Grandma

When I think of Grandma, I can't help but think of her home. My sweet childhood memories of that place are the kind I would wish for ever child to have. I remember driving up the big hill and looking at the trees in that little wild place between her backyard and the road and knowing that adventures were awaiting me there. I remember pulling into the driveway and running up the green-carpeted steps, swinging wide the door to a house full of delicious smells, welcoming arms, love, and acceptance.
Grandma and Grandpa's home was the kind that, for a child, contained all sorts of teasures. There were nooks, closets, and cupboards that had to be explored. There was the backyard, the enormous garden, the toolshed, that WONDERFUL rotating clothesline, Grandpa's shop with all of its little drawers, and tools, and this and that. The dark and rather mysterious basement with a kitchen where bottles of peaches, pears, pickles, and tomatoes lined the shelves. I can't bring up all these things without mentioning that FANTASTIC laundry chute. I don't know how many times I made that short trip from the bathroom to the laundry room, but I do know that I never got in trouble for it. Maybe they didn't know I did it, but more than that -- I think they made allowances for their curious little grandchildren. I think Grandma and Grandpa loved us so much, that they just wanted us to be happy.
Grandma's greatest joys were her children, her grandchildren, and then her great grandchilldren. She didn't scold, but gave her love in the form of kisses, cookies, and yanks on my braids.
I have been taught by many people all my life that I should serve others -- as Jesus did. I think that I truly learned this principle from her, my dear little grandma. She served me. She served all of us...with an unconditional love. She never thought less of us for our mistakes.
So when I think of her home and all of the precious memories created there...the happy, cozy, warm feelings fill up my heart and I know it is because she was there...making it that way.
I love you Grandma. I miss you.

It's Been Awhile...

Hi there. Time gets away sometimes doesn't it! We've been having a great summer and there are so many things to write about but there's nothing like the present so I'll write about today!
We have recently made some new homeschooling friends, the Websters. We got to go and visit them today. They live on a big piece of land and the kids had a ball exploring and roaming! A big reason why I would love to have a few acres to call my own. One of the reasons anyway! It would be fun to have some chickens too!
We decided to have a "special day" with each of the older kids once a summer. That means they get to go and do something extra special with mom or dad...whomever they choose. Danny chose Dad (though he first had to ascertain if my feelings would be hurt if he chose Dad, isn't he sweet) and REALLY wanted to go on a roller coaster! So Jon took him to World's of Fun tonight and he rode on his first roller coaster. After the first one (which went 200 ft up), he chose very mild things to do. He was chattering up a storm tonight and telling me all about it. He won a bunch of ski ball tickets and picked out prizes for everyone in the family!
Sweet boy!

Getting Our Food Storage Going

A few weeks ago, Jon and I decided to make a 3 month food storage. He put up some shelving in our furnace room in the basement and packed a few of the kids with me to Aldi (our main grocery store). Buying 12 things (cans or canisters?) of oatmeal is kind of a funny experience...especially when you're also buying 15 bags of flour, 9 bags of sugar, 24 cans of tomato paste, etc. Funny, yet satisfying. Stacking and organizing all of these items in neat little rows brought my heart a new kind of contentment. I have to admit that I sometimes go down to the basement, open the door, flip on the light and just stare. There's also the added joy from knowing that I'm finally following counsel that I've known about for years! A friend shared a great website that I'm finding helpful! www.simplylivingsmart.com Check it out!

Father's Day Barbecue

So, I was never much of a barbecue fan until a couple of years ago when my husband took me to Jack Stack barbecue over by Kansas City. I'm a barbecue convert and Jon already loved it so I decided to try to make it on my own for Father's Day. It's pretty much a 3 day recipe. You marinate brisket in liquid smoke and garlic salt and pepper overnight. It's wrapped up tight in foil. Then you cook it at 250 degrees for 8 hours (pouring your favorite barbecue sauce over it after 5 hours). Then you cool it completely (overnight). Slice it thin and reheat it at 200 degrees for an hour. I have to congratulate myself because it was pretty good. I need to tweak it a little and improve it but it was exciting to make it for the first time!

Potty Time!

Joseph just turned 3 in April and soon after started showing interest in going potty...so naturally, I was excited to turn that corner, and we got out the size 3 underwear and the M&M's! After 2 days I was feeling pretty excited and then on day 3 we had THREE poopy surprises and I decided I was done for a while. Last week at Walmart I bought a package of 3 seriously overpriced Thomas and Friends underwear. Of course, Joseph loves anything to do with Thomas the Tank Engine and so he wanted to wear them. We didn't do the M&M's this time as they had a tendency to disappear very quickly. My little guy has been running around in his undies for the last 5 days and he's got it!!! He tells me he's got to go and we go! Danny and Nater were closer to 3 1/2 when they got it, so he's a little early on my scale and I am CHEERING!!!