Thoughts/Tips on Mopping Part 1

I don't dress like this when I mop.

In fact I don't even own heels anymore!

There was a time that I truly despised mopping my floors. For 

a short while we lived in a beautiful home.  I loved everything about the house except the floors!  The huge entry, den, huge kitchen, laundry and a powder room were all white tile.  

I labored over that floor . . .  

It/I wasn't pretty.  

I was grumpy.   I was annoyed every time I started the task. 

Back in the day this is the way you mopped . . . 

   Actually  I used a mop for most of the house only doing it on my poor little knees in the kitchen/laundry room because it was always so dirty.  2 dogs and a cat track in a bunch of dirt. 

And so as I grumbled one day I did something different.

Source

I actually prayed that I would enjoy mopping.  I prayed while I mopped.  I thanked God for the beautiful house that he had given us.  

I didn't realize it until many, many years later.  Actually I realized it only a few short weeks ago. 

 I like to mop

I clean houses now.  It's a good thing I like to mop. It's a better thing that God listens and answers prayers!

 Having the right and proper tools is a big plus.   Tomorrow I'll be sharing with you the mopping system(s) that I prefer.  

Linking with a few favorite parties including . . . 

Show and Share Party

 Inspire Me Tuesdays

The Scoop

Tuesdays with a Twist

Fluster's Creative Muster Wednesday's  

 Ducks in a Row Wonderful Wednesdays Blog Hop  

WowUs Wednesday

Fall Into Fall Party

Party in Your PJ's

DreamCreate Inspire Link

 Dagmar's HomeLinky Party 

 Waste NotWednesday 
The Homemaking Party

And

over here

I Was The Wife Of A Hunter-Part 1-Tips on Tuesday

Yes before it was popular my house no my gameroom was filled with dead things . . . 
 and mine weren't the Faux ones.  Yes Bambi's daddy
graced our walls.  

At least one room that Cowboy was allowed to decorate in his style.   And actually he did a fairly decent job.  Now don't get me wrong he didn't have complete free rein.  Actually he was only allowed to hang a few trophies.  I mean hello... I think you'll agree men just don't have it in them to decorate completely alone . . . 


I mean seriously look at how they dress. And what is up with that chair? 


And I mean look at the conveniences they are willing to leave behind for a few hours of sheer happiness.  Seriously my Cowboy would get giddy when it was deer season.  

I never really begrudged him the whole experience.  Mainly because when he really got into hunting after we were married it didn't hinder any of my own activities.  

Givin' the Cowboy some credit he didn't hunt (after we were married) until we were in a position financially that we could afford it easily.  

So finances didn't enter into it.  He would leave and spend a few days in the woods and come back happy.  I would spend those few days . . .

. . .shopping and eating out or sewing.  

And he would come home on Sunday night all happy and giddy and stinky.  But the stinky didn't last long.  Let me warn you friends . . . showering isn't part of the hunting experience.  

But when they come home . . . 

                                           Found on Google Images (link didn't work)

You could leave this suggestion.

  
I really didn't realize it at the time.  And it really wasn't until he had to sell his trophies a few months ago that I really, really began to realize the significance in this small little sacrifice that I made.  

The sacrifice of allowing  him to go hunting.  Allowing him to decorate the game room.   And cooking his kill.  I know women that don't 'let' their men hunt. 

Little did I know at the time it spoke Love to him. 

You may be struggling with the idea of your man going off on a hunting trip.  If you 
'allow' him to go . . . 

  I promise you even if he doesn't show it he will feel loved.  

So if your man is planning on going off into the woods.  Take a few tips from the Wife of a Deer Hunter . . . 

Tip 1. . . Smile and kiss him goodbye
Tip 2. . . Make your own plans.  If there isn't a budget for a lot think of fun things you can do that don't take a lot of cash. 
Tip 3. . . Call and visit your mom.  She'll love it.
Tip 4. . . Paint the bedroom red! (I did...in my defense everyone loved it.  It was a Ralph Lauren red)

and last but the most important tip
                                                            Cook his kill

Linking today with some of my favorites
Make It Pretty Monday

The Art Of Homemaking, Share Your Cup, Create With Joy,

Grammy's Grid, Party In Your P.J.'s, Tuesday w/ A Twist, Raven Would Wednesday
Dagmar's Home Link Party, Moon Light & Mason Jars Party, Inspire Me Wednesday
Saturday Sparks

and a few more.  

For the list check out my parties page.

Joyfully

Thankful Thursday On Friday

I was so disappointed I didn't get to write a Thankful post to share 
with Michelle at It's A Small Town Life.
She has a delightful blog and is now hosting a Thankful Thursday party. 
The linky is still open it's not tou late to share your Thankfulness!

This week I am super thankful for my job and my clients.   I 
began cleaning houses in February.  God's timing brought me three wonderful families.  I added a small family just a few weeks ago.  My newest client gifted me an extra $100.00!  

Merry Christmas

Last week I did a one time job with a family moving into a 

ritzy town 8 minutes from where I live.  I spent 8 hours opening boxes in the kitchen!  Never moved to any other room!  Cowboy cannot say I have more kitchen stuff than anyone else!  

It was a one time job and I made $25.00 an hour.  

Merry Christmas

And I am thankful that we are providing and serving breakfast and lunch at the boys rehab unit where we serve.  We provide Sunday worship services every week.  Since Christmas is on Sunday The Cowboy wanted to do something special. 

We were able to rais $1000.00 to buy Tim Tebows Book 

Shaken to give to the boys and the staff.  All these funds were from one ladies group!   (The publisher gave them to us at 60% off retail.)

They also did a fundraiser at a local restaurant we received $250.00.

Another local barbque restaurant provided ribs and dirty rice. 

The local Krispy Kreme is providing donuts.  

We sold wrist bands to raise money to buy the rest of the food. 

We hired a caterer do briskit and beans.  He wouldn't allow us to pay him.  He thought we needed potato salad so he added that and chicken and sausage.  

The Cowboy teased the boys and promised the only thing 

green (veggie) they would have is jalepenos, pickles and guacamole.  We were really worried we wouldn't raise enough money for guacamole but we did!  

This morning The Cowboy delivered the frozen pies, guacamole

and 10 dozen eggs that have been in my fridge since Tuesday!  

It's been almost 5 years since we've done anything this big. 

We were worried because we have lost all our local connections. 

But we shouldn't have been worried.  God is in control and he provides.  

Today The Cowboy stopped at the resale store we like to shop in. It isn't too far from the facility and sometimes boys are allowed to work there.  He was surprised and super happy to see a boy there.  He had told us he would be leaving last week.  

But the staff didn't get all his papers arranged in order for him 

to leave.  

He said to The Cowboy.  'I wasn't too excited to go home.  I've never had a family Christmas.  I think that it was God's will for me to stay and have a 'real' Christmas. 

The Cowboy tough guy that he is cried when he told me.  I am thankful he listened to God and decided to do something special for Christmas for some young men that really need to see 

what the Season is all about.   

Merry Christmas

Interrupting My Happy Homemaker Post/Proud Parent Blue Monday

Forgive me.  I have to share.  I am so proud of this girl and her our boy . . .


My super sweet, gorgeous daughter ran her first marathon for 
Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas on Sunday. 

My sweet grandson ran on Saturday . . .

Our boy ran with his Auntie Michelle.  His adopted aunt she has been my daughters friend since second grade!  

Bless their hearts it was in the 30's on Saturday.  On Sunday it was in the 50's and topped out at 70!

They were super excited to enter this race . . . 

From here FB . . . 

Got our shirts and bib numbers....we are gonna race this weekend. Zane will run the 5k and I'm entered for the half marathon. We are running to support our FAVORITE hospital, Scottish Rite. They helped put Zane's hip back together and now he is off and running...literally!!! WFAA will air race coverage, cheer us and even better....make a donation to our beloved hospital!!!!!!!! — feeling determined.

Thanksgiving Day training race . . . 

When he's not running to raise money for Scottish Rite Hospital he's doing this . . . 

Check out the Batman belt.

Another training shot . . .

Mama runs he rode his bike!

Another training run . . . 

April run.  Here's her FB post . . . 

Zane entered a 1K walk and I entered a 5K.
We started and we finished! Got a t shirt too!
The 20th Victory over Violence race was a success. I asked Zane if he'd want to race again and he said "Definitly!!" — feeling accomplished.

And why we support Scottish Rite Hospital . . .

Because of Scottish Rite Hospital he can do this . . . 

Before . . . 

Six months in a wheel chair after . . . 

 This . . . 

Immobility for 8 weeks!

He couldn't stay away from the barn . . . 

We are blessed.  We are proud . . .

Scottish Rite Hospital provided the care he need at no cost.  Our daughter is a single mom (not by choice).  She works hard but her job doesn't provide health insurance.  

God blesses.  God provides.  If you don't think so or are not sure.

Read this post again.  If you have questions.  I will gladly share more of the story.  You need to Believe.   

If you or someone you know is a victim of Domestic Violence 

don't give up.  Don't give in.  Seek help.  It's there. 

This post will be linked at all the parties this week including Blue Monday.  For a complete list visit my parties page.  

Merry Christmas

Wordless Wednesday--Welcome Home

Sharing on Wordless Wednesday (with a few words). . .

         
                     
                                                                                                                                                                                                            
                                     

After 11 years my son got his horse back.  More words with more pics. soon.  
              All these pics taken by our 16 year old grandson

                 
Linking with: Wordless Wednesday, Camera Critters, Eileen's Critters, Good Fences, Image-in-ing
Create With Joy, 

On The Fence?

                       

                                                
                                                                                                                 Source
                           Are you on the fence about Halloween?  
                                                  
                                                                                     Source
             Are you cautiously taking steps?  And asking questions? 
                                                  
                                                                                  Source
Have you and your family made your decisions about Halloween yet you worry about what others say or believe?  
                    
I've had all these feelings and them some.

I've chosen Sunday to take the time to discuss this topic because I feel that I want to honor God and I pray that my words are received with
grace.  

                            Source
You see I want to be on the fence with you.  I want to share the fence co-existing together whether we agree on the subject or not. 

                                         Source
Because you see ultimately its my opinion we really won't know the answer until we are with the Lord and he let's know.

So until then I want to relax and share the fence with you . . . 

                                                     Source
Maybe you've done the research and read peoples opinions.  And read the background about Halloween and made your decision. 

Maybe you haven't and you have questions.
Just in case you are still 'on the fence'.
The following list might help you decide or at least give you some information. . . 
Please note I am including the following articles for information only.  I am not either agreeing or disagreeing with the content.

• . . . Would Jesus avoid Halloween? blog post at Life of a Homeschool Mom. Click Here.
• . . . To Halloween or Not article posted on CBN.  Click Here.
• . . . Should Christians Celebrate Halloween article post on CBN.  Click Here.
• . . . Halloween or Not article post on Christianity Today.  Click Here

        Yes. I am on the fence.  May I share it with you?                                                                          
                                                                  Source
We could avoid our culture and bubble-wrap our children. Or, we could help them understand that as disciples of Christ we are called to be the “light and salt”. Did Jesus, who ate and drank with sinners, tell his disciples to hide from the world or to transform it?

This year I am not avoiding Halloween.  This year I am remembering my childhood and the fun I had trick or treating.  This year I'm remembering the the wonderful childhood that I had.  I remember the cold Halloween nights.  I also remember going every Sunday to a Baptist Church.  And honestly I can't tell you if there was a
discussion way back then about the topic.  I can't tell you if our church hosted alternative events or if the topic was boycotted.  

This year I am taking a journey and I'm visiting new and old friends and sharing how they participate in Halloween.  I'd love you to come along with me.

5 Minute Friday

Joining Lisa-Jo and talking about Ordinary 

5 Minute Friday is a link up where Lisa-Jo gives the prompt and then we write for 5 Minutes.  Set a timer and write.  Just what comes to mind.  Just what God puts on your heart.  No second guessing, no back tracking, no editing.  Just freedom. 

Here goes . . .

Ordinary

Start
I'm just an Ordinary girl.  Going through my old almost boring to some people Ordinary day.  But to me it is extra Ordinary.  I love my life.  God put a spirit in my soul to be just Ordinary me.   Just an Ordinary mom and wife.  An Ordinary keeper of the home.  But if I think about it there is
nothing Ordinary about being a keeper of the home.  Many years later after my kids have grown and started families of their own I look back and I see there is nothing Ordinary.  And so I give myself a title.  The title of CHO Chief Home Officer or Organizer depending on the situation.  Looking at that title there is nothing Ordinary about it.  I love my little ordinary days.  I love that I am able to stay at home and be a helpmate to my ordinary 'ole Cowboy Preacher.  Ordinary is good.  Ordinary one day becomes Extraordinary!  Just wait you'll see . . .
Stop


Loving My Ordinary Journey

                              Sherry

Linking with Lisa-Jo.  Click Here

My Story 5 Minute Friday

 Joining with My story.  The story of my blog . . .

The story behind my blog is simple.  I was in a place of lonlieness.  I was feeling emotions like betrayal, anxiety, confusion, anger, fear.  And probably many other emotions that I am even unaware of.    I was leaning on faith and trusting God.  But I also had felt like I lost myself.  I was in fulltime ministry and frankly I was having the time of my life but there was something missing.  A part of "me" was missing.
And then in January  by accident stumbled into blogging.  I first happened onto a Christmas
Home Tour.  I started looking at the photo's and loving the tours.  One of my favorite things is decorating for Christmas.  There was a time that I had a Christmas tree in every room of our house.    The Christmas just passed was one that I didn't put up a tree.  My Cowboy did.  On Christmas Eve I had left to go get my mother to spend the night.  I had gone by the laundry mat on way to her house to wash clothes.  When we got back home he had decorated one of my little tiny trees.    He was waiting on the sofa wearing a Christmas tie with a biege  sweat shir and blue and green plaid flannel pajama pants.  My dog was laying next to him with a red bow on her neck.  They proudly wished me a Merry Christmas.    It was a quiet simple and sad few days.  But those few days were filled with moments of love.  Moments that helped me to stay focused on where I needed to be and focused while I waited . . . Stop

On My Journey Back . . .