Friday, January 30, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Pictures
I mentioned a few blogs back, my great Uncle George, and his article in Esquire magazine. In case you missed it, you can find it here.
I have posted a few pics from his home.
Just to show you the sheer beauty of his home. This, is his front yard.
This is the slide, in the backyard, that he talks about. My bottom slid down that slide, many, many times over the years.
Just a few more pics from his area.
I have posted a few pics from his home.
Just to show you the sheer beauty of his home. This, is his front yard.
This is the slide, in the backyard, that he talks about. My bottom slid down that slide, many, many times over the years.
Just a few more pics from his area.
Not Me Monday
If you love my Not Me Monday, you should check out MckMamma's blog carnival. ,Here is my list of things I did not do:
I did not sleep in again, this Saturday, until 10am. I am never that lazy and always let my husband sleep in.
I most certainly did not have to clean up two puddles of pee in a matter of 20 minutes. My almost three year old is fully potty trained and never has accidents.
I definitely, did not allow, my two older boys to spend the night with my sister on Friday. She already had five children and I never would allow two of them to stay at once...that just isn't fair.
I also did not, make lasagna, before Sunday morning church, use the cook time button on my stove, and come home Sunday evening to enjoy delicious homemade lasagna. I've never that productive.
I did not dry one sweater in the drier on Sunday morning. I am always on top of laundry and knew that my husband would want a sweater to wear to teach in.
I most certainly, did not watch my sisters 5 children this week, and loose my marbles in the process. I can handle any amount of children and once wished for 5 littlemonsters angels of my own.
I did not sleep in again, this Saturday, until 10am. I am never that lazy and always let my husband sleep in.
I most certainly did not have to clean up two puddles of pee in a matter of 20 minutes. My almost three year old is fully potty trained and never has accidents.
I definitely, did not allow, my two older boys to spend the night with my sister on Friday. She already had five children and I never would allow two of them to stay at once...that just isn't fair.
I also did not, make lasagna, before Sunday morning church, use the cook time button on my stove, and come home Sunday evening to enjoy delicious homemade lasagna. I've never that productive.
I did not dry one sweater in the drier on Sunday morning. I am always on top of laundry and knew that my husband would want a sweater to wear to teach in.
I most certainly, did not watch my sisters 5 children this week, and loose my marbles in the process. I can handle any amount of children and once wished for 5 little
Sunday, January 25, 2009
In place....
Last weekend, my husband and father in law, took our two oldest sons to the Monster Truck Rally. If you are not familiar with this phenomenon, it is a young boys dream. Large, loud trucks with big huge wheels drive around in circles, crushing small cars and crashing. Apparently, this is quite exciting....and quite loud. My husband came home and declared it the "Redneck Superbowl". My kids loved it. It also had a motor cross thingy....which I know little about, but am quite certain it's a sport that I don't want my children don't want to participate in. I have no problem with motor cross, but as a mother, am quite fearful of. The thought of my boys, riding on a dirt bike, jumping hills and cars, crashing, breaking limbs and loosing teeth isn't a dream come true for me. They would beg to differ I'm sure.
Anyhow, S seemed disturbed the other day. It had been close to a week since the above mentioned event. I asked him what was wrong.....and I didn't expect his answer. My six year old, brought life back into perspective in a matter of seconds.
He told me about a long line of homeless people. Some were even in wheelchairs he said. He told me how they were asking for money for food. He looked upset and told me that long lines of people walked past them and no one gave them anything....not one little thing.
He was so bothered by it. He couldn't seem to quit talking about it. He said if he'd of had money he would have given them some...and I believe he would have.
In that moment I was so proud of my son. My oldest son, who caused me great pain and anguish during his birth, the child that I prayed and begged God for, rebuked me with his pure and untainted observation.
People were hungry and hurting....and no one helped them.
It's a same, that in this land of plenty, that we have not only adults, but small children, who go to bed hungry, not because they didn't like what mommy made for dinner, but because they haven't eaten all day.
Matt brought to my attention, that Americans spend more money, every year on trash bags, than half the world does on ALL of it's goods. Yet, no one stopped.
I thank God, that my family is in need of nothing. We have wants and desires, but we need nothing. My children have nice clothes, food, heat and running water. My children don't have to worry about getting sick from the water they drink. They are not in danger of starving to death. We are blessed.
That's not to say that it's wrong to have nice things. It isn't wrong to want things. It is wrong to not give. It is wrong to not share with others what Christ has given us. It is wrong to not reach out. It is wrong to not look for ways to help.
Matt and S made up a plan. Daddy told him that he was wrong for not giving those people anything. Together they decided that they were going to send money to someone who can help the homeless people.
Unfortunately, we let our preconceived notions and ideas get in the way of helping. We assume everyone who is begging, must have gotten that way by their own doing. We justify not helping, by assuring ourselves that they wont use the money for food, but for something else. Truth be told, we are all one step away from that same life. I constantly remind myself that ....but for the grace of God, there go I.
Matt during his teaching today, said that he's quite certain that God honors the act of our giving. If the man you gave the money to, chooses to use it for something bad, the Lord is still honored with our willingness to help.
The concern and worry that my 6 year old son showed for those people in need, put me in check.
Anyhow, S seemed disturbed the other day. It had been close to a week since the above mentioned event. I asked him what was wrong.....and I didn't expect his answer. My six year old, brought life back into perspective in a matter of seconds.
He told me about a long line of homeless people. Some were even in wheelchairs he said. He told me how they were asking for money for food. He looked upset and told me that long lines of people walked past them and no one gave them anything....not one little thing.
He was so bothered by it. He couldn't seem to quit talking about it. He said if he'd of had money he would have given them some...and I believe he would have.
In that moment I was so proud of my son. My oldest son, who caused me great pain and anguish during his birth, the child that I prayed and begged God for, rebuked me with his pure and untainted observation.
People were hungry and hurting....and no one helped them.
It's a same, that in this land of plenty, that we have not only adults, but small children, who go to bed hungry, not because they didn't like what mommy made for dinner, but because they haven't eaten all day.
Matt brought to my attention, that Americans spend more money, every year on trash bags, than half the world does on ALL of it's goods. Yet, no one stopped.
I thank God, that my family is in need of nothing. We have wants and desires, but we need nothing. My children have nice clothes, food, heat and running water. My children don't have to worry about getting sick from the water they drink. They are not in danger of starving to death. We are blessed.
That's not to say that it's wrong to have nice things. It isn't wrong to want things. It is wrong to not give. It is wrong to not share with others what Christ has given us. It is wrong to not reach out. It is wrong to not look for ways to help.
Matt and S made up a plan. Daddy told him that he was wrong for not giving those people anything. Together they decided that they were going to send money to someone who can help the homeless people.
Unfortunately, we let our preconceived notions and ideas get in the way of helping. We assume everyone who is begging, must have gotten that way by their own doing. We justify not helping, by assuring ourselves that they wont use the money for food, but for something else. Truth be told, we are all one step away from that same life. I constantly remind myself that ....but for the grace of God, there go I.
Matt during his teaching today, said that he's quite certain that God honors the act of our giving. If the man you gave the money to, chooses to use it for something bad, the Lord is still honored with our willingness to help.
The concern and worry that my 6 year old son showed for those people in need, put me in check.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Baby, it's cold outside
This winter in sunny freezing, snowy, windy and cold Michigan, has been especially cold. The kids actually had a "cold day" off of school. I can remember having one or two of those days when I was younger, but hadn't heard of one in quite a while.
My children, especially the two younger ones, who are at home during the day, have had to come up with some interesting things to do. There is only so much play dough, crafts, movie watching and games you can play in one winter season.
M is by no means, my "outdoor" child. It is either too hot or too cold for him to play outside. He fairs well in spring and fall. S can hang with the big dogs...loves outdoors, but this mean mommy thinks that if the windchill is below zero, we aren't playing outside. O would love to play outside, but seeing as he's a little on the short side, we might loose him in all the snow!
My boys have gotten creative. Some of their creativity I have found amusing...some, not so much. Some of their creativity has caused, blood, broken things, stained things and flooded things.
Things like:
My children, especially the two younger ones, who are at home during the day, have had to come up with some interesting things to do. There is only so much play dough, crafts, movie watching and games you can play in one winter season.
M is by no means, my "outdoor" child. It is either too hot or too cold for him to play outside. He fairs well in spring and fall. S can hang with the big dogs...loves outdoors, but this mean mommy thinks that if the windchill is below zero, we aren't playing outside. O would love to play outside, but seeing as he's a little on the short side, we might loose him in all the snow!
My boys have gotten creative. Some of their creativity I have found amusing...some, not so much. Some of their creativity has caused, blood, broken things, stained things and flooded things.
Things like:
- Floating boats in a bathtub - it's all well and good, until you flood the bathroom.
- Making forts out of old sofas in the basement - fine, as long as you don't crush someone, while you are overturning the furniture.
- Jumping off the desk, onto the couch and then onto the floor - which is also fun, until your littlest brother, flings off the couch like a rocket and lands on his head.
- Pulling off all the couch cushions and jumping on the couch like a trampoline....which is fine, until you break mommy's couch - this hasn't happened yet....
- Pushing your little brother around on your mommy's storage chest - because it has wheels - is always fun. It isn't fun, when you get punished for running it into the wall, after being told to stop on several occasions.
- Resort to playing learning games on the computer - because your that bored.
- Make up a whole finger family - see two posts back.
- Hiding your glasses, both pairs, so your mommy and daddy can't find them. Which is all fun and games until you go to the eye Dr. and they decide to dilate you one eye for several weeks to strengthen the weak eye...that the glasses and patch were supp. to help with.
- Lifting the mattress on your brothers bad, and playing underneath it - which is also a blast, until your mommy comes in and tells you to stop it right now and you don't listen. Then your mommy comes in and finds your baby brother standing on top of your dresser...and then all the fun is over.
Just a few of the fun things we do in our house right now!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Finger What?
My middle son, M, has come up with some interesting things in his five short years on this earth. The latest may take the cake. Before I tell you all about it, let's take a short minute to review:
He used to cry when his older brother told him that his imaginary trains crashed. I would tell him over and over to just imagine that they didn't crash...but it never worked.
He once had an entire conversation with a Roleypoly bug. He then told my husband to talk to the Roleypoly and tell it to stop looking at him. Yes, that's right, "Daddy, tell that Roleypoly to quit looking at me".
He went through a phase were he insisted that we call him Thomas and he called me by my first name all the time.
The list could continue on forever, but my mind can not. Lately though, we've reached a whole new level.
While shopping in Target, he came up to me and introduced me to his "finger family". Yes, his finger family. He ticked off everyones name one by one..."this is mommy finger, daddy finger, S finger, M finger, O finger, and George the cat finger".
He proceeded to tell me all about each finger and have each finger say hello. He held them up for the duration of our trip and stopped to show me how they can stand up and lay down. I just nodded and laughed thinking it was a short lived thing.
My husband called me later that evening while I was at work to ask me if I had been introduced to M's finger family. I assured him I had. He also wanted to make sure I saw all that the finger family could do. Standing up, sitting down, etc. I assured him I had...we both just laughed and reiterated how M is definitely our "special child".
This morning, M's best buddy (who happens to be his cousin), walked in the door. His finger family didn't want to say "hello" to best buddy. He told his finger family that he would give them all a dollar if they said "hello" - and I have no idea where he would get the idea to bribe his finger family with money. I never do that.
His finger family said hello to best buddy and M gave them a dollar - but not before he explained how he was ripping the dollar up into tiny pieces, so each family member could have money for shopping.
Yes, folks, that's my son and I love him. Finger family and all.
He used to cry when his older brother told him that his imaginary trains crashed. I would tell him over and over to just imagine that they didn't crash...but it never worked.
He once had an entire conversation with a Roleypoly bug. He then told my husband to talk to the Roleypoly and tell it to stop looking at him. Yes, that's right, "Daddy, tell that Roleypoly to quit looking at me".
He went through a phase were he insisted that we call him Thomas and he called me by my first name all the time.
The list could continue on forever, but my mind can not. Lately though, we've reached a whole new level.
While shopping in Target, he came up to me and introduced me to his "finger family". Yes, his finger family. He ticked off everyones name one by one..."this is mommy finger, daddy finger, S finger, M finger, O finger, and George the cat finger".
He proceeded to tell me all about each finger and have each finger say hello. He held them up for the duration of our trip and stopped to show me how they can stand up and lay down. I just nodded and laughed thinking it was a short lived thing.
My husband called me later that evening while I was at work to ask me if I had been introduced to M's finger family. I assured him I had. He also wanted to make sure I saw all that the finger family could do. Standing up, sitting down, etc. I assured him I had...we both just laughed and reiterated how M is definitely our "special child".
This morning, M's best buddy (who happens to be his cousin), walked in the door. His finger family didn't want to say "hello" to best buddy. He told his finger family that he would give them all a dollar if they said "hello" - and I have no idea where he would get the idea to bribe his finger family with money. I never do that.
His finger family said hello to best buddy and M gave them a dollar - but not before he explained how he was ripping the dollar up into tiny pieces, so each family member could have money for shopping.
Yes, folks, that's my son and I love him. Finger family and all.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I Have a Dream....
Today was a history making day. We swore in the first African American President. Regardless, of what you think of President Obama, the fact that America, has elected an African American President.
I wish, as Americans, we were farther along in our mindset. I wish that so many people still did not struggle with issues of race....both black, white, Asian, middle eastern, etc. Unfortunately, that fact still remains an issue.
I celebrated yesterday, not because I am an Obama supporter, but because the United States, has done something new and historical. We have stepped beyond and out of our small box and put aside some of our prejudice and elected a man with "brown skin" as my children put it. We now have a black president. I'm certain, many of our older generation would have never imagined a moment like this.
So befitting of this moment was that Martin Luther King day was this week too! I love the irony of it all. Mr. King, indeed did have a dream....and his dream came true. I think that Mr. King, spoke of all races though...in this regard we still have a long way to go.
I loved picking up S from school yesterday. He ran to car, hoped in and immediately started talking about the election events. He recounted, with great accuracy the events...it went something like this though:
A person sang a song
The vice president got sworn in
Then another lady got up and talked
Then a man got up and talked
Then they played some pretty music
Then the President swore.
Then we all cheered...the whole school cheered.
I love it! I especially loved that he said, the President swore! He was so excited. I was excited that he was excited. It's quite possible that part of his excitement stemmed from getting to watch TV in school...but who am I to judge!
I loved Ms. Franklin's sassy hat and found myself strangely drawn to watching YoYo Ma and Itzhak Perlman play with their group. I'm not sure I've ever seen men love their music like that....they play with such passion and grace. They are captivating....! If you missed it...please take a minute or four, to watch it. By the middle of the song, the passion with which these men play will make you smile!
Regardless of your feelings for Mr. Obama, I hope that you too, can appreciate the beauty of it all and trust that our Lord is in control of all!
I wish, as Americans, we were farther along in our mindset. I wish that so many people still did not struggle with issues of race....both black, white, Asian, middle eastern, etc. Unfortunately, that fact still remains an issue.
I celebrated yesterday, not because I am an Obama supporter, but because the United States, has done something new and historical. We have stepped beyond and out of our small box and put aside some of our prejudice and elected a man with "brown skin" as my children put it. We now have a black president. I'm certain, many of our older generation would have never imagined a moment like this.
So befitting of this moment was that Martin Luther King day was this week too! I love the irony of it all. Mr. King, indeed did have a dream....and his dream came true. I think that Mr. King, spoke of all races though...in this regard we still have a long way to go.
I loved picking up S from school yesterday. He ran to car, hoped in and immediately started talking about the election events. He recounted, with great accuracy the events...it went something like this though:
A person sang a song
The vice president got sworn in
Then another lady got up and talked
Then a man got up and talked
Then they played some pretty music
Then the President swore.
Then we all cheered...the whole school cheered.
I love it! I especially loved that he said, the President swore! He was so excited. I was excited that he was excited. It's quite possible that part of his excitement stemmed from getting to watch TV in school...but who am I to judge!
I loved Ms. Franklin's sassy hat and found myself strangely drawn to watching YoYo Ma and Itzhak Perlman play with their group. I'm not sure I've ever seen men love their music like that....they play with such passion and grace. They are captivating....! If you missed it...please take a minute or four, to watch it. By the middle of the song, the passion with which these men play will make you smile!
Regardless of your feelings for Mr. Obama, I hope that you too, can appreciate the beauty of it all and trust that our Lord is in control of all!
Monday, January 19, 2009
25 Random Things
My friend Heather, tagged me on this one...thought I'd do it for the fun of it.
25 random things about me:
1 - I am left handed
2- I only eat and write with my left hand though
3- I gained 60 pounds with my first pregnancy
4- I am the oldest of 5 children
5 -I have never been to the Grand Canyon
6 - I LOVE sushi...I crave it.
7 - I have been known to take over my nieces Nintendo DS and not give it back for hours.
8 - I am not a huge chocolate fan.
9 - I love candy
10 - I have told my husband, on more than one occasion, to not buy me flowers, because they are too expensive. I'm glad he doesn't listen to me!
11 - I have lost and found my engagement ring and mothers ring on multiple occasions. They are lost again...uggghhh.
12 - I have a son with diabetes
13 - I have a son that has two astigmatisms and is losing vision in his left eye.
14 - I once peed at a Christmas tree farm...and my parents caught it on video.
15 - I have been known, on long trips, to let my boys pee in a bottle or on the side of the road.
16 - I love having company over. The more people the better.
17 - I finished three years of college in two.
18 - I worked for Dr. Jerry Falwell in college. He was a wonderful man of God...regardless of how controversial he was.
19 - My mother in law is a saint...and a great friend to me.
20 - I love a good deal. I might even buy something, on occasion that we don't really need...just because it's a great deal.....but only once in a while ;).
21 - I have been in three car accidents in my life. 5 really, if you count being rear ended.
22 - I got my first speeding ticket when I was 28.
23 - I fell going up the stairs in my wedding gown. My husband, just stood there and laughed.
24 - I am not at all afraid to speak in public, but would die if I had to sing.
25 - I have OCD. Just the obsessive part...not the compulsive.
25 random things about me:
1 - I am left handed
2- I only eat and write with my left hand though
3- I gained 60 pounds with my first pregnancy
4- I am the oldest of 5 children
5 -I have never been to the Grand Canyon
6 - I LOVE sushi...I crave it.
7 - I have been known to take over my nieces Nintendo DS and not give it back for hours.
8 - I am not a huge chocolate fan.
9 - I love candy
10 - I have told my husband, on more than one occasion, to not buy me flowers, because they are too expensive. I'm glad he doesn't listen to me!
11 - I have lost and found my engagement ring and mothers ring on multiple occasions. They are lost again...uggghhh.
12 - I have a son with diabetes
13 - I have a son that has two astigmatisms and is losing vision in his left eye.
14 - I once peed at a Christmas tree farm...and my parents caught it on video.
15 - I have been known, on long trips, to let my boys pee in a bottle or on the side of the road.
16 - I love having company over. The more people the better.
17 - I finished three years of college in two.
18 - I worked for Dr. Jerry Falwell in college. He was a wonderful man of God...regardless of how controversial he was.
19 - My mother in law is a saint...and a great friend to me.
20 - I love a good deal. I might even buy something, on occasion that we don't really need...just because it's a great deal.....but only once in a while ;).
21 - I have been in three car accidents in my life. 5 really, if you count being rear ended.
22 - I got my first speeding ticket when I was 28.
23 - I fell going up the stairs in my wedding gown. My husband, just stood there and laughed.
24 - I am not at all afraid to speak in public, but would die if I had to sing.
25 - I have OCD. Just the obsessive part...not the compulsive.
Not Me Monday
Time for more cheap therapy...a chance to hang all our dirty laundry out for everyone to read. For lots more "Not Me" moments, check McMamma's Blog.
I most certainly did not eat TWO bowls of ice cream today. I am not a piggie and did not think that the first one tasted so good, that I should have just one more.
I did not see a new therapist, enjoy my visit, research the medicine he wanted me to try and decide there was no way in hades I was gonna take it.
I most certainly, have not resorted to bribery when taking O potty. I can never be heard saying..."if you just go pee, I'll give you some pop in a cup". I don't do stuff like that. My children always do as I say right away.
I definitely did not get my cholesterol blood work back and find out that my cholesterol is a little bit high...seriously, just a little bit. I'm healthy and under 30...why would I have high cholesterol.
I also did not hold my mother in law captive all weekend long. I have lots of other friends to hang out with and don't depend on her that much...
I certainly didn't laugh hysterically, at my mom, when at dinner, she picked up a bottle of syrup, only to find that they hadn't put the lid on it all the way. Syrup did not spill ALL OVER my mom's shirt, pants and scarf. Things like that just aren't funny.
I also did not sit there stunned for just a minute while I watched it spill.
I was also not stunned when they didn't offer my mom anything for the trouble...not even a free meal. That would just be poor customer service.
I most certainly did not eat TWO bowls of ice cream today. I am not a piggie and did not think that the first one tasted so good, that I should have just one more.
I did not see a new therapist, enjoy my visit, research the medicine he wanted me to try and decide there was no way in hades I was gonna take it.
I most certainly, have not resorted to bribery when taking O potty. I can never be heard saying..."if you just go pee, I'll give you some pop in a cup". I don't do stuff like that. My children always do as I say right away.
I definitely did not get my cholesterol blood work back and find out that my cholesterol is a little bit high...seriously, just a little bit. I'm healthy and under 30...why would I have high cholesterol.
I also did not hold my mother in law captive all weekend long. I have lots of other friends to hang out with and don't depend on her that much...
I certainly didn't laugh hysterically, at my mom, when at dinner, she picked up a bottle of syrup, only to find that they hadn't put the lid on it all the way. Syrup did not spill ALL OVER my mom's shirt, pants and scarf. Things like that just aren't funny.
I also did not sit there stunned for just a minute while I watched it spill.
I was also not stunned when they didn't offer my mom anything for the trouble...not even a free meal. That would just be poor customer service.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
My Great Unlce George
Is a lobster men. He lives, where I am convinced, is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places on earth, Bailey Island, Maine. I've visited his home a few times in my life and have loved every trip. It's fresh, Maine lobster for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is NO OTHER lobster quite as delicious as Maine lobster. I remember his yellow hair...yellow as can be, from the salt water air.... Today, my husband emailed me this link...
It's an article in Esquire magazine about my Uncle George Johnston. It's actually like a question and answer thing. I the article, he talks about a slide in his backyard....a slide my bottom has slid down multiple times!!
Take a minute to read the article...it's short and easy to read.
It's an article in Esquire magazine about my Uncle George Johnston. It's actually like a question and answer thing. I the article, he talks about a slide in his backyard....a slide my bottom has slid down multiple times!!
Take a minute to read the article...it's short and easy to read.
Not Me Monday Tuesday
I am not posting not me Monday on Tuesday, because I just wasn't feeling up to it yesterday.
My son does not have a large cut under his eye from where his daddy let him fall off the toilet while trying to go potty. Those kinds of things never happen in my house.
I have not encouraged my son to "pee on Elmo" multiple times this week to get him to use his new potty seat...who tells there kids to pee on things?!?
I also did not spend an entire weekend reading a book my mother in law gave me. I am always responsible with my time and use it wisely.
I certainly did not panic when my oldest couldn't stop dry heaving and vomiting this weak. I am always cool calm and collected....who cares that he was heaving every 15 minutes for two hours...
I have not had to hold my almost three year old son on the potty, while he's screaming this week and bribe him to go to the bathroom. I have potty training totally under control....I've done this twice before right?!?
I did not puke, puke and puke some more when I contracted that wicked stomach bug that's going around. I'm a mom and mom's never get sick.
I certainly did not allow my kids to eat out for two meals in a row on Sunday...not counting the doughnut they had at church in the morning. I always make home cooked goodness for my kiddies.
My son does not have a large cut under his eye from where his daddy let him fall off the toilet while trying to go potty. Those kinds of things never happen in my house.
I have not encouraged my son to "pee on Elmo" multiple times this week to get him to use his new potty seat...who tells there kids to pee on things?!?
I also did not spend an entire weekend reading a book my mother in law gave me. I am always responsible with my time and use it wisely.
I certainly did not panic when my oldest couldn't stop dry heaving and vomiting this weak. I am always cool calm and collected....who cares that he was heaving every 15 minutes for two hours...
I have not had to hold my almost three year old son on the potty, while he's screaming this week and bribe him to go to the bathroom. I have potty training totally under control....I've done this twice before right?!?
I did not puke, puke and puke some more when I contracted that wicked stomach bug that's going around. I'm a mom and mom's never get sick.
I certainly did not allow my kids to eat out for two meals in a row on Sunday...not counting the doughnut they had at church in the morning. I always make home cooked goodness for my kiddies.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Forgetting the Former Things
Unfortunately, my friends, this blog is far from the norm for me. It is neither light hearted, nor witty...it is, the truth. Truth, I am nervous to admit, but scared to hide.
The panic and obsessive thoughts have once again tried to invade my mind. Where they have come from or what triggered them once again, I don't know. I just know that they are here. They are real and they are difficult.
These waters are dark, but they aren't unfamiliar. I know I must, once again, hold tight to the Masters hand and wade through them.
I type this blog with tears streaming...I feel like I can't do this again, but know I must. I am reminded over and over of the verses in Isaiah that (forgive me if I butcher the verse, I don't have a bible handy) that I found almost three years ago...forgetting the former things, for I am doing a new thing. Do you not see it? I am making a way in the dessert and streams in a wasteland...I'm certain, I misquoted, but you catch the drift.
I'm so afraid to go back to that place. A place I don't want to be again. That dark spot of fear and worry. Fear of being afraid. Fear of hurting myself or those I love.... Getting so focused on me and my fears that I forget: God is doing a new thing...
I'm to forget the things that were before....and focus on what He is trying to do NOW.
I know, deep down, that I am a sane woman. I know that the thoughts that try to invade my mind are just that...thoughts. Not actions.
I also know that I have been a poor steward of my heart and mind. I've not kept my heart with all diligence like the bible tells us to do. I've not fed myself daily with the word of God...ashamedly, I can't recall the last time I sat down to study Gods word. I've less than frequently, put halfhearted effort into reading a verse or two.....
I feel like a spoiled child, running back to her daddy, when things got to tough on her own...which is exactly what I am doing. Running back to my FATHER begging for forgiveness, once again, for neglecting Him. I found myself, smiling, while pleading with the Lord to take this from me. My words sounded so familiar, yet I feel so horribly unworthy. I've given the Lord so little, spent so little effort in building my relationship with Him, yet the second, I'm facing something, I know I can't handle alone, I'm begging.... I guess that is what is so amazing about the grace and mercy that is extended to us. He sees us as worthy....all the time.
I sometimes forget that our Father isn't like us. He doesn't take mental notes each time someone doesn't spend enough time with Him. He doesn't ignore our "calls" despite our lack of communication for so long. He's right there...waiting, hoping that we will turn to Him.
Even as I type the OCD plagues me...the what ifs cloud my thinking. I know that my God is good, and He is faithful, even when I am not. My God is good...all the time.
I know this road is difficult, and that I am not alone in this journey. I know that many women (and men) face this challenge daily. Please....contact me if you want to talk or need help. I'd love to help you in any way I can....
He walks us through the storms of life...storms we must praise Him through.
The panic and obsessive thoughts have once again tried to invade my mind. Where they have come from or what triggered them once again, I don't know. I just know that they are here. They are real and they are difficult.
These waters are dark, but they aren't unfamiliar. I know I must, once again, hold tight to the Masters hand and wade through them.
I type this blog with tears streaming...I feel like I can't do this again, but know I must. I am reminded over and over of the verses in Isaiah that (forgive me if I butcher the verse, I don't have a bible handy) that I found almost three years ago...forgetting the former things, for I am doing a new thing. Do you not see it? I am making a way in the dessert and streams in a wasteland...I'm certain, I misquoted, but you catch the drift.
I'm so afraid to go back to that place. A place I don't want to be again. That dark spot of fear and worry. Fear of being afraid. Fear of hurting myself or those I love.... Getting so focused on me and my fears that I forget: God is doing a new thing...
I'm to forget the things that were before....and focus on what He is trying to do NOW.
I know, deep down, that I am a sane woman. I know that the thoughts that try to invade my mind are just that...thoughts. Not actions.
I also know that I have been a poor steward of my heart and mind. I've not kept my heart with all diligence like the bible tells us to do. I've not fed myself daily with the word of God...ashamedly, I can't recall the last time I sat down to study Gods word. I've less than frequently, put halfhearted effort into reading a verse or two.....
I feel like a spoiled child, running back to her daddy, when things got to tough on her own...which is exactly what I am doing. Running back to my FATHER begging for forgiveness, once again, for neglecting Him. I found myself, smiling, while pleading with the Lord to take this from me. My words sounded so familiar, yet I feel so horribly unworthy. I've given the Lord so little, spent so little effort in building my relationship with Him, yet the second, I'm facing something, I know I can't handle alone, I'm begging.... I guess that is what is so amazing about the grace and mercy that is extended to us. He sees us as worthy....all the time.
I sometimes forget that our Father isn't like us. He doesn't take mental notes each time someone doesn't spend enough time with Him. He doesn't ignore our "calls" despite our lack of communication for so long. He's right there...waiting, hoping that we will turn to Him.
Even as I type the OCD plagues me...the what ifs cloud my thinking. I know that my God is good, and He is faithful, even when I am not. My God is good...all the time.
I know this road is difficult, and that I am not alone in this journey. I know that many women (and men) face this challenge daily. Please....contact me if you want to talk or need help. I'd love to help you in any way I can....
He walks us through the storms of life...storms we must praise Him through.
Today, while driving to the evening service at church, S and I had a little conversation. One that started out a bit odd...with my asking the boys if they thought I was a good mommy. Thankfully, they answered yes!
I then asked them if they wanted a different mommy sometimes. S said no, but then thought about it for a minute. He then asked if he could live with grandma and grandpa part of the time. I laughed and told him no, but felt slightly special when he told me he'd call me every night to say "goodnight"! Such a thoughtful boy.
We then proceeded to chat a bit. A conversation that went like this:
S - Mommy, when I'm older, I won't live with you anymore, right?
M-Yes, bud, you'll live on your own, or with your own family.
S - Do I need to buy a house before I PICK someone - yes, he said pick someone!
M- Well, bud that's a good idea, but you don't have to. You will have to get a job first.
S-What about a car?
M - Yes, you'll also want to have a car.
S- Can I live in the house by myself for a while before I get a wife....
M- I told him that would be fine if that's what he wanted to do.
He thought for a minute....and his answer made me smile..."I think I'll do that mom, live by myself for a while, because I could really use some time by myself".
He then proceeded to ask me, if I will be AS OLD AS grandma and grandad when he has his own house and wife. I told him yes...I'd be THAT OLD (47 & 49). He asked if grandma and grandad would be "well you know..DADE" I think he was spelling dead and assured them that they would most likely still be alive, as they are not that old, but that detail was up to the Lord. He's such a smart boy. He's a deep thinker. i'm so proud of him!
I then asked them if they wanted a different mommy sometimes. S said no, but then thought about it for a minute. He then asked if he could live with grandma and grandpa part of the time. I laughed and told him no, but felt slightly special when he told me he'd call me every night to say "goodnight"! Such a thoughtful boy.
We then proceeded to chat a bit. A conversation that went like this:
S - Mommy, when I'm older, I won't live with you anymore, right?
M-Yes, bud, you'll live on your own, or with your own family.
S - Do I need to buy a house before I PICK someone - yes, he said pick someone!
M- Well, bud that's a good idea, but you don't have to. You will have to get a job first.
S-What about a car?
M - Yes, you'll also want to have a car.
S- Can I live in the house by myself for a while before I get a wife....
M- I told him that would be fine if that's what he wanted to do.
He thought for a minute....and his answer made me smile..."I think I'll do that mom, live by myself for a while, because I could really use some time by myself".
He then proceeded to ask me, if I will be AS OLD AS grandma and grandad when he has his own house and wife. I told him yes...I'd be THAT OLD (47 & 49). He asked if grandma and grandad would be "well you know..DADE" I think he was spelling dead and assured them that they would most likely still be alive, as they are not that old, but that detail was up to the Lord. He's such a smart boy. He's a deep thinker. i'm so proud of him!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
It's Me.
I found this survey on my friend Angelas blog and I thought I would give it a go. All the things in BOLD are the things I have done. Why don't you try.
Started your own blog
Slept under the stars
Played in a band. - as long as Guitar Hero counts!!!
Visited Hawaii
Watched a meteor shower
Given more than you can afford to charity
Been to Disneyland/world
Climbed a mountain
Held a praying mantis
Sang a solo
Bungee jumped
Visited Paris
Watched a lightning storm at sea
Taught yourself an art from scratch
Adopted a child
Had food poisoning
Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
Grown your own vegetables
Seen the Mona Lisa in France
Slept on an overnight train
Had a pillow fight
Hitch hiked
Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
Built a snow fort
Held a lamb
Gone skinny dipping
Run a Marathon
Ridden in a gondola in Venice
Seen a total eclipse
Watched a sunrise or sunset
Hit a home run
Been on a cruise
Seen Niagara Falls in person
Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
Seen an Amish community
Taught yourself a new language
Had enough money to be truly satisfied
Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
Gone rock climbing
Seen Michelangelo’s David
Sung karaoke
Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
Visited Africa (one day)
Walked on a beach by moonlight
Been transported in an ambulance
Had your portrait painted
Gone deep sea fishing
Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
Kissed in the rain
Played in the mud
Gone to a drive-in theater
Been in a movie
Visited the Great Wall of China
Started a business
Taken a martial arts class
Visited Russia
Served at a soup kitchen
Sold Girl Scout cookies
Gone whale watching
Gotten flowers for no reason
Donated blood, platelets or plasma
Gone sky diving
Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
Bounced a check
Saved a favorite childhood toy
Visited the Lincoln Memorial
Eaten Caviar
Pieced a quilt
Stood in Times Square
Toured the Everglades
Been fired from a job
Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
Broken a bone
Been on a speeding motorcycle
Seen the Grand Canyon in person
Published a book
Visited the Vatican
Bought a brand new car
Walked in Jerusalem
Had your picture in the newspaper
Read the entire Bible
Visited the White House
Killed and prepared my own meat
Had chickenpox
Saved someone’s life - saved Abbey from choking!
Sat on a jury
Met someone famous
Joined a book club
Lost a loved one
Had a baby
Seen the Alamo in person
Swam in the Great Salt Lake -
Been involved in a law suit
Owned a cell phone
Been stung by a bee
Started your own blog
Slept under the stars
Played in a band. - as long as Guitar Hero counts!!!
Visited Hawaii
Watched a meteor shower
Given more than you can afford to charity
Been to Disneyland/world
Climbed a mountain
Held a praying mantis
Sang a solo
Bungee jumped
Visited Paris
Watched a lightning storm at sea
Taught yourself an art from scratch
Adopted a child
Had food poisoning
Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
Grown your own vegetables
Seen the Mona Lisa in France
Slept on an overnight train
Had a pillow fight
Hitch hiked
Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
Built a snow fort
Held a lamb
Gone skinny dipping
Run a Marathon
Ridden in a gondola in Venice
Seen a total eclipse
Watched a sunrise or sunset
Hit a home run
Been on a cruise
Seen Niagara Falls in person
Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
Seen an Amish community
Taught yourself a new language
Had enough money to be truly satisfied
Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
Gone rock climbing
Seen Michelangelo’s David
Sung karaoke
Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
Visited Africa (one day)
Walked on a beach by moonlight
Been transported in an ambulance
Had your portrait painted
Gone deep sea fishing
Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
Kissed in the rain
Played in the mud
Gone to a drive-in theater
Been in a movie
Visited the Great Wall of China
Started a business
Taken a martial arts class
Visited Russia
Served at a soup kitchen
Sold Girl Scout cookies
Gone whale watching
Gotten flowers for no reason
Donated blood, platelets or plasma
Gone sky diving
Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
Bounced a check
Saved a favorite childhood toy
Visited the Lincoln Memorial
Eaten Caviar
Pieced a quilt
Stood in Times Square
Toured the Everglades
Been fired from a job
Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
Broken a bone
Been on a speeding motorcycle
Seen the Grand Canyon in person
Published a book
Visited the Vatican
Bought a brand new car
Walked in Jerusalem
Had your picture in the newspaper
Read the entire Bible
Visited the White House
Killed and prepared my own meat
Had chickenpox
Saved someone’s life - saved Abbey from choking!
Sat on a jury
Met someone famous
Joined a book club
Lost a loved one
Had a baby
Seen the Alamo in person
Swam in the Great Salt Lake -
Been involved in a law suit
Owned a cell phone
Been stung by a bee
Welcome to the Family
Congratulations to my baby sister Mary and her new HUSBAND Justin! They eloped...not so secretly, yesterday afternoon. Welcome to the nuthouse family Justin!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The Lysol Bomb
In an attempt to rid my home of this incessant sickness, I have decided to try to invent a Lysol bomb. You know, like a bug bomb, but with Lysol to disinfect your home. I am convinced, it would be a HUGE success and mothers everywhere would be beating down doors to buy this fabulous and ingenious product. I could even try to find a way to make it "Eco friendly". One problem...I know nothing about science, nor do I know how to get Lysol in a "bomb" type device...so alas, I am at a stand still and will most likely never earn my millions.
I swear, we get a healthy winter and then a sick winter. This is our sick winter. My children are germ magnets. They have little neon signs over their little angelic heads that read..."sneeze near me" or "let me ride in the cart where the kid just puked" or other such things. We wash our hands, but apparently not good enough.
They even were kind enough to share with mommy this time. They gave me some sort of bug that not only produced puking, but other such fluid releases...let your mind wander folks....
I've tried desperately over the last 6 years, to not be paranoid about germs. I used to freak and bunk down in the house for weeks if I knew the flu was going around...and we'd still get it. I've mostly given up. We need to be a bit more careful with "the boy" because of his diabetes, but all in all, he's fairly healthy.
I've given up now. Short of letting my children lick shopping cart handles, I've given up. They drop something on the floor...that's ok, pick it up and eat it. We haven't had diarrhea in a week...let's go to Chuck E Cheese or some other children's play land. Is it worth the fun for the kids to be sick for a day or two? Let's figure this out mathematically:
1 sick boy - out 2 days
other brother gets sick - out 2.5 days
little brother gets sick - out 3 days because he seems to always get it worse....
divided by the possibility of mommy and daddy getting it
factor in the exile you will receive from family and friends who fear you have the plague =
YOUR IN THE HOUSE FOR AT LEAST A WEEK...with a potential one day break in between kids catching it.
So, the big question....what do I do, besides invent the Lysol Bomb..since we've already determined that isn't likely.
Do I go back into exile
Do I brave the kids play places and friends houses
Do I boycott the church nursery, which seems to be a living petri dish of germs
Do I home school to avoid more germs and risk my children becoming ignorant when I let Sponge Bob teach them?
Well, my friends...this is what I've decided to do....nothing.
Today, windows were opened, despite the freezing temps. Furnace filters were changed, linens were changed, all the stuffed animals went into the washing machine & dryer (I've yet to see how they fared that one). Floors were bleached and so were some heavily used toys. Beds were wiped down with Lysol wipes...and the fun continues.
All this cleaning and my house is a bigger mess....what to do about that now?
I swear, we get a healthy winter and then a sick winter. This is our sick winter. My children are germ magnets. They have little neon signs over their little angelic heads that read..."sneeze near me" or "let me ride in the cart where the kid just puked" or other such things. We wash our hands, but apparently not good enough.
They even were kind enough to share with mommy this time. They gave me some sort of bug that not only produced puking, but other such fluid releases...let your mind wander folks....
I've tried desperately over the last 6 years, to not be paranoid about germs. I used to freak and bunk down in the house for weeks if I knew the flu was going around...and we'd still get it. I've mostly given up. We need to be a bit more careful with "the boy" because of his diabetes, but all in all, he's fairly healthy.
I've given up now. Short of letting my children lick shopping cart handles, I've given up. They drop something on the floor...that's ok, pick it up and eat it. We haven't had diarrhea in a week...let's go to Chuck E Cheese or some other children's play land. Is it worth the fun for the kids to be sick for a day or two? Let's figure this out mathematically:
1 sick boy - out 2 days
other brother gets sick - out 2.5 days
little brother gets sick - out 3 days because he seems to always get it worse....
divided by the possibility of mommy and daddy getting it
factor in the exile you will receive from family and friends who fear you have the plague =
YOUR IN THE HOUSE FOR AT LEAST A WEEK...with a potential one day break in between kids catching it.
So, the big question....what do I do, besides invent the Lysol Bomb..since we've already determined that isn't likely.
Do I go back into exile
Do I brave the kids play places and friends houses
Do I boycott the church nursery, which seems to be a living petri dish of germs
Do I home school to avoid more germs and risk my children becoming ignorant when I let Sponge Bob teach them?
Well, my friends...this is what I've decided to do....nothing.
Today, windows were opened, despite the freezing temps. Furnace filters were changed, linens were changed, all the stuffed animals went into the washing machine & dryer (I've yet to see how they fared that one). Floors were bleached and so were some heavily used toys. Beds were wiped down with Lysol wipes...and the fun continues.
All this cleaning and my house is a bigger mess....what to do about that now?
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
I feel like my brain is mush lately. So many cute things have happened...things have been said that are simply too cute to forget...unfortunately, I have forgotten them all.
I learned some lessons this week. Some of them are yucky lessons, ones I'm sure you all will not want to hear...but will possibly, be happy to learn from someone else, instead of experiencing them.
DO NOT eat White Castles if you have the slightest inkling that you are coming down with the stomach flu! Many of you would say, don't eat it EVER....I am now in that boat too. Let me tell you this - White Castles only adds, insult to injury when the stomach flu is near.
It is possible, to have a child, that doesn't appreciate cheer leading while you are potty training. O, actually told me, "No mommy, stop" while I was cheering on his great success. Who knew?!?The older boys would have had me do cartwheels, if the bathroom was big enough.
Potty training, while your child has a.....GI bug.... to put it nicely, isn't a bad idea. I know, it sounds crazy, but he's successfully pooped and peed in the potty several times, by default!!
Sometimes, you can throw up so much, you think your choking and that you might die.....you won't die...at least you shouldn't.....
It takes all kinds of people to make the world go round...right?
Your mother, may, shock and surprise you one day while shopping at Target. She may come to you, wide eyed, and gasping to point out someone to you..... you may, in that instance, just have to appease her, so she will be quite and go away, so as to not draw any more attention to yourself or her. *I love my mom dearly*
My Mamaw, gave me some of the best advice in life...advice she shared with everyone, advice, I cling too, and use all the time: she used to say "People can get glad in the same clothes they got mad in". Simple, profound and so true.
You can't push a plastic spatula too far down your food processor while its running. It will shoot avocado all over your kitchen, yourself and your nephew. Your nephew will cry, when the lid shoots of the machine and across the room... you will laugh and then be mad you broke you expensive food processor.
If you pile a pan, a lid, and a strainer on your stove, they will fall off onto your kitchen floor. After they fall, they will chip your wood floor, in two places. You will be sad...very sad.
Once you find one blog you love to read...you will find ten. It's just the nature of the beast...I like my husbands.
I learned some lessons this week. Some of them are yucky lessons, ones I'm sure you all will not want to hear...but will possibly, be happy to learn from someone else, instead of experiencing them.
DO NOT eat White Castles if you have the slightest inkling that you are coming down with the stomach flu! Many of you would say, don't eat it EVER....I am now in that boat too. Let me tell you this - White Castles only adds, insult to injury when the stomach flu is near.
It is possible, to have a child, that doesn't appreciate cheer leading while you are potty training. O, actually told me, "No mommy, stop" while I was cheering on his great success. Who knew?!?The older boys would have had me do cartwheels, if the bathroom was big enough.
Potty training, while your child has a.....GI bug.... to put it nicely, isn't a bad idea. I know, it sounds crazy, but he's successfully pooped and peed in the potty several times, by default!!
Sometimes, you can throw up so much, you think your choking and that you might die.....you won't die...at least you shouldn't.....
It takes all kinds of people to make the world go round...right?
Your mother, may, shock and surprise you one day while shopping at Target. She may come to you, wide eyed, and gasping to point out someone to you..... you may, in that instance, just have to appease her, so she will be quite and go away, so as to not draw any more attention to yourself or her. *I love my mom dearly*
My Mamaw, gave me some of the best advice in life...advice she shared with everyone, advice, I cling too, and use all the time: she used to say "People can get glad in the same clothes they got mad in". Simple, profound and so true.
You can't push a plastic spatula too far down your food processor while its running. It will shoot avocado all over your kitchen, yourself and your nephew. Your nephew will cry, when the lid shoots of the machine and across the room... you will laugh and then be mad you broke you expensive food processor.
If you pile a pan, a lid, and a strainer on your stove, they will fall off onto your kitchen floor. After they fall, they will chip your wood floor, in two places. You will be sad...very sad.
Once you find one blog you love to read...you will find ten. It's just the nature of the beast...I like my husbands.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Random
Background
- I am the oldest of 5. Sister, Brother and Twin sisters.
- I have 10 nieces and nephews...with one on the way.
- I always wanted 5 kids...I settled for three.
- I have three boys....6, 5, 2.5.
- My oldest son and middle son are 13.5 months apart...
- My middle son has Type 1 diabetes.
- He is currently pumping insulin with an Animus 20/20 pump. It has changed our lives!
- I am a born again believer.
- I've been married for 8 years, to a wonderful man. We grew up miles from each other, went to rival high schools and never met until college .... 600 miles from home!
- We were told, we'd NEVER have children naturally on our own after a miscarriage on Christmas day...that was three babies ago!
- I had visited 6 countries before attending a local baseball game.
- All of my children were EXACTLY one pound smaller than the other...and all were born 11 days before the other one. Biggest was the first and the latest!
- I have the most awesome mothers ring on the planet...ruby, Sapphire and a diamond! - and no, I didn't plan that!
- My youngest son, has a lazy eye, not the kind that effects his eye control though...the type that affects his vision. He is going blind in his left eye, but wears glasses and a patch to correct it.
- O, my youngest, had surgery on his eye at 2...to open a tear duct.
- I love blogging...I love telling stories about my children.
- I started college with the intention of being a teacher...switched, after two semesters to a psychology major....
Just a few random facts about my life.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Favorite Foto Friday
I was vacuuming my rug the other day...trying to hold off sweet O from nap time. This is what I found:
I moved the chair, vacuumed underneath, moved it back and carried him to bed. He never work up! Poor tired baby!!!
I moved the chair, vacuumed underneath, moved it back and carried him to bed. He never work up! Poor tired baby!!!
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