Three Four Things This Thursday (Fisher Cat Slayer, Fort Knox, Shred update and more)

Hi there! If you are new to my place.......welcome! Thursdays are the day I ramble about three random things. Sometimes I share a new recipe, bits and pieces of what's going on in my crazy not-so-random world, or maybe a new homeschooling tip. I try to keep everything as real as I can......and I keep my eyes fixed on God! So if you want to join in......grab the button over on my sidebar, add your link/comments below and jump right in~!

1. OK, so after our devastating loss......Josh is determined to do two things. Become the Fisher-Cat Slayer and build Fort Knox. Josh is normally a very passive man......this is the guy who dove under the camper to rescue the blind baby rat. But if you witnessed what our barn looked like after that attack.......it might send Mother Theresa looking for a Rambo outfit.
So, knowing Josh's quirky version of a type A personality and giving everything 100%.....I am guessing this transformation will include a Conan the Barbarian outfit, a bear claw trap and some weird tribal face painting. He believes his Native American heritage (he is Pocasset Wampanoag) will come through as he is determine to trap and kill this predator. He also has deranged thoughts about hanging the victim in the woods (think The Village) to send a message to all his fisher cat friends or any other predator who thinks about stepping foot near our farm.

*sigh*....yes, he can take things to an unhealthy level.

2. He also started Fort Knox......well, that is what he is referring to our new chicken coop. I originally had planned on calling it the Cluck Cluck Inn or something cute for my feathered friends.....but after said attack.....Josh is determined to make this the most secure housing that can survive a nuclear attack.

I have to say.....Josh is a pretty talented well rounded guy. He looks completely professional in his "monkey suit" as we call the suit and tie he is required to wear for his job. But he sure can jump right into jeans, workboots and a tool belt and get that any construction job done too.
So here is Stage One of Fort Knox. I have to say.......he whipped this badboy up pretty quick all by himself (with a wiped out back, lol) with no plans drawn out. We recycled an old bookcase for the nesting boxes too. bonus!
He is going to try to get the walls up over the next few days (after work) and then we are heading over to Habitat for Humanity ReStore to maybe get a window (back by chicken wire of course!!!) and some shingles for the roof.

This will soon be a great new SAFE home for my sweet hens.......

And I told you Josh was a softie.......he came home with these little fluffy friends to keep "Rocky" company. I wanted to thank you all for all your great suggestions for a name for this little survivor.......I loved the spiritual meanings and encouraged N to choose one with a nice strong Biblical meaning. I loved Destiny, Silas and Maia. But she was dead set on Rocky because she believes (s)he is the fighter who wouldn't give up. Now if I can only get her to stop humming the Eye of The Tiger song everytime she holds it.

3. Shred update! I am on Day 23 (skipping only Sundays) of The ShredFest and I have to say that this workout gets results! Although I've only lost about 3 pounds, I have toned up significantly and definitely lost inches in my waist, arms and thighs. WOOT! I am guessing I lost at least an inch or more in my rib/waist area.......and my arms are certainly less jiggly.

I am quite certain it has to do with being in that brutal plank position for most of Level Two and Three....and I think I was sweating from areas that I never even knew had sweat glands with all the cardio. But I have to say......I had the confidence to wear a tank top this past weekend. And get this.......I even had the guts to wave to my neighbor when she drove by and I didn't have half as much flab flying in the wind. *thumbs up*

So if you are up for an intense, but effective workout......I am def. recommending The 30 Day Shred! And it's only $8.99 at Amazon.com. Heck, I can spend that on a bag of blue corn tortillas and salsa!

I have had this on my heart and I want to add one last thing.....

4. This week's event taught us such important lesson(s). Life is short and at any time your world can be turned upside down. The enemy, at anytime, can swoop in and steal from you (and your life).....we need to always be on guard and protect our mind, heart and body. That fisher cat killed for the thrill.....it's main goal was just to destroy and move on to the next victim. That is how Satan works. So remember to be prepared and protected . I want to share Ephesians 6:10-18 with you:

The Armor of God

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

I hope you have a wonderful day.......please join in and leave your links and comments below!!!

xox
*~Michelle~*

Not Me Monday!

So I always enjoy reading the hilarious posts from McKMama and friends with the Not Me Monday posts.....and thought today would be fun to jump on that wagon and join in! You basically 'fess up about a few things you've done that week (funny, embarrassing, sentimental)...and pretend that you totally did not actually do them!

OK, so that won't be hard for me

I did not feel like I went ten rounds with Mike Tyson after attempting Level Two of The 30 Day Shred this weekend.

I did not swear like a sailor when she (that would be the evil drill sergeant Jillian Michaels Shred-monger) instructed to do five more of this humanly impossible feat of lifting my arms with weights while lunging my legs in the opposite direction. Nope. not this Christian gal. ;)

I also did not blow all that hard work when I devoured two baskets of chips and salsa at Applebees on Saturday night.....and did not order extra sour cream either.

I did not pee my pants during a relentless 13 sneeze attack at N's soccer practice. And I did not make a mad dash to the Port-a-John before the floodgates opened. I guess that would not prove that I did not do my Kegels after each time I birthed one of my children, like my doctor suggested.

I did not run outside my house one night (after dark) last week in my underwear because I was dared to by my teenagers. It was not because we were celebrating our victory over debt and I did not mention how I felt like just doing that (in a crazy victory dance kinda way).....and they called me on it. I am not one of those people who cannot say no to a challenge.

I do not have a bag on my head right now for admitting those things.

I did not bawl my eyes out I watched the Mother's Day "DVD card" that Josh and the kids made for me....which included interviews of each of them telling me why I was so special and the best mom ever. I also did not laugh when N mentioned that her mom was loving and caring....not aggressive, like our rooster. That DVD was not the best.gift.ever. It will not be cherished forever either.

And speaking of roosters and chickens......I did not witness the most amazing event watching nine chicks being brought into this world over the weekend.

Ahhhhh, that felt good. Nothing like a healthy confessional to start my week! If you could use a little yourself.....pop on over to My Charming Kids and join in too.

Peace, love and stay barefoot~

*~Michelle~*

Three Things This Thursday (LOST, Shreddin, and Diggin in the Dirt )

1. Not sure, but I think I had my own smoke monster coming outta my head after last night's episode.

The simultaneous plots were really doing a job on my un-medicated ADD brain.....still trying to figure out if Richard Alpert truly doesn't really know where Locke has been these past few years. The convincing confused look on his face lately is throwing me off......then again, he has had a creepy look to him all this time. He had the same weird look when Ben told him that he tried to kill him. For someone who has been around for so long, he seems to be out of the loop lately (pun very intended).

I can't even wrap my head around this whole Jacob thing. Who/When is he?!?!?!? All I know is that Jacob told Locke (who apparently is the only one who has actually seen him at this point) back in the little cabin to "help him" but Locke blows everyone away with his statement about "killing him". Was that just to throw off Ben and everyone? And does Locke really believe he is the leader (he did say "Aren't I the leader?")

The thing that is making me the most LOST about everything that is going on.....is what is everyone's true intentions?!?!?!? Can't someone be upfront? Talk about paranoia.....

Is Eloise trying to save Daniel or is she following the same chain of events, but this time knowing the outcome? I keep getting flashes of her from prior episodes (in the future or whenever it was, lol) popping in people's lives such as Desmond making sure all the events play out a certain way. This is all making my brain hurt.

What's up with all the underground tunnels and temples? And who originally built them? And what was Richard gazing at on that temple wall when they took that suffocating swimming trip?

Not so sure that Jack is thinking straight these last few episodes......does he really realize what "changing" the whole plane crash scenario will do? Or can it change now that they are back in time? ACK! I am still confused with the "what happens happens" theory right now. Not to mention that scene with Locke sending Richard to help himself.....and watching it all play out.

And then Richard told Sun he saw all the Losties in the picture die - but with Kate, Hurley and Jack in the photo.....she must be very confused as they were just on a plane with her.

So a few *happy places* that LOST brought me........

Dr. Chang realizing that Miles was his son, and then the bittersweet scene where Miles gets to understand that his dad didn't really cast him and his mom off with ill intent. It was to save them.

Sawyer and Juliet......too funny with Sawyer's comment about plans to buy Microsoft. I felt so happy for Juliet when Sawyer actually joined her into the sub......(I really thought he was going to just send her off.....in a self-less for-her-own-good kinda way). But poor Juliet cannot catch a break, can she? Freckles, once again, spoils the happy ending. If looks could kill.......

I did get a good giggle on Dr. Chang quizzing Hurley on the "current" events......too funny.

And YAY for Sayid for saving the day! So happy the writers gave me my Sayid fix.....he seems to be one of the few characters who is upfront and you know his intentions....I think.

(paranoia or confusion at this point)

So next week is the big season finale......not sure if I am relieved or what. I think it is going to take all summer to go over everything and make some sense of it all. We do see that Sawyer is talking to Jack so I guess that cheesy CGI sub doesn't make it after all. (come on guys, they couldn't swing a real sub for that scene???)

I will be making some serious LOST finale food/treats....you can bet your bottom Dharma dollar there will be some serious nachos involved.

Please please please share your thoughts and theories with me.....I went to bed with my head spinning and am still going over everything this morning. Leave your link/comments below!

On to my other two things this Thursday...


2. After hearing alot about this workout.....including Big Mama's hilarious posts regarding her current experience with it.......I decided to splurge and grab my own copy. I am on Day Four and I can totally see how and why you can get your own "shredded" body in 30 days.....It is because after you do this 20 minute should be a prisoner confessional war tactic workout session, you are physically unable to lift your arms to grab anything from a cupboard that is above your hip. And make sure your toilet paper holder is securely mounted to the wall, as it will be your thighs' best friend when nature calls.

......but I am now on a mission.

3. Mother's Day weekend. I am relying on two things to pull off my Mother's Day request of working on my garden.

A:Weather
B: The ability to physically move after a week of The Shred.

But if all goes well.....and after a bottle of Advil and a tube of Ben Gay......I plan on turning this:

into this:

So I not so discreetly left my Mother's Day "wish list" of new gardening tools and veggie plant $ on the white board on the fridge, because I am good like that. I figure it saves Josh time, money and energy trying to scramble for presents. Although I do like surprises and I'm all about "it's the thought that matters"......I really do believe that it does take the pressure off of him as I have been told I am hard to buy for. So to go above and beyond.....I even printed out the MapQuest directions to get my favorite handmade soap. (and the scents I prefer)

I'm so thoughtful, aren't I? *batting eyelashes*


OK, your turn......share three things with me this Thursday! I could use some new recipes, a good laugh......or maybe you have a prayer request....whatever you want.....join in!




Peace and love~
*~Michelle~*

Time for a change....

Do you ever get antsy that you are ready for something new or a change? I am not sure if it is because spring is here and the "new beginning" buzz is in the air.....but I am definitely on board for changing things up a bit.

Josh and I are tackling a new section of our yard.....clearing out some land....cleaning up the random items that I swore I would never have hanging around to turn us into hillbillies.....such as an old set of tires, a heap of broken bikes, some extra windows and odd pieces of lumber that I've hung onto because there always is a project that needs that odd piece as soon as we decide to burn it.

Our mini corral fence needs some serious repair.....especially now since Josh was on his testosterone high with his new chainsaw. Something about a man and his STIHL (some hardcore saw company).....just observe it from a distance is my advice. You see....math is not one of Josh's best subjects and let's just leave it that he didn't calculate how tall that tree was when it came crashing down on a few sections of the fence. I loved the look on Josh's face.....who calmly turned to me and said...."Add fix fence to our list"

So yeah, we have changes to be done in our home.....but I am getting the itch for changes with me....I know it starts with dusting off the coat-rack treadmill and start running again. It also is going to include using the As Seen on TV "Flex Band Powerpack" pilates set that includes Intense Sculpting Challenge DVD, regular and extra strength Flex-Bands......as well as an Easy Start poster. neat! (eek....now I can see where Nev gets it from, remember this post?)
I scored this at 75% at CVS, because you know I wouldn't have spent more than $5 for it...

OK,
new yard. check.
new body. check.

onto......new tattoo.

Not sure how you feel about tattoos....and it's all good. I respect people's opinions....as long as they are on the same page as me......KIDDING!!!! Seriously....I know some people do not like tattoos....I love what they express.

I have a few....I have a beautiful detailed blue swallowtail with John 8:32 which totally represents how I feel about the butterfly....pretty sure it was one of my first blog posts.

I have a cross with G and H's name in it that was my first tattoo....my big turning 30 moment. I also have a little pawprint that is dedicated to Beethoven.....our gorgeous Rottie who passed away from cancer in 2006 at almost 11 years old. What a beautiful creation from God.

So I have a few ideas on my next tattoo(es). I def. want some sort of "tree of life".....with my and Josh's initials scrolled into the roots.....and then the kids' initials scrolled into the branches. There will be fallen leaves for my angels.....and a dove perched in the branches to represent Our Lord who sits in the center of our family. I want it done in the curly "henna" style, very feminine.....kinda whimsical/paisley looking if you can imagine that.

I also want little curly lines under it to represent a stream....and this all ties into a few Scriptures that it will represent:

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. ~Psalm 1:3

and/or

He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." ~Jer. 17:8

So I know I definitely want this tree to represent me and my family....just gotta figure out where I want it. If I had buff Madanna arms, I would put it somewhere on my upper arm......but that is about 1,385,549 tricep dips away. I even might consider a smaller version on my inner forearm......I dunno. I do know it is going somewhere. I am very particular about not looking like a patchwork quilt of bodyart....so I have to get creative with this.

But going with my un-medicated ADD brain......this weekend, I have this overwhelming emotion come over me with Christ's resurrection and it just blows me away.....and I have the image of Cavalry Hill burned into my heart. Just a simple sketch of the three crosses on the hill is what I am imagining behind my neck, I think. Hmmmmm.....decisions decisions.

Please feel free to leave your suggestions and/or ideas on artwork.....and also if you have any tattoos....I'd love to hear about them and/or see them!

So for now......I am tossing around the ideas in my head, trying to get them on paper......

I guess I am getting to that "time for a change" point for many reasons lately......celebrating Josh's b-day reminds me that we are venturing into a new chapter in life...my baby losing her first tooth....life is pleasantly moving ahead....

....and being in that time for a change kinda mode, I did what any normal sane level-headed person would do.....I went out and got a few baby chicks to hold me over in my "need a change" state of mind. :)

You can see that Mufasa is very on board with our new additions too. Although his "on board" might include how good they might taste.

Have a great day!
Peace~
*~Michelle~*