Not Me Monday

I am jumping on the Not Me Monday bandwagon today because I did not have plenty of things to add to this post.

I did NOT delete all my HGP posts because I haven't been doing my weekly deep cleans. Not me, I have completed everything on my list each week.

I did NOT tell my children on countless occasions that they could snack on whatever they could find in the kitchen this week. And when FirstBorn said all he could find was a piece of gum I did not say "Okay, that sounds like a great snack". I always have a well stocked refrigerator full of healthy, ready to eat snacks.

I did NOT let my children play on the Wii for an unknown amount of time yesterday because I was too sick to care and as long as they were letting me sleep they could have been building a bomb for all I cared. My children are always actively engaged in mind stretching activities.

I did NOT let my children go to school today in clothes they wore Saturday because I didn't do laundry last week. My laundry is always caught up and my children always go to school in clean clothes. Their underwear and socks were clean for the record.

I did NOT do a Wii Fit Body Test this morning when I knew I would have a lower weight from being sick all day yesterday. Nope, that thought completely did not even cross my mind.

I did NOT take home the box that the toy came in from Burger King last week and promptly make a pattern off of it, cut it out to make sure it worked and then try to plan a party around the possibility of handing out little favor boxes. I have way better things to do with my time, like cleaning my house and making healthy snacks for my three precious children. I NEVER revert to crafty things like this when I want to disengage myself from reality. I am always present and in-the-moment when my children and husband are awake.

And I am absolutely, without a doubt, am NOT sitting here blogging, eating junk food and watching a soap opera at my parents when I am supposed to be working right now.

Where Have You Been?

Hello dear ones,

I can't believe I didn't make it over here all week. Familial duties (or would that be duties de la familia?) kept me away this week.

Monday found Mr. Steady and I schlepping BabyBoy to the thrift store. We had a lot of fun and bagged some really great bargains. It was 50% off day so why not pick up the $0.29 picture frame? I snagged a great chandy for $2.50! I'll post pictures when it's finished. In the afternoon the piano tuner came. He was to be here for 2-3 hours and ended up being here for about 5 hours and still did not get the first tuning done. Wow. The good news is he told us our piano was built in 1914. The bad news is the last man who tuned it has been dead for 37 years so that should tell you how out of tune it was.

Tuesday I had class and SecondBorn had snack duty. I had written on my calendar to take pumpkin cookies and milk but had a change of plans and instead took vanilla yogurt with oreo crumbles. It was a hit.

Wednesday I woke up at 3:00 AM to head to Shipshewana! Five crazy ladies and two insane girls went fabric shopping. We had a wonderful time and I am a blessed woman. Thank you dear friends!!!

Thursday I had class again, FirstBorn went to the Columbus Zoo and had a grand time. Since the two older children didn't have school on Friday they camped out with Grandma. Mr. Steady painted the new office (formerly BabyBoy's room) - thank you dear, it looks fabuloso...even if you don't adore the color.

On Friday BabyBoy had an assessment from HelpMeGrow and they confirmed his speech delay. We're not jumping into speech therapy right now but he will have another assessment in two weeks from an early intervention specialist. BabyBoy also had a harvest party at his school Friday. He doesn't go to school on Fridays but we went and shared in the fun anyhow.

This morning I had Bible Study. I am so blessed to be able to join the wonderful ladies around a table to open God's word. Today we were continuing the study on James. I haven't been able to be at Bible Study for a while and I had forgotten how much I enjoy it. It has grown so much over the past year (or has it been two? My, how time flies) since we started it. When I got home Mr. Steady was in the process of moving our monster of a desk out of our bedroom and into the office. I "helped" him with that and then made a modest lunch.

Consequently, but not surprisingly, I am way behind on my HGP. Nevertheless, the crusade will go on, leaving behind but not forgetting our fallen comrades known as the bathroom and the boys' room. Next we will attack and conquer the kitchen. It will not be pretty and there will not be pictures. I've too much pride for that. But I do have a plan which is more than I had the past two weeks. I will share it with you next week - come back and join me!

Now I am supposed to be working but thought I simply must check in with you. Love to you all!

Heading Out

I'm headed out of town today, I don't even know where I'm going. I'm loading up in a van and headed to our Women's Retreat somewhere in Indiana. I am letting someone else take care of me for a full 24 hours. I didn't plan the trip, I didn't plan the meals, I didn't plan any.thing. I've got a bag for one person packed, a meal for 4 prepared plus a meal for the dear crazy sweet sister who agreed to watch BabyBoy, and I'm not even looking back. I'm anxiously looking forward to my time away. I know the boys will be taken care of and I am praying for some much needed time with the One who has been holding me up for the past several months.

Don't do anything crazy while I'm gone!

Speaking of crazy, how crazy do you think I'd be if I had this printed and framed? I think it was an accident but after I stared at it for a minute I decided I liked it.

Wordless Wednesday

Student of the Month

FirstBorn received the honor of Student of the Month for September. He was chosen for demonstrating a caring attitude to those around him. This meant he got to have a donut breakfast with the principal. The note home said the principal was excusing the students to be late for class for this special occasion. Mr. Steady said he was late to class a lot because he was with the principal but doesn't remember having the donuts...hmmm, wonder why? Congratulations FirstBorn ~ we are proud of you!

Under Strict Orders

After being witness to an overwhelming flood of emotion, I've been instructed by my clergy to "find an island and wait". I was even equipped with a parting gift.

I have been trying to teach my children to obey "all the way, right away, the first time,". So I think this is a perfect opportunity to practice what I preach, eh?

Country Fair

We are so blessed to have a living history farm circa 1830 very near to us. This weekend they hosted a Country Fair complete with a box lunch auction, pie contest, and lots of other fun things.

Trying out the stilts

Learning how to make rope

What little boy doesn't love jumping in a pile of hay?