A New Week

The beginning of a new week with many things to do. Sometimes, we face new challenges. I am reminded of an old saying. If at first you don't succeed, try and try again. How many times when you were growing up, did your mother tell you that, when you were striving to get something done, and you were frustrated?



I love sayings. I found this saying to share with you today... "The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work." -Mark Twain

One Year Blogging Anniversary!

Today, is my One Year Blogging anniversary! I can't believe that I have been blogging The Lavy Family Blog one year!

This has been one great experience, a kind of online journal read by family, friends and drop in's. Everyone is welcome!:) There is usually always, something to write about! Maybe, I get it from dad. My dad is a great story teller. I can sit and listen to him tell stories for hours on end about all the things that have happened when he was younger. Now that he is older, he goes back in time. There is always a story there! Not to bore you, but, I hope you've enjoyed this last year. I hope that this in new year there will be some exciting things to write about. For some reason, I think there will be!!!

I think the hardest part of blogging is the fear of who will want to read a grandmother's blog. I'm older and don't have the energy to do everything that the younger ones do, but it has been rewarding and I've had several people tell me that they like to read my blog. To all of those who have given me encouragement, Thank you!

Sometimes, just the reminder of what we want to do and taking action to do it, takes courage. Just starting and working with this blog for me took courage. But, I am reminded of the scripture, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13 Just stepping out...

The Creator has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do.- unknown

Do all the good you can... By all the means you can... In all the ways you can... In all the places you can... At all the times you can... To all the people you can... As long as ever you can. - John Wesley

Indoor Gardening

Today, I was working on my indoor gardening. It is fun to watch the newly planted seeds become growing plants. I'm most happy about my holly hock seed. They are nice little plants. I do seem to struggle with getting them to reseed outside. I have heard others say the same thing.

I have a couple little mini green houses. One is in the kitchen and one is just outside my dining room in a protected area. They aren't very big and are about the size of a bakers rack. In fact if they weren't so plain, you might consider them a bakers rack. They have zippered plastic around them that makes them little green houses. I had to do some rearranging in my kitchen to get the one in front of a window. I was using a light over them in another area and that wasn't enough light. Since I have moved the one in front of a window and I use a light over it at night, my plants seem to be doing o.k.

When I unzipped my mini greenhouse today, I was met with the wonderful smell of tomato. I love it! Of course, the plants are small, but the second set of leaves are coming on and so is the smell. :) I ran out of my frozen tomatoes sauce, so I'm planning on doing more sauce this next year. I really look forward to fresh tomatoes.

I have been researching different veggie 8 type juices and when the tomatoes start coming on, I want to try a couple different recipes before I can them. With the V8 juice the price it is, I think it is well worth making my own juice. It may not be quite the same, but I think I can get my portions in and have a great juice. I'll at least try! :)

One Long Night...

Last night...was one long night!

Amy called and said Beth needed me that Isaiah was very sick, so off I went. I was going to just spend the night and help her out, but Isaiah was in so much pain with his other flu symptoms that Beth called her Ped's office and they sent her to the hospital. A bad night... one sick little boy, two very tired women who were totally exhausted. (Does that sound familiar to you moms?) Mike got there around two... that made it nice for Beth and Isaiah to have him there. We got to Beths a little after 5:00 this morning. I have had a little sleep, but I sure am tired. The important thing is that he is better.

Maybe I'll end this with a cute story...

Yesterday, I was trying to compute. I had the diningroom table cloth in the laundry and, I had some papers lying on the table. My little white nameless kitten we're calling podunk right now was laying behind my computer. She was laying on the papers. We don't like her on the table, but she likes to be near me when I work and that was as close as she could get. She could hear me typing and would reach her little paw around the laptop and give my hand a pat. I would push her away, but she just kept doing it.

I usually let her in at night while we sleep and we keep all the bedroom doors shut. She isn't as hyper if she is in at night. When she's hyper, she's like a mountain lion and that is the truth. Jump, pounce and the whole bit, but that ends her up back in the garage. I think she knows because she has been trying to be good. Anyway, Merrill is really attatched to her. I didn't think I would ever see him attatched to a cat. But, she just loves him. She can't wait for him to sit down in his chair in the morning or at night. She's still an in the house and garage cat, so, when she gets to be to much to the garage she goes.

O.K. I'm Back...

Welcome everyone!

O.K. I'm back. After complaints that my private invitation only was to hard to access, I have made some changes that might help. So, with these changes, I am not private any longer.

She Did It!

She did it... Beth posted her announcement!

I've been waiting for her to post so I can tell my blog that I am going to be Grandma again! A November baby is on the way. :) She wanted all the brothers, sister and grandparents to know before she announced it on her blog.

This will be one happy little boy because he loves babies!

This 'N That

Well, I've just been doing this 'n that. I copied off several coupons. I added them up and so far I have $19 in usable coupons. I found some nice coupons that I have not had before one was for Chex mix for $.60, Bic Markers $3.00 24 pk, Scott tissue $1.00, Nortland Cranberry Blend Juice $1.00 plus more. I really think the online coupons are better than what the newspaper has. That may be because they do not have to pay the newspaper to circulate them. I also signed up for some free samples and hopefully they have coupons. I know that what I have been getting usually has a coupon. Oh yes, Sears has a free classic wall portrait available.

I did get most of my links from the moneysavingsmom.com links plus other links off of those. It's a good pass time when you aren't busy. Anyway, if you count them as money and watch for the items on sale you've got a little tax free income there. It is only worth it if you do it for things that you need. Also, I know you're probably tired of hearing me say it but the pantry, storage and freezer help you because you can watch for sales. I'm pleased anyway because I've got at least $19 in coupons right now that I printed off last night and that doesn't include the newspaper coupons. :)

Since we canceled our one home line I had to resign up for the do not call registry. This is the link if you do not have it ... https://www.donotcall.gov/ It takes about 31 days to show up on the registry. Also, when you sign up for things that does not opt you out, but it might help.

Well, Merrill finished Duane's job yesterday. Duane was so sick and Merrill was a little better and was able to work even though he did not feel good. He came home exhausted though. I talked to Duane this morning and he is better. Isaiah is sick again, but hopefully Beth will not get it again. Merrill and I are better so that's a plus.

Have a Blessed day!

Spring Beginnings

I just love the changing of the seasons and all that each season has to offer. I am always ready for the next season. There is beauty in each seasonal change. I want to share this poem that I wrote a few years back. It is a fun simple poem!

Springs Beginnings

The beginnings again
Of flowers and trees.
Butterflies and bees
New life, begins again.

Flying kites
Riding bikes
Laundry flopping
Flying in the wind.

Gardens and yard games
Parties and fun
Spring is welcome
By each and everyone.

Connie Lavy (c) 2006

As we start this Spring 2008 season, we find that there are just so many things to do. A woman's work is never done. Quite frankly, I've never understood someone being bored. My mind is always in a swirl with things that I want to do. Time... is the problem... so I just try to break things down to little by little and bit by bit.

Changes...

I have gone to private invites for this blog. I feel like this is the thing to do at this time.

Beautiful Spring Days...

Aren't we having beautiful spring days? We had such a nice Easter Sunday. Merrill and I went to the Easter sunrise service. It was a nice service even though it was cold. We had a great breakfast at the Pastor's house and a nice Easter service.

Some of our children & their families were here for dinner. It was really nice to see Paul and his family. We had most of the family here for dinner and then the children hunted colored eggs filled with candy. They had lots of fun.

Merrill & I picked up this mini virus going around so we're not feeling the greatest. Merrill is getting out of bed to go and help Duane who is pretty sick now and in the middle of a cement pouring job. This should prove to be interesting...the sick helping the sick. Anyway...I'm out with my Lysol can spraying door knobs, phones etc. I don't remember a winter that has had so many different viruses going around.

Decisions...

I'm trying to decide if I want to go private or not. I have thought about it for some time, but I'm not sure. The pros are that just the people that I contact can read it but the cons are that being on a list complicates it.

We'll see...

Christ Is Risen!

Good Friday

It is Good Friday the commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus.

"God's blessings on those whose faith is in the Lord!"

First Day of Spring

I'm wishing you a happy first day of Spring!

I enjoyed the day shopping. I made some pretty good grocery sales at Meijer today, but my really big savings was at CVS. I was sad that I lost my $14 in February ECB because of getting the flu and the mini blizzard, but today made up for it!

To get back on track, I had to make a major purchase of $4.80. I got 4 cans of Glad, Country Gardens, air freshener, 2 bottles of Listerine mouth wash, 1 tube of Colgate toothpaste and two large Mr. Goodbars. I had coupons which also helped my purchases. I got $12 in ECB. But, they did not have my dove body wash which I needed, so we had to go to a second CVS. At this CVS, I purchased my 4 Dove Body washes. I had coupons which I used and then I got to use my ECB bucks, so I spent $.26 at the second store.

I figured out that I purchased $42.34 (non-sale price) worth of mostly body products, plus the chocolate which is now considered healthy for you :), for a total of $5.06 and I still have $9.99 in ECB.

Now folks, I need all these supplies. We can't keep enough body wash! The other products are used daily and the candy, well, it just won't last long. Ask me to explain it, I've tried and those that I've told it to just don't comprehend it. Quite frankly, neither do I, but it works!

I was raised on a pantry & household supply storage, so my mother did a great job of teaching me to stock up. I do not like to run out of anything. I live in the country and gas is like buying gold, so I think that it is more important to have a pantry and household supply storage in this present era. By having a pantry and supply storage you can take advantage of sales and closeouts. If you work it correctly, you almost never have to pay full price for some of the things that you need. I've done this for years. But, this new ECB that CVS is offering at this present time is awesome. And, it may not last, but while it does take advantage of it.

When you see a coupon, take a look at the amount of the coupon and consider it money. That helps put a whole new look on things. It is real helpful if you don't mind trying different brands of the foods that you like because you can save money. As Ben Franklin said, "A penney saved is a penney earned!"

.

Great Computing Day

While working at my desk...I've decided that today is a great computing day! It is rainy and cold and I'm inside. I like being in and working on days like today especially since it is a little windy. Just that cozy feeling!

This N That

This has been quite the rainy day. Merrill and I had a couple of things since he wasn't able to work today because of the rain.

Someone was wanting to see a picture of Duane's boys, so I am posting this for them.

(L) Kyle, 17, Duane,(R) David, 14

I found this picture that reminded me of a story that Steve was telling us about a hound dog with long ears. This dog has looooooooong ears!

Just Love A Rainy Day!...

I just love a rainy day! I can just feel the arms of God encircling me. I know that I've told you this before, but I am reminded of this again this morning...We are loved with an everlasting love and underneath are the everlasting arms! These are a few of the verses that I thought of this morning.

"The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee."
Jeremiah 31:2-4

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:15-17

"Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace."
2 Thessalonians 2:15-17

Everyone who accepts Christ as saviour can have everlasting life and experience this everlasting love. Christians know the peace of sins forgiven and of having the everlasting arms take care of them. There is a joy that only God can give!

As we take time to read and meditate on scripture this Holy Week before Easter, remember, "...Without the shedding of blood there is no remission (of sins.)" Hebrews 9:22

Nothing But The Blood
1
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Chorus:
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus

2.
For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

3
Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

4
This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

5
Now by this I’ll overcome—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
Now by this I’ll reach my home—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

6
Glory! Glory! This I sing—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
All my praise for this I bring—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

by Robert Lowry, 1876

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The only Irish that I know of in our family is a Great Grandmother that we called Granny Marthy. She was a loving old woman. She lived to be 96 and had a laugh that could clear the cob webs out of a room! I think I'll always remember something that she said over 30 yrs ago. "Grab all your younguns' and bring um on down!" She had several children around 8 or 9 (I'm not sure), but outlived most of them. She loved kids and she laughed a lot. She lived in a little frame house in Ky at the bottom of a big hill. We would park on the road, go down a path and across a log which was flattened on the top that was the bridge over a creek to get to her house. She was a fun person to visit. ...Just enough Irish so that I could wear green on St. Patricks Day and not get pinched! ;)

Happy Birthday Nick

Happy Birthday Nick, this blog entry is dedicated to you!

Springs On The Way...

Springs on the way... and I am ready. I loved the snow, it was beautiful and fun and pretty, but now it's time to move on and start spring. The Canadian geese are back, we only get 2-3 each year, so they are not a problem here except when they nest. They will not let you get too close, but who wants to ...geese flog!





I had lost my camera, but now it is found (really a week ago). I uploaded my pictures and found this cute picture of Lauryn and Brooklyn looking out the window at one of their favorite cats. It is so cute!



I've been so busy... starting garden plants, indoor gardening, in fact Merrill is wondering if he is living in the garden! :) Well, I already had numerous house plants like my violets, Christmas cactus, aloe vera, snake plant and some others, so I do have an indoor garden. I just added tomatoes, peppers and some flowers to the mix. ;)



I have been painting a picture for Isaiah's room. I've had the canvas for months and she wanted to get the room painted and needed the finished product. I also wanted to get it done before I got too involved in other projects.



I've been watching for the robin. I can't wait to hear his sweet chirping song! For sure, we will know spring is on the way, but for sure it will be spring next Thursday. Time flies!

More Snow's On The Way!

I can't believe that I haven't blogged in March at all. How sad! Well, I am back and more snow's on the way!!! This will probably be our last snow storm here in Oh ... after all it is March.

We had an ice storm midweek and our electric was out for about 7-8 hrs., but others weren't so fortunate and had long term outages. They set up a temporary place set up in our area for those who did not have electric and heat. There were lots of trees and lines downed. (It kinda reminded me of our trip out west last year when they had the same thing. They had days and days of outage.) I think that most of it in our area is back up. Our son Steve and his family stayed Tuesday night and Wednesday with us because of their outage. They got their electric back on about 11:00 p.m. Wed. night and they got to go home. Snow is better than ice! So, I am happy we are getting snow right now!!!

I just thought I'd get in some early gardening while it is snowing, so I rushed out and brought in some flower pots and my mini green houses. I planted tomato plants last week and they are starting to peek through. Now, that is exciting! I love to see the little seeds turn into plants.

Merrill, has been pushing for me to get the seeds started because he wants earlier tomatoes. When we plant these plants out, probably in six weeks, we will use the plastic milk jugs as miniature green houses and we should get early tomatoes.

I can't wait to see & hear the robin. So, I think I'm getting ready for Spring! But, for now, I'll enjoy this one last snow and work on my inside gardening. :)