Going to Virginia!

I know!! I am so terrible . . . I haven't posted to my blog for over a MONTH!

But I am so excited . . . I had to let you know . . . we are going to VIRGINIA! We are leaving tomorrow evening!

Why Virginia, you may ask?

We are going to visit our good friends, Dani and Andy Thaxton. You LH people may remember them from church, along with their precious children Emily, Isaac, and Abby.

We are also going to try and squeeze in a trip to D.C. for a day just because we're so close!

And we are going to spend a day or two in Radford, VA where we kind of have family (my brother's wife's family, the Sales, lives there). We have gotten to know the Sales very well because we have celebrated Thanksgiving and other holidays with them at my brother's house over the past several years, and they are always telling us that we just have to come visit them some time!

OK, I have a lot of packing and laundry to do!

Those of you still out there checking my blog - thanks for your faithfulness! And I will do better in March!

Mindi

A Little Weekend Humor For Ya . . .

My mom emailed me this joke and I just had to share it with the masses -

Pastor's Business Card

A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners.At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door.

Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote "Revelation 3:20" on the back of it and stuck it in the door.

When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned.

Added to it was this cryptic message, "Genesis 3:10."

Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke out in gales of laughter.

Revelation 3:20 begins "Behold, I stand at the door and knock."

Genesis 3:10 reads, "I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked."

"A cheerful heart is good medicine" (Prov. 17:22)

Tummy Trouble at the Greene House!

Yep, we got tummy trouble. Myla got sick Tuesday night and threw up in the car. I was hoping it was that she ate something bad or ate too fast or something. But then during that night she threw up several times. Wednesday night Miranda started saying her tummy hurt, and threw up early Thursday morning and then more during the day, while Myla continued the same. Now it's Friday morning and Maci is throwing up. Molli said she was feeling nauseated and wouldn't eat breakfast this morning so I kept her home too, just in case.

That's 3, maybe 4 out of 8 . . . I assume more to follow.

I have heard that LOTS of people in B/CS have this same bug. Myla's entire class at Mother's Day Out was out AND her teacher on Wednesday. It must be VERY contagious!

So . . . if you haven't been infested by this stomach virus, stay on guard and wash your hands alot!

I'm hoping I get to go to church on Sunday! Matt and I are both on nursery duty that evening which makes me nervous.

Please add our family to your prayer lists for a miraculous recovery - or at least for it to be contained to the three who already have it.

Hope to see you all soon!

Bible Verse of the Day!

Who noticed the new addition on my blog? On the right hand side of the screen, you should see a Bible verse. It automatically changes every day!

Underneath you see a little "powered by BibleGateway.com" - so that tells you that if you want, you too can go to BibleGateway.com and get the code to put on your blog!

And about the cool logo above (that looks like a Coca-Cola logo) - I just ran across that website. It has a little paragraph about a store owner that gives away a free drink for Bible memorization -

"Dale Lanier runs a local convenience store in Snead Alabama. For the past six years, Lanier has been giving away free soft drinks and coffees to those who have memorized the monthly bible verse."

Isn't that cool? Just thought I would share!

Have a great Tuesday!

A Tribute to Diet Coke

OK, before I start this . . . I KNOW that too much Diet Coke is bad for me!! That is why I am trying to cut WAYYYY back on my consumption of diet drinks. Yesterday I had my normal one for breakfast but then I didn't have any more ALL DAY!!

I am trying to order tea at restaurants, and just have one out of my fridge a day, and drink water at meals at home.

That being said . . . here are my favorites in the Diet Soda World:

Restaurant Diet Cokes:

1. Wings 'n' More (it's actually Diet Pepsi)

2. McDonald's (with cherry flavoring - and they have sugar-free cherry that doesn't taste like Sonic's cough syrup version)

3. T.G.I. Fridays - though we rarely go there

4. Golden Corral -

5. Chili's

Bad restaurant Diet Coke:

1. Applebees - and to make it worse, they serve it in a GLASS glass, not a plastic glass!!

And a special award for the best tea that I've found - though Heather would call it cold, brown water because it's not sweet . . . Chef Cao's!

OK, now for the grocery shelf diet soda aisle -

I do not like Diet Coke in a can. Call me weird, because I can drink bucketfuls of the fountain variety. At the grocery store I buy whichever products are on sale that week: coke products or pepsi products. My favorite is probably plain Diet Pepsi if I have a choice though.

Pepsi Product:

Diet Pepsi

Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi

Pepsi One is okay - Matt likes it, so I buy it

Diet Pepsi Max - can't stand it

Matt also likes Diet Mountain Dew and Diet Code Red Mountain Dew if I can find them.

Coke Products:

Diet Cherry Coke - yum!

Diet Dr. Pepper - good but I have to be in the mood for it

Plain Diet Coke in a can - yuck - won't drink it unless I'm desperate

Coke Zero - sorry Melodi but I really do NOT like it!!

Diet Vanilla Coke - hard to find these days. I used to love it but then it got too sweet for me and I couldn't drink the stuff at all.

I also like Diet Sprite and Diet Orange Slice for a caffeine-free treat.

Special Note: Diet Coke with Splenda is nasty and Diet Coke Plus with vitamins is even worse!!! I think they are taking them both off the market. I also like my fountain diet cokes with lemons, or even limes, but the canned Diet Cokes with Lime or Lemons are not so great.

I'm a little weird about how I drink my diet carbonated beverages. I like the canned drinks right from the can, cold of course. I stick them in the freezer and set the timer for 20 minutes. Then think of a chore for myself to try and get done in 20 minutes and then the drink is my "reward." They are a little icy that way. You can also quick chill them by submersing them in ice water for five minutes. As you can see, I go to extremes to avoid pouring them over ice.

If they are fountain drinks - I accept that they must go over ice but I like it best when they come out of the fountain cold, not warm, to avoid melting the ice and diluting the flavor. I like them best out of styrofoam or a plastic glass. I have this weird theory that glass makes them go flat faster. Scoff if you must but next time you order a carbonated beverage and it comes in a glass, I'll betcha it's pretty flat in a few minutes.

I also have to have a straw. ESPECIALLY if the drink is in a glass. Otherwise the glass is too cold for my lips.

OK, that's all for my Diet Coke/Diet Soda post. Kathyrn, I hope you're happy that I blogged about this!! Next time I'm out of blog topics, beware, because I may blog about my Sandwich Rules.

Happy Monday everyone!

Weekend Update with Mindi Greene

I realize that there are probably hundreds of people out there who read my blog posts and think, Wow, I wonder what is going on now with _____________

If you have been with me since the beginning of my blog - here's a follow up!

Dryer Balls: One is lost and the other one is in the baby's toy basket. I was just thinking about them - not sure when they stopped living in the dryer. So I hunted around and found one. Maybe today I'll find number two. I did actually like them - I should find them!

Working Out: It's great!!! I have been every day this week. I missed last Saturday and Sunday but have hit every weekday, I think. I like Body Pump at 6:00 a.m. Mondays and Wednesday, and random BodyCombats and Jams when my schedule allows. And yes, sometimes I do still have to settle for the treadmills and elliptical trainers.

Dieting: Doing well there - hovering at around a 6 lb weight loss after two and a half weeks. Go Mindi!

Is Someone In My House Still Sick?: Yes. Now it's Myla. Low-grade fever off and on and an unbelievably runny nose. I think she has a sore throat too because she won't eat. And she's cutting about seven teeth. On top of all this fun, Miranda laid down for her nap saying, "Mom, I don't feel good. I'm sick." I hope she was just tired . . . but she hasn't been sick in a few weeks. It's probably her turn.

Excellent Wife-ing: It's hard for me to judge that! But I have read my assignment for Sunday night and done my Bible studying three of the days this week (I'll make it four when I read today). I definitely have room to improve but I'm getting better.

Cold Weather: Yep, it's still cold. I heard rumors of warmer weather and sunshine later this weekend. I have my fire going, though, and I love it!!

Wii Love Wii!: Yes, we do!!! Wii Love Wii! How 'Bout You?? Wii haven't been playing as often as we were though. Well, Marshall has but Matt and I haven't. If Wii ever get Guitar Hero then I will be playing non-stop!!

Huckabee: He's GREAT!! I'm still having high hopes for him. Go check out his website and learn more about Mike!! And if you see Myla at church (or anywhere else), ask her, "Myla, who are you going to vote for for President?" To which she will grin and say, "Huck-Bee!" SO cute!

OK, that's all for now!!!

Have a good weekend, everyone!!

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!

I am trying not to be a grump. I am trying not to complain about the wet, windy, cold weather.

I am a summertime gal. I like camping, swimming, and sitting outside on warm evenings when it doesn't get dark until 9:00.

So I'm trying to think good things about wintertime. Here are a few. This might be a short list despite me trying to be creative . . . so I might need some help!

GOOD THINGS ABOUT COLD WEATHER:
1. My kids look really cute in hats.
2. I like fuzzy socks and my new slippers.
3. I like lighting fires and then sitting by the fire for hours.
4. I like cooking cold weather things like beans and cornbread, and chili.

Ummmmm - okay I think I'm done. I guess I'll just focus on hats, socks, slippers, fires, and chili.

Brrrrr . . . did you notice that it's COLD outside?

Maybe if I had a new coat to wear that would help . . . .

Oh, and NO, the cute but unhappy, cold child pictured above is not mine . . . but a cute little tyke, no?

Striving for Excellence

Proverbs 31:10: An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.

Hi folks! Hopefully some of you out there are still checking this occasionally! Sorry about the long absence - time just S-L-I-P-S away.

I am so excited about my new class!! I am taking the "Excellent Wife" class this spring at LH, taught by the wonderful and amazing Melodi Henry!! I actually have the book (well a friend let me borrow it) but I only got partway through and then it fell to the wayside. Forgive me, Matt, but now I am EXCITED about this class!!

This blog is kind of my accountability - since writing it down for all to see means people will be asking me how it is going - but I am going to try and REALLY do this class right. I'm going to read the chapters when I can take my time and really pay attention, instead of while sitting at the table helping Molli with long division or waiting in the carpool line, etc.

I also have been convicted in the past week (but especially last night in class) about not being faithful to private quiet time, Bible study and prayer. Melodi is right . . . how can I have an intimate relationship with God without spending quality time with Him??? How ridiculous I am, praying mostly when I need things, reading the bible only on a whim or when I need to look something up. I prayed for forgiveness from Him last night in not putting time with Him and His word first!!!

Thank you, Melodi, for all you do! Thank you, Heather, for encouraging ALL married women to take this course!!

And thank you, Matt, for your great and awesome Husband-ness, and I'm sorry for not telling you more often!! Be patient, for I am turning into . . .

. . . The Excellent Wife!!!

I'm a Quad-athlete!

OK, so you know I am on my way to being fit and healthy. It looks like a very long road from here but I'm ready to go the distance!

I am doing well - eliminated sugar and empty carbs from my diet, and exercising faithfully.

Well, today the Gold's Gym in C.S. had the "Septathlon" where they do a 20-minute "launch" of each of their classes showing the new routines. It lasted from 8:30-11:30 . . . but because the childcare area had a 2 hour limit, I had to resign to doing only five of the seven classes.

Except Myla decided to sleep in two hours past her normal awakening time and slept until 9:20. I have a strict "let sleeping babies lie" rule so I waited for her to wake up, then rushed and got our derrieres to the gym.

So I could only do four classes.

ONLY??? Ha! What a laugh! I'm surprised I survived to tell the story! My heart nearly came OUT of my chest from beating at such a ridiculously high rate. But I'm the type to not slow down, even though the instructor says, "now, go at your own pace, take a break when you need to . . . " I'm not going to be the pitiful one who has to stop because she can't do it.

Except during BodyFlow, where there were a couple of spots where I couldn't follow her, because my body doesn't exactly do all of those things and balance in all of those positions.

But you should have seen me gettin' my groove on on BodyJam! Well, maybe you shouldn't have. I caught a glimpse or two of myself in the mirror and it was more than I bargained for. Suffice it to say that I learned a few new moves today. How anyone can do all of those things and TALK while doing it is beyond me. (like the instructor).

Anyway, I went to BodyStep, then BodyCombat (don't approach me in a dark alleyway now!), then BodyJam (call me the Disco Queen or the Salsa Sweetie), and then BodyFlow (now that was just humorous).

But . . .

I had a ton of fun. I will never just go do 30-45 minutes on the treadmill ever again. How boring!! And I definitely got a MUCH better workout with the classes!

Oh, and if anyone is crying because they missed out on this much fun - they are doing it again tonight (Tues) in C.S. from 5:30-8:30, and tomorrow in Bryan (morning and evening sessions).

If you are not a member of Gold's - go to their website where you can print out a free VIP Member pass to try it for a few days (I've seen coupons from 1 day to 2 weeks) -

Hope to see you there sometime!!

A Brand New Me!!

So I asked myself, "Self, do I post this on my blog for all the world to see?"

Myself said, I think, yes.

It will be another key to my success.

I am tired of being out of shape, and I have heard that when your babies turn 20 months old, you can't blame extra pounds on them any more.

Myla turned 20 months a few days ago.

So . . . it's time.

I just officially joined the Gold's Gym Health and Fitness Challenge.

You can vote for me to win and I will win amazing prizes.

But, it hasn't started yet. The challenge officially starts on Jan 21st. They are just collecting fat and out-of-shape people right now.

But I have started! Starting on Monday, I made a committment to eat healthier, and be healthier. My body is God's temple. I shouldn't stuff it with such bad things, and forget to give it a little exercise. I have done great this week!! I have eaten a lot of lean protein and salads, etc. I have done better about drinking water. And I went to the gym only twice, but hey, it's a start, and I really worked hard.

You are going to be my accountability. Help me. Ask me how I'm doing. I won't get embarrassed.

And if you are a member of Gold's Gym and would like to meet me in the mornings to work out together, I would be so happy!!

I can't wait to introduce you to the new in-shape Mindi! (you know, the one that can go upstairs and carry a load of laundry down and not be winded . . . )

Epidemiologists . . . I need your help!

I wonder what percentage of people are sick on any given day. I don't mean diseases like cancer or systemic things like high blood pressure and diabetes.

I mean the things you catch that make you sick for a few days and then you get better. Colds. Strep throat. Stomach viruses.

I'm guessing it is greater than 12.5%.

The reason for my guesstimate is that there are eight people living under my roof. It has seemed for a pretty long time now that one of us is sick.

Miranda started running a fever on Friday and had a sore throat. She was better by Sunday night but then Matt got sick. He has had a sore throat and fever since Sunday. Luckily for him (well, for all of us I suppose), I can go to work for him when he is sick.

He is back at work this morning but as I dropped Myla off at Mother's Day Out, she felt a little warm. And she was fussy this morning. Hopefully she's not getting sick.

Anyone want to do some research and see what percentage of the general population is sick at any given time? On average?

Again, my guess: 12.5% or greater, or one person out of eight.

Large families out there . . . do you have this problem?

Huck-a-BOOM!!!

Who was following the Iowa caucus yesterday??

Meeeee!! (arm waving wildly in the air)

Congratulations to Huckabee, who pulled off a solid victory in Iowa, even with an understaffed, underfunded, and underorganized campaign. Yesterday's caucus showed that people actually vote for the actual CANDIDATES. They vote based on issues and values and who they like.

Even though Huckabee had only spent $300-$400K total on his Iowa campaign, and Romney had spend $9 MILLION on TV ads, radio ads, direct mailings . . . the people of Iowa researched the candidates and voted on the one they believed in.

Though most of the pundits had predicted a virtual neck-and-neck between Gov. Huckabee and Gov. Romney, Huckabee won by an impressive 9 points.

Did you see Huckabee on Jay Leno? Though he was criticized for going to California to film on the eve of the caucus, he did a great job and probably won over some voters. If you missed it, check out this link (since I haven't figured out how to put a video right into my blog). Make sure you watch both parts because on the second part, Huckabee jams on his bass guitar with Leno's band, and then high-fives the other band members!

http://www.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=Blogs.View&Blog_id=1049

OK, enough gloating . . . but I am SO pumped!! When I found Huckabee, he was polling in single digits and usually in 4th or 5th place.

Please pray for Mike Huckabee as he continues his campaign. He is not expected to do well in New Hampshire, since it is composed of more indepedent voters and there are WAY less Evangelical Christians. If he can just finish a solid third (behind McCain and Romney), he's still in good shape. He's already doing well in several other key (early) states, such as South Carolina and Florida, where he hasn't campaigned at all.

So . . . here's to you, Mike Huckabee!! May God bless you on your campaign to reach the White House!!

Ready for a Great . . . 2008!!

Wow.... can it really be 2008???

I am ready . . . though January always seems long, cold, and boring.

Here's some things that I am looking forward to in 2008:

Summer Olympics! (Yay! Go gymnastics!)

The presidential elections! (a little nervous here)

Um . . . don't forget . . . Leap Year!!

Here's what else will happen -

My oldest daughter Monica will turn 16 and get her driver's license . . . yipes!!!

Maci will start high school in the fall.

Hopefully . . . Myla will be potty trained in 2008 . . . making us a diaper-free family for the first time in a few years!

Birthdays . . . Matt and I will hit 34, Monica 16, Maci 14, Molli 11, Marshall 9, Miranda 4, and Myla 2!!! Those numbers seem so CRAZY, like they should be FAR in the future!

How does the time pass so quickly??

I'm excited for what God has planned for Living Hope and how our Wednesday night HOPE group will grow and change.

I like getting new calendars and the kids like getting new school schedules.

I like looking forward to warm weather, though it usually takes longer than I want it to.

What are you looking forward to in 2008???

My Cup Runneth Over!

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Psalms 23:5

Wow! I am suddenly overtaken by tears of joy.

How? How has God been so good to me?

I have been immensely blessed in life despite plenty of mistakes.

You know the old adage, "You can't take it with you" - referring to the fact that when we die, we don't take our houses, our Suburbans, our cell phones, our email accounts . . . or even our Wii's.

But you know what we CAN take with us??? People! Or at least their souls. All of these precious little (and big) children that fill my life with so much joy will all be with me for all eternity, praising God. My awesome hubby? He'll be there too.

I lay in bed last last night with my tears runnething over with pure joy and happiness. I have had a rough 2007 and I was ready to put the lid on that year and open a new year. But despite illness and the loss of a dear family member, I go into 2008 with so much love for so many people in my life that it overwhelms me. I woke up this morning with the same thought. I was ready to blog about it . . . though the blog I composed in my head did more easily flow from my brain. Now it sounds kind of . . . well, silly.

But the fact that I have one AMAZING husband and six AMAZING children to share a home with staggers me. Add on top of that . . . a super-great mom who I love so much. My parents were divorced when I was 21 and it rocked me to the core. But now I have two new people in my life. She remarried "Grampa James" in 1999 and he is wonderful too!

I had anger and issues with my father after the divorce but have reconciled that relationship. Praise God!! I'm so grateful for having him more in my life after years of hurt. His wife, Jean, is a doll and loves all of us dearly.

My brother is the coolest bestest brother ever!! He's an awesome auctioneer. He has a cool boat, a cool pool, and a cool wife! I love them both so much! I love their four super-cool kids too and I'm so glad that my six kids and their four kids all have similar ages and it's a big party and celebration every time we are together! Check out this pic of my mom, Grandpa James, my six kids, and my brother's four kids:

Is that one happy-looking crew, or what?

Then add my husband's family! We married so young, so long ago, that I feel that I have known and loved them forever. His parents are both so good to me and their love for me is genuine. He has two brothers that I love, with great personalities and great hugs! Matt's sister is several years younger than we are, but since she has married and had a baby in the past year and a half, we have grown MUCH closer! She will be having another baby in April and I am so excited that she will have two baby girls to play with my two baby girls!!

OK . . . so that's just pretty much the immediate family - without going into cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents, etc. . . . !

That does not count all the dear friends that I have. Several of you out there have been there for me time and time again. You are so supportive of me and help me out with whatever I need. I have old friends and roommates from college, newer friends from optometry school and living in Killeen, and many many new friends and loved ones that we have grown close to since moving to College Station. When I got sick I was absolutely blown away by all of the unsolicited support, phone calls, emails, meals, etc.

So, here comes a Mindi that is a little bit different from the one before. I keep thinking I'm learning my lessons and finally "get it" about life . . . but God always has more to teach me.

I don't know what I am suddenly overcome with love and appreciation with everyone in my life - but I'm so thankful that it's full of such wonderful people.

Thank you God, and please don't let me forget the importance of PEOPLE. And I pray that I will get to WORSHIP You, God, with ALL of these people in heaven some day.

Wii Wii Wii All The Way Home

Soooo . . . some of you may be thinking that I'm not cut out to be a blogger. Time will tell I suppose but I have just been so busy. My family came for Christmas and just left yesterday. Matt's family is arriving from Michigan today (his mom, dad, sister, brother in law, and sister's baby). So I'm sure that you will understand that I have been vacuuming, mopping, shopping, cooking, planning for their visit . . .

. . . NOT!!!

OK, I've been doing some of those things.

But we have another, more permanent guest in our home.

He lives in Marshall's room, though he spends some late nights in the living room.

His name is Wii.

Who else has this crazy amazing addicting friend in their home!! It is soooo cool!

And such a workout! I was up until l:30 a.m. last night honing my home run hitting skills. I am so sore this morning. And how 'bout that tennis???

I am embarrassed of my "fitness age" but I know you will all want to know. It is dreadful but I have improved. I started at 71. Improved a little to 67. And last night jumped to 52!!

It was then that I decided that I needed to start the training session. I am really good at the bowling but my tennis was mediocre and my home runs were few and far between (I had only hit one after three days).

Tonight my fitness score will be off the charts. After severall sessions with the trainer I can hit 4 home runs out of 10 pitches. I had just been holding the controller wrong . . . and had a little problem with my timing. I also practiced my tennis and got a little more consistent. Maybe tonight I will only be in my forties.

Wii owners of the world . . . you need to go rent SSX Blur. It's a snowboarding game. We had the SSX Tricky version for PS2 and loved it, but this game takes SSX tricky to a whole new level. We rented it from Blockbuster but now I think I need to pressure Marshall to spend his Christmas money on purchasing it. JK!

Wii non-owners of the world . . . come on over and play! We don't watch TV anymore. Heck, we barely eat supper.

Wii love playing with the Wii!

Who else is waking up with sore arms and shoulders from all that Wii-ing?

The Amazing Dryer Balls

Has anyone out there tried these?

My mom was buying herself some and kindly thought of her daughter, the Laundry Queen. So I was the proud owner of the Amazing Dryer Balls.

The packaging states that these little blue rubbery nubby balls have the following features:

• Naturally soften fabrics without the use of harmful and irritating chemicals
• Made of PVC plastic to withstand high heat
• Cuts drying time by up to 25%
• Reduces lint and ironing
• Safe for ALL fabrics - jeans, towels, even your delicates

So I declared Thursday to be the Offical Greene Family Dryer Ball Testing Day(known in some circles as the OGFDBTD) with my laundry room serving as the Official Facility.

What do I think? Well, I think they work okay. I'll examine the above features:

1. "Naturally soften fabrics without the use of harmful and irritating chemicals." Well, they did seem to somewhat soften the fabrics. Everything seemed, well, kind of fluffy, and definitely less wrinkly. There is a picture on the packaging of a stack of towels dried with and without the fabric balls. I did two or three loads of the towels and they didn't triple in size like in the picture but they seemed a little fluffier and kind of soft.

2. "Made of PVC Plastic to Withstand High Heat." I didn't test what they were made of. They did seem to withstand the high heat just fine!

3. "Cuts Drying Time By 25%." This one was hard to test. My dryer just tells me when my clothes are dry, and if I happen to look at the time right when I start the dryer and right when it's done, I know how long it took. But since some loads take longer than other loads (towels and jeans take longer, large loads take longer, and cold wash loads take longer), it was hard to assess how much it cut the drying time. That said, I got about 2 more loads done total than I can usually do in a school day (I think I did 7-8 loads, when usually I do 5-6). So I'm pretty sure it was faster.

4. "Reduces Lint and Ironing." This, too, is hard to quantitatively assess (the lint anyway). I didn't really notice my lint screen looking particularly empty. As for the ironing, everything seemed much less wrinkly. I don't actually EVER iron ANYTHING . . . but that's another subject and I don't want to digress that far.

5. "Safe for All Fabrics: Jeans, Towels and even your Delicates." I didn't have that many delicates but I did use the balls in all the loads (and in all the loads I have done since then) and nothing was destroyed.

Other points:

• The dryer balls seem kind of loud at first, like you are drying tennis shoes, but the rubber softens as they heat up and then you can't hear them.
• Some online users complain that the balls got stuck in pants legs and sleeves, and even in large hems, stretching them into a round ball shape. I didn't have to search for the balls at all so this wasn't a problem for me.
• Use both balls at once. I saw the package and thought, "cool, I love 2-packs" and ran the first load with only one ball. Then I figured out that they are supposed to be used together. Darn.
• Since the point of the balls is to soften your clothes without using the chemical-laden dryer sheets, some people are comparing how your laundry comes out compared to the dryer sheets. Obviously the balls aren't going to make your clothes smell like Spring Blossoms or Mountain Springs since they are just plain rubber. So you might miss the fresh smell of dryer sheets. However, as a parent of Children With Eczema, I never use dryer sheets anyway.

I think that these balls work pretty well and would be a good buy. Using them would save money in several ways: (1) the cost of the dryer sheets and fabric softeners, if you use them (2) decreases your drying time, therefore reducing your utility costs. They are ecologically friendly and of course will not irritate my babies' or other childrens' skin.

I give this product a thumbs-up. I think they cost about $10 at drugstores.

Anyone else have any thoughts or experience with these Amazing Dryer Balls?

Grandmommy

Well, if there is anyone left checking this blog, it's a MIRACLE!! I know I have been gone for a long time and haven't posted in TEN days!

My last post was Monday, December 3rd. On Tuesday, the 4th, I lost my grandmother. I will miss her so much. She was battling a number of conditions, but none (we thought) immediately life-threatening. Diabetes, thyroid, Grave's disease, some short-term memory loss and a nearly-healed broken ankle.

Grandmommy (as we grandkids called her) was such a special lady and the one who spoiled me the most as a child. When I wanted to run away, I imagined running to her. When the world seemed to be turning on me, I knew she loved me with a love that was fierce and strong and proud and unconditional.

It's hard to lose someone who loves you that much.

Though she had lived in Midland since I was born, just recently she moved to a nursing home in Conroe to be closer to my aunt. I vowed that since I had missed visiting with her enough due to the many miles between us, that I would go once a week and visit her. After a few trips (1 hr 15 minutes each way) that I took on my days off work, I was thinking selfishly, "wow, that's kind of a big commitment, I sure am driving a lot, etc.). I had no idea that my visits were very numbered.

My last visit with her was Saturday, three days before she died. Though previous visits had been difficult (sometimes she knew me and the kids well, sometimes she did not), that visit was the best I had seen her since she had moved to Conroe. She was a die-hard Aggie football fan, and I asked her, "Grandmommy, wasn't it exciting? Those Aggies beat those Longhorns!!" She said, "I know, and they are getting a new coach! Where is he from again?" Just like the Grandmommy that I had always known and loved!

I think God gave us that last good visit. It was a wonderful gift and a memory that I will hold dear forever.

Goodbye, Grandmommy. We sure will miss you but I know we will meet again.

Blog-watching friends out there, thanks for listening. I couldn't just go on with my blog like it hadn't happened. Lighter fare is coming.

Tomorrow's post topic: The Amazing Dryer Balls!

Another Kind of Christmas List

Well, on Friday evening (right after my last post with the List of Things I Love), I realized I had forgotten that I LOVE . . . . CHRISTMAS!!!!

And there are SO many things I love about the Christmas season that I feel it warrants its own list!

1. Decorating the tree(s) with my kids (I especially love the wonder and joy of pulling the ornaments out one by one)

2. Living Hope's Christmas play!!!

3. Going to Santa's Wonderland and Tombstone Texas (should we organize a LH night or hayride through the lights?)

4. Taking pictures for making our Christmas cards.

5. Putting the cards together assembly-line style: I sign the card, a kid puts the picture in, another kid puts the letter in, another kid licks the envelope, another puts the address labels and stamps on.

6. Christmas eve candlelight services

7. The "sibling exchange" (I take all the kids to the dollar store and give them five dollars each to buy a $1 gift for each of their five siblings. Then we go home and each child has to wrap them themselves. Then one evening shortly before Christmas we make a big occasion out of opening the Sibling Gifts. It's hilarious what they pick to give each other. Last year Marshall gave Monica a hot glue gun, which she though was crazy-funny!)

8. The amazing Christmas specials on TV.

9. Listening to Christmas music non-stop both in the car and in the house.

10. Making what we call "holiday popcorn." (recipe below)

11. Reading the REAL "Christmas story" aloud out of the book of Luke, and listening to the kids read it aloud.

I'm sure I'll think of many more things that I love about the season!

Oh, and here's how you make that Holiday popcorn:

1. Pop two bags of microwave popcorn. Pour them into a giant bowl and make sure to weed out the unpopped kernels.

2. Melt one package of white almond bark (available near the chocolate chips at the grocery store) in the microwave. It melts pretty fast - cook about 30 seconds at a time and stir in between.

3. While the almond bark is melting, add two-three cups of "filler" to the popcorn. I like to use pretzels and rice krispies. Peanuts and almonds are good in there too.

4. Pour the melted almond bark over the popcorn and other ingredients. Red and Green mini M&Ms are good, or mini chocolate chips but you have to stir that in after the almond bark cools a little. You can also stir peanut butter into the almond bark before pouring it over.

5. Spread the holiday popcorn in a single layer over wax paper. You have to wax paper a pretty large area to get it spread out. I like to sprinkle red and green sugar crystals or other christmassy sprinkles at this point.

6. Let the popcorn cool completely and then break it up into a large bowl. YUMMY!!

This makes a great inexpensive gift for teachers, neighbors, classmates, etc. I put about a cup of the mix into those clear Christmas goodie bags and tie with curly ribbon.

Enjoy!

Now it's your turn to share. What's your favorite holiday tradition? Or recipe?

Mindi

My list

OK, I so have been intrigued by the incredibly popular "To-Do List" blog that became a book and is now a best-seller. So I went to the blog to take a look around. The author claims that a list says a lot about a person.

I have not posted in forever and a day. I had to get over being sick, and then have Thanksgiving, and since we got home from Ennis (where my brother, mom and dad live) I have been playing catch-up. And besides, I couldn't think of a topic.

So since it's too late to make a "Things I'm Thankful For" list, I'll just make an impromptu list of things I love.

So, in no particular order, here are some things that Mindi loves!!!

1. The obvious! The triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the Bible so we can read and learn about Him
2. Another obvious! My awesome hubby, my awesome beautiful six children, and extended fam.
3. Still another obvious! My amazing friends, and the fact that I have so many people who care about me (as I found out when I was sick . . . my phones were ringing off the wall, er, nightstand). A MILLION thanks to the many many people (my mom called them "Mindi's Angels) who chipped in with food, childcare, running kids, etc.
4. Yada yada yada . . .. this is getting boring but of course my house, my car, my computer, my phone.

OK, now for the little things:

Beautiful sunny fall days
The smell of Myla's neck
Hot kettle corn (the real stuff, not microwaved)
How it feels to crunch dead leaves
Friends (the TV show), Survivor, Grey's Anatomy, and Jeopardy
Google
Loud, hard thunderstorms that rage when I'm home for the night and while I sleep, but clear up to a clean wet world by dawn's early light.
Just-bathed baby toes that are wrinkly and pink
Giving someone a present that I KNOW they will absolutely love
Pictures of my kids when they were babies
The look and feel of a slight sunburn at the end of a day on the lake
Wings 'n' More pickle chips
Sitting at the edge of the ocean, staring out and wondering where I would end up if I went straight out
Diet Cokes (fountain) with REAL cherry flavoring, not sugar-free cherry flavoring that tastes like bad cough syrup
A roaring fire in the fireplace on a freezing night
Texas A&M Football and the Dallas Cowboys

OK, that's enough for now.

What do you love?

Mindi

I survived!!!

Well, I am back among the land of the living! Thank you to everyone who prayed for me, called to check on me, emailed your concerns, etc. Some of you kept my kids, drove them around, and cooked me dinner!!! Thank you thank you thank you!!

My goal for Friday was to get out of bed and make it to the living room couch. Once I got to the couch, I felt much better and by Friday night was up and dressed in real clothes! My mom felt okay about going home at that point (she had been staying with me and helping with the house and children).

By Saturday I took a REAL shower (standing up!) and put on jeans. Matt declared me well enough to go to Red Lobster and to go see a movie. And Sunday I went to church, and today I am at work!!!

So, praise God, I am well!

Mindi's Horrible Illness By the Numbers:
2 trips to medical facilities
3 IV attempts (2 successful)
3 bottles of Advil taken
1 spinal tap
1 chest xray
2 sets of bloodwork
8 days in bed
3 cans of chicken broth
3 packages of jello
104.3 - highest recorded fever

Tomorrow I will write something more exciting to read about!!
Thanks, friends, for being there for me!!

Mindi