I am not going to share a story or about my life today. I am just going to ask for everyone to join in prayers for the people in the path of Sandy. May the Lord bless them and keep them. May the Lord give them peace and protection.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Friday, October 26, 2012
Pumpkin Goo!
What a wonderful Friday night we had. It started with the girls blowing bubbles in the sink while I fixed dinner. We had my favorite, breakfast for dinner! French toast and bacon hit the spot at the end of this busy week! After cleaning up dinner, we started pumpkin carving! The pumpkin Emily picked was not ripe and I have never had such a hard time cutting through a pumpkin. Since it was so hard to cut through Emily decided to use the drill and make polka dots all over it. We started out in the house but after a few holes and pumpkin goo shooting all over the dining room...we took it outside. Erin had fun running the pumpkin goo through her hands!
After picking pumpkin goo from my hair, we got the pumpkin seeds ready for roasting. I love to eat them and can't imagine throwing the seeds away. I know so many people that do. If you are unsure how to roast them, it is so easy! Here is what I do:
Wash the seeds in cold water and drain well. Mix 2 tbsp. vegetable oil and 1 tsp. salt in the bowl with about 3 cups of the pumpkin seeds. Line a cookies sheet with foil and dump the seeds on the cookie sheet. Spread them out and put them in a 300 degree oven. It takes about an hour to get them a nice golden brown. Be sure to stir them often during that time to ensure that they all brown evenly. When they are cool they will keep nicely in an air tight container for a week. Honestly...we have never had them in our house that long but I am sure they would still be good! Enjoy.
I hope you will roast your pumpkin seeds this year and maybe try using a drill on that pumpkin. It was great fun to watch pumpkin goo fly all over the place!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
the dreaded checkup
I made an appointment for a general check up...physical...umm I am not even sure what you call it or what will be checked. I had a hysterectomy like 5 years ago and haven't been back for a thorough check up since. I have been in for kidney stones but other than that I kind of avoid the doctor. I feel like a car being put on the lift and not knowing if there is a problem. They always seem to find something that needs fixing and I just don't want that to happen to me. I don't know if anyone else can relate to this but I don't know if I could handle something else happening at this point so I avoid it. Probably not the best example or even the best thing to do for myself. So, in a few days I head to the doctor and I am praying for a clean bill of health!
In the back of my mind I worry though because, my mom had a heart attack almost 2 years ago and she was only 62 at the time. She didn't have a blocked artery or valve problem but her heart was failing. She ended up needing a pace maker and defibrilator to keep her heart going. It has been a tough road for her and she is now having problems with some of her other organ systems but she is thankful for each day. That is one reason that I have decided that I better have a check up. I have never had a mammogram and I think that by 42 I should have had one already, but there again I am not really sure.
My dad had a heart attack less than a year ago and it was discovered that he had two blocked arteries. He has also had skin cancer issues for years and copd. It has been hard watching my parents age and by not going to the doctor it enables me to avoid my own aging.
I am not sure what questions to ask or if I even scheduled the appointment right. I hope that I said the right things so that insurance is billed correctly. I know with kids you're supposed to schedule it as a well child visit for some insurance plans. Oh well, no matter what I am going to have a checkup and make sure that everything is good. If you haven't been taking care of yourself or putting yourself low on the list of priorities it is time to make a change...today! We are valuable to our families so we should treat ourselves that way!
In the back of my mind I worry though because, my mom had a heart attack almost 2 years ago and she was only 62 at the time. She didn't have a blocked artery or valve problem but her heart was failing. She ended up needing a pace maker and defibrilator to keep her heart going. It has been a tough road for her and she is now having problems with some of her other organ systems but she is thankful for each day. That is one reason that I have decided that I better have a check up. I have never had a mammogram and I think that by 42 I should have had one already, but there again I am not really sure.
My dad had a heart attack less than a year ago and it was discovered that he had two blocked arteries. He has also had skin cancer issues for years and copd. It has been hard watching my parents age and by not going to the doctor it enables me to avoid my own aging.
I am not sure what questions to ask or if I even scheduled the appointment right. I hope that I said the right things so that insurance is billed correctly. I know with kids you're supposed to schedule it as a well child visit for some insurance plans. Oh well, no matter what I am going to have a checkup and make sure that everything is good. If you haven't been taking care of yourself or putting yourself low on the list of priorities it is time to make a change...today! We are valuable to our families so we should treat ourselves that way!
Monday, October 22, 2012
We are not in Kansas anymore!
It was a nice trip to Kansas to see my dad and step mom but oh the weekend went by so fast! I am getting more comfortable with driving to my dad's house since Daryl stays home with the dogs and his mom. I used to get really nervous but not so much anymore. We left before 8 a.m. on Friday, which is a great time for 5 females...I would say! We stopped at one rest area, had lunch in Hays, KS...our usual stop for Subway and topped off the fuel and then on to Andover. I think we had to make one more stop before our arrival but we did really good on time.
We met my dad and step mom, Judy at Spangle's for dinner. The girls love that place! The fun 50's decor, loud music and the life size statue of Elvis make for a good time. It was burgers, fries and slushies for everyone! The girls sat in one booth and I sat with my dad and Judy in a booth next to them. A police officer came in for dinner and was watching my girls. They have so much fun together and get silly and giggly. He stopped me on my way out and told me that I really had my hands full with those 4 girls. I just had to giggle....yes I do, but I love every minute of it!
We headed back to the hotel for an evening of swimming. I just watched and took plenty of pictures and videos. My head was hurting and my ears had a full plugged kind of feeling. I was just ready for bed. We had a 2 queen bed suite, so the little girls got the fold out sofa, Kels and Kaitlin shared a bed and I got my own queen bed...all to myself! I sprawled diagonally across the bed the entire night and used all 4 pillows! It was pure joy! :) On Saturday morning we headed to the nearest Super Cuts for hair cuts! Everyone got hair cuts or all trimmed up. We met up with my dad and Judy and headed out for a little shopping and lunch. After that we went back to their house for the afternoon. It was such a beautiful day! The colors of fall were all around but it was a warm day. We ended the day with Chinese food, Chinese donuts, good fortunes and more swimming.
Our trip came to end Sunday mid morning as my dad and Judy headed for church and we hit the road for home. We usually go to church with them but Daryl was at home working on the bathroom so I wanted to get back in case he needed my help before Monday morning. I was glad to get home and got busy cleaning the layer of construction dust that was covering the house! :)
We met my dad and step mom, Judy at Spangle's for dinner. The girls love that place! The fun 50's decor, loud music and the life size statue of Elvis make for a good time. It was burgers, fries and slushies for everyone! The girls sat in one booth and I sat with my dad and Judy in a booth next to them. A police officer came in for dinner and was watching my girls. They have so much fun together and get silly and giggly. He stopped me on my way out and told me that I really had my hands full with those 4 girls. I just had to giggle....yes I do, but I love every minute of it!
We headed back to the hotel for an evening of swimming. I just watched and took plenty of pictures and videos. My head was hurting and my ears had a full plugged kind of feeling. I was just ready for bed. We had a 2 queen bed suite, so the little girls got the fold out sofa, Kels and Kaitlin shared a bed and I got my own queen bed...all to myself! I sprawled diagonally across the bed the entire night and used all 4 pillows! It was pure joy! :) On Saturday morning we headed to the nearest Super Cuts for hair cuts! Everyone got hair cuts or all trimmed up. We met up with my dad and Judy and headed out for a little shopping and lunch. After that we went back to their house for the afternoon. It was such a beautiful day! The colors of fall were all around but it was a warm day. We ended the day with Chinese food, Chinese donuts, good fortunes and more swimming.
Our trip came to end Sunday mid morning as my dad and Judy headed for church and we hit the road for home. We usually go to church with them but Daryl was at home working on the bathroom so I wanted to get back in case he needed my help before Monday morning. I was glad to get home and got busy cleaning the layer of construction dust that was covering the house! :)
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
At home to school
The girls have completed about 50 days of school so far. So, I take time to sit back and evaluate how things are going; I am yet again realizing that I am the one that needs to do some work. I get behind on checking assignments, posting grades and following up on things. I now feel like I have the okay to start beating myself up but why
should I feel I have the right to do that? Is it because I am comparing myself
to another mom or some idea of what I think the homeschool mom should
look like. Teaching three different levels, running the house and taking care of little ones is a lot to tackle each day.
This is our sixth year homeschooling and I still feel like I am learning so much. I don't know that I will ever feel like I have this mastered. I think when I feel that way it will be time to do something else. Everyday, week, month and year has been different. We do have a routine that we follow each day but it is very relaxed and go with the flow. It has not always been that way though.
I remember the first year, how excited we all were. I got the curriculum delivered and sat down over several nights and had the entire school year planned and written in the planner. Well that plan lasted all of about 6 weeks. I ended up having surgery (hysterectomy) and just did not feel like doing any school work for awhile so the eraser had to work overtime in the planner. We have had sick parents to care for and ultimately lay to rest. An unexpected death of a nephew that is the same age as my oldest daughter. We have dealt with daddy losing his job and deciding to go back to school himself. I have had kidney stones and both of my parents have had heart attacks. This has all happened in those first 5 years. All of these things happen in others lives also, but as a homeschooling family I am thankful and blessed to have the time to spend with getting through each thing together as slowly as needed.
I have learned to plan one week at a time because we just never know what lies ahead. Are my girls learning all that they need to know? I believe so. We have math drills, phonics lessons, science experiments and standardized testing too. But, they are learning that family is important, taking care of others is vital and being thankful for all that we do have and can accomplish in a day should not be taken for granted. I love homeschooling and I am so thankful to have this opportunity with my family! I am not saying that families in the public schools don't do these same things but for me it has just been such a great experience!
This is our sixth year homeschooling and I still feel like I am learning so much. I don't know that I will ever feel like I have this mastered. I think when I feel that way it will be time to do something else. Everyday, week, month and year has been different. We do have a routine that we follow each day but it is very relaxed and go with the flow. It has not always been that way though.
I remember the first year, how excited we all were. I got the curriculum delivered and sat down over several nights and had the entire school year planned and written in the planner. Well that plan lasted all of about 6 weeks. I ended up having surgery (hysterectomy) and just did not feel like doing any school work for awhile so the eraser had to work overtime in the planner. We have had sick parents to care for and ultimately lay to rest. An unexpected death of a nephew that is the same age as my oldest daughter. We have dealt with daddy losing his job and deciding to go back to school himself. I have had kidney stones and both of my parents have had heart attacks. This has all happened in those first 5 years. All of these things happen in others lives also, but as a homeschooling family I am thankful and blessed to have the time to spend with getting through each thing together as slowly as needed.
I have learned to plan one week at a time because we just never know what lies ahead. Are my girls learning all that they need to know? I believe so. We have math drills, phonics lessons, science experiments and standardized testing too. But, they are learning that family is important, taking care of others is vital and being thankful for all that we do have and can accomplish in a day should not be taken for granted. I love homeschooling and I am so thankful to have this opportunity with my family! I am not saying that families in the public schools don't do these same things but for me it has just been such a great experience!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Road trip!
We are getting ready to hit the road!!! Friday can not get here soon enough for the girls. This excitement is brewing because we are making our October trip to see Grandma and Grandpa. The girls are already planning their outfits and what they will do during the drive. We always stop at Michael's to get a project or craft supplies so that the girls have plenty to do while we are at Grandma and Grandpa's house. We found a 40% off coupon which is even better! Part of our afternoon was spent looking through the ad. We don't have a Michael's close to us so this is an awesome stop to make each trip.
We are even more excited because Kelsey gets to come home and make this trip with us. It is a girls weekend because Daryl will stay home and take care of the house and dogs. He is a good man and I so appreciate that he helps to make my trips to see my dad happen. It is so important for me to go see my dad when I can and I am just so thankful to be getting ready to make this trip!
We will also be making a stop at a beauty shop so the girls can get haircuts. Both Kelsey and Kaitlin have hair that is half way down their backs so it will be interesting to see what they decide to do with their hair. I just hope there are no tears by the choices that are made. I will post some before and after pictures.
I am sure we will be swimming in the hotel pool and making a trip over to Dillon's. We just love walking through that huge "grocery" store, getting fruit leathers and maybe even a new bottle of nail polish. I know...we have super exciting plans and you are sooo jealous! It's okay and I can not wait!
Look out Kansas the Eggers girls are heading your way!
We are even more excited because Kelsey gets to come home and make this trip with us. It is a girls weekend because Daryl will stay home and take care of the house and dogs. He is a good man and I so appreciate that he helps to make my trips to see my dad happen. It is so important for me to go see my dad when I can and I am just so thankful to be getting ready to make this trip!
We will also be making a stop at a beauty shop so the girls can get haircuts. Both Kelsey and Kaitlin have hair that is half way down their backs so it will be interesting to see what they decide to do with their hair. I just hope there are no tears by the choices that are made. I will post some before and after pictures.
I am sure we will be swimming in the hotel pool and making a trip over to Dillon's. We just love walking through that huge "grocery" store, getting fruit leathers and maybe even a new bottle of nail polish. I know...we have super exciting plans and you are sooo jealous! It's okay and I can not wait!
Look out Kansas the Eggers girls are heading your way!
Monday, October 15, 2012
Leaves of thankfulness
The leaves are brightly colored and falling to the ground. I love this time of year. I think I have said that before. I wanted to decorate in some way with fall leaves so here is what I have come up with.
This year we are covering the windows in our dining room with construction paper leaves. The leaves have carefully written on each of them something that the kids are thankful for. Last year we made a chain out of Christmas scrapbook paper with something they were thankful for on each link. The chain was started shortly before Thanksgiving and was added on to until Christmas. It was fun to watch the chain get longer with things that the kids are thankful for. I am not big on decorating for Halloween so the fall leaves on the window is perfect!
I cut out some leaf patterns and gathered a variety of colors of construction paper. I put those items along with scissors, pencils, markers, and a roll of scotch tape in a basket. The kids can add leaves to the windows any time they would like. It is fun to give them an idea and let them take off with it.
What are you thankful for? I am thankful for my family and the time that I have with each of them. I am thankful for my husband and the love and laughter we share. I am thankful for my home and it's warmth and comfort. I am thankful for the provision that my God has provided. He knows the needs and has provided for us each and every day! I am thankful for this and so much more. It is only October but I just can't wait until Thanksgiving to be thankful!
This year we are covering the windows in our dining room with construction paper leaves. The leaves have carefully written on each of them something that the kids are thankful for. Last year we made a chain out of Christmas scrapbook paper with something they were thankful for on each link. The chain was started shortly before Thanksgiving and was added on to until Christmas. It was fun to watch the chain get longer with things that the kids are thankful for. I am not big on decorating for Halloween so the fall leaves on the window is perfect!
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