Through the years our family has had a tradition of having hot cakes and bacon on Sundays. This started when we were a family of 5 and still living in Florida. Every Sunday we would have blueberry pancakes and bacon for brunch. We made the pancakes Swedish style meaning quite small and thin. The kids would have a blast betting how many they could eat, setting new records, etc.
This tradition was put on hold for a couple of years when we first moved to South Carolina. When it did come back it was moved to the evening meal, but still on Sundays. Well, the older kids were older, tastes had changed, the games were gone, we were out a lot on the weekends, and a lot of Sunday evenings came and went without the blueberry pancakes.
Well we've decided that it's time to bring back hot cakes and bacon on Sunday evenings. Abbey and Christopher will resume 'Kids Praise' beginning in February but we'll just have to work around it. The tradition has had its starts and stops but it's a tradition we want to keep.
Pass the syrup, please?
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Falling In Love
Christmas Eve -
He was there - sitting nearby, often involved in conversation. A joyous occasion with food, family, the excitement of children, the cries of sleepy infants, joking from the teens, and laughter from the adults.
It was funny - sitting there watching him - I was struck by the blue of his eyes, the play of expressions that crossed his face. His smile was warm and relaxed. He was sitting forward a bit in his seat, taking everything in. The scene was one of happy chaos.
He was there - sitting nearby, often involved in conversation. A joyous occasion with food, family, the excitement of children, the cries of sleepy infants, joking from the teens, and laughter from the adults.
It was funny - sitting there watching him - I was struck by the blue of his eyes, the play of expressions that crossed his face. His smile was warm and relaxed. He was sitting forward a bit in his seat, taking everything in. The scene was one of happy chaos.
- Presents being opened by young and old.
- New parents aglow in experiencing their child's first Christmas.
- Parents and Grandparents sitting back and watching their offspring while mentally replaying visions from so many Christmas' past.
- Children eager for the next package!
- Lots of mini-conversations all around. Talk of gifts, schools, SAT's, restaurants, bbq equipment, 'High School Musical', 'Star Wars', babies, the rising cost of health insurance, recipes, church politics, etc.
My eyes were drawn back to him. He has a strength of character I admire and integrity I have great respect for. He loves his family dearly and I watch him as he watches his children and their children, his mother, his siblings and their children. The banter among everyone is easy and comfortable.
It is heartwarming to see his eyes light up as he watches the kids open presents and listens to their thoughts on Santa and just when he'll arrive at their homes.
Talk of duct tape and wrapping paper is plentiful. Large boxes containing small gift-cards and lots of filling are opened and and I listen, amused, as he shares with us that presents really should be wrapped using two or more types of Christmas wrap!
Through all of this I am certain of one thing in particular - I am in love!
At this moment, as in many others before, I say a quiet prayer of thanks to the Lord above for this special man - thankful that he is my dear husband. Thankful, too, for the love he gives me in return. Thankful for the years we've spent together, and looking forward to the ones yet to come.
Most of all though, thankful we fell in love.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Gotta Keep Swingin'
Some find it surprising that the best baseball players in terms of hits, homeruns, rbi's, etc, also have the highest number of strikeouts. How is it that a player so skilled in batting would also be a leader in strikeouts?
Easy...they're not afraid to swing.
By overcoming the fear of swinging at the pitch, they get a lot of hits. They also strike out a lot. Strikeouts or not, they're way ahead of the player who won't take a swing.
This is the analogy I used with a wonderful young man this evening, my 10-yr old son, Christopher. It seems a certain young lady caught his attention, and, being the type of young man who tends to be the 'all or nothing' sort, he fancied himself head-over-heels. Summoning all the courage he could muster (for he was very nervous), he shared his heart with the sweet and very pretty young girl - in public - in front of her friends. Being very typical young girls, they did what typical young girls do - they laughed. Somehow the young man failed to see the humor in the situation and instead received a hefty dose of humiliation.
But you know what? He'll be fine. I know this because I've seen over and over again that he's not afraid to swing.
Take a moment to hug your MVP and remember that even the pros have coaches.
Christmas is filled with love and wonder...
may you have an
over-abundance of both!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Borrowed Entry...
The following landed in my email box a couple of days ago. I know our family is struggling this Christmas and apparently a lot of other folks are, too. Here's one woman's thoughts on this Christmas...
December 4, 2008
Credit Crunch or Christmas Contentment?
By Lynn Cowell
“Owe no one anything except to love one another for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8 (NKJV)
Devotion:
The TV blared the news: the economy is tightening and a credit crunch will definitely affect Christmas spending this year.
Credit card companies are lowering credit limits and raising interest rates. Gone are the days of zero percent interest for your first few months on a newly opened card. As I watched the news, I imagined many families would share similar concerns of mine. Will we have enough money to celebrate and give Christmas gifts? Can we be content with less than usual? Is there any possibility this could be a good thing?
Overspending during the holiday season winds up being a joy-robber. Many of us spend our December evenings and weekends searching frantically for that perfect gift or worrying over keeping everything “equal” (this is my personal worry with my three kids). The more I shop, the more I spend, and the less joyful I become. Sometimes, I find myself wishing the holidays would hurry up, get here and get over! There has got to be a better way to celebrate the birthday of Christ. Isn’t there?
Yes, there is! Romans 13:8 encourages us to owe no one anything except love. This verse brought to mind my sister’s special Christmas last year. Her family practiced the very gifts of love this verse speaks about. They all chose one family member to buy a gift for. In addition to this gift, they wrote a letter of love to the receiver. Their letters included words of encouragement and appreciation. They asked for forgiveness of past wounds and sought renewed relationship with one another.
My sister told me that reading these letters outloud before they opened gifts brought tears of love, healing, and restoration. She never gave the gifts a second thought after this wonderful experience. As the tears flowed from her family, in her heart she celebrated their best Christmas. The boxes may have been the fewest ever, but the love was the most! She was content.
My sister inspired me. How can I encourage my family to focus on spreading God’s love to each other and those we come in contact with this holiday? How can I encourage others not to “keep up with the Joneses,” but instead to “keep up” with Jesus’ idea of extravagantly given love?
How about your family as this Christmas season approaches? Is the tight economy exactly what your family needs to prompt you to rein in your traditional spending and refocus this year? I know it is for me and my family.
Dear Lord, may the tough times so many of us are experiencing financially, point us back to You. Help me hear Your voice this season and truly demonstrate what this precious holiday is all about. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas by Sharon Jaynes
Pampering Gifts: Crafting a Ministry of Treating People Well for Less by Lara Krupicka
See Dave Ramsey’s website for sound financial advice.
Application Steps:
Sit down with your spouse and make a strategy for staying within a budget this Christmas. Check out financial expert Dave Ramsey’s website. Follow this link and scroll down to find special savings on his “Budgeting Bundle.”
Can you plan one gift for each of your children that costs very little, but says so much about how you love them?
Sit down with your kids and set the expectation for this Christmas if it is different than what your family has experienced in the past.
Reflections:
What motivates me to give at Christmas more than I can afford?What is one thing I would like to receive this year that money can’t buy? Is this something I can give to another?Power Verses:
1 Timothy 6:6, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (NIV)
Proverbs 19:23, “The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” (NIV)
Job 36:11, “If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.” (NIV)
© Lynn Cowell 2008. All Rights Reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org
December 4, 2008
Credit Crunch or Christmas Contentment?
By Lynn Cowell
“Owe no one anything except to love one another for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8 (NKJV)
Devotion:
The TV blared the news: the economy is tightening and a credit crunch will definitely affect Christmas spending this year.
Credit card companies are lowering credit limits and raising interest rates. Gone are the days of zero percent interest for your first few months on a newly opened card. As I watched the news, I imagined many families would share similar concerns of mine. Will we have enough money to celebrate and give Christmas gifts? Can we be content with less than usual? Is there any possibility this could be a good thing?
Overspending during the holiday season winds up being a joy-robber. Many of us spend our December evenings and weekends searching frantically for that perfect gift or worrying over keeping everything “equal” (this is my personal worry with my three kids). The more I shop, the more I spend, and the less joyful I become. Sometimes, I find myself wishing the holidays would hurry up, get here and get over! There has got to be a better way to celebrate the birthday of Christ. Isn’t there?
Yes, there is! Romans 13:8 encourages us to owe no one anything except love. This verse brought to mind my sister’s special Christmas last year. Her family practiced the very gifts of love this verse speaks about. They all chose one family member to buy a gift for. In addition to this gift, they wrote a letter of love to the receiver. Their letters included words of encouragement and appreciation. They asked for forgiveness of past wounds and sought renewed relationship with one another.
My sister told me that reading these letters outloud before they opened gifts brought tears of love, healing, and restoration. She never gave the gifts a second thought after this wonderful experience. As the tears flowed from her family, in her heart she celebrated their best Christmas. The boxes may have been the fewest ever, but the love was the most! She was content.
My sister inspired me. How can I encourage my family to focus on spreading God’s love to each other and those we come in contact with this holiday? How can I encourage others not to “keep up with the Joneses,” but instead to “keep up” with Jesus’ idea of extravagantly given love?
How about your family as this Christmas season approaches? Is the tight economy exactly what your family needs to prompt you to rein in your traditional spending and refocus this year? I know it is for me and my family.
Dear Lord, may the tough times so many of us are experiencing financially, point us back to You. Help me hear Your voice this season and truly demonstrate what this precious holiday is all about. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas by Sharon Jaynes
Pampering Gifts: Crafting a Ministry of Treating People Well for Less by Lara Krupicka
See Dave Ramsey’s website for sound financial advice.
Application Steps:
Sit down with your spouse and make a strategy for staying within a budget this Christmas. Check out financial expert Dave Ramsey’s website. Follow this link and scroll down to find special savings on his “Budgeting Bundle.”
Can you plan one gift for each of your children that costs very little, but says so much about how you love them?
Sit down with your kids and set the expectation for this Christmas if it is different than what your family has experienced in the past.
Reflections:
What motivates me to give at Christmas more than I can afford?What is one thing I would like to receive this year that money can’t buy? Is this something I can give to another?Power Verses:
1 Timothy 6:6, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (NIV)
Proverbs 19:23, “The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” (NIV)
Job 36:11, “If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.” (NIV)
© Lynn Cowell 2008. All Rights Reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org
Thursday, December 11, 2008
These Dreams...
Ahhh...sleep. My entire life I have used sleep as an escape from stress, worry, depression, and anxiety. It was a safe and comfortable place. Lately, though, that's all changed. For several months now I've had dreams disturbing my once comfortable place.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about nightmares; nothing frightening. Just dreams dealing with people I knew 30 years ago. Yes, thirty! 3-0. I'd like to think I'm too young to have dreams dealing with things from thirty years ago, but hey, that's another blog entry!
No, these dreams are often in current, real-time settings, but once I'm awake, I find myself drifting back to difficult and painful times.
The dreams are vivid and detailed with the same main characters but a variety of story lines. People important to me for a season, little more. So why are they back now? This occurs a few times each week. There are times I even awake from a dream, get up, use the restroom, go back to bed, and the same people will be back in a continuation of the previous dream or in a new setting.
Once up for the day, the dreams stay with me - almost like a physical thing carried around with me. They can feel so real that they seem more like something that actually happened than something that was only in my dreams.
I'm perplexed. I'd like my peaceful sleep back. I'd like nutty, wacky dreams back. Silly, crazy ones - or at least ones that I don't remember when I wake up.
I love my life. I have good friends and am blessed to be making new ones. My family is wonderful and I'm very happy where I am.
So, dreams, go away. It's Christmas and there's much to be done!
Sweet Dreams, Everyone!
Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about nightmares; nothing frightening. Just dreams dealing with people I knew 30 years ago. Yes, thirty! 3-0. I'd like to think I'm too young to have dreams dealing with things from thirty years ago, but hey, that's another blog entry!
No, these dreams are often in current, real-time settings, but once I'm awake, I find myself drifting back to difficult and painful times.
The dreams are vivid and detailed with the same main characters but a variety of story lines. People important to me for a season, little more. So why are they back now? This occurs a few times each week. There are times I even awake from a dream, get up, use the restroom, go back to bed, and the same people will be back in a continuation of the previous dream or in a new setting.
Once up for the day, the dreams stay with me - almost like a physical thing carried around with me. They can feel so real that they seem more like something that actually happened than something that was only in my dreams.
I'm perplexed. I'd like my peaceful sleep back. I'd like nutty, wacky dreams back. Silly, crazy ones - or at least ones that I don't remember when I wake up.
I love my life. I have good friends and am blessed to be making new ones. My family is wonderful and I'm very happy where I am.
So, dreams, go away. It's Christmas and there's much to be done!
Sweet Dreams, Everyone!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Random Thoughts
I have a lot of random thoughts from time-to-time. The only problem is that when I start to write about them I tend to write a lot - and not just the random thought. So, for what it's worth, I'm going to give it another try...
Random Thought #1 - My GPS unit is smart - I'm just glad it doesn't tell me how stupid I can be! Particularly when Darrell and I are using it to get somewhere and still refuse to do what it says (but should have!).
Random Thought #2 - Abigail is a little girl with a purpose. She believes our family was one huge mess just waiting for her to come along and straighten us all out.
Random Thought #3 (or a continuation of #2) "Go ask Abbey" - that's the response to any question anyone has about the location of anything in our home. She has made it her job to know where everything is. Now she's started finishing our sentences for us.
Random Thought #4 - Every woman should go away for a weekend with her girlfriends. I'm sure we all missed our husbands and families, but what a great weekend we had together.
Random Thought #5 - Today starts a new chapter in my life - Elisa went back to work today. Christopher, Abbey and I are holding school here at Elisa's where we can babysit Zachary. It will be an adjustment for all but one I'm looking forward to.
That's good for now.
'Tis the Season...
Random Thought #1 - My GPS unit is smart - I'm just glad it doesn't tell me how stupid I can be! Particularly when Darrell and I are using it to get somewhere and still refuse to do what it says (but should have!).
Random Thought #2 - Abigail is a little girl with a purpose. She believes our family was one huge mess just waiting for her to come along and straighten us all out.
Random Thought #3 (or a continuation of #2) "Go ask Abbey" - that's the response to any question anyone has about the location of anything in our home. She has made it her job to know where everything is. Now she's started finishing our sentences for us.
Random Thought #4 - Every woman should go away for a weekend with her girlfriends. I'm sure we all missed our husbands and families, but what a great weekend we had together.
Random Thought #5 - Today starts a new chapter in my life - Elisa went back to work today. Christopher, Abbey and I are holding school here at Elisa's where we can babysit Zachary. It will be an adjustment for all but one I'm looking forward to.
That's good for now.
'Tis the Season...
Friday, November 28, 2008
Happy Holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's)
Happy Thanksgiving!
I love Thanksgiving.
Planning the menu and preparing the meal. Spending the day among family and missing those who are absent . Reminiscing of prior Thanksgivings and savoring the one at hand. A day devoted to focusing on all we have to be thankful for. Realizing, too, that we only scratch the surface when counting our blessings, for there are too many to count.
Lest you think me a modern-day Pollyanna, I confess there's plenty I pray about, hurt over, rue, mourn, miss, oppose. etc. I just pray fervently that no matter what the world throws at us, we'll never lose sight of those countless blessings and thus keep the world and our perceived woes in perspective.
Today is the day after Thanksgiving. A great place to be for reflecting on the day just passed and the official start of the Christmas season and all that it entails.
As I write this I'm sitting at my kitchen counter, listening to incredible music, and of course, reflecting. I hear Christopher and his cousin Andrew playing downstairs (I love 10-yr old exuberance!), as well as Abbey and Kenneth getting Christmas lights ready for outside, and all the while Trudy is scampering a circuitous path among us. Next to me are my Christmas cards. A tradition that is bittersweet. I probably blogged about it last year.
Just so you have the correct impression, a vision from Currier and Ives we're not. My phone has been going crazy with texts from my older kids asking how shopping is, what time we got out, etc. Actually our weather is expected to turn bad tomorrow so we decided to postpone or cancel shopping today and put up outside lights instead. The kids are aghast! They remember being woken up at unbelievably early morning hours to go out amongst crowds of like-minded bargain shoppers all because their dad used to work in retail and he likes to be on the other side of the counter now. They really never minded the cool electronics they would usually receive at Christmas from those early-morning jousts, um, I mean jaunts, though.
Life Lessons... It's taken me way too many years, but I am finally learning a few life lessons. I'm learning that life has to be lived in a more deliberate fashion and less by the seat of one's pants, so to speak. I'm not always good at explaining what I'm thinking so I'll just say that Andy Stanley explains it well in his book "The Best Question Ever." There are also great lessons in Beth Moore's 'Daniel' Bible study. Using exercise as a brief example, it seems we (people in general) never find time to exercise because we don't intentionally plan for it or add it to our busy calendars as we would any important task or appointment. We usually just try to work it in to already busy lifestyles. Or, final analogy, people rarely plan on becoming overweight but don't intentionally take steps to prevent it. We don't plan on a lot of things but don't intentionally take preventive steps. Anyway, I don't know how I started on this tangent but it's been on my mind so I guess I'm sharing - or maybe venting?
So, getting back on track, I hope your Thanksgiving day was warm and wonderful. I pray you have many things to be thankful for. With Christmas fast approaching I particularly hope the season brings you JOY and WONDER. Finally, that the New Year adds to your blessings and perhaps a resolution to live and love intentionally.
I love Thanksgiving.
Planning the menu and preparing the meal. Spending the day among family and missing those who are absent . Reminiscing of prior Thanksgivings and savoring the one at hand. A day devoted to focusing on all we have to be thankful for. Realizing, too, that we only scratch the surface when counting our blessings, for there are too many to count.
Lest you think me a modern-day Pollyanna, I confess there's plenty I pray about, hurt over, rue, mourn, miss, oppose. etc. I just pray fervently that no matter what the world throws at us, we'll never lose sight of those countless blessings and thus keep the world and our perceived woes in perspective.
Today is the day after Thanksgiving. A great place to be for reflecting on the day just passed and the official start of the Christmas season and all that it entails.
As I write this I'm sitting at my kitchen counter, listening to incredible music, and of course, reflecting. I hear Christopher and his cousin Andrew playing downstairs (I love 10-yr old exuberance!), as well as Abbey and Kenneth getting Christmas lights ready for outside, and all the while Trudy is scampering a circuitous path among us. Next to me are my Christmas cards. A tradition that is bittersweet. I probably blogged about it last year.Just so you have the correct impression, a vision from Currier and Ives we're not. My phone has been going crazy with texts from my older kids asking how shopping is, what time we got out, etc. Actually our weather is expected to turn bad tomorrow so we decided to postpone or cancel shopping today and put up outside lights instead. The kids are aghast! They remember being woken up at unbelievably early morning hours to go out amongst crowds of like-minded bargain shoppers all because their dad used to work in retail and he likes to be on the other side of the counter now. They really never minded the cool electronics they would usually receive at Christmas from those early-morning jousts, um, I mean jaunts, though.
Life Lessons... It's taken me way too many years, but I am finally learning a few life lessons. I'm learning that life has to be lived in a more deliberate fashion and less by the seat of one's pants, so to speak. I'm not always good at explaining what I'm thinking so I'll just say that Andy Stanley explains it well in his book "The Best Question Ever." There are also great lessons in Beth Moore's 'Daniel' Bible study. Using exercise as a brief example, it seems we (people in general) never find time to exercise because we don't intentionally plan for it or add it to our busy calendars as we would any important task or appointment. We usually just try to work it in to already busy lifestyles. Or, final analogy, people rarely plan on becoming overweight but don't intentionally take steps to prevent it. We don't plan on a lot of things but don't intentionally take preventive steps. Anyway, I don't know how I started on this tangent but it's been on my mind so I guess I'm sharing - or maybe venting?
So, getting back on track, I hope your Thanksgiving day was warm and wonderful. I pray you have many things to be thankful for. With Christmas fast approaching I particularly hope the season brings you JOY and WONDER. Finally, that the New Year adds to your blessings and perhaps a resolution to live and love intentionally.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Weekend Smiles
Don't you just hate new grandmothers? In this picture taken about a week or so ago Zachary was sharing this handsome smile...in his sleep.
I got the text yesterday, however, that Zachary smiled - really smiled - awake smiled - two or three times even!
Now our little Kaitlyn has help lighting our worlds with beautiful smiles.
****************************************************************************
Speaking of smiling... Have I mentioned I love autumn? Oh, I have? Well, sorry then. Anyway, we slept with the windows open last night. It was great because there was a slight drizzle and a cool breeze and it was so nice to be lulled to sleep by.
Today, while walking Trudy, Abbey and I were treated to an autumn shower - but this one was a shower of leaves instead of rain. They floated, twirled, danced and spun; from the tree-tops 'til they touched the ground. I was reminded of a video my kids had about Pooh and the Blustery Day; that was a nice memory.
Have I mentioned I love the mountains? Oh, I have? Well, sorry then. Anyway, I have a special treat next week. A group of us from Bible Study are heading to Gatlinburg for the weekend. These are wonderful women and I'm really looking forward to the time away with them and the chance to get to know them better.
Hope you have a chance to take a walk on a beautiful autumn day, and hey, if it's with a little weiner dog, all the better!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Welcome, Trudy!
This is Trudy.
Trudy is our newest family member. She's a full-blooded dachshund who will be a year old on Christmas day.
Like us, Trudy is a former Floridian. Her owner could no longer take care of her and gave Trudy to a daughter who is a homeschool mom here in the upstate. That family loved Trudy but already had a lot of pets (including chickens) but no fenced-in yard. This little explorer liked to visit with the neighbors. Trudy's new family was sad but felt Trudy would do better in a family who had children and pets (NOT including chickens) and a fenced yard where Trudy could run, play, and explore.
So their loss is our gain and Trudy is getting settled in our home. She does enjoy exploring outside in the wee-hours but we hope that will be a sleepy-memory in the very near future. Trust me, it's a bit chilly at 3:00 in the morning!
So, from our whole crew here, a whole-hearted "Welcome to our family, Trudy!" We're big, and loud, and full of love. We hope you'll love us, too.
Monday, November 3, 2008
On My Mind...
Here's a sampling of 'what's on my mind' today...
- Tomorrow's Election - scary
- Yesterday's Sermon - it was a good one
- 'Daniel' Bible Study Homework - I'm behind
- Upcoming Travel - travel is always stressful
- Upcoming Holidays - ditto
- Mary Kay Bookings - need some
- Homeschooling Through this Month - more challenging but looking forward to it
But...our kids and their kids are all doing well.
Feeling especially stressed today. Stomach in knots and very tired even with the extra hour this weekend. Good days or bad - it really doesn't matter; I'm blessed beyond measure. Here's a poem a speaker shared a few weeks ago that really struck a chord with me...
Drinking From My Saucer
I've never made a fortune
And it's probably too late now.
But I don't worry about that much.
I'm happy anyhow.
And as I go along life's way,
I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
I haven't got a lot of riches
And sometimes the going's tough,
But I've got loved ones around me
And that makes me rich enough.
I thank God for His blessings
And the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
I remember times when things went wrong.
My faith wore somewhat thin,
But all at once the dark clouds broke
And the sun peeped through again.
So God, help me not to gripe about
The tough rows that I've hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
If God gives me strength and courage
When the way grows steep and rough,
I'll not ask for other blessings.
I'm already blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy
To help others bear their loads.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
---Author unknown
A new week ahead...new adventures await!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Words
If my memory is accurate, and trust me, that's a big 'if,' my first blog was about 'words.'
I'm no wordsmith, but I do enjoy words. I like learning new words, and, most recently, looking closer at words I thought I knew. That happens when you work with kids and they ask a lot of questions about the meaning of words. My college student also throws new words at me.
Just today I had to look up 'requiem' and 'precocious.' I've heard them over the years and had a feel for their meanings but couldn't give an actual definition. With all our great computer tools, looking up words is no longer a laborious process. I have a computer utility for looking up words where all I have to do is highlight a word on the screen and do a ctrl-right click to get definitions, synonyms and other info. Handy for checking spelling, too.
My big brother and I were discussing some of our favorite words last week. 'Conundrum,' 'anomaly,' 'belligerant.' (I used my handy utility on that one to check my spelling - good thing, too, 'cause I had it wrong.) Even yesterday our family was discussing words that end in 'meter.' and how they should be pronounced. Specifically multimeter. Actually this is difficult to write about since I don't have the symbols used in pronunciation guides. So, just think about all the words you know that end in meter and the different ways they are pronounced.
In this political season there have been plenty of words for me to look up. That reminds me of the following story...
Part of American political lore is the Smathers "redneck speech," which Smathers (a politician) reportedly delivered to a poorly educated audience. The "speech" was never given; it was a hoax dreamed up by one reporter. Smathers did not say, as was reported in Time Magazine during the campaign: "Are you aware that Claude Pepper is known all over Washington as a shameless extrovert? Not only that, but this man is reliably reported to practice nepotism with his sister-in-law, and he has a sister who was once a thespian in wicked New York. Worst of all, it is an established fact that Mr. Pepper, before his marriage, habitually practiced celibacy."
The Smathers campaign denied his having made the speech, as did the reporters who covered his campaign, but the hoax followed Smathers to his death.
Those around children will know this...Confusing similar words can be cause for a snicker or two, and I'm not talking about a candy bar! Mercenary for missionary, forgotten for begotten, are the first to come to mind and still bring a smile when I remember the incidents.
And to close with a little humor...
A new monk arrived at the monastery. He was assigned to help the other monks in copying the old texts by hand. He noticed, however, that they were copying copies, not the original books. The new monk went to the head monk to ask him about this. He pointed out that if there were an error in the first copy, that error would be continued in all of the other copies. The head monk said, 'We have been copying from the copies for centuries, but you make a good point, my son.' The head monk went down into the cellar with one of the copies to check it against the original. Hours later, nobody had seen him, so one of the monks went downstairs to look for him. He heard a sobbing coming from the back of the cellar and found the old monk leaning over one of the original books, crying. He asked what was wrong. 'The word is 'celebrate,' not 'celibate'!' sobbed the head monk.
Celebrate, always celebrate!
I'm no wordsmith, but I do enjoy words. I like learning new words, and, most recently, looking closer at words I thought I knew. That happens when you work with kids and they ask a lot of questions about the meaning of words. My college student also throws new words at me.
Just today I had to look up 'requiem' and 'precocious.' I've heard them over the years and had a feel for their meanings but couldn't give an actual definition. With all our great computer tools, looking up words is no longer a laborious process. I have a computer utility for looking up words where all I have to do is highlight a word on the screen and do a ctrl-right click to get definitions, synonyms and other info. Handy for checking spelling, too.
My big brother and I were discussing some of our favorite words last week. 'Conundrum,' 'anomaly,' 'belligerant.' (I used my handy utility on that one to check my spelling - good thing, too, 'cause I had it wrong.) Even yesterday our family was discussing words that end in 'meter.' and how they should be pronounced. Specifically multimeter. Actually this is difficult to write about since I don't have the symbols used in pronunciation guides. So, just think about all the words you know that end in meter and the different ways they are pronounced.
In this political season there have been plenty of words for me to look up. That reminds me of the following story...
Part of American political lore is the Smathers "redneck speech," which Smathers (a politician) reportedly delivered to a poorly educated audience. The "speech" was never given; it was a hoax dreamed up by one reporter. Smathers did not say, as was reported in Time Magazine during the campaign: "Are you aware that Claude Pepper is known all over Washington as a shameless extrovert? Not only that, but this man is reliably reported to practice nepotism with his sister-in-law, and he has a sister who was once a thespian in wicked New York. Worst of all, it is an established fact that Mr. Pepper, before his marriage, habitually practiced celibacy."
The Smathers campaign denied his having made the speech, as did the reporters who covered his campaign, but the hoax followed Smathers to his death.
Those around children will know this...Confusing similar words can be cause for a snicker or two, and I'm not talking about a candy bar! Mercenary for missionary, forgotten for begotten, are the first to come to mind and still bring a smile when I remember the incidents.
And to close with a little humor...
A new monk arrived at the monastery. He was assigned to help the other monks in copying the old texts by hand. He noticed, however, that they were copying copies, not the original books. The new monk went to the head monk to ask him about this. He pointed out that if there were an error in the first copy, that error would be continued in all of the other copies. The head monk said, 'We have been copying from the copies for centuries, but you make a good point, my son.' The head monk went down into the cellar with one of the copies to check it against the original. Hours later, nobody had seen him, so one of the monks went downstairs to look for him. He heard a sobbing coming from the back of the cellar and found the old monk leaning over one of the original books, crying. He asked what was wrong. 'The word is 'celebrate,' not 'celibate'!' sobbed the head monk.
Celebrate, always celebrate!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Yet Another Sunday Evening
Another week has come and gone...
- There are more leaves on the ground and less on the trees.
- The weather is blessedly cooler most of the time.
- I was blessed to have not one, but two dinner evenings with my Bible Study Ladies
- Flu shots are being advertised everywhere (and I got one - my first!)
- We gave out candy at Halloween Hoopla in downtown Greer yesterday
- Apple Cider is back in the stores (now we're just waiting on Eggnog!)
- The presidential election is fast approaching
- Abbey has started her Christmas wish list
- and so much more... I absolutely love autumn!
Saturday morning my mother-in-law Vera, Abbey and I went to see High School Musical 3. We really enjoyed the movie and Abbey was ecstatic. As a family we don't generally go to movies in the theaters. We buy the DVD when it comes out instead.
It must be in the air but I'm feeling restless these days. I want to 'go.' Go to the mountains, go to the beach, go on an adventure, go somewhere I've never been or back to a favorite spot. I have a long list of projects here at home and I want to 'go' at each of them. Then I don't know where to start and that urge to 'go' - anywhere - really kicks in.
I'm fortunate that I do have quite a few things on my plate these days that I'm excited about. Maybe too many. I love the work we're doing in the kids' homeschool studies. I'm excited about my weekly 'Daniel' Bible Study and group as well as our Life Group that meets weekly, I found a Women's One-Year Bible and Journal with a daily reading from Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs, I'm learning about digital scrapbooking, I'm working on getting ConKerr up and going here in the upstate, I'm still trying to learn to sew and my Mary Kay business is needing extra attention with the holidays fast approaching. Does anyone know if the kids have any clean socks??? Dinner? Uh-oh...it's still in the freezer. And finally, I don't understand why houses can't clean themselves. Girls, please bring those babies over to see their Grandma and GrandDad!
Have a happy and memorable week...
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Please Welcome My Guest Blogger...One of "Those" Moms
I recently asked my daughter, Elisa Richards, to write a guest blog entry here. I was so pleasantly surprised when she agreed. You can't imagine how much admiration and love her dad and I have for her. She is a beautiful, incredible young woman and now a proud new mother, too.
SW
One of “Those” Moms
So here I am, and who would have thought that I, Elisa Richards, would turn into the one thing I was sure I’d never become. Well it’s quite interesting what a charming guy can change about strong, independent working women. Especially when that very strong independent working woman carries him 9 months plus some days, feels each time he kicks (and swearing that he will be grounded a week for each rib that is bruised), feels each hiccup he has as he bounces around in her stomach, and then goes through considerable pain just to hear his cry for the first time.
That’s obviously what happened to me. My son has turned me into one of “those” moms.
I remember when my husband and I were at our birthing class for Zachary, we had to go around the room and tell the other pregnant couples about ourselves. We had to tell our name, the sex of the baby, our due dates, and one of the most interesting things about pregnancy. All had to participate. Some people had the typical boring answers like, “seeing the baby in the ultrasound,” or “feeling the baby move.” Well when it got to my husband he said something that wasn’t so typical… He explained that it was nice to know that Krispy Kreme was open until midnight. (I wonder how he knew that one!) Well then it came to me, and my response (which of course is a big part of this blog blurb). The most interesting thing about my pregnancy was realizing it wasn’t as easy as I had imagined and that it is actually pretty neat if you take away the morning sickness, the chubby figure, the aches and pains, the fact that everyone knows you “did it”, and of course the blood work.
You see. for the longest time I believed that pregnant women went overboard complaining about fatigue and being lazy. I quickly learned that wasn't the case. Sure, some women milk it for all it’s worth, but overall it isn’t all that easy either. You do get perks like being able to eat whatever you want and people catering to you and not letting you lift things or stress yourself. That's not always as easy as it sounds; if you’re like me, you worry about shedding those pounds and hate having to get help with things, much less having to rely on others to do things for you!
Pregnancy is a very unique period in life and no two are ever the same. It is fun and scary all at the same time. Anyone that has been through it can tell you there is nothing else like it. Everyone has stories and helpful tips. What’s funny is that now I’m a part of “that club.”
The big shocker is that I remember before I got pregnant, in fact throughout my whole life, I honestly never wanted kids. My husband and I almost didn’t get married due to being unable to compromise on the issue. Turns out he won. Not that I would change it for anything. My son is only 3 weeks old and has already taught me so much about life and myself. Things I never would have stumbled across due to my own selfishness or the path my life was heading down.
I’m assuming that because of that very stubborn “I’m not ready for a kid” type thinking that during my pregnancy, I wasn’t yet one of “those” moms. I didn’t let the pregnancy overtake my life. I think I had a good balance between everything. I went to work every day and did what was needed, (in fact I worked until 2 days before my due date.) I still had a social life, I cleaned, (my husband is the cook) I even helped with a push mower on the lawn! Mainly I tried not to let the stress overtake me. What I didn’t do was make a bee-line for the baby department or overdo things in his nursery. I didn’t watch all those lifetime specials either. All of that, however, was pre-baby.
Now during my post-baby time I probably tend to overdo things. The biggest culprit for me is pictures. In fact I think just in my cell phone I have over 300 pictures stored. That’s roughly around 15 pictures a day. 15 pictures that I not only take for myself, but that I also send to others in my family. I send them things like “on our way to doctors office” and “first bath at home.” Of course everyone needs to see his “going to surprise daddy at work,” pictures. It’s also very important that everyone see random weird faces and videos. What can I say, my son is my passion in life. I understand now about the security of knowing he is safe, the heartache when he cries and you can’t fix it, and the joys and fears of being a mom. Not just any mom either… one of “those” moms. It’s official… my Uncle who is definitely one of “those” uncles, has welcomed me with open arms to the “dork” club. You see a dork, in this respect, is something special. It means you care about something so deeply that you are a dork to it. =) Don’t try to understand it. Either you know it or you don’t.
So, I just want to give a shout out to all “those” parents and family members out there who know, and have beautiful kids to show off on your diaper bags, desks, or cell phones. And, also to “those” people who know they are better people because of the children in their lives.
I am glad to be one of “those” moms - the kind I used to feel sorry for, until I realized how empty life was before I met that charming guy.
*******************************************************************
P.S. Lest you think me unfair, Shannon has had the same invitation to guest write here, but so far, has turned me down
SW
One of “Those” Moms
So here I am, and who would have thought that I, Elisa Richards, would turn into the one thing I was sure I’d never become. Well it’s quite interesting what a charming guy can change about strong, independent working women. Especially when that very strong independent working woman carries him 9 months plus some days, feels each time he kicks (and swearing that he will be grounded a week for each rib that is bruised), feels each hiccup he has as he bounces around in her stomach, and then goes through considerable pain just to hear his cry for the first time.
That’s obviously what happened to me. My son has turned me into one of “those” moms.
I remember when my husband and I were at our birthing class for Zachary, we had to go around the room and tell the other pregnant couples about ourselves. We had to tell our name, the sex of the baby, our due dates, and one of the most interesting things about pregnancy. All had to participate. Some people had the typical boring answers like, “seeing the baby in the ultrasound,” or “feeling the baby move.” Well when it got to my husband he said something that wasn’t so typical… He explained that it was nice to know that Krispy Kreme was open until midnight. (I wonder how he knew that one!) Well then it came to me, and my response (which of course is a big part of this blog blurb). The most interesting thing about my pregnancy was realizing it wasn’t as easy as I had imagined and that it is actually pretty neat if you take away the morning sickness, the chubby figure, the aches and pains, the fact that everyone knows you “did it”, and of course the blood work.
You see. for the longest time I believed that pregnant women went overboard complaining about fatigue and being lazy. I quickly learned that wasn't the case. Sure, some women milk it for all it’s worth, but overall it isn’t all that easy either. You do get perks like being able to eat whatever you want and people catering to you and not letting you lift things or stress yourself. That's not always as easy as it sounds; if you’re like me, you worry about shedding those pounds and hate having to get help with things, much less having to rely on others to do things for you!
Pregnancy is a very unique period in life and no two are ever the same. It is fun and scary all at the same time. Anyone that has been through it can tell you there is nothing else like it. Everyone has stories and helpful tips. What’s funny is that now I’m a part of “that club.”
The big shocker is that I remember before I got pregnant, in fact throughout my whole life, I honestly never wanted kids. My husband and I almost didn’t get married due to being unable to compromise on the issue. Turns out he won. Not that I would change it for anything. My son is only 3 weeks old and has already taught me so much about life and myself. Things I never would have stumbled across due to my own selfishness or the path my life was heading down.
I’m assuming that because of that very stubborn “I’m not ready for a kid” type thinking that during my pregnancy, I wasn’t yet one of “those” moms. I didn’t let the pregnancy overtake my life. I think I had a good balance between everything. I went to work every day and did what was needed, (in fact I worked until 2 days before my due date.) I still had a social life, I cleaned, (my husband is the cook) I even helped with a push mower on the lawn! Mainly I tried not to let the stress overtake me. What I didn’t do was make a bee-line for the baby department or overdo things in his nursery. I didn’t watch all those lifetime specials either. All of that, however, was pre-baby.
Now during my post-baby time I probably tend to overdo things. The biggest culprit for me is pictures. In fact I think just in my cell phone I have over 300 pictures stored. That’s roughly around 15 pictures a day. 15 pictures that I not only take for myself, but that I also send to others in my family. I send them things like “on our way to doctors office” and “first bath at home.” Of course everyone needs to see his “going to surprise daddy at work,” pictures. It’s also very important that everyone see random weird faces and videos. What can I say, my son is my passion in life. I understand now about the security of knowing he is safe, the heartache when he cries and you can’t fix it, and the joys and fears of being a mom. Not just any mom either… one of “those” moms. It’s official… my Uncle who is definitely one of “those” uncles, has welcomed me with open arms to the “dork” club. You see a dork, in this respect, is something special. It means you care about something so deeply that you are a dork to it. =) Don’t try to understand it. Either you know it or you don’t.
So, I just want to give a shout out to all “those” parents and family members out there who know, and have beautiful kids to show off on your diaper bags, desks, or cell phones. And, also to “those” people who know they are better people because of the children in their lives.
I am glad to be one of “those” moms - the kind I used to feel sorry for, until I realized how empty life was before I met that charming guy.
*******************************************************************
P.S. Lest you think me unfair, Shannon has had the same invitation to guest write here, but so far, has turned me down
Friday, October 17, 2008
The Fabric Of Our Lives
T-Shirts...They're used as a layer to protect us from the cold in the winter. Shade bare skin from the sun, light, (transparent when wet!) covering during the summer heat. Wonderful to throw on for housework, washing the car, cleaning out the garage or washing the dog. They're comfortable and really grow on us (hopefully in sentiment and not from lack of personal hygiene!). Did I mention I was Baptized wearing my t-shirt from the Peter Pan play that Christopher was in and Kenneth directed?
T-Shirts...Concert Shirts, Political Shirts, Team Shirts, Band Shirts, Humorous Shirts, Shirts That Support a Cause, Vacation Shirts, Souvenir Shirts, Tie-Dye Shirts, Protest Shirts, Company Shirts, Church Shirts, School Shirts, the list goes on and on.
T-Shirts, more than any other single item, come closest to telling the stories of our lives. Many babies go home from the hospital sporting shirts stating that they are 'the little brother' or 'the little sister,' and the collection has begun. You can bet there will be a corresponding t-shirt for every age, thought, sport, activity, super-hero, performer, 'his,' 'hers,' 'Stupid,' 'I'm With Stupid," cartoon character, club, organization, school, team, fund-raiser, etc...
So, hey, next time you go to grab that favorite 't' or throw a load of them in the washer, reflect for a moment and you'll probably see your life from the perspective of your t-shirt collection!
T-Shirts...Concert Shirts, Political Shirts, Team Shirts, Band Shirts, Humorous Shirts, Shirts That Support a Cause, Vacation Shirts, Souvenir Shirts, Tie-Dye Shirts, Protest Shirts, Company Shirts, Church Shirts, School Shirts, the list goes on and on.
T-Shirts, more than any other single item, come closest to telling the stories of our lives. Many babies go home from the hospital sporting shirts stating that they are 'the little brother' or 'the little sister,' and the collection has begun. You can bet there will be a corresponding t-shirt for every age, thought, sport, activity, super-hero, performer, 'his,' 'hers,' 'Stupid,' 'I'm With Stupid," cartoon character, club, organization, school, team, fund-raiser, etc...
So, hey, next time you go to grab that favorite 't' or throw a load of them in the washer, reflect for a moment and you'll probably see your life from the perspective of your t-shirt collection!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Music I Love...
Abbey and I were on our way home from some appointments yesterday afternoon when a song on the radio caught my attention (radio? yes - my IPod was in the kitchen - I always forget it there). When it was over I had a big smile on my face and was thinking what a cute song it was. Country, of course. I can still understand most of the words in country songs. The song was "Waitin' On a Woman," recorded by Brad Paisley.
Here are the lyrics...
Sittin' on a bench at West Town Mall,
he sat down in his overalls and asked me
"You waitin' on a woman?"
I nodded yeah and said "How 'bout you?"
He said "Son since 1952 I've been waitin' on a woman.
When I picked her up for our first date I told her I'd be there at eight,
and she came down the stairs at eight-thirty.
She said 'I'm sorry that I took so long, didn't like a thing that I tried on.'
But let me tell you son she sure looked pretty.
Yeah she'll take her time, but I don't mind, waitin' on a woman."
He said "The wedding took a year to plan. You talk about an anxious man!
I was nervous waitin' on a woman."
And then he nudged my arm like old men do and said,
"I'll say this about the honeymoon, it was worth it, waitin' on a woman.
And I don't guess we've been anywhere she hasn't made us late.
I swear, sometimes she does it just 'cause she can do it.
Boy it's just a fact of life, it'll be the same with your young wife.
Might as well go on and get used to it, she'll take her time,
'cause you don't mind waitin' on a woman.
I've read somewhere statistics show the man's always the first to go,
and that makes sense 'cause I know she won't be ready.
So when it finally comes my time and I get to the other side,
I'll find myself a bench, if they've got any.
I hope she takes her time,
'cause I don't mind waitin' on a woman.
Honey, take your time,
cause I don't mind waitin' on a woman."
Ok, so I guess the secret's out - I'm late quite often. Although, (and you know there's always an 'although.') I am doing better these days. When I make appointments I enter them in my calendar 15 minutes or so earlier than they are - but I don't do it on all of them. That way I never know if I have leeway built in or not. It really has helped.
Anyway, back to the subject this evening...'Music I Love." Man, oh man. This is a biggie. My "favorites" list in ITunes has exceeded 600 entries. I love music. Particularly the emotional, gut-wrenching stuff. Old, new, country, blues, adult contemporary, doesn't matter. I even downloaded a song tonight that plays on a commercial for Norfolk Southern Railroad. But just in case you think me particularly odd...they did have it available for download on their website...so there! I'm sure I'm not the only one.
Music to me is a truly emotional thing. It affects me physically. I'm sure certain chemicals are released or something stimulated or whatever, whenever a good song comes on. My mood is easily changed by music. Normally I wouldn't try to explain this - I always assumed everyone reacted the same. But...nope. Kenneth is not overly fond of music in general. He has some he likes but nothing to get excited about. He does have fun collecting ringtones, though. But, as you can see, this is a big difference in our personalities. So maybe not everyone is like me with their music.
I suspect it's how I feel about music that makes me dislike music videos in general. I like having my own take on a song...not some video producer's. Perhaps the song-writer had something completely different in mind when he wrote the song - or the performer - without music videos we can all be happy. When you throw a video in - all bets are off. The video version is what sticks and very often ruins my image of how the song could have been depicted visually.
For years, and years, and years I could never have come up with just one favorite song. Recently, though, I've narrowed it down. But hey, all that could change...in a moment, an hour, a day, next month, next year...or all of the above.
Tonight I'm chilling out to this baker's dozen...
Here are the lyrics...
Sittin' on a bench at West Town Mall,
he sat down in his overalls and asked me
"You waitin' on a woman?"
I nodded yeah and said "How 'bout you?"
He said "Son since 1952 I've been waitin' on a woman.
When I picked her up for our first date I told her I'd be there at eight,
and she came down the stairs at eight-thirty.
She said 'I'm sorry that I took so long, didn't like a thing that I tried on.'
But let me tell you son she sure looked pretty.
Yeah she'll take her time, but I don't mind, waitin' on a woman."
He said "The wedding took a year to plan. You talk about an anxious man!
I was nervous waitin' on a woman."
And then he nudged my arm like old men do and said,
"I'll say this about the honeymoon, it was worth it, waitin' on a woman.
And I don't guess we've been anywhere she hasn't made us late.
I swear, sometimes she does it just 'cause she can do it.
Boy it's just a fact of life, it'll be the same with your young wife.
Might as well go on and get used to it, she'll take her time,
'cause you don't mind waitin' on a woman.
I've read somewhere statistics show the man's always the first to go,
and that makes sense 'cause I know she won't be ready.
So when it finally comes my time and I get to the other side,
I'll find myself a bench, if they've got any.
I hope she takes her time,
'cause I don't mind waitin' on a woman.
Honey, take your time,
cause I don't mind waitin' on a woman."
Ok, so I guess the secret's out - I'm late quite often. Although, (and you know there's always an 'although.') I am doing better these days. When I make appointments I enter them in my calendar 15 minutes or so earlier than they are - but I don't do it on all of them. That way I never know if I have leeway built in or not. It really has helped.
Anyway, back to the subject this evening...'Music I Love." Man, oh man. This is a biggie. My "favorites" list in ITunes has exceeded 600 entries. I love music. Particularly the emotional, gut-wrenching stuff. Old, new, country, blues, adult contemporary, doesn't matter. I even downloaded a song tonight that plays on a commercial for Norfolk Southern Railroad. But just in case you think me particularly odd...they did have it available for download on their website...so there! I'm sure I'm not the only one.
Music to me is a truly emotional thing. It affects me physically. I'm sure certain chemicals are released or something stimulated or whatever, whenever a good song comes on. My mood is easily changed by music. Normally I wouldn't try to explain this - I always assumed everyone reacted the same. But...nope. Kenneth is not overly fond of music in general. He has some he likes but nothing to get excited about. He does have fun collecting ringtones, though. But, as you can see, this is a big difference in our personalities. So maybe not everyone is like me with their music.
I suspect it's how I feel about music that makes me dislike music videos in general. I like having my own take on a song...not some video producer's. Perhaps the song-writer had something completely different in mind when he wrote the song - or the performer - without music videos we can all be happy. When you throw a video in - all bets are off. The video version is what sticks and very often ruins my image of how the song could have been depicted visually.
For years, and years, and years I could never have come up with just one favorite song. Recently, though, I've narrowed it down. But hey, all that could change...in a moment, an hour, a day, next month, next year...or all of the above.
Tonight I'm chilling out to this baker's dozen...
- Moondance by Michael Buble'
- This Used to Be My Playground by Madonna
- Jesus Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood
- Hey There Delilah by Plain White T's
- More Than a Memory by Garth Brooks (or its writer, Lee Brice, a South Carolinian!)
- What Hurts the Most by Rascal Flatts
- Like We Never Loved by Faith Hill and Tim McGraw
- Paris by Faith Hill
- Is It Over Yet? by Wynona Judd
- I Survived You by Clay Aiken
- Do the Walls Come Down by Carly Simon
- Jessie by Joshua Kadison
- Letter Home by Wendy Waldman
You know the saying about not choosing a book by its cover? I tend to do that with songs. It's funny how a song will get my attention if it has certain words in the title...
- Rain (this should probably get two spots), Snow, Clay
- Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, town
- Summer, Spring, Winter, Fall
- Beaches, Roads, Sand
- Moon, Stars
- Dreams, Footsteps
- Airplanes, Jets, Trains
- Jesse/Jessie
Ok, phew...I think I'm emotionally exhausted! According to my list I've lived a lifetime in the last hour or two. Time to call it a night...with a lullabye, of course.
Drop someone a note this week...how 'bout a love note?
Monday, October 13, 2008
I hab a code...
I truly believe the common cold just doesn't get the respect it deserves. I think that's why it's often mistaken for flu. I know it amazes me that a lowly cold can make me feel so terrible. Surely it must be something *worse* than a common cold!
As a mother, I'm thrilled that my kids can usually throw off cold symptoms pretty quickly and with a minimum of discomfort. It is humbling, though, that they barely slow down with a cold while I'm hoping someone got the license number of the truck that hit me.
It gets even better when both adults in the house have a 'code' at the same time. Kenneth, though, is a far better trooper than I. He keeps going and going. Me, I go to bed. Cold medicine combined with my major wimpiness and I can sleep for about 3 days or so. Ken, on the other hand, he cleans out the garage.
We also have personalized ways of being sick in our home...
Christopher, with a mild illness, is convinced he's dying of some rare, horrible disease. He prefers to camp out on the couch or in our bed where he can watch tv. By 2:00 or so he's usually 'cured!'
Abbey curls up in a ball, wrapped in blankets and stays pretty quiet. It's the only time 10-minutes can pass without her declaring she's hungry. She loves the fact that we prescribe her favorite food...chicken noodle soup. She has me feel her forehead and back regularly to check for fever, and her stuffed animals are usually perched all around her.
When feeling moderately ill I'll break out the peanut butter and crackers or cheese and crackers. I've never really thought of it as comfort food, but apparently it is. Soda, tea, water - doesn't matter. I keep a drink going at all times when I'm sick.
Well, it's been about 15-minutes so it must be time for my nap. Oh, and could you pass the tissues please?
Have a great (and healthy!) week.
As a mother, I'm thrilled that my kids can usually throw off cold symptoms pretty quickly and with a minimum of discomfort. It is humbling, though, that they barely slow down with a cold while I'm hoping someone got the license number of the truck that hit me.
It gets even better when both adults in the house have a 'code' at the same time. Kenneth, though, is a far better trooper than I. He keeps going and going. Me, I go to bed. Cold medicine combined with my major wimpiness and I can sleep for about 3 days or so. Ken, on the other hand, he cleans out the garage.
We also have personalized ways of being sick in our home...
Christopher, with a mild illness, is convinced he's dying of some rare, horrible disease. He prefers to camp out on the couch or in our bed where he can watch tv. By 2:00 or so he's usually 'cured!'
Abbey curls up in a ball, wrapped in blankets and stays pretty quiet. It's the only time 10-minutes can pass without her declaring she's hungry. She loves the fact that we prescribe her favorite food...chicken noodle soup. She has me feel her forehead and back regularly to check for fever, and her stuffed animals are usually perched all around her.
When feeling moderately ill I'll break out the peanut butter and crackers or cheese and crackers. I've never really thought of it as comfort food, but apparently it is. Soda, tea, water - doesn't matter. I keep a drink going at all times when I'm sick.
Well, it's been about 15-minutes so it must be time for my nap. Oh, and could you pass the tissues please?
Have a great (and healthy!) week.
Friday, October 10, 2008
ConKerr Cancer...A Case for Smiles
A number of weeks ago I mentioned I would soon have some news to share here. Well, it took a little longer than I expected, but that's okay, I can share it now.
I have become Regional Coordinator for "ConKerr Cancer...A Case for Smiles." What is that? In its simplest terms it's an organization that provides cheerful, brightly colored pillow cases for kids with cancer and other chronic illnesses any time they are admitted to the hospital.
A Regional Coordinator makes contact with a local hospital to get permission for the program. From that point on the job is to always promote the program, recruit volunteers, donations, etc. It's a program that truly benefits all involved. The pillowcases are so easy to make even children can participate. This is a wonderful chance for families to participate in community service.
I urge you to visit http://www.conkerrcancer.org/ and check out the website. Make sure to view the video with Cindy Kerr receiving an award from Martha Stewart for her work with ConKerr...
Finally, think of ways you can help by either volunteering, donating, spreading the word, or anything that will help this cause.
And finally...
This effort was started by a woman named Cindy Kerr. When her son, Ryan, would enter the hospital due to his cancer, she would always have a new pillowcase ready for him to brighten his room, and hopefully, his spirits. Ryan lost his fight with cancer in March 2008. It was Ryan's wish that ConKerr would not only continue, but grow to the point that evey child entering the hospital would have a pillowcase waiting for him.
Have a terrific weekend!
I have become Regional Coordinator for "ConKerr Cancer...A Case for Smiles." What is that? In its simplest terms it's an organization that provides cheerful, brightly colored pillow cases for kids with cancer and other chronic illnesses any time they are admitted to the hospital.
A Regional Coordinator makes contact with a local hospital to get permission for the program. From that point on the job is to always promote the program, recruit volunteers, donations, etc. It's a program that truly benefits all involved. The pillowcases are so easy to make even children can participate. This is a wonderful chance for families to participate in community service.
I urge you to visit http://www.conkerrcancer.org/ and check out the website. Make sure to view the video with Cindy Kerr receiving an award from Martha Stewart for her work with ConKerr...
Finally, think of ways you can help by either volunteering, donating, spreading the word, or anything that will help this cause.
And finally...
This effort was started by a woman named Cindy Kerr. When her son, Ryan, would enter the hospital due to his cancer, she would always have a new pillowcase ready for him to brighten his room, and hopefully, his spirits. Ryan lost his fight with cancer in March 2008. It was Ryan's wish that ConKerr would not only continue, but grow to the point that evey child entering the hospital would have a pillowcase waiting for him.
Have a terrific weekend!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Rainy Wednesday Night in October
I love this; listening to the rain while sitting on my sofa, laptop in place, enjoying the quiet. Kids, husband and cat all asleep and me sitting here wondering (yet again) why it's taken me so long to update 'Musings..." Ok, well, nothing to be done except to write...
A great way to start the week... I'm excited to share that Sunday evening, I was baptized! It was a wonderful evening. Elisa spoke so sweetly on my behalf and left me teary-eyed. I was so happy tha
t most of my family was there (including Kaitlyn and Zachary), as well as many church members, folks from our life groups, and our pastors. I don't think I mentioned that my son, Darrell, even wore a shirt with buttons! And they were buttoned!
In celebration afterward (of the baptism, not the buttons) we had an old-fashioned ice-cream social. Multiple long tables lined up with ice-cream churns filled with some of the best home-made ice-cream I've ever had. This was also a chance to show-off the babies to all those who prayed for them for weeks. Afterward we all went to McDonald's for a quick bite to top off the ice-cream.
Hmmm....Speaking of McDonald's... it's not exactly a favorite of mine, but it occurs to me that it's often been in the picture at memorable times. Following baptism, anytime we had a family member in the hospital, when I was in labor with Christopher, and the last place Elisa ate before heading to the hospital to have Zachary. I even remember having lunch with Ken at McDonald's on Sept. 11, 2001 - they had a television on in the corner with the breaking news of the World Trade Center crashes. While not exactly the 'Golden Arches,' Shannon and her date even went to Hardee's drive-thru on prom night (she wasn't crazy about the fancy restaurant food). I guess there is a lot to be said for convenience...
Look closely and you'll see one very proud Grandad!
...And my terrific husband.
Wednesday night raindrops... (sounds so much nicer than 'bullets')
A great way to start the week... I'm excited to share that Sunday evening, I was baptized! It was a wonderful evening. Elisa spoke so sweetly on my behalf and left me teary-eyed. I was so happy tha
t most of my family was there (including Kaitlyn and Zachary), as well as many church members, folks from our life groups, and our pastors. I don't think I mentioned that my son, Darrell, even wore a shirt with buttons! And they were buttoned!In celebration afterward (of the baptism, not the buttons) we had an old-fashioned ice-cream social. Multiple long tables lined up with ice-cream churns filled with some of the best home-made ice-cream I've ever had. This was also a chance to show-off the babies to all those who prayed for them for weeks. Afterward we all went to McDonald's for a quick bite to top off the ice-cream.
Hmmm....Speaking of McDonald's... it's not exactly a favorite of mine, but it occurs to me that it's often been in the picture at memorable times. Following baptism, anytime we had a family member in the hospital, when I was in labor with Christopher, and the last place Elisa ate before heading to the hospital to have Zachary. I even remember having lunch with Ken at McDonald's on Sept. 11, 2001 - they had a television on in the corner with the breaking news of the World Trade Center crashes. While not exactly the 'Golden Arches,' Shannon and her date even went to Hardee's drive-thru on prom night (she wasn't crazy about the fancy restaurant food). I guess there is a lot to be said for convenience...
Look closely and you'll see one very proud Grandad!
...And my terrific husband.
Wednesday night raindrops... (sounds so much nicer than 'bullets')
- James Taylor (I love James Taylor!) recently released a new CD titled 'Covers' where he does songs previously recorded by other artists. Favorites of mine include Suzanne, Wichita Lineman, Summertime Blues and On Broadway Good stuff!
- It is incredibly awesome to see my daughter and her husband parenting their son.
- A Woman Scorned??? It's so funny to see baby Kaitlyn, 2 months old, show 'attitude' when she sees her mom, Shannon, holding baby Zach!
- Back to the future... I love having Shan & Elisa interested in repeating things they remember from childhood. Shannon and her cousin were 5-months apart. They had matching (actually contrasting) 'My First Christmas' outfits. Shannon mentioned she wanted something similar for Kaitlyn and Zachary. Elisa found adorable outfits for them in appropriate boy and girl models. I think she also got her first lesson in Economics 101...you can dress boys cheaper than girls. Kaitlyn's outfit still needs tights and shoes to complete it! Ka-Ching...
- Our son-in-law, Rob, called this evening looking for information on buying good coffee. Preferably strong. Ha! Seems to me they really should market a brand specifically geared to new parents! Something like "Star-I haven't slept in a week and if this will keep me awake I'll pay you big-Bucks" Well not quite...we'll get marketing to work on it.
It's time to call it a night. So, if you're not eating at McDonald's or dancing in the rain then I hope you're warm and toasty and being lulled by the sound of the rain on the roof.
G'night.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Wow...
Can you imagine the clamor of emotions, memories, prayers, hopes, dreams, pride, praise, and thankfulness all vying for attention in my mind? I'm so overwhelmed I don't even know where to begin. Even with so many wonderful topics I could expound on tonight I'm going to pass up the rare opportunity (i.e. choice of subject matter) and just send thoughts to my fingers and type away.
I have an awesome new grandson!
We really needed the video camera this afternoon. We were still at the hospital, waiting for everyone to be discharged. Zachary had a messy diaper and, alas, it's Grandma to the rescue. Not. It took 3 adults and 4 wet-wipes to complete the mission. In the end (no pun intended) we had a clean baby (fianlly), a soiled blanket and lots of talk about how he sure can kick his legs and wave his arms right where they shouldn't be! Hummm...actually more like hummmmbling.
My Elisa is a mommy now. Rob, a daddy. They are the parents God chose for Zachary. I know they are going to be awesome in their new roles. What an incredible job they did in dealing with the stress, pain and fear of the last few days, weeks, and months.
It's really funny that as I type this there's an old Billy Ray Cyrus song playing; "Achy Breaky Heart." The funny part about it is that as little girls, Shannon and Elisa used to do the official Achy-Breaky dance when the song was popular (15+ years ago!) I can see them so clearly...even remember their error in the lyrics where they thought it said his heart would blow up 'the cutest man." The correct lyric was "might blow up and kill this man..." Now, those same two little girls are young women with families of their own.
I have learned the meaning of bittersweet.
Darrell is struggling to come up with nicknames for his newest niece and nephew. Let's hope he's struck (hard) with inspiration because his current offerings make me cringe!
I have an incredible 2-month old granddaughter!
Kenneth is a wonderful Granddad (or papa as Matthew calls him). It really warms my heart. He's still the burp-meister, too. He can get a baby to burp when no one else can.
Grandparenting can be hard since we still have young children of our own at home, but overall this gig is pretty wonderful.
Matthew has a cousin! Let's see...big brother in July, cousin in September...makes you wonder what his Christmas is going to be like!
Ken, Christopher, Abbey, and I had a special treat today. We had breakfast/brunch at the Marriott. They have a great buffet along with omelet and Belgian waffle stations. It's also the hotel where Rob and Elisa's wedding reception was held. More memories...I can almost hear Barbra Streisand in the background now...
I danced with my granddaughter today... My girls will understand this at once. I'm on another trip down memory lane to a time when Shannon was 3 and Elisa was a newborn. Mother and I were out to lunch with the girls to Morrison's Cafeteria. Elisa, having tummy trouble, needed to be held/bounced/pressure put on her tummy/rocked (all at the same time, of course), and Mother and I would take turns with her. Trying hard not to disturb the other diners, we were trying very hard to keep baby Elisa calm. Well, all of a sudden Shannon started crying. She sounded like her heart was breaking. Sharing puzzled glances with overtones of "oh no, what now?" I asked Shannon what on earth was wrong. Sniffling, wailing and looking pitiful, she finally got it out... "I want to dance with Grandma, too!!!" she said. It was priceless and probably one of those "you had to be there to appreciate it" family tales. But, with that said, I had a few moments with our beautiful Kaitlyn this afternoon here in the family room all by ourselves. Suddenly it struck me - hit me both like a brick...and a feather...that I was dancing with my granddaughter. It was too sweet for words.
To Mother...I'd give anything for you to be sharing in the joy of these babies with me...to be here with me for a smile, a laugh, a hug, a few tears. Or maybe even a dance. We sure could be silly at times.
Both of my oldest girls have put me in the position of having to see them wheeled off for major surgery for a good reason. Three grandchildren and three c-sections. Two of which came after hours of labor and increasingly frightening reports of stressed babies and dropping heart rates. But, on the other hand, three instances of ultimately healthy moms and healthy babies - even if they did take a different route. We never know when obstacles will appear to detour us. We find different sights on detours and it may take a little longer to reach our destination, but different doesn't have to be a negative.
I realized this week that missing a night of sleep really can take days to get over. Not like in the good old days when it was absolutely no big deal. Then you'd just grab a hot shower, a cup of coffee or a soda, and do it all over again!
Shannon is finally an Aunt! She's the one in the family who's been busiest making Aunts and Uncles of her siblings. Now it's her turn. Congratulations Aunt Shannon!
There's been another plus to all the excitement this week. Our families keep such busy schedules that we don't get to see each other as often as we'd sometimes like. With Elisa in the hospital, Shan's been there each day and we've had more time to spend with Kaitlyn. She's smiling now and will even give a little chuckle at times. She even shows "attitude" when Shannon holds Zachary.
Tomorrow is my last Sunday in Freedom Kids for this quarter. Monday is my next class in the study of 'Daniel.' Tuesday is our next small group class. I enjoy working with the kids and that's always a fun way to start the week. The ladies in my Bible study are terrific. I love getting to know these women and traveling through this study with them. We're still the newbies in our small group but so far the other couples have been so nice, warm, open and accepting. I look forward to the coming months getting to know everyone better. I'm so glad we have these folks in our lives.
There's so much more I could write but hey, I was up all night Tuesday night and now it's only Saturday. I'm still worn out! It's time to call it a night. Tomorrow will be here in the blink of an eye and I want to be ready for it.
My blessings are like calories...they don't just add up...they multiply!
Make a point of smiling at strangers this week. It'll make you (and them) feel good.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Those Fabled Good Intentions
I feel so lame starting most of my blogs by apologizing or making excuses for taking so long in-between posts. At least this time I really did have good intentions. Of course, we know where that will get you...
Here's a picture of my desk. It's a bit cluttered, but that's pretty normal. I just feel so much more comfortable having my own work space again. Even in my for-real office (slash sewing room)! The printer all-in-one thingie sits off to the left but this covers the biggest part of it. The room is still transitioning from Elisa's room/Storage room to Mary Kay Office/Sewing room. That's a nice way of saying it's still a mess. Or, the more attractive phraseology of "a work in progress." If I had my way I'd move the kids' school desks in there, too, but we're probably better off in our official "classroom."
I've got to tell you that the days seem to be whizzing by so fast that my head is in a permanent state of circular motion. The only time they seem to drag by is when we stop to think about Elisa's due date (2-days ago). We know she'll have the baby by Wednesday, if not before. It would just be preferable for her to do this in a natural manner as opposed to having labor induced. Either way, when thinking about Elisa and the baby, the hours just drag by.
We did have an impromptu dinner party Friday evening. A group of us went to Olive Garden for dinner. It felt a bit celebratory as we declared it could be her "last supper" being pregnant (it wasn't). I took pictures and about a minute of video (a videographer I'm not). I just really like being near her as this time winds down. I really don't remember being this nervous when I was waiting on my own kids to arrive. The little guy is following tradition, however. Of my 5 kids, my 3-girls arrived 2-3 weeks before their respective due dates. My 2-boys, on the other hand, were both 10-12 days late.
The day is winding down and turning into evening. It's about time to get the kids to Kids Praise, do some lesson planning, and a bit of research on my newest hobby-to-be; digital scrapbooking.
I suspect Zachary may just be here before I make my way back to this keyboard for the next post. Please keep Elisa, Rob, and Zachary in your prayers.
In closing, I wish you a safe and happy week, but most of all, WELCOME AUTUMN!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Showered With Love...
When I was pregnant with first Christopher, and then Abbey, Ken's co-workers held baby showers for him. This was novel, unusual (at least to us), and greatly appreciated. Putting aside "tradition," they shared in this special time of life with him and held a celebration.
Years later, I remember when Shannon was expecting Matthew, that a friend of mine got me the sweetest card and lovely gift. The card basically said that as a child is born, a grandma is made. How cool was that?
Barb is Elisa's mother-in-law and a woman I count as a dear friend. She's wonderful and I'm so glad we're going to experience
'grandmotherhood' to Zachary together. I just heard that Barb's co-workers gave her a 'Granny Shower' last night. Complete with a cake and everything. How thoughtful that friends understand and acknowledge what an important life-event this is and then add to the joy by celebrating it with us.
I've been so appreciative of the amount of love and care Elisa's been "showered" with during her pregnancy. Now I'm reminded of how wonderful it is to have such great friends who 'shower' their love by celebrating what/when we celebrate, cry when we cry, and hold our hands as we travel along life's paths and all that entails.
As James Taylor melodiously shares in the chorus of 'Shower the People'...
Shower the people you love with love
Show them the way that you feel
Things are gonna work out fine if you only will (do as i say, yeah)
Shower the people you love with love
Show them the way that you feel
Things are gonna be much better if you only will
'Shower the people you love with love, show them the way that you feel.
Things are gonna be much better, if you only will
What are you looking at me for? Go on and 'shower!'
Years later, I remember when Shannon was expecting Matthew, that a friend of mine got me the sweetest card and lovely gift. The card basically said that as a child is born, a grandma is made. How cool was that?
Barb is Elisa's mother-in-law and a woman I count as a dear friend. She's wonderful and I'm so glad we're going to experience
'grandmotherhood' to Zachary together. I just heard that Barb's co-workers gave her a 'Granny Shower' last night. Complete with a cake and everything. How thoughtful that friends understand and acknowledge what an important life-event this is and then add to the joy by celebrating it with us.
I've been so appreciative of the amount of love and care Elisa's been "showered" with during her pregnancy. Now I'm reminded of how wonderful it is to have such great friends who 'shower' their love by celebrating what/when we celebrate, cry when we cry, and hold our hands as we travel along life's paths and all that entails.
As James Taylor melodiously shares in the chorus of 'Shower the People'...
Shower the people you love with love
Show them the way that you feel
Things are gonna work out fine if you only will (do as i say, yeah)
Shower the people you love with love
Show them the way that you feel
Things are gonna be much better if you only will
'Shower the people you love with love, show them the way that you feel.
Things are gonna be much better, if you only will
What are you looking at me for? Go on and 'shower!'
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Time Passages
Dawn and I have been playing an impressive game of phone tag recently. She was wonderful enough, however, to leave a voicemail on one of her "tags."
I am so very happy to report that Nicole has improved dramatically. I believe we can let out huge sighs of relief that this horrid illness is now behind Nicole. At least for now. I need to ask Dawn if recurrence is still a concern. I know I was blown away when Dawn said that Nicole had been cleared for sports and that she attended soccer practice this week. I love being able to post such incredible praise reports!
As an update, Kaitlyn is doing well. She's a happy baby girl as evidenced by the photo Shannon sent on my phone tonight (I'll get around to getting it on here but it won't be tonight). She's so precious.
Elisa and Rob are doing well. Anxious, of course. I get "funny-tummy" flutters whenever my phone rings. One of these calls will be the one...
I did receive sad news tonight. My uncle, Douthit Kimber Whitaker, died Monday. He was 83. It's funny how I still see him as the much younger man I grew up around. We worked together during the time I was pregnant with Shannon and the subsequent year-and-a-half after she was born. He sure loved coming into the office at the end of the day and seeing her big smile. It seems like only yesterday.
I honestly feel like I've been in a time tunnel recently. In addition to my uncle's passing, I've been going through papers, photographs, and items of my grandmother's. Many from the 30's and 40's. Quite a few involving my parents, great-aunts and uncles, and great-grandparents. Also many items I had sent her through the years from wedding and birth announcements, photos of the kids (the oldest 3), etc. Now we have Elisa's baby due, Kaitlyn is settled in with Shan, and Matthew turned 3-years old yesterday. Yes, my head is spinning.
And finally, the kids and I are adjusting to the new school year. They had their 2nd week of co-op today and still love it (me too!). Monday night was the first night of the women's Bible study I'm in. We're doing Beth Moore's "Daniel" study and it looks to be terrific. Ken and I also had our intro meeting with our (new) small group. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and am really looking forward to the next few months with these folks. It's been a few years since we've been in small group and that was at our previous church.
So that just about covers recent happenings. Pretty soon I'll be writing about Kaitlyn and Zachary and not about us "anxiously waiting" for them to arrive. I'm sure that will be appreciated. All this baby stuff's been going on for just about a year now. Please keep Elisa and Zachary in your prayers for this last leg of the journey. For a healthy baby and smooth, easy delivery for Elisa. These beautiful young women are having their own babies, but they are still, and always will be, my babies. There are some things that time just can't change.
God bless you and yours...
I am so very happy to report that Nicole has improved dramatically. I believe we can let out huge sighs of relief that this horrid illness is now behind Nicole. At least for now. I need to ask Dawn if recurrence is still a concern. I know I was blown away when Dawn said that Nicole had been cleared for sports and that she attended soccer practice this week. I love being able to post such incredible praise reports!
As an update, Kaitlyn is doing well. She's a happy baby girl as evidenced by the photo Shannon sent on my phone tonight (I'll get around to getting it on here but it won't be tonight). She's so precious.
Elisa and Rob are doing well. Anxious, of course. I get "funny-tummy" flutters whenever my phone rings. One of these calls will be the one...
I did receive sad news tonight. My uncle, Douthit Kimber Whitaker, died Monday. He was 83. It's funny how I still see him as the much younger man I grew up around. We worked together during the time I was pregnant with Shannon and the subsequent year-and-a-half after she was born. He sure loved coming into the office at the end of the day and seeing her big smile. It seems like only yesterday.
I honestly feel like I've been in a time tunnel recently. In addition to my uncle's passing, I've been going through papers, photographs, and items of my grandmother's. Many from the 30's and 40's. Quite a few involving my parents, great-aunts and uncles, and great-grandparents. Also many items I had sent her through the years from wedding and birth announcements, photos of the kids (the oldest 3), etc. Now we have Elisa's baby due, Kaitlyn is settled in with Shan, and Matthew turned 3-years old yesterday. Yes, my head is spinning.
And finally, the kids and I are adjusting to the new school year. They had their 2nd week of co-op today and still love it (me too!). Monday night was the first night of the women's Bible study I'm in. We're doing Beth Moore's "Daniel" study and it looks to be terrific. Ken and I also had our intro meeting with our (new) small group. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and am really looking forward to the next few months with these folks. It's been a few years since we've been in small group and that was at our previous church.
So that just about covers recent happenings. Pretty soon I'll be writing about Kaitlyn and Zachary and not about us "anxiously waiting" for them to arrive. I'm sure that will be appreciated. All this baby stuff's been going on for just about a year now. Please keep Elisa and Zachary in your prayers for this last leg of the journey. For a healthy baby and smooth, easy delivery for Elisa. These beautiful young women are having their own babies, but they are still, and always will be, my babies. There are some things that time just can't change.
God bless you and yours...
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Ch ch ch changes...
Yes, it's a new year in September. I've already mentioned our new school year. We also have a new co-op, new AWANA year, new year in Children's Church, etc... Lots of exciting things going on. New committees, new classes for the whole family! Lots of changes.
'Change' is certainly a word we're hearing a lot these days. In my home I'm the more optimistic one. Kenneth and Darrell share the title of family pessimists. To me the word 'change' equals excitement. To Kenneth and Darrell it brings dread. It's fascinating how different people can be.
We've had one recent change that is anything but good. Our grandson, Matthew, is living in Texas with his father right now. On this one I certainly relate to my guys here at home.... change is not always a good thing.
And another painful change...
We received word this week that an uncle of mine is in hospice care and his hours are certainly numbered. My father was told his brother probably wouldn't make it long enough for him (my father) to drive from Florida to North Carolina. Well, as far as I know, he has, and Dad did. My father is the youngest of 5 children in his family. There will now be just 2 left. My mother was an only child and she passed 7 years ago.
Amid all the blessings and happiness in my life, a heavy heart can't be avoided altogether. If it weren't for the rain I wouldn't know to appreciate the sunshine. It's very difficult for me to have so very much in my life that's good and still feel such pain. I have no right. But it still hurts anyway.
Did I mention how much better I'm getting at Sudoku puzzles? They are a good way to pass all that free time I really don't have. I think I use them for escape.
Moving on...
Where my oldest son is concerned I tend to nag. Mostly because we see things very differently. He's one of those teenagers who still knows everything. I'm an old woman who knows I'll never know nearly enough. Oops...back to my point... I've been nagging my son to register to vote. He kept saying he didn't want to vote. He feels it really makes no difference whether he votes or not. Well, that wasn't the answer his mama wanted to hear. It turns out he has a professor who wields more power than moi. Specifically the power to grant "extra credit." This professor will grant extra class credit for his students who vote. Well, at least I don't have to threaten to stop making his favorite dinner. The spaghetti is safe!!!
The clock will soon strike midnight. I better get this posted while it's still "today." The weekend is in sight. Make some wonderful memories.
'Change' is certainly a word we're hearing a lot these days. In my home I'm the more optimistic one. Kenneth and Darrell share the title of family pessimists. To me the word 'change' equals excitement. To Kenneth and Darrell it brings dread. It's fascinating how different people can be.
We've had one recent change that is anything but good. Our grandson, Matthew, is living in Texas with his father right now. On this one I certainly relate to my guys here at home.... change is not always a good thing.
And another painful change...
We received word this week that an uncle of mine is in hospice care and his hours are certainly numbered. My father was told his brother probably wouldn't make it long enough for him (my father) to drive from Florida to North Carolina. Well, as far as I know, he has, and Dad did. My father is the youngest of 5 children in his family. There will now be just 2 left. My mother was an only child and she passed 7 years ago.
Amid all the blessings and happiness in my life, a heavy heart can't be avoided altogether. If it weren't for the rain I wouldn't know to appreciate the sunshine. It's very difficult for me to have so very much in my life that's good and still feel such pain. I have no right. But it still hurts anyway.
Did I mention how much better I'm getting at Sudoku puzzles? They are a good way to pass all that free time I really don't have. I think I use them for escape.
Moving on...
Where my oldest son is concerned I tend to nag. Mostly because we see things very differently. He's one of those teenagers who still knows everything. I'm an old woman who knows I'll never know nearly enough. Oops...back to my point... I've been nagging my son to register to vote. He kept saying he didn't want to vote. He feels it really makes no difference whether he votes or not. Well, that wasn't the answer his mama wanted to hear. It turns out he has a professor who wields more power than moi. Specifically the power to grant "extra credit." This professor will grant extra class credit for his students who vote. Well, at least I don't have to threaten to stop making his favorite dinner. The spaghetti is safe!!!
The clock will soon strike midnight. I better get this posted while it's still "today." The weekend is in sight. Make some wonderful memories.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Quick Thoughts From the Weary
- Today was our 1st day of school for the '08-'09 school year. It went pretty well. A few adjustments here and there and we should be in good shape for a great year! The day really exhausted me, though. It must be post-vacation wimpiness.
- Please keep praying for Nikki. She's doing so well and I know all of the prayers had a lot to do with her turn-around.
- Allen Bennett hospital closed recently. Greer Memorial replaced it and is just a few more miles up the road. Our family has many memories of time spent there. Surgeries, tests, and ER visits to name a few. Happily, our two grandchildren were born there. On the other hand, it was at Allen Bennett that we said tearful "goodbyes" to my mother. Life, death, trauma, bumps and bruises, celebrations and despair. It sure had all the elements needed for a great late night blog entry.
- Abbey completed her first hand written English school paper today (as opposed to a workbook page or similar). It was a lovely paper and reminds me that summer breaks cause new 2nd graders to reverse a lot of their letters and numbers
- Matthew's 3rd birthday is coming up and he won't be here. I miss him so much.
- Congratulations to Josh on his new job. I think he gets hired any time he applies for a new job.
- Mischief is back outside, her kittens are off to new homes, and Kit-Kat can relax a bit now that she's the only cat in the house.
- I'm slowly getting my 'new' combination office/sewing room set up. There's one good thing about children leaving the nest!
- I'm praying that Zachary arrives healthy and that Elisa has a safe and easy delivery. Rob, too! Seriously, I know he'll be a great labor partner for Elisa and a great dad, too.
- Izzie had a nice walk today. I think she likes her new collar. Now that the height of summer is behind us we'll have to walk her more often.
- I haven't forgotten my promise to tell you about a new project. I'm still waiting to receive additional materials. Once they are here I'll write all about it.
- Wasn't it nice that we sandwiched our vacation right in-between hurricanes? This was pure luck - trust me - our usual timing would put us right in the middle of "the big one!"
Too tired to type so it's time to say goodnight. Happy September!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
End of Vacation...
Well, vacation’s over. Mostly. I say mostly because this is, after all, a holiday weekend. That doesn’t mean too much when you homeschool your kids. It does mean, though, that Ken has an extra day off from work and that’s a nice way to end vacation.
We’re traveling I-95 north, heading home. I love going on vacation, and I love being on vacation. But when it’s over – it’s nice heading back home. Darrell’s finishing his first full week at USC Upstate and I want to hear all about it. I’m also anxious to see Kit-Kat, Izzie, and Mischief and her kittens.
It will be a busier weekend than usual for me. I have to get groceries, do laundry, go through the mail, unpack, and get our classroom area ready for school to start on Tuesday. Not exactly glamorous no matter how many times I read it.
I did receive a message from Dawn yesterday. Nikki’s counts are over 200,000 and that was good enough to drop one of the required weekly blood tests she’s been having. This news makes me want to jump up and down! Very scary situation.
So, now our Florida vacation is over AND our summer break from school is over. Tuesday will find us shaking off the beach and hitting the books. Please pray for us and our new school year.
More once we get settled.
Have a great Labor Day holiday!
We’re traveling I-95 north, heading home. I love going on vacation, and I love being on vacation. But when it’s over – it’s nice heading back home. Darrell’s finishing his first full week at USC Upstate and I want to hear all about it. I’m also anxious to see Kit-Kat, Izzie, and Mischief and her kittens.
It will be a busier weekend than usual for me. I have to get groceries, do laundry, go through the mail, unpack, and get our classroom area ready for school to start on Tuesday. Not exactly glamorous no matter how many times I read it.
I did receive a message from Dawn yesterday. Nikki’s counts are over 200,000 and that was good enough to drop one of the required weekly blood tests she’s been having. This news makes me want to jump up and down! Very scary situation.
So, now our Florida vacation is over AND our summer break from school is over. Tuesday will find us shaking off the beach and hitting the books. Please pray for us and our new school year.
More once we get settled.
Have a great Labor Day holiday!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Jensen Beach
Our first morning here it was dark and cloudy during what should have been sunrise. About the time I decided to give it up, this is what I saw.Keep the faith - before long the sun will burst forth from the clouds.
Thoughts from the beach...- Waves are beautiful...and destructive
- It's fun finding goodies in the $1 section at Target
- Closed doors prevent looking back
- It's still HOT in Florida in August
- Do you have any idea how much sand a 10-yr old can have in his board shorts?
- Do you have any idea how many shells a 7-yr old can find on the beach? AND did you know she can identify the one in the bag that she didn't put there???
- Be prepared when someone starts by saying "You better sit down..."
- Ice cream tastes best on vacation
- You know you're getting old when you can remember significant events from 30-years ago
- You just can't say enough about an ocean view
Master bedroom
Living Room
Vacations are wonderful!
shhh...confidential...
Hey, Matt-Man... Sure wish you were here little guy. Miss you much!
Zachary...see you soon, Z-Man - but not too soon.
Dearest Kaitlyn...stay sweet, beautiful girl.
Friday, August 22, 2008
As one who dislikes the heat of summer, it's always been ironic that we tend to vacation in Florida in July or August. This year we're adding a tropical storm/hurricane to the mix! "...and a good time was had by all."
Darrell started classes this morning at University of South Carolina Upstate. Darrell and college is an interesting combination. Last year he was registered in plenty of time - the decision for him to live in the dorm was made at the last minute, There was a flurry of frenzied activity just before the start of the school year to get him dorm-ready.
This year he made the decision to attend a public university. This decision was made rather late in the college application process. The decision to apply to USCU was made even later. He was notified 10 days ago that he was accepted. Yesterday was his scheduled orientation. This is when he had to do get his parking permit, meet with his adviser, select classes (this was interesting since what was available one minute was closed by the time it was entered in the computer), buy books, get his student i.d. and visit the financial aid office. We got everything done except financial aid. That office and the book store both closed at 5:00. With classes beginning the next morning we opted for the book store.
We had to change everything; get his FAFSA info sent to USCU, cancel loans which were to be disbursed to Erskine next week, find a new lender (last year's lender is no longer doing student loans), loan application, promissory notes, Check on availability of scholarships (what he had only applied to private schools). We had to work fast since tuition is due Monday. Phew! Keep your fingers crossed!
Then, back to laundry and packing!
**********************************************************************************
Darrell started classes this morning at University of South Carolina Upstate. Darrell and college is an interesting combination. Last year he was registered in plenty of time - the decision for him to live in the dorm was made at the last minute, There was a flurry of frenzied activity just before the start of the school year to get him dorm-ready.
This year he made the decision to attend a public university. This decision was made rather late in the college application process. The decision to apply to USCU was made even later. He was notified 10 days ago that he was accepted. Yesterday was his scheduled orientation. This is when he had to do get his parking permit, meet with his adviser, select classes (this was interesting since what was available one minute was closed by the time it was entered in the computer), buy books, get his student i.d. and visit the financial aid office. We got everything done except financial aid. That office and the book store both closed at 5:00. With classes beginning the next morning we opted for the book store.
We had to change everything; get his FAFSA info sent to USCU, cancel loans which were to be disbursed to Erskine next week, find a new lender (last year's lender is no longer doing student loans), loan application, promissory notes, Check on availability of scholarships (what he had only applied to private schools). We had to work fast since tuition is due Monday. Phew! Keep your fingers crossed!
Then, back to laundry and packing!
**********************************************************************************
- Our grandson, Matthew, was here last week and we got a couple of quick visits with him. He's back in Texas now and I already miss him terribly.
- We start school right after Labor Day. It should be a great year!
- Kaitlyn's doing well and gaining weight just like the Dr. wanted.
- Elisa has started seeing her Dr. weekly now. We're on the final stretch and baby Zachary will be here before we know it.
- I enjoy USA Today's (online) daily Soduko Puzzles. Particularly the 30-day archive.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Nikki Update
It's Sunday evening and I am so happy to report that I've received two good reports on Nikki. The first was her platelet count from Friday came in at a wonderful 41,000! (whoopin,' hollerin,' jumping up and down) They were also able to get her blood on the first attempt. That alone is such a blessing.
I also just heard from Dawn that Nikki had a good day as far as being fairly asymtomatic; no headache, a bit more energy, and fading spots. She did have a nosebleed, but even that was less severe and of shorter duration than before. These improvements are due to the heavy-duty meds she's on. If I'm understanding right, the goal is that her body will take over and basically do what the meds are doing. If not, another round of meds will be needed.
There's such a long road ahead, but at least this stretch is less treacherous than where they've traveled so far.
Please keep praying.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Prayers Needed...
Hello Friends,
The first thought that comes to mind as I type this is "Blogging is Stupid!"
This blog is my own little playpen where I can whine about the current inconvenience or a
nnoyance, share my thoughts about my family, vacations, depression, meals, restaurants, outings, etc. All normal, everyday stuff that, when it's all said and done, doesn't matter a single bit.
Sometimes it's nice to have a place to go where life's "stuff" doesn't matter. A break from all the stuff that does matter; all the stuff we have to deal with - whether we want to or not. But really, right now it feels incredibly insignificant.
So Tonight, I'm taking a break from the "norm," and will focus on something that matters - something that matters very much.
The beautiful young lady you see here with the $1,000,000 smile is Nicole Christine Lehotay. She's 16 (and plenty "sweet!") and is the daughter of my very best friend in the entire world.
She's a wonderful daughter and friend, an honor student with college-level courses and she likes her fun serious. Much of that for the last 12 years has been found on the soccer field. She's been learning to drive and getting ready for her junior year of high school.
But there's a problem...
Three weeks ago she started feeling tired. A week or so later she was grumpy, and still tired. Her mother noticed puffiness around Nicole's eyes. Each day got a little worse and before long there were headaches, nausea, and then spots.
The mysterious spots were caused from her capillaries; they were 'leaking." She was immediately sent to the hospital - the "good" one a little further away. STAT blood work was ordered and what followed has been an emotional trip to hell and back for Nicole, her family, and friends.
Platelet counts that should have been 150,000 - 450,000 was a mere 6,000. Test after test, treatment after treatment, needle after needle, and finally a diagnosis: Evans Syndrome.
Evans Syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which an individual's antibodies attack their own RBCs (red blood cells) as well as their platelets. In other words, her immune system is turning on itself. This is a serious condition and your prayers are needed.
She's also been diagnosed with mono and has enlarged liver and spleen. Nicole's platelet count bottomed out at a level "too low to count." With treatment she has improved and was able to go home once her count reached 11,000. At last count she had reached 20,000. At this level she is still prone to bleeding - nose bleeds, bruising, etc. She's exhausted and suffers with daily headaches.
While showing improvement, she's not out of the woods yet.
So I ask for your prayers...
Please pray for Nicole; for healing and complete recovery. For her count to reach 30,000 quickly and for continued improvement after that with no recurrence.
Mostly, please pray for what you feel in your heart.
My prayers are for her her healing, for her medical team, for her delicate and worn out veins. Prayers, too, for her peace of mind at such a frightening time.
Prayers for her family; for their strength and peace. For their wisdom in dealing in such unfamiliar territory, and for confidence in providing Nicole's care when they feel out of their element and overwhelmed.
Finally, if you would also pray for those of us who love them, that we can be a help and comfort, never a burden. That we will know what to say when we don't know what to say. That we will know when to listen and not say anything at all. Mostly, that our love and concern can span the physical distance involved since so many friends and family members are located in states other than Pennsylvania.
My friend, Dawn, Nicole's mother, is a regular reader of this blog. Please feel free to leave comments here for her and/or Nicole. You can also email comments and prayers to me at SWiren@charter.net and I will forward them.
Thank you...
The first thought that comes to mind as I type this is "Blogging is Stupid!"
This blog is my own little playpen where I can whine about the current inconvenience or a
nnoyance, share my thoughts about my family, vacations, depression, meals, restaurants, outings, etc. All normal, everyday stuff that, when it's all said and done, doesn't matter a single bit. Sometimes it's nice to have a place to go where life's "stuff" doesn't matter. A break from all the stuff that does matter; all the stuff we have to deal with - whether we want to or not. But really, right now it feels incredibly insignificant.
So Tonight, I'm taking a break from the "norm," and will focus on something that matters - something that matters very much.
The beautiful young lady you see here with the $1,000,000 smile is Nicole Christine Lehotay. She's 16 (and plenty "sweet!") and is the daughter of my very best friend in the entire world.
She's a wonderful daughter and friend, an honor student with college-level courses and she likes her fun serious. Much of that for the last 12 years has been found on the soccer field. She's been learning to drive and getting ready for her junior year of high school.
But there's a problem...
Three weeks ago she started feeling tired. A week or so later she was grumpy, and still tired. Her mother noticed puffiness around Nicole's eyes. Each day got a little worse and before long there were headaches, nausea, and then spots.
The mysterious spots were caused from her capillaries; they were 'leaking." She was immediately sent to the hospital - the "good" one a little further away. STAT blood work was ordered and what followed has been an emotional trip to hell and back for Nicole, her family, and friends.
Platelet counts that should have been 150,000 - 450,000 was a mere 6,000. Test after test, treatment after treatment, needle after needle, and finally a diagnosis: Evans Syndrome.
Evans Syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which an individual's antibodies attack their own RBCs (red blood cells) as well as their platelets. In other words, her immune system is turning on itself. This is a serious condition and your prayers are needed.
She's also been diagnosed with mono and has enlarged liver and spleen. Nicole's platelet count bottomed out at a level "too low to count." With treatment she has improved and was able to go home once her count reached 11,000. At last count she had reached 20,000. At this level she is still prone to bleeding - nose bleeds, bruising, etc. She's exhausted and suffers with daily headaches.
While showing improvement, she's not out of the woods yet.
So I ask for your prayers...
Please pray for Nicole; for healing and complete recovery. For her count to reach 30,000 quickly and for continued improvement after that with no recurrence.
Mostly, please pray for what you feel in your heart.
My prayers are for her her healing, for her medical team, for her delicate and worn out veins. Prayers, too, for her peace of mind at such a frightening time.
Prayers for her family; for their strength and peace. For their wisdom in dealing in such unfamiliar territory, and for confidence in providing Nicole's care when they feel out of their element and overwhelmed.
Finally, if you would also pray for those of us who love them, that we can be a help and comfort, never a burden. That we will know what to say when we don't know what to say. That we will know when to listen and not say anything at all. Mostly, that our love and concern can span the physical distance involved since so many friends and family members are located in states other than Pennsylvania.
My friend, Dawn, Nicole's mother, is a regular reader of this blog. Please feel free to leave comments here for her and/or Nicole. You can also email comments and prayers to me at SWiren@charter.net and I will forward them.
Thank you...
Monday, August 11, 2008
Never Too Old To Learn New Tricks...
"Do not be angry that you cannot make others as you would wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be."
-- Thomas à Kempis
This quote made it to my inbox this weekend and I quickly moved it to my "keeper" file. This is something I need to be reminded of often.
It also reminded me of a television show our family has been watching recently, "It's Me or the Dog." I've really been fascinated watching this. I'm not a very savvy pet-owner and it amazes me to see how problem dogs can turn around with a little training and patience. Ok, maybe a LOT of training and patience. But you get the point. The episode we saw today was the most extreme case I've seen yet. This dog was completely out of control in every situation. He also happened to be 7 years old. Even at that age and stage of this dog's life, the boundaries put in place and the training completely turned this dog around.
So...before you say "You can't teach an old dog new tricks..." I'll bet you can!
******************************************************************************
My favorite time of year is quickly approaching. I absolutely love autumn! My seasonal preferences are, in order,
AUTUMN, WINTER, SPRING
oh yeah, almost forgot - summer.
In all fairness, summer is good because it usually means a vacation and extra time off for Memorial Day and Labor Day. It's nice to have daylight into the evening and there's a certain feeling of freedom that floats in the hot, humid air. I also enjoy Ken's BBQ skills that enable me to keep the kitchen relatively cool.
But, back to autumn... back to school and new adventures, the first hint of cool air, changing/falling leaves, Friday night high school football, hot chocolate made from scratch, and anticipation... Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner!
Speaking of anticipation... Elisa and Rob are expecting their little boy very close to the first day of autumn which falls on September 22nd this year. Baby Zachary's due date is September 19th. Recent reports indicate he may be a little early, though. He wants to show all of us what a big boy he is already!
******************************************************************************
As a final thought to end this weekend...
I've probably mentioned before how much I love our church, Freedom Fellowship. We've been there about a year and a half or so now. I still get blown away by the amount of planning, effort, hard work and general participation by the members that goes into everything the church does. With that in mind, it was with great pleasure that Ken and I worked with our church today at its 2nd annual "Back to School Bash." On hand for the festivities were...
-- Thomas à Kempis
This quote made it to my inbox this weekend and I quickly moved it to my "keeper" file. This is something I need to be reminded of often.
It also reminded me of a television show our family has been watching recently, "It's Me or the Dog." I've really been fascinated watching this. I'm not a very savvy pet-owner and it amazes me to see how problem dogs can turn around with a little training and patience. Ok, maybe a LOT of training and patience. But you get the point. The episode we saw today was the most extreme case I've seen yet. This dog was completely out of control in every situation. He also happened to be 7 years old. Even at that age and stage of this dog's life, the boundaries put in place and the training completely turned this dog around.
So...before you say "You can't teach an old dog new tricks..." I'll bet you can!
******************************************************************************
My favorite time of year is quickly approaching. I absolutely love autumn! My seasonal preferences are, in order,
AUTUMN, WINTER, SPRING
oh yeah, almost forgot - summer.
In all fairness, summer is good because it usually means a vacation and extra time off for Memorial Day and Labor Day. It's nice to have daylight into the evening and there's a certain feeling of freedom that floats in the hot, humid air. I also enjoy Ken's BBQ skills that enable me to keep the kitchen relatively cool.
But, back to autumn... back to school and new adventures, the first hint of cool air, changing/falling leaves, Friday night high school football, hot chocolate made from scratch, and anticipation... Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner!
Speaking of anticipation... Elisa and Rob are expecting their little boy very close to the first day of autumn which falls on September 22nd this year. Baby Zachary's due date is September 19th. Recent reports indicate he may be a little early, though. He wants to show all of us what a big boy he is already!
******************************************************************************
As a final thought to end this weekend...
I've probably mentioned before how much I love our church, Freedom Fellowship. We've been there about a year and a half or so now. I still get blown away by the amount of planning, effort, hard work and general participation by the members that goes into everything the church does. With that in mind, it was with great pleasure that Ken and I worked with our church today at its 2nd annual "Back to School Bash." On hand for the festivities were...
- 550+ free backpacks filled with "back-to-school" supplies for the kids
- Inflatables; obstacle course, jump house, and slide
- Hot Dog/Potato Chip supper (while it lasted - over 400 hot dogs were prepared)
- Sodas, bottled water, snow cones
- Face painting station
- Music
The turnout was great and it was so nice to see all the folks who showed up. I was working in the drink tent and we had a long line the whole time I was there. The event was held between 6:00-8:00 pm Last year there was a LOT of leftover food and backpacks. Today the food was gone right before 7:00 pm. No leftovers to worry about this time!
Blessings for the week ahead...
Friday, August 8, 2008
Life's Just Slower In These Parts...
Ok, so maybe life's not that much slower here - I think it's just me.
Wow! I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted here! In my defense, we have had a lot going on.
For instance... We were displaced from our home for almost a week due to air conditioner problems. As if losing your a/c isn't bad enough at the end of July/first of August, trust me - it can (and did) get worse. Oh, did I mention this was during a string of 95-102 degree days??? It started that we just needed a part replaced. Until, of course, they found that the new part wouldn't fit on the old equipment due to something stripped, something rusted, etc, etc, etc. I learned more about air handlers than I cared to. Particularly how expensive they are, and that what went into a small space a number of years ago may not necessarily come back out the same way. English translation: The old air handler is stuck in the attic!
Through all of this, though, I can't thank my daughter, Elisa, enough. It was because of her that we had a comfortable, air-conditioned, hospitable place to stay. We were merely inconvenienced - not miserable in the sweltering heat. If we didn't know better we could almost convince ourselves we were on vacation. Elisa, Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
***************************************************************************
We've had a few occasions to see Kaitlyn during the last few weeks. She's so beautiful and sweet. She needs to gain a little weight, though. She was at the doctor today and needs to go back for a re-check next week.
***************************************************************************
We're anxiously counting down the weeks to Zachary's due date. As expected, Elisa is big, feeling bigger, heavy, hot all the time, and wondering what happened to her feet! I nag her to slow down a little and get more rest, but it's hard for her. Like the rest of us, she keeps a pretty full plate.
****************************************************************************
Great News! Darrell found out today that he was accepted at FAU (Florida Atlantic University). The only problem is that now he doesn't want to go there. We're anxiously waiting to hear from USC Upstate. Assuming he gets in there, he'll be home this year. If not, Florida is a probability. I'm not sure about FAU, but USCU starts on the 21st of August!
****************************************************************************
During our quasi-vacation, I did get a good start on my lesson-planning duties for the coming school year. I think it's going to be a great year. Just don't ask Christopher about his English course - I don't think he'll be thrilled with it. He should love his Math and Spelling. The rest should be fairly middle-of-the-road as far as a love it-like-it-dislike it-hate it measurement. Abbey loves most of her school subjects. They're particularly looking forward to co-op (music, art, and Spanish), and homeschool choir.
****************************************************************************
That's about all for now. I'm not feeling very creative and we've really just been taking care of day-to-day life things. Business is still fun and exciting (www.MaryKay.com/SWiren) , and, I've got a wonderful project in the works that I'll write about next time.
*****************************************************************************
I'll apologize in advance in case there's another long break in-between posts. We're just spending time with family. I'm very thankful that having a husband and 3 kids at home (7, 10, 18) is time consuming. Add to that my business, a toddler grandson, a newborn granddaughter, a daughter who just had a c-section, a daughter expecting her 1st child in a few weeks, a fast-approaching year of homeschooling 2 elementary-age kids, working with and advising a college student in changing schools, new kittens, an older kitten, a jealous cat, and a family vacation - and, well, some things just get left undone.
****************************************************************************
Make some wonderful memories this weekend!
Wow! I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted here! In my defense, we have had a lot going on.
For instance... We were displaced from our home for almost a week due to air conditioner problems. As if losing your a/c isn't bad enough at the end of July/first of August, trust me - it can (and did) get worse. Oh, did I mention this was during a string of 95-102 degree days??? It started that we just needed a part replaced. Until, of course, they found that the new part wouldn't fit on the old equipment due to something stripped, something rusted, etc, etc, etc. I learned more about air handlers than I cared to. Particularly how expensive they are, and that what went into a small space a number of years ago may not necessarily come back out the same way. English translation: The old air handler is stuck in the attic!
Through all of this, though, I can't thank my daughter, Elisa, enough. It was because of her that we had a comfortable, air-conditioned, hospitable place to stay. We were merely inconvenienced - not miserable in the sweltering heat. If we didn't know better we could almost convince ourselves we were on vacation. Elisa, Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
***************************************************************************
We've had a few occasions to see Kaitlyn during the last few weeks. She's so beautiful and sweet. She needs to gain a little weight, though. She was at the doctor today and needs to go back for a re-check next week.
***************************************************************************
We're anxiously counting down the weeks to Zachary's due date. As expected, Elisa is big, feeling bigger, heavy, hot all the time, and wondering what happened to her feet! I nag her to slow down a little and get more rest, but it's hard for her. Like the rest of us, she keeps a pretty full plate.
****************************************************************************
Great News! Darrell found out today that he was accepted at FAU (Florida Atlantic University). The only problem is that now he doesn't want to go there. We're anxiously waiting to hear from USC Upstate. Assuming he gets in there, he'll be home this year. If not, Florida is a probability. I'm not sure about FAU, but USCU starts on the 21st of August!
****************************************************************************
During our quasi-vacation, I did get a good start on my lesson-planning duties for the coming school year. I think it's going to be a great year. Just don't ask Christopher about his English course - I don't think he'll be thrilled with it. He should love his Math and Spelling. The rest should be fairly middle-of-the-road as far as a love it-like-it-dislike it-hate it measurement. Abbey loves most of her school subjects. They're particularly looking forward to co-op (music, art, and Spanish), and homeschool choir.
****************************************************************************
That's about all for now. I'm not feeling very creative and we've really just been taking care of day-to-day life things. Business is still fun and exciting (www.MaryKay.com/SWiren) , and, I've got a wonderful project in the works that I'll write about next time.
*****************************************************************************
I'll apologize in advance in case there's another long break in-between posts. We're just spending time with family. I'm very thankful that having a husband and 3 kids at home (7, 10, 18) is time consuming. Add to that my business, a toddler grandson, a newborn granddaughter, a daughter who just had a c-section, a daughter expecting her 1st child in a few weeks, a fast-approaching year of homeschooling 2 elementary-age kids, working with and advising a college student in changing schools, new kittens, an older kitten, a jealous cat, and a family vacation - and, well, some things just get left undone.
****************************************************************************
Make some wonderful memories this weekend!
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