All Things New

Well, I hope you are well!  I have been busy...too busy.  But, I am looking forward to a beautiful fall!  I'm going to try to keep up with this blog now that I am home full time.  I am finally able to do some of the things on my "basket list" and come up with some new ideas! 

Right now I am focusing on my home.  Since I homeschool both of my children, I am home for most of the day.  After living in the same house for 15+ years, it's time to update.  I'm starting with the floor!  This week I'm going to learn how to put down ceramic tile.  I'll show pics when I'm finished!

Living the Dream

I know.  It's been a while.  After 14 years of being a stay at home mom, I've gone back to work!  I have always wanted to lead worship.  In fact, I almost gave up on that dream.  But, lo and behold, God opened a door and I walked through it in August.  I've been running ever since!

Dreams are hard to let go of, don't you think?  But, sometimes we change, and the dreams don't fit.  So, we let them go, grieve, and move on.  When a dream becomes a reality, it can be scary.  What if it doesn't meet our expectations.  What then?

  

Ten Impossible Things Before Breakfast!

So, go ahead.  You can tell me.  Do you have any New Year's resolutions?  I must confess, I do.  I have been preparing myself for the past several months for this moment...January 1st.  You know, the day when we all wipe the slate "clean" and start anew.  I love this feeling.  I am so ready! 

As I mentioned in my last post, I was lucky to receive a wonderful ipad for Christmas!  My wonderful husband, bought it for me and I cried!  It's the little things (note I didn't say inexpensive!) that make me happy!  Anyway, I am feverishly trying to chart everything in my life from homeschool planning, working out, worship planning and housecleaning!  Like my blog title says, "ten impossible things," huh?

One of the most recent magazine self-help articles I read said that if you want to make a change then make yourself accountable.  So, here I am.  I'm putting it in writing for the world to see.  I will make some changes this year and stay on track.  I've added a couple of apps to my ipad including Cozi Central and Home Routines.  They are so cool!  I can organize everything, and one of the apps even gives me GOLDEN STARS for achieving results!  What else could I ask for? 

Many say resolutions never last.  That may be true, but I am a big proponent of starting somewhere.  I may not achieve EVERYTHING on my list, but I will accomplish something!  I tend to think some don't challenge themselves with resolutions because they don't want to have to face defeat.  The statement, "no pain, no gain" is really true.  Even if I have to admit I didn't accomplish everything I'm setting out to do, I'm making an effort.  What about you? 

I am also still focusing on my "Basket List".  Painting within the next month is going to happen.  My bedroom desperately needs it!  I also got my sewing machine out the other day.  My daughter received one from Santa, so I figured I could get in on the act too.  Who knows, I may even stitch a curtain or two!

Enough about me.  What are your "Ten impossible things"?  Come on, I know you have something you'd like to try this year.  I want to challenge you to write it down, post it somewhere you can see it, and jump in!  You'd be surprised who will cheer you on. 







Sparkle, Sparkle!

I love the holidays!  I can't believe December came and went and the new year has arrived!  I hope your Christmas was everything you hoped for!  I know I'm sentimental, but I really do wish for health, wealth (had to put it in! ) and joy for all of you! 

After much effort, I finally put up my Christmas Tree on Christmas Eve!  I put the lights on three times, and finally accepted they were not going to be my best work.  Time simply ran out. 

By the way, I really did try to take some to enjoy the sights and smells (and eats--too much!) of the season.  After a disappointing season last year, I really made an effort to spend quality time with my family and friends.  I really enjoyed it all. 

Did you get or give any special gifts?  I did!  My favorite was an ipad!  I am really enjoying it, and I have enjoyed looking at my blog on it!  Yes, I do know the real reason for the season, but I do enjoy all the other traditions (like Santa!) as well. 

With the new year here, I'm trying to get organized and focus on another brand new opportunity to grow spiritually, diminish physically (lol!) and be more frugal financially!  So with champagne (or sparkling cider!) in hand, here's to a wonderful, fruitful year!

Back On Track

You'd think I'd learn; especially, after the first couple of times of messing up.  But, alas, it didn't happen.  I allowed myself to get so busy AGAIN I got off track!  Have you ever been there?  I have more times than I care to recount.  That's why I'm so glad I've got my "basket list" in writing.  From time to time I can come back and re-visit, refresh, and re-focus on what's important. 

So what's important?  Well, I know one thing's for sure....family is the most important.  I'm writing this post more for me; we all need reminders and you may not remember to remind me!    I am notoriously passionate about everything, but miserably inconsistent at maintaining passion for anything for an extended length of time.  Is that why we have the cliche "Women are flighty"?  

Amid all the many projects I'm involved in and the craziness in between, I finally had a moment of clarity.  "What Am I Doing?" Is all this activity worth my time and effort?  I am like that steamboat in my last post.  I just keeping pushing more water until I can't handle anymore and find I am totally exhausted from it all.   The wheels won't rotate one more time. Not a pretty picture, but you get the "impression" of the scene! 

Well, back to the story.  I got off track.  So here I am coming back.  Back to where it all started.  Back to a simpler existence, back to myself.  No outside interference and distraction. I'm back at the station and ready to start again.  Can I stay the course this time?  Someone once said, God allows us to be tested.  He will allow us to continue to re-take the tests if we fail.  Well, I've been here before and failed miserably.  This time I want to pass the test and stay on track.  While I've gotten to some of the items on my list (remember the basket?), I've reallocated too much time to things that don't really make a difference.  So, if painting my bedroom (you know it's on my list) is important, it's high time I get it right. 

By the way, I am hardly an artist in the painting, sketching, molding sense of the word. Indeed, I have never been blessed with that gift. In fact, in my mind it's too much work and I am a perfectionist. Talk about a frustrating effort. I would never be happy. But, I can play beautiful music and it is in times of joy and desperation when I play my best.  Notes on paper. Simply phrases that evoke emotion. I don't have to talk, I just play. That, I enjoy and that I need.   See you at the next stop!

 

Busy As A Bee

Summer is flying by!  I hope you have had a great season so far.  Up to this point, I have been on not one, but two vacations!  I am blessed. 

First, we went to New Smyrna Beach, Florida.  We had the opportunity to stay a week in a great condo right on the beach.  It was beautiful.  There is not a lot to do right on the beach, but it is near Orlando, so a day trip is absolutely necessary if your within driving distance. 

We went to downtown Disney and spent a few hours. 

Later we ate at Uno's pizza--

the best pizza I have EVER eaten!

Most recently, we went on a trip to Wilmington, North Carolina for a week of RV camping with my parents. 

We spent my birthday and their anniversary eating and sightseeing the North Carolina coast.  I really liked Wilmington.  One day we visited the retired USS North Carolina battleship. 

Wow, it was huge.  Double wow it was HOT!  The temperature the entire time we were on the coast hovered right at 100 degrees, so it was sweltering.  The battleship was very interesting, but something I would recommend seeing in the Fall as there is no A/C on board.  As the ship is at least four floors, you will get exercise and you will get hot!  lol  I really enjoyed looking at the snapshot of the past that the excursion provided.

Of course the beach was beautiful, but the campground was awesome too! 

We stayed at the KOA in Wilmington since they had a pool, bath house and ample area to go bike riding. 

I really enjoyed spending time with my parents.  I also reconnected by phone with my brother who currently lives in California.  

After camping, I spent a night at my parent's house and was able to visit with my sister.  So, I am now up to date on all of my family members! My parents and sister's family reside in Thomasville, NC...you know the place where they make a LOT of furniture.  At any rate, while visiting my sis, I asked if they had ever been to Old Salem near Winston-Salem. 

My mom and sister had never visited there, so off we went! 

Old Salem reminded me a lot of Williamsburg, VA and is well worth the trip. 

We also made a visit to Winkler's Bakery, a famous Moravian Bakery  while we were there. 

They make the best cookies!

 
 
I didn't know it but, there is also a very famous women's college, Salem College, in the same area. 

In early August, I had the awesome privilege of attending a quilt show here in Knoxville, TN.  What beautiful quilts people make!  I even purchased three projects to work on--we'll see how they turn out! 

I have had a great summer with my kids and I must say it has been one of the most relaxing times of my life.  Although I must confess, I do get "antsy" as I am so used to running all the time!

So, here's to catching up!

A Tisket A Tasket

Well, what have you been up to?  I have been very busy the past few weeks.  Honestly, I had to get with it given my last blog.  If you've read it, you know my "Basket List" is a long one, so I have to manage my time wisely!  I received some great comments from my previous blog, and want to thank each of your for sharing your "Basket List" with me.   I even borrowed from your lists to add to my own!

One item in particular, is a trip to Ireland. I would love to go there.  Why are we so enchanted with that country?  From all the pictures I've seen, it looks very green and very clean.  I wonder if that's true.  Maybe we've all read one too many Irish romances or folklore stories.   Oh well, I'll add it to my list all the same and we'll see if I ever get there.

Aside from that, where should I begin?  Ok, how about with the cooking?  In that regard, I have a confession to make--I cheated.  Yep, I did.  Remember that I mentioned I collect cookbooks?  That's the truth.  Did I make my first "new" recipe from them?  Nope!  I confess (with all the humility I'm sure George Washington did in the "cherry tree" debacle--lol) my first recipe was from the back of the Jello pudding box!  Yes, ladies and gents, I made a "Watergate" salad using a simple recipe from the box.  Here's the recipe:

1 package (4-serving size) Jell-O Pistachio Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling  

1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple in juice, (not drained)
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped walnuts nuts
1 cup halved grapes (green or red, your choice) (my addition)
2 cups thawed Cool Whip Topping

Directions:  Stir the pudding mix, pineapple with juice, marshmallows, grapes, and nuts in large bowl until well blended. Gently stir in whipped topping. Refrigerate 1 hour or until ready to serve. Garnish as desired. Yield: Makes 8 servings

I remember that as a little girl, when our church hosted a "dinner on the grounds," someone would inevitably bring one of these green, delicious salads.  (There appears to be a "green" theme in this blog--puzzling)  If you've never attended one of these events, write me and I'll tell you all about them!  Nevertheless, as you can tell, I have a sweet tooth.  (Although the Fried Chicken in the pic on the left looks really good too!)

Thus, out of sheer necessity I have added Taking Care of Me to my Basket List.  I recently joined a health club and am trying to work out at least three times a week.  I'm not losing a lot of numbers on the scale yet, but I do feel better and have a little more energy.

Still along the lines of food and cookbooks, I have tried a couple of new recipes from my existing collection, including a spiral pasta salad, sweet and sour meatballs, and a pot roast.  I personally believe they were all good, but you would have to ask my husband if that's the truth!  My daughter has even gotten in on the act by preparing brownies and my son can bake a mean Pillsbury Crescent Roll!

Here's the recipe for the "Spiral Pasta Salad" I made from the Taste Of Home Picnics, potlucks & barbecues magazine (2008). 

Ingredients:

3 cups cooked spiral pasta

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

1/2 cup sliced celery

1/2 cup chopped tomato

1/2 cup shredded carrot

DRESSING:

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup cider vinegar

1/4 cup chopped onion

2 tablespoons ketchup

4 teaspoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground mustard

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

Directions:  In a large bowl, combine pasta, green pepper, celery, tomato and carrot. In a jar with tight-fitting lid, combine dressing ingredients; shake well. Pour over salad and toss. Chill.  Yield: Makes 8 servings

I recently picked up a new cook book at the Lenoir City, TN Arts and Crafts Festival that I attended with my daughter last weekend.  It was so cool!  The fair was held at the Fort Loudon dam and we even took a 30 minute boat ride aboard the Watts Bar "Belle" Riverboat.  All I could think of was Mark Twain and Steamboat Willie!

Isn't it cool?!  So nostalgic.

One more thing.  I have decided to try my hat at sales, Avon, that is.  I know what you're thinking.  But I'm giving it a shot.  I really would like to make some new friends (I don't have many these days...I seem to be losing them by the basketful, lol) and what the heck, even make some money.  My mom sold Avon years ago to pay for my piano lessons.  What we do for our kids!  Besides, what have I got to lose?  So I'll keep you posted how that endeavor goes. So what are your latest adventures/accomplishments with your Basket List?  I'd love to hear!

Click this link to my personal Avon site and the blog I write about my newest adventure!