Wal-Mart

I have a love/hate relationship with Wal-Mart. We only live about 5 minutes from it and sometimes I wish we didn't live so close. When I think of taking 3 children grocery shopping I automatically try to think of the quickest most pain free way to do it. Wal-Mart generally seems to be my best option.

Sadly, there is no quick way to run in and out at Wal-Mart. Milk and diapers on on the back wall. To get one gallon of milk and one package of size 2 diapers you must walk by:

• ice cream


• Pringles


• candy


• clothes

Of if you come in the opposite end of the store you walk by all the cool housewares stuff, electronics (Ok Jeremy, I'll meet you back here in 10 minutes) shoes. You get the idea.

However, where else can you go and buy feta cheese and windshield fluid in the same stop. I tell you Sam knew what he was doing.

Actually, I think Sam wouldn't be all that proud of what Wal-Mart is today. Just my thoughts. I have to admit I have been pretty loyal to Wal-Mart for a long time because I used to work there. But let me tell you, the Wal-Mart I worked at and the Wal-Mart I shop at are worlds apart. I remember little signs hung at each register that said "If there are more than 3 people in this line we are required to open a new register for you". The Wal-Mart I shop at now has
TV's to help keep you entertained while you wait in line.

I really shouldn't be so negative about a place I'm at all the time. My kids know it by name and dread it. They'd rather go "where the big red balls are". I am very grateful to have access to a place like Wal-Mart. I realize I am blessed (?!!). Wal-Mart blesses me?? I HAD NO INTENTION OF WRITING THAT WHEN I STARTED THIS POST. Wow, now I feel all warm and fuzzy. You know, our Wal-mart is open 24/7... Maybe I should just make a quick run to Wal-Mart yet tonight.

Paying Cash for a House

I know some of you already follow www.savingmom.com. Did you read this article? How awesome would it be to pay cash for a house? Is it worth the sacrifice? Paying off our house is definitely in our long range goals and we often talk about how great it would feel to pay it off. I have alot of different thoughts rolling around in my head since reading this post. Hmmm. I keep typing stuff then deleting it because I'm not sure what else to say on the matter, or how much to share on what I think, because I'm not sure what I think. Now I'm totally confused. There are definitely people out there who make enough money to be able to save cash for a house in a reasonable amount of time. If you are not in that kind of work should you never go into debt for a house? As you can tell I'm just blabbing now as my mind thinks. I'd be curious to hear what you think, or what your first response was to this idea.

Art

I have a great appreciation for God's beautiful creations...

(the photogragh)
(the photograhper)

Summer

Here are some random pictures from the last days. On Thursday Jeremy unexpectedly had a 1/2 day of work. It was a beautiful day outside so we quickly packed a lunch and headed to the park. They boys (and Callie) loved it.

We carried this bike a lot of the time...

Isaiah loves his "new" bike.

Look, Mom, no hands

This should be with the park pictures. Callie's first swing ride.

Sorry for the rather boring post. :)

Sundays Are

Sunday are to me:

-A much needed day of rest. Unless we are getting with family or friends we are usually at home in the afternoon and evening having some down time. Or possibly hiking or at the park.

-A day to regroup

-A day for naps

-A day to be with family

-Often a day I miss my family

-A great day to call family, however sometimes I don't make the call because talking will make me miss them more

-Sometimes overwhelming to me because there are so many things I want to do while I relax. I know, I have issues.

-A good time (some Sundays) for me to to make something unhealthy for us to eat. Not because we need it, but because it's a hobby and a way I relax. At least until clean up time. Tonight I made this. Tomorrow I diet.

-A time you'll often hear some kind of good music playing rather loudly at our house. Right now it's an old Russ Taff CD. Man, can he sing!

-I am learning that it's important to spend the other 6 days of the week working, planning, preparing so that Sundays I can truly rest.

-One of the 10 commandments...

-A good idea. Thank you God, you knew we needed a day where we didn't rush around like we do on than all the other 6.

Sundays Are

Sunday are to me:

-A much needed day of rest. Unless we are getting with family or friends we are usually at home in the afternoon and evening having some down time. Or possibly hiking or at the park.

-A day to regroup

-A day for naps

-A day to be with family

-Often a day I miss my family

-A great day to call family, however sometimes I don't make the call because talking will make me miss them more

-Sometimes overwhelming to me because there are so many things I want to do while I relax. I know, I have issues.

-A good time (some Sundays) for me to to make something unhealthy for us to eat. Not because we need it, but because it's a hobby and a way I relax. At least until clean up time. Tonight I made this. Tomorrow I diet.

-A time you'll often hear some kind of good music playing rather loudly at our house. Right now it's an old Russ Taff CD. Man, can he sing!

-I am learning that it's important to spend the other 6 days of the week working, planning, preparing so that Sundays I can truly rest.

-One of the 10 commandments...

-A good idea. Thank you God, you knew we needed a day where we didn't rush around like we do on than all the other 6.

Garbanzo Bean Chocolate Cake

Here is the recipe for the Gluten free chocolate cake I made the other night. I added a little vanilla to the batter. I think walnuts would be good too, but I didn't think about it in time. We ate it with cool whip. I'm sure ice cream would be even better, but if you're trying to be healthy...:) Let me know if you try it.