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It's the little things....

another random thought by ~*Michelle*~ on Saturday, November 29, 2008
....that make me happy! Today was a day filled with "little" things that kept me smiling....

OK, so first.....I woke up to my trusty $3 yard sale score percolator coffee pot ready to go, so I plugged in that bad boy and had a perfect cup of coffee within 7 minutes.

I then jumped on the computer to sift through emails and message boards and came across a link to a fabulous Etsy store that sold my weakness......handmade soap. I love love love handmade soap......I even am making it this year for Christmas presents (so if you are on my Christmas list, sorry for the spoiler)....but I still have no will power when it comes to buying it. I guess it is equivalent to some womens' addiction to shoes or pocketbooks. The only problem with ordering it online.....is that I hate to pay high shipping charges. I don't mind paying $4-6 for a nice chunky bar of yummy lathering luxury.....but postage costs are through the roof and sometimes I cannot swing it. Well this Etsy mama creates the most awesome soaps, they almost look too pretty to use. I can only imagine how good they are going to smell when I suds up! Her tag line is "Simple elegance... with style!" and I can see why......I have seen hand made soaps that weigh considerably less, go for alot more money.....and she is running a fabulous deal right now (in fact, she has a few)....only 99 cent shipping until December 2nd. If you need a little pick-me-up......check it out! on to more little treats.....we got to hang out with Patriot and all his friends at a local llama farm where you could learn about alpacas, spinning and weaving and tour the farm. It's was so cool to watch the demonstrations of spinning and needle felting.....N even got to try spinning and brought home her own yarn.....Then had a little store open that sold many of their handmade items and I scored a bar of oatmeal/chamomile soap. (yes, I just bought some this morning onine......but remember, I have no patience or willpower. In my defense, I quite sure there is a proper medical term for addictions such as these).
I was told that these alpaca knitted socks they had for sale were like getting a foot massage whenever you wear them. They did feel so soft and snuggly......but considering I am usually barefoot, not to mention on a budget (they were $20), I had to take their word for it and pass on buying them today. We did have hot cocoa and mulled cider and spent some time learning the steps involved in turning wool into this gorgeous handspun yarn. It was really awesome!

So we started to head back home.......I was sniffing my new bar of soap......and I got to hear my favorite Christmas song, Mary did you know? this afternoon. Of course I was getting all weepy (yes, you will soon figure out, if you haven't already......that I cry often). N knew not to ask why....she just waited for the song to be over (she knows about this song and what it does to me) and then gently asked if I wanted the rest of her Pringles, even though it was just crumbs. Hey, it's the thought, right?

Then I got home and my order from ChristianBook.com was waiting for me on the counter. I only placed it Wed. night,I figured it would be about a week with Thanksgiving and all.....so YAY! for me! I got the Casting Crowns Christmas CD.....I am keeping my word with my new commitment to reading, so for my first book, I bought The Shack. We also scored two homeschooling workbooks for N at a great discounted price.....and I got *free* shipping. If you can't find a code, the representatives are very helpful and friendly and can get one for you!

I also got the welcome pack from World Vision with all of Julienne's information.....we can ship her out a little package of goodies this week. :)

Hmmmmm, what else.......oh yeah, this morning E accidentally dropped a bottle of balsamic vinegar on the tile floor......yeah.....It kinda brought my content "coffee is just the right color" moment to a screeching halt. So after I did a short but sweet flinging my arms in the air and a teeny bit of a grumble......OK, alot of grumble as I watched the liquid followed the grout tracks right under the fridge. This of course forced me to pull out the refrigerator and find many interesting and disgusting things I don't care to admit as it would show how often I actually do clean in that area. Anyway.......one thing that I was happy to find under the fridge was a precious drawing that N made when she was three that I thought I lost ......again, little things!
(and just a little FYI, I have definitely cleaned under there since she was three....it was just part of our refrigerator art all these years.)

**and btw, if anyone has any remedies on how to get my kitchen smelling a little nicer.......I am all ears.

Now I am going to call it a day....I am jumping in the tub with my new bar of soap.....putting on the most comfy "shammies" and watching The Santa Clause with N.....oh, and I have left over "dirt" dessert that is calling my name. What a great way to end the day!

So that is it......nothing super duper to report for a Saturday, just little things that are super duper to me. And yes, you are allowed to make fun of me and call me a nerd for using "super duper"......twice. eek. "Thanks" giving challenge

another random thought by ~*Michelle*~ on Friday, November 28, 2008
Well we did it! We pulled off Thankgiving Dinner!

Everything went off without a hitch even considering the turkey was done way before I started "the fixin's". Being ahead of schedule was SO out of character for me..... (remember, I am late for everything) So yeah, I went to baste good ole Tom around 11:30....and I panicked as I saw the popper thingy had already popped. I tried to remain as calm as possible and called my trusty friend Lili, who as always, looked at the glass half full. She lovingly reminded me it was better to have the turkey overdone, then send the whole family to the ER with undercooked poultry. With that, I took the turkey out.....and put the kids to work so that we could get the ball rollin. E worked on the mashed potatoes, N worked on the Pocasett Punch (we decided Pilgrim punch did not honor our newly discovered Native American heritage, the Pocasset Wampanoag tribe, so we changed the name). G and H worked on their appetite.

All in all, it was a great day.....we sat down at 12:45 to eat and had the kitchen cleaned up by two o clock, just in time as the tryptophan kicked in. Josh and I even snuck in an afternoon nap. So a great successful day.....good food, a well needed nap and I was blessed to be able to stay in my "shammies" all day.

So getting to the "thanks" giving challenge......I had prepared the turkey obviously very early, and decided to jump on the computer to poke around a bit. I often check out this amazing blog, Bring the Rain (which I have a button on my sidebar). This blog is written by a very faith filled woman of God, take the time to check it out! (make sure tissues are handy). Anyway, in reference to something that was weighing heavily on her heart......

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus
~1 Thessalonians 5:18

....she encouraged her readers to take part in a challenge to thank God *in* everything, as opposed to *for* everything. You could either post to her blog, write it down and then stash it, burn it or shred it......it was your own private challenge.
(*I just popped over there and the post has since been deleted, with an explanation from Angie)

Anyway.......I realized that it is so true about praising God when everything is great......but it is difficult to praise Him when things are not so great. It's easy to give thanks for all the wonderful things He has blessed us with.......but so difficult, and for many.....impossible.......to thank Him when we have tragedies, disappointments to face and valleys to go through in our lives.

So I decide that I would thank God for a few things that I certainly wouldn't normally think to thank Him for......things such as the early pregnancy losses I have endured, a toxic relationship in my life.......and also the fact that Josh didn't get a bonus this year for Christmas shopping.

Thanking him for the lows? That just doesn't seem even logical. In fact, I don't know how honest I can be with this task.....but just even thinking about what I was going to thank Him for did remind me that God does not make mistakes, He has orchestrated these events/circumstances for a reason and they are all part of His plan for my life. It also reminded me that when I look back on some of the valleys in my life.....I understand why He allowed them to happen. I came out of them learning a lesson, gaining patience/perseverance and became a better person.

So here it goes......taking a deep breath:

Thank you God for the gift of being able to relate to other women who have miscarriages and offer some real heartfelt compassion......Thank you God for placing this troubled person in my life and showing me how I *don't* want to be with the people who matter the most in my life, to force me to seek You when I question why she is the way she is, and also to teach me how to forgive.......and lastly, Thank You Jesus for reminding me (and my children) what Christmas should solely be about, it's about You and that miraculous night......and how gift giving is bonus.

and ps. please forgive me as You know the exact number of hairs on my head and that I am not 100% sincere in this thanksgiving prayer, but 100% sincere in trying to be.

So now, I'll challenge you to this too.....It is not easy, in fact.......it is downright complicated to comprehend. And I am not so sure that I understand it all myself.....but if it gives me a chance to dig deeper into The Truth, then bring it on! Tackling Thanksgiving

another random thought by ~*Michelle*~ on Wednesday, November 26, 2008
/ Comments: (4)
Yep.....I got my big girl panties on and I am doing Thanksgiving dinner this year. For the past 18 years, we have always gone to Josh's mom house for this day. She loves Thanksgiving and her Martha Stewart spread clearly proves it. She makes everything from scratch including the cranberry nut bread, Buka (polish bread, I am sure I botched the spelling), the stuffing and her cranberry sauce. She has a buffet table with five different pies, again....all made by her, even the pie crust. The dining table is straight out of a Pottery Barn catalog with hand sewn linens.
Now that I think about it......how DARE she make other plans this year and dump this immense responsibility on me!?!

OK......deep breath......I can do this, I can do this, I can do this. It might sound ridiculous to most, but taking on a Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixins (my husband hates that term so I am hoping he is reading this and cringing).....is very overwhelming to me. Martha Stewart has more talent/creativity in her baby toe than I do in my whole body.
I have tried.....trust me. I have picked up many Family Circle/Better Home and Garden magazines in hopes that one article might inspire me or spark some hidden gift. I have watched Rachel Ray and other Food Network gurus hoping that one little tip might set me free from my lack of domestic talent.

I get nothing. *insert cricket sounds*

So in the spirit of giving thanks.....one thing I am very thankful for is that my husband and children do not expect a dinner of the same magnitude and quality from me.

Sooooooooooo, N and I are going to attempt to pull off our own little "feast" as she calls it. We have the turkey brining in the vegetable crisper bin of my fridge. (I do not own any proper "brining" containers, nor do I know if they even exist as I never even heard of brining) I am praying that no-one decides to move it as it is filled to the rim with what appears to be disgusting salty lemon water as of this morning. I actually poured the second half of the water while it was already in place in the bottom of the refrigerator so Lord knows how I am going to get it out without a flood. I was told I needed to change it today. You see, my best friend Lili is coaching me on how to make this turkey. Cooking and baking come second nature to her.....I am sure feeding a family of nine on a tight budget forces you to be a creative chef to begin with.....I have seen her make a casserole out of leftover spaghetti and eggs. I will admit that I didn't have the courage to sample it, but all 11 kids, including my own......loved it. So in my eyes.....she has a gift.

So this morning, I will make my daily call to Lili to find out what I am supposed to do today to continue the prep of Tom the turkey as well as a detailed step by step plan of attack for tomorrow's task. I know this will mean that I have to go back to the grocery store for fancy smanshy ingredients that I do not normally have on hand like she does, such as spices. I know he has to cook for some insane amount of time (which means I have to get up early and I will admit I am a little resentful to Josh's mom for that fact) Oh, and he does have that little popper thing, so I don't have to worry about the wrath of serving undercooked poultry.

So yes, I have Tom soaking as if he is at a spa, in the bottom of the fridge......and N and I are going to do our best making the side dishes. I am pretty good at making "smashed" potatoes, and I can open a mean can of green beans. I also will be making my "Funyon surprise" which is the nickname of an easy casserole I make with those french fried onions, frozen veggies and a can of cream of mushroom soup. I have a couple cans of Pillsbury rolls and we are good to go.

We will be making homemade butter, which is so insanely simple, but I feel so Little House on the Prairie when I announce it to guests. (I do not dare tell them that it is only heavy cream shaken in a round jar until it is in a solid state with a dash of salt). Another not so homemade hit in my home is a veggie dip made from Knorrs mix, sour cream, mayo and chopped spinach. It is G's favorite, in fact......I make a separate batch just for him and his box of Wheat Thins.

We also will be making "dirt" another ridiculously easy recipe that looks impressive (chocolate pudding, Cool Whip and crushed Oreos layered in a trifle bowl....it's all about presentation!) but a child over the age of three could make it. The fact that I own a trifle bowl is indicating that I might be getting a teeny bit more domesticated, now that I think about it.

Josh and E's favorite dessert is pumpkin pie......and thanks to the friendly people who make the canned pumpkin......I have the simple recipe readily available on the can. I feel like a seasoned baker when I put tin foil on the edge of the crust to prevent burning....(I won't mention that I learned that from one of my preschool students last fall when we were making pies)

N is excited to make a Pilgrim Punch that she read about in The Dragon Thanksgiving Feast....orange juice, cranberry juice, ginger ale and sherbet. This punch will be served in a margarita pitcher (after I scrub the inch of dust collecting inside it) as I do not own a punch bowl either.

Our table will not look like a Pier One display.....but I think we do have six matching plates and six Mason jars in the same size. Before you think I am cheesy.....I have invested in "nice" glasses so many times over the past 15 years. The average life span of a drinking glass in this house of kids and tile floors......is about 4.5 weeks. Mason jars/spaghetti sauce jars are sturdy and plentiful. Function over fashion, I always say. :)

N will be printing out some nice placecards from this site and I scored a pretty ceramic pumpkin last year on clearance at Pier One that will be in the center of our table.

I think we are as ready as we can be to tackle Thanksgiving this year! And although it won't be as "professional" as Josh's moms events......it will definitely be something to remember. Not only the meal itself.....but spending more time in the kitchen with my little girl, preparing the dinner and making the kids' favorite desserts. I might even wear an apron to give it the full effect (*note to self.....buy an apron today) I wanted the house to look festive so we did some extra decorating too. As part of a project/lesson.....N and I made a "tree of Thanksgiving" this year....it was a little bare with just our leaves.......so I had everyone in the family (yes, even the older kids who think I've flipped my lid with my corny ideas) write down things that they are thankful for. I was impressed to see that God and family made the top three.......along with food, video/film equipment, and toys.

Maybe hosting Thanksgiving will be a new tradition for N and I. I'll let you know after tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving and God bless you and your family~ "I would like another six year old girl please....."

another random thought by ~*Michelle*~ on Monday, November 24, 2008
Now that I think about it.......I can see why after hearing that.....N went running to her room, in full meltdown mode and hid under her bed. What she didn't know is that it was a World Vision representative on the other end of the phone.

Yes, poor N was totally convinced I was on the phone with some national child exchange program when she heard the tragic news. It was coincidentally during a protest in her homeschooling.

So when I finally persuaded her to come out from under her bed, I got the chance to explain to her what was going on....You see, last summer at The Soulfest (which btw, you do not want to miss if you live in New England) we decided to sponsor a child.....World Vision had an AIDS interactive exhibit set up. It was a huge tent that you walked through with a iPod Shuffle and basically had the heartbreaking experience of the journey of a child whose life has been affected by the AIDS epidemic. There were three children's lives that you could experience, I had "Stephen" who lived in Uganda and at an early age was abducted by the rebels (The LRA, Lord's Resistance Army), brainwashed and threated with his life to commit unspeakable acts against his own village. He eventually is rescued by a missionary team who risk their own lives to free these children before they succumb to disease, starvation and brutal abuse. But then faces yet another enemy.....the fact that he might be infected with HIV/AIDS.

*I was just searching for the link for schedule (to see if it might be coming somewhere local) and found out you can actually watch Stephen's story online here,. I will warn you that it can be a little upsetting, but definitely will impact you.

So for me........it was inconceivable to walk away from that experience without feeling the need to do something. I literally had a pit in my stomach and walked around in a fog for about a half hour upon exiting that tent.....I mean, I knew the AIDS crisis is pandemic....but I just didn't expect to witness what I did.

So after talking to Josh, we decided that the least we could do, was to sponsor a child through the World Vision organization. We figured we would check out their website when we got back home, find out all the particulars and go over our budget to see if we could make it work.

So we were hanging out, waiting for Kutless to play.....and another powerful presentation came on the huge "jumbo-tron" screens......that was it....something came over both of us. It was almost like someone whacking us with a two by four, only not the physical pain. It was an emotional pain brought on by pure sympathy and heartache. Learning about these villages who don't even have working wells or much needed health facilities within 25 miles and here we were......on the foothills of a beautiful New Hampshire mountain enjoying a week of music, teachings and fellowship. We are blessed to live in a country that we able to attend these awesome events and worship God! We have a roof over our head and food to eat. These are staple items in our life.....that is not even considering our camper, our cable TV (even if I have to keep getting up to wiggle the wire) and all the other items we take for granted. These children have nothing. They have no freedom, most have no parents and are pretty much on their own. They didn't choose to be born into this life.....

The presentation concluded with how it was only $35 a month to make a difference in one child's life.....and yeah, some months we knew that we barely cover all of our bills......but that was less than skipping one Dunkin Donuts coffee a day. Forgoing such a "luxury" wasn't even considered a sacrifice.

The emcee on the stage started to hold up info cards on different children and asked who would be interested in making a commitment right there to sponsor a child. Before he could get his hand up with the first card, Josh was jumping up with his arms, trying to do that sports like whistle sound....but it came out like a canary. Now remember, there was probably about 1500-2000 people just at this particular stage.....so I guess you really did need to make a little scene to be noticed in the crowd. He continued to shout out until he got the promoter's attention and the card was passed back to us.

So we were given a sweet little girl named Elsa from Mozambique. Elsa was 9 years old and lived with her parents....we were not aware of her HIV status, but she was in satisfactory health and was in the first grade, remember.....education is a luxury.

The kids thought it was pretty cool to have a sister in Africa. We sent out small envelopes filled with little goodies/trinkets for her and we had her photo on our fridge. I reminded my kids that when they looked at her picture to remember what her life is like as compared to theirs (and these gentle reminders also came at not-so-gentle, somewhat self-centered, teenage times)

Then a few days ago, I received an email telling us that she was no longer with the WV program and that we would receive a letter in the mail explaining more. Being overly concerned (thinking she got sick or worse yet, passed away, I called the WV office. The representative explained to me that Elsa's family moved out of the village and was no longer participating in the program. *sigh of relief*

That is when the horrifying words of wanting another six year old girl came out of my mouth and shot like a dagger into N's heart.

So after I pried her white knuckle grip from the bed frame.....I hugged her, gave her a million kisses and explained what was going on. I asked her if she really thought that I would want another girl and she gave me a pathetic look, then a little smirk and said no. (have I mentioned that she is somewhat of a drama queen?)

I told her that I thought it would be a great idea if she chose our next sponsored child. This brought on a 180 turn in attitude and we headed to the computer. She told me she wanted a girl who was her age, and had the same interests as her so she could send her drawings and "relate" to her. Yes, those were her exact words.

So without further adieu, meet sweet Julienne.....she is six and lives in Rwanda. Like N....she loves music and playing ball games. She is from a family of four children and also was born in the fall of 2002.
Unlike N.....her chores include carrying water, most likely a few miles a day and caring for her grandparents. She also isn't fortunate enough to go to school. (YET! we are hoping our sponsorship can change this) We are going to put together a little welcome care package for her this week and get it out to her ASAP. Due to high duty charges and also the difficulty of getting packages to the children (many times, the oversea staff members have to walk or ride bikes to get the mail) they encourage you to send just envelops filled with inexpensive items such as a toothbrush, stickers and markers. These simple trinkets seem trivial, but will be cherished and bring smiles for many days to Julienne.

If you get chance, please check out the World Vision websites.....the AIDS experience is a must.....because there are so many other "Julienne"s who need our help. The sponsorship helps with supplemental food, the chance at an education and also healthcare. So if you can figure out a way to cut out that Dunkin Donuts afternoon coffee run.....I encourage you to pray for these nations who are held captive by The Enemy and his spirit of poverty, sickness and injustice.......and if you are able, please sponsor a child and make a difference in their life. :)

Peace and blessings~ I learned alot yesterday.....

another random thought by ~*Michelle*~ on Saturday, November 22, 2008
So yesterday was a day full of lessons. a little inspiration

another random thought by ~*Michelle*~ on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 Just wanted to share this little craft we did yesterday after reading The Boy who Dreamed of an Acorn. It is a very inspirational story about a Native American boy who is searching for the purpose in his life. He learns that the gift (dream) he is given may not be the strongest or most powerful like the other boys' talents (lesson on envy), but how God (the Creator) has chosen him for a different purpose and to embrace this destiny that was placed upon his life (lesson on acceptance and obedience).

N wasn't the only one who learned a lesson with this story. ;) another random thought by ~*Michelle*~ on Tuesday, November 18, 2008
I am not getting out of my shammies today. Period.

I hope this finds you comfy too! patience through puzzles

another random thought by ~*Michelle*~ on Saturday, November 15, 2008 

Art in the Eye of a Needle

I hope you are having a peaceful weekend Friday funny

another random thought by ~*Michelle*~ on Friday, November 14, 2008
So we were in bed watching How It's Made (one of N's favorite shows) and I mentioned to Josh that I was making a long overdue appointment at the eye doctors next week, as my sight has been going downhill lately. I wouldn't want to make anyone nervous by admitting how downhill it is going as they might never get into my car again.....but fear not! I will be reading road signs and staying on my side of the road soon enough.

Anyway, back to the story.....after I mentioned about needing glasses....the conversation went like this:

N: So Mom, why do you need glasses?

Me: Well, because sometime when people get older, their eyes do not work as well as they used to so they need glasses to see better.

N: But you are not old mom...not even close.

Me: Aw ....thanks so much, that was so sweet.

N: well it's true.....you don't even have that turkey gobble skin under your neck yet.

Ahhhhhhhh, gotta love it. Just once more......

another random thought by ~*Michelle*~ on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 Interview with God

another random thought by ~*Michelle*~ on Tuesday, November 11, 2008
I couldn't have asked for a better morning!

.....I was able to sleep in a bit (well 6:45 is sleeping in for me....oh, and don't forget to thank a Veteran today)
......all my kids were still asleep,.....and healthy!
......my coffee was piping hot and just the right color (thanks to my latest yard sale score, a $3 percolator coffee maker!!)
..... and I had this wonderful video waiting for me in my inbox.

Although I have seen it many times, each time it touches me in a different way. So if you can, take five minutes....and enjoy.
(*you'll have to pause my music playlist as it opens in another window and has it's own awesome melody) I hope you are blessed with a wonderful day!
 Be Prepared

another random thought by ~*Michelle*~ on Monday, November 10, 2008
The motto of The Boy Scouts of America.


Dear Scouts,
 widows and orphans

another random thought by ~*Michelle*~ on Thursday, November 6, 2008
Father to the fatherless, defender of widows-- this is God, whose dwelling is holy. ~Psalm 68:5

In Jesus name~ 1 Timothy 2:1-4

another random thought by ~*Michelle*~ on Tuesday, November 4, 2008 .......we interupt this blog.....

another random thought by ~*Michelle*~ on Monday, November 3, 2008
......to bring you this special treat.

Nothing screams "crunchy" and "hippie" louder than homemade granola! It seemed like the perfect day to make it......and it's wicked easy, just put all ingredients in a crock pot on low......for about 4 hours or so.....stirring occasionally.
Oh, and I don't really measure.....so go with your own tastebuds when figuring amounts and spices/ingredients. You really can't mess it up or go wrong with this basic recipe.

4 cups quick (or rolled) oats
1 cup wheat germ
1/2 to 1 cup flax seed (not really for taste, people tell me it's good for you so why not?)
1/4-1/2 cup of sunflower seeds
1/2 cup oil (cooking oil, not olive.....we use canola)
2/3 cup honey
2.....3....maybe 4 tbs cinnamon

Enjoy.....I love it just as is......but it's really good on ice cream and yogurt or baked into bars. empty nest syndrome....

another random thought by ~*Michelle*~ on Saturday, November 1, 2008 

Never a dull moment here.