Menu plan Monday

Here is what's on the menu for this week...

Monday: Soft Tacos

Tuesday: Chicken Pot pie

Wednesday: Lenten supper at church...I'm providing the sandwiches and dessert. I am planning a "Super Sub" or two (BIG sandwiches on French bread) and a pan of brownies

Thursday: Leftover buffet

Friday: GIRLS NIGHT OUT!! PLEASE let this happen! I missed out on my retreat and my massage...I REALLY want to go out with my friends!!!!

Massage? Who needs a massage?

ME!! Ok, just like my weekend away, the massage will have to be put on hold. Now, Andrew is puking...Bethany still has a fever and is coughing pretty bad now. Maybe it's just all the "stuff" going on, but my tummy hurts. At least the massage can be rescheduled...
I'm off to wake Abbigail up so she can at least go to school today.

200th post!!

Ok, first of all...200 posts!! Can you believe it? I certainly cannot! To think I've stuck with something that I have done over 200 times...wow!

On to the topic of this post. Children and sickness. Abbigail is better. She hasn't thrown up since Friday around noon. Bethany's fever seemed to be gone on Saturday, but has returned today. When she woke up from her nap this afternoon, her eyes were all red and puffy. She looked like she had either been in a fight or had been crying for about two hours...neither of these occurred. So...why is she all puffy? Why hasn't her fever gone down. I don't know! I'm just on the verge of being concerned. I think she'll be going to see the doctor tomorrow.

Since I didn't get to go on my little trip, the girls and I did get to go to the wrestling tournament. Andrew did wonderful! The first match he was pretty clueless. This is his first tournament ever, so he just didn't know the routine (putting the colored thing on his leg, shaking hands, listening to his coach, etc.) He got beat by points in the third round. It was a learning curve...for everyone! I apparently couldn't figure out the new handycam either. Apparently I paused it instead of recording. I figured out the camera by his second match...and it was a good one! He ended up pinning the other little boy. YEA! Go Andrew! In the third match, Andrew was pinned. But he put up a great fight! He didn't give up, even though it was obvious that the other boy had been wrestling for a long time. The other boy was much quicker and more brutal. Andrew's shoulder is sore from the other little boy squeezing it so hard. It was very hard for this momma bear to stay off the mat when my baby was being beaten. But I know it's part of the sport, and Andrew loves wrestling so much! It's a great sport for his asthma. He ended up winning 4th place in the tournament for his weight and age class. I'm not sure exactly how many children were in his weight/age class, but there were at least 10...so 4th in his first tournament is pretty great! He got a trophy that he is so proud of. I'll get a pic and post it soon!

I'm excited about tomorrow. Tomorrow I'm fulfilling one of the gift certificates I received from one of my child care families for Christmas. I'm getting a massage! Oh, how wonderful this will be! I've had two others (also gifts) and they are so wonderful...if only I can work Bethany's doctor appointment around the massage appt.!!!

The last item I'd like to address in this rather random #200 post is the weather. What is up with the weather??? Yesterday it was nearly 80 degrees (and we had to spend the entire day inside at the wrestling tournament!)...today, it is 33 degrees, very windy, and SNOWING!

What is up with the weather??????

I guess that's what I get for living in Western Kansas...he highest temp for this week is only 55...I want the 70's back!! Ok, God, I'll be patient!

Well, this brings us to the conclusion of yet another rambling, nonsensical post on Prochnow Blessings...thanks for reading! :o)

Retreat, who needs a retreat?

ME!!! But, it doesn't look like I'll be getting one this year. It's now 5:20 in the morning, the time I usually get up to go walking. However, I've been up multiple times tonight. Bethany has had a fever for 2 days. I was in denial. I kept thinking that if I just kept up with the Tylenol and ibuprofen she would be fine. Just a fever, nothing else...well...the fever won't go away. I was questioning last night whether I should take her to stay with my parents with this fever, but I thought that if they kept up with the meds, she'd be fine. Ok, now Abbigail has been up all night puking. I'm NOT taking that to Wichita. That is the last thing my dad needs right now! So...I'm not going to my retreat, or to visit my parents. I'll let them sleep a little longer, and then give them a call....Hey, I do get to go to the wrestling tournament now and see my son wrestle, that's a plus...
Ok, I'm having a bit of a pity party here...I guess you are all invited. I'm just going to make sure it's a SHORT party, then back to life!!

I am OUTTA here!

Well, I'm off...ok, not quite yet, but soon! I am in the midst of making final preparations so that I can leave in the morning to attend my pastor's wives retreat. I am so thankful that I get this opportunity to do this each spring...or almost spring! I will not have access to a computer, taking a bit of a break I guess. I will probably check in on Saturday night from my parent's house...
Have a blessed weekend. Give your pastor's wife a hug this weekend! Tell her how much you appreciate the ministry that her husband, and she does in your church. How much you love and support them. Trust me, it will make her week, and possibly year!!!

Blessings-Andie

Thankful Thursday

Yes, it is Thursday again! I am so thankful for a great week! Here is a short list of my thankfuls for this week...

• I am thankful for some beautiful weather...I really think spring is coming!! Yippee!
• I am thankful for the opportunity to teach again. If you remember last week, I was waiting for a call and trying to make a decision. The call came, and hubby and I prayed and made a decision. I am going to be a preschool director and teacher next year! Thank You God, for letting me go back to teaching. I am trusting that God will show me the perfect place for my little Bethany to spend 3 mornings a week while I teach a younger class, she will join me at preschool for the afternoons.
• I am thankful for my children, their love, their forgiveness when I'm not the perfect mommy, their laughter, and their hugs.
• I am thankful for my hubby. He is such a strong support to me. Every morning he asks how far I walked and is so proud of me.
• I am thankful that I am finally seeing results from my walking almost daily. The scale has started going down, and even better...my pants are all becoming very loose. I am planning on purchasing a belt this weekend...I haven't needed one of these in about 4 years (since I was pg with Bethany!) Yippee!!! Thank You, God for helping me to get up at the early hour and walking. I enjoy spending "quiet" time with God while I walk...I read my Bible. So far in 2008 I have read Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, and I'm almost finished with Judges. Wow...I don't think I've ever read this much of my Bible in such a short time!
• I am thankful that my childcare moms are supportive of me going back to teaching. They are sad that I won't be caring for their children, but they are happy for me and my new opportunity.
• I am SO THANKFUL that I get to go to a pastor's wives retreat this weekend. This is my one weekend away from my family...I love them, but having time away is a necessity some times! I am so looking forward to time with other PW's, time in prayer and Bible study. Time to fellowship and worship our God. I am taking my girls with me and dropping them off at my parents house for the weekend. Andrew and hubby are staying home so they can participate in a wrestling tournament. I'm so sad I will miss the tournament, but we have friends who will video his match, so I'll still get to see it.
• I am thankful that spell check is working again on Blogger...hopefully it will help me out! :o)
• There is so much more that I am thankful for...breathing, new eyeglasses, sunshine, yummy grapes I got on sale this week, and a million other things that I won't take time to write out right now....I did promise a "short" list!! :o)

Head on over to Iris' to see what others are thankful for! Have a blessed week everyone!

After Pictures

Well, I'm done. The kitchen and dining room look much better. I know there is still more to be done, but I am proud of what I have accomplished today!

Company girl...today's mission

Have you checked out the button on my sidebar that claims I am a company girl? This is a fun place to go each day for a small mission to make our homes a sanctuary. Well, today's mission is not so small, at least not for me. Today's mission is to tackle the "dumping ground" in our home...apparently she thinks there is only one...not in my house! Some days, my house looks like it is an ENTIRE dumping ground. So...today I am going to do something about it! I am posting before pictures right now, and then I'm going to get to work. My thinking is that if I post before pictures...I HAVE to post AFTER pictures, too...so I WILL do this! So...please be kind, these are the before pictures of my kitchen counters and my dining room table. Come back in a few hours and see the after pictures!

Here's the table... Here are the counters...

Grocery Shopping

I ran to the grocery store this evening to buy some milk, bread, and a few other supplies for the week. While I ran through the isles...I saw other items that I knew we were nearly out of, that were on sale! I only purchased two things that weren't on sale, eggs and generic velveeta (gotta have it for mac-n-cheese!). My total was $29.81. The kicker part is the total savings...$25.18!!!! I purchased my groceries for nearly half price! I LOVE a good deal! All of these items are things we will use, nothing that was "out there" and will sit on the shelf. Here's a list of all the groceries I got for $29.81 (this includes tax, and remember, this is all from the local, small town grocery store)
1 dozen eggs
2-2 cup packages of kr*ft mozarella cheese
generic velveeta
2 gallons of skim milk
2 jars of Ragu spaghetti sauce
2 loaves of sandwich bread
3 pkgs hotdogs
2 pounds of apples
2.8 pounds of red grapes
1 sleeve of celery

Ok, the receipt is much longer, and looks much more impressive. The milk was on sale for $2.99, and is usually $3.85 and the grapes were on sale for .99 cents/pound, they are usually more around the $3.00/pound mark this time of year...and they look so yummy! I know some kiddos who will be in heaven when they open up their lunch boxes tomorrow!
I know I could probably do even better if I took the time to clip coupons, but I just don't take the time. I generally purchase the store brand, unless (like today) the name brand is on sale cheeper than the store brand.
I was just so excited when I saw that the total was $29.81 and the total savings for today was $25.18...just wanted to share! Thanks for letting me ramble! :o)

Menu Plan Monday

What is for supper this week?? HMMM...let me think...

Monday: Bacon-cheeseburger meatloaf and macaroni and cheese. Carrots and ranch dressing for the kiddos and a salad for hubby and I
Tuesday: Spaghetti pizza and ooey gooey cheesy bread, salad
Wednesday: Lenten dinner at church...I don't have to cook!
Thursday: Hubby is out of town this evening for a meeting, so it's just the kiddos and I, probably a combination of corn dog for Abbigail, PB& J for Andrew, and mac&cheese leftovers for Bethany. I'll see what else I can find that tickles my fancy....basically a fend for yourself night! (although I still fix the kids food...
Friday: The girls and I are going out of town, so Andrew and Hubby are on their own.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...

These three words sum up my weekend. Well, mainly only one decision, but it was a big one.
I am going back to teaching. I have accepted the job offer from the preschool here in town. I am officially now their new director and a lead teacher. I will be teaching a three-year-old class MWF mornings and a 4-year-old class M-F afternoons. I am excited about teaching, this has always been a passion and a love of mine. To be honest, the director part is a bit concerning for me. Thankfully the now-retired director is staying on as a teacher and has told me she is more than willing to show me the ropes. My other concern about going back to teaching right now is that Bethany is not in full-time school. She will be at the preschool with me for the 4-yo program, but not in my class! But I will need to find child-care for her those three mornings.
I also was nervous about calling my child-care families and telling them the news. Being teachers themselves, they understand my love of teaching, but they were hoping that I would turn the job down. They both said that they were happy for me, they think the job is a great one for me, but they are sad for themselves because good child care in this town is hard to come by (oh great, now I'm looking for childcare, too!) I will be able to finish off this school year with them, so that is a relief. They both told me that they didn't want me to take the job, but thought I should anyway...so they are supportive (THANKS LADIES!)
So...this is what my mind has been full of this weekend. It is good to have a decision made. Warren and I both feel pretty good about it, so that is also a blessing. Thank you all for your love , support, and prayers...please don't stop now!

Dance outfits...

Ok, that was really not nice of me to post pictures and not allow my mom and dad to see...so here are some pictures they are allowed to see.

We were able to get Abbigail and Bethany's dance recital costumes this week. They are so adorable. We had to try them on to make sure they fit, and then the girls wouldn't take them off! They followed the "no eating or drinking" while wearing their costumes rule. I let them wear them for about 45 minutes, then made them take them off! I was so worried that something would happen to them! Now we just need to get Bethany some tights to cover those winter white legs!Three guesses what Bethany will be for Halloween this year...:o)

Bethany has a surprise for you!!!

Bethany has a surprise for all of you, but if you are my parents (Bobbie and Papa) PLEASE don't look. She wants to surprise you when she comes to see you next week.

Ok, ready for the surprise?







Bobbie and Papa, you aren't looking, are you??







Can you see the surprise?



How about now?? Sorry for the blurry picture, I guess I need to ask Abbie for some lessons!

Ever since Abbigail had her ears pierced 16 months ago, Bethany has been talking about getting hers done. Our dear friend, Hester, who does our hair is retiring. She is selling all her cosmotology stuff...and in the "stuff" was an ear piercing gun and a bunch of studs. I asked her if I purchased the gun if she would pierce Bethany's ears when we felt ready, and she said of course. Well, that day came only 2 days later. Bethany has been talking about it nonstop since we got the gun (I put it WAY far up so she wouldn't be able to pierce anything on her own!!!) We talked about how it would hurt, but just for a few minutes. How she would need to be brave. How she would have to let me clean them twice a day. How she would need to leave them alone! She agreed to all the terms, and still wanted it done! So...we did it. She was SO brave. She flinched when Hester put the dots on her ears with the marker because she thought that it was going to be the part that hurt, so Hester drew a smiley face on her hand to show it was ok. Hester even "fired" the gun a few times so Bethany would know what it sounded like, so she wouldn't be scared. She sat so still and didn't cry at all, until the first earring had been placed for about 3 seconds, then she howled! We quickly did the other ear, and gave lots of snuggles! She was so brave. She even sat very still while Hester was doing the second ear, even knowing it was going to hurt. As soon as Hester was done, she handed her a mirror so Bethany could see her sparkles, and oh, boy...she was so pleased! You can see in her face that she's been crying, and still not entirly sure about the whole thing, but she's pretty proud now!

I got THE call...

Well, the head of the board at the preschool called and offered me the position as director and teacher. We went over some of the specifics, but I did not accept or turn down the job. I told her that I would like the weekend to think and pray about it. Warren and I have already discussed it many times, and just want to rehash everything one more time. So...I'll let you know when we decide! :o)

I DID IT!

Yes, I did jog this morning...so that makes 3 days in a row!! Oh yea...go me! ;o)

Thankful Thursday

Yes, I know it is Wednesday night, but if I don't do this now, I might not get a chance tomorrow! So...here is what I am thankful for this week.

• I am thankful for the beautiful weather on Tuesday, made me long for Spring...I am thankful that Spring IS coming! Say it with me now "Spring IS coming!"
• I am thankful that Mrs. Wonderful (Abbigail's 2nd grade teacher) is able to begin her treatment for her cancer so quickly. We pray for strength and courage. I am thankful that her substitute teacher (for 2 months, then another one to finish the year) is planning special activities for the children to do for Mrs. Wonderful, to help them stay connected...for their emotional well-being, and Mrs. Wonderful's, too.
  
• I am thankful that Abbigail feels comfortable enough with me that she can share her fears and worries. She can cry on my shoulder, and laugh with me, too. She is so concerned for her teacher, she cries a lot...we talk about Mrs. Wonderful's faith, and even if her body is not strong enough to fight this cancer, we will see her in heaven. However, she is a young, healthy (besides this cancer) woman, she will fight with all she's worth! The principal came to talk with the children on Tuesday and tell them that Mrs. Wonderful wouldn't be back to school this year. When I picked Abbigail up she came running across the cross walk and threw herself into my arms, crying. My heart breaks for this little girl, but I am thankful that she is sharing her feelings and not bottling them up. I am thankful that Mrs. Wonderful has boldly professed her faith, even in this public school. I am thankful for her example of faith in the face of trials, she is a true inspiration!
• I am thankful for a great interview on Tuesday. I will find out today (Thursday) if I will be offered a job as the director and a teacher at our local preschool. I miss teaching so much! I pray that God will make it clear if this is what He intends for my life at this point, and if it is what I am supposed to do, that He will clearly show me where Bethany is to spend three mornings a week while the younger class meets.
• I am thankful for supportive childcare moms. They don't want me to take the preschool position because they want me to care for their children, but they also know my heart and are willing to "share" me with the rest of the community. They have made it a habit lately of telling me how much I am appreciated, and that is always nice to hear.
  
• I am thankful for my husband. Although he drives me nuts sometimes, I love him dearly. I am thankful that he loves me...and finds me attractive.
• I am thankful for my treadmill (thanks hubby!), I am getting great exercise, and I'm so excited that I have actually sped up to a jog a few mornings this week! Woohoo!
• I am thankful for our wonderful Christian music radio station. It is so wonderful to be able to turn it on and know there will be good music, and nothing to embarrass the kids, or me!
• I am thankful for Lent. Such a somber time, but a time to prepare for the highest festival...Easter! Thank You, Jesus for what you have done for us, and continue to do for me, daily!

I hope you all have a terrific week! Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow! Say it with me, now..."Spring IS coming!"

Head on over to Iris's blog to see more lists of Thankful Thursdays.

2 days in a row!

I jogged again this morning...yippee!! I'm going for three days in a row!

I jogged!!!!

I am so excited...I just just have to tell you...I JOGGED this morning! I went for my usual walk on the treadmill and realized that walking at 3.2 mph with an incline, my heartrate was up, but my breathing was normal, not even a bit strained. So, after 2 miles, I thought I'd kick it up a notch. I went up to 4.2 mph, and started jogging. About 2 seconds later I thought to myself "WHAT ARE YOU DOING??? YOU ARE GOING TO KILL YOURSELF!" But, I lived. I jogged 1/4 mile, then slowed down and finished my walk. Ok, I know it's not that far, but HOLY COW, I haven't jogged on purpose for years, if ever! That will now be my new goal, to jog at least 1/4 mile, and hopefully increase that distance! I'm just so excited! I guess all this walking is doing something, even if the weight isn't coming off like I'd like.
Thanks for listening/reading...I just HAD to share! :o)

Picture post, picture post!!!

Remember the old show that had a song "Picture Pages, Picture Pages....lalalala" Ok, that's all I can remember...but here is my version. I've been promising a lot of pictures, and here we go!

First of all (chronologically speaking!) we had our snow day. Lots of snow, lots of fun. The kids sat around and played on the computer and XBox part of the day. Ashby kept an eye on all the goings on from his usual pearch. The view outside was chilly, but beautiful. Of course the next morning there was much of the white stuff to shovel, so we enlisted the help of our 'slave' labor! The little Lutheran Chick was hansomly rewarded with a yummy cup of hot chocolate!

Abbigail is playing basketball. She was concerned at first because she is a bit on the short side...ok, more than a bit, I mean she IS my daughter! She's having fun, even if she isn't the most gifted basketball player in the bunch.

I told you that the girls and I made chocolate covered strawberries for Valentine's day. Here is a pic of the kiddos enjoying said strawberries.

This is what happens when your mom calls just as you are getting ready to tuck the kiddos in for the night, they don't wait for you to finish your conversation! :o) Love the tushie in the air, I didn't think she did this anymore!!

The kids and I ventured to visit my parents this weekend. My brother and his family were on a little trip of their own, so we didn't get to see them, although it was sort of nice to have mom and dad all to ourselves! :o) We got to spend the entire weekend at their home!!! At HOME!! Did you hear me, AT HOME!!! Dad is OUT of the hospital, he is HOME! Bethany and her Papa sure do love eachother! Bethany and her "Bobbie" have a bit of a love affair going as well! Oh, to be rocked to sleep by your grandma (or by your granddaughter!)!!Here is a great picture of my mom and dad...such a beautiful couple, both inside and out!

My kiddos sure do love spending time with their grandparents.

And I'm going out on the limb here and adding a picture of myself and my dad, not that I don't want you to see my beloved dad, but sharing pictures of myself is always a little wierd!

I did find out a bit more about my father's recovery this weekend. I assumed (I know, what does assuming do??) that when it was reported that he now has feeling in his feet, legs, torso...it meant he had complete feeling, just like back to normal. I assumed wrong. He has feeling...kind of like the feeling you have when your leg goes to sleep. He can feel if someone is touching him, he can feel the floor, but not completely or with as much precision as you or I. That is one reason he is having such difficulty with relearning how to walk. You know how it is when you sit on a leg and it falls asleep. You have trouble walking, you don't know if your foot is on the floor, if there is something under it, if your ankle is twisted. It's a bit like this for my dad. Just touching him feels wierd. I was brushing a few crumbs off his shirt so I could take his picture and he commented on how wierd it feels. Abbie was touching his leg while we were praying the other night and it was driving him nuts. He could feel it, but what he felt was not a loving touch of his oldest granddaughter, I'm guessing it was more like the pricklies you get when your leg starts waking up. (Dad...you are welcome to leave a comment and expand or tell me I'm way off base here!) Mom and Dad are in the process of picking out new flooring for their home to help accomodate the wheelchair...wood laminate! Oh, how I would LOVE to have this stuff in my home!

Picture page is finished...do you think I added enough??? Oh, wait, I almost forgot today! Abbigail participated in our county 4-H day today, her first time ever. Here is a pic of her doing her presentationShe told about her camera and showed a picture that she took herself of her and Andrew and Bethany. This little turkey knows so much, I don't think I could figure out how to use the timer on MY camera, and she figured out hers in about a day! Here is the pic she showed:

Ok, I really think we're done now! So...how have you been? :o)

Who knew??

Who knew the Vicks 44 stuff on the bottom of the feet thing would work?? But, it seems to be helping!!! I have kept up with the cough syrup and the breathing treatments, but the vicks on the feet seems to be helping him cough less and less today, much less than yesterday!!! Yippee!! Thank You, God, for great advice from friends!! Funniest thing is that he keeps grabbing his feet and sniffing them! What a BOY!

We're heading back home tomorrow, after worshiping with my parents at their church...they like to "show off" the grandkids to all their friends...they wouldn't even miss me if I didn't come along! :o)