My Peaceful Valley

Christmas Morning Pictures

2011-12-27T08:22:00.000-05:00

Santa was very good to all of us!!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T19:48:00.001-05:00

I took this picture of our church before Mass on Christmas Eve night. Isn't it beautiful?

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. We opted for a small tree this year. Dennis really liked it,; I miss my big tree. But, presents came anyway and everyone had a good time.

Dennis opened the box from his mother. The hit gift was the calendar of pictures. Dennis really, really enjoyed that. I think it was his favorite gift!

The boys received games.

Then a present from my brother and his wife in North Dakota for the boys!

My brother sent specific instructions on how to spend the money. He sent $2 bills and Deniska is having trouble processing what all he has to do with the money. So funny!

A Gift from Dennis' ex-step-father.

They really made out on the money this year!

I will share our Christmas pictures tomorrow.

Happy Birthday to My Sweet Boy!

2011-12-18T18:28:00.000-05:00

December 13th was my sweet boy's 11th birthday!! He requested a cookie cake for his birthday. I was fine with this since it meant that I did not have to bake a cake myself!

Isn't he sweet blowing out the candles? (Hmm, I think he needs a haircut! )

And, this is what I get when I try to take a birthday picture of him! Silly boy!!

Boys Clubhouse

2011-11-30T16:27:00.001-05:00

Guess what the boys got for Christmas?! Yes, their very own clubhouse. There is still work to be done - add a step in front, do the underpining, get the electricity hooked up - but all in all, it is a very cute clubhouse. I am secretly hoping they will grow tired of it and I can claim it as my sewing and craft room!

I won!

2011-11-26T20:18:00.000-05:00

Chris, at Growing Together was offering a Christmas Movie Giveaway earlier this month and I won! How exciting to get something in the mail other than bills! Thank you Chris!! It's just in time for Christmas!

Cleaned House and Ready to Rest!

2011-11-26T10:50:00.000-05:00

I have spent the past four days cleaning house for Christmas. You know, the type of cleaning where you pull everything out to sweep and mop behind, you wipe the walls, de-clutter hot spots, throw away useless stuff and mail that has been collecting, make room for the tree, mop the entire house, DUST everything (including the kids!) Which brings me to Thanksgiving Days 25 and 26. I am thankful for the ability to physically clean house and I am thankful for a family that helps me clean. This leads me to my 6 word Saturday, "Cleaned House and Ready to Rest!"

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Thanksgiving - Days 20-24

2011-11-24T18:17:00.002-05:00

Day 24 - Prayer

How do people make it in life without prayer?

Day 23 - Friends!

This is my best friend Gail. I stole her picture off her facebook page. We have taught school together for 28 years. The last 16 years, we have shared an office and our rooms open in to each other. She is retiring this year. I am so not happy about that. I will miss her more than she will ever know. I love you Gail!!

Day 22 - my job!

In this day of economic worries and woes, I am thankful that I have a job. I often complain about the stress and threaten to retire. But, I think I will hang around for a few more years.

Day 21 - My Family's Gratitude

I took this picture this evening. I was interested in what the boys were thankful for. Not to worry, McDonald's and parfaits made the list!

Day 20 - Changes of Seasons

I took this picture last December looking out my front door. I love snow even though we rarely have any - maybe that is why I love it! I am fortunate to live in an area that has a changing of seasons. We are headed into winter weather and I just love the cold air.

Day 19-Thankful that the weekend is here!

2011-11-19T07:16:00.000-05:00

Day 19 - Thankful that the weekend is here. It's been a long week and I am ready for a break. I only work 2 days this coming week and then I will be off for Thanksgiving holiday.

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Days 17 and 18 of Thanksgiving

2011-11-18T16:16:00.000-05:00

Day 18 - Seeing the world through the eyes of a child!

There are days that this picture reminds me that I need to brave like a tiger and secretive like Batman. This picture was made in 2007 but both boys are still very imaginative and I love hearing their thoughts on the way they see the world. They keep me in line!

Day 17 - Umbrellas!

Yesterday, it was pouring rain and was I ever thankful for an umbrella!!! Sometimes you forget about the little items that make life so much easier!

Day 16 of Thanksgiving

2011-11-17T12:38:00.000-05:00

Day 16 - Icy-Hot!

Last night my knees were killing me. It was cold, damp, rainy, awful weather. I stopped by Walgreens and bought me a brand new stick of Icy Hot. I lathered it on, changed into my pajamas and went to bed! It must have done the trick since they do not hurt as badly as today!

Susan

Day 15 of Thanksgiving

2011-11-15T17:21:00.001-05:00

Day 15 - New French Doors! This summer, we took down the sliding patio doors (which were almost impossible to open) and replaced them with french doors. They have the blinds inside the glass. We just love them!

I asked Deniska to sweep off the deck when the men were through putting in the doors. He took the vacuum stick outside to vacuum the deck! BOYS!

Here's a view from the inside. I just love them!

Day 14 of Thanksgiving

2011-11-14T15:47:00.000-05:00

Day 14 - my car! My car is a 2002 Toyota Avalon with 135,000 miles. It has never given me any trouble and is still running strong. The best part is that it is completely paid for! That is why I love it the most! This picture was made in 2004. It looks just the same except a little more wear and tear from two 10-year-old boys in the back seat!

Day 13 of Thanksgiving

2011-11-13T18:57:00.000-05:00

Day 13 - Freedom of Religion. I am thankful that we live in a country where we have freedom of religion.

Thankful - Day 12

2011-11-12T21:16:00.001-05:00

Day 12 - Altar Boys! Today, I am thankful that Deniska has the privileged to serve as an altar boy. Dennis took him to training this past Tuesday night and tonight he got to serve.

This is Deacon John showing Deniska what to do before Mass.

This is during Mass, with Father Ikechi, our parochial vicar. At the end of Mass, Father Ikechi was so kind as to introduce Deniska to the whole congregation and thank him for using his talents and being an altar boy. I was so proud of him.

This is my favorite picture, although it is not too clear. I had the flash off and I didn't want to be too much of a distraction to other around me. This is when they are waiting for the gifts to be brought forward. I thought that was a good time that wouldn't be too distracting.

After Mass, Deacon John went over some of the finer points and tips for next week. For it to be Deniska's first time, he did very well.

It was a wonderful time and one he will remember forever! He is already talking about next week!

Days 7,8,9,10,11

2011-11-11T19:29:00.001-05:00

Hmm, I haven't been very good at keeping up with my days here have I? So, let me catch up!

Day 11 - My home. We live in a very small house but it's big with love! Sometimes I am envious of bigger houses but then I remember the costs associated with a big house - more to heat, more to cool, more to clean! I'll just keep my little, cozy house and be happy!

Days 10 and 9 - a good book and audio books! I love to read, my boys like to read (notice, I said like not love), and my husband loves to read. So many times, it has been an audio book in recent years that I listened to - in the car, in the house, at work. It's so nice to always have a good book to get lost in when you need a break!

Day 8 - Pumpkin Pie! Deniska and I each had a piece of pumpkin pie tonight! It was store bought but really, really good! Almost as good as my homemade Libby’s Pumpkin Pie. For some unknown reason to me, Dennis and Nikolai do not like pumpkin pie! Really.

Day 7- My camera! Without my camera, I could not take such funny pictures like Darth Vader sitting in the dead plant! I love my digital camera and consider it a 'must have" item!!

All of these are such little things to be thankful for each day. But, sometimes, I think we forget to be thankful for the little things that make our lives so rich!

What are you thankful for today?

Days 5 and 6 of Thanksgiving

2011-11-06T17:58:00.002-05:00

Day 5- the thanksgiving of nature. Deniska went out and cut this branch for me to use as a centerpiece. I am going to cut leaves out of construction paper and we are going to write things we are thankful for each day. This is our new tradition.

Day 6 - I am thankful that I can sew. I made this dress for Maxie last night upon Deniska's request. My mama taught me how to sew when I was about 5. I also re-made the tablecloth in the picture above. I had bought it about 2 years ago on sale at Wal-Mart but it was about two feet too long. Today, I cut it off and re-hemmed it. Thanks Mama for teaching me to sew!

Days 3 and 4 of Thanksgiving

2011-11-05T10:25:00.000-04:00

Day 3 - a good education. Nikolai was recently inducted into the school's Jr. Beta Club. This was at the reception. I am thankful that both boys are smart and have really good teachers.

Day 4 - Pets! Welcome Maxi to our home. She is a sheltie and is six months old. Maxi is an early Christmas gift to the boys. They are having such good time with her and learning responsibility at the same time. They are completely responsible for taking her outside, feeding her, etc... (Of course, Mama has to remind them!) There is nothing like the love of an animal to make every thing OK in the world! Although we have had her now 3 days, we have yet to her her bark. (That's a good thing!)

Christmas Movie Giveaway

2011-11-04T20:00:00.000-04:00

Chris, at Growing Together is offering a Christmas Movie Giveaway. Hurry on over there to enter.

Day 2 of Thankfulness

2011-11-02T17:54:00.000-04:00

Today, I am thankful for my church and for my faith. I serve an awesome God. I could write for hours and not even touch the goodness He has given me. What I do want to talk about today is my church, St. Mary's Catholic Church. We drive an hour away from our home to attend this church every week. Isn't she beautiful?

Come on in with me. This is a picture of coming in the back door - or would that be the front door? Church is the only place I know where you walked through the front door only to be in the back.

A picture of the altar. We like to sit in the very front so we can see. I attribute this to playing the organ and piano in my Baptist church as I was growing up. I got used to sitting in front and now I am too old to change.

I know that worshiping is not totally about the building. I don't think anyone would argue that one. But, I do think the building can aide and get you in the right spirit. As you can gather, our church is a formal church. For me and my family, it works. This is a picture of the stain glass in the choir loft. Such sacred, beautiful music always comes from here. Music really moves me to worship. St. Augustine is credited for the saying, "He who sings, prays twice."

But if it seem evil to you to serve the Lord, you have your choice: choose this day that which pleaseth you, whom you would rather serve, whether the gods which your fathers served in Mesopotamia, or the gods of the Amorrhites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. ~ Joshua 24:15

24 Days of Thanksgiving

2011-11-01T20:41:00.000-04:00

From Google Images

From now until Christmas, it will be a mad rush. Often, Thanksgiving gets overlooked and cast aside except for Thanksgiving Day. I don't want to be caught up in that rush. So, for the next 24 days, I will be listing what I am thankful for. I encourage you to do the same.

Today is also All Saints Day. This is a day we remember those who have gone on before us. For me, I am especially remembering my parents and brothers who have passed. So, today and everyday, I am thankful for Family. The family I grew up with, the family I have now, and the family I will have in future days. I am truly blessed.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T17:26:00.000-04:00

Wishing you and yours a Happy Halloween! If you would like to read about the boys and their outfits, click here!

Soccer Days

2011-10-08T14:29:00.000-04:00

Let's swing our arms while waiting on the ball...

Deniska was the back-up goalie. I did not like him playing this position - too much pressure on me!

That's right - size him up. He may be little but he can flat kick that ball!

Getting a pep talk from the coaches.

This was a beautiful soccer field in Clemson that we played at one night.

Nikolai and Deniska are both defenders. They make a good team.

Here they are at home after a game. I did manage to get them still long enough to snap this picture. Why Deniska is wearing green socks, I have no idea!!

October - already?!?!!

2011-10-01T11:59:00.001-04:00

I feel like I have been gone forever and I guess in some ways I have. The last picture (and thing) I remember is taking this picture of the boys on their first day of school. They picked out their clothes themselves - I'm not taking responsibility for that! LOL!! I can't believe they are in the 5th grade. I wish I could keep them little for just a little longer. Deniska's shirt is wet, not stained. I think he gets more water on his clothes than on him! You will notice he is wearing glasses. They are just needed for close up work even though his eyes are 20/20. The doctor thought it might help with his headaches (which he gets every Monday!) We have also been going to the chiropractor for treatments as well. Surely between the 2, the headaches will lessen. Poor little thing is pitiful when he gets a headache.

Speaking of headaches, my year is not going too well. Too much to do, too little time. Constant demands. No support. It's frustrating. But, I don't want to talk about that. I want to tell you about my new toy - a Kindle.

I love reading from it and I didn't know if I would or not. I still like holding a book but this is so nice when we are traveling or I am waiting on the boys for some reason. As you can see, it needs to be recharged. More importantly, Deniska loves to read using it. That's the real reason I bought one. Anything to get those little boys reading!!

This is the biggest reason I have not been posting. My brand new computer keeps crashing. I took it in for the 2nd time about 3 weeks ago. Dennis told them to keep it until it was fixed. So, I am using my laptop. I prefer sitting at my desk but this laptop will do. The boys are playing soccer and hopefully I can take a picture of them before the season is over. They are playing 3 nights a week. That pretty well takes all the energy out of all of us! I think we have 2 more weeks of soccer and then life can slow down again. That's a good thing!

Back to School

2011-08-10T17:00:00.001-04:00

It's back to school for me tomorrow morning. The first day for students is next Thursday. This summer has gone too fast! I made this cute pencil vase yesterday out of pencils and these flower pens today. Since I teach mostly teen age boys, I won't have to worry about them taking my pens!

I FINALLY found my classroom keys today after looking for them 2 days. They were still in my end of year folder. *sigh* Seems like I remember thinking that would be a good place to leave them. However, in my searching, I found my pedometer! I thought I had lost it a couple of years ago at school. But no, it was in the kitchen in my pencil jar! Go figure....

Saturday's Are Made For DIY Projects!

2011-07-30T14:08:00.000-04:00

I talked my sweet husband in to helping me recover my kitchen chairs today. I had ordered the material a few weeks ago and if I didn't cover those chair this weekend it might have been another project to go by the wayside. We went to Lowe's and bought a new staple gun (since we did not own one) and staples. Dennis got out his handy dandy drill and off we started! He removed all the screws (I did help him on removing but he tighten them all up when we put them back!)

We hammered in new sliders on the chairs! That was a job we had put off.

Is this not beautiful fabric? Now I realize this is not for everyone but it met my criteria. It has all the colors of the kitchen and living room in it AND it was on sale!! Saving me lots of $$$. I ordered a yard too much but that is OK. I have plans for that material!

My new staple gun and staples. I bought 2 sizes of staples and that was a good move!

I also covered this little foot stool. Ignore the dust on it, I had it put up and didn't bother to dust it before I snapped the picture.

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Have a great weekend everyone!

Thrift Store Finds

2011-07-28T12:01:00.004-04:00

The boys and I stopped by the Humanity for Habitat Resale store this morning after getting our haircuts and going to Wal-Mart. They found this really cute (working) cash register filled with money and ready to go. I don't think it was ever played with! They were very excited since they love to play store.

The color is not as bright as the camera made it out to be. See the little table it is sitting on? I bought that as well today. I will talk about that later in another post! Also, when I left this morning, I forgot my checkbook but didn't think anything about it until the hairdresser told me he only took cash or checks. So, I had to go to the bank and get money for him and take back to him. And, then, the HH Store didn't take debit cards either. So, back to the bank for a second time to get more money. *sigh*

This is the real deal of the day. I have been wanting a small table like this for the living room as a coffee table. Our house is so small that we do not need a big table but need something to set the remote control and sweet tea on as we watch TV. Ta-da, the new table. I have been looking for several years now to no avail until I saw this table. She was marked down to $7!! Yes, $7!! Can you believe it??? She is solid cherry and very sturdy. She had this ugly contact paper on top of her. But, I saw beyond that.

I enlisted my strong boy for help and he pulled that paper off.

Here she is in all of her glory. She just needs a little tender, loving care (like all of us!) A new paint job and she will shine! I am so excited to have her in my home!!

The best part is that she can only get prettier! A little sandpaper, primer, and paint and she will be good as new! And, only $7!!

Thanks for dropping by!

Camp is over, the boys are home!

2011-07-24T13:52:00.005-04:00

I thought I would share some camp pictures with you all. Both boys had a wonderful time at camp. Their counselor was 16 and it sounds as if they all kept each other on their toes with pranks and fun! The only complaints were not getting enough sleep, hot weather, and the food! All in all, a great experience for both of them.

Excitement was running high when we took them last Sunday. This was at a rest area before we got to camp.

The boys settle in to their cabin. It only slept 4 (1 counselor and 3 campers).

This is their counselor for the week, Gavin. A really nice young man!

Time for Papa and me to leave.

The camp was having Mass that night but we did not stay.

This was the dining hall and the only air conditioned building on the site. They had their morning lessons in here as well.

When we picked them up, their first request was for a meal! They were both hungry. So, we took them to McDonald's!

Deniska ate almost every bite of the big meal. Both boys needed a good shower!

We are glad to have our boys home aren't we? I think so!!

This is what is waiting on me for tomorrow! Camp clothes!

This week's menu:

Monday - oven baked chicken, cabbage, mashed potatoes

Tuesday - roast (w/potatoes, celery, carrots), green beans, rice

Wednesday - BBQ ribs, peas, macaroni & cheese

Thursday - creamy chicken with broccoli with rice

Friday - baked tilapia veggie packets, salad

Saturday - chicken parmesan, spaghetti, garlic bread, salad

Sunday - hamburgers (tomato, onion, lettuce), chips

"Camp will be good for them!"

2011-07-16T01:00:00.000-04:00

"Camp will be good for them!" These were the words that my ~~sweet~~ husband used to convince me to send our two 10-year old ~~angels~~ ~~babies~~ boys to camp. A camp that is ~~a galaxy~~ a few hours away from us. A camp in ~~the wilderness~~ a state park. Did the man not know that I would have separation anxiety?! Finally, I gave in, Dennis filled out the applications, and sent in the necessary paperwork and money. We received the acceptance letter back and made ~~the agonizing~~ plans. The date is fast approaching and I decided we should ~~grill~~ ask the boys one last time if they want to go.

Mama: Boys, camp is coming up on Sunday. Are you sure that you want to go?
Deniska: I don't know Mama. I think I want to stay home with you.
Mama: (thinking to myself, that's my boy! He loves me. I'm feeling pretty good right now.)
Nikolai: Well, I want to go!
Mama: Why Nikolai? (Said in my most comforting voice. Surely, it had to be because of the lure of the outside and swimming! Yes, that was it!)
Nikolai: Mom, don't take this personal, but I just need a break.
Mama: (puzzled) A break? Well, you know Deniska will be in the same cabin with you.
Nikolai: Not Deniksa, Mom, from you!

Needless to say, I packed his suitcase first!

Linking to

Nothing To Say On This Day!

2011-07-09T12:22:00.000-04:00

Source

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It's in the Bag!

2011-07-08T08:42:00.001-04:00

Christmas came in July for me this year. Look at what I got in the mail all the way from Holland!! I have met the nicest people on the Internet! One is my friend Heidi of All My Scattering Moments and The Cranberry Chronicle. She lives in Holland and I have grown to love and admire her for her many talents and skills. We were having a discussion on being green and using our own bags when shopping. She related that in Holland they have bags that fold up and she keeps some in her purse at all times. How cool is that? Imagine my delight when she sent me two of these for my very own. I wanted to show you how small they are. They are smaller than the pocket tissues that many of us carry. They have their own little pouch and then they open up to ....

...this! A nice size tote for those things you buy in the store! So cool!!

Thank you Heidi for sending me these bags. I just love them. They are now safely stored in my purse just waiting to be used. Hmm, might need to go to town and try these out.....

This Week's Menu

2011-07-05T12:47:00.000-04:00

Monday - Spaghetti, garlic bread, brownies with ice cream
Tuesday - pork chops, turnip greens, cucumber & tomato salad
Wednesday - ham pasta salad, mini sandwiches
Thursday -hamburgers (cheese, tomato, onion}, fruit salad, baked beans
Friday - egg salad sandwiches, chips, left-overs
Saturday- bbq chicken, twice baked potato casserole, green beans
Sunday - pepperoni, mushroom,onion pizza

Holiday Weekend Equals Lots of Fun!

2011-07-02T09:56:00.001-04:00

Our little town always has fireworks on the 4th of July. We look forward to it every year. We are having visitors for this holiday weekend, should be lots of fun!! Hope everyone has a happy weekend!

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Conversations From the Back Seat

2011-06-30T20:51:00.000-04:00

The boys and I went to town this morning to buy groceries for the upcoming holiday. Out of the blue, this was our conversation.

Deniska: Mom, can you take people out of the nursing home for a day?

Mama: Yes, Deniska, you can if they are able to leave.

Deniska: Well, Mom, when Nikolai and I get older we are going to have a cookout on the 4th of July and we will check you out of the nursing home for the day!

Mama: That's nice of you Deniska. What about Papa? Are you going to check him out too?

Deniska: No, he will probably be dead by then. Don't you think?!

Monday Menu - a day late!!

2011-06-28T12:18:00.003-04:00

I love this picture - that's how I feel this morning. When I was growing up, my mom planned the meals around what my dad like. I tend to do the same with my husband. As long as he is happy, I am happy. My children, as a result, are not picky eaters. If we have something that they don't care for, they will eat a smaller portion but they ~~never~~ rarely complain. I am not a mom that caters to every single person for a meal. I am way too busy for that sort of thing! *grins*

Monday - Red Rice and Beans (late lunch, light dinner)

Tuesday - Spaghetti

Wednesday - Crockpot Southwestern Chicken Nachos, cantaloupe

Thursday - 7-layered Taco Salad

Friday - Salmon patties, turnip greens, macaroni & cheese

Saturday - Roast, rice, vegetable casserole

Sunday - BBQ chicken, corn on the cob, rolls, green beans, cantaloupe

I Am Loving My New Computer

2011-06-25T10:00:00.000-04:00

I finally broke down, at my husband's insistence, and bought a new computer. It is very fast and I think I will like it very much. I just need the time to play!

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This week's menu

2011-06-21T14:36:00.001-04:00

This week's menu is rather blah, maybe because I am feeling blah due tot he weather. It is just so, so hot. I don't do well in hot weather.

Monday - Honey Lemon baked Chicken, green beans, wild rice

Tuesday - Sandwiches

Wednesday -Dirty Rice, cantaloupe

Thursday - Hubby's birthday (we might eat out to celebrate!)

Friday - Egg Salad Sandwiches, cantaloupe

Saturday -Salsa Chicken, black beans, rice, tortillas

Sunday - Leftovers

Maybe I will be more creative later on....

Remembering My Dad on Father's Day

2011-06-18T09:55:00.000-04:00

I had the best father in the whole world. This picture was made with one of my older brothers. Wasn't my daddy handsome? By the way, we all learned to crank and drive that tractor. I wasn't allowed to drive it by myself but I spent lots of time on that tractor with my daddy. He died in 1991 and there is not a day that goes by that I don't talk to him or remember something that he told me. I still feel like he is with me every day. I wish everyone could have had such a wonderful father! Happy Father's Day to all men who make a difference in the life of a child. And, thank you to my husband who is a wonderful father as well!

Porch in Progress

2011-06-17T12:26:00.000-04:00

First a picture of Nicholas and Sam who like to supervise every thing going on outside. They sit on the back of the couch and look outside. Aren't they sweet?!

This is Agatha, who is our feral kitty. She will let Deniska pet her but not anybody else much. She had 4 kittens but I think she has lost them all in the woods except for one orange tabby kitten.

I snapped this picture of her and the orange kitten through the woods. Deniska insisted that I take a picture of her and the kitten to share with all of you!

Here's the porch all cleaned off. I moved the big pots down and added 2 smaller plants. I am still not sure and will welcome any suggestions! Thanks to everyone who left suggestions yesterday. Bear in mind that we still have to pull weeds where the crimson madevilla and plant it. I will get mulch this weekend - I hope!

Suggestions? Please!

2011-06-15T15:26:00.002-04:00

This is my porch, my tiny, teeny porch. I very hastily took a picture this afternoon to show you what we have done so far. I do realize the water can, fertilizer, and electrical cord all need to be put up.

This is the close up of the flower that we bought to put on the chair. I think my chair needs a new coat of paint this summer.

This is a close of the wreath on the door. I reworked an old wreath.

The boys and I put together this pot today. I think it will be pretty once the plants gets established and starts to grow more.

So, suggestions? It just doesn't look pulled together to me for some reason. I think it needs more, less, something! What do you think?