My Own Front Porch

Hannah:  “If you want to be happy, just say ‘boodle oodle oop‘.  You’ll be instantly happier!  Try it!  You’ll see.”

This one statement today has (thankfully) snapped me out of the sadness of my grandmother’s passing.  I’ve realized that she wouldn’t want us all to be miserable because she died.  She was 87, had a full life and was ready to move on.  I am grateful for that and will fondly remember her always.

Hannah, Julia, Brayton, Becky, Gracey (sleeping in the chair), Stephanie & Kent

I have so much to be grateful for.  I started dropping hints a few weeks ago to my adult daughter (who lives 5 hours away) that I was missing her.  She surprised us with a visit this past weekend.  Having all my kids together in one spot again really makes me thankful for all the things I DO have…and gives me new resolve to make the most of every minute with them.

You don’t need a life-altering event to give your resolve a jump-start.  Just say ‘boodle oodle oop‘.  Try it, you’ll see. 

We haven’t had a “go to the doctor” kind of illness in our household for  two years!  (That is, until our recent brush with swine flu.  See August 1 post.)  For a household of six, that’s quite an accomplishment, I’d say.  Regular checkups, immunizations and well-child visits are necessary; but I’m talking about cold, flu, viruses here.  We take care of the sniffles, ear-aches and common viruses on our own, without antibiotics.  Anything I’ve read recently warns to stay away from antibiotics anyway.   I’d like to share a few of our “tried and true” remedies for common illnesses if I may. Read the rest of this entry »

A long time ago, I was in 2nd grade. My teacher posed the question to the whole class, “What do you want to BE when you grow up?” My hand shot fast into the air. Unable to avoid the spectacle I was about to become, Mrs. Lucia called on me. “I want to be a homemaker!” I proudly exclaimed. Even in the 70′s, that comment brought raised eyebrows. Read the rest of this entry »