Sky Watch ~Kites~, plus Thanks to Blog Buddies

Lots of strong, gusty wind around here the past few days. And what's the best thing to do when it's windy? That's right! Fly a Kite!



I stood out on our bedroom balcony to get these shots.
There is something so exciting and free about watching a kite soar into the sky higher and higher.
Jax had some pretty strong arms out there trying to control his kite in those powerful gusts of wind.
A Boy and his Kite.


Check out skies from around the world at Sky Watch Friday!!!

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I had a hard day yesterday. Hubby had to work most of the day and evening, so I butt-crawled down the stairs to help my twinlings do some laundry and make some lunch. I was greeted by a foul stench in the kitchen. There were dirty dishes overflowing the sinks and trash and icky stuff on every inch of counter space and on the floor.
When I opened the fridge I saw containers filled with moldy food and empty bottles and filth on every surface. I was overwhelmed, but I went to work trying to clean up some of the mess. The floor and counters and cabinets were grimy, greasy and sticky from my hubby's cooking attempts. The microwave looked like Freddy's nightmare. Dried up red sauce, melted butter and who knows what else.

There was a thick layer of grease on top of the stove and a burnt pan filled with solid grease on top. Hubby's attempt at frying hamburgers a day earlier.

My kids helped sweep, shake out rugs, and toss trash and moldy food. They took the stale bread and containers of noodles out to my very happy chickens and much of the rest went into the compost pile.

I couldn't believe how bad my kitchen had gotten in just a few weeks without me at the helm. I only made a little dent in the chaos before I was exhausted and overwhelmed. When I looked into the living room and saw the piles of clutter on the table and our Christmas Tree still sitting there covered in ornaments, I just started to cry. It was too much.
I struggled to butt-crawl back up the stairs and was bawling my eyes out by the time I made it to the top.

The phone rang and it was a friend from our church, another homeschool Mom with 3 kids, just like me. The floodgates burst open and she listened sympathetically as I blubbered about my struggles and difficult day. She prayed with me over the phone and then offered to help by doing some of our shopping (John just does not have time and doesn't know what to buy since he doesn't cook. The banquet potpies and hungry man dinners are making us all want to vomit) and providing a few meals through our church's support team.

I was so grateful I just had to cry some more. It's amazing how God knows when we can't take anymore and sends help to get us through.

When hubby got home last night, he brought in the mail. There were packages galore and they couldn't have come at a better time. I had run out of chocolate and 'Aunt Flow' is on the verge of visiting, so I was feeling rather fragile.

Earlier in the day I felt like I was at the bottom of a deep dark pit...and between my friend from church, my family....and my friends from Blog World, I was lifted up high to the highest mountain!

So finally, I would like send out some thank you's.

First goes to my parents, for sending me a get well box of goodies. The socks are very soft and cozy and my kidlets are helping me eat the chocolate while they take my temperature, listen to my heartbeat, look up my nose and down my throat, and poke me senseless with the needle that came with the Dr's Kit they sent. Thanks so very much, Dad and Mom!

Second thank you goes to my bloggy buddy, Gail over At the Farm. She held a little Limerick Challenge on her blog recently and she liked my limerick enough to send me these wonderful books and horse magazine. Thanks Gail! These are great! You're Da Bomb, Baby!

And a third thank you goes to my blog friend, Rachel over at Wilmoth Farms. She had recently asked for my address so she could send me a few of her handmade soaps so my shower time would be less of a struggle and a little more enjoyable. I expected a couple soaps, but was completely bowled over when a heavy box arrived. And inside a large adorable baby pink and chocolate brown gift bag were all of these items! Amazing!

And what really made me laugh right out loud, was this creatively written letter about each of the items included within the bag. They each mean something and are there for a purpose. There are even strict guidelines and a disclaimer, too! lol!
I am completely floored. Are you sure this is for me? Look at all these wonderful goodies. Check out the letter (click to make it bigger). Isn't it great?!
And you know I love this soft little stuffy! My daughter thinks it's hers because I already have one from my buddy Kacy. I suppose I can share a little. We can play pony games together!
And here are the soaps she sent, an oatmeal honey goat's milk soap and a Victoria Secret scented soap. Mmmm! And she also included some luscious body butters and a handmade lip balm. I love this as I just ran out of my Whole Foods Vanilla Honey Lip balm. I feel so pampered and spoiled! Check out Rachel's website at Wilmoth Farms Handmade to see the beautiful bath items she sells. Ask hubby to buy some for you for Valentine's Day...or treat yourself to some of her wonderful handmade bath products.
I also want to share this card she sent. It totally cracked me up! Rachel's husband just went through knee surgery a few weeks ago, too. So, she has a lot of understanding for what I'm going through.
I told ya it was funny! lol! Hey Rachel, THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the fabulous goodies. I am so touched by your generosity and kindness. Hugs for you, and give Norm a hug from me, too!
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Well I'm sure you've noticed my festive Valentine themed background. Valentine's Day is one of my most favorite holidays of all. Do you think it's because I have a romantic husband that takes me out to be wined and dined?
Nah.
I love Valentines Day because I get chocolate. lol!

How do you celebrate Valentine's Day? Any special traditions? Do you go out to dinner? Get jewelry? Chocolate?

From the Tower of,