Wednesday's Weird Ways

Things have been a little heavy around La Vida Dulce (or at least my heart has felt heavy), so let's lighten things up, shall we?

Let me tell you about something in my life that I don't often share with people, lest I be labeled a "granola-eating tree-hugger"... although to be honest I do eat plenty of granola and, there are worse things to be called...

Anyway, back in the day when I lived in North Texas, the juicing craze hit our area, and I got swept in. 

I was a young mom, with a busy life, and a few issues, and I was in need of energy. There was a Friendly Juicing Lady who swore that juicing could cure any ailment, from hiccups to heat-stroke, with a daily drink of freshly squeezed veggies. 

However, her big push was ALL! THE! ENERGY! you could gather by simply swallowing a swig of orange colored root cure. 

The Holy Grail of vegetables: The Carrot. 

A couple of my friends were already on the carrot juice bandwagon, I didn't want to be left out of the loop. 

(For as much as I am a leader, when it comes to following I've done my fair share.)

Next thing I knew, I was buying carrots by the 10 pound bags and was drinking juice like a bunny on steroids. 

My first and last purchase on ebay was this archaic looking appliance. 

I call him Champ, the Champion Juicer. He weighs about 15 pounds and has a mean edge. Not only does he churn out the best of fresh juices, but he also makes all sorts of "nut butters" and the best crushed ice around.

I no longer juice everyday, and I've graduated to veggies beyond carrots (dark greens are good for you!) but I still occasionally enjoy juicing.

Does it give me more energy? Honestly, I don't really notice, but I do know that there are a lot of good vitamins in drinking veggies. 

My drink of choice is carrots, kale, celery, apple and cucumber.  (The artichoke is for dinner tonight, but since I was washing veggies I photographed him too.)

It's scary to look at, and I have to drink it over ice, and with a straw. But it's really not that bad. Really.

So there you go...

A La Vida Dulce Wednesday Weird-Ways.

What I Have Learned This Week: Its Not About Me

I learned this week that opportunity isn't about a title, a job, or a pat on the back. 

It isn't knowing the right the person, or saying the right thing.  It isn't the right make-up, it isn't the right clothes. It isn't in the dollars in my bank account or the diamond on my finger. 

Opportunity isn't in what I look like, what I sound like, or what I may do. It isn't the size of my house, or the car I drive.

Opportunity isn't a contest. It isn't the number of friends on my side bar; it isn't the ability to reciprocate.

Opportunity comes from being who I am-- and being available to those who come along the path. 

Its not being ashamed to feel: to cry or throw my head back in joy. 

Its about sharing my life, and letting it loudly proclaim that I didn't do it alone. Nor will I walk in this day unattended.

I am learning that while I was busy plodding through mud and wondering how to make it look tidy, God has taken my ashes and turned it into a crown of beauty. 

In my heart and in my life. 

And while I was looking for opportunities to prove I am worthy of those things, God's opportunities have been laid before me...

In an email.

Over a cup a coffee.

On the phone.

In a store.

At my desk.

On a bike ride.

Opportunities that surprise and humble me; and make me want to rejoice and hide. I worry about failing when called.

Hearing a whisper of the One who says, "Kellie, seek Me first, and you'll be ready in season and out. "

That is opportunity.

Oh, that I might not miss those opportunities when they come...

And who knows but that you have come to (this place) for such a time as this?

Esther 4:14

To see what others have learned this week, head on over to Musings of a Housewife.

Monday Update

Sometimes I feel like I write about stuff on this blog with the intention of coming back and giving you an update. Then time marches on, or I get distracted by a bright shiny object, and I forget.

So here is an update, and a few random things I wanted to tell you:

• My mom made it through her surgery on Wednesday with flying colors. You could still pray for her if you think of it because now she will have to go through the process of trying to figure out how to live without her thyroid. People do it every day, but finding just the right amount of medication that she needs will be a process.  She is ready to feel better. 

• Her surgery day proved to be a very difficult day for me. I have often missed being home on a holiday or special day. But not being able to be there when she went in for surgery was tough. My mom and I have had a close mother/daughter relationship. There have been times, here and there, when we have had our moments, you know, back in that days before I had children and thought she didn’t really know much. Somehow, after I had children all the stupid things she did when I was a kid, suddenly seemed amazingly smart…Who knew! (obviously not me) What I am saying is that my mom and I talk on a daily basis. Having a 24 hour period in which I couldn’t communicate with her (whether it was to tell her that I found a cute pair of shoes, or that one of her precious grandchildren just brought a wild reptile in the house) made me remember that when God was passing out Mothers on the day I was born, He gave me a good one. 

• I forgot to tell you that The Girl was at a horse riding lesson two weeks ago and had a little mishap. The horse she was riding stepped into a hornets nest and proceeded to go wild as the hornets stung her (the horse's) face and rump. The Girl managed to hold on for dear life, but it was definitely a “learning experience.”

• Speaking of learning experiences, I have decided that I am going to paint my kitchen cabinets white. The Mister has also told me that I can purchase the sink and faucet I want (I am nothing if not s-p-o-i-l-e-d), so that project will be started the first day of summer vacation. Anyone wanna help?

• Why is it that when it isn’t convenient to me I can think of a hundred thing I want to post, but when I am here, sitting quietly in The Nest, my mind suddenly goes blank?

• I get to meet the Carpoolqueen this week! I am very excited and wondering what I should wear? This really is an important decision, because before we dive into a cup of coffee and talk about the perils of life beyond the computer, I want her to know I do actually wear things other than my pajama’s.

• Although wouldn’t it be funny if I met her in my PJ’s?

OK  I should wrap this up. 

Happy Monday!

Oh Goodness, the kids get to post

I must preface this by saying three things: First, this was hard for The Girl, she was very concerned with hurting my feelings. When I assured her that it was OK, and I wouldn't be hurt she let things be honestly known. The Boy did not feel such pressure. Second, I asked the kids these questions independantly, so as to not have them influence each other. Third, I want to, for the purposes of clarification, say that The Mister and I are a very playful couple. I thought about changing one answer in particular, but it's the truth; the unfiltered, playful truth.

With that said, here is the gut-wrenchingly honest look at Kellie the Coffeegal through the eyes of her children. The Girl's answers are in pink. The Boy's in blue.

1. What is something your mom always says to you?

Take a shower
To wake up in the morning.

2. What makes your mom happy?
When the house is clean 
Coffee

3. What makes your mom sad?
When her plants die when she tries to grow them.
When babies are sick.

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
When she laughs and I don't even know what she's laughing about.
When we are cooking and I grate cheese and she says to "Be careful, we don't want finger bits in the there" 

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Pretty
Probably responsible since she took care of her brothers a lot.

6. How old is your mom?
20
36

7. How tall is your mom?
5 feet
5 foot something

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Hang out with me
Go to Starbucks

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Watches stuff and folds laundry
Probably do things that she can't do with us, like take a shower, or go to parties.

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
A famous singer.

For playing guitar and singing.

11. What is your mom really good at?
Playing the guitar and singing, and loving me.
Taking care of us, being a mom

12. What is your mom not very good at?
I don't want to say cause it will make you sad. (I won't be sad, just say it) You don't go outside with us very much.

Staying awake while watching a movie

13. What does your mom do for a job?

Homeschool us.
Be a mom. 

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Liver (no its not). Smoothies.
Coffee

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
That she loves us and cares for us.
That she's my mom.

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?

Kermit the Frog
The  Road Runner, you know the one that says,"Beep Beep"

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Have movie night and go out with each other on Fridays. And take care of Sophie.
Go shopping (sometimes for clothes)

18. How are you and your mom the same?
We both sing good and love each other and we do everything together.
We both hate it when Kona rolls in poop, and we're both funny and good at cooking.

19. How are you and your mom different?
She works out and I don't, and she LOVES every vegetable in the world, and I don't
My little toe is different than hers (she doesn't have pinky toe nails.)

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Because she care for me and kisses me and hugs me when I am sad.
All sorts of different ways. She tucks me in at night, and today she let me eat four muffins. She also just tells me she loves me.

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
He's handsome and cute and lovable. Not one of those stuck up guys. He's a nice guy.
That he spanks her. 

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Cracker Barrel
Hawaii

Top O' The Morning To Ya'll!

How did you like my southern/Irish accent this morning?

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Are you wearing green?

I am going to join in the St. Patty's Day fun by joining JanMary's carnival today. 

JanMary is perhaps my only international reader. And is a reminder to me of why I love blogging so much. I love getting to peek into her world which is so very far away, and yet just within the click of my mouse. She has a joyful spirit and has many talents!

Even if you aren't participating in the carnival I would encourage you to click over to her site. I learned a lot about how St. Patricks Day is a total different creature here in America.

For my part of the carnival I am going to share my little piece of Ireland today. Afterall, as they say in Dublin, "Everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day." I for one, couldn't be prouder! I am wearing my green and hope to make some sort of green cookie or cake to go with dinner tonight! 

Pictured below is my "Pure Irish Linen". Of course after reading JanMary's post today, it could be as "pure" as Lucky Charms Cereal, but I still believe!

I received this for my fifteenth birthday from my history teacher. (I have know idea why, but I have this uncanny ability to remember almost every giver of the gifts I have received. I can't remember to put gas in the car, but at least I can remember something!)

I keep my Pure Irish Linen in my box of things I treasure. I just love its simplicity, and back in those days of teenage-hood I was amazed that I had something from so far away. Still amazed, to be honest with you! 

Hope y'all have a great day!

***If you think about it, say a prayer for my Mom. She is having surgery tomorrow to remove her thyroid. I am certain she is going to do great, but a prayer for peace would be perfect. Both for her and my Dad (who isn't too keen on hospitals. At all!) 

****Here is a random picture that my kids wanted me to post for their Grannie. They wanted her (and now you) to see how cute Sophie looks, listening to Lewis and Clarks Expedition across America. That is where she has been perched lately as we read our history together. 

I did not really want to post this picture, seeing as this was the day I got up, worked out, showered and put my pj's back on. It had been raining for several days and I was protesting by not wearing make-up. Also, you can see how organized my desk is behind me. I can assure you that I know exactly where everything is as I sit at that desk each day. It is organized chaos. I swear.

La Vida Dulce!

Cupcake Profiling

I was in desperate need of something to fill space on the blog this morning. I was looking for some sort of meme, but there isn't a whole lot going around right now. 

I found this short survey on the net and thought I would give it try. I'm not sure about the personality review, but they got the flavor right. I LOVE Vanilla (although I don't think I've met a cupcake I didn't enjoy...well, actually, I am not a huge fan of carrot cake, especially if it has raisins...)

Anyway, if I was a cupcake I would be....

You Are a Vanilla Cupcake

You are very sweet and mellow. You are easy going and easy to like. You are drawn to those stronger personalities. You get along with powerful people. You are like a cupcake because you appeal to almost every type of person. You are friendly and accepting. You bring out other people's best qualities.

  

What cupcake are you?

Random Poll: Re-Occurring Dream

Its raining here. A cold, steady rain that is forcing me back and forth to the coffee pot. 

Its a burden. 

One I gladly bear.

This weather reminds me of the first time we moved here to NC. It was exactly 4 years ago, during the first weeks of March. It was raining and we were staying in a horrendous motel, waiting for the closing of our new home.

As I was reminiscing this morning about that time, I could almost feel the insecurity I felt back then.

We moved from Texas to North Carolina, right in the middle of The Boy's 1st grade year. I was leaving a group of friends that knew me well. I wasn't really thrilled with moving, but was doing so for The Mister's job. I was comfortable and happy. I had my niche and circle of influence. 

We get here, and we don't know a soul, and now I have to try to get in with "The Mom's" in a new school, in the middle of the year. This is not easy, as groups have formed, friendships are made. I was feeling insecure.

I never really knew how insecure I was feeling until I started having this re-occurring dream:

I'm driving the white mini-van to school. 

The kids are buckled in their seats. 

We approach the school and make a left into the driveway. 

I pull into the line of cars at the drop off curb. 

I bring the car to a stop to wait. 

I look down. 

I'm not wearing a shirt.

In my dream I start to panic: What will the teacher think? What if another mom sees me? How will I explain? They are going to think I'm weird! I'm boxed in by the carpool lane, how can I get out?

I always woke up before we reached our turn. Whew!

I haven't had that dream in awhile now, but it makes me laugh because I can still vividly remember my re-occurring dream as a little girl...I was walking to school, tin Holly Hobby lunch box in hand, cool desert air licking my face. I walk up to the enormous red brick wall outside the classroom to line up with the my classmates. I look down, and realize I have forgotten to put on my shirt. 

Its always the shirt. The rest of the clothes make it on, but I always forget the shirt.

What about you? What is your re-occurring dream?

Time Warp

I had managed to sail through the time change like a champion. 

Until this morning.

I have been up since five this morning, so to me it feels like it should be lunch time. 

I've been thinking about a friend of mine. This morning I knew I had about thirty minutes to spare, so I gave her a call. The minute I heard the sound of her voice on the machine I remembered--its VERY early in her home!

I had forgotten that small detail of east coast timing!  

I love everything else about this time of year...the feeling like suddenly you have been given not just one more hour of day-light, but a whole new look on life!

But I can't guarantee my west coast peeps are feeling the love!

Since I didn't get to talk to my friend I thought I'd come here and type at'cha real quick.

Speaking of time...

(Did you like that transition?)

I always have trouble blogging when my head is so full of thought. But slowly, I am getting it out on paper.  Until then, you get random thoughts from Kellie's brain. Aren't you lucky?

Oh! I remember what I really wanted to talk about!

Thank you so much for the encouragement on a developing a weekly post on "life and how I do things".

I'm trying to think of a catchy name. I was thinking something along the lines of Kellie: Calling Back. Which is ironic, because I am HORRIBLE about returning phone calls. 

I envision this weekly post to be an encouragement, and I love the whole idea of calling back. Probably because there have been so many women in my life that called me back. 

Actually, "talked me down from the ledge" would be a better description, but I digress.

Anyway, if you happen to think of a catchy phrase that you wouldn't mind me stealing, then by all means let me know!

OK, my thirty minutes is up.

I'm hoping to get to some blog reading today, but it may not happen until Friday night! If I have been missing from your blog comments in awhile, I haven't forgotten you!  I'm just having to read in big batches these days!

Happy Thursday!

10 on 10

One of my favorite bloggers (and someone I consider a dear friend) is hosting a carnival today. 

Here are ten of my most favorite things i found in my yard just this morning. Spring in NC is simply amazing. And its only just begun!

1. The Daffodils are the first things to pop out of the cold hard ground!  
2. Even the weeds are beautiful!
3. I have no idea what these sweet purple things are. They grow along the ground. They are so unassuming you could miss them.
4. I think this is a pear tree (the one that doesn't produce fruit). When I woke up this morning these delicate white flowers were shining in the full glory of the sun.
5. This is the picture of the tiny new cherry blossom tree our neighbor planted. This morning I didn't want to walk through her yard in my PJ's (hence the fuzzy picture taken through the zoom), but I hope to get a better picture later.
6. This is my garden. Well, this will be my garden in a few weeks. Right now those seedlings are tomato plants. The rest are seeds that haven't popped up yet: cucumber, sweet pea, mesculin, and spinach. 
7. This is the herb garden I am attempting to harvest. Meet Basil, Basil, and his brother Basil. Aren't they sweet?
8. This is some sort of huge plant that is budding in our front yard. I cannot WAIT to see what it is!
9. The kids say this is Foxglove. It reminds me a little bit of the Blue Bonnets in Texas! 
10. This the what I have waited for all winter. The Camellia. She is covered with buds that are about to open. I love everything about her: her large, deep green and waxy leaves. Her beautiful and romantic name. Her majestic pink color and her yellow middle parts. Beautiful.

Thanks Mer, for hosting this fun carnival. To see what other 10 for 10 posts are flying around the net, click here!

La Vida Dulce!

A Little Help From My Friends

I have about 2354 things swirling in my head. 

Between the Sally Clarkson conference and the beautiful weekend, I could write volumes. 

I want to share one small thing with you and would like your opinion...

I wish I could explain all of this more clearly, but this is just an idea in my head I am not sure I have clarity anyway, so excuse the vagueness...

I received not one but two different emails this week asking for this: 

I'd love any ideas you have on party planning and hospitality.  I'd love any pointers you have on traditions, family time, children. . the things on which you don't compromise when it comes to parties, events, coffee time with friends.

I'd love your input on not only hospitality and the like--but on raising children, walking with the Lord, decorating my home, sewing--you get the idea

First let me tell you that I am very flattered that my table settings and stories of life are encouraging you, but I feel I am highly unqualified for giving advice on homemaking and hospitality!  Especially since you will probably just die laughing at some of the things I have done. When the gal who wrote the email above to me, I wanted to point her to people who have real blogs about those subjects...bloggers who actually have degrees in those types of things. 

I realized that I do this a lot in all areas of my life:

I am creative, but I am not inventive. if you see me doing something it is almost always something I have seen someone else do. 

I am relational, but I also struggle a great deal with impatience, often turned on by those I love the most!

I am intentional, but I have great insecurities that hinder me in big, big ways. I don't do half the things I want to do!

However, the more I think about it, the more I realize that that juxtaposition between what I can do and what I want to do, is what makes me unique (and yet not unique at all! As I am sure you are all nodding your head!)

These talents, or abilities, are all things I didn't know I had, and figured i'd never learn.

You may be surprised to know that I haven't always been hospitable; or at least what i thought defined being hospitable. I haven't always been intentional. I have always been creative, but the creativeness in me now is vastly different than what it was fifteen years ago, before I was married and had a family. It doesn't come as easily and carefree anymore, I have to work at it. I have to chase it! Sometimes I'm too tired to chase it but...

If I can do it, so can you.

So I am thinking about picking one day a week to Call Back; to write about the things in my life that I have learned to do with the help of mentors, books, friends, tears, scripture, sweat, joy, and the complete grace of God.

I have always hesitated to do this because I don't want to sound preachy, or as if I have all things together all the time. Hearing that from others doesn't motivate me one iota. And it is isn't reality. People who tell you they have it all together all the time either have help or they are lying to you.

So here is where you come in...would you be interested in taking a weekly look into my sometimes-not-so-pretty life and the way I see  and do things (and they often change as soon as I figure them out)? 

If so, what would you want to know? Where do you need encouragement? 

I'm guessing these posts wouldn't be too different than what I already do around here, but I would be more intentional on a weekly basis.

If not, that's Ok too. I can (and happily will) dialogue with these gals individually, but I thought that if the interest was high enough I would share with y'all!

Let me know what you think...

Call Back

I read this poem from an excerpt of Streams in the Desert by Mrs Charles E Cowman this week and I can't stop thinking about it. 

Its about struggles in life. The Valleys. The Storms. And the encouragement that gets us through. 

It reminded me that I need to "Call Back". To remember that in the business of life, I musn't be blind to those around me who need to know there is hope.

~~~~~

 Life is a steep climb, and it does the heart good to have somebody "call back" and cheerily beckon us on up the high hill. We are all climbers together, and we must help one another. This mountain climbing is serious business, but glorious. It takes strength and steady step to find the summits. The outlook widens with the altitude. If anyone among us has found anything worthwhile, we ought to "call back."

If you have gone a little way ahead of me, call back--

"Twill cheer my heart and help my feet along the stony track; 

And if, perchance, Faith's light is dim, because the oil is low, 

Your call will guide my lagging course as wearily I go.

Call back, and tell me that He went with you into the storm; 

Call back , and say He kept you when the forest's roots were torn; 

That when the heavens thunder and the earthquake shook the hill, 

He bore you up and held you where the very air was still.

Oh, friend, call back, and tell me for I cannot see your face;

 They say it glows with triumph, and your feet bound in the race; 

But there are mists between us and my spirit eyes are dim, 

And I cannot see the glory, though I long for word of Him.

But if you'll say He heard you when your prayer was but a cry, 

And if you'll say He saw you though the night's sin-darkened sky--

If you have gone a little way ahead, oh, friend, call back---'

Twill cheer my heart and help my feet along the stony track.

---Mrs Charles E Cowman

Random Thoughts From Kellie's Brain...(4th ed.)

OK, so its Thursday night and I have to cram because I won't be getting on the computer tomorrow. I also want to pre-schedule a post to go up for tomorrow, so i have to type fast.

1. For all you techie Friends of mine. How hard (and expensive) is it to get own and use my blog name? I am not sure if that's what its called. What I mean is how hard would it be to go from a Blogger account to Lavidadulce.com? I have no idea how one goes about that, or if its anything I could do on my own. But I am curious.

2. I started taking vitamins. And now I can't stop eating. I have had a fairly consistent eating pattern for many many years. Now that I am taking vitamins I want to eat again at 9am. Like seriously, famished, if I don't get a snack-snack-I-might-keel over. The last time I was this hungry I was taking prenatals.  Do you think vitamins make you hungry?

3. I am not pregnant.

4. I am so excited because I am going to a Sally Clarkson conference tomorrow night and Saturday morning.  I am looking forward to spending some time with friends and hearing a little bit of encouragement.

5. I am going to paint my kitchen cabinets. They are old and dated, but since I don't want to sell my first child to pay for new cabinets I need to keep what I've got.

Here's a picture:

So my first thought was to paint them white. But then I saw this, and I think they are so beautiful. I'm just not sure its me. Red is pretty bold for me. Remember, streamline, clean and uncluttered. Well, for some reason red feels wild to me. Red feels a little like living on the edge. What do you think?

6. We still have heard an update from our friends about Leah's status. I am going to take my mom's advice and assume that no news is good news.  Keep praying.

7. All right, while I have been typing this I have been coloring my hair. I am almost ready to rinse. I thought I would share that the last time I colored I veered away from my normal in-the-box-colors, Espresso and French Roast (brewing processing on my head as I type). Last month I chose a Medium Brown and the grey hairs refused to hold the color. Its been a long month.

The moral of that story is that you can never go wrong with coffee.

Never.

Need More Prayer **Updated**

Update:

Sweet Leah went home to be with the Lord on April 4th. Please keep her mom, Barbara, and her family in your prayers over the coming months. 

With love,

Kellie

Hey friends.

My heart just hasn't been into blogging in the last 36 hours. 

A dear friend of ours was in a car accident on Sunday night coming home from a weekend away. I still don't know the details, but her 3 year old Leah, although buckled in a car seat, was gravely injured and lies in a coma in a Virginian hospital with a broken neck.

Please pray for the healing of this child. For her mother, Barbara, and their entire family. 

Because I Can't Wait Until Tomorrow

 It has been the most fun morning! 

This is a picture of The Mister walking ahead of me on the next street over. This was taken before he bailed. He was saying something about having patients to see, and work to do, and work ethics...yadda, yadda, yadda.  

I love his integrity. I love his work ethic...but today I REALLY wanted him to dump all those great things in lieu of playing in the snow. ( For the record, he wouldn't have been very fun today, because he would have felt guilty about not going in.  So its best he went. But I'm always looking for ways to get his to stay at home!)

The cool things is that right after I snapped this picture I ran into some teenagers from the hood, who were heading out to the "secret hill". Secret because it is actually part of some ladies back yard.  Apparently, the teenagers have some sort of agreement regarding the use of the Secret Hill during snow events like today. They were so sweet to invite my kids to come sled, so we took them up on their offer.

 Here is The Boy sledding down the hill, which was quite steep and ended in that big pile of cold mud down there. Had I not been literally covered in mud when we got home I would have had the presence of mind to take a picture of myself. But I didn't, the thrill of sledding with youth and the wonderful feeling of cold air in the lungs sort of made me loose my mind for a minute. Or two. The picture below is when I looked out the window and saw The Boy and his dog, Kona the Wondermutt chillin' together by laying in the snow. 

 This was the Narnia-esqe look in the woods looking to our house. We had to walk through those woods to get home from Secret Hill. I wasn't walking the long way when covered in mud. Actually, I would have, but The Girl wore her pink cowboy boots because one must always choose fashion over warmth.  Her toes where so cold after a couple hours outside that she said, and I quote: "My toes are so cold, I might cry. Let's take the short cut." 

Yes, lets take the short cut, because there is no crying on snow days.

Our bird bath. No birds today!

And here is the Pièce de résistance. A video of Sophie, who LOVES the snow. While watching this video you will learn a lot about me. Namely that I have trouble finishing sentences and that I am still grossed out over Yellow Snow jokes. 

No animals were frozen during the making of this film...they were also given a bath in a heated bathroom, because I am a nut. They are now taking naps.

In Like A Lion, Out Like A Lamb?

As I type it's snowing. 

In March.

In North Carolina.

Of course, had I not been Twittering this weekend, I'd have never been forewarned. 

You see, keeping track of the weather rates right up there with keeping the gas tank full, or knowing the toilet paper status in this house.  Unless I am in need of the aforementioned information, I'm not going to be keen on its status.

Unfortunately, this neglect of details has found me in predicaments of some kind...or another.

Let me tell you what really gets me uptight about cold weather: Running out of coffee food to feed my family.

Truth be told, it was the end of the month, and while I had enough food on hand to get us through until Monday or Tuesday, we only had about 5 slices of bread, half a gallon of milk, a couple of cheese sticks, and an apple left in the fridge. 

I was running out of supplies.

I wasn't actually in any danger of running out of coffee (I mean really, I'm the CoffeeGal), but one can never be too careful with her coffee supply.

Anyway, this is one of the few problems with doing the bulk of my shopping once a month: when a storm hits the night before the big shopping day, you're hosed.

Which is why I found myself yesterday running into Costco in the pouring rain (the hardest rain I have seen in some time), along with every other harried parent grabbing bread and milk and wood to build an ark.

I now know why they say March comes In like a lion, out like a lamb. 

If I had run out of coffee and been stuck without it due to ice, you'd've heard some roarin'. 

The good news is that I don't have to run out for "big"groceries for another month. And the Mister was home to unload all my bulk food while I went inside to brew a pot of hot liquid goodness to warm up with.

I was hoping today's post would be all about The Nest. I rearranged and reorganized and I'd like to share the fruit with you, but it was so overcast and dark outside this weekend I couldn't get any good pics...I will share on Wednesday.

I hope its warm where you are...if not, go get some coffee or tea. It's good for you!

La Vida Dulce!

Lots of stuff I want you to know

Happy Thursday friends!

It will be a busy day today. We have a field trip tomorrow, so we are going to accomplish two school days into one. Which is totally do-able...we just may have to do school until (gasp!) 3 o'clock! Like every one else in the world.

I just want to share a few things with you this morning! First, and most importantly, will you pray for my friend Charity today. I am certain that our prayers are going to be what carries her as she goes back to her first graders today. I am praying for God's peace and comfort to be with her, not only strength in spirit, but strength in body. If you do pray for her today, click the link above and tell her you have done so...I know that will be such a blessing to her. AS a matter of fact, you can skip commenting here and go over there instead!

Second, I really enjoyed this post by Mer's hubby. The Mister and I read the post and both shouted AMEN!

I am saying "no" this Lenten season to computers on Fridays, and will be going "dark" for Holy Week. Anyone want to join me?

Last (ly?), and very certainly least....I have a door on my office/nest/craft room! Or what I like to call The Nest.

Here is a before picture:

And here is the glorious after:

And now for some reality...

As you know I am the clean counter queen. I like things streamlined, efficient and most importantly, clutter free. 

Of course if you looked inside my min-van, or The Nest , you would wonder why I sound so brag-idocious. Clearly, I have very selective needs for control, that are not hard fast rules in every area of my life. This is what it looks like just left of the door...

And this is what it looks like when you stand at the door looking in...

I never said I didn't have issues.

When we moved here six months ago, The Nest in many ways has become the room that everything gets put into until we know what to do with it. It is also the room that I can be creative in, and (now) can shut the door when in the middle of a project, or when I need a moment to be blessedly alone.

I use this room to study in, to read my bible in, and The Girl and I spend most Friday nights in this room snuggled up on that one chair watching movies (I am actually looking for a couch or love seat to replace it...we are outgrowing the ability to sit in that one!)

Anyway, this room is next on my Attention List. I want to reorganize it to get it streamlined, efficient and clutter free. This summer I am going to paint it, girlify it, and make it completely my own. 

After pictures to come!

Oh! I forgot that there is one more thing!

Yesterday I didn't post, and there was a very good reason. I had to skip the internet party in favor of a party in honor of my K sisters (and birthday girls!), K1 and K2. 

Aren't they cute? See how happy they are? They are about to cruise together to the Cayman Islands...no wonder they look happy!

Happy birthday friends! And happy sailing!

Yet Another Scathingly Brilliant Idea!

Whew! Its Tuesday already? 

I am trying a new thing over here in the La Vida Dulce household and, so far, its working. The only problem is that it has cut into my computer time. 

A lot. 

You see, several weeks ago I thought the answer to the self-discipline of limiting computer time, was to relegate my usage to the afternoon, from 2:30-4:30 to be exact. 

Well, that didn't exactly fly. Because I would get tripped up by email, which would lead to an Internet search, which would send me to a really great blog. Which reminded me to check my blog roll, and somebody had a really good recipe, so I had to check that out too. 

So my morning routine became a session in adult-onset ADD, brought on by computer technology, and great people like you. 

And to make things that much worse, some of you know that I get up at a really awful time of morning, for the purpose of reading the bible while drinking piping hot coffee. However, I would get up at 5:15am, trudge bleary eyed to the coffee pot, grab a mug and sit (for just a second) to check the mail, (just so that I could wake up a little). 

Two hours later, I was not refreshed for the day, but irritated that my day was now all "off."

This was causing a lot of anxiety as I tried to get a thousand things done frantically, that could have been done well, had I used my time wisely. Including writing and reading the blogs. 

So I am unplugging, until I can get the first-things-first, finished. I am turning off the computer until I have what I need to accomplish for the day crossed off the list. Then I can check email and come out to play. 

Until then, I'm grounded. 

The good news?

If the work is done at 10 am! Alleluia!

If it doesn't get done (like yesterday) until 4:00p, well...life goes on.

I don't like to miss the party. But, I don't like feeling out of control either. 

Some of you may read this and think, "What is her problem? Just turn the computer off and get on with your day."

I've noticed that once I get into the habit of allowing myself to become distracted in one area of life it leads to distraction in others.

I am noticing that self-discipline is no respecter of persons. 

Just because you have been self-disciplined in the past, doesn't mean it will come easy in the future. 

I was emailing a friend of mine on this subject, and came to the conclusion that self-discipline actually feels harder the older I get, which makes me desire to take hold of what I can now, lest I get so out of self-discipline shape, I forget how to flex that muscle!

I really love blogging. I don't think I have to give it up. Nor would I want to. But I have to think of blogging as a party. (I love parties!) A really good party, that is going on all. the. time. I just need to remember that life isn't all about parties. 

Sometimes you have to go home and rest awhile.

And do some laundry.

So that is my plan: To turn off the computer until I have time to play!

Check out what others are learning at Musing of a Housewife.

(Oh, just one more thing....the door on my nest/office/sewing room is finally painted and hung!  I hope to post pictures to show you tomorrow!)

Sweet Saturday

This morning its cool outside, but the sun is shining so beautifully. So I thought I would post a few links I think you'd enjoy, and then go for a nice long walk. Especially since the forecast is calling for snow on Sunday.

First a big thank you to Lindsey for the award above! 

Lindsey is Sammy's mom and I love reading her blog because I have always had a heart for young mom's (even before I had my own!). Lindsey probably isn't too much younger than me, but her Sammy is a toddler and I have such a heart for mom's with babies and toddlers. Those early years are fun, but not easy! Anyway, Sammy reminds me so much of The Boy when he was at that age, so it's fun to read about what's going on over there!  

Thanks for the Awards Lindsey!

Now for the links!

This post had me laughing so hard.  However the more I thought about it, the more I thought that maybe I shouldn't post it, because her service to her man raises the bar exceedingly high!

When you get done reading meh's post, click on over to Jen's post on Answered Prayer. Such a good reminder that God cares about the details in our life. 

All right, sunshine calls!

Have a good weekend!

Friday List

I have random things that I want to tell you. I should really save them for next Tuesdays What I Learned This Week, but if I don't tell you right now, I'll forget:

~For almost a week now I have wondered why it smells like oranges in my kitchen when I do dishes. It was driving me crazy. I love oranges, and when we had a garbage disposal my sink would sometimes smell like citrus when someone threw a peel in the sink. But we don't have one here. You would have laughed out loud watching me try to figure out where that mystery smell was coming from...Turns out my dishwashing liquid is orange scented.

~When you are trying to be too quick in the kitchen, you might want to look at the container before you shake cinnamon on your oatmeal.  It may very well be taco seasoning.

~The world is not as big as we think it is. Either is the World Wide Web. Someday you might click on a carnival hosted by Musings of a Housewife, and read through Mr. Linky's List. You might click on a blog and realize that the writer not only lives in your neighborhood, but she coaches your daughters basketball team. Which is funny because I had been planning a post on how the kids both got excellent coaches this year. Lisa and Duck (Coach, to us) have been awesome. And I'm not just saying that because Lisa is reading.  If you know me in real life, I don't give compliments I don't mean.  Basketball season is almost over, but I hope to get to know Lisa better.

~Twittering is super fun. I love having to pare my thoughts down to 140 character or less. And y'all know I have a lot of words.

~I actually turned my computer completely off yesterday. Oh liberation! I am actually going to post this entry and do it again. However...

~I don't think I have ever enjoyed this blogging/twittering community more. I heard from several people this week (two that I know in real life and one blogger friend) that they have been encouraged by reading, and that makes me feel happy...and humbled. Words are important, and I hope that my words will always be edifying and encouraging to those around me. I know that won't always be true (those who have been on the receiving end of my not-so-encouraging-words are nodding their heads.) But I'm grateful that I can write about who I am (the good, the bad, and the ugly) and y'all come back anyway.

~On the flip side, it is really amazing to listen to those of you who have blogs, and see God working in your lives. To hear how you are living, loving and learning through sickness, tragedy, joy, work, diaper-changes, deployment, budgeting, cooking, tweeting, moving, recuperating, prayer, depression, and change.  I love hearing how God is doing a beautiful work in each of you, and He is using your writing to change me too. Many of you are struggling, but your struggle has not been for nothing. 

Listen, spring is coming, friends! The winter is almost over! You all have encouraged me in some way, through laughter and tears...I am grateful we can pray and "type" to warmer days together!

~Lastly, (because this is longer than I thought it would be and I don't have time to go back and edit) can I tell you a secret? I did something I have been wanting to do for a couple years now, but only made time for it recently. I'm taking an adult tap class. I tapped for many many years growing up, and taught classes in college, but it's been awhile.  And I am LOVING it! I was never a very good tapper, but now the pressure is totally off. It's just me and 20 other middle aged ladies trying to have some fun!

Speaking of fun, in case you weren't aware...IT'S FRIDAY!!!!!

Have a good one!

La Vida Dulce!

Good Help Is Hard To Find

I'm unplugging today.

But its not my fault.

You see, I suddenly realized that there is no toilet paper in the house (again) and it occurred to me that my Personal Shopper has not been good about keeping our shelves stocked. I am going to have to have a talk with her.

Not only that, but the Chef has not made a single edible meal this week, and the Housekeeper is MIA. Honestly, I think it just so rude. I mean, she hasn't even called.

The Driver has let the gas tank get three-quarters empty and I am afraid the gas light indicator may start to blink at me very soon.

My Personal Trainer hasn't been motivating me like I need to be motivated. It really isn't fair. I wish watching those aerobics shows on cable would count for something.

The Tutor has been doing a decent job with the children, but yesterday while I was preparing for a light lunch with Charity, (we ate in the Conservatory and then we sipped coffee in the sitting room), she called for a "Reading Day". I am definitely going to talk with her on this. For heavens sake, we are talking about the education of my children!

The Gardner told me that the leaves in yard would be taken care of, as well as the grass seed for the coming spring. But she has refused to schedule a specific date or time. She just keeps telling me that it's a busy time of year.

Certainly her time isn't any more precious than mine!

To top it all off, the Dog Trainer was a no-show yesterday and the puppy had several accidents on the carpet. I should have just hired Cesar like I had wanted to in the first place, but no, I second guessed myself and look at where it's got me.

Oh y'all! I just can't get over it...with the staff all missing, I will have to do all this work MYSELF.

So that is why I must unplug today. Isn't it just awful?

Good help is so hard to find.

Its Raining, Its pouring. This Day'll Be Far From Boring

Random Thoughts From Kellie's Brain:

~A big shout out to Darcie and Jeff for making me a special Twitter button (it's on the right. Go on, click it...I know you want to.) I just love how it matches my blog design. I love how it has four, 18* oz cups, all clean and stacked high. It just says "come on over and stay awhile" which is how I want y'all to feel when you come to visit.

(*I don't mess around when it comes to coffee cups. 6-8 oz cups require too much running back and forth to the kitchen)

~Speaking of visiting, I am having a friend over for lunch today. Its rainy and cold, so I am thinking of something I could serve her that is warm and delicious. Oh the possibilities...

~It just occurred to me that I drink 36 oz of coffee every morning. And on cold days, I make another half a pot to keep me warm.  Uh, thats a lot of coffee. 

~Sometimes, when I make that second pot, I do use half decaf.  Just so you know.

~This morning I am not in the best mood. The kids, who have never really done much fighting with each other have started to bicker a bit. This is new for me and it makes me a little insane, and honestly they picked the wrong time of the month to drive me insane.  

~Todays drive to insanity was a quick trip, and I completely threatened them with a spanking for bickering (which I have not done in a very LONG time.) I can't even remember the last time I spanked them...

~Normally, I make it a point not to make empty threats (especially since I would rather go to the dentist than spank them) but this morning it was out of my mouth before I could stop it.

~The truth is I have been blessed with good kids who aren't perfect, but try really hard to be obedient and respectful. They love each other, but they are kids. I just seem to have a very short fuse this morning.

~Maybe I need more coffee. To wash down some Midol.

~Hmm...I had a few other things I wanted to tell you while I had the chance. The kids are doing independent work, so I had ten minutes to post....but I can't remember what I was going to write. 

~Oh well, on a morning like this, saying nothing is probably better anyway!

~All this talk about coffee makes me thirsty. Off to the kitchen...

Happy Wednesday!