Ahh, now that I've got THAT off my chest...

Dear Flylady,


We need to talk. Yes, we do. For more than three years I relied on you, but, well, things just aren’t working for me anymore, dear. This may come as a total shock but I must inform you that I am on to you like a fly stuck on a sticky strip. You are not what you seem. Don't get me wrong we once had a thing; I even thought I was in love with you. All those 27-fling boogie sessions, hot spot fire drills, and zone missions we did together you might ask? Fake, sweetie. All. Fake.

Really, let's be honest. I couldn’t possibly read all the emails you cram in my inbox instructing me of what you want me to do for the day. Every stinkin’ day you ask if I “feel overwhelmed, overextended, and overdrawn?” Yeah I feel overwhelmed! Overwhelmed with you sweetie! Oh and don’t eeeeven get me started on the “think of those emails as sticky notes.” I’d be better off thinking of them as sticky strips cause I aint going anywhere for a long while if I try to read all those sticky strips. I’m tired of you gettin’ in my face telling me all the things that I have to do today, even with your little “you’re not behind–you’re just getting started!” ditty at the end of all your reminders, I feel like you just always wanted more. I’d rather find a bottle of rum than take 15 minutes to start attacking that list of yours.

Don’t get me wrong–you have a lot going for you girl, and you brought a lot to the table. I have enjoyed some parts of our relationship. Your shiny sink 101 was inspiring, I’ve identified those hot spots and I  realize it doesn’t take all day to clean if I do it in small chunks. But really, it’s time to say goodbye. No, I haven’t found someone else. Mr. Clean and I well, we’re just friends…acquaintances, really…actually he hasn’t spent much time around here lately.

I wish you the best of luck. Don’t cry, FlyLady. There are plenty of fly babies with empty inboxes who are in desperate need of your wisdom...And your rubba scrubba. You may think it’s just stinkin’ thinkin’, and that I need to really Finally Love Myself a little more, but really, the bottom line is this. You’re smothering me, babe, and I need a little space. AND my inbox! It's over between us.

Sincerely,
A fly washed chinobilly

PS. I get showered and dressed every morning and what's wrong with Fannie in the pink sweats? I get a lot of work done in my sweats and I aint wearing shoes in my house no matter what that dirty ole fly says.

Happiness Is.

Catching snowflakes.

Cletus the chinobilly snowman.

Proud chinobillies.

Apricot blossoms.

Eager daffodils.

Promise of spring.

This sweet guy.

Blessed with Bree.

Blessed with Abby.

Snowboots/Rainboots.

Cuddles.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Debby and I made chocolate covered strawberries together. I love spending time with this lovely lady more than I love chocolate. Thank you friend, praise God for our friendship.

Germ-in Chocolate Cake

Today is my daddy’s birthday. The girls have been fighting off the sniffles though so instead of doing our usual Friday run to town we decided to cuddle in mamma’s bed a bit this morning. We called my dad to sing him Happy Birthday and I asked him what kind of cake he would like me to make. After a bit of pondering he decided on German Chocolate Cake. Perfect! I thought. After lingering in the bed longer than usual, we made our way to the kitchen. I checked the cupboard for the cake mix and whatayaknow, no German Chocolate cake mix. Hmm, there is no way this Chinobilly is going to Safeway in her pink ducky pajammies for an overpriced cake mix. Uh uh! You may now Praise the Good Lord above for the internet. Trust me I wouldn’t have been a pretty sight. Anyway, I found Tricia Yearwood’s recipe for German Chocolate Cake and decided to go for it.

A good Southern gal like Tricia should now how to make a tasty German Chocolate Cake. A good Chinobilly like me knows how to make a lopsided cake.

I had all the ingredients except buttermilk; mine was
s-aaa-o-u-r.

While making the cake with my sweet girls Bree asks, “Mommy- since I’m sick can I put the germ in the cake?” It took me a second but then I was laughing hysterically! Get it? Germ-in Chocolate Cake?

 She kills me!

Oh how I love this girl.

Oh my word this is an ugly cake, sorry dad, I can explain, really...

Valentine P-a-r-t-y

Today I took the girls to the library for story time and a Valentine Party.

hosted by the dearest librarian, Mrs. Darlene.

We played games.

Just look at the joy on my girl's face! (above)

Grace was diggin' it too.

Cupid's hearts were everywhere.

We exchanged Valentine's.

And enjoyed the company of really great friends.

Playhouse Progress

Back in January, Matt decided it was high time the girls leave the nest. But babe they're only 3! I pleaded...and his hands flew in the air. They can't live with us forever darlin'. We gotta love 'em and let 'em go...

to the back yard anyway!

Seriously, if he had his way his babies wouldn't marry until they turned 39!

He NEEDS them, they NEED him!

The weather hasn't been so cooperative.

But that hasn't stopped him.

He worked on siding the little house over the weekend.

Rain or shine

He has worked hard.

And the smiles are worth it all!

John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt

We're suffering from a bit of spring fever. Even though it was chilly we built a fire Wednesday night and roasted hot dogs for dinner.

Bree and Abby were totally on board.

They knew smores were on the menu too.

They were not prepared for their mom and dad to bust out the ol' campfire songs.

Oh yeah, it's like riding a bike, you never forget campfire songs.

Bree wishes the previous statement wasn't true.

Sweet Annie's Simple Sliced Apples

I haven't shared a recipe in a while so here is one of the kids FAVORITE tasty snacks. Our girls practically worship "Miss Annie" and their fwind Ella. I must say I like 'em a lot too ;)

Oh! And if your kiddos aren't feeling well and want something warm just pop these little sweets in the microwave for about 2 minutes (depending on your microwave) and you have warm apple slices...like apple pie but without the good stuff like butter and pie crust.

Please feel free to download this recipe card for your collection.
Enjoy!

Softy

Once upon a time, in chinobilly land, there lived two little girls who dreamed of having a playhouse. A playhouse with pink walls, a shady porch and a flowerbed like the one mommy has. Their handsome chinobilly father was kind, loving and couldn’t say no.

I just love that man!

Greetings from the slacker

I’ve been such a Cracker Jack blogger lately. Life and stuff, y'know?

FOR THE RECORD: any of you who said to me "Jenn, after 2 you’ve got it made! 2 year olds are the hardest! bla bla bla" you are all grounded for a week, because that is a tub of poo! 3 is WAY tougher than 2. End.of.story. Dad B, you get a gold star for being the only one to offer any kind of warning.

All joking aside, I am happier than I've ever been in.my.entire.life. Being a mother is such a treasured gift. The joy these little girls have brought into our home is so far beyond the realm of description it's unbelievable. Seeing them grow up before my eyes is breathtaking. It's miraculous. Most of all it's humbling.

We are slowly getting back into our routine around here. Nana has been with Jesus for almost a month now. I still think of her often and especially the night I stayed with her while she was in hospice. It was such a precious night as we did a lot of reminiscing and apologizing and forgiving and praying and crying. I thank the Lord for allowing me to dwell in so many sweet memories. No they weren't all perfect and wonderful but they were part of my story.of who I've become.of who God wants me to be.

Please continue to pray for my Papa, Uncle and Mom as they continue to sort through and process all that has transpired. I don't want to even imagine what it must be like to live without the love of my life of 59 years, or the mother who gave me life. It must be so very difficult.

So thank you for being patient while I take some time to enjoy these precious days with my family.

Since I’m still waiting to replace my camera lens I will just have to recap with more words than pictures in the coming days. For now, I’m off to prepare for church tomorrow morning.

Love ya lots!The chinobilly blog slacker

“Make me to know thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.” Psalm 25:4 RSV