Tuesday, February 27, 2007
The Grandparent's Visit
I dearly love my mil and fil. They are gems! What fun it was watching them with the children!
We laughed and reminisced and ate and played with the kiddoes. We visited Bass Pro Shops and Cracker Barrel ,where River Girl got her long awaited game of checkers with Grandpa in front of the fireplace. We drove around the countryside and looked at North Texas scenery (ahem...). We even cooked a big brisket dinner. I know we'll always have special memories from this weekend.
We're going to miss them something awful until the next visit. The ride home from the airport was a bit gloomy. We were saying "Cheer up everybody, we still have some cake and ice cream at home...and look at this beautiful weather, a great day to be outdoors!"
After we got home I decided to call in help:my parents! I asked them to come over and share the remaining brisket with us. That helped lighten the mood considerably. Thanks mother and daddy! They came even though they had lots to do to prepare for some traveling of their own.
We also had another surprise waiting for us. I'll tell about that in the next post.
Have you hugged your mom or dad-in-law lately?
Labels: Family
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Signs of Love
The day was just beautiful: sunshine, birdsong and breezes and the temperature hovered around 75 degrees.
However, there was stress...lots of it. I was running in water. One person trying to accomplish the work of 5 people while the Little Guy kept asking for snacks and Ladybug and Doodlebug screamed and clung to my legs. They alternated crying with destroying whatever they could find...I sent them with their older sister but she didn't fare much better. Osprey was under strict orders from Builder Man to "finish working on the Suburban...nothing else". So that help was gone.
"Mom and Dad-in-law are coming to visit and I 'm not ready. The dishes are piled high, the clothes need washing, there is 6 months worth of house de-cluttering stuff stacked and ready to be removed (all in the living room) and the yard needs mowing and there are foam peanuts all over it that had blown out of a packing box...and this is just the beginning."
By about 2 pm I could feel myself giving up. I don't give in and cry very often. I don't like to worry the children and I don't like Builder Man to see my weakness.. (Yes, he knows about it, but there is no sense in reminding him). I sat down on the front porch and let the hot tears spill onto my cheeks.
"God? God? Are you there?
Why haven't you helped me
today?
You gave me these children but I'm not
good enough to
handle all this on my own.
What do I do? Where is the help I
need?"
Only about 2 minutes later the mail truck pulled into our driveway. We don't get mail at our house...the mailboxes are about a mile away. The truck doesn't deliver packages. The packages that are too big are taken to the post office and a little slip left in our box. But, here was the truck. A smiling lady stepped out and handed me a brown package from Kristarella, complete with little stickers and the words 'the incredible' ! :-). The prize for helping name the kitty had arrived! I clutched it like a toddler with a new toy. I could feel more tears, but this time they were of relief. I do have friends! God hasn't forgotten me today! The children gathered 'round and I opened the package! Real wrapping paper! For me?! It contained a lovely notepad with a personal note and a printed verse : " Trust in the Lord with all of your heart" Proverbs 3:5 and it has daisies on it! I love daisies! You probably didn't know that! ;-).
There was also a puzzle...art by Marjolein Bastin , so very pretty!
On the back it says "...I like to show how the simple things in life bring so much happiness..."
I knew she was right! I looked around at the children, the yard, the house. I could hear the birds singing and here was little bit of love from a blogging friend far away. It was just like getting a hug. I thanked God for remembering me and for knowing the precise moment when I couldn't go on. He nudged the mail lady to drive to my house! He is so very personal.
I also thanked Him for new friends esp. Kristarella of Blog Cabin!
Later that day my dear mother and father arrived bearing supper in the form of hamburgers. Willing hands went to work washing dishes, folding clothes and riding the lawn mower. I love my parents! They entertained the babies who suddenly were in a great mood. Hmmm...
It's all ok. My in-laws can enter a safer, cleaner environment ;-) and my heart is full. I will be busy visiting with them this weekend. I expect to eat well, watch a few checker games and look through the new telescope with Grandpa.
However, there was stress...lots of it. I was running in water. One person trying to accomplish the work of 5 people while the Little Guy kept asking for snacks and Ladybug and Doodlebug screamed and clung to my legs. They alternated crying with destroying whatever they could find...I sent them with their older sister but she didn't fare much better. Osprey was under strict orders from Builder Man to "finish working on the Suburban...nothing else". So that help was gone.
"Mom and Dad-in-law are coming to visit and I 'm not ready. The dishes are piled high, the clothes need washing, there is 6 months worth of house de-cluttering stuff stacked and ready to be removed (all in the living room) and the yard needs mowing and there are foam peanuts all over it that had blown out of a packing box...and this is just the beginning."
By about 2 pm I could feel myself giving up. I don't give in and cry very often. I don't like to worry the children and I don't like Builder Man to see my weakness.. (Yes, he knows about it, but there is no sense in reminding him). I sat down on the front porch and let the hot tears spill onto my cheeks.
"God? God? Are you there?
Why haven't you helped me
today?
You gave me these children but I'm not
good enough to
handle all this on my own.
What do I do? Where is the help I
need?"
Only about 2 minutes later the mail truck pulled into our driveway. We don't get mail at our house...the mailboxes are about a mile away. The truck doesn't deliver packages. The packages that are too big are taken to the post office and a little slip left in our box. But, here was the truck. A smiling lady stepped out and handed me a brown package from Kristarella, complete with little stickers and the words 'the incredible' ! :-). The prize for helping name the kitty had arrived! I clutched it like a toddler with a new toy. I could feel more tears, but this time they were of relief. I do have friends! God hasn't forgotten me today! The children gathered 'round and I opened the package! Real wrapping paper! For me?! It contained a lovely notepad with a personal note and a printed verse : " Trust in the Lord with all of your heart" Proverbs 3:5 and it has daisies on it! I love daisies! You probably didn't know that! ;-).
There was also a puzzle...art by Marjolein Bastin , so very pretty!
On the back it says "...I like to show how the simple things in life bring so much happiness..."
I knew she was right! I looked around at the children, the yard, the house. I could hear the birds singing and here was little bit of love from a blogging friend far away. It was just like getting a hug. I thanked God for remembering me and for knowing the precise moment when I couldn't go on. He nudged the mail lady to drive to my house! He is so very personal.
I also thanked Him for new friends esp. Kristarella of Blog Cabin!
Later that day my dear mother and father arrived bearing supper in the form of hamburgers. Willing hands went to work washing dishes, folding clothes and riding the lawn mower. I love my parents! They entertained the babies who suddenly were in a great mood. Hmmm...
It's all ok. My in-laws can enter a safer, cleaner environment ;-) and my heart is full. I will be busy visiting with them this weekend. I expect to eat well, watch a few checker games and look through the new telescope with Grandpa.
Labels: Another Day
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
New Driver in the House
Well, it's happened.
A new chapter in our family has begun.
Our oldest, my 16 year old baby boy, got his driver's license today.
We loaded up car seats, purses, babies and paperwork and scooted onto the highway going north. The local DPS office has a reputation for lines that take 2 hours. I'd rather haul my crew 30 minutes away and get through with the office stuff, thank you.
Still there were about 15 other people in line. We got a few sideways glances.... It was hard work keeping everyone happy and pulling out all the documentation, and money from my deep dark purse and DS had to keep stepping around me.
"Now put your thumb on the light over there" so he dodges behind me to the left.
"Now look into the little machine and read line 5" He ducked to my right while I held onto the 4 year old's arm.
"Now sign and date this". I stepped back from the counter to make room. "Now put your toes on the line for a picture". I grabbed a car seat out of the way.
Eventually it was finished and we were dismissed with a smile and a promise of receiving the desired object in the mail in about 4 weeks.
For the past 6 months he's been driving with me in the car with a driver's permit. I like being with him, watching over him, watching for potential danger, offering comments and suggestions (welcome or not ;-)). But now he has a real live license. He has the legal means to drive on his own with no parent present.
I'm excited to have this additional help...I mean now I can send him for eggs. Now he can take himself to his fencing classes and take his sister to her sewing class...and there's groceries, bill paying, car washing, mail checking....the list is endless. :-) Oh boy, this is fun!
Today he requested that we allow him to celebrate by taking a friend to eat at a drive through and going hiking at the nearby park...the friend couldn't come, so he went alone. I flinched just a little as he drove out...and I prayed a lot. I've got a little letting go to do. The angels will be standing guard.
We held our own little celebration by having Subway sandwiches...no cooking for me. :-)
I am very, very proud. My heart is full of joy as I watch my children grow and blossom. Yes, I'm going to miss that little boy, but he'll still be in there somewhere. And the man that is replacing him is awesome! Thank you Lord for keeping these children in the palm of your hand.
Amen.
A new chapter in our family has begun.
Our oldest, my 16 year old baby boy, got his driver's license today.
We loaded up car seats, purses, babies and paperwork and scooted onto the highway going north. The local DPS office has a reputation for lines that take 2 hours. I'd rather haul my crew 30 minutes away and get through with the office stuff, thank you.
Still there were about 15 other people in line. We got a few sideways glances.... It was hard work keeping everyone happy and pulling out all the documentation, and money from my deep dark purse and DS had to keep stepping around me.
"Now put your thumb on the light over there" so he dodges behind me to the left.
"Now look into the little machine and read line 5" He ducked to my right while I held onto the 4 year old's arm.
"Now sign and date this". I stepped back from the counter to make room. "Now put your toes on the line for a picture". I grabbed a car seat out of the way.
Eventually it was finished and we were dismissed with a smile and a promise of receiving the desired object in the mail in about 4 weeks.
For the past 6 months he's been driving with me in the car with a driver's permit. I like being with him, watching over him, watching for potential danger, offering comments and suggestions (welcome or not ;-)). But now he has a real live license. He has the legal means to drive on his own with no parent present.
I'm excited to have this additional help...I mean now I can send him for eggs. Now he can take himself to his fencing classes and take his sister to her sewing class...and there's groceries, bill paying, car washing, mail checking....the list is endless. :-) Oh boy, this is fun!
Today he requested that we allow him to celebrate by taking a friend to eat at a drive through and going hiking at the nearby park...the friend couldn't come, so he went alone. I flinched just a little as he drove out...and I prayed a lot. I've got a little letting go to do. The angels will be standing guard.
We held our own little celebration by having Subway sandwiches...no cooking for me. :-)
I am very, very proud. My heart is full of joy as I watch my children grow and blossom. Yes, I'm going to miss that little boy, but he'll still be in there somewhere. And the man that is replacing him is awesome! Thank you Lord for keeping these children in the palm of your hand.
Amen.
Labels: Holidays and Celebrations
A few thoughts on the Bible Quiz
I've been up at night a lot lately and had time to do some thinking. The Bible Quiz was fun but it pricked my heart to realize how little I really know and how much more I desire to know...I couldn't believe I got a 100 on anything Bible study related, because it's been awhile since I've been a diligent student of the Word. I've been so swamped by life lately that my readings have been quick...just enough to have a verse for the day... or week.
I asked Jesus into my heart at the tender age of 3 years old..and I renewed that commitment after a baptismal service I attended at the age of 7. I still remember my solitary walk to the car that evening...the crunch of the gravel under my feet...the stifling hot, Texas air.
I prayed with every fiber of my tiny being and with each dusty,crunchy step I poured out my heart to my Heavenly Father. I wanted to be sure that He and I would always and forever be together.
That was 32 years ago. I still want us to be together forever. But sometimes I act human. I forget to make time for Him and I don't study like I really want to. This funny little quiz just brought a whole flood of emotion to the surface and now I turn and repent. I need to pour out my heart to Him tonight. I want to remind Him how much I love Him and ask for His help in bringing order to my days. Then I'll be able to study or even just read His Words a little bit more.
I asked Jesus into my heart at the tender age of 3 years old..and I renewed that commitment after a baptismal service I attended at the age of 7. I still remember my solitary walk to the car that evening...the crunch of the gravel under my feet...the stifling hot, Texas air.
I prayed with every fiber of my tiny being and with each dusty,crunchy step I poured out my heart to my Heavenly Father. I wanted to be sure that He and I would always and forever be together.
That was 32 years ago. I still want us to be together forever. But sometimes I act human. I forget to make time for Him and I don't study like I really want to. This funny little quiz just brought a whole flood of emotion to the surface and now I turn and repent. I need to pour out my heart to Him tonight. I want to remind Him how much I love Him and ask for His help in bringing order to my days. Then I'll be able to study or even just read His Words a little bit more.
Labels: Inspirations
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Bible Quiz
I've been busy . We've had the flu here, but here is a fun quiz I took:
You know the Bible 100%!
Wow! You are awesome! You are a true Biblical scholar, not just a hearer but a personal reader! The books, the characters, the events, the verses - you know it all! You are fantastic!
Ultimate Bible Quiz
Create MySpace Quizzes
Labels: Just for fun
Friday, February 9, 2007
Facing the Giants gets an A+
I don't recommend movies very often
but I'll make an exception for this one.
We rented this last week for family movie night. The only reason I rented it was because some friends had urged us to see it.
It looked boring to me...I mean it's about football...come on...
A real live football game is ok,
as is my hubby watching the superbowl
(I provide munchies , he watches :-))
...but I usually feel... uhm...very sleepy during any sporty movies.
However...this movie rose above the traditional sports theme level. ~It pulled my heartstrings.~
It's got trial and triumph..and not just on a sport level but also on a personal level -where we all live every day.
There is loss and disappointment but there is also victory and joy!
You get to know the characters and see their lives unfold.
The family in question has to decide again and again if they will continue to trust and serve God through thick and thin...and in the end they see His hand move in powerful ways!
This is a must see!
Labels: Books Movies Music
Thursday, February 8, 2007
More Vaccine Mandates?
There is a thought provoking post over at Living By Daily Grace in reference to Governor Perry taking it upon himself to be our personal medical authority...
What shameless coercion !
I'm sorry for getting a little steamed up--that's not the usual kind of thing I post here but enough is enough!
Here is a little of the post I am referencing.
Go visit to read the rest...
What shameless coercion !
I'm sorry for getting a little steamed up--that's not the usual kind of thing I post here but enough is enough!
Here is a little of the post I am referencing.
Go visit to read the rest...
....I was quite upset when I heard that Gov.
Perry had issued an executive order that all school age girl entering 6th grader would be REQUIRED to receive
the new vaccine against HPV (human papillomavirus).
These are 11-12 year old girls, folks. This is a vaccine for
an STD. It's an under tested vaccine. AND it's only .... [click here to read the rest]
Labels: Rants
Blogger Friend School #17
"post a few of your favorite snacks..."
Ok: Here they are in no particular order:
1. Cottage cheese plain or with pineapple or unsweet applesauce
2. Yogurt with honey and/or granola
3. String cheese
4. A spoon of natural peanut butter
5. Fruit
6. Whole wheat toast slathered in butter (yes it is healthy :-))
7. And for me...a few peanut m&m's can't be beat ;-)
Ok: Here they are in no particular order:
1. Cottage cheese plain or with pineapple or unsweet applesauce
2. Yogurt with honey and/or granola
3. String cheese
4. A spoon of natural peanut butter
5. Fruit
6. Whole wheat toast slathered in butter (yes it is healthy :-))
7. And for me...a few peanut m&m's can't be beat ;-)
Labels: Blogger Friend School
Cheap Date Ideas
This is a great idea hosted by Shalee's Diner. She asked for ideas for a cheap date with hubby that doesn't use up the bank account.
My dear hubby and I had a fabulous date a couple years ago that I'd like to share:
We picked up 2 pieces of cheesecake (could be fancy or just a grocery store variety), some forks and 2 drinks (Sparkling cider orArizona Tea) and went to a courtyard of a lovely hotel in Dallas where we used to take walks on dates many (20!wow!) years ago! (some of you may know the Crescent).
We sat on one of the park benches in the shade surrounded by flowers and greenery and nibbled our scrumptious desserts while reminiscing about old times.
It was SO Romantic! It was not very expensive but it felt lovely!
Most couples have places that they used to visit or places that are pretty like botanical gardens or even just a place that reminds them of their early days together. Re-kindle the early romance!
Click on the pic above to read all the other great ideas.
1 comments:Stephanie said...Any date with cheesecake would be a good one for me! :)
Labels: Holidays and Celebrations
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Toss the Loss Tuesday
Toss the Loss Tuesday
Hi everyone . How is your week going?
Are you drinking lots of water?
What I want you to post today is how did your first week of exercise go?
About water...I've increased it and cut back on tea and diet
soda...but I still need to work on it. I don't think I'm addicted to caffeine, I think I'm addicted to chemicals in the diet cokes! hmmm...
Well, I managed to get just a bit of my walking done...but I really need to do better.
Instead of walking today I ended up cleaning my van in preparation for selling it.
Don't get me wrong, it was probably a much better workout than a walk would've been. I don't even want to tell you how dirty that poor vehicle was.
There were some things we found that were not even identifiable. My ds16 deserves some sort of merit badge for facing the cavern teeming with alien life with me. All I can say is eeewww! That took some serious elbow grease and a strong stomach! I'm so glad to have that done and pics taken. Now, to get it
sold so we can buy something bigger.
Hi everyone . How is your week going?
Are you drinking lots of water?
What I want you to post today is how did your first week of exercise go?
About water...I've increased it and cut back on tea and diet
soda...but I still need to work on it. I don't think I'm addicted to caffeine, I think I'm addicted to chemicals in the diet cokes! hmmm...
Well, I managed to get just a bit of my walking done...but I really need to do better.
Instead of walking today I ended up cleaning my van in preparation for selling it.
Don't get me wrong, it was probably a much better workout than a walk would've been. I don't even want to tell you how dirty that poor vehicle was.
There were some things we found that were not even identifiable. My ds16 deserves some sort of merit badge for facing the cavern teeming with alien life with me. All I can say is eeewww! That took some serious elbow grease and a strong stomach! I'm so glad to have that done and pics taken. Now, to get it
sold so we can buy something bigger.
Anyway....I plan to walk tomorrow to make up for my missed walk today.
My walking is really enjoyable to me. I don't try to get out of breath. I keep the pace fairly steady and doable. I expect that my endurance and speed will be increasing every week. Most of the time I carry one of the babies in a backpack which increases my work. We usually put the other baby in a backpack
and one of the older children carries her. The 4 yo likes to hold my hand. The children go with me except when I walk in our neighborhood.
and one of the older children carries her. The 4 yo likes to hold my hand. The children go with me except when I walk in our neighborhood.
Sometimes dh goes with me and we take the stroller, it's been awhile since we did that, it'll be nice to walk together again.
So far, my favorite walk is at a nearby park where I can go to a small lake. It's pleasant for the children also because we stay there and look for herons, ducks, turtles and fish.
I see this exercise as more than just a physical workout. It's also a mental time to be refreshed.
Labels: Health and Nutrition
Sunday, February 4, 2007
In Other Words
"I long to worship Jesus with the heart of a child, in a state of pure and
true adoration. Yet so many things of the world cloud my thoughts and pull on my
heart until it's no longer just a girl in the arms of the Father"~ Darlene Schacht ~"The Mom Complex"
How often I set out to pray and worship and find myself getting distracted by the worries of the day, or week or year. My heart longs for the sweetness of the love I had for Jesus in my youth.
As a child it was as easy to crawl up into my heavenly Father's lap as it was to snuggle up to my earthly father.
Those days were so long ago now...
Since that time I have suffered, I have struggled alongside my husband to provide shelter, clothing, and food. I have seen sorrow, I have felt grief, I have asked God some very searching questions.
Somewhere along the way I have come to realize that I can't focus on loving Him because my life is no longer simple. Somehow I've allowed confusion to replace clarity, chaos to replace order, clutter to replace simplicity. I've started filling the space in my heart with busy activities and new things.
I was speaking to my son about these very things today..."Son, you've got to immerse yourself in God's Word and prayer...nothing else matters..." I said these words and then as if I floated up out of myself...I heard what I had just said echoing in the back of my mind "nothing else matters...nothing else...nothing else..."
I can do this. I can let go of my 'control' (as though I ever had any :-)) and I can love Him with abandon...He is the only reason I live. Every moment of my life is a gift given to me from His hand. I choose to remember:
~~ The days of my youth...that first spark of love I had for Him...how I dreamed about the day he would return to take me home with Him! ~~When I would quiet myself in His presence and close my eyes...I could pour out my heart, my hurts and my love with nothing else on my mind.
I'm going back to the simplicity of childhood abandon today. It's a matter of quieting myself and acknowledging that the things of this world are only shadows...
Becoming childlike may be hard work for us grown-ups emotionally but it's not complicated!
Go to Sting My Heart to read more Christian Women's takes on the above quote.
Labels: In Other Words
Saturday, February 3, 2007
From Scratch Contest
Are you ready for even more fun and games?!
I need fun stuff to do this time of year...
Go here and read about the 'from scratch' contest held by Stephanie at Stop the Ride.
I have to decide what to make...I'll post about this again when I decide.
Hope you can play too!
I need fun stuff to do this time of year...
Go here and read about the 'from scratch' contest held by Stephanie at Stop the Ride.
I have to decide what to make...I'll post about this again when I decide.
Hope you can play too!
Edited on Feb. 7 to add : I've decided to make graham crackers. I'll let you know how they turn out in a future post.
Labels: Drawings and Contests
Chance to win a Prize
Ooh! Ooh! Yay! Another fun contest!
Go read about it...it's an easy one to enter.
And the prize...well you just have to see for yourself!
Go read about it...it's an easy one to enter.
And the prize...well you just have to see for yourself!
Labels: Drawings and Contests
Friday, February 2, 2007
Blogger Friend #16
Blogger Friend Assignment #16
Show and Tell Time!!!
Post a picture of 'something' or 'someone' and tell us all about it.
I wanted one for years. Just a fanciful dream of mine. We owned shetland sheep and a llama and had plenty of wool to spare. I never expected to get one...at least not when I did. But one Christmas morning a few years ago there was a very big box for me from my beloved...
It is still one of my most treasured possessions. When I think of all the love, sacrifice, time, research and effort that went into the purchase...not to mention the great amount of trouble to keep the big secret... I am overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness and love for me...
The gentle whir and rhythmic sound as it spins round and round, the feeling of the wool as it slips through my fingers...soothing sounds and motions to settle a busy mind. I love to sit and spin....
Labels: Blogger Friend School
Exercise Plan
I have set some new goals for myself. One of those goals is to exercise more often. In an attempt to take back control of my body and all it's whims and exhaustion and ever expanding waistline I have committed to create an exercise plan for myself.
In the interest of keeping everything in my life sweet, short and simple here is my plan:
Walk....3 times each week...that's it!
If I do that I'll be doing 100 percent more than I' ve been doing all year.
I plan to walk on Tuesdays (while Rivergirl is in sewing class), Thursdays (while in town for errands we will go to the park) and Sundays (around the neighborhood).
Anybody who wants to join in the fun click here to go to 7 Valleys Homeschool and learn about her Toss the Loss Tuesday challenge.
Here is something fun to check out: A Free Online Fitness Journal ! That could prove to be a big help to food diarys , nutrition info and more...
In the interest of keeping everything in my life sweet, short and simple here is my plan:
Walk....3 times each week...that's it!
If I do that I'll be doing 100 percent more than I' ve been doing all year.
I plan to walk on Tuesdays (while Rivergirl is in sewing class), Thursdays (while in town for errands we will go to the park) and Sundays (around the neighborhood).
Anybody who wants to join in the fun click here to go to 7 Valleys Homeschool and learn about her Toss the Loss Tuesday challenge.
Here is something fun to check out: A Free Online Fitness Journal ! That could prove to be a big help to food diarys , nutrition info and more...
Labels: Health and Nutrition
The Ultimate Blog Party
Are You Coming?
The Christmas decorations are packed away, the party season is over and we still have two long months of winter stretching out before us…
We need something to shake things up. So pull out your prettiest dress, get your hair done, and come on over!
5 Minutes for Mom is hosting The Ultimate Blog Party!
This will be the place to be. Get your blog noticed, win prizes, hang out with your friends and meet some new ones.
I'm going to get the children involved. We'll be making special food and taking some pictures. We always need something fun to look forward to this time of year. I hope you'll join us.
Click on the Ultimate Blog Party Button on my sidebar for more info.
The Christmas decorations are packed away, the party season is over and we still have two long months of winter stretching out before us…
We need something to shake things up. So pull out your prettiest dress, get your hair done, and come on over!
5 Minutes for Mom is hosting The Ultimate Blog Party!
This will be the place to be. Get your blog noticed, win prizes, hang out with your friends and meet some new ones.
I'm going to get the children involved. We'll be making special food and taking some pictures. We always need something fun to look forward to this time of year. I hope you'll join us.
Click on the Ultimate Blog Party Button on my sidebar for more info.
Labels: Holidays and Celebrations
Name:
