What A beautiful day!! It was warm, 90 degrees and humidity around 85% most of the day but a nice breeze. I had a HUGE laundry day so I hung most of it out to dry.I dried 1 out of 7 loads in the dryer, mostly socks , underware and the girls shirts and pjs. By the time I had the 3rd load hung out the first was done already. It only took a little over an hour for hubby's jeans to be completely dry. That is almost as fast as the dryer and everything smells so good and fresh. It was nice because when I took a load out I could bring some in and put it away and get the beds fixed again.
I also got the garden hoed before it got real warm. It wasn't weedy yet but want to stay ahead of it so the weeds don't get a chance to get the rule. Everything is up now and looks good so far. I am so hungry for those first goodies out of the garden.
I did some sewing and got 6 skorts sewed for myself. I really needed them as some of mine from last summer where pretty thin in some spots. I went to a fabric store that was having closeout sale and got around 30 yards of various materials for .25- .50 a yard. I decided I can easily store it for a year if I need to for that price. I usually like to have 6-8 skorts for the summer as I don't wear skirts a lot in the summer for outdoors work and play. I also got some of the material for dresses for the girls. I am trying to sew more of our clothes as I find often if you can get fabric on sale you can make it cheaper than buying it. It all depends what you are looking for and if you have a preference of style and brand name clothes. I don't mind gettting brand name clothes but hardly ever will I pay more than $2 for a clothes item with the exception of clearance racks. I will buy new things if they are marked low enough, usually must be $4 or under. I feel I can justify paying a little more for new then I can for used. I do however buy new shoes and sandles for myself and the girls. I feel good footwear is important for them as well. I often watch at Payless for sales. I have paid as little as $6 a pair of brand new shoes.
Well the clock keeps on ticking and my eyes are getting heavy so I know where I must go.

I understand more fully the saying, It either hurts or doesn't work. I really feel that way by the end of this absolutely crazy week. On Monday I spent almost 7 hours mowing yards and planted 3 flats of flowers for Grandma. On Tues. & Wed. I had garage sale so that was those days. I got rid of a lot of things and made about $200. A lot of things were priced $.50 to $1.00 so it didn't add up very fast. I sold 1 item for $50 and a stroller for $20, the next highest priced item was $3.00. I hauled the rest of the stuff off to Goodwill and CAM yet that evening. On Thurs. Rachel and I went to Fort Wayne for her to get her eyes checked and new glasses. We left at 8 and came home around 4 don't remember the exact time. Thur evening Rochelle had preschool graduation, it was so cute with 17 children, 4&5 yr olds singing and doing motions to several songs. I was glad we were able to be there to see it. OnFri I made a run to Aldi and WalMart to get some much needed groceries. Today I spent mostly outside. I actually folded 4 loads of laundry, washed all the dishes and cooked 10# of potatoes for our neighbor all before dinner. I got up at 8:45 so I thought I did real well. I also had the neighbors 3 yr old daughter Esther here from 10:30 - 3. Rochelle and Esther had so much fun playing I didn't find out much from either one of them. Maria was with LaVern so that helped a lot. After dinner I tilled the garden, hoed 3 flower beds, mulched one flower bed and planted 3 flats of flowers. This year I want to plant all white and purple instead of all colors. I also sprayed weeds in the lane and around the swingset this early evening before I went to LaGrange at 5:45. When I got home I made biscuits and sausage gravy and fried potatoes for supper. We didn't eat until 7:30 so right after supper was bathtime for my dirty little girls. They don't care how dirty they are during the day but after supper they enjoy the bath and pajama time before bed time. I am glad tommorow is Sunday, I feel like we all need the rest. We are planning to go on a picnic for lunch so that will be fun. I can barely stay awake so I best head for the bed.

Wow!! What a day! I got a lot more done then I thought I would. By 1:00 I had: washed the van, 3 loads of laundry, ordered our Angel Food box swept out the garage and carried all of the garage sale items out to the garage. The girls slept till 9 which was a huge help. I also washed out some flower pots to get ready to fill them next week. I decided instead of buying hanging baskets I will use the ones from last year and fill them myself. I can do 4 of them for what I paid for 1 last year. I so am enjoying finding places where I can save money and have the same result in the end.
By 5:00 I had everything out for the garage sale and only a few things not priced yet. I put away all the laundry and straightened the house. The worst part was the kitchen which was very sad. I had stacks of dishes, clean ones that is. I have a bad habit of emptying the dishwasher and stacking the dishes instead of putting them away right away. I am pleased with all I got done bet I am also very tired. Need to get some sleep.

I love the Lord with all that is within me, Bless His Holy Name. The Lord is so good to us and yet we are undeserving of His love. This week was very hectic but a lot of things were accomplished. I still have a lot to do tomorrow. A few of the items on my list are, order Angel Food Box, laundry, clean the house or at least straighten it, wash the van and finish sorting through boxes of items for garage sale next week. I have a lot of things to put on the garage sale and have not started pricing yet. I am having garage sale on Tues. and Wed. When I started going through my cupboards and closets I found a lot of things that we either don't need or simply can do without. I hope to get enough money to pay off part if not all of the bill at the garage where I had my van fixed. In order to pay all of it I need about $1000. I doubt I will have enough but would be nice to have at least $500. I have several items for $50 - $100 so I am praying that those items can sell. If you think about in the next few days, pray that God could send buyers for these items and also for the smaller items. I believe God can do great things. I have learned through some of our financial struggles that God really can answer our prayers and provide in ways we thought nearly impossible. I have learned to say no to that yummy donut or snack when I am paying for my gas. I am also trying to teach our daughters, mostly the 4 yr old for now, that sometimes we have to do without some things that we would like because we don't have the money. Sometimes if she asks for something she first asks if we have enough money, then can we get it? I hope this will help her later in life how to spend her money wisely. I also know that she learns a lot from watching my husband & I in our spending habits. There are times I will get her a little treat but she also knows not to cry or fuss if she doesn't get one. I am very proud of how she has grown up in this area in the last few months.
For now I think it would be best if I would get some sleep so I can get my things done. I will try too find the time to check in tomorrow and let you know how my list is going.

This week has been so busy it is almost driving me to the nuthouse. On Monday I mowed my Grandparents and my parents yard. When I got home I decided to do ours as well. By the end of the day I had been bouncing on a riding mower for about 7 hours. It may sound easy but it still takes effort to have a nice yard. The down side is that I got really sunburned. The temps were mid 70s but a nice breeze so it did not feel that warm.
On Tues I did 6 loads of laundry and odd jobs around the house. I even cooked a real meal for supper, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, creamed peas and of course ice cream for dessert.
Today I planted all of the garden but the plants. I got sprinkled on with threats of rain but was determined to get it done. I also quilted for nearly 2 hours. The poor quilt has been in frame since the 1st part of March and still is not done. My loving husband keeps asking me if I am planning to have it done by Thanksgiving. It is my turn to have my family for Thanksgiving this year. I really expect it to be done by then!
My eyes want to close so I should lay my head on my pillow.

Oh my, I feel like an old lady tonight! We were in Shipshewana today for Mayfest and I did a lot of walking and standing. We had a really good time though, watching the parade, a puppet show,and some old games like tug of war and sack races. We came home around 1:00 because it was really cool outside. It was cloudy, breezy and 60 so it felt chilly.
I have been busy with the usual laundry, dishes, meals and all the other things that keep a mom busy. Next week is quite busy as well. I am having garage sale on the 15 & 16 so I should start getting things ready.
My mind is spinning, yet feels empty. Maybe some sleep would be the remedy.

I was tagged by MaryAnn to do this fun little "game".

Rules: Each player writes 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about these 7 things and include these rules. You need to choose 7 people to get tagged and include their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment to let them know they have been tagged and to read your blog.

1. I love to sew and quilt and do a lot of sewing for others in the family. I also sew dog clothes for extra income.

2. I always go to the bathroom as soon as I get up in the morning, out of habit and nescesity.

3. I love to be outside in the summertime, gardening and flower beds, not usually laying out.

4. My weirdest foods during both pregnacies was dill pickles, Take 5 candy bar and marshmallow swirl ice cream.

5. One day I brought home a 1/2 gal of marshmallow swirl and ate all but about 2 cups of it. No wonder my youngest loves chocolate ice cream.

6. I despise when people do not use their turn signals when driving.

7. I am very much a people person, hardly ever meet someone that stays a stanger for long.

I tag Fannie and 6 others who have not done this.

It's a happy day and I thank my God for the weather. It's a happy day and things are gonna get better. This little chorus was going through my mind while I was sitting on the side of the road, waiting for a tow truck. I was on the way to Goshen when I noticed my minivan was losing power. I decided to turn around and try to make it home. I never got turned around when the van stopped. I was able to get completely off the road. I called my husband and we decided to get it towed in to (and by) our mechanic. Now the neat thing was I 15 miles from the shop and within 45 min of pulling off the road the van was loaded and ready to head for the shop. They took the girls and I home then went to check out the van. I decided I was not going to let it get me down, no one was injured and there was no accident. The girls wanted to play outside so I mowed the lawn while they played. I tilled some of the garden and decided it was to windy to plant. I was only done mowing about 30 min when they called and said the van was done. The fuel pump, belt, and tensioner was the problem. 4 hours after it was broke down we were able to pick it up again. I was expecting to be without a vehicle for at least a few days. They were able to fix itand had all the parts on hand. I felt like God was looking out for the girls and I. I was also glad that the lawn was mowed because we got 2/10" of rain this afternoon.
Tomorrow will consist of the errands I didn't get done today plus more.

Oh how I love Jesus, because he first loved me. The exciting news for now is the new arrivals at our house! Our cat had 5 kittens today, her first litter. It was so much fun to see how excited the girls were! They take a lot of pleasure in the simple things in life. I think I need to take some lessons from them. Maria wanted to hold them and didn't understand why we wouldn't let them. I almost pity the poor kittens when the girls can play with them.
It was a gorgeous day today with lots of sunshine. A great day for playing outside in the sandbox.
Continue to pray for the families who have lost loved ones. Three funerals (one is father & son together) are tomorrow and one is on Tuesday. Only God can give them the needed strength to go through the next days, weeks and years.
I have a lot of work to do tomorrow so I need to run along.

For I know the purpose I have for each of you in life. We have had a reminder of how true that is. Yesterday there was a terrible accident on the Toll Road that left 8 people dead, 2 treated & released and 1 in critical condition. 5 of the deceased were Amish from this area. The driver of the pickup which the Amish were in is in the hospital, but chances for survival seem good as of this afternoon. It was a chain reaction crash, very sad days in this community. If you want to read more about it, www.goshennews.com is a good place to get more info. It has sent my mind in a whirl, realizing each day is a gift from God. Every moment spent with my husband, each minute with my daughters, truly to be treasured.
The weather has been cooler and rainy. We have had approx. 2 3/4" of rain since Tuesday night. I am hoping to get into the garden to plant tommorrow if it is dry enough. I should scoot to get some shuteye so I can face the morning with a smile.

What a busy day. We helped with a pizza drive fundraiser for LaVern's sister-in-law. We had a good time and awesome weather. Sunny, cool this morning but warmed up to mid 70's by afternoon. We got Rochelle a kite today and they had so much fun flying it. Tonight we are all sunburned a bit and very tired. Gotta get some sleep for tomorrow.

I love the Lord and His mercies are anew every day. I am so thankful that the Lord is with us not matter what we are or who we are. Today was another day of sunshine and warmer weather. I mowed Grandpa's and my parents yard. I really need to start on Grandma's flower beds in the next week or so. Maria is very fussy again today so I was glad for what I was able to get done. Tomorrow I have a busy day planned so I need to keep on the move. I want to be up and going by no later than 5 o'clock so I nned to get to bed and get some much needed sleep.Good night.

Hello and good evening. I have been trying to get caught up with some of my work. It seems the more I get done the longer the list gets. Today I straightened the kitchen, did 2 loads of laundry and some sewing. Maria has been running a fever so she has been cranky. I try to make te girls my first priority, if nothing else gets done it's really ok. I have also been looking for some ways to further reduce my grocery bill. One thing I am going to try is baking more healthy bars, cookies and muffins. My husband likes a breakfast bar or something of the sort for his break at work. I thought muffins would be a good choice. If someone has a good recipie to share I would be glad to have some. I thought most muffins would freeze well then I could get them out as we want to eat them. It is really interesting to see how many things you want but don't need. Last week I did buy a pattern for sundresses/dresses for the girls. I found some really cute remnants at WalMart and can make them cheaper then buying them. I figured that I spent about $20 for material and the pattern and should be able to get 6-8 dresses for the girls. That is only about $2-$3 per dress! I definitely will be checking out the remnants for a while for more good deals. Well, it is time for bed so I best be moving on.

Good evening. O, to have the faith of a child everyday. Last night Rochelle wanted to pray for our neighbor boy that was in the hospital with cellulitis. This afternoon when she heard he was coming home she replied, "I knew he could come home today. We prayed for God to heal him last night." He is doing much better but still has to take 1 more day of IV meds then he will get his meds by shots for 1-2 weeks.
Tonight Andy, Rachel the girls and I went to WalMart then to Ponderosa to eat. We went back to WalMart to get some groceries and pick up the pictures we had dropped off earlier. We had such a good time. Maria was running a fever then seemed better before we went. I was going to get a new battery for our thermometer as I didn't feel the old one was accurate anymore. I ended up with a new thermometer as it was almost as cheap as the battery. When I got home I realized there was 2 degrees difference. The old one showed 100.7 and the new one showed 102.7 so I was glad I got a new one. Maria is working on her 2 year molars but I don't know if that is why the fever or if it the flu bug. Well I should get to bed so I can survive the day tomorrow. Good night.

Good evening to all of you. This has been a very unusual day. I spent almost 4 hours in the hospital with our neighbor and her 3 yr. old son. He was diagnosed with cellulitous and will need to spend several days in the hospital. It has made me very thankful for the wonderful friendship I have with our Amish neighbors. Her husband was out of state at the time and we both felt comfortable in making the decisions that needed to be made. I made a very quick casserole for supper and some garlic toast out of the freezer. I have started getting a loaf of Texas style bread. I then mix butter and garlic powder and spread it on the bread. I often freeze it then put butter sides together, 4 per package then put them back in the freezer. It is very nice when you want to make it you can just pop it into the oven for 8 - 10 minutes and fresh garlic toast. Yesteday we had beautiful weather, mid 40's and sunny. Today was cloudy and about 4:30 it started to snow. We have had enough snow several times in the last 2 weeks to completely cover the ground. I am so ready for spring I just want to croak! Good night and God bless you all.

Good evening to all. I know it has been a long time since I have updated my blog. I actuaaly couldn't get logged on. I finally reset the password and was able to get onto this again. A lot has happened in the last 2 months. I have officially quit hauling Amish and have started doing some work at home. I am sewing dog clothes for a lady that will sell them in Shipshewana Flea Market and also on the internet. Her website is www.theplaidpooch.com. I have been very busy and hope it can stay that way. I hope to get into more of a schedule with daily chores that seem to be forgotten. The dishes and laundry are the worst. My girls are so much happier when we are home.
Rochelle only has 5 weeks of preschool left. We had spring break last week and she can't hardly wait to get back to school. She is a very enthusiastic learner and does learn quickly. She is really growing again and I can't hardly keep her in clothes.
Maria is also doing well and eats enough for both girls. She eats more then Rochelle most days. She is also going through a growth spurt again. She enjoys time alone with mommy when sissy is at school.
We had beautiful weather for several weeks and now it has snowed some every day since Wed. Some times it didn't stick on the ground but tonight the ground is nearly covered. I am glad I didn't decide to plant an ealy garden.
Well bedtime is here and gone so I need to get some much needed sleep so I can funtion tomorrow.

Hello again and sorry for the delay in updates. Our life has been hectic to say the least. I wasn't feeling well for a couple weeks and am still trying to get rid of this nasty cold. I seemingly just can't quite keep up with life right now. I had Rochelle in to the doc for her 4 yr. checkup today. She is doing well, 3' taller & 3 # more weight than a year ago. She is now 39" and 33# at age 4. Well, both of us are not very tall so our poor girls don't have much of a chance to be tall. Maria is also growing and is 31" and 21# at 2 yrs old. She is starting to outgrow her 12 month size of clothes so Iv'e beentrying to go through the totes of clothes to see what fits. It is nice to have them in the basement waiting to be worn. I have several recipies I would like to post but midnight is near so I will need to do it another day.

Food for thought: Keep your words sweet, for someday you may have to eat your words.

Welcome to 2007! We took a surprise trip to Ohio on Dec 29th for Fannie's birthday. She suspected something but was still glad to see us. We stayed until Monday noon then headed home. We had such a good time together and the time went entirely to fast. The children all played together very well. Rochelle was wanting to go back to Ohio before we ever got into Indiana. Since then the girls were both sick and then today I also started with a fever. I am feeling better tonight but not totally energetic yet. I still have laundry to do and a few dishes but I feel like I need a bed instead of trying to work. See you all around.

Merry Christmas! We have officially survived Christmas. We still have 2 more Christmas get togethers, 1 on Thurs & 1 on Sat. I really enjoy this time of year but it is so busy. Today I want to try to clean the house so it at least looks presentable. With being gone a lot it seems things just pile up and don't get put away. I need to make some mixed fruit for the gathering tomorrow. I made 2 coffee cakes yesterday for tomorrow as well. It would be nice if the huge pile of laundry somehow washed, dried and folded itself. I could put it away if all that was done.

Filled Coffee Cake
4 eggs 2 c flour
1 c oil 1 teas baking powder
1 c sugar 1/2 teas salt
Mix together and put half the batter in greased 9x13 cake pan. Put 1 can pie filling any flavor on top. Spread rest of batter on top. Mix 1/4 c sugar and 1 teas cinnamon and sprinkle on top. Bake at 350 for 30 min. Drizzle with powdered sugar frosting.
I used peach and apple and both were really good.

Wow, what a crazy day today! I was planning to take the girls to mom & then go to my mother-in-law to help clean her house. Instead I was all over the road. I got a phone call at 7:30 from a neighbor. His wife had a seizure during the night and the doctor wanted them to come in asap. Mom came down and stayed with the girls till they were up and then took them to her house for the day. I took the neighbor to the doctor at 8:15. After talking to the doctor he felt they should do further tests. They got an appointment in Goshen for an MRI at 11:15. After they were done there we grabbed a bite at Burger King then headed to South Bend for a 2:00 appointment with the neurologist?. They felt very good about the doctor they saw and he gave them a lot of advice and answered a lot of questions. He also gave them the options of taking seizure meds or trying a natural course. They are going to think it over then go from there.
While I was waiting at South Bend I got a call that 2 teachers wanted to go to WalMart and pick up a few things. So I got home at 5 then fed the cat. Rachel decided to go along so she brought the girls over and we left from here. We ate at Dairy Queen then went to WalMart. On the way home we were singing Christmas Carols. We had such a good time together. Doretta & Sharon are teachers in the same school. I have been driving Sharon almost every weekend for over 2 years. I really enjoy driving both of them. On Fri. evening is their school program and they want us to come so we are planning on it. Rochelle is so excited about it!
Well it is late and tomorrow is another busy day. Good Night