I'm Ba-a-ck......

Sometimes time away guarantees a return, eventually.

In my absence from this place I realized that the time away gave me time to just settle in with daily life at home. Over time I missed each of you more, despite still reading from you or commenting at your places.




In truth, most of the over three months hiatus I didn't really miss blogging. I did miss,however, using my creative juices or just sharing with you via my blog. At the time when I disappeared to places unknown, I just felt like I lost my mojo and it didn't really matter if anyone read from me again. Truthfully, in one day it was just gone. Poof! I just didn't care.

While this sounds like I went off the deep end or went into depression or got dropped off at Crazyville, it wasn't that at all. I just needed to step back. Many several of you checked in with me and said how much you missed me here (HI Mom!!). There was even the guess that perhaps my lack of posting had a hidden meaning, the nine month variety. Sorry, that's not it either. No announcement here.

I contemplated many days writing a Good Bye post or shutting down my blog, but instead I just left it idle. Then, through prayer and contemplation, last week something in me began to stir again. The eagerness was back and it felt time to reconnect with my buddies.

There will be changes and my blog reading list has dwindled considerably. I had to find that in between place where I was encouraged by reading from you, but not left feeling inferior and less than best of a mom/woman of God. These months have helped me settle in to less stress and less obligation, which I greatly needed.

So, from here I'll move forward slowly. Some weeks I may post nothing, but I'll learn to be ok with that. It may only become a blog full of daybooks, recipes, Theme Thursdays, Jamie's Thankfuls, Quick Takes, random stuff from here and an occasional thoughtful post. Those are, after all, easiest to write and most often most of what I like to read from you. Choose to keep reading if you like and Welcome Back if you are an old friend.

I've missed you.

Pardon The Interruption

Anyone else just groovin' through summer at rapid speed? 

Right now blogging is taking a backseat to real life living. There doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day to document, let alone LIVE these days that fill my calendar. 

With many days at home, but still busy and other days with obligations and fun, August is sure to pass by quickly. 

A quick check in to let you know what we've been up to and that all is well here at the homestead.

Last weekend we headed to a small town zoo/petting zoo on our way to a parish festival. It proved to be perfect weather and a great day for a short family outing.

A certain almost eleven year old is suddenly quite smitten with cattle. She's begging for a small cow of some sort for her birthday. Kid.you.not. Not sure how we'll fulfill that birthday request.

Last week was VBS for the big kids and they had a blast at Kingdom Rocks VBS. I'm so glad we signed them up, despite Lily's insisting she wasn't going.

This past Saturday the boys (Reed and Jonah) spend the day up in Duluth. They hit a number of fun spots (not documenting any of them since Reed is not the photographer in the family) and most importantly, Day out with Thomas. This was probably Jonah's last hurrah with Thomas and since he's been wanting to go for years, we finally broke down. It proved to be the perfect day for father and son to just do stuff together.

While the boys were away, the girls and I hit up one of the local county fairs. A couple hours walking around smelling the smells of the fair, seeing the animals and I let Lily pick one ride. She chose the bungee one.

In almost all of the buildings full of animals, Miss Margaret sat in her stroller and let out a loud 'MOOOO'.  I guess the cows were her favorite and easiest to imitate.

We finished off the fair with ice cream shakes and Miss Independent insisted on feeding herself the chocolate shake. I was glad we waited to do that just before leaving the fair.

This week isn't too busy, but I'll perhaps continue the frustrating task of potty training. While Gianna seemed ready, she now just doesn't even seem eager or willing. It's a bit frustrating for me because this is my third child that has made potty training the worst task of motherhood for me. Is there a potty training for dummies book? Al of the other ones I've ever read on potty training haven't ever worked. *sigh* This paying for two girls in diapers thing just isn't working out. It doesn't help when Gianna says she's wet and knows she is (even a little bit) and demands a new diaper. The diaper supply runs out pretty quickly, that's for sure.

I'm also planning on meeting up with Mrs. B who will be staying with us overnight, along with her little Elizabeth later this week. She's a new Usborne Books consultant and I'm hosting a home show with her. It should be fun to meet another blogger IRL again. By the way, if you'd like to order any books from my eshow online, send me an email and I'll get you the link. 

In other news, have you read from Colleen? You might want to stop over at my buddy's place and see what's new with her crew. 

Have a great week and I hope to stop back in soon!

Show Me Some Lovin'

Follow my blog with Bloglovin



After last week's find and quick switchover to Bloglovin', I'm still feeling the love.

Haven't tried it yet? Give it a whirl. It's like the new happening hot spot.

If you'd like, check my sidebar and click to follow me there.

This has been your Weekend PSA.

Insert {happy} Dance Here

Two posts in one day, say it ain't so!

I just had to post and give a ginormous cyber shout out to Lisa of All Things Gale. She is the winner of Make-My-Day-Monday. Why, you ask?

In regards to my earlier frustration today, I was startled by the number of peeps who didn't use Google Reader. Feeling as though I may not find an answer to my quest, Lisa commented and shared a little tidbit hinting at Bloglovin' to be where it's all at.

Then I read her post and went to check it out for myself.

I'm pleased to announce that in less than half an hour, I signed up for Bloglovin', imported my Google Reader blog list and read a couple of new posts that showed up there. Heck, I even downloaded their app on my tablet while I was at it!

Just read Jamie's Double Standards post through Bloglovin' and Patty's Mammoth Site Field Trip too.

It works fabulously! {bliss}

Give it a try. Super easy to do and get all your blogs in one place. Way to make my Monday!

I think I may just ditch that darn Google Reader sooner than anticipated.

Why You Mess With Me?

Thanks to Google's announcement last week, I'm looking for a new outlet to replace my beloved Google Reader.

Sure, I got the memo that it doesn't go into effect until July 1st, but whatever.

I will need the next 3.5 months to figure out my alternative, make the change and then spend time readjusting.

Hello, Google, I'm an OCD planner who strongly dislikes change.

Why must you go and rain on my parade? We had a good thing going here. I liked you, you worked with me, we were buds.

Yes, I found the thousand different posts online listing the tend different alternatives, but really I don't have the time to sort through all that jargon.

Please tell me one (or several) of my super talented/brainiac readers has already figured out the best alternative and back up plan.

Put me out of my misery and leave a comment, would ya?

Better yet, how about I pay for you to fly here from wherever you are and just do all the importing/changes for me?

Again, must I remind you how much I despise technology and change?

5 Things And A Liebster

I am honored to be doubly tagged for the 5 Things & Liebster award. A shout out to Billie Jo at Afternoon Coffee & Evening Tea, who is a sweet lady and faithful commenter here. The other came from a new-to-me blogger, Erica at Boys, Books & Balls. You both are so sweet to think of me!

Five Interesting (um, maybe) Things About Me:

1. When I was young I most often could be found reading a book in the corner somewhere or in my room. These days, I just dream about doing it. Or fall asleep when I actually do get to read.

2. I never attended college. I thought about it and started the process even just for the local technical college when I was about 19, but didn't go through with it. I was going to enroll in either the hotel/motel management program or the travel agent/guide program. Oh how things change. Every once in a while I think about what would be different if I had obtained some type of degree, but it sure is nice not having any school debt.

3. I served with NET Ministries in 1998-99 on Team Four. The team number doesn't matter to you, but if you are NETter, it most certainly does. It was the hardest year of my life and yet probably helped me grow the most emotionally and spiritually.

4. I only have one brother, 15 months older than myself, and he was in the seminary for 4 1/2 years. While that has nothing to do with me, in a way it almost has everything to do with me. My family spent a lot of time visiting him and the seminarians since he was just under 2 hours away for 4 of those years. Those years I was blessed to meet and spend time with seminarians and priests and I think they fostered a fondness for seminarians and priests that I still have. (Now, now, don't go thinking me weird or that I liked it because HELLO, there were a ton of guys there and I was young. Not the point.)

5. Reed and I began dating mid-December 2000, quickly starting talking love, marriage and family. We were engaged February 13, 2001 and married September 8, 2001. A whirlwind, but I wouldn't change a thing.


Now, for my questions. Since I had two nominations and I don't have time to answer all of their questions, I'm going to choose 5 from each of the ladies.

From Billie Jo:

1. Would you rather drink coffee or tea?

Coffee, for sure. With flavored creamer. I'm spoiled.

2. What is your ideal day? Staying home, or going out?

I'd say staying home, because that is what I'm used to. I do have to say that I do enjoy/need to get out sometimes too (alone) because I need the time away. Most often though, I just enjoy being home and my hubby is the exact same way. 

3. How did you choose you first child's name?

I just came up with the name Lily one day and mentioned it to Reed. He didn't like it right away, but came back to me a couple weeks later and said 'you know I've been thinking and I really like the name Lily.' It grew on him and I loved it's simplicity. When we saw her for the first time, we looked at one another and said "that's our Lily" and knew for sure.

4. What is your favorite meal to eat? And to prepare?

Hmm...this is tough. I really don't have a specific favorite for either. I guess an old stand-by at our house is lasagna made with my homemade, canned spaghetti sauce. Delish!

5. Which of your child's tv shows would you choose to run for a 24 hour marathon in your home?

Gosh, a number of them annoy me or I've learned to tune them out. Off the top of my head, I guess I'd say Arthur since it doesn't bug me too much and is something my big kids still tolerate and don't make fun of.

From Erica:

6. If you could have a conversation with one of the women of the Bible which lady would you choose and why? 

Mary. I think she has a lot she could teach me and she is such a perfect role model for me as a mom and wife.

7. Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall? Favorite season of the year and why? 

I guess I would have to say Spring, mostly because it follows Winter and I despise Winter. Spring is so full of new life, a new garden planting season, flowers that start to grow again and the grass gets green again.

8. Do you ever dream of taking a short vacation alone or with a couple of close girlfriends? If so, where would you go and what would you do? 

I long to go on a dream vacation with my husband, but I don't know if I could manage to be away from the kids for too long. I want to travel to Rome with my husband one day before we are too old.

9. Night owl or morning person? 

Morning person, but not by choice. My kids are early risers so I've forced myself to get up before them to start the day and became a morning person.

10. How many states have you visited? 

18, but most of them I merely drove through or stopped for a short amount of time while traveling.

Alrighty, enough about me. How about you? I think I am suppose to tag anyone with less than 200 followers and give them 10 questions. Please forgive me if I tag you and you've already done this post. I know I've seen a number of you post recently, but can't remember each of you.

I tag:

Heather @ HappyMomOnline

Mrs. B @ Joy Beyond The Cross

Lori @ Loving Them From Scratch

Therese @ The Musings Of A Mom

Patty @ Reasons For Chocolate

For you:

1. What is your favorite hobby? Something you spend lots of time doing or something you wish you could spend more time doing?

2. Do you have a favorite breakfast cereal? What is it?

3. When was the last time you went on a retreat? Would you do it again/are you planning on another one soon?

4. What color were your bridesmaids dresses at your wedding?

5. What would an ideal date night with your hubby be? 

6. Haircoloring. Yes or No?

7. What is a boy or girl name you like, but would never use?

8. If you could get away from your kids and travel abroad, where would you go?

9. Favorite holiday, Christmas or Easter? Why?

10. Most recent book you read or are currently reading?

Thanks for joining in and reading my Five Things list. I look forward to reading more from you!

Five Years And 700 Posts Later

While the world is swirling around us and life keeps moving forward, I suddenly stopped last night with a revelation that came to mind.

"Tomorrow's my Blog Anniversary", I said to hubby. I struggled to recall how many years it's been. Oh gosh, it couldn't hardly be five. It's must be four.

As I hopped on to Blogger this morning, the numbers told me it was so. Five years ago today I began an unknown journey in Bloggyland. Fascinated by that fact, I then glanced at the number of posts. How coincidental that this is also my 700th post!! Wow!

Considering the loss of innocent lives this past week it seems a bit trivial to write about my anniversary, so this will be short and sweet.

A mere 'thank you' hardly seems enough to offer each of you who have faithfully read here. Whether a new reader or one of my first who found me in my little corner of the blogosphere, I have appreciated each of you. Many of you I will never meet, but your kind comments and heartfelt prayers have been a blessing to me over the years.

As I think about the many posts over the years and how I began here, I am reminded of God's faithfulness and the ways He has blessed my hopeful heart. This began as a place to heal and sort out my aching heart that so desperately longed to hold on to hope.

This morning as I write, my screaming toddler and crying baby remind me of all that has come to fruition. Our home and our love has been multiplied, my children doubled and my Faith stronger. Much of that is due to the strength I gained from so many of you. Thank you.

And so, I REJOICE today for this little place and for all of you reading. I will pray in a special way today for your intentions and needs.

Happy Third Week of Advent!

May we continue to prepare our hearts and our homes for the Savior's birth.

Thanks, Blogger....I Think

How's everyone doing with the new Blogger layout/format? I'll be honest, after Cari's post I was scared to death to even click on over and try to post.

I don't like change. I especially don't like change in anything involving technology and mass quantities of brain cells that I currently cannot waste on frivolous Blogger changes. So far, I'm surviving with the changes.

Of course, I haven't attempted anything monumental like changing my background or header. I'm guessing that may be a little tougher and time consuming.

What I have found interesting is the changes on my Dashboard that lead to a Stats page. While I've had Sitemeter on here for some time, I mostly look at the numbers that I get from them in my weekly email. Rarely do I delve into where the readers are coming from, reading from, pages read, etc.

However, now that Blogger offers it quickly all on an overview page, it's intriguing. I see my most read posts, traffic sources, pageviews and my audience. Who knew that I have had readers from the Philippines, Ireland, Norway, France and Brazil?! I sure didn't. I also now know that 10% of pageviews have been from iPhones, 6% from Droids and 5% iPads. While I am not a numbers person, I was quite tickled to read all of these stats with a quick click.

Anyone else enjoy the stats or another new function of Blogger?

Unwanted Attention

I turned off my comments a couple of weeks ago since some people were having problems with the word verification. I thought I'd experiment and see what happens.

I've now had several spam comments left on random posts written back in 2010.

Thankfully, these are Anonymous comments so they aren't posting and I just receive notification in my email. But, it's got me wondering how best to screen this unwanted traffic toward my blog. Is the only best way to do it via the word verification when leaving comments? Anyone know?

While I love traffic here on my blog, I'd really rather not attract any 'ol Tom, Dick or Harry to my little corner of Blogville.