Happy belated birthday post to Drew

 On the 18th of January, the Drew Boy was the star of the day!  From the day after Christmas, Drew would recite every day ... at least 3 or 4 times ... how he wanted his birthday to be.  Let's see if I got it right.  :D

"On January 18, 2012, it's Drew's birthday party." (I am sure you are wondering why we are having a Winnie the Pooh theme ... well ... we discovered that A. A. Milne was ALSO born on the 18th.  And Drew likes Winnie the Pooh ... thought it would be fun)

"We'll have food ... and drinks ..."

 ".... and candy treats...."

"... and big presents."

"We'll dress up."  ( I know it doesn't look as if he dressed up, but he likes Super Mario Brothers, so ....)

We had some of his favorite things to eat on his big day.  There is a girl in our ward that has the same birthday as Drew in which they exchange a piece of each other's cake to each other.  It's very fun.  :D

Don't you wonder what he is wishing for???

Can he do it???

I think we were successful in meeting the birthday party criteria.  He liked it enough that he wanted to do it again the next day.  Ummm .... no ... lol.  Have to wait until next year.  Happy birthday my son.  I hope you had a wonderful day.  :D  Love you.

Recipe of the Week - Cube Steak Stew

(insert picture here)  Okay ... it's been a while since I have done this type of post.  One of my 2012 goals is to be more consistent in my blog posting.  So ... here we go.  This week chicken and cube steak was on sale.  As red meat is great for Darin's weight loss and general health, it isn't mine; thus the chicken. But I did get some cube steak for him.  So, I looked online for some cube steak recipes and got this one from allrecipes.com.  Haven't tried it before, and I am tweaking it a bit, so ... I will take a pic of it and post it when I make it.  That way you know what it looks like.  And maybe even a comment to say what was thought of it when all was said and done.  Here's the recipe:


Ingredients:
1 1/2 lb. beef cube steak
1 T. olive oil
1/2 T. butter
1 tsp. onion powder
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cubes beef bouillon, dissolved in 2 cups water
1 cooked and cubed sweet potato
1 can of peas and carrots or 1 small bag frozen peas and carrots
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground black pepper (I may use just a pinch of cayenne instead)


Directions:
1. Cut cube steaks into pieces of about 1/2 inch in size.


2.  In a large skillet, heat oil and butter over medium heat.  Add garlic and onion to oil to season it.  Add steak pieces and brown.  Add more butter if needed.


3.  Stir in beef boullion, peas and carrots, salt, and pepper.  Cover.  Turn heat down to simmer, and cook for 25 minutes.  Add cubed sweet potatoes about 20 minutes into the simmering.  Thicken with guar or xanthan gum if needed.


I will let you know how this recipe is received.  It sounds yummy at least.  :D

Attitude of Gratitude - Walking

One of my 2012 goals is to be more consistent with my family walking time.  Our route we usually go on is about a mile ... maybe a tad more.  Well, Monday night we went on the "special family walk".  We basically walked from our house to the post office via the phone company so we could pop our bill in their box before the due date, then go on to mail some stuff off and pick up our mail.  It's longer, but I don't know how much.  Drew wasn't as happy about it because on our other route we see or hear dogs and cats and even a few rabbits.  This route we didn't see as much of that.  But the great thing about this walk as well as last night's walk is that I actually go faster than I have been able to in the past and I wasn't in lower back agony by the time I got home. It just made me grateful that I am getting stronger and healthier.

Leach Family State of the Union - Lots of Running Around Going On ...

Oooohhhh .... this is what it felt like I was doing last week.  Last week was a tough one.  Lots of tough hurdles.  What could those hurdles have been you ask??


One - our ward choir was asked to participate in singing in stake conference this last Sunday.  They had given us two weeks notice.  Now there are some that can do that with no skin off their nose, but the majority of my choir are ones that need time to learn the music.  Many of them didn't participate because they didn't want to feel bad about how they did.  About 7, including me, participated.  The stake music chairman got lots of others last minute, and it actually turned out pretty nice.  But I did give her the heads up that if she asks us again, she needs to give us 3 months notice.  It kind of sounded like that wouldn't happen, so chances are we will never be asked again.  Which is fine.  Not everyone can pull things off so last minute like that, and there is nothing wrong with that.  I had given her some kind suggestions, which she promptly blew off, so ... and that's her perogotive to do so.  But I am very protective of my people.  I want these things to be positive experiences for them, not something they will regret.


Two - I had two new little piano students start up a new group lesson time.  It is so fun to see new students still in the honeymoon stage of piano lessons.  Several weeks they will see that it is continual working at it.  It can still be lots of fun, but it starts taking more work and effort.  It's kind of like ... kindergarten.  Remember how fun kindergarten was???  It was great!  You spend all your time painting and singing songs and playing out in the sandbox.  Well, then first and second grade start happening.  Not as fun.  Takes more work and effort. And it just gets more uphill climbing from there.  Well, that's how piano lessons are too.  At first it's pretty simple and lots of fun.  Then it starts taking some effort.  Anyhow ... I had to race around getting ready for shopping day and getting the books and things ready for these new little students.  Fun, but busy :D


Three - Darin had to let go 4 of his people at work; one of them was one of his main guys.  It was REALLY hard on him.  Weeks of sleepless nights, of trying to negotiate with those above him but being shot down.  In the end, he's made to feel like public enemy number one.  One of our home teachers really said some nasty things.  You know, I have always felt the the main purpose of visiting teaching and home teaching is that you go into their homes and really get to know them; find out what makes them tick.  This man has been coming into our home for several months now.  Does he REALLY think that Darin would be so heartless and cavalier about this???  If he truly thinks such hurtful things about us, then to me, he hasn't really been doing his job.  Because ANYONE who truly KNOWS the kind of people we are would KNOW that we aren't like that at ALL!!  We have been praying daily for these people and their families; hoping that the reason this had to happen is that this door had to shut so that the window that was supposed to be opened could do so.  Hoping that this will be a blessing in disguise for them and their families.  So, we have been very sad the last few days, needless to say.


I am hoping that this week will open up less busily and more positively.

FHE Idea - The Life of Christ; Following in His Footsteps

I am getting back on track with my blogging.  It's one of my 2012 goals.  :D  So, here is this week's FHE idea.  Hope it will give you out there some great ideas, or you can use this idea just as is :D  Sorry I don't have copies of the feet for you to just print out.  I am sure you can get the blank shoe prints online as I did, then type in there what you want to say on them.  If you don't have Publisher, may I strongly recommend you get it?  Very helpful tool.  Okay ... here we go.


The Life of Jesus Christ; Following in His Footsteps:


Song Ideas:  Come Follow Me
                   I'm Trying to be like Jesus
                   Tell Me the Stories of Jesus


Lesson Materials:  Gospel Principles Chapter 11


Materials Needed:  Picture of the Savior
                           Foot Prints with the following sayings written in each one:


Jesus taught me that is is important to be a member of his church
Jesus taught me to bless others with the priesthood
Jesus taught me that if we love God, we will trust and obey Him
Jesus taught me the importance to sacrifice for others.
Jesus taught me the importance of being a good example
Jesus taught me to follow the plan Heavenly Father has for me, even when it is difficult.
Jesus taught me that if we love others, we will help them all we can
Jesus taught me the importance of serving others
Jesus taught me the importance of sharing the gospel
Jesus taught me to love and obey the truth
Jesus taught me how to be baptized and the importance of it
Jesus taught me that I can resist temptation
Jesus taught me to show compassion for others
Jesus taught me to love all, even those who are unkind to me
Jesus taught me to never judge other unrighteously
Jesus taught me the importance of repentance


(may I recommend that you laminate your footprints after you are done printing and cutting them out? - grin)
Laminated Board (one of those heavy foam boards that is laminated.  I used those self laminating sheets on it.
masking tape




Read the first paragraph of Gospel Principles Chapter 11.

We have been asked to follow the Savior's life and example; to follow in His footsteps.  What are some of the things that the Savior taught us with the example of His life; what we need to do to follow in His footsteps so that we can one day return to our Father in Heaven.

Have your footstep cut outs words face down.  Have the picture of the Savior on the top right of the board and have each person select a footprint, read out loud and discuss each footstep.  Tape on board as if walking back up to the Savior picture.

Close with the thought that may we all try to learn from the life of our Savior and follow in His foot steps.

January 2012 - State of the Union - Start Out the New Year

Happy New Year everyone!  Cannot believe it is already 2012 ... holy smokes ... I know that this cartoon has been circulating around a lot ... LOL ... makes me giggle.  Anyhow before we talk about the start of this new year, I felt we needed to address the ending of the last one.

Ashley and Austin came up for Christmas this year.  It was really nice.  It was great that Christmas this year was on a Sunday.  As the choir director of my ward, I got to be in charge of the Christmas program.  It was like a music and the spoken word kind of thing.  The choir did three numbers, the primary children did two numbers, I had Ashley sing a solo, the congregation sang 3 numbers.  It was great.  I don't think Austin thought we really could just get up, have our traditional 'cocoa and toast' Christmas morning breakfast (it's a german thing) and read the Christmas story, then get ready for church to enjoy the Christmas program, then come back home for the present opening. But seriously, what a great way to begin Christmas Day ... focusing on the true meaning of it all.

Anyhow ... we get back, get into our Christmas PJ's so we can open presents.  This is the last year Ashley and Austin are coming to family for Christmas.  And although I love it when they come, I really can understand that they need to start having their own Christmases as their own personal family unit.  Create their own memories.  

Drew was very excited to open the presents.  The last two years he has really gotten into the spirit of celebration.  I don't know about you, but as much as I love getting presents, I would have to say watching those you love open the presents you got for THEM is my favorite part :D

Darin likes to get shorts for his Christmas PJ's. How do you tell one that it is WINTER outside???  We actually had to turn on our heater this year.  It's been chillier than normal here.  I have actually gotten to wear some of my sweaters :D

Was very happy that Ashley received a new smart phone from Santa Claus.  She needed a new phone that she could depend on really bad :D  That way when we are chatting I will be able to hear her and she will be able to hear me.  Yes.  Very good present Santa.  You chose ... wisely (heh heh heh )

I am sure you are all wondering why Darin has a large garbage can in front of him.  We have learned over the years that Drew likes to clean up the wrapping paper right away, so we bring a large garbage can in to throw the wrapping paper  right in there.    LOL ... ah ... somehow I will direct that obsessive compulsive desire to bigger and better desires ... like Drew cleaning the house ... or filing papers ... or ... or ... or ... I'll think of something (heh heh heh heh)


Since Christmas day concluded, Drew has been spouting to me daily about his birthday plans!  LOL   .... I have been told that we need to have "food and drinks and candy treats and big presents" and then he goes on to list for me what those presents should be ... lol ... goodness.   Ummm ... the list is quite extensive ... he may get one or two, but fifty million ... love you son, but no :D


Monday's FHE was about what goals we want to accomplish as a family this year.  I don't like calling them resolutions.  Resolutions are so absolute.  So, if you falter on a resolution, you feel like a failure.  I prefer goals.  Goals are a journey.  If you falter one day, it's okay. Just stay on the path and keep trying.  So, for those reading this, I hope you choose some goals to work on this year.  And share them with someone.  It makes you more accountable and it's great to have a cheerleader in your corner to cheer you on your journey to goal reaching success.

Christmas Letter 2011

 Merry Christmas everyone!  Is it just me or does it seem as if this year has just ZOOMED by???  It feels that way to me.  Time just seems to be whizzing by faster and faster with each passing year.  Hard to catch one's breath anymore.  Sooo ... let's see ... what has our family been up to this past year?

 Darin:  
Darin is still busily being the store leader at the Lin's grocery store here in Overton.  It's a good thing that I know that my husband is a conscientious, hard working workaholic.  He puts in a lot more hours than I think people realize he does.  But he is doing well there.  He and I had started a while back trying to follow the "Eat Right for your Blood Type" diet.  last January, he went back east to visit his brother Alan before he shipped out to Guam. He had re-committed himself to following the plan as well as getting more physically active and has dropped quite a bit because of it.  He has gotten back into playing basketball and baseball which has been a very fun thing for him to be doing.  :D   The best part, I think though is that he feels better.  And that is always a good thing.  He had been serving in the Elder's Quorum Presidency in our ward, but back in September was called as the Ward Executive Secretary for the new Bishopric.  He has to do something he really doesn't like doing ... talking on the phone ... ALOT.  lol  He is doing a great job and I am sure that this will be a great growing experience for him.

 Kris:
Well ... what have I been up to?  First, the battle as a domestic goddess is ever continually raging war.  Dishes and laundry ... I swear they get together and multiply and replenish the earth when I'm not looking!  It never ends ...
I had begun teaching piano and voice again.  Came out of retirement.  I had looked around and saw that those playing piano are becoming a lost art.  Music plays a BIG part in our worship, so I thought I needed to help with bringing  up a next generation to follow.  I am definitely limiting how many students I take this time around, however.  No more teaching until the cows come home for me.  I think Drew would take me out back, kill me in the night and put gum in my hair if I did that.  It is really nice to have a room with my piano that is well insulated and has a glass door to close so that it doesn't bother him too much :D  I am still working in Mary Kay ... keeping the world a beautiful place ... at least my clients are.  As I get older, I am grateful for the "Mary Kay 10 layer bean dip" I use on my face to fight aging with a vengeance.  I have been serving as our ward music chairman and ward choir director since January.  It often gives a feeling of being a salmon swimming upstream and I wonder if people think I am the music Nazi, but I do believe in magnifying my calling as part of that is to help people and stretch out of their comfort zones and learn new things.  I really am grateful for my choir members.  I would love more of them.  :D

Drew:

He is 13 ... and showing us his version of 13.  In so many ways he is easier than the average 13 year old.  I don't have to battle with him about what sneakers he wears or a need to keep up with the boys next door.  He doesn't care about stuff like that.  But if I ask him to do something, he often will look and passively ignore me.  Ummm ... that dog won't hunt.  The one thing that keeps life exciting with him is that he has no polite facade to keep what he is feeling concealed.  If he is angry or frustrated or irritated ... etc ... etc ... he will let you know in no uncertain terms .... out loud ... for all to observe.  A real carnival ride sometimes.  But he is still the Lego King.  LOVES building new stuff.  He will build and build until he has used every last brick, then break them apart and begin building again.  The Super Mario World is very fun in his eyes.  But Peanuts and Winnie the Pooh are the best too.  Some days he is 2 and some days he is 13 and some days he is in between.  Since getting the priesthood back in September he has been joining another boy to help with fast offerings which has been a great thing.  And he is getting more interactive with the world around him since he has received the priesthood as well.  There have been several occasions that he would say "Hi.  How you doing?" to kids he sees around first and the last few weeks at choir practice he goes around and shakes everyone's hand.  It's very cute :D  My choir is very sweet with him.  Last night we did some neighbor goody deliveries and he just loves doing that.  It brings him great joy.

Ashley and Austin:
Ashley has quit working at the law office and is doing her photography business, Ashley Dawn Photography, full time now.  She is progressively getting busier and busier which is a good thing.  She is working as the Nursery leader and is doing such a great job.  You should see how she decorated the room.  And the kids just LOVE to go play with Sister Ashley.  She is also a temple worker every Wednesday which I think is wonderful.  What a great thing to be doing.  :D  Her babies are still her two cats, Kitty and Mischeif (that's how she spells it) and their dog, Titus.  I am so very proud of who she is.  She is beautiful on the inside and out.  In all my flaws, I must have done something right.  


Austin is busily building his insurance business.  He is also running the St. George Iron Man, being a rafting guide, camping and doing as many outdoor activities as he can possibly fit into his busy schedule.  And on top of that, he is serving in the Elder's Quorum in his ward which keeps him hopping.  He's like the energizer bunny ... he just keeps going ... and going ... and going... etc ... etc ... etc.  Holy smokes.  These two make me tired just thinking about all they do.


In closing this letter, we hope you all have a wonderful Christmas.  May you feel of the Savior's love more this season.  May we all be worthy to receive His best blessings.  And may we all embrace the wonderful possibilities of a new year.  God lives.  The Savior lives and gave us the greatest gift we could ever get.  May we all be worthy of this great gift.  We love you all.


Merry Christmas,


The Leach Family

Random Post - Feeling Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving to all today!  I hope it is a great day for all of you :D  We are showcasing Drew's "paint a picture day" picture ... a turkey.  He is definitely my son ... loves art.  That makes me happy :D


I have so much to be thankful for.  My heart is so full of gratitude for all the blessings Heavenly Father has given to this family.  We are going to be beginning a new tradition for Thanksgiving.  We are going to make a thankful tree.  A tree that we put on the leaves things we are thankful for.  I am sure that it will have many, many leaves on it.  The completed masterpiece will be on tomorrow's post.  But as I cook our Thanksgiving dinner, I can't help but be bombarded by all the things I have been blessed with.  From the big things such as My Heavenly Father, my Savior, the truthfulness of His gospel, and family and friends to the lesser thought of ones like great insulation in my inner AND outer walls that makes it possible for me to NEVER have to turn on heat in the cooler months and making my summer month electric bills bearable as well as making it possible for me to close the door of my living room to be able to play some piano again without it bothering Drew too terribly much.  Life truly is good and I am thankful everyday for my blessings.

State of the Union - Fall Garden Six Week Check Up

 Let's see ... what to talk about since the last state of the union ... ??? ... well, it has been about 6 weeks since we planted our first fall garden.  Can I just say that in some ways I like fall gardens better.  For one, you don't swelter when you go out to pull weeds.  I have been really trying to take advantage of the weather to tackle the grass areas out there.  I work on them a little each day.  I figure if I get more and more roots out, the grass over time will be less and less.

 But for our first attempt at cauliflower (above) and broccoli (to the right), I am pretty happy how they are doing.  And the flat leaf spinach below ... a good part of that will be part of our Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow.  I love Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad, so ... but I really do like the flat leaf spinach the best.  I need to get more seeds for that.

Oh, I gotta tell ya something Drew has been doing lately.  When he has seen people, HE says "hi" first.  That's a big deal.  And last Sunday at choir practice, he went around and shook all the choir members hands.  I know to many that isn't much, but for Drew, it's much.  He is also getting more and more talkative ... I mean A LOT!  We are working on clarity.  Before it was getting him to talk at all, now it's all about him being understood.

Just have to comment on my tomato plant to the right here.  This is the soul survivor of my tomato plants I planted in the spring.  This is a cautionary tale.  I NEED THE SECOND LINE OF DEFENSE WIRE CAGES for our tomatoes.  This poor thing ... it has the regular tomato cage, then I have a pole in there, I have it tied to some outside things, AND I have a metal chair wedged in there to try to keep it from falling over.  This poor thing is flopped over and so heavy.  If it had the second support, it would probably be standing between 5 and 6 feet in the air.  I told Darin that he HAS to make me those cages for next spring.  Anyway ... in spite of all that, this has lots of tomatoes on it that are starting to ripen.  Very fun :D


Darin has been one busy guy.  There have been some new restructuring going on at Lins that has been keeping him on his toes on top of his church calling.  I know he has asked Santa Claus for Christmas a tablet (is that the right word) to use for his calling.  I guess the question is ... are the on the naughty list or the nice list Darin???  Do you DESERVE one for Christmas???  heh heh heh heh.  Seriously, I can't blame him.  In some houses a computer is a luxury ... they are a necessity in this one.  And our desk top computer is saying we need to have it checked; that one of the dual hard drives is bad and needs to be repaired or replaced.  And then our lap top hot spot WON'T turn ON for the last three days.  Not good.  Oh the joys of living so isolated.  You can't just pop down the street and have this fixed that day.  You have to plan a special trip and HOPE they can get it done while you are there.  *sigh*  It will all be good in the end .. but until then ... 

Random Post - I Know That My Redeemer Liveth

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtU1c5JZf0k

Overton is having a Messiah Sing A Long in December!  I was telling Darin that I wished they would do this ... and here they are ... how fun!  :D  Anyhow ... I was asked to sing this for the performance on the 18th.  It's been a while since I did any Messiah ... or sing ANY classical in public for quite a while.  I am looking forward to working on this.  Never sang any of the solos before.  Should be very fun!  :D


I put a link of someone singing it for those who read my blog and are not familiar with this piece.  I like this woman's voice. It's classical, but it doesn't take over the planet.  It's nice and rich sounding.

State of the Union - Silly Windows

Better late than never right???  I will tell you, life just seems to get nuttier and nuttier, busier and busier ... and I sometimes feel as if I am just treading water to keep from drowning in all I need to get done.

Drew has definitely been 13 the last 10 days or so.  Yikes ... most 13 year olds have the polite facade they keep intact at all times.  They may roll their eyes, or sigh deeply, or even try to sass (I hope you don't let them get away with that ... otherwise they will become a tidal wave that you can't control ... just saying).  But they actually keep MOST of what they feel inside.  The anger, the frustration, the irritation, etc ... etc ... etc ...

Umm ... Drew doesn't HAVE that polite facade.  So I will let you use your imagination as to what I have been having to deal with the last bit.  All I will say is ... NOT pretty.  I do feel bad for him though ... in spite of the "Drew the Cranky Boy" adventures we have been having.  The only friends he has are his parents.  The kids in our ward or around don't give him the time of day.  I can understand to a certain level, but they can't even acknowledge him at all?  Can't even say hello when they see him??? Do you know what that does to a mother's heart??

And on top of that, sleep has not been fast friends at our house.  Had five hours of sleep two nights ago, so yesterday I was completely WORTHLESS in the 'getting things done' department.  So, yesterday, I just sat and finished two of my window displays.  And just so you know ... these are drawings I drew free hand, colored, and cut out.  I didn't paint on my windows.  Can you imagine the mess to clean them up??? Yikes!  And as a bonus .. I can laminate them and use them next year.  YES!  :D  I definitely wanted a pilgrims window, and a turkey window, but I wanted a little personality showing.  Oh what to do ... what to do ... at this point, I was getting a little silly; sleep deprivation can do that to ya ... but in that silliness haze I came up with a great personality chaser for my window. LOVED Bugs Bunny growing up.  Sorry for you out there, but seriously, they don't make cartoons like that anymore.  Sad.  They were the best.  Anyhow ... one of the Bugs Bunny episodes I really loved was when Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny were arguing about which hunting season it was "Duck Season ... no ... WABBIT season ... " lol  So ... Bugs ... this window's for you"  heh heh heh heh


I will say this though.  I am truly grateful for my husband and my children.  They and my Heavenly Father and Savior are truly my lifeline.  I couldn't cope without them.  Life would be miserable without them.  And isn't that what this month is really about?  To stop and really count the blessings we have been blessed with.  Well ... THESE are my top blessings.  I am so blessed to have them, warts and all.

Random Post - A New Way to Cut Hair ...

Cutting Drew's hair has always been a challenge.  It started with his hair getting gradually cut over time (sometimes it would take me a couple of weeks of snip, snip here ... snip, snip there to get him to let me get it all done)  Then we got a Flow Bee which was great ... for a while.  You could get his entire head done in about 5 minutes.  But over the past year and a half he came to think that the noise was too loud, so he wanted me to go back to scissors.  So, I tried for a while to have Kenna cut his hair, which worked a few times, but she uses buzzers and he decided that sound was unacceptable as well (exasperated sigh)  So, back to mom cutting the hair once again with scissors. At least he doesn't fight me as much about it.  Well, the last two times now (we cut his hair two days ago) after he would get out of the shower, I would spike his hair all up then trim, trim away while his hair is still all wet.  Here are the results.  Not too bad if I do say so myself.

Attitude of Gratitude - Paying the Ultimate Price

As this week is going to celebrate ... I HOPE celebrate anyhow ... Veteran's Day, my heart of gratitude goes to those veteran's who stood up to keep my family and freedoms safe.  These brave men and women have been doing this since the beginning of this country.  I always get so emotional at the sacrifices and service of these people throughout our history who stood at the gates to keep the freedoms I cherish safe and sound.  So, from a VERY grateful heart, thank you.  Thank you. And thank you.  I hope that we all can take a moment to ponder on those who have in the past and are now keeping us safe.  There are many who paid the ultimate price for my freedom.  Again, thank you.  I pray for the families who give up their loved ones for me and MY family.  I pray that you will be sustained while they are gone and that you will have what you need and that your loved one will be safe today.

State of the Union - Getting in the Gratitude Mood

 Ooohhh ... November has hit.  I like November.  I like it for several reasons. But I would have to say that the main reason is that it makes me reflect on the many blessings that have been given to this family of mine.  I am truly thankful everyday.  My life is definitely full of challenges, but I know there are others out there that have things SO much more rough than I do.  And my heart goes out to them.  I have been in much more difficult circumstances throughout my life and although I am grateful for those experiences because they have molded me into who I am today, I am thankful for the the great blessings I have.

 This past week, I had a bout with a bug.  Not fun.  My immune system.  It's too friendly.  Anything that is going around it says "Hey stranger!  Come on in!!"  Wish it wouldn't do that.  But although I battled with a bug, life went on and on November 1st Drew wanted those Halloween decorations GONE!!  So, we decorated.  The top picture is my village that I have above my kitchen cupboards.  They got all fall festive and "autumn-ized).   Then this is my little desk decoration.  I got the cornucopia from my mom, and the little vegetables and cute turkey from Cost Plus World Market.  LOVE that place!!  One of the things I had learned in Mary Kay is making up gift baskets and such and they have SO much stuff in that store that my creative juices were FLOWING!!  Too fun.  I don't have much in November decor, so I got a few things while on vacation in Cali.  And those two things were a couple of my purchases.


Then we had gotten two pumpkins for Halloween.  Little pumpkins ... I think Darin called them sugar pumpkins.  Drew tried putting them into the red tote of decorations to put away.  Ummm ... no.  No can do boo.

Soooo ... I had to do SOMETHING with them.  So I made these cute little turkeys.  lol

These are the decorations I got at Bishops Pumpkin Patch.  Very fun.


I am doing the window dressing as well.  They aren't completely done yet.  I hope to have them done this week.  I will plan on taking pics of them for next week's state of the union.


My fall garden is growing nicely. Even my seven watermelon plants that come up of their own accord.  LOL!!  And my squash plants that came up all on their own as well - grin.  And let's not forget my single corn!  LOL!  I know nothing can happen with that one.  They need each other to make baby corns, so ... I figure I am going to see what happens.  It's been really fun to see it grow.  My broccoli has little baby broccoli's on it.  YES!  Victory is MINE!!


I have decided to do the Bev Whiting version of couponing.  Wish me luck with that.  I know people who are ninja when it comes to couponing.  I am not one of them ... yet.  But I hope to get there.  I feel that it is important to get all the ducks in a row in self reliance.  Learning to grow a garden.  Being debt free.  Having a well stocked "pantry".  Eating right.  Having my bones aligned for optimum health.  Exercise for a strong and healthy body. Get eyes checked. etc ... etc ... etc ...  just having a well balanced and healthy body and lifestyle.  There IS a method to my madness.  I am hoping that couponing the "Bev Whiting" way will get my "pantry" stocked nicely.  I will let you know how I progress.


Well, that's all I can think of off the top of my head.  I know it may not look as if I was busy, but believe me, I was.  We all were.  :D

Random Post - Darin: aka the Snow Miser

(this picture taken of Darin just last night - LOL)

What is it with my husband???  I am happy to say that Fall weather has FINALLY started arriving here in the desert.  When it first started cooling down at night, I had started putting a box fan in the window to suck in the cool air.  No air conditioner, but yet pleasantly cool indoors.  I was happy.

But Darin has continued that little ritual as it is getting cooler, so inside the master bedroom it gets to about 65 degrees.  BRRRR ...

But HERE is the random part.  Last night, I am taking things I put on hangers to hang up in the closet (I use Drew's bed as my folding table.  That way I can watch something while I fold and hang up laundry - makes it more tolerable) and as I am going into the master bedroom, I glance at the heat and air gauge that tells me the temperature - yep 65 degrees in there.  And what do I find???  Darin lying on the bed, watching something in shorts and a t-shirt.  Ummm ... what is WRONG with that picture???  Even the guy above has more clothes on than that!  Yikes!!  Me?  Bring on the sweater and socks!