Random Thoughts...Random Life

As I was pulling up my blog site, I glanced up, and James has a tab open which says, "Body replacement parts for FR". LOL. I wonder whose body parts he's considering replacing. Glad my initials aren't FR!

All of my living-at-home family...which has dwindled down to 4 now...went to Briana's on Thursday afternoon. She had a new show, Camp Rock, opening Sat. night. James took photos Thurs and Fri of dress rehearsals. Ashley drove over on Sat. morning to see the opening, so we got to enjoy all being together~ an event that is getting more rare. Everyone but me went home on Sun. I stayed and went with Briana to get her dress fitted on Monday. What fun! I so wish I could post pictures!! Not yet, though.

All of the wedding planning is coming great, and I think we're in a pretty good place with most of it, but I am starting to hit panic mode more often. : ) It seems like every time we cross a couple of things off the massive list, we have to add one or 2 more on. Most of the major things are taken care of; just a lot of little STUFF. If I remember correctly, we are at 13 1/2 weeks! The biggest obstacle left (pun not intended, but slightly appropriate!) is my dress!! Aaaacccckkkk!! I dread that SO VERY MUCH!! Not to mention I *hate* clothes shopping. I guess the other biggy is praying the bridesmaid dresses all fit. They are due to be in March 18th. Sizing them was a very big pain, and I will be relieved when I see that none of them are too small, because they are made to order, and can't be returned. I have had so much fun helping Briana, and she is so easy to get along with. She pretty much will just go with the flow. Only a few "have-to's", so far. : )

I am helping Marissa learn to cross stitch. She doesn't do a lot at one sitting, but she has stuck through several sittings so far. I'm surprised, because that doesn't seem like her. I hope she'll finish it. It's a picture of a horse head. And, go figure... I'm helping her try to learn shorthand. Wow. This was her request. I actually took a course in shorthand in college.....26 years ago. Let's just say it barely caught on, so it sure didn't stick. Today was our first lesson. It's almost like learning a foreign language...at least how to write in one.

We do not participate in a co-op, and Marissa was needing more social than just at church on Wed night, since she's an assistant leader in AWANA, not in a youth group. Getting together with a friend is so hit and miss, so I decided to try to do something about it that would make me stick to it. I started up a small teen/pre-teen group, and we are trying to meet once a month. Not everyone can participate every month, but we have a total of 7 girls, I think, ages 11-13. Mom's are included, too. We have as much fun as the girls. Right now, while it's still cold, we just get together at someone's home, eat, talk, they play games, laugh, and enjoy the company. I need to get busy planning one for the end of this month.

Okay. Enough random stuff. Nothing big or overly news worthy going on here; just the every day things of life that make us a family.

Math Fun

  Marissa is pretty good at math, and she can enjoy the challenge when she lets herself.  The problem is she usually doesn't want to.  Today, however, we sat out on the porch swing to do her math because it was such a beautiful day, we didn't want to be cooped up inside.  She had learned how to do borrowing yesterday, and we practiced it today.  She got so excited.  Her daddy came in for lunch, and she literally squealed with excitement that she learned how to borrow.  Whose kid is this?!  The whole time we worked on her math, she had fun.  Maybe we'll do math outside everyday! 

    Another surprise today--my new table that they said would not be in until May 10, was delivered today!!!!   YEA!  It is beautiful, but it looks so out of place.  It's much too nice for my house.  We have neglected furniture around here for so long that it all is in extreme need of the dump.  It has been heavy on my heart to do things to make my home prettier for my family and myself.  So, my next want is either new bar stools which sit right next to the table, or a new love seat or sofa for the living room, which connects to the dining area.  The present one has a huge hole in it and is quite worn.   Time to start praying again!   Should I be bold enough to pray for both?  : ) 

  Our family will be spending the afternoon at our homeschool talent show tomorrow, which Maria helped organize.  Marissa (8) will be singing, Daniella (4) is showing a painting she did, and Briana (16) is playing a piano/violin duet with another homeschooler.  She's the piano part.  She is also supposed to be singing, so she is praying this leftover congestion from a headcold she has had will be better tomorrow. 

   The clutter is calling.  I am dejunking, and it is going very slowly.  Better get busy tackling it again.