can use any cheese you like or try a specialty cheese from dairy department at your favorite grocery store! They warm up, the cheese gets melty, and they take on a wonderful smoke flavor that is to die for! If you enjoy mushrooms, this is a must for the summer grilling season!
    Friday afternoon was the annual Cruise In for our town. People from all over bring their classic cars and motorcycles to the downtown business district, the streets are blocked off, and everyone in town comes out to enjoy the food vendors and conversations. The weather could not have been better! High 70s with a slight breeze made for the perfect day!
    Saturday was pretty much a lazy day. It was rainy most of the day so we all just stayed home and enjoyed long overdue conversations. That evening we did take a trip to another city for great burgers, but it was pretty much a lazy day.
    Sunday was the day we were regretting all weekend. The Texas buddy had to return home to his family. While we totally understand his leaving, we sure weren't ready to let him go.  Although it was Fathers Day, we really didn't do much. The hubby received the usual cards but we really didn't do anything else. So while we are on vacation I'll cook something very special for him.
    As you can see our weekend was blessed. This week will bring more blessings with the Northern children coming home for a visit. Our family will be complete once more...even if it is only for a little while!

Summer has officially started!

    Well...summer vacation anyway. Although, it really does not feel like summer here in the Midwest! It's almost the middle of June and we've barley hit 80 degrees! And some nights are still close to 40!!  We haven't had a week without rain in I can't tell you how long.  Although it's great for our little garden, it's not so great for our swimming pool!
    I finally did get the pool clean.  Took four days of vacuuming and lots of chemicals but it's clear and beautiful...and cold!  I'm hoping by August it's warm enough to swim!!
    I've been reading some wonderful blog posts lately about family gardening, small family farming, and kids still having structure and chores during the summer months. What great ideas I've been finding!  Can't wait to try some of them and see how it works! If there is one single thing that our family lacks during the summer, that is structure.
    Last night we had our first cookout of the summer season. It was just a simple menu with burgers, brats, chips, and deviled eggs. The brother-in-law made stuffed jalapenos with cream cheese, shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and wrapped in bacon. Oh. My. Word.  They were delicious! There will be many more cookouts to come this summer so I'll try to remember to post the menus and some favorite recipes.
   With only two weeks left before our annual family vacation, I'm feeling a little stretched for time. We decided at the last minute it might be a better option to take most of the food with us. So, after payday on Friday, it looks like I'll be grocery shopping for 10 people for an entire week. Thank goodness I had the foresight to plan some menus!
    The next couple of weeks will be quite busy at our house getting ready for our trip and settling in to summer. Wish me luck!
   

The life of a step-parent..

   In this day and age, it is very unusual to not know someone who is a step parent. And by "step-parent" I mean anyone who is in a realtionship with someone who has children, regarldess if you are married or not.
   I happen to believe that kind of relationship should not be taken lightly. Before you enter into a relationship with someone who has children, you need to ask yourself a couple of questions:
A) Are you willing to put the childrens needs above your own?
B) Are you willing to give up time with your significant other so that he/or she can spend time with their children
C) Are you willing to bring them into your home and treat them like they were your very own?
If you can not say yes to every one of these questions, you should seriously rethink having a realtionship with this person.
   When you become a parent, some primal instinct kicks in that you never knew you had.  You will protect those children with all your might until your death if it comes to that. So naturally, when a step parent becomes involved in their lives you are instinctly guarded. You want to make sure that person is "good enough" to be with your children.  Of course you have no say in who that other person is, but you hope with all your might that they are good to your children and treat them with the upmost respect. And when that doesnt happen...you wish with all your might that the other parent will support you and stand up for their children. 
   Unfortunelty that does not always happen.  That other parent sees fit to abandon their children for this person they think will fulfill their life.  I have just one thing to say to that person.  Shame on you!  Shame on you for allowing your significant other to treat your children this way and not stand up for them! And to the other person....you should be ashamed of yourself.  Ashamed to call yourself a parent, ashamed that you could treat a child the way you do, and ashamed for you significant other to allow it to happen.
   Karma will come around.  It will find you.  And it will suck!

No! I don't do Facebook!

*DISCLAIMER*
This is strictly my opinion. If you don't want to hear my opinion, then don't read it! I'm venting and if you've read this far, consider yourself warned.
Ok...Here it goes....
I HATE FACEBOOK!! Name one thing good that has ever come out of Facebook. Just one! A disease that has been cured by surfing Facebook...a new species of anything that has been discovered on Facebook...another planet that Facebook has located? No! Nothing!  You know what does come out of Facebook? DRAMA!! That's it!  Bullshit and drama! I have teenagers...I don't need anymore drama in my life, believe me!
      I know what some of you are going to say. "I've reconnected with so many people from my past on Facebook!" That's great! But do you speak to them when you're not on Facebook? Do they have your phone number? Do they know your children's names? My guess is probably not. Those are not friends people! Those are acquaintance's! I have hundreds of aquantances.  I have very few true friends. And to tell you the truth...I like it that way!
     Before you scold me and rat me out, yes I did have a Facebook page. Know what good came of it? None! Nothing! Nada! I shared pictures of my family with strangers. I read personal problems and posts from others that never should have been aired publicly. I did reconnect with school friends. But you know how many of those "friends" stayed in contact with me after I deleted my page? Not a single one. The friends I have don't care that I'm not on Facebook. They are still my friends and they still keep in touch with me.
     I also feel discriminated against for not having a Facebook page. In almost every ad, store window, or sale flier they advertise "Like us on Facebook for special sales, discounts, and coupons!".  Well how about those of us who don't want a Facebook page! What do we get? I'm not asking for special treatment or free stuff. I just want to be treated equally! I don't think it's fair to only market to those with Facebook pages. I don't want to read a story in the paper, only to see at the end "see our Facebook page for additional comments regarding this story". And I certainly don't want my children's school to tell me "See our classroom (or school) Facebook page for pictures, stories, calendars and lunch menus." So if I don't have a Facebook page, I can't see those pictures? I certainly don't think that's fair!
     We have become so reliant on social media that we have forgotten how to communicate. No one simply picks up the phone and says "Hi! How are you feeling? How's your day going? How's the family?" We air all of our problems in a public forum. Is that to get sympathy? I'm not really sure of the answer to that question. But I do know this. It has to stop! Put restrictions on yourself. If you don't feel comfortable telling a stranger face to face what you're posting, THEN DON'T POST IT! Limit the amount of time you spend on this crap. If you find yourself checking Facebook every 30 minutes, I'd say you need to back away. Go read a book, Better yet, talk to your family! I bet there are things you don't know about your spouse, your children, or any loved one for that matter.
     I guess what I'm saying is step back and watch yourself. If you just can't bring yourself to delete your page, how about not posting for a few days, or even weeks, See how many of those "friends" are truly your friends!

Surgery here we come!

So I've been having trouble with my foot. I knew it was getting worse but I didn't want to take the time (or money honestly) to see about it. Well it's gotten worse so I finally gave in and went.  Turns out it's not an easy fix.
I have a cyst on the inside of my foot pushing the bones apart.  Doctor said he has to take that out, cut out a piece of the bone, straighten it up, clear out the arthritis, and put at least two screws in it to keep it straight. No weight on it for 8 to 10 weeks!  Thank goodness I have a desk job!! 
I'm definately looking forward to getting it fixed because right now I can not run.  It just hurts to much to do that. I am, however, not looking forward to crutches for possibly 10 weeks. 
No surgery date set yet.  I wanted to wait until after vacation at the end of June and a very special wedding in July. I'm guessing there is going to be a lot of crocheting and nap taking coming my way!

Holy Hell!

My last post was in JULY 2012!  That just does not seem possible! I think about writing all the time.. guess I've just never taken the time to actually put it on paper..er...type it out.
Not a lot has really changed over the last year. No extravegant trips...no expensive remodels..no more children or pets (thank goodness!). Just the same ole thing with the same old people. Just the way we like it!
All in all, we've got it pretty good. We're all healthy, we have a couple quarters in our pocket, and we have great friends to share it with.
I will try despreately to write in here at least once a week. I truely can not promise anything! After all...IT'S BEEN ALMOST AN ENTIRE YEAR!
My words of wisdom this week:

One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.

~Plato