Flarp

Three months ago it was Christmas. Now, from this first sentence you may think that this story is going to have something to do with Christmas, and you wouldn't be entirely wrong, but you're not right either. This story in fact, is only tenuously connected to all the holiday cheer, presents, Christmas parties... So maybe I should choose a different opening sentence, but I've already made it this far so I am going to stick with it.

                                                               "Lihya, that was a toot."

Three months ago we opened our larger than average stockings and were not surprised to find our traditional, crackers, cheese, and sausage in addition to about a quart of peanut butter cups at the the toe. I was however, surprised and delighted to find a small cylinder of gooey pink Flarp. I was sent into a fit of laughter and tears even began to squeeze out of my eyes. I couldn't contain myself. My face turned red from lack of air as I immediately opened up the little putty toy and began playing with it. I made such a spectacle of myself that my mother began laughing uncontrollably and the tears came squeezing out of her eyes too.

Why in the world would such a silly play thing, you may ask, invoke such an outrageous reaction? I don't rightly know but let me tell you a story about Flarp.

Hello 2015,

I am excited to meet you!

This past year has been such an eventful year. I think I say that every year but it's true.

I don't use the web cam option on my computer that much but, I have to admit, it is pretty cool

Here are some questions:
What is the most memorable thing that has happened in 2014?
What is the biggest thing you have overcome this past year? what have you learned?
What are you looking forward to most in 2015?
What are you planning to accomplish in the upcoming year? what is your New Year's resolution?

Christmas Tree Farm 2014

As a little girl the anticipation for our Christmas tree was almost immeasurable. In fact it was, because I don't think anyone has invented a way of measuring anticipation. The point is, getting our Christmas tree, putting up decorations around the house, and watching Daddy and Mama stringing lights outside was one of my favorite things about Christmas.

For the tree all four of us kids would follow Mom and Dad to the attic where we would crowd around the base of the rickety ladder (I was always afraid it would break) and watch the top half of Dad disappear into the dim space. On this one day the attic was no longer a forsaken creepy spawn for all the monsters we would make up and scare each other with. On this one day the attic was a place full of delightful surprises and forgotten toys - so of course we would always clamor for Dad to take us up with him. And sometimes he would!

Watching from below the wait was unbearable. I am sure it would have been much easier for Dad to send us away so he could bring down the tree without being pestered and without worrying that he would step on one of us on the way down or drop the long skinny box with all the branches in it on our heads. BUT, I am glad he didn't because I will always treasure these memories.

Halloween 2014

This picture looks kind of creepy...

Well, here we are. How have y'all been? It's been a while since I've posted anything. Life is really crazy right now. Adopting four boys really shakes things up.

Three of my little brothers go to two different schools in the morning and come home at three and four. They have a good time in school and right now its what's best for our family. While they are gone we scramble to get as much work as we can before they get home. Because when they do... well honestly most days, from the moment they walk in the door till they fall asleep at night our whole world revolves completely around them. Not always in a good way. It is very difficult but I love them all the same. Love them to pieces. I wouldn't go back to just the five of us kids again. Nine is a good number. We'll get through this. For everything there is a season.

I thought I would share with y'all some of the fun we've been up to lately. There was a local festival that we went to but I'm not going to share pictures from there this time. But, I did make a video for my brother so I guess I'll share it with y'all too.

Happy Easter!

Today is Resurrection Day!

First here are a few Facebook posts collected over the season and then I will tell you about today.

March 21, 2013

One of my favorite church seasons is upon us! Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, (although Holy Saturday I have never done anything special on, but it is part of the calendar) Resurrection Day, and Ascention Sunday! A few years back I attended my first Good Friday Service. It made a huge difference on what I thought about Passion Week. I had grown up with the typical Sunday school story of Easter and then after class teachers and students would talk about Easter egg hunts. After this service the whole idea and thought process about this time of year changed.

Actually I think this is my favorite church season. Palm Sunday is my particular favorite out of the whole bunch.

Sunday can't get here fast enough! (We are also joining that day as well. Two reasons!)

Fifteen Pumpkins

We got these from my grandma's church when they were through using them as fall decorations. You may remember reading about that here.

 

 

The following will be several pumpkin related pictures and I will try to get as many of the recipes I used as I can into this post as well.

Christmas 2012

I know y'all haven't heard a peep out of me about Christmas. You may be wondering, "Did they even have Christmas this year??" Well to answer your question, (never mind that I asked it for you..) yes we did have Christmas and it was lovely. Grandma said it was the nicest Christmas she ever remembers having. Our Christmas celebration as a family was quiet and not at all stressful.

December first...

we went to visit our friends in Louisiana. We stayed for a week and while we were there among all the other everlastingly fun things we did we also went a local fair in town.



They always have the cleverest Christmas decorations. We went there last year as well.

Fall Festival, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, Bike Ride, and Nature Trail

November, 2012

Grandma's church as an event every year that they call the Fall Festival. My sister and I went with Grandma to help out.



I worked at the craft table,

and my sister helped at the lemonade stand.

While we were there my sister and I made friends with this little gem of a girl. :)

 

It was a long day and when it was all finished we brought home FIFTEEN pumpkins!

 

The pumpkins require a post all to themselves. I've been having fun experimenting with different ways to use pumpkins.

The church was going to throw them away to make way for Christmas decorations so we just took them all home. :) So far we've used five. Eaten two, and gave three away.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

One for each day of the month:

1. First and foremost I am most thankful for the new life God has given me and the assuence I will see him in Heaven some day.

2. Although I miss him, I am so grateful that my Grandpa is in Heaven where there are no more tears, sickness, and no more pain; not in the other place, Hell, in eternal torment.

3. I am amazed at how many things God has given me.

4. I love my life, my family, my dog, my friends.

5. I wish I could say I thank God every day, but I truthfully I don't.