Chrysinda's Homestead

You Need A Budget? Yes you do! YNAB rocks!

2014-07-23T19:13:00.000-05:00

I Love, love, love, love my budget program! I spent most off the day wrestling with it because I had ignored it, then caught up (it downloads transactions, so that wasn't too painful), then spent a long time trying to undo months of miscategorized account transfers (my fault... not the program's) and then I did a "Fresh Start". It saved all my old info, so my records are still in tact, brought all my custom categories to a new screen and gave me a clean slate to work from. I Love this program! If you're interested there's a 30 day free trial, or you get a $6 discount through this link (and you can even wait until after your 30 day trial to order). http://ynab.refr.cc/P2ZFXR7

Wildlife Expo 2012

2012-10-02T07:39:00.001-05:00

Wildlife Expo 2012

If you've been following my blog for a while, you'll recognize the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo- It's one of our favorite events of the year!

Daniel Vs. The Pirate

Daniel

Daniel and Patrick

Pat (love his expression!)

Pat

Pat, helping a fellow kayaker.

Pat (Can you tell he LOVES this?)

Pat again

Pat (on left) observing a flintnapping demonstration.

Daniel, getting ready to take his shot with the Atlatl.

The effect of Daniel's shot- so close!

2012-03-13T10:30:00.001-05:00

The boys and I went to OKCROBOT's fabulous SOS learning event. Both boys had a great time and all the people involved with OKCROBOT did a great job!

Patrick's class built "straw men" and learned about oscillation

Great photo of Pat

Pat and his tin-foil boat- looking good!

It made it to the end!

Lunch with friends

Pat and Daniel enjoy the VENUS Robot demonstration

The computers used to program the robots

Patrick and friend building their robot With teen facilitator.

looking closely

discussing ideas

assembling

While Pat was busy building his robot, I went to check on Daniel's class. He had finished this activity early and was asked to help his classmates. Here, they are learning about articulation.

concentration

explaining to mom what he's building

programming the robot

discussing ideas

Daniel seeing OKCBEST's completed robot

What a great day! And my boys are so sweet- "Thank you for taking us, Mommy!"
Awwwww

2012-03-13T10:03:00.000-05:00

What is the purpose of my blog? Well, really it is a place for me to store photos and memories, mostly of the kids. In a way, it serves as an online scrapbook, as a photo and caption reservoir, until I make time to put it in hard-copy. I hope it helps me to keep in touch with friends and relatives, too.

Lately, I've been reluctant to share too much of my personal thoughts and feelings. I apologize if this has made for boring reading (or maybe some prefer it this way!).

The Lord is showing me that there is a great big world of His people out there, and I may need to put myself out there a bit more and allow others into my life. Don't get me wrong- I have a GREAT group of friends, a loving family- in this I am very fulfilled and blessed. However, I need to not be worried about protecting SELF. He blessed us, and we can bless others, but first, we need to be involved with others. If I'm too worried about protecting SELF, so that it curtails my activities, or communication, etc., how are others supposed to get to know me? And in turn, how am I to get to know them? And, how can we serve one another, if we don't know each other? Living a life out front (instead of withdrawn into a shell) can be scary. But I choose to believe people are worth it- and It is God who protects me- I no longer need to look after that myself.

Please pray for me as I reach out to others. Pray that our Father will give me strength, wisdom and loving-kindness. And who knows? Maybe I'll type more. :D

2012-02-29T09:10:00.001-06:00

Zoo with Grandma!

The kids did a great job on their school work and as a special treat, we took the rest of the afternoon off and enjoyed the zoo's free day!

It was a great opportunity to get some exercise, "sunshine", and spend time with my mom.

Photos courtesy of mom

The sunshine hid, and the meercats were huddled in a ball to stay warm.

There were two groups of meercats and all the ones in this guy's huddle went to the other group-
he looks a bit surprised, doesn't he?

red panda- So cute!

The animals aren't the only wildlife at the zoo!

The baby elephant

So adventurous!

And playful- lots of fun to watch!

The End

2012-02-29T09:01:00.003-06:00

Throwing!
My mom, the kids and I went to a clay throwing class at Edmond's MAC. This is no ordinary community center! THey have awesome friendly staff, a beautiful facility and a lot of materials. Because of the way things worked out, we even had the instructor to ourselves! It was a great experience. Watch the blog- in a few weeks we will be able to paint our fired pieces, then bring them home- I'll try to get some pics. :)

My mother on the wheel

Daniel- his favorite part was the way-difficult "centering" of the clay.

Patrick- had personal help from the instructor centering, then was the fastest at creating things.

My artsy Mommy

Sammy with one creation in front of her- working on a second now.

Isn't that lovely?

2012-02-29T08:53:00.001-06:00

Samantha's Panda Time Treats

2012-02-28T13:43:00.002-06:00

Projects day!

Sammy made cupcakes for a big order: here are just a few.

We all went to the Science Museum

Daniel and our good friend Max on the gyro

Pat on the Segway

Some peculiar people outside

And we played with our food

2012-02-28T13:38:00.001-06:00

Samantha's Panda Time Treats-
She learned so much making these! Between the recipe, the frosting and an issue with liners, she had to re-make them 3 times! It seems purple is not just a combination of red and blue; that turns out more like a confederate grey or a non-shiny silver in frosting... lots of work but the final product is beautiful!

2012-02-28T13:35:00.000-06:00

White cake with buttercream frosting.
Sammy does amazing work!

2012-02-28T13:34:00.000-06:00

Sleepy the Cat

2012-02-28T13:33:00.002-06:00

Sammy's Panda Time Treats Chocolate with a smooth, glossy cream-cheese frosting..
Om Nom Nom Nom!

2012-02-28T13:31:00.004-06:00

Sammy is trying to raise money for Summer Honors Academy. Cupcakes are just $2 ea, or $20 for a dozen! Same-day available!

Zoo!

2011-12-29T19:02:00.000-06:00

We met up with some dear friends and had a great day, enjoying the lovely weather at the Oklahoma City Zoo! My Aunt gave us some free passes- whoo-hoo! It was a lovely time.

Look! There's an Alycia Panda in the bamboo!

The kids really liked this tiger cub. Both boys took turns taking pictures.

Beautiful leopard, (I think)

Conquering the zoo! RRaawwwrr!

This baby elephant was soooooooo cute!

I love elephant societies. They really are grand creatures.

A Scissortail Flycatcher (Oklahoma State Bird)

A Bald Eagle

A Red Wolf- amazing how well he blends in with the background!

Native Wild Beasties

2011-12-25T09:51:00.001-06:00

Career day at Martin Nature Park!

Martin Nature Park in Oklahoma City organized a great Career day- with speakers from the Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries, Critter Tales and more. Each speaker told a bit about their organization's mission, and their job. It was a great opportunity for the kids to hear from folks working in the field, and ask questions.

This is our fisheries guy. He was the last speaker, and we had him all to ourselves. What a great experience!

2011-12-05T12:20:00.000-06:00

And now, for something completely different:

2011-12-05T09:00:00.000-06:00

A Tea With the Queen!

Sammy and I had a fabulous girls' day!

We shopped,

had Starbucks,

went to a mall

and were treated like royalty at Macy's,

got FREE make-up,

shopped some more,

went to Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park's Tea With the Queen,

shopped some more,

came home and made curry! Fun, fun!

We started a bit later than I was hoping, so I was afraid we wouldn't get to do all the neat girlie stuff I had planned, but after a stop at Starbucks for a very yummy Peppermint Mocha for me and Caramel Brulee Latte for Sammy, we managed just fine.

We were able to find great cheap and FREE stuff, so we arrived feeling pampered and very successful to the tea.

When we arrived, Sammy was still in her regular clothes and we saw how others were dressed- modern clothes. She was the only one who wasn't in the cast which had period-esque garb, and I asked her if she wanted to change, or go in her regular clothes- she elected to change.

Whoo-hoo for a daughter who ha the self confidence to do her own thing!

Here she is, in her garb- borrowed from Grandma. Sewing- just another of my mother's many talents. (Sammy borrowed the hat from Alycia- now she's totally steampunked out! Sweet!)

"You may approach" said her Majesty.

Sammy got a lot of compliments from those attending on her dress, the queen in particular, admired her jewels.

It was a lovely setting. OSP, as usual, did a GREAT job!

We were seated with some um, older ladies

and they were hilarious!

If you ever want good service, sit with ladies who are just too old to care. So, so funny!

We even got this neat keep-sake! Of course, the memories we built today are the most precious.

2011-11-30T18:01:00.000-06:00

Afternoon field trip

The kids were looking forward to going back to the Cowboy museum for a field trip today, but it turns out it wasn't a free admission day, after all. :(
But, that's okay! Thanks to the Grandparents in California, we have a pass to the Science Museum!

“I was elated, ecstatic and extremely surprised that we were successful,”
Neil Armstrong

2011-11-27T09:16:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving Trip- 3rd and final part

So, I mentioned that the dam-site is beautiful, didn't I? How's this for a view?

It rained over night and in the morning Joe and I went for a long exploration walk. Even though most of the trees we saw on our drive up were already bare for the winter, I was pleased to find the little valley area we were in still had the fall leaves!

SO Beautiful!

2011-11-27T09:12:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving trip part 2

I love camping. After the great time at my brother's, we went to a BEA-U-TIFUL campsite at Ft Gibson Lake Damsite.
My parents let us borrow their fabulous travel trailer and we stayed in style!

I just love camping and we don't do it very often (hmmm... that'll need to change) This time, the boys had a very special, much anticipated (like for months and months) time just with uncle, and James, Sammy and I went camping.
Did I mention I love camping?

Joe and I went for a walk right away. We found a great, dry creek bed area. The soil was so dark! I wish I could have gotten a better picture- seriously, it was like coffee grounds!

Joe loves the water. Well, usually- I think he was a bit surprised to find it was pretty cold.

See that? 3 hotdogs! This man has mad skills, folks!

My precious hubby and Camp Fire Master.

2011-11-27T09:09:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving Feasting

We had a special vacation this year- we traveled to my brother's home in Okay, OK (Seriously- I can't make up this stuff!)

My brother cooked the Turkey in a roasting bag- it was very flavorful and juicy! AND it browned! We'll have to try this one at home sometime.

In this picture James is taking apart the turkey. It kind of makes it look like he cooked the whole bird, doesn't it? LOL! Next year, I'll have to get some pictures of the cook. :)

Unfortunately, I didn't manage to get good pictures of the group, but it was a really lovely dinner. There was my family, my brother, his Fiancee, Deborah and her mother, Nana Juju. Good times!

2011-11-27T09:06:00.000-06:00

Through the eyes of a child

Patrick's pictures of the neighbor's pond.

I just loved this. The neighbor has a nice little fish pond and Patrick asked if he could take pictures. This is what he came back with:

Now, I'm not showing these for their photographic merit, but rather so you can hear Patrick's description of the photos- There is the rock formation and the leaves and the waterfall.
(scroll back up through the pictures- is "waterfall" the first thing you thought of, too?)

Oh, to have such a positive outlook! Kids can teach us so much!

2011-11-17T08:34:00.000-06:00

My Idyllic Life

A cool, crisp fall morning, the sun just rising over the trees, and oh-such gorgeous fall color!
My children still tucked snugly into their beds,
masses of sewn-with-love-by-Grandma quilts keeping them warm-
this is my idyllic life.

Always stand out from the crowd.

Follow the voice of your master

Enjoy the provision

Recognize the wondrous works of your God

Enjoy this day! Ps 118:24 This is the day ADONAI has made, a day for us to rejoice and be glad.

2011-11-17T08:23:00.000-06:00

Field Trip Day!

Wow- So, I admit it- I live in Oklahoma and have never toured the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. There, I said it. We'll see if my spurs get taken away. Oh, but wait! We just went! Yee-haw! Giddy up, partner!

We were so impressed with what a quality museum this is! AND Wednesdays are FREE this month. (11/30/11: Update! We tried to go again today and found out the FREE Wednesdays ended on the 16th. I sure hope it was not an inconvenience to anyone else who may have tried to go.) Since that happens to be our favorite price, and since God has blessed us with James' improved health and great job, we're trying to make it a point to get out and do more field trips and the like with the kids and friends.

Growing up in Oklahoma, I admit I had a bit of disdain towards all things western-ish. I was so tired of hearing country songs spewing tales of some-wife-running-off-with-some-friend-and-even-taking-the-truck, that I lumped all things together and avoided places like the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

Well, old age brings either death or wisdom, and I ain't dead, yet, (sorry, I get ta western-y thinking, and it just slips out..) so off we went!

This HUGE sculpture is the highlight of the main entrance atrium. It is titled, "The End of the Trail"

Pat missed the first group picture, but I caught up with him on the back side of the sculpture.

There is a fabulous children's building. Watch out for the wildlife!

I was so impressed with this work. The attention to detail shown here gives you just a glimpse of the quality represented throughout the museum.

The less than perfect facial features makes the cowboy look more realistic.

The sweat-soaked pants.

Even the worn boot and grubby hands

notice the cuffs and the back of his britches, too? Such detail!

This photo I call, "CHILDHOOD". It really shows Pat's natural exuberance!

After the museum, Sammy and Daniel went to Alycia's to play and Pat and I took advantage of our Mommy-Pat time with a rare trip to a restaurant. WA-HA-HA! I love their specials!

Sabbath Day FUN!

2011-11-05T23:37:00.003-05:00

The boys, JoJo and I checked out a local lake today- I'm fairly embarrassed to admit we lived here for a couple of years before I even knew about it, and that it took me another six months to go there, but now that we have, we just love it!

Daniel helping Pat get set up

The hand-off

And now we're fishin'!

"Jo-Jo" I said. "What?" said he.

"YOU took my picture! Now, I plot my revenge!

I loved the scenery. And spending time with my boys!

And now, THE LARCH. (Comment if you get this reference!)

Can you see the top of his fishing pole? "A big fish bent it!"

I really love this picture- it's just Pat, walking and thinking- but in moments like these, I get glimpses of him growing up- and who he is becoming

My precious boy

THE LARCH

3 of my favorite guys

Happiness!

Such handsome boys!

See Pat thinking? "Sand!"

See? I told you so!

THE LARCH