Hey y'all! I'm guest posting over at Leilaland (http://myleilaland.blogspot.com/2012/07/making-rainbows-guest-post.html?m=1) today so go check out how to...
Make Rainbows!
Happy crafting!
Rulissa
Friday, July 20, 2012
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Sidewalk Painting...
Also known as...
How to keep children from 4-14 busy.
I've seen this all over Pinterest and the Interwebs, so I thought we needed to give it a try. Afterall, I already had all the supplies on hand and the monkeys were making me crazy - per usual!!!
To make your "paint" use equal amounts cornstarch and water. Then add food coloring. We started with 5-6 drops of each color.
Then, we put our painting pants on and went crazy. The paint dries to a chalky substance and washes away with water! Easiest clean up EVER!!
(This is my standard when painting or drawing with chalk. I know - adorable!)
Happy painting, y'all!!
Rulissa
Thursday, July 5, 2012
You Say Tomato...
I say...
Holy Cow! What am I going to do with all these?!
My amazing hubby thought... "Why not make spaghetti sauce?" (You should know, our monkeys LOVE spaghetti - they'd eat it for every meal every day...IF I made it!)
So - we looked around online for a good recipe to try and found something AMAZING! Did you know you can make spaghetti sauce in the crock-pot?!?!
Here is what we did... Not so much as rules, but guidelines (name that movie!)
Ripe tomatoes
Onions
Any other veggies you want (optional)
Garlic
Italian seasoning
Salt
Pepper
Chunk up your tomatoes. Chunk up your onion. I have a standard 4-qt crock pot and I filled it to the top. (I know it's hard not to have exact measurements, just go with it!). Just eyeball it and use about 3 times as many tomatoes as other veggies. I also used 4-5 cloves of garlic... Just depends on how many vampires you want to ward off! ;-)
Now, add your salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. You will have an opportunity to add more later so don't overkill it now.
Cook on low for 3 hours.
Your tomatoes are cooked down, so now is the time to blend it together. Transfer it to your food processor and pulse it until it's as smooth or chunky as you like it.
Then return it to your crock-pot and cook for another 3-5 hours. This is when you can taste it and add more seasoning if you want. Also, this is when you can add meat, if you like meat sauce. (If you are making this to freeze or can, DON'T add your meat to the sauce until you are ready to use it!) You can also add a small can of tomato paste if you like thick sauce - again, wait until you are ready to use it to do this.
And... we're done! Each batch makes about 2 quarts of sauce.
Now... Above I mentioned optional veggies. These could be anything from celery to zucchini. Spaghetti sauce is an excellent way for your family to eat their veggies and not even know it! ;-)
(And the movie was Pirates of the Caribbean...The Pirate Code- not so much rules as guidelines.)
Happy slow cooking- love you all!
Rulissa
Holy Cow! What am I going to do with all these?!
My amazing hubby thought... "Why not make spaghetti sauce?" (You should know, our monkeys LOVE spaghetti - they'd eat it for every meal every day...IF I made it!)
So - we looked around online for a good recipe to try and found something AMAZING! Did you know you can make spaghetti sauce in the crock-pot?!?!
Here is what we did... Not so much as rules, but guidelines (name that movie!)
Ripe tomatoes
Onions
Any other veggies you want (optional)
Garlic
Italian seasoning
Salt
Pepper
Chunk up your tomatoes. Chunk up your onion. I have a standard 4-qt crock pot and I filled it to the top. (I know it's hard not to have exact measurements, just go with it!). Just eyeball it and use about 3 times as many tomatoes as other veggies. I also used 4-5 cloves of garlic... Just depends on how many vampires you want to ward off! ;-)
Now, add your salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. You will have an opportunity to add more later so don't overkill it now.
Cook on low for 3 hours.
Your tomatoes are cooked down, so now is the time to blend it together. Transfer it to your food processor and pulse it until it's as smooth or chunky as you like it.
Then return it to your crock-pot and cook for another 3-5 hours. This is when you can taste it and add more seasoning if you want. Also, this is when you can add meat, if you like meat sauce. (If you are making this to freeze or can, DON'T add your meat to the sauce until you are ready to use it!) You can also add a small can of tomato paste if you like thick sauce - again, wait until you are ready to use it to do this.
And... we're done! Each batch makes about 2 quarts of sauce.
Now... Above I mentioned optional veggies. These could be anything from celery to zucchini. Spaghetti sauce is an excellent way for your family to eat their veggies and not even know it! ;-)
(And the movie was Pirates of the Caribbean...The Pirate Code- not so much rules as guidelines.)
Happy slow cooking- love you all!
Rulissa
Friday, June 22, 2012
Confessional Friday
OK party people... I'm sitting in an un-air conditioned gym watching junior high basketball. I need a diversion so let's confess with Leslie @ A Blond Ambition Blog.
1. I confess that whoever sold my email address to the spammers is in BIG trouble! If I ever find out, you are dead to me. Dead, I say!!
2. I confess basketball is Not my favorite sport. Something about the squeaky shoes, or the frantic pace- constantly up and down, back and forth!!!
3. I confess I'm ready to move. We've been living out of boxes for a week and I'm starting to unpack things we need- like iPod chargers and DVDs... You know, essentials!
4. I confess that I'm not a good example for my kids. I currently have 3, yes 3, pairs of shoes in our living room. (Dad, I know this doesn't surprise you at all!)
5. I confess that I'm not going to my HS Reunion. 20 years -can you believe it!!
That's it for me today!! Feel free to go see Leslie or leave your comments below!!
Love you all,
Rulissa
1. I confess that whoever sold my email address to the spammers is in BIG trouble! If I ever find out, you are dead to me. Dead, I say!!
2. I confess basketball is Not my favorite sport. Something about the squeaky shoes, or the frantic pace- constantly up and down, back and forth!!!
3. I confess I'm ready to move. We've been living out of boxes for a week and I'm starting to unpack things we need- like iPod chargers and DVDs... You know, essentials!
4. I confess that I'm not a good example for my kids. I currently have 3, yes 3, pairs of shoes in our living room. (Dad, I know this doesn't surprise you at all!)
5. I confess that I'm not going to my HS Reunion. 20 years -can you believe it!!
That's it for me today!! Feel free to go see Leslie or leave your comments below!!
Love you all,
Rulissa
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Yummy Pinterest
Are you like me? Do you browse Pinterest, only to find delectable recipes that you pin with high hopes and then NEVER make them?!
Well, NO MORE, I say!! I will make these recipes! The pictures are too mouth watering not to try...
I started with this one... "Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken." At last count it had been re-pinned about 900 times! I guess I wasn't the only one who thought it looked tasty!! You can find the original post and recipe here, and I just made a couple of adjustments.
I used 5 frozen chicken breasts and still cooked it for about 4 hours with a packet of taco seasoning, a can of cream of chicken soup and 1 cup Pace picante sauce (you can use whatever you have!). And I did not add the sour cream... I think it's a personal preference. After I shredded the chicken, I returned it to the crock pot for another 30 minutes.
It was so tasty, I even used it as a type of dip for my chips. My Stars!!! You have got to try this - soon!!!!
Happy cooking y'all!
Rulissa
You can follow me on Pinterest here, or just follow my "Yummy" board here.
I'm linking up at The Vintage Apple to share my Pinterest find... you should, too!
Well, NO MORE, I say!! I will make these recipes! The pictures are too mouth watering not to try...
I started with this one... "Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken." At last count it had been re-pinned about 900 times! I guess I wasn't the only one who thought it looked tasty!! You can find the original post and recipe here, and I just made a couple of adjustments.
I used 5 frozen chicken breasts and still cooked it for about 4 hours with a packet of taco seasoning, a can of cream of chicken soup and 1 cup Pace picante sauce (you can use whatever you have!). And I did not add the sour cream... I think it's a personal preference. After I shredded the chicken, I returned it to the crock pot for another 30 minutes.
It was so tasty, I even used it as a type of dip for my chips. My Stars!!! You have got to try this - soon!!!!
Happy cooking y'all!
Rulissa
You can follow me on Pinterest here, or just follow my "Yummy" board here.
I'm linking up at The Vintage Apple to share my Pinterest find... you should, too!
Bubble Baths
Good grief! God is really stretching my faith lately!! I may have mentioned (here & here among other places!) that we are selling our home... :-) We were supposed to close on the 15th. I stressed a little because we still didn't have a place to live, but I knew that God would provide. Well, that closing got delayed a week ('til the 22nd) and we thought that just meant that God was working on something big. Sooo...I just got a call from the Realtor and closing is going to be delayed again!!!!! Since we are still without a place to unpack, it's not that big of a deal. I'm praying and trying not to stress...I used to be a worry borrower, but God is working on that and now, I'm just unsettled because there are so many balls in the air. I know I can't juggle that many balls and I'm going to have to have faith that God will catch them when they all fall to the ground.
The reason I'm going on about this is to let you know where I go when I need some quiet time...
Oh, yes...I have been know to spend up to an hour in the bath...reading, relaxing, praying. Now, sometimes there is a knock on the door and some little monkey needs to see mommy for "just a minute," but for the most part, it is just me, my iPod and whatever I am reading. So that is also how I Calm My Crazy!
So when you need some quiet time, feel free to escape to the bubble bath - that's where you'll find me! How do you unwind??
Love you all,
Rulissa
**writing prompt provided as part of Mama Kat's writer's workshop**
The reason I'm going on about this is to let you know where I go when I need some quiet time...
Oh, yes...I have been know to spend up to an hour in the bath...reading, relaxing, praying. Now, sometimes there is a knock on the door and some little monkey needs to see mommy for "just a minute," but for the most part, it is just me, my iPod and whatever I am reading. So that is also how I Calm My Crazy!
So when you need some quiet time, feel free to escape to the bubble bath - that's where you'll find me! How do you unwind??
Love you all,
Rulissa
**writing prompt provided as part of Mama Kat's writer's workshop**
Friday, June 8, 2012
Confessional Friday
You know, I'm never one to hold back so here is a perfect opportunity to get some things off my chest...
I confess that I can be a little short sometimes with incompetent people. For instance, person-who-shall-not-be-named answering the phone at Mazzio's...if you are going to take my order, you are going to have to stop talking to everyone else and PAY ATTENTION TO ME!!!! By the time I got off the phone, I was furious and my amazing hubby was cracking up!
I confess that I own entirely too many clothes. I have spent the last weeks packing my closet. And packing... and packing... and packing. Who knew?! I am never going to complain about not having anything to where again. (Well - I probably am, but I'll just kick myself later!)
I confess that I {heart} Troy and Jacob Landry. (Swamp People, if you don't know.) They are so cute with their accents and smiles and the way they love their families! I love that show!!!
I confess that I watch Reality TV. I always said that I didn't. And, to be honest, when I think of Reality TV, I think of shows like, The Bachelor or Dancing with the Stars, American Idol or Dance Moms... and I REFUSE to watch those. But...I do watch Swamp People and Duck Dynasty and Ghost Hunters and Destination Truth - oh, and American Pickers. So, I guess I'm a Reality TV junkie, because I don't think I really watch anything that's scripted - except the news!
I confess that my children are driving me (and each other) bonkers. I know summer just started, but since we are moving, I haven't been able to implement much of a schedule or do any of the fun things we want to do. So that leaves too much time together with nothing to do and that is a recipe for disaster. Bear with me kids - if I don't kill you soon, it will get better~!!
OK - I'm feeling much better now. How 'bout you? Anything you want to get off you chest? Leave me a comment, then go link up with Leslie at A Blonde Ambition!
Love you all,
Rulissa
I confess that I can be a little short sometimes with incompetent people. For instance, person-who-shall-not-be-named answering the phone at Mazzio's...if you are going to take my order, you are going to have to stop talking to everyone else and PAY ATTENTION TO ME!!!! By the time I got off the phone, I was furious and my amazing hubby was cracking up!
I confess that I own entirely too many clothes. I have spent the last weeks packing my closet. And packing... and packing... and packing. Who knew?! I am never going to complain about not having anything to where again. (Well - I probably am, but I'll just kick myself later!)
I confess that I {heart} Troy and Jacob Landry. (Swamp People, if you don't know.) They are so cute with their accents and smiles and the way they love their families! I love that show!!!
I confess that I watch Reality TV. I always said that I didn't. And, to be honest, when I think of Reality TV, I think of shows like, The Bachelor or Dancing with the Stars, American Idol or Dance Moms... and I REFUSE to watch those. But...I do watch Swamp People and Duck Dynasty and Ghost Hunters and Destination Truth - oh, and American Pickers. So, I guess I'm a Reality TV junkie, because I don't think I really watch anything that's scripted - except the news!
I confess that my children are driving me (and each other) bonkers. I know summer just started, but since we are moving, I haven't been able to implement much of a schedule or do any of the fun things we want to do. So that leaves too much time together with nothing to do and that is a recipe for disaster. Bear with me kids - if I don't kill you soon, it will get better~!!
OK - I'm feeling much better now. How 'bout you? Anything you want to get off you chest? Leave me a comment, then go link up with Leslie at A Blonde Ambition!
Love you all,
Rulissa
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Simple Pleasures
This week has been soooooo stressful. I have to admit that I'm feeling a little overwhelmed right now.
We havefinally almost sold our house. We close on Friday. Unfortunately, after we do that, we will technically be homeless. Our rent house has fallen through (hopefully temporarily), so it looks like the in-laws' guest rooms for us!
So after this kind of stress, I think it's important to find "Simple Pleasures"... Hence this link up with Classic & Glam Blog!
Right now, my simple pleasure is my prayer journal. It's just a simple 5x7 hard backed journal with lined pages, but it calms me. When I'm overwhelmed or frustrated, or when I see a special need, I turn to God. He is always there. And my journal helps me focus on what I need or what I'm thankful for. And, it let's me go back and see the many, many, many prayers that God has answered.
So there you have it. My Simple Pleasure for the week. Leave me a message about your simple pleasure, then go link up!!
Love you all,
Rulissa
We have
So after this kind of stress, I think it's important to find "Simple Pleasures"... Hence this link up with Classic & Glam Blog!
Right now, my simple pleasure is my prayer journal. It's just a simple 5x7 hard backed journal with lined pages, but it calms me. When I'm overwhelmed or frustrated, or when I see a special need, I turn to God. He is always there. And my journal helps me focus on what I need or what I'm thankful for. And, it let's me go back and see the many, many, many prayers that God has answered.
So there you have it. My Simple Pleasure for the week. Leave me a message about your simple pleasure, then go link up!!
Love you all,
Rulissa
Monday, June 4, 2012
Perfection
Throughout the years, I've always searched for perfection. In everything.
The perfect grades. The perfect job. The perfect husband. The perfect shoes. The perfect house. The perfect hair. The perfect meal. The perfect kids. Being the perfect wife, mother, friend. You get it...
Let me tell you something. Perfection is tiring.... And unattainable.
I burn dinner. I yell at my kids. I don't give my husband the respect he deserves. I forget to return calls (sorry, AJ- I love you, girl!) The perfect house gets messy. The perfect shoes pinch my toes. And I live in Oklahoma (Tornado Alley) so perfect hair is a pipe dream!
The thing is, I have beaten myself up too many times for not attaining perfection. Guilt is a horrible thing - especially unwarranted, self-inflicted guilt. Why do I do it? My amazing hubby thinks I'm perfect in every way ( have I mentioned he's a keeper?). My kids think I'm perfect, even when I yell. (In fact, Princess even told me "You're the bestest Mom even though you're mean to me.)
Ihave learned am learning to let go of my expectations for myself and focus on God's expectations for me. When I fail (as I do often), the devil comes in and tells me I'll never be good enough. But, God thinks I'm good enough. He promises He will be with me wherever He sends me- whether that's the kitchen or the Congo. I need to TRUST that promise! Rely on His strength.
I guess what I'm saying is that I should stop looking for perfection- I've already found it... I am made perfect in Him. Because Jesus died for me, I am covered with HIS perfection.
When my hair doesn't live up to my expectations, I tell myself...
"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." Psalm 139:14.
When my house isn't the biggest or newest, I tell myself... "...for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Philippians 4:11.
When I find myself yelling at my kids AGAIN and thinking I will never change, I remind myself... His mercies "...are new every morning:great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:23.
I know I'm not perfect, but I do the best I can. And I know that God's not finished with me yet... "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" Philippians 1:6.
So if you're like me, and beat yourself up when things aren't perfect, just remember that you aren't alone. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and try again- and it's OK to ask for help... "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally..." James 1:5.
Let me know if you are struggling, too. I would be happy to share your burdens and pray for you.
Love you all,
Rulissa
The perfect grades. The perfect job. The perfect husband. The perfect shoes. The perfect house. The perfect hair. The perfect meal. The perfect kids. Being the perfect wife, mother, friend. You get it...
Let me tell you something. Perfection is tiring.... And unattainable.
I burn dinner. I yell at my kids. I don't give my husband the respect he deserves. I forget to return calls (sorry, AJ- I love you, girl!) The perfect house gets messy. The perfect shoes pinch my toes. And I live in Oklahoma (Tornado Alley) so perfect hair is a pipe dream!
The thing is, I have beaten myself up too many times for not attaining perfection. Guilt is a horrible thing - especially unwarranted, self-inflicted guilt. Why do I do it? My amazing hubby thinks I'm perfect in every way ( have I mentioned he's a keeper?). My kids think I'm perfect, even when I yell. (In fact, Princess even told me "You're the bestest Mom even though you're mean to me.)
I
I guess what I'm saying is that I should stop looking for perfection- I've already found it... I am made perfect in Him. Because Jesus died for me, I am covered with HIS perfection.
When my hair doesn't live up to my expectations, I tell myself...
"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." Psalm 139:14.
When my house isn't the biggest or newest, I tell myself... "...for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Philippians 4:11.
When I find myself yelling at my kids AGAIN and thinking I will never change, I remind myself... His mercies "...are new every morning:great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:23.
I know I'm not perfect, but I do the best I can. And I know that God's not finished with me yet... "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" Philippians 1:6.
So if you're like me, and beat yourself up when things aren't perfect, just remember that you aren't alone. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and try again- and it's OK to ask for help... "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally..." James 1:5.
Let me know if you are struggling, too. I would be happy to share your burdens and pray for you.
Love you all,
Rulissa
Friday, June 1, 2012
Letters From Home
I wanted to take some time to thank the people in my life for being so wonderful...so today's letters are to them. Go ahead and visit Ashley at Adventures of Newlyweds and link up your
Dear Amazing Hubby, There is nothing in this world I could do to deserve the love you give me everyday. Thank you for standing by me - through everything - and reminding me that I am truly loved, no matter what. I love you.
Dear Tween Monkey, Don't be in too big of a hurry to grow up. Enjoy your youth and innocence and remember, I am still your mother and it is still my job to make sure you turn out alright. So you may not like everything I ask you to do, just know that I have my reasons. I love you.
Dear Monkey Boy, Your heart continues to amaze me. You are always thinking of others and what you can do to help them or do something special for them.. (You are so much like your Dad!) Everything you do tells the world that you love, no matter what, and I pray that nothing happens to change that. I love you.
Dear Monkey Princess, We are so proud of you. You are growing and learning everyday and becoming a beautiful young lady (on the inside and the out). You melted my heart when you asked if God was smiling at you. I know He is. I love you.
Dear Readers, Thank you so much for sticking with me. Every comment you make is so encouraging and I hope you continue to enjoy visiting with me and learning about what makes me tick!
Love you all,
Rulissa
Dear Amazing Hubby, There is nothing in this world I could do to deserve the love you give me everyday. Thank you for standing by me - through everything - and reminding me that I am truly loved, no matter what. I love you.
Dear Tween Monkey, Don't be in too big of a hurry to grow up. Enjoy your youth and innocence and remember, I am still your mother and it is still my job to make sure you turn out alright. So you may not like everything I ask you to do, just know that I have my reasons. I love you.
Dear Monkey Boy, Your heart continues to amaze me. You are always thinking of others and what you can do to help them or do something special for them.. (You are so much like your Dad!) Everything you do tells the world that you love, no matter what, and I pray that nothing happens to change that. I love you.
Dear Monkey Princess, We are so proud of you. You are growing and learning everyday and becoming a beautiful young lady (on the inside and the out). You melted my heart when you asked if God was smiling at you. I know He is. I love you.
Dear Readers, Thank you so much for sticking with me. Every comment you make is so encouraging and I hope you continue to enjoy visiting with me and learning about what makes me tick!
Love you all,
Rulissa
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Letters From Home
So... I'm trying to do better with my posting. Sometimes I slack off and don't get anything written for a couple of weeks. I was thinking that the easiest way to be more consistent would be to link up with a couple of other blogs a couple of times during the week. That where today's post comes in... I came across this completely adorable blog Adventures of Newlyweds, and she does...
Dear Monkeys, I am so excited for this summer! While I don't have anything planned, I have lots of fun ideas! I'd only you will listen, not argue and just chill-ax already!
Dear God, thank You for always having perfect timing. I know I can be super ungrateful for the blessings you give- always asking for more- but I am learning to let go because "You got this."
Dear Realtor, please remember that, unlike you, I do not buy and sell houses everyday and therefore I do not understand half of what you are talking about.
Dear Metta World Peace, the Lakers are NOT the best team in the NBA. And you need to quit smoking whatever you are smoking.
Dear sunburn from 4 weeks ago, quit peeling already!! It's kinda grossing me out!!
Dear Readers, if you like this blog or if you have visited here before, please take a second to officially "follow" me so I know who you are. You can do this by clicking "Follow" at the top of the page or by joining Google Friend Connect. Thank you!!
And that's all for me today!!
Love you all,
Rulissa
Dear Monkeys, I am so excited for this summer! While I don't have anything planned, I have lots of fun ideas! I'd only you will listen, not argue and just chill-ax already!
Dear God, thank You for always having perfect timing. I know I can be super ungrateful for the blessings you give- always asking for more- but I am learning to let go because "You got this."
Dear Realtor, please remember that, unlike you, I do not buy and sell houses everyday and therefore I do not understand half of what you are talking about.
Dear Metta World Peace, the Lakers are NOT the best team in the NBA. And you need to quit smoking whatever you are smoking.
Dear sunburn from 4 weeks ago, quit peeling already!! It's kinda grossing me out!!
Dear Readers, if you like this blog or if you have visited here before, please take a second to officially "follow" me so I know who you are. You can do this by clicking "Follow" at the top of the page or by joining Google Friend Connect. Thank you!!
And that's all for me today!!
Love you all,
Rulissa
Greatest Gifts for {Our} Dad
I have an AMAZING hubby.
But as wonderful as he is as a hubby, he's even MORE AMAZING as a daddy.
The thing is, with Father's Day just around the corner, I'm stumped as to what the WORLD'S GREATEST DAD should get. (And no, I refuse to purchase anything that says "WORLD'S GREATEST DAD"). His work is physically and mentally exhausting (and he doesn't wear ties), he has no hobbies like golf or fishing that he participates in on a regular basis, and he has every tool known to mankind. So I've come up with a list of 10 things I'd love to give him...and these aren't your typical gifts (i.e., ties, lures, tools, etc.)
1. Deep Tissue Massage - The first time I scheduled him a massage, he almost made me cancel it. He said "real men" don't get massages - it sounded too feminine. I convinced him he would feel wonderful afterward (and it wouldn't tickle) so he reluctantly agreed to go. WOW - is he converted!! Our lady uses acupuncture, too, which was a little weird, but she gets the blood pumping and works out the knots like nobody's business!
2. Lawn Work - I mentioned earlier that his work is physically demanding. He runs the family ranch, which in the summer consists of about 50 head of cattle and their babies, but in the fall, winter and spring bumps up to about 300 (we bring in about 250 calves to run on wheat pasture). This keeps him hopping! So, I figure, anytime we can pitch in and mow, edge, weed or trim, we should do it!
3. A Shop Building - Now...this is what I would do if money were no object. The amazing hubby of mine loves to build things. He is a fantastic craftsman and has built much of our furniture in addition to built-in bookcases for his brother and a deck/walkway for his parents. The thing is, we don't really have anywhere except the garage for him to do this. A dedicated space would be awesome for him to have!
4. A Hot Tub - Again, with unlimited funds, this would be another perfect gift. A couple of times a year, we take off for the weekend and enjoy a hotel's hot tub. Sometimes we take the monkeys and sometimes we go on our own. It would be even better if we had one right outside our back door - How AWESOME would that be? (And not just for him!!)
5. A Stadium Seat - We are a sports family. We spend A LOT of time at fields, courts and diamonds. Some of the bleachers are nice, some are non-existent, some were built in the '50s and have never been updated. This makes for a seriously sore bum, but he's not one to complain. He's too busy cheering on the kiddos to notice!
6. A gourmet, candlelight dinner for two - Now, this defeats the purpose of being a Father's Day gift since I wouldn't be including the monkeys, but, oh well! And remember - this is a dream list. I am not a gourmet chef by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, most of the really good stuff we eat is because our amazing daddy has pushed us outside our comfort zone or he has cooked it himself! I tell you, he'a a keeper!
7. A lifetime supply of Bottle Caps - These are the hubby's favorite candy. Everytime I go to the store, I pick up a couple of boxes...IF they have them. They are kinda hard to find. So, if I could, I would get him enough that he would never run out!
8. More Cows - My hubby really enjoys working with the cows. He understands them...and how to make money with them. His friends that dabble in the cattle business are always asking his advice on things like feeding, weaning, selling, etc. And he knows it all! It amazes me the knowledge that is in his brain!!
9. More Land for our cows - Right now we lease several different properties and our herd is split up. It would be FANTASTIC if we could run them all in one place, all together. That would be AMAZING!! Of course, that would mean that we would need buckets of money and people who wanted to seel their land, but this is the gift wish list, right?
10. A New Truck - The hubby has been driving his current truck since before the tween-monkey was born! I've had two vehicles in between (I know - spoiled) and his truck has over 200,000 miles on it. He says it still runs really well (it's a Ford F-150) and is in great shape so why would we want to buy a new one and spend all that money? So... as gifts go, I think this would be a great one that he wouldn't buy for himself!
But here is the thing...Even if I (or the kids) got him one or all of the above listed things, it still wouldn't come close to repaying him for all the times he sacrificed, volunteered, coached, loved, listened, stayed up late worrying, praying, and just plain caring for all of us.
WE LOVE YOU DADDY!!! (And we'll keep thinking of something good for Father's Day!)
Love you all,
Rulissa
The thing is, with Father's Day just around the corner, I'm stumped as to what the WORLD'S GREATEST DAD should get. (And no, I refuse to purchase anything that says "WORLD'S GREATEST DAD"). His work is physically and mentally exhausting (and he doesn't wear ties), he has no hobbies like golf or fishing that he participates in on a regular basis, and he has every tool known to mankind. So I've come up with a list of 10 things I'd love to give him...and these aren't your typical gifts (i.e., ties, lures, tools, etc.)
1. Deep Tissue Massage - The first time I scheduled him a massage, he almost made me cancel it. He said "real men" don't get massages - it sounded too feminine. I convinced him he would feel wonderful afterward (and it wouldn't tickle) so he reluctantly agreed to go. WOW - is he converted!! Our lady uses acupuncture, too, which was a little weird, but she gets the blood pumping and works out the knots like nobody's business!
2. Lawn Work - I mentioned earlier that his work is physically demanding. He runs the family ranch, which in the summer consists of about 50 head of cattle and their babies, but in the fall, winter and spring bumps up to about 300 (we bring in about 250 calves to run on wheat pasture). This keeps him hopping! So, I figure, anytime we can pitch in and mow, edge, weed or trim, we should do it!
3. A Shop Building - Now...this is what I would do if money were no object. The amazing hubby of mine loves to build things. He is a fantastic craftsman and has built much of our furniture in addition to built-in bookcases for his brother and a deck/walkway for his parents. The thing is, we don't really have anywhere except the garage for him to do this. A dedicated space would be awesome for him to have!
4. A Hot Tub - Again, with unlimited funds, this would be another perfect gift. A couple of times a year, we take off for the weekend and enjoy a hotel's hot tub. Sometimes we take the monkeys and sometimes we go on our own. It would be even better if we had one right outside our back door - How AWESOME would that be? (And not just for him!!)
5. A Stadium Seat - We are a sports family. We spend A LOT of time at fields, courts and diamonds. Some of the bleachers are nice, some are non-existent, some were built in the '50s and have never been updated. This makes for a seriously sore bum, but he's not one to complain. He's too busy cheering on the kiddos to notice!
6. A gourmet, candlelight dinner for two - Now, this defeats the purpose of being a Father's Day gift since I wouldn't be including the monkeys, but, oh well! And remember - this is a dream list. I am not a gourmet chef by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, most of the really good stuff we eat is because our amazing daddy has pushed us outside our comfort zone or he has cooked it himself! I tell you, he'a a keeper!
7. A lifetime supply of Bottle Caps - These are the hubby's favorite candy. Everytime I go to the store, I pick up a couple of boxes...IF they have them. They are kinda hard to find. So, if I could, I would get him enough that he would never run out!
8. More Cows - My hubby really enjoys working with the cows. He understands them...and how to make money with them. His friends that dabble in the cattle business are always asking his advice on things like feeding, weaning, selling, etc. And he knows it all! It amazes me the knowledge that is in his brain!!
9. More Land for our cows - Right now we lease several different properties and our herd is split up. It would be FANTASTIC if we could run them all in one place, all together. That would be AMAZING!! Of course, that would mean that we would need buckets of money and people who wanted to seel their land, but this is the gift wish list, right?
10. A New Truck - The hubby has been driving his current truck since before the tween-monkey was born! I've had two vehicles in between (I know - spoiled) and his truck has over 200,000 miles on it. He says it still runs really well (it's a Ford F-150) and is in great shape so why would we want to buy a new one and spend all that money? So... as gifts go, I think this would be a great one that he wouldn't buy for himself!
WE LOVE YOU DADDY!!! (And we'll keep thinking of something good for Father's Day!)
Love you all,
Rulissa
**writing prompt provided as part of Mama Kat's writer's workshop**
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Pretty-ing It Up
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Baseball is in full swing around here and I am in need of some new shirts to wear to the games. Our boys changed schools this last year, so I couldn't wear anything with the old team/school/colors. Since I can't afford to buy a bunch all at once, I thought I'd try to work with what I already owned. Upcycling!!! Gotta love it!
I started with the black tank I want to wear and an outgrown orange t- shirt courtesy of monkey boy.
I then cut 1" strips straight across the shirt (then snip one side to make a loooong strip.) I did this three times because I like things in threes! You can cut as many as you want.
To start each flower, fold the strip in half along your basting stitch, then fold over one end and, using a needle and thread, tack it together. Now, continue wrapping it around and tacking it.
After you finish your flowers, decide what you want to do with them. At first I was going to put them all on my shirt, but as you can see, that didn't happen. I ended up using one of them on this plain black hat. I like how it turned out! I just pinned this flower on so I can change it out when I get the urge. Easy-peasy!!!
Let me know what you think about my "pretty-ed up" baseball attire... I like it, so I'll probably make some more in other colors! How do you pretty up your stuff??
Love you all,
Rulissa
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Going Through the Motions
This year, I set a goal for myself to become more "intentional" with my life. I felt like I was barely scratching the surface with my husband, my kids, my family, my friends and my God. And I was NOT okay with any of that. I don't want to be a surface dweller. I want to dig down deep, make memories and become closer to the people I have chosen to include in my life.
This plan worked well- for a little while. I prayed for opportunities to be revealed and for the heart to carry them out. I joined Project 365. (You can see all those posts here.) The thing is, being intentional is hard. And sometimes exhausting. But it is SOOO worth it.
Then Spring rolled around. And life got busier. And don't think I'm complaining, because I'm not! I love my life... And I know everyone is busy... It's just that when life gets busier, it's easier to let things slide- like being intentional. When I'm tired, it's easy to say, "Just go watch TV, we'll sew later," or let the boys play their iPods on the way to school instead of talking about their days. But does that do anyone any good? I'll answer that for you... NO. It doesn't.
I recently read a blog post from Hand Free Mama that made me cry and think and cry again. Just because I am with my kids, that doesn't make a memory. Watching TV in the same room IS NOT the same thing as spending time with my family. Going to church IS NOT the same thing as living for God.
I don't want to just go through the motions in life. I want to love and laugh and cry and dance for joy and make memories and KNOW that God is using me for His purpose.
So, even if I'm tired...or busy...it's up to me. As Ferris Bueller said so eloquently, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it."
What have you been missing lately? What are some ways you dig deeper?
Love you all,
Rulissa
This plan worked well- for a little while. I prayed for opportunities to be revealed and for the heart to carry them out. I joined Project 365. (You can see all those posts here.) The thing is, being intentional is hard. And sometimes exhausting. But it is SOOO worth it.
Then Spring rolled around. And life got busier. And don't think I'm complaining, because I'm not! I love my life... And I know everyone is busy... It's just that when life gets busier, it's easier to let things slide- like being intentional. When I'm tired, it's easy to say, "Just go watch TV, we'll sew later," or let the boys play their iPods on the way to school instead of talking about their days. But does that do anyone any good? I'll answer that for you... NO. It doesn't.
I recently read a blog post from Hand Free Mama that made me cry and think and cry again. Just because I am with my kids, that doesn't make a memory. Watching TV in the same room IS NOT the same thing as spending time with my family. Going to church IS NOT the same thing as living for God.
I don't want to just go through the motions in life. I want to love and laugh and cry and dance for joy and make memories and KNOW that God is using me for His purpose.
So, even if I'm tired...or busy...it's up to me. As Ferris Bueller said so eloquently, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it."
What have you been missing lately? What are some ways you dig deeper?
Love you all,
Rulissa
Thursday, May 17, 2012
My Favorite Month
May is my favorite month of the year. It's kinda weird because Fall is my favorite season. But, I have some great reasons why this month makes me happy...and here they are!!
1. It's my birthday!! I don't care how many candles are on your cake, each one is a blessing so I'm going to keep on celebrating!
2. It's Monkey Boy's birthday!! The only thing better than your own birthday, is someone else's. I love parties! This year we are going to have a "paint gun" party. Messy boys- what can I say?!
3. School's out for summer. Now that I'm a SAHM, I enjoy summer a whole lot more!!
4. Rainy days. Springtime in Oklahoma means a few wet days. Last year, we had a drought that was as bad as the dustbowl days and we didn't get the rain. I missed it. So did the corn, wheat, grass, ponds, animals, etc...
5. Beautiful flowers. This is the month dogwoods bloom and day lilies blossom. Gorgeous.
6. Baseball. Enough said here. And here.
7. Mother's Day. I think being a mom is a wonderful blessing. My kids make pictures and write me notes- they are the best!
8. We sell calves. This let's us know if we get to eat steak or beans the rest of the year. It's kinda stressful, but I wouldn't change it!
9. Awards assemblies. I think my kids are super smart and amazing, but they are also disobedient and mouthy. Assemblies let me see what the teachers see and I guess they are doing great!
And the final reason May is my favorite month...
10. We got a contract on our house!!!!
Hope you are all having a great May!
Love you all,
Rulissa
1. It's my birthday!! I don't care how many candles are on your cake, each one is a blessing so I'm going to keep on celebrating!
2. It's Monkey Boy's birthday!! The only thing better than your own birthday, is someone else's. I love parties! This year we are going to have a "paint gun" party. Messy boys- what can I say?!
3. School's out for summer. Now that I'm a SAHM, I enjoy summer a whole lot more!!
4. Rainy days. Springtime in Oklahoma means a few wet days. Last year, we had a drought that was as bad as the dustbowl days and we didn't get the rain. I missed it. So did the corn, wheat, grass, ponds, animals, etc...
5. Beautiful flowers. This is the month dogwoods bloom and day lilies blossom. Gorgeous.
6. Baseball. Enough said here. And here.
7. Mother's Day. I think being a mom is a wonderful blessing. My kids make pictures and write me notes- they are the best!
8. We sell calves. This let's us know if we get to eat steak or beans the rest of the year. It's kinda stressful, but I wouldn't change it!
9. Awards assemblies. I think my kids are super smart and amazing, but they are also disobedient and mouthy. Assemblies let me see what the teachers see and I guess they are doing great!
And the final reason May is my favorite month...
10. We got a contract on our house!!!!
Hope you are all having a great May!
Love you all,
Rulissa
Monday, April 30, 2012
My Life in Pictures - April
(Sorry for the delay on this!! I have several posts in draft form, but my internet has been wonky for the last couple of weeks, so I can't get pictures attached and posted - AAAACCCCKKKK!!!! Anyway - better late than never, right?)
I love Springtime...it's my 2nd favorite season! And here are the pictures I tookthis last month so I can remember every single day of it!!
April 1 - We had a heat wave (in MARCH!!!) and the air conditioner fritzed out. We resorted to the room air conditioner the in-laws got last year to save the day...and it actually worked out until the repair guy could get here. (Thanks again, Bruce and Jenny - you guys rock!!)
April 2 - Indian Paintbrushes are my favorite flower. They are blooming a little early this year because of our unseasonably warm spring!! Aren't they beautiful?
April 3 - The world of work. Not missing it one teensy little bit! And this time, they recorded one of the sessions to use for the people who weren't there. So not only did I have to speak the those in the room, I had to look at the camera, too!
April 4 - Salty Chocolate Chip cookies. Pretty tasty but I think I let them cook a little too long or maybe I beat them too long or I don't know...something...
April 5 - Back for the last day of training. The training room had just been redecorated and all I could smell was new carpet - all day long!! Not a fan...
April 6 - Mmmm...hot wings. And you can't have hot wings without something cool to go with them... cue the celery and carrots! YUMMY!!!
April 7 - Princess made brownies for our church luncheon tomorrow. She was super excited - and they were quite tasty. The boys want her to make some more - STAT!
April 8 - I won a hat! But, honestly...does it look like a hat I would wear? I didn't think so either, so I gave it to the tweenager.
April 9 - Twins! It's pretty rare for a cow to have twins. It's even more rare (rarer?) for her to take care of both of them. She's protective of them both, let's them both eat, keeps them together. It's pretty cool!!
April 10 - Taxes...not a lot to say about that.
April 11 - Planted our first vegetable garden today. Look what Haley and I found! Monkey Boy wanted to know if we would get super Spidey powers if it bit us. Uuuhhh....no. Just a trip to the ER!
April 12 - Happy Anniversary to US! 15 years of marriage - does that qualify us to be an "old married couple?" This is my gift (my fave!)
April 13 - Termites! Ugh!! What else could happen before we sell the house?!?!
April 14 - Grilled asparagus...uuummmm..... if you know me at all, you know I don't eat much of anything that is green. I did try this because I told my amazing hubby that if he cooked it, I would taste it. I did. Enough said.
April 15 - No picture today. Not sure what happened!
April 16 - See above...I'm just a slacker!!
April 17 - First baseball game of the season... Here is Monkey Boy before his very first at bat!!!
April 18 - New tires...I discussed the importance of not being cheap here.
April 19 - A new baseball season means meeting new friends!
April 20 - No pics again...My MIL had surgery today, so everything was a little crazy this week.
April 22 - Princess is ready to help round up the calves. I think she'll have to wait a couple of years first!
April 23 - Home from the hospital and being doted on by the grandkids. It's very sweet to watch her get waited on. She does so much for everyone else, that this is a treat for all of us who get to be of service to her right now!
April 24 - Princess wanted to help Grammy, too! Papa doesn't like the dishwasher, so- since he has taken over the kitchen while Grammy is recovering, we are all handwashing... Oh, how I miss the dishwasher! :-)
April 25 - The bush by our front door is covered with blossoms. And those blossoms are covered with butterflies - and I mean COVERED! We are talking thousands...you can hear their wings. It's kinda creepy, actually!
April 26 -
April 27 -
April 28 - First tournament for the Tween Monkey. A whole weekend at the ballpark. We have a love/hate relationship with the ballpark. It takes our money and leaves us sunburned, but we play/see A LOT of baseball!
April 29 - First pitching outing of the season. Didn't let any runs score, but a little rusty at first. (And you don't need to adjust the color on your screen. The jerseys really are that day-glo orange color!)
I love Springtime...it's my 2nd favorite season! And here are the pictures I took
April 1 - We had a heat wave (in MARCH!!!) and the air conditioner fritzed out. We resorted to the room air conditioner the in-laws got last year to save the day...and it actually worked out until the repair guy could get here. (Thanks again, Bruce and Jenny - you guys rock!!)
April 2 - Indian Paintbrushes are my favorite flower. They are blooming a little early this year because of our unseasonably warm spring!! Aren't they beautiful?
April 3 - The world of work. Not missing it one teensy little bit! And this time, they recorded one of the sessions to use for the people who weren't there. So not only did I have to speak the those in the room, I had to look at the camera, too!
April 4 - Salty Chocolate Chip cookies. Pretty tasty but I think I let them cook a little too long or maybe I beat them too long or I don't know...something...
April 5 - Back for the last day of training. The training room had just been redecorated and all I could smell was new carpet - all day long!! Not a fan...
April 6 - Mmmm...hot wings. And you can't have hot wings without something cool to go with them... cue the celery and carrots! YUMMY!!!
April 7 - Princess made brownies for our church luncheon tomorrow. She was super excited - and they were quite tasty. The boys want her to make some more - STAT!
April 8 - I won a hat! But, honestly...does it look like a hat I would wear? I didn't think so either, so I gave it to the tweenager.
April 9 - Twins! It's pretty rare for a cow to have twins. It's even more rare (rarer?) for her to take care of both of them. She's protective of them both, let's them both eat, keeps them together. It's pretty cool!!
April 10 - Taxes...not a lot to say about that.
April 11 - Planted our first vegetable garden today. Look what Haley and I found! Monkey Boy wanted to know if we would get super Spidey powers if it bit us. Uuuhhh....no. Just a trip to the ER!
April 12 - Happy Anniversary to US! 15 years of marriage - does that qualify us to be an "old married couple?" This is my gift (my fave!)
April 13 - Termites! Ugh!! What else could happen before we sell the house?!?!
April 14 - Grilled asparagus...uuummmm..... if you know me at all, you know I don't eat much of anything that is green. I did try this because I told my amazing hubby that if he cooked it, I would taste it. I did. Enough said.
April 15 - No picture today. Not sure what happened!
April 16 - See above...I'm just a slacker!!
April 17 - First baseball game of the season... Here is Monkey Boy before his very first at bat!!!
April 18 - New tires...I discussed the importance of not being cheap here.
April 19 - A new baseball season means meeting new friends!
April 20 - No pics again...My MIL had surgery today, so everything was a little crazy this week.
April 21 - No Sew Cardi... I blogged about it here.
April 22 - Princess is ready to help round up the calves. I think she'll have to wait a couple of years first!
April 23 - Home from the hospital and being doted on by the grandkids. It's very sweet to watch her get waited on. She does so much for everyone else, that this is a treat for all of us who get to be of service to her right now!
April 24 - Princess wanted to help Grammy, too! Papa doesn't like the dishwasher, so- since he has taken over the kitchen while Grammy is recovering, we are all handwashing... Oh, how I miss the dishwasher! :-)
April 25 - The bush by our front door is covered with blossoms. And those blossoms are covered with butterflies - and I mean COVERED! We are talking thousands...you can hear their wings. It's kinda creepy, actually!
April 26 -
April 27 -
April 28 - First tournament for the Tween Monkey. A whole weekend at the ballpark. We have a love/hate relationship with the ballpark. It takes our money and leaves us sunburned, but we play/see A LOT of baseball!
April 29 - First pitching outing of the season. Didn't let any runs score, but a little rusty at first. (And you don't need to adjust the color on your screen. The jerseys really are that day-glo orange color!)
April 30 - Hmmm...I got nothing here either. I'm am so glad this month is over! Hopefully I'll do better in May!
Love you all!
Rulissa