At home on the range

I love Mason Jars...

2012-02-04T18:12:00.000-08:00

My latest projects...

Mason jar soap dispenser...

The original post can be found here. The original authors is GORGEOUS! But, I like mine. Not bad for a first edition. I'm thinking next year's Christmas, with some knitted dish scrubbers...

A latte cozy...

Imagine with me that my lemon water is actually a Grande Caramel Macchiato...oh the bliss....now, with that coffee perfection called to mind, notice the knitted cozy that surrounds the chalice, I mean cup, that holds such sweet caffeinated perfection, keeping it just the right degree of warmth yet protecting your hands from being uncomfortable.

It was super easy, and only took me one and a half Doctor Who episodes to create from start to finish.

This is another first edition, but I'm also thinking gifts...Christmas...birthdays....we'll see...

Here is the original for the coffee cozy.

I've also made a this. I made a t-shirt braided headband. Pictures to come later. It's pretty much just like the picture, only mine is white.

Craftiness is next to Godliness!

I want to go shopping...

2012-02-01T20:27:00.000-08:00

for chalkboard paint, fabric, yarn, sewing shears and a rotary cutter/board, thread, goodwill clothes to upcycle, a bleach pen, and a flat iron.

So many projects, so little money....at least with the exception of maybe the yarn, fabric, and paint most of this stuff will last through multiple projects.

I want to slather chalkboard paint on just about everything from cups to flower pots.

I want fabric, sewing shears/rotary cutter/board, and thread to create a purse I'm totally in love with and is VERY similar to one my sister purchased at a fancy-schmancy boutique on Portobello Road in London a few years back. Are you singing the Portobello Road song from Bedknobs and Broomsticks, yet?

I want goodwill clothes to take apart and do crazy things with...some of which haven't exactly been found but I know they're out there.

I want a bleach pen and plain t-shirts to make my own trendy, "screen-printed" t's. For me, my girls, and maybe gifts...

I want a flat iron because I HATE the way my hair flips out at the ends. This has nothing at all whatsoever to do with Pinterest.

I also want mason jars. To turn into spice jars, gift jars, candle holders, and soap dispensers.

I want to create!! But, at this point to create one must have at least the bare minimum of supplies.

So I wish and dream about shopping. And dream about getting a paycheck...hopefully in March. =)

More crafty goodness

2012-01-31T19:31:00.000-08:00

A while ago I made a present for my sister, who is also a knitter.

I upcycled a Liz Clairborne reverseable skirt into a knitting needle case.

The lack of flash on the first picture does not do the colors justice. I'm much happier with how this one turned out then the first one I made for myself.

Today, I made t-shirt headbands with a rosette detail. The fabric rosettes are all over pinterest, so I gave it a try.

These were fun to make. I think I'll put the larger one, the one on the right, on the lapel of a denim blazer I have, attached with a safety pin.

And the headbands. The glue is tricky,so the first one will be an around-the-house thing. But, they are comfy.

The original can be found here.

I also grabbed a great chicken recipe off Pinterest today. Blackened chicken with cajun spices. I didn't follow the recipe exactly, but did do a dry rub, sear it in a cast-iron skillet and baked in the oven. It was great. Even Mal liked it. Although she dipped hers in ranch. But anyway, it's totally worth trying. We'll be sure to have it again.

Update on the laundry soap

2012-01-28T22:05:00.000-08:00

After enough laundry to make me wonder what in the world I ever did with my Saturdays before kids, I've come to the conclusion that this home-made laundry soap is the BEST stuff ever.

The clothes are soft, like fabric softener soft and I haven't used fabric softener since before M was born. I forgot what bliss truly soft fleece was.

The colors are vibrant, the whites are white...not sure if they're actually more vibrant/white then before, but they sure seem to be.

Ok, this soap thing is totally worth it.

Now, back to the massive amounts of folding I have yet to do...or I could just put it off till tomorrow and watch Glee on Hulu...

Home-made laundry soap

2012-01-28T14:05:00.000-08:00

Here I found a recipe for dry home-made laundry soap. It's toward the end. I modified it slightly, by using two cups of borax and two cups of baking soda and one small cup (the cup it came with) of Sun Oxygen cleaner. The Fels-Naptha bar grated up into two cups. I did a larger grate, as my grater is very old and the finer side just doesn't work anymore. Mix and store.

The ingredients...

The Fels-Naptha bar grated up. One bar, on larger grate, created two cups.

The final mixture. I used the scoop from the oxy-cleaner. In the first load, I added two scoops to the wash, but realized that might be too much (not that it'll hurt anything) when the washer started the cycle, so I think one scoop will be plenty. This first load is mostly kid clothes, so if they come out clean and smelling fresh, we have a winner! All total, this cost me under 10, and aside from needed to buy another bar of soap when I run out, I still have most ALL of the ingredients left. So, this is a very effective way to save money.

Other thoughts...
Here is a helpful discussion of baking soda versus washing soda. I chose the baking soda because its what I had on hand. I will try the washing soda next time, I think, or do them both.

This website also has a dry recipe and it was the original one I was after, but Wal-Mart was out of the washing soda the day I was in town. So, I modified the two together, made a smaller batch from first listed websited but adding the Oxy-cleaner from the second website.

One thing I'll need to keep in mind, and both websites mentioned it, are the lack of suds. But, the first website goes into some detail as to how the suds are actually a cosmetic feature and really don't do anything to clean the clothes.

Home-made make-up remover wipes

2012-01-28T13:10:00.000-08:00

Here is the website from Pinterest for the home-made make-up remover wipes. I found it to be incredibly easy, although a little elbow-grease is needed for cutting the paper towels in half (or maybe just a sharper knife??). In my product review, you'll find my tweaks and thoughts. Here is the process, though, if you're wanting to try it.

First I cut the roll...

Then, I made the liquid mixture... 4 cups warm water, and 3 squirts of the wash of your choosing. The original calls for coconut oil, which I don't have at this time, so I skipped it.

For my mixture, I used the baby wash and 3 drops of Young Living Essential Oils Lavender.
Then, I forgot to take pictures, so I'll just explain. Splitting the liquid mixture into two parts (2 cups each) into 2 seal-able containers.

Taking the cut rolls, fuzzy side down, submerge them into the water. Squish them down and put the lid on. Turn them upside down to soak up. The original website called for waiting 5 minutes. After 5 minutes are up, or you feel like they're soaked up, remove the middle cardboard part. It's really easy when its wet.

Yes, it was effective. However, I will be making some slight modifications. 1. I will cut the "recipe" in half. I don't need two containers of wipes. That being said, the wipes are smaller then the store-bought ones, and weaker, so you do use more at one time. 2. If I'm using the cheap paper towels, I'll use less water. They just didn't absorb all the liquid. In order to keep this "cheap", I'll keep using the cheap off brand paper-towels and less water. Overall, I think this is going to be something that can always be tweaked but will be a nice way to save some money on disposable niceties.

This recipe can also be modified for home-made cleaning wipes, substituting the baby wash for a concentrated cleaner of your choosing. I think I'm going to try home-made clorox-type wipes next month with maybe a little bleach.

Home-made shower cleaner

2012-01-28T12:23:00.000-08:00

I tried the home-made shower cleaner, found here and really liked it. I am not brave enough to post pictures, but it worked. And I feel really good about the lack of chemicals, for the most part. The dish soap is a chemical, but I'm ok with it. I made my own container out of an old febreeze knock-of and printed off a label.

My next goal for today, besides more cleaning and laundry, is to make the home-made make-up remover wipes. Wish me luck!

dance bag update

2012-01-26T13:50:00.000-08:00

A twisted strap and some cute accents to cover the junction points of strap to bag and wa-la...

And her shoes are already in their new home, a perfect fit. She'll probably need a bigger bag in a few years when she adds jazz shoes to the tap and ballet, assuming she's still dancing then, but for now this bag should last a while.

I'm pretty proud of myself....

And did I mention I GOT A JOB! =D

A good day so far...

Update on sock bun curls

2012-01-26T12:38:00.000-08:00

So, the sock bun curls. Easier for her to sleep in, harder to put in then regular curlers. But, here's the final result.

I think with a few more times and some more practice, it'll be a nice alternative to curlers.

In other crafting news, I created a present for a special person, pictures to come after I get word said present has been received, am planning on finishing M's bag today, and took a pair of wide-leg linen trousers and turned it into a straight skirt. Pics to come if it turns out.

Oh, and I got a job.

YAYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!

Unemployed and addicted to Pinterest

2012-01-25T19:50:00.000-08:00

So, I've been away a while, nursing my wounded spirit and contemplating how people who were you friends one day are your worst enemy the next...and then I found Pinterest. Ok, so it's not making me any money, it's not helping me to find ways to make money, and it's not convinced me that all people should be forgiven (one day I'll be there...), but it is fun. Really fun. Really, really fun.

I've found lots of craft and sewing ideas that I've pinned, some cost saving do-it-at-home ideas that I've pinned and some yummy looking recipes that I've pinned. I'm going to use this space to document my adventures in recreating some of what I've been pinning.

The first thing I made from Pinterest is a t-shirt bag. Here is the website that the pin linked to. I hope this works. I've never added a link before. http://www.moredesignplease.com/moredesignplease/2010/6/6/diy-recycled-t-shirt-tote-bag.html

Here is my finished product.

I took an old t-shirt from a Klear Nearly day gone by and converted it into my new Chamber of Commerce bag. I thought it was appropriate.

In addition to crafting/easy-sewing projects I've also been busy working on new knitting projects. Over Christmas break I made case for my knitting needles.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I actually remembered how my sewing machine works, for the most part. This case was my re-introduction to the world of sewing. Not that it's all that much, I didn't even finish off the top of the case, but I had to thread the thing, and wind the bobbin, so it was an easy entry.

I also did a bit of knitting. Mostly while watching Grey's Anatomy from beginning to current (thank you Netflix and Hulu!). I made a few dishcloths, nothing to write home about there, hence the pictures (and they're in the laundry), and a few other things...

The simple beret, the pattern I found here... http://knitbot.com/2010/11/20/simple-beret-pattern/ . Yes, I made two completed ones and am working on a third. I really like this beret.

Here is one of mine completed.

Mine ended up being a little bigger than the original because I used a heavier weight yarn then the pattern called for, but it was easy and I love them because they really do help keep me warm.

I made one of these http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/tshirt_shrug and fundamentally it turned out but I didn't have a decent color ribbon or thread so it looked a bit off. Hence no picture.

This is my current project. It's not completed, but it's a dance bag, hobo style, for M. http://www.simplymodernmom.com/2010/09/hobo-dance-bag-tutorial/

The flash does not do the color justice, but it's a nice deep pink corduroy vintage fabric my mom gave me a long time ago. It's also the same fabric I used to make my knitting needle case out of. I still have to finish the strap, but that should happen tonight, so by tomorrow afternoon there should be pictures. It's not like I have a lot else to do these days....

and the inside...

Fully lined. I'm only a little proud of myself.

I love pinterest because of the many, many things you can find on there to do. Like this. http://tupeloabneyfamily.blogspot.com/2012/01/sock-bun-curls.html Creating curls out of socks. Since tomorrow is picture day, the one that I like, as opposed to the picture day last semester this one offers the keychains pictures and stuff, I thought we'd try out the sock bun curler idea and see if it works. I'll update tomorrow as to its effectiveness.

There are a few other things I got off the site that I'm going to try, like home made make-up remover wipes, home-made laundry soap and possibly home-made dish soap. And the recipes. I'll post as I do those things and their effectiveness as well.

Have fun Pinning!

Proud Geek

2011-09-12T19:41:00.000-07:00

Yes I am.

It's a badge I will wear proudly. I am a geek.

I'm a band geek first. No matter how low my soul feels, no matter where my faith may be, no matter the crap the universe is slinging in my direction band always makes me feel better. There's something about playing, losing myself in the notes, rythmns, melodies, counter-melodies, whatever the page brings me that lifts me up like nothing else can. I love every aspect of being in band. Love the taste of a new reed. Love the feeling of my fingers on the key holes, the sound of the keys moving. I love band. I love a note held in unison (and in tune if we're lucky enough). I love a sustained note with a moving percussion underneath it.

I love band.

I'm also a Syfy fan. Yep, the tv channel. I love Haven, Eureka, and Warehouse 13. I like Star Trek Next Gen., Ghost Hunters, Battlestar Galactica. I love Syfy. I love Nathan Fillion, in Firefly, Castle, Dr. Horrible's Sing-along Blog. I'm a geek. I'd probably really enjoy Comic-Con, too.

I *heart* being a geek.

Flexibility

2011-09-11T17:49:00.000-07:00

I had a college professor once who told us about what kind of tree she wanted to be like.

She said she once wanted to be like the mighty oak, strong and firm, but over time came to realize it was far better to be a palm tree instead. Not because you get to live in the most wonderful year-round climate, but because unlike the mighty and firm oak, the palm tree would sway in even the slightest of breezes.

At this point in the lecture, I had an "aha" moment and realized how very much like the palm tree I was, that even the slightest of "breezes" could set me to swaying like there was no tomorrow. It wouldn't be until much later that I took this further, this lesson on flexibility.

The professor was saying that it is better to be like a palm tree in most cases, because while the little breezes wouldn't really ruffle the leaves of the mighty oak, it would have a hard time surviving the harshest winds of life. A big storm, one of life's really big storms would send it crashing down, broken and mangled. But, the palm tree, while it does sway violently at the slightest of provocations is not going to be broken by life's big storms. The palms may lose some leaves here and there in a hurricane but they will still be standing when the storm passes. They will come out the other side.

The palm trees natural flexibility and ability to bend is what makes it such a wonderful example of how a person should be. Able to bend but not break. The flexibility to move with the changes life naturally brings.

America was challenged 10 years ago today. We felt like we'd broken, but in reality we'd just been bent over to the point of the tops of us touching the ground but we were not broken. We would bound back up again, maybe not overnight, we eventually found the ability to straighten back up and keep on growing. We weathered a fierce storm, a massive storm that took lives, tested our endurance, and showed us we could triumph through the tears.

I didn't personally know anyone who was killed in the attacks, but did come to learn two high school acquaintances who were close calls. One was at the Pentagon when it was hit, one was late to work at the WTC that day. But, I remember the shock and pain of seeing my country under attack and feeling it personally.

I then immediately put aside all my personal feelings and went to work as a student journalist at the K-State Collegian covering everything from how our state capital and the neighboring military installation were responding to the current threat to the blood drives that were being set up all over the area. I spent the day writing about the attacks, covering student reactions, researching and more writing. I was exempt from my classes in my journalism school as we all were expected to be working and I missed the political science classes also. I did go to marching band that day, late, and remember walking into the rehearsal hall. As I opened the doors to the rehearsal room, all eyes were on me and the director asked me in front of everyone what I had learned, what was going on, as he knew I was on the Collegian staff. I didn't have anything new to share with the band, but I could feel all the eyes of the 250+ members on me as they eagerly awaited any news I could give them. I said I knew nothing more than we had been the victims of a terrorist attack. I remember saying that and not really understanding what it meant, but that it was the "phrase of the day" we all had been tossing around. The director then gave a small speech about how this was a day none of us would ever forget but that we would beat them and we would begin beating them right then and there by continuing with life as we knew it and we did. We watched the film from the previous weeks football game of our two shows then we proceeded out to the field to rehearse the next show. At some point, a plane flew over head and we all stopped what we were doing, knowing all aircraft had been downed, and looked at each other and knew we'd seen either Air Force 1 or a decoy plane pass over head. If the President was on the move, it must be even bigger then what we were seeing on the news. We looked at each other in disbelief. Then we kept on practicing.

After band, I went back to the newsroom and when the work was done I went with a friend to her apartment complex where we had a beer and sat in the hot tub watching the sunset. She and I looked at each other and I remember saying our lives as we knew it would never be the same.

America showed the world and ourselves that day and in the days that followed that we were all like palm trees. We were able to bend and sway in the face of a violent storm but we were not broken. We'd lost limbs, we lost leaves and pieces of us were gone and not repairable, but we were not broken. We would straighten back up and we would be stronger, more flexible, for the losses we'd endured and the changed landscape we would find ourselves living in. We were a mighty palm tree. Mighty and fierce in our flexibility.

I'm finding that at times my personal flexibility is tested and that sometimes its better to be an oak then a palm. I'm finding that sometimes I'd rather take the chance of breaking and crashing down than I would at being so flexible all the time. I've found in my aging process that I'm not as flexible as I once was and I've grown to accept this. I don't know if I'll come crashing down, but it's a chance I'm willing to take.

But, as to the flexibility of my nation, I'm proud of our palm tree status. We can bend and sway, we can lose limbs and leaves, but we will stand straight again and await the next storm and in the meantime we will mourn as we bask in the glorious sunlight, knowing we can endure when the skies turn stormy again.

Football!

2011-09-06T18:23:00.000-07:00

My boy (bonus-boy) is #77! He didn't see any play time with the varsity team, but tonight he's playing on both sides of the ball with JV. My boys team won their season opener last Saturday afternoon in a nail-biting overtime win on a 2-point conversion! It was pretty darn cool.

It's K-State football season! Love my cats!! And I love this picture, only slightly altered by turning the clouds purple instead of the steel gray they were. That storm was awful! Freaky and awful, and I wasn't even there! My Cat's won their season opener last Saturday night. EMAW!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnLmQiBtcY4

The Wabash Cannonball. 'Nuff said.

And my current hometowns local team, the Nickerson Panthers. They also won their game on Friday.

My football weekend was a 3 for 3 weekend.

And all is right with the world.

2011-05-02T20:27:00.000-07:00

President Obama, who through intelligence and with the cooperation of other nations, succeeded in killing the supposed mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks and head of the terrorist organization Al Qaeda.

That, in not so many words, was the major headline news this morning and last night. I saw the breaking news after watching the royal wedding that I had recorded from last Friday. I was almost emotional, having watched two people about my age (give or take 4 years) exchange vows in front of family, friends, and billions of strangers. I watched the love between these two people who have been together about as long as I've been with my husband promise to love, honor and keep thee until death they do part. It was beautiful, hopeful. Pure, as true love is.

Then, as I figure I've got another hour for another day, I switched it off and on CNN was Ed Henry in front of the White House talking about how Osama bin Laden had been killed and could we hear the chants and cheers of the crowd that was gathering in front of the White House?

Chants of "U.S.A" and cheering. The singing of the national anthem. Cheering. Rejoicing. Taking pleasure in the death as if it were the outcome of a football game.

The man, who was at the very least the mouthpiece for the organization that has pledged jihad against my way of life and may well have been the mastermind behind the awful September attacks and numerous other attacks against my country as well as others was a monster by all accounts.

I can say I won't mourn the creature's death. I can say I feel as if a job was done. But, I can't rejoice in the death. I can't jump around chanting, cheering, singing in the streets.

To do this is to do as our enemies do. To revel in another's death is to be like our enemies. We've seen pictures for the last ten years of people dancing in the streets when American soldiers die. I can't do that. I won't be like them and dance in the streets over the death of an enemy. I can't condone that behavior, either. I can't condone, even just in words, the rejoice of another's death.

I will take the high road and think about the job that was done with solemnity and reverence for the life that was ended by the hand of another. I will pray for the soldier who fired the shot, as I will pray for all soldiers who find themselves taking the lives of others, innocent or not. It's not up to us to determine when a life ends, regardless of how that life was lived. I can't cheer the news.

I pray the end of bin Laden marks the beginning of the end of the organization that shall be nameless. I pray he was the head of the group and that the group begins to fall apart and unravel. I pray for a world that spreads peace and love instead of violence.

I also pray our nation finds a source of pride that isn't centered around violence. I think our military has a rightful place in our democracy, but for it to be our only source of pride saddens me a little. My grandfather was a soldier and he never would have said he was a hero. He just did the job he was told to do, when he was told to do it. He made the army a career, but I'm not sure it would have been his choice had he not been drafted. It's because he was drafted that he's a true hero in my mind. Because of that, I can't see today's military as hero's. They are men and women who have chosen to do the job they do. They do it well, most of them, and they should be commended for that. I respect anyone who does their job and does it well, from the man who picks up my garbage on Fridays to the woman who teaches my daughter, to the checker at the Wal-Mart who greets me at ten at night when I'm finally getting around to doing my grocery shopping. I applaud anyone who does their job and does it well. I'm grateful there are people who choose to do the jobs they do, to include our military. I just wish our nation had a source of national pride that didn't involve guns and being the bully on the block.

I won't rejoice the death. I won't saint those who fired the shots. I will say thank you, once, to those who serve, and I will look to the future with hope and do what I can to spread love, tolerance, and peace.

2011-04-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

I was away last night and today, and my house is wrecked, my husband is sulking like a badly-behaved child who missed out on a field trip, and I've ended up bring back more then I left with as is usually the case.

But, my first order of business is to try to regain real estate in my kitchen in the form of cleaned off counter tops. If I didn't know better, I'd think he and my darling little girl somehow used each and every dish in the house between 3pm yesterday and 6pm today. How does this happen?

And, I have a funny story about my venture "home" that I want to get down, along with thoughts about what it means to "go home", but that'll have to wait until tomorrow.

I should never. ever. leave. my. house.

2011-04-14T21:16:00.000-07:00

My baby is going to a lock-in at her school tomorrow night. We live across the street from the school, and I've vowed not to leave my house until it's time to pick her up in the morning. Is this crazy?

The next day, with said sleep-deprived kindergartner, we will venture into town for her dance class pictures. I can see the fun now...the hair has to be done "just so", the costume "just so", even the stage make-up "just so"...and I can only imagine how little sleep she'll have had the night before. And the picture takin' fun begins at 10am. Oh boy.

Had a meeting tonight with my Chamber of Commerce folks. Beginning to piece together the summer festival. Hopefully the rain holds off this year. Unfortunately, there is a wedding that will take four of my volunteers...out of a pool of 7. Greeeaaattt.... yeah, this'll be fun. I call it "Adventures in Volunteering". I might write a book...

2011-04-13T21:54:00.000-07:00

The tooth fairy came tonight. M put her little tooth in the same little tooth fairy pillow I used as a child. Only when I had it, I woke up to a quarter...M will wake up to a dollar. Guess inflation hits everywhere. But, it's so fun to continue those little traditions. Like filling the stockings on Christmas Eve. The joy tomorrow morning will rival that of Christmas morning and will warm my heart. And she'll run to stick her new dollar in to her pink piggy bank. This is what parenthood is all about.

Earlier today, however, parenthood was all about dealing with the diva. I have no idea where this diva attitude came from, but it reared its head for sure. She is an only child and today proved it. She wanted to play with the kids at the after school program, but she wanted to play HER game. She wanted to play it HER way. It was HER way or the highway. So, instead she got to hang out with mommy in the kitchen while I washed up the snack dishes. Many tears were shed. Sometimes, this learning to play nicely with others lesson is a toughie.

Mommy is *still* learning that, too, unfortunately. I guess, even though I am reluctant to admit it, she probably comes by it naturally. Apparently, a phone call I had with the young, bubbly city office clerk wasn't as bubbly from my end as she would have liked. So she went to her supervisor that the Chamber of Commerce president was "short" with her on the phone. Never-mind she called me at my place of employment, completely not connected with Chamber duties at all. The supervisor then goes to her supervisor, the mayor, that the Chamber of Commerce president was "short" on the phone. Never-mind I am a volunteer and there is absolutely nothing he can do about it. But, I guess she felt better ratting me out to the mayor that I was "short" on the phone. The rub is, I wasn't even short or rude. I am capable of being short and rude, but today I wasn't.

It sucks being labeled for something I didn't do, when I am so capable of doing and doing it well.

Yeah, my girl comes by some of her traits honestly. It must be in the DNA.

Tomorrow will be a better day....for both of us.

2011-04-12T18:47:00.000-07:00

I love living in a small town, but on nights when I really don't want to cook it kinda sucks. I'd have absolutely loved some chinese take-out, but that wasn't happening being this far from civilization...so I settled for the local pub and treated the fam to burgers and tator tots. It was yum...now, if they would just throw in a couple of crab rangoon and some general tzo's chicken, we'd be set.

Mmmmm.....chinese food and a red beer. Now, then my darling little town would be perfect.

FYI: If you ever find yourself driving on Hwy 96 and find yourself following the hwy down mainstreet in Nickerson, Ks, stop at Dixie's. You won't regret it. Tell 'em Theresa sent ya. ;-)

Thoughts on last week

2011-04-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

Last week, our government invited us to a very well choreographed dance recital. It lasted for days and days, it involved intricate dips, lifts, spins, and twirls. And in the end, the outcome was what everyone expected it to be.

The sides claimed to be hashing it out, compromising, not giving too much, but giving just enough to keep things going for now. In reality, I feel, we all witnessed political posturing at its best. We saw the two sides dance with each other, dragging it on, knowing exactly how it would turn out.

The media outlets and facebook status' jumped to all sorts of conclusions. Re-post messages about making sure soldiers received their pay popped up like movie theater popcorn all over the place. The knee-jerk reactions of people, assuming our brave boys and girls would be fighting for nothing manifested themselves everywhere. Twitter, the media, blog sites, facebook, probably myspace (although I'm not there so I don't actually know that) when in reality it was never an issue.

Our society loves the knee-jerk. Whether it be for the latest techno-fad or news, we must have it now. And that attitude is dangerous. We begin to make decisions without thinking things through. We pour money into i-thingies only to find the first generation is crap and we must have the next one, the better one that's only 2 months younger then the first one we absolutely had to have. We form our opinions of the news based on 10 second sound bites instead of listening to the speech.

And we have knee-jerk reactions.

People, stop and think once in a while. Don't be lured into a false sense of knowledge based on the two second sound bite. Do the research, form an opinion after having given whatever it is some thought.

And don't forget that every single step taken, breath drawn, word spoken, look given, etc, in Washington is pre-planned, orchestrated and choreographed.

Music

2011-04-11T21:14:00.000-07:00

I love making music. I love playing my clarinet in a band. Call me a nerd, I love it. It's the most rewarding thing I can do, next to being a mom. There is something so simple, so beautiful, about a sustained note, in tune, in unison, with the band that moves a place deep within my soul. It comforts me when I'm feeling down, it gives me a sense of confidence when I otherwise would feel small and insignificant, it rejoices with me when I'm happy...music is essential to my well-being.

The community band I play in, however, may not be in existence much longer. The band, which was started so the college kids would have an ensemble to play in, is losing their director to some budget cuts. I hate budget cuts...especially when they make absolutely no sense. But, that's another blog, another time.

I hope to find another outlet to play in, besides the church group that meets once a month. I have to play. It's cheaper than a therapist. Seriously, it's gonna have to be one or the other!

2010-09-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

In keeping with my promise to myself to write daily, here is todays end of the day drivel.

I adore the show Haven. It's on Syfy. Never in a million years would have guessed that I'd adore that channel, but I'm finding myself watching more shows there then anywhere else on tv. Nick Jr, excluded. Haven, Warehouse 13 and Eureka. Love it. Also love Castle and Mad Men. See? Syfy wins out, three to one.

In other news...well, there isn't really any other news. Went to work, both jobs were (blessedly) uneventful, came home and baked a frozen pizza for the girl and myself since daddy was working at the fair, folded some laundry, watched Haven (did I mention I adore that show?), wrote drivel and am about to go to bed.

Please, try to contain your excitement. It's contagious and I just can't handle any more.

Big events lurking on the horizon for tomorrow: a trip to Sam's Club for the montly stock-up, work (cleaning the church, ick), and working on M's first ever school project. I love her teacher, but a homework project that involves parental assistance in Kindergarten seems more like mommy-homework than kid-homework...and this mommy has enough "home"work to keep her busy enough, thank you very much.

Again, please try to keep the excitement level to a dull roar.

2010-09-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

I love how days begin so wonderfully and end so...not. Yesterday was one of those days.

I vow, today will be better.

I vow, I will write something, even if it's just a menu, everyday.

I vow, I will not allow others to make me feel like less of a person, regardless of who, or what relation they have to me.

In other news, went to the fair with Cori, the girls, and M. On my way to take husband some cash for food at his booth, I stopped by the Kansas Dem. Party booth. Talked to the lady from the Reno County Dems and she took my name and info to fill a spot left by M. Stafford, (RIP, you are greatly missed!) as the committeewoman for Ward 1 here in the Nick precinct! WOW! I hope this works out. I really want to get involved.

must get back to work...must begin working...one of those.

2010-08-06T23:18:00.000-07:00

Again, I apologize for the reverse order of the pictures. I need to tweak the blog to figure out how to rearrange them when uploading. Please enjoy and leave me a comment if you feel so inclined!

Sadly, the street dance was cancelled due to rain. The pictures do end abruptly, as I was told I couldn't spend all day taking pictures, I needed to work. Bummer. But, here's what I got.

If you're in one, let me know!

Big, huge, undying-love-type Thanks to my committee!

Here's to next year!!!

The high school cheerleaders dunk tank.

The water inflatable...note to self: have more than one of these, or move the festival to the fall...

Local saddle club...they proved, once again, why the are the last entry in the parade.

One of many antique tractors...headed to the Tractor Pull, I imagine.

One of a handful of classic cars. I want this car. But with air conditioning...

Happy 50th Anniversary to the Nickerson Volunteer Fire Department!

Main Street businesses: Berridge IGA and James Fleming (and pup) of Fleming Appliance

Nickerson Clovers 4-H
Nickerson United Methodist Church
The Chamber kids on the "farm train".
The parade, in reverse order. Sorry about that. Please enjoy!

2010-08-06T23:06:00.001-07:00

Sorry that the pictures are in reverse order. Friday night, the beginning, is at the bottom of the page. Stay tuned for more!

The beginning of the parade. Chief April Addis in the air conditioned car (nope, not bitter...much), followed by the local Boy Scout troop carrying Old Glory. Those boys were troopers. They had their Flag Retirement Ceremony the night before (Friday), then the pancake feed at 6am (unGodly hour), then the parade immediately following, the from here they went to man their concession stand at the mud volleyball pit. They worked as hard as the Chamber did! Way to go boys and parents!

Perpetual Fist, a local band made up of current and recently graduated high school kids from the area. They were pretty good...and the price was great! All they wanted was to come and play. Here's hoping we can have them back next year!

Kids enjoying the slide before/during/after dinner Friday night...apparently burned bottoms weren't that big of a deal! Yes, that's my Mallory heading to the top. Her favorite pasttime, giving Mom a heart attack...

Community dinner. Sloppy Joes and hot dogs were enjoyed by many. Special thanks to Karen Rice and her top-secret (unless you ask, then not so secret!) for cooking!!

Photo Fun

2010-07-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

I've been playing around with some open source photo editing programs, Photoscape and Gimp. I love the Photoscape one more at this point because it offers some really cute icons and things to add to pics. But, Gimp is more...more. I like more, but am having a tough time learning how to use it. Anyway, here are a few things I've done so far. These were all done with Photoscape. More to come, as I play with this. Hopefully it'll come in handy when I get around to digging out the scrapbook I started for Mallory...=)

Christmas Card option 1. Picture of one of our poinsettia's we were given last Christmas. Used a vintage layer to give it an aged appearance, added Christmas icon, and names. I really like this one. I really like the aged look.

Christmas card option 2. Cropped it oval, turned it sepia, added names and found the Merry Christmas in an icon collection that comes with the program. My goal, produce our own "photo" cards this year. *fingers crossed*

I really love this one. Turned it sepia, added an antique vignette and color faded it to the right hand side. Added her name in neat font, shaded it so it was see-through. I LOVE this picture.

Scrapbook page...sort of like this idea, but must remember it'll print out in 4x6 size so maybe not ideal for scrapbooking.

Played with icons and fonts/colors. Slightly retouched the photo, sharpened and saturated the color a bit. It started out much darker.

More photos to come...maybe tomorrow? We'll have to see. Drop me a line if you've stopped by, have any suggestions for a beginner, or like something. =)

Grow up time

2010-07-13T19:56:00.000-07:00

Ok boys and girls, time pull up your big boy/girl panties and act your age. Seriously.

Tonight we received a phone call from husbands older brother informing us his daughter would be in his area visiting for a bit. Husband and the kids were invited. Very specifically stated, "You and the kids". Really?! Like we wouldn't notice the fact I was specifically left out? As it happens, I am on good terms with my the niece, or at least believe to be. I'm just amazed at the level of childishness some folks are willing to stoop to. Like my husband would actually take our kid and leave me behind. Really? Really? You actually think that would happen? You're even more bat-shit-crazy than I'd originally given you credit for.

Slightly sad thing is this means we won't be attending ANY family function in the future, because to be in the same room as these two would take the patience of Job and I for one don't have it.

And, its time to get over the fact he is no longer married to his ex, there by removing her from the family. I'm sorry you're upset by this, but time to move on. If you truly loved your brother or brother-in-law, you would be happy he's not with a crazy, controlling, psycho loon anymore.

This whole thing is disgusting. And this is why we will be noticably absent come holiday time. Sorry to the ones I like, but if I'm not welcome, my family won't come. Period.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

My girl, Mallory Jewel. August 29, 2005

Yep...very much pregnant. With my beloved grandma. Mallie was "her" girl, from the first moment.

My Mallie. Her first strawberry "crop", last week. My little gardener.

~~~~~~~~

Did I really put on the internet, for the whole freaking world to see, me preggo?!?! What was I thinking...oy.

Well anyway...

Happy Mother's Day.

I'm still amazed at the fact that I am a mom. I still remember, vividly, the feelings of pure fear at the concept of taking home this perfect little angel to raise feeling like at any moment the nurses will realize just how inept I was feeling and change their minds. Feeling like I could fail her at any moment. That I was unworthy of being her mom and being entrusted with her care.

So far so good. I still feel that way from time to time, though. But maybe that feeling should never go away. My girl. My perfect, sometimes bratty, always adorable, always MINE little girl.

~~~~~~

This evening I saw a post on facebook from a friend who said here's to all those who should be moms. This hurts my heart. It brought into clear focus those whose lives have been changed by miscarriage, infertility, whatever, and want so desperately to be moms and who would be such great moms. I pray my friend hasn't had to deal with these issues. I pray for all those who have. I imagine for those who were finally able to carry to term and deliver babies this holiday is sweeter than any other. I pray for them, too. Thanking God that they have been blessed as I have been blessed.

I pray for my friend who lost her son earlier this year. I pray hard for her and for all the moms out there who have had to bury their children, whether as babies, or grownups. I can't imagine it's any easier no matter the age. They will always be somone's baby, as mine will always be my baby.

~~~~~~~

Happy Mother's Day to you, whether you're a mom in your heart, a mom via the miracle of childbirth, a stand-in mom (foster moms), an adoptive mom, a grandma...at any point when a woman touches a child, be it her own or another's, she in a sense becomes like a mom. Happy Mother's Day to you.

Psalm 109

2010-03-04T17:29:00.000-08:00

This is the angry psalm. The one that asks God to use His mighty vengeance against those who would persecute David. This is the one many use as ammunition against the Bible and God. This psalm spoke to me today. Very deeply spoke to me.

Allow me to quote some of it first.

"My enemies say of me:

'Find a lying witness,

an accuser to stand by his right

hand,

That he may be judged and found guilty,

that his plea may be in vain.

May his days be few;

may another take his office,

May his children be fatherless,

his wife, a widow.

May his children be vagrant beggars,

driven from their hovels.' " Psalm 109: 6-10

This Psalm is angry, vindictive, vengeful, mad, frustrated...many, many things. It speaks to me because of this. First, my take on the Psalm

I see this Psalm as David's angry vent to God. I read this, interpreted this, to be that David is older, tired, weary of those who would persecute him, make a mockery of him. I did not read this to be that David was literally asking God to strike down his enemies in the way he mentioned, but maybe he was. I wasn't there, I didn't go through Seminary, I don't have the theological training of many. I do have my instinct and how it affects me.

Now, why it speaks to me. I am currently the object of anther's anger and jealousy. She in a part of my husbands family and not someone I can just walk away from. I have been slanderized to other members of the family and lies have been told about me. I have had a few people turn away from me, as a result of these lies.

I am frustrated like David and, like David, I would like to see my enemies smote down. Not quite with the force David vented and raged about in the psalm, but something in the form of revenge would be nice. Even for her words to come back and bite her in the ass would be nice.

Who hasn't ranted, raged and vented like David in 109? No one I know could say they haven't. I know I sure have ranted, raged and vented like David. Boy have I! I try to keep the rants and raves in blogosphere, or on the phone to close friends, or even just to myself, but out loud, just so I hear myself speak the words. That consoles me, just to hear myself speak sometimes. I don't need an answer, just to let off steam. Like David. And like David, I will pray for those who slanderize me, those who spread lies about me, and who out one side of their mouth gush friendship and love, but out the other side of their mouths spew hatred and lies. Yes, I will pray for her. Hopefully someone out there will pray for me.

Valentine's Day post

2010-02-12T21:23:00.001-08:00

The hallmark holiday. I'm totally not a fan of Valentine's Day in its current state. I think why reserve one day a year to show your love for that special person in your life? And if you're going to pick one day, wouldn't be your significant others birthday? Or your anniversary? Or your children's birthdays? Valentine's Day has become extremely commercialized. This makes me cringe.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/relationships/valentines-day/7187784/History-of-Valentines-Day.html

This interesting article looks at the history of Valentine's Day, from pre-Christianity through modern, commercial times. Some of the stories, especially the post-Christian ones, seem romantic and possibly embellished, but there is a St. Valentine and he most likely was martyred. So, as a Catholic, I'll take a few minutes to remember in prayer one who was killed for his beliefs, but see no connection to Valentine's Day as it currently is.

But, the recurring theme of love is what I'd like to focus this post on. So, I'm taking an idea from http://thepioneerwoman.com/ and I'll list some of my loves. They are as follows

my daughter, my husband, being snowed in, snow, being a loud and proud democrat, serving my community and others, my dogs, the sound of rain, the smell of rain, the smell of freshly cut grass and hay and brownies and bread, a cold diet coke, ice tea, caramel marchiato coffee, my house with its kid mess or clean, my job as a church secretary, my job in the after school program with its totally crazy lovable and insane kids that I can call my own for 3 hours a day, my friends near and far/old and new, writing, reading, Gone with the Wind (book and movie versions), Glee, American Idol, cooking, eating, talking with friends, my sister-in-law, laughing until it hurts, sleeping in, my warm bed on a gray dreary morning especially when I don't have to get up, fresh bread with melted butter (YUM!), warm clothes fresh from the dryer, a clean house, puppy breath, back when she was younger nursing my daughter, driving with no clear destination, horses, studying my genealogy.

Love takes many forms.

Love does not judge, love is patient, love is kind. Love is slow to anger, quick to forgive.

Friendship is Love without his wings. - Lord Byron.

Let us love one another as we love ourselves.

And the greatest of these is Love.

2010-02-12T17:10:00.000-08:00

Ever have one of those days when you want to say so much yet can't seem to get anything out and when it does come out, its not coherent?

Yep, that's me today.

Flowers

2010-02-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

These flowers are from Christopher's funeral and are currently in their new residence, Nickerson United Methodist Church. But, before I delivered them to their new home, I played with my camera and my computer...here are the results.Played with effects. This arrangement is so vibrant, exotic, and colorful I thought this effect captured its essence.
I love this close-up. It'll probably end up being my profile picture before long.
The arrangement, exotic, vibrant...my camera did not do it justice.
These next two are from the second arrangement. I played with shadow effects, and am ok with the outcome. I love flower close-ups.

I adore hydrangea's.

Playing with effect here...my grandparents wedding picture is in the back.
in living color...
And snow. Boy, we've seen some snow fall this year! Not as much in my area as in other parts of the state, but some beautiful snow just the same. This one was on the camera so I threw it in with the bunch.

Let me know what you think!

~theresa

Why

2010-02-06T19:43:00.001-08:00

do men in the great state of Ks insist on wearing their nasty, muddy, stanky shitkickers into a church??? SERIOUSLY. For the love of all things, change your dang shoes! I hate having to scrape mud (and I'm being generous here with that description, I hope and pray its mud) off the floor of the fellowship hall and bathrooms when it could have easily been avoided.

You wouldn't wear them onto your wife's living room carpet, why is it ok to wear them into God's house?

*Whew* I feel better now. Thanks for that!

Disclaimer: For the record, I love farmers, cowboys, wranglers. I love, love, love steak and a good pork chop. I love, love, love, love wheat because it makes bread and bread of all types and I have a very close relationship. And at one point in my life, I wore the kickers myself, mucking out horse stalls and paddocks. This is in no way meant to be a mean reference towards the working men and women of the range, only one church custodians gripe after 2 hours of a Saturday night spent preparing (for the second time this week, much shorter this time 'round though) for Sunday morning worship service.

Names, princesses, and gingerbread

2010-02-06T13:21:00.001-08:00

I am spending the afternoon watching my friend Cori's two nieces, B and J. They came with activities, gingerbread houses! What fun the girls had, and what candy they ate, making this house. There is a second kit, but I'm not sure we'll get it out...let the candy wear off from the first house first! (For every decoration added to the house, I think two were consumed by the architects!

That was my Saturday afternoon, here are my afternoons on the weekdays: Kid Krossing After School Program! We begin with snack, then homework and AR reading, then fun time!
Computer games, like Lego World, are a hit. There is usually a line, and it's a rare treat.
Ah, ball time. The boys live for ball time. The great part of our fellowship hall is the basketball hoop. Budding NBA stars...

I have a thing with name signs, especially names that mean something to me. Becker is my maiden name, so I'm partial to this one.

Random pictures. I enjoy random pictures. =)

Question

2010-02-05T22:06:00.000-08:00

Where can I find a cute, free counter, that actually begins with "0"? any assistance would be appreciated! Thanks

~theresa

wiped out

2010-02-05T20:43:00.000-08:00

I can't remember being this emotionally exhausted. Ever.

Fridays are a regular work day, with the only exception I take Mal with me since there is no pre-school on Fridays. Then, home at noon for lunch and a little down time before returning to the church for the after school program, Kid Krossing (or KK from now on, its easier to type). Then done for the day at 6pm.

Only, today was different. I worked late, didn't get home from first job until 1pm, which is no big deal unless you have a cranky and hungry 4 year old. Then it's a big deal. Then, back to church by 3pm, where not only did we have 17 kids, but I also had to mop the gym floor (did I mention I'm also church custodian? came with the secretary job) AND finish folding the bulletins for Sunday. Then, I ran a meal over to Cori's house, followed by a trip into Hutch for Christopher's viewing (more on this in a bit), followed by returning to the church to finish the floor and clean the bathrooms in preparation for tomorrows BIG pancake/sausage feed fundraiser. Throw in one, still-a-bit-cranky 4 year old, a very limited supper, and the confusion of seeing her friend laying down and not waking up, and it makes for a trying day.

Christophers viewing. There is nothing at all right about seeing a child in a casket. There is nothing right about seeing funeral flower arrangements with comic book characters in them. There is nothing right about the size of a childs cakset.

But, he looked good. He looked like himself. My grandma, whose death I've yet to allow myself to really deal with this past November, didn't look much like herself. I mean, she sort of did, but not really. But Topher, he looked good. I'm ok with that memory, but am glad of the one I have of when I watched him a few months back and he sat on one of my living room chairs and watched me do dishes. I remember his smile and the way he and Mallie connected, one innocent to another. The way they could make each other smile.

I had to explain that Topher wouldn't be waking up. When granny passed, I told her she was up in Heaven with Jesus. That was a comfort to her, probably more so than me because of her innocent and full acceptance. It's the adults that really have trouble with the full-on faith stuff. But, where I oops-ed was in saying that only old men and old women go to heaven. Now, I've got to back track and explain that sometimes, when someone gets really, really sick and the doctors try to fix them but Jesus wants them to go to heaven instead, so they go. I don't how much she understood, and I think in time she'll not ask about Topher, but I really don't know. Sometimes she surprises me with what she retains, understands and really grasps.

To help me cope with the sudden death of my friend's child, I have organized dinners for them for the next week or so. And I'm watching Cori's nieces' for her brother and sister-in-law during the service tomorrow. This means I won't be going, but I'll be where I'm needed most, which is where I want to be. Helping to alleviate some of the day to day stresses that can seem overwhelming, like meals, is one way I can help ease a part of the burden she's carrying.

Boy, I'm beat. Praying for Cori and Matt as they say one last goodbye to their son, Christopher 'Topher' Michael Henderson, tomorrow. May God be with you and comfort you, my dear friends.

New Look!

2010-02-05T12:18:00.001-08:00

From other sites, including my friend Jen from college, I went to The Cutest Blog on the Block website, thecutestblogontheblock.com, and added this new look. I like it, sunflowers are the state flower of KS and I love all things rustic. Great site and easy to use. I know I'll be back!

Finding good blogs to read

2010-02-05T10:11:00.000-08:00

Just surfing around and trying to find good blogs. If you a good one, not racy (as my girls will occasionally see this) let me know!

Winter on the range

2010-02-05T09:45:00.001-08:00

My town. Quaint, peaceful, small. But, as long as I'm here, it's mine and I'll do everything I can to make it the best it can be.
Once, a long time ago in a far away land I used to enjoy photography as a hobby. I still do, only with a small point and shoot digital camera. Not the best results, but better than I'd expected.

The old water tower, proclaiming our love of our high school sports, Go Panthers!
Downtown mainstreet, directly outside my home. I love fog. I love the atmosphere it creates, how you can barely see your had in front of your face. I don't love the confidence it gives the deer, but so far car and deer have not met.

I knew Superman!

2010-02-04T06:27:00.000-08:00

SuperTopher, aka Christopher, was a loving, darling little boy, aged 6, who loved all things Superman, and went to fly with God last night. It hurts so much to know he's gone, my heart breaks for his mom and dad, our good friends Cori and Matt. I can't imagine the magnitude of pain they are enduring right now. The ache of arms empty, longing to hold him. The room that stills smells like him. Everywhere they look, emptiness.

Christopher was a special little boy, who endured much in the way of health issues. But he always opened his arms for a hug. My daughter...I don't know what to tell her. I don't know how I'm going to explain to her that her friend is in Heaven with God and Jesus when she thinks that's a place you go when you are an old man or old woman. Christopher was only 2 years older.

My heart breaks for my friends and their enormous loss. For their family and close friends who are also in pain. God, please help to ease their pain. I would be lying if I said I understand why you would see fit to take such a joy from us, but I know you have a plan for all of us. Thank You, God, for giving us Christopher in our lives for the time we had him, for the time we were able to know him and be blessed by his abundant love for those around him. Hold him safe in your arms, God, and we will be comforted. Amen.

Cori & Matt, we love you guys and are here for you should you need anything.

I knew Superman! And he's flying around Heaven right now.

About me

2010-02-03T20:20:00.000-08:00

As my blog title suggests, I am dem living in Kansas. I love to talk politics, the state of the world, the state of humanity, my child, my life living in an incredibly small town, my volunteer work, my jobs (all three of them), and anything else that strikes my fancy.

I hope to be read. I long to be read, especially when rambling on about politics as I think I am the only democrat in a 60 mile radius and am surrounded by vocal republicans. I love my republican friends, and the banter is usually friendly, but sometimes...well, anyway.

I love to share about my world, if for no other reason than to just jot it down for posterity. I write about everything from the temper tantrums, to job frustrations (I'm a church secretary and also work at our church's after school program), to my volunteer work on our towns Chamber of Commerce.

Welcome to my world. Please come back and read me again! =)