August 31, 2012

The crafting gene has been passed down – Caleb made a jingle bell necklace for himself.

Blessings:

1. It’s the weekend! Whoohoo!

2. I finally, finally, finally (after 24 years) got the necessary paperwork submitted to get my Social Security card with the correct name on it. It’s been weighing on my mind, and now it’s done! Yay!

3. A breeze blew some of the smoke out of our area for a while. The kids could go outside!

4. I’m headed off to do some crafting!

5. I know how to do this now! I love being able to create things!

August 30, 2012

Ken talking with the boys about looking out for each other. (My barefoot son was not sawing that wood he’s standing on – he was headed off to put the saw away.)

Blessings:

1. I have an awesome family.

2. The paperwork is done! (I’ve had two different packets of paperwork sitting here for a couple days.)

3. My honey bought dinner. I love him.

4. The laundry/craft room is cleaned up and usable again!

5. Today was a productive day.

August 29, 2012

Blessings:

1. My mother – today is her birthday, and am so thankful to be able to share it with her.

2. I forgot to share this wonderful quote from my Naterbean the other day. I put it on a sticky note on my computer’s desktop to remind me to be thankful like he is. “Dear Lord, thank you for all the good days we have had in our lives..." It’s as simple as that. Even when we have frustrating or sad days, we can be thankful for all the good days.

3. We had a delicious dinner at The Montana Club.

4. The air was so much clearer in Missoula that we were able to breathe all evening, and when we got back down the Bitterroot it had lightened up significantly. Yay!

5. We’re almost ready for school to start! Supplies are purchased, books are sorted, classroom is cleanish…

August 28, 2012

Blessings:

1. Little Man finally slept through the night again! Yay!

2. I finished work early. I love days like that!

3. I found treasures at the thrift store!! Two containers of sewing notions! I know some of you will say, “Uh…yeah.” But I’m thrilled! The pinking shears alone were worth the price.

4. Crafting time! I made something I love. Can’t wait to share it!

5. I made an old family favorite for dinner tonight – it had fallen off the rotation so it was practically new! Yummy Beef Taco Bake. I love recipes that everyone will eat! (And I love recipes with CHEESE!)

Thanks for stopping by. What has blessed you today?

August 27, 2012

I didn’t have the oomph to carry all of Mom’s groceries into the house, so I piled them in the stroller instead.

Blessings:

1. Our company had a group meeting this morning – just to get everyone together. It was great to see everyone in person. I love the company I work for, and the team I work with. I love having a job I love. Is that enough love for today?

2. I was able to get a great monitor to replace my failing one for an awesome price. I found it on a local buy/sell group on Facebook. It is such a blessing!

3. My friend Elle (she was the one who got me started counting blessings years ago) and her son were protected when they were in a car accident today. They were both able to be released from the hospital fairly quickly. Thank You, Lord, for Your protection.

4. Dinner time conversation (this was the middle of the conversation):
Dale: What was the name of that test?
Ken: The Five Love Languages.
Kristi: English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and French.
Ken (to Kristi): Are those foreign languages?
Kristi: No, five languages.
(Hehehe – not “four-in,” but five. Hehehe.)

5. Bedtime conversation:
Dale: Do you have any AA batteries?
Mom: What do you need them for?
Dale: My toothbrush battery is dead.
Mom: I guess you’ll have to do it the old-fashioned way.
Dale: But then I’d have to (makes the brushing motion).
Mom: Suck it up, Buttercup. Life’s tough.

August 26, 2012

Blessings:

1. I thoroughly enjoyed church today. And I didn’t have to leave the worship time to bring a wandering child back inside this time.

2. Lunch out with the whole family – always an adventure! Little Man’s ever-expanding skills made it even more interesting than normal – he almost knocked several drinks over, grabbed at countless pieces of silverware, ate a third of a syrupy pancake, and then left the restaurant with a spoon in his possession. Fun times!

3. Party at Nana’s! Well, gifts and cake. That’s enough party for me.

4. God is answering prayers.

5.  The kids loved their handmade gifts. That makes me happy.

August 25, 2012

Blessings:

1. Arlene. Our precious friend Arlene had a birthday party for her two kids and our two August birthday kids. Everyone had a great time. Awesomeness!

2. There were a bunch of special people at the party – that was so much fun. Sometimes we have to explain our kids’ differences when we go to group gatherings so other kids understand what to expect, but when we’re with a group of people who understand it’s so much less stressful. Unless one of your children develops a great affection for one of the other children – one who doesn’t like to be followed and hugged.

3. We met some interesting and fun new people.

4. After the kids went to bed I had some craft time – because I had to. I wanted to give Kristi and Caleb small handmade gifts when we celebrated with the family (we didn’t do gifts at Arlene’s party), but I had kinda neglected to make them. So I got busy as soon as the kids were all in bed, and in less than an hour and a half I had both done.
   
A sparkly headband and bracelet for Kristi, and a necktie snake for Caleb.

5. Reese’s ice cream bars. Perfection.

August 24, 2012

Blessings:

1. I wore my new top today. It made me happy every time I looked at it.

2. Little Man is getting really brave – he keeps letting go of things to stand alone for a second or two.

3. I went to the thrift store today and came out with two bags of stuff without having spent a penny! Obviously Christy at the thrift store is confused about how this whole store thing works. She gave me some tomatoes and a some shirts that she couldn’t sell for full price. Awesomeness! Thank you, Christy!

4. My darling husband takes much better pictures of me than the kids do. We only took two shots of me in my new shirt, and both were keepers. Whew!

5. Ken finished pouring the cement floor for the garage today. That makes him happy, so it makes me happy, but it also means that when the upright freezer is ready to come to our house from its current home, the floor will be ready for it. Yay! My husband is awesome.

August 23, 2012

Blessings:

1. My darling took me out to lunch today – out to Three Mile Creek Road. We enjoyed getting some burgers and fries, and brought home three “bags o burgers” for the kids.

2. Jemimah has finished her travels for the summer, so we got her cleaned up (tanks emptied) and got her all ready to use as an office until next season. Yay! Jemimah is such a sweetheart – so accommodating.

3. I’ve been able to make good progress at work. That is satisfying.

4. My mom and I had an impromptu dinner together. I love that we can do that.

5. I made a shirt for myself in less than 30 minutes this evening. That was so fun! Who knew it would take so little time to add to my wardrobe!?! I’ll take some pictures and show it off tomorrow – it’s too dark to get good photos tonight.

August 22, 2012

 

Blessings:

1. Caleb D. Dubs, who turned 7 today.

2. Shopping with D. Dubs. He’s such a fun kid.

3. I got to spend the afternoon with just my youngest daughter. That was fun, too.

4. God answered my prayer for Nana’s doctor’s appointment. The Dr. told her just what we wanted to hear.

5. The birthday gifts for Caleb and Kristi were well received. They will appear on my family blog in just soon – maybe tomorrow.

August 21, 2012

Nathan was telling me about his first night at Hapkido

Blessings:

1. Nate-the-Bean. He’s hilarious.

2. Ken and the boys are taking Hapkido lessons. They have wanted to do something like this for years, and they are so excited!

3. We’re having a mellow, not-runny-aroundy week. Yay! (It’s about time!)

4. I finished sewing a shirt I started about 4 weeks ago – finally (thanks to the low-key week and Hapkido lessons). I’ll get pictures and get it on the family blog sometime soon. I love sewing time – it’s crazy that I would say that now – I hated sewing for years!

5. I have a whole crew of people who can help me clean up the basement before we start school. (That’s turning my frustration into a blessing – the basement is a wreck!)

August 20, 2012

Blessings:

1. “Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord's work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” I Cor. 15:58

2. I haven't seen an ice cream truck in years! I hope they come by here again soon!

3. The ice cream truck just got better and better! When I posted the above photo on Facebook I found out that the truck is owned by the grandmother of Kristi and Austin’s half brother. Did you follow that? That means that the ice cream truck is family! Well, sorta. And we’ll see them again.

4. I enjoy watching Warehouse 13 with my darling beloved. The show is fun, and sharing the enjoyment with my husband is even better.

5. Our kids make me laugh. That’s a good thing, because it carries me through the times when they’re not funny.

August 19, 2012

Heavennnnnnn!! Check out my family blog for details.

Blessings:

1. I made two birthday presents today. I’ll post about those after I have given them away. They came out perfect!

2. The wonderful treat above – Brownie Lava Cake – was a Pinterest find, and boy, am I glad I tried it! They’re cooked in the microwave! Who woulda guessed!

3. It’s been a low-key day. I think I need about one a week to keep some semblance of sanity.

4. Krusteaz pancake mix makes my life so much easier.

5. Little Man found a “walker” today – he was using a round laundry basket that was half-full of clean diapers to walk around the living room. Clever boy.

August 18, 2012

Little Man loves to crawl down the hall and stand at the gate that keeps him out of the laundry room.

Blessings:

1. Fabulous Felice and my mom came over for coffee for the first time in FOREVER!!

2. My husband took 4 boys out to learn how to shoot rifles, and he came back with all the same people in good condition.

3. Ken and I went to the grocery store to pick up some stuff for dinner and had a surprise visit with Fancy and her mother-in-law. Fancy hadn’t been able to come over because she didn’t want to chance chicken pox, so it was nice to see her.

4. Little Man’s schedule still isn’t perfect (he’s up 2 times a night, most nights), but he’s gotten to the point that I can get up early and have quiet time before the kids are all up. I really enjoy a cup of strong coffee and a few minutes with my Bible.

5. Today’s photo is a blessing to me – I just love it.

August 17, 2012

Too tired to eat.

Blessings:

1. I was able to spend the morning in Missoula with my wonderful mother-in-law.

2. Goodwill bargains!!

3. Date night! (It was a busy Friday!)

4. Little Man is eating almost everything we feed him now. Yay for turning corners!

5. I love a good conversation with my husband. Those often get missed in the hustle and bustle of life, but it’s so good to take the time to reconnect.

August 16, 2012

Four Square, Scrivnerburg style. I'm not clear on the rules of this version of Four Square, but they were having fun!

Blessings:

1. Kids who can entertain themselves. I’m often entertained by how they entertain themselves.

2. Visiting with the neighbors.

3. I’m looking forward to sleep tonight.

4. This Quick Beef with Macaroni recipe (similar to Mom’s Depression Macaroni) was an immediate family favorite.

5. I prayed recently that God would show me opportunities to reach out to others in His name, and I think I’ve had such an opportunity at least once each day this week.

August 15, 2012

My honey made apple pies…yummm!!!

Blessings;

1. Another low-key day at home.

2. Fresh apple pie with French vanilla ice cream.

3. We all sat down at the dinner table together! We haven’t been doing that as much lately as we normally do. I like the family dinner time.

4. The bills are paid for the month! (And we’re not in the red!)

5. It was a good, calm day for me.

August 14, 2012

(Sorry for the terrible snapshot – I didn’t take the time to get the good camera and get settings right.)

Blessings:

1. I rewatched the movie Fireproof. If you are married or planning to be married, I would highly recommend that movie. I also highly recommend Courageous made by the same people.

2. It’s pretty smoky outside, so I’m keeping my kids inside. Dale asked for activity ideas, so I suggested that they bowl in the hallway. He went and found some plastic cups and some balls to use, and gathered all the kids to play. They had a great time bowling for at least half an hour. Yay!

3. I set up a laundry line and hung my diapers out to dry today. That’s a blessing? Yes, it is, because they came out smelling much better than when they’re machine dried – even if they did smell a lot like a campfire. I also saved electricity. That doesn’t hurt my feelings at all. Oh – one more way it’s a blessing – I’ve been meaning to do it for months, and I finally got it done. Yay for checkmarks on the to-do list!

4. My honey brought me a Symphony chocolate bar! He loves me.

5. Little Man is still the happiest sick baby I’ve ever seen. He seems to be feeling better, but he’s still super sleepy, very runny, and has a few blistery spots. I’m wondering if he has chicken pox, but even if he does, he’s a happy little guy. A sick baby that just sleeps through it is truly a blessing!

August 13, 2012

I just ordered this diaper cover from DaMory Diapers, and I think it is almost too cute to put clothes on! I love, love, love it! I can make my own diapers, but I am just not nearly as successful at covers - now I know where I'll get my covers!

Blessings:

1. It was a great day to stay indoors. We didn’t get out much because of the smoke, but since everyone is still pretty low on energy, it was fine. The kids watched movies and pretended to clean rooms. It worked.

2. I already received my order from DaMory Diapers! I couldn’t believe how fast that was. Granted, it only had to come across Montana, but I just ordered it Thursday – that was fast! And I get absolutely giddy when new diaper fluff arrives!

3. My sweetie and I enjoyed some TV time together! No kids, no schoolwork, no work-work, no sickness (well, he’s still sick, but feeling better).

4. I love how God provides for us – once again I found treasures at the Bitterroot Thrift Store – in the 25-cent box! A couple things that Kristi needed were there just for us!

5. I made something for dinner that almost everyone loved! (The only holdout was Little Man, actually. He wasn’t a fan.) It’s called Ground Beef Curly Noodle. Weird name. Even weirder – I liked it, and I don’t like ramen very much. This will definitely go on our regular meal rotation.

Thanks for stopping by. If you’re new to Scrivnerburg, be sure to click on the links at the top of the blog page – we have a few different blogs going on.

August 12, 2012

Little Man crawled out the front door, down the ramp, and then pulled up on the fence. He *loves* to be outside! Fortunately, so does Andrew - he stayed outside to watch LM.

Blessings:

1. I really enjoyed my time in church this morning. Pastor Michael asked a question that really struck me – are we consumers (of church) or servants? Are going to church to be served, or are we looking to serve?

2. Sewing time! I haven’t sewn in weeks! I wasn’t stress crafting this time, though. It was just for fun. Check out my family blog for pictures of Kristi’s new purple skirt.

3. I love Sunday naps. There’s just something so refreshing about napping on the Lord’s day.

4. Little Man is feeling better! He’s still running at the nose, but he’s perky and eating. The other kids, on the other hand…I guess I didn’t get the Vitamin C in soon enough.

5. I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I am so thankful for air conditioning! We’ve had some serious heat lately, and I love love love our window air conditioner!

August 11, 2012

Saturday snaps – (clockwise) Austin with his lawn mowing money; Caleb the sickie; a stack of prepared diapers – yay!; lengths of two different pink jersey fabric – a yard sale treasure; Andrew in his Tennessee Vols hat – he wears it all the time.

Blessings:

1. We had a low-key Saturday. We have a couple sickies and a couple with emerging symptoms, so we’ve been dosing kids with vitamins and just laying low. We probably needed a mellow day after the crazy-busy summer we’ve had.

2. My sweetie bought Drumsticks with nuts on them just for me.

3. I love this song, and I love Phillips, Craig, and Dean.

4. Have I ever mentioned “1-2-3-4, now it’s time to praise the Lord?” It’s sort of a game our family plays when we see 12:34 on a clock. Someone says, “1-2-3-4, now it’s time to praise the Lord!” and everyone mentions something they are thankful for. The kids are generally pretty predictable (“family,” “marshmallows,” “pets”), but I just love to hear them appreciating what they have. It’s so easy to take everything for granted.

5. Little Man is the happiest sick baby I’ve ever seen. It’s definitely less stressful to care for a sick baby who isn’t screaming all the time. Even so, I hope he gets over this cold (or whatever) quickly.

August 10, 2012

Just a couple Friday moments.

Blessings:

1. I had a meeting today with a few of my co-workers. Fun people. I don’t think I’ve mentioned lately how much I appreciate my job. It really is ideal for me.

2. True Woman 101: Divine Design.

3. I had a sweet message from a new friend today. It was especially touching because we had so little time together in person, but God really knitted our hearts together during the few days we had. I think of and pray for her often, and it was nice to know that she thinks of me, too. We need to remember that even a brief note or Facebook message that is no trouble for us could be the thing that brightens someone else’s day.

4. I’m so glad we have done “stuff” this summer. We’ve had way too many summers when we’ve gotten to the end of August and said, “I wish we had at least gone camping once this year.” We have gone camping, we have had traveled a bit, we have spent time with friends…it’s been very busy, but it’s been a wonderful summer. This will definitely be remembered as a fun summer.

5. Little Man is under the weather today – that’s not the blessing – so I stayed home from my friend’s off-to-college party so he didn’t have to be out and about today. Since he’s been so sleepy, that meant some quiet, alone time for me! I’m sorry you’re not feeling well, Little Man, but I love my alone time!

August 9, 2012

Little Man pushes the button that makes this toy sing and light up, and then he looks at it from every angle. He's a funny boy.

Blessings:

1. I had a full hour of dedicated, quiet, peaceful time with the Lord this morning. That hasn’t happened in years.

2. After my quiet time I was able to get some dishes done and clean up a tiny bit of the disaster that is the living room. I always feel much better when the house is clean.

3. Both of my mothers came by this morning.

4. I got done with work before dinner! Whoohoo!

5. I have time to work on the photos of my beautiful niece. I can’t wait to share them with the family!

August 8, 2012

Ah…home again.

Blessings:

1. One more great session before we had to go home. We had a wonderful time of prayer and we were given tools to prepare us to get back to reality.

2. The staff at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center were just wonderful. Tanner, who catered to our every whim at breakfast both days, the charming Brittany at the front desk, and the sweet lady who came all the way from the far building with Nathan’s forgotten pillow, to name a few.

3. We had safe travels again. Apparently that “Check engine soon” light isn’t a dire warning yet. (Ken keeps fixing things and it keeps showing up again.)

4. When we got home, after a quick diaper change, I set Little Man down with his favorite toys. He pulled everything out and played with one toy after another – giggling and talking to them the whole time. I’m sure he was telling them how much he missed them while we were gone.

5. Little Man was the most wonderful, cheerful, easy baby the whole trip! He fussed a bit when he needed a diaper change, but he was fantastic through the whole conference and all the driving. The ladies who took care of him during the conference just kept telling me what a wonderful baby he is. Doesn’t hurt my feelings a bit.

August 7, 2012

Kristi and Caleb were enthralled with the ducks at the hotel. We were out there before 7 am, so we had the courtyard and the ducks to ourselves.

Blessings:

1. Early morning times with God.

2. Early morning times with my kidlets.

3. Early morning times with my coffee.

4. We had such a great time at the conference today. So many great messages meant just for me. Thank you, God!

5. I love shopping – especially when I find the thing for me that makes me feel awesome!

August 6, 2012

On the way to Billings.

Blessings:

1. We have the privilege of a 2-day retreat for pastors and their wives, complete with hotel stay, food provided, and child care for all the kiddos. What an amazing gift!

2. We found out we needed a new battery before we were stuck at a rest stop in the middle of nowhere.

3. Safe travel across the state to Billings.

4. Murrill and Deborah Boitnott. What an encouraging and funny couple.

5. Did I mention that we had 2 adjoining hotel rooms for our family – paid for by the North American Mission Board?

August 5, 2012

Trinity River Band – awesome bluegrass!

Blessings:

1. Trinity River Band! They played for us at church, and then we had a great concert at the community picnic.

2. The community picnic. What a fun way to get to know the neighbors!

3. Air conditioning.

4. I love that I’m a bit of an over-planner. Preparing for the family to go to Billings for 2 days wasn’t too difficult because of my lists of lists of lists.

5. ‘Lovin’ the Olympics!

August 4, 2012

Little Man liked the parade until the sirens started.

Blessings:

1. I’m off work for 5 days!

2. We watched a great parade today. I think Sutton Heating (? – I don’t know the full name of the business and they don’t appear to have a web page) wins the grand prize from my perspective – they were handing out ice cream again this year. Whoohoo!

3. It was a long, exhausting day at Creamery Picnic, but it was fun.

4. I didn’t have to cook!

5. The kids were ready for bed at bedtime.

August 3, 2012

.
Making candles at the Bitterroot Family Fellowship booth.

Blessings:

1. It’s Creamery Picnic time!

2. It was not hot while we were out there this afternoon/evening.

3. Fresh, crispy, tender mini-donuts.

4. Little Man is the best behaved baby. He suffered through everything today with hardly a complaint.

5. Kids are quiet and it’s bedtime!

August 1, 2012

This shot is just for my dad – he wanted to see more pictures of the older kids. The only one who isn’t here is Dale – he was not in the shot on purpose. (Teenagers!)

Blessings:

1. Michael and Linda arrived safely.

2. I still had some measure of sanity after this CRAZY day.

3. My kids are self-sufficient enough to provide their own dinner when is it not prepared for them.

4. Little Man cracks me up!

5. Chocolate and peanut butter. A match made in Heaven.