You Are Sauvignon Blanc |
 Engaging and energetic, you have a lot to offer the world - most of it they've never seen anywhere else! You are the type of person who carves your own path in life... and you invite everyone else to come along. The only thing predictable about you is that you could have anything up your sleeve. You're all about sampling all of life's experiences. Both the savory and unsavory ones. Deep down you are: Laid back and young at heart Your partying style: Anything goes... seriously! Your company is enjoyed best with: Smoked meats or spicy food |
Saturday, September 29, 2007
My Type of Wine
I saw this other day at Pensieve and had to check it out. I would agree with the results. I love a crisp, cold wine. Is it happy hour yet?
Friday, September 28, 2007
How Well Do You Vacuum?
My dear friend Karen loves to hear the noise that dirt and junk makes as it's sucked up into her vacuum cleaner. She LOVES it. The sound of sand, cheerios, and crushed goldfish being swooshed into the vacuum's nether parts makes her swoon.
Me, it makes me feel like my house is dirty, and I haven't been doing a very good job of keeping it clean.
Yes, I know my sanity is in question. I'm vacuuming. I'm cleaning. I'm getting rid of the dirt. Why do I feel like I've done something wrong?
When Karen shared her joyful vacuuming with me this summer, I decided I was going to celebrate just about every noise my vacuum cleaner makes. Except those times I suck up Lego's and socks.
So while I was celebrating all the noise as I vacuumed the kitchen today, I had an epiphany.
Prayer is like vacuuming. God wants all our dirt. He's excited when it pours out of us. It's a way of keeping my relationship with him open and free. He can take my sin, dirt, and lukewarm spirituality. He delights in cleaning up all the bad stuff and creating a shiny new me!
Sometimes when things aren't going well in our lives or our prayer life has stalled we just try to avoid God. We avoid opening up to him. I might think about praying but instead find 15 other things to do. We're mistaken that we need to fix/clean up ourselves before we approach God. I don't need to hide and worry about what God will find in me. Even better, He wants me to give it up to him. He has an endless supply of new vacuum cleaner bags. His grace will always be big enough for me. He simply wants the opportunity to share it.
I'm headed back to mop now. Washing my floors and my cleaning my soul at the same time. And I didn't think I liked housework. :-)
Me, it makes me feel like my house is dirty, and I haven't been doing a very good job of keeping it clean.
Yes, I know my sanity is in question. I'm vacuuming. I'm cleaning. I'm getting rid of the dirt. Why do I feel like I've done something wrong?
When Karen shared her joyful vacuuming with me this summer, I decided I was going to celebrate just about every noise my vacuum cleaner makes. Except those times I suck up Lego's and socks.
So while I was celebrating all the noise as I vacuumed the kitchen today, I had an epiphany.
Prayer is like vacuuming. God wants all our dirt. He's excited when it pours out of us. It's a way of keeping my relationship with him open and free. He can take my sin, dirt, and lukewarm spirituality. He delights in cleaning up all the bad stuff and creating a shiny new me!
Sometimes when things aren't going well in our lives or our prayer life has stalled we just try to avoid God. We avoid opening up to him. I might think about praying but instead find 15 other things to do. We're mistaken that we need to fix/clean up ourselves before we approach God. I don't need to hide and worry about what God will find in me. Even better, He wants me to give it up to him. He has an endless supply of new vacuum cleaner bags. His grace will always be big enough for me. He simply wants the opportunity to share it.
I also really like Psalm 32. It covers the whole range of feeling of approaching God as we are.For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and
this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8
I'm headed back to mop now. Washing my floors and my cleaning my soul at the same time. And I didn't think I liked housework. :-)
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Oh, MY!
I ran into someone today that reads my blog. She is a dear, dear person, but I didn't know she read my blog. It's not out of the realm of reason. I know she reads Kelly's blog, and Kelly mentioned me on her blog. That means she reads my stuff, too.
But, it's the first time, someone I didn't know reads me, mentioned it.
So I did what any normal blogger does.
I sweated profusely.
I started fanning myself.
And yes, I thought about throwing up a little.
It was a proud, proud moment. I recovered and shared my latest, best material that is too personal to share with all 6 of my readers. I knew laughter would give me the chance to compose myself.
Thanks for your encouragement!
But, it's the first time, someone I didn't know reads me, mentioned it.
So I did what any normal blogger does.
I sweated profusely.
I started fanning myself.
And yes, I thought about throwing up a little.
It was a proud, proud moment. I recovered and shared my latest, best material that is too personal to share with all 6 of my readers. I knew laughter would give me the chance to compose myself.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Benedryl Works For Me
Last week as I walked out of Lowes and reached into my pocket - OUCH!!!
A bee or yellow jacket stung me. I really couldn't tell which it was as I flailed through the parking lot trying to avoid traffic and not scream like a three year old. Oh, yes, it was a moment. Picture a Mom in painting clothes doing a wild bee dance in congested NOVA parking lot. I am sure I looked good.
So as I drove home with my hand beginning to swell I remembered my poor mother-in-law who suffered a very red, hot, swollen hand after a bee sting this summer. We were at my hubs graduation, and she was in pain. I pulled out the only ointment in my purse - Benedryl creme - and gave it to her. The results were amazing. She'd been stung the day before so her entire hand was swollen. By the next morning after many applications of Benedryl creme much of the swelling was gone.
My story is similar. I immediately put the Benedryl creme on once I got home. I kept applying it throughout the evening. The initial swelling disappeared. The next morning I had a large area swollen, and it itched halfway up my arm. I reapplied the Benedryl creme. Sweet, sweet Benedryl. The itching was gone within 5 minutes and the swelling went down to almost nothing. The Benedryl worked so well I didn't dare try anything else. After years of worthless home remedies and over the counter non-helps, I've found something I will recommend to everyone.
That's my Works For Me Wednesday tip this week. Check out more great tips at Rocks In My Dryer.
My previous Works For Me Wednesday posts are:
A bee or yellow jacket stung me. I really couldn't tell which it was as I flailed through the parking lot trying to avoid traffic and not scream like a three year old. Oh, yes, it was a moment. Picture a Mom in painting clothes doing a wild bee dance in congested NOVA parking lot. I am sure I looked good.
So as I drove home with my hand beginning to swell I remembered my poor mother-in-law who suffered a very red, hot, swollen hand after a bee sting this summer. We were at my hubs graduation, and she was in pain. I pulled out the only ointment in my purse - Benedryl creme - and gave it to her. The results were amazing. She'd been stung the day before so her entire hand was swollen. By the next morning after many applications of Benedryl creme much of the swelling was gone.
My story is similar. I immediately put the Benedryl creme on once I got home. I kept applying it throughout the evening. The initial swelling disappeared. The next morning I had a large area swollen, and it itched halfway up my arm. I reapplied the Benedryl creme. Sweet, sweet Benedryl. The itching was gone within 5 minutes and the swelling went down to almost nothing. The Benedryl worked so well I didn't dare try anything else. After years of worthless home remedies and over the counter non-helps, I've found something I will recommend to everyone.
That's my Works For Me Wednesday tip this week. Check out more great tips at Rocks In My Dryer.
My previous Works For Me Wednesday posts are:
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
The New Charmin, Why Change a Good Thing?
Okay, there are products in this world that do not need improvement or tweaking. Charmin is one of them.
Our family brand loyalty is to Charmin. Every once in a while I try to buy a cheaper brand. Come on people, it's toilet paper! Everyone notices, and everyone complains. So I have learned to buy the big 12 pack and move on down the grocery aisle.
Last week as I looked for our normal package I noticed the words "New and Improved." The paper didn't look as smooth either. The normal Charmin was only available in smaller rolls. I'm sorry. I like the big rolls in a 12 pack thank you very much. So after spending 5 minutes shifting from foot to foot, comparing packages, and looking behind packages for our normal choice, I picked up the "New and Improved with Quilting" and headed to the beverage aisle.
Oh, the complaints!!!
I am not kidding to say we had a 10 minute conversation about toilet paper on our way to the Nationals game. We all agree that the New Charmin is as thick as Proctor and Gamble's Bounty paper towels. Nobody in my family wants to wipe with paper towels. It's not as soft either. And I have to tell you, the boys in the family complained a whole lot more about the softness factor than Birdie and me.
So Charmin, can I please get my normal kind of roll back? No one wants pseudo paper towel toilet paper. We've spent years reading warnings in public bathrooms - "Do Not Put Paper Towels in Toilets." Now, I'm flushing them down my home plumbing system. I'm here to say there is something worse than a public bathroom with clogged overflowing toilets. That would be my own personal bathroom with clogged overflowing toilets. I do not want to go there.
I am seriously considering throwing the New Charmin out. But that would just be so wasteful. Maybe I need a new donation bag to hold odd household items. Would anyone even take a half empty package of toilet paper?
The troops have spoken. I have a new mission. Maybe Walmart carries our regular Charmin.
I've got to agree with the anynomous poster, the new Charmin would be great for cleaning mirrors> I used it to wipe my bathroom floors yesterday. And, yes, the males in our house have complained even more than Birdie and I.
Our family brand loyalty is to Charmin. Every once in a while I try to buy a cheaper brand. Come on people, it's toilet paper! Everyone notices, and everyone complains. So I have learned to buy the big 12 pack and move on down the grocery aisle.
Last week as I looked for our normal package I noticed the words "New and Improved." The paper didn't look as smooth either. The normal Charmin was only available in smaller rolls. I'm sorry. I like the big rolls in a 12 pack thank you very much. So after spending 5 minutes shifting from foot to foot, comparing packages, and looking behind packages for our normal choice, I picked up the "New and Improved with Quilting" and headed to the beverage aisle.
Oh, the complaints!!!
I am not kidding to say we had a 10 minute conversation about toilet paper on our way to the Nationals game. We all agree that the New Charmin is as thick as Proctor and Gamble's Bounty paper towels. Nobody in my family wants to wipe with paper towels. It's not as soft either. And I have to tell you, the boys in the family complained a whole lot more about the softness factor than Birdie and me.
So Charmin, can I please get my normal kind of roll back? No one wants pseudo paper towel toilet paper. We've spent years reading warnings in public bathrooms - "Do Not Put Paper Towels in Toilets." Now, I'm flushing them down my home plumbing system. I'm here to say there is something worse than a public bathroom with clogged overflowing toilets. That would be my own personal bathroom with clogged overflowing toilets. I do not want to go there.
I am seriously considering throwing the New Charmin out. But that would just be so wasteful. Maybe I need a new donation bag to hold odd household items. Would anyone even take a half empty package of toilet paper?
The troops have spoken. I have a new mission. Maybe Walmart carries our regular Charmin.
I've got to agree with the anynomous poster, the new Charmin would be great for cleaning mirrors> I used it to wipe my bathroom floors yesterday. And, yes, the males in our house have complained even more than Birdie and I.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Reading through the Fall
Katrina at Callapidder Days has a challenged everyone to make some new reading goals for this fall. Seeing as my Thankful Sunday this week included some books I read a really long time ago, I decided it's a good time to actually read a few new books. I'm only picking 5 books, because I fall asleep at night these days instead of staying up until I'm finished with a book. There were days I'd start a good sized book after dinner and be finished by morning. But one look in the mirror at what a lack of sleep does to woman in her late 30's can make a girl get to bed early.
Enough said!
Here are my choices for this fall:
The Last Empress by Anchee Min
Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search For Everything Across Italy, Indian and Indonesia
by Elizabeth Gilbert
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan: A Novel by Lisa See
Middlesex: A Novel by Jeffrey Eugenides
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Okay, so that means I need to log off, throw dinner in the oven and read while it's cooking!
Last Washington Nationals' Game at RFK
We were there. The Washington Nationals' last game at RFK stadium was yesterday afternoon. Fittingly, they beat the Phillies. As you can see we had great seats.
Okay, we had to squint to see some of the action. But it was a beautiful day, and there was a nice breeze in our shaded section.
This was the last pitch and hit of the game. They had really built up the excitement of the after game festivities.
Here's a blurry picture of them digging up home plate. I must have been overcome with all that after game excitement. They finally released the mascot down a zip-line from the top of the stadium. We had been more interested seeing the crew hike up through our section and climb out on the roof.The best part was hanging out as a family, followed closely by eating peanuts and throwing the shells on the ground.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Thankful Sunday 4
This week I'd thought I'd thank God for some of the books I love. These are in no particular order and don't include all my favorites.
- The Bible - of course
- The Good Earth by Pearl Buck
- Praying the Scriptures for Your Children by Jodie Berndt
- The First Princess of Wales by Karen Harger
- I Take Thee Serenity by Daisy Newman
- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
- Night by Ellie Wiesel
- The Diary of Anne Frank
- The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
- The Laura Ingalls Wilder series
- The Harry Potter Series
- Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
- The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
- Mary Called Magdalen by Margaret George
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Punchbuggy, No Punch Back!
My daughter has an uncanny ability to spot Volkswagen Bugs. Punch buggies to our family.
If you're unfamiliar to the game, every time someone sees a punch buggy they yell, often loudly over a brother or sister, "Punch buggy, no punch back!" and lightly punches them. It's a treasured form of bonding family entertainment for us.
It's a daily game to see who remembers to spot the yellow punch buggy at the end of our street each morning. Sometimes there's even two punch buggies in the school parking lot. My daughter's most incredible sighting was as our flight was landing in Chicago this summer. As the cars gradually came into view during our descent, she gleefully yelled, "Punch buggy silver, no punch back!"
We're all still astounded. She's going to be a great bargain shopper or eagle-eyed mom one day.
If you're unfamiliar to the game, every time someone sees a punch buggy they yell, often loudly over a brother or sister, "Punch buggy, no punch back!" and lightly punches them. It's a treasured form of bonding family entertainment for us.
It's a daily game to see who remembers to spot the yellow punch buggy at the end of our street each morning. Sometimes there's even two punch buggies in the school parking lot. My daughter's most incredible sighting was as our flight was landing in Chicago this summer. As the cars gradually came into view during our descent, she gleefully yelled, "Punch buggy silver, no punch back!"
We're all still astounded. She's going to be a great bargain shopper or eagle-eyed mom one day.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Did You Get That?
"This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy." George Bernard Shaw
Note: I just need to write this down, so I remember it. Beware of much rambling.
Last week I went on and on about I've spent a lot of time the past few months wondering about my purpose and following God's will. I was finally pretty sure I understood what God has been planning for me right now.
Well, you know, God listens to prayers. And I have just been chuckling to myself the past two days at how well He listens.
As I stated the other day, I was worried that if God ever revealed something to me I would miss it. So I've been praying that when He reveals what He wants me to do with my stay-at-home-mom-self, could he be really specific, and loud and clear, and repeat it a few times to make sure I didn't miss it? Because we all know, I am pretty clueless at times.
Um, yeah, God took that prayer seriously.
My Bible study group started Jesus, the One and Only, by Beth Moore on Wednesday. I just know it's going to be fabulous. First, we all commented on her completely then-stylish linen shift dress with huge blazer. Oh, and the cream hose with pumps. Then a little surprise, the panoramic views of Jerusalem filled me with a longing to visit the Holy Land for the first time in my life.
The bigger more personal surprise came towards the end of video. What I realized last week, that God has opened up time in my life to study Him, was confirmed through a story by Beth.
As we left Bible study a friend of mine said, "Did you catch what she said? She could have been talking about you."
Yeah, I caught it. How could I miss it?
The first lesson revolved around a famine for God's word. God creates a famine of - hunger, thirst, the Word, friendships - whatever works, in our lives to work up an appetite for him. Beth told a little snippet about a dear friend that moved to a new town and experienced a famine of friendship. This famine of friends provoked a hunger for the Lord. She filled her free time by teaching several Bible studies. She was so involved in the Word, she didn't have time to miss her friends. God used a famine to provoke a hunger for the word, so she could share God with others.
When I moved here last year I quickly joined two different Bible studies reasoning that God surely would not mind if I made friends while learning about Him. Since then I've had the opportunity to begin a Moms In Touch group that is now growing, and last week I agreed to lead a small group in our Bible Study. Along the way, I've been mystified by why I just didn't want to go back to teaching. I even interviewed for two teaching positions and turned them down, because it didn't feel right. Plus, you know, teaching would have conflicted with my Bible study meetings.
I definitely get it, Lord. And to make sure I heard- because I did tell God I was clueless - God inspired a friend of mine to talk about the similarity of Beth's story and my past year. She even went as far as to say that by not taking the teaching jobs, I was making the choice God wanted - Him. I think this was God's three punch plan and He giggled all the way through it. God can confirm his will through events, the Word, and friends that hear it with you. He made sure He covered all three so I wouldn't miss it. Thanks, God!
Conversations About God
It seems everywhere I go lately the conversation turns in the same direction.
To God.
First, can I get an Amen!
But isn't that kinda of amazing? Each day I run into a real hunger for God. I am surrounded by women who are seeking to know him better. Wondering what plans He has prepared for them. Seeking other women to share and grow their faith. Relating the hardships and joys of their lives to the goodness of God. There are other questions also, but at the center is God.
Am I unconscously leading the conversations back to God? Is God showing me something or changing me in some way? You better believe I'm going to keep listening to these amazing women and the God that loves us.
To God.
First, can I get an Amen!
But isn't that kinda of amazing? Each day I run into a real hunger for God. I am surrounded by women who are seeking to know him better. Wondering what plans He has prepared for them. Seeking other women to share and grow their faith. Relating the hardships and joys of their lives to the goodness of God. There are other questions also, but at the center is God.
Am I unconscously leading the conversations back to God? Is God showing me something or changing me in some way? You better believe I'm going to keep listening to these amazing women and the God that loves us.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Teaching Kids About the Bible
A friend of mine has precious boys. As she picked up her youngest from Sunday School the other day she asked him, "How did it go today?"
"Great, Mom," he answered, "But I need you to explain something to me."
"What, dear?" asked my friend.
"My teacher talked about the Old Testicle and New Testicle. What's she mean by that?"
Life with two older brothers is a beautiful and often hilarious thing.
"Great, Mom," he answered, "But I need you to explain something to me."
"What, dear?" asked my friend.
"My teacher talked about the Old Testicle and New Testicle. What's she mean by that?"
Life with two older brothers is a beautiful and often hilarious thing.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
In the Weeds
I am in the weeds this afternoon. After a wonderful morning at Bible study, I've felt my day closing in on me ever since.
I'm a stay-at-home-mom, and I need a day to stay at home!
I've always been a person surrounded by clutter. You could say I thrived on clutter and busyness. Organization has not been one of my strong suits. But there's been a change going on the last few years. I like seeing the kitchen counters, a vacuumed floor, an empty laundry basket, because the clothes are actually put away. I need a day at home to get my life and house back on track.
It's likely that being in the weeds is another way of saying PMSing. But if I don't get a day to sort out the mountain of paper I hid in the laundry room so I could see my kitchen counters, I'm going to do something much worse than scream and vacuum like a mom on hormone-crack.
I've banned the children to outside the house. Luckily, I draped a comforter over the deck railing and a couple of deck chairs to dry earlier today. They think I made a cool tent just for them. God bless their innocence. All three are happily sitting under it away from mommy and her snappy remarks quickly followed by, "I'm not mad at you. I'm just snappy....for some...reason..."
It's a debate I've gone through the last few months as this day has become a regular part of my life. Do I just break down and tell them mom's hormones are raging and they should just back away as quietly as possible? Or do I keep letting them think I'm absolutely crazy and a bear one day a month?
I think I'll let them back in the house now and spend a few minutes enjoying 5 o'clock on the deck. I'll imagine the surf crashing in the distance and me in a better mood.
I'm a stay-at-home-mom, and I need a day to stay at home!
I've always been a person surrounded by clutter. You could say I thrived on clutter and busyness. Organization has not been one of my strong suits. But there's been a change going on the last few years. I like seeing the kitchen counters, a vacuumed floor, an empty laundry basket, because the clothes are actually put away. I need a day at home to get my life and house back on track.
It's likely that being in the weeds is another way of saying PMSing. But if I don't get a day to sort out the mountain of paper I hid in the laundry room so I could see my kitchen counters, I'm going to do something much worse than scream and vacuum like a mom on hormone-crack.
I've banned the children to outside the house. Luckily, I draped a comforter over the deck railing and a couple of deck chairs to dry earlier today. They think I made a cool tent just for them. God bless their innocence. All three are happily sitting under it away from mommy and her snappy remarks quickly followed by, "I'm not mad at you. I'm just snappy....for some...reason..."
It's a debate I've gone through the last few months as this day has become a regular part of my life. Do I just break down and tell them mom's hormones are raging and they should just back away as quietly as possible? Or do I keep letting them think I'm absolutely crazy and a bear one day a month?
I think I'll let them back in the house now and spend a few minutes enjoying 5 o'clock on the deck. I'll imagine the surf crashing in the distance and me in a better mood.
Organizing Kids Clothes
My Works for me Wednesday tip involves the nether world of your children's closets. You can check out other great tips at Rocks In My Dryer.
Children - they just keep growing. Which, as we all know, is a blessing and a curse. Thank God they grow out of eating dog food, drawing on the wall, and laying at the floor at your feet screaming while you cook dinner. But then you miss all the cute things they did and said. Add on top of that, every time you turn around there's something else they've out grown. We all know it can take an entire, very long afternoon to have them retry clothes to see what fits.
My WFMW tip solves at least part of that problem. I place a large shopping bag in each of my children's closets. As my children put on clothes that no longer fit, off they go and into the bag. When the bag fills up, I take it to the local Goodwill. I have a separate bag for things we give to our cousins.
This tip is actually saving me a lot of work today. I received a phone call from the American Veterans Saturday afternoon asking if I would donate any household items or clothing the following Wednesday. I said, "Sure, I'd love to!"
Guess what? I haven't had time to sort through any household items. I haven't even put away the two baskets of clean laundry and let's not talk about the pile of mail and papers on the counter. However, I do have three mostly full bags from my kids closets. I've also got a few household items I sat in the garage earlier this summer. Voila, Howdy dowdy, abracadabra, donation is made.
Children - they just keep growing. Which, as we all know, is a blessing and a curse. Thank God they grow out of eating dog food, drawing on the wall, and laying at the floor at your feet screaming while you cook dinner. But then you miss all the cute things they did and said. Add on top of that, every time you turn around there's something else they've out grown. We all know it can take an entire, very long afternoon to have them retry clothes to see what fits.
My WFMW tip solves at least part of that problem. I place a large shopping bag in each of my children's closets. As my children put on clothes that no longer fit, off they go and into the bag. When the bag fills up, I take it to the local Goodwill. I have a separate bag for things we give to our cousins.
This tip is actually saving me a lot of work today. I received a phone call from the American Veterans Saturday afternoon asking if I would donate any household items or clothing the following Wednesday. I said, "Sure, I'd love to!"
Guess what? I haven't had time to sort through any household items. I haven't even put away the two baskets of clean laundry and let's not talk about the pile of mail and papers on the counter. However, I do have three mostly full bags from my kids closets. I've also got a few household items I sat in the garage earlier this summer. Voila, Howdy dowdy, abracadabra, donation is made.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Hearing God's Will and Homework
I've been percolating a post about God's will for my life, listening to God, seeking God, what is my purpose...yadayadayda..for a good couple of weeks now. I even tried writing it a couple of times and banned it to the draft forever pile. I fear it will need to continue to percolate for a while longer. I am sure I have some great insights to share. At the least, or maybe at the most, I have a lot a rambling to get out of my head.
Here's what I have learned.
God speaks in the small quiet whisper of the wind.
And sometimes that sounds like the loud bellow of a child needing help with homework.
"MOOOOOMMM!!!"
"IIII NEEEEDDD YOOOUUU, NOOOWWW!!!"
Yes, Lord, I do hear you loud and clear. I hear you in the joy of figuring out 3rd grade math with my daughter. Although it's ridiculous how much mental effort 3rd grade math can take from me. I hear you in the hugs and kisses I receive at home and the embarrassed shrugs I get when my son sees me volunteer at school.
I get it. You have more planned for me than I can ever hope to accomplish on my own. You are more than enough than I'll ever need for any task you set before me. While patience isn't always my strong suit, You always answer my prayers. Your timing is perfect.
I spent the end of the summer worrying and praying over God's will for my life and what He wants me to do. I worried I missed some task He set before me. I foolishly thought what He has me doing wasn't enough. I kept returning to Him in prayer and asking for wisdom and discernment. I've heard an answer. Or maybe more accurately the answer has been revealed through my life circumstances and urgings from Holy Spirit. My plate is full. Sometimes the calm is just time for all the pieces to fall into place. I will continue to be on my knees in gratitude and for more wisdom, strength, and guidance. And I pray, that next week when I ask all the same questions again, I remember God's answer.
How do you celebrate or remember the things God reveals in your life?
I'd love to hear.
Here's what I have learned.
God speaks in the small quiet whisper of the wind.
And sometimes that sounds like the loud bellow of a child needing help with homework.
"MOOOOOMMM!!!"
"IIII NEEEEDDD YOOOUUU, NOOOWWW!!!"
Yes, Lord, I do hear you loud and clear. I hear you in the joy of figuring out 3rd grade math with my daughter. Although it's ridiculous how much mental effort 3rd grade math can take from me. I hear you in the hugs and kisses I receive at home and the embarrassed shrugs I get when my son sees me volunteer at school.
I get it. You have more planned for me than I can ever hope to accomplish on my own. You are more than enough than I'll ever need for any task you set before me. While patience isn't always my strong suit, You always answer my prayers. Your timing is perfect.
I spent the end of the summer worrying and praying over God's will for my life and what He wants me to do. I worried I missed some task He set before me. I foolishly thought what He has me doing wasn't enough. I kept returning to Him in prayer and asking for wisdom and discernment. I've heard an answer. Or maybe more accurately the answer has been revealed through my life circumstances and urgings from Holy Spirit. My plate is full. Sometimes the calm is just time for all the pieces to fall into place. I will continue to be on my knees in gratitude and for more wisdom, strength, and guidance. And I pray, that next week when I ask all the same questions again, I remember God's answer.
How do you celebrate or remember the things God reveals in your life?
I'd love to hear.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Laziness Pays Off
I'm not very good at several things. More things than I actually care to think about. More things than could ever be listed. For example, I stink at returning things. My husband simply laughs when I say, "Oh, yeah, I'm returning that."
He knows that the item in question will lay in various locations around our house and could even ride around in the back of our car for months. It will not be returned.
This morning, my laziness paid off.
Last year in the search of pants for a son that refuses to spend anytime in a clothing store other than pushing his mother out of the clothing store, I bought several pairs that were too big for him. Yesterday, his jeans from last year were in a serious flood zone. Fred, of course, had no concept of the serious fashion blunder of high-waters. Luckily for his middle school self esteem, his mother well remembers wearing high-waters for months at a time. I dug through the closet and found an abandoned bag at the bottom.
Pants! Pants that were long enough!!!
Yeah, Mom!
Finally, a flaw that isn't so bad.
He knows that the item in question will lay in various locations around our house and could even ride around in the back of our car for months. It will not be returned.
This morning, my laziness paid off.
Last year in the search of pants for a son that refuses to spend anytime in a clothing store other than pushing his mother out of the clothing store, I bought several pairs that were too big for him. Yesterday, his jeans from last year were in a serious flood zone. Fred, of course, had no concept of the serious fashion blunder of high-waters. Luckily for his middle school self esteem, his mother well remembers wearing high-waters for months at a time. I dug through the closet and found an abandoned bag at the bottom.
Pants! Pants that were long enough!!!
Yeah, Mom!
Finally, a flaw that isn't so bad.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Thankful Sunday 4
Here's my list for this week!
- I'm thankful that God says we can be thankful in ALL things. To me that means the things that pretty much irritate me, upset me, or hurt me, God can use for my good.
- On that note, I'm thankful that when my husband's car broke down this week, I was able to go hang out with him until it was towed, and that it was fixed the same day. I'm still trying to be thankful for how much it cost.
- I'm thankful that credit card companies monitor our cards. They caught that our card information was stolen the day it happened.
- For Psalm 104. There's a verse in there that made me smile.
- I'm thankful for Boomama's notes on the Deeper Still conference she attended. They answered some questions I had the very day she posted them.
- I'm sooo thankful that I live in an area surrounded by women who love the Lord and want to know him better.
- I'm thankful to Susan who pointed out that I should start a Moms In Touch group years ago.
- I'm thankful that I have a Moms In Touch group here.
- I'm thankful that my children are so happy.
- I'm thankful that The Dude loves my cooking. He's had second helpings several nights this week on dishes his older brother refused to taste.
- I'm thankful for the cooler weather.
- I'm thankful that the boys can mow the grass with only my supervision and occasional help starting the mower.
- I'm thankful that my husband has found a community service organization to support. I know our families involvement and support will bring us a multitude of blessings.
- I'm thankful that I'll see my brother and his family tomorrow along with my mom.
- I'm thankful for our friends adorable new corgi puppy. We can enjoy the puppy without the puppy training at our house.
- For the bowling league Hon and I joined last night. It was a blast, and I didn't fall down even once!
- I'm thankful for my friend Kelly who introduced me to this whole blogging idea. She is an inspiration in so many ways. :)
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Rice Krispie Treat Fashionista
Oh, yes the Rice Krispie Treats were divine.
Did you notice the past tense?
I am happy to report that they survived long enough for my husband to get his usual 13 inch long morsel. He does love Rice Krispie Treats.
Birdie helped make the treats.
Did you notice the past tense?
I am happy to report that they survived long enough for my husband to get his usual 13 inch long morsel. He does love Rice Krispie Treats.
Birdie helped make the treats.
Do I need to comment on her fashion choice of afterschool wear for 8 year old little girls?
You can't see that she also has a white undershirt on under the hand-me-down-older-brother's oxford. Apparently it is essential for the outfit. I am proud to report that this is one of her favorite outfits. We do not let her wear it to school. In fact, while her brothers were stuffing still hot Rice Krispie Treats in their watering mouths The Dude asked, "Mom, did you really let Birdie wear that to school?"
I think the color coordinated kerchief or doo-rag really ties the outfit together. I am also afraid that with this outfit; it's a doo-rag.
Hey, at least we've temporarily misplaced the Sponge Bob toboggan.
Birdie, Bird, you make my heart smile! :)
Friday, September 14, 2007
On Getting Older
Can someone give my metabolism and little shake up?
Please!!!
What is the deal with getting older? For the first time in my life I have this extra pudge on my belly that won't go away. It has joined my pear shaped bottom half that I've had since age, oh let's see - birth.
I've even gone so far as to stop eating ice cream (daily) and exercising - DAILY, people! A friend of mine told me the chub in front of my belly was just keeping my uterus warm.
For What!!!
I am done having kids. It doesn't need to be warm. What it needs to do is give my metabolism a kick and shake that jelly belly away. My pants don't need to be held up by a bigger belly, my rather large booty is doing a fine job of that all by itself.
UUUGGGHHH!
Do I feel any better?
Maybe a little, and maybe typing burned a calorie and a half. At least it kept me from driving to Bloom's for some Eddy's Dibs.
Join me soon for another aging meltdown. I'm sure to have another one in the next week or so. I've got the ingredients laid out to make rice krispie treats with the kids this afternoon. I beginning to realize that low fat calories still add up. :(
Please!!!
What is the deal with getting older? For the first time in my life I have this extra pudge on my belly that won't go away. It has joined my pear shaped bottom half that I've had since age, oh let's see - birth.
I've even gone so far as to stop eating ice cream (daily) and exercising - DAILY, people! A friend of mine told me the chub in front of my belly was just keeping my uterus warm.
For What!!!
I am done having kids. It doesn't need to be warm. What it needs to do is give my metabolism a kick and shake that jelly belly away. My pants don't need to be held up by a bigger belly, my rather large booty is doing a fine job of that all by itself.
UUUGGGHHH!
Do I feel any better?
Maybe a little, and maybe typing burned a calorie and a half. At least it kept me from driving to Bloom's for some Eddy's Dibs.
Join me soon for another aging meltdown. I'm sure to have another one in the next week or so. I've got the ingredients laid out to make rice krispie treats with the kids this afternoon. I beginning to realize that low fat calories still add up. :(
Presbyterian USA or PCA???
As I was getting acquainted with another mom the other day, we swapped information on where we both went to church. When I revealed that I went to a Presbyterian church here in NOVA, she asked is that USA or PCA?
Hmmm???
I was pretty sure it was USA, but didn't want to misspeak. And then to be honest I'm not sure of exactly all the details involved in the difference of Presbyterian USA and Presbyterian PCA. I do know my Presbyterian church in Danville was USA and some members left and started a PCA congregation.
Surely we would have chosen another Presbyterian USA congregation.
But, hmmmm?
I know my minister back Danville would be rolling his eyes heavenward if he only knew my lack of knowledge. For surely he has preached, and preached, and given numerous seminars on what it means to a Presbyterian of the Reformed faith and how we differ from other denominations and how important it is to know how our form of worship differs from other protestant denominations.
I think I have just failed Presbyterianism 101.
But gals, I have the Internet.
Our new church here in NOVA is Presbyterian USA.
I did go to the Presbyterian USA website and read Presbyterian 101. Yes, I do believe and agree with their basic guidelines. For the record I have not looked at a Presbyterian PCA website.
But...
Here's the thing. I know these details really, really matter to some people. And perhaps they don't matter a whole lot to me at the moment, because I really enjoy worshiping in a Presbyterian USA church. My husband and I have chosen to worship as Presbyterians our entire marriage. Except when I went to Mass at the Catholic school our children attended. I worshipped God in a Catholic church, following the Catholic tradition. Or when I attended church with my brother-in-law's family. I worshipped God in the Lutheran tradition. Oh, and when I go home to my Dad's, I worship in the Quaker tradition. I'm kinda partial to the Quaker tradition. I come from a very long line of Quakers. I totally relate to God is the light within you. Of course, I've been to the Methodist Church quite a few times also.
You know who's tradition I like best? The Holy Trinity. I'm really partial to it. As long as God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are with me, sometimes the little details don't matter too much to me. I know they might after a while, like if I went to Sunday School at those churches and didn't agree with their doctrines. I'm not really into that whole purgatory thing. I'm pretty into God's grace and Him being bigger than anything I can imagine. I like to sing. I'm terrible, but I love singing at church. There's nothing like a great worship song at church that brings you close to God with tears that choke you up.
Yesterday, my small Bible study group hit on this topic also. We agreed that God probably doesn't really care about all our human divisions and dividers. He wants us to worship Him. Which ever church enables you to hear and worship God should be yours. One of group had run into someone who wanted her to defend not her faith so much as her choice of church. They wanted all the sticky details. They wanted the fight. It made her question her lack of knowledge and how she can justify or rationalize different church policies.
Oooo, I don't want to have that battle. I know by choosing a certain type of church, we choose to let that define who we are. But I want my love of God to define who I am. I want it to be simpler. Maybe I want to wrap it up too neatly in a little box. Or maybe the point is I don't want to be so pigeonholed that God only fits one denomination's bylaws.
Hmmm...I think I'll keep on pondering these thoughts and praying that God the glorious father of our Lord Jesus Christ gives me the wisdom and revelation to know him better.
Hmmm???
I was pretty sure it was USA, but didn't want to misspeak. And then to be honest I'm not sure of exactly all the details involved in the difference of Presbyterian USA and Presbyterian PCA. I do know my Presbyterian church in Danville was USA and some members left and started a PCA congregation.
Surely we would have chosen another Presbyterian USA congregation.
But, hmmmm?
I know my minister back Danville would be rolling his eyes heavenward if he only knew my lack of knowledge. For surely he has preached, and preached, and given numerous seminars on what it means to a Presbyterian of the Reformed faith and how we differ from other denominations and how important it is to know how our form of worship differs from other protestant denominations.
I think I have just failed Presbyterianism 101.
But gals, I have the Internet.
Our new church here in NOVA is Presbyterian USA.
I did go to the Presbyterian USA website and read Presbyterian 101. Yes, I do believe and agree with their basic guidelines. For the record I have not looked at a Presbyterian PCA website.
But...
Here's the thing. I know these details really, really matter to some people. And perhaps they don't matter a whole lot to me at the moment, because I really enjoy worshiping in a Presbyterian USA church. My husband and I have chosen to worship as Presbyterians our entire marriage. Except when I went to Mass at the Catholic school our children attended. I worshipped God in a Catholic church, following the Catholic tradition. Or when I attended church with my brother-in-law's family. I worshipped God in the Lutheran tradition. Oh, and when I go home to my Dad's, I worship in the Quaker tradition. I'm kinda partial to the Quaker tradition. I come from a very long line of Quakers. I totally relate to God is the light within you. Of course, I've been to the Methodist Church quite a few times also.
You know who's tradition I like best? The Holy Trinity. I'm really partial to it. As long as God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are with me, sometimes the little details don't matter too much to me. I know they might after a while, like if I went to Sunday School at those churches and didn't agree with their doctrines. I'm not really into that whole purgatory thing. I'm pretty into God's grace and Him being bigger than anything I can imagine. I like to sing. I'm terrible, but I love singing at church. There's nothing like a great worship song at church that brings you close to God with tears that choke you up.
Yesterday, my small Bible study group hit on this topic also. We agreed that God probably doesn't really care about all our human divisions and dividers. He wants us to worship Him. Which ever church enables you to hear and worship God should be yours. One of group had run into someone who wanted her to defend not her faith so much as her choice of church. They wanted all the sticky details. They wanted the fight. It made her question her lack of knowledge and how she can justify or rationalize different church policies.
Oooo, I don't want to have that battle. I know by choosing a certain type of church, we choose to let that define who we are. But I want my love of God to define who I am. I want it to be simpler. Maybe I want to wrap it up too neatly in a little box. Or maybe the point is I don't want to be so pigeonholed that God only fits one denomination's bylaws.
Hmmm...I think I'll keep on pondering these thoughts and praying that God the glorious father of our Lord Jesus Christ gives me the wisdom and revelation to know him better.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
The Note You Can't Lose
I am not a list kind of girl. At times I wish I were. Many days my husband, an excellent list maker and completer, begs me to become a list kind of girl. I just can't seem to get it together. Oh, I know how to make a list. It's just it ends up laying on the kitchen counter, in the car, a parallel universe? I make a list; I lose said list. And don't even get me started on calendars.
Back when I still had my memory, the mere process of writing the list branded everything into my steel trap mind. But alas, see here, that is no longer the case. So I needed a way to keep up with my list.
I just write important things on my hand. Are you shocked? For some reason many people are when they see something written there or even me witness making the note. Strangers will actually say, "You've got something on your hand!"
It's not like it's a tattoo, people. I do wash it off.
It's a great place to write a quick code of something I'm going to need. The constant visual reference, usually helps me remember what I'm trying to remember. Whether it's lunch with a friend, babysitting, school supplies for the kids, a call to return, or getting myself to the dentist today, my handy-note never leaves my hand, hee-hee.
That's what works for me. Check out more great ideas at Rocks In My Dryer.
Back when I still had my memory, the mere process of writing the list branded everything into my steel trap mind. But alas, see here, that is no longer the case. So I needed a way to keep up with my list.
I just write important things on my hand. Are you shocked? For some reason many people are when they see something written there or even me witness making the note. Strangers will actually say, "You've got something on your hand!"
It's not like it's a tattoo, people. I do wash it off.
It's a great place to write a quick code of something I'm going to need. The constant visual reference, usually helps me remember what I'm trying to remember. Whether it's lunch with a friend, babysitting, school supplies for the kids, a call to return, or getting myself to the dentist today, my handy-note never leaves my hand, hee-hee.
That's what works for me. Check out more great ideas at Rocks In My Dryer.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
September 11th
Do you remember where you were when you first heard about the attack of September 11th?
I lift up all the families, friends, and my fellow Americans in prayer as we remember that day.
On to better news...
My little brother is 34 today. He also shares the same name
with a famous actor and comedian. When he gets carded (he looks young) people say, "Hey, cool name. Oooo, bad birthday."
May this year be a huge blessing for him and his family. He is the original Dude. We called him that growing up. He is famous in our family for declaring, "I'm no zippity zap, you know.
Do not rush Dude, senior.
He needs to think things out and evaluate all his options. Once he chooses a course of action, do not try to change his mind. He is a great dad and will spend great amounts of time playing duck, duck, goose with his daughter. Even though there are only he, his wife, and my niece playing. If he invites me to play again, I will remember that he will probably throw debris and all sorts of death traps in my path so he can win. I love telling and laughing over old stories with him.
Have a great day, Dude. I love you!!!
PS - This crazy blog won't let me insert space between the paragraphs at the moment, and I have to look up the html code. However, getting the children ready for school takes precedence at the moment. The lack of spaces is driving me crazy!!!!
PPS - Yeah!!! I figured out the spacing.
I lift up all the families, friends, and my fellow Americans in prayer as we remember that day.
On to better news...
Happy Birthday to my Little Brother!!!
My little brother is 34 today. He also shares the same name
with a famous actor and comedian. When he gets carded (he looks young) people say, "Hey, cool name. Oooo, bad birthday."
May this year be a huge blessing for him and his family. He is the original Dude. We called him that growing up. He is famous in our family for declaring, "I'm no zippity zap, you know.
Do not rush Dude, senior.
He needs to think things out and evaluate all his options. Once he chooses a course of action, do not try to change his mind. He is a great dad and will spend great amounts of time playing duck, duck, goose with his daughter. Even though there are only he, his wife, and my niece playing. If he invites me to play again, I will remember that he will probably throw debris and all sorts of death traps in my path so he can win. I love telling and laughing over old stories with him.
Have a great day, Dude. I love you!!!
PS - This crazy blog won't let me insert space between the paragraphs at the moment, and I have to look up the html code. However, getting the children ready for school takes precedence at the moment. The lack of spaces is driving me crazy!!!!
PPS - Yeah!!! I figured out the spacing.
Out of the Mouths of Babes
Birdie misprounced a word as she was reading last night and covered for it by saying,
"Sorry, I just need to know everything right now, so my mind's a little crazy."
Oh, honey, I know what you mean.
A scary thing has been happening to me lately. In my younger years, I remembered everything. My husband called me the vat of useless knowledge. I could remember what I wore and my friends wore to dinner 3, 4, 10 years ago. I knew world history and current events. I knew authors and books. I actually pronounced my children's names correctly.
Alas, something is different. I fear I am becoming my mother.
We always gave her such a hard time. She was constantly pronouncing words, names, you name it, incorrectly. She also is notorious for getting her facts confused. She spent an entire Thanksgiving dinner claiming to have eaten soft-shell clams throughout her childhood.
I fear I am becoming my mother. I mispronounce lots of things. I call just about everyone the wrong name. I can't remember what I wore to church on Sunday. Okay, I do still remember that, but two weeks from now I won't. I don't think I'm that old yet. I'm still two years away from 40.
Maybe I need to add a little soduko to my daily routine.
Or maybe, my friends are right and I'm still cooping with our move. I hope I recover my mind before I lose it completely. More importantly, I hope I don't drive my kids as crazy as we drove my mother. This totally could be one of those what goes around comes around situations. Yuck!
"Sorry, I just need to know everything right now, so my mind's a little crazy."
Oh, honey, I know what you mean.
A scary thing has been happening to me lately. In my younger years, I remembered everything. My husband called me the vat of useless knowledge. I could remember what I wore and my friends wore to dinner 3, 4, 10 years ago. I knew world history and current events. I knew authors and books. I actually pronounced my children's names correctly.
Alas, something is different. I fear I am becoming my mother.
We always gave her such a hard time. She was constantly pronouncing words, names, you name it, incorrectly. She also is notorious for getting her facts confused. She spent an entire Thanksgiving dinner claiming to have eaten soft-shell clams throughout her childhood.
I fear I am becoming my mother. I mispronounce lots of things. I call just about everyone the wrong name. I can't remember what I wore to church on Sunday. Okay, I do still remember that, but two weeks from now I won't. I don't think I'm that old yet. I'm still two years away from 40.
Maybe I need to add a little soduko to my daily routine.
Or maybe, my friends are right and I'm still cooping with our move. I hope I recover my mind before I lose it completely. More importantly, I hope I don't drive my kids as crazy as we drove my mother. This totally could be one of those what goes around comes around situations. Yuck!
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Random Thoughts at the Beginning of School
I've got tons of thoughts bouncing in my head, let's see which ones make it on to the screen...
We had prayer group yesterday morning and God answered a prayer I didn't even know I had. He sent a new mom to our group who's daughter is in my son's class. They've just started middle school. While my son can talk the ears off corn, I obviously receive little true information about school besides, "It's too early. I hate homework. Quit asking me questions."
This behavior has been going on so long that usually I don't even know I'm missing out on tons of information and insight that other mothers regularly receive.
As in - my eldest said he sat with one boy at lunch the first day and then a bunch of girls sat down at their table. The next day when I asked if he sat at a different table, he informed me that now he has to sit at that table all quarter.
The real story, from a mom of one of the girls, is that they have assigned seating during lunch for the first quarter. Does my son not even know he was assigned that seat? And also the assistant principal came in and screamed about their assigned seating and how noisy they were during the first day of lunch. Welcome to middle school. Either my son was too busy eating to notice the screaming, or just didn't feel like telling me.
I have asked this dear mother to join us each and every week for prayer. Oh, and do I have some ulterior motives. I will possibly actually find out what's happening at middle school. I just know God sent her for that very reason.
On another note, I've started exercising again for many reasons, most of them the pounds and inches that are showing up on my body. I think it is absolutely true that exercising gives you more energy, that is until you fall asleep in the middle of the afternoon and by 8:30 at night.
While awake, I do have more energy. It's mostly the soreness in my chubby legs wanting to escape. However, I now definitely need a 15 minute mid-afternoon nap and by 8:30 I'm toast. It could be that we're still getting used to the school schedule. I was very comfortable drinking coffee and surfing the net until mid-morning. Now, we're out the door by 7:05 - my eldest to the bus, the dog and I on our walk.
Finally, my friend just shared a hilarious story that I have to share. I commented that The Dude was amazed when I hugged him goodbye yesterday morning and told him to use shampoo the next time he showered. He couldn't figure out how I knew???
Yes, he still thinks I have eyes in the back of my head. He even sneaks behind me and asks me how many fingers he's holding up regularly.
My friend related this story about her son...
Ben called his mom while she was at a meeting Thursday night crying, "Dad's being mean to me?"
To which she asked,"Did Dad tell you to take a shower?" We mothers so know our children.
"Yes, He did. But I'm not dirty. I didn't have gym today, and I didn't even sweat. I'm not taking a shower," Ben said.
"Ben, you need to take a shower, and I have to go now. I'll be home soon, after your shower."
When she got home she asked her husband where Ben was. His Dad said he put him to bed, no shower.
This morning as they walked to the bus they met another dad with a dog. Don't you know the dog immediately walked up to Ben and stuck his nose under Ben's arm for a nice long sniff.
The dog's owner asked, "Son, didn't you take a shower?"
My friend snorted and laughed till she cried - on the inside that is.
Ben came up to his mom, "Mom, I need to change my shirt. This one has dog slobber on it."
My friend replied, "You can do that when you TAKE A SHOWER tonight."
Well, I'm off to the paint store. Yes, I started yet another painting project, and I need to fix a few things. My husband would be delighted, absolutely delighted if he came home tonight to a project actually completed. Maybe this time it will actually happen.
We had prayer group yesterday morning and God answered a prayer I didn't even know I had. He sent a new mom to our group who's daughter is in my son's class. They've just started middle school. While my son can talk the ears off corn, I obviously receive little true information about school besides, "It's too early. I hate homework. Quit asking me questions."
This behavior has been going on so long that usually I don't even know I'm missing out on tons of information and insight that other mothers regularly receive.
As in - my eldest said he sat with one boy at lunch the first day and then a bunch of girls sat down at their table. The next day when I asked if he sat at a different table, he informed me that now he has to sit at that table all quarter.
The real story, from a mom of one of the girls, is that they have assigned seating during lunch for the first quarter. Does my son not even know he was assigned that seat? And also the assistant principal came in and screamed about their assigned seating and how noisy they were during the first day of lunch. Welcome to middle school. Either my son was too busy eating to notice the screaming, or just didn't feel like telling me.
I have asked this dear mother to join us each and every week for prayer. Oh, and do I have some ulterior motives. I will possibly actually find out what's happening at middle school. I just know God sent her for that very reason.
On another note, I've started exercising again for many reasons, most of them the pounds and inches that are showing up on my body. I think it is absolutely true that exercising gives you more energy, that is until you fall asleep in the middle of the afternoon and by 8:30 at night.
While awake, I do have more energy. It's mostly the soreness in my chubby legs wanting to escape. However, I now definitely need a 15 minute mid-afternoon nap and by 8:30 I'm toast. It could be that we're still getting used to the school schedule. I was very comfortable drinking coffee and surfing the net until mid-morning. Now, we're out the door by 7:05 - my eldest to the bus, the dog and I on our walk.
Finally, my friend just shared a hilarious story that I have to share. I commented that The Dude was amazed when I hugged him goodbye yesterday morning and told him to use shampoo the next time he showered. He couldn't figure out how I knew???
Yes, he still thinks I have eyes in the back of my head. He even sneaks behind me and asks me how many fingers he's holding up regularly.
My friend related this story about her son...
Ben called his mom while she was at a meeting Thursday night crying, "Dad's being mean to me?"
To which she asked,"Did Dad tell you to take a shower?" We mothers so know our children.
"Yes, He did. But I'm not dirty. I didn't have gym today, and I didn't even sweat. I'm not taking a shower," Ben said.
"Ben, you need to take a shower, and I have to go now. I'll be home soon, after your shower."
When she got home she asked her husband where Ben was. His Dad said he put him to bed, no shower.
This morning as they walked to the bus they met another dad with a dog. Don't you know the dog immediately walked up to Ben and stuck his nose under Ben's arm for a nice long sniff.
The dog's owner asked, "Son, didn't you take a shower?"
My friend snorted and laughed till she cried - on the inside that is.
Ben came up to his mom, "Mom, I need to change my shirt. This one has dog slobber on it."
My friend replied, "You can do that when you TAKE A SHOWER tonight."
Well, I'm off to the paint store. Yes, I started yet another painting project, and I need to fix a few things. My husband would be delighted, absolutely delighted if he came home tonight to a project actually completed. Maybe this time it will actually happen.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Back to School Success
Week one of school year 2007-2008 has come to that glorious Friday, Friday, Fri - DAY close.
I would rank this week as a huge success. Granted, I know very little about what in the world went on in either of my boys' school days, and just a little more in my daughter's, but everyone seems happy. And let me tell you, when the kids aren't happy, WE KNOW ABOUT IT.
I'm sure next week could be a different story when the homework actually starts.
I would rank my week as a stay at home mom a huge success also. Last year, well it was just TRANSITION with a capital "T." I was used to working, having friends, being with the kids 24/7 during the summer move. Fall was difficult, winter was a little better, horrible, and then better, by spring I thought I might make it. Then even this summer I seriously questioned, "What I was supposed to be doing with my life?"
This week I'm dancing on sunshine.
Lord, please let this great mood and feeling continue. I haven't just sat at home all week. I actually completed, did you read that completed, two painting projects around our house. And now, a friend is stopping by for Friday Happy Hour.
Oh, yes life is good.
I would rank this week as a huge success. Granted, I know very little about what in the world went on in either of my boys' school days, and just a little more in my daughter's, but everyone seems happy. And let me tell you, when the kids aren't happy, WE KNOW ABOUT IT.
I'm sure next week could be a different story when the homework actually starts.
I would rank my week as a stay at home mom a huge success also. Last year, well it was just TRANSITION with a capital "T." I was used to working, having friends, being with the kids 24/7 during the summer move. Fall was difficult, winter was a little better, horrible, and then better, by spring I thought I might make it. Then even this summer I seriously questioned, "What I was supposed to be doing with my life?"
This week I'm dancing on sunshine.
Lord, please let this great mood and feeling continue. I haven't just sat at home all week. I actually completed, did you read that completed, two painting projects around our house. And now, a friend is stopping by for Friday Happy Hour.
Oh, yes life is good.
More Ice Breakers
For the love of moms and homework!
Today's homework was to find 5 words in the newspaper that describe you. My son declared they had to be big words from headlines as in large font. Have you read the headlines in The Post lately?
Here are the suggestions that didn't make the cut:
Today's homework was to find 5 words in the newspaper that describe you. My son declared they had to be big words from headlines as in large font. Have you read the headlines in The Post lately?
Here are the suggestions that didn't make the cut:
- Wonderful
- Great
- the Bomb
- Energy
- Genius
- Kid
The five winners were:
- Portable (I certainly port his shoeless personage all over creation.)
- Self-sufficient (At least more so than his siblings.)
- Sane (The Dude's personal favorite)
- American
- Middle Kid (These two words were taped together and apparently met the standard.)
I just know the next thing coming down the pike is the time-line. Probably with required pictures, on a skinny long piece of paper.
Who was doing a dance when they were dropped off the first day of school?
Oh, yeah that was me on my way to breakfast, before the ice breakers were assigned.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
The Paper Bag Ice Breaker
Oh, the infamous paper bag that children all over the country have to fill with 3-5 things that represent themselves.
For children who love to talk and tell people all about themselves the trouble is narrowing down their all too exciting lives to 3-5 things. For a shy child who is embarrassed by his family's breathing, the paper bag can bring tears of frustration.
The Dude falls into the shy category. After I named the entire contents of his room, our photo albums, and most of our garage, The Dude lay moaning on his bed. And then I asked the winning question of the day, "Are we looking for things that will not embarrass you in any way at all?"
Ding-ding-ding!!! We have a winner.
So, we filled his bag with a miniature basketball, a picture of only his dog, and a puzzle piece. Not because he's so difficult to figure out - ahem - but because he's really good at puzzles.
As I woke him up this morning I got to thinking, if I had to fill a bag with 3-5 things to represent my quiet middle child, what would I choose?
For children who love to talk and tell people all about themselves the trouble is narrowing down their all too exciting lives to 3-5 things. For a shy child who is embarrassed by his family's breathing, the paper bag can bring tears of frustration.
The Dude falls into the shy category. After I named the entire contents of his room, our photo albums, and most of our garage, The Dude lay moaning on his bed. And then I asked the winning question of the day, "Are we looking for things that will not embarrass you in any way at all?"
Ding-ding-ding!!! We have a winner.
So, we filled his bag with a miniature basketball, a picture of only his dog, and a puzzle piece. Not because he's so difficult to figure out - ahem - but because he's really good at puzzles.
As I woke him up this morning I got to thinking, if I had to fill a bag with 3-5 things to represent my quiet middle child, what would I choose?
- This one's the easiest for me. The black, plastic cobra that has travelled everywhere with us this summer - NC, the beach, Chicago, back to NC and sometimes just around town. The Dude is quite the prankster and claimed it his responsibility to scare each and every family member at least once with said plastic snake at the beach. Yes, I do admit he even got me once, even after I had watched him hide the snake for his dad. I later "discovered" it instead and squealed. Any time we heard a quick shriek on vacation we knew The Dude had struck again.
- I also would put a puzzle piece. Maybe for more than the fact that he's so good at puzzles.
- A tickle me Elmo - now wait follow me on this one. He'd hate the Elmo. But - he loves to be tickled and to tickle. For some reason, I'd forgotten how much the love language of touch matters to my middle child. I quickly realized it the week our oldest was at camp, and The Dude poked, wrestled, and tickled me all day everyday.
- A stuffed lion or book on big cats. He would never want to admit to his classmates, but he loves animals, especially big cats. He spent a week at a preservation center for big cats last summer conducting experiments and learning all about the animals and loved it. He has hidden in his closet at least 20 stuffed zoo animals, and I'm not allowed to dispose of any of them.
- A breakfast bar. If this child had to survive on only one food that would be his choice. Nonetheless, he is the most adventurous and best eater in the house. I can always count on him to like just about whatever I cook. God, I love that boy.
- A picture of his fabulous smile and beautiful, soft skin. Yes, I'm his mom. He has silky skin that tans a deep golden brown even with sunscreen. I love his smile; however this has been the summer of the power of the scowl. Even when he's mad and scowling and trying to get his way, you can see the hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth. I just love it!
Monday, September 3, 2007
Mom's Prayer for First Day of School
The first day of school is tomorrow morning. As always I have my worries and prayers for my children and their school year. I thought I'd share a few prayers I've found for the start of a great year!
Shannon posted this prayer at Rocks in My Dryer a few weeks ago when her children started school.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Praise to you, God of beginnings, for bringing us to another school year. Bless our children on this first day of classes as they rejoin old friends and makes new ones. Make their learning this year a joy for our children and for their classmates. Keep their school and playground free from violence. Bless their teachers each day with patience and a loving heart to see and bring out the best in our children. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Shannon posted this prayer at Rocks in My Dryer a few weeks ago when her children started school.
A Mother's Prayer On the First Day of School
Here we are again, Lord. Their backpacks are loaded and
their faces are scrubbed and their lunch accounts are full.
And I know you'll walk with them, Lord. You always
do. But a mom still has to ask.
Will You walk with them? Will You whisper to them
what they need to hear, when I'm not there to whisper it?
Will You please, oh please, cover their school with the
protection only You can give, and will You keep harm far away?
Will You make their minds strong and ready to learn?
Will You help them understand that hard work honors the One who created
them?
Will You guide their teachers, giving them patience and
wisdom and creativity and more patience? Will You bless them for their
efforts?
Will You love all those children there, the ones whose
lunch accounts aren't full, the ones who feel alone? Will You teach my
children to be kind and unselfish and to love those who are different from
them?
Will You point them back toward home just as soon as you
can?
Lord, I give them to You today and everyday, trusting them
to Your care.
Amen.May your day be blessed with peace and joy. May this also be the beginning of a great school year for your children.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Thankful Sunday 3
Here's this weeks list...
- I'm thankful that today is Sunday. We can go to church, sing, and worship God with joy. What a blessing and gift that truly is!
- That our trip to Chicago and back was safe.
- The joy and excitement the kids had flying. Birdie wore herself out with excitement and chatter. She fell asleep in the car coming home from the airport at 4:15 in the afternoon.
- That even though the kids are growing up way too fast, traveling with them was easy.
- For my precious friend Lynne. She is so dear to my heart. I love laughing at ourselves with her. I love the wisdom she shares with me. I love that she is friend that soothes my soul.
- Thank you for children that love me so much they want to be so near me. We tripped over and ran into each other as we tried to walk through the airport. We sat on top of each other waiting for our flight. Thank you that they love me.
- Thank you for Mocha Frappuccino's.
- I'm thankful that we stumbled into Jazz Night at the Aquarium.
- I'm thankful for the beauty of dolphins and otters that make us laugh.
- I'm thankful that Fred's heart was tugged with the thought that the animals we saw were not in their natural environment. As much as I enjoyed the opportunity to be close to such amazing creatures, I'm glad he pointed out to me that they would be happier in their natural environments. I'm also thankful that Lynne pointed out that at least some of the animals had been injured and were safer at the aquarium, while others were born in captivity.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
I Am Yours Video
We're home safe and sound after a great visit with our friends. I'm clearing my inbox and found this video. Please check it out. I dearly love this song.
You can also view it here. I haven't looked at any other of this blog's posts.
You can also view it here. I haven't looked at any other of this blog's posts.
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