Rocks In My Dryer

Works For Me: Cleaning Bathrooms

I can't imagine that anyone has time to be scrolling through Works-For-Me Wednesday entries this week, what with all the browsing through the giveaway goodies.  Mr. Linky is going to kick me out!  But neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor freebies shall stop the WFMW train from a-goin', so here it is...

I've discovered an easy shortcut for bathroom cleaning.  I've never had great luck with those bathroom wipes you can buy, pre-wet, because no matter how careful I am, they always seem to dry out on me.  Instead, I keep a paper towel roll and a spray bottle of cleaner under the sink in each bathroom.  This way, when those rare moments of cleaning inspiration hit me, I have everything I need right there--and I can throw the nasty used towels away!

So, do you have a tip you'd like to share?  Leave your clever WFMW tips below, and be sure to check in with the guidelines here first.  Remember to link directly to your WFMW post, not to the front page of your blog.

Remember, next week is the first Wednesday of the month, so that means it's time for another themed edition of WFMW.  The first edition of Backwards Day was so much fun, we'll do it again next week.  Instead of sharing a tip that has worked for you, you'll throw out an issue or question that has stumped you.  Invite your readers to give you their feedback!

1. An Ordinary Mom (Trunk-or-Treat) 2. Kandy (Emergency Dessert) 3. ellen b (halloween fun) 4. WorksForMom (Remove Ink Stains Easily) 5. Jill (kitchen tip) 6. nap warden (takin\' another look) 7. Activities Coordinator (Escape!) 8. Infinity Goods 9. Mandy Houk (husbands and sports) 10. Shirley (Creative Chaos) 11. Cindy (favorite coffee tastes better) 12. Mom Is Teaching (help kids remembr) 13. Amy @ By His Grace (Birthday Card Organization) 14. Lana G! (DUSTING HELP) 15. Lady Why (make ahead breakfasts) 16. MemeGRL (take the train!) 17. Mrs Pear (Canning Pears) 18. Infinity Goods (Trading Card Storage) 19. Staci (Pseudo-Homeschool Room) 20. Need A Nap2 (Milk in fridge) 21. phyllis (lowkey halloween) 22. Sheri (Pajama Day) 23. Lori ~ Simple Life at Home (Backtalk/Lying) 24. Heather (stumbling) 25. Smockity Frocks (Gift Basket) 26. alison (knitting needles) 27. Suzanne (Candy Fairy) 28. Jes (Clutter) 29. The Natural Mommy (toddlyer devos) 30. Heather (photo processing) 31. FamilyBriefs (Quick H\'ween Costume) 32. Stretch Mark Mama (Getting kids to eat apple peels) 33. Motherscribe (How many pieces of candy?) 34. Amy (menu planning) 35. Christa @ No End in Site (Reduce Entryway Clutter) 36. Duckabush Blog (educational computer games) 37. Nichole (Cheap Games) 38. Mommy-fied (idea to keep toys neatly) 39. Meesh\'s Journeys (trash can help) 40. Dena\'s Deliberations (Drop the Decimals) 41. Carrie (halloween lunch/supper idea) 42. NerdMom 43. Stewardship Living (couponing advice) 44. Robin (organizing comforters) 45. The Big Yellow House (family records) 46. Karla ~ Looking towards Heaven (keeping little hands occupied) 47. MamaLady (Pajama Storage)

48. Abel (Are we listening to our kids?) 49. Robin (kids\' art placemats) 50. Mommy Cracked (Easy, FREE fall centerpiece) 51. Sasha (shiny sink) 52. Mandy @ Biblical Homemaking (cheap & great baby carrier) 53. Laura Williams\' Musings (bulk storage ideas for the kitchen) 54. Organising queen (saving money by going green) 55. Robyn @ Overflowing Grace (Teaching a Toddler to Pray) 56. a suburban housewife (homemade pasta sauce) 57. Crissy (fun box for long car trips) 58. Jen (sibling rivalry) 59. Laurie (Halloween Pajamas) 60. The Not Quite Crunchy Parent (Halloween Handouts) 61. Multitasking Mama (Transporting Cupcakes) 62. Lorie (Online Full Episode Players) 63. Toni(Shirts with Hoods) 64. Mommin\' It Up! (affordable quality portrais) 65. Candace (monthlymenu planning) 66. Katie (Last Minute-Quick Costumes) 67. cdmon(online savings account) 68. SeaBird (Growing Sprouts) 69. Watchthesky (No tape measure - No problem) 70. Melissa\'s Idea Garden(finding great deals) 71. Thia (onion prep) 72. The Natural Mommy (Toddler Devos) 73. Becky (Recipe List Generator) 74. Charity (trick-or-treat alternative) 75. Peggie (kool aid) 76. Kacie (Easy stay warm tips) 77. Clappy Shoes (Cabinet Organization) 78. Western Warmth (accomplishment list) 79. Deb (Halloween candy) 80. Milehimama (Crusty Curmudgeon) 81. Stacey (re: what you love) 82. A Reforming Mom (picture hanging tip) 83. Britni (Workout motivation) 84. Angela (quick shower clean-up) 85. Brandi (Disinfect Kitchen Sponge Fast!) 86. Lori (DIY Litter Box) 87. Amy (pancake shapes) 88. Elena@The Wuggy Chronicles (sublimely easy pot roast) 89. Amy W (used dryer sheets) 90. Homemaker05 (Keeping Warm) 91. Amy@P2P (Clean Face) 92. SAHMmy Says (Un-Recipe Book) 93. Many Little Blessings (cheap Halloween "candy") 94. Stephanie (Saving Christmas Money)

95. Lindsey (Organizing Challenge) 96. AZ Mama (share Thanksgiving) 97. Katrina in Wa. (kid friendly slicer) 98. Erika (Catalog Chaos!) 99. GP in Montana 100. Sarah (Yummy WHOLE WHEAT solution!) 101. Kristin (shoeboxes/games) 102. Ann Kroeker (blog from the heart) 103. Angela (not your typical WFMW post) 104. Jennifer (Halloween pancakes) 105. Vinegar/fabric softener 106. Jen- Halloween Treats 107. Texastanya (Frugal Mom Photo Shop) 108. Linda\'s Lunacy (sheets) 109. kimiharris(natural cold remedies) 110. Rachel Anne (Weekly Schedule that actually works) 111. Jenn (Healthier Fruit Snacks) 112. Kara (dog brush/pumpkin tool) 113. Susan 114. Tamara (younger children lunches) 115. Kayris (All Natural Mold Killer) 116. Janelle@NowPlayHappy (computer usage for the kids) 117. Erica @ Yankee, Misplaced (Hostess Organization) 118. Alison (no more library fines) 119. Cyndy(Cleaning My Lampshades) 120. Rebeca (Daylight Savings Time) 121. Sandi (changing a wiggly toddler\'s diaper) 122. Amy (4 ingredient dinner) 123. Nancy\'s Place (make a little money writing) 124. Autumn Daisy Studio (Getting Compliments on Your Baking) 125. Laane (birthdaycards never late) 126. Jillian (ORGANIZING Hair Acessories 127. InnocentJoy (No tangles for long hair) 128. Mrs. G (fitness on the cheap) 129. Anne (Packing for a trip) 130. Rachel (ironing) 131. Shalee - Use for Blog 132. Mari (keeping up with blog updates) 133. ACMe(laptop bag) 134. Keeper of the Home (quickly building your savings) 135. Sarah @ Ordinary Days (Mama Only Has Two Hands!) 136. Proverbs31 (Laundry, Mildew, Washcloth Tip) 137. Keeper of the Home (quickly building your savings) 138. Tiffany (Sending Flowers) 139. Andrea (Halloween treats)

Powered by... Mister Linky's Magical Widgets.

This edition of WFMW is now closed to new links.  Please join us next week for Backwards Day!

I'm So Excited I Can Hardly Stand It

Up to this point, I haven't mentioned where I'm going this weekend, because I'm so excited that my voice gets all squealy whenever I talk about it.   Have you ever read a squealy-voiced blog post?  It isn't pretty. 

I'm leaving Friday (flying! I hate flying! But I'll do it for these girls!) to go to Birmingham to meet face-to-face, in the flesh, BooMama and BigMama.

*squeal!*

My favorite-of-all-time band, Casting Crowns (together with their record label, Provident), is hosting us for a very bloggy weekend in which we get to see the Casting Crowns concert Friday night.  AND to my utter delight (dare I say it, lest I break the spell?) we will get to go backstage and meet Casting Crowns.   

*squeal!*

Hubs says, "Really, is all this squealing necessary?  I thought you loved Casting Crowns because they are so humble and down-to-earth.  Do you really think they would be comfortable that you're squealing at the thought of seeing them?"

Point taken.

So I will stop squealing and tell you in a voice just as serious and reserved as I can that I am terribly excited, about the concert, about meeting these two girls, and just generally getting away.  Our kind hosts have booked us hotel rooms, and for some reason, they've given us each our own.

Our OWN rooms.

All alone in a hotel room.

I don't know that I've ever been all alone in a hotel room.  How on earth am I going to sleep without my backside snuggled up to Hubs, or Corrie's foot lodged firmly in my kidney?  I think I may have to jump on the bed to tire myself out.

Anyhoo, in addition to all the Casting Crowns fun, I can't wait to spend some time in real life with Big and Boo.  Having read and adored them for so long, I suspect that after five minutes we'll feel like old friends.  But I will tell you, no matter how many times you meet a bloggy friend in real life, it always feel like some sort of bizarre blind date.

What if the hair looks especially man-ish?

What if I miss my connection in Memphis (have I mentioned I loathe flying?)?

What if I act like a dork?  (Let me re-phrase that.  It is a given that I will act like a dork.  What if I act like more of a dork than my normal allotment of dorkishness?)

I'm just hoping for the best and taking plenty of hair product.  Because what else can a girl do? 

Oh, and one last thing...(can you tell by the way I'm subject hopping that I have the jitters?)...Big and Boo are letting me sit in on their podcast, the thought of which is MAKING ME SWEAT, but I'm forging ahead.  Sometime over the weekend, BooMama will work her techie magic and get the three-way podcast up on their blogs, and you can all confirm once and for all why I am a blogger and not a speaker.

*shudder*

And yet, still...*squeal!*

That's a lot of Southern Woman in one room, y'all.  I have a feeling there will be stories to tell.

Whatever the Halloween Equivalent of "Bah Humbug" Is

I'm not feeling very Halloweenie this year.  Though I usually get all worked up over the kids' costumes (and end up making at least a couple of them), this year I laid down the law:  I'm not lifting a finger or spending a dime.  You either wear something we have, or you make it yourself. 

And I did this, of course, because I want to encourage frugality and independence and creativity in my children, not at all because I'm WORN COMPLETELY OUT and don't have the wherewithall to get it together.  Oh, no. 

So Stephen (Anakin Skywalker) and Joseph (an Indian brave) are wearing previously-worn costumes, Corrie (Snow White) is raiding a wonderful stash of girlie Halloween costumes my friend J gave us, and my resourceful Adam has engineered an amazing ensemble in which he is some half-boy, half-robot creature ("It's a CYBORG, Mom," he corrected me after reading this). 

I suppose in all fairness, if I'm not helping them with the costumes, I shouldn't get to raid the candy.  But that ain't happenin'.  It is a hard-and-fast rule in this family, written in stone:  MOMMA GETS THE THREE MUSKETEERS. 

So, what about you?  Which candy do you sneak out of their bags while they're sleeping graciously ask your kids for?  Anyone else having a low-key Halloween this year?

Sunday Linkage #23

Moms for Modesty -- Remember this?  The URL has changed, and the comments didn't transfer--if you signed it the first time, please consider signing again.

Voters Should Get To Know Mike Huckabee -- Concord Monitor

Investigative Blogging -- Days to Come  (Seriously, one of the funniest blog posts I've ever read.  And I'm not just saying that because she's my friend.)

Onslaught -- YouTube  Some will consider this racy, but it is not gratuitously so.  It makes a very profound point.  Hat tip to Sallie.

Quite Possibly the Best Line Ever In the Whole World

It was November of 1993.  Hubs and I were in luuuuv, and he was ready to pop the question.  But he is a good Southern boy, and he knew, therefore, that he had to ask my daddy first.

Hubs isn't easily intimidated by things.  In fact, people who first meet him sometimes find him intimidating.  He takes things exactly as they come, with a level head, and he almost never over-reacts or worries. 

Except this time.  The poor guy was a nervous wreck about talking to my dad.  I'm the only daughter, the first-born, and my dad and I always have been close.  AND Dad had a tendency for giving the boys I dated a hard time (I had shared all the stories with Hubs).  He knew this might be hard. 

Because Hubs is a smart man, he chose the big moment carefully.  My parents had come to visit me at college, and Hubs took my dad to a Razorback basketball practice.  This automatically put them on common ground, and (best of all) eliminated the need for that great killer of courage, eye contact.

As they sat there together, the thumping of the basketballs and the squeaking of the rubber-soled shoes echoing all around them, Hubs summoned his nerve.

"Mr. [maiden name]," he started, "I think you know that Shannon and I have become very serious."

My dad silently nodded.

"And I love her very much."

More silence.  Poor Hubs.

"And I'd like to ask your permission to marry her."

Dad didn't speak for a minute.  As he always does when he's reflecting (and my dad is usually reflecting), he gently rubbed his upper lip with his index finger.  His eyes stayed on the basketball players in front them.  He let the silence linger in the air just as long as he possibly could.

Then he spoke.

"Let me ask you a question."

Another pause.

"For 21 years, Shannon's mother and I have prayed every single day about the man she would marry.  Every day."

Yep, another pause.

"What I want to ask you is, are you the man worthy of all that prayer?"

(May I just say how thankful I am that the world is structured the way it is?  If I had been the one required to ask such a question, and I'd received such an answer, I probably would've started crying.)

But Hubs said the only thing a confident young man with the world at his feet could say:  "Yes sir, I think I am!"

The conversation was easy and gracious from then on, as my dad gave Hubs his blessing and encouraged him. 

I love that story.  It makes for a few good chuckles when we tell it now, but it still--14 years later--warms me to the core.  I treasure that Hubs loved me enough to humble himself willingly.  I treasure that my dad loved me enough to make it hard.  I love that those two men are such good friends now. 

And you can bet my husband is saving that line to use himself, when some sparkly-eyed boy comes sniffing around our daughter.  I pity the boy.

Works For Me: Early Christmas Cards

There are just a few immutable truths of the universe.  Jesus loves you.  Parenthood is hard.  Kitchen remodeling is the fastest path to insanity.  And taking Christmas card pictures of your children will not, WILL NOT, go as well as you'd like. 

And when you finally do manage to get those pictures taken, the stack of cards will gather dust on your kitchen counter for way too long, at least until somebody cleans off the dust by spilling orange juice on the whole pile. 

Or the photo place will lose your order.

Or you will lose your Christmas stamps.

Obviously, I have suffered Christmas card trauma in the past (incidentally, if you Google "goose poop Christmas", guess who the NUMBER ONE search result is?  Yep.)  I am determined to avoid it this year, and so far, I am on track. 

I took my kids' Christmas card pictures already.  Really!  And not only that, I came straight home and ordered all my cards from the photo place.  I am working on my address labels and Christmas letter this week, and I plan to put it all together just as soon as the cards arrive in a few days.  In fact (don't laugh) my goal is to be 100% finished with my Christmas cards--as in stamped, in a neat stack, ready to mail--by November 15th.  I'm doing it early, I'm avoiding the hassle, and I feel good about it.

Except that I haven't actually done it yet.  But I'm going to. So it's working for me, in a maybe-if-I-manage-to-pull-this-off sort of way.

So, do you have a tip you'd like to share?  Leave your clever WFMW tips below, and be sure to check in with the guidelines here first.  Remember to link directly to your WFMW post, not to the front page of your blog.

* * * * * * * * *

Speaking of linking up, remember that this coming Monday is the Fall, Y'all! Bloggy Giveaway over at my other blog.  I'm sure you haven't forgotten, right?  Because you're all smart girls and you love free stuff, right?  Join us!

* * * * * * * * *

Phenomenal Cosmic Power, ITTY BITTY Living Space

(Ten points for anyone who can name what movie that title is from!)

So, we took a long weekend and had a mini-vacation last week.  To any bloggers out there that might be in a blogging slump, let me give you one piece of advice:  go vacation in exceedingly close quarters with your children.  You will generate enough stories to keep you hopping for a month.

Our trip is best recounted in pictures, and, as promised, I tried to be a little more artistic in my picture-taking.  And by "artistic" I mean "taking photos of something other than Stephen crossing his eyes".  I aim high.

(I've uploaded these shots in a smaller version, so the page wouldn't take forever to load.  For a better glimpse, just click on them.  And if you're wondering why I've labeled all my pictures with my domain name, it's not some weird ego-trip about the quality of my pictures. I've had some bloggy friends who have had some photos messed with; labeling them is just another way to protect your bloggy stuff.  Darn Internet Mean People.)

We stayed in this campground.  Here's a shot of our camper (borrowed from my parents), otherwise known as The Wind Chamber of Death:

The weather was beautiful, except for the wind--it blew 30 mph the entire time we were there.  That camper creaked and groaned and banged all day and all night.  And I sat up in my bed at 3 am and said, "Oh, how I love creating cozy memories with my family."  Yes.  That's exactly what I said.

But all was well every time I stepped outside our camper and was greeted with this view:

Not a bad way to start the day.

I call this next shot "Brothers".  Don't they look like they're all wrapped up in an important conversation?  I bet they're talking about how much they love their mom.

We made a few side trips, including a drive up to an elevation that let us see the aspen changing colors.  If you've never seen an aspen tree in person, put that on your list of life goals.

I was loving some vintage-looking painted signs we saw along the way.  "STOP THE CAR," I'd yell, so I could take a photo.  Hubs really likes it when I do that.  Just ask him.

But really, aren't these cool, and worth a little uncomfortable brake-slamming?

I really like this shot:

Here's a picture of the inside of the camper.  This is what it looks like when my family explodes:

The boys did some exploring and found several interesting rock formations in our campground.  They led us to this curious one, a heart shape right in the rock (the scope is difficult to see in the photo, but I could almost lie down in it.  If I made a habit of lying down in natural rock formations, that is).  Adam named this The Rock Of Love (that's pronounced lu-u-u-u-uv).

Here are my five favorite people:

And here's me, being a rugged mountain woman.  Thanks to the wind, the Man Hair evolved into Troll Doll Hair:

This next shot is entitled "Hey Mom I Found A Fire Ant THIS Big".  I can't imagine where this child gets his propensity for melodrama.  Cough, cough.

I really love this shot of my daughter's shadow.  Kind of cool, isn't it?

Hubs insisted I take this picture of his killer s'more making stick.  You have to love a man who's not afraid to get excited about things like this:

One of our favorite parts of visiting Colorado is driving across the flatlands of the Oklahoma panhandle and southeastern Colorado.  Even though I grew up in the mountains, I'm gradually beginning to appreciate the wide-open beauty of the plains.

Isn't that beautiful?  There's something very satisfying about knowing I live only a few short hours from land like that.  It makes me think that if things get too crazy, I could just pack up a covered wagon and head west, you know? 

They do outfit covered wagons with on-board DVD players, don't they?

 

Home

Last week I set a few posts on auto-post and the family and I sneaked (snuck??) away for some much-needed camping R&R in Colorado. 

You should know that in my universe, the words "camping" and "R&R" do not generally appear in the same sentence.  But I am married to a rugged man who can fix a four-course dinner with a tarp, a hunting knife, and a wad of aluminum foil.  Or something like that.  He loves the camping, and I love him, so off we went.

And, I have to admit, kissing my boys goodnight when their hair smells like campfire smoke is quite satisfying.

We had a great time, even if we did choose a campsite in The Single Windiest Spot In North America.  But I have come back to a laundry room that now looks like this:

AND the kitchen countertop installers are coming today (can I get an amen?)  Suffice it to say there is chaos afoot in our house.  I'll be back just as soon as I can with some absolutely fantastic pictures--because you know there is nothing more enjoyable than look at other people's vacation photos, right?  But seriously, I got all artsy with the photos this time, and I need to try it out on someone.

Y'all have a good day, and I'll see you back here very soon, typing away from (woo-hoo!) new countertops!

Sunday Linkage #22

The Apronista Flicker Group -- Apronista (mmmm, aprons....)

Right Brain vs. Left Brain -- The Daily Telegraph (I see the dancer spinning both directions.  You?)

The Ladies Who Blog: Moms On the Net -- ABC News

Prizey -- A blog just devoted to giveaways!  And y'all know how I feel about giveaways...

Camera Bag -- Lamplight Designs.  Here's a fun little inspiration for you seamstresses!

Wild About Harry

I have been on a Harry Potter reading marathon since early summer.  After I read the third book, years ago, I decided I would wait to read the rest until the whole series was out, and I could read them straight through. 

So back in June I re-read book three, and then I began reading the new stuff.

And you know, if you are a Harry Potter junkie like I am, that the thrilling stories and lovable characters will get so much into your head that you start identifying with them just a leetle too much, sometimes.  I have dreamed about them two of the last three nights.

This was evidenced to me the other night, when I collapsed on the couch after a long day, and I realized that the remote control was across the room.  And I AM NOT KIDDING EVEN ONE BIT when I tell you that my initial thought was to shout, "Accio remote!"

I should probably get out a little more. 

Last night I finally finished the last book in the series, a feat I accomplished with the help of a great deal of caffeine and a very large box of Kleenex.

If you have never read the series, please do not read any further.  I'm serious.  Big time spoilers ahead, because I HAVE TO DISCUSS THIS. 

*scrolling down now*

*still scrolling*

Seriously, you've been warned.

*humming and tapping my foot*

Nice weather we're having, isn't it?

*still scrolling*

Last warning.

You still here?  Okay.  Let's talk.

I know I'm arriving a little late at this party.  Much of the Potter-loving world has already hashed and re-hashed this book.  But you know what?  I HAVE to talk about this book, because OH MY WORD.  That last one absolutely wore me out. 

Just as Rowling promised, all the ends were tied up so neatly (in my opinion), and all the major questions were answered.  There were still a few things I wondered about, though (and this will be totally stream-of-consciousness, because my mind and heart are still racing).

Even though we caught another glimpse of Petunia Dursley in the Pensieve, I couldn't help but find myself wanting to know how and where the Dursleys wound up.  All along, I suspected the series would end with Petunia somehow re-entering the magic world and giving her life for Harry.  I guess something in me needs the bad guys to become good guys.  I wonder what happened to Dudley?

I'm totally not bragging here (actually, yes I am), but I saw the Snape thing coming.  At the start of this last book, I even went on record with Hubs (who read it before me), saying, "I KNOW Snape is still a good guy."  That was very satisfying, and when we learned that Harry's middle son had the middle name of Severus...well, a big sob got caught in my throat.

Speaking of sobs, the scene where Harry finally got to talk to his parents in the woods, just before he thought he was dying...was that the most heart-wrenching thing you've ever read?  I positively howled, and books almost never make me cry. 

And, I think I may have missed this--who ended up raising Teddy Lupin?  Was it Bill and Fleur? 

And then--oh, then--there was The Kiss.  When Hermione planted that big one on Ron I nearly came right out of my skin.  And I also nearly woke up Hubs and planted a big one on him in celebration, but since it was 1 am, I restrained myself.

Do you think there's any chance for another series?  Maybe Harry as an adult?  Or little Albus and his friends?  I know, probably not.  A girl can hope.

I know I'm leaving out a dozen observations that were coursing through my brain last night.  I was so eager to find out what happened that I probably read it too fast.  I'm actually thinking about re-reading more slowly, so I can pick up on everything I missed last time.

Go ahead--fire away in the comments section and share your favorite and best thoughts about that wonderful world of Harry.  I don't know when I've been so sad to see a book--and series--end.

Hidden Treasure

One of my favorite bands--Christian or otherwise--is Casting Crowns.  I have been listening to their new CD (The Altar and the Door) for several weeks the way I always listen to CDs--clicking around using the control buttons.  I hardly ever let a CD just play.  Control freak I am, oh-yes-indeed.

Thankfully, a few days ago, I had this particular CD playing in the car, and for whatever reason, I was letting it run its course.

Thank goodness.

Because when you play The Altar and the Door that way, then (and only then) can you hear the track that Casting Crowns has "hidden" a couple of minutes behind track 10.  It's called "White Dove Fly High", and I don't quite know how to describe this song to you.  Words fail me.  When I heard it streaming into my car, my first thought was, "Why is Andrea Bocelli singing on a Casting Crowns CD?"

It's that beautiful.  Haunting.  Achingly exquisite. 

So I ran home, eager to find out the story behind this unusual song.  After a little Googling, I learned that in April of this year, Casting Crowns was invited to North Korea to sing at the Spring Friendship Festival.  They peformed "White Dove Fly High" in both Korean and English.  It's a prayer for peace.

Now, I'm no scholar of geopolitics, but I know enough to know that a Christian band inside North Korea is a very significant thing.  What must it have been like for that little band of believers to join together in prayer inside a country that has been spiritually dark for so long?

Enough of the story--you really just need to hear the song.  I found this slide show, made by one of the Casting Crowns band members.  It takes a little while to buffer, but it's worth it.

Amen.

Works For Me: Paint It Black!

We recently had the exterior of our house re-painted, and it turned out lovely.  But it meant that the 25-year old light fixtures looked that much more blech.  Thanks to our kitchen remodel, the house budget is a bit strapped, so I needed a creative solution to spruce up the old lights. 

Thanks to some inspiration from an HGTV show, I decided to try painting them black.  I bought some high-gloss paint for metal at Lowe's, and my light fixtures went from this:

To this:

(And yes, I've tried cleaning that glass.  Tried and tried and tried.  Unfortunately that's 25 years' worth of dirt and bug juice, and it's not going anywhere.  I've decided to pretend that it's frosted glass.)

I painted all four exterior light fixtures this way, and it looked so nice that I had to keep going.  I painted our glass door next.  Here's an old picture for the "before":

...and here's the "after":

Spurred on by the cheap creativity (and perhaps the paint fumes?) I became obsessed:  what else can I paint black?  I went on to do our decorative lamp pole, mailbox and street number.  They all look great.  As I continued to look frantically for something else to paint black, Hubs stepped in and took the paint away, afraid I might do one of the children next (they do need a little sprucing up...)

* * * * * * * * * *

Have a tip you'd like to share?  Leave your clever WFMW tips below, and be sure to check in with the guidelines here first.  Remember to link directly to your WFMW post, not to the front page of your blog.

AND, while I have your kind attention, don't forget about the Fall, Y'all! Bloggy Giveaway over at my other blog.  It'll be loads of fun!  Be thinking about what you'd like to giveaway, and join us!

 

1. Jill (you tube) 2. Demeter (Bathroom Organization) 3. Laura in KY (children\'s shoes) 4. Activities Coordinator (Slammin\' Solution) 5. Mandy Houk 6. Chocolate and Garlic (Teaching Independence) 7. An Ordinary Mom (Mess Free Pumpkin Activity) 8. WorksForMom (Stop Hiccups) 9. Duckabush Blog -- Sleep 10. phyllis (magic fingers) 11. Mandy Houk (curing procrastination) 12. Kandy (cheat a beef stew) 13. Heather (Zazzle gifts) 14. Smockity Frocks (Quick Clutter Control) 15. OW (gardening tip) 16. Beth @ The Natural Mommy (Ctrl-F) 17. Christa @ No End in Site (diaper rash remedy) 18. Summer M (chore wars) 19. Jes @ BeautyFromChaos (Easy Zoom) 20. jen (homemade instant oatmeal) 21. Sincerely Anna (writing w/ preschoolers) 22. Peggie (quillow) 23. Marie (Keeping Produce Fresh!) 24. Carrie (potty training at night) 25. NoiseOverload (No More Muddy Swingsets) 26. Lynnae (Pantry) 27. Mandy Houk (cure procrastination) - this link works, I promise! 28. Susan(CheapestSaladDressing) 29. The Big Yellow House (toy organization!!) 30. Lady Why (pizza crust perfection) 31. Mommy-fied (frugal & eco-friendly way to cook) 32. Cindy (low light to check on kids at night) 33. liz (thank you notes) 34. Lori ~ Simple Life at Home (Cookbook Clutter) 35. Karen (Kid Time) 36. ellen b (spice up leftovers) 37. Not the Queen (bunk beds) 38. Nikki (the dishpan) 39. My Twenty Cents Keeps Moving (Circles--Math) 40. Karla~Looking Towards Heaven (cheap but gorgeous artwork) 41. PinkJeweledCat (Public Library) 42. Melissa\'s Idea Garden(Increase Blog Traffic) 43. Ann Kroeker (find local growers) 44. Mari (organizing owner manuals) 45. Sarah (Online Games for Kids) 46. The Big Yellow House (toy organization!!) 47. Stewardship Living (crockpotting) 48. Dena\'s Deliberations (Crafty House Numbers) 49. monica(nifty diaper storage) 50. Stretch Mark Mama (Kitchen Trash Bowl) 51. Abel (Traveling with Kids: How I Survived an 8-Hour Road Trip) 52. Elizabeth (bedtime routine w/ multiple children) 53. Texastanya (Child Safety: Secret vs. Surprise) 54. InfinityGoods (child\'s haircut without tears) 55. InfinityGoods (homemade bread stuffing) 56. Summer (helping kids learn) 57. A Juggling Mum (Quick Chores) 58. Elaine (bow out gracefully) 59. Proverbs31 (Clothing Storage and Org) 60. Childlife (Teaching Kids Manners) 61. Robin (cutting onions) 62. MamaLady (Save at Amazon) 63. SAHMmy Says(Keep Track of Calls) 64. Mrs. Pear (knitting tips) 65. Ewokgirl (How to wash wool)

66. Corrie (paint like a pro) 67. Mrs. Brownstone @ XBOX Wife (math help!) 68. monica(nifty diaper storage) 69. Stuck In North Idaho (frugal gift idea) 70. Organising Queen (my new 2008 planner) 71. It Coulda Been Worse (Hair Woebegone) 72. Georgia Mom (organizing clothes for fall) 73. Erin (right shoe on right foot) 74. Veronica (childproofing fireplace) 75. Trixie @ Farm Home Life (Fix It) 76. Kathy (Get Better Tech Support) 77. Capturing Today (remove sharpie marker from clothing) 78. Milehimama (Natural Cold Care) 79. Katie (Unwrinkled Clothes) 80. Jennie C. (cash back) 81. Becky (kitchen tips) 82. Shalee (Read the Writing on the Wall) 83. Deb (clothes shopping secondhand/outlets) 84. Heather (Healthier Eating) 85. Stop the Ride (cutting board) 86. PASS THE TORCH (Latch-key reminders) 87. Princess Leia (don\'t lose baby socks) 88. The Not Quite Crunchy Parent (Use old Halloween Costumes) 89. Ornery\'s Wife (recurring maint. chores) 90. Candace (Good Use for Magazine Holders) 91. Like I Was Saying (teaching kids about money) 92. Niki (org spice drawer) 93. Rhen (yestheyareallmine!!) 94. SeaBird (Toddler Chores) 95. DramaMama(sweet-smelly&girlie)) 96. Mommin\' It Up! (saving money on groceries) 97. AmyG (Painted Tea Trays) 98. Tonsofsons ~ Easy yummy pumpkin dip 99. Stacey (diluted juice) 100. Trixie @ Farm Home Life (Fix It) 101. Beth/Mom2TwoVikings (free kid build projects) 102. Scott (Oh, Where Is My Hairbrush) 103. Kim @ Hind\'s Feet 104. Crissy (disguising foods) 105. Michelle (cheap car rental) 106. Lana G! (SNACK CONTROL!) 107. Elena Teen Clothes 108. Rachel Anne (creating sanctuary in suburbia) 109. Amy (tying shoes easily) 110. Ann\'Re (Index Cards/Shopping) 111. chilihead (Halloween Treat) 112. Nap Warden 113. MemeGRL (beeping key finder) 114. Lori - Queen of Dirty Laundry (I made a Tutu!) 115. Andrea (humidity) 116. Slava Bogu (Unplanned Company/Family Dinner) 117. Stewardship Living (crockpotting - sorry, wrong link before) 118. Sarah @ Real Life (CUSTOMER SERVICE) 119. Jamie (envelope system) 120. Amy (yummy cake mix cookies) 121. FeeFiFoto 122. Brandi (alternative to Lysol) 123. ~Amy (lunch for dinner & dinner for lunch 124. Miranda (grocery stretching tips) 125. Jennifer (Halloween costume) 126. Amyswandering (A Great Marriage) 127. Clappy Shoes (Great Family Discussion Activity) 128. Susanne (removing residue) 129. Alison 130. Barbara H. (Autumn mini cookie cutters)

131. Amy@P2P (saving money) 132. LinesFromTheVine(Hamburger Cake) 133. Tiffany (Getting Rid of clutter) 134. amanda (online photo editing) 135. Mari (organizing owner manuals) 136. jodi jean (closet cleanout) 137. Liza\'s Eyeview (Back Pain Relief) 138. Simply A Musing Blog (Free Blog Grader) 139. Christie @ \'Tis But A Season (1st time!) 140. GP in Montana 141. Emily (cleaning metal sink) 142. Where the Heart Is (cloth diaper stains) 143. Carrie J (Meal Plans) 144. DeputyHeadmistress (helping others in a crisis) 145. Simply Sandy (Spelling Time) 146. Pamela (Hard Brown Sugar) 147. Amy Jane (random tips) 148. Amy (easy name exchange) 149. Mom from outside the (toy) box (noncommercial social networking sites for kids) 150. Kim - Naptime Struggles 151. jubilee(diaper disposal) 152. An Iowa Mom (Easy and Cheap Photo Books For Kids) 153. DimpleQueen ($2 Milk) 154. Britni 155. Britni (trick to looking more awake) 156. Candace (sleep) 157. Amy W (labels & lending) 158. Meesh\'s Journeys (water bottles) 159. Bethany Sue (Keeping Kids Busy) 160. Polly (Christmas List & Gift Organizing/Planning!) 161. Mandi (Versatile Chicken Prep) 162. Jen McDonald 163. Terri @ in His hands 164. Jen McDonald (organize your bedsheets) 165. Terri @ in His hands 166. Motherscribe (tips to outwit messy kids in car) 167. Kisses From the Father (saving space for linens) 168. Melissa (teething) 169. Crystal @ Money Saving Mom ($100 spa certificate for $4 - no kidding!) 170. Sarah (Closet rganizing Tips) 171. Anne (Free gift certificates) 172. Momma & More (streamline your laundry) 173. Momma & More (streamline your laundry) 174. Jennifer 175. Laane (no lost keys) 176. Kelli@GohnCrazy (Best Bathroom Cleaner!) 177. Stephanie (Mommy Time) 178. Juggling Frogs (Rainbow Cookie Cheat) 179. Rebecca 180. Rebecca (Favorite brands) 181. Donetta 182. Tamara (Kids Sleep Solution) 183. Jeni - corralling toys on car trip 184. Jenny (table/counter basket) 185. Adena 186. Stephanie (Dealing with A Cold) 187. Barney Saltzberg 188. Mrs. Bick 189. Mrs. Bick (painted counters) 190. ACMe 191. Lucent 192. Heidi 193. Heidi (the lazy way) 194. Cheryl Crawford

Powered by... Mister Linky's Magical Widgets.

Why Can't All Of Life Be Like a Craft Show?

I spent nearly all of last week painting my kitchen.  And painting.  And then painting some more.  I had paint globs pushed so far up under my fingernails that I think it had entered my bloodstream.  Add to that all the fumes and the sore muscles, and you can imagine that I was a real peach to live with last week.

Thankfully, Melanie knows me well, and she knew my spirits would be greatly boosted by a jaunt to a once-a-year craft show held locally on the grounds of an estate. 

(People use the word "estate" loosely these days, but girls, this was an ESTATE.  Tennis courts, greenhouse, guest houses--plural, rolling hills, the whole deal.  It was worth the cost of admission just to see how the other half--or the other .00002%, as it were--lives.)

The day was crisp and all the crafts were crafty.  And the artisans were friendly and not at all put off by the fact that Melanie and I walked from booth to booth whispering too loudly, "We could SO totally make that!"

Only pictures could do the morning justice.

Doesn't that sweet man in the background look so very thrilled that his wife drug him to a crafts show?  My husband doesn't know it yet, but that will be him in 40 years.

Corrie pooped out pretty quickly...

...but thankfully she can always count on Melanie for some fun distraction.

Evidently mum's the word.  (Get it?  Mum?  I SLAY me!)  These things were so gigantic I don't think they would've fit in my mini-van.  At $20 a pot, I know they wouldn't have fit in my budget.

Boo.

As we were leaving, we stopped by the pond to let Corrie visit the swans.  Yes, the swans.  These people actually have swans.  Melanie and I agreed that you must surely know you've "made it" in the world when you have your very own swans.  Actually, I think Melanie's exact words were, "Geez, haven't these people read The Great Gatsby?"

   

It was a lovely morning.

Sunday Linkage #21

Bingo -- Lifenut

Broccoli Flute -- YouTube.  I have no idea if this is for real.  But I really, really hope it is.

See Jane Work -- This makes me very, very happy.

Recall Spurs Demand For American-Made Playthings -- MSNBC

Seven Year Old Sings National Anthem -- AOL Video.  Y'all, he's seven.  SEVEN.  As in, the age after six.

How Cute Are These?

I was flipping through Good Housekeeping this week, and I saw that they highlighted this little series of books by Dover Publications.  These classic books are all paperback, they all have these chic vintage covers, and (be still my heart!) they're all only $3 each.  I want them all!

MUST. STOP. WITH. THE. PICTURES.  But don't you just love Elizabeth Barrett Browning?

Love this next one--Tennyson is my favorite poet.  I wanted to name one of our sons Tennyson, until Hubs pointed out he'd be called "Tennis" for short:

Really.  This is the last one.