Favorite, are you kidinnnnggg?

So, yesterday we take Grandma to Amarillo with us. JW was casually informed by his employer that there is no work and he will be blessed with the day off. As the Lord has commanded us to be prepared and stock our warehouses, we make great effort to do that. So, we were able to enjoy a random day off instead of be angry or fret about the bills. We decided to take Grandma to lunch at Chili's (for which she had a free dessert coupon and the molten chocolate cake ought to be illegal.) Sinnfully good is an understatement, Let me be clear, I do believe in indulging from time to time, just not everyday. So, went to her house, looked at all her little stuff, gave her a TV and a light fixture we took down, and headed to Chili's. We chatted the afternoon away. After Chili's, we went to Lowe's, got some fantastic purple pansies, paint for the hall, and some other random stuff. Then MRL, I did find a few things I am pondering, may go back. So, as we are heading back to Canyon, Grandma tells me that our house is her favorite. THEN she tells me it is Kim and Kaci and everybody's favorite. I felt a tear emerging. US? OUR house? I really have worked hard on it lately and now that I know it is world famous, I am going to post some pics. Comment, if you like. I am going to randomly post pics of different rooms. This particular room is our guest room and my crafty room, it is full of heirloom and hand me down furniture. The mirror over the bed was my Granaw's, my Dad's mother. She was the neatest person and paramount in my spiritual walk. She used to tell me about the Lord when I was very little. The bed is her mother's, who was known as Me Me. She would have been my great grandmother, but she passed before I was born. She may be where I get my shortness. The little end table was one that Mom found in a repo and she re-finished it in the 90's and when she got tired of it, she gave it to me. The busy little hand painted dresser was my little sister's. It actually has doors that go over the drawers, but at the advice of others, after I finished it, I left them off. I actually hung them on the wall improperly and they keep falling, so I will hopefully remember to post pics of them once they are secured. Now, let me clairify, these pieces did not look the way they do now when I was given them. One of my passions/hobbies is re-purposing and creativly painting unwanted things to make them new and cute. Stayed tuned.

OK, so this is really just O.C.D.

This is what I do. Late last night, then first thing this morning, then next month. Sheeesh. Just trying to perfect this blogging business. I really like the fact that I can just pour my thoughts out through my finger tips. Social networking sites, not a good idea to do this. All though we have all seen folks, mostly woman, do this. I have often wanted to say, "Listen, you are making a fool of yourself and it is clear to all your fb friends that you are emotionally unstable and need to get a life." Little harsh, I know. I can be harsh sometimes. To me, it is kind of like spanking your child. Of course, controlled consistence is absolutely a must, but swift action, a couple of harsh swats, get the message across loud and clear. Mom ain't goin' for that business. Harshness. There is a fine art to knowing when and how much and what degree of pressure. Sometimes I nail it, sometimes, too harsh, sometimes too passive. I have found that the element of regret is as present with being too passive as with being too harsh.

Anywho, working on house today. JW has been cleaning on the garage for sometime now. He started last night and got about half way through and now he is on it again this morning. He went to Lowe's and bought an awesome, chrome shelf for all my gardening garb and a rack to hang up all the rakes and what such. Yay. We have had quite a struggle since we have lived in this house about that garage. First of all, he informed me that it was his and I was not to touch it. So, I informed him that the kitchen was mine and he was not to touch it. So, he got the point that both things are OURS. ....And the two shall become one flesh. ONE FLESH. No grey area there. If we are one flesh, how can that garage belong to only you??? He is painfully meticulous about some things and so am I. We compliment eachother in these differences, just took us a couple of years to perfect the communication part. He likes the garage clean, I could care less. I like the trash taken out, he would pile it for days, until it stinks, of course. He notices foreign smells immediately. He likes the yard perfectly mowed to a certain height and direction (we alternate directions.) I want it to look decent, but beyond that........ Anyway, he has been commenting that I need to clean out that garage b/c it is ALL my stuff. Well, now we all know that's not true, only about 90% of that is mine. Yes, I have a lot of stuff in the garage and I collect old furniture and what such that I have big plans of giving a face lift to. But it isn't ALL mine. It is a family medley. I have come to the conclusion, however, that I don't clean garages. I don't take out trash, and I don't mow. Until the men folk around here start cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, painting, and scrubbing toliets, I will not be mowing or garage or barn cleaning. It is a Biblical concept really. God made men to accomplish certain tasks and women to accomplish certain tasks. That is why we are "help mates." Men do not rule the home, rather they partner with a woman. Now, I know that Ephesians 5:22-24 is arguably the most mis-interpreted verse in the whole book. Yes, submit spiritually, but this puts a HUGE responsibility on the husband. HUGE. This means if you have someone go off the deep end, who was responsible for their salvation, that's right, Daddy-o. Not that mom doesn't play a role, of course she does. But Daddy will have to answer to the big boss about that. Not a job I am going to knock any man down for, I assure you. So, as for harmony in the home, decorating, dining decisions, candle fragrances, MY GIFT BUDDY, back off. I don't go out to your garage/barn telling you where and how things are going to go, don't even come in here and tell me. You may make suggestions and I will consider them. Let me tell you a little more of what that verse doesn't say. It doesn't say, Dad is the boss and mom's opinion doesn't matter. It doesn't say, Dad can run around and practice questionable morals and values and mom has to stay at home and wash his dirty underwear. It doesn't say that Dad can verbally or physically abuse mom or kids. Most importantly, it does not say that Dad and his desires and opinions are the only ones that matter in the home, like what we watch on TV, who we hang around with, what color anything is going to be (in my opinion) and especially where we will attend church. C'mon girls, be a woman. God blessed you with precious gifts, use them. I understand that we must find our common ground with our men. We must figure out where he is gifted and and where we are gifted. Our gifting balance is unique to our marriage and yours will be to yours. Don't be a mushball, spineless, pantie waste. Set a strong example of the powerhouse that mom can be, while submitting to Dad spiritually. Also, keep Dad accountable to Biblical principle on marriage and family and he you.

BUT, it does say, when he is being your helpmate and doing daunting tasks like garage cleaning, be sweet, make lunch, thank him, tell him you love him, and stay out of his way!!! Wow. (OK, I admit, I did help at the end.)

Daaaaaannnnnnnnnnggggggg!!

Ok, this one is bad. A month and a daaaaaaaaay???? Determination is the key here. I am having a love hate relationship with Facebook. I love how I can stay connected with friends and family and see their pictures and know from day to day what is going on in their lives. However, I have it set to send me emails when someone sends me a message or writes on my wall, or comments on a post of mine or after me. So, when I am meticulously trying to get some work done, I go to check email, see that someone did something and then I look up and it's 38 minutes later. Ugh. I really like it and hate it at the same time. I have got to get some self control going here. JW told me the other day on Bob and Tom (a really vulgar radio show he likes that is so geared toward men) they were talking about people being treated for Facebook addiction. I think I may be friends with some of them. Anyway, I definitely thought that was a little over the top, however, it can be a problem.

Aside from that, the Fair started today. The neighborhood is dark. I may be mistaken, but I am certain that we are the only family in the TX Panhandle tonight who are not at the Fair. Ya know, JW and I like to consider ourselves cool parents, but I must state that the Tri State Fair pushes my cool parentism to the absolute limit. I truly despise that thing. We take Chase every year. We always wait until they are running a special b/c that place could officially qualify as highway robbery. $5 for a ride that sounds like a manual can opener and is clearly filthy? $6 for a corndog, are you kidding me? That's like .78 worth of heart disease on a stick and you are trying to charge me $6? I won't even comment on the poor carnies, God love those pitiful people. I could really get on a soapbox about this, but you get my point. Not a Fair fan, but will grace it with our presence as we do every year at the begging ramblings of our precious little boy.

So, it's fall. I know, technically we have 3 days left of summer, but here, it's fall. The weather is cool, thank you Jesus, apple cinnamon candles smell good, starting to see pumpkins popping up everywhere, turkey black bean chili, spaghetti, Hawaiian haystacks, homemade ckn noodle soup, all are becoming our diets staples, once again. Now, I have something embarrassing to admit. I still don't have my Halloween and Fall decorations out yet. I KNOW, I KNOW, I am so laying down on the job. All I am asking for is a little grace here. OK, list of excuses, new ministry job (loving it!) little sister's baby shower, (got so much done with my house, and had an amazing turn out) real estate, (haven't closed anything in a while, but takes plenty of time none the less. I have some wonderful clients right now, so really enjoying it!) PTA exec. board/directory committee, (same thing, fun, made several new friends, time taker). So, I hope you will sympathize with my lateness. I mean, every year, I put the stuff up Labor Day weekend....and EVERY YEAR, JW walks in and says Halloween? I know, it is a bit early, but like the next day, all of the sudden, BAM, FALL. Anywho, better get to work. Just thought I would let you see the "tubs," I know, a little crazy, but my fall stuff is so stinkin' cute, I am telling you!!!

Pretty in Pink

Movies from the '80's. Absolutely love them. AMC, Directv channel 254 is playing these old movies and they stir memories from childhood that are just delicious! I must say, watching them from an adult's perspective has been very enlightening. I caught humor in Ferris Bueller's Day Off that I never knew was there. I recommend to all you mature folks, watch them again. Very entertaining.

So, haven't posted in a few weeks. Read on to learn why. The virus is gone. Cat Man Du in Canyon was awesome! Loved them. They did a fabulous job and their office is super cool. Speaking of offices, Hillside Canyon took possession of the new office on the square today! Lots of work to be done in renovations, but what a great office it is going to be. I, yes I, will share this office with some annointed individuals that I have the privledge of calling ministry partners and friends. Through some tough moments over the past few months, God has brought us to a place where he will be using mine and JW's gifts to build his kingdom. I am so humble in this, it is even a little hard for me to write. So, I will just say it, I have been blessed with the job of Preschool and Nursery Coordinator for Hillside Canyon Campus. Wow, that is a lengthy title, but true none the less. This has been an exciting adventure. It has taken a great deal of energy, which I know ministry does, so I was prepared when I accepted the job. It has been such a great adventure.

Virus, anyone???

Yep. It happened. Facebook. Clicked on a video that a friend had allegedly posted titled, "Cute pics of my kids!" Then, in order to watch it, I needed to download the updated version of Adobe Flashplayer. Seems logical, right??? The virus is lovingly titled Adobe Faker. I finally fell for it. Literally, about 15 years of DAILY computer experience and I finally got a virus. Sheesh. Anywho, enough whining. So, from the latop I communicate. Laptops, or at least this one, are harder to type on.
Next point, EXCITING day at the Steelman house! Chase has his first belt test today. He is getting tested today to see if he has what it takes to advance from a white belt to an orange belt. He has been going to a karate school in Canyon called Kaniwa Dojo for a few months. He really likes it. Over the last year, we have realized (only took 10 years, not too bad, ay?) that Chase isn't really into team sports. He is kind of a "one man show." He does want to play basketball this year, and so we are going to give that a whirl. No promises made on that subject. Then, after the belt test, I am going to show some good properties. Good b/c they would bring a nice harvest. I have been emailing and communicating with these folks for about 8 months and they have decided they want to start looking and possibly list their house. Real estate takes a GREAT deal of patience and perserverance. Then, someone like this calls me, seemingly out of the blue and the momentum just carries me. I really do love it. It is a fun, exciting business that never gets boring.
Next point, we finally took the Saturday night church plunge. It really felt no different than being there on Sunday morning. JW sheepishly admitted that he had, possibly spoken onto him by his Dad, but we aren't accusing anyone, some unfounded strongholds about the way church is supposed to be. God never really describes the atmosphere of the church in the Bible. He refers often to the people in it, but nothing about the building, worship, parking, bookstores, coffee shops. Satan uses ridiculous, trivial things to try to keep people away from the church. Like, church must be this or that. OR church can't have this or that, or those. Those people really aren't worshipping God, b/c that ain't the song my Grandmaw sang or that ain't the kind of chairs my Aunt Nelly sat in. Unfortunately, a lot of the time, it works. JW always said, I would never go to church on Saturday night, NOPE, ain't gonna do it. Well, last night, last minute, it fit our schedule better, SOOOOOOOOOOO, we did it. Took the plunge. Risked our salvation, went to Trinity on SATURDAY NIGHT. It was great. Kind of a date night. Chase is at the ranch with mom, so we had the night to ourselves. Jimmy Evans is doing an amazing series on Love and Commitment in marriage. He is as good live as he is on his C.D.'s. We are really loving it AND Chase loves The Extreme room. For the first time in a while, he has liked and looked forward to going to kid's church. God has lit the fire in our weary souls, once again.

I can do a blog, I have thoughts! Right?

OK, so I saw that on a movie trailor and had to ponder it for a second. Then suddenly felt like a moron, then thought, oh well, what the heck! I have no idea if anyone has ever looked at this blog, and quite frankly I am still honing my blogging skills, so not really sure if I want anyone studying it quite yet. BECAUSE I have an interesting life, dang it!! I really wish I would think of heading to the computer to make a post when funny things happen. I finally get here and am a little tired, maybe a little brain fried and don't post all I could have. So, re-cap of the day and then some CO pics!! Yay. It's summer time. Good 'ol summer time. I had a light bulb moment this morning at 10:13 a.m. when I finally decided to get up. The light bulb said, girlfriend, you are taking the summer sleep in a bit far. I really hate to sleep in THAT late. I mean 8:30 or so should be plenty, considering we must rise and shine at 6:40 sharp everyday of the year. That gives JW exactly 9.2 minutes to get from sound asleep to out the door. We have it perfected to an art. I fix his lunch, YES I fix his lunch everyday. This amazes many folks, but I couldn't imagine telling him, I know you are going out to risk your life to work on heavy equipment at oil rigs, feedyards, and landfills to give us this fabulous life, so I can sell real estate strictly as a hobby, I know you are doing that, but I can't spare 4 minutes to make you a peanut butter and jelly sandwhich because I have some serious sleeping to do? Are you kidding me? I would never, not get up and do it. So that aside, I went back to bed today. I have a crucial decision to make at approximately 6:53, back to bed or not back to bed. I do have Gevalia Blueberry Creme flavored coffee and it is absolutely fab. It did get me in the kitchen for several days after I got it, but even the newness of bb creme has worn off a bit. So, back to bed I went and so groggy I felt all day. Being that I started this post and am now back to finish it, not really sure where I was going with all that, but hoping it was an interesting place. Since then, I have successfully infected our desktop computer with a nasty virus and now have to take it to Cat Man Du, drop about $200, and return home to download pics so I can post some from our CO trip. So, wipe away the tears. I am going to try to get the pics posted from the laptop.

Crunch Time.

Well, leaving for Fun Valley approximately 39 hours. Which would not be any huge deal except for the fact that I decided to COMPLETELY re-do the inside of my little camper. The whole deal, painted cabinets, put on new hardware, painted some old hardware, painted the table, made new curtains, and now all I have left is painting walls. The flooring people are coming Thursday morning, so I 've got until then to get it done. On top of all this, I picked up two new real estate clients at my open house Sunday! Exciting, busy times!

OK, so has anyone had to clean up poop on a little girl with tummy bug at 2:32 a.m.? Taylor had an upset tummy and didn't quite make it, BUT we have it all under control at this point. Nothing a hotwater load in the wash and a little clorox spray won't fix! I needed to do laundry for our outing this weekend anyway, right?? Besides all thought, caught a great episode of "It's Me or the Dog" and "How Clean is your House?" in the wee hours of the morning.
Peyton and Taylor spent the night last night and are spending the day with us today, woo hoo! They are all playing like little angels in the living room while watching Sponge Bob. Chase has outgrown Sponge Bob, so it has been nice to see him again. I forgot how dumb and funny he is at the same time. I will try to post while in the mountains if I can manage to get logged in from JW's laptop. Also going to post some pics of my newly updated 1972 Twinkle travel trailer. We had not hauled except for one time early last summer, so it was so dirty. I have had to pull everthing out and wash everything. Also had a lot of stuff I had put in when we first got it, thinking I would need and havent' touched. Now, you must understand, this is a 14 foot camper. It is little. We love it and it is perfect for us. When both of the beds are made out, you have nowhere to set anything, other than the kitchen counter top, which isn't much, and of course there is a little closet. I learned very quickly that you take the essentials and nothing else. Sunscreen, bugspray, flashlight, t.p., it is similar to tent camping, except about 10,000 times better. All the fun stuff of tent camping and then a little house to crawl into when you need to potty, wash hands, take a nap, or make a sandwich. I love to sit at the little table in the morning, brew some coffee in my tiny coffee pot, and THEN go out by the campfire. I am really looking forward to this trip because Rene and Shannon, Nicole, Tracy and Chris, and Carter, Grandma, Kim, Penny, Betsi and Kemp, I think, and of course JW, Chase and I are all going! Nothing like a good 'ol family campout. We tell many funny stories from Fun Valley, family campouts from the past. These also happen to be my favorite vacations to do a scrap layout on! We haven't taken a vacay with JW's fam in years and this will be the first ever with Tracy and Chris! More to come on the Steelman's Southeastern Colorado Excursion!!