Rain Rain go away!!

It's been slow going on the porch this week. The rain has made it hard to get very far. We are suposed to have two full days of sun...I will keep my fingers crossed!

Help for Joplin Missouri

If you have been watching the news lately you would have seen all the devastation in a small town called Joplin. We live only a few hours from Joplin and have relatives that live outside of town. It has been so sad to watch all the heartbreak of the people that live there. My church is taking a trip down next week to help with clean up and whatever else is needed. If you read this blog and would like to help here are a few things you can do.
                              
Joplin Disaster Relief

To make other material donations please visit our FAQ page for more information on how to do so. If you are unable to deliver the below items to Annual Conference please see the list of additional drop off sites at the bottom of this page.

EMERGENCY CLEAN-UP BUCKET

five-gallon bucket with re-seal able lid

1 dry laundry detergent, 50-78 oz.

1 roll heavy-duty trash bags, 24 to 28 count (30-45 gallon) ( remove from box)

1 bottle liquid concentrated house-hold cleaner (like Lysol®), 12 oz.

1 bottle liquid antibacterial dish soap, (like Dawn®), 25 oz.

Clothesline, two 50 ft. or one 100 ft.

50 clothes pins

1 scrub brush (remove packaging)

1 pair work gloves

2 pairs latex gloves (like Playtex®)

7 sponges, assorted sizes

5 scouring pads

18 cleaning towels, (reusable, like Easy Wipes® NO Cotton towels)

5 dust  mask

1 bottle insect repellent (drops or lotion, not aerosol) 6-14 oz.

Please purchase all liquids in plastic bottles. Send only new, unopened materials. Make sure lids on bottles are tightly closed. Put all items in the plastic bucket, making sure they are packed securely to avoid damage during shipment. Seal lid with packing tape.



  PERSONAL HYGIENE PACK

1 fluoride toothpaste, 6 oz. or more


1 washcloth

1 toothbrush in original, unopened pkg.

1 bath-size bar of soap

1 deodorant

1 bottle skin lotion (11-14 oz.)

1 hand towel

1 bottle shampoo (11-14 oz.)

2 disposable razors

1 comb or brush

Tighten lids and place all items in a large zip lock bag (2-gallon size works best). (2 or 2.5 gallon bags have been found at the following stores: full line grocery stores and Target.) Place zip locks in boxes labeled "Personal Hygiene Pack." Please also mark the quantity on the outside of each box.

Phase 1 complete...

Brandon completed phase 1 of the renovation yesterday. He instaled two more windows. The big arched on is the one I have been waiting for. It changes the look of the house so much. Today he will start phase 2, which is the new porch...I am giddy with excitment over this. I just hope and pray he can get it done before his vacation is up.








The new window...can not get this picture to rotate

Church today...

It's been such a busy two weeks around here it was nice to go to church for some quiet reflection. Today the pastor talked about carving out time for prayer and being more humble in our life. Reflecting on the last few months I have done nothing but run. My 18 year graduated from high school and there was so much to do during that time. So, my plan is for the summer is  to carve out a little time everyday for some quiet time to study, pray or reflect.



Speaking of church ...here is ours...
I love our little church! We don't have a very large congregation but it is perfect for us. The church it's self is beautiful, it was built in the late 1800's .

I love a good weenie roast!!

I know it seems silly, but there is just something special about gathering my familty around a fire with a stick and a hotdog that  makes me happy. Weenie roast are something that we have done in our family since I was a kid. We always try to have one or two each spring and fall. It's just simple fun.

Good times
 with the family

 

Grandpa giving some hotdog cooking advice







Kids playing vollyball

All four of my kids playing together. This doesn't get to happen to often anymore because everyone is so busy. 





This is how we roll!!

 This was so funny, my husband had hooked the wagon up to the lawn mower to bring stuff down to the lower yard. Well, the girls thought it would be great fun to go for a spin.

Renovations to out side of the house...phase 1

 OK, so let me get you up to date on what has been happening with our house. We bought this house almost two years ago on foreclosure. It was in a great location and had some land with it. This was very important to my husband. he loves hunting, gardening and pretty much anything to do with the outdoors. I liked it because it was big enough to fit our family and it has room to add on a kitchen on the back. One thing I didn't like was the front exterior. It had two large columns and a tiny brick porch. I have always dreamed of having a large front porch to have a porch swing,wicker furniture and rocking chairs.Since this will  be our last house for many years I was disappointed that I would not get my porch. Well, after a little measuring and figuring, Brandon  decided he could build one for me. It is going to take him much of the summer to complete it (he is doing it by himself) but it will be nice when it's done. So, here is Phase 1...tearing off all the old siding and replacing all of the windows. This week he is taking off a week from work to work on it. I will post more photos soon.

Removing the columns and the siding.

Craigs List Rocks!!

Why I love Craigs List...Let me count the reasons!!

If you have never shopped on Craigs List, then good, there will be more stuff for me...Just kidding! I found this amazing leather couch for $200.00. It belonged to an older couple that used it in their formal living room. They were retiring to another state and buying a smaller house so they didn't need this couch any longer. The couch sat  in a room that was  rarely used so it is like brand new.
So far this year I have bought this couch, a china hutch, carpet( it had never been used) and a set of bunk beds. It is a great source for finding items that have been gently used.
A few tips:
Decide what you need or you will get overwhelmed....make a list. 
You should check everyday to look for your items, stuff sells fast.
Look at the item before you buy it, don't buy it over the computer.
Have a friend go with you to stay safe.
Happy Shopping!!