Would You Like Some Cheese with that WHINE?

I just wrote an incredibly long and extremely interesting post whining about my week so far. So sorry you won't get to read it. I deleted it. I'm learning lots of lessons in contentment these days. I'll just give you the high points. [Careful! I can hear your huge sigh of relief that I'm only hitting the high points!]

--Dryer died over the weekend.

--Still haven't heard anything about the job I interviewed for last week.

--Good friend died Monday afternoon. She's with Jesus! Praise the Lord!

--Realized yesterday that even though you spend 4 years of your life 'trying to help' someone you can still be considered Miss Monster. But I know God promised "His Word will not return void!"

--Beloved van died yesterday...It's still in the yard--possible permanent yard art.

--New (to me) dryer was installed by Mr. Fix-It this morning...has a buzzer!

--I now have clean AND dry underwear.

--Old dryer is NOT in my yard.

The Good News?

"Be anxious for NO-THING , but in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication WITH THANKSGIVING let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 NASB [ ..emphasis mine!]

C-Day for Bex!

Yesterday was D-Day...or rather C-Day!

We got Bex her first C-A-R! Wahoo!

To say she was surprised would be quite an understatement. She knows how tight $$ is around Lonesome Pine these days --especially with Volleyball season coming and her starting college. All those expenses are bad enough...but gas to GET to those places across the world...well, I still don't even want to think about it. But when God hands you a sweet, sweet deal...you say "Thank you, Lord!" and take it!

So the big reveal was last night. We didn't tell her we were going to pick it up.


When her dad told her that this was HER car, she kept saying..."Nuh-uh!" .... "Nuh-uh!".... "Nuh-uh!"

I'm trying to write that out for posterity, but I'm not sure how to spell it! She was just so surprised. She kept saying that through our dinner and even shopping at Wal-Mart. She couldn't believe it! She just knew her first car was really going to be a bomb. She knows Mr. Fix-It will drive anything. So it was sure easy to exceed her expectations!

I think God is rewarding her for being such a great kid and teenager. She hardly ever asks for anything -- and she's always willing to spend her own money for things that parents just ought to pay for...like deodorant, shampoo, etc. I have to put my foot down and say "Put your money away!"

Many times when we're shopping she will look at something she wants, then say "No, that's too expensive" or "That's sure not very modest!" Then another mother nearby will say, "I wish my teenager thought like that!" I just smile and thank God that He's given us such a level-headed girl. Maybe its because we're homeschoolers and have taught her the value of a dollar? Money has always been tight on one income and she can clearly see how we've been blessed. I don't know. She's just so much more trustworthy than I was at 16! Praise God!!!!

Sorry I lapsed into that "how good is my kid?" thingy. You all know I love her and I'm just so dadgum proud of her! We've had our 'teen' issues occasionally, but they don't last very long. Most of our 'teen issues' have involved another 'specific' teen...and that's another long story we won't go into here...but those of you who've known our family over the last 4 years know of whom I speak. Usually, the 'teen' issue comes back to being a 'mom' issue anyway...

So here she is driving her new car. I just noticed that her eyes were definitely NOT on the road...we'll have to work on that!



When she came in to kiss me goodnight last night, she told me we won't be eating Nerds in HER car because "they just go everywhere and make a mess!" Oh, my dear child...just wait!



Stay Tuned.

Whining and eventually ...Listening!

I didn't make it to the mall to walk before volleyball practice yesterday afternoon.

Why didn't you make it before volleyball, you ask? Well, it wasn't because I went over my alloted 3 1/2 minutes posting on Lonesome Pine!

When Bex got in the car to start it -- it wouldn't start! Arrrggggghhhh.... No problemo (I couldn't say 'No Sweat' because I was sweating profusely!) -- I'll just call Mr. Fix-It and let him come home and jump it off because my van has had this electrical problem for over a YEAR!!!! and he hasn't FIXED it! Arrrggggh!

(Did I forget to mention that he's been kind of busy...replacing the transmission in my van and in his truck? Or that he works extremely hard to provide for us? No, I guess not...I was too busy whining...)

So, I pull out my trusty phone and call. Mr. Fix-It tells me that there is some sort of machine there under the carport, ready and waiting to jump-start the battery. He's prepared for this --because he KNEW this day would come!!!! Okay...I'm calm....deep breaths here....

So after a bit of instruction on the phone, me and Bex move the little machine in front of the car, find a long, orange cord, and plug it in. After we hook up the red thingy to the red post on the battery and the black thingy to the other post, I turn it on and we wait.

...Try the ignition. Nope. We wait.

...Try the ignition. Nope. We wait.

...Try the ignition. Nope. We wait...

At this point, we turn the dial on the machine to SUPER-CHARGE BLOW-IT-UP mode!!! (Not really, we just put it on another setting that is supposed to be a stronger charge.)

After a couple more tries, the car starts. Great! Let's go. I smile and explain to Bex that so many times in life we have to just go to Plan B. Not a problem. Don't I have such wisdom? Just passing on the love, here--and not whining (out loud!).

I drop Bex at practice and head to the mall to walk...alone. This isn't fun--it's too much like work. You see, walking with Bex is MUCH more enjoyable and do-able than walking by myself. Yes, she's a tough coach and pushes me --but she is such a delightful girl, it's so much better than me dragging my Plus size body through the mall alone.

If Bex isn't available, I've learned that it is much more enjoyable to be-bop through the mall listening to say... Josh Turner asking me if I'll go with him...or Casting Crowns reminding me that God forgives as far as the east is from the west...or various other music Bex has on her handy-dandy iPod. Thus, not having to think about the drudgery of walking.

When I walk and think-- I start making excuses with myself to stop walking. Or I start thinking about our finances, or how my mouth keeps getting me in trouble, or various other hard things to think about. Then I start feeling sorry for myself and things just go south from there... I'm just so pitiful!!!

So, I'm there at the mall...backed into the parking space to make it easier to jump-start in case the battery is too weak... and I start looking for Bex's iPod (that she had assured me WAS in the car). IT WAS NOT THERE! She must have left it in her purse. Oh, no!!!

I feel desperate! Surely, I can't walk without my props! So, I debate on whether to leave the mall and NOT walk. Can you believe that? I'm actually sitting in the parking lot and debating with myself about whether I should walk --just because I don't have the iPod!!! I am just so pitiful -AND- weak.

So, I tell myself..."Self, if you will just walk for 15 minutes that will be better than nothing...this is an EXTRA day, after all!" Now you know another of my secrets, I lie to myself too! But I step away from the car anyway and head inside.

Now I'm really in whiny mode. You spell that wh.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.n.e.e.e.e.e.e.e! First, my car won't start which changes my best laid plans, my husband hasn't fixed my car, it's hot, gas costs too much, MCS is soooo far away, and THEN I don't have an iPod to listen to...poor pitiful ME!

Do you get like this? Or is it just me?

Okay...here is the gist of my story (finally). I'm walking through the mall. For some reason my feet are hurting --my back is hurting --so I'll just walk the Belk end...then quit. 15 minutes, tops! I probably breathed a little prayer like "Lord, please help me get through this..." or something to that effect.

Then it happened.

I looked in front of me and saw a young man walking with crutches. He only had one leg. Hmmmm...Lord, I'M whining when I have two basically good legs? So, I start praying for him and thinking...

Ummm...what about my young friend Rachel who is in the hospital facing many surgeries on her leg (she was tubing yesterday and hit a dock pole with her leg--had to be Life-Flighted to the hospital)? Why am I whining? Hmmmm...what about my friend, Mary D. who had surgery on her foot last week and can't walk for another 6 weeks? I go ahead and lift them up in prayer to the Father....

Worse yet, I see Mrs. Becky several times a week, who is suffering in her lift-chair every day and can't even move her hands to scratch her nose sometimes??? What do I have to whine about? Am I just a crazy, ungrateful, pitiful wretch, or what?

I'm still walking.

Then, I look over and there is a lady in a wheelchair being pushed by her husband...she'd probably like to walk, too!

I'm still walking.

A few minutes later, I passed an older gentleman with stooped shoulders who was working hard to put one foot in front of the other. But he was walking.

Do you think I'm embarrassed enough here, Lord? Apparently, not.

I'm still walking.

By this time, I've gotten the message loud and clear and have made it through the entire mall and feel just fine...counting my blessings! But God wasn't finished with me yet.

On my way to the restroom I passed an older lady sitting at a table with an oxygen machine. If I DON'T walk--this is probably in my future. Yes, Lord. I'm walking!!!!

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me that I am an incredibly blessed woman --whether I have an iPod or not. I have two legs that tend to get me to the Food Court okay, so they can probably go other places too! Forgive me for all that whiny stuff...I'm listening!




Stay tuned. (Don't forget to vote on the sailboat from yesterday's post!)
Casey hosts Finding Beauty Friday -- Check it out!

Want a Sailboat?

I have 3 1/2 minutes to post something today if I want to get into town so I can get a walk in at the mall before Bex volleyball practice. So you have to listen--really fast. I need your help!

Here's the deal... (you know I like deals, but never find any, but I offer them all the time!) ...maybe this is one?

We've been offered a 28 foot sailboat for FREE! After seeing the pictures you tell me if YOU would take it--knowing that it will very likely sit in my yard with all the other projects Mr. Fix-It (who is perfectly capable of handling this) has not completed.

This boat was very sea-worthy when it was parked under these trees 10 years ago. I'm thinking a pressure-wash would go a long way in making it 'look' better!~

Yeah, the pressure washer might need to work really, really hard.

Okay, let's look into a leaf blower too!

Ummm...ewwwww!!!!

So, you tell me. IF you or your sweet Mr. Fix-It had the skills...would you do this? Remember, we do live in Florida -- an hour or so from the water...

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?????



Stay tuned.

Six Things You Wish You Didn't Know?

So here's the deal...I've been tagged. Tagged? What in the world is that, you ask?

Well...I'm not totally sure, being the bloggy newbie that I am. I think it means that I have to do something embarrassing...like tell people my deepest, darkest secrets. Hmmm...I'm not sure I have any deep dark secrets left...but I'll give it a shot.

My new friend Mama Hen over at Clucks from the Henhouse has tagged me for a meme ...a what? But, it makes me feel special that someone thought of me anyway! At the end, I'm tagging some of you to play. I don't know which is harder...coming up with 6 things or coming up with 6 folks to tag...

Rules of Engagement:
1) Link to the person who tagged you.
2) Post the rules on your blog (copy and paste 1-6).
3) Write 6 random things about yourself (see below).
4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.
5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

So, here we go...Six things you wish you didn't know about Meg in Tally:


1- Hmmm...Wish you didn't know? I have NEVER, in 40-something years, heard my Daddy (who is 71) say a cuss word in anger. I have heard him 'repeat' what someone else said..using the word if it was necessary--but NEVER when he was talking to somebody in conversation or in anger. Here's what you don't want to know... I'm not proud that Bex will never be able to say that about her Mom... wish you didn't know that....

2- I got kicked out of FSU as a Junior! (Please don't tell Bex!!) Yep, I graduated Valedictorian of my high school class, finished community college on the Dean's List...but flunked out of FSU. When I transferred to FSU, my major was PARTY!!! (Yes, I've learned better now...)

3- Today I went for my first job interview in 21 YEARS! I think it went okay, but I was really nervous. The man interviewing me was very nice and personable. I think I would enjoy working for him. Wonder what he thought of me?

4- My most embarrassing moment? Right after graduating from high school I went to Canada with a group of Sheriff's Explorers. We were visiting in the Prime Minister's quarters. Picture dark, blood-red carpet--a butler serving little white cookies from a silver platter. We're on our best behavior. I start to eat my cookie, it breaks apart and falls to the floor...where I promptly step back ON it, thus grinding it into the perfect, crumb-free carpet. Everybody gasps! Then the Sheriff tells the Prime Minister -- "We can dress her up, we just can't take her anywhere!" {{{cringe}}} I truly thought my face was on fire.

5- Since bodily fluids seem to be one of the theme's on this meme... Not a secret-- I don't do vomit. When Bex gets sick she hollers for Daddy -- NOT Mom! Thank you, Lord for a smart child! I was a good mommy once when we were visiting with my brother's family. Five year old Bex woke up before daylight one morning and threw up every hour on the hour for the next five--Daddy was NOT there. So, I cleaned her and sheets five times in one morning. We couldn't wait to get on the road to get back to Daddy!

6- One more thing...hmmmm... My husband proposed on our SECOND date! I said "YES!" on the second date. Now, 26 years later...WHAT WAS I THINKING???? Not that I think I made a mistake--but on the 2nd date????
(Please don't tell Bex!)

So there you have it... Now for the new tag-ee's...

Bella

Kaluha Keeping Koala

Dance Mommy

Polish Man's Daughter

Mommy Jil

Princess Deb


All right. My first meme is complete. My friends may never speak to me again...but I'll try to make it up to them somehow... Now, go tell Mama Hen what she has wrought by tagging me!


Stay tuned. (Top 10 Tuesday will return next week.)

There's a new train out here in BloggyLand! It's the Blog Train. It's a surefire way to check out other blogs and get comments on your own!

Check it out at at The Sweet Life.



Stay Tuned.

Propane, Priscilla, and Comment Quotas

We're finishing up a nice, relaxing weekend here at Lonesome Pine. With everybody home, no travel plans and lots of hot, hot weather things were pretty quiet this weekend. A lot of sleeping went on, the air conditioner worked hard and well, and my house got a bit of a clean-up for company.

Mr. Fix-It managed to fix my stove in his special way late Friday night --which equates to piecing together several other parts to make one part work! In his defense, he ordered the necessary part off the internet thinking it would be a quick fix. Apparently, there was a choice of two that would probably work on my 20-yr old stove. His guess wasn't exactly right...but he is very resourceful in making wrong parts work. Although I'm happy to have the use of my stove and oven again, I'm not really thrilled messing around with propane gas. Mr. Fix-It went to great pains to explain the science, physics, etc. of why this ummm...gerry-rigging works and is not dangerous...and he has assured me that it won't blow up. But I'm just sayin...maybe he'll get the correct part on it one day?

My sweet nephew will be finishing at FSU next week, so we invited him out for a home-cooked supper on Saturday night. Not knowing if the stove/oven would work properly when I invited him, I had planned a big chuck roast in the crock-pot with potatoes and carrots; and a cold salad. I was glad to be able to complete the menu with green beans on the stove and biscuits and brownies from the oven. The whole dinner and fellowship was wonderful!

Today after a sweet time of worship at church, we had a great Sunday School lesson from Hebrews about keeping our focus on Jesus. I really needed that!

After a quick nap, Mr. Fix-It and I headed back to the church for meetings. He went to a meeting about the future vision for our church's Youth Ministry. Why didn't I go too? The teen belongs to me too? Well, I felt like God could handle things fine without me and my mouth....so I went to a Bible study by Priscilla Shirer entitled "Can We Talk? Soul-Stirring Conversations with God."

If you didn't know, Priscilla Shirer is the daughter of the famous preacher, Tony Evans. She is as good as her dad...but without the shouting! (I LOVE his preaching...but sometimes can't hear through the shouting!)

This was our 2nd meeting for the Bible study, so we had a discussion about our study from the past week. Let me tell you; the whole study this past week was on our TONGUE!!! Do you know how hard it is for ME to study and contemplate SCRIPTURE FROM GOD about the problems of my tongue? Talk about convicting...it was excruciatingly painful to see how far MY tongue missed the mark set by God. Thankfully, God's grace and mercy are doled out lavishly! Now, you know why I didn't think it was necessary for me to state my opinion in the Teen meeting. (From all reports, God was able to deal with it quite well without me!)

This week's study is about juggling prize tomatoes. Sound intriguing? I think this gal is getting into a bit of meddlin'!

After returning home, I checked my e-mail to find that FINALLY the comment quota had been met for Thankful Thursday! Hallelujah! Normally, I wouldn't go for a comment quota...but since I asked you all to handle this easy request...I thought I would just throw it out there. It will probably be many years before I can take Kelsey's advice and beg for 25! Actually, I thought it might take a few more days to get 10...thus giving me a bit more of a 'Bloggy-break' but it's nice to be able to post again. I always have a lot to say. I'm trying to keep this as a 'fun' activity for myself and not be too legalistic with myself in trying to post each day...but sometimes I just get this itch to type and spill my guts.

I've spent several days this weekend printing out past blog posts for Bex's book. Reading some of the entries from May reminded me how quickly we forget things that seem so important at the time. In turn, this reminds me that our time on earth are as a vapor...

James 4:14:
¹⁴Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.

It looks like the school year is going to bring MAJOR changes to Lonesome Pine. I don't know yet just how extensive those changes will be... but God does.



Stay tuned!

Sorry, it's the Bloggy Rule!

Just so you know...in keeping with Bloggy Rules...I can't post any excitingly funny adventures until I get at least 10 comments on my Thankful Thursday post. Double digits...

You folks need to do better when it's your turn to write my blog! I would have thought this would be easy to achieve; apparently not!

So, if you're a lurker and you're getting tired of looking at the Thankful Thursday post...COMMENT! As of right now, I only need 3 more!

We're waiting!!!!


Stay Tuned. (Okay, I admit it... I made up this particular Bloggy Rule!)

Thankful Thursday!!

~~What are YOU thankful for
on this beautiful Thursday morning?~~

I need a bit of help today. I've got an elections class this morning, so I don't have time to write a compelling, excitingly funny post for my blog...

Could you do it for me?

Of course, you can!

All you need to do is post a comment telling me at least one thing you're thankful for today. It doesn't have to be long and wordy (like ME). This is a simple exercise -- you don't even have to sweat! Even you lurkers can come up with an easy comment here.

It's really easy! Just click on where it says "Sweet Comments" just under my signature at the end of this post. When you click that, another smaller window will open. Just type a little sentence sharing what you are thankful for today. Then click either Name/URL (Where you can put in whatever name you want to) or Anonymous (if you click 'anonymous' let me know who you are in the body of the comment). Then click Publish Your Comment.

There! You're all done! Wasn't that easy? Participation always feels good! Don't you feel better about life in general now?

I'll start us off...

I'm thankful for my gas guzzling van. Not really the gas guzzling part...but the part that is paid for and it gets me where I need to go...most of the time!

Now, it's your turn... Can you help me out here?



Stay tuned.

But, Seriously...

Being serious is not exactly my forte'. But my spirit is crying out for me to be serious today.

If my topic today causes you not to ever want to read my blog again, then so be it. Sorry, I'll miss you...but I have to say what I need to say today. If not, I think I'll bust! So here goes...

I've been listening to newscasts since last Friday reporting the death of a beloved Carnegie-Mellon professor, Randy Pausch. If you've never heard of this guy, you must live under a rock! Anyway, Mr. Pausch is famous for the last lecture he delivered at the University. He had been diagnosed with Cancer and his prognosis was that he had less than a year to live. His lecture was entitled: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams. This excellent lecture was videotaped and uploaded to You-Tube and became a favorite very quickly. If you're interested, you can watch it here. I really enjoyed the lecture; it was entertaining and inspiring.

The video was passed along on e-mails and blogs. Soon, Mr. Pausch wrote a book: The Last Lecture. This book quickly became a huge best-seller. Mr. Pausch was invited to appear on news shows and talk shows across the country--even Oprah! I watched several of these shows and Mr. Pausch's zest for life was contagious. Last night on ABC, an entire show was dedicated to him with excerpts from Diane Sawyer interviewing him over his last months of life.

Yet, even as I watched many of these shows, I became more and more sad for this man. Why? Probably not for the reasons you are thinking. Yes, this man was facing a serious illness and death in a very short period of time. Yes, this man would leave a loving wife and three small children. Yes, he was such a young man (my exact YOUNG age!). But the saddest part of all --to me--was that although this man seemed to have it all together; seemed to live his life in a strong, moral manner; it appeared to me that he missed the real point of life.

What made me sad? Let me preface this by saying I'm not here to judge him in any way...but never--not even ONCE--did this man allude to the fact that he had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When asked about 'religion' his answer was that [my paraphrase here] "that is a private thing, but my father who was a Presbyterian was the finest Christian man I ever knew."

In his lecture, he joked and said, "I have experienced a deathbed conversion; I just bought a Mac." Whether he did know Jesus -- or not--I don't know, and probably will never know until I enter Heaven myself. I'm not here to stand in judgment of this man...I can only judge MY heart. But I'm so very sad to think that such a wonderful man MIGHT have just missed out on the most important thing in this life--I truly hope not.

So, I'm going to tell you a few points in MY personal belief system right here. If this offends you, I'm sorry...just ditch me from your list...AFTER you read this first!

--First and foremost, let me say that I believe the Bible is God's Holy Word. I believe EVERY word was inspired and breathed by God. I believe EVERY word ...every jot and tittle is true. That is my definitive resource for the way I believe and live my life.

--I believe we're ALLLLLLL sinners. Each and every one of us. Being sinners, we deserve death -- not everlasting life in Heaven with God.

--But, God, who created us, LOVES ALLLLLLLLL of us and doesn't want us to live apart from Him. He loved the world so much, He gave His ONLY son [Jesus] to die on the cross so that we could live eternally WITH HIM!!! It took Jesus, who lived a perfect life, to bridge that gap FOR us.

-- No matter how 'good' a person you are; if you don't KNOW Jesus, you will NOT be living eternally in Heaven. You can live your life by the most morally upright standards possible; tell the truth, love people, do good works, etc.; yet STILL not qualify for Heaven. Nobody can be 'good' enough to qualify for Heaven. Jesus is our qualifier. He is the One who gave His life to wash our sins away.

--Today, toleration is a huge buzz word and we hear it often. Folks get upset if you say Jesus is the only way. But think about this. If Jesus is the only way, then everyone needs to know it, right? Not liking the information doesn't nullify the information. Oprah says there are many paths to God. Jesus cannot be "the only way" and "not be the only way" at the same time. There can't "be a God" and "not be a God" at the same time. What we like or what feels good to us doesn't matter if it's not true.

-- No matter what Oprah or anybody else tells you...JESUS is the one and only way to Heaven. He said, "No one comes to the Father, except by Me." He didn't say you could pick and choose the way that was right for you...he said that He was IT!

I came to personally know Jesus when I was in 3rd Grade. My daddy had just become a Christian and he shared a little book called "The Four Spiritual Laws" with all of us kids. Through this little book I realized my need for a savior and I asked Christ to be my Savior. We had gone to church for as long as I could remember and I can't say things took on a new meaning for me right away. What makes this so cool is that God is so willing to take you from wherever you are! Whether you're 9 years old or 39 years old or 99 years old....He loves us and wants to be our savior! You don't have to wait until you're '''good''' enough! (You never are!)

But in 1973, I attended an evangelistic meeting in Chiefland, FL at the football field. That night I realized that I needed to re-visit the decision I had made at 9. I had to decide if I meant it --or not. I decided that not only did I mean it, I was ready to live like I meant it.

Since that night, the Holy Spirit has worked in my life -- teaching me the way God wants me to live. Gradually, my whole life started changing...sometimes in small ways; sometimes in BIG ways. Sometimes I was obedient to the voice inside me -- other times NOT. Sometimes REALLY NOT!!!! There are times I still cringe when I think of some of the really not's! But since God loves us unconditionally, He has this great way of never giving up on us. He is always there with His arms open, welcoming me to His embrace.

The BEST thing? He's not done with me yet! I love the children's song "He's Still Working On Me" because it never stops this side of Heaven. I've been blessed to have wonderful mentors throughout my teen and adult life...some that will never know how much they blessed my life. So, in return, I strive every day to honor God so that I can be the witness to others just as these godly folks have been there for me!

So, that's what is on my heart tonight. If you remember that I'm writing this for my future grandchildren...you will know why I wanted to be VERY clear as to where I stand on how important it is to know JESUS. It was the most important decision I ever made.

Sorry if you were looking for light banter...she'll probably be back tomorrow or the next day.



Stay tuned.

Accomplishing Something 101

Major confession day, folks. Can you handle it?

I'm NOT a neat-freak. I do like eating off of clean surfaces, but dishes left in the sink have never been a particular problem for me. I'm also a clutter-aholic. My whole family has a clutter problem. Oh, an empty chair? Just stack that stuff right there! So there, I've said it. I live in what FlyLady calls CHAOS = Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome.

But today? Well today is special...this date now includes a beautiful star on my calendar. Why you ask? To be perfectly candid and honest...I accomplished something today. Now, to all you worker-bee women, my accomplishments would probably seem minutely small. In comparison to MamaWeso, it would probably look like I just stayed in bed this morning. Well, actually, I did stay in bed a lot later than usual--simply because I could. But when I got up, God gave me an idea!

This wasn't by any stretch of the imagination a UNIQUE idea. But the fact that I actually had an idea at all on a Monday morning was something of a miracle in itself!

Having visited in a number of different homes over the last few weeks, coming home to mine was pretty crummy. Not that I wasn't happy being AT home with my sweet family -- it was just rather disgusting and depressing LOOKING at my own home. It's a mess! Has been a mess for quite some time! But I'm absolutely SICK of the mess!

Mr. Fix-It never complains about the mess, because he likes doing what he calls "LIVING in HIS house!" He is convinced this means he should leave his shoes everywhere, bring as much 'stuff' as he possibly can into the house--stack it wherever he can find a spot, throw away as little 'stuff' as possible -- and the ensuing clutter makes it nicer LIVING in said house--apparently. We won't even talk about what that means for the outside of the house.

But I digress--as usual. So, here's the deal. I'm tired of reading how Princess Deb's been working to clean her castle without her kids home and getting so much done. I'm tired of going to my friend's home and hearing her say how much of a mess everything is (when it is spotlessly clean without clutter!). I'm tired of staying in my SIL's beautiful (without clutter) home (which is spotless --YET she works with her builder hubby all day long!) I'm also tired of nagging Bex about getting HER part of the chores done. I'm tired of looking at all this mess and being absolutely too lazy to do anything but get the dishes and laundry done because I don't know where to start and it just makes me more depressed. Remember me confessing before that I'm a lazy bum? Believe it!

So this morning, I had an idea. TODAY will be different! It's such a rare thing these days that I have a day I can actually STAY at the messy house --why not do something about it? So here's my idea (remember, it's not really new...just haven't thought of it in awhile!)...in order to encourage myself to ACCOMPLISH something...I'll set the timer on the microwave for work AND play.

Please take into consideration, that my sweet Bex, is a champion piddler (like her Dad!). She could easily spend 20 minutes putting on one shoe. This has been going on a lllloooonnnnggg time. When Bex was younger --not the mature 16 yo she is now -- I would 'race' her to see who could get dressed first. This ALWAYS worked for my dear, sweet, competitive Bex! I didn't even care if she won, I was just happy she was finally ready to go!

So today, I had a plan. I set the timer on the microwave for 20 minutes...we raced to see who could get the most done in that time. Wow! I was amazed what vast amount could be accomplished in a mere 20 minutes! Since this was so successful, I set the timer again for 15 minutes. This was our play time. We could either spend time on the computer, read a book, talk on the phone or whatever. But after the 15 minutes--it was back to work for another 20. We did this over and over and over until Mr. Fix-It came home. (Now, you allllll know you can't do anything after your husband gets home!...Isn't there a law?)

Oh, yeah. It really sounds silly when it's written out like this -- BUT IT WORKED!!!! No complaining from said 16 yo, no complaining (or nagging) from Mom, and we made a lot of progress.

My kitchen is now spotless. Rarely used appliances stored away in the cabinet; dust no longer changes the color of the counter-top; the counters have been sanitized to within an inch of their life; the soot-blackened pan from this day and sink has now been shined by Soft-Scrub (didn't know that would do it, tried everything else first, but it worked beautifully!); dish drainer has been emptied AND Cloroxed; floor has been swept, vacuumed, and mopped; 1,000 gallon trash can emptied (okay, it's not really THAT big!); rugs cleaned and shook; and only 3-pairs of shoes are lined up at the door. I even managed to put barbecued chicken in the crock-pot and a recipe of Egg bread in the bread machine. Oh, it smells nice right now!

All the clothes have been washed, folded and put away. (Except for that pesky overnight bag that I PROMISE to empty tonight!--but they're clean clothes!) The tops of the washer and dryer have been cleared of unnecessary items that just seem to accumulate there (Must be those lone socks that put things there...when they aren't mating with hangers!); the new Bounce box has actually been put in the proper container; and the tops wiped clean of that dirt and dust that seems to always live there.

The living room has been de-cluttered, blankets folded, and vacuumed. Bex also used one of her 20 minutes to get her piano lesson done. I loved working to that sweet music! (No banging, no tears...long story)

===>Rabbit trail coming: For piano, Bex is working on the song, "He's Been Faithful" by Carol Cymbala. Ahhh...makes me cry nearly every time...I love it for several reasons I'll talk about another time. You can listen to a piece of it here. Here are some of the words...

In my moments of fear, through every pain, every tear,
There's a God who's been faithful to me.

When my strength was all gone, when my heart had no song,
Still in love, He's proved faithful to me.

Every word He's promised is true;
What I thought was impossible I see my God do.

When my heart looked away, the many times I could not pray,
Still my God was faithful to me.

When days are spent so selfishly, reaching out for what pleased me
Even then God was faithful to me

He's been faithful, faithful to me.
Looking back, His love and mercy I see
Though in my heart, I have questioned
Even failed to believe
Yet He's been faithful, faithful to me.

I just LOVE that song. ===>Rabbit trail ends here.<=== Now, here's the really best part. Lots of elbow-grease later...my bathroom is spotless! Where in the world does all that hair come from? Surely, not off my head!!! Though, considering Mr. Fix-It has a flat-top haircut, I guess I can't blame it on him! How do I have any left on my head? I want a pretty counter like the Princess... but I'll just settle for a clean one without all the clutter that seems to accumulate here, too...must be those pesky socks again. Honestly, most of the grime does come from Mr. Fix-It -- he's such a MAN; he works hard and doesn't mind getting dirty. But he does try not to make too big of a mess. (He's even been known to sweep the floor when he realizes it was HIM who tracked in all that dirt; but he'll never admit it!)

So this probably doesn't sound like a whole lot to you neat-nik cleanaholics. We did do a few other deep-cleaning things...but it would make FlyLady very proud to see the 'zones' that got the full treatment today. Mr. Fix-It came in and was so impressed (he loves the smell of Clorox! LOL!) he actually went back outside and started mowing the yard! What would he do if we cleaned all the clutter out of the dining room where we could put our table back in there? I shudder to think! (Yes, the dining room is a whole 'nother story for another day.)

Bex and I will be in town for the next few days, so we'll have to just hit the high spots for the next few days....Oh....but wait till THURSDAY!!!




Stay tuned.

(If you're looking for some great ideas for getting your kids to work -- Check out Talk About it Tuesday at the Lazy Organizer!)

Dragging, Nagging and Possum

Wow! Today is already Saturday. The whole week flew by so quickly, I'm still trying to catch my breath. It's funny...I unpacked my suitcase from a week at camp on the first day home...but my 'overnight' bag from this week is still sitting on my bedroom floor with clothes in it. What's up with that? In my defense, today is the FIRST day that I'm able to stay home all day --no trips to town! Wahoo!

Another weird thing. After two weeks of camp where Bex (formerly dd...hey, that's what she wants to be called here...) worked really hard and had to get up early each day, I've had to nearly DRAG her from bed this week and NAG her to get her chores done. That's Me, Miss Drag and Nag! Yet today--a Saturday--when we could both sleep in...she WAKES ME UP! at 8:30 to say "Mom, I'm going down to ride the horses." WHAT??? Could you just leave me a note?

Isn't it amazing how teens can wake themselves, eat breakfast, dress themselves and be ready to leave the house before 9am--without any nagging -- when it's something THEY want to do? Yet, during the week it takes an Act of Congress to get them going. Since we're homeschoolers and we have the entire week to work, weekends have traditionally been fun and play days. I think I'm going to have to take lessons from the Princess Deb on how to get productivity out of my teen on the weekend!

My dilemma today is what to cook for supper tonight and for my Sunday School party tomorrow afternoon. Why such a dilemma? If you remember from my busy Saturday a few weeks ago, my propane stove was on the blink. Well, that was the 12th of July. Today is the 26th. My stove has still not been repaired. Actually, nothing is wrong with the stove/oven. The problem apparently lies with the piece that attaches to the tank--the regulator.

Not really a big deal, but Mr. Fix-It has been...ummm...fixing other people's things...but not ours. (Classic?) His girls were gone the first week (it was out of sight and out of mind); his wife missed a few days of the next week; and he's been...ummm...busy for the past two weeks.

Since I've been home, I've been having to be creative providing supper for my family. Mr. Fix-It is very patient and understanding...especially considering HE is the only one who can fix the problem! (Oops! I'm falling into NAG mode...must stop that!) Breakfast and lunch are generally cold or microwaved (i.e., sandwiches, cereal, leftovers, etc.) -- but we're even realizing that we do miss the occasional cooked egg, boiled egg for tuna, pancake or other such meal which requires the stove or oven for breakfast or lunch.

At this moment, I'm enjoying the aroma of raisin bread in the bread machine. I'm trying a new recipe and really hope it turns out well. If it does, maybe I'll take some to the party. I've used the bread machine over the past few weeks to keep Mr. Fix-It in Egg Bread. This simple recipe makes it easy to keep him happy. He LOVES Egg Bread. Give him a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter and he's got lunch for several days. He's really not hard to please. (Especially when he knows HE is the one who should be fixing the regulator...no nagging, just facts...)

Since eating out isn't an option these days, we've used the grill enough to be tired of hamburgers and a steak or two. If we cook another grilled cheese sandwich on the George Foreman I think I'll scream! The other night, I cooked my friend Jessica's recipe for 'Creamy Italian Possum' in the crockpot. It was good and had enough for a few leftovers. Yesterday at WallyWorld, I bought a container of Lloyd's Barbecue and a bag of buns. So I fed my family (and had leftovers) for $5.38! Come to think of it, maybe I'll make barbecued chicken in the crockpot tonight. But I still don't know WHAT to cook for my Sunday School class party tomorrow?

So what do you think? Any ideas? It would be very embarrassing having to stop at Publix for something to take to a party with other women who are fabulous cooks! What can I make that is either savory or sweet for tomorrow--without a stove or oven? Help me out!




Stay tuned.

**Thankful Thursday**

Hi, All! I'm back from my quick trip to Gainesville...which leads me to what I'm thankful for on this Thursday.

I'm thankful to be home SAFE
and in one piece!

As I returned home after midnight (this morning) I don't think I've ever been so thankful to be riding with my sweet DD at the wheel. No...you still don't understand...but I'll fill you in!

Sunday morning, my friend, who sometimes calls herself Dixie, asked if I would be interested in riding with her to Gainesville, FL for a couple of days. (I seem to be particularly attractive to folks heading that way because I have a wonderful dear brother (DB) and SIL who live there and LOVE having company, thus eliminating any hotel expenses. [I'm kidding...not really...] Also, knowing how to get around town is a big plus!) Dixie's daughters were participating in the 4-H State Congress at the Univ. of Florida and she wanted to see them perform on Tuesday night and Wednesday night. Since I haven't had a chance to visit my DB since Christmas, I agreed to keep her company --and of course, made reservations at DB's hacienda.

We headed out Tuesday morning (with Dixie driving). Saying that "Dixie is directionally challenged" is like saying "a few folks live in China!" This woman --whom I dearly love!!!--could get lost changing lanes on the Interstate! So, with me as her GPS, we were on our way.

Along the way, we stopped at a nice seafood restaurant in Lake City called Cedar River. Lots and lots of fried food later, we made it to Gainesville.

Since our stay was so short, I really wanted to spend the evening with my family. That meant somehow getting Dixie to the right place, at the right time --without me. After arriving at my DB's, I started working on HOW to get her to the correct place at the University to watch her daughters perform. We got out the telephone book to find a local map. I showed her the easy route, gave her specific directions --complete with girl directions (AND man directions). Surely, she couldn't miss it; the directions were very easy. After going over the directions again and again; we both still had our doubts as to whether she could successfully navigate herself to the correct address.

Thankfully, (remember, it's Thursday!) my DB came home before she had to leave. Being the wonderful DB that he is, he programmed in the route in his own GPS. Apparently, this did the trick. She was even able to follow the directions to get home!!! If you don't know Dixie, you really don't understand how amazing this was. For those of you who KNOW Dixie, you do!

Tuesday night, I enjoyed spending the evening with my DB and his sweet wife. Guess what? They took me to a new seafood restaurant down the street called...Cedar River. Great fried shrimp! I ate it. It was delicious. I was thankful not to have to cook dinner at home.

Wednesday, my dear Daddy took me to Sonny's for lunch. He had wanted to take me to Cedar River (obviously, the IN place)...but I begged him to take me elsewhere --since I had eaten at Cedar River TWICE the day before! After a relaxed lunch, we spent some time at the mall (eating ice cream) where I would be meeting up with Dixie later in the afternoon. What a treat for me! We had a wonderful visit. I'm so thankful I had his undivided attention for several hours! At 71, he is extremely active and it's rare to get him off when he can relax and not have to rush off to another appointment.

Yes, I'm finally getting to the reason I was thankful to have a 16 yo driver.

The Wednesday evening program we attended to watch Dixie's daughter perform...FINALLY ended a bit after 10pm. (I was thankful it was only 10pm--after watching the entire show, before they would announce the winners, we had to endure an interminable amount of time watching 13 "Air" bands perform to mind-numbing, teeth jarring, LOUD banging and framming music.) After getting the girls back to their dorm, we still had a 2-hour drive ahead of us.

Dixie had not slept nearly as late as I did that morning, she was much more fatigued than I. I offered to drive, but since she works at an Insurance Company, she wanted to drive since it was HER car. (No, I don't really understand that...but whatever.) I was thankful that I-75 was not overly crowded that late at night...but the semi-trucks were plentiful.

Things went fairly well until we transferred onto I-10, just north of Lake City. By this point, Dixie was really tired. Many times, I reminded her to 'go the speed-limit' because she would start slowing down real slow when she would pass a vehicle, or get to talking. By the time we got about 40 miles away from our exit, she started getting really, REALLY tired. I won't go into the details of how she terrified me many times. I did tell her! At one point, I was almost ready to ask her to stop and let me out. Mr. Fix-It was going to pick me up at our local truck stop anyway...he would surely come a few exits more to pick me up on the side of the road?? I was ready to be at Lonesome Pine (not Heaven!), but I stuck it out.

We finally made it to the truck stop, if it hadn't been so nasty...I would have kissed the ground. A few minutes later, my van pulls up with DD driving. After spending the previous 3/4 of an hour fearing for my life, I was NEVER so thankful to climb in with that 16 yo driver!!!!!

Me and Dixie are still friends...I'll drive next time.




Stay tuned.

*Top 10 Tuesday* ...Why Leave Comments?

Receiving comments is encouraging and I appreciate ALL of them! So, for all you LURKERS out there --YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE -- here are my...

Top 10 Reasons for Leaving a Comment
at Lonesome Pine

10. Leave a comment...because you like what you read -- or DON'T! Maybe it would help me come up with less boring blog-fodder--or NOT! Hmmm...maybe I could make up some exciting stuff!

9. Leave a comment...so I can visit YOUR blog and leave a sweet comment for YOU! I do this regularly and have met some really cool folks along the way. Are you cool enough?

8. Leave a comment...because you don't go to someone's house and not let them know you stopped by. Yeah, I know it's not the same thing...but it IS sorta.

7. Leave a comment...because those same 4-5 folks shouldn't have to carry the whole load of my self-esteem!

6. Leave a comment...because it makes other folks 'think' people actually like me, thus helping my self-esteem.

5. Leave a comment...especially if you're from outside Tallytown so that folks will be impressed that I have a wide audience--they don't know you're probably from my family!

4. Leave a comment...so that I can have double-digits like the Princess--thus boosting my self-esteem.

3. Leave a comment...so that I can have a little excitement in my life. It keeps me from having to make up fake names to post fabulous comments that make me sound wonderful!

2. Leave a comment...so I can sleep at night; not having to wonder why there were 65 pageloads and only 3 comments...was it that bad?

1. Leave a comment...It's the RIGHT thing to do--because we all need encouragement these days!

There you have it! Yes, it's all about ME! (Of course, if you know me...I hope you don't really believe that!!!! If you do, leave me a comment! LOL!!) Surely you can find a reason to comment on this post, at least?

I'm off to Gainesville with a friend for two days. I just love to travel! Mr. Fix-It and dd will hold down the fort here at Lonesome Pine--pray for us all!


Stay tuned.

Added on Friday: Only 9 comments? Won't SOMEBODY have mercy on me and put me over into double digits???? PLEASE!!!

Blog Stats and Singing to Snakes

As I prepare to leave town (AGAIN!), I was glancing at my Blog Stats. This exercise is both exciting and depressing. I'm amazed there are actually more who stop by Lonesome Pine than the 4-5 folks who regularly leave comments. With 65 pageloads, there ought to be more than 4 comments! Work with me here, people!!! (Just kidding...sorta)

I know some just happen by and hit 'Next Blog' really quick when they see how boring it is...but there are maybe a few others who stay awhile and browse. Why should this excite me? IDK.

Lately, I've had a lot of hits because of the VBS song A-ya-wiki, B-ya-wiki, C-ya-wiki. Outrigger Island is a popular VBS curriculum from LifeWay, so they must all be trying to get a jump on their VBS week. None of them left comments. They should have! I could have given them a lot of advice about decorating, running up and down stairs, etc.!

Okay, this is kind of funny...so I have to share it. One of the Google hits was from this search: "does singing scare snakes"!!! TRUE--that's what it said!!!! It hit on my post Blueberry-Blurb where I mentioned I was singing to scare off the snakes while picking blueberries! I was JUST KIDDING! I WAS singing, but it doesn't scare them off! Just goes to show how careful you have to be about info off the web.

So, I'm headed to Gainesville with a friend tomorrow. I'm excited about seeing my brother and his sweet, wonderful wife. Maybe I'll have a chance to have lunch with my Dad and get to Chiefland to see my wonderful brother, SIL and nieces.

Don't miss tomorrow's post...it has an assignment for YOU!!!



Stay tuned.