This past week has been spent, primarily, switching from the summer clothing to the winter clothing--for the children. I spent HOURS on Saturday cleaning out the twins' drawers and closets, packing up too-small clothes, and throwing away junk (it's amazing how much two twelve years olds can manage to collect and still have their rooms look clean). I dread this job every season--I even went so far this year as to say, "I can't wait until these two stop growing." I didn't mean it though-- I love my babies and want to put off the empty nest as long as possible. Anyway, as I was saying, I dread it every season, but I'm always so glad that I did it. I don't know if I'm the only one or not, but every year, when I'm in the midst of this monstrous project, I promise myself that this time I will not buy so much clothing. This time, things are going to be different. I think the problem is that I tend to buy EVERYTHING I think they might need for the season, forgetting that somehow stuff seems to trickle in through out the season--gifts, hand-me-downs, required t-shirt, etc. Am I the only one guilty of this? Oh--who am I kidding-I don't forget. I love to shop. There, I said it. I find it hard to resist a good sale or a cute outfit. Lock me up. No, really, Lock me up! Anyway, this year we tried on the clothes I saved from last winter--I mistakenly thought a few things might still fit them this year--Ha-what a joke. Afterwards, I made a list of what each child needed--bare minimum-- (to me, anyway) the goal being to have enough clothing to last a week without having to wash. "Bare minimum" is a new approach for me--3 or 4 pairs of jeans, 4 long sleeve shirts, 2-3 church outfits, new shoes, and sweatpants (are they still called that?)/ sleeping pants. (They all had jackets/sweatshirts from last year that fit-yippee--so I didn't have to worry about that--and they each had some play clothes given to them). Even just those few things are a huge investment when you have three children. I worried this wouldn't be enough, but sure enough, hand-me-downs have already been given to us, and the kids have each chosen to spend their own money on a piece of clothing or two--so their drawers are already packed full again. And I already know that when spring comes, I'll be saying the same thing I always say--"I am not going to buy them so much this time. This is ridiculous." Whatever--some things never change. Oh, and lest you think I have forgotten to buy myself anything during this fall season, I found--on clearance-- a great pair of very comfortable dark brown Sperry suede topsiders--with a buckle instead of shoestrings--that I love! And the greatest brown long sweater jacket--a steal at The Limited for $15.

• B. has to have surgery for a ruptured disc(k?) in his lower back. He is hoping to put it off until the first of the year so that he can finish his Master's without interruption. I do not blame him, but I'm not so sure he is going to be able to wait. I certainly hope and pray he can. I feel so badly for him.
• K. had minor surgery on her knee Wednesday. As of last night, she was still in a lot of pain. She went to school today and will hopefully be able to stay the whole day. Homecoming is tonight, and I know she will want to go to that. She can take the brace off tomorrow, and she goes back to the doctor on Tuesday to have the stitches removed. She's not much for pain--that is for sure.
• We have the craziest bird at our house right now. He walks back and forth across one particular window sill and pecks away at our window. We had fun watching it yesterday--it does get on one's nerves after awhile though.
• We have a small water leak under the house--not the best when your husband has a ruptured disc (k?). We also have a heating element out in our water heater AND in my oven. (No oven for the past 6 weeks.) Plus, my microwave is on the blink. K's class ring payment is due. B needs new tires for his truck. And the battery died on my van. Our pocketbook is aching a bit, needless to say. Thank goodness gas is down to $3.00.
• The girls and I are getting ready to learn to knit. I am excited.
• I bought a gorgeous red enamel-coated cast-iron skillet yesterday (on sale) at Belk (evil, evil store--it draws me in). I think I'm in love. My arms will be stronger too. My teflon skillet was starting to chip--and I want to get away from the non-stick pans for health reasons--I no longer have any.
• I am not a huge fan of life without an oven, though it hasn't been as hard as one would think. I have done a lot of recipe searching and have found three great new recipes to add to our regular fare. I just wish I could bake myself that german chocolate cake and chocolate chip pumpkin bread that I have been craving. I may borrow a friend's oven soon.
• I have realized that I have an unhealthy love for dishes. I have five sets that I can choose from--it's sick and crazy--blue Fiesta, floral Pfaltzgraff, deep yellow something from Penny's catalog, ivory Sorrento (which was just discontinued at Belk and is 75% off), and my white-with-tiny-blue-flowers china from Winn Dixie. I use the deep yellow something most days--and I know you were very interested in that little piece of information.
• School is going wonderfully at home--we are having a hard time getting our History and Science in though--working on that.
• It is ridiculous how much I am looking forward to leftover Spaghetti Soup tonight.

My 40th Birthday

Labels: Random Thoughts

I just had to post this recipe from tonight's supper--it was stupendous, in my opinion anyway! I am always on the lookout for soup recipes--we eat it year round, but even more in the fall and winter months. So, if you are needing a nice chilly weather kind of soup, you might want to try this one:

• Sarah's Spaghetti Soup
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 3/4 cups each of chopped onion, green pepper, celery, carrot, and mushrooms might be good too--but are optional-I didn't use them.
• 3 cloves garlic ( I used the jarred minced garlic--heaven forbid)
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 3 14 oz cans diced tomatoes ( I substituted one of these cans with tomato sauce.)
• 1 jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• crushed red pepper (I used three dashes)
• 3 oz. uncooked spaghetti broken into 1 inch pieces

Chop vegetables and cook with ground beef until meat is done and the vegetables are tender--I didn't drain this before adding the remaining ingredients, but I will next time. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil for 15-20 minutes. Put Parmesan cheese on the table in case anyone wants to sprinkle a little on their soup. Serves 8-10 (There are 5 in our family, and I have enough for tomorrow's meal.) Enjoy!

I serve this with hot buttery french bread--yum!

*Adapted from Sarah's recipe*

Labels: Food

It just could be that I have a dear family member who is a part of this great worship team in Missouri--who just got a three CD contract with Universal, by the way! Their CD is out!!! I'm a little proud. "To Know Your Heart" by Cape First Worship available at this Walmart.com link. (My cousin is the blonde on far stage left.)

Labels: Family