lizardblog ( the blog of liz creech

August 30, 2007
Coffee Comparisons

Since my coffee pot has gone on the fritz, I have been going to different places after I drop Meaghan off at the bus stop. So far I have gotten coffee from Arby's, Super America, and today McDonalds. They have all been decent, but I think my favorite so far has been from Arby's. Theirs is T.J. Cinnamon if I am not mistaken. Still not as good as what I make in my own kitchen, but it will do I reckon.

posted by Liz at 7:38 AM - permalink - -

August 29, 2007
Well then, there you go!!

This is a picture of a Cuisinart Grind and Brew Coffee maker. I have one and it broke, again. There is this wonderful thing called a warranty though, that keeps me from hating Cuisinart for having to go buy coffee every morning until the new one arrives. So, for the cost of postage and 10$ for their shipping costs, I get a brand new one. Could be worse.

If you visit Alans blog you will know by now that he lost his job this past Friday, quite a shock. I am working full time until such time as he gets another job, hopefully paying as much as the last one, or close to it any way, we will see. God is so much bigger than we give him credit for - I just hope I have the ability to deal with it and not freak everybody out!! HA!!

School is back in session, Katey in college, Meaghan in high school and Conor and McKenzie at home, driving me nuts. Next school year Conor joins the ranks of the high school students - a bit scarey for me but they have to start the process away from me eventually. I have decided to really push him at home so he can maybe be ready for high school when the time comes.

So, there you go, a new job somewhere out there for Alan, a new coffee machine on the way, and a lot of work for me until then!!

posted by Liz at 7:48 AM - permalink - -

August 10, 2007
Depression

I am the world best avoider of anything unpleasant. I cope quite well by not acknowledging things, for awhile anyway. And what is usually the case, I have cause said unsavory things myself, mostly from being lazy and avoiding things - what a catch 22!!

So, usually if you read here you know that my oldest is going away to college next Thursday. I alternate between being super excited for her and being totally beside myself with anxiety about her and her safety, and what not. This past weekend and week, in general, have been some of the worst depression I have ever experienced. I am gonna call my mom today and ask her if she went through any of that when I went away to EKU.

I did call my mom and she had a laugh at me and told me "Welcome to her world", my mom is funny and not necessarily in a humorous way. I know I will get through this, but usually I can look out the window, at a calendar, or a the situation and see why I am depressed. This one snuck up on me and has removed the ground right out from under me. Prayer, prayer, and more prayer will probably be the answer. And time too, I guess. Prayers from all who read this would be most appreciated - pray for Alan too - it is harder on him that me!!

posted by Liz at 9:26 AM - permalink - -

August 03, 2007
Updates...

Peter is doing great. As a matter of fact he is fly hunting as we speak. He is pretty good at it too. After he catches them and then plays with them a little bit - he EATS them!! YUCK!! But he catches and gets rid of a lot, so what the heck. He is growing fast too. You just don't think about it, like with kids. It is something that just happens and before you know it they are full grown.

Miss Katey heads off for EKU in 13 days. I am excited for her and apprehensive at the same time. She is a great, smart kid and I have all confidence in her. That typical parent worry comes to mind though. Pray for us all that it will be an easy transition.

The younger 3 start back on the 13th. The summer has flown and it sure has been busy. We haven't really done anything, not even gone to the pool, well except the Warped tour. But I swear it has been run, run, run, it seems like. I guess I am looking forward to the regular routine of the school year.

posted by Liz at 9:11 AM - permalink - -

August 02, 2007
Second annual Warp Tour Observations

So, yesterday I took the kids, the 3 older ones to Riverbend in Cincinnati for our 3rd annual trip to the Warped tour. This year the crowd was younger and showed enough skin for me to want to ask why they just didn't run around naked. I think they would have if they were allowed to do so.

We got to see some good bands. Coheed and Cambria, Boys like Girls, UnderOath, and New Found Glory to mention a few. There were some I have no idea what there names were, we just happened to be sitting where they were playing and heard them. Some were not very good, ok, well I didn't like them. I am not into the screaming much.

Second observation is that I didn't hear as much foul language as last year. The bands didn't even say the "F" word as much as I would have thought. Sure, we heard it but not as much as last year.

3. People stink after being in the sun all day and sweating, mostly the boys - seriously.

Mosh pits are very scary, especially when your kids, no matter how old, are close to them. I got hit in the back of the head 3 times with people. Yes, the whole person. If you have ever been to a concert and seen how they crowd surf people up to the front of the stage you understand. Being the mom I kept watching over my daughter who is bigger than me, she was into the music and I kept warning her to watch her head as the ones I saw were coming.

I am getting too old to go do this thing. There were a lot more mom's there this year than in the previous 2, you know regular, preppy dressed, older than me kind of moms, and with kids a lot younger than mine.

So, it was good times, but I sure can wait til next year!!

posted by Liz at 9:37 AM - permalink - -

spiritual

> vine & branches
> vineyard central

blogs

> Garden Escapades
> Trish Hiduk
> Maryann
> Alan Creech
> The Vine
> Little Houses
> Amber Bishop
> Jody Nixon
> Laura Ogle
> Debi Warford
> Jason & Brooke Evans
> Eric Keck
> Beth Keck
> Pete Matthews
> Trudi Matthews
> Brian Phillips
> Bryan Sherwood
> Malie
> Kim Johnson

Homeschool

> vegsource homeschool
> discovery school channel
> saxon math and phonics

general interest

> john rosemond's affermative parenting
> lisa welchel
> thunderstruck
> Homestar Runner

gardening

> Kids Gardening

books i like

Here are some books I suggests if you are looking to homeschool or just for information. I gleaned a lot from them. Our church gets credit if you buy through these links.

In their Own Way
by Thomas Armstrong

Seven Times Smarter
by Laurel Schmidt

How to Talk So Kids Can Learn
by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

Teen Proofing
by John Rosemond