Thursday, November 30, 2006

'Tis the Season Part II

Ahhhh....the joys of the season. The lights, the music, the beautiful carols and yes, Virginia.....those vomitous children.

CastleMonk is once again under siege. This year's epic tale has begun with the little Liver Pie. Poor dear, she seems to have contracted the lion's share of illness this past month. She began her vomitous episode yesterday afternoon around 1 pm. I, of course, was not home at the time.

However, The Mad Monk handled the situation beautifully. She urped in the hall floor and he simply cleaned it up. This is not the same man that I married, mind you. The man that I married wouldn't share a drink, especially if a child had partook of it. He couldn't change Sis's diapers when she was a newborn without dry heaving through the entire process. Most of the time it ended with him running from the room with his hand clutched firmly over his mouth and MadMomma finishing the job. But my, oh my, how my Beloved has changed! He is THE man and I am so proud of him!

Thankfully, little Liver Pie is better today. The gamut of the virus has run it's course and is...uh...headed south, so to speak. I realized this when the Liver Pie told me that she puked out poopy (i.e. her way to describe "the runs"). The Mad Girl has a new nickname for little Liver entitled "Pukerella". We have told her this is NOT provoking one another to love and good works and perhaps a new, kinder name might be appropriate. Definitely not one involving the new phase of the virus!

However, despite Liver Pie's speedy recovery, now is the hardest time of any illness for us. It is the Russian roulette of any semi-large family. We wait. Who will be next? We once again stop to consider before eating any food item, "would I be willing to throw this up?" Yes, I know, you are aghast at my cavalier approach to this unseemly subject. This is, however, a fact of life around here. We are all for one and one for all so to speak. It's not if, but when. No amount of Lysol will protect you from the stomach virus that has no mercy. Nope. Golden Boy chooses to live in a dream world and think that if he spends enough time at his grandparent's house that he can out run it. He's a sad, foolish little boy. It will find him...eventually. It will find all of us.

So, while you all enjoy the many wonderful holiday foods such as pumpkin bread, eggnog, cookies and so on, please remember our poor little family. Look at your plate piled high with goodies and then stop. Reflect. Then ask yourself this question: "Am I willing to throw this up?"

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

A Time For Thanks

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Unfortunately, it seems to be the lost holiday as well. Sandwiched between Halloween and Christmas, it just doesn't carry enough gaudy costumes or yard decorations to draw much attention anymore. Society as a whole seems to think of it as simply a breather, a day of food and football if you may, before going onto something a little more exciting.

How sad that people have nothing for which they can stop and give thanks- for even one day. However, my post is not to begrudge those individuals, but to take the time that everyone should take and write about that for which I am most thankful.

As I sit here blogging, I look around me. I am in a relatively nice (in my opinion) house, in a nice neighborhood. We own two paid for vehicles ( well, one has a payment and a half left so it's close enough). There is food overflowing in the refrigerator and pantry. We have more than enough clothing. My sweet husband has a great job. I am privileged to stay home and be his helpmeet and my children's teacher. I have been blessed by God with four beautiful children. We are warm and safe.

That is just the tip of the iceberg. I could write pages about how thankful I am. When I truly take the time to stop and think about it, I am amazed. God has led and directed my path in ways that are incredible. The fact that The Mad Monk and I are together is amazing in and of itself. I give God all the glory for ALL of this. Afterall, man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, right? Do I do this all the time? No, not always. Should I? Absolutely.

Whether or not I have any of the things I mentioned above, I should still be thankful. Why? Because as God's elect we have a responsibility to be thankful.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)

So, as I sit here on my comfortable couch, I reflect and think. I reflect on God's good blessings on my life. I look forward to what blessings lie ahead of me. I think of the trials as well. And while it seems difficult to be thankful for those trials I realize that they will strengthen me and further me in my walk. So yes, I will be thankful for those trials as well.

I hope everyone will take the time to reflect and be thankful. Not just on Thanksgiving, but every day. We need to remember - God is good ALL the time.

Have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.

Monday, November 13, 2006

Me...the Fatalist

I admit it. If one could earn a degree in pessimism I would have a Doctorate.

On a regular basis I try to convince The Mad Monk that I'm a realist not a fatalist. He ain't buyin' it. I have this obscure way of seeing the absolute worst case scenario in every situation. It doesn't really matter how insignificant the situation is --I can make it worse. The humorous part about this sinful attitu....er...quirky behavior is that I'm really happy at the same time. It's like Eeyore and Tigger all rolled into one. I'm Eeyogger...or...er...Tiggore.

You have to admit that it is a pretty amazing ability to be able to snowball the tiniest thing into a giant catastrophe and still be happy about it. Don't ya think? The Mad Monk finds it so amusing that he has written a song about me in honor of my fatalism. You may find it here.

I have to go now...I have a headache. It's probably a tumor the size of a matzo ball.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

'Tis the Season

I'm not talking Fa La La La La either.

It seems we have come upon our annual season of illness. However, if I'm not mistaken we've started a little earlier than usual this year. We normally don't start this kind of stuff until a few more weeks into November. I will say though that I am more than happy to oblige any germ a little earlier so we may forgo the holiday season we had last year! Do those faithful few who read my puny blog remember this episode from last year?

While I do have the "Crud", fortunately it is not nearly as bad as it was in January. You may read that jolly little story here.

This Morning Little Liver Pie apparently came down with "something". High fever and mild sore throat seem to be her biggest complaints, but enough to keep our maniacal ball of energy still for most of the day.

This past Tuesday my sister took my 3 darling daughters over to my niece's house to see her cutie pie of a son (my great-nephew! --my niece is 24 and I'm 37 -neat,huh?) Anyhoo, after a grand afternoon of fun, my exhausted crew came home. About 2 hours after they were home my sister calls to let me know my great-nephew started throwing up, along with other bodily functions of which we shall not speak.

We have been exposed. Dun..Dun...Dun (that was my daunting music)

The "crud" and fevers and stuffy noses do not bother me. Throwing up bothers me. Not only do I have to clean up after everyone else, but eventually I will have to clean up after myself.
This, me thinks, is not Biblical. Did Proverbs 31 mention vomit? Oh alright, alright. It is all apart of serving my family and I need to do so with a good attitude and joyful heart. But I still might have to gag occasionally. Today I warned the older children to make sure they didn't eat anything they didn't mind throwing up. They were not amused. The Mad Monk, on the other hand, thought it quite funny.

At any rate, here we are. I pray that God will once again grant me the grace and patience to make it through this season. Who knows, maybe His Providential hand will lovingly choose to protect us from that nasty stomach virus.

Just to be safe though, our trash cans are all a little closer to our beds tonite. :)

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Political Ponderings

Well, the Republicans are down, but not out, right? I think not. What can I say? Where there is no vision the people perish. (Prov 29:18) I comfort myself in the fact that these elections were no surprise to God. He is Sovereign.

However, my mother is doing a happy dance in her living room this morning and I really don't want to call her. She is a Democrat. She is a "yellow dog Democrat". Do y'all know what that is? It is a Democrat that would rather vote for a yellow dog than to see a Republican in office. This term goes all the way back to animosity concerning the Civil War. My mom wasn't even alive during the Civil War, but she certainly carries the animosity towards Republicans! The funny thing is this; all 5 of her children are Republicans! ha!

As I was pondering all of this this morning, I had to reflect back on my childhood. I was raised in Democratic, union-loving, Republican-hating household. My parents worked for General Motors and they were both in the union. Who do the unions love? Yup, you got it...them Dems!

Anyway, my earliest political memory concerns Jimmy Carter. My mother just adored Jimmy Carter. Still does. It didn't matter what he did or how he did it, he was the cat's meow in her
eyes. I was right along there with her. I can remember being enthralled with seeing pictures of Amy Carter as well. I still can't figure that one out! I can remember chirping away in 4th grade about us "bein' Democrats". This was 1978. I was oblivious to the Iranian hostage crisis.

Ironically enough, I was disappointed in 1980 when Ronald Reagan became president. Why? Because he was a Republican and mom and daddy were disappointed -so I was disappointed.

When Ronald Reagan pushed for Social Security reforms, my dad was caught in the crossfire. From what I remember Reagan was trying to eliminate Social Security fraud thereby taking away Social Security from some. My dad's was taken away. He was a disabled Vet who was forced to retire early because of his disability. He was not committing any kind of fraud, but had to go to court in order to get his SS back. He succeeded, but the bitter pill left in my mother's mouth from that experience exists to this day.

I remember my 6th grade teacher telling the class that Reagan had been shot. I remember the space shuttle Challenger blowing up when I was in high school. I remember the Berlin Wall coming down. Unbeknownst to me, these things were shaping me. Unfortunately, I don't remember much else about Reagan, much to the dismay of The Mad Monk.

My first election I voted in was the 1988 Presidential election between George H.W. Bush and Michael Dukakis. I was not living at home then. I was here in Texas at college. Ironically enough, I voted Republican. Why? All I can say is,by God's grace.

I've voted in every election since. Always conservative. At times, it has caused major discord between my mother and I. Why, I'm not sure. I love my mother and would go to the ends of the earth for her as I've proved many a time. I chalk it up to the fact that she can't believe she raised a bunch of Republicans! The funniest part of the whole thing is that my mom is conservative. She's not in line with what the Dems are for, she just hates Republicans so bad that she votes Democrat. Now that's a yellow dog Democrat! :)

I won't say I'm a Republican anymore because I'm not. I am a Conservative. There is a big difference. It truly states where I stand and it diffuses my mother at the same time.

So, while I'm not happy with the outcome of yesterday's elections, it was anticipated. And eventually, I'll have to call my mother. Only after the happy dancing is over though.

God is Sovereign.

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Your Civic Duty

Ahem. (stepping onto my soapbox)

Did you all perform your civic duty today? Hmm? Do you all know what I'm talking about?

Voting, of course.

If you voted then good for you! If you didn't...well...tsk, tsk, tsk. Shame on you! Do you not realize that voting is a privilege? Something for which many countries are at war! We should run at the chance to cast our ballot, to make our choice! WE get to decide.

Since it is 10:30 pm I realize it is too late for all of you who didn't vote to vote this time. You know who you are. However, heed my words...we will lose this country to immorality and complacency if we (Christians) do not perform our civic duties! I'm not trying to be fatalistic just realistic.

If nothing else, let me inspire all of you non-voting Americans (sounds quite oxymoronic, doesn't it?) to make it a priority to get out at the next opportunity to vote and make a difference.

It's not hard! (cheers and applauding) Let's get out there and vote! (more cheers) Let's make a difference! (huge standing ovation accompanied by balloons falling from the sky!)

Thank-you. (stepping down from my soapbox to go take my codeine laced cough medicine.)

Monday, November 06, 2006

Oh Crud!

I have the crud. Or at least something that resembles the crud. I went to the dr. today and he told me I had the beginnings of bronchitis and was having asthmatic responses. Huh? I don't have asthma. According to him I do. Apparently, I now have adult onset seasonal asthma. Well, gee golly. My new best friends are Singulair, Omniceif and cough syrup with codeine. Woo-hoo.

I've been getting a case of bronchitis sometime between Nov-Jan for the last four years. Apparently this sends off bells and whistles of some sort to the docs. A sign, if you may, that something is amuck in my lung-olas!

At any rate, I don't like it one bit. I'm achy, croopy, sleepy and grouchy and I basically feel poopy. See...I've resorted to using bathroom humor words. While The Mad Monk would find these totally amusing, I'm really not sure good Christian women should use the poo word. But if the poo fits...

Whoa. Gotta stop there and end this post. The codeine laced cough syrup is doing a number on my sanctification process.

I bid you all adieu and good-nite.

p.s. If you might say a little prayer for me it would be much appreciated. Last year I couldn't shake the bronchial crud for a month. Steroids were called in. Eww. Let's just say I'm not good with steroids and they always interfere when I compete in the Tour de France. Er...or not.

God Bless.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Happy Belated Reformation Day!

In all of the hullabaloo of running around yesterday I forgot to post my Happy Reformation Day post. sigh. How anticlimactic.

This is truly our first year in trying to do something like this as opposed to the dreaded "H" word. We didn't mention the "H" word to 6yo Sis or 3yo LiverPie and so there was no opposition. My 13yo MadGirl (a term of affection, not her attitude, kinda like The Mad Monk and MadMommaMonk) asked several questions, but seemed to be satisfied by our reasoning and soon she was saying "Happy Reformation Day" on her own! :) IkeMan just went along for the ride.

Our decision to not be apart of Halloween (the "H" word) was one that took years to finally take place. It is, invariably, syncretism at it's worst. Why churches continue to observe a Romanist holiday is beyond me. Once I started learning about Reformation Day and Martin Luther it truly puzzled me as to why churches did not embrace this.

Harvest Festivals, Fall Festivals, Trunk or Treat (which is the hot, new thing for churches around here) are all examples of Christians trying to make the world's holiday more appealing to the church. Syncretism.

Please don't think that I'm trying to elevate myself among others. I am most definitely NOT trying to do that. All I'm trying to convey is why would the church embrace this holiday, which later had pagan implications, rather than supporting the wonderful day in history when Martin Luther helped bring about the Reformation. In doing so, he recovered the doctrines of God's grace and our salvation. Praise God! What's not to celebrate in that?

At any rate, we, like so many others, had a hard time giving up the "H" day. It can be a very appealing holiday despite it's dark side. However, in doing so we have taught our children a valuable lesson on many levels.

First, we admitted we were wrong. We didn't necessarily say it, though looking back perhaps we should have. Our older children had to see that. Whether or not they agree with it now, they see that mom and dad changed something because of their conviction. This, we believe, will leave a lasting impression.

Secondly, they learned they can survive without participating in a worldly function. It is so hard sometimes, for older children especially, to think if they don't participate then they will be shunned. We are called to be set apart, a peculiar people if you may, our children witnessed this yesterday. I was especially proud of theMadgirl. She takes two homeschool enrichment classes one day a week and yesterday was her class day. The "H" word came up in class and although she has never really celebrated Reformation Day or can completely explain it (yet) she defended it. While a minority protested and said it was stupid, she stood her ground.

Third, while the day didn't go completely as planned, we spent the day as a family. I made up candy bags for each child and by the evening most of us were just short of a diabetic coma. We ate junk, watched movies and enjoyed one another's company. We can never stress enough to our children how important family is. In a day where holy matrimony is being replaced with unholy baloney and children are barely tolerated, we conveyed to our children that family is important.

Lastly, as in all things, we pray we glorified God yesterday.

So, for those of you that are perhaps scratching your head in a perplexed sorta way, let me encourage you to do these things:

1. Read about Martin Luther. The 1953 movie entitled Martin Luther is amazing. Understand the implications of what he did.

2.Study up on the Reformation.

3. Quit wondering what syncretism means and pull out your dictionary. Understand how it affects the church.

4. Most importantly, search the Scriptures.

After doing all of these things come back to my blog in 364 days and tell me Happy Reformation Day! Er...wait a minute...you can come back before then. Certainly I will have something else interesting to say in the mean time. Maybe.

God Bless.

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Six year old musings

As we were getting ready for church last evening, my 13yo dd asked me if I liked what she was wearing. I didn't. Some of the layering that she was doing just didn't quite match and I'm a little particular about color coordination. It was also black and gray which are wonderful colors, but too much makes someone look rather "goth" and if the blacks aren't the same....well, you get the drift. This was too much.

She told me that The Mad Monk had told her it looked fine. Okay, while I won't get into the fashion sense of The Mad Monk let me just say that he will say almost anything if he's doing something and can't be disturbed. "Okay," I say, "then wear it." Not good enough. We went through this for about 30 minutes until she finally decided upon something a little different. Thank goodness. I thought we were done.

We load up in the van and then she asks me again, "are you sure I look allright?" So I decided that she needed a little more practical lesson here. I told her that God didn't look on the outward appearance, but upon the heart. She informs me she knows this, but still, did I think other people would think she looked allright. Hmmm... vanity, vanity. I then tell her that she shouldn't be concerned with what other people think of her, but what God thinks of her.

This is when 6yo Sis chimes in and exclaims, "He thinks she's great!"

Ah, the heart of a six year old!

Great New Site

Y'all need to go check out this new site! If it catches on it is going to be a wonderful asset to homeschoolers and those of the more conservative or "crunchy" persuasion! :) A great alternative to ebay.

So dig through yer drawers and closets and unused curriculum and go make some moola!

Friday, October 20, 2006

I'm A"Special" Mom

I normally shop at our local Costco every other week according to my husband's pay schedule. I normally have 3 of my 4 children with me. Today, however, I was childless. I roamed the store at lightening speed and stopped many times thinking I was forgetting something because I was moving through the store so swiftly. Ironically enough, I was kind of lonely. I missed them rascally kids.

I happened upon some fancier dresses priced at a most reasonable price of $18.99 and decided upon two matching ones for my 6 and 3 year old for the holidays. I then proceeded to the checkout. The lady at the checkout commented on the dresses and our conversation went something like this:

Cashier lady: Ohhhh, these dresses are so cute!

Me: I know, aren't they though?!

Cashier lady: I only had a son (frown), he's 11. He's at that smart mouth stage. Boy, one was enough for me!

Me: Oh really?

Cashier lady: O yeah! I don't know how women do it! It has to be a "special" person to have more than one kid! (knowing nod)

Me: You think? I have a son and 3 daughters.

Cashier lady: (jaw drop and eyes bugged) You have GOT to be kidding me!

Me: Nope.

Cashier lady: Oh girl, you must be one of those "special" women.

Me: Not really. It's not any more difficult having 4 than it was 2. There's just more help.

Cashier lady: You think? Ohhhh, not for me, no way, you're just one of those special women.

Me: (awkward silence) Hmmm...


Honestly, I didn't know how to respond to this woman. I don't consider my family large at all. I certainly don't think you have to be a "special" woman to have more than one child. I do think people need to view children in a different light and see them as the blessing God intended them to be.

I have had many comments like this lately and while I certainly don't join in on the child-bashing that occurs, I am finding that awkward silence seems to shut people up faster than trying to defend my stance. There seems to be a self-imposed foolishness on their part when I keep my mouth shut. For those of you that know me, you know this requires great restraint on my part. For those of you who don't know me...this requires great restraint on my part.

At any rate, I'm holdin' my head a little higher today because I'm....special.

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Vision Forum Goodies!

Wow! One of my very favorite blogs is Kim over at Life in a shoe.
If you've never read her blog the you need to head over there right now! More than just her hysterical adventures involving her beautiful family (she's the mom of 8!), she also has great advice of large family management and homeschooling. Kim is very fortunate to live in San Antonio TX where her hubby is the warehouse manager for Vision Forum.

If you've never been to the Vision Forum website you MUST go now! (But not before you finish reading this!) Vision Forum is a wonderful place to find Godly materials concerning the Christian walk. Plus, they sell good quality toys and books for children!

Here's the best part! Vision Forum is sponsoring a contest on Kim's blog and when you enter you could possibly win $700 in VF merchandise!!! Is that fantastic or what? If you've ever purchased from Vision Forum then I'm sure you're ditching my blog to head over there right now, right? If you've never purchased from Vision Forum then you MUST, MUST, MUST go and enter now!
To take advantage of this wonderful contest you need to Go here.
Follow Kim's directions for entering and pray that God is providential in your winning! Afterall, who needs luck when you're feeling providential!!

Monday, September 04, 2006

Provoking one another to love and good works

WARNING: I am on my soapbox. If you do not wish to hear me on my soapbox then please, read no further. Okay, please read further, it's really not too painful.

I am not one who normally engages in blog fodder. I will leave occasional comments and I thoroughly enjoy reading the 6 or 7 blogs I do read. Under no uncertain terms have I ever thrust myself into the middle of heated debate. Unfortunately, I stumbled across a blog this past Monday that was so full of uncharitable remarks (read: hateful) and commentary that I felt compelled to comment. Here is what I said:

I just randomly came across your blog this morning. I am not Presbyterian and I have no knowledge as to how the Presbytery (sp?) works. I do consider myself reformed and believe the doctrines of grace. I have read a few books by RC and RCJR. I have been to conferences that included RCJR as well. I'm not even sure who Doug Wilson is. I digress.

I normally "lurk" around blogs and rarely comment. This one, however, took me by surprise so much that I felt compelled to comment.

In previous posts you harass commenters for not giving a name, yet I have not seen your name once. You vehemently write of how immoral RCJR and Doug Wilson are and yet here you are "slinging mud" by the handful. Tell me Mr. so and so ( I'm purposely avoiding his blog name), is this your idea of advancing the kingdom? Of provoking one another to good works? I think not. Might I suggest you find something more productive to do with your time than slandering others.

I am not defending the actions of these men for I do not know them nor their particular situations. However, you rebuke these men for their ungodliness and the unbiblical way they are handling their church and personal affairs, yet you, my friend, are doing the same thing.

I am sure I have now opened myself up to your wrath and for that I am sorry. I'm sorry that you feel compelled to pummel and insult other believers because they do not see things in your light. Hmm...kind of the same way you refer to RCJR and Doug Wilson doing in their congregations.

"IF" the things you write about these men are true then sobeit. It is sad and I will certainly pray that God's will be done. However, if you can tell me that a blog that dedicates itself to the disparagement of two brothers is glorifying to God in any way then please let me know. I will have to read and then re-read the first question in my catechism.


I thought of linking to this blog, but then decided I didn't want to give this person the satisfaction of having others read his poison. From what I read, this person professed to be a believer. However, from what I read I have serious doubts.

I do not understand how fellow believers feel they have some sort of divine right to tear other believers down. In Matthew it reads:

Mat 18:15 "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
Mat 18:16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
Mat 18:17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.


Most, if anyone out there, who happens upon my puny, neglected blog will be scratching their heads going, "Huh?" Details are not the point here. The point here is that Christians have no biblical right to tear one another down publicly. The verse above explains that any offense is to be a private matter, extending no further than the local church. The blogosphere is not our personal pulpit where we may lambaste whomever we please.

Am I saying one cannot have an opinion?. Absolutely not. However, if one cannot have an opinion without disparaging a brother then maybe one needs to keep one's opinions to one's self! I don't understand how others cannot see how this cripples the church and it's sheep!

When posed with the dilemma of acknowledging a sensitive subject, we need to ask ourselves a few questions: 1. Does this glorify God? 2. Does this advance the kingdom? 3. Will this provoke others to love and good works? 4. Is it my business?

Pro 21:23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Officially off of my soapbox! Have a great day!

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Anniversaries

Today is mine and The Mad Monk's wedding anniversary. It has been eight wonderful, glorious years since we vowed before God, our families as our witness, to love, honor, cherish and all the other promises one's wedding should contain.

I can truly say that I am married to my best friend. My soulmate. I know, I know....some of you are muttering to yourselves "soulmate schmoulmate," right? Well, let the record know that I absolutely believe in having a soulmate. A soulmate is that one person that God created just for you! Long before I was ever conceived God knew The Mad Monk was the man for me! Some people would find that frightening! I know that God knew our kindred, yet bizarre, personalities were meant for one another. Now some people are really frightened! Yet here we are....happy as bugs! Uh...I guess bugs are happy. I know we are. :)

Happy Anniversary honey!

There is also another anniversary today. One year ago today our 3 year old (then only two) LiverPie nearly cut her right, index finger completely off. It was one those very scary parenting moments. Her finger was accidentally slammed in a door by our then 5 year old sweet dd. As The Mad Monk described it to friends and family ..."the tip of her finger was like a Pez dispenser"....you can imagine the hand motions he was making if you've ever seen a Pez dispenser function!! It was quite the traumatic experience for everyone. That sweet, little finger held 12 stitches that day! Thankfully, God healed our little sweetie and she is using her finger all the time now. It is usually found conveniently up her sweet, little nose.

So Happy June 27th! We now have two reasons to be thankful today!

Friday, June 02, 2006

Phoenix

Once again, long ago in April, I posted concerning a trip to Phoenix that The Mad Monk and I were able to take courtesy of hubby's job. It was a short trip. Like 36 hours short. This would include 4 flights and 8 hours of sleep in this 36 hour window.
We shared a burger and fries at the airport around noon on the day we left. Two flights, a trip to his office and after checking in at the hotel we realize we are starved. Because of the time change we didn't realize we hadn't eaten in 8 hours!! The kind people at The Outback Steakhouse were nice enough to keep their hands out of the way as we inhaled out food!
However, I have to say that the very BEST part about the trip was this bed at the hotel!!
It was King size, it had 6 down pillows and a down comforter ---ALL FOR US! I have never slept so well and been so comfy in my life! We also had a nice view from the hotel room. The only other exciting thing that happened was probably when I had The Mad Monk shoot across 3 lanes of traffic to pull into a parking lot after I spotted a Goodwill! Hey, I found a brand new denim skirt! I say it was Providential. The Mad Monk says it was suicide.

The biggest hightlight of the trip, however, was the flight home. You would think if one is flying from Phoenix to Dallas that one would head due East, right? nope. The herded us to --of all places-- Las Vegas first. Then, just to make the evening more exciting, the trip from Vegas to Dallas was packed like a sardine can in the aircraft with the smallest seats known to man! Sweet hubby and I were in the very last row in the back where it felt like the engine was in our lap. Not to mention that the poor man across the aisle was so large that he took up half the aisle when seated. He had to get up and walk to the back of the plane every time someone needed to use the restroom. There was no rest to be had by anyone in the back row. Finally, it just had to become humorous and we just laughed the rest of the way home.

I will say this though....I STILL don't like to fly and I much prefer Texas any day! Posted by Picasa

The Garden

I mentioned in that long ago April 22nd post that we had planted a garden. It was only a thought in my head at Christmas. I had pre-selected the spot in my yard and set out to learn everything I could in starting an organic garden. Here is my plot of soil in the backyard I selected for our garden Then, after returning from Tennessee in March, I rented a tiller and the 14yo strapping boy and I set out to whip that piece of soil in submission. After much tilling, weed pulling, rock-chucking, 5 bags of organic compost, 1 bag of lava sand and a half bag of dried molasses we were ready to plant! We planted 15 tomato, 4 zucchini, 4 yellow squash, 4 spaghetti squash, okra, pickling cucumbers, green beans and watermelon! After alot of sweat and few visits to the chiropractor this is how the final project looked. Not bad for beginners, huh? You can even see the small compost pile in the back.
Lo, and behold, we can actually grow things! Who would have ever thought? (insert head scratching here) Some of our "supposed" zucchini squash ended up being calabaza or mexican squash, but we were still thankful! Here were our first fruits. We promptly cut them, cooked them and ate them!
We are now to the point to where we are up to our ears in squash. We have learned a few lessons along the way as well. First of all, when the back of the seed package says space the plants 3 feet apart...there is a reason. Secondly, when a more experienced gardener tells you that squash will take over a garden...believe them! We are not quite to the point to where people are running from us when they see us coming with bags of squash, but I'm sure they will be soon! The family is still enjoying the plentiful loaves of zucchini bread as well!
We currently have about 36 green tomatoes so I'm sure I'll be canning those in the next month or so and then I can fill you in on that adventure. Today we discovered two tiny little watermelon and one little cucumber -yeah! I hope to post pictures soon of our hilariously overgrown garden! It's quite comical actually. Next year ---new plan---same amount of stuff--ALOT bigger area!
One thing is for sure. God has truly blessed us in this venture. On a daily basis our family is seeing His bountiful provision and His glorious work of creation right before our eyes!

Genesis 1:12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. Posted by Picasa

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Sweet girls!

These are our precious daughters. Our fair maidens we are raising to be godly wives, mothers and most of all servants of Christ.

We were getting ready to go to our Ladie's Luncheon at our church when The Mad Monk snapped this picture. I think it's priceless! Posted by Picasa

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Pardon the Absence

Okay. I lied. I said I would start posting more and I actually started to post less. Sorry.

I haven't fallen off the planet or anything. I've just fallen into my family and something called "living". I'm spending more time with my children, my sweet MadMonk hubby (whose not been posting either --HA!), planting a garden and so on. I' ve been spending less time on the computer, on the phone and out and about being idle.

Pro 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness..

It is not good for the soul to be idle. I'm much happier being busy and doing the things God intended for me to do.

So, for those of you who check in time to time I do apologize. I have so many hilarious stories to share, but so little time. I have decided that I would rather post once a week, or once a month even, and just make it one GIANT post rather than trying to take so many precious moments away from my family and try and post daily.

I hope to post one of my planned GIANT posts soon as much has happened in the last month. A sneak peek would be: Mine and The Mad Monk's trip to Phoenix, planting our garden, the toilet paper roll wars AND wisdom teeth extrations.

So more to come soon. I hope you come back. :)

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

It's Good To Be Home!

Ahhhh, the joys of travel. My rather unexpected trip to Tennessee really put a hitch in my giddy-up for awhile, but hopefully I can get back to some regular scheduled blogging.

This trip was definitely a working trip. My poor mother and uncle were being swallowed up with illness, clutter and general Murphy's Law proportion disasters. In the 11 days I was there this was what happened:

1.Hot water heater broke. Estimated repair $350.

2.While replacing the hot water heater a pipe burst on the repair man. This water sprayed all over my mom's sewing area where thousands of dollars worth of machines, material and supplies are kept. (Heater is in basement). Estimated time to clean up: 3 hours.

note: this all happened in the first 48 hours after arriving.

3.The day after the hot water heater was fixed, the other side of the basement flooded. Time spent bailing water: 1 hour.

4.My uncle was becoming worse. After consulting with my sister (a nurse, thankfully) I persuaded my uncle to go to Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville (top notch hospital, by the way). Drove over an hour to Nashville and proceeded to stay in the emergency room for 7 hours when they finally decided to admit him. Over an hour to get home.

note: This was the 5th or 6th day into my trip. I had been calling two of my sisters, one in TX and one in MI, filling them in on the news. They decided to come help for a few days.

5.Basement keeps flooding. Mom decides it could be septic so she calls the septic guy to come out and pump the tank while we were in Nashville. Estimated cost: $150

6.The day after taking my uncle to Nashville I have to take my mom back to Vanderbilt so she can hear what the docs have to say. I was going to drop her off and my sister coming in from TX was going to pick her up on her way in that evening. When I'm about 30 miles from getting back to mom's house she calls and says, could you come and get me now, there's really no need for me to be here. So, I turn back around and go get her.

7.My uncle is diagnosed with severe vascullitis. He had already lost feeling in his feet and fingers. He could barely walk and could hardly hold on to anything. Apparently this can be fatal. Thankfully, we made the right decision by transporting him to Vanderbilt.

8.The day after my sister from TX arrives the basement floods AGAIN. More bailing. We determine that it could be a clogged drain that goes from the basement to the outside. We take the power washer to it and try to blow the drain out . We think this solves the problem. WRONG! But playing with the power washer was a blast! Get it? Oh, never mind.

9.My brother-in-law and sister from Michigan arrive to proceed with a Weekend Warrior type 2 days. My bil determines that the plumbing in the basement has been hosed with and he has to re-plumb several things to stop the flooding. Many hours of work. Flooding fixed. All hail Master Plumber Tom!

10.In the process of determining the plumbing issue my bil digs up the septic to see if it had truly been drained. Didn't look like it so he calls the septic company back and they determine that my uncle and mom have a double tank. Who'd a thunk it??? Sure enough, they come with a back hoe and dig that puppy up! I won't go into the details, but it was horrifically disgusting which is probably why my 14yo son found it absolutely fascinating! Estimated cost: $100

9.Hours upon hours of raking, digging, planting and general yard maintenance.

10.Hours upon hours of cleaning, painting and organizing my mom's house.

11.24 hours before we have to leave....3yo LiverPie falls off a t-bar swing and has to go to the emergency room to get two stitches in her head!!! If you ask her what happened, she'll tell you she "kissed some rocks"!

So, there you have it. Not necessarily a fun trip in the kind of fun where you do lots of neat things, but definitely a satisfying trip. While it was very hard to leave my 70yo mother there alone, it was very satisfying to know that we came together as a family and took care of her and my uncle. We left her with a clean home, a clean yard and plumbing that worked correctly. I didn't get a whole lot of homeschooling done in the area of books and knowledge. However, the character lessons that were learned, the love that was shown and the hard work that was accomplished were, I felt, we more important than any math problem we could have done.

God Bless

Saturday, March 11, 2006

Topsy Turvy

Do you ever have one of those times in your life where everything seems to be going crazy? This is one of those times.

I am writing this post from the Volunteer state. Any guesses? Yep, I am in the hills of Tennessee. I've been here since Wednesday evening. The three girlies and I jumped in the car at 4:30 am and headed for the hills. It only took 14 hours to get here with multiple stops, so I didn't think we did too bad. The Mad Monk and 14yo Monkey boy are at home hanging out, enjoying the hormone-free environment.

I knew I was taking this trip only 4 days before I left, so I had to plan some things for the guys to eat in my absence. I have never been more embarassed at the check-out line in the grocery store in my life. Frozen pizzas, chicken wings, burritos, corndogs and of course I had a few chips and snacks for our little road trip as well. I was trying to explain to the cashier WHY I was buying all this "garbage", like I had to justify myself or something. I'm not even sure she understood English, but if she did I don't think she believed me anyway.

Why the trip? My mom and my uncle live together to help each other out. My uncle has become ill and can hardly walk, so my borderline diabetic, heart patient, 70 yo mother has been his caretaker. I came down to help around the house a little. They live on 2 acres and needless to say, they needed the help. They will be moving to Texas in the next few months so they can be closer to me and one of my sisters, but for the time being we have to get their place cleaned up and ready to sell.

Anyway, that would explain my lack of blogging lately and I plan on trying to do some from here. It really is beautiful and my citified girlies are having a ball!

p.s. I'm gonna go crazy because there's not a Reformed church less than an hour away!

Friday, February 24, 2006

Something's Awry in CastleMonk

CastleMonk is never void of some kind of mischief. If it isn't the Great Barking Menace or Gigi and Tink the wonder kittens, then you can bet your right eye that LiverPie is SOMEwhere doing SOMEthing.

Our youngest offspring seems to have a penchant for doing the unexpected. She is uncannily sly and can manage to slip from view in a moments notice. She managed to do this the other day in epic proportions. She had already been caught playing in the bathroom sink under the guise of "washing her hands". This excuse could not explain the three soaked washcloths laying in the floor. She was then apprehended while shoveling large, heeping scoops of dogfood into The Great Barking Menace's bowl. Enough, I might add, to have done Y2K proud. We should have known more was coming.

Since The Mad Monk is blessed to work from home we can usually tag team one another on days like this. On this particular day we were caught unawares in a moment of weakness . I was in the family room with Madgirl and Sis. The Mad Monk walks in and chats for a few minutes. I then ask him if the LiverPie is with him in the office. No, he says. Gasp!

DUN DUN DUN (ominous music enters). We both jet from the family room into the kitchen and begin calling the miniest of the miniMonk's. She is nowhere in sight. Then all of a sudden, we hear our bedroom door slowly open. LiverPie comes crawling out of our door on all fours with her head down. We then ask her what she's been doing because inevitably we KNOW she's been doing something. This is what we found:



Apparently, she felt it necessary to explore my make-up bag and apply lipstick and mascara. She really did try for her eyelashes, but since it was unsuccessful she decided to go for the eyebrows! I think she had a nice Groucho Marx effect going here. The Mad Monk and I both agreed that the evil eyebrow thing was fitting. Also, notice the look of sheer guilt on her face. The fingers in the mouth are indicative of this guilt.



Once again, life is quiet for the moment at CastleMonk. LiverPie is free of the evil eyebrow and while discipline was not included in the above offense, she is now aware of the consequences concerning "self-expression" in CastleMonk. LiverPie makes life so interesting and fun that I just couldn't imagine not sharing her antics with everyone. Posted by Picasa

Saturday, February 11, 2006

Please Pray

Sometimes you just do things because they touch such a raw spot deep inside you. That is exactly why I am posting this. I would ask any of you that read this blog to please take a moment and visit this site. There is a little girl clinging to life and needing to be lifted up to God Almighty. This homeschooling family's grief must be overwhelming right now. Pray for her, pray for them and pray that God's will be done. God Bless all of you.

Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Rom 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

One of "those" days

Okay, I am a recovering unorganization-aholic. I think it falls under some kind of 10-step program. You know...like one step forward and nine steps back. Today has been one of "those" days. I made lots of progress yesterday and today it seems as if some anti-organization forcefield has surrounded me.

It all started by waking up 30 minutes late. I should have known my doom was sealed at that point, but NOOOOOOO....I still chose to get out of bed. I would love to be a member of this club, but I'm not quite that ambitious at this time in my life. If I'm up between 6:45 and 7:15 I'm feelin' pretty good about things. At any rate, this morning I didn't get up until 7:30. Ugh.

I had eaten breakfast and pressed my clothes (yes, I obsessed with ironing --more about that later). I was washing my face when my hubby comes in and tells me my nephew is already here (I was babysitter today). What??? 20 minutes early??? Foul, I cry. I hadn't vacuumed yet!

I managed to get passed that hurdle and out the door to meet a friend for some fellowship when lo, and behold...The Mad Monk calls and hour into my fellowshipping. I missed a phone meeting at 11:30! A meeting that I -yes I- had set up! As this is a home-based business, thankfully the gal on the other end of this meeting was not upset.

The rest of the day seemed to slide by into oblivion with nothing significant getting done. Part of this is due to the fact that my little rugrat of a nephew (he is SO cute) has learned how to crawl. I haven't had a crawling infant in a while. I am not prepared for a crawling infant. The crawling infant had to be watched like a hawk all afternoon lest he fall prey to mischief!

Lastly, I ditched dinner in an effort to hit Costco with The Mad Monk and the mini-Monks, trying to save me some time later in the week. We ate pizza at Costco. I also brought home a pizza (uncooked) from Costco for the bottomless-pit-I'm-still-hungry-14yo-son. I put it in the oven with the cardboard still under it. I burned the bottom of it. The smoke alarm went off. 5yo dd runs out and yells, ' what's that noise?" to which The Mad Monk replies, "oh honey, that just means mommy is done with dinner." He grins and tells me that I'm now blog fodder.

Alas, I have never been more thankful to see the end of one day than I have been today. I get to start over tomorrow. I will have the crawling rugrat, but I think I have found a solution to that problem. I'm going to try and take a snapshot of my idea and post it tomorrow. Thankfully, I will not be cooking pizza so the fire department can rest as well.

My sweet 5yo came in a little while ago with a pink visor on her head that she found under my bed. "Look what I found under your bed mommy!". She was so excited. She also showed me a little horse of hers that she had discovered under there as well. Then she exclaims, "No wonder you want to clean your room! You have some cool stuff under your bed!" And so it is. Tomorrow I will attempt once again to go clean up all that "cool stuff." I have to admit though...I wouldn't trade my life for anything.

Saturday, February 04, 2006

Once? Twice? Third time's a charm!

So The Mad Monk and I go to a homeschool conference in our area last night. It was about a 45 minute drive from where we live and pretty much a straight shot to get there. We were very excited to be there because R.C. Sproul, Jr. was going to be one of the speakers and well as Tim Lambert. Dr. Sproul is one of our favorite teachers and authors and we were hoping to get there a little early to maybe have a chance to talk with him.

The conference began at 7p.m., registration began at 6p.m. and The Mad Monk and I left at 5p.m. All our ducks were in a row. Or so we thought. As we approached the exit we were going to take The Mad Monk asked me to pull out the directions he had just printed on line. We exited, turned left as the directions said and turned left again onto the Service Rd. We were looking for and address of 4636. The directions indicated that we need only go 0.1 miles and we would arrive at our destination. We drove and drove and drove some more, but there was no 4636. We finally pulled into a church off of the service rd to look at the directions again. I asked my dear hubby if this could be the spot and he indicated that it could not because it was a church with a Christian school and this, afterall, was a homeschool conference. Hmmmm... maybe we did something wrong.

So, we continued on the service rd. and finally turned back around heading for the original exit. I then asked my dear hubby what the name of the church was that we were supposed to be meeting at. He didn't know. It wasn't important anyway because we had a physical address. He also indicated it wasn't going to be at the church that was sponsoring the event, but one that would be able to accommodate the crowd. So, we continued past the original exit to the next road up where we saw another church. Ahhhhh! This must be it we thought. Wrong. Once again, we continued up the service rd turning occasionally, thinking maybe we just couldn't see the building. Finally, we came upon the same church we first turned into. We were befuddled because it was in the 4900's and we just couldn't seem to find the 4600's. As we pulled out for the second time I decided to call my sister and have her look up the name of the church online. By this time, of course, I was starting to suffer from car sickness. When we originally pulled off of the exit we were celebrating the fact that it was only 5:45pm. Woo-hoo! Time to spare! It was now 6;15pm and the mood was getting a little somber. I was headachy and getting a little irritated at the situation.

After many minutes of her fiddling with her computer, my sister finally finds the link to the homeschool conference. Guess what? The address was 4936 not 4636. 9...6...9...6...could this fall under dyslexia? I also bet you can't guess which church it was we were supposed to be at? ONLY the one that we had been at two times previous in the last 30 minutes! But we must remember that a name was not important because afterall, we had a physical address!

When my sister revealed this important little numerical tidbit The Mad Monk knew he was going to get it! During the shrieks of laughter that followed I made it very clear that he had once again opened himself up for some good old fashioned blog fodder. He graciously and humbly admitted he was fresh meat. The guffawing continued up the service rd until we once again, turned into the same church for the third time. Third time's the charm, I guess.

By the way, the conference went very well. Sweet hubby went back today for the rest of it by himself. He managed to find it the first time today. Go figure.

Thursday, February 02, 2006

Time For Some Routines

In an effort to resume some normalcy and order to our household after the last tumultuous month of my illness, I am *trying* to incorporate some basic routines. This would include limiting my time on the computer and maximizing my time while there. I am starting to write out my blog thoughts during the day and then be able just to type and post them later in an effort to minimize time wasted. Does this make sense? I'm hoping that this doesn't affect my charming personality and flair for humorous fodder. heehee..just kidding.

Anyway, as I've lamented before, organization is not my forte. Time management seems to be a familiar nemesis as well. When these two personality traits come head to head, all manner of chaos unfolds. As has been played out over the last month around here. However, the advantage to being sicker than a dog and flat on one's back for almost a month would be that one becomes very aware of one's weaknesses. It became very apparent that one needed some serious self-evaluation.

I came to the humbling conclusion that HAD I been more organized (in ALL aspects of the term) and HAD I controlled my time better that things MIGHT have gone a little smoother during my duration of illness. I don't mean to say that ALL was lost this last month because it was not. Some very valuable lessons were learned by multiple people involved. However, the situation could have been greatly aleviated had some basic routines been incorporated.

As I've noted before, God is not a God of chaos. He is a God of order and as Christians our lives should be a direct reflection of him. This has been such a glaring failure in my life as of late. I have for years been the punch line for many family jokes concerning some of my disorganization. I have one particular sign in my kitchen that reads: A messy kitchen is a happy kitchen; this kitchen is delirious. Again, we do not live like swine nor anything relating to porkish meats, however, there is some vast room for improvement. Through God's grace, it is my prayer that my failures can be turned into God's victories for His glory alone. While I want to please my husband, my family and myself, my desire should be to please God more. For He alone can change me and turn this mortal flesh into something pleasing to Him. As I look forward to feeling better I also look forward to becoming the woman God would have me to be. I realize that bad habits are hard to break. I realize that years of chaos will not be easy to change. However, as The Mad Monk reminds me ever so often, God's mercies are new EVERY day. That is a promise I will be claiming on a regular basis. :)

Saturday, January 28, 2006

Not So Back Afterall...

Well, I recently posted that I was back from illness and that The Mad Monk had opened the can of proverbial Blogworms with me. How wrong I was.

It is day Day 30 in such said illness. Just when I thought I was better...I wasn't. I wish that my desire to post had not waned in this illness, but unfortunately it has. It has something to do with my horizontal position on the couch and the angle of the non-laptop computer sitting on the desk. It may also have something to do with the horrific amount of medication I am on so that I may simply breathe. One of which is the reason that I am blogging at 5:25 am because it can interfere with sleep. I have been awake and unable to go back to sleep since 2:45am.

I am, however, thankful to be enjoying the sound of a pounding rain. This is a sound that has not been heard in these parts of Texas for a long time. God is good and I am so glad that in the middle of this discouraging time I can still find reasons to praise Him and give Him the glory.

For those out there in blogdom that do take the time to read, please be patient. I will hopefully be feeling much better in a week or so. The Mad Monk has been busier than a one-armed paper hanger at work and he has been pulling double duty around the house because of my non-ability to perform lately. His blog has suffered as well. This is not to say that plenty of blog fodder has not occurred around here because trust me...it has. We've just been too sick or tired or sick of being tired or tired of being sick to post about it.

Prayers are optional, but appreciated.

Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Friday, January 20, 2006

Resolutions and such...

In the past few years I have not made New Year's resolutions. Well, okay I have. I made a resolution not to make a resolution. I am actually torn on the issue. I know I'm late in posting this, but give me a break, I've been down with bronchitis for WAY too long. I agree with making goals, but resolutions just sound so...so...so....resolute.

So, I broke my own rule. I made a resolution. I resolved that I was going to be more organized. Now, if you've looked over my blog very much you know this is an issue with me. As I have struggled with this issue for years, I felt it was high time to take the proverbial bull by the horns and really become aggressive with this problematic trait. So what happens? I end up sick and essentially on my back for the first two weeks of the New Year. This is what happens when I make resolutions. Alas, it is my curse I'm afraid. And so, the quest for organization proceeds with reckless abandon...uh...that's rather oxy-moronic, huh?


On another note...the MadMonk has opened a can of Blogworms. Since my doggone funny post about him a few weeks back he has suffered at the hands of my blog readers and more importantly our dear brothers and sisters at church. This blogger found it so funny he posted on it and linked to both our blogs. Needless to say, his pride is suffering. So, how does he respond? He retaliates against me by opening a can of Blogworms with a post about me shooting a b.b gun at the squirrels in our back yard. He's grasping at straws. Nothing and I mean n-o-t-h-i-n-g that I do could possibly be as funny as what he did!

The war for blog fodder has begun at CastleMonk. Even the mini-Monks are running through the house yelling "Blog that!". It's rather frightening. So I would imagine that the next few months around here are going to be interesting. At least until The Mad Monk feels avenged. Bark! Bark!, honey.

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Shheeeee's Baaaaaack!

Fear not, blogdom! I have returned. Actually, I haven't officially returned because I'm not actually going to post a whole lot at the moment. I'm just letting all of my adoring fans (snort!) know that I haven't kicked the bucket or given up on blogdom. I've just been dern sick is all! So cross your fingers and hope to....er....hope for pie --- because I'm back!

Thursday, January 05, 2006

My Alter Ego

I have a confession to make. I have an alter ego.

Let me say first and foremost, I love my role that God has so graciously given me. My duty to God in serving my family would cause a lot of women to scoff and mock. Me? I say, bring it on. Which leads others to scratch their heads when they discover my...Dun! Dun! Dun! (that was supposed to be my dark music)...alter ego.

While I love and embrace being a wife and mother, my alter ego would cause most women in Reformed circles to shudder at the mere thought. A side that usually shocks and bewilders other men. A side that The Mad Monk finds ...well...um... I haven't used this kind of language since public high school, but here it goes...... totally COOL!

I love College Football.

There, I said it. I unabashedly proclaim my love for the barbaric game that involves a spherically shaped pig skin and big men bashing their heads together. I can't help it. It has to be some kind of genetically, mutated gene. I've tried to shake the habit, but when I hear the words "Big Ten" I'm drawn to the television like Martha Stewart is to prison ..er..I mean a room full of pretty flowers.

Whew! Now that my secret is out, let me just say...Did you all watch that game last night? Longhorns 41. USC 38. Hook'em Horns! Wow! What a come from behind victory for my Longhorns. Vince Young was just incredible. Not only passing for over 200 yards, but rushing for over 200 yards as well!

We almost went to bed when Texas was behind by 12, but we my ds and I (not The Mad Monk) continued to show our support on our favorite team. Where was The Mad Monk, you ask? Oh, well he did what he normally does during a sporting event when his team is pressed for luck in a tight spot. He tucked tail and ran. Yep, I believe his exact words were, "I'm going to bed". Not until he heard our whoops and hollers (as much as one can with bronchitis, of course) when Texas closed in on the score did he come back to the room to watch the final 3 minutes. Of which, in my humble opinion, the last 19 seconds will go down in college football infamy!

There you have it. I love college football (not professional). I love the Texas Longhorns (not the Dallas Cowboys). And I love a great game like the won that was played last night!

...maybe tomorrow I'll post some of my favorite football friendly recipes.

side note: I love my sweet hubby despite his inability to watch his favorite teams in a pinch. He understands my ultra-competitive personality and loves me anyway. In his defense, he did buy me medicine and put the mini-Monks to bed last night. He's a great guy...just a wimpy fan!

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Delirious

It is 1:22 a.m. and I am blogging. Why, you ask? Because I went to the dr. today and I do in fact have bronchitis. Yuck! I'm also hacking my brains out and can't sleep. This is where the delirium comes into play.

I haven't slept well in days. I've been pretty jovial through the whole ordeal. However, my sleep -deprivation-sense-of-humor power packs are depleting fast. No longer will I find The Mad Monk's "so why don't ya cough up the other lung, honey" comments funny anymore. The mockery I've received from my children concerning the fact that I have no voice and when I do I sound like a bonified, two pack a day, life-long smoker, will no longer be nearly as amusing as it was days ago. Even the elfish pharmacy clerk at Wal-Gr**n's sniggered at my hoarseness today. Shame, shame to you all! As the old saying goes: If Momma ain't happy; ain't nobody happy. That's me. Beware.

It also doesn't help that Texas is breaking record highs for this time of year and we had a high of 84 today!! Sweating and coughing are two things that do not work simultaneously. The Mad Monk has yet to be convinced of my pleas to move North. I have decided that tomorrow I will make my own "North" and crank up the AC so we can wear the sweaters and sweatshirts we all received for Christmas.

I wish I had Amy's attitude concerning this particular illness. And she's expecting! I would love to be expecting -- just not with bronchitis. I'm a wimp, I know. I'm rambling and digressing so much now that I'm not even following my own post. I bid you all adieu and good-night.

Pro 21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

Does this verse apply to a woman suffering from cold-enhanced-sleep-deprivation-delirium?

Monday, January 02, 2006

Ringing in the New Year

Happy New Year everyone! I can officially say that I haven't blogged since last year! Don't you hate it when people go around saying they haven't done this or that since last year? Nah, me neither. It is actually a game of sorts around CastleMonk.

Honestly, I can say that I have been sick since last year. Not fun. I considered going to the dr. Friday and couldn't get an appointment. I considered going to the after-hours clinic Saturday and decided I could wait until Monday. Well, guess what? All dr.'s offices are closed today for the New Year! ACK! Don't they realize there are sick people in blogdom who need to get well?!

I am sorely regretting that I didn't make an attempt to go on Saturday because for the most part, I've been on my back since Saturday night. The Mad Monk is referring to my cough as a seal bark. He is also asking me when I plan to cough up my other lung. He is trying to persuade me into going to the urgent care clinic, but I refuse because I don't want to spend that kind of money. Probably not the smartest time to become a tightwad I know. I just keep telling myself that the dr. will be open tomorrow.

The biggest disappointment to me in being sick is that I didn't get to attend Worship services again yesterday. I say again because it marks the 3rd Sunday in a row that I haven't been in the Worship service. The first time was when we were at church and the miniest-Monk began to throw-up so we had to leave. Then on Christmas day I had to stay home because another mini-Monk had been vomiting as well. And now....me.

To some extent it feels like a spiritual drought. I haven't heard the Word preached and I am missing it. I also miss the music and the fellowship with dear friends. I understand now why in Hebrews we are instructed not to forsake not the assembling of ourselves together. We need the Word, we need the fellowship, but more importantly we need to worship God and bring glory to Him.

For whatever reason CastleMonk seems to be going through and extended period of illness. It is my hope and prayer that even though I want God to bring it to a close, I want more to remain faithful to Him and bring Him the glory despite the "drought".

May that be our desire for all of 2006! Happy New Year!