She's Here!!!!!

I'm so excited! I recently won a contest that Mrs. Staggs was having over in Merryville. The prize? A beautiful Mrs. Staggs doll! And she arrived this morning. Bonnet tied, basket full, and pumpkin plump. She is absolutely adorable and I love her! Thank you so much, Mrs. Staggs! I just love her. I will be posting pictures soon! Now I just need a Mr. Staggs to go with her! lol!

Eureka!

I think I've figured it out! You may remember when I was whining in a previous post about having nothing of note to blog about. Well, I have thought of something. Why I didn't think of it before, I don't know. Anyhow, in addition to blogging about my journy from Horrible Housewife to Domestic Diva, I will be discussing Celebrations!

Although I don't do much of it, I love to entertain. I have lots of fun ideas for different celebrations, some frugal, some not. Ideas that encompass food, games, decor, favors. All sorts of things. It's a bit late for the upcoming holiday, so I will begin next week with Thanksgiving, starting with a fascinating history you may not know about. Until then, look for my thoughts and recollections on Halloween, coming soon.

Just because

I have been bothered of late with certain vibes I am getting from some people. I think (and I do believe I am correct in this thinking) that certain "friends" do not want me hanging around simply because I have four young children. Now, all of these "friends" are female, they are all married, however, only one of them has any children and she just has one. They often get together and do things. I know this because one "friend" will sit and talk to me about what they all do. Am I wrong to be hurt by this? Just because I have four children doesn't mean I can't go do things too. Just because I have four children doesn't make me any less of a person. It's not like I talk about them ad nauseum. It's just frustrating to me and I'm not sure what, if anything, to do about it. Just needed to vent.

Progress is still being made! Currently I am working on stripping a freestanding cabinet and a freestanding drawer unit. Also repainting a shelf. A few other things to tidy and the kitchen will be done!!! Then I will move on to the downstairs bathroom.

In other news...youngest DD took a tumble and got a gash on her forhead. Took her to the emergency room and they glued it. It's looking a lot better!

Had conferences for oldest DD and oldest DS. They are both doing great!

Gearing up for the holidays. Really need to get started on some of my gifts!

Bluebirdblogs! If you haven't checked this site out, you must! Susie does some wonderful work (click on the Gallery link to see) and right now you can enter a drawing to win a design!

I'm a sheep...

*Sigh* I've been thinking and thinking about what to blog about. There are lots of really good blogs out there and I've resigned myself to the fact that mine is not one of them. lol! Nonetheless I still want to keep it up as it is something I do enjoy doing. So, I thought to myself, Self, what is that we do? What can we blog about? Well, I do some craft things. I do crochet. I knit. I bake and cook. I clean. Nothing exciting. I'm certainly not an expert on anything. I game, but I doubt anyone wants to read a blog entirely about pen and paper RPG's or LARP's. Especially since I don't play in many. And alas, I'm not that witty either.

So, I thought I'd follow the masses and just share some things. I will start with the decluttering/organizing of the house. Join me as I go from Horrible Homemaker to Domestic Diva!

DH was home last night. Complete shock there! lol! Anyway, we had a nice little date night. After we (well, actually, all the credit goes to him!) got the younger kids to bed, we watched MirrorMask. Very good movie. I highly recommend it if you ever have the opportunity to see it.

Goodness! Time sure does fly! I'm sorry it's been so long since I've posted. Lots of things are going on here! We've had two birthdays these past few weeks. Henry, the youngest, turned a year old on the 14th and Amelia turned two on the 24th. Roy and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary on the 22nd and he has a birthday on Monday.

The bell choir will be starting up again soon...I'm anxious for it t begin.

I have got to get started on some gifts! Seems like I have a list a mile long of things I need to make! lol!

Other than that there isn't anything new going on!

"We're having a heat wave...a tropical heat wave"

Somehow I don't think Marilyn was talking about her ac conking out (again!) And with record temps last week it was hotter than hot! The kids and I camped out at the IL's for a few days and DH weathered it out at home with the cats and several fans. It's fixed now though and hopefully it will stay that way!!!

School is getting ready to start soon here at Wisteria Corner. This past week we went and got new school supplies for the two oldest and some new clothes. Rhonda said she wasn't looking forward to going to school this year because of homework (first grade...she had homework last year too.) I told her if she wanted to stay home with me that that was fine but she'd still have homework at home too! That surprised her! lol! She opted for going back to school so she can see her friends.

Other than that, there's not much going on. I've started looking at some online catalogs for Christmas gift ideas. Still working on getting the house in order, but it's getting there. That's about it!

Back from the shore!

The kiddo's and I had a lovely time at the shore, although we spent more time in the pool than in the surf! I do have the ornament to share with you. I'll be doing that tomorrow for the Sewing Circle. Oh, and my wonderful Mr. Walker bought me some vintage patterns off of ebay. Can't wait until they get here and I can share them with you. Can't wait to use them either!

It's a very drab day here in Wisteria Corner. I'm really hoping we get some rain here; it's badly needed.

Lots to do here today to get ready for Sewing Circle tomorrow. Please join us!

Going to the Shore

The older kiddo's and I are embark to the shore with my mom for a few days. We're all looking forward to it! When I come back I'll have a picture of the dishcloth I've been working on plus a Christmas ornament craft to share :)See you in a few days!

Well My Dears, today is a date night here at the Walker house. That usually means bowling, however tonight, Mr. Walker and I will be taking in dinner and a movie. It's a very gray day here in Wisteria Corner. Hopefully it will rain later on today; we sure do need it!

Yesterday was quite fun! The volcano errupted gloriously...the kiddo's loved it. Later on we made their favorite chocolate chip brownies.


Brownies (with variations)

these make a soft, fudgy brownie

1 stick butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup flour

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cream together butter and sugar. Beat in eggs. Add chocolate and mix well. Add flour. Spread in a greased 8x8 inch pan and bake at 325 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

Variation 1-chocolate chip brownies-Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips.

Variation 2-Mallowmar brownies-after brownies have cooked, put mini marshmallows all over the top (you want to really cover the brownies!). Put back in the oven until the marshmallows are melted. Let cool and frost with 1/2 can Chocolate Fudge Frosting.

Variation 3-Cream cheese brownies-Make a filling with 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened; 1/4-1/2 cup sugar [depending on taste]; and 2 eggs. Spread half of the brownie batter in the pan (will be thin), spread cream cheese filling over. Drop remaining brownie batter over the top of the cream cheese and bake.

Sewing Circle Heat Wave

Well Dear Friends, no Sewing Circle was to be held at my humble abode yesterday. Late Tuesday afternoon the air conditioner decided to konk out. While DH and DFIL tried to fix it, MIL, myself, and the kiddos went to their house where it was decidedly cooler. They had no luck fixing it on Tuesday so we spent the night with the DIL's. Thankfully they were able to get it up and running late yesterday!

Not to let the whole day of sewing go to waste I worked on a new dishcloth! Picture will be forthcoming when it's completed.

Off to errupt a volcano with the kiddos.

Perils Of The Deep

Yesterday my Dear Parents took Miss Rhonda and Master Padraic to the River for a swim. They were having a grand time until Miss Rhonda walked into a jellyfish. Luckily they were heading towards the end of their river visit. She was a trooper! Although she couldn't walk after the initial stinging (that nasty thing got her good on both her arms and legs), she felt much stronger after an ice cream!

Now My Dears, I must be off. Wednesday is not too far off and I must get the house in order for the Sewing Circle!

New and improved?

Well, I've been inspired of late (most noteably by Mrs.Stagg's and Mrs Clarice Fox- Hughes) and have decided to change the look and feel of my blog. I hope to be a bit more entertaining and inspiring to others.

Now that you're here, would you like to come in for tea? Just make yourself comfortable. Cookie? Miss Rhonda helped me make them this morning. Oh yes, she's doing just fine. My hair? Thank you! Yes, I just got it cut at the fashionable Clip N' Curl. Before I forget, the Ladie's Sewing Circle is meeting here on Wednesday. Stop by if you get the chance to see what we're up too!

Why yes, I'm updating!

Have a few minutes so I thought I would jump on and give an update! Not a whole lot going on right now although we are gearing up to do things! lol! I've been slipping in my homemaking. Not badly, but enough that I walked through the house and made a list of things that need to be in each room. I'm slowing going through the list. Some jobs are bigger than others!

I was thinking of training the kids the other day. I've really fallen by the wayside on this one and really need to set things straight. I've made the two older ones a list of things they need to do every day and they will have their own folder. One of the things on that list is that they each need to do a job from the job box. Such jobs could include helping to clean the bathrooms, helping with laundry, ect. The older two are also going to start helping me in the kitchen more.

Well it's been a week since I started my eating plan and I've lost 6 pounds. I'm pleased with the results so far :)

Tonight we are going with the IL's to see some fireworks. Should be fun!

Well, I've got to run and get some things done!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to my super duper Dad! I love you!!!

Of course, Happy Father's Day to my sweet husband without whom we would not have our beautiful children :)


Tomorrow is the first official first day of Summer Vacation. Well, okay, really it was last Thursday as the last day of school was Wednesday, but I'm counting it as tomorrow since it's the start of the new week. Anyway, I'm going to be subbing for Christi at the summer program in the morning (get a little extra cash!) tomorrow and then I have to finish up some laundry. I'd like to clean out the car but that all depends on how much work DH has to do tomorrow. I may have to save it for later in the week.

Last Thursday was Rhonda's birthday. Six...it's hard to believe. She is turning into such a big helper and such a little lady!

Not much else went on last week. Pretty quite here!


Sunday's Supper

Appetizer
What is a word that you use that would not be considered common? Hmmm......no idea!

Soup
What theme of calendar do you have on your wall this year? It's a Mary Englebright that my mom got me for Christmas.

Salad
Name 3 people you speak with by telephone a regular basis. My mom, my MIL, DH. Exciting life, huh? lol!

Main Course
If you could buy a new outfit for someone you know - who would it be and what would you purchase for them? Oh my...Perhaps a new pair of pants and a new shirt for my DH.

Dessert
What is the last beverage you drank? A coke!

My baby is growing up...she'll be 6 on Thursday. We're having a party today so her school friends can come. Yesterday we spent a lovely day with both of the Grandma's. After cheerleading(!) practice we met at the mall, had some lunch, and then-then-my big girl got her ears pierced. After getting her hair cut last week it's almost too much. She's already getting excited about being in first grade (even though she'll have more homework!) She got a special award at her K graduation. She was the only one to get an Outstanding in art for all four quarters.


Do you love to cook? Do you like murder mysteries? Check out Diane Mott Davidson! I recently got turned onto her through the Paperbackswap (mentioned in a previous post) and am thoughougly enjoying Goldy and crew. I've found quite a few recipes to try out too!

Well, I've got to be going. Today is out last bell performance of the season, plus Rhonda's party. Lot's to do! Have a great day!

My, my! What a busy week it has been and it's only going to get busier! I have a few moments now so I thought I would post and uphold my committment that I let lapse a few weeks back! Earlier this week I found a fabulous forum that reignited my love of crochet. I have been spending lots of time there and am honored to be testing one of Anna's gorgeous patterns! (She is building her website even as I type, so check back!)

Now in addition to the dress I'm knitting for Millie, the top I'm supposed to knit for Rhonda (though it might turn into crochet! lol!), the knit corset top for me, the pj bottoms for my mom, and the baby blanket I'm making (whew!), I've added a necklace and jewelry bag for a friend's birthday, two purses, and a crochet top for me. And testing!

Pad's last day of school was last Tuesday. Hard to believe it's over for him for the Summer. Rhonda is almost done. She has this week and then three more days. Plus, next Sunday we are having her birthday party (few days before the actual day) and I play bells that morning. It's our last performance of the season. Deborah (our choir director) did say she had some arrangments for sextuplets so I told her I was interested. We will be practicing just for fun during the Summer.

One of Roy's Aunts and a cousin are visiting this weekend. They are staying with the IL's. So nice to see them!


Sunday Supper

Appetizer
On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being highest), how funny do you think you are? Not very...maybe a 3 or 4. Not something I work at though.

Soup
Name a local restaurant would you recommend to a visitor to your town or city.
Hmmm....Crab Shack is good if you like seafood.

Salad
What's a lesson you were lucky enough to learn the easy way? Just be yourself!

Main Course
Where would you like to be 5 years from now? In a bigger house. Other than that, I really love my life :)

Dessert
If you could see the front page of a newspaper from June 2, 2106, what would you imagine the headline might be? Oh goodness! How about "Man Gives Birth to Baby!" LOL!

Off to get some things done! Oh, and Kayla, if you're reading this...thanks so much for posting Mrs. C's site! It was the kick I needed to start decluttering again :) Just one more room to go and then some odds and ends! Oh, and the garage, but that's a whole nother story!

Oh Goodness!

Has it really been that long since I've posted? Boy, I've been neglectful! It's been so busy around here. Rhonda's Kindergarten is coming to an end. Padraic has one day left. We've had picnics to go to and we are gearing up for summer! I've slowly been decluttering. Our house is looking better and better. I'm able to keep more areas continually clean and it doesn't take as long for me to clean up. Here soon I'm going to tackle the garage. My plan is to get all of my stuff organized down there and then have DH do his stuff (sound like a good idea hun?) I'd really like to get the whole house, garage and all, done by July.

I found this site linked from an email. If you love to read or have a lot of books you'd like to get rid of, check it out! You do have to register, but it's free.

Not a whole lot going on today. I have some seeds I'd like to plant, but don't know if I'll get to them today or not. I have laundry to do (as usual!) My weekly menu to plan. I'm feeling kind of blah today. Hope I perk up soon!


Here's my Sunday Supper

Appetizer
How old were you when you got your first credit card? Gosh, I don't remember. I think I was 18 or 19 maybe? I don't have it anymore though. No credit cards here!

Soup
When was the last time you felt out of place?
Hmmmm....I don't usually go anywhere where I feel out of place.

Salad
Did you have a curfew when you were a teenager? If so, what time did you have to be home?
Yep. 10:00 on week nights, 12:00 on weekends.

Main Course
Name a person from history with whom you feel you have something in common.
Sylvia Plath

Dessert
When you read a newspaper, which section do you go for first?
The comics, of course!

Well, I'd best go and get something accomplished today! I promise I'll to post more often!