Hello, Rambo here. I am the Harrington's dog. The other day seemed like it would be a normal day. Mom got up and took my boy kid somewhere. He's gone almost all day. The 2 girl kids stay home with Mom. Usually, they are working on books together and learning stuff. They have lunch and work some more. However, on this particular day, they didn't get the books out. Instead, they cleaned the living room. They even got out that loud machine that they push around the room. I hate that thing. I'm afraid it's going to eat me.
Then, the kids did some regular chores while Mom got the books out to look over them. They seemed to be waiting for something. I wish I knew what it was they were waiting for. Mom seemed to be a little impatient. Whatever it was, it was late. She pushed buttons on her little red box. I think she uses it to talk to people who aren't here. Sure enough, it made a noise and Mom looked and announced, "She's on her way!"
Who's on her way? I sat on my window seat and watched the neighborhood. There's always cats and squirrels that I must bark at. But, I knew someone was coming, so I waited to greet her....whoever her was.
I must have left my post for a bit because I heard Mom say, "Oh, there she is!" And she got up from the couch. Oh! I know her!!! Her name is Lisa! And she was carrying a big basket. I was just so excited to see her and thought for sure I was going with her somewhere. I ran out the door as Lisa was leaving.
I guess that was a mistake. Mom came after me. Lisa grabbed me and handed me back over to Mom. She was kinda mad. She doesn't like it when I get outside when I'm not supposed to.
After bringing me inside, Lisa left in her car. Mom and the kids were all very interested in what was in the big basket Lisa brought over. They were all talking and smiling. What was in there? I jumped up to see, but Mom shooed me away. It was must be something special.
Mom and the kids did something in the basket, but I still couldn't see what it was. I jumped up again to have a look, but again, Mom shooed me away. Hmmm, how was I going to see what was so exciting in this basket?
Finally, they took it out. It was another kid! But this one was really small....almost as small as I am. They set her on the floor. I thought, "A playmate! They brought me a friend to play with!!!" I was so excited. I jumped up on her and tried to sniff her out. Mom pushed me down and told me to be gentle. The little kid pointed at me and said, "Bah!"
Bah? I'm not Bah. I licked her hand to let her know I was nice. Mom told her I was a doggie. She pointed at me again and said, "Daw!" Closer. But not quite. I licked her hand some more. I thought she wanted to play with me so I began to jump around and bark playfully at her. Mom told me to be gentle again.
She followed me around some. She seemed to be very curious about who I was. Mom and the kids played with her, too. She also ate a little food. The kids thought it was funny. Then, Mom finally let me play with her. She reached her hand toward me and I playfully licked it. Normally, I bite very gently when I play with Mom, Dad, or the kids. But I knew I needed to be extra gentle with this one so I didn't bite at all. It was fun. She swung her hand around and pushed on my face. I jumped back at her and licked her hand. Then, she pointed at me and said, "Doggie!"
She did it! She knows I'm a doggie! Mom let her know she was right. She said it again. Yep, I'm a doggie.
Later, she seemed to get upset and started making a crying noise. She crawled to Mom and sat on her lap with her blanket. The kids said she must be tired.
Soon, Lisa came back. This time, Mom held me so I didn't try to run outside again. I guess I wasn't supposed to go with Lisa this time either. Lisa put the new kid back in the basket and they left. It was a fun morning. I like getting to see other people and play with other people.
Now, back to routine. Guarding my family from my window seat and waiting for my boy kid and Dad to get home. This is the life.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Friday, February 28, 2014
Cooking Adventures
You would think that in a household of 4 daughters, I would have learned how to cook before leaving home. Well, I didn't. In fact, I hardly knew how to work the stove or the oven. I never helped Mom in the kitchen. If I did, it was more of the mixing or rolling dough or something like that. I do remember one time when no one was home, I thought I would surprise everyone by making supper. I went to the pantry and found a box of hamburger helper. I read the directions. Then, when I discovered I would have to brown my own hamburger, I put it back. I was NOT going to brown hamburger by myself! Another time, when I was in high school, I remember sitting in the living room while Mom had cookies in the oven. She was upstairs when the timer buzzed. I didn't bother letting her know the timer buzzed....I kinda thought she would hear it. I was also very annoyed at the buzzing sound so I turned off the buzzer thinking it would also turn off the oven.
Nope, it doesn't.
Mom came downstairs a bit later and asked if the timer buzzed. I informed her that it did and I shut it off. She pulled out the nearly burnt cookies and explained to me that shutting off the timer does not shut off the oven. My friends....my GUY friends...never let me live that one down. I told them that I would just learn on my own oven when I grew up.
And that's exactly what I did.
I went off to college having never done laundry or cooked for myself. Thankfully, I friend took me under her wing and showed me the basics. I was fine. I met my husband, got married, and had to learn how to cook on my own stove and oven. It really wasn't that difficult. I actually think it's better that way. This way, I am not already accustomed to my mom's way of cooking, but I can learn to cook the way my husband likes his food - which means more like his mom's way of cooking. She gave me tips, Seth gave me tips, and I follow recipes to the letter. I did call my mom for some directions I didn't understand like "cut in" or "pat dry." But mostly, I learned myself.
I am teaching my children a little bit, although I think I'm like my mom in this area. I'm usually too much of a perfectionist to let the kids do some things or I'm in a hurry. But, I do try to let go and let them learn. K has made a couple of things on her own with very little of my help. Little A loves to stir things and she helps with other easy jobs in the kitchen. J isn't that interested, but I really do want him to know how to cook.
Why is it that at that critical moment of making a meal when you can't leave the kitchen and you have several things cooking and needing stirred or something chopped and added or whatever that something else is trying to get my attention? The phone rings, the doorbell rings, the kids need something, or nature is calling. Bad timing!!! There have been times that I turned off the burners just so I could run to the bathroom.
I wouldn't say that I enjoy cooking. But, I don't hate it either. I do love making food for other people and I love making it look pretty. I cook in the oven, on the stove, in the microwave, and with other small kitchen gadgets.
I must say that for only 15+ years of cooking on my own, I have gotten quite good. My children may complain, but kids are kids. So, to you who thought I was silly for not learning to cook when I was younger...HA! We're not starving in this house. :)
Nope, it doesn't.
Mom came downstairs a bit later and asked if the timer buzzed. I informed her that it did and I shut it off. She pulled out the nearly burnt cookies and explained to me that shutting off the timer does not shut off the oven. My friends....my GUY friends...never let me live that one down. I told them that I would just learn on my own oven when I grew up.
And that's exactly what I did.
I went off to college having never done laundry or cooked for myself. Thankfully, I friend took me under her wing and showed me the basics. I was fine. I met my husband, got married, and had to learn how to cook on my own stove and oven. It really wasn't that difficult. I actually think it's better that way. This way, I am not already accustomed to my mom's way of cooking, but I can learn to cook the way my husband likes his food - which means more like his mom's way of cooking. She gave me tips, Seth gave me tips, and I follow recipes to the letter. I did call my mom for some directions I didn't understand like "cut in" or "pat dry." But mostly, I learned myself.
I am teaching my children a little bit, although I think I'm like my mom in this area. I'm usually too much of a perfectionist to let the kids do some things or I'm in a hurry. But, I do try to let go and let them learn. K has made a couple of things on her own with very little of my help. Little A loves to stir things and she helps with other easy jobs in the kitchen. J isn't that interested, but I really do want him to know how to cook.
Why is it that at that critical moment of making a meal when you can't leave the kitchen and you have several things cooking and needing stirred or something chopped and added or whatever that something else is trying to get my attention? The phone rings, the doorbell rings, the kids need something, or nature is calling. Bad timing!!! There have been times that I turned off the burners just so I could run to the bathroom.
I wouldn't say that I enjoy cooking. But, I don't hate it either. I do love making food for other people and I love making it look pretty. I cook in the oven, on the stove, in the microwave, and with other small kitchen gadgets.
I must say that for only 15+ years of cooking on my own, I have gotten quite good. My children may complain, but kids are kids. So, to you who thought I was silly for not learning to cook when I was younger...HA! We're not starving in this house. :)
Monday, January 13, 2014
Consequences
How often do we think about the consequence of our actions? I know that I don't think about it much. I make decisions based on what is going on at the time, or how I'm feeling, but I don't often consider how that decision will affect people down the road.
A week before Christmas, I was in a car accident. I was headed to a place of business that I had never been to before, so I wasn't exactly sure where it was at. I only knew what intersection it was on. As I made my way towards the intersection, I slowed down to look around. I asked the kids to help me find it. Trees had covered their sign and I didn't see it until I was almost passed it. I realized I was in the wrong lane, so I quickly looked for clearance and began to change lanes.
*SCREEEEEECH.....BANG!!!*
My very first accident. And I caused it. As if I didn't have enough to do already!
No one was hurt, thankfully. But, that one decision to merge quickly without fully looking around all my blind spots, affected a lot more than I even know.
First, it threw my entire week off. I then had to deal with the insurance company and auto shop. We received a rental car, but I didn't want to drive it more than I had to, so I didn't run every errand I wanted to run before we left for Christmas in Iowa.
Second, we didn't get to leave for Iowa when I was planning to leave. The people at the auto shop worked very very very hard so we could leave on time, but there were things that weren't under their control that slowed them down. I was still able to leave the same day, just a lot later than planned. This meant missing going caroling with my home church which K and I were really looking forward to. And I'm sure my family was looking forward to our early arrival and had a nice supper planned. It also meant driving on slick roads in the dark with deer everywhere by the time I reached Iowa. We made it safely without incident.
Third, it may have thrown my life out of whack, but I have no idea how it affected the woman I hit. Her mother arrived on the scene afterwards and told me there was family stuff going on at home. I'm sure I added a lot of stress to her life which already must have been very emotional from what I gathered. Perhaps I caused her to change her holiday plans as well, or her family's. I honestly have no idea how my quick, selfish, decision affected her life, but I know it did.
Fourth, I received a traffic ticket which of course costs money, which we don't have much of especially during Christmas season. Along with that was the co-pay for our auto repairs.
Now, I'm a lot more careful about checking my blind spots completely before switching lanes.
That ONE decision had a huge affect, not only on my life, but on my children's lives, my husband's life, even my family's life in Iowa, not to mention the life of the woman I hit. One decision.
While in Iowa, on Christmas day, the kids had gotten new toys and were playing with them. I think it was around supper time when K came up to me and said someone got her Pony castle out of the box after she had put it all back in and that the pony was missing. I knew Little A is also a Pony fan so I questioned her.
Little A has gotten very good at lying and I can't always trust her answers. Yet, I would hate to accuse of her something she didn't do. Ah, those difficult parenting moments! She looked at me straight in the eye and told me she did not get the Pony stuff out. I didn't believe her. And I also wondered if she had an accomplice. So I asked my niece. She also said she didn't touch it.
Hmmmm, what to do. Well, maybe the mother of my niece could see if she was lying. So, my sister went and talked to her daughter about the incident. As Little A watched her cousin get in trouble for something she knew she didn't do, Little A began to cry...and confessed. I let my sister know that her daughter was safe and took Little A to my room for punishment.
Her decision to play with the Pony set without permission affected more people than she would have thought. I'm sure she didn't even consider how this decision would affect anyone but her sister, if she even thought of her. Little A just wanted to play with that Pony set.
Her decision led to a missing pony, lying to me, K, and her aunt, and getting her cousin in trouble. One decision.
If we really sat down and considered how each decision we make would affect multple people, would we still make the wrong choice? Obviously, some decisions must be made quickly and thinking through the consequences just isn't possible. Even those choices we face when we have plenty of time, we can't see every possible outcome.
That's the beauty of hindsight. In retrospect, I wish I had just driven around the block instead of trying to get there at the moment I was passing it. I'm sure Little A wishes she had simply asked her sister if she could play with the Pony set. (The pony was found, in case you were worried).
All of this makes me think of Adam, the first man created by God. And let's not forget Eve who was actually the first person to eat the forbidden fruit. But, Adam, knowing God had said not to eat, chose to eat. Do you think that if he considered the consequences of this decision that he would have said no to Eve? Adam's one decision led to every single person after him to be born with the natural habit of sinning. Everyone.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23.
It doesn't matter who you are, what you do, where you live, you are a sinner. I am a sinner! It is natural for us to choose our own selfish desires instead of what God has for us. Because of that, we are separated from God. God used to walk in the garden with Adam and Eve. They were perfect, sinless, had everything they needed and more. But Eve fell for the serpent's lies and was deceived into eating the fruit God said not to eat. When they sinned, God could no longer dwell with them. God, who is perfect, righteous, and just, could not be in the presence of sin. He was forced to remove them from the garden and punish them.
But, removing them and punishing them didn't solve the problem of sin. Sin was here to stay. Every baby born from Cain until now and in the future is born a sinner. There is no escape from that fact. Sin separates us from God because He cannot be with sin.
God already had a plan to save us, though. He does not want anyone to perish so He set things in motion to bring a Savior, One Who would be perfect, sinless, to take the full punishment for all the sin in the world. At the right time, God's Son, Jesus, fully God and fully man, came to earth to fulfill that need. He is the Savior.
All the sacrifices required throughout the Old Testament pointed to the One sacrifice that completed the payment. Sin requires blood sacrifice and the only blood pure enough was God's Son.
There is absolutely nothing we can do to get rid of our own sin. Good cannot outweigh the bad. There is no such thing as being "good enough." One sin keeps us from entering heaven and dwelling with God forever. But God loves us so much that He chose to sacrifice His own Son so that if we choose to accept His death as payment for our sins, we would be forgiven of all sin and be allowed to enter heaven.
Adam's one decision affected the entire human race. God's decision made it possible for our sins to be washed away. Now, it's up to you. How will you decide to react? This one decision will affect your own eternity. You can accept the fact that you are a sinner and Jesus died for your sins, personally. That is what I have decided to do. Do I still sin? Yes. Am I perfect? Not even close. But my sin is forgiven and I am promised a home in heaven.
Or, you can choose to believe your own path. Walk away from the Truth and ignore His warnings in the Bible.
There's only one way to heaven.
Every decision has consequences. What is your decision?
A week before Christmas, I was in a car accident. I was headed to a place of business that I had never been to before, so I wasn't exactly sure where it was at. I only knew what intersection it was on. As I made my way towards the intersection, I slowed down to look around. I asked the kids to help me find it. Trees had covered their sign and I didn't see it until I was almost passed it. I realized I was in the wrong lane, so I quickly looked for clearance and began to change lanes.
*SCREEEEEECH.....BANG!!!*
My very first accident. And I caused it. As if I didn't have enough to do already!
No one was hurt, thankfully. But, that one decision to merge quickly without fully looking around all my blind spots, affected a lot more than I even know.
First, it threw my entire week off. I then had to deal with the insurance company and auto shop. We received a rental car, but I didn't want to drive it more than I had to, so I didn't run every errand I wanted to run before we left for Christmas in Iowa.
Second, we didn't get to leave for Iowa when I was planning to leave. The people at the auto shop worked very very very hard so we could leave on time, but there were things that weren't under their control that slowed them down. I was still able to leave the same day, just a lot later than planned. This meant missing going caroling with my home church which K and I were really looking forward to. And I'm sure my family was looking forward to our early arrival and had a nice supper planned. It also meant driving on slick roads in the dark with deer everywhere by the time I reached Iowa. We made it safely without incident.
Third, it may have thrown my life out of whack, but I have no idea how it affected the woman I hit. Her mother arrived on the scene afterwards and told me there was family stuff going on at home. I'm sure I added a lot of stress to her life which already must have been very emotional from what I gathered. Perhaps I caused her to change her holiday plans as well, or her family's. I honestly have no idea how my quick, selfish, decision affected her life, but I know it did.
Fourth, I received a traffic ticket which of course costs money, which we don't have much of especially during Christmas season. Along with that was the co-pay for our auto repairs.
Now, I'm a lot more careful about checking my blind spots completely before switching lanes.
That ONE decision had a huge affect, not only on my life, but on my children's lives, my husband's life, even my family's life in Iowa, not to mention the life of the woman I hit. One decision.
While in Iowa, on Christmas day, the kids had gotten new toys and were playing with them. I think it was around supper time when K came up to me and said someone got her Pony castle out of the box after she had put it all back in and that the pony was missing. I knew Little A is also a Pony fan so I questioned her.
Little A has gotten very good at lying and I can't always trust her answers. Yet, I would hate to accuse of her something she didn't do. Ah, those difficult parenting moments! She looked at me straight in the eye and told me she did not get the Pony stuff out. I didn't believe her. And I also wondered if she had an accomplice. So I asked my niece. She also said she didn't touch it.
Hmmmm, what to do. Well, maybe the mother of my niece could see if she was lying. So, my sister went and talked to her daughter about the incident. As Little A watched her cousin get in trouble for something she knew she didn't do, Little A began to cry...and confessed. I let my sister know that her daughter was safe and took Little A to my room for punishment.
Her decision to play with the Pony set without permission affected more people than she would have thought. I'm sure she didn't even consider how this decision would affect anyone but her sister, if she even thought of her. Little A just wanted to play with that Pony set.
Her decision led to a missing pony, lying to me, K, and her aunt, and getting her cousin in trouble. One decision.
If we really sat down and considered how each decision we make would affect multple people, would we still make the wrong choice? Obviously, some decisions must be made quickly and thinking through the consequences just isn't possible. Even those choices we face when we have plenty of time, we can't see every possible outcome.
That's the beauty of hindsight. In retrospect, I wish I had just driven around the block instead of trying to get there at the moment I was passing it. I'm sure Little A wishes she had simply asked her sister if she could play with the Pony set. (The pony was found, in case you were worried).
All of this makes me think of Adam, the first man created by God. And let's not forget Eve who was actually the first person to eat the forbidden fruit. But, Adam, knowing God had said not to eat, chose to eat. Do you think that if he considered the consequences of this decision that he would have said no to Eve? Adam's one decision led to every single person after him to be born with the natural habit of sinning. Everyone.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23.
It doesn't matter who you are, what you do, where you live, you are a sinner. I am a sinner! It is natural for us to choose our own selfish desires instead of what God has for us. Because of that, we are separated from God. God used to walk in the garden with Adam and Eve. They were perfect, sinless, had everything they needed and more. But Eve fell for the serpent's lies and was deceived into eating the fruit God said not to eat. When they sinned, God could no longer dwell with them. God, who is perfect, righteous, and just, could not be in the presence of sin. He was forced to remove them from the garden and punish them.
But, removing them and punishing them didn't solve the problem of sin. Sin was here to stay. Every baby born from Cain until now and in the future is born a sinner. There is no escape from that fact. Sin separates us from God because He cannot be with sin.
God already had a plan to save us, though. He does not want anyone to perish so He set things in motion to bring a Savior, One Who would be perfect, sinless, to take the full punishment for all the sin in the world. At the right time, God's Son, Jesus, fully God and fully man, came to earth to fulfill that need. He is the Savior.
All the sacrifices required throughout the Old Testament pointed to the One sacrifice that completed the payment. Sin requires blood sacrifice and the only blood pure enough was God's Son.
There is absolutely nothing we can do to get rid of our own sin. Good cannot outweigh the bad. There is no such thing as being "good enough." One sin keeps us from entering heaven and dwelling with God forever. But God loves us so much that He chose to sacrifice His own Son so that if we choose to accept His death as payment for our sins, we would be forgiven of all sin and be allowed to enter heaven.
Adam's one decision affected the entire human race. God's decision made it possible for our sins to be washed away. Now, it's up to you. How will you decide to react? This one decision will affect your own eternity. You can accept the fact that you are a sinner and Jesus died for your sins, personally. That is what I have decided to do. Do I still sin? Yes. Am I perfect? Not even close. But my sin is forgiven and I am promised a home in heaven.
Or, you can choose to believe your own path. Walk away from the Truth and ignore His warnings in the Bible.
There's only one way to heaven.
Every decision has consequences. What is your decision?
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
There's a 7-year-old in the House
As if the Christmas season isn't busy enough! lol Little A made her grand entrance into the world 7 years ago. I remember waiting and expecting her to be early. She wasn't. Looking back, I'm glad she wasn't born before Christmas. She waited until after Christmas.
We have had a busy few weeks. The kids and I were getting ready to head to Iowa to spend Christmas with my family while Seth had to stay here to work. In the process of getting ready, we were in a car accident. In our new car. Which isn't registered yet. With new insurance. Suddenly, everything I thought I had to do no longer seemed necessary. No one was hurt. We thank the Lord for that.
After the car was fixed, we headed up to Iowa. And we brought an illness that we didn't even know we were carrying. J and A both had coughs, but J's developed into something more. He ended up getting a fever and getting sick. Then K got a fever. My sister got a fever. My cousin's son got a fever. The day we came back to Wichita, A had a fever and I was feeling dizzy. Later I learned that my mom, grandma, and bro-in-law all came down with it as well. Ooops. I did not mean to bring this flu to Iowa and pass it around! I'm so sorry, Iowa family.
Once we returned, I knew I had a lot to do before I could rest and let this sickness take me down. On the long drive home, I was fighting chills and sweats, but still no fever. The day after, I had to finish getting stuff ready for our own family Christmas. On Saturday, we had our Christmas. We were mostly feeling ok.
Then, I had to get ready for Little A's birthday on Sunday. I spent 2 1/2 hours running around Wichita, and not completely well. I was completely spent when I made it back home.
Sunday was the big day! Seth went to church while us sickies got some rest at home. Little A requested chicken alfredo for lunch - the frozen kind. No complaints here! We enjoyed lunch and at some point, we all took a nap.
Little A was getting worse throughout the day. Her fever returned and she was feeling awful. I brought her presents to her and she opened them, showing little excitement as she was miserable. She gave a hint of a smile for things she liked.
(Apologies for the poor picture quality. I need a new camera.)
We have had a busy few weeks. The kids and I were getting ready to head to Iowa to spend Christmas with my family while Seth had to stay here to work. In the process of getting ready, we were in a car accident. In our new car. Which isn't registered yet. With new insurance. Suddenly, everything I thought I had to do no longer seemed necessary. No one was hurt. We thank the Lord for that.
After the car was fixed, we headed up to Iowa. And we brought an illness that we didn't even know we were carrying. J and A both had coughs, but J's developed into something more. He ended up getting a fever and getting sick. Then K got a fever. My sister got a fever. My cousin's son got a fever. The day we came back to Wichita, A had a fever and I was feeling dizzy. Later I learned that my mom, grandma, and bro-in-law all came down with it as well. Ooops. I did not mean to bring this flu to Iowa and pass it around! I'm so sorry, Iowa family.
Once we returned, I knew I had a lot to do before I could rest and let this sickness take me down. On the long drive home, I was fighting chills and sweats, but still no fever. The day after, I had to finish getting stuff ready for our own family Christmas. On Saturday, we had our Christmas. We were mostly feeling ok.
Then, I had to get ready for Little A's birthday on Sunday. I spent 2 1/2 hours running around Wichita, and not completely well. I was completely spent when I made it back home.
Sunday was the big day! Seth went to church while us sickies got some rest at home. Little A requested chicken alfredo for lunch - the frozen kind. No complaints here! We enjoyed lunch and at some point, we all took a nap.
Little A was getting worse throughout the day. Her fever returned and she was feeling awful. I brought her presents to her and she opened them, showing little excitement as she was miserable. She gave a hint of a smile for things she liked.
(Apologies for the poor picture quality. I need a new camera.)
She also received a gift from our friends at church. It was so sweet of them to think of her and they were sad they didn't get to see her at church on her birthday. She loves the clothes.
Oreo pie and enchiladas were on the menu, but Little A ended up getting sick so we decided to hold off on the rest of her birthday.
Yesterday, she seemed to be feeling better. We enjoyed the enchildas for supper and had pie and ice cream afterwards. But, Little A still couldn't keep it all down. :( It was a bummer of a birthday for her, but we did our best to celebrate her turning 7.
We're feeling a little better today. Little A and I slept on the couches last night. I doubt we will be ringing in the New Year tonight with a bunch of finger foods. Perhaps a family movie and our Christmas goodies we got in our stockings. And maybe we will all feel better in time for school to start up again.
It's hard to believe our baby is 7 years old now. That is the age I accepted Jesus' gift of salvation for myself. I do not know where Little A stands with the Lord. She can answer all the questions correctly and say the right things, but I don't know if she has made a personal choice to follow Him. I pray that she has or will very soon.
Happy birthday, Little A! I hope this year is a great one for you! I love you!!!
Monday, December 16, 2013
Thanksgiving to Christmas
Time sure flies by when you're busy!
Thanksgiving was a little different this year. We used to visit my family in Iowa, but Seth's employer stated that no one was allowed to have the Friday after Thanksgiving off. So, we were forced to stay home for Thanksgiving the last few years. This year, however, Seth was on-call the week of Thanksgiving which automatically gave him Friday off. Hmmm, what could we do?
First, we thought we should go to Branson. We bought a Branson trip at the Kansas State Fair. We have been wanting to go since our friends moved there, but could never find the time or money. Since it was somewhat paid for, and our son was off from school, we called to book our room. But, we thought up this idea too late and the hotels were all booked. Another time we will make that trip.
So, we decided to head up to Iowa. Since Seth was on-call, however, we would not make it up for Thanksgiving dinner. We had our Thanksgiving dinner Wednesday evening instead. Seth found someone to cover for him Thursday evening and we left as soon as we could. We arrived in time for games with my cousins and all the kids got along fairly well. Grandpa and Seth actually took them all to the park.
I had a surprise. A couple of years ago, Seth had made the comment that his mom used to make pumpkin pie from a real pumpkin. My grandma kinda laughed and said that nobody does that. Well, I decided to prove her wrong. I had made a butternut squash pie so I thought it must be pretty similar to that. So, I looked up recipes online and this year, I did it.
Thanksgiving was a little different this year. We used to visit my family in Iowa, but Seth's employer stated that no one was allowed to have the Friday after Thanksgiving off. So, we were forced to stay home for Thanksgiving the last few years. This year, however, Seth was on-call the week of Thanksgiving which automatically gave him Friday off. Hmmm, what could we do?
First, we thought we should go to Branson. We bought a Branson trip at the Kansas State Fair. We have been wanting to go since our friends moved there, but could never find the time or money. Since it was somewhat paid for, and our son was off from school, we called to book our room. But, we thought up this idea too late and the hotels were all booked. Another time we will make that trip.
So, we decided to head up to Iowa. Since Seth was on-call, however, we would not make it up for Thanksgiving dinner. We had our Thanksgiving dinner Wednesday evening instead. Seth found someone to cover for him Thursday evening and we left as soon as we could. We arrived in time for games with my cousins and all the kids got along fairly well. Grandpa and Seth actually took them all to the park.
I had a surprise. A couple of years ago, Seth had made the comment that his mom used to make pumpkin pie from a real pumpkin. My grandma kinda laughed and said that nobody does that. Well, I decided to prove her wrong. I had made a butternut squash pie so I thought it must be pretty similar to that. So, I looked up recipes online and this year, I did it.
My mistake last year was not buying the pumpkin soon enough. Stores don't sell pumpkins after Halloween but only for a couple of days. Not even pie pumpkins which I thought was odd. So this year, I made sure to buy the pie pumpkin around Halloween.
Because of having to buy the pumpkin early, I had to cook it before it went bad. First, I cut it in half and scooped out the seeds.
Then, I baked it for about an hour. I think a little longer.
I scooped the pulp into my Ninja blender.
And pureed.
Then I put it into ziplock bags and in the freezer until I was ready to make the pies. I did it one-half at a time so there are 2 bags for 2 pies.
Then, it came time to make a pie. I let the mush sit out to thaw.
Then I added the rest of the ingredients and mixed. I forgot to take a picture of it with the ingredients not mixed in.
I poured it into a pie crust. Store bought crust. I thought I was being adventurous enough and didn't want to risk it with a bad attempt on the crust.
And walla!! A pumpkin pie made from a real pumpkin.
I decided to bring it up to Iowa for my family, specifically my grandma to try. Come to think of it, though, I think Grandma had left by the time we got out leftovers for supper. She may not have even tried any! But, she did see that I made it. :)
Everyone who tried the pie said it was good. I guess that makes it a success!!! The other half I am saving for Christmas, but just for our family. Next year I may have to buy 4 pumpkins and make 8 pies so I have plenty for Thanksgiving and Christmas. One pie for each holiday just wasn't enough.
Now, Christmas is upon us! My shopping is basically finished. Presents need to be wrapped still. For the past couple of years, we've bought a real tree. We always decorate it on Seth's birthday as was his tradition growing up.
There could potentially be one more blog before Christmas, but it won't be holiday related. So...
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
Monday, November 4, 2013
Trick-or-Treat!
October came and went so quickly! Everything is up and running and life is busier than usual. The girls are homeschooling, J is in middle school and involved in a couple of activities. I decided to join the PTSO. Add that to my responsibilities at church which seems to be multiplying each week. And of course trying to keep my Thirty-One business afloat. Let's just say my plate is as full as possible right now!
But, we couldn't let October go by without the fun of Halloween!
(I'm sure you've seen or heard the small debate on whether or not Christians should get involved in Halloween, but I am not going to get into that here. Obviously, we have fun with it!)
But, we couldn't let October go by without the fun of Halloween!
(I'm sure you've seen or heard the small debate on whether or not Christians should get involved in Halloween, but I am not going to get into that here. Obviously, we have fun with it!)
First, it's pumpkin carving!
As always, I like to join in the dress-up fun. Don't ask me what I am. I don't know. I just threw on extra color on my face and in my hair. We also have a creeper (from Minecraft if you are not familiar with this extremely popular and addictive game), a cat, and a bunny.
I texted my sister to see if we could trick-or-treat with them since our neighborhood barely had any houses that participated. So here we have Batman and Barbie bride.
And don't forget about the little pumpkin!
After walking around my sister's neighborhood for about an hour and a half, we headed back to our house and visited a few houses on our street. Kids were still coming to our door at 9:30, after my kids were in bed. I turned off our light at about 10:00. It was a successful Halloween - full fun, costumes, candy, and getting to hang out with my sister and her family. We don't see each other as often as you would think!
Please forgive the not-so-great picture quality. My real camera broke so I am left with my ipod touch until we find a new one.
On to November.... :)
Sunday, October 27, 2013
One of THOSE days
The day started out ok. Seth is on-call which means he works regular hours throughout the weekend and must go to emergency jobs outside of work hours. That means it's just me and the kids going to church.
All is going just fine. We arrive at church, go to Sunday School, and then there are snacks in the back during the break before the Family Bible Hour. I filled up a cup of coffee for myself, but then the first event of the day happened.
As I brought my cup of coffee towards me, I didn't quite clear the little spicket thinger. My coffee immediately spilled on the counter.
"Way to go....me." I actually said outloud.
I quickly grabbed some napkins to clean up the counter from my side, filled up my cup again..this time avoiding repeating the incident, and then went around into the kitchen to clean up the rest of the spill. No biggie. All cleaned up and no one really knew. I enjoyed my coffee, talked with a few people, and then made sure all my kids were ready for the Family Bible Hour.
Shortly after the speaker began, I received a text. Since most people know I'm in church, I found it really odd that someone would text me. It was from Seth.
"I'm in the emergency room because I cut my finger with my sawzall."
I quickly texted back asking how serious it was. I left the sanctuary and headed to the back so the texts wouldn't bother people. I waited.
And waited.
And waited.
Finally, I got tired of waiting and went back in to sit. As soon as I got situated....."Do do do do do do. You've got mail!"
Ack! After a few texts back and forth and me leaving the sanctuary once more, I find out he didn't need stitches even though he had cut through the epidermal layer, there was a brass sliver in the cut, and he was in more pain after the doctor dug around in it. Whew! I was relieved. I thanked the Lord it wasn't more serious and asked God to help his pain.
Family Bible Hour soon ended and I talked with other people. One of my customers recently had a party and her order was in, so I went to go get the huge box out of my van. As I walked up to the door, a nice man opened the door for me. I thanked him and made my way blindly inside. Just to trip on the rug and totally biff it on the floor. The guy who opened the door quickly ran to my aide and said, "Oh, that is just so unfortunate!" While another guy accused the first one of tripping me. I assured them both I was fine, grabbed the box, and took it to my hostess.
We were one of the last people to leave, so we made sure all the lights were out and the new family had a way home (the oldest is in 8th grade and no parents coming with them). On the way home, Seth called and asked if we could meet for lunch. Of course! We decided on Taco Lopez, a place we hadn't eaten at in a long time.
We ordered, ate, and discussed various accidents, illnesses, and emergency trips we've had to make in the last 12 years. One of the ones we brought up was Little A's deformed fingernail. When she was very little, she was playing with a nightlight that was plugged in...and well, you could probably figure out what happened. I called my brother-in-law Dr. and he told me what to watch for if we needed to get her checked out. I also had a nurse at church take a look when we saw her. She kept an eye on it every week as her blackened fingertip changed colors, blistered, and the fingernail completely fell off. Her fingernail never grew back the same and has been deformed ever since.
Seth had to go back to work so he kissed the kids and then reached across the table to hug me....only to knock over my glass of pop with his now-numbed finger, causing it to spill all over the booth and Little A. I went to find napkins, but didn't see any so I told the employees about the spill.
*sigh*
We came home around 2:30. And you would think that is the end of the crazies of the day. I did too.
It's not.
The afternoon was a normal Sunday afternoon. We relaxed a bit, then the kids worked on their AWANA sections for this evening. Then we headed back to the church for AWANA - a Bible kids club where kids memorize Bible verses and earn "money" they can spend on various prizes a couple times during the year.
As I was rounding up the kids and their things to go back home after AWANA, I noticed Little A's deformed fingernail. It was ripped and her finger was bleeding. She said she had a band-aid on earlier but it had fallen off. I went back to the kitchen to get a band-aid from the first aid drawer and put a band-aid on her poor little finger.
And THAT is it. Well, it is only 8:45. Maybe I shouldn't speak too soon... ;)
All is going just fine. We arrive at church, go to Sunday School, and then there are snacks in the back during the break before the Family Bible Hour. I filled up a cup of coffee for myself, but then the first event of the day happened.
As I brought my cup of coffee towards me, I didn't quite clear the little spicket thinger. My coffee immediately spilled on the counter.
"Way to go....me." I actually said outloud.
I quickly grabbed some napkins to clean up the counter from my side, filled up my cup again..this time avoiding repeating the incident, and then went around into the kitchen to clean up the rest of the spill. No biggie. All cleaned up and no one really knew. I enjoyed my coffee, talked with a few people, and then made sure all my kids were ready for the Family Bible Hour.
Shortly after the speaker began, I received a text. Since most people know I'm in church, I found it really odd that someone would text me. It was from Seth.
"I'm in the emergency room because I cut my finger with my sawzall."
I quickly texted back asking how serious it was. I left the sanctuary and headed to the back so the texts wouldn't bother people. I waited.
And waited.
And waited.
Finally, I got tired of waiting and went back in to sit. As soon as I got situated....."Do do do do do do. You've got mail!"
Ack! After a few texts back and forth and me leaving the sanctuary once more, I find out he didn't need stitches even though he had cut through the epidermal layer, there was a brass sliver in the cut, and he was in more pain after the doctor dug around in it. Whew! I was relieved. I thanked the Lord it wasn't more serious and asked God to help his pain.
Family Bible Hour soon ended and I talked with other people. One of my customers recently had a party and her order was in, so I went to go get the huge box out of my van. As I walked up to the door, a nice man opened the door for me. I thanked him and made my way blindly inside. Just to trip on the rug and totally biff it on the floor. The guy who opened the door quickly ran to my aide and said, "Oh, that is just so unfortunate!" While another guy accused the first one of tripping me. I assured them both I was fine, grabbed the box, and took it to my hostess.
We were one of the last people to leave, so we made sure all the lights were out and the new family had a way home (the oldest is in 8th grade and no parents coming with them). On the way home, Seth called and asked if we could meet for lunch. Of course! We decided on Taco Lopez, a place we hadn't eaten at in a long time.
We ordered, ate, and discussed various accidents, illnesses, and emergency trips we've had to make in the last 12 years. One of the ones we brought up was Little A's deformed fingernail. When she was very little, she was playing with a nightlight that was plugged in...and well, you could probably figure out what happened. I called my brother-in-law Dr. and he told me what to watch for if we needed to get her checked out. I also had a nurse at church take a look when we saw her. She kept an eye on it every week as her blackened fingertip changed colors, blistered, and the fingernail completely fell off. Her fingernail never grew back the same and has been deformed ever since.
Seth had to go back to work so he kissed the kids and then reached across the table to hug me....only to knock over my glass of pop with his now-numbed finger, causing it to spill all over the booth and Little A. I went to find napkins, but didn't see any so I told the employees about the spill.
*sigh*
We came home around 2:30. And you would think that is the end of the crazies of the day. I did too.
It's not.
The afternoon was a normal Sunday afternoon. We relaxed a bit, then the kids worked on their AWANA sections for this evening. Then we headed back to the church for AWANA - a Bible kids club where kids memorize Bible verses and earn "money" they can spend on various prizes a couple times during the year.
As I was rounding up the kids and their things to go back home after AWANA, I noticed Little A's deformed fingernail. It was ripped and her finger was bleeding. She said she had a band-aid on earlier but it had fallen off. I went back to the kitchen to get a band-aid from the first aid drawer and put a band-aid on her poor little finger.
And THAT is it. Well, it is only 8:45. Maybe I shouldn't speak too soon... ;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)