Sweet Southern Knits

2008-06-14T17:52:00.001-07:00

Moving............

in more than one sense. Mr. Polka Spot is selling his place, so we are trying to combine households once and for all. There have been a lot of decisions to make and we've also been doing some home renovations here at the Farm. I've been MIA for quite some time, and no explination. Well moving him, doing my floors, kids activities, and blogging issues have been a lot of the problems.

I'm also trying out Wordpress for my blogging issues. So far so good. I still have a lot of work to do, but I'm liking things so far. I've combined the posts from both of my blogs and put them all into this one blog at Wordpress. I wish that I could come to terms with Blogger and stay here, but it just seems to fight everything that I try to do. I'm not a genius, but you'd think that I could get titles to work at least. So hope you come see what's cooking up at the Farm.

Please join me over at Polka Spot Farm.

2008-06-05T20:01:00.000-07:00

Searching....

I saw this at Javajem Knits and Knitorious.

Here are the rules:
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page of results, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker.

The Questions:

1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One word to describe you.
12. Your flickr name.

2008-05-12T05:40:00.000-07:00

Menu Plan Monday May 11 - May 18

Monday: Chicken Nuggets and Mac N Cheese

Tuesday: Tacos

Wednesday: Church

Thursday: Honey Chicken and Salad

Friday: Baked Tortellini

Saturday: Carribean PorkChops and Bean Bundles

Sunday: Pot Roast with Carrots and Mashed Potatoes

edit: I had scheduled this to go up Monday morning but it didn't so here it is.

2008-05-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

1-2-3… Get Organized

Christy over at Multi Tasking Mama is reviewing the mini books from 1-2-3...Organized. I'm begging for a coupon code to order a few of these myself. I'd love to try:

Three Steps to Organizing your Child's Room Time Management for theStay-at-HomeMom Three Steps to Organizing Your Kitchen Christy is giving away 3 of the mini books here so go sign up!!

2008-05-07T06:06:00.000-07:00

Works for Me Wednesday

What doesn’t work for me theme for this week really got me thinking when my eczema went haywire. I’ve barely been able to do anything including type, hence the absence for several of the days. I normally use a lot of baby products on my skin, or at least oatmeal soap, and then lots of lotion. I know better than to go without certain products in my reach. I left my lotion at Mr. Polka Spots and was completely out of my oatmeal soap.

Thursday was the kids field trip to the zoo. (no pictures, but more about that later this week) I thought that being nauseated could be from the bus trip, but oh no come Friday night it was the worst stomach bug that I’ve ever had. I dehydrated really quickly but then it all stopped. Saturday morning I woke up with the palms of my hands were swollen and bumpy. Since then I have been battling my eczema flare up with the wrong soaps and lotions because I was not prepared. I ended up at the dermatologist and health food store to get the proper prescriptions, shots, soaps and lotions. I hope everyone takes care of their skin, because sometimes things sneak up on you.

For more Works for me Wednesday posts visit http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/

2008-05-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

Menu Plan Monday 5-5 to 5-11

Monday: Nachos with all the fixings! T-Ball at 6:30 Baseball Practice at 5pm

Tuesday: (Baseball Practice at 5pm)

Wednesday: Church – Our Pastor cooks

Thursday: (We have T-ball and Baseball this night) PB&J, apples and something after the game

Friday: Baseball @ 6:30

Saturday:

Sunday: Cookout for my cousin Jared who is returning from Iraq!! Happy Mother’s Day!!

Works For Me Wednesday

2008-04-23T12:59:00.001-07:00

I keep mentioning how I use Microsoft OneNote to people, and they keep asking about it. I use this program for personal, business and school. I have recipes from blogs, and the blogs noted. Any sewing ideas or blog ideas have their own little spot in my notebooks. I can print all of the deals from MultiTaskingMama and go back through them when I have time to, or date what I have already done to see when I will get that deal. Here's some information that I just found on the Microsoft Website. I hope that you find this useful. What do you use for keeping up with your life?

Microsoft Office OneNote 2007 top 10 benefits

Applies to: Microsoft Office OneNote 2007

Microsoft Office OneNote 2007 is a digital notebook that provides a flexible way to gather notes and information, powerful search capabilities so users can find what they are looking for quickly, and easy-to-use shared notebooks that help teams work together more effectively.

	Gather your notes and information in one place. Gather, store, and manage your notes and information — including text, pictures, digital handwriting, audio and video recordings, and more — in a single location. Having all your important information at your fingertips can help you make more informed decisions and be better prepared.

	Back up your valuable information. Office OneNote 2007 automatically saves and backs up your notebooks, whether stored locally or on a network file share, so you're less vulnerable to data loss.

	Find information more quickly. Powerful search technology with optical character recognition helps you find what you're looking for more quickly — whether you're searching handwritten notes, text in pictures, or spoken words in audio and video recordings. You can configure Microsoft Office SharePoint Portal Server 2003 or Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 to index Office OneNote 2007 files automatically to incorporate the data into your company's knowledge base.

	Work together more effectively. Shared notebooks give everyone access to the same information at the same time, online or offline. Office OneNote 2007 manages changes for you so that multiple users can work simultaneously in the same notebook—there's no need to keep track of versions and changes. With Live Sharing Sessions, geographically dispersed teams can view and edit the same page of notes at the same time.

	Avoid duplicate work. Office OneNote 2007 makes it easy to collect, store, and search information about projects in a central location. Capitalize on ideas, notes, and best practices when briefing new project teams or team members. Take advantage of OneNote archives to avoid duplicate work.

	Organize your way. Organize information in the way that works best for you. See all your open notebooks in a single view, and easily arrange and rearrange your notes with drag-and-drop functionality. You can add hyperlinks to other pages in your notebook so you can quickly find content relevant to the task at hand.

	Prioritize and manage tasks and your to-do list more efficiently. Use note tags to mark and easily track actions and important items. Note tags can be customized according to your needs and quickly viewed in a summary pane. Tasks created in Office OneNote 2007 synchronize with Microsoft Office Outlook tasks so you can manage your projects more efficiently.

	Make meetings more productive. Office OneNote 2007 gives you the flexibility to capture all of the information presented in meetings, including status updates, presentations, documents, typed and handwritten notes, and more. With all meeting notes stored in one location, everyone has access to the same information, helping ensure that all team members are on the same page and that everyone walks away with a consistent set of action items.

	Get up to speed quickly. The familiar look and feel of other Microsoft Office system programs and an intuitive user interface make it easy to get started using Office OneNote 2007 right away. Integration with the 2007 Microsoft Office system means you can share information between Office OneNote 2007 and other Microsoft Office system programs easily.

	Improve productivity away from the office. Synchronize your Microsoft Windows Mobile–powered devices with Office OneNote 2007 so you can take contents of your notebook with you and view them on your mobile device. In addition, information you capture on your Smartphone or Windows Mobile–based Pocket PC, including photos and text, can be transferred to Office OneNote 2007 and made text-searchable.

2008-04-21T20:24:00.000-07:00

Flirty Apron Giveaway!

The Apronista Flirty Apron Giveaway is this week!! They are giving away an adorable apron from Flirty Aprons!

Flirty Aprons is giving the winner their choice of Apron from their Original Flirt line - sassy, feminine, and in many gorgeous colors, Flirty Aprons would be perfect in any kitchen!

To Enter - Go to the Original Flirty Apron page, and choose the Apron you love best. Then go here and leave a comment with your choice. You may also enter again by posting this giveaway on your own site and leaving a second comment with the link to your post. GOOD LUCK!!!

The Flirty Apron Giveaway is open until Friday April 25th at 9pm PST. The winner will be chosen by random drawing.

2008-04-21T09:36:00.000-07:00

Its time once again for the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival.

I'm totally excited about having you here, and would like to announce that I will be giving away 5 Grab Bags of Ribbon. there should be 10+ yards of assorted ribbon in each bag. I will try to get a nice ribbony picture up later. Wanted to go ahead and let you sign up before I found the camera.

Rules to enter: Post a reply, that's it!
Winners will be chosen by my kids, so the more kid friendly, the more likely they are to pick you. I will print out the posts and read them outloud to the little ones ages 6-10.

I hope that you enjoy!

2008-04-20T11:51:00.001-07:00

This is spring break so I may put down some breakfast and lunch's for days, Mr. Polka Spot is working an odd schedule, and we are going out of town on Friday.

Monday: (Kids away)

PM: Chicken Pot Pie

Tuesday: (Mr. Polka Spot home AM Work PM)

NOON: Left Overs

PM: Grilled Boneless PorkChops, Brown Rice, Steamed Veggies

Wednesday: (Kids Home, Mr. Polka Spot home AM work PM)

AM: Cereal

Noon: Chicken Nuggets, Fries, Mac N Cheese

PM: Church

Thursday: (Mr. Polka Spot Home Am Work PM)

AM: Cereal

Noon: Grilled Cheese and Apple Slices

PM: Red Beans

Friday: Leave early Afternoon for Desoto Caverns

AM: Biscuits n Gravy

Noon: Hamburgers

PM: PB&J

Saturday: Away

Sunday:

AM: Cinnamon Rolls

Noon: Loaded Potato Soup and Hamburger Steaks

PM: Church

Snacks for the week: Homemade Granola Bars, Strawberries, Cheese Sticks, Grapes, Apples, Bananas

2008-04-14T08:40:00.000-07:00

This week is finals week for me so I'm doing simple things that don't take much effort. T'ball and Baseball are still going on, and we leave for Desoto Caverns on Friday afternoon for Spring Break.

Monday: Lazy Lasagna
Tuesday: Hot Dogs
Wednesday: Church (pot luck I think so I'll make Chicken Spagetti)
Thursday: Grilled Chicken
Friday: Sandwiches maybe in the car
Saturday: Out of Town
Sunday: I have no eartly I

2008-04-12T22:15:00.000-07:00

The HSB Front Porch is having a contest and you can win a $50 gift certificate just for blogging about The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Spring Promo before midnight April 30, 2008. Subscribe now to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and receive 25 BONUS gifts valued at over $550! The Winter Promo sold out, don't miss out on the free gifts this time!

They are also giving away a $150 gift certificate to the Schoolhouse Store. All print subscribers (new or renewing) between April 3 - 30, 2008 will be automatically entered into a drawing. No purchase neccessary to win. To enter without subscribing, please send a postcard with your name, address, telephone number, and email address to:
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Spring Promo Contest
PO BOX 8426
Gray, TN 37615

2008-04-11T17:15:00.000-07:00

This week on Menu Planning Mondays, I told you that we were having taco's. I changed what I was having for Tuesday to the Boston Butt and then had the taco's on Thursday. When Mr. Polka Spot saw the seasoning can in the cabinet, he asked if we could have them, I'm like well I already wanted to do that tonight. With him asking about them because of my can, I thought other's would like to know my secret to taco's!

Leanne's Taco Seasoning from Saving Dinner:

1 cup dried minced onion
1/3 cup cup chili powder
2 tablespoons cumin (I actually add an extra tablespoon-we love cumin)
4 teaspoons crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon oregano
4 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder

Combine all ingredients and store in a cool, dry place.

When you're using for Mexican dishes, use about 1 tablespoon or so per 1 pound ground beef, or chicken or beans. More if you like the extra flavor.

This tastes just like the packaged stuff, but has no salt. I love salt, but really don't miss it with this recipe if I don't add it.

2008-04-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

Random Thoughts Thursday

MultiTaskingMama and I were thinking of starting a meme. As I’m completely random myself in many ways, I think this is a great idea for a Meme. I want to wrap my head around our random thought about a Random Thoughts Thursday Meme…so that it is more than just a random thought. So far I think I understand everything needed to be done for a meme, and I’ve snooped around at Mr. Linky. So maybe we can put our heads together and get the meme started in a week or two. I have finals next week, and this is the worst time for me to start something that I want to enjoy.
On to my random thought:

I’ve always wanted twins. It has always been a boy and a girl that I wanted of the same age. Two kids, that’s it, that’s all that I wanted. But now I have 4. I know that God knows my heart, and although I haven’t prayed directly for this, He has sent me twins. Pretty unconventional, they don’t have the same biological father or mother, they don’t have the same last name, they don’t share the same birthday. They are however, my twins! Right now there is no chance of me adopting dfss6 (dear future step son 6), but he is now half of my twins. The silly smiles, dirty fingers, smudged cheeks and heartwarming hugs are from my son. I thank God everyday for each of my children, but to be given a child 6 years after his birth is almost as amazing as holding him in those first moments of life
.
To my newest son:
Thank you for being my son. Thank you for calling me mama, even if it’s only when you least expect it. Thank you for loving me.

I will love you always,
Mama

2008-04-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

Menu Plan Monday: April 7-13

Monday: Pot Roast with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Steamed Carrots
Tuesday: Tacos
Wednesday: Church (need to check to see if its potluck)
Thursday: Boston Butt, spaghetti and cheese, French style green beans
Friday: Pulled Pork Sandwiches and Garlic Fries
Saturday: Grilled Chicken Salad
Sunday: Hamburgers and Hot Dogs

2008-04-02T12:54:00.000-07:00

Tackle it Tuesday:

Today I've started the actual writing process of my papers, after multiple bumps in the road. I had to start almost completely over today. I'm looking forward to my diploma so I can have a real break from all of this!

2008-03-31T19:35:00.000-07:00

Thank You, Thank You Very Much

Mr. Polka Spot said "Let's go to Graceland."

I said, "Okay."

Here we are after not checking the forcast the night before and ended up in the pouring rain. Thank goodness it was only 50 degrees, and no colder. We had a blast!

2008-03-31T08:05:00.001-07:00

Little Bunny Foo Foo

Thursday night, Mr. Polka Spot came to the bathroom to tell me "I don't want you to freak out, but there is a rabbit in the house!" I start asking questions. Mr Spot had walked out to his car and left the door open. He looked up and something was hopping into the house.

We searched and searched to no avail. After giving up we went on to bed, leaving the door open so the little creature could hop outside.

At 1:55 I hear little thumper in my bathroom. I start tapping Mr. Polka Spot on the leg, until he wakes. We go to investigate.

When we look into the tub, there we find....

LITTLE BUNNY FOO FOO

Mr Polka Spot saves lite little fellow

Awe how sweet!!!!We talk to him and pet him for a few minutes, and he's perfectly content to be held. So what do we do with him until we can move the cage the next afternoon?

Put him in the Polka Spot Kids' gallon sized pickle jar!

So what next? I kept him in the jar, or the bathtub for most of the next day. I did take him out to pet and hold while watching tv for about an hour. Mr. Spot came home with a lovely cage, we put him in it then went to deliver Polka Spot Son6 to his mother. When we made it home he had escaped!!!

Now we are shopping for another bunny. We are thinking of maybe a breeding pair next time.

2008-03-31T07:47:00.000-07:00

This weeks menu:

Monday: Chili (still not made it from 2 weeks ago)
Tuesday: Chicken Pot Pie
Wednesday: Church
Thursday: I may beg for Take out Pizza or Red Beans
Friday: Hamburgers
Saturday: Grilled Honey Chicken
Sunday: Pot Roast with potatoes and carrots

2008-03-27T05:11:00.000-07:00

I did get most of my Tackle it Tuesday done, but yesterday was a wash as far as school work went. I did get some pots planted. Mr. Polka Spot was all anxious about his appointment yesterday afternoon, the kids were all out of school also. DS6 was at his Nana's house, DD6 had gum in her hair when she got up. We got it out with Tea Tree Oil, then sent her to the shower. Then I keep hearing her say " I'm cold!" I checked, and sure enuff the hot water heater was off. Checked the propane and we were out. I called and our account switched offices. They were there in a little over an hour to fill the tank. Not even fill, only 100 gallons and it was almost 300 bucks!!! THEN we piddled all day with the garden and when looking at the tank for the water pump, Mr. PS somehow managed to unglue a pipe for the main line!!! Ok it was crunch time and all of my pvc glue was dried out. Finally we got new glue, got it put back together and I had just enough time to get Mr. PS lunch and him out the door. When he finally made it home, we hung out until church. Church was nice last night.

Now the plan for today:

9am Tax Man's office
Decide on Topics for 2 papers
Look up sources for 1 paper
2 quiz's if at all possible
Make Chicken nuggets before school is out
3:10 Pick up kiddos
3:20 snack, homework, dress for practice
4:30 meet Mr Polka Spot and DS6
5:00 Little Leauge Practice/TBall Practice (different locations)
6:30 Head home
6:45 Start Dinner
7:45 Start Showers
8:45 Start Settling down
10:00pm GET IN BED!!!

2008-03-25T06:18:00.000-07:00

Tackle it Tuesday:

Today the plan is to make a plan. I have 3.5 weeks to finish all of my school work, this includes actually 4 papers, 2 are due on the 4th of next month. I want to make meal plans for the next month, along with a school schedule, also I need to find out about t-ball and baseball games. I also need to make a weekly schedule about household stuff or I will go nuts. OK this means my Control Journal is coming out to play. It has to stay out for the next month so things will automatically get done. TIME FOR ROUTINES!!!

2008-03-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

My alternate personality

Polka Spot Farm and Ranch

I added a blog for the farm at the above link, just simply because we want to treat it as a business at some point in the future. I will try to move the gardening posts over to the new blog. At least from now on, if its outside at my house, it is probably over at my alternate personality.

2008-03-24T08:53:00.000-07:00

Monday: Spagetti
Tuesday: Chicken Nuggets
Wednesday: Church (kids r out of school too so leftovers for lunch)
Thursday: Chili (didn't get it last week)
Friday: Pizza
Saturday: Chinese in Memphis
Sunday: no idea where we will be

2008-03-24T05:58:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday: Monday Edition

2008-03-21T17:28:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday on Friday!

2008-03-18T06:37:00.001-07:00

In honor of the Do it Now Principle, I'm getting all of my dishes washed and put away today. Since Seth and Hunter have been eating here almost every night, I've not been able to keep my kitchen going. I only have to hand wash one bowl and a few cups, and put away everything from the drain rack and It will all be done! I already feel like this has been accomplished. GO ME!!!

2008-03-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

Mothering on Mondays

I'm joining this meme from Bow of Bronze.

This is the day I've been waiting on for a very long time. After Seth and I have been trying hard to come up with some type of motivation for Payton, we finally got a break. For the last few weeks I've had to constantly cancel and reschedule multiple appointments with Payton's teacher. Finally we met, along with another teacher. After a real round table discussion, we came to the agreement that Payton's father needs to be involved in his education.

To my surprise, his Dad called around 3pm asking what he could do to help. My jaw dropped. After 6 years of fighting to get him involved in this child's education he finally sees the light! I agreed to come up with a plan of sorts to get Payton to him in the afternoons after school so that he can help with homework and spend time together then return him home around 7:30pm in time to get a shower and into bed. I'm holding my breath to see if things fall through.

On another note, Hunter has to see the school counselor because he was describing IT to another student last week. His Dad wants more information on what was said before we talk to him. I'm sure the IT word was used, but this is 6 year old with a very active imagination.

I'm still praying and researching home school for my kids. I know that Payton is excited that he may be able to stay home. I know that HE provides, I just don't know how that's gonna work right now with me not working. I know things will work out one way or the other.

2008-03-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

Monday: Grilled Burgers with scoops and Rotel dip

Tuesday: Baked Potato Bar

Wednesday: Passover Supper at Church

Thursday: (slow cooking Thursday) Chili

Friday: Chicken Nuggets and Oven Fries

Saturday: Keema and Tacos

Sunday: Easter at Nana's (taking Banana Pudding)

2008-03-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

I submitted to a quiz that came with a button. I say that this is true about me. Its a wonderful time of day! Not to early, not to late!

2008-03-06T10:09:00.000-08:00

I have the most amazing boy friend! While sitting around the last few days I will look at blogs and he comments here and there. Many times there are polka dots on the pages, and in fabric that I'm looking at. Finally I errupted with we must name the farm the Polka Spot Farm...well it could be Polka Spot Ranch if we have mainly animals. I want a small Farmers market also, with all polka spot curtains and all kinds of things. I started the Polka Spot Farm Blog yesterday and hopefully will put all of the farmly goodness there soon.

On another note I left my lights on in the van again today. I'm notorious for this. Called my aunt and she wanted to finish lunch first, and is now on her way. BF is going to get me my very own jump box. I have one but apparently it never worked. He's the best! I LOVE YOU BABY!!

2008-03-01T10:19:00.000-08:00

Let the Gardening Begin!

When I got home today from bf's there was a swarm of buzzards and crows. After some searching and calling, I found the baby cow to be safe. Mama and my StepDad drove up a few minutes later with the Tractor and plow in tow. I got him to break ground for my garden. I think bf is as excited as I am about the gardening and possible ranch in years to come.

Later I took out the camera and started snooping around my Dad's old barn. I found the most amazing things there the other day and a few more today.

This is an old crate of some sort I found under a bench in the Barn, I see a container for flowers.

Old license plates all in a stack on the afore mentioned bench. These antiques are from 1968 and still in the plastic. I'm sure they were for farm equiptment that Daddy never took out on the road.

An old hand plow of Daddy's. Really who knows how old it is, I'm sure Grand Daddy used it too.

2008-02-26T16:57:00.000-08:00

Rain Rain Go Away

Everytime we think its gonna be pretty it rains again. Today all of the kids stayed home because of the flu, and it rained on top of that. There was a lot of lightening and thundering too, which means that its gonna frost at least 4 times next month. That's and old wives tale that bf keeps reminding me of. The load of lime hasn't made it because of the rain, its too early to buy tomato plants or actually plant anything...I'm getting bored with the non planting stage of my garden. I did go out and find some cool things out under the shed that was my dad's when he was alive, and prolly his dad's when he was alive and so on. I want to get pictures of some of these things so that everyone can see some of the history here. I think we are gonna get goats and a llama do. The llama is already named drama. We have a new pet too....well not really, but a skunk has taken refuge somewhere on the lane.

Hopefully I will get more posting now that i have the new cell modem. I hate not having dsl!!! TTFN!

Dish Cloth Swap

2008-02-12T14:52:00.001-08:00

These came in the mail from Rekesha in Virginia. Its not two but three crocheted dish cloths, a mini notebook and pen, notepad and darling butterfly card (not pictured). All in red and white for Valentines Day!
Also in the mail was my package of loofah seeds! I'm so excited. The new plan is for a larger garden with it being moved to the side of the house. BF said I'm gonna need all 40 acres soon!

2008-02-05T13:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Super Fat Tuesday

Today is Fat Tuesday and Super Tuesday. I haven't been to the polls yet, but I will go as soon as I get home and get a shower. Today is also Fat Tuesday for Mardi Gras and tomorrow will be the start of the Lenten season. I've been thinking about what I will give up for Lent. I'm leaning toward Cokes, and other colas. BF and I have had our fair share the last few weeks. If I can replace cola with water, I'll be doing better on my water intake.

On another note, because my connection at home has been down for quite some time, I haven't been able to update about the gardening this year. I ordered some seed catalogs, visited the local farmers co-op, and ordered loofah seeds today. BF has decided on a salsa garden, and I'm just not sure what else I would like to plant, but loofah, tomato and lavender sounds like a start.

We found such a cool store at the Galleria this past weekend! Ambiance. Hopefully I can find a website for it soon. We hope to frequent the Galleria from now on. I did go to town yesterday and found a couple shirts to reform into dresses for K, a basket, skirt, soap bottle, and BF's V-Day present.

Next up will be more plans on sewing, gardening and maybe an update on flooring options for the house.

Me and Jr. hangin

2008-01-19T21:04:00.001-08:00

P1090003, originally uploaded by sweetrattle.

We decided to play some dice, and look who I won!!!

Introducing......

2008-01-17T13:08:00.001-08:00

The new men in my life. Love you Huck!

2008-01-10T10:43:00.001-08:00

Silly Pink Day

Have you ever just wanted to add some excitement to a normal house cleaning day? Just pick a color theme and roll with it. Pink is the spice of life today. What if the entire office wore pink one day? Think of all the fun you would have! Men can do this too and kids love it! Have fun with your color.

2008-01-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

more at twiigs.com...

Happy Birthday!

2008-01-09T15:31:00.001-08:00

My baby is growing up! Happy 6th Darling!

MAMA! They are stuck in the tree!!!!

2007-12-02T14:18:00.001-08:00

from phone and cam 059, originally uploaded by sweetrattle.

Right before a rain shower came in, the wind was blowing and that's what I hear! I rush outside to find they were playing. I sent the oldest in for the camera, and started snapping pictures as the kids climbed down. Big brother helped these two, but mama was standing by just in case.

2007-11-30T08:17:00.001-08:00

I've always wanted to be a princess. What girl doesn't? I was kidding around with N a few weeks ago and mentioned it. I'd had a rough time, and he was MIA for several days, but when things came together he called me Princess. It was out of the blue, and I really hadn't thought that he'd listened. I told him about the book The Five Love Languages. I've not read the entire book, but it is pretty neat. So basically I told him that my love language is words of affirmation, and we figured out that his is touch. So after that really bad week, and he called me Princess and told me that he missed me, I cried.

Today I've been listening to the Fly Show. There is a lot of talk about loving yourself. One thing that Leanne said that really stuck with me today, is that I am the daughter of a King!!!! I am a princess!!!! I am not in my castle yet, but my home awaits me. I will serve my King until it is time for me to go home. Why shouldn't I love myself as much as my King does? If I am worthy of being loved by my King, why can't I love myself? I'm not saying I hate myself, but sometimes I just really need that extra hug, or pick me up.

Now I just need to find ways to love myself. I'm a princess, so who doesn't love being a princess. Maybe I should make my own tiara so that I can pretend while I'm at home. I think that I'm mostly worried now about if other's love me. If I don't change my "stinkin thinkin" I will never be able to show my kids how to love themselves.

Mission: I'm going to remember to do something special for me every single day! I will put a sticker, or something to mark it on my calendar and report back here about my progress.

Birthday List

2007-10-17T19:35:00.001-07:00

My son now has a list written.

Ipod Shuffle
GoCart
Clark Wallabees
Pellet Gun
And possible money to take to the mall

This is the kid that wanted a baby goat, and a double barrel shot gun for Christmas last year. Boy has he changed. He'll be 8 November 2^nd. I can't believe my babies are growing up.

Holiday Time

2007-10-17T10:01:00.001-07:00

Today I have been contemplating the holidays. We have 3 birthdays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas coming up soon. Halloween is in order so far. My son's birthday is still up in the air. He's the kid that wanted a baby goat for Christmas a few years ago, and gave back the game boy and all the games that he received. I'm sure that we will be at my mom's for Thanksgiving, but I need to come up with something to cook for that day. Then there is my birthday, which is my 29^th. Told my friends that I want a big party, because its my last birthday ever. Then Mom's birthday, I should do something special for her, but I know that I will be super busy. FlyLady is helping get me on my way with her "Cruising Through the Holidays" Between all of this I have school, and a computer that's just not working correctly. How I wish that I could just snap my fingers and it would be done. Today I'm having enough problems with just getting my hair dry and fixed.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday season, and I'll update you on how mine goes along the way.

2007-10-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I Wonder...

Who my person is. Looks like I've ran out of best friends. When things go wrong, the person who I like to run to, has changed a few times over the years. After talking to someone that I want to be close to today, looks like they could care less what's going on with me right now.

On another note, I know that he read the last post. I think he liked it, but I'm a big confused about a few things with him. This isn't new for me.

Today I stayed home. I haven't been sleeping well, and last night my tummy hurt sooo bad. It feels better now, but not great. I just basically slept all day. I did accomplish finishing 1 load of clothes, my sheets are drying now, and one load to go into the dryer. I got my pots and pans cabinet cleaned out.

2007-10-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

Who are you? I have erased everyone, and still don't know who you are that's checking out my blog. Lemme know.

2007-10-09T08:16:00.000-07:00

Patience Pays Off

It is one week later, and I've already gotten 4 phone calls from the same guy this morning. The decision not to chase, and sticking with it may have paid off. I'm sure he'll read this now, and think I'm crazy, but I'm not sure that I care. If you do read this, please don't be offended.

A little history about this guy and myself. We met a few months back online, and talked on yahoo a time or two. I got the impression that he wasn't interested in the slightest, and work was his main objective. He seemed mostly elusive. So I get an email from him a few days ago. I told him basically that I didn't think he was interested before, and why email me again. Not sure if he forgot about me or what. This time he has assured me that he is interested, and from the phone calls I think that may be true. I guess I was a bit elusive at first this time, because of past events, but I eventually had the time to return one of many missed calls yesterday afternoon. I'm glad that I did.

My warning of the day is not to rush into anything yet. He's out of town until the end of the month, so I do have some time to get to know him, and get my thoughts straight before a first date. I didn't sleep a lot last night, and apparently he can't sleep today. I'm trying not to read a lot into this yet, but he's a cutie, and very sweet and seems like a nice respectable man.

That's all for now, maybe I'll have an update later on.

2007-10-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

PMS.

After this weekend going horribly wrong in some ways and horribly right in others, I chucked it up to some sort of PMS. Although my PMS really should have been 2 weeks ago (which it was) and I should have started Thursday (and didn't) PMS rulled my life this weekend. Then I wake up this morning with my devotion in my mailbox from Proverbs 31 Ministries

Basically the writer had the same problem that I did all weekend, and read a verse that basically told her to take her problems and hand them over to Jesus and walk away. Its like choosing to be well, instead of walking around grumpy. That is all it takes.

This weekend I eventually stopped pouting and thought to myself that if what I'm looking for happens, it will find me. I'm gonna stop looking. It was a light bulb moment. Wait for them to find you, and chase you down....lets see if it works. NO more calling, NO more emails, NO more text messages or IM's. They send me something, sure I'll be nice and reply, but that's it. I deserve friends that deserve me. I deserve not to be left out of the loop until they decide to let me in. I can't fix anyone that doesn't want to be fixed...and they can only ask for advice and I can only give them advice, they have to follow it.

So far today I have my menu finished, dressed to shoes, shopping list ready, and gonna see what I need if anything to make Leanne's Taco seasoning to keep on hand, instead of buying that stuff constantly. Kids will be fed well this week, if all goes to plan. PURPLE TEAM will rule!

By the way, I notice that I have people from all over the world that have checked out my blog. I was amazed. I just wish people would let me know that they are here. But then again, I do the same thing. I stalk the lady from Liquid Paper all the time...maybe I should let her know that! lol!

2007-09-28T19:25:00.000-07:00

Tonight I sit here thinking about the good and evil in people. I have always chased after the good in people. I am a seeker. I seek to find the good and show it to many people. Its confirmation for me that there is good out there. Recently it has been brought to my attention that someone that I considered a dear friend is full of evil ways. As I am often reminded, there's only two options God's way or Satan's way. The fight of Good vs. Evil. I believe that there is a constant battle here on earth that is being fought between good and evil. The ones conscious of the battle are fewer than there should be. I sense evil in some people. Sometimes it is too disguised for me to realize what it truly is. As I understand it, everyone is a sinner. We are born with a sinful nature. So shouldn't we believe that all people have "bad" in them, instead of all people have "good" in them. Maybe I'm being too negative, but right now I'm finding bad in those that I thought were good people. It hurts. It hurts really badly. Someone that you've told deepest secrets too, playing for the "other team." But I guess that's why I should be more careful with whom I share intimate details. There is a relationship that I must desolve. I don't do this very often. It always feels like part of my heart has been ripped away, and it leaves a black hole. I guess I should prepare for another hole.

2007-09-20T19:47:00.000-07:00

Today wasn't all that special. I worked, came home and fed the kids hot dogs. Of course my oldest wants chili with sauteed onions. So I did that, send the kids to shower, and they took forever. Broke a plate, ds7 tore down the shower curtain, and I sent the other two to the tub in the other bathroom. I finally went to lay down and right when I was about to drift off, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I had indigestion. I got up and took something, and went to potty. I came back and grabbed a drink and noticed that I left the stove on. OMG! If I wouldn't have had indigestion the house could have burned down with us asleep! The ways that God keeps us safe are unusual at times, but Glory be to God! My kids are tucked in safely for the night, and I'm on my way back to bed.

P.S. I also forgot to do this journaling....but I was then reminded to count my blessings.

2007-09-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

New to Journaling....again

Today was one of those days where I really didn't want to get out of bed, but did anyways. I started out by waking up dd5 and then ds10 and ds7. I came down the hall and to the bathroom off the laundry room. A few minutes later, I realize that Payton needs a shower, and all three kids are still in bed. After a few minutes the house is alive. Kayla can't find the correct clothes to wear, and we end up getting to the bus stop only about 30 seconds before the bus. On the way back home, I'm shaking all over and decided to take a personal day.

Flylady's routines. Basically the morning routine is to shower and get dressed to shoes, breakfast, unload the dishwasher. Simple you say. Well It happened but took a while to do. I did a few more things online, and read a devotion from http://proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/ I didn't ever get my hair fixed nicely, and ended up taking a long nap.

Morning routine again at 1PM. I felt better after a lot of prayers and and the nap, so I got in the shower again, for another try. I ended up with a cute outfit that I would have never put together on a different day, and had a salad with some talapia that is sooo easy, and I've gotten used to eating on my days off.

Later I picked up the kids, and went to town. The kids really weren't that bad, but dd5 just didn't feel well and was very cranky. After talking to ds10's teacher, we went back to the school to pick up books that he forgot at school. He ended up forgetting a notebook but we didn't go back for that one.

Later on tonight we watched Kid Nation. That show rocks!! I'm now trying to come up with how we can inccorperate this along with Flylady and The House Fairy. I'm not real sure, but the golden star has got to be part of it. Of course I want us to be the Purple Team!!

Part of the devotion today, was to comit to journaling for 30 days. These were the "rules" so to speak about it:

Application Steps: If you don’t already have a journal, make or purchase one. Commit for 30 days to write something in it every day about God. This could be something you thank God for or how you have seen Him revealed in your life or the lives of others that day.Reflections: Name one way the writing of another person has changed your life?What is one of characteristic of God you have learned from reading the Bible?If you were going to write a story about one thing God has done in your life, what would it be?Power Verses:Exodus 34:27-28, “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.’ Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments.” (NIV)Jeremiah 30: 1-2, “This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you.’” (NIV)Isaiah 49:16a, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands …” (NIV)

So here goes:

Reflections for today

I've been trying to persue a new relationship that's more meaningful than most of the ones in my past. I find myself praying for this man a great deal. He has been very busy lately, and I feel like I'm being ignored. Today I realized that he is a very Christ-like man, and I need to have patience. God doesn't give us answers on our timetable. So all of these prayers for a relationship may or may not have been not answered. I am really starting to realize that time really is not the same for everyone including God. I also know that there is nothing that I can't do without God. Depression can only be beat if I work on it God's way. I must have faith in Him to beat this. It was like a magic pill after all the praying today. I took that nap and when I woke up, I was a different person. Its amazing what the grace of God can do. Its like he touched me and started the healing process right then and there. Isn't that awesome!

2007-07-23T15:26:00.001-07:00

Love ya. Muah!

2006-11-06T13:02:00.000-08:00

I've been trying t get my house in order for the upcomming holidays. I've basically done nothing but keep the kitchen clean, but that's at least a start. I have a lot more to do, before I go back to work on Saturday. Right now the plan is to to back on Saturday, but I may have to go back before that. My mom is gonna come help me clean out my dungeon on Wednesday I believe. Tommorrow two of the kids have dental appointments. Yesterday I voulenteered to start a new youth program at church. That starts on Tueday, and runs every week from 7-8. I may have to work next Tuesday, but they can start without me I'm sure. Maybe I can have my mother keep the kids at my house, so that I don't have any stops to make on my way home from work. I know all of this is jumbled, but I just wanted to get things out of my head right now.

I think i'll start a list of missions that I'd like to accomplish with my church and youth group.

- Shoe Box ministry, dealine is really soon maybe for next year
- Help for single mothers of small children nearby
- Pick a family that needs help with Christmas
- Angel Food Ministy started (this should be the North West planning council IMO, but we need it here
- I'd love to start a church daycare for working families
- Pick a family a month to help with housework/yardwork on one weekend.

Fundraisers:
- Cookbook
- HELPPPPPPP!

2006-11-02T11:53:00.000-08:00

The Questionare:

What are your favorite colors? Purple, pink, royal blue. I like brights.

Are you a mitten knitter? Never knitted mittens
How long have you been knitting socks?

Do you perfer solid or multicolored yarn? Multicolored.

What fibers do you normally prefer in mittn yarn? Wool prolly

How do you carry/store small projects? In small makeup bags usually

Where do you usually knit mittnss? On my lunch break at my lys or at the bus stop

What are your favorite mitten patterns? Proly the convertible ones

Whate are your favorite mitten knitting techniques? no clue

What new techniques would you like to try? I want to use old sweaters to felt and make mittens, but prolly to hot for my climate

What are your favorite needles for knitting mittens? i'm assuming bamboo dpns

What are some of your favorite yarns? Lorna's Lace, Noro, hand dyed yarns for sure. Collinette

What yarn do you totally covet? Nothing particular at the moment.

Any pattern you would like to make if money and time were no object? there's a mermaid jacket/coat.blazer that I LOVE forget the name of the company but its sold in kits

Favorite kind of needles? I love LOVE Suzanne ebony needles. I usually buy the circs, but only have a couple pair. I'd love to have dpn's too

Do you ahvea a favorite candy or mailable snack? milk chocolate with almonds

If you were a color what color would you be? PURPLE

What is your most inspiring image in nature? Prolly flowers from bulbs, like tulips and such. i want to force paperwhites this year

Do you have a wishlist? I need to start one.

Anything else you'd like to share with this group today? Not today

Aren't they just the cutest couple ever?

2006-10-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

IMG_0080_1_1
Originally uploaded by sweetrattle.

I can't wait to get the real pictures back, cause they are adorable, even if they are my own!

Miss Football 2006

2006-10-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

IMG_0092_1_1
Originally uploaded by sweetrattle.

Well, neither of us won, but I did run out of yarn for a sock while waiting and drank 4 bottles of water...had to get up off the 2nd row and walk to the bathroom durning the middle of the dang thing.

Isn't my little one sooo cute! I'll have pictures later of my little man also.

me knitting

2006-10-03T19:08:00.000-07:00

me knitting
Originally uploaded by sweetrattle.

This is me knitting a dishcloth, that has currently dissapeared with my size 8 ebony needles. RATS!

Flickr

2006-10-03T19:04:00.000-07:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

2006-10-03T12:57:00.000-07:00

Why am i having such a hard time with Blogger? Does anyone out there know where I can learn to post working buttons, and fix this crazy thing I have going on here?

Log Cabin

2006-05-11T20:48:00.000-07:00

IMG_0001_1_1
Originally uploaded by sweetrattle.

I started!