Skate Park

We finally got over to check out the skate park on base and the kids just loved it. We have been back several times now.  The big boys stay on the skate park the whole time, but the little ones like to walk across the field to the splash park and playground. I love where we live! 

The Reading Mother

The Reading Mother

by Strickland Gillilan (1869–1954)

I had a mother who read to me
Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea.
Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth;
“Blackbirds” stowed in the hold beneath.
I had a Mother who read me lays
Of ancient and gallant and golden days;
Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe,
Which every boy has a right to know.
I had a Mother who read me tales
Of Gelert the hound of the hills of Wales,
True to his trust till his tragic death,
Faithfulness lent with his final breath.
I had a Mother who read me the things
That wholesome life to the boy heart brings-
Stories that stir with an upward touch.
Oh, that each mother of boys were such!
You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be –
I had a Mother who read to me.

Giddy

While in the kitchen I heard this from the living room in the sweetest voice, "Don't pull my hair, Vang-Leen".  And he didn't hit her!  She even followed him around today.  Crawled after him to different rooms.  Thank you, Lord!

Cooking Day and our menu

I love cooking day.  It's exhausting and I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, but afterwards I actually feel accomplished!  Often times I go about my day and by the evening I have no idea what I did, but on cooking day I have something tangible to show for it.  Cooking day is on Tuesday.  We don't have dance so I can be home to wait for bread to rise, or at least rest my feet during naptime. Last week's cooking day we made 4 loaves bread, lots of dinner rolls, a crock pot full of "refried beans" to freeze, several cups of rice to freeze and granola bars.  Today we made a jar full of homemade taco seasoning and lots of rice to freeze.  I also cooked, peeled and cut up 18 eggs and cut up a bunch of veggies to have ready in the fridge.  My afternoon plans are to make a bunch of homemade ranch dressing and bake some granola bars. I may even make some mashed potatoes to freeze. 

This week's dinner menu
Sunday-Brocolli,cauliflower, potato and cheddar soup with homemade rolls
Monday-Papa Johns ($10 large's on Monday)
Tuesday-Minestrone soup with homemade bread and salad
Wednesday- Cheesy ham, rice and broccoli casserole
Thursday-Beans and rice with onions, tomato and guacamole
Friday- Mashed potato pizza, veggie tray
Saturday- Hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill, pineapple and salad
Sunday-Roast, rice and salad
Monday- taco soup


Next week I'm considering browning lots of beef to freeze or putting together crock pot meals to freeze.  I'm having a hard time finding meat I feel like I can feed my family lately, but maybe something farm raised with come my way before then.  Maybe breakfast burritos would be a good idea, too. 

Why I am taking (another) Facebook Break

1. I have no self control when it comes to Facebook!  I constantly feel the urge to "check real quick" and jump on the computer.    

2. Seeing many political posts, even when I agree, really stress me out.  I don't want to go on Facebook to see if my friend's baby has been born and instead see that another friend is pro-choice and why.  And hearing about that horrible abortion doctor was so depressing.  There are so many other political posts that come up obviously, but that one has been on a lot lately. 

3. Jealousy!  I'd see friend's children in cute clothes and feel like I should do so much better with the way I dress my kids.  Or hear about meals a mom was making and feel guilty that I had not cooked as healthy that day. 

4. Having to hear everyone's opinions on everything!  Honestly, I'm on FB to keep up with friends and see them and their kids.  Hearing about how you would never put your kid in Boy Scouts is more than I want to process right now.  It is 100% OK for people to post their opinions on their FB status, but lately it was really getting to me and I was internalizing it too much instead of just letting it go. 

So here's to another break.

A Day Trip

We enjoyed the Lyon Arboretum today.  It was so beautiful and I definitely burst into How Great Thou Art when coming upon the view in the second to last picture.  The children loved exploring and hiking through this beautiful area. 

He is risen!!!

A blessed Resurrection Day from our family to yours!  Christ is risen!  My reason to live.