Fall

Here it is, the end of October and fall is here! I am looking forward to Halloween this weekend since Brian and Anna are coming here to trick or treat. I am also looking forward to Talladega this Sunday. Haven't been to a race in a while. I have been extremely busy with work, family, church and trying to stay one step ahead of life. (I know that it is impossible). I have been diligently working on ways to save and cut expenses, and I have done very well. I am still amazed at how little you can live on if you really try. I think that sometimes God just says "Whoa, you need to back up and regroup". And then he makes that happen, whether you are ready or not. I am blessed and I try to remember that every day.

Posting

I can't believe that it has been over a month since I posted. Time just flies right on by, and you try to hang on and hope that you don't crash and burn. I just don't know how some people post as much as they do. Truth be known, they are better organized than me, and have their life together. I gave up on that years ago. I am lucky if I can just be productive each day and do something for the good of others. It seems to me that every morning is a brand new day full of the unknown, waiting to become today and all the sweet anticipation of what is to come. Then all of a sudden it is late afternoon and I wonder what happened to the day. I will admit that I spend more time than I should on Facebook. I love it though because it helps me keep up with the outside world, especially my children. They all lead such busy lives and I like the fact that I can be a small part of that through Facebook.

It seems that the more I try to simplfy my life, the more complicated it gets. Things don't always work out the way we want them to, and so we have to make adjustments. The adjustments lead to changing the plan and that leads to making new lists and priorities, and on and on. I try and keep a running TO DO list, but somehow I can't ever get it all done. Since I was laid off in May, I have been doing some contract work and working part time. The schedule is crazy and I am not always productive because of it. I used to think that if I could work part time or retire altogether, I could move mountains. Spotlessly clean house, manicured lawn and beautiful gardens. I would cook gourmet meals and make all these wonderful hobbies.

Was I dreaming? You betcha! Life doesn't let that happen. Life just takes over. I guess all that I can do is try and improve as each day comes......

til whenever~

Angels in Our Midst

I had the kids last week and what a good time we had! They are so precious and I love spending time with them. They wear me out when they are here, but it is the happiest fatigue anyone can imagine. Here they are on Tuesday morning, watching TV.

Monday

Wow, has it been 13 days since I posted? I can't believe how time passes. It is just so bizarre. I have been busy! I am always doing some project or the other, trying to downsize and simplfy and also save money. I am knitting alot too. Randy has been having epiderals for his back and that has taken alot of time also. I am so ready for fall! Cool weather, leaves turning, football. I just love fall and all that goes with it.

Take care!

Talented Friends

Today was a good day! I managed to get all the bill stuff and Randy's medical stuff filed in addition to getting all the cleaning done. I want to start a new quilt, but I am hesitant to do so since I might be going to work soon. I visited some of my favorite blogs today and I am just so impressed with the talent that these ladies possess. I would so love to have that talent. Keep up the good work ladies!

til tomorrow~

Simplifying

I had a great weekend, but didn't get as much done as I wanted to. I managed to feed Randy and me on about $45 last week, which I consider a major accomplishment. We are having BLT's tonight. We love them. I am planning to get the rest of my cleaning out done this week. I have interviewed for a full time job and if I get it, I would like to start with my house in order. I have a busy week ahead, so I am going to try and do as much as I can each day.

I made this really delicious casserole from scratch that turned out so good! I call it Chili-Mac. I am working on a new macaroni and cheese recipe. Lots to do!

til tomorrow~

Knitting Projects

I am making this prayer shawl for my Mom for her birthday. It is my first shawl and also the first real pattern that I have done. It is turning out great! It is a much prettier pattern than the picture when it is actually done. I hope that she will like it, and I hope that I can get it finished before her birthday, which is August 9!






I am also working on my first pair of 2 At a Time socks. This is a technique by Melissa Morgan-Oakes that makes knitting socks so much easier, and eliminates the dreaded "Second Sock Syndrome". I had some problems with the technique, but one of my friends, Mary Ellen, helped me figure it out. I can't wait to finish them. They are for me!

I also made a knitting roll up for my needles. It was my first try at making one and I think it turned out pretty good. I used the tutorial on Multicrafty's blog. Click here for the pattern. The tutorial was easy to follow and I really enjoyed making it.

I am about to start on sweaters for Anna and Brian. And, I am thinking about knitting stockings for them to hang at my house instead of the ones that I bought. I love handmade things.

I guess that catches me up for now.

til tomorrow~