Waiting for the repair man

Update: The repair man came back and fixed the dryer! I am getting caught up...at least till tomorrow!

I am extremely thankful that I live in the century I do! I am most grateful for the modern conveniences that we have! Other women have survived and thrived on much less than I have...and must have had a stronger constitution than I... I was struck with panic yesterday when my drier started making a horrendous sound! Let me also say, this was followed by an announcement from the love of my life that we for sure would be having overnight company. I can't prepare a home for company when I cannot wash bedding and mounds of clothes that cover the basement floor! "Don't go crazy" were the loving words I heard to bring me back to reality!
Deep breath...we sleep downstairs and call the repair man!
So here I sit and wait for the nice man that said he could come today!
Thank you, Lord, for those who have gone before us and used their wonderful minds to create and invent the modern day appliances and contraptions that make my life easier!

edit: Drier worked for testing...when I put laundry in Sat. night...something went "clunk" and the drum isn't spinning...so...we are waiting for repair man to return today (Mon.) and Mount Never Ends continues to grow!

Little Pitchers Have Big Ears...and Mouths!

Since the beginning of our relationship, Ted has accused me of making up words. I have not! I have been taught well! My dad has always used interesting words when preaching and teaching. People who read alot tend to enjoy the use of words and such. Dad also taught me important phrases like thing-a-ma-jig and do-hickey to use if you are at a loss for the right word. I have picked up on words and their meanings and enjoy using new finds. Yes, I am one that likes the Word Power article in Reader's Digest. I can take a word apart using the things I learned in highschool English (Mrs. E would be proud!) and figure out (or get close to) a word.

Another phrase I heard periodically, while growing up (granted not when we were preschool age), when we weren't moving quickly..."stop fiddle-farting around". When you look both parts of the word up, both have definitions that together make a good word of what is actually happening! Fiddle-of nonsensical trifling matters or occupying oneself in an aimless or desultory way. Farting- to fool around; waste time (truly that is one use). I am not advocating the use of said phrase, but I have used it in my frustration, much to my husband's chagrin (he thinks he will be blamed for such language!) Well, our second daughter is known to speak her mind and often uses words and phrases she hears. The other day she was asked where her sister was and she responded that she "was still farting around" (meaning she had not gotten dried off and dressed after her shower). Alisa was dried, dressed, and ready to go. Much to my chagrin, I had to endure the scolding from my beloved. I tried to defend myself, but I had to agree, we don't want our children saying such things to their teachers, grandparents, and babysitters. So I will now use the word dawdle...and I am afraid, with the girls, it will be used alot!

A trip down memory lane

A favorite cd of our family is one by a group called Greater Vision. One of the members, Rodney Griffin, writes many of their songs. God has given him an incredible gift of expressing God's truth in song. He has written a song called "Faces" that causes me to take a trip down memory lane every time I hear it. I remember special times (or difficult times) in my life and I end up singing this song. I am thankful for all the people who have been involved in my life along the way...some in a positive way and others in a negative way...but each one has taught me something! One person who has taught me a great deal...my father! One of many things he has taught me...is to appreciate good music and to play it in our home. The words of music are just as powerful as the notes (we notice that our children are affected by the livelier music...yes, we enjoy the good old southern gospel songs). Dad always talked about "heart songs" when we worked with music...songs that stir your heart and often move you to tears...God uses the words of many songs to soften my heart and make me tender to His voice. I look at my children and I think of all the people that are involved in teaching them about God and His plan for their life...I hope and pray that they will be thankful for all the people who have loved them and taught them...and someday appreciate the faithful Christians who had an impact on their lives.
"I dreamed my life was done. I stood before God's Son. It was time to see what my reward would be, with love He reviewed my life to count what was done for Christ, for that is what will last eternally.
(chorus)Then He showed me the faces of the ones who'd come because of me. So many faces that my life had led to Calvary. All those years I thought, nobody saw, as I labored in lowly places, That's when Jesus smiled and showed me all the faces!
See I'd done my best to share, that Jesus really cares and He would save if they just believe. Oh, but seldom did harvest come and so few did I see won, until the Lord said, "Turn around and see."
He said, "Though you did not see the yield, you were faithful to plow the field, at other times you helped Me plant the seed. No matter how small the task, you did just as I asked. And thanks to you these souls have been set free."
And for those years you thought, nobody saw as you labored in lowly places, one day He'll smile and show you all the faces. The faces...you'll see their faces."
I see the faces of my mother, my father, my sister, my brother, Gram Carlson, the Fosmarks, the Carlsons, the Robinsons, Marge Graber, the Barlows, the Helms, Gary, the Hinkels, the Idhes, the Frieses, Denny, Rhonda, Kristy, the Ribers, the Allens, the Schaaps, Don, the Thomases, the Woodbys, the Dykstras, Jill, Nancy, Cathy, Uncle Steve, Debbie, the Webers, the Phillips, camp counselors, teachers, friends, preachers, coworkers, and many faces that I don't even remember their names. What a challenge! Whether you want to or not...you will have an influence on someone's life...will it be a Godly one?

"Life is just so daily!" a quote from ME HOME

My husband called me this morning and asked the infamous question, "What do you have planned for today?" I pondered for a moment..."What am I going to do? What does he want me to do? What do I have to do?"
There are certain things I do every day because they have to be done, and usually, no one ever notices that I did them...but it is sure noticeable if I don't do them! Every mother has to deal with the same things that I do...breakfasting, dishes, showering, praying, dressing, brushing, taxiing to school, snacking, dishes, training, laundering, crying, vaccuuming, dusting, lunching, dishes, reading, groceries, straightening, crafting, wiping, sorting, cleaning, disciplining, mopping, running, sweeping, playing, counseling, praying, snacking, dishes, taxiing from school, policing, talking, napping, laundering, picking up, rearranging, entertaining, suppering, dishes, practicing, homeworking, patroling, managing, bathing, wifing, snacking, dishes, bedtiming...and then it begins again tomorrow! So...what do I have planned for today? Daily life!

The birds are singing and the robins are back!

I saw my first robin this weekend! I guess it was the first time I was looking for one. The birds have been so loud and cheery in the mornings...I love it! It is nicer to wake with the birds than that dreaded beep of the alarm clock!

We have enjoyed going to the park and being out and about...however, today is a day for indoors. The April showers have started a couple days early...so we will tackle some projects! I picked up new organizers for the girl's closet from Target yesterday. I am getting rid of the dresser (it is a hand-me-down and falling to pieces). I will try to take a picture of the finished task. Then it will be time to work on Teddy's space (his dresser is also tired and falling apart). I found some neat things at Target (love that store!) to use in his room too. We are also planning to get a "big boy" bed. He informed us that he "doesn't like his race car bed anymore, it is too small, and that is why he sleeps on the couch!" I am thinking maybe that old crib mattress is a little uncomfortable?! We got the miles out of it that we needed!

Teddy will be 4 the end of May! It just hit me again...they are growing up! All three kids are changing and showing more personality. Ashlynn is a big reader now and can write in cursive (well, shall I say attempting to?). Alisa is excited about her turn to go to school! She listens to everything Ash tells her and copies writing and even tries to read the letters (smarty pants). Teddy is anxiously waiting for the promised fishing expedition!

We Love Our Grammy!

Our Saturday is not complete without a visit from Grammy! I look forward to the assured visit with Mom, while we share a cup of coffee and listen as the kids "fill Grammy in" on the week between mouthfuls of the Munchkin donuts. I am thankful for the opportunities we have to share the little things of life with our grandparents...they can take the ordinary things and make them extraordinary! Snacks are always better at Grammy's house because of the little dishes they are put in, drinks taste better because of the color cup, cartoons are funnier when watched with Grampy, coloring is more fun when Grampy colors too, and the list goes on and on. Not only do the kids enjoy their time, but I do too! There is nothing like walking into Mom and Dad's and remembering the days of just being the kid. I am thankful for your encouragement and love, Mom and Dad! Even when you cover your face and laugh at what we are dealing with...because I know you have been there, done that, and survived the ordeal...and in the whole scheme of life...it is not as big of a deal as I think it is at that moment! Sometimes...it helps to be reminded to laugh and laugh loud!

Happy Spring!

What a beautiful day outside! We just picked up Ashlynn from school and ran a quick errand (thank goodness, we didn't see anyone we knew! I look like death warmed over, but we needed the necessities of life...milk, dogfood, laundry soap, Pepsi, and of course to welcome Spring....Robin's Malted Eggs!) I noticed our grass is beginning to green up after last night's thunderstorm! Hooray for spring! Even the bird's are happy today! And I am feeling better enough to notice! Hooray!

Angel of Mercy

That is how I can best describe my mother-in-law! She always tries to help her daughter-in-law ( ME) out whenever possible and I am forever grateful!
Yesterday morning, she called to see how I was and told me to drop the kids off at her house for the day. She would also pick Ashlynn up from school, that way I could rest or do whatever I needed to do. Boy, do I wish I had felt better...I could have gotten some things done...but I drugged up and slept the whole entire time! Wow...did that make a difference! Grandma brought the kids home about 4:30 and they were buzzing about their day with Grandma! Just being with her for a few hours and playing at her house makes all the difference in the world!
We have the bestest grand parents in the whole world...and we have the extra privilege to live close to both Papa and Grandma and Grampy and Grammy...we don't want to take that for granted!
Thanks Mom, for always being there with a helpful hand and heart! You are the bestest mother-in-law a girl could have!

Cereal for Supper

Sounds good to me! Thank goodness for a husband that will cook! He made a fantastic pizza call last night and saved us from a cereal supper. That is all that has sounded good or tasted good to me lately! It is nice to know that they make Lucky Charms with whole grains!
I have come to the realization that it takes me longer to get over a sickness because I have to keep going in some way...even laying on the couch, a mom still has to patrol the house, get lunch, pick up the K5er, empty the sink of dirty dishes, do a load of laundry, calm the squabbles, and etc. Tonight, I will make supper...even though I want just cereal...my family needs to eat...and Daddy has a late meeting tonight. Maybe tomorrow, the ringing in my head will stop and I will feel normal again...at least the sneezing and coughing are lessening! Thank goodness for the batch of Spiced Tea I had on the shelf...it calms the cough! Aunt Connie gave me this recipe years ago. I tried large doses of Nyquil and all that got me was a warm tingly feeling...back to the cup of tea remedy...it always works!
Russian Tea (Spiced Tea)
2 1/2 cup Tang
1 3/4 cup instant tea
1 1/4 cup presweetened lemonade (or granulated sugar)
1 T cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
Store in an airtight container. Add 2 tsp (or to your liking) to cup boiling water.

Thanks, Auntie!!!

How Do You Get A Cold, When It Is So Nice Out?

I came down with a nasty cold and have been battling it since Wednesday...fever, chills, cough, headache, sneezing, the whole works...I thought it was bad on Thurs...then Saturday it got worse...this is my written excuse for no posts. I am afraid I will sneeze and post something to a blog in Antarctica. The kids want to go outside and all I can think of...that would require me to be in a upright position to clean mud up...no thank you. We shall utilize the wonderful invention of the TV and have a picnic inside where I can lie on the couch...signing off because of the headache is being aggravated by the computer screen!

Mari's great adventure

Yesterday, Mari called me to say they were having a great family time at the indoor water park at the Great Wolf Lodge somewhere in Ohio...they are on spring break. Mari would be the brave lady in the middle with her face covered...for privacy issues or contact issues...not sure! What a fun place to go with kids! They were all brave about going down the slides and experiencing everything the place had to offer. Hope you all had fun!

A Good Mommy

I was a "good mommy" today and took the kids to the park! The sun was shining and the temps were soaring to the 70s! It is so much fun to "keep a secret" from the kids and plan to do something that you know they will love! Thank God for the simple things in life! Since lunch always tastes better outside...we visited good old Ronald McDonald and made our way to the "blue park" on the river (all the play equipment is blue and looks like a ship...hence the name). What a beautiful day to enjoy the fresh air! "Springtime's coming!!!" I came away from that time refreshed...and reminded to keep things simple...there is more enjoyment for the kids and me...and it earns me the title of "good mommy"!

When I think of cherries...I think of my friend

I just have to share with you a person that has been and continues to be a great encouragement to me. I will call her "cherry girl" , since I didn't ask her if I could use her name. Of course, anyone living close to us will know exactly who it is! The "cherry girl" is a cheery girl with a great sense of humor! In a fruitcake, she would be the bright red cherry...or in some instances the nut!! She offers to come and corrupt (babysit) our children...who absolutely love her. She looks for their pjs in the refrigerator! Danger. Danger! She is the type of person that you are drawn to because of her spirit and attitude. She loves the Lord and talks freely of Him and what He has done for her. I have been encouraged and rebuked at the same time by being with her. She laughes heartily at the antics of the kids. She loves to pump them with questions, just to see what they will say! Sometimes, I forget to just have fun with the kids! She finds the humor in a situation to reduce the stress. (I would have never thought to look in the fridge for jammies...I would have gotten frustrated by the mess in the room that was hiding the pjs). We share many of the same interests and likes/dislikes...a good book, a good cup of coffee, Nonnis biscotti, cookbooks, a good cry, stamping and scrapping, a good laugh, candles, a good movie, chocolate, and many more things.
So to my "cherry friend" , I say thank you for being a "sweet tart" in the fruit basket of life to this sometimes "old sour grape" ! You are a gentle reminder to those around you to practice the "fruit of the Spirit" ...putting the head knowledge into heart action.

A Reminder of Things to Come

This pic was in the batch of spring/summer pics from last year and I realized that I will see Teddy like this again...and soon. The snow has pretty much melted and the backyard is nice and soggy! In my contemplations of spring the other day, I overlooked the muddy aspect and forgot about the messes we encountered last year! Each season has its pros and cons when you are a mother!
I know the mess will come...Teddy's track record for the last week has been quite amazing as I go back and remember...scissors taken and used to cut MOMMY'S shirt sleeve(and just noticed last night, my favorite pjs), rubbed MOMMY'S lotion all over self (smelled so pretty), clicked off all the pics in a new disposable camera (which I had gotten to use while the digital one is fixed), helping self to snacks (whenever), playing in the bathroom (water all over),climbing up on the counter (stepping on the cabinet door handles with his toes) to turn the kitchen sink water on, swinging from the new curtains I made for the girl's closet , and a couple other things that I can't even recall (I am feeling a little overwhelmed by the recall)...out of character things that he has never done before.

I know you are thinking, where were you? what were you doing? , when all of this took place...downstairs putting laundry in, taking the quick shower, doing phone calls for the business, printing off labels and letters on the computer, cleaning the bathroom, etc...the normal routine we have had since school started. I wonder how I can be in all places at once! Or is it necessary to tie him to my back like the indian maidens do!? Maybe a bell around his neck, arms, legs, etc.

I would rather appreciate the things I do not have than to have things I do not appreciate!

The last couple days I have been reminded of how much the Lord has blessed me with a wonderful husband! We are heading for the ten year mark next year! Time flies...is flying...has flown...by so quickly! The first couple years of marriage was marked by change upon change, and it still continues. One thing that hasn't changed is Ted's steadfastness...to his wife, children, God's Word, family, Lord, business, convictions, principles, and the list continues. Because of his hard work, discernment, and faithfulness, we have been blessed beyond measure! Sometimes I forget that he does all this under the fatigue and pain from his respiratory disease. Much, of what Ted does and how he does it, is because he had parents who taught him to be able to function inspite of his weakness. I am truly thankful for my parent-in-laws...they did a fabulous job training their son to be a good worker, father, and husband. Not many people have what I have...and I am grateful for God's working and His leading us together. Thank you, Ted, for all that you are and all that you do for us! I love you!

The Words and Thoughts of 3 & 4 Year Olds

Yesterday was filled with interesting conversations...maybe I was just more in tune to it than usual!
Did you know that dogs laugh? "How do they laugh?" They just do.
I like blackamole chips! "Oh, the guacamole chips?" Yeah, the green ones.
"That's enough, Teddy." No, Mom, I don't have plenty!
Driving past the house on our street that was destroyed in a fire on the way to get Ash, "Look kids, they are working on the house." Which house? Oh, the house that got fired. Look, Alisa, it's barenaked! (the roof had been removed)
While baking cookies, Alisa wanted to know if I was adding vanilla extra (too many cooking shows) watch out so that pile of flour doesn't explode (when I turned the mixer on) where is the cookie picker upper? (ice cream scoop).
Their little minds are always at work!

Funny Kids

Aren't they adorable? Costumes furnished by a very creative and crafty mommy! Allison and Bryn look so much like their mother! They are posing with Caden's teacher at one of their special school/church events.

Our Cousins

Since Mari still is not taking the plunge into blogspot...I will post some pics of her crazy kids! We love our cousins and miss them so much. It is always so much fun to get together (after awhile the noise level wears on the Mommys' nerves and the coffee/Pepsi consumption hits all time highs).

This is the artistic Caden...his job is comic relief!

Springtime's Coming

Ted and I enjoy good music playing in our home and vehicles...actually, Ted plays it in the office at the shop all the time too (don't know that the guys always appreciate our "taste" but that is ok...boss trumps employee!) We have had the opportunity to go to several (hold on to your hats!) Southern gospel concerts. Greater Vision is one of our favorites! The old songs have tremendous messages...they have been a comfort and encouragement to both of us! My Dad refers to these songs as "heartsongs". Often we find ourselves sitting and humming along with tears streaming down our cheeks. The last concert we went to in the Chicago area was with the Hoppers. I sat through a couple songs and just sobbed. Don't tell me that the words to songs don't have an impact! Our kids pick up on the words of everything and everyone! (will save for another post!) Right now we love to hear them sing "Try A Little Kindness"!
They have a song about "Springtime's Coming". Every time I look outside and see the snow melting...the song begins! Not that I want to wish the days away...but the promise of new life and growth...a beautiful reminder for me as a Christian wife and mother...I need to renew, refresh, revive each and every day. Things that are dead don't grow! With life...there are growing pains...so I will thank God for the growing pains and allow Him to prune, water, and nuture my life.
I think spring has become my favorite time of year.

Strange things happen when Mommy is working on the computer!

Morning Partners in Crime

Sure, they look innocent enough! This morning, the pirate tried to "call Daddy" on my cell phone which was upstairs...Grampy called me to ask if I had called him...I had not...but he said my number came up...I AM NOT GOING CRAZY! (at least not today) and then it dawned on me...unsupervised children, purse, cell phone...yep, he had called Grampy...and smelled minty fresh while doing so (gum in the purse is fair game when Mommy can't see...but I can smell)...oh, hope you have a good day, Dad!

Milk...a cookie's best friend

Overheard while the kids were eating their bedtime snack of chocolate chips cookies (the Tackeberry favorite treat), "Daddy, we need some milk to go with our cookies." "Well, why don't you go milk the cow like this (Ted showed the motions needed) and then you'll have fresh milk...mmm." "We don't have a cow." Alisa piped up and said, "Dad, milk comes out of the cow's gutters." Ashlynn groaned, "Dad, that's disgusting." Teddy thought it was a good idea, "Hey, a real farmer will let me milk a cow!" For now, we will enjoy our milk from the gallon jug from the store and be glad it didn't come out of the gutters!

Our Happy Family

I thought you all would enjoy seeing our family...and the strong family resemblance! There is no question whose genes are stronger!!! I hoped that our kids would have the brown eyes and brown hair like their Daddy...and all three do. They all know how to use those big brown eyes too...all four of them...let me tell you!

Mmmm...that's good coffee!

Life is grand and the day looks bright and cheery! It is amazing what a cup of coffee from Dunkin Donuts will do for you...its blend of coffee and cream is perfect...all is good!
It is also amazing what good Christian fellowship, Bible study, and prayer can do for the weary soul and body! The ladies at our church are sweet people and we had a fun time sitting around, laughing, and talking after our "serious" time. The food was good! But then, when you don't have to fix it, it always tastes so good! It has been a blessing to spend time with the ladies of Windsor Baptist. I appreciate the fact that Ted makes sure he is home, so I can go! He is such a wonderful husband and daddy! After yesterday's post, I need to express that I am thankful for my life, family, and responsibilities...yes, even without the necessary cup of strong coffee with cream...I survived Monday and am still able to function (while savoring today's cup)!!!

Mondays...are they worth skipping?

At this point, I would say yes! Last Monday was a doozy and this Monday has started out with some negative tones...how can I have a good cup of coffee without the half and half? I made a pot of delicious Tim Horton's only to find out I had forgotten I used all the half and half yesterday...this is a great disappointment as the caffine is essential to my well being today! We awoke to a puking kid about 2 am and the sleep was rather fitful after that...Ted even perused the early morning cable choices. So, with a disrupted schedule, lack of sleep, energetic kids (even the sickie), a mountain of laundry, a cancelled trip to the grocery store, and only 2% milk for the coffee, the idea of skipping Monday seems like a good idea! But then...I remembered I get to go to Ladies Bible Study tonight...adult conversation!!! So for now, I will just hang on till then and be thankful that it wasn't skim milk for the coffee! Hope you have a great Monday!

What did we do before children?

I was looking at some pics the other day and came across this one of Teddy...at the time we were potty training...which took him a whole couple hours to figure out (praise the Lord!)
I got to thinking...what did we do before the kids came along? It seems like so long ago...but five almost six years is not that long! For starters...my house stayed clean for days on end...now, under five minutes and it looks like tornado alley. Conversations were quiet and controlled and had substance. Now, if you want to be heard you have to talk louder than your sibling because it is important to discuss the finer things of life like toe jam (or as Alisa calls it, sock fur). Meals consisted of healthy meats and vegetables and sometimes dessert. Now, it is not a good supper unless it can be picked up with your fingers and dipped in Ranch...and fruit cannot be considered a good dessert option (thanks Daddy!). Laundry was done in a timely manner which meant washed, dried, folded, and put away neatly. Now, it gets washed and dried and keeps the basket company till it needs to be worn or used...why fold when the drawers get ransacked each time we need to get dressed? Sleep came in 6 to 8 hour segments... Now, well, now, hey, I sleep through the night again! And they can feed themselves, clothe themselves, entertain themselves (caution-danger!), bathe themselves, toilet themselves, help with their chores (they love to help with anything right now!)...which helps me to keep a cleaner house! Ah, the cycle of life! It makes me laugh (in shame) to think of how overwhelmed and frustrated I get about the little things. They are not that important! But I let them become important (that is my job...take care of the home). What makes a home is the people that live there! I have wonderful children that God gave us and they are growing and learning and doing well! The job I have here is an important one! They won't be children forever. I want them to grow to love the Lord, obey Him, and serve Him. To see them as adults doing right will be the greatest reward...all those little things will be forgotten, and then I will sit here and think, what did I do before children? Did I do enough?