Sep. 1, 2008 - If you want to visit a fun cooking site/blog....

Then here it is.  Tammy's Recipes is great with recipes and frugal information for all kinds of things.  This recipe is a great find from that site.  I'm considering trying her bread recipe too.  But that would involve grinding some wheat....do I want to or not, lol.

So have fun browsing her site, it's loads of fun!

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Aug. 30, 2008 - Crochet Cheeseburger Pattern

I searched and searched for a crochet cheeseburger pattern to go with the play food set that I am crochet-ing.  But I just wasn't happy with the free patterns that I found.  I did find a cute one for sale, but being on a tight budget, I didn't want to buy it.  So, I made my own up.  And now I will do my best to share it with you.

 

 

To make this set you need to know how to slip stitch, single crochet (sc), make a magic ring, double crochet (dc), sc2tog, crochet in back loops.  Each piece is worked in a continous round without joining.

Inside of buns (make 2):  Using an F -5 hook and an off-white worsted weight yarn

1.  Make 8 sc into a magic ring.  (8)

2.  2 sc in each stitch around.  Pull magic ring closed tight.  (16)

3.  1sc in next stitch, 2sc in next stitch around. (24)

4. 1 sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (32)

5.  1 sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (40)

6.  1 sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (48).

7.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

 

Bun Top: Using an F-5 hook and tan or light brown yarn.

1.  Make 8 sc into a magic ring.  (8)

2.  2 sc in each stitch around.  Pull magic ring closed tight.  (16)

3.  1sc in next stitch, 2sc in next stitch around. (24)

4. 1 sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (32)

5.  1 sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (40)

6.  Sc in each stitch around.  (40)

7.  Sc in each stitch around.  (40)

8.  Sc in each stitch around.  (40)

9.  Sc in each stitch around.  (40)

10.  Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

 

Bun Bottom:  Using an F-5 hook and tan or light brown yarn.

1.  Make 8 sc into a magic ring.  (8)

2.  2 sc in each stitch around.  Pull magic ring closed tight.  (16)

3.  1sc in next stitch, 2sc in next stitch around. (24)

4. 1 sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (32)

5.  1 sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (40)

6.  1 sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (48).

7.  *1 sc in next 10 stitches, sc2tog IN BACK LOOPS ONLY.  Repeat from * around.  (44)

8.  Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Now assemble your bun by sewing a bun bottom with an inner and a bun top with an inner, stuff before closing.  If you would like embroider some "seeds" on the bun top with white yarn before sewing and stuffing.  Now you have a nice round bun!

 

Lettuce:  With an F-5 hook and some green worsted weight yarn.

1.  Make 8 sc into a magic ring.  (8)

2.  2 sc in each stitch around.  Pull magic ring closed tight.  (16)

3.  1sc in next stitch, 2sc in next stitch around. (24)

4. 1 sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (32)

5.  1 sc in next stitch, 4 sc in next stitch around.  (80)

6.  Fasten off, weave in ends.

 

Tomato:  Using an F-5 hook and using red worsted weight yarn.

1.  Make 8 sc into a magic ring.  (8)

2.  2 sc in each stitch around.  Pull magic ring closed tight.  (16)

3.  1sc in next stitch, 2sc in next stitch around. (24)

4. 1 sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (32)

5.  1 sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (40)

6.  1 sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (48).

7.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

 

Cheese:  Using F-5 hook and yellow or orange worsted weight yarn.

1.  Make 8 sc into a magic ring.  (8)

2.  1 sc, 3 sc in next stitch around.  (16)

3. 1 sc in next 2 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch (*1 sc in next 3 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch around) ending with 1 sc.  (24)

4.  1 sc in next 3 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch (*1 sc in next 5 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch around) ending with 2 sc.  (32)

5.  1 sc in next 4 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch (*1 sc in next 7 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch around) ending with 3 sc.  (40)

6.  1 sc in next 5 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch (*1 sc in next 9 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch around) ending with 4 sc.  (48)

7.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

 

Patty:  Using J-10 hook and 2 STRANDS TOGETHER of dark brown worsted weight yarn.

1.  Make 6 sc into a magic ring.  (6)

2.  2 sc in each stitch.  Tighten magic ring.

3.  1 sc, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (18)

4.  1 sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (24)

5.  1 dc, 1 slip stitch around. (24)

6.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

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Aug. 29, 2008 - I don't....

• I don't want to cook today.
• I don't want to clean today.
• I don't want to bake cupcakes and go shopping today.
• I don't want to be sweet and patient and attentive.
• I don't want to organize another thing today.
• I don't want to referree disagreements, and train my children today.
• I don't......

I just want to be a selfish woman today.

But......I will....

• I WILL cook 3 meals today cheerfully and with a thankful heart that we have food to prepare.
• I WILL clean up after those meals and clean whatever else I find time for.
• I WILL bake cupcakes and go shopping so that we can enjoy my youngest daughters birthday tomorrow.
• I WILL do my best to be sweet and patient and attentive to each of my children today.  Knowing that these days are fleeting and I'll treasure every conversation later.
• I WILL organize some other area of my home today to make my family's life easier in some way.
• I WILL referree disagreements and train my children today.  This is so that I can reap the rewards of that training tomorrow.
• I WILL.....

You know why I will?  Because I am supposed to work as unto the Lord.  And love my neighbor as myself.  And if I'm being my own selfish woman today then I am not working as unto the Lord, I'm serving only myself.  And if I'm only serving myself, then I can't possibly be loving my neighbor as myself, because I am too focused on me.

So, how about you?  What are you going to do today that you just don't want to?

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Aug. 28, 2008 - What I've been crafting

Here are just some quick picks of the things that I have been crafting.

A stocking for the new baby:

A small gift bag (cinches at the top):

Mini checkerboard:

Mini tarts:

Oreo and chocolate chip cookies (I just made up the cookie jar to fit them):

Breakfast (eggs, bacon, toast):

I also made a newborn neck pillow, but I haven't taken a picture of it.  It was super easy and fast.

I want to make this neck pillow for my daughter for Christmas.....we'll see how much I actually get done, lol.  The play food will be a Christmas present for my girls.....all soon to be four of them.

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Aug. 24, 2008 - My messy, stinky cat box solution

I enjoy having cats.  My children enjoy having cats.  My husband enjoys not having mice because of the cats.  But, I dont' enjoy cat litter boxes.  No matter the litter it's either tracked everywhere or smells bad.  So you have to scoop it regularly, which isn't happening while I'm pregnant, sweep constantly, also not happening or buy an expensive litter box set up.  I did have a top entry box that I loved for keeping the dog from snacking and containing the litter, but it smelled soooo bad and so had to be scrubbed and bleached regularly.  Which is another thing that isn't happening while I'm pregnant.

So, desperation drove me to find an affordable solution.....or at least a workable solution.  There is no way I was going to buy a $100-200 cat litter system.  Ummm, these are cats, it's waste products, and well my family likes to eat and be clothed.  So I had to get more creative.  As I would shop I kept seeing these disposable cat boxes that I used to spurn in disgust.  I mean who would use one of those?  Well, over time I decided to research them a bit, and found only good reviews on them.  Hmmmm, would they work for me?

I bought a package of these disposable litter boxes.  My original concern was that urine would soak through the box and it would be a huge mess.  But I wanted to try them.  I opened my package (came in package of two for $6-7 at Walmart) and plopped a box down on the floor.  Then I filled it with scoopable cat litter, just the cheapie kind.  I plopped a cat into it to see the response.  Kitties get excited about fresh boxes, lol.  My two cats loved it.  It completely stopped the odor, lasting for over a week before needing to be replaced.  It didn't soak through and I didn't have to scoop my box!  Amazing!  There was one problem though, the litter had a tendency (like every use) to fly out of the box, ick.  Not all of it, just enough to make the floor constantly messy.  I loved not having the smell, but the mess was driving me nuts.

My solution to that problem was to buy a large Sterilite bin with a lid and place the disposable box inside it.  I then had dh cut around the edge of the lid leaving a lip on it all the way around to make it easier for the kitties to jump in and out.  This has two benefits, doggie can't help himself to "treats" icky, icky, icky, and the kitties can paw the litter as energetically as they like and it stays inside the large bin.  The children just have to take the large bin outside, remove the disposable box, dump any stray litter inside the large bin, then put in a new disposable box and litter. 

The one thing is that most likely without doggie helping to scoop out solid waste the children will have to scoop midweek, but that is not a big deal at all.

So, if you want a solution to the smelly/messy cat box dilema then I really suggest a system like this.  Nice and tidy.......and fresh smelling.

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Aug. 21, 2008 - Ooooo, look at this!

I was made aware of Snugglebottoms diapers and I think I'm going to buy half a dozen for the diaper bag.  They are super reasonably priced and have good reviews.  I prefer to have special dipes for the diaper bag so I don't have to keep switching things around.  I'm weird that way.  And if I like them I just may use them for the next size up diaper because they are so affordable.  I'm not sure yet because I really like the way flats wash up.  If I do go with the next size up, I will probably not go with velcro closing, and just use pins.

I have plenty of time to decide, lol. 

I really need to turn my mind away from baby planning to Christmas planning because it is really sneaking up on us.  And to afford it this year will take lots of creativity.  It's a good thing that is one of my gifts. Ha-ha.

Well, I need to try to get some rest this morning, because I keep falling asleep at 7:30.  Have a good day all.

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Aug. 19, 2008 - Crochet a toilet paper roll cover!

I made 4 of these to cover extra toilet paper to store in the bathroom.  I just put them on the back of the toilet and they look cute.  I chose to make smilie faces because I thought the children would have more fun with that and be encouraged to replace the toilet paper rolls.  Here is a pic of one completed:

You could do different things like using a prettier color and instead of a smilie face you could put a pom-pom on it.  Make them in seasonal colors etc.  Even find cute flowers or leaves to crochet to sew on top.

Here is the pattern that I worked out.  This fits our large rolls of Scott toilet paper.

Supplies:

Small amount of worsted weight yarn, yellow

Small amount of worsted weight yarn, black

H crochet hook

Abbreviations:

ch = chain

sl. st. = slip stitch

dc = double crochet

dc 2 tog = double crochet 2 together (decrease)

back loops only note

1. Row 1:  Using an H hook chain 5.  Slip stitch together to form ring.  Make 14 dc in ring.  Join with sl. st. to first dc.  (14 stitches)
2. Row 2:  Chain 2.  2 dc in each dc around.  Join with sl. st. to first ch 2.  (28 stitches)
3. Row 3:  Chain 2.   dc in the next 2 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch, *dc in next 3 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch.  Repeat from * around, ending with 2 dc in stitch.  Join with sl. st. to first ch 2.   (35 stitches)
4. Row 4:  Chain 2.  dc in next 3 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch.  *dc in next 4 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch.  Repeat from * around.  Join with sl. st. to first ch2.   (42 stitches)
5. Row 5:  Chain 2.  dc in back loops only of each stitch around.  Join with sl. st. to first dc. 
6. Rows 6-13:  Chain 2.  dc in each stitch around.  Join with sl. st. to first ch 2. 
7. Row 14:   Chain 2.  in back loops only, dc in each of next 2 stitches, dc 2 tog next stitch.  *dc in next 3 stitches, dc 2 tog next stitch.  Repeat from * around, dc 2 tog in last 2 stitches.  Join with sl. st. to first ch 2.   Finish off and weave in ends.

This is the first time that I have written out a crochet pattern that I have written.  So please forgive any mistakes.  I have made 4 and followed these instructions, but writing them is a whole different thing.  I tried to make them understandable.  I placed links of all the stitches required to make this so that even a beginner could make it.

Enjoy!

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Aug. 18, 2008 - How I currently plan menus/shopping

As a member of Momys, I get to benefit from the wisdom of many other mothers of many children.  Instead of struggling through certain areas on my own, I am blessed to be able to ask others that have gone before me and have had victory.  One very special Momy shared her menu/shopping system and I have latched onto it and it has saved me much sanity.

Here it is, have a repeating weekly menu that you use over and over.  Making the same basic things over and over takes the stress off, helps to get you into a predictable routine and makes shopping loads easier.  So I made a master menu and put it into my household binder, and I made a master shopping list for that menu, also in my binder.  I also took the recipes needed for the menu and put them in my binder for easy access.  Now, you may be thinking, isn't that boring?  But honestly it isn't for me.  It frees me up, by knowing that I have everything I need to make meals for the next two weeks.  Also, because I buy staples, I have the freedom to change things up a bit if I want to.  For instance, I don't always have to make the same type of pizza or cook the chicken in the same way.  But I know we'll be having pizza or chicken.

Here is my menu:

	Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner
Mon	Eggs, Hashbrowns	Peanut Butter Sandwiches	Potato Soup, Bread
Tue	Oatmeal	Grilled Cheese Sandwiches	Mushroom Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Corn on the Cob
Wed	Rice with Cinnamon/Sugar	Peanut Butter Sandwiches	Bean Soup, Cornbread
Thu	Oatmeal	Grilled Cheese Sandwiches	Bean & Cheese Burritos, Mexican Rice
Fri	Rice with Cinnamon/Sugar	Peanut Butter Sandwiches	Chicken Soup, Bread
Sat	Waffles, Hashbrowns	Grilled Cheese Sandwiches	Pizza, Salad
Sun	Eggs, Hashbrowns	Peanut Butter Sandwiches	Leftovers

 

I just grab a list from my binder and highlight anything I am out of and write in any extra things that I don't buy regularly.  This has saved me a lot of time.  And I'm hoping to be able to eventually do my main shopping once a month and then just buy produce once a week.  But so far I haven't been able to swing it financially.  Hopefully soon.

So, this is how I am currently dealing with meals here.  Next year, I will re-write the menu and shopping list and we will have a different set, but the same system.

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Aug. 17, 2008 - I have been busy this weekend

I decided to pull out my sewing machine and get my sewing done before it was too hard because of my belly.

I made 5 nursing covers.  I used two batik prints, one pretty paisley print, a Mary Engelbret print, and an adorable snowman print:

My tips for making these are to make sure you hold the boning flat while you sew it.  That makes it much easier to get the boning in nicely.  They sew up really quickly once they are all cut out.

Next I made 8 Katrina Soakers, 4 newborn and 4 small.  I just used an old fleece blanket that we had.

The newborn only have one layer of fleece and the small each have two layers, both have the extra soaker sewn in.  It is much easier and faster to sew just with the one layer of fleece, it's much easier to catch all the layers of fleece in the seams.  Tip for sewing the tiny leg cuffs:  follow the instructions for sewing them, but stitch them from the inside, not the outside.  You don't get nearly as many pin pokes that way, lol.

Then I made two diaper/wipes cases.  These are to carry one or two diapers with you for instance at the grocery store, or into the pediatrician or even at church when baby is older and doesn't require so many changes.

The first one is made with the dimensions of the pattern as given on the website.  The second one is wider to accomodate cloth diapers.  I had trouble getting the patterns to print true to size, so I used the measurements given and made my own patterns.  I made them 3.75" wide and then cut them on the fold.  The larger one I made the pattern 4.5" wide and cut it on the fold.  I also made a couple changes.  I cut two front pieces out of the outside fabric and hemmed the top edge of one.  Then I sewed it together with the other pieces forming a pocket on the back.  I did this for both of them.  then with the larger one, I created a loop and sewed it into the outer fabric seam so that it could be looped onto a stroller or hooked onto my purse etc.  For both of them I made a pul changing cloth that folds and slides into the back pocket (you can see the light blue one peeking out).  And for the larger one, I made a wet wipes bag out of pul fabric.  It will hold 3-4 cloth wipes that are pre-moistened.  The larger version holds 1 BumGenius OS cloth dipe and the wet wipe bag.  I'm sure I could tuck in a tube of ointment if I wanted to.  Tip for sewing with pul:  use tissue paper over the pul so the fabric will move through and feed, then tear off the tissue paper.

I can include dimensions for the wet wipe bag if anyone is interested in making one.  One of the diaper/wipes cases are a gift, I hope the recipient likes it.

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Aug. 17, 2008 - I just finished making 8 Katrina Soakers!

They turned out really well and were super easy to make.  You can locate the pattern here, it's free.  Yesterday I made 4 in size small, which gives me a total of 12 diaper covers in that size.  I prefer to have a lot because that way if they get soiled I don't have to stress about getting them washed in time.  The smalls I made double layer and included the soaker panel because my fleece was thinner and I would rather err on the side of too much protection.

Then this morning I made 4 newborn size.  I made them with just one layer of the fleece with the added soaker panel.  It took me about an hour and a half the morning for the 4 newborn, so they are pretty quick to sew up. 

I didn't have any money to buy any fleece, so I used one of our old fleece blankets.  You know the kind that you can get really cheap?  It's not a cute print or anything, but they are cute anyway because they are small.

I haven't taken pics yet, but I will be doing that at some point today or tomorrow and posting them.

I also made nursing covers and am working on a diaper/wipe case.  After I finish my projects I'll post pics of everything at the same time.

So, if you need diaper covers but you can't afford them.  I highly reccomend the Katrina pattern.  You can use old fleece blankets that you have as long as they have a stretch (I had one that didn't stretch in any direction, couldn't use that one).  And you can make up several from one blanket.  Also, sometimes it's cheaper to buy the fleece blankets when they go on sale rather than buy the fleece at $8 a yard because the blankets can be purchased for around $7 usually and they are more than a yard.

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Aug. 14, 2008 - I had such fun this morning

This morning I printed off lots of patterns from Crochet Pattern Central.  I printed off play food patterns, to make for the girls kitchen set.  Christmas ornament patterns, and Christmas stocking patterns.  I have some handmade stockings for my children, but I would really like to have them all match so I would like to make them each new ones and one for the new baby.  And a couple other oddball patterns.  Now I will be super busy until baby comes with various crochet projects.  Yippee!

Oh I found a cute pattern for small stockings to hang on the tree.  I thought it would be neat to number them 1-25 and use them for our Christmas countdown.  A tiny treat can go inside each one for each of the children and a rolled up printed bible verse to read each day. 

Now to figure out the yarn colors I will need and squeeze out the money to buy the yarn, lol.  That's part of the fun, right?

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Aug. 12, 2008 - Which would you choose?

Would you choose a maid or full-time kitchen help?  If I had a choice I would choose full-time kitchen help.  Because really to do a good job on meal planning, cooking and being frugal you need to spend full days in there.  So, I would love to have a full-time kitchen worker that planned the meals using the budget I give them.  And they would do all the cooking and keeping the kitchen clean.  And all the meals would be nutritionally balanced.  Ahhhh, sweet relief.

I would choose this over a maid because I can't stand the thought of someone else cleaning up my families grunge.  I just feel like if we make the mess we should clean it.  And if I didn't have to spend so much time in the kitchen (doing a mediocre job I might add) I would have the extra time to spend on the cleaning details.

And the wonderful extra time I would have for my children.....

That is my silly dream-thought for today.  Now, if I suddenly came into a large sum of money to where it was doable would I actually do it?  Probably not because I'm such a control nut, lol. 

But the dream is nice....

Which would you choose?

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Aug. 11, 2008 - Okay I'm weird...

I get grossed out about used cloth diapers.  There I've said it.  It's out in the open.  I know that there are many who buy used cloth diapers to save money, or to get the fancy diapers for a more affordable price.  And if you are good with that, then great.  But honestly is just grosses me out.  I look at it in this way, I have no intention of buying used underwear at the thrift store for me or my children.  I just find it icky.  So why would I want to put used cloth diapers on my baby?  I mean diapers are lots grosser than underwear when you think about it.  Yes, I know you wash them and bleach them, but I just can't get past it.

So, there will be no used dipes on my little ones bum.  Not that I'm being a snob at all either.  Because there won't be any super cute fancy diapers on her either, lol.  Just the basic plain inexpensive cloth diapers.  And when I need to upsize I will be recycling my recieving blankets into the next size up of diapers to use as flats.  So, I'm not totally crazy.  I just can't get past the ick factor.

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Aug. 8, 2008 - Shopping at 4 a.m.

Shopping at 4 in the morning is lots of fun.  There are no other customers, and the Walmart employees are friendly....that is amazing to me, lol.  Each and every employee I passed greeted me cheerfully, I guess I could have been dressed funny, so I could have put them in good spirits....but I just think they were in general happier.

And what would normally take much longer because of other customer cart dodging, takes only a few minutes.  And it's soooo quiet you can actually think.  If you haven't gone shopping in the wee hours of the morning, then I highly reccomend it.

And today I was actually able to buy a printer cartridge.....finally.  So, I don't have to write out by hand my motivated moms daily planner....that was getting old.  I was writing each days list in a spiral notebook, lol.  I have the full size daily version with Bible readings in case you are wondering.  What a relief to not have to do that anymore.  And being the silly person that I am, I just respect a printed out list better than I do my handwritten lists.  Am I quirky or what???

Well, I had better finish printing out the patterns I am planning on making.  The nursing cover pattern, the lacy shell poncho pattern, and the fleece soaker diaper cover pattern.  I can now get started on these projects.

Yesterday I cut out the fabric pieces for my nursing covers, but somehow my bag of coordinating thread has gone missing.  So that will be on hold until I find my thread, because I'm too cheap to buy more.  I can make the fleece soakers, I have a fleece blanket that I can turn into an extra cover or two.  And I need to get started on the ponchos for Christmas gifts for my girls.

I love to keep my hands busy with creative things.

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Aug. 6, 2008 - I was super blessed today

A very special Momys sent me some adorable things for the baby and I recieved them today. 

An adorable dress, isn't it sweet?

And this beautiful blanket that I can bring baby home in.  It's so sweet and girlie pretty, lol.  The kitty likes it too.

And she also ordered me a special blanket from Bundled in Prayer.  Its so beautiful and soft and such a special blanket with the prayers that went along with the making of it.  isn't it the prettiest blanket?

 

It was such a treat to check the mail today and find these waiting for me.  My girls love the pretty girlie baby things and it makes them all the more excited for when baby is born.

Thank you to the special Momy that sent this to me.  You will never know how much you blessed me today.

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Aug. 6, 2008 - Okay, don't do this

Today I went to get gas in the car for my husband at 4:30 a.m.  I went so early because he leaves for work really early.  Well, today I happen to have a whole lot on my mind.  So, I figure I can put $12 of gas in the car to get my husband through until payday on Friday, then I'll have to get gas again.  Well, I'm standing there and pumping the gas and my mind wanders.  I awaken out of a daze and discover that I put in almost $26 worth of gas!  Uh-oh.  I come home and because money stuff totally stresses my husband out, I don't say anything about it.  Then I get on the computer and transfer over the money I have in another account to the one account.  Unfortunately it still isn't enough, so I will be running over to the bank today and depositing all the collected change from my purse to cover it, lol.

So, my advice to anyone getting up early in the a.m. to pump gas with limited funds?  Don't take your mind or eye off that pump!  If you do, then you too may get to do some humbling things, like deposit $2 in change to cover the difference.

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Aug. 5, 2008 - Desperation....brings good things

Today as I was dressing I couldn't find one scrunchie for my hair.  No headbands.  Nothing.  After a couple hours of pushing my long hair behind my ears I was ready to pull it all out.  So in desperation I looked in my handy crochet/knitting caddy.  Inside it I found some elastic thread that I had bought last year.  So I did a search at crochet pattern central and found lots of cute scrunchie patterns.  I chose to make myself the chain scrunchie in a nice soft pink shade.  I didn't have any ponytail elastics, so I cut my elastic thread 20", tied the ends together and then looped it until it was three strands thick.  For my daughter I chose to make the spiral scrunchie but I made the spirals shorter.  I made that one out of pink and white, also using the elastic thread.

They stay in the hair much better than the store-bought scrunchies that I have.....somewhere in this house.  This one isn't slipping out of my fine thinnish hair at all.

Now, if only I could find the title for the van that I've been looking for.....

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Aug. 3, 2008 - Today is an overtime day :)

When you are a mother, you have certain days of the year that are mandatory overtime.  Such as when the children are sick or you have to go to the ER with one of them.  Other mandatory overtime days are holidays and birthdays.  Oh, and anytime your family goes on a vacation, that is overtime too.

We all know that mothers work 24/7, but on these certain days all mothers have to step it up a notch.  We have to accomplish all of our regular things, but also have a whole extra list of things to add on.  These are our overtime days.  And we generally get paid well for our overtime days.  We get to see smiles and joy abound from all of our extra labors.

Now, I think that is well worth falling into bed twice as tired as normal.  My second daughter has a birthday today and I am determined that even without tons of money and a huge fancy party she will have happy memories.  I am going to embrace this overtime day....exhaustion and all....for the joyful memories she can cherish forever.

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Aug. 1, 2008 - My tip for today...

If you are struggling with serious fatigue as currently I am.  Then here is my tip for tackling your chore list or any mountain of a task you need to do.  Set your timer for 3-5 minutes (I can currently only do 3 minutes) and work diligently until the timer goes off.  Then take your timer, sit down somewhere to rest and set your timer for 15-25 minutes, whatever you think you need to recouperate.  I use 20 minutes.  After the timer goes off again, get up and work for another 3-5 minutes.  Do this until your chore list is complete or the project you need to do or all day whichever comes first, lol.

This helped me to tackle a mountain of a job yesterday and nearly complete it.  Today I will complete it and something extra I hope.

Just because you are suffering from something that knocks you down physically doesn't mean that the home still cannot be taken care of.  This something I'm learning as I walk through this exhaustion.  I have never in my life felt as awful as I do now, but God is good and He carries us through it and directs our steps.  Even in the midst of the fatigue He is teaching me to run my home.

The Lord is teaching me:

She watches over the affairs of her household
       and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27

Even in the midst of health issues, I can still watch over my household and I don't have to be idle.

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Jul. 31, 2008 - Needle crafts with litte ones awake...

I have been working on some crochet projects recently and I just have to laugh when I realize how many times I have to pull something out because of interruptions.  Usually only my girls will interrupt me when I am counting out something, but occassionally my boys will too.  It's just funny how many times I have to restart something. 

I'm sure you are thinking, "why don't you just work on them when the children are asleep"?  Let me share with you my reasons.  First, sleep is a precious commodity to me lately, so when the children are sleeping you can bet I am too.  And second, when things get a little crazy or have been a little crazy some needle work keeps me calm.  And during school time, the needle work can help prevent me from being frustrated if I have to explain over and over the same thing 10 different ways  So, that is why I don't do it when the children are sleeping. 

I do find it amazing that anything gets completed at all.  And sometimes I start things that after multiple restarts I just scrap and don't bother to actually finish, lol.

So, do you restart your needle craft projects over and over?

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