Go Clay!!

I have to brag on Clay for a second and share something that encouraged both of us. After the kiddos were in bed last night Clay came downstairs, I could tell he was excited. I thought maybe he just figured some new trick out on photo shop, he tell's me these things quite often. He said, "Chris Orwig has commented on one of my images on Flickr!" (He is the author of this book!!!) Isn't that neat!! Here is the flickr page to prove it to ya. His comment is closer to the bottom, scroll down some. I am so proud of Clay, he is constantly studying and reading about photo shop and photography along with being a faithful husband and Daddy, and third grade teacher. Great job Babe, I am your biggest fan.

Quick Frugal Idea~

Here is a frugal idea when it comes to books. We enjoy books but sometimes they do not always fit into the budget. (Why? Because Mama wants a mini van :) Instead of buying books lately, my smart husband requests our public library system to purchase them. They have done this three times! And guess what? If you are the one to request it you are first on the list. My husband just checked this book out that he requested. And I am reading this book. My book is not that expensive but still it adds up. :)

Also, my husband got us each our own library cards so when we get a great book like this that probably will rack up the holds he immediately checks it out on the other account. It might seem a little sneaky but I'm glad I know have six weeks with it.

Athan is Growing...And one of our dinners. :)

This is his favorite place, the basket where the dvd player and remotes stay.



He achieved his goal. We are trying to teach him "no touch" when it comes to this basket and the remotes. But...for the sake of a cute picture and history I wanted the picture! He is so cute!


~FOOD~

I really enjoy it when others blog about recipes, food, and their family menu. So here is one of our meals. It is a simple one, but healthy and delicious. It is an open face sandwich, hamburger on a slice of my homemade wheat bread, topped with onions and sweet peppers. I ate my burger with salsa and Clay enjoyed his with bbq sauce, and Ellie, beloved ketchup. On the side we have rice with butter and two peeled navel oranges in the bowl. We eat a lot of fruit. My husband loves fruit, I think I have eaten more fruit in the past 3 1/2 years we have been married than ever before. A lot of times I will cut up some apples and an orange, pineapple, grapes, or whatever I have and put the cutting board on the table. Not only can everyone get their fill but it looks lovely as well. We really liked the onions and sweet peppers on top the hamburgers. I doubt this meal cost over $3. Navel oranges are $.99 for a four pound bag.

On a side note, Clay and I watched "Julie and Julia" last night. Some friends from church recommended it. To tell you in one sentence, it is about Julia Child and the beauty and blessing of food. We loved it! It was a very well told story, fun and creative, and inspiring. It will make you want to wear some pearls, a pretty apron and cook, cook, cook! :) I really loved it because I remember as a little girl watching her on Saturdays on PBS. Tonight, go to Red Box and rent it. :)

Enjoy your night and Lord's Day tomorrow!

What Have I been up too in the Little Yellow House?

Well, for starter's I apologize that this blog has sunk down in to the abandoned, uninterested vastness of the blog world ocean. But please, oh please do not give up on it. :) I have several ideas for new posts. But have had my hands full.

The kiddos got sick, again. Their third cold for the season. I am not sure why they have been so sick, but my husband tells me that it has been a rough season for his students as well. So I am not alone. I sure have learned a lot about natural ways to help with a cold. And on the bright side they handled and kicked this cold away much faster than the first two. And Mommy started treating it quicker too. :)

Also, we had a house guest! Clay's Dad came to visit for a week. He stayed with Clay's brother for a couple days, but the others with us. It was a fun visit. The kids loved him! Ellie was sad to see him leave. But, like any company it is just plain hard work. :) It does make me clean things that otherwise would continue to be put off.

I have been sewing, sewing, and sewing! I have made several things lately, nothing too big, just some small projects. One reason I have been sewing so much is because I created a "sewing area" (future post...) in our bedroom! I love it. And because I am ready to go at any time (really just nap time and an evening here and there) I get much more accomplished. Because I think I could craft and sew all day long it is a good thing I have two adorable, smiling kiddos to care and shepherd. Because really, what profit would that be? Sewing and crafting ALL day? Instead it is only a small part of the day and the rest is soul work! Soul work: loving, teaching, playing, and shepherding our kids in Christ. What a better way to spend the majority of my time.

I have also been busy organizing our home. This, I am learning, is a constant must. So, the days I feel I can I will try to organize a drawer or a cabinet. Not too much at a time because I do not have a big chunk of time to do it. You might be thinking, "you could do it during the kids afternoon nap" And I say "No" --- Because I am up in sewland. :) Ok, back to organizing. Yesterday I made a "Craft Drawer" there was this one drawer in our kitchen full of junk...tea lights, high lighters, my checks, and the lists goes on. Anyhow I found the homes all that stuff belonged in and then I put some of Ellie's craft things in. Now, for fast and easy access, it contains her pencil box with markers and crayons, water paints, and paper! I love it, it is great having it there and NOT on the counter. I am a minimalists when it comes to things on the counter. I also reorganized our closet! I do this quite often. There are two reasons: I usually wear the tenth outfit I try on, but do not hang the discarded clothes back up, and the second reason is my husband appreciates it. He has never once asked me to clean it, or even complained about how bad it gets. But, he ALWAYS raves about it when I do organize it. Things like..."Wow! this looks great!" or " I can get to this section again". I know, poor thing. Getting to his sock drawer should not be as special as it is!

I have also been busy day dreaming/planning all the things I want to do outside in the spring! Yes, I am ready for Spring. Today the sun shined, I cannot tell you the last day it shined before this. I have our whole garden planned out, and several other ideas. I haven't told Clay about those yet. :)

Anyhow, the last couple of weeks have felt a little busy. But I promise, guarantee (of pigtails and dinosaur info commercial...) that there will be interesting and fun posts soon to come! And with that have a peaceful and restful evening with your family.

Random~

These are mixture of random thoughts, ideas, and conversations :)

~ This morning Ellie was watching the trash guy get our trash and told me she thought he should put the lids back on our trash cans. ( can you say OCD? Or can you say just like Mommy? )

~ Athan only has three teeth and is already grinding them.

~A pizza slicer works really well for making food more toddler friendly. Don't mess around with a knife anymore, try your pizza slicer.

~A plastic bottle with something small inside makes for a really fun baby toy. Put the lid on well. :)

~I'm learning that laughing and tickling helps Ellie in the obedience area. :) The more time I spend with her, playing, reading, or whatever she try's so hard to be obedient.

~Mommy should drink more water.

~Every time I look at my five gallon bucket of coconut oil I feel happy inside. Down with vegetable oil!

~And Natalie, I want to buy chalkboard paint too.

I know, random, and ridiculous.:)

Brother and Sister

Clay and I love how Ellie and I are cheesin it up but Athan is at the other end of emotions. It was actually all I had to hold him still for the pic. He is a strong one.



She's my little partner. :)



He is so sweet!!



Ellie has this ability to get Athan to do things like this and laugh, a lot.







Ellie insisted we put him on her back. :)



You could say most of our evening/family time is rolling around on the carpet, taking pictures of ourselves, and presently reading Farmer Boy. Which we highly recommend. Enjoy your evening with your family!