Derrick had a Yard Built for Me

When Derrick and I were looking for a new house we really liked the one we bought. But, we had to weight out some things because there were a couple of things that we would like to be different. Derrick saw beyond the problems. He saw the potential. I didn't imagine it possible to do what he had done. The major problem I had was that the backyard did not have a fence and... it backed up to the woods. It was rocky, hilly, and pretty grassless. I knew we could have a fence built but didn't know it had the potential to be what it is now. The house had the feel of "the one" but I was nervous with small children and a dog. I am so thankful for what sweet Derrick has done! I wish I had been intentional about taking before and after pictures but, like I said, I didn't realize what a dramatic makeover it would be. He first had a bunch of dirt hauled in and a wall of railroad ties was built. Then the dirt was leveled. They put sod down and Derrick very faithfully watered it. Then the fence was put up. We love being back there. Before I could hardly walk back there without tripping on rocks. Derrick's problem was that the living room is smaller than he would like. He's already kicked around some ideas in his head. Hmm...let's see what he may do there one day. That guy is always coming up with solutions when someone else thinks it is hopeless. And, just look at the transformation the Lord has used Derrick to accomplish in me! ;) I used to be the biggest mess. Not that I don't still struggle but I have come a long way with Derrick's help.

P.S. From the before pictures, you can see the kids didn't mind it a bit. They sure found a lot of bugs!

These pictures were taken before it was finished.

Jesus' Birthday

At Grandma & Grandpa's

Derrick reminded me of Papa Bear from the Berenstain Bear's because he actually chopped down our tree with his own hands. Only...he didn't go out in the wilderness to get one but a tree nursery.

I LOVE the smell and look of a real Christmas tree...until it gets dried out and the needles fall all over the place.

I had the nurse scrub made for my mom. The pictures are of our last days spent with the cousins at the Bass Pro Shop and looking at Christmas lights.

I could've written this today. Or...maybe I should just say I really needed to hear this today.

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home: When We Fail: "Oh dear mothers-----we certainly have our days, don't we? We wake up, we have our grand plans and as soon as we step out of our beds the da..."

This Works Like Magic

Things got a little too messy around my house tonight. Only because Derrick was not here. ;) Oh, how Derrick's ways are higher than mine. ;) Life really does run more smoothly when we follow his advice. When dinner was winding up I thought, well, actually said aloud to the kids almost under my breath, "I wish I could just close my eyes and open them again and everything would be clean." I didn't have the energy to play the roll of a drill sergeant. My heart even physically feels weak today. Then I remembered my niece, Mia's, little game. I can't remember the name of it but something similar to "Hide and Go Seek." I think it may be called, "Hide and Go Clean." She taught it to my kids one time when they were helping to pick up before we left their house. I remembered it was so much fun for the kids and I was the "counter." Mia told me to count to 60 and close my eyes. The kids whirled around me breathless and cleaning. I threw in a Mississippi between the numbers. When I opened my eyes the room was clean. I thought, "Wow! Note to myself..." I didn't remember it much again until tonight. I'm so thankful it came to my mind. I said, "Hey! Remember that game we played with the cousins?!" The next thing you know I was relaxing comfortably in a chair with my eyes closed while the kids went about the living room and kitchen cleaning. I did end up having to count to about 160 (with Mississippis)for this mess though. ;)It was so nice to open my eyes and see order again. There were still some crumbs here and there and things for me to do but it wasn't so hard to imagine tackling anymore. Thank you, Mia! I'm going to try to use this when I walk into a messy bedroom too. It kind of reminds me of Flylady's concept of setting a timer and cleaning a troubled area for 5 minutes.

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home: Finding Forgiveness For My Abortion

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home: Finding Forgiveness For My Abortion: "Have you ever had an abortion and needed forgiveness for it? Our friends, Terry and Lynn Fortune, were featured at Focus on the Family toda..."

A Quote from Discipline by Elisabeth Elliot

Strive to choose, not that which is easiest, but that which is most difficult. Do not deprive your soul of the agility which it needs to mount up to Him. Saint John of the Cross

Caldrea Countertop Cleaner

I had to stop cleaning for a moment to tell you about this yummy smelling cleaner. I heard it was good stuff but never bought it because of the price! But...Target had it on clearance. It's always nice to have a good smelling cleaner or new cleaning product to motivate housecleaning, don't ya think? The one I have is made with natural essential oils of cardamom and nutmeg. The scent is Plum Nutmeg. It makes cleaning a bit funner. ;)