Waiting

It's no secret...

-I would like to be married
-I would like to have a little more money
-I would like to have bamboo floors put in to replace my living room and bedroom carpet
-I would like to have all the rooms in my house painted
-I would like a handyman who accepts my whole wheat baking as payment
-I would like a vacation by myself
-I would like a vacation with my kids (after the one by myself)
-And the list goes on

Some of these things are so out of my control (like being married, that is all God) and some are just not realistic now (no funds.)

But sometimes I think things need to change so it can all be alright (like if I got married things would be ok.) Then sometimes (like tonight) I am reminded how much things are alright just as they are.

God has me in this exact situation. And it's not wrong to want to be married or want things (as long as these thought do not consume me.) But that is not His plan for me right now (or maybe ever, but still He does have a plan for me.) And we are still ok.

Even though I know that we are ok right now, still I am having a hard time discerning His will over some of the things I want and am doing in my life.

I want:
-to be a stay at home mom
-to homeschool
-to be green, and more natural
-to eat lots of fresh, local, organic food

But I have to wonder are these things He wants me focusing on now as well?

Obviously I am not a stay at home mom, I work, and am so grateful for the work He has provided and so far have paid my bills (I almost have all April bills paid in full, but I do have a little debt that needs to get taken care of. I also absolutely need to work on getting back to having an emergency fund.)

I am homeschooling now, but am praying if He wants me to continue. I stress about the how. I started homeschooling years ago because I felt God call me to do so, and He has made a way so far. If it is His will, I know I shouldn't stress about money but yet I am. Also homeschooling requires so much time and energy from me, I need His strength to continue (if it His will to do so.)

I try to be green, and try to do so to care for the resources God has given us. But should I focus so much on it? It is becoming a false God?

The food stuff is really hard. It can be expensive to eat well. It also can seem rude to not eat others food because it doesn't meet my standards. I should be eating what I feel God wants me to eat and to feed my family. I am not sure I am doing that now.

So right now I am waiting on His will.

And while I wait I am content for what I do have.

I am so thankful for...

-my amazing sons, Jason & Joshua
-my mom, Scott, Kevin, Samantha, and Kaiden
-my awesome extended family
-my church family
-my loving dog, Lady
-only having to work part time for past 3 years
-homeschooling for the past 3 years
-our homeschool co-op
-all bills paid in full (except mortgage and about $1,000 debt)
-discovering green smoothies and the energy they give me
-our home
-feeling better from illness
-freedom that we have living in America
-having more than enough
-having some to share
-this blog
-that my sons each have new shoes (that they picked out)
-finding entire summer wardrobe for Joshua and Jason in shed
-nice, new, fitting clothes, that make me hold my head a bit higher and smile while I wear them
-enough fresh fruit and veggies for a green smoothie in am
-Josh doing soccer and skateboarding (things he enjoys)
-Jason starting horseback riding on Monday (through a scholarship)(he really wants to do this)
-my blog readers (aka YOU)

I can't think of a better way to wait on Him than to count my blessings.

Want to share some of yours?

-Becky

Finally fever free

It's Fri. My last fever was last night at 10pm. I am trying to avoid people until I am fever free for 24 hours. I don't want to get anyone else sick.

I cancelled the job I had yesterday that I rescheduled for today as it was to organize a little girl's art station and I didn't want to put my sick germs all over that.

I will go to work tonight (so it will not actually be 24 hours fever free, but pretty close.) Work is only 7:30-10:30 so I think I can manage.

Tomorrow I will go clean the office and babysit at night, so I only missed out on two jobs this week because of this illness.

I can't believe I have been sick since Tues. Four whole days is crazy. Tues. it wasn't too bad, I really thought it was just allergies. Wed. was the worse. Yesterday was so/so. Today I still have a headache and achy throat.

Jason is also still recovering.

I hope by Mon. we are fully recovered as for the next two weeks, Mon.-Fri. from 7:00-4:00 I will be watching my baby nephew so my sister can do some job training. I need all the energy I can for that job, he is super active at 11 months old. He is walking and getting into everything. He still is the cutest though.

How was your week?

-Becky

So it's not allergies

Jason and I are actually sick (not allergies as I thought in previous post.)

Yesterday I could barely move. Achy body, fever, headache, sore throat, cough. Thank God no stomach issues. Today is better, but still not great.

Yesterday I slept most of the day (I mean hard can't wake her sleep.) I also drank water, lemonade (since citrus is so good for colds), and hot chamomile tea.

Jason also slept half the day and rested the other half. He had water and lemonade as well.

You may ask why I didn't just take some drugs and get on with my life? The thing is the more I am embracing eating better, especially through local, organic produce, the more I also am becoming more and more against conventional meds. (Truth be told I never really liked the idea of taking meds, prayed about it a long time before I put Jason on his ADHD meds.)

But now more so than ever I am into finding more alternative, non drug alternatives.

I think the number one really is rest, being followed closely with water and hot herbal teas.

I actually just read: RX from the Garden by Kathleen Barnes

It is perfect for just getting started on what fruits, veggies, and herbs do what.

Too bad this illness I don't have most of the items in my house, but I just made a green smoothie with homegrown wheat grass, spinach, apple cider vinegar, raw honey, and strawberries and drank a pint. I then added water to blender to get rest of smoothie out and drank that (another pint.) This is the only thing I ate today. I want only good things in my body today to further help my body fight this illness.

[Josh, who is not sick, also drank a pint. He is such a good kid. Jason would rather die than drink a green smoothie.]

Yesterday I ate weird things (a piece of corn on the cob, a small piece salmon, an egg roll, and wonton soup. The corn and salmon was left over and since I was hungry but had no energy that is what I ate. The egg roll and wonton soup my mom got me for dinner. My ideas on the health effects of Chinese food, which I love to eat, will come in another post.)

Although I am feeling better than yesterday, I still am not better. The problem I have two jobs tomorrow and three Sat. I guess this is why so many turn to drugs since they just don't have time to rest. I can cancel both jobs tomorrow, but being self employed that means no pay (I know I should have an emergency fund to cover this sort of stuff, but I have used it all up on recent hot water heater and car repairs.) I canceled a job today (and rescheduled it for tomorrow.) And will make do if I have to cancel again tomorrow. But it adds further stress to think about money while trying to recover from being sick.

Going to take another nap, exerted too much energy on this post.

-Becky

Allergies

Growing up I never suffered any ill effects of allergies, but in the past few years I seem to be more and more effected. Today I feel like my head is in a vice and have so much pressure in my ears.

It stinks because it is so nice outside but I can't even open my windows because when I had them open I felt like pollen was attacking my throat and eyes.

Joshua has had issues with seasonal allergies (and cats) since birth so he is miserable, and now so is Jason too.

Has the weather changed so much in past few years? Why are Jason and I suffering from allergy symptoms when in years past we didn't?

Any other allergy sufferers? Have any good natural, home remedies?

-Becky

Debt

Romans 13:8
Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

I hate debt, but have seen to accumulated some over the past few months:

Mastercard $600 (some stuff needed, some wants)
Kohl's $170 (needed)
Owe dentist $217 (needed)

I also owe for car repairs $570. I am borrowing that money from my home insurance fund (due Nov. 1st)

So I will also owe that fund:
$570 (needed)

$1557 total

YIKES!

The dentist bill is really Josh's dad's responsibility so I am trying to get him to pay that.

I should be able to pay Kohl's off entirely by end of May (used the Kohl's to buy boys new shoes, Jason had completely grown out of every pair he owned, and Josh had no summer shoes. And Jason wears men's sizes in shoes, so they were more expensive.)

I also may have help paying my car repair bill, so hopefully by end of May I will only owe on the Mastercard.

I need prayer that I could get more cleaning or childcare jobs. Currently I only clean two houses and an office twice a month (so four jobs in total. In reality I need sixteen jobs each month, four a week.)

I hate stressing about money, and I hate debt. I know God doesn't want me stressing or having debt, so I really need to give this to Him. I need to listen to what He wants me to do for work and what He wants me to spend money on.

-Becky

Matthew 6:31-33
“Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

another tip: food waste

I wish I could say that I have made my own nutrient rich compost to use in my garden year after year, however that is not the case. I have kept food scraps out of the landfill and had them eventually turn into mush, so that is still better than that food sitting in a plastic bag not breaking down.

Since I have had a yard (since Aug. 2007) I have had a compost pile. I throw food scraps (no meat, fat, or oil) and egg shells in it. All my piles have eventually turned to mush, but not the black gold some get.

Google composting, do what works for you, but seriously keep the veggie and fruit scraps out of plastic trash bags. Stuff inside the plastic bag doesn't break down as easily without sun, water, and heat.

Also I have read if planting roses add banana peels to soil before rose bush. And used coffee grinds and tea waste (take out of little bag if you use tea in bags) are great nutrients for indoor and outdoor plants so add them to the ground above and around all out door plants.

If you boil any rice, beans, veggies, or fruit save the water and water outdoor plants. (I say outdoor as I used cauliflower water once indoor and it was stinky for days.)

Also if you have water left over in your reusable water bottles at end of day and want to empty your bottle to let dry (side note -if you don't ever do this they will get moldy, learned the hard way) dump that water on your indoor / outdoor plants.

Before you throw away any food / liquid think can I still use this?

-Becky

more good stuff for you and the earth

My last post was getting a bit lengthy, but I wanted to also add some things I do that are good for my family and I, and are good for the earth;

-no paper products (except recycled toilet paper for guests)
for paper towels I use microfiber cloths, old towels, rags, etc; for tissues I use hankies I sewed from old flannel, plus some really nice hankies I got from grandmother (they were hers years ago, talk about standing the test of time); for napkins a package of wash clothes works great (way better than store bought cloth napkins); for toilet paper I use fabric cut up from old stained, clothes (sweatshirt material is great); for sanitary products I use cloth mama pads (I have used for years now and this is one of the best green and frugal choices I have made)

-no toxic cleaners
I make my own and buy some as well, but the stuff I buy must be non toxic, biodegradable, be made with plant based ingredients, and disclose all ingredients

-make my own laundry soap
the amount of plastic bottles I have saved from never have come into my home makes this worth it (plus the huge amounts of money I have saved, and it is much more gentle on our skin)

-buy organic produce (less toxins on planet, more nutrients for me)

-buy organic free range meat products

-buy organic free range eggs

-eat less meat and more fruits/veggies (meat takes a huge amount of resources from the planet)

-buy local food (less fuel used to get it to you)

-buy products made locally or in USA (again saves fuel cost to get to you)

Not only have many of the above choices helped the earth, most also save me money. Not only are we to be a good steward of the earth, we need to apply same principal to money. Use some of that saved money to do something good for the earth and the people on it!!!

-Becky

Happy Earth Day!

Today is Earth Day! I happen to care greatly about the earth because God gave us the earth to live on and care for.

So how can you honor God by caring for the earth? By being a good steward of the earth of course. Here are some tips:

reduce:
-buy less food (so you don't have so much waste; even better take the next week, do not buy any food and only eat from your pantry, this will allow you to use up all the food in your house, and save the money you would have spent)
-evaluate what is a need, only buy what you need this week (maybe challenge yourself to go a whole month of only needs, how about 6 months? a year?)[just in case you forgot real needs are: food, shelter, clothing, and medical care]
-do not by any gifts this week, if you need a gift make something (do you take great pics, paint well, make jewelry? these make great gifts), regift something, or do something (bake a meal, clean a house, offer your organizational skills, etc)
-make a goal to remove clutter from your house (my goal is 365 items this year given away) if it is trash throw away immediately, if it is give away get out of houses asap (offer on freecycle or facebook or drop off at local thrift shop)
-buy larger portions of products so you don't have so much plastic to dispose of
-wrap food in recycled jars instead of plastic wrap/foil
-use less water (turn water off while brushing teeth, take short showers, run dishwasher and washer with full loads, get a rain barrel to water your garden and yard)

reuse:
-if you have some receiving blankets that baby has outgrown, sew into a larger blanket or cut up to use as baby wipes, hankies, or cleaning rags; same for old towels, sheets, etc.
-need a pencil holder use an old coffee can (let the kids decorate it first and it is also an art project)
-use the other side of paper before you recycle it
-melt old crayons and pour into chocolate molds (to make shape crayons) or melt old crayons in muffin tins for chunky crayons
-old couch outdated, don't toss it recover the cushions for a new updated look
-use old cereal boxes to organize paper in scrap booking or kids art area (construction paper fits great in each box, so you can sort colors)
-use old food boxes for art projects (you + your kids + internet = great art projects)
-need new frames, take some old ones and spray the frames with spray paint
-save wax from burned down candles and melt down to make new candles (I found wicks on clearance, bonus)
-save plastic netting veggies and fruits come in, scrunch them up (with a rubber band or any way you think is good) and use to scrub dirty dishes
-start seeds in egg cartons (get the cardboard ones)

recycle:
-take the time sort your glass, cans, paper, plastic, cardboard, etc
-get a can for outside so you have a separate place for the items you separated
-find out what night to put your recyclables out and what you can put out, add to calendar so you don't forget
-if your neighborhood does not recycle, find out why and encourage them to start
-if you can't get recyclables picked up at your home find out where you can drop them off
-buy recycled toilet paper (Seventh Generation is a great brand)
-buy recycled paper
-buy products that are made from other recycled products
-buy recycled batteries
-find out where you can drop off batteries and do so

What can you add?

-Becky

Heart of the Matter

I got the call today, I didn't wanna hear
But I knew that it would come
An old true friend of ours was talkin' on the phone
She said you found someone
And I thought of all the bad luck,
And the struggles we went through
And how I lost me and you lost you
What are these voices outside love's open door
Make us throw off our contentment
And beg for something more?

I'm learning to live without you now
But I miss you sometimes
The more I know, the less I understand
All the things I thought I knew, I'm learning again
I've been tryin' to get down to the Heart of the Matter
But my will gets weak
And my thoughts seem to scatter
But I think it's about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don't love me anymore

These times are so uncertain
There's a yearning undefined
...People filled with rage
We all need a little tenderness
How can love survive in such a graceless age
The trust and self-assurance that can lead to happiness
They're the very things we kill, I guess
Pride and competition cannot fill these empty arms
And the work I put between us,
Doesn't keep me warm

I'm learning to live without you now
But I miss you, Baby
The more I know, the less I understand
All the things I thought I figured out, I have to learn again
I've been tryin' to get down to the Heart of the Matter
But everything changes
And my friends seem to scatter
But I think it's about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don't love me anymore

There are people in your life who've come and gone
They let you down and hurt your pride
Better put it all behind you; life goes on
You keep carrin' that anger, it'll eat you inside

I've been tryin' to get down to the Heart of the Matter
But my will gets weak
And my thoughts seem to scatter
But I think it's about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don't love me anymore

I've been tryin' to get down to the Heart of the Matter
Because the flesh will get weak
And the ashes will scatter
So I'm thinkin' about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don't love me anymore -Don Henley

The Heart of the Matter is that we all have a void in our lives.

The bottom line is we all need forgiveness, and the best thing is that Jesus is willing to give it to us. Actually He already has. He gave His life so you can be forgiven. As evident in the first Easter, Jesus died on the cross and 3 days later rose again.

He wants to forgive you. Will you ask Him?

It's easy:

Admit you are a sinner and need forgiveness
Believe in Jesus, Believe the entire Bible as truth, Believe He died and rose again so you can have a relationship with God, Believe that He loves you
Confess your sins and commit your life to Him

Any more questions? I will be happy to try and answer or ask someone who may know the answer if I don't.
-Becky

more veggies please

today in fruits/veggies I had:

-salad (with red lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, wheat grass, and tomatoes; dressed with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar)
-tomato
-huge salad (with red lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, wheat grass, and tomatoes; no dressing)
-cooked carrots
-green smoothie (with carrot greens, carrot tops, cucumber ends, wheat grass, and homemade lemonade)

That is about 5 fruits/veggies.

I also had 3 1/2 homemade waffles with only 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 1/2 grilled swiss sandwich on wheat bread, and delicious steak (that I marinated in balsamic vinegar and grilled.) For dessert I had a slice homemade oatmeal/chocolate chip bread (made with wheat I ground myself, added the chocolate chips for kids.)

I bit too much carbs, but they were all homemade and so delicious.

I met many of my food goals for today, except drank only 3 glasses water, not the 8 I am aiming for.

What did you eat today?

-Becky

this morning's green smoothie

this morning I threw in my blender:

wheat grass (organic that I grew myself)
red lettuce (organic)
banana
almond milk (organic)
vanilla

I pulsed for a bit and then drank. It was good!

I want to get back in the habit of a daily green smoothie.

-Becky

Food goals for my family

1) eat at least 5 fruits/veggies a day (with at least 2 veggies)

2) buy 100% organic produce (I am currently about 80%)

3) no white flour or white flour products (I buy organic wheat and grind it myself) (we do this about 90% now)

4) no artificial coloring in foods (red, blue, yellow dyes) (we do not have these in home and try to avoid outside of home as well)

5) no foods with high fructose corn syrup (we do this about 70%)

6) drink lots of water (8 glasses daily for me / at least 4 daily for kids)

7) no fast food (we have now about 2 times a month)

for me I also have two more:

1) drink at least one green smoothie daily

2) don't eat when I am not hungry, and only eat small portions

Presidential Salary

The president earns a $400,000 annual salary, along with a $50,000 annual expense account, a $100,000 non-taxable travel account, and $19,000 for entertainment. He also has company car. His housing, utilities, and all health insurance are fully covered as well.

In addition, retired presidents now receive a pension based on the salary of the current administration's cabinet secretaries, which is $191,300 as of 2008. So he will be paid almost $200,000 until he dies. Including any other money he makes from future jobs, etc.

Is this too much? Or based on what he gives for our country is it not enough?

-Becky

p.s. just googled President's 2010 tax return and his family actual made about $5.5 million, mostly from book sales. He paid about $1.8 million in taxes and gave away about $400,000 (his salary from presidency.)

Huber Woods Earth Day Celebration

Jason & Josh


Today we went to Huber Woods a nature conservatory near us. They were having an Earth day celebration. The activities planned (carfts, and games) my boys were bored by. They felt they were for younger kids. But finally they found something to do that they enjoy,






...climbing



and jumping





and more climbing





oh and more jumping too




Josh also got to touch a corn snake



It was a clear, sunny day; and after Huber Woods we went to dinner at my mom's.

-Becky

baby teeth

Recently Jason lost his last baby tooth. I can't believe he is 13. I also am very proud of him for never having a cavity.

But I do have a question, what should I do with all the teeth he has lost over the years (you know the ones the "tooth fairy" has collected?) Seriously I even have the last one sitting by my computer (he didn't want to put that one under his pillow.)

They kind of gross me out? Why have I been saving them over the years? At this point whose tooth is whose? Who cares? lol.

What do you do with your kids lost teeth?

Here is one option: teeth art



-Becky

Today was awesome

I got to sleep in, go to a warehouse Easter sale with my sister in law, create an Easter basket for a little girl, clean the easiest apartment I clean (Josh helped), and go shopping for some spring/summer clothes.

Now I am going to my sister's for salmon and tonight I have my Will Graham training class.

Great day!

-Becky

Simple pleasure

Saturday, Scott (my stepfather) and Kevin (my brother) installed my new hot water heater. It feels so nice to turn on hot water and actually get hot water.

Ever since I bought this house in Nov. of 2009 the hot water heater has gone out occasionally. But in the past few months it started going out more often and eventually everyday. At first I could relight it and it would actually light. But even that stopped working in past few weeks.

I couldn't shower. I couldn't use my dishwasher (the dishes actually looked dirtier without the hot water.) Even washing my hands was torture (the water was so cold.)

I used to think I wanted to live like the pioneers, but now maybe not so much!

I am once again enjoying this simple pleasure of hot water.

-Becky

p.s. this is just an image from online, not my actual new hot water heater

Homeschool co-op progress

Two days a week, for 3 hours each day, the boys and I participate in a homeschool co-op.

Weekly we do geography, history, science, and pe. Monthly we do art as well.

I teach geography, history, science, and art to the k-2nd grade class.

We are officially more than half way through our lessons.

In geography we are studying all 50 states in order they became a state as well as where they are on map. We also do basic map skills.

In history we are studying famous Americans, which includes famous events from the revolution to about 1980.
We also are learning all the presidents. We are up to FDR.

Joshua can tell you info. about 15 famous Americans (non presidential) so far.
He knows 25 states and where they are.
He also knows about 5 presidents so far.

In science for Sept.- March we learned about human bodies, and how to keep them healthy. In the months ahead we will be doing:
the life cycle of a sunflower
the life cycle of a leopard frog
the life cycle of painted lady butterflies

In science we journal by drawing each learning activity. The kids really enjoy this and we review drawings occasionally to assure the kids still retain what we learned.

In science Josh knows the basic components of the human body, as just today he passed his quiz (it was a drawing quiz.) He also has prepared his lab for studying the life cycle of a seed. And he is anxiously awaiting our tadpoles that are due to arrive in May.

Jason recently passed his midterm in History. His class is studying 1800-present day in America as well as around the world.

In geography he is learning about countries all over the world. He has decided he wants to live in Italy one day and wants Italian to be the language he learns starting next year.

His science is environmental science. They are building a sustainable house (a model), with solar panels, a green house, and more. They also have built an engine that runs on water and batteries. The tragedy in Japan has given them concern over the environmental effects of this earthquake, especially in regards to the nuclear power plant.

I am really glad we participate in this co-op. It is very small, and works well for our family.

Jason's class has one of his best friends who is a year older and two friends who are younger as well, so it is a nice mix.

My class is just three kids, one is Josh and another is Josh's best friend.

If it is God's will I continue homeschooling next year, I hope it is also His will that I can participate in this co-op again.

If you homeschool do you participate in any co-ops? Do they meet weekly, monthly, once in a while? What do the kids take there?

-Becky

Excited

I love homeschooling. I love that I am learning so much and discovering a love for history (we are studying 1800-present, just America with Josh, all over with Jason.)



Last week Josh and I (and the kids I teach in the history co-op) learned about Benjamin Franklin. He was an amazing man. I am now reading his autobiography. He was self taught. He was a printer and amazing author. He helped write the Declaration of Independence. He was a well trusted man.

He invented so many things like:
bifocals
the lightening rod
Franklin stove

He started:
postal system
first fire station
first hospital

The best part is next week we are on break from co-op and I am taking boys to Philly to Franklin court, so we can see his house, the first post office, and print shop he started. We can even pay him tribute at his grave.

Philly, PA is such an awesome place to visit. So many attractions are free. And you can stand in a room that men like Ben Franklin stood and brainstormed the ideals our country stands for today.

I am so excited!

Pray it doesn't rain when we go!

-Becky

I have a 2 year old

My 13 year old has regressed to a 2 year old. Although I think most 2 year olds cute (even during a tantrum) this is NOT cute at all.

He is refusing to comply (isn't no every two year olds favorite word.)He is talking nonsense and anything for shock value (what 2 year old doesn't love bathroom humor?) He is even throwing tantrums.

All this is hard on him, but it is harder on me. I know God does NOT make mistakes and he chose me to be Jason (and Josh's) mom, but this is A LOT! It is physically exhausting, emotionally draining, spiritually troubling, and just plain NO fun!

I want to enjoy my kids. I want to have fun times with them. But Jason especially makes it so hard.

I know he is the kid and I need to be the adult and handle all this. Today I just don't want to.

Please keep me and my family in your prayers.

-Becky

Consequences / Rewards

I want to recommend the If Then chart and Blessing Chart by Doorpost. These are great for consequences and rewards and also contain verses so kids can apply God's words in there hearts. (The red wording on blessing chart is filled in, you add any consequences and rewards you want to chart.)

I recommend letting your kids help with appropriate consequences and rewards. I think this helps them own the charts and want to do what is on them better. Of course parents should have the final say (Jason wanted $10 for sharing all day. At that rate I would owe him $300 a month, good deal for him, but not for me.)

Check out the charts here.

Do you use these? Do you use something else? What works best for your family regarding consequences and rewards?

-Becky

Credit Card bill

My credit card will be $330 by the end of the month. I will be able to pay at least $200 on it, hopefully the entire balance as I hate debt (but not enough to not have ordered the vac then steam.)

How is your debt?

-Becky

My dirty little secret

For 2 days now I have had dirty dishes, not in my sink, but soaking in my tub. (No this is not an April fool's joke, I wish.)

Did you know that some dishwashers will not work without hot water (my hot water heater is broken, has been for too long.) I discovered shortly after discovering the hot water heater was out that my dishes were not getting clean.

Easy, you say just hand wash your dishes. I usually do but with only freezing water to wash them my hands get really cold, really fast. And Tues. I decided to make yummy, but very sugary and sticky candy. So Wed. am when I tried to wash dishes before we were having a therapist to the house I put all the dishes in the tub.

And I finally just got to washing them. At least I had time to boil water to wash them in and keep my hands warm.

I love the idea of living like the pioneers did, but am reconsidering now that we have no hot water. It effects our showers (ever take a freezing shower, I have taken at least 3 lately. It is more annoying than having kids bang on door during a warm shower.) It effects washing our hands (washing for 30 seconds is a challenge, plus I am sure with out warm water we are not killing as many germs.) It effects our dishwasher, it does not clean dishes without hot water.

Don't fret we have been showering at my mom's and sister's, but this is an inconvenience because it takes that much longer to pack up all our shower stuff and go elsewhere to shower.

I know I am complaining, but seriously even in all the inconvenience I am still praising God. Praising him we have a home. We have heat and warm blankets. We have our health. We have all March bills paid in full (including April mortgage and taxes.) We have access to clean, fresh water. We have a stove that we can heat water on. We have food. We have so much. So many don't have anything. God is using our no hot water to remind me we are SO BLESSED!!!

-Becky

p.s. I have money for the hot water heater, just waiting until my brother and stepfather have time to install it.