Seasons of Life

The temperatures have soared over the past two days - actually reaching into the 80's. Not typical weather for April. Of course I've heard that they are supposed to plummet to the 50's on Friday.

Seasons. They mark changes. Changes that impact all aspects of our world.

The trees are notably greener, the grass is growing, spring bulbs are popping. My iris' are prepping for bloom. As I walk our property I see the promise of great color from the buds of our tulips, the rhododendron, azaleas, crab apple trees, lilies, daisies, etc. I also see the yucky annoying weeds attempting to take root and wreak havoc on our beautiful gardens. Gotta get rid of those. We've already enjoyed the blooms from our cherry tree, daffodils, crocus', and hyacinths. Barber is thrilled with the bleeding hearts. His favorite thing to do is pick off one of the hearts and give it to me or another member of the family.

We've pulled out some of our patio furniture and have begun to stain the fence.

I've also rearranged the cabinets in the kitchen. Yes, I did it, again. And it makes sense once again. I've also been busy with purging parts of the house and prepping for a yard sale. So much to do and never enough time in the day to get it all done.

Spring also means sports for the boys. Barber is in T-ball and Jeter is playing with a travel soccer team. Evenings are both busy and fun.

I've also used the word season to note when other changes occur in life. Activities we participate in, responsibilities we have, how time is managed, etc. Change is constant and therefore the change in season shouldn't take us by surprise. Sometimes, I am ready and prepared for the change but am concerned if others are too...especially when I know that something has changed for me and it may directly or indirectly impact others.

The phase I am in right now is embracing the changes that are happening and trusting that the One I serve has all of it under control.

Cold Should = Snow

I've said it before - I like seasons. And I still do but if it is this cold outside, then we should have snow. But we don't. It's just cold and windy.

This past December we had some decent snow. Simms and the boys (Barber ended up coming inside because it was too cold out and Jeter got sidetracked a couple of times) made this snowman. He lasted a very long time. The boys named him "Bob" and would say hello to him. Barber would "high-5" Bob after school almost everyday. Alas, Bob is only a mere memory now. Wouldn't it be nice to have him visit us just one more time this season?

Tweaks and Overhauls

New week. New day. New blog design.

Routines are good but change is good too - and sometimes it is just necessary. You always have to clean your house - at least I do - and periodically I do things just a little bit differently. Other times a complete overhaul is required. On the home front, this is what I have been doing with the boys clothes. It's necessary when the season has changed and they have grown.

The same truth applies to my blog. I resisted change for awhile. Why? I loved my design. I really did. So I survived for a long time with small tweaks and updates. I wrestled with the thought for a while but I finally had to face the truth - the time had come for a complete overhaul. Simms didn't think it was necessary but he isn't a huge lover of change either. That was one thing I tackled last night - after we pruned a tree (Simms pruned, I was the spotter for where to cut which branch), enjoyed an impromptu dinner by a fire in our backyard (mountain pies) and said good-night to our kiddos. The overhaul is complete and I still have time to tweak the details.

How do you deal with change? Do small tweaks give you the chills or do you love the challenge of a complete overhaul?

The Taste of Fall

One of the things I enjoy about Fall are apples. Sweet. Crunchy. Yum. Fuji are my favorite and I just bought about 80 apples this past Friday. My two bottom crispers are full and I have about 30 that will be peeled and prepared - many destined to become the main ingredient of my most favorite apple crisp ever (recipe below). I will make a number of goodies that we will freeze and enjoy over the next year.

Believe it or not, I will also make another trip to the farm and buy at least another 40 apples before the end of the season - then my crispers will be jam packed with apple goodness. These apples stay fresh in our refrigerator and my family will continue to enjoy them through February or March of next year. And then we have to wait again until the following October...

Apple Crisp

Bottom Layer:
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tbs flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
6 cups apples

Top Layer:
1 cup oatmeal
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/3 tsp baking powder
2/3 cup butter melted

Mix bottom layer ingredients together. Place on a greased pan.

Mix top layer ingredients until crumbly and spoon over apples. Pat firmly.

Bake 350 for 25 minutes or until lightly brown.

I use the excuse that I don't own a 1/3 tsp to triple the recipe. :) This also helps when I have about 30 apples to prepare into some apple goodness.

Uh...hello...is this on?

Blog? What's a blog?

The lack of posting here at my corner could cause one to suppose I had forgotten. Not true. Quite simply, I have not allowed myself much time at the computer. The boys started school and I got to work.

Expectations. I am still amazed at how commonplace it is for others - who don't really know me - to freely verbalize whatever they want, whenever they want. First day of school and sure enough, a woman asked me (at the bus stop as my boys are about to climb onto the bus) when I was going back to work. Her question was complimentary in nature because I had taught two of her daughters and she declares that the one who is specializing in genetic research was inspired by me. To appease her, I good naturedly responded that I didn't know but there weren't any biology positions currently available.

Meanwhile, I was going back to work on my house, preparing for the new season of Moms In Action, completing some projects and working on new ones. My days and hours have been filled with planning and completing various tasks - allowing myself the time between 8:30 - 3:30 to get it all completed so that once I pick up the boys at the bus stop the evening is for the family. Snacks, homework, soccer, dinner, and bedtime consume the time between 3:30 and 8:30 in the evening. Then Simms and I are able to relax and unwind from the day's activities.

Adjustment. It's important for me to be able to do this - adapt to a new routine or season. And that is what I've been allowing myself to do. I'm still adapting but my memory bank of all the different things that I want to journal about is flashing the "full" warning sign at me which tells me it is time to start to write it down again.

New Twist on the Sprinkler

Do you remember playing in a sprinkler? I do. We had one of those oscillating ones and I remember just enjoying cooling off in the water - running through with my sister and giggling a lot.

We do have a pool and that is used quite often but there is just something fun about the simplicity of a sprinkler. Don't believe me? Keep reading...

This week I purchased an inexpensive sprinkler - it's sole purpose is for fun, not watering the lawn. Jeter couldn't wait to set it up and try it out.

Barber wasn't quite sure about this. He decided goggles were a necessity because he didn't know exactly when and where this water was going to sprinkle him. He also started to cover his ears. Funny little boy!

In the end, they had a lot of fun and got soaked. The clean-up was easy too. Great fun in the sun if you ask me.

We Have Blueberries!

We've gotten more blueberries since this picture was taken but this was our first "harvest".




The picture above is of our three blueberry bushes. The boys have had fun picking and it is so nice to experience success in keeping the bunnies and birds away this year.

One of my Favorite Flowers

My Hydrangea. This plant was given to me for Mother's Day after Barber was born. He was a mere 4 weeks old. I'm sure that has something to do with how much I like it. I think one of the other reasons is because of the vibrant colors - with varying shades of pink and purple (my favorite!). Here are some of my favorite pics...I'm having fun with my camera too.

I find it so amazing that all of those variations are on a single plant. You probably find it amazing that something so simple gives me so much pleasure.

Warning - more simple pleasures are pending.

This Bloomin' Spring

I was enjoying these...

...and these.

I cannot believe the blooms have already passed. Can I blame it on the crazy weather we've been having??? Thankfully, I get to see these beautiful blooms all summer long!

I was just checking out my hydrangea. There is evidence of some beautiful blooms to come! Small things really do put a smile on my face.

Spring Beauties

These are some of the spring beauties that grace our property. I had fun changing the settings on my camera, attempting to capture some of my favorite iris'.

There are more spring flowers throughout the property. Some I didn't capture and the blooms have passed. I'm planning on snapping some more and might just post some of my favorite pics.

What are some of your favorite spring flowers or shrubs?

I Smell Spring

These are one of my favorite Spring fragrances. We have white, lavender and dark purple lilacs. Simms and the boys surprised me with a fresh bouquet from our backyard.

Smiling kiddos lovin' their mama and fresh fragrance in the kitchen. Priceless.

Health and Wellness - Take Two

I haven't posted an update on my health and wellness for awhile. Not because it isn't still in the forefront of my mind but because an adjustment had to be made.

Simms and I were doing really well and achieving our goals prior to our cruise. Then we came back to reality and stuff changed. Our desire for good healthy habits hadn't changed but our schedule did change and we needed to adjust.

What changed you ask?

• Daylight Savings - this means our sunlight lasts longer.
• Spring sprung!
• Baseball season for the boys was in full swing.

So...how did these changes effect our schedule? Previously we would exercise right after putting the boys to bed which was between 7:30 and 8:00 PM. Not anymore. We now have baseball Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. On a good night the boys are in bed by 8:30 PM. Unfortunately on some game nights they aren't tucked in and given the final kiss good-night until 9:00 PM. Let's say we have a "free" night...then Simms (with good reason) wants to use that time to mow the lawn and trim the trees or some other spring project that needs his attention.

The last straw was when Simms told me that he was going to fit in exercise in the morning with a bike ride. I felt like I was losing my accountability partner and started to plummet downward...gaining a few pounds back in the process.

Good news is that an adjustment has been made and I am now in accountability with two gals. Our general goal is "To incorporate healthy eating and exercise in daily life and decision making". We have now started our third week and it feels good - yes there are some aches but those pains are evidence of the good that we are doing for our health and wellness. I still miss exercising with Simms but like I said, we had to adapt to the new season.

I'll continue to post updates on my progress.

Also...heads up for a few upcoming giveaways - one that deals with your daily health and wellness!

What is Your Ideal Humidity Level?

Humidity.

Find it odd that I'm talking about this in the winter? If so it's because typically humidity is discussed in the summer when too much of it causes discomfort. What happens when there isn't enough humidity in the air? This can also effect you physically - you can experience chronic sore throats, respiratory issues, dry/itchy skin, nose bleeds or sinus irritation. I would sometimes blame the coldness for my itchy skin in the winter-time and I was partially correct. The coldness lacks humidity - which is the real culprit here.

This isn't necessarily new news to me but I didn't think the humidity level in our home could really be that low. Then I started to pay attention to some of the physical stuff that family members have been experiencing - Jeter with congestion, Simms & me with the dry skin, and even the annoying shocks. The boys may enjoy rubbing their feet across the carpet and then shocking one of us but I wouldn't mind eliminating that pastime. On top of that, the house also feels really cold - I refuse to increase the thermostat so blankets are consistently piled on top of family members. Not that blankets are bad, I very much enjoy crocheting them.

All this to say that Simms and I purchased a humidifier for our home this weekend and were shocked to see that our humidity level was barely 20. Sources vary regarding the specific range of humidity that is ideal - our information stated that it should be between 35-55. Dawson, my BIL who is a mechanical engineer said it should be between 40-60. Well...3 days later with the humidifier running non-stop we are finally close to 40. I will say Jeter already noticed a difference in his congestion - meaning now he is not congested. The house also feels warmer.

One of my concerns about the humidifier is that it appears that it will be running non-stop all day and night but because it feels warmer, we have actually been able to lower the level of our thermostat which will save us money. We'll see how the bills come in next month. Meanwhile, I'm enjoying the effects of adding humidity to our living space - as crazy as that may sound!

Now...because I can, here is a picture of the mechanical device that is making our lives more comfortable this winter. Notice the number on top - apparently it has raised the humidity level from 40 to 41. Yippee!

Enjoying my Family this Season

I have had such an enjoyable time with my family - it's been busy and somewhat crazy at times but exactly what I needed. Simms took the entire week off and we have been doing our best to spend time together amidst the scheduled time with extended family.

I still have a little more vacation time left and plan to enjoy every last second of it but I wanted to show you a few pictures because I can...Simms surprised me with a digital camera!!! His coworker taught him the art of utilizing ebay and he blew me away!

Tiffany had commented that she wanted to see our picture tree so here are a few shots...

This is one of the picture ornaments up close - our dear dog Gese.

Here is a larger picture of the tree. Now I have to stop thinking about

all of the pictures that I have yet to print and put in frames for next year!

And since I was having so much fun using my new camera I decided to post a few pictures of some of our traditional holiday decorating...

My snowman collection



My favorite nativity set - given to us by Simms parents.
They had purchased this from Israel and it is made out of olive wood



Our family's traditional tree. Notice how all the ornaments
on the bottom half are NOT breakable?!?





This is actually a handmade ornament on my sister's tree.

She is so creative and I thought the picture was really cool -

learning to use new features on my camera everyday!

Hope you are enjoying time with your loved ones. I know I am. Cherishing every hug and kiss. Taking time to enjoy snuggling with my boys, reading extra chapters to Jeter in his book, creating new structures with k'nex and being amazed and in awe of Barber reading beginner books to me! Life is truly worth living.

Remembering...

It has become a tradition in our corner to break out the Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving and spend the weekend as a family decorating, drinking hot cocoa, eating homemade chex mix, etc.

That didn't happen this year.

We had plans to spend Thanksgiving in NJ, so I thought we would move our tradition to the weekend before Thanksgiving.

That didn't quite happen either.

We were successful in decorating our tree (obviously an artificial one) the weekend before, but have been slowly adding more decorations since then. Little by little. Day by day. (Promises...are you singing the song?)

I've recently stated to a friend that my list is having tasks added to it faster than I am able to complete them. It is almost overwhelming to the point where I want to throw my hands up and cry that I just don't even know where to begin. So, what do you do when you get to this point (if you ever do). The only thing that works for me is this: I ask Jesus what I need to do now and trust Him to show me and then I do it and try not to become overly concerned about what isn't getting completed. I have also determined to take joy is something each and every day.

Today I set up and decorated one of our trees. We set this one up in our dining room (which still needs to be cleaned out and prepared for our family Christmas). The tree is decorated with small, ornamental picture frames. The pictures are snapshots of every Christmas since Simms and I dated. Today I took my time hanging each frame and remembered.

2008 has not been an easy year but He has continued to faithfully walk with us through each and every step, in each and every twist and turn. He always has. Today, I needed to remember that and tell Him thank you.

First Snow...

Simms woke me up and told me that there was about 1/2 inch of snow on the ground! I have to admit to you, I smiled. I can't help it. At heart, I'm still a child that loves the snow.

Jeter came in to remind me that the book fair was at school today. I'm going in while his selection is made and then paying for it. I stopped by yesterday and quite frankly am horrified by the limited selection for the advanced reader. Anyway, that's another post. Back to snow. I told him that there was snow outside. He responded by cheering and then running down the hall to look out his bedroom window. He then ran to tell Barber and there was much jubilation!

Along with the first snow this season, we experienced more firsts...

• the first time Barber and Jeter wore their snow boots.
• the first time they were both outside well before 8 AM making snowballs and trying to get Daddy while he cleaned off the car.
• the first time Barber welcomed the first snow and didn't complain about the cold. After Jeter left, he played in the backyard for almost an hour!
• the first time the bus picked up Jeter 25 minutes late. It was a substitute that circled the block 2 times and finally picked them up! Trusting (and praying) that Jeter got to school safe and sound.
• the first time that I am making hot chocolate and it just feels right.

It's now 9:20 AM and I have a smile on my face and believe it or not, waking up to snow had something to do with it.

Thankful Statements

I'm Thankful

1. Why are you thankful for your family?
2. What are you thankful for on Thanksgiving Day?
3. What are you thankful for at school?
4. What else are you thankful for?

Jeter's answers:
1. I am thankful for my family because they love me.
2. I am thankful for my brother on Thanksgiving Day!
3. At school, I am thankful for my teacher.
4. I am also thankful for Jesus!

Can I just say "ditto"?

This was a fun activity that Jeter completed in school.

Summer Sanity

Summer is here!

Yesterday was Jeter's first day of summer vacation. Barber was absolutely tickled saying "Yeah! My browver doesn't have to go to school today! He gets to pway wiv me alllllll day!"

As you can imagine the day didn't go by without them getting on each others nerves once or twice. It's expected. However, I am entering this summer with the intention to create daily activities that will create opportunities for them to grow together and individually as they deepen their friendship and strengthen their brotherhood. I'm also determined to promote more time with family...and at the same time trying to keep my sanity in the process.

So how do I do this? Well, I need a schedule. That is how I function. Flexibility is allowed in it but I need to know what the outline of the plan is. This is how I stay sane and not get bogged down by what is not being currently accomplished. As a result I am able to fully live in and enjoy the moment we're in now. To quote Uncle Ian from Alvin and the Chipmunks "That's how I roll."

We're participating in VBS at our church this summer and will also take a trip to Long Island to visit family. Other than that we have weekly trips to local parks planned (check out Like I Was Saying... for park suggestions), weekly crafts (we're going to tie-dye this week and create some fun Father's Day gifts), time with family - having Grammie, Poppy and the Promises gang here is always a recipe for fun! Of course there will be pool time and day trips around the area.

Like I Was Saying... has a GREAT list of ideas for you to check out - I cannot believe she came up with 101 suggestions. Blue Eyed Babies also has a number of posts with a variety of ideas for the Family - check out the Summer Fun Series in Tarrah's sidebar. Ideas are also prevalent at 5 Minutes for Mom - from June 10th-18th they are highlighting ideas for the family with their Creative Days of Summer. As always, they have some awesome giveaways to boot!



So what are you waiting for? Check them out if you need some ideas and if you are one who is overflowing with creativity, please don't hesitate to share.

Highlighting the Smiles

Spring is fun but it is such a busy time of year for me. We've also had an unusual amount of health situations among the Campbell men - and hospitals. Praise God that there have been smiles mixed in with the tears over the last 8+ weeks. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Jeter's Water Baptism - and the cake that he designed

2. Barber's Cars Birthday Party

3. Jeter's Field Day at school

4. Jeter's Spring Concert

5. Our night out at the circus

6. Jeter's class field trip to Zoo America at Hershey Park

7. Jeter's mini-meet for swimming

8. Barber's move to the 4-year old room at church

9. Planning for Jeter's Veggie-pirates birthday

10. Taking the plunge and planning the summer...craft ideas from a not-so-crafty mama

11. Summer Project: the boys rooms

This is simply a list of future posts that will document the GOOD TIMES we've had at our corner. Stay tuned...

The Frogs are Singing Me to Sleep

Did you know that frogs make noise? And I am not talking about the 'ribbit' sound that we learn about when we are young.

I've learned that this typically happens in the springtime - for the purpose of mating. The first time I heard it was when I visited my in-laws cabin on a lake. It was a one-room cabin with no hot water and you had to walk to the latrine (outhouse) when necessary. Meanwhile, I grew up on Long Island without any woodsy area around me. The noises I was accustomed to at night were cars driving up and down the street or Japanese Beetles flying into my window screen. In the spring I might hear the birds singing in the morning. I obviously had no idea that frogs made any kind of noise other than the 'ribbit'.

Needless to say my first night at the cabin in 1991 was sleepless. There were A LOT of noises going on that I could not even begin to identify. Later on I learned the one that puzzled me the most was made by frogs.

Over the years we made many trips to the lake and the noises didn't keep me up at night anymore - they began to have a soothing effect. Our trips ceased in 2004 when Dad had to give up the cabin. Whenever I think about the cabin and the lake my memories turn to Mom and the excited anticipation she had for spring and moving into the one-room cabin for the summer.

Just this week we've been hearing some new noises in our backyard. Investigation uncovered the source - frogs! Every night we hear them singing. Their song brings a smile to my face. How did they find us and our backyard? We are not even close to a lake. I have no idea and don't care to figure it out. For now I'll enjoy their song and think of mom and her love for God's creation.