Who knew...

Add this to the list of things I learned today. Well it was a slow day. So this is what I learned.

Water + Bleach = Magnificent Cleaning Potential

Who knew? I have used MANY a commercial cleaning agent to try and remove the grime that finds its way on to my kitchen surfaces (walls, refrigerator, cabinets you get the idea) to little effect. I decide to paint, hit HGTV's website for ideas, follow their well placed advice to use bleach and water to clean the walls and WAL-LA clean walls. I know I must be totally backwards or something for not knowing this before. Please forgive me for being a friend/sister/daughter/mother that is so challenged when it comes to cleaning techniques.

Coming soon...before & after pics...well at least before. I will only post after if I actually get to the after and come to think of it, I'll only post before if I actually get to tomorrow.

Reminder...

It is better to take a short power nap (or a long one) than to waste an entire afternoon because you are too tired to think.

I had to parallel park today...

AND I ROCKED IT!

Too bad there was no one there to see me.

And in other random news...How does the creator of this adorable comic strip have the uncanny knack of nailing my life situations?

Recent Tally of kitchen items found outside:

7 Knives (butter variety)

3 Spoons

1 Bowl (with melted at least 3 day old ice cream inside)

4 Cups (Some glass)

1 Can Opener

2 Whisks

1 Long Spoon

Tongs

& 1 Cookie Sheet

Giants...

I'm loving the Black and White lately...







Last weekend we went for a mini-hike to watch the sunset. There were a plethora (and yes I know what the word means because I would hate to say there was a plethora of something...say pinatas when there wasn't) of Giant Dandelions gone to seed.



Best quote of the night by Savanna:

"I wonder why they make them in big, medium and small."

I wonder indeed...it is either because they are fun to make into B&W pictures or God just loves a good smile every now and then.

My 3 Dads...

For a Father's Day 'treat' Mike, Emily & I were asked to talk in church on Father's Day. Oh so much fun now that it is over. I thought I'd just post a bit about 3 fathers in my life.

First my Dad. I had a post all about him not to long ago you can see here.

My Dad was a single father from the time I was 8 years old. He not only had to provide physically for our family he also was the primary emotional and spiritual provider as well. I remember my Dad attending parent teacher conferences, band concerts and competitions, helping with homework, creating scripture reading charts, providing piano lessons, and in every way trying to support me and help me grow. I know it was tiring—working two jobs, the cooking, the cleaning and all the little details and chores. I can't really imagine how he did it running his own business while working another job and raising kids. I have a tough time and I'm not on my own. It was evident that it wasn't always easy...my Dad would often fall asleep if I asked him too many Algebra questions. But I knew he cared, I knew he loved me. I remember once as a teenager, all my friends had specific curfews and many specific rules to follow. I had a general curfew and some general understood rules to follow. I asked him once, how come I didn’t have a curfew? Don’t you love me? His response was…do you need a curfew? I had to think that one over. Perhaps I did, I’m not sure, but the message he was giving me was, yes I love you and I trust you. What a powerful message to send to a daughter. A daughter that was still finding her own way. A daughter, that knew she wanted to do everything she could to prove her father right…that I didn’t need a curfew, that I could be trusted. My Dad taught me that I could reach for the stars, but that the most important things were not necessarily that far off. They were family, the gospel of Jesus Christ and the opportunity to spend eternity together.

My Husband, the father of my kids.

Another good example of a Dad is Mike. He was out of regular work for over 3 years. During that time he worked hard to provide the necessities for our family. It was a struggle and a time of frustration. But it seemed whenever I was down and wondering how we would pull through, he not only found away to make it work, he found a way to strengthen me too. I remember finding out that we were to be blessed with our youngest child, Ethan, at a time when we were at the very lowest point. There was literally no money left and nowhere to turn. No insurance, no job and while there was a prospect, not much chance of anything happening soon. As I was crying, trying to figure out how we were going to make it he simply said, It will be OK. We will be taken care of. While those were simple words they were full of power. I learned once again that while he was the provider for our family, that he knew he had a partner in our Heavenly Father to help him along. At that moment, he helped provide the faith I needed to make it through.

My Father-in-law.

Mike's Dad is a good man. He has worked hard all his life to provide for his family and in more recent years he was called on to be the care-giver. Mike's Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at a very early age and her decline was steady and rapid. Mike's Dad stood by her through thick and thin, through all the heartbreaks. At one point in time she was confused about who even he was. She said, "I don't know who you are, but thanks for taking care of me" What a testament to true Charity--the true love of Christ. He would say that he can't think of doing any different and while that may be true, it is still an example that I and I hope my kids will follow.

In that light...

Happy Father's Day

Clouds, Clouds, Clouds...

One more from today...aren't these clouds fantastic?

Embracing the opportunity

OK, so Sharon was right. You CAN go hiking in the rain. It is just a 'little' bit harder to convince your kids however. The weather in its bipolar psychosis state today shined a bit of sun so we decided to go...and quick before it changed its mind. 4.5 minutes after getting in the car we had a Florida like downpour. Luckily psychotic weather changes fast and it was gone about 2 miles later. We only had one episode of hail while actually hiking...that's not bad is it?

Here are some of the turkeys we met on our hike.

(Okay, not a turkey, because she's not mine...but she is VERY cute!)

(A couple of turkeys are missing. It seems when turkeys hit nearly teen age they are quite shy in front of the camera.) This is what we got...

Oh yeah, and REAL turkeys!