saturday phone randoms

I'm spending the day at my parents. We'll be picking apples and making homemade apple cider. Hannah, once ballet is finished, will be coming and taking some sweet pictures that I know we'll share.

Until then, I'm stuck sharing some random pictures from my phone.
They document life -- in those quick moments.

Enjoy.

Love this one of Samuel. Could he have a cuter face? Tomorrow? It's his 2nd birthday. Prepping that post tonight. Love. Love. Love.



What in the world? This is just a bit strange...make that just plain strange.



And here's my amazing Caleb -- who probably would want that pencil sharpener thing -- wearing his awesome birthday hat. He loves the Minnesota Twins. And if any of you have that sharpener I apologize for the "strange" comment. Did you see that the tail spins?



And, yes, I might just like tonic water. Just a bit.



This is the book that contains the recipe for the unbelievable pot roast that I wrote about yesterday. I'll detail it later this week.



Samuel loves John Deere -- and riding his Boppy's tractor (my dad)



And finally, this was the sunset I saw two nights ago as I was driving home from ballet. This is right by my home -- one of my favorite spots on my drive.



How about on your phone?
Do you have some equally random and  favorite shots?
And plans for Saturday?

some finding joy news.

today is kind of an update day - we all need these, right?

Today, I am guest posting at Raising Arrows. I am so incredibly honored and blessed to have the opportunity to share a bit of my finding joy heart. My post? About homeschooling with joy. Imagine that -- joy. Seriously, there is so much joy to be found in this gift of a life that the Lord has given us -- we just need to be aware, and intentional, and thankful.


Amy is an in-real-life friend of mine, one that I love calling friend. Our lives have intersected in many ways in the last five years, and I can always go to her for solid advice, grace, and friendship. To read my post about homeschooling with joy please click here.

*****


Samuel update. His pneumonia is slowly improving. His wonderful doctor had such wise words for me about him and his health. She reminded me that for over half of his life that he has been dealing with a weaker body (due to undiagnosed Celiac Disease) and that it will take time -- years probably -- for his body to regain his full health. That being said, they're now concerned that he has asthma. So moms of children with asthma, please share some asthma advice for this momma of a super sweet almost two year old. Do you do nebs daily? When and how do you know they need them? And did they outgrow it?

I'll be using random number generator today to randomly generate the winner for the Oreck vacuum. Thank you, my dear friends, for all of your support and your many many many entries. The winner will be announced on this week's friday favorite things -- and one of you will get a box {like the one above}just like that very soon.

And speaking of Friday Favorite things -- I'd love for you to join this week! It's a wonderful day to reflect on your week and seek out those unexpected moments of joy. Even if it's writing about coffee like I do. :) I have the link-up ready to go by 5:30 CST Friday morning.

That's it for the updates! Thanks for reading and journeying with me. As always -- I'm grateful for your friendship and encouraging words.

some random (and possibly silly) facts about me

Alright my friends -- today I am doing something just a bit different.  Shocking? Probably not. :)

At the bottom of this post is an update on Samuel.  Thank you for praying for him. Thank you.

Anyways, I'm joining in on Lynnette Kraft's Thoughts of Spring Blog Party at Dancing Barefoot on Weathered Ground. I've known Lynnette for years -- and seriously -- she is balm for my heart, she gives me joy, and many, many, many times just makes me laugh.

And then you get to learn a bit more about me. That's good, right?

{and possibly humbling for me}

How would people describe your personality? (If they could only use ONE word.)

{do I look like a geographer?}

Seriously, Lynnette, one word??? I don't know how to do this one word thing.........okay. I'll try. I can't. You guys got a word? I'm thinking joyful. Or intentional. Hannah just told me -- geographer.  Nice. I guess my love of geography is trickling down. She did just come back and say joyful. Or planted. That's better.

What celebrity/celebrities would create a “Star-Struck” feeling if you saw them in real life?

{source}

Phil, from The Amazing Race. That's partially because I would love to BE on The Amazing Race. Can't you just see my blip under my name? Rachel -- homeschooling mom of seven. You know that's what it would be. And Phil in his voice-over would be stating, "Rachel, that homeschooling mom of seven...." as they would show me unable to solve a history problem or messing up simple addition. ha ha ha

Are you a hopeless romantic?

No. I kind of wish at times I were, but then I am kind of like Lynnette -- I just start giggling or feeling silly and then I have to make a sarcastic comment, etc.... I'm more of a lets go walk through the park and chat or let's do yard work together type of gal.

What is your comfort food/drink?

That would be COFFEE. Any kind. Any time. Decaf at night, please.  Since I'm constantly to and fro from ballet coffee has become the beverage in my hand.  Food? Anything Thai. Right now it's some gluten-free Pad Thai.

{mmmmmm.....coffee....how i love thee}

Do you have a strong desire to do something you’ve never done? What is it?

I've never been completely caught up with laundry for more than a week. I really would desire to keep up with it for at least two weeks. Speaking of this laundry -- I've just opened a giveaway for some wool dryer balls....shown below....here's the link! wool dryer ball giveaway

Okay, seriously, I'd love to go on a missions trip with my kids. No explanation needed.

Be brave – tell us something very random and weird about yourself.

If I get nervous I shake my hands out or fluff my hair. Fluffing the hair creates quite the eighties look, by the way. I think it's just a way to get energy out of me. Years ago, when I played the organ (how's that for random? who do you know that plays the organ) for church I'd shake out my hands in between hymns. I did NOT fluff my hair. Awkward.

What is your greatest fear or strange phobia?

I don't like elevators. At all. If others are with me than I'm better, but as soon as I'm alone in an elevator I'm always looking for my escape route in case I get stuck. Most often, I'll take the stairs.

What’s something you consider yourself to be good at? (Don’t worry, it’s not bragging, it’s acknowledging a God given gift)

I'm creative. Not afraid to take risks. I've played the piano since I was four -- and many times that is when I think or pray. I'm grateful for the years of lessons my parents payed for when I grew up. So grateful --they must have known I would needed to pray a great deal.

{my parents piano}

Okay....I need to teach my kiddos and start my day.  Mass chaos is starting to begin.

Click over to Lynnette's blog to check out more bloggers and thanks for reading my silly post. :)

** Samuel Update **

{At this point, we're going to keep watching the weight loss and we're thinking that it is because he eats no dairy.  Some Celiacs cannot have dairy when they first go gluten-free.  There is also no obvious underlying infection.  The next time he gets an atypical fever we go in for the labs to make sure that his body handles infections/fevers and to see if there is another underlying issue. Until then? We rest. And eat gluten free. He has croup -- so if you could pray for that as the docs do not want me giving him prednisone (which I don't like too much anyway) unless it is absolutely critical since it would mess up any labs that he could have drawn.  Thanks.}

a different view of the lights

We now interrupt my regular blogging to bring you a different look at me.

A silly one, perhaps?

It was one of those pics that Hannah snapped while I was putting lights up outside.

(Interested in those lights?  Read this post about why I put lights up -- memory strands)

So she asked me to strike a funny pose.  And this was the best I could do.

Oh well, it proves that I'm normal.  Right?

Or at least a mom.

Sigh.

(I can never figure out what compels me to put these pics up)

So here you go. Enjoy.

and yes, my garage is rather full of stuff.

Organized stuff.

Link up to Hannah's Lovely Photo Wednesday and share a pic of you.  Let me know you did -- and I'll be off to check it out.

Finally. My Miscellany Monday Post.

what I saw all morning

Note: I wrote this 8 hours ago. In that span of time I've spent 3 hours working on my garage sale prep, made lunch, defrosted the freezer, emptied the deep-freeze, read a couple of books to the kiddos, gone to the ballet studio--twice, solved several "fights", picked some weeds, did two loads of laundry, organized a corner of my garage, rocked a baby, checked three times to see if blogger was up, tidied my living room, and...hmmmm...maybe it's a good thing blogger was down. Look what I got done in that time!

--so enjoy my thoughts from hours ago---

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This is a unique Miscellany Monday. Blogger is down. I’ve checked several times, and alas, there is no operating blogger. At least for me. So this morning I’ve decided to compose my miscellany post on Word. We’ll see how this goes.

1) Carissa amazes me. Posting in the hospital. She’s an official “super multi-tasker”—aka mom.

2) 2) My boys, if they could get away with it, would wander around the house carrying just the inner bag of cereal. The box would be abandoned on the floor, and they would be quite content with the chalky-clear bag of goodness.

put that bag back!

3)To make enough scrambled eggs for my family I need to use at least 20 eggs.

4) I love my electric griddle. When I’m making scrambled eggs (#3) I can use the griddle to make pancakes. It can whip up 8 at a time—depending on the size.

5) I stink at making letters on the griddle. If my kids want their initial they better watch out. The e looks like a c, the b like a blob, and there’s no way I’m attempting the g. I can make an h for Hannah.

6) I’ve been reading the book of Colossians. Since it’s right after Philippians (which is pretty much my life book) I figured I better check it out again. I’ve come across several verses that are speaking to me right now. Watch out—I’m thinking they deserve a blog post later this week. The verse I loved today?

Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsider, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

(Colossians 4:5-6)

7) A constant phrase that I utter in our home is – We are not the yelling family. In our home we speak with kind and pleasant tones. Can you tell what kind of morning it’s already been? (note: it got much better)

8) I wish blogger was up. I don’t know if this post will transfer right. Then I’ll spend too much time editing the post. (note--it did not transfer right. note#2--do not use word blog as it does not transfer.So, yes, it did take time. Oh well--you're all worth it!)

my post--ready at 7am

9) I think I want to do 10 miscellany facts so number 9 is just inserted to get me to ten.

10) Hannah’s Happy Birthday sign is still hanging over our sliding door in the kitchen. I decorate our kitchen and the kid’s doorways for their birthdays. I started doing this when Hannah turned three. The night before their birthday I go around decorating so that when they wake up the home is full of celebration. Todd jokes that perhaps I should just keep everything up – being that we have a birthday almost every single month. Who knows? Maybe that sign might just stay. :)

the forever sign

Have a wonderful Monday. Here the sky is vibrant blue, the grass a Kelly green, and the air crisp. My favorite kind of day. May your day be filled with the closeness of our loving Father.

me vs. the grill and some various thoughts

it's been windy here.  Really, really windy.  Then I got the idea to grill burgers.  In intenseWIND.  Then Hannah got the idea to take pictures of me attempting to flip burgers that were flaming up in gusts of wind.  Actually, she got the idea AFTER she saw licks of flame escaping from the side of our grill.  Final results?  Fire = zero.  Us = exceptionally flame-grilled burgers.  mmmmmmmmmm......

it's time for battle

careful, careful

taming the grill

Man, those burgers were good.

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Abigail Kraft@ rear window watched the vlog that Hannah put up yesterday on her blog. (want to watch? click here ) In that "lovely" video it has me interacting with my Samuel, Hannah and Chloe.  And, to put it mildly, being a little bit silly.  Anyways, Abigail emails Hannah and states that she loves our Northern accent.  WHAT?  Just because I live in Minnesoooooota?  And I have an accent?  Grin...her comment almost made me spit out my coffee in laughter.  Almost.

Actually, I already know about my blessed Minnesotan accent.  When we lived in San Diego people would stop me to hear me talk.  Really.  I was working part-time and I was the person to be around.  I don't realize how prominent it is until I leave Minnesota and come back.  A couple years ago we went to this large family retreat in southern Missouri.  Of course, everyone loved the voice when we were there.(another fun side note I met Amy from raisingarrows at this retreat.  She is a blessing!)  Once we arrived back in our beauty of a state I began to hear it....that long drawing out of vowels.  Especially the letter o.  And I thought, "do I really sound like that?" hee hee hee....yep.

________________________________

I won Lynnette Kraft's (Abigail's delightful mother) Getting to Know You contest for April (see my side bar).  I won this amazing canvas print...actually I decide what goes on it.  So I'm thinking I'm going to do this photo of Samuel.  My canvas size is 16x20.  What do you think? And THANK YOU Lynnette.  Seriously.  Thank you.

this pic?

I also want to thank Wendy, from faithsfirmfoundation.  She had a give-away and I won this great pilates dvd.  My daughters take pilates (as part of their classical ballet program) and rave about it.  They've wanted me to come for so long.  Now I'm going to try this and then hopefully attempt their class.  Thank you Wendy. And as a neat side note...Wendy and I found out that we live less than five miles from each other.  We had no idea prior to this give-away.  Once I sent her my address the reality came out!  Too fun! Want to meet at Caribou, Wendy?  I'll be there....:)

I blog for fun....I never expected to win anything.  So this was mega fun!

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finally...I want to once again clarify that my last post was about my own journey with words.  I have ONLY received beautiful and lovely thoughts from all of you.  So thank you.  Thanks for putting up with my thoughts about life. You guys are blessings!

By the way if you'd like to receive my blog posts via your email I've got my feedburner set up .  Simply click here....Subscribe to finding joy by Email

that Samuel...

...can't kick this fever of his. A little while ago he was sitting at 104.2 degrees.  I hate that!  When my olders are sick they can tell me what's wrong, but when they're so little...sigh...it's a guessing game.  One that I don't like.

Samuel and me

So, following the advice of my facebook friends, I went up to the local grocery store and purchased some baby Motrin.  I've come to the conclusion that on a Friday night it seems that this grocery store is also a bit of a hangout for those younger youth.  I'm not sure what's so fabulous about wandering the aisles of frozen food, meat and dry goods; but alas, they were all there. Hanging around.  While I was meandering around, with a red-eye rimmed baby, pushing a cart with napkins, Motrin, moose-track ice cream (it was kind of needed at this point), dishwasher cleaner, and orange juice. Oh yeah, and another pack of Keurig Caribou Coffee K-Cups. All while wearing my gray sweat pants.  Yes.  I sunk to the level of mom, wandering the aisles at 10pm in her mega-casual clothes.  Oh, and with wet hair. Can you just say, "classy?" :)

Oh well, at least I've got some Motrin now.  Samuel's temperature is now 103.1 degrees.  I gave him Tylenol 90 minutes ago.  Wouldn't you think it would be lower than that?  (man, I feel like a rookie).  I'm planning on giving him some Motrin at 11 pm.  I feel so bad for the poor babe...he's so so hot...and so so twitchy.  Come on baby, fight that fever!

(ok...when would you bring him in to be seen?  I never ever ever ever know.   Just looking for advice....again.)